#operation: first noel

[ciceroprofacto]

SOA supplementals

Primary Sources / Letters

Papers of George Washington RevWar Series volume 11 (all)

The Army Correspondence of Colonel John Laurens in the Years 1777-1778 compiled by William Gilmore Simms (p.145-162)

The Papers of Henry Laurens volume 13 (p.33-140)

The Political Writings of Alexander Hamilton by Holloway and Wilson (p.7-117)

Backstory / additional context

The First Conspiracy by Brad Meltzer and Josh Mensch (all)

The Great New York Fire of 1776: A Lost Story of the American Revolution by Benjamin Carp (all)

Kidnapping the Enemy by Christian M. McBurney (all)

Strategy, Politics, Staff

Fatal Sunday by Lender and Stone (p.xi-122)

Washington's Secret War by Thomas Fleming (all: p.223-244)

To Starve the Army at Pleasure by E. Wayne Carp (various)

The Valley Forge Winter by Wayne Bodle (all: p.163-220)

George Washington's Indispensable Men by Arthur Leftkowitz (p.15, 45-157)

John Laurens and the American Revolution by Gregory Massey (p.86-106)

Washington's General: Nathaniel Greene and the Triumph of the American Revolution by Terry Galloway (p.165-171)

Wives / Women of the Army

Founding Mothers: The Women Who Raised Our Nation by Cokie Roberts (various)

The General & Mrs Washington by Bruce Chadwick (p.209-222)

Martha Washington: An American Life by Patricia Brady (p.118-126)

Caty: A Biography of Catherine Littlefield Greene by John & Janet Stegeman (p.48-59)

Pox Americana by Elizabeth Fenn (p.98-103)

Spies

Revolutionary Spies Intelligence and Espionage in America's First War by Tim McNeese (p.99-209)

General Washington's Spies on Long Island and in New York by Morton Pennypacker (p.1-119)

Washington's Spies by Alexander Rose (all)

Spies in the Continental Capital by John Nagy (all)

George Washington's Secret Spy War: The Making of America's First Spymaster by John Nagy (all)

Allies / foreign officers / special forces

Unlikely Allies: How a Merchant, a Playwright, and a Spy Saved the American Revolution by Joe Richard Paul (all)

Thomas Paine: Enlightenment, Revolution, and the Birth of Modern Nations by Craig Nelson (p.99-145)

Special Operations During the American Revolution by Robert Tonsetic (p.7-149)

Light Horse Harry: A Biography of Washington's Great Cavalryman by Noel B. Gerson (p.1-60)

John Paul Jones: Sailor, Hero, Father of the American Navy by Evan Thomas (p.97-133)

The Admiral and the Ambassador by Scott Martelle (p.49-54)

Tadeusz Kościuszko and Casimir Pulaski: The Lives of the Revolutionary War's Most Famous Polish Officers by Charles River Editors (Pulaski section)

Pulaski: A Portrait of Freedom by R.D. Jamro (p.85-99)

Steuben / Drill

The Drillmaster of Valley Forge by Paul Lockhart (p.105-113)

The Life of Von Steuben by Frederich Kapp (p.120-136)

Baron Von Steuben's Revolutionary Drill Manual: A Facsimile Reprint of the 1794 Edition (all)

Lafayette

For Liberty and Glory: Washington, Lafayette and Their Revolutions by James R. Gaines (p.98-106)

Adopted Son by David Clary (p.154-179)

Lafayette by Harlow Giles Unger (p.65-71)

The Marquis: Lafayette Reconsidered by Laura Auricchio (p.59-64)

[usafphantom2]

50 years ago today.

On Sep. 1, 1974, Maj. James V. Sullivan and Maj. Noel Widdifield set a new world speed record from New York to London, as our friend Linda Sheffield Miller (Col Richard (Butch) Sheffield’s daughter, Col. Sheffield was an SR-71 Reconnaissance Systems Officer) on her Facebook Page Habubrats. It took less than two hours.

This mission might’ve been the ‘gateway plan’ to have SR-71 stationed in England. The United States was fortunate to be able to house two SR-71s at RAF Mildenhall years later. This was a huge help to have SR-71 in Europe [SR-71 Reconnaissance Operations at RAF Mildenhall was from April 1976 to 1990. Prior to Det 4 being established, UK permission was required for each sortie flown. According to the SR-71 Blackbirds website, the SR-71’s stay would be no longer than 20 days for each visit.

Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher announced that Det 4 would be a permanent SR-71 Detachment with two aircraft assigned. The UK remained in control of the more sensitive missions. The two aircraft Detachments ceased operations on Nov. 22, 1989. The last aircraft departed the UK on Jan. 18, 1990.

The US Government has given the United Kingdom an SR-71 #962 for public display at Duxford Imperial War Museum for its contribution to ending the Cold War.]. Blackbirds based at Mildenhall could fly around the Baltic Sea and take pictures of potential targets in the Soviet Union using their side-looking cameras [without crossing the Soviet border].

On September 1, 1974 Major James V. Sullivan, 37 (pilot) and Noel F. Widdifield, 33 (reconnaissance systems officer) flashed across the starting line (radar gates in New York) at approximately 80,000 feet and speed in excess of 2,000 miles per hour. Exactly 1 hour 54 minutes and 56.4 seconds later, they had set a new world speed record from New York to London England.

The average speed was 1,807 statute mph over the 3,461 statute mile course, slowing to refuel one time from a specially modified KC-135 refueling tanker. The aircraft was placed on static display at Farnborough Air Show for 1 week. It marked the first time the secret plane had been on public display outside of the United States. ”Kelly” Johnson, the aircraft designer, was on hand for the event. He remarked, “It (the SR-71) has exceeded all my expectations.”

Another historic speed record was set on the return trip to the United States. Captain Harold B. Adams, 31 (pilot), and Major William Machorek, 32 (reconnaissance systems operator), set a speed record from London to Los Angeles. They returned the Blackbird 5,447 statute miles in 3 hours 47 minutes and 39 seconds for an average speed of 1,435 miles per hour. The difference in the two speed records was due to refueling requirements and having to slow over major US cities.’

Even so a large number of people in Los Angeles reported broken windows due to the sonic boom. One of those people was actress, Zaza’s Gabor, who complained bitterly about her broken windows. To appease her Captain Adams and Major Machorek went to Zazas Home to apologize. They brought their wives with them. Zaza only allowed the SR-71 Crew to come into her home! The wives had to sit in the car. Very bad manners on the movie stars part.

The trip from New York to London 50 years ago became a beautiful friendship between allies, the United States and Great Britain .

We both worked hard to win the Cold War.

This article was originally in the aviationgeek club written by Linda Sheffield. published by Dario Leone

Artwork by Force Graham

@Habubrats71 via X

[book--brackets]

Summaries under the cut

Fairyland by Catherynne Valente

Twelve-year-old September lives in Omaha, and used to have an ordinary life, until her father went to war and her mother went to work. One day, September is met at her kitchen window by a Green Wind (taking the form of a gentleman in a green jacket), who invites her on an adventure, implying that her help is needed in Fairyland. The new Marquess is unpredictable and fickle, and also not much older than September. Only September can retrieve a talisman the Marquess wants from the enchanted woods, and if she doesn’t . . . then the Marquess will make life impossible for the inhabitants of Fairyland. September is already making new friends, including a book-loving Wyvern and a mysterious boy named Saturday.

Beyonders by Brandon Mull

Jason Walker has often wished his life could be a bit less predictable--until a routine day at the zoo ends with Jason suddenly transporting from the hippo tank to a place unlike anything he's ever seen. In the past, the people of Lyrian welcomed visitors from the Beyond, but attitudes have changed since the wizard emperor Maldor rose to power. The brave resistors who opposed the emperor have been bought off or broken, leaving a realm where fear and suspicion prevail.

In his search for a way home, Jason meets Rachel, who was also mysteriously drawn to Lyrian from our world. With the help of a few scattered rebels, Jason and Rachel become entangled in a quest to piece together the word of power that can destroy the emperor, and learn that their best hope to find a way home will be to save this world without heroes.

The Missing by Margaret Peterson Haddix

Thirteen-year-old Jonah has always known that he was adopted, and he's never thought it was any big deal. Then he and a new friend, Chip, who's also adopted, begin receiving mysterious letters. The first one says, "You are one of the missing." The second one says, "Beware! They're coming back to get you."

Jonah, Chip, and Jonah's sister, Katherine, are plunged into a mystery that involves the FBI, a vast smuggling operation, an airplane that appeared out of nowhere - and people who seem to appear and disappear at will. The kids discover they are caught in a battle between two opposing forces that want very different things for Jonah and Chip's lives.

Do Jonah and Chip have any choice in the matter? And what should they choose when both alternatives are horrifying?

The Hundred and One Dalmatians by Dodie Smith

Pongo and Missis had a lovely life. With their human owners, the Dearlys, to look after them, they lived in a comfortable home in London with their 15 adorable Dalmatian puppies, loved and admired by all. Especially the Dearlys' neighbor Cruella de Vil, a fur-fancying fashion plate with designs on the Dalmatians' spotted coats! So, when the puppies are stolen from the Dearly home, and even Scotland Yard is unable to find them, Pongo and Missis know they must take matters into their own paws!

Tales of Magic by Edward Eager

Four children wish on a Half Magic coin that gets their mother Alison half-way home, rescued by Mr Smith. Mark's wish zaps them to a desert without island, where half-talking cat Carrie gabbles to a camel. Romantic Katherine battles Launcelot. Eldest Jane rejects siblings for another family. Stubborn youngest, Martha, causes a riot downtown.

Bambi by Felix Salten

Bambi's life in the woods begins happily. There are forest animals to play with -- Friend Hare, the chattery squirrel, the noisy screech owl, and Bambi's twin cousins, frail Gobo and beautiful Faline.

But winter comes, and Bambi learns that the woods hold danger -- and things he doesn't understand. The first snowfall makes food hard to find. Bambi's father, a handsome stag, roams the forest, but leaves Bambi and his mother alone.

Then there is Man. He comes to the forest with weapons that can wound an animal. He does terrible things to Gobo, to Bambi's mother, and even to Bambi. But He can't keep Bambi from growing into a handsome stag himself, and becoming...the Prince of the Forest.

Ballet Shoes by Noel Streatfield

Pauline, Petrova and Posy are orphans determined to help out their family by attending the Children's Academy of Dancing and Stage Training. But when they vow to make a name for themselves, they have no idea it's going to be such hard work! They launch themselves into the world of show business, complete with working papers, the glare of the spotlight, and practice, practice, practice! Pauline is destined for the movies. Posy is a born dancer. But practical Petrova finds she'd rather pilot a plane than perform a pirouette. Each girl must find the courage to follow her dream.

Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm by Kate Douglas Wiggin

Rebecca’s father had died three years before and the family farm had become heavily indebted. In order to ease the burden on her widowed mother, Rebecca is sent to live with her lonely aunts at their farm and there she spends the next seven years till she becomes an adult. Rebecca brings her youthful enthusiasm and imagination to their quiet life and often clashes with her stern Aunt Miranda. Yet, Rebecca finds love and acceptance with her Aunt Jane and she grows up to be a proper and intelligent young lady who never loses her sunny outlook and kind heart.

Just Ella by Margaret Peterson Haddix

Being a princess isn't all that...

You've heard the fairy tale: a glass slipper, Prince Charming, happily ever after...

Welcome to reality: royal genealogy lessons, needlepoint, acting like "a proper lady," and—worst of all—a prince who is not the least bit interesting, and certainly not charming.

As soon-to-be princess Ella deals with her new-found status, she comes to realize she is not "your majesty" material. But breaking off a royal engagement is no easy feat, especially when you're crushing on another boy in the palace... For Ella to escape, it will take intelligence, determination, and spunk—and no ladylike behavior allowed.

The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate by Jaqueline Kelly

Calpurnia Virginia Tate is eleven years old in 1899 when she wonders why the yellow grasshoppers in her Texas backyard are so much bigger than the green ones. With a little help from her notoriously cantankerous grandfather, an avid naturalist, she figures out that the green grasshoppers are easier to see against the yellow grass, so they are eaten before they can get any larger.

As Callie explores the natural world around her, she develops a close relationship with her grandfather, navigates the dangers of living with six brothers, and comes up against just what it means to be a girl at the turn of the century.

[soundslivemagazine]

In Defence Of Oasis

Exploring the hype behind one of Britain’s most loved and raucous rock n roll bands.

Unless you’ve been living under the most soundproof of rocks this week, you will have heard the news. After a decade and a half of the alluring ‘will-they-won’t-they’ drama, the Gallagher brothers Noel and Liam have rekindled just as suddenly as they’d ended it all backstage at a gig in Paris in 2009.

The rumours abound on social media suddenly began to feel a lot less like fantasies when Oasis, Noel and Liam’s accounts all teased an announcement last Saturday. Oasis had made announcements since their split, usually about anniversaries, merchandise and documentaries, this wasn’t out of the ordinary. In fact, the band would soon be marking 30 years since their era-defining debut album Definitely Maybe came out in August 1994. Singer Liam Gallagher had also threatened to reunite the band on plenty of occasions in the ensuing decade, but never made good on his word. Why should this time have felt different?

In theory, it shouldn’t have. The village eventually loses interest in the boy crying wolf. And yet, when Liam Gallagher stepped onto the Main Stage at Reading festival to perform a headlining set on Sunday and opened with nostalgic on-screen visuals of Oasis, any doubt left in fans’ minds quickly evaporated.

The following Tuesday, the band confirmed what we already knew: Oasis, the biggest Britpop band of the 1990s, were back in action.

The avalanche of articles followed like they hadn’t in over 20 years: Oasis had undoubtedly reignited the fantasies of music magazines and publications that were otherwise scaling down in the face of rising operational costs. We’ve now seen over 20 NME articles, news on the BBC website, a revived radio documentary on BBC 6 Music, countless Rolling Stone thinkpieces, news in SPIN Magazine, the Manchester Evening News, gossip in the rags of the Sun, Mail, Metro. The mural in Manchester. The millions of people that tried to get tickets for the reunion dates that sold out in hours. It’s easy to be sick of it all, to think there wasn’t a band more overrated, overhyped or beloved than Oasis.

But let’s forget the hymns for a moment. Let us re-examine the appeal of the band before the myth: five boys from Manchester who believed in nothing more than the rock ‘n’ roll dream. And certainly, nothing less.

Cast your mind back to 1994, before the success and idolatry, before their songs would be turned into design-for-life anthems, before the band would be permanently woven into the fabric of British music history. Strip all that away and try to imagine hearing a then-relatively unknown Oasis for the first time. Imagine being told that half the band was not yet 22 years old, that they were a new band, releasing their third-ever single? Can you imagine, however simple it may have been lyrically, hearing Live Forever for the first time? In particular, just 4 months after Kurt Cobain’s suicide, after many fans were left feeling like they were staring at the definitive end of an era of honest independent music?

In 1994, Oasis were ’77’s punk all over again. Entering a landscape of artists (a term Liam Gallagher has derided) who internalised their music and recoiled at the notion of explicit success, Oasis were a brash rejection of shoegaze and indie’s philosophies, even going as far as to instruct the presenters of BBC Radio 1’s Evening Sessions to tell the world that Oasis were not an indie band. They were a rock ‘n’ roll band, and a band that dared to aim high, openly and with no apologies (all apologies for the pun). 

That was a philosophy they would live by until the bitter end, for better or worse. In a world of falling ambition and no hope, as Britain emerged ravaged by the Thatcher years to find there was nowhere left for its young to go, Oasis were determined to write their own destiny, largely for themselves, but invariably, for their entire generation. 

Keep reading

[cosmichorrorsarestillnicerthanme]

Enjoy The Ride-Noel Vermillion X Reader

A little idea that popped in my head while thinking on another ask.

Noel nervously fidgeted as the train rattled along the tracks.

“Take a breath Second Lieutenant Vermillion.” you muttered as you flipped through the magazine that was on the table.

“But… First Lieutenant-” Noel began to speak before she was cut off.

“There are fifty N.O.L. Operatives on this train, none of which are below the rank of Sergeant. Of those fifty, five are first lieutenants, Yayoi and myself included, ten are second lieutenants like yourself, and there is also Major Kisaragi on board as well. The likelihood of them even getting this far is slim, getting past us is even slimmer, and even if they do manage that they’ll have the Major to contend with.” you stated before setting the magazine on the table and reaching down for the glass of water on the table.

“In other words, enjoy the free first class ride.” you stated before taking a sip out of your glass and looking out the window.

Said window was promptly smashed through by a Ninja Of Ikaruga.

“Not. A. Word. Vermillion.” you told the blonde who had thrown her arms in front of her face to protect herself whilst you glared at the shards of glass that was now in your water.

You then stood up and faced the Ninja as you poured the water out of your glass and onto the floor.

You tossed the glass to the Ninja who easily caught it and looked at the glass in confusion.

Using his distraction to your advantage, you spun around and kicked the glass out of his hand with the heel of your foot and into his face, shattering it and blinding him in one fell swoop.

“I CAN’T SEE!!!” The Ninja shouted before you grabbed him by the back of the head and slammed his head into one of the tables and grabbed an ashtray with your other hand.

Next, you pulled him upright and then smashed him across the face with the ashtray, shattering it before grabbing him by the collar and swinging him around, tossing him out of the window he came in from and into a tree that caused a sickening crunch to ring out before both him and the tree disappeared in a blur.

Then, the rest of the windows on the train car shattered, Ninja’s coming in through each one.

“Sigh and I was hoping to have a nice relaxing trip with my crush.” you thought to yourself as you grabbed a glass bottle from off one of the tables and approached the Ninja’s whilst Noel began to scramble to her feet, Bolverk already in her hands.

“Right then Vermillion, I’ll handle the ones in front of me. You handle the ones behind me.” you told Noel as you walked forwards, and past her.

“Loud and clear, First Lieutenant.” Noel responded as she walked forwards and past you.

You approached the group of Ninja’s, tossing the glass into the air and catching it by the spout, holding it like a club as the sharp retort of gunfire sounded through the carriage.

“So, who’s first?” you asked with a grin.

In an instant, the first one was upon you, his knife ready to cut into you.

You stepped past the knife, smashing the bottle over his head, disorienting him before you grabbed him by the head, pulled him into the air and then slammed him down, causing the wooden floor to snap and buckle from the force. You then picked him up by the collar and threw him back into the group.

“Next.” was all you said as you began to walk forward.

This time, two of their numbers came at you.

Like the first, they were dealt with quickly.

The second had several of his tendons cut by a broken glass bottle, his head slammed through a table, cracking his skull and breaking his nose, occipital bone, jaw, and several teeth.

The third had his jaw shattered, ribs cracked, and knee kicked in before being thrown into the wall of the train.

You continued forward, undeterred,

The fourth rushed in with the fifth, sixth, and seventh.

The fourth had his forearm snapped like a twig followed by an elbow to the temple.

The fifth was sent into the sixth with a kick to the chest followed by a left hook across the face, a right hook, a left, and then being grabbed by the head with both hands and having your knee slammed into his face before being tossed to the side.

Next the sixth who was still off balance from having the fifth kicked into him.

You capitalized on this by grabbing him by the collar and hitting him with a powerful strike to the face, sending him back from the force before you pulled him back towards yourself and punched him again.

And again.

And again.

And again.

Finally, you sent him flying with one last blow, leaving only the seventh standing, sword in hand.

He looked to be the leader.

He pointed the blade at you, ready to attack, only looking for an opening.

You continued to move towards him.

He continued to move back.

Then, with a flash of seither and in the blink of an eye, you had him by the throat. His sword arm broken, ribs shattered, leg destroyed, and jaw fractured in half a dozen different places.

You then unceremoniously dropped him on the ground as Noel fired her last shot, subduing the enemy in this car.

“Now then, back to enjoying the ride.” You declared as you turned on your heel to return to your seat.

“But First Lieutenant-” Noel began to exclaim before the temperature dropped to frigid levels and light began to explode out of the car behind the one you were in.

“Trust me, Major Kisaragi and First Lieutenant Yayoi have it covered.” you answered the question Noel was unable to finish as you sat down before gesturing to the seat across from you while you swiped the glass off the table and into the floor.

Noel sat down in her seat, clearly not quite used to all of this.

“Now then, seeing as your time in first class was ruined, how about the next time you are off I’ll take you on a First Class ride, free of charge?” You offered with a smile as you picked the magazine back up.

“…First Lieutenant, are you asking me out?” Noel asked, confused.

“Why of course. I happen to find you quite interesting Miss Vermillion.” you answered without a hint of embarrassment in your voice and a slight grin on your face.

[exchangestudentnova]

𝑩𝒍𝒖𝒆 𝒍𝒐𝒄𝒌 𝒄𝒉𝒂𝒓𝒂𝒄𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒔 𝒂𝒔 𝑮𝒐𝒕𝒆𝒊 13 𝒎𝒆𝒎𝒃𝒆𝒓𝒔 (𝑩𝒍𝒆𝒂𝒄𝒉) 𝒑𝒕 1

Features: The blue lock characters (including the manga characters) in an AU where they are members in the organization called Gotei 13 present in the anime Bleach.

IMPORTANT: I DO NOT OWN THE ART, credits go to the original owner (the original artist: @/fun1_fn on Twitter). This post is inspired by the art work above! I found these and thought it'll be fun to write about a cross over of my two favourite anime!

[ 1st DIVISION ] COMMAND

Role: Dealing with Soul Society law and monitoring the other divisions. Even subordinate members of the First Division are considered model Shinigami.

Characters: Noel Noa, Lavinho, Chris Prince, Marc Snuffy, Julian Loki

Explanation: All members of division 1 have great strength and power. They hold authority over the other divisions. As these characters have enough knowledge and experience to serve as coach/masters and guide the other players, they would definitely be first division members.

[ 2nd DIVISION ] SPECIAL FORCES / ASSASSINATION AND UNDERCOVER OPERATIONS

Role: They handle all undercover operations regarding Seireitei security. Members are tasked with assassination, policing, detention and message couriers.

Characters: Chigiri Hyoma, Asahi Naruhaya, Eita Otoya, Tabito Karasu

Explanation: These characters are known for their skills which will be benefit them to carry out assassinations.

[ 3rd DIVISION ] INTELLIGENCE AND INFORMATION

Role: Responsible of the act of sending out shinigami to gather information. They are also the ones that sort all outgoing and incoming information.

Characters: Meguru Bachira, Jyubei Aryu, Alexis Ness

Explanation: Bachira and Aryu are energetic characters that would love to go out to gather information while Ness seems the type of guy to gather info convertly.

[ 4th DIVISION ] MEDICAL ASSISTANCE AND SUPPLY

Role: They are responsible for both treating the injured and doing most of the manual labor, such as cleaning the Seireitei. The 4th Division administers emergency first aid to injured division members.

Characters: Okuhito Iemon, Nijiro Nanase, Yo Hiori

Explanation: These characters have a gentle nature, which is best suited for the 4th division.

[ 5th DIVISION ] KIDOU CORPS / KIDOU TACTICS AND CONTROL

Role: They are responsible for all sealing and magical workings inside Soul Society, as well as recording and storing any new kidou.

Characters: Reo Mikage, Rin Itoshi

Explanation: Being a member of this squad requires an in depth knowledge of Kido. High level Kido is something not everyone can perform, so these characters are well suited because of their academic level.

[ 6th DIVISION ] INTERNAL AFFAIRS

Role: They handle all of Gotei 13's internal affairs, such as monitoring shinigami activity and handling any disturbances. They are responsible for apprehending shinigami that breaks Soul Society laws and detaining criminal offenders until they are judged.

Characters: Kenyu Yukimiya, Sae Itoshi

Explanation: These characters have a good head on their shoulders, they will do well in this division.

[ 7th DIVISION ] SEIREITEI-RUKONGAI DIPLOMACY

Role: The 7th Division maintains peace between Seireitei and Rukongai. When souls have complaints/suggestions/questions, they sent to the 7th Division where it is read, ignored, taken into consideration and decided upon.

Characters: Zantetsu Tsurugi, Ranze Kurona

Explanation: They are smart enough to handle diplomacy issues.

P.S : Ahhh I so happy I wrote this! This was on my mind for quite a while now and I finally wrote it down! All the above information was taken from the blue lock/ bleach wiki pages as well as some other sources as well. Btw did you guys know that in bleach, only the 6th Division members play actual football? Toshiro did play once but only in the beginning.

Part 2

[noelcollection]

An American Voice

Since the events of 2020, we have attempted to be more active and reach out to LSU Shreveport campus. This action of outreach is meant to help student, faculty, and campus personnel be aware of a rare and unique resource that is available to them, and any visiting persons to the campus. We have just started our 2024 J.S. Noel Collection Pop-up Exhibits, we aim to highlight a vary small section of the James Smith Noel Collection that might interest various research. This time we focused on one person, Paul Laurence Dunbar.

Paul Laurence Dunbar was born in June in 1872 after the United States’ Civil War, his parents were former slaves. He was born and raised in Dayton, Ohio; and started writing from a young age. He wrote is first poem at the age of 6 and read it aloud at the age of nine for a local church congregation, “An Easter Ode.” Dunbar was 16 when he published two poems in the Dayton’s newspaper The Herald; “Our Martyred Soldiers” and “On the River” in 1888. A few years later he would write and edit Dayton’s first weekly African-American newspaper, The Tattler. Paul L. Dunbar worked with two brothers that were his high-school acquaintances to print the paper that lasted six weeks. Those brothers were Wilbur and Orville Wright, the fathers of American aviation. Dunbar was the only African-American student at Central High School in Dayton.

Dunbar’s parents had been slaves in Kentucky, following the emancipation, his mother moved to Ohio, and his father escaped before the Civil War ended. Joshua Dunbar went to Massachusetts and volunteered with the 55th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment. His parents, Matilda and Joshua, were married on Christmas Eve and Paul L. Dunbar arrived six months later. His parents had a troubled union, they separated after the birth on Paul’s sister; but his father would pass away in August in 1885 when Paul was only 13 years old. His mother played a key role in his education, she hoped her son would become a minister. He was elected president of his high school’s literary society which lead to him to become editor of the school newspaper and debate club member.

Paul Laurence Dunbar finished school in 1891 and took a job as an elevator operator to earn money for college where he hoped to study law. Dunbar had continued to write and soon a collection of poems he wanted to publish. He revisited the Wright brothers, but they no longer had a printing faculty and lead his to the United Brethren Publishing House in 1893. Oak and Ivy was soon published and he busied himself selling copies as he operated the elevator. The book contained two sections, Oak with its traditional verse; and Ivy was written in dialect.

His literary talents were recognized and Attorney Charles A. Thatcher offered to pay for college; however, his interest in law had shift to his writing. Dunbar had been encouraged by the sell of his poetry, and Thatcher helped by arranging for Dunbar to do readings in a nearby city. Psychiatrist Henry A. Tobey also took an interest and assisted in distributing Dunbar’s first book. The two contained to support Dunbar through the publication of his second collection of verse, Major and Minors, in 1896. While he was consistent at publishing, he was a reckless spender resulting in debt. He was a traditional struggling artist as he tried to support himself and his mother.

There was hope in the summer of 1896 when his second book received a positive review in Harper’s Weekly, William Dean Howells brought national attention to his poems; calling them “honest thinking and true feeling” and praising his dialectic poems. There was a growing appreciation for folk culture and black dialect. His popular works were written in the “Negro dialect” that is commonly associated with the antebellum South; though he also wrote in the Midwestern dialect that he grew-up hearing. Dunbar would write in various styles, including conversational English in poetry and novels. He is considered to be the first important African American sonnet writer. His use of the “Black dialect” in writing has been criticized as pan-handling to readers.

Dunbar was a diverse writer, he experimented with poetry, short stories, novels, plays, and a musical. He even ventured beyond the lens of the lives of African Americans and attempted to explore the struggles of a white minister. The Uncalled, Dunbar’s first novel, held similar names and themes of Hawthorne’s The Scarlet Letter and was not well favored. It was with his venture into novel writing that he dared to cross the “color line” with his first novel which focused solely on white society. He continued to try to capture white culture but the critics found them lacking.

He moved past novel writing and began to work with two composers, Dunbar wrote the lyrics for the first musical that would be preformed by an all African-American cast on Broadway; In Dahomey. Beyond his writing career, Dunbar was also active the early civil rights movements happening in 1897. He married after a trip to the United Kingdom in 1898, Alice Ruth Moore was also a poet and teacher from New Orleans. She also published a collection of short stories, and they wrote companion poems together. There was a play in 2001 based on their relationship.

Dunbar had taken a traditional job with the Library of Congress in D.C. and with his wife in tow they moved there. However, with his wife’s urging, he left his job to focus on his writings and his public readings. This also allowed him to attend Howard University for a time. However, he was diagnosed with tuberculosis in 1900 and his doctors suggested that drinking whisky would alleviate the symptoms. They also moved to the cold dry mountains of Colorado for his health. This resulted in trouble in Paul and Alice’s marriage, they separated in 1902 but never formally divorced.

Dunbar returned to his hometown of Dayton, Ohio in 1904 to be with his mother, his health continued to decline and depression consumed his mind. Paul Laurence Dunbar died from tuberculosis at age 33 on February 9, 1906 and was interred in Dayton.

Dunbar did not become one of the forgotten poets of literature, his use of dialect in his poetry allowed for his works to remain relevant and important in poetic criticism. We of the James Smith Noel Collection at LSU Shreveport are proud to retain and maintain a small collection of his works and show case their importance.

[hellsgate-roadhouse]

Article by: noel kirkpatrick (September 5 2018)

Call it Apocalypse 2040.

In the early 1970s, a computer program called World1 predicted that civilization would likely collapse by 2040. Researchers from Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) had programmed it to consider a model of sustainability for the world.

The prediction has resurfaced because Australian broadcaster ABC recirculated a 1973 newscast about the computer program. The program's findings, however, never really went away, as its results have been re-evaluated over the nearly 50 years since they first appeared.

The bad news for us is that the model seems to be spot-on so far.

The computer model was commissioned by the Club of Rome, a group of scientists, industrialists and government officials focused on solving the world's problems. The organization wanted to know how well the world could sustain its rate of growth based on information that was available at the time. World1 was developed by Jay Forrester, the father of system dynamics, a methodology for understanding how complex systems operate.

When deciding the fate of civilization, the program considered several variables, including pollution levels, population growth, the availability of natural resources and global quality of life. These factors were considered in tandem with one another as opposed to separately, following the Club of Rome's perspective that the world's problems are interconnected.

Such an approach was novel in the 1970s, even if the forecast World1 produced wasn't intended to be "precise." The program produced graphs that demonstrated what would happen to those metrics in the future, without even accounting for things like climate change. The graphs all indicated a downward trajectory for the planet.

According to the 1973 ABC segment, World1 identified 2020 as a tipping point for civilization.

"At around 2020, the condition of the planet becomes highly critical. If we do nothing about it, the quality of life goes down to zero. Pollution becomes so seriously it will start to kill people, which in turn will cause the population to diminish, lower than it was in the 1900. At this stage, around 2040 to 2050, civilized life as we know it on this planet will cease to exist."

This was not the end of the model. In 1972, the Club of Rome published "The Limits to Growth," a book that built off the work of World1 with a program called World3, developed by scientists Donella and Dennis Meadows and a team of researchers. This time the variables were population, food production, industrialization, pollution and consumption of nonrenewable natural resources.

"The Limits to Growth" pushed the collapse of civilization to 2072, when the limits of growth would be the most readily apparent and result in population and industrial declines.

Criticism of the book was nearly immediate, and harsh. The New York Times, for instance, wrote, "Its imposing apparatus of computer technology and systems jargon ... takes arbitrary assumptions, shakes them up and comes out with arbitrary conclusions that have the ring of science," concluding that the book was "empty and misleading."

Others argued that the book's view of what constitutes a resource could change over time, leaving their data shortsighted to any possible changes in consumption habits.

The tide for the book's finds have changed over time, however. In 2014, Graham Turner, then a research fellow at the University Melbourne's Melbourne Sustainable Society Institute, collected data from various agencies within the United Nations, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and other outlets, plotting their data alongside the findings of the World3 model.

What Turner found that was that the World3 model and then-current statistical information tended to coincide with another, up to 2010, indicating that the World3 model was onto something. Turner cautioned that the validation of World3's model didn't indicate "agreement" with it, largely due to certain parameters within the World3 model. Still, Turner argued that we were likely on "cusp of collapse" thanks to a few different factors, in particular what Turner called the end of peak easy oil access.

Writing in The Guardian, Turner and Cathy Alexander, a Melbourne-based journalist, explained that neither the World3 model or Turner's own confirmation of it signaled that the collapse was a guarantee.

"Our research does not indicate that collapse of the world economy, environment and population is a certainty," they wrote. "Nor do we claim the future will unfold exactly as the MIT researchers predicted back in 1972. Wars could break out; so could genuine global environmental leadership. Either could dramatically affect the trajectory.

"But our findings should sound an alarm bell. It seems unlikely that the quest for ever-increasing growth can continue unchecked to 2100 without causing serious negative effects – and those effects might come sooner than we think."

[stellarcollisionfic]

tell me about the noel/andreja side plot you seem to be starting in the fic!!! I love the idea of them together

Welllllll 😅 I originally went into writing this with the intent of having Jade/Andreja being absolute “ride or die”s to each other. I feel like Andreja/Jade/Sarah honestly could’ve worked as a dynamic but I was wayyyy too far into the fic by the time I fully had that realization. (Throuple oneshot!!!! 👀)

But- I was writing an ensemble scene (I think when Abigail comes to take shots at literally all of Constellation) and it occurred to me that Noel and Andreja would be…so cute?

I think their relationship comes about after Andreja chases after Noel and protects her during the Starborn attack. When Sarah and Jade are arguing abt the bounty and Noel and Andreja slip away together? And when Noel puts her hand on Andreja’s knee to quiet her when she’s all riled up about getting Jade back? All little fledgling couple moments 🥹

Andreja is a fighter, a protector- but she’s got an open mind, and she’s learning to assimilate. Noel is a bit of an introvert- but she’s brilliant and she hates work in the field. I think Noel would be compassionate to Andreja’s plight- and I think Andreja would see how vital Noel is to their operation. And opposites attract, of course 🤭 I get great joy from imagining how awkward their first date would be like, or what intimacy looks like to them.

Unfortunately (as you know quite well lmao) I write wayyyyyy too much as is, so I’ve settled for hinting at it in order to keep the focus on our Captain/Commander duo instead 😭

[justinspoliticalcorner]

Rebecca Crosby and Noel Sims at Popular Information:

Former President Donald Trump has promised that he will start mass deportations if he wins in November. The promise has become a central selling point of his 2024 campaign. At a campaign rally in Michigan this summer, Trump vowed, “As soon as I take the oath of office, we will begin the largest deportation operation in the history of our country.”  In April, during an interview with TIME, Trump laid out his plan for mass deportations, stating that he will use “local law enforcement” and “the National Guard.” Trump also said he would “not rule out” building new migrant detention facilities and that he would use the military “if necessary.” When TIME told Trump that deploying the military against civilians is prohibited under the Posse Comitatus Act, Trump responded, “Well, these aren’t civilians. These are people that aren’t legally in our country.”

Trump has promised that one of his first targets will be Springfield, Ohio, where Trump and his allies have, on numerous occasions, falsely claimed that Haitian immigrants are eating neighborhood pets. “[W]e will do large deportations from Springfield, Ohio. Large deportations. We’re gonna get these people out,” Trump said last week at a press conference in California. (The Haitian immigrants that Trump and his allies are targeting are in the country legally.) Trump also promised to prioritize deportations from Aurora, Colorado, where Trump has falsely claimed that Venezuelan immigrants are “taking over the whole town.” [...]

The human capacity problem

The scale required to orchestrate Trump’s proposed policy is far beyond the capacity of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Trump’s solution is to use local law enforcement. In an interview on Fox News, Trump said that he would give local police “immunity” to do “the job they have to do,” and that “the officers understand who the migrants are.” Using local law enforcement would result in police officers having less time to perform their other duties. A March report by the Center for Migration Studies of New York cited research that found putting local police officers in charge of immigration responsibilities would make “local communities less safe” and immigrants, fearing deportation, “less likely to report crimes or cooperate with police.”

[...]

The enormous price tag

ICE acknowledges that each deportation is costly and difficult. In its 2023 annual report, the agency stated, “Removal management is a complex process that requires careful planning and coordination with a wide range of domestic and foreign partners and uses significant ERO resources.” According to that report, ICE deported 142,580 non-citizens from the U.S. in 2023. Its budget for removals and transportation last year was over $420 million, meaning that it cost nearly $3,000 to remove each person from the country. If Trump successfully deported the estimated 11 million non-citizens currently in the U.S., it would cost $33 billion just to transport people out of the U.S. — more than triple ICE’s total budget in 2023. But the cost of actually moving a person off U.S. soil is only one part of the equation. It also costs ICE money to track people down and keep them in custody before their deportation. NBC reported that ICE currently has about 40,000 beds in detention centers which each cost $57,378 a year to maintain. If Trump enacted his mass deportation plan of 11 million people, ICE would need to expand its detention capacity drastically.

[...]

The nationwide civil rights violation

Trump’s promise of mass deportations would cause major civil rights violations. The policy would effectively result in local law enforcement engaging in a mass racial profiling campaign, as there is no objective way to identify undocumented immigrants. According to a report by the Center for Migration Studies of New York, “[i]mmigration ‘sweeps’... often lead to profiling, usually on racial or ethnic grounds.” The report argues that this would lead to U.S. citizens and legal immigrants being “unjustly detained and even deported,” and give them “little opportunity to legally respond to their arrest and detention.” In a memo released by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) in response to Trump’s proposed immigration policies, the group warns that Trump’s plan could also lead to violations of “constitutional protections against unreasonable search and seizure, including arrests and detentions without a specific reason to detain a certain individual.”  

The massive detention camps

Once the Trump administration identifies undocumented immigrants, it would need to detain them somewhere before deporting them. Trump has suggested that massive detention centers would need to be built in order to keep up with the number of deportations being processed. Aside from the economic cost, detention centers have been the sites of numerous human rights abuses. Undocumented immigrants in detention centers have been denied urgent medical care, sexually abused, and kept in chain-link pens.

The damage to the economy

[...]

The U.S. is already facing a labor shortage, and removing 11 million undocumented workers (about 5% of the total workforce) would only make the problem worse, pushing up prices on goods and services. Mass deportation would also impact the housing market, putting many of the 1.3 million mortgages of mixed-status households in danger, and cut tax revenue to the government and Social Security. 

Donald Trump’s mass deportation policy is a quagmire if it ever gets implemented, because it is a grave insult to civil liberties, police resources, and the economy.

Vote Kamala Harris to protect civil liberties!

[penna-nomen]

Joyeux Noel, Joyeux Neal

I've posted my fill for the Operation More White Collar holiday grab bag! My prompt was: Movies

That stymied me at first, since last year I posted a WC holiday story titled Movie Night 😆 This time I went with the concept of home movies and wrote a story set during and after the final season. So I'm posting on the anniversary of the series finale.

Here it is! ~4000 words of angst, fluff, and romance that culiminates on Christmas

[221b-sociopath-street]

#ted lasso for dummies

01×01 Pilot

00:00:56 'But it's Hockney!'*

*David Hockney is one of the most influential British artists 🎨 of XX century. Known by his contribution to the pop art movement of the 60's.

As cliche as it is, the work of art that Rebecca and Higgins refers to is called 'Football Player'. And in real life it was sold for £22,500.

00:02:20 'Liam and Noel. Though, perhaps not an Oasis.'*

*It is impossible to imagine Britain and its culture without one of the biggest and most acclaimed bands of the 90's. Oasis is a quintessence of most hated and beloved band. Alcohol, drugs, canceled gigs, bad press, accusations of imitating the work of other musicians, rivalry between brothers and the boundless love of the fans - it's all about Oasis. So, maybe comparison made by Rebecca between George Cartrick's testicles and Liam/Noel Gallagher of Oasis is a pointer to beef (rivalry) history of latter.

00:04:04 'Jack Kerouac. The Dharma Bums'*

*The Dharma Bums is a 1958 novel by Beat Generation author Jack Kerouac. Description of mountain climbing, cycling, hitchhiking, poetry readings, jazz drunk parties is done through the prism of Buddhism. So maybe it makes sense: Ted and his philosophy of life and work?!

00:06:58 'Okay. That's Tower Bridge. Right. Not the London Bridge, because this one is still up'.

*For me as a foreigner it's a bit confusing?! Is it a reference to Operation London Bridge - the funeral plan for Queen Elizabeth II created in 60's, where the phrase 'London Bridge is down' is like signal of Queen's death to the PM and others, setting the plan into motion? Or is it like some touristy stuff?

00:08:39 'Y'all got Nathan's hot dogs 🌭 here?'*

* An American company that operates a chain of fast-food restaurant's  specializing in hot dogs. There are some restaurants in GB, but Nates lack of knowledge about them msybe suggests their unpopularity.

00:13:22 'Trent Crimm, The Independent.'*

* The Independent during 1986-2016 British print newspaper, nowadays - online newspaper. And it is owned by representative of the terrorist country and ex kgb agent 😵

00:18:57 'Wales. Is that another country?'*

*Yeap, Wales is a country (with it's own capital Cardiff) that is a part of another country - 🇬🇧 . Besides it UK consists of: England, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

00:19:03 'It's kinda like America these days.'*

*Perhaps Ted is equating the countries within the UK to states in America OR is taking about sovereign states and dependent territories in the Americas(such as Canada, Brazil, Cuba and other)?!

00:19:25 'And am I getting notes of Axe body spray?'*

*If you are a man and you forget your body spray while traveling from the USA to GB, remember: AXE=LYNX 🤣

00:20:07 'Last time I saw eyes that cold, they were going head-to-head with Roy Scheider. Jaws? No, All that jazz.'

* Jaws and All That Jazz are among seven Scheider movies that are considered classics. And it's all known fact that he was really great performer, who knew how to hold the audience's attention both in the role of a shark-hunting sheriff and in the role of theater director/choreographer who was alcoholic, a driven workaholic and a womanizer .

00:22:29 'Never thought it would end being coached by Ronald fucking McDonald'*

*Ronald McDonald is a mascot of the McDonald's fast-food restaurant chain. 

I remember my first time at McDonald's and that creepy as fuck statue of clown, thank fucking God he is not around anymore in UA restaurants.

00:24:48 'Well, I hope you never run into Biz Markie.'*

*We share your sentiment Ted. It is really bad. Biz Markie, was an American rapper and singer. Sometimes was referred to as the "Clown Prince of Hip Hop". Fellas, it is all we need to know.

Part 2

[usafphantom2]

The pilot was Jim Sullivan age 37 and the RSO was Noel Widdifield age 33

The trip between New York and London took only one hour and 55 minutes to cover 3,479.41 miles. To achieve the new record, the SR-71 flew more than three times the speed of sound.

On Sept. 13, 1974, the SR-71 departed RAF Mildenhall for a record-setting flight to Los Angeles, California. The trip took three hours and forty-seven minutes and covered 5,446.86 miles. The pilot was Buck Adams in the second seat was reconnaissance systems officer, Bill MACHOREK they set a speed record by going 5447 statute miles in three hours and 47 minutes and 39 seconds. They reached their destination they threw out quite a few sonic booms personally this is music to my ears, but to Zaza Gabor, a movie star at that time was an annoyance as the windows in her home were shattered. Bill and Buck did arrive at Zaza‘s home to apologize. They brought their wives, but Zaza was known for only loving men, and not caring about women and insisted that the wives had to stay in the car!

Within five years, both the SR-71 and the U-2 operated from RAF Mildenhall.

June 30, 1978, the headquarters of the 306th SW relocated from Ramstein Air Base, Germany, to RAF Mildenhall to support the SAC rotational forces at RAF Mildenhall and manage the ETTF.

April 1, 1978, the SR-71 returned to RAF Mildenhall, in order to operate from the base. This was the result of the 9th Strategic Reconnaissance Wing, Detachment 4, which moved to RAF Mildenhall to oversee temporary duty deployments of U-2 and SR-71 aircraft. While this was a return appearance for the SR 71, it was the first appearance for the U-2. However, U-2 operations moved to RAF Alconbury in February 1983.

April 5, 1982, almost a year before the U-2s left RAF Mildenhall, the British Government permitted two SR-71s to be permanently based at RAF Mildenhall. Until the departure of the SR-71 on Jan. 18, 1990, it came to symbolize RAF Mildenhall in the public's eye.

I wish to extend America’s gratitude to Great Britain for allowing and welcoming the SR 71s and the Habu family.

Americans made quite a few good friends in Great Britain one that comes to mind is SR 71 author Paul Crickmore.

~Linda Sheffield

Source Mildenhall website

Description of the photograph

Once both the J58 engines had completed trim checks on the runway, wheel chocks were removed and a green light from the control tower indicated that the ‘Habu’ was cleared for take-off. Here SR-71 979, callsign ‘Oil 54’, awaits an early-morning departure from RAF Mildenhall in October 1984. Paul F. Crickmore

@Habubrats71 via X

[sharkys-disco-stick]

Sgt. Evelyn ‘Seven’ Kane

7-7-7

Evelyn Noel Kane would enter the United States Marine Corps after high school, hoping to find a place in the world and experience a sense of family and camaraderie she couldn’t get back home.

An incident at the end of her first enlistment gave her the nickname ‘Seven’—a moniker that she cannot shed and that no one can seem to pinpoint the exact origin of.

Numerous combat deployments to the Middle East left her decorated, but jaded and cynical. It was on one such deployment that Evelyn, then a corporal, would be recruited for an operation by Captain John Price, who needed her knowledge of an area to smoke a war criminal out of hiding.

Despite a rocky start, Price was impressed by what he saw during their time together, and told her that it wouldn’t be the last time they collaborated. It would prove true years later, when he approached her with an offer for a spot in his new task force, 141.

7-7-7

Art by the wonderful @redreart that I’ve literally been holding onto since January.

[moonlit-mystery-writer]

Winter Greenery OC , all under Mistletoe: Peace and Friendship for Noel !

Winter Greenery Oc Questions

Answer Under Cut!! :3

Mistletoe: Peace and Friendship.

1. Who was your OC’s first friend?  What drew them to each other?  Were they expecting to get along? Or was it a surprise to them both?

Noel isn’t quite sure who her first friend was. With her parents preferring to do odd jobs here and there, she tended to move around a lot as a kid and rarely got to stick with one friend/friend group for a while.

However, she does remember meeting a young girl with white hair once and a purple haired boy at a beach once. The boy couldn’t understand French fully, but the girl spoke it fluently. They bonded that day while playing pirates, Noel happily telling them both of them all the fun history facts she’d learned about them.

2. Does your OC find it easy to make friends?   What barriers are there to them doing so?  Has this changed over time?

Noel can make friends pretty easily if she so chooses to. She’s a very calm, but welcoming person who loves to chat and joke and more. The only barrier really is if they stay in touch in some way.

3. Do other people experience your OC as having a “peaceful” energy? Or are they inclined to restlessness - or even fractiousness?  Do others find them relaxing company?

Noel very much has “peaceful” energy lol. The only time she’s not quite relaxing to be around is if you’re doing something active with her. But even then, it’s because she’s trying to get you or keep you energetic and motivated.

4. To what extent does your OC believe in the perfectibility of mankind?  Do they believe that they are playing a part, no matter how small, in ushering in a new utopian age of co-operation and peace?  Or do they consider that people are intrinsically flawed and that the best that can be hoped for is a series of trade-offs between conflicting values?

She’s a historian and archeologist on top of being an adventurer. She knows humanity’s flaws well by just looking into the past. But she doesn’t despair. Undeniably she has a part to play, like anyone else. The actions of one person can set off so many things after all.

5. Who is your OCs most unlikely friend? What made their friendship so unexpected?

None of her friends are really unexpected lol. But! I’ll reveal that she is close to Reborn. He tends to bring out her more energetic side and even get her a little competitive depending on what they’re doing.

[witchfall]

warm bright eyes [e]

[Jullus pyr Norbanus/Warrior of Light/Alphinaud Leveilleur] [~3200 words] [explicit - MMF threesome]

Tension pools in Izzie's body, right alongside confusion. Somehow, despite all her years on the road, she'd never run into this question before, of…a tent’s suitability for…things. [read it here or on ao3]

---

The setting sun glitters yellow-gold over the salt flats of the Lochs.

What had turned into a visit over Starlight became a whirlwind of activity requiring Jullus to stay longer than he expected. After some issue involving the actual fucking Twelve — one of them had nearly stolen Alphinaud from them all — Jullus received command from his superiors (such as they are) to remain until the threat was resolved. And to keep their favorite twins safe, besides.

Jullus watches Izzie tease Alphinaud about setting up the tent — the Elezen’s too-long arms flying into the air in frustration over it — and a smile alights across Jullus’s face.

While the time away from home pings him with guilt, he cannot say it upsets him overmuch. All the more time to imbue memories upon his heart of the two people who cleave him to the very earth.

---

Luckily, for now, they have a moment of quiet. The (former) Scions’ camaraderie zips about the campfire with ease, dipping into shocks of teasing as Izzie finds herself comfortably ensconced between her chosen two. Her legs stretch into Alphinaud’s lap while her body curves into Jullus’s side, ears lowering over his shoulder like little dust mops.

“The marshmallows aren’t as good without the chocolate. Don’t waste them by throwing them,” Noel demands of Izzie, blue eyes winking with joy in the firelight. “Throw something comparatively useless. Like Jullus’s shirt.”

But that particular brand of teasing is…still new. Even Izzie tenses like a burr to it, snapping with easily triggered embarrassment in response, regardless of the fact Noel teases her like that constantly.

Jullus says nothing. Izzie catches the offered bag of decadent chocolate, pouting. "Stop flirting with him for me," she says, popping a chocolate in her mouth. "It’s too cold for that."

“Yes, do remember that our tents are not soundproof,” Thancred mutters.

“Shut your damn mouth,” Izzie hisses.

The conversation moves on, spiraling outward and inward like one of those loop-de-loop kites Jullus saw in a shop once upon a time during the warm season.

His arm tightens around Izzie’s waist as he slips into thinking. He watches Alphinaud’s fingers draw patterns into her bare thighs.

Tonight, they will get to hold her close under the stars. Not much privacy to be found here, true, as Thancred had made quite clear, but wouldn't they need to figure out how to be quiet in the first place? When they come to visit him in Garlemald, there’s a low chance he will be able to keep either of them in any kind of fine house.

He ignores the shame of that in favor of…the wondering. He thinks of her in his small office-slash-bedroom made out of an old train operator office, sprawled in comfort upon the actual mattress he’d obtained recently, her naked body buried beneath piles of woolen blankets.

He can’t pretend. At least with Alphinaud, their connection is the type that makes him feel safe and curious and cherished; they are of one mind split in half, able to while away the hours talking about any number of things. They’ve kissed no few times. They enjoy the ways their bodies slip together, like touching cool water and emerging clean.

And they are united in how Izzie drives them both to utter distraction.

Jullus is deeply aware that Izzie and Alphinaud are connected by the very soul in a way unique to the Viera. Their hearts, their very past lives yearned to join together, or so the stories have said.

But Noel has commented that some strange connection exists between himself and Izzie, too, formed by Izzie’s sheer force of will that he survive. He can feel no such thing. He hasn’t a lick of context for what any of that could possibly mean for someone aetherblind as he.

He does know, however, that touching Izzie is like fire to ceruleum.

The moment she comes to visit him, he won’t be able to think about anything else. There will be no considerations of decency outside of the bare minimum, which is that they are out of sight and as much out of earshot as they can manage.

Much like tonight. If she is willing.

At some point, the teasing starts back up again. He misses the catalyst for it, but he senses Izzie’s hackles rise like static building under his arm.

"Oh my gods!" Izzie hisses, throwing a chocolate right for Noel's head. "Stop it! Come on! And you," Izzie says, turning pointedly to Thancred, "are one to fucking talk! You and Urianger have been doing it under our noses for years at this point. Lay off!"

Alphinaud looks down at her with a knowing smile, his dark eyes shining like ghosts in the firelight. Jullus is caught by the expression; how the man’s face so easily takes on the qualities of the paintings he so loves.

Izzie frowns. "What?"

"Nothing, beloved," Alphinaud says — and he means it. His palm smooths out some of the knots in her leg. "They are just teasing you."

"I know that," she mutters, petulant.

So Jullus takes his opportunity.

His arm tightens around her waist and his mouth comes close to her ear so no one else will hear. This close, even for a half second, the heat of her skin curls toward him; her lemony scent sends his mouth watering. His body’s reaction to her is primal. He wonders if that will ever ease. He doubts it fully. He hopes not. "Don't worry about it, mea vita. It won’t matter."

He’s so deeply predisposed to the sense of her movements, like his body has accepted her as an extension he must watch, that he nearly sighs aloud to feel her coil just slightly in response.

He will take her problems and snap them in half over his knee. If she wants him — wants them both — tonight, it will be done, regardless of teasing.

And he knows her well enough to know…to hope…that when given the opportunity, she will jump rather than think too hard about it.

---

Izzie, Alphinaud and Jullus retire with casual ease to their tent once the campfire is down to red-gold embers — even if one look inside them would reveal the simmering beneath their skin. They won't be able to resist close quarters for long.

Not when every moment together is preciously hoarded like gold.

Jullus zips the tent closed. Within, their three bedrolls are pushed together, making one large mat with various warm quilts. A heater whirs pleasantly in the corner (all of the tents are provided with one) — creating a nice blanket of sound both within and...hopefully...without...

Tension pools in Izzie's body, right alongside confusion. Somehow, despite all her years on the road, she'd never run into this question before, of...a tent’s suitability for…things. She peels off her coat and her outer layers with rote speed, her back to the boys as if to get it over with so no one would have to be concerned about her wanting or her worries.

She's down to her smalls — for that split second of a moment! — when Alphinaud whispers: "Izzie, come here."

She freezes at the tone in his voice, her long-sleeved sleep clothes in her hands. His soul hooks into hers, pulling. "Um," she whispers, utterly at a loss. "Do you...shouldn't I...are you sure this is a good idea..."

"Hush. Come here."

Well, her willpower was already weak. She has secretly always liked it when he was commandeering, especially now that she knows it is all for her sake.

She turns on her bare heel to see Alphinaud lying upon the bedroll, down to his last layers of his Sage gear — that forever weirdly tempting set of white tunic and loose pants — with his hair down and arms outstretched toward her. Jullus kneels beside him like a knight in waiting, face unreadable.

Unreadable by choice, because if she interprets it, she will combust in a loud explosion of wanting and Thancred will be very mad.

So Izzie burrows into Alphinaud's arms, finding immediate comfort in the scent of him, the feel of his body around hers. She leans her ear into the sound of his heartbeat, of his quiet sigh of relief. There is no need to doubt. There is never need to doubt when he is around her like this...she could do anything he asks of her...

Jullus's careful, callused hands turn her slightly. He kneels down between her legs, his body hovering over hers, gaze the intense sort of blue upon her. "We have to practice, don't we?" he whispers, so quiet, so fucking incendiary. One of his hands smooths her hair out of her face. His thumb lingers on her lips "There's not much privacy back in Garlemald just yet..."

Izzie swallows, dry. Alphinaud hums gently in her ear.

"And I will not be able to keep my hands off you when you visit the first time," Jullus says, leaning just over her mouth. "There's a chance I might just abscond with you to the nearest alcove."

"You wouldn't," Izzie says, half-teasing, almost scared. He's far too serious for such shenanigans. And she wouldn't ruin his reputation like that.

"You don't know what I would do for the chance to hold you, my life."

He pauses for a single moment more over her lips. As if to give her a chance to say no, to say she's truly uncomfortable with this, to say she doesn't want to risk it. She could not say that and be truthful. She already feels herself sinking into that beautiful pastel where she doesn't have to think anymore.

Suddenly, Alphinaud's hand goes to her forehead and pulls her face back, exposing her neck. "We will keep you quiet, my love," he whispers.

Her eyes flutter shut. Jullus's lips descend to her neck just as Alphinaud kisses her half-open mouth. Levin skates down her spine. A sharp breath comes in through her nose as their hands slide through her hair, over her breasts, down the divots of her ribs, her waist, her hips. She vaguely recognizes Jullus scooting down her body, lips leaving a trail of wanting, tongue slipping over the curves of her bones, across her scars.

Then he yanks aside her smalls and presses his mouth to her cunt.

Her reaction is immediate. Her hips jerk into his mouth and he half-growls with delirious need, hands slipping under her thighs to lift her toward him. He throws her legs over his shoulders, pressing himself closer. Izzie forgets, sometimes, how strong he is.

She finds herself unable to cry out, instead moaning into Alphinaud's mouth as he holds her tightly to him, arm about her neck. She is truly trapped, barely able to writhe against them.

And then Alphinaud replaces his mouth with his fingers. Those long delicate things, tasting still of dusted cinnamon somehow against her tongue — right as Jullus presses his own fingers into her, tongue still against her apex.

Izzie's whole body spasms, eyes squeezed shut so tightly against the instinct to call out their names. "Shh, shh, you're doing so well," Alphinaud whispers into her ear, breathless. "Gods, to see you like this..."

She nearly bites his fingers but she does not — instead swirling her tongue about them in a way that makes him tense hard behind her.

She is not entirely helpless in this game.

She comes apart not much longer after that. Jullus moans into her as her body flutters around his tongue, desperate for the very essence of her. But she, too, can scheme on the fly...and the moment he finally releases his bruising hold on her hips, the moment she can move her body of her own accord, she sits up to seize Jullus about the jaw.

She tastes herself on him first, claiming him in a kiss so total that his body nearly collapses into her dominion. She is half in his lap, kissing him until they can’t breathe, her fingers nearly pulling on his hair. She is intent upon devouring him right there. He would let her, she knows. He would let her bury him within her very being, kept all to herself forever.

It’s only fair, isn’t it? If Alphinaud is in her soul…then someone else must infuse her body.

She whispers, so quietly against his mouth: "Do you think you could be quiet while coming inside me?"

Jullus takes in a breath through his teeth; his whole body jolts to painful attention. But he has no time to say anything before she's spinning herself about until her tail is wiggling at him and her nose is at Alphinaud's stomach, pushing aside the fabric there.

Jullus sees where this is going, and a cuss falls out of him. "Fuck."

"Are—are you sure, beloved?" Alphinaud whispers, his face so dark a pink to be a dangerous red now.

"Oh, very," Izzie whispers back — before pulling down his waistband and taking him in full with her mouth.

The sight is so agonizingly perfect — her hair spilling in red sheets across her strong, freckled back onto Alphinaud’s snowy skin, her spine curved just so — that Jullus can do little but follow his instinct in this regard. He leans over her back, lips to the nape of her neck, one palm to the valley of her spine, and he presses himself inside of her.

He silences himself by fastening his mouth over her skin. Every single neuron in his body lights up with pleasure and wanting, hearing her squeak around Alphinaud's cock when he takes her, the full softness of her surrounding him so completely.

Alphinaud throws his head back. One of his hands goes to his mouth, squeezing to smother his cry, while the other threads into Izzie's hair between her ears, half-pulling.

Neither of them can last long like this. Jullus can scarcely believe the beauty of her muffled cries against Alphinaud — and while he would prefer her able to sing out loud for him, for them both, there is something so deeply lovely in how she has to smother herself or be found out. How she wants to save it just for them.

His fingers dig into her waist. He tries to keep his pace controlled, something akin to quiet, but the sight of her so taken between them is intoxicating, heady, everything he could ever dream of. He leans down again, hand rough in her hair, yanking it aside to nearly bite down on the meat of her shoulder as he comes hard inside of her — an insane part of him wanting to leave a mark that would never fade.

If he cannot touch her soul like Alphinaud, by every star, he would mark her body with proof of his conviction. Fill her, paint her, kiss every last jut of bone and muscle.

Alphinaud comes not long after that, back bowing, eyes squeezed shut from the effort of not calling her name aloud. He yanks her up by the head into a long, searing kiss, leaving Jullus, suddenly boneless from exhaustion, to kiss a trail across her hips, arms still circled about her waist.

They collapse then into their shared bedrolls, a tangled mess of limbs and sweat, ears buzzing, fingers numb. Izzie is pressed between them on her back. Jullus sprawls possessively over her, face buried in her neck, while Alphinaud pulls her half onto his body, her head lolling into his chest, where her ears can align with his heartbeat.

Alphinaud's arms encircle them all.

Let the gods march in, Jullus thinks, sleep tearing him down into the void. Not even they could pull me from this.

---

They are a little more sane by the time the blue light of morning pools in.

And in an unusual twist — one perhaps inspired by Izzie recalling her old life — Alphinaud still sleeps while Jullus and Izzie wake.

Jullus leans over her body, propped up by an elbow. He stares down at her, his muscles sleepy and honey-like as he takes in her bare, morning-lit body, a silken sort of pink beneath him. His fingers slip her hair from her face and out of her mouth. He rumbles with quiet laughter. Nothing about her is ever truly peaceful.

Her hands come up to touch his chest as she curls into him. One palm spreads over his beating heart.

“Is it very strange for you?” she asks, voice so quiet. “That we…that this is how we…connect?”

He searches her face, so wide open. A nightblossom moments before moonset. “What do you mean?”

“I…” Her gaze goes to that middle distance, like she could physically summon the words in front of her to sort them out. “I find myself…shocked by it, sometimes, how badly I…want you like this.” Her fingers stretch up toward his collarbones. “Because for a long time I…worried such things were just…surface level because that’s how people around me…talked about it.”

He curls a finger in one smooth lock of fire red hair. “I know it’s not surface level, sweetling,” he whispers gently. It hits him slowly, molasses pouring out. “Are you worried it makes it seem like you love me less?”

Izzie’s shoulders loosen. She nods, a little jerky motion. “I know it has to be different, from Alphinaud, or else…there’s no beauty in that, if it was all the same…” Her eyes flutter shut for a moment. “...and you do complete me in a wholly different way than he does. I need you to know that. That it matters to me, so much.”

He leans down and kisses her gently on the lips — slow and gentle as the light outside, quiet and intent. His hands cradle her head, fingers in her hair. “I do,” he says against her skin. “Of course I do.” He noses her jaw aside and presses a kiss to her heart’s vein in her neck. She gives the softest, tiniest sigh.

They had both been raised by societies that wielded sex as a strange double-edged weapon, with rules as impossible to pin down as the people who lived in those worlds. A dark vein of shame haunted them both. You’re being frivolous, you’re hedonists, you’re corrupted and too voracious and selfish. You’ve ruined her; she’s supposed to be nothing to you, a notch. You are dirtied by the power of how much you want the other — to say nothing of the presence of another man, which makes you not only frivolous but deviant.

“I love you,” she says, relieved.

Looking down into her sea glass eyes — glancing at Alphinaud, a snow prince in the morning light — he does not know how any of that could have ever been true.

“And I love you,” he says back, because it is the easiest thing in the world to do so. He grins, all teeth, down at her. “Now come here. Our time together is always so limited, you know.”

Alphinaud, poor sweet Alphinaud, wakes to the sight of Izzie’s back pulled in tight against Jullus’s chest, one hand around her mouth and the other two fingers deep inside of her, her whole body lit up like fireworks.

“Well, aren’t you audacious,” Alphinaud half-growls at Jullus, the cat having caught the mice at play. He leans in to steal the man’s mouth in a kiss of his own, hand tight and possessive about his jaw. The other goes to Izzie’s waist. “The nerve.”

Jullus chokes down a laugh, quite at the taller man’s mercy as he pushes them over, smothering them both.

They are, the three of them, quite distracted for long moments after that.