#origin of the order mp

[meowmeowriley]

Anybody else ever think about how Gaz would've hated both Soap and Ghost when the 141 was formed? I do. Let's talk about it.

Gaz used to be a member of the Military Police. His job would've involved- among many other things- security, recon, detention, corrections, law-enforcement, and counter-terrorism (woah, that's how he met Price and got kidnapped requisitioned for Price's mission) He would've been trained in things like interrogation and investigation. He's shown to have a strong sense of justice and a resistance towards doing things that are morally wrong. Watching him struggle with some of Price's decisions in MW1 is honestly worth watching a playthrough or playing the game, it's great. Price does some horrendous shit, and you can see that it doesn't sit right with Gaz, even though he knows it has to be done.

So why would he have hated Ghoap? Well...

Soap is known to have a quick temper and a problem with authority. Soap absolutely would've had to deal with MP's after attacking a superior officer, and based on his in game behavior its honestly a surprise that man only had the one run in that we know of. He's constantly questioning orders and has a tendency to push his CO's. For a man like Gaz, who has previously been the one to have to uphold order and even punish soldiers for getting out of line, Soap's personality must've grated on his nerves so fucking bad. Probably drove him up a wall.

'But what about Ghost?' You may be wondering, 'Ghost is a good soldier who follows orders' yeah, true, but also, Ghost is a mystery. His name isn't even included in his file.

Side note: Originally I was only gonna get a screenshot to show that his name is redacted, but then I realized that for the first 3 missions Ghost had 3 different photos, of the exact outfit he wore for that mission. Can we just appreciate this fucking diva? Like they don't have his name on file, but they do have a picture of each of his silly little outfits so they can have a proper match for their debrief.

Anyway. For Gaz, a man who is trained in investigation, it must feel wrong not to know anything about your coworker. It must be frustrating to know no matter how much you dig, you'll never know anything about him. Soap and Price call him Simon at different points in the game, so Gaz must've learned it too, but nothing else? I don't think it's a leap to assume he at first found Ghost hard to trust.

Now, obviously, they're a tight knit group, even friends. But I don't think it would've been quick, or easy, or especially not instantaneous like a lot of us write the friendship between Soap and Gaz.

[itsa-me-lily]

Listen I'm a Whore for Positive Feedback

Military Program Spouse has spiraled into this entire cinematic universe, it is going to include the other guys, the master playlist is here. This is the playlist for Simon and his reader Thimble

Note; hard limits are the following (meaning I don’t write for them) Piss, Scat, Animal Cruelty, Knife/Blood Play, Rape (cnc toes the line), Wanting to do Actual Serious Harm to your Partner. (This list is likely to expand as I think of more things)

Note note; I try to keep non Drabble asks under mps asks, we’ll see how well that works

Note note note; the only order these are in is the order of which I’ve thought of them and posted lol

Note^4; this AU is probably going to be a slow burn type thing. If I get an ask for something or I get inspiration for sure I'm going to post it, but I'm really liking thinking about about how this relationship really develops from strangers to whatever it is my brain cooks up. If you want an answer as to why check here

Original Idea

A Little Sugar

Welcome to the Crafter Life

Walking Petri Dish

Who’s God Damn Baby its That?

Good Soup

That’s My Purse

I Don’t Know You (Sequel to That’s My Purse. The titles make sense to me when you put them together)

Help Me Make it Through the Night

His Honor

What's in the Box?

Do Ya Have Any Grapes?

It's a Quarter After One

*Gasp* Nine Inches

A Thimble by Any Other Name

Pick Up Game

Who's Flying the Airplane?

Emotional Support Bat

Where's My Treat?

All The Small Things

If The Fates Allow

My Shiny Teeth and Me

General questions

Piiiiiiiiiigs

[blueikeproductions]

Megatronus Prime, the only “other” Prime people care about.

And I think a lot of that is due to his simple concept: he’s the bad Prime. He’s evil, brooding and will blow up the Sun out of spite.

His conceptual history starts with G2 where Simon Furman created the Liege Maximo as the evil “Prime”, a natural counterbalance to the innate good of Primus. This guy was the First Decepticon of which Megatron is descended from biologically (technologically?). A lot of the older material insisted the Autobots and Decepticons were genetically distinct, right down to their moral compass.

During the Dreamwave comics era, Furman revisited the idea of an evil “Prime” once more, instead creating the first version of The Fallen.

Originally intended as a Prime of destruction and rebirth, he became obsessed with destruction and became an Acolyte of Unicron, intending to sabotage Primus, but failed. He resurfaced during the early stages of the Great War, intending to finish what he started, but once again was met with failure and sealed away within Cybertron by Primus.

He would be revisited once again in RotF, taking on his more well known alien Egyptian look.

Interestingly, Dreamwave had established a connection with The Fallen and Jetfire, something that ROTF also used, but not to the same extent. Dreamwave intended for The Fallen to posses Jetfire, but it never came to pass. Prior to that, The Fallen had possessed Sunstorm, a Starscream Clone Shockwave created, so ROTF called back more to its roots than people think, using Jetfire and the Seekers.

Because of the success of the Bay films, this version of The Fallen was what people think of regarding an evil Prime, along with him being pretty cool in general.

In this version, this Fallen betrayed his fellow Primes to claim the Sun of Earth, not caring for the human life on it, finding it beneath him. The Primes didn’t want to claim suns of inhabited worlds, so this was pretty much treason. The Fallen was sealed away after a huge battle, but he resurfaced in the modern era, intent to reclaim Earth’s Sun out of pure pettiness (ROTF explains the Allspark needed recharged with the energy of suns, but with its destruction, it wasn’t necessary to claim the Sun for that anymore).

The movie famously doesn’t fully explain where The Fallen came from, just that he was already onboard the Nemesis, soaking up Energon and giving Megatron his marching orders to kill Optimus, find the Matrix, and recover the Star Harvester buried in Egypt.

The IDW movie comics go more in depth, explaining The Fallen was sealed in a sarcophagus on Cybertron that Optimus’ science team dug up during an archaeological expedition. The relic called to Megatron, influencing the temperamental brute already having issues with Optimus, to become the future tyrant and leader of the Decepticons.

Along with the movie being the prototype for the modern Prime mythology, it also was the first to claim The Fallen was the First Decepticon and that his face influenced the Decepticon logo.

It’s not super clear in the movie itself…

…but the comics make the distinction more obvious.

Early concept art also tried to make the connection clearer.

These concepts would eventually feed into the TFONE Fallen’s design. Having a bulky tank like body of his Dreamwave self, wearing a mask that is clearly the Decepticon logo as was intended in ROTF, along with having the scepter of his ROTF counterpart. The Decepticon mask has led to some confusion among some fans, his mask, cannon and predominantly purple body resemble Tarn from IDW.

It’s not meant to be Tarn, as he didn’t originate the look, the real world version of this is Soundwave’s face inspired the logo, but Tarn is the most well known among fans to rock the look. That said, Tarn probably did influence the look a little.

Unlike his counterparts, the ONE version of MP never became The Fallen, instead the context we’re given is this version valiantly defended Cybertron from the invading Quintessons. Being loaded with weapons and having an imposing size, Megatronus Prime was the most powerful Prime. In the modern era, Megs was also the most popular (probably a reference to his ROTF popularity) with many Bots having merch of him, D-16 being a HUGE fan in particular.

Megatronus sadly was one of the first to fall to Sentinel’s betrayal, being slain and his Cog taken as a trophy that Sentinel installed himself. D-16, learning of his idol’s fate and Sentinel’s role in it, was LIVID. D-16’s evolution to Megatron was complete when he stole back the Cog, and installed it in himself, gaining a form similar to his idol. I feel like Megatronus Prime is just saying ���YOU’RE NOT AFFILIATED WITH ME!”

Another deviation was Aligned and IDW.

The Aligned version seems to be where TFONE MP takes his primary look from, but still using Dreamwave and ROTF as mentioned before. Funny enough this is the only design besides ONE that clearly communicates MP’s head influenced the Decepticon logo.

The name Megatronus was coined here, Hasbro’s attempt at creating a more obvious connection to The Fallen and Megatron, though many fans have expressed irritation at the name, feeling it sounds too stupid. Aligned’s intentions were to paint him as more of a brooding antihero, possibly another means to connect him to Megatron, whose more infamous roles in Prime Wars, IDW and EarthSpark paint him as a repenting antihero type.

Aligned saw him accidentally kill his girlfriend Solus Prime following subtle manipulation by Liege Maximo, but an embittered Megatronus got the last laugh by figuring out what had happened and secretly killing Maximo. He then went off into self exile, mirroring something Megatron would later do at the end of Prime, making it feel weirdly pre-ordained.

IDW went a similar direction, but its Megatronus started as a scared, nameless robot who witnessed Shockwave murdering Onyx in prehistoric times. Shockwave recognizing who the robot was according to legend named him Megatronus, and molded the nomad to become the brooding Ow the Edge warrior the legends foretold. This Megatronus started a series of campaigns that saw Cybertron united under his Darklands kingdom, and, notably, recruit Galvatron and his then brother Arcee to his cause. After the formation and fall of the Primes, Shockwave later killed his student off world, his purpose having been served to keep history and his own plans on track.

RiD15 meanwhile opted to make Megatronus its first major big bad, with Optimus training in the Prime Realm to defeat him.

Despite being the same character in the Covenant of Primus, this take on him pushed him closer to the more familiar ROTF version: trapped in another dimension, having psychic powers, a Void Scepter, manipulating the Decepticons to ensure his release, and wanting to take petty revenge against Earth. The last one is odd, because Megatronus never visited Earth before, nor is there any Aligned material that describes a humiliating campaign on Earth he was a part of. I’ve always wondered if it was supposed to be a relapsed MEGATRON, stewing over his life, got frustrated and decided to take out Earth and Cybertron in an “If I can’t have it than nobody can!” moment. Concept art for Megatron DOES exist for RiD’s early development so it’s possible such an idea was entertained.

Anyway Megatronus uses a relic to combine the powers of the Allspark and Unicron’s Anti-Spark to trigger a chain reaction that would destroy both planets but he’s stopped by the Bee Team with the power of friendship and combining their Decepticon Hunters into a giant Dragonball Z energy blast. It would appear The Fallen is super dead here, as he’s never depicted going back to the Prime Realm, nor do the Primes seem that shook up their brother was vaporized.

The final version of the Fallen that appears is in the Prime Wars trilogy, again evoking his more popular ROTF form and abilities. Here he strikes a Mazinger Z like design I kinda dig, too bad it didn’t stick.

His primary goal was to revive his lost love Solus Prime, and he chooses to do so by rigging a device using the Matrix and other relics to steal the Sparks of all Transformers to revive Solus’ Spark. Inevitability this plan fails, and a so over him Solus drags her now ex boyfriend into The Well of Allsparks to undo the damage. It feels like they were trying to imitate the 90’s Mummy films, but it doesn’t work at all here. Not to mention we still don’t have a clear understanding on who Solus is in animation, and the ROTF personality used for Megs doesn’t fit for the tragic love story they tried to tell. Maybe if it was intentionally more like Heathers? PW Solus does have a Veronica Sawyer vibe, and PW Megatronus is basically JD….

While the ROTF personality tends to be the dominant one in most of his appearances, making Megs the most tonally consistent Prime, his more heroic role in ONE is a surprise. As such if he is meant to be a regular hero, there’s a fan theory that Sentinel corrupted Megs’ Cog, and when D-16 got it, it was corrupted further, when D evolved into Megatron, glowing an eerie purple the other Prime Cogs didn’t. It’s possible this was the writers’ way of subtly referencing Megatronus’ usual evil antics, or maybe MP’s Cog was built differently because he was the cool Prime.

One other thing that’s funny, is Megatronus is the only Prime that consistently Transforms. Most of his appearances depict him as a space tank, but a few opt for some sort of space craft. Interestingly, the ROTF comics material states the Primes and Transformers are separate species, as the Primes can’t Transform. (How this is different for Sentinel and Optimus is never properly explained.)

However, toys show The Fallen becoming an alien air craft, with early concepts showing him Scanning and taking on an Earth mode: a bomber plane, contradicting this concept. It’s possible this was the comics taking advantage of The Fallen never Transforming in scripts they had to work with and were just assuming.

What’s still amusing is outside of a gun, The Fallen largely assumes military vehicles like Megatron does, strengthening their connections, albeit somewhat annoyingly. Again that preordained feel.

While we don’t see what TFONE Megs turns into, safe bet he’s probably a space tank, but making him a Triple Changer to incorporate the aircraft would be funny.

[mischievouslittlecreature]

Part 21: The Shadow of the Abattoir

Summary: Tommy's ambitions take them to new heights, but not without consequences looming on the horizon.

Word Count: 4,005

Warnings: Sexual content and references to torture and pregnancy. Bit of a bittersweet ending here, so sorry about that!

Notes: I originally considered including some more detailed aspects--even potentially a full chapter--detailing Lizzie's pregnancy and Ruby's birth, but I have tokophobia, and just wasn't comfortable going into that much detail regarding that topic. So apologies to anyone who wanted to see more of that. And I promise that the Lizzie drama is only just beginning, and will be a big part of the next couple parts, so please consider checking those out once they're posted if you're interested in seeing a continuation of that aspect of the story.

Also, I just want to give a huge thank you to everyone who has read this story. This is to date the biggest single fic I have ever written, and the support you have given me means so much. I promise to have more featuring Tommy and Lucy out very soon!

Previous Chapter • Series • Fic • Next Part

Chapter 29: Shake Hands with the Devil

Returning to work had been the right idea.

Already, Lucy was starting to feel better, work helping to drive the dark thoughts that had been plaguing her lately to the back of her mind. They were still there, but they weren’t nearly as loud as they once were. 

Tommy’s new plan required a good amount of logistics and organizing, both of which she was eager to take on. And another action, one somewhat less desirable, but just as necessary. 

She was surprised at just how easy it was to get Jessie to give up the name of the leader of the cell. All it took was a kiss from Tommy and a declaration that he wanted to help her cause to have information already spilling from her lips. 

But then again, Tommy always seemed to have that effect on women. And Jessie, despite how she may have presented herself, was desperate for connection.

“You alright?” Tommy asked, after Jessie had left the office with the promise that they’d meet up later.

“I feel a little bad for what we’re doing to her,” Lucy sighed, leaning back into him while his hands rested on her upper arms, chin settling on the top of her head.

“If you really don’t want to go through with it, we can figure something else out–”

“No, it’s fine.” She turned around in his arms to face him, resting her head on his chest, leaning into the warmth of his body. 

It was a shitty thing, what they were doing to Jessie. But fucking her was necessary to ensure her loyalty until the election was done. And to maintain the steady stream of information she could provide them about the communists–at least, that’s what Lucy was going to keep telling herself in order to be able to sleep at night. 

“Just…” she worried on her bottom lip, feeling Tommy’s hand settle protectively on the back of her head. “Promise me that you won’t come in her.” She didn’t need to specify as to why, feeling him tense a little against her of the reminder of Lizzie and her approaching due date. 

“I promise.”

She cleared her throat awkwardly. “We really should talk about what you want to do about Lizzie.”

“What do you mean?”

She hesitated, unsure as to how she could properly broach the subject to him, feeling a tear begin to cleave its way through her heart in response to what she was about to suggest. Even as she forced the words to come out. 

“You should marry her.”

Tommy jerked back, staring at her with a furrowed brow, frown pulling his lips downwards. “What?”

“You can’t be unmarried with an illegitimate child if you want to move into politics, Tommy.” Knowing him, winning the position of MP was just the beginning. He had big things ahead of him. “You have to project the right kind of image. And if you want to be able to be involved in any sort of significant way with the baby…”

“But I love you,” he said softly. “If I’m going to marry anyone–”

“It needs to be the mother of your child,” Lucy finished for him stubbornly. He shot her a wounded look. 

“I don’t want to marry her.”

We don’t always get what we want, she thought, but bit her tongue. If things had been different, maybe it could have been her that he would marry. But they weren’t. 

“And besides, what about you?” he pressed.

“I think that I’m a small price to pay for the betterment of your child’s life and your career.”

The hurt in his eyes deepened. “Well I don’t!”

“Tommy…”

“We’re not talking about this,” his jaw twitched unhappily as he shook his head, turning towards his desk.

“Sweetheart, please…”

“I’m not giving you up.” That stubborn sharpness entered his eyes, jaw setting, and she knew that she would get nowhere with him on the subject. At least not yet. He’d have to see with his own eyes that she was right before he budged on it. 

She sighed. The last thing that she wanted to do at the moment was fight with him. “Alright.”

They did not speak of the matter again. Though it lingered in the air between them like a ghost. 

∗ ∗ ∗

They laid side by side in the narrow bed, Tommy in the middle with Lucy on one side of him, Jessie on the other. He was thumbing at his brow with one hand, staring up at the ceiling while Jessie slipped out from under the sheets to go get dressed. Lucy watched her lazily, shifting to tuck herself more closely into Tommy’s side. His arm dropped to wrap around her shoulders, fingers tracing over her back. She shifted nearer to him, suddenly needing the closeness.

“You okay?” Tommy whispered to her in the dark. When she didn’t respond right away, his voice grew a little strained with worry. “Lucy?”

“‘M okay,” she said, nestling her head more firmly on his chest, eyes still watching Jessie carefully. They could not talk while she was in the room with them. At least not really. 

She ached pleasantly between her legs from having him buried inside her but only a few moments ago. And while the pleasure from the orgasm he’d given her was still rushing through her veins, she was coming down from it rapidly, crashing back to earth in an unpleasant plunge. 

It would appear that Lizzie’s pregnancy had more or less killed a lot of the enjoyment that threesomes once held for her. She’d felt an unfamiliar surge of anxiety as they’d taken Jessie to bed, the kind that sex normally helped to dull. But this time the tumultuous, overwhelming feelings only seemed to grow as she watched Tommy fuck their new lover. Even though he’d kept his promise and not emptied himself inside of Jessie, the threat of yet another unintended accident from their liaison had set her so on edge that she found it almost impossible to fully lose herself even in Tommy’s familiar kisses and touches.

She was pretty sure that he was able to sense her nervousness, but whether he was able to guess the actual reason, or thought that she was just anxious because this was the first threesome they’d had since what had happened with Luca, she wasn’t sure. Either way, despite Jessie being the primary focus of the evening, he was being notably attentive towards her, eyes constantly darting over to check on her throughout, warm mouth seeking out her skin in attempts to pull her out of her own head. 

He was looking at her that same way now, a slight crease forming between his brows. Lucy offered him a weak smile that only caused the look of concern to deepen, his other arm joining the first in wrapping around her so that he was hugging her tightly. Lucy squeezed him back, closing her eyes and burying her face in his chest. As if by doing so she could somehow hide away from the entire world. 

∗ ∗ ∗

Tommy left his meeting with Arthur Bigge in high spirits. It had taken some convincing, but all his conditions had been met. Everything was going according to plan. 

Well, not everything. Lucy was still worrying him. She was doing considerably better than she had been during their holiday, but she still wasn’t wholly herself. 

She used to smile and laugh so easily. Even at the absolute worst of his jokes, or with the smallest little bit of teasing, and he could have her giggling, trying to shield it behind one of her hands even as her amber brown eyes lit up, entire face crinkling with mirth.

But nowadays, a melancholic aura had draped over her, seeming to cling to her skin, casting a film of sorrow over her eyes. Of course Tommy did not expect her to go back to the way that things were before Luca. But it killed him to see her so despondent and broken. 

He missed hearing her laugh. 

What he would give to make it all better for her. To pull the sadness out of her eyes. Take it into himself, if he had to. Just so long as she didn’t have to carry it anymore. 

She was still having nightmares and the occasional panic attack, as was to be expected. He had been worried originally that all the work that came along with preparing for the election would cause her too much stress. Especially with how fragile she still was. But if anything the work seemed to help, so he let her be. 

But her comments about how he should marry Lizzie had struck a nerve in him, planting a seed of dread in his chest. He had always assumed if he were to ever marry again after Grace, it would be to Lucy. No one else. Especially not Lizzie.              

He had meant what he’d said. He wasn’t letting her go. He’d rather burn his reputation and even the entire bloody company to the ground before he even considered something like that. But his Lucy seemed incapable of understanding that, and he was beginning to grow more and more worried that no matter how much he tried to reassure her, she was doubting her place at his side.

When he first brought up the idea of running for MP, she had asked him what was to become of her position as his assistant after he took office. The question had taken him aback. It had seemed so obvious to him that she would come with him. He’d hardly given it any real thought. Wherever he went, so did she. That was how things had always been, and he had no intention of changing them. Her worries seemed only somewhat abated when he smiled and coyly told her that MPs still needed assistants. It wasn’t long before she was fretting over the possibility of rumors spreading regarding their relationship and tarnishing his reputation. 

As if his reputation was not already drenched in blood and mud. 

He’d just grinned and kissed her temple, trying to appear relaxed and unbothered by any of it. Hoping that if he did, it would help to soothe her. 

“Most politicians are sleeping with their secretaries, love. We won’t exactly be unique in that regard,” he’d told her. It seemed to have calmed her concerns enough. At least for the moment. 

Adjusting the grip on his briefcase, he pushed out of the door and stepped into the crisp fresh air. Glancing around, he frowned when he didn’t spot Lucy on the bench where he’d left her before going in for the meeting. Bigge had wanted to meet with just him alone, and while Tommy had been inclined to kick up a fuss about it until he let Lucy accompany him, she’d insisted that he shouldn’t risk irritating Bigge just so she could be in the room while they struck their deal. 

He hadn’t been particularly happy about it, but ultimately he had to admit that she had a point. 

Looking around, a beat of panic tightened in his throat at no sight of her distinctive crimson hair. His heart started to pound hard in his chest. No. No, no, no, no…he’d just left her there for a second, she’d been armed, there were dozens of people around, surely she couldn’t have been just snapped up right off the street…

His head swiveled around, scanning the people passing by him. Maybe he’d just missed her. She was so short, it wouldn’t be out of the realm of possibility that he’d just lost her in the crowd of people.

He was just beginning to properly panic when he heard his voice at his elbow. 

“How did it go?”

He whirled, eyes wide, chest still heaving with the startings of his panic attack, to find her standing there none the worse for wear, black coat pulled in tight around her.

Relief hit him like a blast to the face, and it took all his self control not to seize her in his arms and squeeze her tight to him. Instead he just let out a deep breath, shoulders relaxing. His eyes closed as he steadied himself, taking the time to remind himself that she was there and she was fine.

He opened his eyes again to find her still looking up at him, head cocked curiously. “Where were you?” he demanded, tone perhaps a bit sharper than he’d intended. 

“I got bored, so I went for a walk.”

“Oh.”

“Sorry.”

“No, it’s just…you weren’t here and I…” he huffed. “It’s alright. C’mon,” he indicated with his head towards the car that he’d parked on the edge of the curb. He held open the door for her, then slipped in after she’d gotten settled in the passenger seat. Setting his briefcase down and closing the door behind him, he turned to look at her. There was an odd bulge in the front of her coat. His eyes narrowed. The bulge twitched. “What’s that?”

Lucy clutched her coat tighter to her body, blinking up at him innocently. “What’s what?”

“What’s wrong with your coat?”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

Her coat meowed. Tommy raised an eyebrow. Lucy pouted, letting the garment fall open to reveal a tiny little black and orange tortoiseshell kitten hidden underneath, blinking up at him with scrutinizing green eyes. 

“What the bloody hell is that?”

Lucy stroked the little animal’s head. “It’s a kitten, Tommy. Surely you’ve heard of them before.”

He rolled his eyes. “I know what a kitten is, Lucy. What’s it doing tucked in your coat?”

“I heard her crying in the alley behind the bench I was sitting at. And when I went to look, she was soaking wet and shivering all alone in this little box. I couldn’t just leave her there.”

“The fuck are we going to do with a stray kitten, Luce?”

She shrugged. “We can keep her at the house. She could help with the mice problem.”

“We don’t have a mice problem.”

“And now that we have a cat, we never will.”

He eyed the kitten warily, still feeling like she was sharply analyzing him. Her little tail flicked back and forth, paws kneading at Lucy’s thighs. When Lucy scratched at the top of her head, she angled her face up, and batted at her playfully with one soft paw. Lucy giggled. 

Tommy looked up sharply at the sound, biting the inside of his cheek to try to maintain his serious facade even as he felt himself soften at the sight of her smiling down at the cat. 

“And you immediately assumed that I’d be alright with this?” he asked, the amusement obvious in his voice.

“You don’t have much of a choice.” Lucy flashed him a grin before her attention returned to the kitten, who’d curled up into a ball on her lap. Tommy raised an eyebrow, fond smile threatening to break containment as it tugged on the edges of his lips. 

“No?”

Lucy looked up at him, a challenge entering her eyes. “You knocked someone else up.”

He opened his mouth to respond, then closed it. “You know what–that’s fair.”

She snickered, leaning forward to peck his cheek to let him know that there was no real bite to her words. Tugging off one of his gloves, he held his hand out to the cat. She sniffed at his knuckles, whiskers twitching with consideration, and then rubbed her cheek against his hand. 

“She likes you.”

“Mm.” He gave her a few scratches under the chin, begrudgingly admitting to himself that the kitten was pretty fucking cute. And Lucy was right; the least he could do was let her keep the cat. “We’ll have to get her checked out by the vet before we take her home.” 

“Of course. Who knows what she might’ve gotten into living on the streets. Poor baby.”

Tommy let his hand stroke over the kitten’s back. She was so little, he could probably have fit her in one palm when she was all curled up. He felt a slight buzz under his hand as she started purring. He could feel Lucy watching them both fondly. 

“So it went well?”

“Hm?”

“The meeting with Bigge. Did it go alright?”

He smiled at her softly. “Yes; it went alright.” 

Her face lit up, leaning into him. “Good.”

He turned his face to catch her lips with his, kissing her gently in celebration.

Between them, the kitten meowed. 

∗ ∗ ∗

“Don’t you dare.”

Lucy grinned to herself as she approached Tommy’s office, hearing his voice even before she pushed open the heavy wooden door. She was greeted with the sight of the kitten perched on his desk, her little paw batting his box of matches closer and closer to the edge, her head cocked with intrigue. 

Her green eyes peered over at him, holding his gaze, and promptly batted the box onto the floor. Tommy sighed, reaching across to scoop the little monster up and plop her down onto his lap. “You’re gonna be a little troublemaker, aren’t you?” But he was smiling to himself, a dimple appearing in his cheek when the kitten meowed in agreement. 

Lucy smiled as she stepped fully into the office, walking over to set down a fresh stack of papers onto his desk. “Need you to sign these.” She collapsed back into a chair across from him as he plucked up a pen. 

Her hand raised to rest against the side of her face as she watched him. With every passing day, the election drew nearer, and with it, her anxiety grew. 

She’d been keeping an ear to the ground, regarding anything that might hinder him winning. But so far, with all the careful bribing and other methods of rigging that they’d implemented holding strong, it seemed like it would be an easy path to victory.

But there were some rumblings regarding Lizzie and the pregnancy that had started to spread. Lucy was pretty sure that they could keep them suppressed at least until the election was over. But not indefinitely.

It was going to become a problem.

She supposed it was almost funny, in a way. How being unmarried with an illegitimate child was likely to cause more harm to his reputation than being a notorious gangster. 

They needed to address it. Figure out what they were going to do. And the longer that they took, the more damage the whole situation was likely to cause. 

The kitten jumped into her lap, curling up with a soft purr. Lucy let her hand stroke mindlessly through her black and orange fur.   

“Tommy?”

He looked up at her through the glinting lenses of his glasses, eyebrow raised, papers still clutched between his fingers. 

“Yes?”

She’d been reluctant to bring up the subject ever since he so thoroughly shut her down the last time over it. But if she was being truly honest with herself, that wasn’t the only reason why she’d so willingly let it go.

She didn’t want him to marry Lizzie. And she sure as hell did not want to let him go. 

We’ve still got some time. We don’t need to do anything about it yet.

She swallowed hard, feeling like the worst, most selfish scum on the earth, even as she forced a wobbly smile on her face. 

“Never mind.”

∗ ∗ ∗

Time passed at seemingly the speed of light. And before she knew it, she was standing next to Tommy, the rest of the family–except for Lizzie who had to wait outside with the baby–crowded around him. They were all waiting with baited breath as the results of the election were announced over the loudspeaker. Lucy could feel her guts twisting nauseatingly inside her with nerves, heart leaping into her throat. 

It had been an insane handful of months, and they’d all seemingly passed within the blink of an eye. She didn’t even know where all the time had gone. 

Not long before the election took place, Lizzie gave birth to a baby girl, already bestowed the name Ruby by Polly before her arrival into the world.  

And oh, did Tommy love that little girl. 

It was heartwarming to see him fall so deeply in love with her, and every moment spent watching him with her made Lucy’s heart jump. 

But God, did it also hurt.

She kept her melancholy and jealousy over the gorgeous little family he now had with Lizzie tucked down deep and away, where no one would ever find it. Ruby was a sweet baby, and she deserved nothing but good things in life. And Lucy did love her. Enough that she was more than prepared to walk away forever if she had to in order to give that girl a chance at growing up with a proper family around her. 

She knew it made Tommy sad, to not be able to see her all the time. Ruby and Lizzie still lived at the home Tommy had bought for them, and while he visited when he could, he still did not get to see his daughter as often as he would if she lived at Arrow House. 

They still had not had the conversation about what to do regarding that situation long-term. She’d tried to bring up the idea of him and Lizzie getting married again a handful of times, especially after Ruby’s birth, but Tommy still wouldn’t hear of it. 

A part of her was worried that, despite the promising polls, his personal life would hinder his victory. And it would all be her fault. Because she had been selfish and decided to try to hold onto him, even though the selfless thing–the responsible thing–would have been to let him go so he could build a proper personal life to go along with his new ambitions. 

A huge breath of relief left her when his name was announced over the loudspeaker, a wide smile quickly replacing the look of apprehension that had been there a moment prior. She hugged Tommy back tightly in celebration when he engulfed her in his arms, briefly forgetting that she was trying to behave more distantly towards him in public. Like a mere colleague rather than a lover. To try to save his reputation before the rumor mill fully caught wind of their affair and ran with it. 

“I now declare Thomas Shelby to be the new Labor Member of Parliament for the constituency of Birmingham South,” the announcer boomed for all to hear. Not just in the room that they were all crowded in to hear the results, but across the entire bloody country. 

Cheers erupted, everyone in the family swarming around him, all smiles and uninhibited joy. They soon made their way to the doors, out to where Lizzie was waiting with Ruby clutched in her arms. Tommy beamed as he scooped Ruby up, lifting her high above his head, the baby squealing and giggling in delight. Lucy smiled at the display and the baby’s happy coos as her father adjusted her to rest on his hip and carry her with him down the rest of the stairs. But her smile quickly fell when she spotted Lizzie flashing a truly snide smirk at Jessie where she was standing in the crowd. A tendril of trepidation coiled itself around her, wondering if she would be on the receiving end of such a look sooner or later. Lizzie had been behaving decently towards her as of late, but she was not fool enough to expect that to last.

She followed Tommy and Lizzie down the stairs, lingering back to let them both go first, walking side by side with their baby while she trailed behind them; alone. 

And despite their current string of good fortune, of endless possibilities and new doors opening up before them, she found herself struggling to muster up any real hope for the future. 

Previous Chapter • Series • Fic • Next Part

Thank you for reading! Please consider leaving a comment, reblog, or like. I always appreciate feedback and love getting the opportunity to interact with you and hear your thoughts!

[rbrooksdesign]

"tDMT-#8" digital, Sept. 2024, Reginald Brooks

The original DMT (Divisor Matrix Table) reveals ALL natural numbers and their divisors.

The Mp-PNs are the rarest gems of the Primes!

So why think of entanglement: time, temperature and entropy? Here is my take:

BF1 schematic

|||||||||| ||||||||

|||| ||||

|| ||

| |

|

The Butterfly Fractal 1 (BF1) that heads up Row 1 of the DMT or tDMT is: 1--2--4--8--16---...

Starting with 1: zero time, temp and entropy (disorder)

Next, this doubles to 2: the clock starts (time) and the first temp. begins, as does slightly less order -- as we now have 3, the original 1 + 2 = Running Sum (∑).

Double that to give 4: the clock moves even more, a little faster to give more temp and, again, even more disorder than before -- as ∑=1+2+4=7.

Double that to give 8: now we are ticking, heating up, and the entropic disorder is increasing -- as ∑=1+2+4+8=15.

Double that to give 16: faster clock, greater temp. and entropy -- as ∑=1+2+4+8+16=31, and so on.

As the SpaceTime (ST) pulses into-out of--into--out of existence -- with each pulse generated by the BF1 pulse sequence -- a rhythmic beat of formation, dissolution, formation dissolution starts the clock, heat build (reflecting the energy born) and it goes from the perfect order of 1 to lesser 2 to lesser 4 to lesser 8, 16,...

The BF1 is a fractal as it both expands, interconnects and becomes entangled with other pulse-propagating STs forming, and, within itself, it contains the same BF1 fractal pattern and infinite number of times. One can see this in the above BF1 schematic -- the original 1-2-4-8... pattern is repeated twice on the second line up from the bottom with each | now informing the lines above it in the same fractal sequence of 1-2-4-8. On the third line up from the bottom, the fractal is repeated four times. On the fourth, it is repeated 8 times -- one for each |.

Each bit of ST pulse-propagates at a frequency that represents its energy signature and all is within the Conservation Laws of (mass), momentum, charge, energy and, of course, ST.

The entanglement -- the quantum entanglement -- is at the heart of the Conservation Laws.

I believe this jives with Einstein's comment that the perception of a past, present and future is an illusion completely dependent upon one's particular and relative point of observation within the overall pulse-propagation of ST.

Interactive DMT and tDMT for TES (Teachers, Educators and Students) ---here.

[tbhk-twt-events]

Kamome Monster Nursery S1 Pt. 1

October 17th, 2020 -> October 31st, 2020

Translations and images from the Jibaku-Shounen Hanako-Kun Wiki page and AidaIro's Twitter. These translations in particular were done by @mokketastic on Twitter!

Part 1 | Part 2

Icon

Banner

October 17th

Narrator:

"This is a fun paradise for monster eggs, aptly named Kamome Monster Nursery! The researchers strive hard day and night to raise monsters. From today, you are the nursery's HR manager, so do support the researchers. All for the sake of raising fine monsters for Halloween–!"

Original Tweet

Researcher S

"Good evening, manager, and welcome to Kamome Monster Nursery. I am Researcher S, and will be your assistant. Pleasure to meet you. This may be a little sudden, but this year's eggs and researchers will be introduced starting tomorrow, so please use this as a reference for business matters from now on. I look forward to the strength of your instincts and your fate."

Original Tweet

October 18th

Researcher S

"Ah, there you are, manager. I look forward to working with you tonight. Well, as I mentioned the other day, let's do the researcher introductions tonight. Now then, the researchers should all be somewhere in the nursery, so…" Nap Room — 40.2% Cafeteria — 18.2% >>> Library — 41.7% 6,382 votes

Original Tweet

Researcher S

"The library, then. It's the pride of our nursery, with a large collection from picture books to research texts. Not only useful for newly-hatched monsters, but also researchers and grown monsters. By the way, the one making a tower of books over there is…"

Original Tweet

Researcher S

"Manager, that is Researcher T. D-don't get too close… please make sure you maintain a certain distance. It's for your own good."

Original Tweet

Researcher S

"Well, Researcher T is a valuable contributor who made a 100 million MP (monster point) profit for our nursery last year, and also the prime culprit behind the closure of Kamome Monster Kindergarten in the year before that. The monster he's raised will surely become the talk of the town. For better or worse, that is."

Original Tweet

Researcher S

"Over here, Manager, before Researcher T notices us. Oh, is it this late already? I must get back to my research, too… Well then, I look forward to working with you again tomorrow."

Original Tweet

October 19th

Researcher S

"Good evening, manager, I have been awaiting you. Where shall we go tonight?" Cafeteria — 43.2% >>>Nap Room — 56.8% 6,534 votes

Original Tweet

Researcher S

"Are you perhaps tired, manager? If so, then let me first show you to the break room. Maybe have some coffee as you take your time to decide today's destination. Oh, that over there is…"

Original Tweet

Researcher S

"Manager, that's a cushion that's now popular in the research institute. It's very comfortable, and popular with the young monsters too. How about having one for your residence as well? It's made-on-order, up to 28 Oct before Halloween, so do decide early."

Original Tweet

Researcher S

"The nap room it is, then. Our nursery does have attached staff dorms, but there are many who are so devoted to their work that they stay overnight, so we try various ways of making the nap room more comfortable. Like the recent introduction of HMM (healing monster music) and such… Well, it looks like someone's sleeping there now, too."

Original Tweet

Researcher S

"Manager, this is Researcher K. He seems to be sleeping, so perhaps it's better not to wake him up. That said, he's by far the most good-natured even among the researchers, so it's not dangerous anyway. His regular data is over here."

Original Tweet

Researcher S

"Due to that good nature, Researcher K hasn't been involved in egg cultivation until now. Until the year before last, it was the trend that the more vicious a monster, the better, you see. But from now on, it's the era of diversity. I also look forward to seeing what kind of things the monster he's raising will do."

Original Tweet

Researcher S

"Manager, manager… Are you okay? You seem very sleepy. Oh, the HMM must be working. Do return for the day and have a good rest. I forgot to place an order for that cushion, so I must go do that now. Well, I look forward to working with you again tomorrow."

Original Tweet

October 20th

Researcher S

"Good evening, manager. You're punctual today too, how excellent. Well then, let me show you to the cafeteria today. Our nursery's cafeteria also puts great effort into developing meals that will be delicious to both monsters and researchers. Have you already had dinner? Coincidentally enough, the researcher I was intending to introduce also seems to be eating BMM (bad monster meal), so how about you also have that together, manager?"

Original Tweet

Researcher S

"Manager, this is Researcher A. He's also the elder twin of Researcher T. They have the same face, but he's very serious, and submits very readable reports as a researcher despite somewhat poor handwriting. His performance is consistent, which also helps. Just between you and me… It seems that the monsters that he's raised often gain a strange dual nature. For the time being, he's a model student. So long as he doesn't take too great of a risk, it's fine."

Original Tweet

Researcher S

"Oh, we seem to have a little extra time today. What shall we do then, manager?" I'm going straight home — 9.7% >>>I want to know more about you — 51.9% I want to meet a grown monster — 38.4% 5,389 votes

Original Tweet

Researcher S

"About me? I am Researcher S, your assistant. Do you need to know more than that? To better perform our duties… ah, I see. What shall I answer, then. About my hobby, you ask? My hobby. Hmm… ……the calculation of profits, perhaps. It's pleasant work."

Original Tweet

Researcher S

"Well, it's about time to end for the day too. Tomorrow, the eggs will finally be introduced, and I will also entrust you with one important task. Do get plenty of rest and nourishment, and let us meet again tomorrow night."

Original Tweet

October 21st

Researcher S

"Good evening, manager. As mentioned yesterday, today will finally be the egg introduction and an important task for you. Without further ado, let me show you to the egg storage room."

Original Tweet

Researcher S

"Please take a look, these three are our monster eggs for this year. I can sense chaos from Egg M, strength from Egg 8, and desperation from Egg 3. Each and every one embodies such great potential, do they not, manager?"

Original Tweet

Researcher S

"…well, let me now give you this very crucial task. Yes. As is traditional, manager, I would like you to assign the staff members who will be in charge of the eggs. The staff in charge of egg cultivation will be the three I have introduced over these few days. So step over here, manager."

Original Tweet

Researcher S

"What do you think, manager? It's the ancient and honorable form of MA (monster amidakuji). Beautiful, isn't it. Well then – with your instincts and fate, manager, please divine the best combination, and decide the assignment of the eggs."

Amidakuji

SECRET Researcher K | Researcher A | Researcher T

Original Tweet

Narrator

★ Decide the assignment of the eggs! ★ (Starting from the egg with the highest votes, it will be assigned to left, centre, and right.) M — 35.4% >>>8 — 46.3% 3 — 18.3% 4,566 votes

Original Tweet

Researcher S

"I see, so that's how you've chosen, manager. And this is how the result has turned out. A combination we couldn't have chosen ourselves – impressive, manager."

8 -> T M -> K 3 -> A

Original Tweet

Researcher S

"Oh, it's gotten late. Time sure flies by. You must be tired after fulfilling such a big role today, manager. Do have a warm rest. I'll contact you at once if any monster is born from the eggs. Let's keep working together to make this a better Halloween."

Original Tweet

October 22nd

Researcher S

"The manager is on leave today. I'd better go check the equipment. Oh, what's this…"

Original Tweet

Researcher S

"……ah, what a nostalgic photograph. I'll show it to the manager one of these days, too."

Original Tweet

October 24th

Researcher S

"Thank you for coming even on such short notice today, manager. I wanted to let you know as soon as possible, you see."

Original Tweet

Researcher S

"Yes, it's as you see, manager. Finally, the hatching of this year's Halloween monster eggs is here. Do come over here, I'll show you to where they are."

Original Tweet

Researcher S

"Here is the monster egg Researcher T was raising. This monster seems to have a strong interest in the outside world. Already reflecting the researcher's personality, perhaps? Her hidden strength is very fascinating, too, isn't it."

Original Tweet

Researcher S

"Here is the monster egg Researcher K was raising. Look at this brightness of its eyes and beauty of form, how uncharacteristic of a monster. So unpredicted, it's amazing."

Original Tweet

Researcher S

"Here is the monster egg Researcher A was raising. Well, how energetic he is. Rather motivated, isn't he. To think that he's menacing us even now, he does have a promising future. I wonder what kind of monster will become."

Original Tweet

Researcher S

"This concludes what I wanted to report, that these 3 monster eggs have safely hatched. Let's keep watching over their growth from now on, too. I look forward to our continued cooperation, manager."

Original Tweet

October 25th

Researcher S

"Good evening, manager. Today, in celebration of the eggs hatching, last year's most outstanding grown monster and MS (monster disaster) countermeasure department manager has come. Everyone, do grow up big and healthy like them."

Original Tweet

Researcher S

"Here's a look at Researcher T caring for the infant. He's always tensely observing the monsters with great interest. How does he plan to stop the crying, I wonder…"

Original Tweet

Researcher S

"Manager, the facility has been half-destroyed. The monster has cheered up now."

Original Tweet

October 26th

Researcher S

"Good evening, manager. Today, do allow this new staff in training accompany you.

Original Tweet

Researcher S

"Yes. Depending on the monster, there's been instances like this where they work at the research institute after growing up. Rest assured. She's a monster of few words, but very bright, and… ……Ah, just do be careful not to step on her tail, that's all."

Original Tweet

Researcher S

"Here's a look at Researcher K caring for the infant. He always pays attention to the monster's condition, and takes great care of them; it gives a good sense of security, doesn't it. What is that bar, though…?"

Original Tweet

Researcher S

"I see, so it's for the monster's strength training. Ah, no thank you, Researcher K. I'll pass."

Original Tweet

October 27th

Researcher S

"Here's a look at Researcher A caring for the infant. He appears rather busy with work. Maybe because he puts great effort into an intellectual upbringing, he seems to be able to raise monsters of the highest intellect, who can read even difficult books."

Original Tweet

Researcher S

"Sometimes, other researchers also help to look after them instead when the researcher-in-charge is very busy."

Original Tweet

Researcher S

"Researcher A seems very busy. Oh, is that… the drawing of him that the monster gave him the other day? Looks like he's displayed it in a place of pride. I'll make sure to tell the monster later, too."

Original Tweet

TO PART 2

[amywritesthings]

silver underground. / chapter 16.

( Read on AO3 )

Pairing: levi ackerman x f!reader (attack on titan / shingeki no kyojin)

Word Count: 5.4K

Summary: flashback six - also known as the day of the heist

Warnings: this chapter heavily explores and discusses themes of peril, thoughts of self harm and self destruction, hopelessness, death, violence, and torture. if you are triggered by these topics, i would suggest skipping this chapter.

Previous Chapter. / Next Chapter. | Masterlist.

CHAPTER 16 - FLASHBACK: SIX

note: the next couple of chapters will be heavily influenced by the ova 'no regrets'. they are my interpretations of the material. please watch those episode first, otherwise you will get spoiled on elements revolving around levi's backstory.

The silence of the Underground City spoke volumes.

At this rate, you’ve gone over the plan — and the potential ways it can go horribly wrong — at least a dozen times. 

Only so many distress signals can be sent from three people outrunning an entire Military Police unit, so you've employed all of them.

First, there’s the stolen flares.

They’re sparingly used, if ever, when it’s the four of you on a job. Two teams of two has easily been your best formation tactic.

A slight change to a single team of three should not cause much difficulty, especially when it involves veterans like Church, Ackerman, and Magnolia.

(You've already waited a half hour. No flare ever ignites.)

Next, if someone loses their grip on a flare canister, then the pursued team resorts to high-altitude flying.

At the height you’re perched upon — the rooftop of a dilapidated apartment complex overlooking the northern half of the Underground — you’d be able to see at least one person flipping and weaving through even the tallest buildings.

(Another half hour passes. No one ever breaches the skyline.)

The last option, should any ODM gear jam and fail, is more human: eyesight. 

With the B-team units ordered to be stationed around the Underground City, your three friends should be covered. If it looks like the Military Police have the upper hand, then you can quickly get the rest of the gang to safety.

You told Levi you wouldn't run after him, that you would keep your promise and stick to the plan, but now that it's been over an hour of radio silence?

You're not so sure.

Because there are no clouds in the Underground, your sightline is clear. Idly your ODM gear sits on either hips, hands occupied by the mechanism's handles that will boost you at a moment’s notice. Below you on the street stand your appointed security, both gang veterans, looking for any stray MPs roaming the area.

Every second waiting for Levi, Isabel, and Furlan to return from their heist route spans to eternity.

Over and over your eyes scan, checking between rooftops — nothing.

Your attention drops to the streets — nothing.

Silence creeps to a ninety-minute drag.

No flares sound.

No bodies fly.

“C’mon, Ackerman,” you mumble under your breath, flexing your left hand to give your body something to do — to avoid pulling the trigger too fast on a rescue operation.

He was explicit about not coming for him.

He was explicit and he was stupid to think you’d never come for him.

He was stupid to think—

“James!”

A panicked, shrill voice, however, sounds from the street.

You whip your attention to the east, taking your eyes off of the skyline for a belated beat.

The rogue voice screeches with urgency a second time.

“James!”

It's young and feminine and terrified.

You shift a boot towards the sound, squeezing the metal handles in your palms with your index fingers at the ready.

“Hey! Where is she? Please, tell me James is here.”

She seems out of breath, like she ran a great distance to get here.

You draw a line with your sight from where her footsteps originated: she came from the south.

Most of your units are pushed towards the north, where Levi stated the job would take place.

One of the seasoned lackeys, a younger man, grunts to her in response. “Who’s askin’?”

“I need to speak with James,” she urges, ignoring his question with a wavering tone. “Please—”

“She’s busy, kid,” the second man replies. “Spit it out if somethin’—”

“They caught Levi!”

Her shriek almost makes your foot slip, causing a roof shingle to dislodge.

Time ceases to exist.

Levi.

Below you hear the young men argue with her and the exchange of pleas that follow, but there is no distinction of sound to you. Their words are muddied as if your head has been dunked underwater.

You can't run to her. Anxiety grabs you by the scruff of your neck to hold you in place.

What's wrong with Levi?

Move.

Did something happen to Levi?

Move.

Without thinking, your hand ignites the ODM switch in your left hand to propel a spear into the stone wall from across the street. 

You swiftly swing down from your perch, finally catching a glimpse of the girl in question:

The girl — you remember her first name being Lucy — is as pale as a ghost. Her entire body trembles like a decaying leaf, as though she’s witnessed something horrific that she can’t scrub from her line of sight.

(What the hell did she see?)

Her shoulders relax once she spies your face, but not enough to quell your concern when tears well into her eyes.

“James! Oh my god, you’re here,” Lucy breathes, taking a step forward like you’re willing to console her with a comforting arm. "I tried to get here as fast as I—"

“Repeat what you just said about Ackerman,” you demand without solace. “Now.”

You take one pace back, ignoring the spike in your heart rate as the scenario snowballs in your mind’s eye.

From your peripheral vision, you see several others from the gang join the fray.

The two other lookouts on Lucy’s team run down the tiny guarded street, equally out of breath and panicked.

“We saw it happen in the southeast corner!” one of the running girls exclaim.

You — and the rest of the gang — turn in that direction. You can feel your throat seize.

He said the job was going to be in the northern half of the city.

How the fuck did they end up in the south quadrant?

"We followed them when the job changed course," Lucy explains as if she can read your mind. "Levi ordered Furlan and Isabel to cut south. Too many MPs were waiting in the north."

"But the job was in the north," you numbly reason.

“It might have been a trap, we don't know!" she desperately chirps. "A bunch of MPs went after them on ODM gear so we followed by foot. They were chasing Furlan through the streets. A few of them fell back and we thought maybe they gave up, but then a bunch of new people came out of nowhere and they all had green cloaks with wings—”

“Wings?” you snap, unable to stop your eyes from widening.

You whip your attention back to the young girl. Lucy cowers at your unyielding gaze.

“...yeah,” she answers, meek and uncertain. “They didn’t have the same jackets as the MPs. They had wings on their backs, on the cloaks and the jackets.”

A cloud of fearful whispers spreads like wildfire through the small crowd, infecting the minds of the reconnaissance team under your command.

It isn’t uncommon anymore for the Military Police patrolling the Underground to show up with ODM gear. It used to be a rarity, but now? They know better than to show up empty-handed.

Years of embarrassment have taught the thick-headed MPs a valuable lesson.

But green cloaks — and wings?

You can’t be mistaken by their meaning:

The Scout Regiment.

The military branch where suckers with death wishes band together to expire. They seek to explore the unknown, taking off on brainless expeditions past the city walls and into whatever Hell awaits on the other side.

(Why the fuck would they send the goddamn suicide squad to the Underground?)

You don’t need to live on the surface to know the stories: a third of Scout recruits barely make it past their first mission. And by the end of their first service year, the death toll rises to half. 

The only dumbasses left standing with the Wings of Freedom on their back are those who desperately want to die but can never find the right titan to eat them.

And, according to the stories, their missions beyond Wall Maria always come up empty-handed.

A thought passes through your mind like a papercut, stinging your blood cells with the very real possibility that they’ve turned their efforts inward — whether at the demand of the king or the disappointment of the people paying their salaries is unclear.

(Is the Underground City their new playground?)

If so, then Levi — this gang — could very well be their first dedicated target.

“Where?” 

The word spills out of your mouth, starting in your mind as a demand but dissolving to a murmur.

Going, running, to wherever the Military Police — or God forbid, the Scout Regiment — have your friends is the only plan of action you can think of. 

You’re supposed to make sure the people here are fine.

The need to run — go, go, go — far outweighs your logic.

“I…” The girl falters.

You hate how your voice erupts in the wake of your fear. “Where, Lucy?!”

“I don’t know! I lost track of them!” she yelps, squeezing her amber eyes shut. The hands at her sides are balled into tight, painful fists. “Isabel and Furlan got taken down by some MPs, but Levi kept going on ODM gear. He outran most of the MPs, but there was a man, a tall blonde guy, who—”

“Was he a Scout?” you press on, gritting your teeth. “Did you see the Wings of Freedom?”

“The fucking Scouts are here?” someone yelps behind you. “Oh, shit, dude. Oh, man…”

“What the hell are they doing down here?” another asks next to him. “They don’t fuck with the Underground!”

“Did the Wall missions fail?” an older girl asks under her breath. “Are they coming to wipe all of the Underground City out now?”

“Quiet,” you order, holding up a hand. It takes tensing your arm to keep the limb from shaking. “Lucy: where did you last see Levi?”

“The blonde man chased him out of the sky and into the streets. No one knows. We couldn’t see where they went, but it… I’m so sorry, James.”

Lucy’s voice is so small that you barely hear her.

All you can focus on is his voice ringing in your head, a whisper against the thin line of white noise filling your body.

Protect them.

You’re ready.

You’re so ready to fire up your ODM gear to chase after him, to fight off every single bastard who thinks about laying a finger on your friends.

We won’t get arrested. We’re too fast on ODM gear.

“What do we do, James?”

The MPs won’t stand a chance.

���Can she hear us? Is she freaking out?”

You want me to be the last person standing.

“James!”

Lucy shrieks in your face, breaking your delusion.

You blink back into your body to see a dozen faces staring back at you in various stages of grief.

Fear.

You focus on the way a tear streams down Lucy’s youthful face. It brings you back to when you picked her up off the streets. A kid, just like you, looking for food scraps and shelter — her mother had passed away at a young age, leaving her to fend for herself.

You knew what that was like, so you promised protection. A roof over her head. Food in her belly.

A chance at life.

Just like he once gave to you.

Now you’re the only leader left standing. The other three are either arrested — or worse.

You’re all that stands between dragging her back to the streets or pushing her to the gallows.

(You’re all anyone in this gang has.) 

I need you to be safe.

Levi’s voice tickles the outer shell of your ear, whispering past despite the dead wind.

You want to hate him. You really do.

But you promised.

Lucy’s lower lip trembles as she takes a step forward. 

This time you stay put, too frozen from the numbness in your body. 

“James… please, tell us: what do we do?”

You don’t know.

You wish you did, but you don’t know.

You want to tell them to run, to run as fast as they can and never look back.

You want to tell them that you don’t know how to do this without Isabel or Furlan.

You want to tell them you’d rather die than know a life without Levi.

But you promised.

I’ll keep them safe.

I know you will. Echoing in your mind like an omen. I trust you.

“If they’re arrested, then the MPs will be storming the apartment at any minute.”

You finally answer without an ounce of emotion. You can’t stomach thinking past protocol.

“We don’t have time to get our stuff. Organize yourselves into teams of three. Find the safe houses and don't come out until you hear from me. Take a single runner out to Roxy’s. They owe me a few favors, so they should give you table scraps until this blows over.”

“Are you getting Ackerman?” An older girl holding onto her brother’s small shoulders pipes up from your right.

“And Church?” Another person asks. “Magnolia?”

Refusing to think further than the present crisis, you shake your head.

“They all knew the risks of this heist. Right now, my priority is keeping everyone here safe. So go — and avoid detection the best you can. Leave the rest to me, alright?"

You pause, making eye contact with those staring at you. In front of you is a gradient of nerves.

(Everyone knows the risks of running with a gang in the Underground, no matter the price.)

"I said go, goddamnit!”

At your shouted order, most don’t hesitate to run.

The crowd forms into smaller clusters of refugees as they run towards the emergency routes you’ve mapped a hundred times before.

You don’t have time to panic.

You don’t have time to mourn about what could have been.

(A house gleaming in the sunlight with its windows open. The scent of a fresh meal being cooked. The soft meow overlapping over pleasant conversation about nothing at all.)

After all, you made a promise — 

And if three of the Underground’s most notorious gang leaders have been caught, then it’s only a matter of time until the manhunt ends with you.

.

.

.

.

  Week after week, your numbers dwindle. 

Day in and day out, houses are raided for anyone associated with Ackerman, Church, and Magnolia.

Bars, brothels, and drug dens are scoured for that missing puzzle piece.

Military Police, emboldened by their victory, are adamant to find anyone involved in their gang.

Most found are arrested.

Some offer information for a chance at immunity.

By the fourth week, the gang dissolves into half of its original number.

However, the rampant pursuit slows after the sixth week, and by the seventh, the Military Police stop searching.

The city becomes boisterous again for an entirely different reason, falling back to its routes of debauchery and strife.

Panic of those still in hiding twists into remorse, remorse into doubt, and soon the doubt creeps into what was once an impenetrable fortress.

And somewhere you failed.

Maybe it was because you kept your promise and never went after Levi, Isabel, and Furlan the day they disappeared.

Maybe it was because no one ever saw them again, creating a shroud of mystery in their disappearances. Most people assumed they were arrested and tortured for information. Others hoped they were able to at least die in a merciful way.

Or maybe, just maybe, it’s because you gave up.

The longer you fought without your three friends, the longer you ran around the Underground City hiding from authority, the harder it became to remember why you were trying so hard to be the last person standing. 

Hiding with nothing to go back to — that was what waited for you at the end of all of this.

To make new headquarters on mere piles of rubble, alone.

People continue to get caught. 

People continue to lose their lives.

You were ready—

Ready to give up.

Ready to join the fate of so many others.

Ready to lose.

(All things considered, you had a good run.)

.

.

.

.

  Eight weeks.

It takes eight whole weeks for someone to finally rat you out.

In exchange for immunity, a scared newcomer snitched to the Military Police about the location of your hideout — and you can’t blame them.

The Underground City has always been a dog-eat-dog pit.

That, however, doesn’t mean you don’t still run.

The crisp, metallic zip of the pulley cuts the air every time you push through the alleyways, leaving the Military Police unit in the dust. Wind frays your hair, whipping pieces of it into your face as you run along brick walls and push for the a momentous swing.

It has been weeks of these chases, all evaded in the dust, but something feels different about this pursuit.

The officers feel confident this time.

Ready.

Another unit of MPs pursue on foot, shouting and taunting for your surrender, but they're no match for your swift escape.

The two officers following with ODM gear cannot match the sharpness of your turns.

You don’t know why you keep running.

Why can’t you just stop running?

In your lingering rage you almost want to turn back, take a knife, and attack.

To earn the heaviness of a murder charge on your shoulders. 

You want to lash out—

To make someone hurt— 

But you just keep running.

In your time of solitude, you've wondered how the end of all things went that day. Did those pigs take turns kicking Furlan with his hands tied behind his back? Did they drag Isabel through the street? Did they cut out Levi's tongue for back talk?

You hope they gave the MPs hell.

The imaginative injustices — the cruelty — fuels your fantasy of revenge.

Through another alleyway and into the streets, you latch onto another building and swing to your left to continue through the streets of— 

Wait.

Skirting around a corner, you see something briefly whip around a corner in a cloud of exhaust.

(Was that emerald?)

Your attention turns to the distinct color that entered your line of sight before it disappears.

Your eyes widen with recognition, but it's too late.

You failed again.

One look to your side is all it takes for a solid, heavy object to slam straight into you from the opposite direction, knocking a spear clean out of the neighboring wall.

The ODM gear jolts, causing you to jerk and drop abruptly to the dirt beneath. Your forearms shield your face from the dirt and debris as your body skids across the dirt path.

Before you even realize what's happening, you're scrambling to your feet. Metal clangs from the jostled handles in your palms as you push yourself up.

Your right arm reels back, fist clenched, and flies in an attempt to connect — and it does.

The punch lands directly in someone's face. The bone crunches under you knuckles.

A person yells in pain and grabs their nose, giving you ample opportunity to attack further. Your leg swings, kicking your boot square into their abdomen. You recognize the way their breath squelches: the wind rips right out of their lungs.

You want them to feel pain, just as you’ve felt pain.

You want them to suffer, just as you've suffered.

It doesn't matter who they are.

When the attacker is incapacitated, you make a choice: you turn the opposite direction, taking off into a sprint.

And you run, if only for a few seconds.

Because that very same emerald flash appears in your peripheral vision.

In just one breath, your feet get tangled up and send you flying to the ground you'd just found yourself lying upon.

A pair of hands suddenly tug at the back of your shirt, pushing you further into the muddied street. A forceful forearm presses down harder, pinning you to the ground. A pebble digs into your cheekbone, its jagged edge slicing into your skin. 

Trapped.

You grit your teeth, fighting the painful hold with everything you have. You shout and yell like a woman possessed, kicking your boots deeper into the Earth to propel forward, but you can't move.

(Give up — why can’t you just give up?)

Then a deep baritone voice pulls you from your erratic defenses, smooth like honey.

“James.”

Your last name on a stranger's tongue makes your stomach churn.

You continue fighting, digging the toe of your boot further for purchase.

Suddenly pain explodes in your scalp. Something pulls your chin high from the crown on your head, forcing your attention to the sky. What greets you is a tall, built figure above.

From the street lamp, you see it’s a man — early thirties, broad shouldered, with piercing blue eyes and neatly-combed blonde hair.

This mysterious man stares down at you, standing at full height. He doesn't acknowledge the person holding you down, knotting your hair in their balled fist.

One after the other, two more emerald cloaks drop down from the sky, their faces obscured by their hoods.

Blinking away from his face, you see it: his tan, cropped jacket, with white and blue wings outstretched against one another, pointing high with dignity.

The Wings of Freedom.

It's the Survey Corps, in the flesh.

“Four whole Scouts for little old me?” you chide.

The person holding you down rips your torso up higher, causing an immense strain in your spine.

You wince at the sensation of nearly being broken in half but refuse to make noise.

They don't get that satisfaction, not yet.

(You've felt worse.)

The blonde man above you does not react. He continues to stare, however, when he addresses another in his squadron.

“Get her up on her knees, Miche.”

The man behind you — presumably Miche — yanks you from the dirt to settle you on your calves. Without your arms to support you, you’re left floundering at his will.

“What?” you ask through clenched teeth. "Are the Scouts so bored of getting eaten alive that they've come to the Underground on a field trip?”

The man makes a noncommittal noise in the back of his throat. His crystal blue eyes slide slowly from the crown of your head, past your face, then rest at your chest.

“Surface made?” he comments in a languid, baritone voice.

When you jostle against Miche's grip on your back, a feather-esque sensation brushes across your sternum.

Then you realize:

He’s staring at your necklace.

“Stolen?” the blonde man asks again, and venom poisons your tongue at his slander. Somehow you manage to hold a response.

You sneer instead, turning your attention to the side of a building.

A painful beat passes.

You hear the man’s boots near, crunching under packed dirt.

“My name is Commander Erwin Smith, of the Survey Corps," he introduces, not fazed by your lack of cooperation. "I was informed that you’re not only the muscle of this operation, but one of its four founding leaders. Is this true?”

He’s met with another stretch of silence.

“Handling operations for seven weeks without the help of your comrades is impressive.”

Another step.

“Or has it been closer to eight?”

“What do you want, surface scum?” you finally murmur, eyes locked on a particular patch of moss growing at the foundation of the building.

He exhales through his nose, contemplating. You continue to look away.

“Your protection is gone, James," Erwin begins. "Your gang, eradicated. Your people have fled — abandoned you, to save themselves.”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” you tell him.

Erwin evades your feigned ignorance. “A bounty has been on your head for two months. You’ve done all you can to avoid detection, but from where I stand, I see someone out of options.”

Your nostrils flare, unwilling to betray yourself in the face of the truth.

He isn’t wrong — it’s been the end of the line for weeks now.

You’ve run on borrowed time and a promise you barely believe in anymore.

You’re so tired.

“The Military Police would be glad to round out their gallows with someone responsible for embarrassing them so thoroughly.”

Is that where Levi ended up, in the gallows next to Isabel and Furlan?

(Are they no longer alive, just as everyone suspected?)

When you continue to stare at the adjacent wall, the man behind you tugs at your mangled hair and rips your focus back to the man in front of you.

The toe of the Commander’s boot is in line with your muddied knee.

From this angle, he's practically on top of you.

“However, I believe the finality of a noose is a great waste of potential talent.”

His eyes bore into yours when he slowly, carefully, drops to your height. His ivory-white knee plants gently into the dirt.

You blink up to his face, unable to suppress your confusion.

“Potential talent?” you hiss back, ignoring the searing pain in your scalp. “What is this, a pitch?”

The Commander hums. “I don’t pretend to know how extensive your crimes are, James. What I do know, however, is that you have an out.”

“Yeah?” you ask. “And what’s that, O' Golden One?”

Erwin’s eyes drop to the ground, so you follow suit without moving your head. From the edge of your vision you see it — the ODM gear still hooked around your hips.

“How long did it take you to properly handle ODM gear?” he asks with a genuine intrigue.

“Barely took me a week,” you lie under your breath.

“I wouldn’t doubt it,” he agrees. “Most of our recruits take months, sometimes even years, to masterfully scale the way you can.”

“Sounds shitty to me.”

“In a way.” A beat passes. Commander Erwin’s jaw sets. “Which is why I’m asking you to join the Scout Regiment under my command.”

You can’t help it — the anger disappears in a bark of a laugh.

It’s a request you never see coming, not a million years or a thousand lifetimes.

You’ve avoided the Military Police for weeks, only for a Scout to offer you… what? A twisted version of salvation in his army? 

The words blurt out of your mouth faster than you can help it.

“Join the Scouts?” He nods once to your yelp of a question. “Are you fucking insane?”

“Are you?” Erwin challenges. “Both options lead to your death. The only difference is choosing to make your death matter.”

“A noose or being eaten alive,” you snidely respond. “Gosh, Commander, which sounds less painful?”

“What do you think your friends would have selected, if given a choice?”

The swiftly-timed question is a punch straight to your gut.

Unable to stop your eyes from widening, you hate how your blood chills with panic.

How you can see that glint in the commander’s eyes when he’s finally, finally, caught your weak spot.

Seeing the visceral reaction, he continues. "Before they expired, would they have chosen to die here? Or would they have chosen a new life."

Was he saying…?

Was he saying they were already dead?

Isabel. Furlan.

Le…

Your lower lip trembles as you hold back from thinking about that final name.

You barely recognize your own voice when you speak, low and dangerous.

“How dare you…”

Erwin’s gaze is unwavering. “I’m asking you—”

“Don’t talk about them.”

“—what would they have chosen.”

“I said don’t talk about them!” you shout in his face, losing your cool.

His chin tilts a fraction of an inch, expression stoic.

“Then what about your fellow comrades, the people who laid down their lives for your safety — would they have wanted a chance?”

Despite yourself, you push with your boot to propel towards the blonde. “You disgusting piece of sh— fuck!”  

Miche rips your head back impossibly further, exposing your neck to the Commander. Erwin stands tall, pulling out a long sword from its metal sheath. The cool, sharp end of the blade rests against your throat.

If he wanted to, he could end your life right here in the streets.

If he wanted to, he could make this so much easier on you.

But he won’t.

This isn’t about ease.

It’s about power, control — total submission.

A part of you wants to push against the blade to make it easier.

No noose. No titans.

Just here.

But you promised.

Last one standing.

“...what happened to them?” you ask, unable to stop the crack in your voice.

If this is it, then you might as well know.

Commander Erwin keeps his blade held towards you. “I don’t know.”

“But it was you that day, wasn’t it?” You ease down to your knees again. Miche loosens his hold on your body. “You're the one that went after them two months ago. When there was a heist, it wasn’t just MPs chasing them. There were Scouts—”

“I don’t have all day, James.”

He interrupts the beginning of your emotional spiral with cutthroat apathy. His arm lowers when you do not retaliate. 

“Your hand-to-hand combat expertise is needed within our regiment. Combine that with your unique ODM handling, and I see a formidable redemption in your future—”

He continues to speak, detailing your servitude should you accept his terms.

You can feel the fight, the fire, ebbing to dying ember.

You’re so tired.

You’re so done with running.

(I’m so sorry, Levi.)

“—and you would presume a title under my command, the rank of a Lieutenant—”

“Wait.”

He pauses when you speak up, catching the oddity of his words. Your lifeless vision connects with his.

“Lieutenants don’t exist in your shitty Scout Corps.”

Erwin nods. “That’s correct. Lieutenants do not."

"Then why..."

"A title will deter animosity. Those who look down at you cannot question your authority."

"Because I'm not from the surface," you reason.

"Yes," he says.

"You're willing to give me an edge on the rest of your people. Why?" You watch him, trying to figure him out before he tells you for himself. “Why not just make me regular front-line titan fodder?”

Erwin seems to consider this, if only for a beat.

Then he speaks with an unshakable certainty:

“Because you know what it means to survive. That, in itself, is vital.”

Your shoulders slump as your body shuts down from the eternal fight.

So this is a choice, but it’s no choice at all.

Your life will not matter in the Scouts. The commander is right: you will die, perhaps not today, but at least choosing the Scouts guarantees the sunrise one single time.

Just like you once promised you'd see with the three of your friends.

And in the moment you mourn — the loss of your friends, the loss of your life, what could have been if that job really had worked out.

(What does it matter when you die, so long as it's soon?)

You grip onto a sense of hopelessness like a vice.

Grief.

Then—

Rage.

As swift as a sudden earthquake, you feel it tremble from your shins to your knees, up your torso and through your heart, filling every red hot blood cell in your body.

It was him.

You’re so sure of it.

Commander Erwin would have been the one responsible for turning Levi, Furlan, and Isabel into the Military Police. He was the one who would have sent your friends to their deaths — or did he kill them himself?

And if he was the one to kill them, then why would he offer you a choice to escape?

(Was this the same choice he gave the others?)

Levi would have never agreed to the Scouts. Furlan, Isabel — they would have followed whatever he chose.

They must have died the very day the heist went wrong eight weeks ago.

It’s why Erwin won’t confirm or deny their fates.

Sickness floods your body, but you hold onto the one thing that will keep their spark with you.

That rage.

They really think you’ll comply.

They really think you won’t burn and take the Scout Regiment down with you.

You’ll kill him.

You’ll kill Commander Erwin Smith, then Miche, then every single Scout that steps into your path until someone’s smart enough to take you down themselves.

“Fine, then.”

You speak, knowing your word is as doomed as the fire in your veins.

“I’ll do it."

You meet Erwin's intense gaze, signing your fate with blood on the dotted line.

"I’ll join the Scouts.”

.

author's note: I'm glad we collectively giggled and screamed and kicked our feet in the last few chapters. It was a marvelous time. Now I'm out here ruining everything.

tag list: @lazylizzy3 @notgoodforlife @sad-darksoul @dailydoseof-love @maliakealoha @nube55 @kateastrophies @blinkingsuns @gomigami @voidszoro @tanyeonn @chishiyasan @im-just-a-simp-le-whore @vigilancio @nomi98 @urfavcelestialangel @milkersonmac @blossomedfloweroflove @carries-blenders-and-stuff @hurtcomfortwhore

[petiteprincesses]

Hello, again! Welcome back to Petite Princesses! With Princess Maker 2 Regeneration out (except for the PlayStation), I decided it’d be polite of me to create a basic guide to some of the simple parts! This one will be about everything from the starting menu!

Bear in mind that due to the change in localization (bless the Translators), I’ll refer to each stat by all 3 English names on first mention, but I’ll default to the latest translation from then on. As well, I’ll be using Centimeters and Kilometers for ease of reference. Furthermore, I’ll be using Refine for screenshots.

Here’s our basic screen, of which you can see many different things. I’ve labeled them accordingly, and I’ll speak of each tab in detail!

I☆I

CURRENT DATE: A Box where you can tell the day— the year is on top (1210), with the month (April 4) and the day of the week (Sunday) on the left, with the day of the month (the Fourth) on the right. The game starts on your daughters 10th birthday, and ends on her 18th (in our case, April 4th 1218)

I☆I

STAR: I didn’t label this myself, but the “Star” section on the right side info box is pretty important. Here, our daughter’s sign is Aries (Mars), and her blood type is B. Your star sign determines starting statistics and a +100 bonus from slaying a certain foe that I’ll mention later, while type influences passive stat increases. I’ll explain the exacts in another post someday, but for the impatient, googling Patrons on the Princess Maker Fandom Wiki should do the trick!

I☆I

ARM/WPN: This is her equipment! You can set it in the menu marked ITEM (the box with the sword, shield, and scroll). All equipment can be equipped at any point, and your armor is even visible during (non errantry) battles!

I☆I

STATUS: Here she will have her statuses— there are 3 in the game. Sick (Stress > Constitution/Stamina, represented by a Skull) lowers her HP in combat and can lead to her demise, Degrade (Stress > Morality or Faith, whatever is higher, represented by blue lightning) makes her less likely to work properly and risks being arrested (lowering your reputations) / wasting your money (happens mostly during free time but can occur during working hours), and Love (Triggered by an event when she’s 14 that requires her Charisma/Glamour stat to be the highest, represented by a Pink Heart) that lasts 3 months, makes her less likely to work, and lowers 3 of her hidden stats (Relationship with Father, Cube, and Prince— the last of which could be troublesome for getting the ending).

I☆I

HER MEASUREMENTS: This ones pretty simple— it’s her Height, Weight, and Three Sizes (Bust/Waist/Hips). In modern releases, it uses Centimeter/Kilograms, but in the original DOS en leak, its Inches and Pound. If she’s overweight, then she cannot wear certain clothes (all that aren’t the Siren Robes, Cotton Dress, or seasonal outfits). You can tell her weight by her sprite. As well, you can calculate her threshold by .95[height]-[Age + 87]. To get a rough idea, let’s punch in our daughter from earlier, Alice. At 146 centimeters, .95 x 146 is 138.7. Now, she’s 10, so 10 + 87 is 97. 138.7 - 97 is 41.7. Behold, she’ll turn overweight the second the “weight” bar is “41.70”, but if she’s at “41.69”, it’s fine. Though I am to assume rounding is in play!

(Do mind the different stats of her three sizes— I don’t have the original file, so I had to make a replacement with the necessary stats!)

I☆I

STATS: Brings up a Menu. For Clarity, below is the side bar from Regeneration. I will list the stats in order, with every name applicable in the order of DOS/Refine/Regen.

Constitution/Stamina: Determines your daughter’s HP. Needs at least 50 to be good at most jobs. Also determines your daughter’s health. Most easily raised by Farming. Likely to be Lowered by Dieting

Strength: A bonus to Attack: 8 points of Strength is equivalent to 1 attack point. Most easily raised by Farming. Likely to be Lowered by Salon.

Intelligence: Essentially, her MP. Needs at least 10 to cast a magic attack. Most easily raised by Science. Likely to be Lowered by Bar work

Refinement/Elegance: Not particularly important unless you’re doing a Ruling Queen run— in which case it needs to be 800. You may need this to get random proposals (which means money!) Most easily raised by Decorum, or if you’re cheap, Lucifon in the Desert. Likely to be Lowered by Farming, so it’ll be zero for a while

Charisma/Glamour: Usually important for special marriage endings. Can cause a few problems such as Attempted Sexual Assault, becoming someone’s Mistress (if it’s her highest stat, indicated by her different facial expression), and generally being asked out. Easily raised by Dance, if you’re cheap (again) Lucifon in the Desert, or the Sleazy/Illegal Bar if you’re willing to tank the stress.

Morality: Need at least 30 for a basic marriage ending. Can also play a part in rejecting the more gross offers she may encounter, as well as being able to stave off delinquency if it’s higher than Faith. If it’s your highest stat, you may encounter a deal that will sell all of it for Equivocal Gold. Easily raised by Church Work, or simply being born with Type A blood. Likely to be Lowered by the aforementioned demonic deals.

Faith: Staves off Delinquency if higher than Morality. It’s definitely a stat that exists. Easily raised by Church, which can also prevent the demon from showing up to eat her morals. Likely to be Lowered by Science.

Sin/Karma: If it’s over 100/250, she will get a Sin ending. If it’s 500 (along with some decent fighter/magic reputation), she will instantly become the Queen of Darkness by the end. You’ll likely get this by killing anything in Errantry, but other “Sinful” acts like the illegal bar and hunting animals will raise it too. Can be sold off for 100g per 10 points, or simply going to Church for work normally.

Sensitivity: It’ll let her see what’s usually “mythical”, such as Fairies and the such if she goes where they hang out. If it’s the highest, she’ll run away, lowering her reputations. Easily raised by Salon work, but can be raised in a multitude of fun ways.

Stress: This is mostly a problem early game. So long as it doesn’t exceed her Morality/Faith or stamina stats, she’s in the clear. It can go to Zero in certain events, such as witnessing Fairies, so if you plan right, Free Time doesn’t have to happen.

Combat Skill: Essentially, your Hit/Dodge rate. Essential for any adventurer, otherwise you’re unable to do ANYTHING! Easily raised by Fighting/Kung-fu classes, but the tempting Restaurant and Inn can lower it.

Attack: Exactly what it says. It determines your daughter’s attack stat. Separate from your strength, but both will result in your “total” attack. Easily raised by Fencing and most Swords. Difficult to lose.

Defense: A difficult stat to raise terribly high. Also exactly what it says on the tin. Can be gained consistently by second level Kung-Fu classes, but not terribly fast. Also, most armor increases it.

All of these skills will be boosted by the spirit Valkyria, first Skill, then Attack, then Defense. When you get to 400 Fighters Reputation, as well as 40 instances of Fencing, Kung-Fu, or Errantry, you’ll receive the Valkyria Sword— which is the second best sword in the game, with 25 attack, 10 defense, and 18 skill.

Magic Skill: Like Combat Skill, but for Magic. Easily raised by Magic Classes. Impossible to lose.

Magic Attack: Much like Attack, but for Magic. Unlike Attack, there isn’t another stat that also functions as an attack bonus, but Magic tends to be what most of the tougher bosses are weak to. Easily raised by Magic Classes.

Magic Defense: It’s like Defense, but easier to raise! In fact, there’s a few ways to raise it! Unfortunately, most things that can do Magic can’t hit you once you’re skilled enough, so this is mainly for Wendy. Can be raised by Theology or working at the Graveyard. Likely to be lowered at Science (but slowly)

All of these skills will be boosted by the sorceress Fay, first Magic Skill, then Magic Attack, then Magic Defense. When you get to 400 Magic Reputation, you’ll receive the Power Ring/Unrivaled Ring, letting you cast Magic without needing 11+ Intelligence. Unfortunately, you’ll have to waste a ton of money as this also requires 32 magic classes- which become Useless very fast. More importantly than that, if you do only Magic classes for a mont, she’ll come raise one of the Magic stats by 5. The stat she raises is of your choosing, so my recommendation Magic Attack.

Decorum: You need decorum to be able to speak to people at the palace. Easily(and for the most part, Only) raised by doing Decorum classes. Impossible to lose.

Art/Art Skill/Artistry: Impacts her Dance Contest score and determines what painting she’ll create in Art Class. For the record, if it’s the highest of the Housework/Social stats, the daughter will be locked into an Art based ending. Easily raised by… Painting Classes. Cannot be Lowered below 100 once you reach 100.

Conversation/Speech/Eloquence: Really only used for two characters at the castle. Only raised by Bar work. Impossible to lose.

All of these skills will be boosted by the demon Paimon, first Decorum, then Artistry, then Eloquence. When you get to 400 Social Reputation, as well as 64 instances of Painting, Dance, or Protocol, you’ll receive Perfume— which… attracts suitors. Which at the point you get it, you’ll already attract anyways.

Cooking: Very important for the Cooking contest. You will need at least 90+ to win, alongside high sensitivity.

Cleaning: An entirely useless stat. It only impacts your Housekeeping reputation.

Temperament/Personal/Temper: Solely important for the Queen. Likely to be lowered by Sinful Work.

All of these skills will be boosted by the spirit Domovoi, first Cooking, then Cleaning, then Temper. When you get to 400 House Reputation, as well as 120 instances of Housework, Bar work, or Restaurant work, you’ll receive the Perfect Flour— it guarantees a Cooking victory, but by the time you get it, you’ll be guaranteed to win anyways.

Fight Repuation: Derives from your “Combat” oriented stats. Can be raised further by winning fights with the sword, or a Dragon Fang. Serves as Morale if higher than Magic. Can be uniquely lowered by selling the “Royal Sword” I allude to.

Magic Repuation: Derives from your “Magic” oriented stats. Can be raised further by winning fights with Magic. Serves as Morale if higher than Fight.

Social Reputation: Derives from your “Social” oriented stats. Can be raised further by winning the Dance/Art contests. Can be uniquely lowered by talking to the Clown.

House Reputation: Derives from your “Housework” oriented stats. Can be raised further by winning the Cooking contest.

All reputations will be lowered by being arrested or running away from home.

But wait! There’s more!! Let’s bring up the Four Hidden stats!

Relationship with Father (called Father_love by Mad Eddy) is rather relevant- you can use it to scold her and dissuade her from things like delinquency and being a mistress. Easily raised by Vacations and just. Talking to her. Most likely to be lowered by Free Time (regardless of pocket money) and resting for the Harvest Festival. Needs to be 100 (along with some stats) to Marry Her.

Relationship with Cube (called Cube_love by Mad Eddy) is rather less relevant. Pretty much is only for the ending, where it needs to be 100. Can be conveniently raised by changing equipment on errantry- you can essentially spam it if you’re really into that.

Relationship with Prince (called Prince_love by Mad Eddy) is mostly just for the Ending, but this time it needs to be 96. Raised by 12 each time you meet him, so every January 31st must be spent with him.

All of them are subject to lower by 6 if she falls In Love.

Maternal Instinct is exactly what it says, Important for some endings (like Princess of Darkness for some reason). Raised by Babysitting and Tutoring. Lowered by Hunting (for. Some reason?)

I☆I

TALK: Lets you talk to your daughter. The Three option are Father-Daughter Chat/Father-Daughter talk, Pocket Money, and Scold/Lecture.

When you click Father-Daughter talk, you get 3 more options. How she is doing/Recent matters will prompt her to speak about, well, whatever she wants. Usually, it is about herself, such as her (in)ability to do art, or how she worries about her childrearing skills. After that is Her studies/About study, which is related to what you’ve been making her study— be it how she appreciates how Art brings people together, or how she’s the best magician ever. As for Other topics/Another topic, it’s known to have some weird conversations, usually relating to her body, sometimes relating to other things. As well, picking any option here will raise your internal “Relationship with Father” stat by 1– this is important for two things down the line.

Pocket Money is a lot less complicated, as it’s pretty straightforward. Essentially, you give your daughter 20 + 10x gold, with “X” being the second digit of her age. So, if your daughter is 10, that’s 20 + (10 x 0), which would just be 20. If she’s 18, that’s 20 + (10 x 8), which would be 100. However, while the price increases, the benefits do not— she will lose 20 stress when used, regardless of age. This option does not raise the internal stat mentioned above. As well, if sick, she will not accept your money, and if “Degrade”, she will take it, and it will not impact her stress.

Scold/Lecture is pretty useless… it doesn’t do anything but make your daughter look a little confused. If she’s sick, she’ll wonder if she’s doing something wrong— which will lower her stress by 5, for whatever reason, at least in the refine version. But what you’d actually want to use this feature for is when she’s being rowdy, indicated by the “DEGRADE” marker— it’ll lower her stress by her relationship with her father, (up to a 100 point stress loss!!), and then raise it by 5. If you’ve been playing up a daddy’s girl, this could be of great use.

I☆I

DIET: Now, this one’s a little interesting. You have the choice of 4 options, which tie to her weight and stamina! By selecting the Normal/Standard diet, you’ll have a daughter that gains roughly .20 kilograms per month. This is the default, and is also standard, costing 30g. By picking the Robust/Hearty diet, you’ll gain a little over .30 kilograms, but you’ll also gain 10 stamina at the end of every month. It costs 80g, but can be good if you’ve been neglecting your stamina intakes— or if you really want to bulk up early game with the right set up. Then there is the Slim down/Refined diet— In addition to lowering your weight gain to around .15 kilograms, it also lowers your Stamina by 5. It costs 10g, so it’s not really recommended, unless you’re about to cross the threshold. Finally is the Slim Down/Intensive diet. Here, you’ll lose a hefty 20 stamina, but in return you’ll lose around .50 kilograms, and it costs 5g. This is only worth it if you have stamina (and kilos!) to burn. It’s worth noting that if your daughter is getting a little too weak (low stamina), then Cube will swap to the Hearty diet, but you can simply change back to whatever diet you’d like.

I☆I

INFO: You’ll find personal information here, such as your daughters birth and her star sign. You’ll also find connections (Raised by talking to Palace Staff) and Sick/Delinquency percentages. One percent is equal to one point of stress over the stat mentioned in “Status”— you’ll need 90% Sickness (Critical) to become Bedridden (Which will kill you if it lasts at least 2 months, ending the game), and 90% Delinquency (A hooligan) to become a Gang Member (Which will get you arrested— a harsh penalty to your reputation stats).

I☆I

SHOP: Another doozy, but we’ll simplify, simplify, simplify!

The Armorer/Armoury is ran by Armorer Zeno/Zen, with Anita as a Part Time worker. Here you can buy equipment, which goes in the Armor/Weapon slots. You’re free to buy anything here, but I highly recommend buying a Dagger and Leather armor, especially if you’re not confident in “Rushing” strategies. Don’t worry! I’ll cover adventuring as a whole in a future post, maybe multiple

The Tailor is run by Maura, who sells clothes. The variety isn’t particularly extravagant, but this is where you’ll find the seasonal clothes. As well, the Cotton Dress is only 500g: you’ll always be able to afford it for the harvest festival if you’re not in debt. Otherwise, there’s not many tips I can give here, other than pick the clothes you find cute— though you can wear most of these only when you’re at least 13, sometimes older.

The Restaurant is ran by one Chef Balbon, and sometimes his part timer Marcia/Marthia. Here, you’ll find food that’ll lower your stress (or raise Stamina!) and raise your weight. Here’s a fun fact! The food is free if you don’t have the money— you’ll just have to spend your first month block working at the kitchen for free. Regardless of if you pay or not, you can only eat here once per month.

The Item/Pawn Shop is run by Shalom alongside his part time assistant Wendy. Here you can buy a few so-so items (which also serve as birthday gifts for when the day comes: you’ll have to buy from the first four items on the list), as well as a Healing Pill and Grenade for errantry. Unique to this shop, you’re able to sell items, though I’d be wary on selling anything that’s “Royal”.

The Church may ring some bells to history buffs— Sister Lee will ask you to donate 100g. Accept, and you’ll lose 10 sin! That’s its entire purpose. This can be used should you rack up far too many on a murder spree and not want to dedicate the time to church work, though it does feel rather humorous in its execution.

Lastly, is the Hospital/Clinic, with Doctor Lombardini asking if you’re sick, and if you are, charging a fee for an examination. When you pay the fee, you’ll lose stress up to one less than your stamina— which means if you don’t gain any more stress (ie- resting), you’ll recover by next month. Really unnecessary unless you’re high up on stress.

I☆I

CASTLE: Basically, a way to gain reputation, a lot of it if you know how to work it. First of all, the key stat here is Decorum, raised by Protocol Classes. Let’s get started, rapid fire motion!!

The Palace Guard/Gatekeeper will be your first stop, needing 10 decorum to speak properly (almost every birthday will start you with 10 decorum). His preferred stat is Refinement. Every 5 points in refinement is worth one point for Personal Connections (hereinafter referred to as just “Connections”). You can gain up to 15 points per visit this way, and 40 total.

Next is the Royal Knight/Imperial Guard Knight, who needs 30 decorum. His preferred stat is Refinement. Every 8 points of Refinement is worth one point for your connections. You can get up to 25 points per visit this way, and 50 total. Did you notice the text was identical? This guy isn’t very special. But since you’re raising elegance anyways, it’s worth a visit.

After that comes the General, who needs 50 decorum. His preferred stat is Glamour. And every 5 points of Glamour will be worth a point for your connection stat. You can max out your visit at 50 points for connection, and 120 total for the guy overall. If you’re raising Glamour, which you likely are if you’re raising your decorum, it’s worth checking him out, at least until you max at 50.

Making it to 70 Decorum lets you speak with the Minister of State. His preferred stat is Intelligence. Aside from the usual, that being that every 10 points is worth a connection point, up to 60 a visit for a maximum of 100, your connection to him specifically can net you bonuses at the Dance Party— specifically, a score boost. This is fun if you are a dirty cheater!

If you’re still raising your decorum, at 80 you’ll have the manners to speak to the Archbishop. His preferred stat is Faith. Like the Minister of State, 10 points is one connection point, and a visit will max at 60, but his overall max is 120. You’ll want to raise Faith anyways, so it won’t hurt to visit the old man.

Getting tired? Great! So is our next stop— at 85 decorum, you’ll speak to the King’s favorite #2, the Royal Concubine/Favorite Mistress. Her preferred stat is Conversation/Speech/Eloquence. Yes, that’s right! A stat with three names!! Eloquence is the Regeneration name. Anyways, every 10 points of Eloquence will equate to 1 point for connections, up to a maximum of… 10 per visit. Her total maximum is 120, but considering you only get this stat at the Bar, I wouldn’t bother.

Now to the King’s favorite #1, the Queen! She’d love to invite you for tea if you have 90 decorum. Her preferred stat is Temperament/Personal./Temper. Much like #2, the same rules apply, 10 points = 1 point, 10 maximum per visit. She’ll raise your connections by 160 points total. This one is even more worthless, as it’s gained by doing housework (arguably easier), but there’s no other reason to raise Temper. What a fraud.

At 95 decorum, we’ll have the Bowing Skills to bow our way to the King. You may think otherwise, but his preferred stat is, strangely enough, Fight Rep. Every 10 points will go to your connection stat, but here’s where it gets interesting— the King has no limit per visit! For the crazies who raise it up to a maximum, the King will gladly give 99 points to your connections. His true maximum is 300, but Fighters Reputation is fairly easy to raise, and you’ll definitely be able to make use of his benefits.

So, what do connections do? Why, palace discounts of course! If you raise them high enough, you’ll get marked down prices! These apply even if she’s buying rogue, so it’s nice to have. Personal connections don’t go away, either! Well, unless you happen to sell that “Royal” thing.

Now, the Jester/Clown is unique— he doesn’t really care for decorum, and speaking to him will lower your social reputation by 15. What he does want is someone to talk to, and that Eloquence stat will come in handy. He’ll also raise your sensitivity by 15. If you keep talking to him, you may even be on the path for that 4th Art-based Ending. If you, of course, are feeling whimsical.

And to defy all odds, the Young Military Officer does… well, nothing. He doesn’t have any preference, he doesn’t require decorum, and he doesn’t impact your stats in any way. Well, not any way that you can see. He’s only available on January 31st, and if you keep your promises, he’s the ticket to becoming a Princess.

I☆I

ITEM: A screen where you can see your inventory. Many items in this game are passive, they’ll have their effect when just held in your inventory. Exceptions include clothes (which are to be clicked on to be worn- then granting their bonuses), Equipment (can be clicked to add to weapon/armor slot, then their effects are in, uh, effect), and consumables (like the Ancient Milk and the Breast Pill). Some items are to be traded away, however. Usually, they are to be traded in errantry.

I☆I

SYS: The save menu. You save your game. You load your game. You leave your game. That is. Uhm. All.

I☆I

SCHEDULE: Leads to the scheduling screen, of which, we’ll talk about… next time!! I’d like you tune in for that, ok?

[is-the-battlemech-cool-or-not]

Atlas AS7-K3-Tb2 - "Gewitter"

Chassis: Skobel 100-Lite Variable Composite Biped

Power Plant: Defiance Clan-Grade 400 XL

Cruising Speed: 43.2 kph

Maximum Speed: 64.8 kph

Jump Jets: Pratt & Whitney F319-PW-100

Jump Capacity: 90 meters

Armor: Duralex Clan-Grade Ferro-Fibrous w/ CASE II

Armament:

1 Small Pulse Laser

1 Light Gauss Rifle

1 Streak SRM 4

2 ER Large Laser

1 Pile Bunker

Manufacturer: Defiance Industries (original)/Skobel MechWorks (refit #1)/Fursona's Fusiliers (refit #2)

Primary Factory: Defiance Manufacturing Annex - Kwangjong-Ni (original)/Yakima Proving Grounds, Terra (refit 1)/Argo Mechbay (refit #2)

Communication System: Clan-enhanced Irian E.A.R. w/ Nova CEWS & Studebaker-T19 Battle Computer

Targeting & Tracking System: Clan-enhanced Army Corporation Type 29K w/ Advanced Targeting Computer (w/ VRT)

Introduction Year: 3153

Tech Rating/Availability: F/X-X-X-X

Cost: 34,853,333 C-bills

Overview:

Gewitter is built on the Atlas chassis, though a great deal of modification has made it truly one-of-a-kind. The original platform upon which the venerable ‘Mech was built was the Atlas AS7-K3, notable for its inclusion of jump jets. They remained a hallmark of Gewitter, carrying through to the final model, introduced on the battlefields of Helios in October 3153, much to the horror of the Word of Blake forces at the Battle of Fort Bayeux. Gewitter is, at first glance, a fairly standard Atlas mech, originally of Defiance Industries manufacture. However, after two major refits, very little remains of the original K3 as it entered service in 3134. The first refit was conducted by the MechTechs of Skobel Mechworks at their Yakima Proving Grounds on Terra. There, for a time, Gewitter sat opposite Test Unit Sierra Five - the original Mackie and the first ever BattleMech - while the Atlas was fully rebuilt. The refit focused on integrating mixed Inner Sphere and Clan technology along with additional command gear, armor, and sensors; steps were also taken to shave weight from the original design. This further enhanced its pilot’s dynamic, fluid style with greater maneuverability. An extra additional step added late in the refit process, as ordered by Commanding General Melissa Hazen herself, saw Gewitter's right hand fitted with a half-ton, 24-karat engagement ring, complete with the largest natural diamond ever cut in human history - the inside band of which was etched in micro font with the entire Jade Falcon Remembrance. This ring remained upon Gewitter's right arm, even after the wedding of Hazen and Marten-Steiner in the aftermath of Operation TOUCHDOWN. The second refit, performed on the battlefields of Helios by Star Captain (later Khan) Xerxes Truscott of Clan Star Adder, focused primarily on the integration of two newly designed, powerful, and devastating weapons: the Clan-spec Light Gauss Rifle and the Pile Bunker.

Deployment:

As the personally owned 'Mech of Lieutenant General Marten-Steiner, Gewitter deployed alongside Theodora during her entire career - first with the LCAF, and then with the Third Star League's SLDF.

History:

Gewitter was the custom command 'Mech of Lieutenant General Theodora Marten-Steiner, notable for her role in the early formation of the Third Star League SLDF, Operation TOUCHDOWN, Operation WINDFALL, and the later Lyran War of Reclamation. Famous in her eventual role as commander of the hyper-elite Royal Guards RCT, the Lieutenant General also served as the second commanding officer of the Royal Black Watch regiment, after its second re-founding in 3151.

Type: Atlas AS7-K3-Tb2 'Gewitter'

Technology Base: Mixed (Unofficial)

Tonnage: 100

Battle Value: 2,729

Equipment Mass

Internal Structure Composite 5

Engine 400 XL 26.5

Walking MP: 4

Running MP: 6

Jumping MP: 3

Double Heat Sink 10 [20] 0

Gyro 4

Small Cockpit (Armored) 3

Armor Factor (Ferro) 297 15.5 Internal Armor Structure Value Head 3 9 Center Torso 31 47 Center Torso (rear) 5 R/L Torso 21 32 R/L Torso (rear) 10 R/L Arm 17 34 R/L Leg 21 42

Right Arm Actuators: Shoulder, Upper Arm, Lower Arm, Hand

Left Arm Actuators: Shoulder, Upper Arm, Lower Arm, Hand

Weapons

and Ammo Location Critical Heat Tonnage

Triple Strength Myomer RT/LT/RA/LA/RL/LL 1/per - 0.0

Jump Jet CT 1 - 2.0

Jump Jet RT 1 - 2.0

CASE II (Clan) RT 1 - 0.5

Light Gauss Rifle (Clan)* RT 4 1 10.0

Streak SRM 4 Ammo (25) RT 1 - 1.0

Pile Bunker Ammo (5) RT 1 - 1.0

Pile Bunker Ammo (2) RT 1 - 0.5

Targeting Computer LA 4 - 4.0

ER Large Laser (Clan) LA 1 12 4.0

Engagement Ring** LA - - 0.5

Jump Jet LT 1 - 2.0

CASE II LT 1 - 0.5

Streak SRM 4 (Clan) LT 1 3 2.0

Light Gauss Rifle Ammo (32) LT 2 - 2.0

Small Pulse Laser LT 1 2 1.0

Armored Cowl (Armored) HD 1 - 1.5

Nova Combined Electronic Warfare System HD 1 - 1.5

ER Large Laser (Clan) RA 1 12 4.0

Pile Bunker (Clan)*** RA 6 - 6.0

* = Heat 1, Dmg 12, Min.Rng 2, Short.Rng 1-7, Med.Rng: 8-16, Long.Rng: 17-24, Tons: 10, Crit.Slots: 4, Ammo/Ton: 16

** = gives a -1/-1 morale bonus to pilot and gunnery skills - if (and only if) Theodora Marten-Steiner is piloting.

*** = A Pile Bunker inflicts one point of damage for every five tons the 'Mech weighs. When punching with a Pile Bunker, the user can choose to fire the pile, expending one shot of ammunition (5 ammo per ton) and generating 5 heat, scoring a critical on the location hit with a -2 modifier. In addition, if armor remains after an attack where the Pile Bunker has been fired, roll for a second critical hit with a -2 modifier. For each critical dealt, also deal one point of internal damage to that location.

Features the following design quirks: Accurate Weapon (Light Gauss Rifle, ER Large Laser, Small Pulse Laser, Streak SRM 4, Pile Bunker), Battle Computer, Battle Fists (LA), Battle Fists (RA), Combat Computer, Cowl, Distracting, Easy to Pilot, Extended Torso Twist, Fine Manipulators, Improved Communications, Improved Cooling Jacket (Small Pulse Laser), Improved Sensors, Multi-Trac, Nimble Jumper, Reinforced Legs, Stabilized Weapon (Light Gauss Rifle, ER Large Laser, Small Pulse Laser, Streak SRM 4, Pile Bunker), Variable Range Targeting, Illegal Design (Custom Weapons+Custom Equipment)

[satqrnsrings]

BEYOND THE WALLS - chapter three

Jean Kirstein × F! Original Character (Attack on Titan)

RATING SFW

WARNINGS Slow Burn. Hurt/Comfort. Mentions of Death. Graphic Violence/Injuries. Enemies to Lovers. Rivalry. Eventual Romance.

''DO YOU HAVE heart?''

''Sir!'' The rows of Cadets saluted as their cries roared, faces onlooking the men in front of them. A seperate line stood infront of the others, one which Anna was proud to be apart of. Despite being on the end, tied with Krista, a kind blonde girl who Annalise had done well to be acquainted with throughout the years, the girl still stood tall.

''As of this moment, you have three options open to you. Choose wisely.''

''The Garrison Regiment, who's job is to reinforce the Walls.''

Careless soldiers who didn't even know how to do their job right. Not now, and not back when Shiganshina fell.

''The Scout Regiment, who rides out into Titan country to take back what was once ours.''

A death wish.

''. . . And the MP Regiment, maintaining law and order under orders from His Royal Majesty. Those Cadets eligible for the MP have already been named.''

Annalise felt a flurry of adrenaline rush through her as she recounted just a few moments ago where her name had been drawn. This had been Anna's dream ever since she was young. She knew that somewhere in the sea of Cadets behind her, Lyra stood. She hadn't made it to the top ten, but Anna had. The moment that the girl had been dreaming of for so long was here, and although Lyra's words from all those years ago rang through her head, she raised her chin higher.

There was nothing that could be said to change her mind.

''The rest of you take a look, these are the top of your class!''

Mikasa Ackerman, Reiner Braun, Bertholdt Hoover, Annie Leonhart, Eren Jaeger, Jean Kirstein, Marco Bodt, Connie Springer, Sasha Braus, Krista Lenz and Annalise Klein.

Later on that night, after the Graduation ceremony had ended, Anna found herself with the rest in the busy hall. She stood between Connie and Sasha, who both held cups that they clinked.

''Alright! MP here I come!'' He cheered, nudging Anna with a grin.

''Three square meals a day for the rest of my life!'' Sasha chimed in, and Annalise swore she saw her swallow thickly at the mere thought of it. She shook her head and laughed, before walking away from the pair.

From the corner of the girls eye, she spotted the same ashy brown hair she'd learnt to resent all her life. He was sat alone, most likely wallowing in his own anger from being ranked under Eren. Annalise was frustrated she didn't place higher than Jean, but she forced herself not to dwell too much on it, instead focusing on the positives.

Besides, what better way to beat him than becoming the better MP?

As she walked past his table, heading to the small group that Eren had gathered in the corner, she swore she heard the boy grumble under his breath: ''How in God's name did I get ranked under Eren? Tch.''

''What's wrong, Jean? You're not as good as you thought you were?'' Annalise taunted, resting her hip on the side of the table. She wore a smug face, one that the boy had worn so many times when he ridiculed her.

He huffed, waving her off with his hand. ''I came higher than you.''

''Barely.''

''You were tied tenth.''

Anna chewed on the inside of her cheek, rolling her eyes. ''Still. It must suck, huh? Finally being bested by someone you hate.''

''No, I remember now,'' The girl dramatically pretended to think, a finger on her chin. She felt Jean glare daggers into her skin. ''There was that time when we were younger, and I beat you in noughts and crosses. Then, there was that ti-''

''I get it, Anna.'' He spoke through clenched teeth.

She shrugged, ''at least I'll still get to beat you again when we join the MP.''

At this, the boy let his lips curl into a grin. A choked sound left him, something Anna could only pinpoint as a small laugh.

''We'll see about that.''

The girl stood up straight again, studying his slouched posture, and hummed to herself. ''Enjoy sulking in your loss, Jean.''

He started simply at his now empty cup.

Rolling her eyes at his antics, she approached Eren, Mikasa and Armin. The three were surrounded by a few other boys, ones who continued to pester them with questions. Annalise knew that all three had their mind set on being Scouts, and for that she didn't really understand. Despite that, she had found herself growing quite close to the three.

''You're really going to turn your back on the MP's for the Scouts?''

Annalise gratefully accepted the cup that Armin offered her, sipping it silently as they group waited for Eren's answer.

''Why in the world would you do that? You're in the top ten.''

Eren took a moment to reply, staring at the floor. ''The Scouts have always been my goal.''

The emerald-eyed boy glanced up, and Anna watched as his brows furrowed and his gaze hardened on the boy who had spoken.

''I don't want the easy life. Not with all the work I've put in. I trained to fight Titans.''

The blonde boy before him looked blankly. His mouth was slightly ajar, as if perplexed Eren would even think that. Annalise wasn't surprised at his answer, it was the same one he gave each time she asked the same question. She could only ask it so much before even she got bored of his answer. She assumed Mikasa and Armin felt the same.

''Are you insane?!'' The boy blurted.

His outburst resulted in a few onlookers, and a slight silence. He now spoke in a more hushed tone, ''how many people have died? If that doesn't paint a picture for you, I don't know what will.''

Almost everyone in the room was looking at the boy, but he still continued, clearly trying to get a message across to Eren in the process.

''This is our life now. We can't beat them.''

''Yeah? So what?''

Anna glanced at Eren, who's tone was a little more menacing.

''We buckle? Take it all lying down? Things have changed.'' The boy clenched his fists, his scrawny figure trembling, ''maybe not a hell'uva lot, but enough. They aren't the same mystery they were five years ago. There's still a long way to go, but we've made progress.''

Armin and Annalise shared a nervous look.

''Every battle we lost taught us a lesson, gave us the tiniest inroad to something like hope.'' The girl's eyes softened. Was he recalling Shiganshina?

''Are you telling me it's better to cut our losses, let all the death and destruction be meaningless? . .''

As he faded out in her mind, Annalise spaced out. Eren had always been a passionate boy, always dreamed of going outside the Walls, he always had the courage to believe that there was something more to Humanity. Still, as he spoke, she couldn't help but agree with him.

All her life she had been so transfixed on achieving her dream and joining the Military Police, that she hadn't even stopped for a second to think about what she really wanted. Not what her mother had drilled into her brain, not the want to fill her father's footsteps, not the desperate need to upstage Jean. Finally, for the first time in her life, Annalise was thinking about what she wanted.

''. . . I'll drive them out. And as long as at least one of us can say that, we're not done.''

Anna glanced up at Eren, not missing how his eyes welled in tears. The hall was still silent, as if you could hear a pin drop. In coming to terms with his outburt, Eren choked on air, before running out. Armin and Mikasa closely followed.

The hall buzzed with energy as cadets celebrated their graduation, laughter and chatter filling the air. Annalise sat on the edge of the festivities, her cup untouched in her hands. Eren’s words from earlier still echoed in her mind. “I trained to fight Titans.” The conviction in his voice, the fire in his eyes—it had struck a chord she couldn’t ignore.

Unable to sit with the swirling doubts any longer, she slipped away from the hall, unnoticed by most. Her boots crunched against the gravel as she made her way to the instructor’s quarters, where she guessed the Commander might be. The air outside was crisp, the stars above obscured by the glow of the nearby torches.

She found him alone, seated on a bench with a flask in hand, his gaze distant as if staring through the walls and into the chaos of his memories.

“Commander Shadis,” Annalise began hesitantly, her voice breaking the silence.

He glanced up, his piercing eyes narrowing at her. “Klein. What are you doing here? Shouldn’t you be celebrating with the others?”

She stepped closer, gripping the hem of her jacket. “I needed to talk to you.”

“About what?” He set the flask down, his full attention on her now. The weight of his stare made her shift uncomfortably, but she pressed on.

“About… the Military Police.” The words tasted uncertain on her tongue. “About whether I’m making the right choice.”

A wry smirk tugged at the corner of his lips. “And you think I have the answer to that?”

“I just…” She hesitated, feeling foolish under his gaze. “I’ve wanted this for so long. But now, I’m not sure if it’s what I want or what I’ve been told I should want.”

Shadis leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees, his expression hardening. “Let me ask you this, Klein. Why did you want to join the MPs?”

She looked down, her thoughts jumbled. “Because it’s… safe. Because it’s prestigious. It’s what my family wanted for me.”

“That’s it?” His tone was sharp, cutting through her excuses. “You want the easy life because someone else told you it’s what you should have? You think that’s enough to give your life meaning?”

His words stung, but she couldn’t look away. “No, it’s not just that. I worked hard for this. I earned my place in the top ten. Doesn’t that count for something?”

The Commander straightened, his eyes boring into hers. “It counts for everything, Klein. But let me make one thing clear—you didn’t come this far just to find comfort. No one who survives this hell does. People who run toward comfort don’t last. And those who run from their fears? They’re the first to fall.”

Annalise’s chest tightened. “But what if I’m not like Eren or Mikasa? What if I don’t have what it takes to face Titans?”

“Every cadet who walks through these gates asks themselves the same thing. You’re not special in your doubts,” he said bluntly, but his voice softened a fraction. “The real question is whether you’re asking yourself the right ones. Do you want to live your life looking for the safest way out, or do you want to do something that matters? Something you can be proud of?”

She swallowed hard, unable to answer.

He leaned back, his voice quieter but no less impactful. “The truth is, Klein, the world outside these walls doesn’t care about comfort or prestige. It doesn’t care about your family’s expectations or your rank. It only cares about survival. The Scouts fight because someone has to. Because if we don’t, there won’t be a wall left to hide behind.”

The words settled heavily in her chest.

“I’ve seen cadets like you before,” Shadis continued, his gaze steady. “Sharp mind, good instincts, and a heart that wants to do more than just survive. The Scouts could use someone like you. But that’s not a decision I can make for you. You have to decide whether you want to run toward something worth fighting for or stay where it’s safe and let someone else bear the burden.”

The silence that followed felt deafening.

“Think about it, Klein,” Shadis finished, picking up his flask again. “And don’t waste my time unless you’re ready to make a choice.”

Annalise nodded slowly, her throat tight. “Thank you, sir.”

He didn’t respond, only tipping his flask as she turned and walked away.

As she made her way back to the hall, the Commander’s words rang in her ears. For the first time, she felt the weight of her choice pressing down on her—not just for herself, but for the world beyond the walls.

authors notes

kinda cooking with the dialogue

<previous next>

[mamthew]

Some thoughts on Metaphor: ReFantazio. I avoid spoilers for the most part.

It’s maybe impossible to overstate how much I love Persona 5. It’s my favorite game of all time, and directly started me down the path to being a radical. It’s got some flaws – many of which were fixed in its rerelease, Persona 5: Royal – but it’s such a fantastic package in terms of story, gameplay, art design, music, and thematic resonance that it’s hard to fault it for them. I’ve played and enjoyed subsequent P5 material, but none of them are nearly as devoted to a political message as the original, meaning that even though they’re all good, they ultimately fall short of what I love about the initial game.

Metaphor: ReFantazio is a 2024 RPG by a good number of the folks who made Persona 5, and you can immediately tell. It has a very similar art style, uses many of the same sound effects, has a similar battle system, and is built around the calendar/social links/social stats system that the Persona series is known for. It is essentially a Persona game, but set in a fantasy world rather than contemporary Japan, and without Persona’s emphasis on Jungian psychology and the tarot. It’s also thoughtfully political, but in a way that’s maybe less engrossing and blisteringly relevant than Persona 5. That said, what it does have to say is worth engaging with, as it uses its more traditional fantasy setting to comment on the ideological underpinnings of RPGs as a genre and games more broadly, as both an artistic medium and an industry.

In many ways, Metaphor is “Persona does Final Fantasy.” It’s clearly an homage to Final Fantasy at its core. It may have Persona 5’s battle system, but it’s got FFV’s job system, and it’s reworked the “one more” mechanic to feel more like the Brave/Default system from Bravely Default, or the Conditional Turn-Based system from Final Fantasy X. The job system is especially interesting. There are 14 basic jobs, with each job having 1-3 class change upgrades that unlock at specific Social Link levels with the job’s corresponding character. Every party member can use any job, but have very individualized stat spreads that make certain jobs more viable than others. For example, Strohl starts with the Warrior job, which hits hard and doesn’t do much else. He could use the Mage job, but his physical attack is like double his magic attack, so that would probably be a waste of his massive attack stat. That said, some players might opt to train him through Mage anyway, because at level 20, Mage gets a skill that increases MP by 15%, which they could equip to Warrior so he can use more of his big hits that spend MP. I, on the other hand, trained him in Pugilist, which has powerful physical moves that spend HP instead of MP. It’s a bit more risk/reward, but Strohl has considerably more HP to spend. And that’s one of the seven party members, each of which has their own unique stat spread.

That customizability is fun and rewarding, but limited by the use of a Persona calendar system. I’m less inclined to experiment and try training characters in weird directions when I only have ten in-game days to reach the end of the current dungeon and only have about an in-game year to reach the end of the game. Due to the FOMO brought on by the time constraints, I spent about eight hours just mindlessly bashing enemies in old dungeons in order to unlock all the jobs, which was pretty decidedly unfun, and I ultimately only got to play around with maybe half the fully upgraded jobs in the end. Persona’s time-management (which often translates to some occasionally brutal resource management in dungeons) has always ratcheted up the games’ tension and forced a level of deliberateness in decision-making. That works fine in Persona, but dampens the freedom of choice I associate with job systems. The calendar generally feels like a weird thing to keep. On one hand, the narrative and mechanics have been built around it, but on the other, part of what I enjoy about the calendar in Persona is the mundanity of it. The changing of the seasons, interspersed with real-world holidays, as experienced by a protagonist who is attending high school and therefore at the mercy of the calendar, all help to complement the familiar contemporary setting of a Persona game. In Metaphor, there are no seasons or holidays, the weeks have five days instead of seven, and the one-year cutoff for the action is arbitrarily enforced by a spell rather than by familiar societal norms, so the days tend to blend together. This calendar has all of the anxiety of Persona’s system with none of the novelty, and that’s not a great place to be in.

That said, what Metaphor loses in variety from the calendar it gains from its much larger world and its travel mechanics. Each chapter of Metaphor is set in a different city, and the characters must travel to each city using their gauntlet-runner, a land-based version of the classic Final Fantasy airship complete with a pilot who’s clearly Atlus’s take on a Cid. Each city has several dungeons, landmarks, and surrounding towns that the party can travel to and explore as side-jaunts to juggle as options within the time-management system. Some of these can take several in-game days to reach, but traveling has its own activities that raise social stats, craft items, or even develop social links with party members. In Persona 5, many of the side activities had their own unique content but wasted precious days to do, and travel-time feels like a way to alleviate some of that sense of waste, by limiting you to just “bedroom activities” like reading books, cooking, tending to plants, doing laundry, cleaning the floor, bathing, or inviting party members to hang out. You have to go to the extra dungeon either way, so you’re stuck on the gauntlet-runner either way, so you might as well raid the pantry, use the shower for a small Exp bonus, cook some fermented meat with Hulkenberg, do some laundry with Heismay, and then read a fantasy novel while you’re there. Much of the traveling system feels like an iteration on the central premise of Persona 5: Strikers, allowing the characters to go on a road trip and see a bunch of cities but without the dearth of things to do outside of dungeons from which Strikers suffered.

Metaphor is in most ways an improvement on Persona 5. It’s a much bigger game, with a more strategic battle system and prettier visuals. That said, its dungeons are generally a bit less interesting. They’re more straightforward, without the verticality that made especially Persona 5: Royal’s dungeons shine. They’re also less colorful, less surreal and – I guess a bit ironically – less metaphorical. That makes sense, since all the dungeons are actual locations within the game’s world and must therefore follow the world’s logic, but it’s weird infiltrating a giant fantasy airship and being struck by how much duller it is than Persona 5’s Diet building – a real-world place known for being boring. The music, too, is less interesting than Persona 5’s. It’s still technically solid, and there are certainly some bangers, but because the soundtrack is aping Final Fantasy in genre and instrument choices, it’s much less engaging than the acid-jazz of Persona 5. Metaphor also has less to do than Persona 5 or especially Royal. The game doesn't require that you grind up relationship points with social links, which cuts out a lot of the frustration of the social link system, but also means that there's no reason to take characters on dates or to the movies or to play darts. The world feels less varied because the activities are much more clearly laid out by which social stat they increase.

Both this game and P5 are punching way higher than their weight class in terms of budget and team size. They’re both essentially AA games that have been catapulted into the AAA space, and both are a generation or more behind in terms of actual graphical power. Both games made up for that discrepancy with stylish artistic flair, and while that papering over succeeds in both games, the stylizing of Metaphor feels less relevant to the game than with Persona 5. Persona 5’s intentional use of color and effects make it feel both pulpy and like agitprop material, which are two of its major artistic influences. Metaphor’s stylings, however, mostly make it feel like Persona 5, which clashes a bit with its more classical fantasy setting. I’ve seen a number of people complain about the game’s graphics being outdated, and I think the fact that it retreads so much stylistic ground is why the unimpressive graphics are more noticeable this time around, even though it’s much better graphically than any previous Atlus entry. The game’s reuse of many Persona sound effects aggravate this issue. Those sound effects feel punchy and contemporary, and work great in the context for which they were created: a game that turns rpg genre conventions on their heads by using a contemporary setting. Here, in a game that’s purposely leaning into more classic genre conventions, they instead feel lazy and out of place. The game clearly had great sound designers; there are plenty of new sound effects as well as the old. I wish they’d had those sound designers replace the reused sound effects as well. The game's localization, however, does set it apart from Persona 5. Metaphor is another JRPG to outsource its localization and English voice work to the UK, rather than the states. Most of the characters are voiced by UK voice actors, and they all do an outstanding job. Honestly, the weakest link voice-wise is the protagonist's voice, which was clearly directed to try to be fairly flat and unaffected. Still, I'm just so happy to have a voiced protagonist that I didn't mind all that much.

Metaphor opens by posing a question to the player: does a story have the power to change the world? I figured when I started the game that this question was referring to Persona 5, and the difficulties of creating a story with a specific, clear political message and having to deal with its audience agreeing with the message and longing for that change but not working to bring it about – or even worse, a chunk of its audience refusing to acknowledge it as political at all. While Metaphor was clearly inspired by that initial tension, it addresses a much broader question than that: why do video games – works in a medium that tends toward fairly radical political theming – seem to attract audiences that refuse to engage with their theming? Much of the game’s use of Final Fantasy elements is in service to this question, since Final Fantasy is sorta the seminal RPG. The game’s antagonist, whose name is frustratingly spelled Louis and pronounced Luis, represents in some ways the ideological underpinnings of Final Fantasy and is even designed to look like the FF1 Warrior of light, with long flowing white hair and curved horns. The main plot of the game involves a powerful spell that forces the kingdom to hold a democratic election. When the king is assassinated, his voice thunders down from the sky that the crown will go to whomever the most citizens believe in their hearts should be the next king in about a year’s time. The protagonist enters the race because he opposes the two frontrunners – Louis and the head of the very racist Sanctist church.

The protagonist often reads from a utopian novel and communes with the novel’s imprisoned author, a man named More, probably because he represents the demand that society improve and offer us more. The novel discusses the workings of an idealized version of our contemporary liberal democratic system, and all the party members fight in some way to try to realize that system. The novel itself was banned and all its copies burned, while More was arrested and sentenced to exile for writing it. While both the protagonist and Louis love the book, they had vastly different takeaways from it. The protagonist and his party see the book as calling for a society built around caring for its citizens, protecting and providing for those without the means to protect or provide for themselves. Louis, on the other hand, sees the book as calling for a society built on “true equality,” where all are forced to fend for themselves and only the strong survive. In both cases, the circumstances of one’s birth theoretically don’t matter, and leadership isn’t decided by a bloodline, which makes both visions look preferable to the world of the game: a heavily racially stratified monarchic theocracy. With the crown up for grabs, both characters have the opportunity to try to realize their visions of this utopian system, if they can convince the populace to back them.

This conflict is, deliberately, the conflict at the center of liberal democracy: is our system meant to be more individualistic or more collectivistic? Does the “liberal” mean that individuals must fend for themselves without a societal support structure? Does the “democracy” mean that the strongest must sacrifice the fruits of their advantages to provide for those without the same advantages? That the game takes the side of the whole over the part is unsurprising, given that it was made by the folks who made Persona 5. And hey, that’s the side I agree with more, so no skin off my back. But, using liberal democracy as the basis for its core theming makes Metaphor feel considerably less radical than Persona 5 did. Most of the oppressor/oppressed relationships in Metaphor are ones for which we have answers, which stands in stark contrast to the real-world-inspired conflicts in Persona 5, and when the characters look to the utopia of the novel for a solution, they’re looking to the answers we already have. And as Persona 5 already told us, those answers are insufficient.

That said, what feels backwards about the game’s theming becomes more interesting when we consider it instead as a metacommentary on the politics of RPGs. Louis, the villain who looks like the Ur-FF Protagonist, is an individualist to the extreme. His vision for a perfect world is one where all compete to live and only the strongest survive. That’s barbaric to most folks whose brains haven’t been poisoned by weird sectarian internet communities, but it’s also pretty much how RPGs operate: you keep fighting guys who are weaker than you to make yourself stronger until you’re the strongest, and then your character uses that strength to change the world the way they want. This is – crucially – also how this RPG operates. The protagonist might oppose Louis’s vision, but he still has to do so on Louis’s terms. It turns out that the conflict at the heart of liberal democracy is also the conflict at the heart of many power fantasies: we imagine ourselves being strong enough to make the world fairer, but in doing so, we engage with an individualistic framing. When looking at the metaphor of Metaphor, we can think of the protagonist as the story of a game and Louis as the narrative told through its mechanics; ultimately, what a story says is still constrained by what the game does. So the question of whether a story has the power to change the world is complicated by the introduction of the constraints placed upon a story by its medium. Why didn’t Persona 5 change the world? Metaphor implies it’s because its audience is primed to see its brand of power fantasy as apolitical – not even about the world to begin with.

I think increasingly often about a time I got into an argument with the admin of a Persona 5 Facebook meme page. He’d posted a meme complaining about people’s need to inject politics into Persona 5, an otherwise apolitical game. I found this absurd. The game in which you infiltrate the Japanese Diet building to stop a fascist from stealing an election is apolitical? The game where the personification of humanity’s tendency toward rebellion leads the party into battle to destroy the god of wealth at the center of a panopticon? It was beyond comprehension. But an art form that constrains most of its narratives to center around accruing power through conflict in order to elevate oneself as an individual has maybe inevitably attracted an audience that’s allergic to the idea that fiction can and usually does say something about the real world. And when I say “allergic,” I don’t simply mean “unwilling.” We’ve crossed into a political moment where the arbitrarily-defined level of “woke” in a piece of media determines whether a chunk of people will deign to engage with it at all, but based on my googling, Persona 5 is hilariously considered “not woke” (though Royal is simultaneously both “woke” and “anti-woke,” the remake of Persona 3 is too “woke” to bear, and Metaphor ReFantazio is under scrutiny but they seem to be leaning toward “not woke”). So the line in the sand is whether or not a game comments on the real world, but that line is drawn by people with shockingly low media literacy.

One element of the story that confused me clicked into place once I considered this angle. The game’s world is plagued by huge and brutal monsters called “humans.” In the game's world, the word “human” refers only to these monsters, while the sentient denizens of the game’s world call themselves “people,” or refer to themselves by their fantasy races. It’s bizarre to hear characters talk about “humans” and mean big weird giants that massacre towns and aren’t recognizably human at all. But when we consider this through the lens of a metacommentary on games, this choice comes to make sense. In an RPG, the player is a human roaming through a world of non-humans. They’re infinitely stronger than everyone around them, and in the end, only the human’s decisions matter. Everything exists to placate the human, and if the human refuses to engage with a story on its terms, then that pretty much destroys everything the story is trying to do. Those characters who exist solely to make the human feel something become fodder, to be ground up and discarded by the human. If we look at the relationship between art and audience from the perspective of the art, the audience becomes something like a kaiju, applying its own warped reading to the text, forcing it to submit to that reading. A story only gets to change the world if it first wins that battle with the human, and humans are getting increasingly combative. Obviously, there’s story reasons for the word choice that I won’t spoil here, but they align pretty nicely with my reading.

I really enjoyed Metaphor. It took me 110 hours, and I managed to complete all the social links, beat the extra boss, and unlock every class with the protagonist. A run that doesn't do those things probably could finish it in like 85-90 hours. Either way, it's shorter than Persona 5. I still prefer Persona 5; its politics are much sharper, obviously, but it also has a much bolder and more unique style. But anyone who really enjoys Persona or old-school Final Fantasies should give Metaphor a shot, since it's a pretty fascinating merging of the two, and it uses those associations to comment on the video game medium, the purpose of art in fomenting societal reform, and the shortcomings of liberal democracy. And if you haven't played either, it's a long, complex, standalone RPG in a new ip, which makes for a pretty good jumping-on point to Persona, from which it takes many of its mechanics.

[spacetimewithstuartgary]

The solar fire up close: Newly analyzed data offers first high-resolution view of the entire solar disk

The entire solar disk in unprecedented detail—this is shown by images of the visible surface of the sun, which researchers at the Max Planck Institute for Solar System Research have now created from 25 individual images taken by the ESA space probe Solar Orbiter.

During the observations in March 2023, the satellite was only half as far away from the sun as Earth. Here, the solar disk was already too large to fit into a single photo. If you zoom in on the images from the various instruments that have now been published, you can see where the sun is displaying its temper. The surface resembles a boiling water surface.

Here, plasma is rising from the sun's interior. Dark sunspots are also spots of particularly strong magnetic fields. And wide magnetic field loops, larger than the Earth, form a racetrack for solar plasma, which whizzes along there at over 100,000 kilometers per hour.

No body in our solar system is as dynamic and complex as the sun. In order to understand as many of its caprices as possible, the ESA's Solar Orbiter spacecraft set off in February 2020 with a total of six measuring instruments in the direction of our home star, in order to look under and into the various layers of our star.

The Max Planck Institute for Solar System Research sent hardware for four of the instruments on the journey to the fireball. For example, EUI captures the sun's particularly short-wave ultraviolet radiation which originates primarily in its hot outer atmosphere, the solar corona.

The double telescope PHI focuses on the visible surface below, the photosphere. The light emitted from there also contains information about the strength of the sun's magnetic field and the velocity of the solar plasma. The images published today are derived from EUI and PHI data from March 22, 2023.

As close as possible

"If you want to understand the sun in its entirety, it is essential to look into all its layers simultaneously and with high resolution," said Prof. Dr. Sami K. Solanki, MPS Director and PHI Principal Investigator. "Solar Orbiter is capable of this like no space probe before."

In addition to its extensive instrumentation, another of Solar Orbiter's advantages is its unusual trajectory. It takes the spacecraft on long ellipses around the sun—and thus repeatedly allows it to approach our star to less than a third of the distance between the Earth and the sun. This corresponds to around 42 million kilometers.

A mosaic of 25 individual images

On 22 March of last year, approximately 74 million kilometers separated Solar Orbiter and the sun. At this "proximity," the sun is too large to fit completely into the field of view of PHI's high-resolution telescope. Instead, a total of 25 images of parts of the sun were taken over a period of several hours, which researchers from the PHI team have now combined in a mosaic to create full-disk views.

"The information we need for our magnetic maps of the sun, for example, is hidden in only a tiny part of the captured light," explained MPS scientist Dr. Johann Hirzberger from the PHI team, who created the mosaics.

"The data can therefore only barely be compressed on board the probe. Due to the large distance to Earth and the comparatively low data transfer rate, the huge amounts of data that are generated in this way sometimes reach us only months after the actual observations."

Since Solar Orbiter continues its journey around the sun even during the measurements, the individual images are all taken from slightly different perspectives. These effects must be carefully taken into account when piecing together the mosaics.

Nevertheless, the PHI team expects to be able to provide similar high-resolution views of the entire solar disk more quickly and regularly in the future, approximately twice a year. They will help to understand how our grasp of the sun as a whole is governed by its smallest structures and processes.

The full-disk images of the photosphere published today have a resolution of around 175 kilometers per pixel. In terms of detail, they fall short of those obtained by the most powerful solar telescopes on Earth. The Gregor solar telescope on Tenerife, for example, in which the Max Planck Institute for Solar System Research is also involved, is able to depict structures of just 50 kilometers in a pixel using its 1.5-meter mirror.

However, the ground-based telescopes can only image a very small section of the solar surface in high resolution. And due to the difficult observation conditions on Earth, where constant air turbulence disturbs the view, it is hardly possible to ever put these "snippets of the sun" together to form a whole. As the Earth's atmosphere also absorbs most of the sun's ultraviolet radiation, simultaneous images of the corona from Earth are also not possible.

Sunspots and complex magnetic field

Zooming in on the new images of the sun reveals the full complexity and beauty of our star. In visible light, a granular pattern covers the photosphere. It is an expression of the hot plasma that rises inside the sun, cools and sinks down again—very similar to boiling water on a stove top. Sunspots, dark areas on the solar surface, can also be seen.

As PHI's magnetic map, the magnetogram, shows, the sun's magnetic field is particularly strong in these areas. It prevents hot plasma from rising from the depths. In the area of the sunspots, the solar surface is therefore cooler and appears darker. The different colors in the magnetogram represent the strength and direction of the magnetic field. The strongest fields are shown in red (pointing outwards) and blue (pointing inwards).

Every eleven years, the sun's surface is in chaos

These data provide a detailed overview of the extreme processes inside and outside the sun. They should reveal, for example, exactly how the magnetic field is created and why the sun is particularly active every eleven years. It is known that the sun rotates, as shown by the red-and-blue colored tachogram in the adjacent figure, and with it the plasma in its interior, as if a goldfish bowl had been stirred vigorously.

The magnetic fields that arise in this way wind up as a result of the rotation of the plasma ball—a jumble of field lines that also forms loops, especially above sunspots. Along these loops, solar plasma rises and sinks again towards the surface. This movement can also be seen in the tachogram.

In the event of a magnetic short circuit, the sun hurls charged plasma particles into space. When these particles hit the Earth's magnetic field, auroras light up, especially at the poles, due to the fluorescence effects of the solar particles in the Earth's atmosphere. The image shown here shows the sun in such a chaotic and thus active phase, in which more sunspots appear than usual.

However, the sun is only in this state every eleven years and is otherwise less active. The sun's magnetic field is actually more orderly and dipole-shaped, like the Earth's. Here, too, rotation plays a role, because, according to the theory, hot plasma currents that rise and fall inside the sun and turn in circles like a dynamo with the rotation of the sun arise from this. Every 9 to 13 years, this field completely inverts and also goes through the chaotic state described.

TOP IMAGE: The solar surface in visible light composed of data from Solar Orbiter's instrument PHI from March 22, 2023. Credit: ESA&NASA/Solar Orbiter/PHI Team

CENTRE IMAGE: The magnetogram shows the strength and direction of the magnetic field at the Sun's visible surface. The strongest fields are shown in red (pointing outwards) and blue (pointing inwards). Credit: ESA&NASA/Solar Orbiter/PHI Team

LOWER IMAGE: The tachogram shows the flow velocity and direction of the plasma at the visible solar surface. The plasma on the left half is moving away from the camera at about 7000 kilometers per hour (blue) due to the Sun's rotation, while the right half (red) is moving towards the camera. The plasma is particularly agitated at the edges of the sunspots, while it flows up and down along the magnetic fields. Credit: ESA&NASA/Solar Orbiter/PHI Team

BOTTOM IMAGE: The EUI image shows the processes and structures in the solar corona. It is based on observational data from March 22, 2023. Credit: ESA&NASA/Solar Orbiter/EUI Team

[eaglesnick]

“You know you’re priced right when your customers complain—but buy anyway.” — John Harrison

Dynamic pricing is not new but it has not been widespread up until recently.

We all know about train fares being more expensive during peak times and parents know that holidays cost more during school breaks than at any other time of the year. Airline tickets are subject to dynamic pricing and there was a trend towards off-peak electricity tariffs at one time. This summer we saw tickets for Oasis concerts subject to dynamic pricing, resulting in massive spikes in the cost of a ticket.

Dynamic pricing is when a company changes their pricing to match demand and supply. Hence train journeys are more expensive during the rush hour than in the middle of the day when demand is lower. Holidays are more expensive during school breaks because demand is higher from families with children.

Few of us like this traditional method of dynamic pricing but we have accepted it as part of our way of life. The old fashioned dynamic pricing model was fairly unsophisticated and based on the time of day in the case of rail and airline tickets and specific weeks and months of the year in the case of holidays.

This is no longer the case. Artificial Intelligence allows companies to literally change prices in line with changes in demand every second if they so want. Some of the companies using AI to set prices are Amazon, Uber, Airbnb, Tesco, Ocado and Sky. Amazon is said to reset prices every ten minutes.

The days of “fixed pricing" are fast disappearing. Long gone are the days when a company added up all of its production costs to work out the cost per unit and then added a little bit more in order to make a profit. This was basically what is known as the objective or labour theory of value. This has been supplanted by the "subjective theory of value" (STV).

According to the subjective theory of value a products worth (price) is not determined by how much it costs to produce but by how much people are willing to pay for that good at any given moment. At its worst this means that ALL goods and services should be sold for maximum monetary return regardless of the cost of production. No wonder supporters of neo-liberal economics favour STV.

At one level this doesn’t really matter. Oasis concert tickets may have doubled in original price due to dynamic pricing but not being able to afford a concert ticket is not a matter of life or death. It is however, symptomatic of a growing social problem.

The assumption of neo-liberal economists and their support of STV pricing is that individual choice is paramount in all economic transactions. For the neo-liberal societal values do not exist, there is only individual choice. Mrs Thatcher, the woman who championed neo-liberal economics in the UK, famously said: “There’s no such thing as society”. Many Tory's still believe this to be true but they are demonstratively mistaken.

During Covid we all stood at our doors every Thursday night clapping and banging pots to applaud the bravery of our dedicated health professionals. Yes, we did this as individuals but also as a society. When the England football team were progressing through the stages of the European cup we watched each game as individuals but also as a nation. The same is true of the recent Olympic and Paralympic games.

Ironically, some of our most ardent neo-liberal Tory MP’s have been recently admonishing us for not being proud of our English identity. Robert Jenrick, a contender for the leadership of the Conservative Party said yesterday that English identity had “started to fray” due to mass immigration and public institutions “dismissing our history”.

Sorry, the neo-liberals cannot have it both ways. Either there is an entity called English society, with its own history and set of values, or we are just individuals all acting according to our own individual needs. The fact that latter view is obviously mistaken does not deter the advocates of dynamic pricing. For them the goal is maximisation of profit regardless of social cost.

A thousand reasons why dynamic pricing is good for the consumer will be rolled out as more and more companies adopt this system of pricing, but the bottom line will always be making more profit. And in a system where pricing is determined by what price the individual is willing to pay rather than the actual cost of production, in the end it is only the rich who benefit.

South West Water has recently introduced the cruder form of dynamic pricing to their customers. They will be charging more for water use in summer than in winter. Consumers were given no choice about this and they have yet to be told what the charges will be. This “trial" will last for 2 years.

This is the spin:

“These pioneering trials are designed to make sure that water bills are fairer and more reflective of individual consumption patterns and are part of our wider commitment to making customer-first decisions in everything we do.” (CornwallLive:19/09/24)

Note the emphasis on “individual consumption". To my mind water is a public good, a societal necessity. As such I want to see pricing evened out over the whole community. Under dynamic pricing  the rich can consume as much water as they like because they can afford to pay, while the poorer members of society will have to suddenly become use conscious. While the rich fill their swimming pools and have the lawn sprinklers on day and night, the poor will have to think twice about how often the toilet is flushed, how often the washing machine is used and can they afford to shower everyday. The poor pensioner will be calculating whether or not they have enough money to water their beloved garden.

Ok, my pensioner being unable to afford to water the garden is a hypothetical scenario. The cost of music venue tickets isn’t, neither are the prices you pay for an Uber, a holiday let from Airbnb, the food you buy from Tesco or Ocado. Even the price of a pint is now affected by dynamic pricing.

“A campaign group representing pubgoers has criticised the move by Stonegate, Britain’s largest pub company, to raise the price of pints during its busiest trading hours in some of its venues by 20p..."  Financial Times: 12/09/24)

If the price of a British pint of beer is now subject to dynamic pricing then nothing is sacred!

More seriously, when the market economy becomes the market society, when those in power promote the value of maximising profit for the few at the expense of the happiness and well being of the many, then, as a society, we lose all sense of humanity, morality and common decency.

There has been much theoretical discussion of late about the threat of Artificial Intelligence to humanity. I would argue that maybe we should be more concerned about those  humans using AI to enrich themselves at the expense of the rest of us.

[saintmeghanmarkle]

A Bill to amend [ Titles Deprivation 1917 Amendment] to deprive in certain circumstances Princes of their British Dignities and Titles' by u/sythingtackle

A Bill to amend [ Titles Deprivation 1917 Amendment] to deprive in certain circumstances Princes of their British Dignities and Titles' Conservative MP Bob Seely is putting forward a Bill that could deny the couple their Duke and Duchess standing in the Royal Family.The Isle of Wight MP wants to adapt laws originally passed in the First World War to deny enemy German nobles their British titles. His Bill would force the Commons to consider turning Harry and Meghan into plain Mr and Mrs Sussex.He is applying for his Titles Deprivation 1917 Amendment Bill to be listed on the Commons' Order Paper next week. It would resurrect the wartime powers by removing references to 'enemies' and 'present war'. He has cleared the wording with Parliament's Table Office, which oversees draft legislation.If neither the Commons nor the Lords tabled a motion opposing it within 40 days, the report would be presented to the Monarch and the person concerned would lose their title.How’s your prospects for 2024 looking? post link: https://ift.tt/9ogOtSE author: sythingtackle submitted: December 03, 2023 at 09:21AM via SaintMeghanMarkle on Reddit

[good-old-gossip]

Evilness of Israeli Regime in Gaza

A group of far-right Israeli lawmakers has stirred outrage with a call for the military to escalate its already devastating campaign in Gaza. Eight members of the Knesset’s Foreign Affairs and Defence Committee have demanded that Defence Minister Israel Katz order the destruction of all water, food and power supplies in northern Gaza, a move which would result in the starvation of thousands of Palestinians.

Their proposals include treating any man, woman and child remaining in the area without a white flag as a legitimate target to be killed.

The lawmakers, including figures from the ruling Likud party and its coalition allies Religious Zionism, Jewish Power and Shas, argued in a letter that the Israeli army had failed to achieve its objectives of dismantling Hamas’ governance and military operations.

They accused the military of not carrying out the forced expulsion of Palestinians “properly” from the besieged northern Gaza, where an estimated 70,000 Palestinians remain hungry and without shelter while Israel continues its onslaught.

The lawmakers insisted that the Israeli army should impose a total blockade, destroy essential infrastructure and carry out what they described as a “complete cleansing” of the region. They also suggested that such draconian tactics be applied across other parts of Gaza.

"This must be done not only in the northern Gaza Strip, but also in every other region," the letter said.

The group lambasted Israeli army officials for not providing clear explanations during committee sessions as to why such measures had not yet been adopted or what the army’s strategy entails. Israel faces charges of genocide at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), and human rights organisations have published a vast body of evidence detailing ethnic cleansing and war crimes committed by its army.

The International Criminal Court (ICC) is also pursuing arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant on charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity in connection with Israel's war on Gaza.

The MPs' demands echo the "Generals' Plan", a proposal widely condemned for labelling all remaining civilians in northern Gaza as military targets while cutting off food, medicine and other supplies.

Israel has incrementally implemented the plan despite condemnations from human rights organisations.

The humanitarian situation in Gaza has reached catastrophic levels, the UN has reported.

The northern health system has completely collapsed, with the Indonesian Hospital, the last partially functioning facility, struggling without water or electricity. Residents are being forced to flee south under appalling conditions, with reports of the Israeli army preventing them from taking personal belongings or warm clothing despite freezing temperatures.

Six infants and an adult have reportedly succumbed to hypothermia in the past week, highlighting the dire conditions faced by Gaza’s population.

Meanwhile, humanitarian organisations have decried Israel’s tactics as collective punishment, with UN officials warning that the situation is causing unprecedented suffering for Gaza’s civilian population.

✍️: MEE/Elis Gjevori

Writer Avi Ashkenazi of Israeli Maariv newspaper wrote in an article that “the entire northern Gaza Strip looks like an island of ruins,” in what he defines as “IDF’s amazing tactical successes”.

The article, originally written in Hebrew, details how the IDF has deprived the people in Jabalia, northern Gaza of the underground infrastructures to cause the “terrorists to move above.”

In the article, Ashkenazi continues to say that the “entire northern Gaza is like an island of ruins. The destruction, without exaggeration, is greater than what the Americans left in Hiroshima or Vietnam”.

Ashkenazi further quotes an army officer who fought in Jabalia, who said that “when the residents return to what was once their homes, they will understand what price they paid because of Hamas.”

A 2024 analysis of hundreds of video clips released by the Israeli military has uncovered evidence that Israeli air strikes on Gaza over the past year have been far from precise, leading to “devastating levels of civilian harm”.In October 2024, British war monitor Airwars reviewed hours of footage of Israeli strikes on the enclave, geolocating them and matching them to incidents where Palestinians had publicly reported that civilians had been harmed.

In various airstrikes conducted in the besieged strip since Israel’s war on Gaza has begun, the Israeli army said that it was targeting a Hamas tunnel, but failed to provide evidence to support these claims.

[mariacallous]

1. Mump regime. Musk plus Trump. Mu...mp. The real centibillionaire and the fake rich person in the proper order.

2. Mump oligarchy. The regime is an oligarchy, rule by the wealthy few. Trump is the oligarchs' spokesman. He might stay or go. The oligarchs will remain.

3. Mump as illness. Physical illness: we are made sick and scammed blind (think of RFK Jr and Ramaswamy). Mumps is one of the diseases that will return without vaccines. Mental illness: Musk's idea of prosperity is that he hurts you and you thank him. See my work on sadopopulism.

4. In Mumptopia, Americans spend our time in front of screens, instructed whom to hate and worship by algorithms curated by immigrant software engineers. We die pointlessly young on an overheated Earth with the word “Mars” on our lips. The Mump mage performs a ritual rocket dance, leaping a few inches over our graves.

5. Mump not MAGA. The MAGA folks somehow did not realize that they were giving power to a an illegal immigrant South African centibillionaire. This is not their regime.

6. Mumpers. South Africans, Russians, and others close to power. Musk, Putin, Thiel, Sacks, Trump (today), Vance (tomorrow) and their closest circles.

7. Mumpery. Behavior typical of the Mump regime. Gaslighting, theft, scams, tax avoidance, disinformation, Putinism, dictator worship, threatening U.S. allies, submitting to U.S. enemies, persecuting Americans, suppressing speech with threats of violence and lawsuits, promoting pollution and global warming, ending public services.

8. Mumpets. Those who choose to submit to Musk. For example, senators who ignore their constitutional responsibilities and vote for Trump's Cabinet nominees, whose buffoonery and fascism are meant to weaken the state so Musk can profit. Compare: puppet, pet.

9. To mumpify. To become a mumpet. Nouns can be formed from this verb. For example: "Senator Fetterman is pretty far along in his mumpification." Or adjectives: "Yep, I'd say he's mumpified by now." Compare: zombify, zombification.

10. Mumpy, or mumpish. People influenced by the Mump regime, or actions that tend towards a mumpified world. "That's mumpier than I would have expected." "She's gone all mumpy on me." Supercedes: trumpy.

This warning might seem just to skim the surface, or to be too much about personalities, or to lean too much on language, or to be too playful. These substack essays enable me to be brief and suggestive. For those who wish to go deeper on the issues of oligarchy, technofascism, sadopopulism, and the politics of catastrophe, there are the six books I wrote in the last decade, each of which in some sense anticipates where we are now.

My book On Freedom is a hopeful set of recommendations about a better future based upon a philosophical account of liberty. A Musk-Trump regime does figure in the book, however, as the negative scenario. Musk-style “libertarianism” and its link to fascism is a theme. Technofascism and oligarchy are discussed conceptually there and at length. I also wrote a philosophical essay called “And we dream as electric sheep” that goes into even more technical depths, published as a book in German, but available here with notes and here without. The origins of technofascist oligarchy was the subject of my earlier book, The Road to Unfreedom. For my thoughts on health and democracy, there is Our Malady. As ever, On Tyranny offers some proposals for those who wish to oppose all this. And for those who wish to consider the past, Black Earth provides a historical argument about the politics of catastrophe and its architects, past and future.