#mini collision center

[spacetimewithstuartgary]

NASA's mini BurstCube mission detects mega blast

The shoebox-sized BurstCube satellite has observed its first gamma-ray burst, the most powerful kind of explosion in the universe, according to a recent analysis of observations collected over the last several months.

“We’re excited to collect science data,” said Sean Semper, BurstCube’s lead engineer at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland. “It’s an important milestone for the team and for the many early career engineers and scientists that have been part of the mission.”

The event, called GRB 240629A, occurred on June 29 in the southern constellation Microscopium. The team announced the discovery in a GCN (General Coordinates Network) circular on August 29.

BurstCube deployed into orbit April 18 from the International Space Station, following a March 21 launch.

The mission was designed to detect, locate, and study short gamma-ray bursts, brief flashes of high-energy light created when superdense objects like neutron stars collide. These collisions also produce heavy elements like gold and iodine, an essential ingredient for life as we know it. 

BurstCube is the first CubeSat to use NASA’s TDRS (Tracking and Data Relay Satellite) system, a constellation of specialized communications spacecraft. Data relayed by TDRS (pronounced “tee-driss”) help coordinate rapid follow-up measurements by other observatories in space and on the ground through NASA’s GCN.

BurstCube also regularly beams data back to Earth using the Direct to Earth system — both it and TDRS are part of NASA’s Near Space Network.

After BurstCube deployed from the space station, the team discovered that one of the two solar panels failed to fully extend. It obscures the view of the mission’s star tracker, which hinders orienting the spacecraft in a way that minimizes drag. The team originally hoped to operate BurstCube for 12-18 months, but now estimates the increased drag will cause the satellite to re-enter the atmosphere in September. 

“I’m proud of how the team responded to the situation and is making the best use of the time we have in orbit,” said Jeremy Perkins, BurstCube’s principal investigator at Goddard. “Small missions like BurstCube not only provide an opportunity to do great science and test new technologies, like our mission’s gamma-ray detector, but also important learning opportunities for the up-and-coming members of the astrophysics community.”

BurstCube is led by Goddard. It’s funded by the Science Mission Directorate’s Astrophysics Division at NASA Headquarters. The BurstCube collaboration includes: the University of Alabama in Huntsville; the University of Maryland, College Park; the Universities Space Research Association in Washington; the Naval Research Laboratory in Washington; and NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville.

IMAGE: BurstCube, trailed by another CubeSat named SNOOPI (Signals of Opportunity P-band Investigation), emerges from the International Space Station on April 18, 2024. Credit NASA/Matthew Dominick

[glitterp0prhaps0dy]

Staring contest

In the depth of the night, Floyd awakened, enveloped in darkness. The rhythmic snoring of Barb, however, pierced the stillness, a comforting reminder of companionship. Since Thrash had welcomed Floyd into their abode, he had been sharing Rebel and Barb's room, furnished with a bunk bed distinctly marking the territory of the teenage rock trolls. The room, a vibrant testament to their personalities, was adorned with posters of rock legends and scattered with instruments, reflecting the chaos and creativity of its occupants. In one corner, a beanbag, fashioned from segments of old concert tees, offered a soft counterpoint to the room's hard edges.

Tonight, as usual, Barb claimed the upper bunk, her breathing steady and deep, with Rebel beside her, an arrangement altered to accommodate Floyd on the lower bunk. The unfamiliar environment hadn't dampened the parched feeling in Floyd's throat, his need for water momentarily disrupting the sense of belonging that had begun to take root.

Floyd carefully maneuvered to avoid a collision with the bunk above as he sat up, the dim light casting long shadows across the room. He reached out, pulling the electric wheelchair closer with practiced ease. Balancing on his good leg, he settled into the chair, silently grateful for the mobility it offered. As he wheeled out of the bedroom, the cool air of the night brushed against his face, a stark contrast to the warmth of shared living spaces.

The kitchen he entered was a spectacle of rock troll aesthetics, blending the raw, rugged beauty of their culture with the practicality needed for daily life. The walls were a tapestry of volcanic rock, interspersed with metals that glinted under the dim lighting, giving the impression of being inside a cave lit by the soft glow of lava. A large, sturdy table made of petrified wood stood at the center, surrounded by chairs that resembled polished boulders, complete with cushions for comfort.

The countertops were sleek, black stone, and the cabinets were crafted from dark, aged wood, adorned with intricate carvings of rock troll history and legends. Various kitchen gadgets, each with a rock motif, from a blender that looked like a stack of mini drums to a toaster resembling a small amplifier, added a functional yet whimsical touch to the space. Overhead, a chandelier made from recycled guitar picks cast an ambient light, illuminating the room with a soft, warm glow.

Floyd reached for a glass cup, its surface etched with intricate bat patterns.He filled it with water from a sink whose faucet mimicked a guitar neck, the water flowing smoothly from its silver strings. Just as he was about to turn around, glass in hand, he choked on the water in surprise.

In the kitchen's deepest shadow stood Rebel, silent as a statue, her presence unnoticed until now. Her eyes, reflecting the faint light, fixed on Floyd with an intensity that sent a shiver down his spine. The question of how long she had been standing there, silently observing, hung heavily in the air, adding a layer of mystery to her already enigmatic demeanor.

Floyd's voice stumbled over the words, a futile attempt to slice through the thick silence between them. "I, uh... I was thirsty, so, um... I got... some water," he managed to say, his gaze darting between Rebel's piercing red eyes and the glass in his hand. The air between them felt charged, heavy with unspoken questions and curiosity.

For what felt like an eternity but was merely two minutes, they remained locked in this silent standoff. Floyd shifted uncomfortably in his wheelchair, the weight of Rebel's gaze feeling almost tangible against his skin. Meanwhile, Rebel stood unmoved, the only sign of life being the occasional flick of her tail.

Finally, Rebel turned away, her departure marked by the distinct click-clack of her hooves against the volcanic rock floor. Floyd exhaled a breath he hadn't realized he was holding, the tension in his shoulders easing slightly.

'She must have been in here before me, considering if she came in after, I would have heard her,' Floyd reasoned internally. The encounter, brief and wordless, left a lingering sense of intrigue and unease. 

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Floyd, having settled more comfortably into the dynamics of the Rock trolls' household over the week, found himself increasingly curious about their lives and interests. Today, his curiosity was piqued by Barb's artistic endeavor.

"Hey, Barb, that design looks wicked cool," Floyd said, leaning closer to get a better look at the sketch Barb was working on. The design sprawled across the page was intricate and edgy, fitting for a rock guitar. "What inspired this pattern? It looks like... are those lightning bolts mixed with skulls?"

Barb glanced up from her drawing, a spark of enthusiasm lighting up her face. "Yeah, exactly! I wanted it to have that raw, electrifying vibe, y'know? Like it's not just an instrument, but a declaration of who I am," she explained, her fingers tracing over the lines she'd drawn, emphasizing the fusion of elements.

Floyd nodded, impressed. "That's so cool. And these colors here," he pointed to a section of the design, "they're gonna look awesome under stage lights. Have you thought about what materials you want to use for it?"

Barb leaned back, tapping her pen against her chin thoughtfully. "I'm thinking something that'll really stand out, maybe a metallic finish? And I want the strap to have spikes. It needs to scream 'rock' from every angle."

Floyd chuckled. "Definitely screams 'rock.' It's gonna be amazing, Barb. Can't wait to see it come to life."

From the corner of his eye, Floyd caught Rebel glaring at him, her stare sharp and unsettling, before she abruptly shifted her focus back to the TV. Rebel had never uttered a single word in his presence, maintaining an air of silence that Floyd found increasingly intimidating.

Each time their gazes collided, he couldn't help but feel a chill run down his spine, leading him to wonder if perhaps she harbored a deep-seated dislike for him. Despite the warmth and welcome he'd received from Barb and Thrash, Rebel's silent judgment left Floyd questioning his place among the Rock trolls, and whether he'd ever bridge the gap with the enigmatic Rebel.

Ten minutes had passed,and Rebel left for her room. Floyd hesitated, fidgeting with the hem of his shirt before finally mustering the courage to ask Barb. "Hey, uhm, Barb, I have... a question," he began, his voice tentative. Barb glanced up from her drawing, her brows furrowing slightly as she attempted to grab the red crayon without looking at it. "Yeah, what's up, dude?"

Floyd swallowed hard, his nerves getting the best of him. "Does Rebel... hate me? She always seems so... cold, and she glares at me anytime we're in the same room. It's kinda scary," he admitted, his voice tinged with uncertainty and a hint of fear.

Barb snickered, her laughter filling the room as she finally looked at Floyd. "Dude, seriously, no sweat," she began, shaking her head with a chuckle.

"That's just Rebel's vibe with new faces. She's all 'mysterious lone wolf' with everyone at first. And hey, no snitching, but she even gave Dad the cold shoulder for like, half a year. Only one who's never gotten the 'Rebel glare' is yours truly, but that’s because she’s only known me since I was three."

Floyd's confusion was apparent. "Since you were three? But I thought Rebel was your older sister. I'm... kinda lost here."

Barb looked at him with a playful smirk. "Oh, adoption, genius," she said with a chuckle, her tone dripping with her typical sarcasm. "Rebel's adopted, that's the twist," she explained, her laughter softening as she shook her head, amused by Floyd's moment of confusion.

Floyd blushed in embarrassment. "Oh, uh... I didn't think about that," he admitted sheepishly, scratching the back of his head.

Barb rolled her eyes playfully. "No sweat, rookie," she teased, a smirk playing on her lips as she leaned back in her chair. "Hey, speaking of not thinking things through, remember that time you tried to cook pancakes and ended up setting the kitchen on fire?" she added with a snicker, clearly enjoying the opportunity to tease Floyd.

Floyd's cheeks flushed a deeper shade of red at the memory. "Oh, come on, that was one time! And I did put out the fire eventually," he protested, trying to defend himself with a grin. "Besides, you were the one who said adding extra syrup would make them taste better!"

Barb laughed, shaking her head at Floyd's protest. "Hey, don't blame me for your culinary mishaps, pal. You're lucky my dad didn't ban you from the kitchen after that disaster," she retorted, her laughter filling the room as they shared another moment of playful banter.

Floyd chuckled, attempting to defend his culinary skills. "Hey, in my defense, I'm sixteen  and had three older brothers and a grandma doing the cooking," he pointed out, a playful glint in his eye. "I never had the chance to master the art of pancake flipping before that fateful day."

Barb chuckled, flipping her mohawk back with a flick of her head. "Fair point, but maybe stick to playing music instead of playing chef, huh? At least until you figure out the whole not-setting-things-on-fire part," she quipped, grinning broadly at Floyd.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

As the days went by, Floyd noticed a subtle shift in Rebel's behavior. She seemed to stare at him less and less, while he found himself stealing glances at her more and more. He couldn't help but feel a growing curiosity about her, with countless questions swirling in his mind. Yet, he knew he might never get the chance to ask them.

On this particular day, Floyd was engrossed in scrapbooking. The materials in Volcano Rock City were different from those at the Troll Tree, resulting in a unique twist to his usual hobby. Across the room, Rebel sat on the beanbag, scribbling away in a journal of her own.

While working on his scrapbook, Floyd found himself quietly singing to himself, the lyrics of a familiar tune escaping his lips. "♪ The energy just shifted, When we dropped in, Ooh, let it drop in, hmm ♪"

Suddenly, a quiet, raspy voice broke the silence. "What song is that?" Floyd froze, stunned by the unexpected sound. It was a voice he had never heard before, and considering he and Rebel were the only ones in the room, he realized it must have been her. She had spoken.

"What?" Floyd replied, his voice barely above a whisper, still processing the momentous occasion.

"What song were you singing?" Rebel repeated, her tone soft but curious.

"I, uh... it's a song my brother wrote for the band we were in," Floyd explained tentatively, his surprise slowly giving way to excitement at the prospect of conversation. "He called the song 'Baby, Baby, Girl,' but on the official record, it's called 'Perfect.'"

"Band... you were in a band?" Rebel's inquiry came out slightly cracked, hinting at a possible reason for her reticence. Was her voice not used to speaking, or was it just naturally raspy?

"Yeah, it was called Brozone. It was a boy band... but just me and my brothers," Floyd shared, a mix of nostalgia and amusement in his tone. He used air quotes as he continued, "My oldest brother was 'the leader.'" He couldn't help but laugh at the memory. "Spruce was 'the heartthrob,' and he had these abs that, honestly, looked pretty odd on him. And then there was Clay, 'the fun one.' My brother John Dory insisted he wear this ridiculous underwear dubbed 'funerdrawers.'"

Floyd's recounting turned into a fond rant about his family's band, his words painting a vivid picture of their quirky dynamics and the roles they each played.

Floyd's voice softened as he mentioned his youngest brother. "And then there's my youngest brother... Branch," he murmured, a gentle sadness coloring his expression. "He was the baby... because, well, he's a baby."

As Floyd glanced up at Rebel, expecting her usual stoic expression, he was taken aback. Instead of her usual blank demeanor, her face was a mix of shock and disbelief, as if she couldn't quite comprehend what she had just heard. It was a rare glimpse into her thoughts, leaving Floyd wondering what emotions lay beneath her silent exterior.

 "Who the hell puts a baby in a band?" Rebel blurted out, her voice tinged with incredulity and a hint of amusement. It was a rare break from her usual silence, revealing a glimpse of her personality to Floyd.

"John Dory," Floyd replied rather quickly, his expression shifting to one of slight annoyance at the memory.

Later in the day, as Floyd was getting a glass of water, Barb walked in, prompting him to maneuver his wheelchair over to her.

"Hey, what's up, F—" Barb began, but Floyd interrupted her before she could finish.

"Rebel spoke to me," he blurted out, unable to contain his excitement.

Barb's grin widened, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "Whoa, seriously? That's epic! Means she's actually considering you part of the scene now. The real puzzle is figuring out exactly what she's thinking," she said, injecting her voice with that unmistakable, rebellious spirit she always carried

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

As Floyd settled into his room for the night, his mind replayed the day's events like a catchy tune on a loop. Rebel speaking to him was a significant highlight; it was like unlocking a new level in a complex game, one he hadn't been sure he'd reach.

Her voice, raspy and seldom heard, echoed in his thoughts, a reminder of the progress he'd made in this new, rocky world he was temporarily calling home. It was both exhilarating and daunting, knowing he'd sparked some kind of reaction from the most enigmatic person in the house.

But as the excitement of the day's interaction began to fade, Floyd's thoughts drifted to a more familiar and comforting place—his family. The warm, vivid memories of his brothers filled his mind, each one a colorful thread in the fabric of his past.

He could almost hear their laughter, see their smiles, and feel the reassuring presence they had always provided. Among these memories, his thoughts lingered most tenderly on Branch, his baby brother. Branch, with his curious eyes and easy giggles, had a special place in Floyd's heart.

He wondered how much Branch had grown since he'd last seen him, what new words he'd learned, and whether he still clung to the same stuffed animal as he slept.

The longing to see them all again, to share stories of his adventures among the Rock trolls and to hear about their lives in his absence, grew stronger with each passing day.

Floyd hoped, with a deep and earnest hope, that the day of their reunion would come soon. He imagined the joy of embracing each other, the laughter and tears that would undoubtedly follow, and the comfort of being surrounded by his family once more.

As he lay there, surrounded by the unfamiliar yet strangely comforting walls of his temporary home, Floyd made a silent promise to himself. He would make the most of his time here, learn all that he could, and perhaps even bridge the gap between his world and this one. But most of all, he vowed to return to his brothers, to Branch, with stories to fill their nights and laughter to brighten their days.

The thought of that future reunion, filled with love and shared joy, was a beacon of light guiding him through the uncertainty of the present. And with that comforting thought, Floyd allowed himself to drift off to sleep, a smile tugging at the corners of his lips.

[freudianslumber]

Today, Tomorrow and Forever

Summary:  Angel Elvis went through Hell when being falsely accused of betraying God.  Eventually found true love with LAPD narcotics officer B.B. King.

Chapter 9 A Twist of Fate

Pairing: B.B. King x Elvis Presley (m/m)

Word count:  2.4k

Warning:  18+.  Hospitalization, coma, gang violence, sexual and physical assault, blood and injury

Elvis was playing pick-up football for the first time since he had been cast out from Heaven.  He considered it to be a big personal triumph because he was itching to play contact sports again once Tina had given him the greenlight during his latest follow up visit a week ago.  B.B. had been wary of the idea, knowing Elvis never fully recovered his physical stamina or his range of motion in the right ankle.  In turn Elvis had assured B.B. he would take it slow and rest up frequently.  Now he felt elated that he was enjoying one of his favorite pastimes again, albeit in small doses with teenagers at the Y.  He knew soon he would return to full-on martial arts training as well, gunning for that next black belt. 

These days Elvis felt so alive and more importantly, loved.  He and B.B. had already started to plan for their wedding.  Although technically same-sex marriages had not been legalized yet, in California they were termed domestic partnerships, there was really no difference in the minds of these lovebirds.  Elvis and B.B. were getting hitched.  Tina volunteered to help out with the logistics.  Elvis envisioned the ceremony to be private and intimate, in a small white chapel decorated with fragrant flowers, complete with a preacher, exchange of wedding bands and vows, and of course a delicious multi-layered wedding cake…

Elvis’ daydreaming was interrupted by someone’s loud holler: “E.P., phone call for you!”.  He had been sitting on the sidelines resting while watching two groups of teenage boys come at one another on the mini football field.  He stood up grudgingly and went into the YMCA office, picking up the phone.  It was too early for B.B. to drive him home, and he never got calls from anyone else, who could it be?  “Is this Elvis?” The anxious-sounding voice on the other side sounded familiar though.  “This is Clay.  Can I come to pick you up right now?  Somethin’ bad happened to B.B.”  Elvis whole body tensed up suddenly, he felt his heart sink into his stomach: “Wha-what do ya mean?? What happened??” Clay sounded hesitant on the other end of the line, as if he was afraid to drop the news: “I don’t know the details.  He got off work early today and was on his own.  I was told he got ambushed and had a car crash on the freeway.  Now don’t panic Elvis, he’s alive but laid up in ER.”  Elvis couldn’t believe what he just heard, he almost threw away the phone, “What are you saying?  This can’t be real!  Take me there, I gotta see Gunnie now!”   

By the time Elvis and Clay rushed to the hospital, B.B. had been transferred to the ICU.  The critical care specialist informed them the officer suffered significant head trauma and contusion of internal organs secondary to his car flipping over following high-speed collision with the center divider.  He also sustained multiple rib fractures and a broken left arm but these were comparatively minor issues.  Due to his obtunded mental status on arrival, B.B. had to be intubated emergently to maintain his airways and breathing.  Blood transfusion was initiated for presumed internal bleeding, while IV medication was given to support his blood pressure.

Elvis’ vision was obscured by tears as he found B.B. motionless and bandaged up in the ICU bed, connected to cardiac monitors and a ventilator.  He wished this was a nightmare he could wake up from, but the frequent beeping of the medical equipment and the presence of the nursing staff kept reminding him cruelly that it wasn’t so.  He gently stroked and held up B.B.’s right hand, but it remained flaccid as the rest of his body.  Unperturbed, Elvis made a loose fist out of B.B.’s hand, put two of his own fingers inside, then spoke in a shaky and suppressed voice: “Gunnie, Gunnie!  Will ya wake up?  It’s me, Elvis!  If you can hear me, please give me a squeeze!”  Still, no response from B.B. could be detected.  Two lines of tears rolled down his cheeks, Elvis gave B.B. a little kiss on the forehead: “Don’t worry Gunnie, I know you will get better.  I’ll take good care of you.”   

Tina had to drag Elvis away from the bedside to buy him some food and have a talk with him.  She told him B.B. would not be happy if he knew Elvis was not feeding himself or resting because of him.  Elvis told Tina he intended to stay there in the hospital room for as long as he was allowed to do so.  He wanted to talk to B.B., keep him company, and help the nurses with turning him in bed and cleaning him.  Tina was moved by the devotion in those angel eyes, but stressed the necessity of taking a break and replenishing at home sometimes.  She told Elvis that B.B. was at least able to support his own blood pressure now, which was a step towards stabilization.  She then shoved some money into Elvis’ pocket because she suspected the angel did not pay attention to these practical matters such as if he had any cash to sustain himself without his fiancé.  Elvis couldn’t argue with Tina’s perfect logic, so he agreed to go home for the night but promised to return early next morning being more prepared for longer stays in the hospital.  Tina assured Elvis she would stay overnight and look after B.B. when he was away. 

Home was almost an hour away by car, and there was no convenient bus ride, so Elvis opted to wave down a taxi.  He was dead tired, with black circles around his eyes and a throbbing headache, having been awake and in emotional turmoil for more than a day.  Elvis slumped into the back of the cab, and gave the driver his home address.  He almost nodded off to sleep a few times during the ride, it didn’t help that it was getting dark outside with some streetlights being turned on.  Finally the cab got off the freeway and drove into a residential area, but the houses looked run-down and the neighborhood seemed unfamiliar.  “Are you sure this is the right way?” Elvis had to ask.  The cabdriver chuckled: “Of course it is! You are not from around here, are you?”  With this remark he quickly pulled over into a secluded parking lot.  The door on Elvis’ side swung wide open, a gun poked into his neck, as he was grabbed by multiple strong arms and dragged out onto the pavement. 

Evidently sensing danger too late, Elvis nonetheless tried to escape against the odds.  He threw a fast and well-placed elbow back at the man holding a gun to his head, took him by surprise and was able to break free out of the hold from behind.  Surrounded by nearly a dozen foes, he actually landed a daring kick on the gunman’s wrist and knocked his weapon away.  However, the ensuing attempt at breaking his encirclement was ill-fated.  As he tried to charge at one opponent with small build, another two or three thugs lunged at his back and tackled him to the ground.  A flurry of kicks and blows came down on him amidst shouts of profanities.  With his face pressed to the cement and two bulky guys piling on top of him, they tied him up behind his back.  As the goons lifted Elvis off the ground and forced him to kneel, the first guy retrieved his gun and gripped the angel by the jaw: “You think you can get away??” He was about to pistol-whip Elvis across the face when someone reminded him: “Hey don’t mess up his face too much, remember the orders?”  The guy was livid at that remark, cursed loudly but ended up punching Elvis in the stomach instead. 

Next, the gangsters confiscated the young man’s wallet and searched him up and down for weapons, their neck tattoos of “Reapers” now clearly visible to their captive.  Elvis discretely rotated his engagement ring to hide the sapphire and diamonds in his palm.  He grunted when one or two hands took advantage to grope him during the body search.  The group then pushed him into the abandoned warehouse which served as the Reapers’ secret headquarter.  “What took you guys so long??” Mad Mac sounded irritated as Elvis was thrown onto the ground in front of him.  “Sorry boss he was putting up a fight.” One voice responded.  “Oh?  You didn’t rough him up too much, did you?”  The gang leader rushed over and pulled Elvis’ head up by the hair, examining his face.  “Hmm, the Devil has good taste in choosing his slut.”  Mad Mac’s detestable face twisted into a malicious smile: “Darlin’ you are almost making me horny.”  “Get away from me, you thug!!” Elvis spat out.  “Boo hoo, I’m so afraid!” the gang leader mocked: “Where is your angel power?  Oh I forgot, you lost your wings and you are weaker than humans right now!  And your cop boyfriend can’t save you no more cause we made a little modification on his old Dodge!”  “You bastards!!!” Elvis screamed, blinding rage overtaking him.  Mad Mac laughed loudly, “Don’t worry, I hear Old Detective King will join you in hell soon!”  “Shut up you despicable crook, you will be brought to justice!” Elvis’ angry shouts turned into muffled sounds as he was gagged by one of Mad Mac’s lackeys.

“Okay enough of this nonsense now! Let’s take him to our special customer.   He has a little catching up to do with you, alone, Elvis.”  Mad Mac grinned while making a gesture to his subordinates. They promptly took him to what looked like a stockroom at the back of the building, shoved him down to the floor and locked the door.

The room was dimly lit with eerie red lighting.  There were some nondescript boxes lying around on dust covered shelves.  Elvis sat up from the concrete floor and scanned around to look for ways to escape.  The place was completely silent except for slight panting sounds from the gagged angel.  Abruptly, one pair of hands took an iron hold on his waist and in one powerful move picked him up from the ground and lifted him onto one of the empty shelves.  The owner of that pair of hands emerged from the darkness and stood close to his startled captive: “Here we are, angel boy, back to the beginning.”  The hideous face of Captain Odon had featured prominently in many of the angel’s nightmares, now inches away from Elvis’ face again, complete with the same old sadistic cackle: “Naughty boy, it took us a while to find you.  Lord of the Underworld is after you, and I’m here to bring your ass back where you belong”.  He encircled one of his freakishly large hands around Elvis’ neck, choking him with a tight grip.  With the other hand, he ripped out the angel’s shirt in one go.  His red eyes grew voracious with lust: “Mmm… I see you got stronger and even a little tanned.  This will be more fun than when you were listless and drugged up!”  Elvis’ throat made some gasping noises as his eyes started to roll up and his face turned purple.  At the last possible minute Odon finally let go of his neck and removed the gag from his mouth, enjoying the view as Elvis struggled to recover from his near asphyxia.  He put a box behind Elvis to prop him up, with legs dangling down the shelf a few inches from the ground.  He tore off the legs of the angel’s pants, exposing his toned and shapely thighs.  Elvis gasped out: “Don’t touch me, you fiend!  My heart belongs to Gunnie!”  The incubus was taken aback by this brave declaration at first, but not for long: “You and Gunnie, huh!  Did you realize you are bad luck to everyone you associate with?  Your parents got locked up because of you, Red and Sonny got executed by the Dark Lord cause they were suspects in helping you flee, your cop boyfriend is on his deathbed cause he was interfering with our plan to catch you…” “You liar!! Gunnie was gettin’ better!  He will be fine and we’ll get married!”  Odon burst into laughter at that last comeback from Elvis: “Keep dreaming!  You ain’t never going back to Heaven because you’re such a slut, you bring out the lust in everyone, and everyone’s got a piece of you!  Being the Devil’s boytoy is your destiny!  Your fiancé is never going to Heaven either for sleeping with you!”  The angel had no immediate rebuttal to Odon’s blatant slander, instead he looked devastated and started to tear up.  On the other hand, the incubus captain acted smug for breaking the spirit of his victim, his tail with its arrowhead shaped tip started to sway in self-congratulation.  He smacked his lips, took out his already-stiff cock, held it with one hand, and used the other hand to grab Elvis on the arm to flip him over. 

In a split second, a flash of white light made a brilliant arch through the darkness, accompanied by a primal scream from Elvis.  His left arm flew out from behind his back, led by a sharp blade projecting from his blue sapphire ring.  He had slowly untied himself by using the blade to cut the ropes in secret behind his back.  Odon howled in pain as the blade stabbed him deeply in the right eye in this surprise attack, with copious blood spurting out.  His hand went up by instinct to hold the wounded eye, but at the same time he lost his balance as the side of his head was kicked by the Karate black belt.  Seconds later, the incubus took another major blow as his other eye got stabbed as well.  Elvis got up via a sideways roll on the shelf, jumped off to the ground, then hid behind the boxes as the blinded incubus screamed in pain and anger.  The stockroom’s door was soon unlocked as two Reapers tried to come in and see what happened.  Both were quickly disarmed and disposed of by Elvis using the darkness and the element of surprise to his advantage.  He picked up one of the handguns and ran out to the open space. 

[celette]

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[danieldavidreitberg]

The Rise of Edge Computing: Moving Processing Power Closer to the Data

Imagine a world where your self-driving car makes split-second decisions without relying on a distant server, or where your smart glasses seamlessly translate languages in real-time without an internet connection. This may seem like science fiction, but it's the promise of edge computing, a rapidly evolving technology that's transforming how we interact with data and the digital world.

In a traditional setting, data is generated, processed, and analyzed in centralized data centers, often miles or even continents away from the source. This centralized approach works well for many applications, but it has limitations. Latency, or the delay in data transmission, can be a major issue, especially for time-sensitive applications like autonomous vehicles or industrial automation. Additionally, sending all data to central servers can raise privacy and security concerns, and consume significant bandwidth.

Enter edge computing, a decentralized approach that brings processing power closer to the data itself. Instead of relying solely on large, remote data centers, edge computing utilizes a network of smaller, distributed devices like smart sensors, gateways, and mini-servers. These devices analyze and process data locally, sending only relevant information to the cloud for further analysis or storage.

The benefits of edge computing are numerous:

Reduced latency: By processing data locally, edge computing eliminates the need for long-distance data transfer, resulting in faster response times and improved real-time performance.

Enhanced security: By analyzing data locally, edge computing reduces the risk of data breaches and unauthorized access, as sensitive information doesn't have to travel over public networks.

Improved efficiency: Edge computing can reduce bandwidth consumption by filtering and processing data locally, freeing up valuable network resources for other tasks.

Greater scalability: Edge computing can easily be scaled up or down based on specific needs, making it highly adaptable to changing environments.

Edge computing is already making waves in various industries:

Manufacturing: Real-time monitoring of sensors can predict equipment failures and optimize production processes.

Healthcare: Wearable devices collect patient data in real time, enabling remote monitoring and faster diagnosis.

Retail: Personalized recommendations and targeted advertising are delivered based on edge-processed customer data.

Transportation: Self-driving cars and connected vehicles use edge computing for real-time decision-making and collision avoidance.

As technology advances, the potential applications of edge computing are endless. However, it's important to acknowledge the challenges:

Security vulnerability: Ensuring the security of distributed edge devices is crucial, as they could become targets for cyberattacks.

Standardization: Different vendors and devices need common protocols and standards for interoperability.

Privacy concerns: Balancing the benefits of edge computing with individual privacy rights requires careful consideration and ethical frameworks.

The rise of edge computing is undoubtedly a significant leap forward in the digital age. By bringing processing power closer to the data, it unlocks new possibilities for innovation, efficiency, and connectivity. While challenges remain, collaborative efforts to address them will ensure that edge computing becomes a responsible and transformative force in shaping the future of technology.

[carrentalajman]

Why Opt for Car Rental Services in Ajman?

The alluring ambiance and remarkable financial prospects of the Arab Emirates entice droves of tourists to their urban landscapes. Ajman stands out as one such city. Unlike the bustling metropolis of Dubai, Ajman exudes a quieter, more serene, and budget-friendly atmosphere.

Enhancing the quality of your visit to Ajman is easily achievable with car rentals, offering unparalleled mobility for exploring city attractions, venturing into the desert, or visiting neighboring Dubai and beyond. Upon arrival, securing a rent a car Ajman Airport sets you on your journey promptly. Let's delve into the process and its merits.

What Vehicle Options Await in Ajman?

Finding affordable vehicle models poses no challenge in Ajman. While the selection may not rival that of Abu Dhabi or Dubai, prices here remain modest.

For auto hire in Ajman, consider the following body types:

Sedan: Abundant in urban centers across the UAE.

Economy: Ideal for two or three passengers, these mini-sized cars offer affordability.

SUV: With increased capacity and maneuverability, SUVs enable exploration of the vast Sahara Desert.

Convertible: Designed for maximum driving pleasure, perfect for a day-long rental.

Your budget largely dictates the choice of vehicle body. Alternatively, test the waters with short-term car rentals to gauge suitability.

Ajman Car Rental Prices

Travelers seeking the optimal blend of service quality and affordability relish traversing the moderately populated cities of the Emirates. Upon reviewing Ajman car rental prices, booking becomes a compelling option.

To avoid unnecessary expenses:

Book weeks in advance, picking up keys conveniently near the terminal.

Opt for long-term rentals.

Avoid last-minute bookings to circumvent inflated prices or unavailability.

Preferably, pay by card (debit or credit) to streamline transactions.

Exercise caution against hidden fees, common among local rental companies.

Book now to streamline your vehicle selection process and spare yourself lengthy searches. Renting a car in Ajman promises convenience.

Ajman Car Rental Options

Augment your rental experience with add-ons. Cheap car rentals in Ajman offer a variety of enhancements like child seats, free cancellations, additional drivers, mobile internet, no deposit requirements, and more.

Ensure clarity on costs and options before finalizing your selection. Consider purchasing Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) insurance to mitigate financial liabilities in case of mishaps.

Which Rental Companies Operate in Ajman?

Renowned international rental brands such as Dollar, Alamo, Goldcar, Europcar, Enterprise, Hertz, Avis, and Sixt operate in Ajman, leveraging their European market expertise. Opting for these established names ensures reliability, service quality, and vehicle excellence.

While local agencies may offer lower prices, they often lack the reputation and technical standards upheld by international counterparts. Opting for an international rental company aligns with a proven track record enjoyed by millions.

Ajman Car Rental Reviews

Researching "Rent a car Ajman reviews" reveals insightful experiences shared by others, aiding decision-making and averting potential pitfalls. The success of your Emirates journey hinges on such considerations.

Feedback highlights:

Attractive prices surpassing those in Abu Dhabi and Dubai.

Document any existing damages upon receiving the car keys to avoid subsequent repair costs.

Optimal comfort and affordability often found in mid-size vehicles.

Exercise caution with unknown companies to evade hidden fees.

Utilize parking facilities to avoid hefty fines for street parking.

Required Documents for Car Hire in Ajman

In addition to standard documentation (Passport and Driver's License), an International Driver's Permit (IDP) may be mandatory for car rentals. While many companies insist on an IDP, exceptions exist. Consulting with company representatives can clarify options, with a significant portion accommodating rentals sans IDP.

Alternatively, leverage car rental services at Ajman Airport for added convenience and peace of mind.

By adhering to these guidelines, navigating Ajman's car rental landscape becomes seamless and rewarding.

[spacenutspod]

Recent challenges with weather concerns and the movement of key flights such as USSF-52 and Axiom-3 have impacted Falcon 9 launch dates, not least Starlink Group 7-11 which scrubbed three times and is now awaiting launch on Tuesday. SpaceX had two drone ships and the two fairing recovery ships in port for maintenance last week and is looking to launch nine Falcon 9s by the end of this month. This falls a little short of the target of 12 per month to make its ambitious goal of 144 flights this year, but there is plenty of time for cadence to increase. With Starlink Group 6-38 being added late last week to the schedule from LC-39A, likely the final Falcon 9 launch of the month is expected the following day on Jan. 29 from the neighboring LC-40 pad.  This significant launch is for the NG-20 cargo mission — the first time a Cygnus spacecraft will fly aboard this launcher. This is the first of three missions purchased with SpaceX to fulfill Northrop Grumman’s Phase 2 contract to supply the International Space Station (ISS) until the new Antares 330 vehicle becomes operational. Northrop Grumman is currently readying the Cygnus cargo module for launch. On board will be several experiments including 3D printing of metal parts and semiconductors in microgravity, remote control robotic surgery, and three new capsules which will gather data on different heat shields as they re-enter the atmosphere. The week ahead will also see Virgin Galactic send VSS Unity suborbital with another four paying customers.  This is potentially the penultimate flight before operations pause and the company turns its attention to developing and testing its new Delta class vehicle. Rocket Lab’s Electron will launch four space situational awareness satellites for its customer Spire which will deliver critical, and timely data for the first time to the satellite community including orbit tracking, collision avoidance, and proximity warnings. Kinetica 1 | Third flight A six-hour launch window is currently expected for a third launch of the Lijian 1 rocket, also known as Kinetica 1, from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in China, starting on Jan. 23 at 04:05 UTC. Developed by the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), this four-stage solid propellant light launch vehicle has a first stage which seems to be derived from the DF-31 long-range intercontinental ballistic missile. It is capable of placing about 2,000 kilograms into low-Earth orbit.  The payload is currently understood to be five observation satellites made by Minospace heading for a Sun-synchronous orbit. VSS Unity after the Galactic 05 mission. (Credit: Jack Beyer for NSF) SpaceX Falcon 9 | Starlink 7-11 Starlink 7-11 was set for launch on Jan. 18 at 8:04 PM PST (04:04 UTC Jan. 19) from SLC-4E at Vandenberg Space Force Base but SpaceX stood down from the launch, for reasons not stated. The launch had been rescheduled for Friday, Jan. 19 at 6:15 PM PST (02:15 UTC Jan. 20). See AlsoSpaceX Missions SectionL2 SpaceX SectionClick here to Join L2 However, the launch aborted at T-59 seconds, just after the Falcon 9’s computers took control of the countdown, in what is known as startup. The booster for this flight is B1063-16, and it would land on Of Course I Still Love You in the Pacific when it does fly. Another attempt had been scheduled for Tuesday, Jan. 23 at 4:35 PM PST (00:35 UTC Jan. 24). B1063 made its launch debut on Nov. 21, 2020, with the launch of Sentinel-6A Michael Freilich, and has also flown the Starlink V1 L28, DART, Starlink 4-11, 4-13. 3-1. 3-4, 4-31, and 2-5, Transporter 7, Iridium-9/OneWeb #19, Starlink 5-13, Transport & Tracking Layer Tranche 0 Flight 2, Starlink 7-4, and Starlink 7-7. All but one flight has taken place from Vandenberg, with Starlink V1 L28 flying from Cape Canaveral. This flight is due to carry up to 22 Starlink v2 Mini satellites to an orbit inclined 53 degrees to the Equator and would be the seventh SpaceX launch in 2024 barring unforeseen delays and manifest changes. SpaceShipTwo | Galactic-06 Having achieved six suborbital spaceflights in six months during 2023, Virgin Galactic is opening its new year with its eleventh spaceflight to date. The company announced late last year that it will now fly every quarter and only two or three more times. VSS Unity is scheduled to launch from Spaceport America in New Mexico on NET Jan. 26 carrying four more customers on what could yet be its penultimate mission. Following this mission, a Galactic-07 flight is then expected in Q2 and it has not yet been determined if there will be a Galactic-08 mission before Virgin Galactic pauses flights this summer to pivot and focus efforts on developing and testing their new Delta class vehicle. This new craft will be able to fly six rather than four passengers up to twice a week from 2026 following a test flight which is currently anticipated in mid to late 2025 and is expected to increase monthly revenues tenfold. Electron is prepared for the Four of a Kind mission. (Credit: Rocket Lab) Electron/Curie | Four of a Kind Electron’s first mission of the year has been rescheduled as a precaution to avoid an incoming weather system and to allow for additional pre-launch checkouts. It is now expected to lift off on Jan. 27 at 06:15 UTC from Pad B at Launch Complex 1 on the Mahia Peninsula during a 45-minute launch window. The payload is four Low Earth Multi-Use Receiver (LEMUR) space situational awareness (SSA) satellites which have been built and will be operated by Spire Global Inc. for their customer NorthStar Earth & Space. These satellites will be placed into a 540-kilometer circular orbit inclined at 97 degrees. Spire will be the first to simultaneously monitor all near-Earth orbits and is making this precise and timely data available as a service to the global satellite community.  This data will include tracking and orbit determination, collision avoidance, and proximity alerts. As with previous missions, the Electron first stage will be recovered by a Rocket Lab marine recovery vessel after a parachute splashdown. Rocket Lab assesses and repurposes certain components, such as reusing its first recovered Rutherford engine last year, and is still working towards re-flying a recovered stage. The company plans to fly 22 missions this year — over double the nine missions flown last year. This Electron includes a silver thermal protection system (TPS) to help the carbon composite structure survive the extreme forces of re-entry from space, as well as an extended carbon-composite shield over the Rutherford engines. Falcon 9 Block 5 | Starlink Group 6-38 This final Starlink mission of the month has been recently added to the schedule for NET Jan. 28 at 6:04 EST (23:04 UTC), launching from LC-39A at the Kennedy Space Center.  This four-hour launch window needed the pad to be clear of the Axiom-3 launch and is next scheduled to be used for the IM-1 flight on Feb. 10. The booster and recovery methods are not yet confirmed. KREPE-2 capsule re-enters Earth’s atmosphere. (Credit: Northrop Grumman) Falcon 9 Block 5 | CRS NG-20 This is the first time a Northrop Grumman Cygnus spacecraft is flying on a Falcon 9, having previously flown on the now-retired Antares 230+ rocket. Three Falcon flights have been purchased for these cargo resupply missions to the ISS to bridge the gap until the new Antares 330 becomes operational. This launch is expected to lift off from SLC-40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station on Jan. 29 at 12:29 EST (17:29 UTC) with new SpaceX booster B1072 on its maiden flight, returning to land on the pad at LZ-1 approximately eight minutes following launch. Dubbed the S.S. Patricia “Patty” Hilliard Robertson, the NG-20 craft celebrates the life and achievements of Dr. Robertson who was selected as a NASA astronaut in 1998 and was due to fly to the ISS in 2002 before an untimely death the year prior from injuries sustained in a plane crash. This will be the 20th flight of the Cygnus cargo ship, which is comprised of the US-built service module (based on the GEOStar platform) and a pressurized module by Thales Alenia which is manufactured in Italy and France. As part of the Commercial Resupply Services (CRS) Phase 2 contracts, these three Falcon missions could include some late loading of payloads. As we move to a higher launch rate, we are adopting more of a factory model where the equipment is always running except for planned and unplanned maintenance. In this case, JRTI is going through a planned dry dock while pad 40 also undergoes a planned maintenance period. The… https://t.co/s230wbWccx — Kiko Dontchev (@TurkeyBeaver) January 18, 2024 Experiments on board this craft include a miniature surgical robot with two “hands” that will help the team to test the process in microgravity and any time delays of performing remote surgery in space with an operator on the ground. This experiment benefits from advances in miniaturization as well as NASA’s research dating back more than 15 years.  It will pave the way for longer-duration missions where the likelihood that crew members may require medical procedures increases. The cargo also includes a couple of manufacturing experiments. A metal 3D printer will test the additive printing of small metal parts in microgravity, while a new platform will test thin film semiconductor production in space. The former could enable the manufacture of parts for spacecraft on long-duration missions, avoiding the need to pack or even predict the parts they might need. The experiment is also expected to benefit manufacturing back here on Earth. Additional experiments include a 3D cell culture which will enable the astronauts to study cartilage degeneration diseases, while the Kentucky Re-entry Probe Experiment-2 (KREPE-2) will further test thermal protection systems during atmospheric re-entry. Building on the KREPE-1 mission, several heat shields will be tested using three different capsules armed with various sensors that will capture data as they go through actual re-entry conditions. The experiment will also inform steps to protect people and structures back on Earth from wildfires. (Lead image: Cygnus craft, the S.S. Patricia “Patty” Hilliard Robertson, is prepared for the NG-20 mission by the Northrop Grumman team.. Credit: Northrop Grumman) The post Launch Roundup – Northrop Grumman prepare the first Cygnus to fly on Falcon 9 appeared first on NASASpaceFlight.com.

[n11456388-adrian-lai]

Playtesting

After the game was fully set up, it was ready for playtesting. During the tutorial in week 11, our tutor Chris Lee and a fellow studednt in class playtested our game. They have given us valuable feedbacks to improve the game.

Our first playtester is a fellow student in our tutorial class and he has made the following feedback based on his experience:

The ship's collision points seems a bit too big , this results sometimes even asteroids aren't colliding with players directly would still make the game thinks that they are colliding with each other.

Sometimes asteroids are spawning on top of player the player, which means the player would sometimes directly get hit by new asteroids that are spawned on top of player.

Spaceship size is too small, sometimes hard to spot where the spaceship is in game.

This game feels very fast pace, the asteroids spawns and move at a very fast pace.

Shooting speed can be delayed (if the spawn rate is different when we fix the game)

Our second playtester is Chris Lee, our tutor in class. Based on his playing experience, he made the follwing comments:

For the starting page of our game, the text colour should be changed to fit the vibe of the game and also need to be centered.

Asteroid spawn rates are high and are mostly prominent on the left side of the screen which means the right hand side of the screen can be used as a safe zone for players.

Recommend to have the asteroids spawn outside the border and then close in on the map.

It will be great to have particle effects when asteroid is destroyed instead of just being deleted.

Sound effects should be changed to suit the game, also avoid copyright music(currently, the sound effect of our game is mario sound effects)

Possible changes can be made :

Both Chris and our fellow student in class has given us important feedbacks, they have addressed some issues and suggestions based on their playing experience. Based on what they said, below are some of the changes that can be made for our game to enhance the player's experience:

Fix the collision points for all objects in game to exsure the collisoin works properly in game (expecially the spaceship and all asteroids)

Change the spawning rate of the asteriod , make them spawn a bit slower (e.g. from 1 s to 2 s)

Change the spawning locations of asteroids to make them spawn around the screen, not only just from the left side of the screen

Consider to adjust the size of spaceship to make it see easier

Fix the letters postion and fonts on the start screen to make it looks better.

Consider adding particle/ mini exposion effects when asteroids are destroyed

Change the sound effects, consider using sound effects from Gdevelop instead of the mario sound effects (due to copyrights)

Conclusion

It's great to receieve feedbacks from playtesters as they have addressed us issues they have spotted when playtesting and providing us some possible changes can be made for our game to improve the player experience. Some changes will be made for our game later this week and we will ask more people to playtest for us when changes are made.

Further reading

This week's reading is chapter 12. Chapter 12 of the book is about team structures when designing games. Making a good game requires a good team, there's no way to make an appealing game individually.

A good team should consists of different people in different roles. They are publisher's team who are responsible for tasks like marketing, QAs and the executives. For the developer's team, it's ideal to have people like game designers, programmers, game artists, QAs and specilized media.

However, we are only a small team of 3 people for assignment 3 so we mainly have a programmer and artist for our game(one of our group member is resposible for conducting play tests with other people).

Conducting meetings are also very important when designing games. During meetings, goals can be defined to every members in the team so that they will know what to do next and by when. Therefore, in the future for other game design units if I am working as a team with other students, it is more essential to hold regular meetings with my teammates, not only to stay on track for the assignment, but also allows everyone in the team to know what they need to do for the assignment clearly.

Reference:

Fullerton, T. (2018). Game design workshop: a playcentric approach to creating innovative games. AK Peters/CRC Press.

[atlanticcanada]

Head-on crash in Charlottetown kills driver, injures 5 children

Police in Charlottetown say a driver has been killed and seven others are injured, including five children, after a head-on crash in the city Sunday night.

Charlottetown Police Services, along with the Charlottetown Fire Department and Island EMS, responded to the two-vehicle collision around 9:10 pm.

Police say a vehicle was traveling south on Riverside Drive near the Pioneer Avenue exit when it crossed the center line and hit a northbound vehicle head on.

The southbound vehicle then caught fire.

Witnesses at the scene tried to get the driver out of the vehicle but they were not successful, according to a news release Monday morning.

Police say five children and two adults were inside the northbound mini van.

All seven people were taken to the nearby Queen Elizabeth Hospital.

Police say some had serious but non-life-threatening injuries.

A section of Riverside Drive was closed for several hours while a collision reconstructionist attended the scene. It has since reopened.

The cause of the crash is still under investigation.

Charlottetown Police Services is asking witnesses who have not spoken to them yet to call 902-629-4172.  

from CTV News - Atlantic https://ift.tt/RDQGB4V

[knockoutcollisionrepair]

Knockout Collision Repair’s experienced painting staff is dedicated to restoring the shine to your vehicle. Whether it’s a simple touch-up or a total repaint, we employ high-quality paints and modern processes to ensure flawless results. Drive with confidence, knowing that your car is as good as new. It is one of the best Chico auto repair place. 

[carclipsupplier]

Why Scrivet Clips are Necessary for a Vehicle

With the added feature of being detachable, flush head Scrivets offer an easy-to-use riveting mechanism. They are perfect for instances where a panel secured by a Scrivet must be removed for maintenance or servicing. By inserting the integrated screw into the body, fitting is accomplished fast and effortlessly. The center pin is removed by using a screwdriver to unscrew it.

Common uses of Scrivet clips include those for furniture, boats, audio equipment, domestic appliances, and automobiles. In order to quickly and conveniently fix panels, a range of screw rivets is utilized. After being screwed, the rivet's expanding effect in the panel hole effectively holds the panels together. A screwdriver can be used to treat and reuse these unscrewing rivets. A self-aligning mechanism is provided by the closed-end feature. Benefits include reusability, solidity, a beautiful finish, cost-effectiveness, and great resistance to shock and heat from -20°C to +85°C.

Variety of Scrivet clips:

Regular or personalized color grades, shapes, and sizes

Application of Scrivet clips

Automotive bumper, hood, interior, HVAC, and Home Appliances

Scrivet clips are tiny plastic fasteners with a 6mm screw hole. On some automobiles and vans, these clamps are used. The clips are used for exterior or interior trimmings like dashboards, arch linings, and scuttle panel trims. These clips are employed in a wide variety of vehicles and settings. Occasionally known as push-fit clips or Scrivet fasteners. For the majority of vehicles on roads, we keep a wide selection of Scrivet clips in store. These are mostly utilized in the engine bay of some models as well as for attaching the side skirts and rocker panel moldings. Some Mini models use this in the boot.

You are left with car parts that are only loosely attached when Scrivet clips pop out due to regular wear and tear or break-in collisions and incidents. You can securely fix and replace broken clips, door trim panels, inserts, and more with our broad assortment of metal fasteners and Scrivet clips. They support the bumpers, mudguards, and hood shields. Given their adaptability and durability, some employ them for non-automotive applications.

[bobathirstaccount]

A/N: whoa THANK YOU for the love on ch 8!! Thanks to everyone reading to the end!! Tell me what you want to see next. More multi chapter? One offs? <3 <3

Hard to Find Someone Like You

Boba x fem!reader, slow burn to smut, some romance, fair amount of plot, Post-Mando 2 Boba

You are a merc serving under Fennec at Fett’s Palace. It’s business as usual until a certain helmet starts tilting in your direction...

TW: unprotected sex, descriptions of violence, brief mention of past abuse

Translations (Mando’a)

Riduur - spouse

Cyar’ika - darling/ sweetheart

***

CHAPTER NINE

You powered up Daesha. Fuck this, you thought. I don’t go and he gets himself captured on purpose. You knew if you were there he would not have done it. You were beyond furious at this point.

You exited Tattooine’s atmosphere, seething. Someone was going to pay. Dearly. You entered into jump space, waiting like an angry caged predator. Waiting to lash out and kill. You exited jump space extremely close to the planet. It was risky, but you had to get past their sensors. You almost crashed into a satellite, narrowly avoiding a collision. You dove into the atmosphere at a sharp angle, burning up. You had to get below their radar before you were detected. You relied on your smuggler’s courage, falling from the sky. You made it, pulling up sharply when you were safe from detection. You piloted slowly, pulling up a map of the capitol.

You scanned when you were close enough. You found Slave 1’s signature. You circled around the city, setting down as close as you could. You made your way through the forest, up to the walls of the city. You snuck in on a convoy, concealing yourself in a wheel well.

Jumping off the convoy, you located the hanger Slave 1 was in. You snuck in silently, holding back your wrath. You cut into the security feed and looped the footage, so it was no longer live. You continued through the facility, stopping at Slave 1 to warm her up. She would be ready to take off when you got back. Now, where would prisoners be kept?

You hacked a terminal nervously. It slowly clicked, taking forever while you were exposed in a hallway. Finally you broke in. You located the detention center. It was a bit of a walk, but that was okay. You would get there.

***
You arrived at an entrance. You began to hack the door. Suddenly you heard footsteps. You jumped up the wall and clung to the eaves, silently hanging as a Mandalorian guard passed under you. You thought about dropping down, sinking your blade into his neck, twisting. But you had to stay on task. He could live.

When he was safely away, you started over. You listened to the terminal click repeatedly. The door slide open. You were in like lightning. You looked up for cameras; nothing. Curious. You continued down the hallway, pulling up a more detailed map as you went. You stopped under a duct and hopped up into the central air system, crawling around. You passed over may rooms full of Mandalorians relaxing. You were filled with anger, looking at them. But you continued on.

You made it to the cells. You carefully crawled over each one until you found who you were looking for. Boba was sitting on a small cot, looking intimidating. He seemed to be favoring his right side a bit. You quietly removed the A/C grate to his cell, and dropped through. He didn’t move except to tilt his helmet slightly upward. “I would be furious you are here, but there’s no point now.”

“Shut up; I’m here to get you and the others out. I know where Slave 1 is.”

He shifted in his armor. “We can’t fit the way you came.”

“I know.” You pulled out your foldable rifle and set it up. “We’re going to kill our way out.”

He snorted softly.

“I’ll then deal with you,” you said ominously. “Get ready to run.”

“I can’t. I’m injured.” He indicated his right side. “Blaster shot. I’m okay but weakened.”

You almost cried, but held it back. A gut shot? He had been so close to dying. Instead, you pulled out your mini torch. “Time to melt this fucking door.”

The lock melted and the door sprung open in no time. You carefully peered out. There was no one, but there was a security camera at the end of the hall. Kriff. This was going to get messy fast. You tossed a blaster at Boba. “Try to stay the fuck out of the way this time.” He nodded, preparing. You hopped out of the cell and shot the camera. At least they were blind. You then set to work torching the other locks. Boba covered you as the guards appeared, guns blazing. You got all the doors open, and your small group advanced. You had only brought two other pistols with you, so the unarmed hung back. You stood pointedly in front of Boba, refusing to let him go to the front.

You shot your way into a break room, and busted out the window there. Everyone jumped out. You followed, transmitting the coordinates of Boba’s ship. The group scattered, looking for cover as they made their way to Slave 1. You and Boba hung back. He could only force himself to go so fast. You provided covering fire for most of the others to escape the immediate danger. You hoped they would make it.

Alarms were going off now. The noise was everywhere, screaming. You grabbed Boba, “This way!” You jogged down the ally, dragging a laboring Boba. Suddenly you saw stars, and your feet weren’t touching the ground. You landed in a little crumpled pile, stunned. You shook your head, mostly coming to. Your vision swam a bit as you saw Boba and a huge Mandalorian facing off. They were physically fighting each other; somehow both had lost their blasters in the confusion. The man swung at Boba, who deflected the blow. But he was too slow to counter attack effectively. The man rushed him. They collided like two sparring animals. You drug yourself foward and grabbed a blaster. The man had Boba against a wall and was trying to choke him. Aiming at his neck, you shot and killed the man attacking Boba. He dropped to the ground. Boba looked at you. “Come on, get your blaster!” You threw it at him and then grabbed him. The two of you hobbled off.

You were getting close; just a few more buildings to pass and you’d be at the hanger. Boba was getting heavier and slower. You hit him in the helmet, “Now is not the time; come on.” He staggered on with you. You reached the final corner and stopped. You peered around. Like a striking snake, an arm with a dagger shot out. You bent your back, narrowly escaping getting your throat cut. You screamed, and ran around the corner with your rifle. She deflected the rifle and somehow got it away from you. She hit you in the face with the butt. You again saw stars, but remained upright. Boba had come around the corner and started shooting at her. She fell back, shooting at the two of you with your own rifle. You were pinned down by her, so close to the hanger door you had already hacked and left unlocked.

Finally you knew what you had to do. You looked back at Boba, who was busy returning fire. You would get him out of here. Boba tilted his helmet then, sensing you were about to do something. He reached to grab you, but it was too late. You were up and over your cover before he could blink. He jumped up immediately to lay down suppressing fire, terrified to see you get shot before him. Your body armor took some damage, but you kept going. It hurt like hell but now was not the time to acknowledge that. You hurtled over the woman’s cover, striking down at her with your knife. You cut her at the shoulder slightly. She turned, trying to shoot you. You viciously kicked the gun out of her hand. The two of you engaged in combat; one of you bare handed but better tactically prepared. Her armor rebuffed the advances of your knife. She punched and hit you in the head repeatedly. You kicked and slashed, aiming at the joints in her armor. You spit your own blood at her, trying to obscure her view. She rushed you; you took the impact and flipped her over you. She rolled up and away from you. The two of you circled. You grit your teeth. No time for this. You would have to make some sacrifices in order to get close enough to wound her enough to stop her. As long as you could drag yourself to Slave 1.

Out of nowhere Boba appeared, looming over the other Mandalorian. He wrapped his arms around her and lifted her up, flipping her. Grunting from effort, he dropped her face first into the ground. She landed and laid there in a strange position. You looked up at him, surprised. He reached a hand out, “Time to go.” You took it. The two of you stumbled into the hanger. Your companions had made it and were waiting. They ran out and pulled you into the ship. Boba clawed his way to the cockpit. No one else was piloting. Slave 1 was ready, so he closed the hatch and took off immediately, blasting his way out of the hanger.

Slave 1 screamed out of the atmosphere, with several ships in hot pursuit. They closed in; Boba dropped a proton bomb, killing them in the explosion. Some ships in orbit were waiting. They engaged with Slave 1 as it successfully left the atmosphere. Boba played chicken with them, closing the distance. They parted at the last second, unwilling to give their lives. He shot into jump space immediately. Everyone in the observation room sighed, relieved. Boba sat back in his chair, totally spent. You were upon him with a med kit.

“No, later, just let me sit here for now,” he protested. “Let’s fix your face instead,” he reached a gentle hand up to your swollen cheek.

“I just got into a bad bar fight. You’re shot.”

He relented, and lifted up his clothing. You got to work, cleaning the wound on his side. Silence settled. He finally broke it, “Where is Daesha?”

You stopped putting ointment on his injuries. “I had to leave her there. There wasn’t enough space on her for everyone, plus Slave 1 is more important. We can’t have her captured.”

“Practical,” was all he said. You tried to nod dispassionately. Truth was you were heartbroken you might not see her again. “We’ll get her back,” he finally said. You nodded again, unable to speak about it. He seemed to understand. “Did Fennec send you?” He removed his helmet and eyed your sharply.

“I sent myself. She begged me to stay.”

“Mm.”

“Don’t be mad at her.”

“She should have made you stay.”

”That’s not her job.”

He sighed. “Will you ever stop worrying me?”

“Probably not. But didn’t I get you and everyone else off world?”

He grit his teeth a bit, “Yes.”

“So. Next time don’t leave me at home.”

He shook his head, “This does not settle anything.”

You glared at him then, “What would?”

“Nothing.”

“You’re being unfair.”

”Yes.”

You were at a loss for words. His gloved hand gently touched your bruised face. “I don’t want to see you like this.”

You shrugged, “I’m built for it.”

“No one is built for it.” He sighed angrily.

“You don’t know all my secrets. I can take it.”

He raised an eyebrow. “Why don’t I know?”

You looked down, shrugging. “They never really came up.”

“They’ve just come up.”

You shifted uncomfortably. “I’m just used to being beat.” You refused to elaborate.

“Tell me. If you are my riduur.”

You exhaled. “I just... got beat a lot as a kid. And when I got older I just kept getting into those kinds of relationships.. and bar fights.. and fight fights.”

He eyed you. “Who beat you as a child?”

You returned his gaze, annoyed by his persistence. “My father beat all of us.”

“That’s terrible.”

”I know. But it doesn’t define me. It just means I know how to take a punch.” You tried to smile wryly.


“You don’t have to act.”

You looked down, suddenly sad. “I have to live with it somehow.”

He pulled you into his lap, “Let me help carry the burden.” He kissed you softly. You leaned into him, crying suddenly. He held you to himself until it was time to come out of jump space. You jumped out of it into orbit around Tattooine. Home.

Slave 1 again screamed through the atmosphere, in case there were pursuers. Finally you landed at the palace. You sighed, relieved. Now you could relax.

Boba slowly made his way off Slave 1. Din hugged him, squeezing his torso. He made a pained wheeze but allowed it. Fennec stepped forward and grabbed his hands. “We’re so happy you’re back safely.” He nodded. “I need to lay down.”

“Of course,” Fennec moved to the side to let him pass. She eyed you, and grabbed your hand, stopping you as you moved to follow Boba.

”How badly is he injured?”

”Blaster to the side. He’s okay.”

“Barely.”


You swallowed and a knowing look passed between the two of you. Din interrupted. “We should increase security even more. They’re going to be pissed one merc got Boba Fett from them.”

Fennec nodded, “I’ll take care of it.” She disappeared into the palace. Din turned to you. “I’m sorry this happened.” You scoffed, “This is what happens when you leave me at home.”

He shifted his weight, “Well...”

You held up your hands. “No ‘wells’ — you’re not leaving me home again.” He shrugged awkwardly. You took off after Boba, leaving everyone else in the hanger.

***

You nursed Boba back to health slowly. He was back on the throne the next day as a show of strength, but he was in pain for weeks after. You hovered around him, viciously protective. Even Fennec’s eyes were sharper than normal.

At night you laid next to him, waiting to see if he would need anything. You woke up exhausted often. You kept him happy in all the ways you could think of. You rode him carefully when he wanted to fuck, refusing to let him get on top. You held him to you when he was drifting off, refusing to let go.

Finally he was healed. You touched his blaster scar, the newest of many on his body. He twitched, “Don’t tickle me.” You smiled. Only in bed with you would he use the word “tickle.”

“Just appreciating that it’s fully healed.” He hmmed at you. He opened his eyes. “I can think of other ways you can appreciate I’m fully healed.” You smiled, biting your lip. “Can I be on top now?” He traced your lips with a finger. You sighed, “I suppose so.”

He rolled over onto you, spreading your legs with a knee. He slipped in between your thighs, already erect. You spread them further, anticipating. He growled softly, licking your throat. He bit you softly as he entered you. You moaned with pleasure, feeling him stretch you. He started to fuck you, softly. You were surprised. Was he still in pain? He kissed you on the mouth, then. You put your hands on either side of his face, enjoying the sweet kiss. He picked up the pace slightly. You urged him on. He smiled against your lips, “So eager to get fucked, pet?”

“Yes,” you retorted.

“Did you miss it?”

”Yes,” you started to pant. He increased the pace again, until you were cooing into his ear. You felt yourself about to cum, pussy starting to clutch around him. You gripped his shoulders. “Riduur...” you called out as you came, waves of pleasure emanating from your pussy. Your limbs turned to jelly as you tried to hang on. He grunted and bit your throat, fucking you in a frenzied pace. He nuzzled his face into your neck and came deep in you as you continued to coo sweet nothings in his ear. You laid like that for a moment, you telling him all sorts of secrets that pass between lovers at these moments. Finally he rolled off you. He had a gentle expression, almost vulnerable. You snuggled into him. “What is it?”

“I was... terrified when I saw you come out of the ceiling, you know.”

”No faith in me, huh?”

”It’s not like that. I admit, it took skill and courage to get us all out.”

“Then let me play with the big kids.”

“Will you at least listen to me when I ask you to pull back? You don’t need to be first.” You thought of the Daesha and your dog fight. You swallowed down a lump in your throat; so far she was unretrievable.

“We’ll get Daesha back, cyar’ika.” Boba touched your chin with his hand.

“Maybe,” you sighed. “I don’t need to be first, you’re right.” You looked into his warm eyes.

“Then it’s finally settled,” he said softly. You smiled brightly. “So, how’re we going to get Daesha back?” He returned the smile and opened his mouth to speak.

[doubleattitude]

NUVO Dance Convention, Chicago, IL: RESULTS

High Scores by Age:

NUbie Solo

1st: Calla Massey-’Control’

2nd: Sadie Wilson-’Barbie Girl’

2nd: Aubrey Mooney-’Calling All The Monsters’

3rd: Brady Rosenberg-’Look Out’

Mini Solo

1st: Aoife Nugent-’Blackbird’

2nd: Nina Poulimas-’Buenos Aires’

2nd: Ella Dobler-’Sara’

3rd: Eva Coufal-’As We Lose Sight’

4th: Taylor Page-’The Rose’

5th: Sydney Madurzak-’Eden’

5th: Gracie Adamson-’Rich Girl’

5th: Olivia Manship-’The Water Rises’

6th: Emmie Plitt-’This Old Heart of Mine’

7th: Sage Sulentic-’Breathe’

8th: Brielle Baumgart-’Blink of an Eye’

9th: Lilah Ryan-’Clay’

9th: Landry Wilson-’Let Her Go’

10th: Olivia Georgy-’I Can Breathe Again’

Junior Solo

1st: Natalia Garcia-’Hallelujah’

1st: Kylie Kaminsky-’The Offering’

2nd: Audrey Mayernik-’All Human Beings’

3rd: Ellie Buckland-’Le Jazz Hot’

3rd: Ella Sexton-’My Breaker My Keeper’

3rd: Kenley Fogltanz-’One Mistress’

4th: Kendall Burkhart-’Bending Shadows’

5th: Emma Arentz-’Noise’

6th: Nathan Carter-’Bringing The Heat’

6th: Amelia Duncan-’Lonely’

7th: Jake Siswick-’Corner of the Sky’

8th: Alessandra Rocco-’Avril14th’

8th: Madeline LaCoursiere-’Mama Yo’

8th: Gabriel Johnson-’When There Is Love’

9th: Keighan Kinard-’Native’

9th: Lily Neumann-’Red Flags’

9th: Sienna Yilk-’Sines’

10th: Keira McCarthy-’I Will Wait’

10th: Lila Block-’Madam’

10th: Sophia Padilla-’We Move Lightly’

Teen Solo

1st: Kylie Buedel-’Freyr’

1st: Ella Querrey-’Ottto’

2nd: Andres Jiminez-’Frontieres’

2nd: Blanche Arnold-’How To Be Your Own Person’

3rd: Taylor Dieter-’Portrait’

3rd: Tess Muelbroek-’The Prayer’

3rd: Scarlett Szewczyk-’Things They Don’t Talk About’

3rd: Ryan Hyun-’Underwater’

4th: Kaitlin Menz-’All Is Fair’

4th: Alexis Adair-’A.M’

4th: Ella McCarthy-’Anna’s Theme’

4th: Athena Reel-’Emerge’

4th: Cassie Kefalas-’Jealous’

4th: Sophia Springer-’Lannantuoni-’Thousand Years’

5th: Reese Noha-’Another Love’

5th: Callie Weinert-’Comfortable’

5th: Quinn Fridrich-’Cute’

5th: Micaella Gennett-’Remember’

5th: Kaja Chow-’Retreat’

5th: Kylie Czarnik-’Solace’

5th: Zoey Straka-’White Flip Flops’

5th: Brandon Wolfington-’yeah.’

6th: Audrey Donnelly-’Breakdown’

6th: Addison Sadowski-’iMi’

6th: Isabella Laucys-’Mood’

7th: Sophie Madden-’Collision’

7th: Audrey Zhu-’Everybody Knows’

7th: Emma McMahon-’On Broadway’

8th: Abigail Welenc-’Formidable’

8th: Keira McDonald-’Painting Greys’

9th: Shane Gould-’Changes’

9th: Kenzie Karges-’Enter One’

9th: Anna Coufal-’Into Wind’

9th: Sophia Balara-’Peace’

9th: Nevi Marinakos-’Rain’

10th: Avery DePaul-’Dissolved’

10th: Lilly Loften-’Greim69′

10th: Samantha Veerachat-’I Do What I Love’

10th: Delaine Tyler-’Inhale’

10th: Dylan Newman-’Next To You’

10th: Lara Kounkel-’The Sacrifice’

Senior Solo

1st: Katrina Hidalgo-’Jump’

1st: Elle Tosh-’Rubble’

1st: Sophie Tosh-’The’

2nd: Elisabeth Pabich-’The Art of Dealing With Pain’

3rd: Olivia Zeiml-’Armira’

3rd: Minda Li-’Efforts to Reignite’

4th: Samantha Schmaling-’Then I Heard A Bachelor’s Cry’

4th: Gabrielle Koenig-’Treve’

5th: Katie Kim-’River Rise’

5th: Kendall O’Keefe-’Sweet Dreams’

5th: Jordin Suwalski-’The End’

5th: Lexi Heath-’Visions of Gideon’

6th: Kaya Martin-’Golden’

6th: Ellie Rowoldt-’Remedy’

7th: Ola Asuan-’Gold’

7th: Brianna North-’Melancholia’

7th: Olivia Wegner-’Ship In A Bottle’

7th: Maliah Keaton-’Street Fighter’

7th: Colin McKee-’Tomorrow’

8th: Avery Boose-’Both Sides’

8th: Olivia Papa-’The Lakes’

8th: Emma Sangorska-’Twilight’

8th: Mackenzie Haensgen-’Vendetta’

9th: Ella Schwarzenbach-Don’t Look Down’

9th: Madeline Bannwarth-’Godspeed’

9th: Rachel Samojedny-’Heart of Glass’

9th: Cammie Schultz-’Past Lives’

9th: Madison Burkhart-’Revolution’

10th: Keaton Eakins-’All My Heroes’

10th: Kayla Kamilis-’A New Emotion’

10th: Amelya Fox-’The Wire’

10th: Allie DeMay-’Timeless Flight’

NUbie Duo/Trio

1st: Steps Dance Center-’Wash That Man’

2nd: Steps Dance Center-’Get Silly’

Mini Duo/Trio

1st: Steps Dance Center-’Take It’

2nd: Steps Dance Center-’Girls Just Wanna Have Fun’

3rd: Steps Dance Center-’Do It Like This’

Junior Duo/Trio

1st: Artistic Edge Dance Centre-’Spring’

2nd: Accent on Dance Mukwonago-’Smiling With You’

3rd: Embody Dance Company-’Ashes’

Teen Duo/Trio

1st: Artistic Edge Dance Centre-’Cello Sonata’

2nd: The Colony-’Slippin’

3rd: Nolte Academy-’Unison’

Senior Duo/Trio

1st: Nolte Academy-’Colors’

1st: Steps Dance Center-’Hot Hit’

1st: Artistic Edge Dance Centre-’Symphony of Sorrow’

2nd: Woodbury Dance Center-’Lonely’

3rd: Academy of Dance Arts-’Circumstance’

NUbie Group

1st: Inspire School of Dance-’How Will I Know’

2nd: Steps Dance Center-’Walk The Dinosaur’

Mini Group

1st: Inspire School of Dance-’I Won’t Hurt You’

2nd: Steps Dance Center-’SHHHH!’

3rd: Inspire School of Dance-’Despicable Me’

Junior Group

1st: Academy of Dance Arts-’All That’s Left’

1st: The Colony-’Lose Control’

2nd: Steps Dance Center-’Jet Black’

3rd: Steps Dance Center-’Falling’

3rd: Inspire School of Dance-’Tightrope’

Teen Group

1st: Steps Dance Center-’Magnets’

2nd: Steps Dance Center-’Get Low’

3rd: Steps Dance Center-’Ripple Effect’

Senior Group

1st: Inspire School of Dance-’Confessions’

2nd: Woodbury Dance Center-’What Happens to the Heart’

3rd: Steps Dance Center-’Forget Your Troubles’

NUbie Line

1st: Inspire School of Dance-’Monday Monday’

2nd: Elevate Dance Experience-’Zero to Hero’

3rd: Steps Dance Center-’Special Delivery’

Mini Line

1st: Impact Dance Studio-’Go Your Own Way’

2nd: Impact Dance Studio-’You Can’t Stop The Beat’

3rd: Inspire School of Dance-’I Do What I Love’

Junior Line

1st: Impact Dance Studio-’Derniere Danse’

1st: Impact Dance Studio-’Mein Herr’

2nd: Impact Dance Studio-’Hallelujah’

3rd: Academy of Dance Arts-’Perfect Harmony’

Teen Line

1st: Impact Dance Studio-’New York New York’

2nd: The Colony-’They Don’t Love You’

3rd: Artistic Edge Dance Centre-’Santa Maria’

Senior Line

1st: Woodbury Dance Center-’Cleopatra In New York’

2nd: Impact Dance Studio-’Here Comes The Rain’

3rd: Woodbury Dance Center-’Uninvited’

Mini Extended Line

1st: Steps Dance Center-’Ay Caramba!’

2nd: Elevate Dance Experience-’Pray’

3rd: Steps Dance Center-’I Won’t Dance’

Junior Extended Line

1st: Inspire School of Dance-’It’s A Hard Life’

1st: Inspire School of Dance-’Thoughts’

2nd: Steps Dance Center-’Looking for Something’

3rd: Inspire School of Dance-’Get Jiggy’

Teen Extended Line

1st: Artistic Edge Dance Centre-’Recomposed Summer’

2nd: Steps Dance Center-’Flight of Fancy’

2nd: Inspire School of Dance-’Ya Nas’

3rd: Elevate Dance Experience-’Everybody’

Senior Extended Line

1st: Steps Dance Center-’Show Me’

2nd: Steps Dance Center-’Gimme A Beat’

3rd: Academy of Dance Arts-’Epiphany’

Junior Production

1st: Impact Dance Studio-’One More Time’

Teen Production

1st: Inspire School of Dance-’Free’

2nd: Elevate Dance Experience-’All For Us’

High Scores by Performance Division:

NUbie Jazz

1st: Inspire School of Dance-’How Will I Know’ 2nd: Elevate Dance Experience-’Zero to Hero’ 3rd: Steps Dance Center-’Let’s Boogie’

NUbie Hip-Hop

1st: Steps Dance Center-’Special Delivery’

NUbie Lyrical

1st: Inspire School of Dance-’We Belong’

NUbie Specialty

1st: Inspire School of Dance-’Monday Monday’

Mini Jazz

1st: Impact Dance Studio-’You Can’t Stop The Beat’ 2nd: Inspire School of Dance-’I Do What I Love’ 3rd: Inspire School of Dance-’Awoo’

Mini Ballet

1st: Steps Dance Center-’Pizzicato Polka’

Mini Hip-Hop

1st: Steps Dance Center-’Ice Cream’ 2nd: Steps Dance Center-’SHHHH!’ 3rd: Inspire School of Dance-’Roller Girlz’

Mini Tap

1st: Steps Dance Center-’Pennies from Heaven’

Mini Contemporary

1st: Inspire School of Dance-’I Won’t Hurt You’ 2nd: Inspire School of Dance-’Cattails’ 3rd: Elevate Dance Experience-’Pray’

Mini Lyrical

1st: Impact Dance Studio-’Go Your Own Way’ 2nd: Inspire School of Dance-’Daughter’ 3rd: Steps Dance Center-’Rainbow’

Mini Musical Theatre

1st: Steps Dance Center-’Ay Caramba!’ 2nd: Steps Dance Center-’Revolting Children’ 3rd: Elevate Dance Experience-’We Go Together’

Mini Specialty

1st: Inspire School of Dance-’Despicable Me’ 2nd: Inspire School of Dance-’Zooma Zooma’

Junior Jazz

1st: Impact Dance Studio-’One More Time’ 1st: Academy of Dance Arts-’Perfect Harmony’ 2nd: Steps Dance Center-’Dummy’ 3rd: Embody Dance Company-’I Want To Love You’

Junior Ballet

1st: Steps Dance Center-’One Note’

Junior Hip-Hop

1st: Steps Dance Center-’New Zs’ 2nd: Steps Dance Center-’Jet Black’ 3rd: Steps Dance Center-’Looking for Something’

Junior Contemporary

1st: Inspire School of Dance-’Thoughts’ 2nd: The Colony-’Lose Control’ 3rd: Steps Dance Center-’From The Lily Pad’

Junior Lyrical

1st: Impact Dance Studio-’Hallelujah’ 2nd: Academy of Dance Arts-’All That’s Left’ 3rd: Steps Dance Center-’Falling’

Junior Musical Theatre

1st: Impact Dance Studio-’Mein Herr’ 2nd: Elevate Dance Experience-’I Wanna Rock’ 3rd: Steps Dance Center-’Telephone Hour’ 

Junior Specialty

1st: Impact Dance Studio-’Derniere Danse’ 2nd: Inspire School of Dance-’It’s A Hard Life’ 3rd: Inspire School of Dance-’Tightrope’

Teen Jazz

1st: Inspire School of Dance-’Free’ 2nd: Artistic Edge Dance Centre-’Santa Maria’ 3rd: Inspire School of Dance-’Somebody to Love’

Teen Ballet

1st: Impact Dance Studio-’Welcome to the Jungle’ 2nd: Steps Dance Center-’Concerto’ 3rd: Steps Dance Center-’Ascension’

Teen Hip-Hop

1st: Steps Dance Center-’Magnets’ 2nd: Steps Dance Center-’Get Low’ 3rd: Steps Dance Center-’Back It Up’ 3rd: Inspire School of Dance-’Give It Away Now’

Teen Tap

1st: Steps Dance Center-’Brain Stew’ 2nd: Steps Dance Center-’In The Air Tonight’

Teen Contemporary

1st: Artistic Edge Dance Centre-’Recomposed Summer’ 2nd: The Colony-’They Don’t Love You’ 3rd: Steps Dance Center-’Ripple Effect’

Teen Lyrical

1st: Inspire School of Dance-’Son’ 2nd: Artistic Edge Dance Centre-’Then You Look At Me’ 2nd: Steps Dance Center-’Nicest Thing’ 3rd: Embody Dance Company-’Turning Tables’

Teen Musical Theatre

1st: Impact Dance Studio-’New York New York’ 2nd: Elevate Dance Experience-’A Chorus Line’ 3rd: Embody Dance Company-’Nowadays’

Teen Specialty

1st: Steps Dance Center-’Flight of Fancy’ 1st: Inspire School of Dance-’Ya Nas’ 2nd: The Colony-’Said and Done’ 3rd: Artistic Edge Dance Centre-’Highest Flood’

Senior Jazz

1st: Woodbury Dance Center-’Cleopatra In New York’ 2nd: Steps Dance Center-’Forget Your Troubles’ 3rd: Artistic Edge Dance Centre-’Fade’

Senior Hip-Hop

1st: Steps Dance Center-’Show Me’ 2nd: Woodbury Dance Center-’CrAzY’

Senior Tap

1st: Academy of Dance Arts-’Creep’ 2nd: Academy of Dance Arts-’Bird Song’

Senior Contemporary

1st: Inspire School of Dance-’Confessions’ 2nd: Woodbury Dance Center-’Uninvited’ 2nd: Woodbury Dance Center-’What Happens to the Heart’ 3rd: Academy of Dance Arts-’Calamity’

Senior Lyrical

1st: Academy of Dance Arts-’Epiphany’ 2nd: Artistic Edge Dance Centre-’How Do I Live’ 2nd: Steps Dance Center-’Empty Space’ 3rd: Woodbury Dance Center-’Vagabond’

Senior Specialty

1st: Impact Dance Studio-’Here Comes The Rain’ 2nd: Artistic Edge Dance Centre-’Moonlight Presto’ 3rd: Steps Dance Center-’Gimme A Beat’

Best NU Groups:

NUbie

Steps Dance Center-’Special Delivery’

Inspire School of Dance-’Monday Monday’

Elevate Dance Experience-’Zero to Hero’

Mini

Steps Dance Center-’Ice Cream’

Inspire School of Dance-’I Won’t Hurt You’

Impact Dance Studio-’Go Your Own Way’

Junior

Steps Dance Center-’New Zs’

Inspire School of Dance-’It’s A Hard Life’

Academy of Dance Arts-’Perfect Harmony’

Impact Dance Studio-’Derniere Danse’

The Colony-’Lose Control’

Teen

Inspire School of Dance-’Ya Nas’

Impact Dance Studio-’New York New York’

The Colony-’They Don’t Love You’

Elevate Dance Experience-’All For Us’

Steps Dance Center-’Magnets’

Artistic Edge Dance Centre-’Recomposed Summer’

Senior

Inspire School of Dance-’Confessions’

Impact Dance Studio-’Here Comes The Rain’

Woodbury Dance Center-’Cleopatra In New York’

Academy of Dance Arts-’Epiphany’

Artistic Edge Dance Centre-’Moonlight Presto’

Steps Dance Center-’Forget Your Troubles’

Studio Pick:

Steps Dance Center-’Magnets’

Academy of Dance Arts-’Epiphany’

Artistic Edge Dance Centre-’Recomposed Summer’

Elevate Dance Experience-’All For Us’

Embody Dance Company-’Turning Tables’

Inspire School of Dance-’Ya Nas’

Lake Shore Dance-  Port Washington-’Heaven I Know’

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[weaselle]

I’m gonna do my research for Stone Punk live here

(maybe that will keep me from chasing will-o-the-wisps like I’ve been doing on this research forever )

Anyway, it was warm and wet and India was crashing into Asia way faster than continents usually move (the collision created the most enormous and tall mountain range on the globe and India is STILL plowing into Asia at the same speed your fingernails grow)

Apes were just starting to become a thing, on their 45+ million year trajectory to produce Homo Sapiens. The world was full of wide shallow warm seas, and it was going to glaciate and chew them up until some of them were us. I’m just catching you up real quick

So, something like 16 million years ago orangutan prototypes split off from the simian group and started becoming their own thing. Around 13 million years ago Gorillas went their own way. We were dissipating as the great Tethys Sea disappeared.

see how a bunch of Eurasia and Africa are underwater? That’s the Tethys Sea. Look at India hauling ass up Africa’s coast, like, NOBODY else even manages to change position. Personally, I think there were simians living along that very collision line and humans were directly born out of the resulting chaos, but that’s easily a whole other essay.

So around 8 million years ago the pre-chimpanzees left the family, and then around 5 million years ago, something interesting happens.

see, at that time the Mediterranean sea had dried up completely. I can’t remember for sure, but I think it was this loss of such a nearby source of humidity that destabilized Saharan Africa into cycles of desert and greenery.

Anyway, around 5 million years ago we begin to get a proliferation of promising proto human apes in Africa. I’m pretty sure we started walking and running through what had been jungle but was now savanna and grassland on it’s way to becoming desert for the first time. An early, bestial humanity. Like, the famous Lucy is about 3 million years old. Okay. And at some point around this time is when some of us discover things like fire and how to make decent stone tools. And by around 1 million years ago, we had the first being I would accept into the human family. late stage Homo Erectus, which has more lately been divided into sub classifications like Homo Heidelbergensis.

After first developing 2 million years ago Homo Erectus or their descendants have become basically people, the Homo of about a million years ago is upright, using fire and tools, possibly doing some art or ceremony, probably pretty hairless (I have a theory about our skin: mud bathing; look at every other wallowing creature, rhino, hippo, elephant, pig... anyway). Their brains are the same size as ours, their language centers are developing strongly (we can tell by taking impressions of the insides of their skulls, rather like rubbing a pencil over a note pad to see what was written last). These are a kind of people.

NOW. Things are starting to get a lot colder, and not just that, but the globe is going to start going into these huge slow swings of cold to hot and back, and those swings are going to split our sister species from the homo log like boards, and one of those planks will be us. Denisovan are going to split off right around 900 thousand years ago (or 900 kya) and the people who would turn into Neanderthal went their way somewhere around 400-500 kya.

There are a couple close relatives we’re still discovering, but between 100 kya and 300 kya you get this variance in the swing

see where from 250 kya to 150 kya it doesn’t go AS cold OR AS warm, but it does squeeze like a mini extra cycle in there? That’s where we come from. Personally, I think we held the beach.

I think humans have been on volcaninc islands and colliding coasts since the first simians 50 million years ago. I think the very first humans that would become true homo sapiens were surviving in a niche of exposed continental shelves like Sundaland and Doggerland and off the East coast of Asia and the whole West side of India. Here, look

see all that pale flat stuff around Florida and Mexico in the gulf? That’s continental shelf that would have been exposed prime real estate at the height of glaciations. And it’s huge, like the whole state of Florida is just a small portion of the shelf it’s on. Here look at this

That’s China at the top and Australia at the bottom and aaaaallll that pale part in the ocean would have been a vast habitable zone called Sundaland.

And here, look at how much of Europe would have been out of the water

That’s Doggerland. Sure SOME of it would have been covered by glaciers, but still, huge amount of land. 

It would appear and disappear every 100 thousand years or so, but about 200 kya it sort of stuttered, and, I think, this is when humans held our beach, and came into our own. I mean, that’s about where we appear in time. I think Denisovans and Neanderthal and other sister species had to come way off the beach, and learn to live in the mountains and on the tundra and wherever each time the continental shelves flooded, but we got to stay, even though it was still very hard with a lot of flooding and changes. More chaos, essentially. 

ANYWAY around 130 kya the last big glacier crunch started. I think a time that should have relieved pressure on inland populations of our sister species by opening new uninhabited territories was now just aiding a surviving competitor of theirs: us. We were already in those lands, and expanded right along with them. By 15 kya the shelves were at their largest and most developed, and about to flood catastrophically.

Okay, we’re almost caught up.

What my prehistorical fiction novel Stone Punk proposes is: What if our sister species were basically the fantasy races, the dwarves and elves and giants and things. Homo Sapiens at this time would be mostly wild tribes, fierce and smart and adaptable, often used as servants, workers, or soldiers (after all, our skeletal morphology shows all the classic signs of domestication).

And what if there were kingdoms in all those lowlands, and what if those kingdoms were connected by sea and exposed land bridges into a global empire. This empire had all the old secrets, knowledge of the stars and sea, math, commerce, some decent science for the time, agriculture, all kinds of things, and they were run from the grasslands of Sundaland.

There would be almost no evidence, it’s all 300 feet below sea level now.

Anyway, the plot of the book (series?) centers around the fact that the Toba supervolcano eruption around 70kya destabilized this empire. As the globe prepares to flood worse than ever before, our main characters are on a quest to regain the old secrets of the stars (and therefore complex hundred-thousand-year weather patterns) from the ruins of the empire’s golden age, on a quest that takes them from the Dwarf Families of the West to the River Elves of the South. From the Mercenary Tribes of the Middle Plains to the Mountain Wizards of the North East and even across the Rainbow Bridge (where the northern lights dance over the ice that grows and shrinks) to the hidden lands of the Far West.

They’re on an adventure to save the accumulated knowledge of all the kinds of humanity, and through it, themselves. And the outcome blends smoothly into our known history of the development of the first city states like Ur, run by god kings who were human but not human. 

So now you’re caught up. I’m currently researching the effects of the Toba Eruption, more on that next time.

@bexminx​

@puhlease-i-live-supernatural​

[libertariantaoist]

News Roundup 8/14/20

by Kyle Anzalone

US News

The US bars charter flights to Cuba. The US is attempting to increase economic pressure on Cuba. [Link]

The US will require dozens of Confucius Institute branches in the US to register as foreign agents. [Link]

The US deploys three B-2 Spirit bombers to Diago Garcia. [Link]

Trump’s UAE/Israel Deal

In a statement released by Trump, the UAE and Israel agree to normalize relations. Trump takes credit for facilitating the agreement. [Link]

The UAE claims the agreement defuses the “ticking time bomb” of Israeli annexation. [Link]

Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu says the hold on annexation is only temporary and plans to go through with annexing parts of the West Bank. [Link]

Middle East

Turkey’s President Erdogan said that any attack on a Turkish ship exploring for oil would come with a “high price.” Turkey recently sent oil expiration ships into a part of the Mediterranean Sea disputed with Greece. Greece and France carried out naval drills in the area.  [Link]

Greek and Turkish warships were involved in a “mini-collision” in the Mediterranean Sea. [Link]

CENTCOM head Gen. McKenzie says US troops will remain in Iraq for years to come. [Link]

Iraq is seeking help from the Arab League to apply diplomatic pressure on Turkey to end its invasion of northern Iraq. [Link]

Israel says it has destroyed over a third of Syria’s air defense systems over the past two years. [Link]

Nigeria

Nigeria says it is undergoing a huge effort to get off America’s visa ban list. [Link]

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