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eunicemiddleton421 · 2 months ago

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How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Private Investigator

Hiring a private investigator may seem like a step out of a mystery novel. Still, in reality, it’s a service that people use every day for various reasons—from investigating fraud and infidelity to finding missing persons. However, one of the most common questions that arises when considering these services is: How much does it cost to hire a private investigator? The answer is not straightforward as the cost can vary widely depending on several factors.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down the costs associated with hiring a private investigator, from typical hourly rates to additional expenses, helping you understand what to expect before making any commitments.

1. Introduction to Hiring a Private Investigator

What is a Private Investigator?

A private investigator (PI) is a professional who is hired to gather information, conduct surveillance, or investigate a variety of issues. Unlike police officers, private investigators typically work for private clients and are not bound by the same jurisdictional constraints. They offer services ranging from locating missing persons and conducting background checks to investigating cases of infidelity or corporate fraud.

Why Do People Hire Private Investigators?

People hire private investigators for various personal and business reasons, such as:

Verifying suspicions of infidelity

Conducting background checks for employment or pre-marriage

Investigating cases of fraud or embezzlement

Locating missing persons or lost relatives

Gathering evidence for court cases

Since private investigations can cover a wide range of services, the costs can vary significantly based on the type of investigation required, the investigator’s experience, and other related factors.

2. Factors That Affect the Cost of Hiring a Private Investigator

When asking, "How much does it cost to hire a private investigator?" it’s essential to understand that the price can vary based on several key factors.

Type of Services RequiredThe type of investigation determines the complexity of the job and, consequently, the cost. A simple background check will typically cost less than conducting long-term surveillance or gathering evidence for legal cases.

Geographic LocationCosts can vary depending on where you are located. For example, hiring a private investigator in a major metropolitan area like New York City or Los Angeles may cost significantly more than hiring one in a smaller town or rural area. Additionally, different regions may have differing costs of living, which affects the investigator's rates.

Level of Experience and ExpertiseExperienced investigators tend to charge higher fees. They often have specialized skills, such as expertise in digital forensics or counter-surveillance, which can command premium rates.

Duration and Complexity of the InvestigationA quick job may only require a few hours of work, but complex cases can last weeks or even months. The longer the investigation, the higher the cost, especially if it involves travel or surveillance in multiple locations.

3. Typical Hourly Rates for Hiring a Private Investigator

Average Hourly Rates in Different Regions

Most private investigators charge by the hour, and hourly rates can vary widely based on the factors mentioned above. On average, you can expect the following hourly rates:

Small Towns or Rural Areas: $50 - $80 per hour

Suburban Areas: $60 - $100 per hour

Major Cities/Metropolitan Areas: $100 - $200 per hour

In larger cities, highly experienced investigators may charge upwards of $200 per hour, particularly for complex or high-profile cases. These rates are often higher in regions with higher costs of living or for investigators with special expertise, such as digital forensics or financial investigations.

4. Flat Fee vs. Hourly Rate: What to Expect When You Hire a Private Investigator

Some private investigators offer a flat fee for certain types of cases. Understanding when you might encounter a flat fee versus an hourly rate is essential for managing your budget.

When Do PIs Charge Flat Fees?

Flat fees are often charged for services that are more predictable in terms of time and scope. For example:

Background checks: Typically range from $100 to $500, depending on the depth of the investigation.

Locate services (e.g., finding a missing person): These services can range from $300 to $1,500, depending on the difficulty of the case.

Pros and Cons of Hourly vs. Flat Fees

Hourly Rates: While flexible, hourly rates can make it challenging to predict the final cost. They are best suited for complex or ongoing investigations.

Flat Fees: Flat fees are more predictable and ideal for straightforward tasks. However, they may not cover unexpected complexities that arise during the investigation.

5. Different Services Offered by Private Investigators and Their Costs

Private investigators offer a wide range of services, each with its own pricing structure. Here’s a breakdown of some common services and their associated costs:

Surveillance and MonitoringSurveillance is one of the most common services, often used in cases of suspected infidelity or insurance fraud.

Cost: $50 - $150 per hour

Surveillance may require multiple investigators and specialized equipment, which can increase the cost.

Background ChecksThese are often used for pre-employment screening, vetting potential partners, or legal purposes.

Cost: $100 - $500

A more in-depth background check may include criminal records, credit history, and social media investigations, which can increase the price.

Infidelity InvestigationsInvestigators gather evidence, often through surveillance, to confirm suspicions of infidelity.

Cost: $500 - $5,000+ (depending on the complexity and duration)

Fraud InvestigationFraud cases, such as corporate embezzlement or identity theft, require a more complex approach.

Cost: $75 - $250 per hour

Missing Persons InvestigationsThese cases involve locating people, from runaway teens to lost relatives.

Cost: $500 - $2,500+

If extensive travel or international investigation is required, the costs can escalate.

6. Additional Expenses to Consider When You Hire a Private Investigator

When hiring a private investigator, it’s essential to account for potential additional expenses beyond the standard hourly or flat fee rates.

Travel and AccommodationInvestigators may need to travel to different locations, and their travel expenses (flights, hotels, mileage) are typically billed to the client.

Cost: Varies depending on distance, duration, and method of travel.

Equipment UsageInvestigators may need specialized equipment like cameras, GPS devices, or drones to conduct their investigations. The costs associated with using or renting this equipment may be passed on to you.

Cost: $50 - $500 depending on the equipment.

Report Writing and Court AppearancesSome cases require investigators to submit detailed reports or testify in court. Time spent preparing reports or appearing in court is often billed separately.

Cost: $50 - $200 per hour for court appearances.

7. Can You Negotiate the Cost of Hiring a Private Investigator?

Yes, in some cases, you may be able to negotiate rates with a private investigator. Here are a few tips:

Offer a Retainer: Some investigators may lower their hourly rate if you offer a retainer fee upfront, ensuring that they are paid for a certain number of hours.

Ask About Flat Fees: For straightforward services, asking about flat fees can help you avoid ballooning hourly rates.

Bundle Services: If you require multiple services (e.g., surveillance and a background check), bundling them together could give you more bargaining power.

8. How to Ensure You’re Getting Value for Money When Hiring a Private Investigator

You want to make sure that your money is well-spent when hiring a private investigator. Here are a few ways to ensure you’re getting the best value:

Verify Credentials and Licensing: Make sure the investigator is licensed and has a good reputation. Some states or countries require private investigators to be licensed, so it’s worth checking their credentials.

Check Reviews and References: Look for reviews or ask the investigator for references. Satisfied clients are usually a good indicator of a reliable PI.

Request a Written Agreement: Before starting any investigation, ask for a written contract outlining fees, services, and expected timelines. This will help prevent misunderstandings or hidden fees.

9. Budgeting for Hiring a Private Investigator

Average Total Costs for Typical Cases

Here’s a rough idea of what you can expect to spend on different types of investigations:

Simple Background Check: $100 - $500

Infidelity Investigation: $1,000 - $5,000

Corporate Fraud Investigation: $5,000 - $25,000 (or more, depending on the scope)

Missing Persons Case: $2,000 - $10,000+

Ways to Save on Investigation Costs

Do Some Research Yourself: If possible, gather some basic information yourself before hiring an investigator. This can save the PI time and reduce your overall cost.

Clarify Scope: Be clear about what you want from the investigation to avoid paying for unnecessary services.

Limit Surveillance Hours: If you're on a budget, ask the PI to limit the surveillance hours or focus on key times.

10. Conclusion: Is It Worth the Cost to Hire a Private Investigator?

Hiring a private investigator can be a significant financial commitment, but it’s often worth the cost when you need professional, discreet assistance in uncovering the truth. Whether you’re investigating a potential fraud, seeking to confirm suspicions of infidelity, or looking for a missing loved one, a private investigator can provide invaluable services. By understanding the factors that affect cost and negotiating effectively, you can ensure that you get the best possible value for your money.

If you're considering hiring a private investigator, weigh your options carefully, set a clear budget, and ensure you're working with a professional who will deliver results.

#private investigator #private detective #pi

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palermo-repubblica · 2 years ago

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Looking for a Job at the Height of the Pandemic

When Justin O’Brien, the named plaintiff in the case, was looking for work during the height of the pandemic in the spring of 2020, he came across advertising from Smoothstack, pitching that he could get paid to do programming assignments starting at $55,000 a year, according to the complaint. After a year of working for a call center for low-pay and amid a health and economic crisis, where he was concerned about his ability to land decent-paying work, O’Brien decided to apply for a job with the company.

O’Brien began training with Smoothstack and worked up to 80 hours a week, the 43-page complaint alleges. For three weeks he wasn’t paid for his work, then at the end of that period Smoothstack asked O’Brien to sign a contract promising to pay the company $23,895 if he worked for the firm for less than two years. O’Brien signed the contract because he “desperately needed the job,” according to the complaint, and because at that point he’d already worked for Smoothstack for nearly three weeks without pay.

O’Brien continued on in Smoothstack’s training program for the next several months. According to the complaint, participants in the training program would tackle assignments that usually involved writing code for different software programs. The skills and time required to complete the assignments escalated as the training program progressed. Participants were often given quick deadlines — sometimes as fast as 24 hours or over the weekend — to complete assignments, the suit alleges.

During the training program, Smoothstack only paid recruits for up to 40 hours of work per week, even though they frequently worked longer hours, according to the complaint. During this period, recruits were paid the minimum wage where they lived for this work.

After about five months working in this setting, Smoothstack deployed O’Brien at Accenture

ACN-0.88%, the IT and consulting giant. At that point, he was presented with a new agreement that required him to pay Smoothstack $23,895 if he left the company before billing 4,000 hours — the equivalent of two years — to a Smoothstack client. Even once O’Brien was deployed to a client he remained a Smoothstack employee.

O’Brien “identified immediately that he had to sign – or else he would be in violation of the Training Agreement,” that he’d signed after the three-week unpaid training period, according to the complaint. “This is because the TRAP in the Training Agreement bound Plaintiff to a Service Commitment Period of 4,000 hours of work for a Smoothstack client, which was not possible to perform until after he completed the Training Program.”

For more than two years, O’Brien worked for Accenture through his agreement with Smoothstack. For much of that time he was paid $20 an hour less than the prevailing market rate for computer programmers, the suit alleges. He received positive reviews from those overseeing his work at the company. Accenture did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

About two and a half years after O’Brien was deployed to Accenture by Smoothstack, he sent correspondence to Smoothstack through his lawyer to try to convince the company to settle the class-wide claims of wage and hour violations he ultimately alleged through the suit, according to the complaint. Over the next few months, O’Brien through his attorney tried to get a response from Smoothstack to his claims, the lawsuit alleges.

Then in March of this year, the company moved O’Brien from Accenture to “bench status,” a situation where was still an employee of Smoothstack but wasn’t deployed to any of the company’s clients. During this period he earned minimum wage and couldn’t rack up the billable hours needed to escape his training repayment agreement provision, according to the complaint. O’Brien ultimately filed the suit on April 4 of this year and was terminated by Smoothstack on April 7.

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doctoru-au · 11 months ago

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GP Job – 19AB Exemptions Available

Sunshine Coast, QLD | Job ID #2035

OVERVIEW

Interested in Medical Education and Teaching Junior Doctors? Are you yearning to work nearer to home but hindered by DPA restrictions? Look no further! We have an exciting opportunity for you. A privately owned and private billing practice on the beautiful Sunshine Coast is waiting for you. Join our collegial and supportive team today! Whether you are an unrestricted VR doctor or an FRACGP currently under moratorium requiring a 19AB exemption, this position is perfect for you. Instead of being bound to a DPA location, you can now pursue your passion for sharing knowledge and expertise with the next generation of doctors. By investing in the future of the medical profession, you'll not only play a vital role in shaping the industry but also enjoy the countless advantages of working closer to home. Flexible work hours, strong clinical leadership, practice support, and the comfort of a supportive team are all part of this fantastic opportunity. If you are currently under moratorium and in need of a 19AB exemption, we have the solution for you. No longer confined to a DPA location, this alternative non-DPA opportunity is the perfect fit for you. Don't miss out! Register your interest today for a confidential chat about the role requirements. Take the first step towards a rewarding and fulfilling career in medical education and teaching junior doctors.

ABOUT THE PRACTICE

Established for 30+ years, private billing (80%, excluding children under 15), doctors booked 2 weeks ahead, diverse patient base, fully computerized with remote access, registered nurses, child health nurse, wellness/diabetes clinic, skin cancer clinic, supportive team.

ABOUT THE ROLE

65% billings potential, likely not relevant with high demand. No weekends/after-hours. 19AB Academic Exemption for teaching GPs. Support for special interests. Flexible working arrangements.

REQUIREMENTS

Not suitable for doctors without FRACGP, Specialist Registration with AHPRA. AMC part 1 and 2 or General Registration.

WHY WORK WITH ME?

I save you time by personally searching for the right job for you.

WANT TO KNOW MORE?

Andrew McNamara Call | Text | Whatsapp +61 0430001747 Get in touch with me 7 days | early to late.

LOCATION

EASY APPLY

#NO EXEMPTION REQUIRED

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gettingvetted · 4 years ago

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An Update

I’ve been a little absent on here recently, but I’ve been going through a bunch of life changes!

First, back in November I started crunching some numbers and realized my boss was not paying me the commission I had earned. Between that and the multiple ways that this clinic just does. not. work. for me as a practice, I knew I was going to leave at the end of my contract anyway. I decided to wait until after the holiday season to broach the topic with my boss. By early January, she owed me about $25k in commission. She told me I was calculating everything wrong, that it was illegal for me to send my numbers to my lawyer so he could check after me (spoiler alert, it’s definitely not illegal to do that), and that if I wanted to be paid that much then she would have to start firing support staff and she *cares* about those people. Mhmm... well that pissed me off to no end, so that night I applied for 4 different jobs and was offered positions at 2 of them by the beginning of February. I was all prepared for her to sue me when I broached the topic of leaving my position early (she had threatened to sue a previous associate over leaving 3 days early, much less 2.5 months early); however, she did not. I turned in my 60 days’ notice and my last day is April 18. I start at my new clinic on May 1 (or May 3, since May 1 is a Saturday and they probably won’t start me out on a Saturday with no other doctors there for my first day). This clinic is the complete opposite of where I am now. They have spectacular boundaries with the clients (things that are not emergencies do not get worked in if they don’t have any more same-day sick appointments available), are completely willing to fire clients for poor behavior, there is no on-call, I will work every 3rd Saturday (instead of working every Saturday except one each month), I will get paid a lot more, and their standard of medicine is generally much higher. The one thing that makes me sad is that it will be small animal only (and exotics, if I decide I want to dip my toes into that pool). However, I happen to be friends with the owner of the mixed animal (mostly large animal) clinic in the same town and he is going to let me ride along with him a couple of mornings each month so I can keep up my large animal skills. I have secured housing that is only 15 minutes from work and 10 minutes from Walmart and grocery stores/restaurants, while still being out in the country on private land with a private landlord, in my budget, on a well (so no water bill!) and literally within walking distance of the place I planned to keep my horse no matter where I ended up living.

Second, speaking of my horse... I bought that mare, Elara. She was over my budget but seemed absolutely perfect for me. I brought her home on January 30 and for a long time she was a completely different horse. Extremely herd-bound and anxious etc. It was too cold/too snowy/too muddy to do anything with her other than grooming for about 4 weeks, and then when I tried to ride her she was hot, sassy, and I was sure I was gonna get bucked off so I got off of her and then even struggled to lunge her because she wanted to take off. I kind of threw a temper tantrum on Facebook about that, because a horse that can’t be ridden and is herd-bound and anxious is not one that I want to own. I got some suggestions from horse friends for how to work with her, and enrolled the both of us in a professional virtual groundwork clinic. Since then we have both improved in our communication with each other. She has calmed down a lot and for my first real ride on her as her new owner, the barn owner where I am keeping her took us on an 80 minute trail ride up and down a difficult mountain trail and we both survived. There is no English riding around here, but the stable where I plan to keep her in the new place offers exclusively English riding lessons and training, so I hope to start taking lessons on her and competing in some local hunter/jumper type competitions this summer and work up to some BN/novice level eventing as well as take her on some trails. The property where I will be living backs up to some National Forest trails, and the landlord’s stepdaughter has a group of trail riding buddies and she’s willing to trailer the horse for me. Plus my best friend and her husband live about half an hour from where I’ll be living and they just bought their own horses to trail ride as well, so I hope to be able to ride with them too.

My relationship is doing well (I think). This move is about 95 minutes from where I’m currently living, but will only add about 20 minutes to our drive to see each other (picture sort of a triangle - here, there, and his place) so we plan to keep seeing each other. Plus, if he gets into medical school (which is his current plan) then my new place will be significantly closer to both of the medical schools where he’s had interviews so it will be easier for me to visit him on weekends. My mental health was pretty darn poor through January and February, partially because of S.A.D., but also just because of my job situation as a whole and how it went when I tried to confront my boss about not being paid what’s in my contract (not to mention the horse frustration). It is improving now that the days are getting longer and warmer, I have an “out” and something to look forward to, and working with Elara is getting much better. I have also finally restarted in therapy (my previous therapist was a grad student and graduated back in December) and this will be my first therapist who is not a grad student or involved in low-cost community-type work (not that there’s anything wrong with that - grad student and community therapists have helped me a lot but it’s nice to have a therapist that really wants to be there and can pick their own clients and determine their own client load).

Overall I think things are looking up and I am excited for what’s to come!

#personal log #blog housekeeping #horse #horseback riding #eventing #mental health #hunter jumper #chestnut horse #chestnut mare #mental illness #vet #veterinarian #vet med #veterinary medicine #toxic workplace

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verdantspringcourtyard · 4 years ago

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SP Yamakaze Super Oniou Event

A new and revamped Super Oniou event featuring a familiar face for CN and TW/JP players. The event coincides with release of SP Yamakaze and lasts for 1 week.

This Super Oniou has been changed in quite a few ways by introducing elements more common in recent 2020 events. Hard to say if these changes are for the better.

Quick Intro

For people unfamiliar with Super Oniou / Uber type events, here is a quick intro. You can also check out the Super Onio Invasion page here on the wiki too.

Your overall goal is to find & fight 50 bosses a day, try to get the rewards for finding & fighting 100 bosses, help out/leech off friends and buy everything you consider important in the exchange shop (eg, random SSR/SP, shikigami skins, icon frames, black daruma, sushi, boss packs, etc). It is recommended to save up AP and plenty of jade to make the most of this event.

Bosses used to spawn after clearing explore, mitama or awakening/evo dungeons. Best location, however, was awakening/evo due to how easy it is to clear in a short amount of time. Any stage would do as long as you can one-shot it. Eg; attackers like SP Ubume, Tamamo, SP Ibaraki or Kuro Mujou with 126~ spd can easily one-shot stages 1-6 without the need of a puller to let them move first.

Before fighting a boss - can either use 10 fatigue or use 30 fatigue for a 2.5x damage boost. The 2.5x damage boost should only be used for soloing 5-6* bosses. If possible try to solo 6* bosses for max amount of points, if you can’t then open it up to friends but do try to secure MPV or the last hit. Absolutely don’t forget to kill the minions, not just the boss. Not killing the boss + all 5 minions before times runs out = failing and receiving 0 points.

General Info

Super Oniou bosses are random shikigami (daruma, R, SR, SSR, SP) of varying grades that represent how strong they are.

6* bosses are immune to control effects.

Only 50 bosses can be found every day.

10 fatigue is used to challenge Super Oniou bosses and 30 fatigue can be used to challenge them with a 2.5x damage boost.

There is no limit to how many times you can assist with a friend's bosses, but assisting 50 or more times will cause the fatigue cost to be tripled.

When your fatigue reaches 100, you cannot fight any Super Oniou bosses.

58 jade can be used to reduce your fatigue by 100.

Defeat bosses (getting the final hit) reduces fatigue by a set amount depending on the grade.

Changed Features

Super Oniou bosses have even higher HP than previous events.

Super Oniou bosses no longer spawn from evo, souls or explore.

Instead feathers are used to spawn bosses with the Discover button.

Instead of anima and 3 daily buffed shiki, you must pick 3 of a selection ~20 shiki everyday.

Buffed shiki only have a 50% boost to damage dealt and damage reduction for Super Oniou bosses.

Point leaching has been limited to your top 20 friends.

Instead of Vanquish there is Practice to Become King.

In Practice to Become King there are 4 Boss Challenges and 3 various types of bosses.

SP Yamakaze replaces your onmyouji in battle.

There are buff effects for him and the daily buffed shiki.

Buffs are unlocked by how many bosses you have found and fought, buffs are equipped with wolf fang necklaces

A total of 12 wolf fang necklaces can be obtained, so you cannot equip every buff effect.

Can re-equip buff effects at any time and at no cost.

Similiar to the Hyakki Yakou event, there'll be a chibi SP Yamakaze that'll auto farm event currency by fighting wolves.

For every set amount of bosses you defeat, new rewards and extra event currency will be unlocked.

Chibi SP Yamakaze will farm event currency even when you’re offline, however he will stop after couple of hours if you haven't claimed any rewards.

SP Yamakaze

In battle your onmyouji is replaced by SP Yamakaze. Unfortunately, he is not super OP like Suzuka in Journey Home or the onmyouji in Bound by Love. He's a strong single target attacker, however, unless you can sustain both him + the rest of your team or you start unlocking more buff effects he can feel a bit lacking.

Buff Effects

Next to the button for the event shop on the main event page is the button for the buffs page and SP Yama's stats.

Buffs are unlocked by defeating 0/10/20/40/60/80/100 bosses and equipped with wolf fang necklaces. Most of the buffs are stat boosts for SP Yama or extra 20% boosts for certain daily shiki. Only 1 of the first row buffs may be equipped. For buffs that share one stone, the bottom one can only be equipped if the top one is already equipped. Eg; on the 2nd stone in the 3rd column is a RES boost and a HIT boost, even if you don't want the HIT you'll need to equip it to get the RES.

Recommendations: For the buff effects that are available straight away, the 1st and 3rd column ones are probably the best. The 3rd one is good for extra onibi and an ATK buff, however, both beginners and experienced players may prefer the 1st one for an extra AOE after SP Yama attacks every 2 turns.

Super Oniou / Uber

This part of the event remains mostly the same. The 2-3 biggest changes are boss spawns/discover button and point leaching.

Bosses no longer spawn from evo and souls, instead feathers that are obtained by farming are used to spawn bosses with the discover button. Costs 3 feathers to use the discover button and there's no time limit between uses of it. A max of 150 feathers can be farmed each day. Everyday at 6:00 and 18:00, 10 feathers can be collected from the main event page. The max number of bosses you can spawn is still 50 (or 56 if you remember to get the extra feathers at 6:00 and 18:00).

Short Summary: Don't need to farm evo for bosses any more. You can do your regular soul farming until you get max feathers then fight as many bosses as you want when you want before reset. For lazy people who only do evo guild quests like myself, you wont get evo materials from farming for bosses any more, but instead you'll still get them from the chibi SP Yamakaze's battle rewards.

Point leaching has been given a big change. Instead of being able to collect points from everyone on your friend list at any time, you are now limited to your top 20 friends of the previous day and points are all collected in one batch in the middle of the day from the main event page (there'll be a pop-up for it). Depending on how OP your friends are, you can get some random 6* souls as an extra reward.

Short Summary: If you're planning on clearing out your entire friend list for OP players, don't.

These are the last rewards for "Find & Fight 100 Bosses".

Practice To Become a King

Practice: Boss Challenges

During the first 4 days of the event, these boss challenges will be gradually unlocked. They can be challenged from 8:00 to 23:59 everyday, costs 3 AP to do and the battles have a 3 minute time limit. Each boss has different mechanics and each has 4 stages of varying difficulties.

Mechanics:

1st Challenge: Enemies have increased crit.

2nd Challenge: Every time the move bar is moved outside of an ally's own turn, a small amount of damage will be dealt to them.

3rd Challenge: There is a damage cap per hit.

4th Challenge: All ally buff effects will fail to work.

Additional Mechanic for all 4 Challenges: Every time Boss SP Yama deals damage, he'll always do an AOE blizzard attack that can inflict freeze too.

Last clear rewards all include a stone which "weaken" the hard mode for the Become a King bosses. So if you are a beginner or aren't very strong, do not stress yourself out about getting them / defeating the 4th stages.

Become a King: Various Boss Types

On day 5 a new boss becomes unlocked. It can be challenged from 8:00 to 23:59 everyday, costs 6 AP to do, has easy and hard modes and the battles have a 3 minute time limit. On hard mode the boss shares the same mechanics as the 4 boss challenges, clearing all 4 difficulties of them removes those mechanics (except the additional one).

Boss Types:

Day 5: Netherworld gate type, boss Yamakaze cannot receive damage.

Day 6: Starts out as boss defense, fight boss Yamakaze until his HP goes below 70% then he switches to 4 SP Yamakaze.

Day 7: Standard boss defense, boss Yamakaze starts at 70% HP.

Exchange Shop

For a full list of items in the shop, please refer to the wiki version of this guide.

Majority of the exchange shop items have damage requirements to be unlocked. Eg; SSR/SP and icon frames require 2 mil damage.

Buffed Shiki

Here is a list of recommended daily buffed shiki. Only a max of 3 per rarity will be recommended.

You are only able to pick 3 shiki out daily selection, so hopefully these recommendations can be of some help. Ultimately, you should pick which 3 shiki you intend in using on whichever days. Those 3 will have their 50% ATK & DEF boost increased to 100%. After picking, you cannot change your decision.

Recommended Teams

Regardless of what type of team you intend on using for whatever part of the event, if you don't have Senhime + Enmusubi you'll need to make a choice. Until you unlock the last 2 rows of buff effects, you can set SP Yama to only use normal attacks or equip 1-2 shiki with Fortune Cat. Not doing so may result in onibi issues. Once unlock the reduced onibi cost and crit/crit DMG buffs, you can start using SP Yama as your sole DPS for certain teams (ones with Youkinshi and no clear DPS).

When using Ushi, can use Shadow, Watcher or Kyoukotsu on her depending on the rest of your team.

When using Senhime, use whatever souls fits your needs. Don't need to use the same ones recommended in the below sections. Kyoukotsu, Fortune Cat and Nuribotoke are all options for her.

Feel free to look through the resource section for additional teams. Recommend looking through the past super oniou resources and guides if don't have shiki like Senhime or even Enmusubi.

Super Oniou

Only the general teams are listed above. For teams recommended for certain annoying bosses, please refer to the wiki version of this guide. There is no need to prepare teams for the annoying bosses, because there is no guarantee that you will encounter them unless you’re unlucky or have extremely active friends/guildmates.

The alternative to Senhime in a lot of teams is Enmusubi + Oitsuki. If you don't Senhime or Enmusubi, then you'll need to use teams like the very first 2 listed. The 1st team relies heavily on Sasori and her splash damage, it's up to whether you want to use a shiki to help proc the splash damage or a regular AOE DPS. While the 2nd team relies on SP Yama to be your sole DPS, however, unless you have unlocked the crit/crit dmg buffs it should only be used when all the minions are KO'd.

If you happen to find a 5-6* boss and whatever shiki you're using in this event are still 5* or your soul sets are still 5* - give up fighting this them on your own. It's not a fun time when you don't have the recommended shiki and/or are too weak to tank their attacks. Try to get your friends and guildmates to help clear them.

There are also 2 additional bosses you should be wary of - the 4* Mannendake and Ungaikyou bosses.

Lastly, before challenging an annoying boss if you find one/are invited to one, always read the boss mechanics first. There are some you need use very specific types of shiki. Eg; can’t use female shiki a DPS for Kidoumaru, need multi-hit for Tamamo, need some form of shield for Susabi.

Practice: Boss Challenges

Need +120 SPD for Senhime, Takiyasha, Kiyohime and Kamikui.

For the 1st and 3rd boss challenges, if you don't have Takiyasha, any other AOE shiki could work. Should use seductress + songstress instead of dawn fairy as well.

To Become A King: Various Boss Types

For the day 5 netherworld gate type boss, if you remember what shiki/teams you used for the netherworld type bosses in Kinnara's event you can probably use them again here. If you have Senhime, Suzuka or SP Tama are the optimal choices.

Same advice for the day 7 boss defense, if you have happen to have a Sanbi team that you used in a previous super oniou event then use it. Use Sanbi and make me proud. Not 100% sure if I would actually use Nekomata, could probably use SP Kiyo instead. Could also use the same Yuki Douji + Sanbi team recommended in my previous guide.

For the day 6 semi boss defense, if you don't have Kinnara then any AOE multi-hit shiki, like Takiyasha or Suzuka, will do just fine instead.

#Onmyouji #Onmyoji #events #long post #very long post

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bush-viper-cutie · 4 years ago

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Love Me Roughly: A New Start

Pairing: Snape x fem!reader

Word Count: 2,968

Rating: M for Mature

Plot: Severus is ready to start a new chapter of his life with the woman he loves. Nothing could come between them, or the life he knows he deserves.

A/N: This is part 7 of 7 for the Schedule 1 week 1: Snape Lives AU for Snape Appreciation Month 2020! @snapeloveposts Also if anyone is interested in me continuing this little fluff series, please let me know :) I wouldn’t be opposed to updating it every so often after the month has ended :D

DISCLAIMER: I have edited (drawn over the original) the artwork (taken from a 80′s bodice ripper novel) for the purpose of this short series and will post more information about the original work here.

Posted: 6/7/20

Chapter List

<– Last Chapter

~~~ * ~~~ * ~~~ * ~~~ * ~~~

The August sun blasted through all the windows, illuminating the house in bright yellow sunlight, turning the dark wood walls and floors into warm hazel colors. Ice cracked in the glasses of lemonade and broke apart only to come back together, floating peacefully in the sweet liquid.

Severus picked up his glass and brought it to his lips, shivering at the sudden cold. He let the lemonade swish around his mouth, cooling him down, before swallowing and sighing merrily. He looked up at the bunches of flowers all around the room, blooming and stretching, filling the air with colors and scents of nature.

He looked at the clock on a shelf and smiled. In precisely two hours there was to be a marriage officiant, and, in precisely two hours and fifteen minutes he was to be wed to his love. In the month after he told her his story, they had grown closer than he could have imagined.

Every day was bliss with her and although he was still saddened by the loss of his friends, he could bare it with her by his side. He loved her and cherished her and never knew someone could be so understanding, compassionate, and kind.

In two hours, their lives were to be forever combined and he would finally belong. Gone would be the days of being alone with no one to hold or lean on. He would never go through anything alone ever again.

Severus set his empty glass in the sink and walked into the laundry. There was a small mirror hung between the toilet and the dryer where he kept practicing saying the simplest and most important words he could ever say, “I do.”

He would be upstairs practicing in the bathroom except the whole floor was hers for the day. He had agreed not to look and promised to stay put downstairs. He sighed and walked back out, kicking Jiggy’s toy out of the way.

Jiggy came bounding after it and tripped over his tiny paws. He clenched it in his jaw and ran wildly back towards Severus, dropping the slobbery toy on his shoes. Severus kicked it away again and shook his head.

“Severus? Come upstairs.”

Confused, he headed up the stairs and stood on the landing, “I thought you wanted us not to see each other until – ”

“Close your eyes,” she sang.

Severus closed them and smiled. He heard the bedroom door open and a hand gripped his wrist, pulling him inside.

“Keep them closed the entire time you’re here, alright?”

He nodded, wondering what it was she wanted.

“Stand here and don’t move and don’t. Say. A word,” she led him to the edge of the bed and held him there.

He held perfectly still waiting for her to say anything, but she never did. Instead he felt her hands sliding from his arms where she held him in place down to his waist and around to the buttons on the front. He opened his mouth, forgetting he wasn’t supposed to talk, but was stopped with her soft lips.

He felt each button come undone and smiled as she pulled his trousers down until they were pooled around his ankles. She pulled on the elastic band of his pants and dragged them down as well. He bit his lip, wishing he could open his eyes and look at her.

He was pushed back suddenly, and he almost did open them, but kept them shut as he landed on the bed. He laughed and sat up, stretching his legs out. He could hear his own breathing, rough and excited, along with his racing heartbeat.

He felt her hand first, stroking him gently, and then her other hand around his shoulder, pulling him forward until his lips connected to hers. He immediately reached to pull her onto him but she resisted, forcing his hands away. She slid her tongue over his, teasing him with the promise of what was soon to come.

He let out a moan of desperation as her gentle strokes became faster. Her lips left his and before he knew it, they had replaced her hand. He let out a louder moan than the one before, wishing he could speak her name over and over as she continued tending to him.

Her lips were wet and her mouth was warm. He could feel her tongue licking him all over and all he could do to keep from opening his eyes and pinning her to the ground was to instead reach out for her head.

Her hair was soft and put up in pinned braids with what felt like small flowers pulled through the loops. He was careful not to ruin anything and gently placed his hand, feeling her head bob up and down in perfect rhythm.

He could feel drops of saliva dripping down from her lips as she moved up and down and he knew he wouldn’t be able to last much longer. He could feel the inside of her cheeks as she suctioned them in, creating an incredible sensation of pleasure so good he whimpered and moaned, wanting to beg her to go faster.

He knew she could sense his need because immediately he felt her bobbing faster and her hand left his knee to grip him just below her lips, following the faster rhythm. She tightened her hold and started moaning, sending vibration deep within him.

Almost immediately he lost all composer, throwing his head back and moaning deeply one last time. He felt the wave touch every cell in his body, reach every nerve, and bathe him completely in steaming hot bliss and happiness.

He fell back onto the bed, fully satisfied and felt her pin his hands above his head and climb over him, kissing every inch of his face while giggling. She kissed him fully and gave a little moan before climbing off him.

“And that is the last thing we did before getting married! I’m going into the bathroom and you, Sir, have ten minutes to get back downstairs.”

Severus nodded and listened for her footsteps and the thump of the door closing behind her. He opened his eyes and smiled, jumped to his feet and pulled his pants back on. He slid his trousers on and buttoned them up, fixing the pockets and tucking his white shirt back inside.

He stretched his back and immediately realized how much more relaxed and loose he was. He chuckled to himself and jumped up and down, feeling elated and lighter than air. The day couldn’t possibly get better than what it was already turning out to be.

He left the bedroom and headed back downstairs and into the laundry room again, “I do, I do, I do, I do.” He looked in the mirror and smiled, noticing she had put a tiny flower in his hair. He reached to remove it but thought better of it and kept it in, letting it hold back his long hair from coming down onto his face. “I do,” he whispered.

He splashed water on his face and dried off just as Jiggy started barking in the other room. Severus stepped out and followed the sound into the living room until he stood behind Jiggy. He was barking at the front door and before he could tell him to stop there were three knocks.

Severus jumped back and looked around, realizing he would have to open it. He was confused, because it was still an hour before the officiate was supposed to arrive and he didn’t know anyone else around town, but he unlatched the locks either way.

He opened the door and stared at Minerva McGonagall, standing on his porch in elegant green robes and a summer hat. They stared at each other for a long while and Severus didn’t know whether to scream, cry, hide, or beg on his knees for forgiveness. He kept perfectly still, analyzing her face which was as stern as ever. He looked into her eyes and noticed tears had formed on the corners and were threatening to come down.

“May I come in, Severus?”

Severus stammered and closed his mouth, opening the door further and stepping aside to let her in. She gave him a small nod and stepped inside, heading for the center of the living room. She looked around once and settled her eyes on him.

“Severus – ”

“Minerva, I’m so sorry. I’m so, so sorry, I – ” there were hot tears running down his face and his words caught in his throat, “Please, I didn’t… I had to,” he sobbed into his elbow, “I had to.”

He couldn’t breathe through his nose and all he could manage to do to keep from falling to the ground crying was keep searching his pockets for anything to blow into. He heard her step forward and he looked up, his vision blurred, to see she was holding out a small white handkerchief out to him.

“Severus, please, sit down. I’ve come to tell you something,” she took his elbow and led him to his fiancé’s chair.

He sat down and blew his nose as she sat in his reading chair. She turned the chair more and sniffed, as if holding back tears of her own.

“Severus, (Y/n) came to see me last month and… Well I have to apologize because I did not react the way I… I should have. She explained to me what happened, and I turned her away and as a result, turned you away as well.”

Severus blinked, realizing she must have gone to see Minerva during those three days away. She had lied to him. And worst of all went against his wishes.

“I told her not to. I swear I had nothing to do with her finding you and disturbing you – ”

Minerva held up a hand and nodded, “She told me. She made herself very clear. But I am not… I hated you Severus. I hated you for quite a while, as I’m sure I made myself clear during your time as Headmaster at Hogwarts… I hated you so much – ” she looked down and a single tear fell onto her trembling hands. “ – that I was glad when Harry told me you had died. I didn’t even care that they didn’t find your body… I never wanted to see you again.”

Severus stared at the light reflecting of his black shoes, focusing on it, trying not to let the words sink in. His oldest friend hated him, and there was no going back. He had already gone through this before, he knew there was no coming back this time either.

He felt his heart grow cold and his seething sadness died down to nothing. He felt like nothing. He looked back up at Minerva as she continued.

“After the battle was over, about a day afterwards, Harry came to see me. He told me what you had done, and I refused to listen. I could not understand how… how you could follow the instructions of-of a second mad man!” She stood up and paced the floor, “I couldn’t believe what he had forced upon you, made you do… and I was still angry that you had listened. That you didn’t even think to tell me.”

She turned to him and shook her head. He lowered his eyes again.

She sat back down and sighed, wiping her tears with her finger, “Then Poppy came to see me.”

Severus turned his head slightly, watching her as she spoke.

“There was a second Poppy Pomfrey who was covered in blood running from her neck and drenching the spare gardening robes tending to students with dark, deadly hexes that only a skilled Dark Arts master could have cured.” She looked into his eyes, “She knew it was you and that you had survived.”

Severus nodded, “I needed to assume a disguise to get closer, to help any way I could.”

“And then I was given word that the Ministry had organized a raid on your house. They told the Daily Prophet that you had been attacked in your house by the remaining Death Eaters hours after the battle and had burnt to death inside…” she closed her eyes and tears started streaming down. Her voice came out broken, “And I regretted hating you… Severus, I should have believed in you. I should have known – ”

“I needed to play my part, to convince everyone. Even the Dark Lord… How could you have possibly – ”

“Because we knew you best! Poppy and Pomona, Hagrid, all of us… We knew you and I knew that you were working with Albus very closely to take Riddle down. I should have believed in you,” she nodded and put her hand to her heart.

“I let them hurt the students,” he whispered.

“You kept them alive.”

There was a silence between the both of them that allowed them to take in each other’s presence. He knew she wasn’t finished speaking, but he was glad to have seen her, even if the conversation still ended with her not wanting anything to do with him.

“When (Y/n) came to see me, I was still mourning your loss, upset that I could have ever been so glad that you had left us all. She told me everything Harry had and when she knew I believed her to be telling the truth, she told me you were alive and in hiding.” Minerva looked back down at her hands, stretching them and clasping them together, “And I was upset again, angry again, that you had left and let me believe you were dead. Another soul among the many who had left us that day.” She shook her head, “I sent her away to tell you I was glad you had left because there was nothing for you there anymore.”

Severus pulled his hair behind his ear, “I know.”

“No, you don’t. Because I was wrong.” She reached out and put a hand on his knee, “I’m there for you, along with your colleagues and your students. All the ones you saved, and all the ones who have been reading the Daily Prophet to stay informed on Harry’s case against the Ministry to clear your record, and award you the Highest Degree Order of Merlin for your sacrifice to the cause.”

Severus blinked several tears away and looked around the room as if searching for something, “Potter’s doing what?” He fidgeted his fingers and shook his head, “I-Why?”

“Because as we all now know, your efforts as a double agent won us the war. You sacrificed your life for everyone, and barely made it out alive. The Dark Lord fell because of you and by Harry’s hand… He, Ronald Weasley, and Hermione Granger are refusing their Order of Merlins until Harry’s demands are met.”

Tears were forming in his eyes again, although this time he did not know why. He couldn’t understand why they would be doing that for him, let alone Harry Potter. He more than anyone had every right to hate him and despise him… and yet he was out there fighting for him long after his victory.

“Why are there so many flowers?” Minerva waved her hand at all the vases around the room.

“I’m getting married today,” Severus leaned back in the chair and pinched the corners of his eyes to stop the tears from flowing.

“Then, as a wedding present, I offer you a position to teach at Hogwarts once again.”

Severus looked to her immediately. She was smiling. He couldn’t believe she wanted him back at the school.

“Do you really think anyone would even want me – ”

“They do if they want to attend,” she looked sterner than ever, “I’m Headmistress now and I insist you come back. Hogwarts could not be a safer place without you, Severus.”

Severus laughed, grabbing his stomach, and cleared his throat, “I don’t suppose I can teach only Newt classes for Defense and Potions?”

Minerva smiled, “That can easily be arranged.”

. . .

Minerva’s visit lasted an hour and when the time came for her to leave, Severus felt nothing but relief that his friendship with her had endured the war. He heard a creak on the stairs, and he knew she had heard everything that was said. He walked out onto the living room and looked up at her.

She was sitting down on the top step looking at the tissue in her hands, “I’m sorry, Severus.”

He nodded and sat down in a kitchen chair, also looking at his hands, “You kept this from me.” He could hear her sobbing quietly, “You lied about what you were doing, where you were going… and you knew I didn’t want anyone to know.”

She walked down the stairs and sat in a chair opposite him. He kept his eyes down on his hands, not wanting to look at her.

“I betrayed you… I’m sorry. I just-I know you had been feeling guilty about how you left, and I wanted to help you… I couldn’t bare seeing you so torn up, even when you tried to hide it. I can tell when you think about those things.” She sobbed again, “It was wrong of me to go find her and talk to her… I betrayed you and I can’t be forgiven for that.”

She got up and made to run back upstairs. Without thinking Severus pulled her back to him and hugged her tight, keeping his eyes closed while his tears dried. She placed her arms around him and hugged back, burying her head in his shoulder.

“Do you still want to marry me?” her voice was quiet and trembled.

Severus smiled and hugged her tighter, “I do.”

~~~ * ~~~ * ~~~ * ~~~ * ~~~

Chapter List

<– Last Chapter

#pro snape #snapeloveposts #severus snape x reader #severus snape x you #severus x reader #severus x you #snape x reader #snape x you #snape x fem!reader #snapedom #snape fanfic #snape fanfiction #snape appreciation month #snape appreciation month 2020 #severus snape #severus #snape

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inkmemes · 4 years ago

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happy endings ( 2011-2013 ) sentence starters ↪ taken from various episodes. alter as you see fit.

“if mary tyler moore married and then divorced steven tyler, then married and divorced michael moore, then got into a three way lesbian marriage with demi moore and mandy moore, would she go by the name mary tyler moore tyler moore moore moore?”

“you're like kathy bates but fatter!”

“she has to read my energy in person. don't you know how science works?”

“i've got to get my life together.”

"when you say it out loud like that it just really sinks in, like when i found out gossip girl was a guy.”

“[name], you're acting extra nuts, and i'm not talking about ‘mistaking the teaspoon with tablespoon’ kinda nuts. i'm talking about ‘mel gibson downing a 5 hour energy and showing up at a bar mitzvah’ kinda nuts.”

"nobody solves things through tennis matches anymore bro; it's not the 80s.”

"i wouldn't say we spend that much time together, i mean just breakfast 4 or 5 times a week before work.”

"you are great together. jay and bey great.”

“tampa is not a place you go; it's a place you end up.”

"well, as the author of several dozen cries for help, i know a good one when i hear one.”

"i don't have to be in charge, even though it's better when i am.”

“excuse me, i don't normally do this. but you have the hair of a greek shipping magnate's worthless son.”

"i got dumped by a girl in high school, licked my wounds, got way into anime and moved on.”

"she's not even instagramming anymore. she hasn't posted a picture of an appetizer all week.”

"hey forgetti and meatballs! jason bourne called and said he remembers more stuff than you.”

"could you bring me a dress that's a little more affordable like maybe one from last season or one that somebody died in?”

"you need a dirtbag and luckily enough for you my middle name is herbert and i'm a dirtbag.”

"you look like an assistant manager at a jacksonville multiplex.”

"i mean, you practically begged me to do it by begging me not to do it. in fact sir, i would like an apology. i am hurt. i am deeply hurt that you do not know me well enough to know that i would screw this up for you.”

"you lightly bite one security guard and they act like you're a criminal!”

“i can't believe anyone voluntarily decided to marry [name]. i mean, she's a disaster of a human woman, am i right?”

“[name] you son of a bitch, you're as innocent as you are stunning.”

“we're not even. and when it comes, my revenge will be served like the tennis serve of a seventh grade girl. slow, out of bounds, and i will pull balls out of my skirt.”

"i’m rich! i'm no longer the poor one! i'm not sharing this with any of you. you're all dead to me.”

"imagine a world where your friends don't exist ... who would we hang out with?”

"it's going to be an awesome night!”

“[name], you do not have disposable income when you owe us $11,000 and three cats.”

"the only orlando i like starts with tony or ends with bloom.”

"usually rebranding doesn't work. look at kfc. i’m sorry guys but you will always been kitchen fresh chicken to me.”

“that's right, i'm straight now. from this moment forward, it's gonna be a steady diet of boobs and dudes, dammit. i am not longer interested in men, i am only interested in mankind. from this moment forward it will be a steady diet will be chicks with d...ammit. i love guys. my favorite thing to touch is va-penis.”

“honestly i haven't been too into music since smashmouth left the game.”

"when did we all turn against mayer?”

“hat would kerry washington do in scandal? demand to see the president and then almost make out with him.”

"wow, that's what 275 pounds of lonely looks like.”

"i once saw you put sunscreen on a grape because you didn't want it to become a raisin.”

"easy breezy vibe? i thought you had more of a dead of winter, girl with the dragon tattoo, skarsgaard murderhouse vibe.”

“i was wrong about coldplay though, they're still huge.”

“sShe's like crazy stupid love crazy, not like people who loved crazy stupid love crazy, i mean she's not a psycho.”

"i think it's amazing, i want no part of it.”

"he could be your soul mate, your kindred spirit, your one tree hill.”

"a fist bump is a sacred contract between the fists of men.”

"we were still reeling from the events surrounding the film vanilla sky.”

"i need some hand sani for my face.”

"you look like the olsen twins’ brother larry kate olsen.”

"man, i love the workplace. fluorescent lighting, stale coffee, and the sweet sound of men quoting classic comedies.”

"it's like a slinky with breasts.”

"my prom date was one of those murderball champions.”

"the guys wanted me, and the girls wanted to be me.”

"i’m ellen. i feel like if i’m gonna be a lesbian i might as well go straight to the top!”

“[name], why are you dressed like josh brolin from the goonies?”

“the pinot and the pants are flowing, the brie is a-baking, it's time to stop waiting and start exhaling.”

“my skin is so dry it has a british accent.”

"i love to hear the sound of bones crunching.”

"the doctor said you're lucky you're still alive.”

"every choice you make in your life about everything is monumentally wrong.”

"you've been cooped up here way too long. you're starting to ‘rear window’ and make stuff up.”

“[name], what was so important that you had to call me over here? i was right in the middle of doing nothing.”

"i can't believe [name] is a better person than you.”

"i wouldn't turn my nose up to dating a mugger, they're entrepreneurs.”

"i’d rather be surprised by a disappointment than happy with what i expected. it's why i never ask if a pool is heated.”

"give me that knife and like me more!”

"tv really is nature's babysitter.”

"only you would spend hundreds of dollars to get a free 99 cent food item.”

“you're sweating on my bruschetta.”

#rp meme #rp sentence meme #rp sentence starters #sentence meme #sentence starters

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artificialqueens · 4 years ago

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Taking Advantage of The Moment (Max-centric; Max/Jaidynn if you squint) - Puppy

A/N: Hello, folks. I have posted things for writethehousedown, but this is my first time on AQ. After seeing/posting the Groundhog Day prompt, I wanted to take on the challenge. I’ve always been fascinated with time loops, so heck. Here we go. Max and Jaidynn’s relationship here can be seen as either platonic or romantic.

TW: Panic/anxiety attack

Summary: Max Malanphy finds herself reliving her elimination day over and over and over and over again.

Max solemnly rolled her bags out of the workroom for the- who knows how many times it was at this point. She understood completely what the universe was trying to tell her.

Was her runway not up to standards as other times? Yes. Was her Snatch Game performance questionable at best and terrible at worst? Well, she was literally near her last possible choice since producers disapproved of her first few choices. If only this stretched to yesterday, the grey lady thought to herself, I could’ve thrown in a line about Party City or something like that… She had already accepted that she lost the lip-sync against Jaidynn too. She was a damn good performer and 80s’ R&B wasn’t generally in Max’s repertoire. So why the hell was this still happening?

Perhaps she’d sleep on it, but that was useless. She’d wake back up on the same day. It seems she had lost count of the many things she had tried to do to finally fly back home. 

~~~

“This seems a little familiar… repetitive even…” Max approached Violet with some caution.

“You’re the one getting read about your wigs, and you talk to me about repetitive?” The one-of-a-kind collectable joked, or at least attempted to. She was still getting used to the whole ‘bring a warmer person’ thing.

“Shouldn’t I have gone home already?”

Violet tilted her head in slight confusion. “What do you mean? I think it was Kandy’s time and…” she beckoned Max to lean down so she could whisper into her ear. “You didn’t hear it from me, but your Merle Ginsberg… wasn’t that bad last week.”

Max’s fears were assuaged until she got on the runway. The brightness of the lights and the tightness of the corset creeped back into play. She once found herself asking to loosen her outfit and sitting at the edge of the stage. Yep, she was reliving the moment that sent her home.

~~~

Around the fourth or seventh time she had been eliminated, Max had practically memorized the backstage conversations. “Well, now we know what she really sounds like!” Ginger joked, prompting a fit of laughter and a punch to the arm. Max hoped to have hit her face, but she wasn’t that far gone yet.

She once attempted to shed her purported prudish nature in another loop. She started conversations about what she once deemed vulgar, but all she had got was strange looks and reminders she was sharing too much information. She didn’t speak again until critiques. 

Immediately after (or was it two times after?), she had tried her best to be the friend that everyone needed. She’d help with outfits and accompanied Fame and Katya as extra moral support. Among the sewing and helping others with makeup, she barely had time for herself. The moment she stepped onto the runway, she barely put on a face of makeup and nearly fainted from lack of energy. Thankfully, she woke back up in her hotel room and last night’s pajamas.

The most recent loop was just spent in utter silence. Max had just… broke. She dared not speak or respond to anyone. She had choked back inaudible tears everywhere she went that day until the runway. As she was sweating under the lights, she prayed that she would pass out again. The voices in her head overpowered anything that she wanted to come out of her mouth. The ones constantly nagged at her for every decision she made on that show.

In an attempt to direct her attention away from those voices, her focus shifted elsewhere. This elsewhere unfortunately was drilled on the various sets of eyes staring at her, and the thousands more who would see it once it was edited and aired to the public. How many people would consider this some stunt? They’d probably think she was crazy or delusional.

She’d whisk herself back to Oz in times like this to cope, but it didn’t work. Any time she’d try, she would be trapped in the Witch’s castle near the crystal ball. “Auntie Em, I’m frightened…” Max whispered to herself as she slowly got back up. Hopefully the tear stains would have dried out of the corset by the time.

Max remained silent backstage. She knew what the judges’ verdicts were going to be; why bother discussing them? The outcome was the same yet again. She’d pack, she’d sleep, she’d wake up to walk the runway yet again.

As she woke up yet again, a thought crossed her mind. All of her attempts to actively change the situation ended up making things worse. The day kept repeating. Max got up out of bed and stared at her reflection. Had she been too much in her head? She chuckled; if she was that far in her, Fame probably would have gotten the joke by now. The queen took a deep breath in and vowed this. Go through the day as it was any other. Don’t make any drastic changes, Maxie. If you do, just… have them be small and insignificant. Try to make someone happy. The grey lady sighed and officially got ready for yet another loop of the same day. If this was the last, that would make her one extremely happy person. If it wasn’t, she would go back to trying… maybe ask Violet for a cincher this time.

~~~

“You’re done early,” Ginger noticed Max from her peripherals.

“Well, I’ve basically worn the same face since I’ve been here, so I guess practice amounts to shaving off a few minutes.” Max retorted as she admired herself a little longer. Her red contacts stared back at her: the leather-bound black widow. She laughed at her own little joke. The other girls couldn’t possibly know what that little comment also meant. The queen hummed a show tune to herself as she waited until filming started.

Being done this early felt so surreal, almost voyeuristic. The now black-haired lady stared among the workroom, eyeing her little corner of the room in particular: the various wigs and looks she wasn’t going to bring to the public. Perhap she could use this time to start packing again; there was no need to delay the inevitable. She let out a sigh as she stared at her belongings.

“Hey, girl. You seem a bit out of it today.” Max was shaken out of her reverie and looked down at the shorter queen.

“It’s nothing, really,” Max lied, but saw that there was no use doing so. For all she knew Jaidynn was going to forget it the next time this happened; telling her wouldn’t hurt. In fact, it was cathartic for the tall one. “Never mind.. It has felt a little strange. Ever since I’ve been here, it’s been as if I was in a dream and I still haven’t quite woken up yet. Speaking of… I’ve probably already asked you this, but can you pinch me?”

“Did you get enough sleep last night?” Ever concerned, Jaidynn leaned against the wall and attempted to hold her friend’s hand.”I think this may have been the first time we saw each other today.”

“I’ve been reliving this day for gods know how long. Sleep is the least of my worries.”

“Have you actually done so or is this just ‘Max language’ for something else? I get that filming has been repetitive and it’s all routine, but I doubt that you’re going through some Bill Murray shit.” Max had a tendency to speak entirely in metaphor; Jaidynn and others on set knew that first hand. When she spoke, she often spoke in terms of Oz and werewolves when she wasn’t giving sage advice. When she wasn’t inside of her head, she was off in another world where magic is real and nothing can go wrong. Thank goodness she had folks who could snap her back to reality.

Max nodded her head as she then eyed Fame and Katya in another corner of the room, silently mumbling along to their conversation to prove her point.

“Damn, girl. That sounds pretty cool. It would definitely come in handy. You could improve on your looks and save yourself if you were ever on the bottom.”

Max widened her eyes, not wanting to say too much. She already violated her mission by confiding in Jaidynn. “I’ve already done so much. What else is there to do?” Before she could say anything more, a PA had come in telling them to line up. “Shall we continue this later?”

Before they knew it, the arduous hours of judging had passed yet again and the critiqued queens headed backstage. “Did.. did that happen every time? You sounded good” Jaidynn asked about the corset mishap. All Max could do was nod her head and laugh.

“Sometimes, I’d switch up the song,” she whispered back and giggled. “I remember I did ‘Over the Rainbow’ one night… ‘The Man That Got Away’ another… One night, I think I-”

“The accent…”

“What about it?”

“You lost it for a second there.”

“I- I did?” Max shouldn’t have been surprised, but she just stopped for a second. It felt strange, having slipped out of this persona she had made for herself after having maintained it for filming and then some, but also freeing too. It was as if a giant weight had been lifted off her shoulders. “Didn’t even realize.” She laughed a little louder than she normally did, garnering more attention that she usually got. Max and Jaidynn joined the other girls with smiles on their faces and an underlying sense of uncertainty.

Sitting with her fellow castmates wasn’t the best thing in the world. There was no doubt that Max Malanaphy was an introverted figure. When they were normally congregated backstage, she would be among them, but barely contribute. Her comfort zone could only extend so far. She’d often flock where Violet or Pearl were, so she could talk about her day and how the other queens acted towards her, but that was the longest she’d have a conversation. The constant loops had certainly made things easier for the young lady. The only time she broke away from the conversation was to practice the song with Jaidynn.

“You really don’t have to do this, Max. I mean… you have the song down better than me at this point.” The Nashville queen remarked, taking a headphone out of one ear.

Max blushed a little at the remark and bounced the curls of her wig with one hand. “Don’t puff me up too much, dear; I wouldn’t want to send you home tonight,” She awkwardly laughed afterwards. “I’d still very much want it to be an even playing field… or as even as possible considering circumstances.” Jaidynn popped the earbud back in and they continued to listen together, mostly in peace and quiet. The song looped on repeat until the five minute warning came around once again.

“You ready?”

“As I’ll ever be.”

“What happens after this?” Jaidynn started as she was lining back up. “I’m gonna forget all this ever happened, I guess…”

Max was shaken by the suddenness of the statement. She had never really considered the implications of Jaidynn’s situation. This whole day would be meaningless “I mean it depends… I might go through the wringer again.” Her cadence suddenly began to speed back up to an alarming pace. “The outcomes of the lip sync might change but it does not seem likely at the moment because I’m pretty sure Michelle hates me and they’d want me out as soon as possible but who knows, it might be a double sashay or a double shantay or I might win or no one wins or-” She stopped herself yet again, but her breathing became much more erratic. Now wasn’t the time for yet another breakdown.

Jaidynn attempted to cup her tall fishy friend’s face, but settled for squeezing her hand. It would have looked ridiculous due to their sizes. “Look at me,” she started as Max crouched to her height. “No matter what happens, you’re gonna kick ass. I’ve seen you, girl, and you’re a badass performer. You’ll turn it out.”

“The Shakespeare challenge…” Max’s eyes widened as she realized what Jaidynn had just said.

“What about it?”

“You used my own encouragement against me!”

“Y-yeah.. I figured it’d help.”

“And it did.” Max curtsied and kissed the back of the hand Jaidynn was still holding before throwing herself into a hug. “It’s just… I- I’ll make sure you won’t forget me.”

“Do you promise?”

“I swear.” That was the last thing Max had said before the final lip sync.

Like most go-rounds, the outcome was the same. Jaidynn had lived to see another week while Max was sent packing yet again. This time was different; she didn’t feel as defeated as she had previously been. She had said a speech, blown a kiss, then left the stage with as much dignity and grace as she had entered.

It was melancholic seeing the looks that she wouldn’t be able to show the judges, but it wasn’t too bad. She’d probably see them the next day. That was the least of her troubles at that moment. The only thought occupying Max’s mind was Jaidynn. If this was her last tomorrow, how was she going to let her friend know she was safe and that she made it out with a little bit of sanity intact? Before she left the workroom yet again, Max tied the handkerchief that was paired with her final runway look to the end of the table where her friend’s stuff was. She took one hopefully final glance at the workroom and didn’t look back. All she could do was pray that she’d wake up with a phone the next day.

~~~

The next time Max walked into the werk room, she wasn’t alone.

She followed behind the eliminated queens. It was nice seeing everyone again. She apologized to Trixie for saying she’d win it for her, but her college friend laughed it off, saying it wasn’t that big of a deal. It was also quite lovely seeing Sasha and Kasha and Kandy again, as well as Tempest and Jasmine, but something felt missing.

Although she was ultimately paired up with Violet (something she was happy about), she still couldn’t get her mind off of Jaidynn. She was the only person she had trusted with probably the most valuable information of her life. Just seeing her had to have been enough evidence she was back. For all she knew, it could have been a couple more loops since she returned from Jaidynn’s perspective. Memory was a funny thing. For now, she just had to pretend as if her first yesterday was the only time the elimination had happened. There was a possibility of returning to the competition tonight.

“I think you might have forgot this.” Max put part of her corset down and looked up at a familiar face. There Jaidynn was with the little black shawl in her hand. She maintained herself the best that she could, but it didn’t last much longer. The tall queen hugged Jaidynn as hard as she could.

“Thank you…” Max whispered as a few tears started to form. “Thank you, darling, for everything.”

#rpdr fanfiction #max malanaphy #jaidynn diore fierce #ginger minj #jaidynn x max #angst #hurt/comfort #fluff #canon compliant #on set fic #groundhog day au #s7 #taking advantage of the moment #puppy #tw panic attack #rare pair

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thesevillereport · 4 years ago

Text

In Focus: GameStop

There may be no better feeling for a business owner than seeing a large demographic start to shift in your favor. For example, a company that specializes in faux fur or faux leather couches had to be excited when more of the society started to care about the treatment of animals and nature. Chipotle's market value increased as more Americans became health conscious, and began to question and analyze what they ate.

For video game companies the numbers started to look really really good in the early 2000s. At that time, a population of people who started playing video games on the Nintendo Entertainment System back in the 80s were beginning to graduate college and enter the "real world." A good portion of that generation, Generation X, still played video games, and now they were going to be able to financially support their own gaming habits. No more relying on mom and dad for games.

This was going to be a huge windfall of profits for gaming companies. My self for instance, by the mid 2000s, I could comfortably afford to purchase a few brand new games a month, and maybe more if I decided to cut back on something. Gaming companies were looking forward to this, and it's continued growth as more young adults stayed connected to gaming. GameStop (GME)

created a hiccup in the grand plan of the gaming companies by allowing gamers to buy and trade pre-owned games.

If you aren't aware of how it works, a customer walks into GameStop a week or two after a game is released, and asks for that game title, the GameStop employee by default sells them a pre-owned version of that game, unless the customer specifically requests a new game.

Through GameStop, brand new games were bought, played, and then sold back to GameStop. GameStop would then resell the game for a profit to another gamer, and the gaming companies only saw money from the first sale of their brand new game. To couple insult with injury, for game titles that were really in demand, GameStop would sell those used titles for only slightly less than the cost of a brand new copy.

GameStop circumvented billions of dollars from gaming manufacturers. Instead of someone like me buying two new games a month, I was often buying two used games a month, and only buying a new game when I was compelled to play a game right away, which wasn't often, because the real world left me with little time for gaming.

Operation Get Them The F*ck Out of Here

By the late 2000s and early 2010s the gaming companies had had enough of GameStop. As the Xbox One and PS4 were in the works, one of the issues both Microsoft (MSFT) and Sony (SNE) took on together was how to stop or slow the pre-owned game market.

The easy answer was to stop producing physical games, and instead just make everything digital. That ideal at the time would have mimicked the music industry, which had seen CDs all but disappear, but video games are much larger files than a full length Jay-Z album, and digital storage was getting cheaper, but it wasn't cheap at that time. Also, the internet infrastructure was still sketchy in many places around the world, and not everyone had access to high speed internet. A full game download over a bad internet connection could take hours to complete.

Microsoft flirted with an idea of a digital lock that would bound one game to one system, making it impossible for the game to be played on any other system after it was played on and matched to its host system.

Essentially, the GameStop problem was solved by gaming companies creating downloadable content or DLC. Now gaming companies sell to consumers what they say is a completed game, but then charges the consumer to make character upgrades or obtain tools that can make the game play easier or more fun. DLCs are purchased while playing the game, and have allowed game companies to get even more money out of consumers ($60 to purchase the game, and then more money spent on DLC), and it's caused gamers to keep games longer, because DLCs can extend the life of a game by adding difference levels and challenges, which again, the gamer has to pay for to access.

In addition to the DLC, the rise of smartphone gaming has been a thorn in the side of GameStop. Also, digital space is now the cheapest it's ever been, making digitally distributed games an option for gamers. Both Sony and Microsoft's newest consoles come in versions especially made for digitally distributed games. In these models, there is no CD drive to insert a physical game.

DLC, mobile gaming, and digitally distributed games together has been able severely hurt GameStop's stock price. In late 2013 the stock was trading above $55 per share, and it entered 2020 trading at under $6 per share, an 89% drop in a little over six years.

GameStop 2021

Today it appears GameStop's stock has gotten it's swagger back. The stock closed last week at $65.01, it even halted trading on Friday January 22, 2021 due to the volatility in the stock. Traders ran the stock up to as high as $77 per share on the day.

The GameStop's hype started last summer when Chewy (CHWY) co-founder Ryan Cohen's investment firm RC Ventures bought a 9% stake in GameStop. In the past week Cohen secured a board seat at GameStop, which played a big part in the week long rally in GameStop's stock.

Cohen helped build Chewy into a real player in the pet care space, which prompted PetSmart to acquire the company for over $3 billion. Investors are looking to Cohen to do it again, but this time with GameStop.

There's also a massive short squeeze that played out, that also contributed to the rocket-like rise in GameStop's stock price. The short squeeze occurred when investors who were short GameStop had to buy the stock to cover their positions as the stock price started increasing. The rapid buying of GME by short sellers to cut losses or prevent bigger losses helped to drive the stock price higher. A Barron's article suggests that GameStop short sellers have lost nearly $3 billion betting against the stock in 2021, ouch.

My Concern

My concern about the newfound love for GameStop centers around the company's problem, and what investors believe is GameStop's problem. Chewy has been applauded for its ability to survive against Amazon (AMZN)

(It's too early to say they've beaten Amazon). Because GameStop is considered a brick-and-mortar retailer, I believe investors see Amazon as the problem, which is understandable because Amazon is the problem for most brick-and-mortar retailers. Unfortunately, Amazon is not GameStop's biggest problem, and I say unfortunately because GameStop's problem is much bigger.

GameStop is disliked by the gaming industry. They're the partner none of the other partners care for. EA, Sony, Microsoft, Ubisoft, TakeTwo, Activision, they all win big with GameStop gone. With GameStop as we know it now gone, the plan I discussed earlier goes back into motion, and video game playing adults are back to buying new games all of the time, with a few going to eBay for pre-owned games. How does Cohen and his firm fix this issue?

Personally I'm out on this one, I'll watch it all play out from the sidelines. We won big shorting GameStop back in 2017, but I'm not ready to short it here. Investors should beware here at $65 per share. If you believe you see a solid pathway towards success for GameStop, and you believe that pathway leads to the company being worth more than $4 billion, then by all means, invest a way. To me, at this price level, it feels that the best possible plans for GameStop have already been incorporated into the stock price, not leaving much value to invest in at this time.

#stocks #Investing #GameStop #Gaming #VideoGames #Money #StockMarket #WallStreet #eSports

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andrea-lyn · 5 years ago

Note

Okay, so hear me out. I've been having a whole ass moment over some of my 80's faves and would probably die of glee if I can get a terminator style prevent the apocalypse by saving your life fic where Alex is the battle hardened soldier sent back in time to save the clueless dumbass who is also brilliant enough to save the world scientist Michael.

Man, I knew this one was gonna be long, but I did not have any idea. Probably going to end up writing more out of this one, because I’m predictable.

He is Alex Manes.

Months ago, he had been nothing more than a T-1001 model that had been sitting in Dr. Guerin’s lab, awaiting upgrades. Dr. Guerin had installed him with a chip and explained that he would continue to adapt and learn. He had accepted this, confirming his understanding, and then had accepted his purpose to learn, adapt, and exist in this small bunker.

Skynet is still out there, and they want Dr. Guerin dealt with, because he’s the only mind that can develop something that could bring them to their knees.

Michael Guerin. His creator.

He had been given the choice of many names and of those options, had selected this one for himself. He’s to be called Alex Manes, and it’s his choice. Michael had pat him on the back, brushing his thumb against the line of his shoulder blades, and Alex thought to himself that humanity’s need for affection is a simple thing, but one he can learn.

He grows and learns more.

He learns to seek out those touches. He assists Dr. Guerin in his experiments and allows him to run baseline tests. They take meals together, even though Alex doesn’t require sustenance. They indulge in late night conversations while they play chess together.

Alex grows fond of Michael Guerin, at the same time as his software adapts and develops to become more sentient and human-like.

“What’s it like?”

Michael looks up from where he’s working on a new model, though it doesn’t look similar to Alex. Michael’s designs all have a unique body and face, because he wants to give them personalities and sentience, to allow them to be without having to look at a clone of one’s self. “Gotta be a lot more specific here, Alex.”

“Falling in love.”

Alex is sure that he’s experiencing new amorous emotions towards Michael. His software changes and adapts by the day, but what he finds is that there’s something new developing that he can’t put a name to.

When Michael looks up at him in the middle of his experiments and smiles, a warmth overcomes him. The confident touch of Michael’s fingers through his grey curls as he settles in with a drink for the night coaxes fondness in Alex, and a desire to settle in with him, on his lap. The way he says Alex’s name, the way he trusts him with his secrets, and the simple fact that he’d given him life are all things that tangle together like a Gordian knot that only grows with each passing day.

There is a truth hiding within it that Alex is finally beginning to comprehend: Alex is a machine in love with his creator.

Michael looks fascinated by the concept. “You think you could fall in love?”

“I don’t think it.” Alex is sure of that much. He holds Michael’s gaze, allowing the unspoken implication to carry between them.

Michael looks away, clearing his throat. “I’m sure you’re misinterpreting the signals coming from your processing chip.”

It’s a long-winded way of Michael trying to rationalize away Alex’s feelings, but Alex knows better than to argue. Michael doesn’t believe him, but love isn’t about belief. Even though he’s only beginning to understand it, he knows this much.

The topic isn’t brought up again.

Michael continues to educate him about world history and what happened to make it come crumbling to its knees. Alex learns about Skynet and Michael’s history with them, when he’s not learning about early 1980’s rock music, glam-rock-punk, scientific theories, and Michael’s own brand of odd hobbies, like collecting old vintage model cars and putting them together.

Alex lifts up an old Ford Coupe and gives him an amused smile. “Is this what you do when the machines are too complicated?” he teases.

Michael rolls his eyes, but snatches the model car out of his hand. “You tease, but it’s a good way to destress, like programmers have a rubber duck.”

Alex’s informational banks have nothing on that, which is why Michael launches into yet another story.

He learns in leaps and bounds. Within months, Alex is nothing like the machine that had first been given consciousness. He feels more human than machine, even if there are parts of him that are still being developed. Michael’s only just installed his contacts so his eyes don’t glow red, and because they can’t go out into the world freely, the skin grafts Michael has been working on don’t cover his whole body.

Yet, this little existence is hardly one that Alex minds.

He’s here with the man he loves. There’s nothing about it that Alex would trade.

Then, one day, the sky falls down.

Alex had been in the middle of rearranging Michael’s model cars, making sure they’re in the right order when he hears the whistle from above. “Michael!” he shouts. “Down!”

It’s too late. His warning hadn’t been early enough before the bunker crumbles with the force of a missile from the sky.

It’s the invasion they’ve been wary of. Out there in the world, the machines that Michael has been making are trying to stand up against the enemy, but their resistance is small and futile. They’re no match for the onslaught of the force that Skynet is bringing to bear. Within hours, everything beneath their feet will be reduced to rubble.

Someone out there has turned on them and given up their location.

While Alex has been learning about love and fondness and trust, some of Michael’s other creations must have discovered cowardice.

“Alex, run,” Michael insists, his eyes panicked. His grey curls fall in his eyes, and Alex looks upon his creator with confusion. He’s a machine. Despite their conversations about love and what Alex might feel, Michael must know that deep down, he’s still only a machine and will survive the bunker falling in on them.

Yet, he wants Alex to survive and intends to put his own life before Alex’s. Alex strides forward, intent on getting them both out of there. He reaches for Michael to pick him up and take him out of there when his hand slides through a sticky substance.

Blood.

Michael’s chest is covered in blood, and when he looks down, he sees a bullet-wound that’s entered his chest. Skynet hadn’t been content to simply crash in the bunker, they’d made sure to take Michael out with a single shot during the chaos, so that Alex couldn’t stand between the rifle and Michael’s body.

“Michael,” Alex exhales his name, his chest aching like it, too, might cave in.

It’s a terrible time for him to learn about grief.

“Alex, please. Go. Escape. You need to save the world.”

It’s the last thing he says before Michael Guerin’s heart stops, the blood from his body beginning to sluggishly slow, no longer coating any more of the remaining pieces of the bunker.

Collecting Michael’s body into his arms, Alex collapses on the ground and rocks back and forth, his cheeks wet with a strange substance. It’s only later that he realizes that he’s crying for the first time, and that it’s a symptom of his grief. He knows that he’d been in love, but to lose Michael when the entire world could have been theirs to save is an awful thing.

Alex doesn’t go anywhere. He doesn’t escape. He doesn’t even think about saving the world, because if he’s not doing it with Michael, then what’s the point of doing it at all?

He spends the next few weeks inside Michael’s bunker evaluating his options. Michael’s last wish had been immensely clear. He wants Alex to escape and to avenge his death. Michael Guerin had been the world’s foremost mind in strategy and evaluating the best steps forward for the future. He’d invented numerous weapons and machines to fight Skynet. He’d also invented something smarter than him, then given him emotions.

Alex doesn’t want to avenge Michael’s death.

He wants to prevent it.

Three weeks after the bunker came crashing down, Alex amasses all the supplies he needs. He puts on Michael’s leather jacket and sunglasses, equips himself with as many weapons as he can possibly put on his body, and then cobbles together Michael’s technology to send him back thirty years in the past, just as Skynet made their first assault.

He needs to go back to before Michael had invented any of his robots, and before Alex Manes fell in love with his creator and all the equipment he requires is within this bunker.

Michael wants him to protect the world, but as far as Alex is concerned, there is no world without Michael for him.

It takes him one more week, but then Alex has cracked it.

The portal that stands between him and the past glows furiously bright amidst the wreckage of their old lab. Dressed in Michael’s clothes, ready for a war, Alex steps towards it with a singular goal in mind.

Go back in time, find Michael Guerin, and make sure he lives.

Right now, with nothing left but a mission, Alex can allow himself to be more a machine than a human. Until he’s sure that Michael is safe, he locks away any shred of humanity that might be lingering, knowing that it’s a liability. It had allowed him to grow complacent in the future and had brought the sky falling down around them.

He won’t make that mistake again.

The machine in front of Michael collapses, dies in a shower of sparks, and confirms his fears that prototype five isn’t going to work.

“Fuck,” he says, because he’s starting to lose hope when it comes to his designs.

At twenty-seven, he’s beginning to think that he’s chosen the wrong path and that for all his mechanical engineering genius, it won’t matter if he can’t even assemble a simple machine. He sweeps at the parts with his foot to get them out of the way, glumly staring at the empty table in front of him as he decides what he’s going to try next.

He should give up.

That’s the message, right?

If at first you don’t succeed, try and try again. If by the twentieth time, you don’t succeed, then you should give the fuck up.

Michael collapses back into a chair, grabbing a bottle of beer so he can stare at the screws and bolts, wondering if he’s ever going to figure it out. He finishes the beer and doesn’t have an answer, so instead, he throws it into the nearby can and starts the next, because it’s easier than actually facing the existential question of what he’s doing with his life.

He’s three beers in when things get weird.

There’s a spark nearby, then a portal seems to come out of nowhere, and all of a sudden, Michael’s not alone.

He jumps to his feet in a haphazard, clumsy way, eyes widening as he looks at the other man, who turns to dismantle the portal, all those sparks of lightning and energy vanishing.

“How,” starts Michael. “What…? Who?”

“Doctor,” says the attractive man standing in front of his Airstream.

Michael gapes, not sure what the hell is going on. For one, he’s not even halfway through his doctorate. Secondly, where the hell did this guy come from, if not his dreams? He’s wearing sunglasses and a leather jacket, looking effortlessly cool and calm, and hot. Fuck, the guy is hot. His hair is artfully mussed, almost like it had been arranged that way with careful precision, and he stands with confidence, head tipped to the side to study him.

Man, he really needs to lay off the booze in the middle of the day.

It’s almost a shame he’s definitely got the wrong place. “Sorry,” he says, turning to lock up the lab behind him, in the abandoned storage container, because he might be hot, but he’s still a stranger and he doesn’t want to invite any trouble to his work. “No doctors here.”

“Dr. Michael Guerin,” the man says, a little sharper. “Born in Roswell, New Mexico. Adopted from the group home at seven, nine, ten, and thirteen by different families. IQ of 187,” he lists, “former relationships with Maria DeLuca, Andrew Epps, and Catarina Cortez.” There’s something in his voice that sounds brittle and annoyed, almost like jealousy, which is wild considering Michael would remember if he’d somehow ensnared a male model like this.

“Look, buddy,” Michael says, heatedly, because he doesn’t like the presumptuous tone that he should know him. “I’m in the middle of my doctorate, and I don’t know you, so you can stop the stalker act anytime.”

“My name is Alex Manes. I’m from the future,” he says, “and I’m here to save your life, Doctor.” As he speaks, he’s wandering around the scrapyard like he’s checking for traps, but comes to a stop near Michael’s Airstream, almost like he’s been shot.

Michael frowns, not sure what it is that could’ve made him stop like that, but when he approaches, he can see that Alex is looking at Michael’s measly little model car collection. Right now, there’s some glue on the table next to a Porsche, and a half-finished Ford Coupe. “They’re just toys,” he says dismissively.

“Can I hold this one?” he asks, holding up the Ford.

Michael waves a hand, not caring. “I can glue it back together, just don’t smash it to pieces.”

“I’d never,” Alex vows softly.

Michael’s not sure why these cars have got Alex so emotional, but hey, who the hell is he to know about people from the future? He shakes his head dismissively, crossing his arms as he decides that he needs to go back to what he’d said earlier.

“Go back to the save my life part,” he says. “What, do I eat too many burgers and my cholesterol gives me a heart attack?” There are so many other questions he wants to ask, namely about the technology that allowed Alex to come back in time, and who he is that he would come back for him. “Or was it an old boyfriend or girlfriend? I knew my talents in the bedroom would come back to haunt me someday.”

Alex isn’t laughing at any of it.

Tough crowd.

“There’s an organization that becomes sentient, around this time,” he says. “Skynet.”

“Never heard of it. You sure Google didn’t just develop feelings?”

“You need to stop joking about this,” Alex says sharply.

Michael raises both hands to show that he’s done joking around, even if he’s not sure that he believes any of this just yet. “Okay,” he says. “Then how about you tell me why I need to be worried about these guys?

He settles back in the chair, but doesn’t grab another beer.

Alex pushes the sunglasses to the top of his head and stands in front of Michael in a soldier-like stance as he begins to detail a horrific-sounding history about the end of the world, with nuclear missiles sending them back into the dark ages, allowing a new strain of sentient technology to rise to rule. It sounds barbaric and awful, especially the loss of life levels that Alex is talking about.

By the end, Michael’s stomach is sick with the thought of that world, and he’s not sure what he’s supposed to do about any of this.

“So why me? Why do they want me?”

“Because you’re the only man that can stop them, now or then. I suspect you’re already being watched,” Alex says. “You need to come with me, if you want to live. Grab your things, pack a bag, and we need to go.”

“What?” Michael sputters. “My inventions are here, I have whole labs and research, I have people in Roswell that I care about! I can’t just go!”

“You have to,” Alex insists, an edge of panic in his voice. “Michael, if I don’t protect you now, then the future won’t change. Then you’re going to…”

Oh.

Michael is beginning to understand this. He’s even beginning to understand the panic in Alex’s voice. Whatever reason he might have come back for, he cares about Michael’s well-being, even if he’s not framing it like that. He glances to the lab, then to his Airstream. He’s always thought that he’s done a decent job keeping himself off the grid, but if he’d been found by Alex, then who’s to say that those other things aren’t hot on his tail.

“How long can I have to pack up?”

“Thirty minutes. I’ll help,” Alex says evenly, and the sunglasses slide back into place. “Take only what you need. I’ll make sure that we find a place where you can continue your projects.”

Michael nods and heads inside to grab two duffel bags. He shoves in a few clothes, but his project materials far outweigh anything else. He adds in some water, a few pieces of food, but locks away the chips, materials, and technology that he needs the most if he’s still going to create the incredible things that he wants to.

“Okay, I’m ready,” Michael says, locking down his last box of things.

Alex lifts his hand, the model car still in it. “Almost ready,” he corrects.

Michael reaches out for it, his fingers brushing against Alex’s, feeling the warmth there. “Right,” he says, not sure why this means so much to Alex, but it is another piece of evidence in the mounting pile of it, as to why Alex cares so much. He unzips his bag and carefully puts the models in, along with the glue in case he wants to keep building them.

“Phone,” Alex says, when Michael finishes up.

Michael absolutely doesn’t want to give it up, but he does as he’s told.

Unsurprisingly, Alex pries out the SIM card and then smashes it to bits on the ground. “Anything they can use to track you needs to be left behind. Is there anything else that will send them after us?”

“No,” Michael guarantees. “But someone’s going to check on me eventually. They’ll raise the alarm, and then more people will come looking.”

“We’ll leave a message on the way, tell them you’ve gone on vacation somewhere East.”

“And where are we actually going?”

Alex grabs hold of Michael’s duffels like they weigh nothing at all. “Anywhere else,” he says. “Come on. I’ll load your truck. We need to get moving before they notice that we’re going and put eyes on us.”

Michael watches him go, not sure what the hell to make of this. Somehow, in the future, he’s the man inventing machines that can stop a sentient program ruling the world from completely taking over. Now, someone’s decided to come back for him.

Who the hell is Alex Manes, he wonders, and why does Michael have the strangest feeling about him, almost like he knows him already?

He’s in the driver’s seat of Michael’s truck, waiting for him, and that means that any theories and hypotheses are going to have to wait. Alex leans heavily on the horn, his impatience practically radiating off him, and Michael doesn’t need to see behind the sunglasses to know that he needs Michael to move his ass.

“Coming!” he promises.

Whoever Alex Manes is, he’ll have to figure it out on the move.

This could be a huge mistake, but Michael’s taken smaller leaps of faith for less. If Alex really is here to save his life, Michael intends to give him the benefit of the doubt until proven otherwise.

Alex drives them to a shitty motel twenty miles outside of Roswell. He makes Michael wait in the car while he checks in, nodding towards the room once he’s got the key, then unpacks swiftly before removing the license plates from the truck. Once inside, Michael settles on the creaky bed, bouncing a few times to test it out, all while Alex stands by the door like a watchdog.

“Is that what you’re gonna do all night?” he quips.

“No,” Alex replies calmly. “I’ll be sleeping in bed with you once you’re tired.”

There is only the one bed in the room, but that seems a little forward. “You will, huh?”

“I’m your security. Don’t question me, Doctor, your life depends on it.”

“It’s Michael,” he insists, again, because he’s not a doctor. Not yet. “Call me Michael.”

“I don’t think I can do that, Doctor.”

Is that sarcasm and teasing that Michael hears in his voice? He rolls his eyes, gesturing towards Alex. “If you’re gonna lurk in here, can you at least take the sunglasses off? You’re making me wanna hum a really old song, and I’m not sure how I feel about that.”

Alex scowls, but he removes the sunglasses. “Happy?”

“Sometimes,” Michael quips in return. He doesn’t ask about the jacket, but he kind of likes it. It looks like the kind of thing Michael would wear, his type of fashion. Michael grabs his bag and digs into it for a new shirt. He’s still wearing the one from earlier in the day, but he gestures to it, just to make sure his babysitter is okay with the sudden movement. “I’m allowed, right?” he can’t help sarcastically commenting. As he strips off his shirt, he notices a nervous tic as Alex looks away, almost like he’s embarrassed.

He doesn’t flush, though.

The man is practically impenetrable, Michael thinks. He tugs on a sweater and shoves the dirty t-shirt in another part of his bag, shoving the whole thing on the floor so he can sit on the edge of the bed, eyeing the room and their current situation.

His bag of clothes it at his feet, there’s a man standing guard near the door, and the rest of his things are stacked up in the corner of the motel room, brought in by Alex.

Eventually, he’ll dig into them and start tinkering again to see if he can somehow bridge the gap between his unsuccessful experiments and whatever breakthrough he has to make him a successful inventor in the future. Right now, he leans over for his notebook, frowning when the pencil in the binding rolls to the ground in the process.

“Here,” Alex says, from where it’s rolled over to him, bending to pick it up at the same time as Michael leans down to grab it.

When he’s down there, he sees a glint of something at Alex’s ankle. He moves, cautiously, and falls to his knees to gently tug up the pants, revealing inch by inch of metal on his right leg. It’s not a prosthetic. It’s as if someone had taken the elements of muscle, skin, and bone and broken it into metal and hydraulics, an operating system that allows a machine to move like a human.

“Your leg…” Michael says, not sure what to make of it.

His heart stops in his chest. This is what he’s been working on, but he hasn’t been able to crack. It’s a machine. More than that, Michael is fairly sure that it’s his machine, because even though he hasn’t been able to make it happen in the lab, he recognizes his design. He reaches out tentatively to slide his fingers along the place where human skin is grafted with metal near the knee.

Alex pulls back instinctively, tugging down his pants.

“Why is there nothing covering that?”

“You ran out of materials and it was unsafe to find more,” Alex says calmly.

Michael eases back onto his feet, planting himself on the edge of the bed as he works to process what it is he’s seen, what he’s hearing.

The fact that Alex is a machine is a secondary fact that he’s not paying much mind to. Somehow, that’s not bugging Michael, though he knows he’s going to have a thousand questions about how that can be possible. Alex clearly feels emotion. He’s driven by his own selfish desires. While he’s obviously mechanical with his emotions, he has them.

Whatever genius ideas his future self had, Michael is nowhere near those capabilities, and he finds himself oddly jealous of himself, if such a thing is possible.

“I made you?”

He’s not sure that he needs to ask the question. Alex has come right out and said that. Given the earlier failure, it’s something that seems impossible. Alex is whole and human in a way that Michael can’t even begin to understand. This goes beyond his skills with engineering and broaches into something incredible.

Whatever happens between now and the future, he’s definitely picked up a few new skills.

Alex nods, but he looks reverent and appreciative. There’s something in Michael’s chest bursting to try and get out, and he thinks it’s a combination of elation and pride and relief. He’s not a failure, not if he’s made someone so incredible. Michael had genuinely been fooled until he’d seen the leg.

He’d done that.

How the hell he did, that’s the next question. Instead of focusing on that dilemma, Michael chooses to pick the more short-term problem.

“So, what next?” he asks.

Alex almost looks surprised that Michael’s changed the subject, but the relief is short lived. The steely, neutral expression returns to his face and Michael can only assume he’s running through his database of what needs to happen in order to keep them safe.

“I’m going to use the lobby’s phone to call a few of your contacts,” he says. “Give me their names, I’ll let them know that you’re going on a long vacation.”

“…how?” Michael asks suspiciously.

Then, Alex opens his mouth and without moving, Michael’s voice comes out. “…oh, come on, Alex, you can’t tell me that you’re planning to beat me at chess again.” Michael’s taken aback, blinking, and without pausing, Michael’s voice coming out of Alex’s mouth shifts to something more subdued and serious, continuing: “Hey, it’s me. It’s been hell at work and I know I’ve been stressed, so I thought I’d take some time and disconnect up in Maine, maybe get fresh eyes on my projects.”

Michael’s never said any of that, but it’s coming out of Alex’s mouth like a recording.

“Okay,” Michael finally says, a touch paler for the proof that Alex is absolutely a machine. “You can definitely tell them I’m on vacation,” he says, reaching for a notepad to scribble down Isobel, Max, Liz, and Maria’s names. Between the four of them, he can convince them that he’s gone off the grid to play at being a man of nature.

Sure, it will only work for a while before the alarm is raised, but he suspects that Alex only needs a few days to really get them protected.

“Be careful,” Michael warns when Alex opens the door to leave.

“I’ll be fine, Doctor,” he reassures, adjusting his sunglasses. “Don’t go anywhere.”

Michael scoffs. “What, and leave these fancy digs?” he jokes, pressing his hands into the mattress to bounce a few times, highlighting the squeaky springs on the bed that might just collapse under his weight. “Wouldn’t dream of it.”

Alex closes the door behind him and Michael breathes out slowly as he paces for a while, trying to calm his racing mind.

There’s so much to process and he doesn’t know where to start. His gaze slides to the model cars, then to his notebook, and while his fingers fidget for something to do, he knows he shouldn’t waste all the ideas rattling around in his mind.

Alex comes back while Michael is in the middle of making notations in his book. Even being around Alex for a few hours has given him an onslaught of ideas the likes of which he’s never had before. “We good?” he checks.

“All the messages have been delivered,” Alex confirms. “Your family and friends sounded relieved. I think they’re under the impression that you’re a workaholic.”

“They’re not wrong,” Michael concedes. “It’s less about the work and more about my stubborn inability to let myself fail. Every time I run up against a wall, I keep going, because no one’s gonna push me down and make me a failure, not even my own brain.”

“You’re incredible, Doctor.”

“Michael,” he insists again.

Alex shakes his head, as if he’s not going to give in that easily, and Michael decides that he’s only going to drive himself crazy if he keeps insisting. Maybe it’s best to drop it. If a super-hot self-professed man from the future wants to be kinky and call him by a title he doesn’t have, then so be it.

The day’s been long and truthfully, Michael’s not tired, but if he doesn’t lie down, he’ll never get near sleep. Despite the shitty motel cover, the creaky bedsprings, he’s going to try and go to bed.

Eyeing Alex warily from where he’s sitting, he thinks there’s one last thing he needs to know before he tries.

“Do you sleep?”

“I can mimic it,” Alex confirms. “If that’s what you’d like.”

Michael’s not sure what he wants. “Hey, you do you,” he insists. “But I’m exhausted. I don’t know if you noticed, but it’s been kind of a crazy day with this robot coming back from the future and telling me that he needs to save my life.”

He pulls at the covers, shifting underneath them.

Alex follows, which is strange, and then lies down on the bed as well. When Michael is done getting comfortable, he turns over to find Alex is there too, lying practically on top of him. It’s not that Michael’s never been with anyone, but this is definitely jumping from zero to sixty, even for him. “Hi,” he deadpans.

“Yes?”

“You’re uh, a little close,” Michael feels inclined to point out, because it’s not like there isn’t space. They have a whole queen bed for Alex to sprawl out on, but he’s elected to burrow in this close to Michael, leaving a precise three inches between them.

“It’s for your own safety,” Alex replies calmly.

“So you’re not gonna sleep.”

“I don’t require it. When I replace my battery, I’ll gain all the energy I need.”

“And how often do you do that?”

“You built me with a new, heretofore undiscovered element. It will keep me charged for ten years before it requires a replacement.”

Michael wonders how many replacements he created, his eyes sliding to the bag that Alex had brought back with him.

“There are three in there.”

“And when’s that element get discovered?” he asks.

“You never told me,” Alex says. “I’ll be fine, Doctor. Please. Sleep. You need your rest. There’s much for you to do, even if we are to be trapped here together for the time being.”

Michael lets his gaze slide over Alex’s handsome face. Without the sunglasses on, he can see that he looks so human. There even appear to be wrinkles near his eyes, and there’s a scar on his forehead. Michael wonders if that’s from battle or if he was built that way, but he doesn’t ask.

He brushes his thumb over the scar, holding in his breath, and lets his gaze flicker down to Alex’s lips. There’s a million and one questions he wants to ask about Alex’s programming, his makeup, his system, but for now, Michael slides his thumb down Alex’s temple, and presses his other hand over the space where his heart belongs.

There’s a dull heartbeat, which means he’s given Alex some form of circulatory system, and honestly, his future self seems incredible to Michael. He’s trapped in his own shadow, feeling like he’s drowning in it.

“Go to sleep, Michael,” Alex breathes out.

“That’s my name,” Michael agrees, wildly proud that Alex has actually used it. “And I will. Don’t go anywhere.”

“I wouldn’t.”

Michael closes his eyes, his hand remaining on Alex’s heart as he allows himself to drift off into a half-asleep trance, where he doesn’t dream and he’s not awake, but he’s not entirely sure that he’s anything but paralyzed with exhaustion.

He’s safe. He’s secure.

He’s with Alex.

Waiting with no prospect of a plan has got to be one of the worst forms of torture that Michael’s ever experienced. Alex goes out to get them food and report on the latest news, but he’s been wary about his trips, citing satellite imagery and that once they find him, it’s all over.

“I can’t stay here forever,” Michael complains, when a week has passed in the motel. “If Skynet doesn’t kill me, the shitty drink selection from the pop machine will.”

Alex has been sitting on the bed for the last four hours. He’s been staring at Michael unflinchingly, which has been its own kind of unnerving.

“Can you at least blink?” he demands.

Alex, very pointedly, takes off his sunglasses enough that Michael can see his eyes, and then blinks twice with very slow, deliberate motions. Michael rolls his eyes, wondering why the hell his future self had allowed his machine to have such a personality, especially when it has so much sass filling up one body.

That does bring up a lot more questions.

“What was the deal between us?”

“You’re my creator. You gave me sentience via my chip,” Alex explains.

“Great, cool, but what’s the deal between us?” Michael reiterates, when it’s clear that Alex didn’t answer the question that he’s actually asking. “You came back in time to save my life. And you say it’s to save the world, but I don’t know that it is. Because we’re not out there on the offensive. I’m pretty sure the only thing sitting in this motel room is doing is making sure that I don’t die.”

He should feel guilty that he’s tearing down Alex’s emotional blockade, but he needs answers.

“You’re here for me. Why?”

“You’re my creator,” says Alex again, but it’s feeble this time, weaker. “You gave me…”

“What did I do for you?” Michael interrupts, shouting at him. He wants to steal his jacket and run. He wants to get the hell out of there, because he’s going stir-crazy.

“You’re my creator,” Alex repeats, his voice soft, his gaze fixed on Michael, “and I’m in love with you.”

“You’re a machine, Alex,” Michael says, as gently as he can.

He wants to ask if he even understands love, but he can’t bring himself to say the words.

“You’re a genius,” Alex counters. “Are you telling me that you couldn’t build something that developed its own personality, its own mind, their own feelings?”

“Then why’d you go and fall for an idiot like me?”

Alex slowly rises to his feet and approaches Michael, cupping his cheek in his hand. “You’ve told me multiple times how high your intellect is rated. Your passion, your determination, your mind, your looks,” he lists. “They’re all appealing. You’re appealing. You didn’t have to be my creator for me to fall in love with you, but knowing that you gave me the heart I needed to do it, it makes me feel like we’re…”

“Connected,” Michael fills in the blank for him.

Michael gave him the means to fall in love. Why’s he arguing so passionately against the fact that Alex went and did?

“You never let us talk about this in the future,” Alex says quietly. “You didn’t believe me. You said that my programming was erroneous, that I couldn’t fall in love, but you never doubted that I felt other emotions. You never questioned my sympathy when I had to help you when your hands trembled. You never doubted my happiness when we solved a problem together. You even acknowledged my frustration and anger with the state of the world.”

His future self sounds cold, almost distant.

“I don’t understand why I wouldn’t trust your belief that you fell for me.”

“I suspect that you did believe me,” Alex admits. “And you lied in order to protect yourself. You didn’t think that you were worthy of affection. I suspect that you also saw yourself as old, perhaps not suitable for a model of my appearance.”

Michael’s not surprised that his future self has some weird self-esteem issues, so he guesses that means he never got over that fun little souvenir from the group home.

“You’re back in time to save my life, so I’m dead there. Right? I can’t imagine you’d leave me for any other reason.”

Alex doesn’t respond, but his jaw clicks and he averts his gaze.

It’s exactly the kind of awkward reaction that confirms Michael’s suspicions. “Okay,” he says, because Alex is from a far point in the future. Honestly, Michael’s a little surprised that he doesn’t go out sooner, so maybe he should be proud of how far he made it. “Did I ever let on what I felt about you?”

“You always welcomed my companionship,” Alex says. “You didn’t want me to get hurt, and you would play me music that you liked, often inviting me to dance. You treated me with compassion and respect and love. You showed me kindness. You allowed me to learn about my humanity.”

So how could his future self be surprised when Alex developed the ability to love?

“Do you still love me?” Michael asks. “I’m not the same man.”

“You’re more stubborn,” Alex concedes. “Far more brash. I believe your sense of humor has become much pithier. Your ability to hone your talents and focus on your work has clearly developed over time. Yet, you’re as handsome as when I first opened my eyes and looked at you. You’re brilliant. You’re kind. And you trust with all your heart, allowing me your loyalty despite only knowing me for hours.”

Michael’s not sure if that’s a yes or not.

He’s not sure why he cares so much, especially when it’s a minefield of complicated emotions the way he’s looking at it.

“I’m a person, as much as anyone,” Alex says in his own quiet defense. “I may not have red blood and my heart may not beat naturally, but you allowed me sentience. You gave me the ability to feel, to grieve, to ache, and to rejoice. With that, I choose to love, and I choose to love you.”

No one’s ever chosen Michael before, not like this.

“So that’s the deal between us, huh?”

Alex gives him a rueful smile. “You want me to take any of it back?”

Michael shakes his head. “Fuck, no, not a single word,” he breathes out, a little stunned by how much he wants to cling to Alex’s words, relishing the fact that someone wants him as much as Alex does.

He could tell himself that it’s all fake. Maybe he put in a line of programming that made Alex love him, but hearing that his future self had been trying to deny this makes him think that’s not the case.

Whatever comes next, wherever they do go, Michael basks in the knowledge that for once, he had someone who wants him for who he is, past and present and future.

Another week passes in the same holding pattern.

Michael has little more to do than to go over his sketches and plans, but he’s also taken to running all the possible scenarios when it comes to the doomsday scene that Alex has painted.

One thing has become imminently and utterly clear.

“We can’t stop them,” Michael admits. “Skynet. These assholes. We can’t stop them, can we?”

He’s gone over all the possibilities and the plans. They don’t have the weapons to mount a strike, they don’t have the allies to start a war, and they absolutely don’t have any leverage to be able to get what they want. All they have is a brain – his brain – and if they can’t stop them, they can do one thing.

They can make sure that Skynet doesn’t win.

It’s not going to be an exciting life. There won’t be battles and epic fights. Michael knows the only way to win this war is to take himself off the board.

“Then what do we do?” Alex asks.

Michael gives Alex a fond smile, because he knows he’s being humored. He knows that Alex already knows exactly what has to happen.

“I have to disappear,” Michael admits. “But you already knew that.”

“I did,” Alex confirms. “It was best if you reached the conclusion on your own time.”

“So that’s my life, huh?” Michael scoffs. “I guess it’s not that different from the way I was living. I was already locked away with my own research most of the time. This time, I’m doing it knowing that I’m protecting an asset. This big ol’ brain of mine might actually do something.” He shakes his head, pressing his lips together, as it hits him that he’s doing this.

The thing is, Michael has to disappear.

Alex doesn’t.

“You could go back to the future, can’t you?” Michael says. “I saw the device you used to activate it. It’s probably able to be recharged with something like a solar power source, which we have in abundance.”

Alex doesn’t say anything, his gaze fixed on Michael.

“How come you haven’t gone back? If this works, then I should be there, right? I’ll be alive, well, and the world will be saved. It’ll be different.”

“If I go back, then you’ll be alone.”

Michael manages a weary smile, because he also knows that. He’s wondering if Alex has been waiting for him to reach that conclusion too. He’s been alone before. He’d spent his childhood alone, all those teen years learning about who he was and what he could do. Loneliness isn’t a new thing for him, and from the sounds of the future, it keeps happening until he creates Alex.

“You don’t have to be alone, Michael,” Alex says. “My purpose is to serve you and save the world. I’ve done that. I could go back,” he allows. “But you’ll have spent the years leading up to it alone. Maybe you won’t even remember me, maybe you won’t be there. Or I could stay here, if you’d let me. If you wanted me.”

Michael can feel his breath catching in his throat.

“And if I go back, then I’ll also be alone in a different way. If this works, you and I won’t be alone in a bunker together, playing chess, making model cars. You’ll have a life. There’ll be a world. You won’t be dead, but you won’t only be mine.”

It’s the first that he’s come out and admitted out loud that Michael’s not there in the future, though it hadn’t been hard to guess.

He wants to ask Alex to stay, he just doesn’t know how to do that without putting the fate of the world on the backburner. It feels like he’s demanding Alex’s presence because he might be lonely.

“I don’t want you go back,” he confesses. “I don’t wanna be alone in this, Alex. I don’t want to be so lonely that I invent my friends,” he protests, even though he can’t say he’d done the wrong thing, if it’s given him Alex. “I don’t know how I feel about you, yet. I don’t even know the ins and outs of how you work, not really. I just know that I don’t want you to go back to the future.”

There’s no response from Alex, which stings and makes Michael worried that he’s said the wrong thing.

“Alex,” he pleads.

“I’ll pack the bags,” Alex says. “Come on, Michael,” he adds, casually dropping his name as if he hasn’t been using ‘Doctor’ as a barrier between them, that’s suddenly come plummeting down. “We need to leave here soon.”

We, he said. Michael can’t help the way he tips his head to the side, overwhelmed with relief for the fact that he won’t be alone.

“The motel will be compromised soon. There’s a cabin that you told me about near here. It’s disconnected from the world and has a bunker system for you to practice your work in.” Michael wonders if it’s the same one they had in the future or another, but it doesn’t matter. “It won’t be a happy life, Michael. You’ll be saving the world, but in order to do that, I need to keep you off the grid.”

“The first time, I invented all this, but I was alone. Right?”

“My records show that your casual relationships stopped in 2020,” Alex confirms. “From now until the day I am created, you didn’t have any long-term friendships or relationships. You became a hermit, devoted to your work, but unfortunately you also allowed yourself to be an easy target.”

“So there you go,” Michael says, like it’s as easy as that. “This time, I’ve got you.”

“You’ll always have me, Michael.”

He’d created Alex. It only seems right that he’ll be there to see him at the end.

Maybe this time, they can make it a better one, on their terms.

This time, maybe Michael gets to save the whole damn world.

“All right,” he says. “Daylight’s burning and the apocalypse is on its way. No time to spare.”

#malex #terminator au #bday prompts #michael/alex #terminator!alex #doctor guerin #roswell new mexico #irolltwenties

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paperanddice · 5 years ago

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Ravener Huge undead, lawful evil Armor Class 19 (natural armor) Hit Points 207 (18d12 + 90) Speed 40 ft., fly 80 ft., swim 40 ft. Str 23 Dex 12 Con 21 Int 18 Wis 15 Cha 17 Saving Throws Dex +6, Con +10, Wis +7, Cha +8 Skills Deception +8, Insight +7, Perception +12, Persuasion +8, Stealth +6 Damage Immunities poison Damage Resistances necrotic; bludgeoning, piercing and slashing damage from nonmagical attacks Condition Immunities charmed, exhaustion, frightened, paralyzed, poisoned Senses blindsight 60 ft., darkvision 120 ft., passive Perception 22 Languages Common, Draconic Challenge 15 (13000 XP) Legendary Resistance (3/Day). If the ravener fails a saving throw, it can choose to succeed instead. Soul Consumption. When a living creature within 30 feet of the ravener dies, that creature must make a DC 18 Wisdom saving throw or its soul is torn from its body and pulled into the ravener's maw. The ravener gains a number of points in its soul ward equal to the dead creature's hit dice. Creatures that have their souls consumed in this way can only be brought back to life through true ressurection, wish or similar magic. Soul Ward. An intangible field of siphoned soul energy protects the ravener from distruction. This ward has a maximum of 36 points in it. Whenever the ravener would be reduced below 1 hit point, the points in the ravener's soul ward can be expended to reduce the damage. One point from the ward reduces the damage by one point. Damage cannot be reduced to leave the ravener above 1 hit point. Turning Defiance. The ravener has advantage on saving throws against effects that turn undead. Soul Magic. The ravener's soul magic spellcasting ability is Charisma (spell save DC 16, +8 to hit with spell attacks). It can cast the following spells by expending points from its soul ward, requiring no material components: 2 points: invisibility 4 points: dimension door 5 points: cloudkill Actions Multiattack. The ravener can use its Frightful Presence. It then makes three attacks: one with its bite and two with its claws. Bite. Melee Weapon Attack: +11 to hit, reach 10 ft., one target. Hit: 17 (2d10+6) piercing damage plus 7 (2d6) necrotic damage Claw. Melee Weapon Attack: +11 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 13 (2d6+6) slashing damage. Tail. Melee Weapon Attack: +11 to hit, reach 15 ft., one target. Hit: 15 (2d8+6) bludgeoning damage. Frightful Presence. Each creature of the ravener's choice that is within 120 feet of the ravener and aware of it must succeed on a DC 16 Wisdom saving throw or become frightened for 1 minute. A creature can repeat the saving throw at the end of each of its turns, ending the effect on itself on a success. If a creature's saving throw is successful or the effect ends for it, the creature is immune to the ravener's Frightful Presence for the next 24 hours. Breath Weapon (Recharge 5-6). The ravener exhales poisonous gas in a 60-foot cone. Each creature in that area must make a DC 18 Constitution saving throw, taking 28 (8d6) poison damage and 24 (8d6) necrotic damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one. Legendary Actions The ravener can take 3 legendary actions, choosing from the options below. Only one legendary action can be used at a time and only at the end of another creature's turn. The ravener regains spent legendary actions at the start of its turn. Detect. The ravener makes a Wisdom (Perception) check. Tail Attack. The ravener makes a tail attack. Wing Attack (Costs 2 Actions). The ravener beats its wings. Each creature within 10 feet of the ravener must succeed on a DC 19 Dexterity saving throw or take 13 (2d6+6) bludgeoning damage and be knocked prone. The ravener can then fly up to half its flying speed.

Desperation may drive dragons to seek some kind of eternal life, as not even they last forever and the wealth they’ve amassed over their long life cannot save them. While some will vent their rage upon the countryside and ravage the world before passing, others will seek a means to avoid death. The majority become dracoliches, but those few dragons with their own innate magic may go an alternate path, performing foul rituals to become raveners.

Soul Magic. While the ravener’s body rots away in a manner similar to a dracolich, they do not have a phylactery and cannot return from destruction as easily. Instead, they consume the life of others, whether from wild animals, would-be dragonslayers, or even other dragons. These devoured lives are bound to the ravener, fueling its magic and providing an additional layer of protection from destruction, keeping them alive through killing blows to escape and fight another day.

The sample ravener is made from an adult green dragon.

Ravener Template

Only an ancient or adult true dragon with innate spellcasting can be transformed into a ravener. Younger dragons, other creatures that aren’t true dragons but possess the dragon type, such as pseudodragons, and true dragons without innate spellcasting that attempt to undergo the transformation ritual die. A shadow dragon can’t be transformed into a ravener, as it has already lost too much of its physical form.

When a dragon becomes a ravener, it retains its statistics except as described below. The dragon loses any trait, such as Amphibious, that assumes a living physiology. The ravener might retain or lose any or all of its lair actions or inherit new ones, as the DM sees fit.

Type. The ravener’s type changes from dragon to undead, and it no longer requires air, food, drink, or sleep. Damage Resistance. The ravener has resistance to necrotic damage, and to bludgeoning, piercing and slashing damage from nonmagical attacks. Damage Immunities. The ravener has immunity to poison. It also retains any immunities it had prior to becoming a ravener. Condition Immunities. The ravener can’t be charmed, frightened, paralyzed, or poisoned. It also doesn’t suffer from exhaustion. New Ability: Soul Consumption. The ravener gains the Soul Consumption ability. The save DC for this ability is equal to 8 + its proficiency bonus + its Constitution modifier. New Ability: Soul Ward. The ravener gains the Soul Ward ability. Its ward has a maximum capacity equal to double the ravener’s hit dice. New Ability: Turning Defiance. The ravener has advantage on saving throws against effects that turn undead. New Ability: Soul Magic. The ravener’s innate spellcasting changes. Instead of being able to cast each of its innate spells once per day each, it instead can cast them by spending a number of points from its soul ward equal to the spell’s level. New Action: Bite. If the dragon deals acid, cold, fire, lightning, or poison damage with its bite, change that damage type to necrotic. New Action: Breath Weapon. Any damage-dealing breath weapon possessed by the dragon has half of its damage dice (rounded up) change to necrotic damage instead of its original type.

Originally from the Pathfinder Bestiary 2. If there is a monster that you want to see converted to 5e, feel free to send me a message. If you like this post, consider following my Patreon to get access to content like this a week ahead of everybody else, plus updates on other projects I’m working on!

#D&D #DnD #Dungeons and Dragons #5th edition #D&D5e #Pathfinder #homebrew #my homebrew #monster #dragon #undead

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whump-tr0pes · 5 years ago

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This is a series. Start here. Continued from here.

First @badthingshappenbingo!!! I wrote Sam as already having pneumonia at this point, so this next bit just kinda...happened. I’m not usually a sicfic gal but laaawd did I enjoy writing this.

Red X is for written and posted, white X is for requested. Enjoy!!!

AO3

Honor bound - 13

The sound of Sam’s labored breathing woke Finn up. They turned on the lamp beside the bed and rolled over, feeling blearily for Sam. When Finn’s hand touched them, Finn flinched away. Their skin was burning.

“Oh no, no no no, no, Sam…” They sat up and rolled Sam over onto their back. Their skin was slick with sweat, hair plastered to their forehead, clothes soaked beneath the blankets. Sam’s eyes were glazed over and unfocused. In the light of the lamp Finn could see their pulse jumping in their neck. Too fast. They felt Sam’s wrist. Way too fast. “Shit, shit, shit.”

They pulled the blankets off Sam, exposing them to the chilly air in the safehouse. Sam shivered and blindly reached for the covers, eyes lazing over the ceiling, unseeing. Finn dashed to the living room where Ellis and Vera were slumped on the couch asleep and Gray was stretched out on the floor. The team had elected to give Finn and Sam the bed so Sam could be comfortable and Finn could monitor them during the night. I was supposed to watch out for them and I failed. Shit!

“Ellis,” they hissed. Ellis stirred on the couch, slowly lifting their head and looking around. “Ellis,” they whispered. “Get up, I need you.” They didn’t look back as they rushed out the door to the car, grabbing their med kit and dashing back inside. Ellis was still sitting on the couch, groggy and confused. “Come on.” Finn pulled their arm, pulling them up off the couch and into the bedroom, Ellis weakly complaining the whole way. As soon as they saw Sam, they fell silent, frozen. They were shaken out of their reverie by Finn tossing the blood pressure cuff and stethoscope at them. “Get me a blood pressure,” they said without looking up from the bag. Ellis shook themselves and jumped onto the bed beside Sam, pulling their arm out of their sleeve.

Finn pulled out an IV kit and tied the tourniquet around Sam’s arm. Sam stirred, mewling weakly at the touch and at the cold. While the veins filled, Finn passed a thermometer over their forehead. Then again, disbelieving. They shook their head. Again. “104.2. Shit.” They assembled the IV set-up and sanitized the inside of Sam’s elbow. Too quickly for Sam to even flinch, Finn had the needle in, withdrawn, and connected to the extension set. They taped the IV down and turned to Ellis. “What have you got?”

Ellis shook their head, taking the stethoscope out of their ears. “Um…76/48?”

“Take it again.”

Hands shaking, Ellis pumped up the cuff and tried again. Finn’s heartbeat seemed to deafen them as they watched Ellis, holding their breath.

“78/50.”

“Shit.” They felt for a pulse. “132 on the pulse. No no no…” Their hand went to Sam’s forehead, sweeping the hair back from their face. They held out their hand for the stethoscope and listened to Sam’s lungs. The lower part of the right side rumbled with infection.

“What are we gonna do?” whispered Ellis.

“They’re septic,” moaned Finn. “They need antibiotics. And a lot of other things but…antibiotics mostly. And I don’t have any…” Their face fell into their hands. “None of the last four groups we ran into were selling, either. But I…” They looked helplessly at Sam. “If they don’t get them, they’ll die. Maybe tomorrow. Maybe sooner.”

Ellis reached for Finn’s hand. “Let me go find some.”

“No.” Finn’s voice was hard. “It’s too dangerous. Gavin’s people might be out there looking for us right now. No way.”

Ellis squeezed. “Either I risk that, or Sam dies. Right? There’s no way they could survive without antibiotics?”

Finn shook their head. “Well…probably not, but…we could find…we could do something…” They grabbed Ellis’ hand with both of theirs. “You’re my partner.”

Ellis smiled crookedly. “Don’t I know it. I can’t get rid of you.” They got off the bed. “But I’m going. I love Sam, too.” Their eyes swept Sam’s body, hot and flushed and trembling on the bed.

Finn opened their mouth to protest, then let it close with a sigh. “You’re right. Let me follow you out so I can grab my stuff. Take a radio with you. Don’t go far. If you’re gone for longer than a day, it won’t matter.” Their breath caught in their throat, shame chilling their insides. “I mean…”

“I get it.” Ellis took Finn’s chin and made them look at them. “I know you have to be that way with patients. Right now, Sam’s your patient.” They turned to leave the bedroom. Finn followed right behind.

Finn was proud of their cache of equipment. It had taken them a long time to collect and had cost more than all the team’s other needs combined, but it was worth it in times like this. They grabbed the cardiac monitor they had had to trade a car for and their sack of saline bags. Ellis grabbed the oxygen concentrator that was Finn’s prized possession, and the extra batteries for it.

As they carried the equipment inside, Gray stirred. “What’s goin’ on?” they mumbled. Finn walked right past them into the bedroom.

Ellis dropped to one knee and whispered so as not to wake Vera. “Sam got worse. Finn is gonna do what they can here, and I’m gonna go get antibiotics.”

“I’ll go with you.” Gray clumsily got to their feet.

“No.” Finn poked their head into the hall, having dropped their equipment. “Too dangerous. I hate risking Ellis. I can’t risk you, too.”

“I’m of more use helping Ellis than I am here,” Gray whispered back.

Finn hesitated in the doorway for a moment. Then they sighed. “Take the radio, let me know what you find. Don’t be gone longer than 24 hours.” They disappeared back into the room.

Ellis and Gray left silently, trying to let Vera sleep. It had been days since any of them had gotten proper rest. No use in waking her up if it wasn’t necessary.

Finn looked down at Sam and watched their eyes move slowly under the lids. Then they swallowed hard and got to work.

Finn covered Sam back up with only the thinnest blanket on the bed. Sam was already starting to shiver, but it was better to let them cool off a bit than to let them sweat under the covers. They spiked a bag of saline and hung it from a nail in the wall. They assumed it once held a picture, but whatever was there before was gone. They attached the saline to Sam’s IV and let it run wide open.

Finn dug a portable pulse ox out of their bag and clipped in onto Sam’s finger. They waited for the little machine to beep, normalize, get a reading… 89%.

They cursed silently and reached back into their bag for a nasal cannula. They put it on Sam’s face and plugged it into the oxygen concentrator. They turned it on and within minutes the number on the pulse ox was rising. 91%...94%...96%... Finn pulled up some IV Tylenol, checked the dose, and ran it into the IV.

No one on the team had ever been this sick before. They had treated scrapes and cuts, broken bones, even sutured a graze from a bullet that nearly killed Ellis when they first met, but they’d never done anything like this. Finn wasn’t deluded. They knew their team trusted them too much to take care of them. They knew if someone took a bullet to the gut, or got a concussion bad enough, or got an illness that couldn’t be treated with Tylenol and fluids, they would die without a hospital. And hospitals were run, almost without exception, by the syndicates. The only safe hospitals were inordinately expensive. Finn shook their head wearily. They were a stopgap. A glorified band-aid distributor. The pharmacy aisle at a convenience store could help more than they could.

They buried their face in their hands, tears of frustration burning their eyes. They’d signed up to be a combat medic when they were 18, when the governments were still pretending to fight the criminal organizations that now ran the world. They’d gotten through their first three weeks of medical training when their base had been attacked and destroyed. Every person found on the base, military or not, had been shot execution style where they stood. Finn was one of the only ones that escaped. They’d been on the run ever since. They couldn’t remember much of anything they learned in basic training, and most of the medicine they knew was what they had picked up along the way. The only difference between them and anyone else on the team was that three weeks of training. A monkey could do what I can do, and be almost as successful. A tear ran down their cheek.

Snap out of it, idiot. There was no time for self-pity when Sam was dying. They couldn’t do much without antibiotics, but they might be able do enough to keep Sam alive until they arrived.

Content for now, Finn turned to their bag to do a quick inventory. Aside from their regular med kit, they had 12 bags of saline left, 4 lithium ion batteries for the oxygen concentrator, and one extra battery for the monitor. They did some quick math in their head. If Sam is 60 kilos, give or take, they’ll need 1800 mL fluids in the first three hours, or is it 1200 mL, shit, why can’t I remember this right now…this is when I need to know this stuff… They glanced at the liter of fluid hanging from the wall. Half of it was already gone. Screw it. I keep their blood pressure up. If they need similar boluses after that then I’ll have a little less than 24 hours before I run out. They closed their eyes. I guess it won’t matter after that. I told them they have 24 hours. Their hands reached vaguely towards the lithium batteries, thinking. Each battery lasts for four-ish hours, give or take, so including the one already running we’ll have…20 hours of O2, minimum. They ran a tense hand through their hair. That’s more than cutting it damned close.

They pumped up the blood pressure cuff and took another pressure. 80/54. They could pretend it was improvement.

I can’t think of another damned thing I can do for them. Most of their equipment was for trauma, anyway. They wracked their brain for another moment before they slumped, giving in to their worry.

They crawled next to Sam and lay down next to them over the thin blanket, flinching at the heat coming off their skin. They laid their head next to Sam’s and wrapped one arm around their waist, reaching across them and holding their hand.

“You know,” Finn whispered against Sam’s ear, “we’re gonna get through this. You’re gonna get better, we’re gonna get Isaac back, and we’re all gonna run away together somewhere safe. Somewhere Gavin can’t find us. Someday this is all gonna be some terrible memory. Maybe you can go to college, would you like that? I could actually become a medic. Or maybe even do medical school. Who knows. Vera could get that dog she’s always talking about, and we could all go over to mine and Ellis’ house on the weekends to have cookouts and go swimming in our pool and watch movies. Ellis could be safe, they could go to therapy, they could…I don’t know, maybe write their book?” Finn laughed gently. “Isaac can finally relax and figure out what he wants to do. You know, I’ve never once heard him talk about what he would do if we were safe? Anyway, we’d be far away from the crime and the death and the running, we’d be safe, maybe we could have a garden, a cat… What would you go to school for? I don’t think I remember. I know we’ve talked about it. You’ll have to tell me when you get better.” They pressed a kiss against Sam’s temple. “You know I hate it when they leave me behind? Drives me insane. I just want to help, I just want to contribute like they do, and they say it’s because I’m an asset but anyone could do what I do…honestly, not complicated…maybe if I had some actual medicines to work with but…with what I have to work with…” They sighed. “I just want to be in it with you. I want to feel how it feels to raid a compound, pull the trigger and watch some piece-of-shit murderer go down, I want to feel the way you all do when you work together and pull off a mission…” They pressed their lips together and tried to ignore the tears running down their face and into the pillow.

“I’m so sorry we let this happen to you.” Their voice was shaking. “I know Isaac blames himself, but it’s all of our faults. We left you unprotected. We should never have expected you to…” They shook their head. “Once we get you better, I swear to you, we will keep you safe, we’ll never put you in danger again. Just…hold on for us, Sam. Hold on for me. You just have to hold on until they get back with the antibiotics…just for a few hours, I promise…” They soothed their sweat-soaked curls away from their face. “Please, Sam. Please just fight this. Please stay alive.”

As they put their hand back in Sam’s, Finn felt them squeeze weakly. They smiled through their tears and squeezed back.

Continued here.

@untilthepainstarts, @womping-grounds, @blue-flare10, @free-2bmee, @quirkykayleetam, @walkingchemicalfire, @inpainandsuffering, @redwingedwhump, @burtlederp, @castielamigos-whump-side-blog

#honor bound #bad things happen bingo #pneumonia #whump #my oc: Sam #torture aftermath #field medicine #sicfic #tw: needles #fever #sepsis

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pemfscam-blog · 4 years ago

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For what reason Isn't My PEMF Device Helping Me Yet?

As I converse with individuals who buy attractive field frameworks I every now and again get asked "when will I probably observe an outcome?" The other inquiry is "the reason is the gadget not making a difference?"

Both of these inquiries are really related. The appropriate responses require a comprehension of how beat attractive fields work when applied for explicit wellbeing conditions, and thinking about the individual body.

PEMFs, of the sort I normally suggest, regularly infiltrate right through the body without being spent by the body. Nonetheless, similar to a light, the force of the light is most grounded rate next of the light and diminishes as you move away from the light. Something very similar occurs with PEMFs - the power drops off as you move away from the implement. That implies that the aspect of the body close to the implement will get the most noteworthy field force and the opposite side of the body away from the utensil will get a low degree of power. This is a significant thought in where to put instruments and will decide frequently what sort of results will be acquired.

Some medical issues require higher field forces. Some medical issues improve lower field powers. A few issues require a more extensive scope of frequencies, while others improve an insignificant number of frequencies. Thus, choosing the correct gadget gets imperative to accomplish the best outcomes. Each attractive framework will create advantages somewhat. The privilege attractive framework for the conditions will in general produce results quicker. Sadly frequently individuals need to settle on buying choices dependent on reasonableness thus the privilege attractive framework may not generally be conceivable to acquire.

If so, at that point it will probably require some investment for advantages to be accomplished and tolerance will be required.

Numerous individuals get enormous outcomes rapidly and are content with their PEMF framework even in the principal week or so of utilization. For certain individuals the outcomes don't occur rapidly. This is the place we can tweak the treatment program to accomplish better outcomes. I regularly need to remind individuals that the body sets aside effort to recuperate once it's given the fitting sign or improvement for that to occur. For instance, a crack will require 8 to 12 weeks to be sufficient for the unresolved issue ready to be utilized. This doesn't mean the recuperating cycle is done, it is only a more usable body part. Attractive treatment can speed the recuperating rate however it won't be immediate. This is an irrational desire.

PEMFs don't sedate the body into being easy or euphoric. I call that "desensitizing and dumbing." Sometimes medicates are significant during the treatment cycle. One of the objectives of PEMFs is to have the option to diminish the utilization of medications on the off chance that one can and achieve less agony and improved capacity.

PEMFs work somewhere down in the tissues to invigorate normal recuperating measures that have stalled out. It is the mending of the tissues that makes a decrease in torment, and improvement of capacity and wellbeing. This is at last the best arrangement and produces the most economical, most drastically averse to relapse, results. Tragically, we didn't arrive for the time being with our concern/s and it will require some investment for the mending to work. In spite of this, simultaneously,how pemf works different advantages start to occur in the body, that were startling. For instance, rest, mind-set or essentialness, or gut work, and so forth, may improve before the first issue improves.

All in all, what are a portion of the approaches to improve results?

1. Setting desires

Having legitimate desires is truly significant. On the off chance that one is discouraged or entirely hopeless in one's life, little enhancements in an issue may appear to be lacking to improve the general nature of one's life. I see this especially in the old who have so numerous medical problems, among others, that it is difficult for them to value the advantages they might be getting. Imperative to setting desires is understanding the idea of the issue the profundity of the harm or brokenness, the tissue in question and its capacity to recover, the presumable time it will take to recuperate even in good conditions, and the age of the person. Unmistakably a 20-year-old will recuperate a lot quicker than a 80-year-old. The body has greater imperativeness and the hereditary qualities will in general help quicker fix and recuperation. 20-year-olds normally don't have the same number of incessant issues thus intense wounds will in general purpose a lot quicker than interminable issues, which have been around for quite a long time. While regularly extensive assets are being spent on PEMFs we have a danger of setting desires that are excessively high for what the innovation can achieve and the capacity of the tissue to recover.

At the point when desires are too high we are sadly regularly liable to look for enchantment slugs, including medical procedure, anticipating emotional advantages. Infrequently, inexplicable things happen rapidly, however this isn't the standard. All things considered, PEMF treatments are a superior arrangement than presenting the body to hazardous systems or possibly poisonous medications/prescriptions. PEMF treatments or a more common arrangement, more often than not. Regularly, people will look for PEMFs as an answer after they have just been exposed to various methods or medical procedures. This sadly turns into somewhat like assembling Humpty Dumpty back once more. I have seen PEMFs work amazingly well and rapidly in patients who have almost no harm in their bodies for numerous strategies. This can happen even in this last circumstance, if the conditions are correct. More often than not, in any case, it takes effort for recuperating to happen that is probably going to be lasting or reliable. Regularly likewise, PEMFs may not fix or converse the issue yet are fundamental on a proceeding with premise to keep up control of the issue. Something very similar clearly occurs with the utilization of prescriptions, exercise based recuperation, knead, and so on.

2. Recognizing the degree of tissue harm/brokenness

This is a basic piece to seeing how long it is probably going to take for advantages to be seen in treating explicit issues. Issues in the body have degrees of contribution and various tissues are engaged with some random injury. The degrees of contribution can be considered as far as layers or levels. One approach to think about these levels is: the enthusiastic level, the physiologic level, the pathophysiological level, and the pathologic level. At some random time there can be cover in the tissues of these levels, and they can even all be all the while present.

Vivacious level

The similarity I use is that of a typical virus. At the point when a virus is initially starting, numerous individuals feel an ambiguous feeling of malady, or uneasiness, with no particular feeling of where or what the issue is. This is in the lively level.

Physiologic level

When a virus starts to deliver an irritated throat, a slight temperature, a runny nose, wheezing, and so on., the contamination has moved to the physiologic level.

Pathophysiologic level

In the event that the disease proceeds in the body and advances, it might start to create bronchitis, rhinitis, a huge hack, mental fogginess, with a green or yellow sputum, and so on. This is the pathophysiologic level. In this level there are components of a physiologic reaction to a contamination and components of cell obliteration (pathology) with shading changes to the sputum showing disease of the nose, sinuses or bronchial sections. When the disease slides further into the body, intense sinusitis or pneumonia is conceivable. Most ceaseless issues are in the pathophysiologic level, with fluctuating degrees of pathology.

Pathologic level

With noteworthy cell or organ harm, this level is viewed as pathologic. A considerable measure of tissue demise can happen before an organ or the body in general will fizzle. At the very least, various cells have passed on. At the outrageous, there is either finished or halfway organ disappointment or passing of the individual.

Reactions to treatment at each level

Medicines coordinated at a difficult that is at the fiery level are substantially more sensational and prone to create reactions quickly, even in minutes. For physiologic level issues, medicines are bound to create reactions in hours to a few days. Once there is some degree of pathology, that is, at a pathophysiologic level, the impacts of treatment for the most part take longer, and can take days to weeks. The pathophysiologic level in these cases can be shockingly influenced by attractive fields, with regularly emotional outcomes. At the pathologic level, medicines have truly unusual outcomes and may take a very long time to years to create results, if at any time. Valid and complete organ passing is probably not going to be reversible with attractive fields. Attractive fields don't make the "Lazarus impact".

When one realizes what the likely degree of harm to the creature is, it's simpler to foresee how long it might take for these treatments to deliver results. Supernatural occurrences, that is, far superior to anticipated outcomes, are consistently conceivable, nonetheless. Treatment might be aimed at a specific issue of intrigue however improvement may initially be seen for an alternate issue, in light of which layers are included. Since more shallow layers will be bound to react rapidly, these issues will react paying little mind to where the MFs might be coordinated first. This resembles stripping an onion; more shallow issues will be "stripped" away first, more profound next, and so on and most profound will be last. This is the reason comprehensive treatment may take a very long time to years to clear all the layers.

As a doctor, I generally endeavor to decide the degree of harm that is available in the individual I am approached to help. When I have a feeling of the levels in question, I have a vastly improved thought of how long it will take to accomplish huge alleviation or improvement or fix. The level and degree of the issue is by all accounts more significant than the quality of the attractive fields applied, or the frequencies utilized or how much time is dedicated to treatment every day. Improving these factors ought to abbreviate the cycle.

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realtalk-princeton · 5 years ago

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@Sulpicia do you have any advice on how to achieve such a high gpa in the humanities, when essay grades can sometimes seem subjective and different professors have different preferences? for ex, do you recommend using office hours in a certain way?

Response from Sulpicia:

I think that one thing to keep in mind is that I’m in a humanities major where empirical exams often determine 70-80% of your grade in a class; while they’re not usually curved, the language exams I took had a pretty similar format between classes, and so with every class you’re more prepared to engage with the material in that way. I personally think the best thing you can do to do well in a humanities class is to do the work; coming into class having prepared and done the readings will mean you have things to say, which translates into a better class discussion; this then will inevitably inspire thinking about what to write about for papers, and will also give you a better idea of how your instructor responds to your thinking. I’m not pretending that I showed up to class prepared 100% of the time, but I think sometimes people take humanities classes here and don’t take them seriously and then struggle at the end because they weren’t really trying to understand things on a week-to-week level.

In terms of writing papers, I generally tried to be in contact with instructors as much as possible throughout the process. Going to office hours with an idea (or, better yet, an outline) is really helpful, since you can get feedback before you spend a ton of time writing something that is founded on a mistaken assumption (which was something I did a LOT in my thesis process) or following a line of argument that might not be as strong as you initially think/hope. I often tried to come up with paper topics early on and even when (as was inevitably the case) I didn’t write anything, I knew I a) had the green light from a professor and b) was passively thinking about the topic for a long time. I also tried to write about things that made me excited, since the best papers are the ones you actually care about.

I actually have not found that professors have hugely different expectations for writing, because at the undergraduate level, good academic writing is good academic writing. I’m not the best essay writer in the world, but here are some tips I have for essay writing that I’ve learned over the past few years:

- Structure is so important, and is something a lot of essays miss. You should have a clear thesis statement of 1-2 sentences for a term paper, and this should be clearly positioned at the end of your introduction. For a shorter paper (5-10 pages) this should be at the end of the first page or top of the second page, while for longer papers, a JP, or a thesis chapter, they can be a little bit further in. Overlong introductions are my weakness as a writer, but a good intro basically just needs to provide the context you need to set up your thesis statement. I would stay away from the “three-pronged” thesis you learned in high school, but your thesis should correspond with the structure of your paper by presenting your claims in the order you will address them.

- Structure is important in your main body too! Write an outline before you begin your essay that briefly sketches out the progression of your argument and what evidence you will use to prove each part of it. Use transition words to link together ideas, and make sure to regularly tie back all of your claims to the main idea of your paper. Don’t write anything that does not support your thesis or provide a counterargument that you can then mitigate or disprove. Always let your reader know where they are in your argument, and don’t be afraid to refer back to earlier parts of the paper.

- Every sentence should matter. When you’re presenting a piece of evidence or analysis, think about its relationship to the one previous. Is that relationship meaningful? If not, the sentence shouldn’t be there (or should be placed elsewhere in your paper). The ideal is that every piece of your paper will follow naturally from what immediately precedes it, guiding the reader on a nice walk through your argument.

- In the humanities, close engagement with primary sources is key. Yes, you need to use secondary scholarship. However, engagement with the “scholarly conversation” should be second to your unique contribution, which is your close reading of the text/images at hand. This was something I struggled with in my thesis, since I felt so pressured to read all the scholarship and lost my close focus on primary sources. The absolute first thing you should do when you write a humanities paper is sit down with the sources you’re analyzing and think about them. What questions do they raise for you? Why are they confusing or contradictory? How does this source connect what you discussed in lecture, precept, or seminar? What can one source say about another? If you can, annotate the source on a piece of paper or take notes alongside it.

From there, you’ll start to find your unique insights which will form the backbone of the paper. Then, if this is a research paper and not just a close reading, look at secondary sources. If you have your own opinions about a primary text, however naive, you’ll feel more confident looking at *the discourse*. Sometimes, this will answer questions you had about the text, and so you don’t need to do that work in your paper. Other times, it will give you more interpretive tools to understand a text (e.g. you might find that X feature of the writing is typical of a certain genre, and you can think about the implications of that on your text). Sometimes, it’ll show you that the scholarly consensus is, in your opinions, totally wrong; for example, one chapter of my thesis was inspired by the fact that I visual source I thought was straightforward and was going to use in another chapter had in fact been pretty clearly misread by scholars, so my new project became proving why my identification was correct. However, any engagement with scholarship should only work to support your argument; unless you’re doing a lit review or writing about scholarly history (in which case the scholarship is your primary source), you don’t just want to slap different people’s opinions next to each other.

- Use lots of evidence and use lots of analysis. Graders are not mind readers, even if they are familiar with the material you’re studying. Good essays will present a lot of evidence; one thing I find helpful is breaking up longer quotes into shorter sections and treating them separately. Every piece of evidence should also be given analysis about why a) it is proving whatever point you’re making in the paragraph and b) how this connects to your larger argument. Part (b) might be implicit, but many essays could be stronger by making clear, distinctive points. Obviously not every piece of evidence merits a lot of analysis, and you can feel free to draw together several quotes to make one larger point.

- Speaking of, make specific claims. This refers both to the evidence that you use and how you use it. It’s totally okay to make general statements about a work, or an author, or an artistic movement; you couldn’t write an essay without doing that. However, those broad claims need to (at least in part) be grounded in some form of evidence; this can come from a secondary source or from an illustrative quote from a primary source. Inexperienced essay writers will be too vague and general--while there are dangers in getting to hyper-specific, I think it’s important that if you make a claim in your paper, you point to the specific thing that made you think that way (this is also a good way to avoid misconceptions/bad assumptions in your argument). When you’re using evidence, you should also try to say something as specific as possible about it, rather than just continuing to string up evidence and restating your thesis. Your thesis statement is just a summary of your ideas; your reasoning should be more nuanced and complex than that one concept. The more specific you are the more original you are, which helps you make points.

- Revise, revise, revise! When I did HUM, I would write up to five drafts of each paper. As a senior, I’ve gotten a lot lazier about this, but part of the reason I could do that was because I had learned a lot from revising previous papers and knew what mistakes to avoid. I think that papers grow the most between a first draft and a second draft. My favorite way to revise (and this is what I did with my thesis, JPs, and many papers I’ve written at Princeton) is to take a draft, print it out (with professor comments, if applicable), and then go through and retype the whole thing into a blank document. Optionally you can mark it up yourself as well, which is probably for the best. I like this because it means you have to read every word of your paper and also don’t feel bound by its existing structure; you can move paragraphs or shuffle things around more easily. I also always find myself adding more things or rephrasing analysis, which improves the paper. You’ll never come up with every idea in a first draft, so it’s good to revisit the paper as much as you can.

- Ask other people to read your work. We all have bad writing habits, from overuse of certain words to repetitive syntax to skipping steps in our logic. These things are not always obvious to us, but are very obvious to other readers. If you can, ask a friend (or writing center tutor, or instructor) to read your paper and help you identify these “bad habits” so you’re more conscious of them in future drafts. They can also often help you see where you skipped a step in your structure or the logic of your argument, or where your treatment of evidence doesn’t fully make sense. This is not always an option, of course, but especially early on, having people who will frankly tell you what’s not working will be helpful to your development as a writer.

- Learn from your mistakes. Criticism, even of the kindest, gentlest, most constructive kind, is hard to hear. To be honest, I would sometimes put off writing my thesis for hours because I was so embarrassed that my advisor had seen a stupid mistake I’d made in my writing (which is entirely irrational, yes, I get it). However, it is very important not only to bask in the positive comments on your paper, but to look at any more constructive ones to see what you can do better next time. Every paper teaches you how to write the next one better. Keep old papers and use them as teaching tools; you might even find it helpful to pin a list of things you know you need to remember when writing next to your desk or on your computer desktop. Professors offer comments because they want you to do better and understand more, not because they want to tear you down (unless they’re really mean).

Anyway this was kind of long-winded, but hopefully at least a little helpful as Dean’s Date approaches (the one lesson I never learn is how to stop procrastinating). I don’t know if there’s a secret to having a good GPA. I don’t consider myself to be brilliant or industrious at all, really; I think I’ve been lucky, taken classes that suited my academic strengths, come into them prepared, and really spent time understanding what exams and papers are trying to assess and then crafting my responses accordingly.

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