#please let him live he's used to fight bad guys with rifles not wild animals djfgsdjfs

[vanycat]

I wondered why you never encounter any wild animals during all the uncharted games and then realized it's probably because Nathan is always chased by people going around with rifles and explosives. So when he starts to search for lost treasures with Elena alone he'll encounter more and more wild animals that want to kill him x°D

This still fits their weird idea of romantic <3

[cowboisadness]

Hang ‘Em High {Arthur Morgan x FemOC} Chapter 6

Pairing: Arthur Morgan x FemOC Summery: Belle Hawthorne is high society looking to escape her mean husband. A robbery by the Van Der Linde gang could be her chance. Can she escape his cluches and possibly discover what love should feel like?

Warnings: Animal death, mentions of domestic assault and abortion.

AN: This is a long one, hope you enjoy :)

. . . . .  A few days had passed in the camp, many were busy either around camp or out on jobs to bring in money. Mary-Beth and Tilly explained to me what the jobs would entail, most of the time putting themselves in serious danger. Having enough to get by wasn't enough, especially for Dutch, occasionally giving smooth worded speeches to everyone like he was the Mayor of a grand town. He wanted more money, a lot of it for everyone to live a life of luxury. Arthur had recently returned from Strawberry to rescue a member of the gang i had not yet met, but had been warned about. Apparently the rescue mission didn't go as smoothly as planned. Arthur aimed to get him out of jail and out of Strawberry with minimum confrontation. The other guy had different plans. As I sat on my bedrole in my small tent stitching one of his shirts, the very man I'd been warned about approached.“I’m almost done with your shirt Micah.” i smiled politely at him, not wanting to get on his bad side from the get go but hoping to stay cautious while around him.He leaned against the tree beside my tent, lighting a cigarette as he did so.“So where did they pick you up from?” He looked towards me and it was then I realised everything he might say would be laced with venom. “Saint Denis. More of a rescue than a pick up.” I returned my attention to the task in hand. He blew out a cloud of smoke in my direction, the smell of cheap tobacco filling my nose. It was his way to invade my space without being too forward. I wouldn't let it bother me, what with the many social gatherings that involved being in rooms filled with smoke and smoking myself on those occasions. He let out a breath, a sigh, before pushing himself off the tree and walking away, but not before muttering words he still made sure I could hear. “Another deadweight to feed.”  All I could do was chuckle to myself, cutting the thread in my hand with a knife. Deciding that he didn't deserve my effort to achieve perfection. By late evening I joined the others around the campfire, sitting next to Charles and Karen, the former handed me a freshly opened beer bottle. I was so used to expensive French wine, chilled in an ice bucket. I've gotten used to so much these last few weeks, living in the wild. The thought before would scare me half to death but I soon found it was different with a sense of family around you. Growing up i was taught the life of a gang of outlaws was a brutal one, the men being fueled and finding joy in murder, rape and theift, nothing more than monsters that have no care for anything other than themselves. I was never told that sometimes they could be people out of luck, born and raised without security and certainty, needing to do what they could to get by with the hope that they could one day, live without worrying when their next meal could be. These people around me all have terrible backstories and that's what brought them together, with the hopes of a better future as long as they fight for it together, even if that meant doing bad things.

I was the opposite, my life was paved out for me from the day I was born. To learn to be a loving and doting wife and mother. We never had to worry about our next meal, always knowing it would be fresh and grand. I was also lucky that my father wanted to teach me some of what he would teach my two older brothers, mainly hunting and how to care for our horses. I was so lucky, I was privileged. Javier brought out his guitar and started singing in his native tongue, some of us swaying to the tune. I heard of Charles and Arthur going out to hunt tomorrow, this was my chase to ask to join with them.I turned my attention to Charles, tapping him lightly on the arm for his attention to turn to me. “Everything okay Bella?” “I heard you and Arthur are going on a hunt tomorrow.” “We are. At first light. You wanting anything in particular?” “Is it possible that I join you both? I know how to use a bow, father taught me and it’s...it’s been a while...i’d love to hunt again.” I looked at him with pleading eyes as he took a swig from his bottle before turning to me with a soft smile. “Of course, always happy to have someone else along that knows what they are doing.” I couldn't play down my happiness, grinning from ear to ear and professing my thanks to Charles. I sipped the rest of my warm beer before saying my goodnights to the ones remaining around the fire and to Charles that I'll see him at first light. I tried my best to prevent a skip in my step as I made my way to my bedroll, excited for sleep and the day ahead. ….. The sun was barely making an appearance when I woke, stretching out my limbs before readying myself for the day, thankful to Sadie for offering me a pair of her pants she didn't want. Not only was I able to get out and do something I enjoyed, being amongst nature, but I was able to do something to help the camp other than repairing clothes and washing dishes.   Making my way over to the coffee pot I saw Arthur was already there, sitting on a log near the now burnt out fire, coffee in hand.  “Morning” He jumped slightly and turned to me, watching as I poured myself a hot cup.  “You're up earlier than usual.” He turned his attention back to his cup as I sat beside him. “I’m coming hunting with you...and what do you mean earlier than usual? You been watching me Mr Morgan?” I took a sip, Arthur spluttered his, seemingly trying not to choke on the burning liquid. “What?...no...just...i'm usually first awake is all.” I smiled in my cup, hopefully hiding my slight giggle. A man of his size and how intimidating he can seem, he sure can get flustered easily, his cheeks turning a muted shade of pink. It was fun. We finished our coffee and made our way over to Charles and the horses, getting them saddled up. “You feel well enough to ride yourself Bella?” Charles asked, tightening the saddles girth so it fit snugly but comfortably around the horse.  “I'm sure I'll be fine…” I looked over to Arthur, grinning “...I won't be falling off anytime soon.” “Take Johns horse, he won't be needing her today.” Arthur pointed over to the horse mentioned and I made my way over to sadde her. .….. The ride out into the heartlands towards Cumberland Forest was pleasant, the morning sun warming the earth and birds filling the air with their song. It was peaceful,the most peaceful I've felt in a long while. Still nothing of the attempted robbery or information about my disappearance had been read or heard of. Maybe Arthur was right, maybe Frank didn't care that i was gone, maybe he thought i was dead. I hope he did. We made it to the spot at Cumberland Forest and hitched the horses within the outskirts, hidden from view. Arthur let me use his bow, saying he was better with a rifle anyway. The three of us walked further into the forest, making sure to keep an eye and ear out for bears that roam the area. “Why don't we split up?” Charles suggested in a hushed toned as to not to disturb the surrounding wildlife. “Sure. Bella can come with me, might not need to use the rifle if she don't miss.” Arthur smirked. My expression one of mock disgust and punching him lightly in the arm. Granted I might be a bit rusty, it had been a couple of years since I hunted or even held a bow, but I'm sure once I get my mind focused it will be like second nature. Another thing I hope for.  Charles moved further into the forest, me and Arthur moving closer to the Dakota river. The forest was tranquil and busy at the same time, the smell of pine and aspen filling my nose, the intense gaze of the sun being softened by the green blanket above, lighting everything in an orange hue. Any light that broke through the leaves lighting up in patches on the ground, able to see the suns daily path across the dirt from the sections of thick grass and various plants. Songbirds and sparrows weaving through the labyrinth of branches, hunting for bugs and seeds as they sang their love songs. For a moment it felt like we were the only people in existence as we walked in a comfortable silence. As we neared the river Arthur lifted his hand for attention then pointed ahead. Two whitetail deers drinking from the river. We crouched down, keeping out steps slow and light as we neared them. Once we stopped Aarthur looked to me, giving a nod for me to take my aim. I nocked the arrow, drawing it till the string resisted, keeping my chin low and feet steady, Arthur giving a soft whistle to get their attention. Two breaths and releasing on the exhale, the arrow flew to the mark, hitting the deer through its right eye, killing it instantly. I breathed in a huff of triumph as Arthur smiled at my glee. We made our way over, Arthur pulling on the animal readying to lift it. “Maybe i didn't need the rifle.” “Didn't trust me?” we smirked at each other, both pleased that we got a kill so soon. Arthur whistled for his horse as I gazed out at the river, hoping to see another distracted deer. He wrapped the animal in rope and secured it onto the back of his horse but we soon realised we were not paying proper attention to our surroundings as we should have. A guttural roar came from the thick forest behind us, too close for comfort. Before we had any time to react a mass of fur and teeth was bounding out of the treeline towards us, its black eyes trained on me. Fight or flight instincts kicked in, my legs pushing my back into a run, tripping over a river rock as I turned, planting straight into the river. I knew I couldn't get up quick enough, legs still pushing me backwards but failing to get traction, arms stretching out in front of my face like I could stop the beast with my own hands. Just as it was above me, staring down the cavern that was a throat, a crack of thunder rang out in my ears, echoing into the distance. The beast above me ceased and dropped on my legs, red splattered on my pants, shirt and no doubt my face.I looked at the stilled bear with wide eyes and then over to Arthur, rife in hand. My breathing steadying as I came down from the shock of what just happened and pushing the animal off me to stand. “Maybe you did need that rifle.” i giggled, looking towards Arthur, his eyes full of concern but a smile creeping on his face at my attempt to bring humor to the situation. I wasn't just covered in bear blood but soaked from landing in the river. I tried to shake off what I could and wring out the water from my shirt. Arthur walked over holding out a dry shirt for me to take. “I always carry fresh on my horse. Better than being soaked through completely.” I took the shirt and muttered a thanks, making my way out of the river and onto dry land, Arthur making a start on skinning the bear and whistling over Johns horse . The cold breeze hit my wet skin, making me shiver so I wasted no time in removing my drenched shirt, peaking over my shoulder to make sure he was distracted before also removing my camisole, now bare from the waist up. Pain shot up my side due to my hurried pace, letting out a quiet gasp, looking down at the still present bruise on my ribs, less angry, but persistent nonetheless. “There's trees right there y’ know.” My moment of pain must have caught his attention. Embarrassment flushed to my cheeks and I quickly pulled on his shirt and buttoned it up. It buried my small frame, stopping mid thigh, and it smelled like him, the faint hint of tobacco and gunpowder. “Scared.” “Why?” “Bears.” He huffed a laugh, lifting the bear hide and stowing it on johns horse. Both of us mounted up and started making our way to Charles' horse, silently deciding that was enough hunting for us today.Once there we built a campfire and I sat as close to it as comfortably possible, drying off my pants and sharing some fresh bear meat between us. We both were lost in thought, sitting in silence across from each other as we ate. I decided to break the silence with another request.

 “Teach me to shoot properly?” it came out as both a demand and a question.He just looked at me while he chewed on the meat, the flames dancing over his face.“Father taught me how to handle a pistol, but i want to be sure i can protect myself...against bears...and people.”  “You never went hunting after bein’ married?” I shook my head and sighed, looking down at the unfinished meat in my hands. “No. Frank wouldn't allow it. He would say the only things women are for are cooking, breeding and fucking.”   “The more I learn about him, the more I wish I'd shot the bastard.” The anger in his tone was evident and with no hint of doubt.  We sat in silence, the midday sun now high in the sky. He seemed to be lost in thought for a while before opening his mouth wanting to say something before changing his mind. I looked to him expectedly, wanting him to say what he wanted. His eyes locked with mine, knowing I was giving my permission to speak his thoughts.After a brief moment of silence, he finally broke it. “I...those...those scars ya have. They from him too?”  So he did see. I hummed in response before giving him a proper answer. “My broken ribs weren’t from falling off your horse either. A lesson for flirting with the bastard on the balcony.” “Jesus” “He was so kind when we first met before getting married, always sending me gifts, flowers, jewelry. Written love letters and saying that he was building a stable at our future home, a homecoming gift for his sweetheart…” Arthur didn't speak as I paused, instead standing to retrieve something from his saddlebag before making his way around the fire to sit beside me, handing me a bottle of Bourbon. I smiled as I took it, opening it and taking a few gracious gulps, feeling the burning sensation trickle down my throat. “...He gradually changed after only being married for a few weeks. Dictating what i could wear and what hobbies i could indulge in, preventing me from seeing or talking to my childhood friends. Then the beatings would start getting worse... the assaults...eventually i couldn't sleep out of fear of what was to come when sharing a bed with him.” I took in a shaky breath, willing my tears not to breach. “Couldn't ya have returned to ya parents?” I shook my head before taking another swig and handing the bottle back to him. “I wanted to but...i was married off to him because my parents were struggling with the farmlands after three bad winters. Franks promised financial support in exchange for my hand. He even ceased all contact with them after only a month. I wrote letters to them but I never got one back. I have no idea what happened. Frank knew I wanted to leave so he promised to force a baby into me. That way, I'd have no choice but to stay with him.” I didn't know why i was telling Arthur all this, maybe because i knew it would help to get it off my chest, maybe because i felt like i could trust him. I didn't want pity, I realised, just a listening ear, someone to lend me their comfort for a little while.I hesitated before continuing. Arthur's eyes on me like I was a lost puppy, reaching out my hand for the bottle again he passed it to me without a word. I took another sip for courage, or so I couldn't feel the pain of reliving my horror. “I ended up falling pregnant. When I found out early on, I was more terrified in that moment than I had been in my life. He was elated of course, finally getting what he wanted. I knew he would be a horrible father, knew he wouldn't think twice about lifting his hand to a child. So I decided I couldn't let that happen. Had a doctor visit while he was on an overnight business meeting, some of his practices a known secret amongst many women.” Tears silently flowed as I stared into the growing flames of the fire. A hand placed gently on my knee for comfort and in understanding. “Did...did he find out?” “Told him I lost it. He shot my horse as punishment for being a failure of a woman.” “Bella...I’m sorry” It was barely above a whisper, anything louder and i might shatter like century old glass.He drew circles on my knee with his thumb as I wiped away the fallen tears. I made a silent vow never to cry over that man again, not to let him take up space in my mind. Absentmindedly I leaned into Arthurs touch, his shoulder meeting my temple, breathing in my first steady breath, Arthur wrapping his arm around me.

[khadij-al-kubra]

Punk FamILY AU...

If you know me, you know that I LOVE the Punk AU by @asofterfan and I know that they all end up together during college and stuff. So I just couldn’t help imagining all them grown up and becoming parents to a young punkling.

Buckle up friends, this is gonna be a long one. *cracks knuckles* I present to you, A Punk Family AU:

One of the punks is home while the others are at work one day; let’s just say Virgil. And he hears something rifling through their trash can outside. When he goes to investigate if it’s a burglar or a raccoon, it turns out to be a little girl.

She’s skinny with dirty (literally and color-wise) blond hair tucked into a backwards baseball cap, a missing front tooth, beat-up high-tops with holes in them and overalls with a t-shirt that’s too big for her. She can’t be more than 10 or 11.

She jumps at being found and runs, but Virgil follows her. He catches up to her in an alley but as he corners her he holds his hands up and carefully tells her it’s okay. The Girl gets super prickly. Like straight up feral defensive wild child. (more like an angry kitten) She’s clearly been through a lot.

Somehow he manages to gently talk her down, promising he’s not gonna hurt her or call the police. He just wants to talk. He also notices that she’s got a slightly bruised cut on her cheek (something he recognizes easily) and offers her a band-aid and maybe something hot to eat.

She doesn’t know why but somehow this little girl sense she can trust this black clad spiky grown-up. Because even though he looks scary she can see something soft and kind in his eyes behind the purple (her favorite color) bangs; something she’s not used to seeing in adults.

Back at the apartment Virgil gets her cut cleaned up and feeds her some leftovers as well as some of Patton’s cookies. She practically inhales it all. When he gently asks her name she tells him it’s Morgan. That’s all he gets out of her for now, but as promised he wont call the cops. Virgil waits for the others to get back, hoping they can figure out what to do

Logan, Patton and Roman get home and of course are surprised to see Virgil drawing pictures with some strange kid in their living room. Like before, Morgan goes into feral defensive mode, but Virgil tells Morgan. they’re alright. They’re his...friends (getting into the whole polyamory thing isn’t priority now) and promises they won’t hurt her. The punks introduce themselves, and Virgil fills them in.

They all get a sense that this girl is in trouble and want to help. Patton is the most careful around her and Morgan actually softens up a bit. But the second he mentions he’s a social worker she bristles, screaming “I’m NOT GOING BACK TO THAT FOSTER HOUSE! YOU CANT MAKE ME!!” They’re all taken aback. Morgan looks like she’s about to cry but she holds her chin high, fists balled, tough and brave. A true punkling.

Logan calmly tells her that Patton doesn’t work with social services or foster care, and they aren’t going to bring her anywhere she doesn’t want to go. Roman promises on his honor that “you, little princess are safe with us, and may take shelter here for the night.” Logan worries logistically about this but they all agree. Virgil even lets her have his bed.

The next day they eventually get more info out of her. They find out, just as they suspected, that Morgan is a runaway foster kid who’s been in and out of the system. She was taken out of a bad Home situation when she was eight only to be passed around between similar families and people who just wanted a meal card or were abusive or neglectful in various ways to various degrees. After four days in her most recent foster home, she ran away, taking her few personal belongings in a duck taped backpack, and has been living in the streets for a week.

All four of their hearts go out to this tough little girl, but especially Logan and Virgil because SHES JUST LIKE THEY WERE!!! Roman’s a sniffling mess and Patton can’t help but immediately gently hug her, which after a stiff few seconds she melts into because it’s Patton and he’s just magic like that!

And all of them agree to help her somehow. They promise not to take her back and say that ‘if she wants to’ Morgan can stay with them for a while until they find her a safer situation. She looks at all these odd but kind adults, senses something in them that’s the same as her -especially Logan and Virgil- and nods her head yes. Besides, if she needs to, she can always sneak away. It wouldn’t be the first time.

But of course, she doesn’t. Instead they start to look after her. She hangs around and reads or draws or watches tv while they’re at work, and they spend time with her when Home. They shower her with love and kindness and slowly get her to open up to them.

Patton teaches her how to bake, finding out she’s super giggly and clumsy and sweet. When they cut out sugar cookies into shapes (Patton has star, Moon, and dinosaur cut outs) she makes hers look like little monsters and ices them various colors. Its adorable. He calls her kiddo all the time, to which she blushes, but actually really likes it. Better than being called ‘brat’ or ‘that kid’ or ‘good for nothing’ or— Patton stops her there and hugs her. He gives her new compliments and endearing nicknames for every unkind thing that’s ever possibly been said to her. He also tells her lots of Dad jokes, which she finds stupidly hilariously and snort laughs every time. Which makes Patton melt because HOLY HECK SO CUTE!

Turns out she’s also protective like Patton. One day he takes her to the park for fresh air and she pushed a bully into the sand after they were picking on some smaller kid with evident developmental problems, shouting “Eat my fists you monkey faced jerk! I WILL PHYSICALLY FIGHT YOU!!” Needless to say, he’s super proud, but he pulls her off the kid before they both draw too much attention. Then he takes her for ice cream and explains that while it’s great to stand up to bullies you also can’t go around biting people.

Roman practices lines in front of her and she interjects sometimes with her own made up lines that, yes, divert entirely from the plot, but are just too fun and interesting and he just goes along with it. He also brings her to the drama section of the books store to pick out a few plays to read on her own (she stumbles across a copy of Eve Ensler’s “The Vagina Monologues” but he takes it out of her hands saying, “let’s maybe save that one for when you’re a bit older, my little warrior princess.”) He even sews colorful patches onto her old backpack for her and offers to help put studs on her baseball cap.

Logan brings her some small assignments from the middle school he teaches at because runaway kid or not, he’s gonna make sure this little girl learns a thing or two damnit. Turns out she’s super bright and especially loves mythology and history. She’s always asking him to tell her about female historical figures especially, and is fascinated (albeit confused at first but eventually gets it) when he goes on his rants about the stupidity of the binary and toxic masculinity. “Oohhh you mean like how I think boys AND girls are pretty, and how you, Roman, Virgil and Patton all like-like each other?” And Logan’s Punk gay heart is so proud of this perceptive punklet.

Virgil though, oh Virgil bonds with Morgan the most. Not only does he share his past with her and thus she opens up more to him (she even shows him the scar on the back of her shoulder from her first foster parent), but they are SO much alike! Turns out not only do they have the same favorite color, foods and animal, but Virgil finds out that Morgan is also artistic too. She tells him about how she wants to draw comic books when she’s grown-up and they draw together all the time.

In a short amount of time (let’s say a few weeks) all four of them just fall in love with this feisty sweet and artsy little punk!! Suffice to say, they all vote they want to keep her. But eventually someone contacts Patton, finds out (through no fault of his own) that Morgan ran away, and has been with them the whole time.

Her old foster family didn’t report anything till now because they would’ve gotten find or something. Still, she’s in the system so they're preparing to send someone over to place her with a new family. Morgan overhears this and runs to Patton’s arms screaming and crying “DON’T LET THEM TAKE ME AWAY FROM YOU! PLEASE!!” They hug her tightly, promising she never has to go back.

They have to go through a LOT of hoops, paperwork, and red tape to keep their promise. Them being four grown poly men and at least half of them in (to their eyes) dubious jobs (ugh the Man), they aren’t exactly ideal or typical candidates for fostering, let alone adoption. However, they are impressed by and convinced by both Patton’s credentials as a therapist/social worker for inner city kids, as well as Logan’s educational background and teaching degree. (Plus, they are admittedly a bit intimidated by Logan and also Virgil)

Eventually (like say it takes a month or so) they are able to get around the system. They ask Morgan if she would want to be part of their family because, even though they love her so much, ultimately what she wants matters most. And Morgan, this little punk lost girl has come to love them too and practically jumps into their arms!! All four surround her in a hug.

Morgan moves in permanently and even officially gets her own room now (Virgil’s old studio, but it’s cool. The guys all share a bed most nights anyway). She’s also got Dot and Larry and Patton’s Mom as the best grandparents ever (they all adore and spoil her when they come over to visit the boys). And she gets also gets along really well with her uncle Thomas who plays ukulele and sings for her. He also tries to teach her how to sing, but it turns out she’s a bit tone deaf. (Oh well) And she’s got her godparent Elliot and her Aunty Remy too, who offers to do her first tattoo WHEN SHES OLDER! (You know her tattoo artist Dad isn’t gonna be the irresponsible parent and let his daughter do that too young, no matter how Punk a family they are)

Logan eventually enrolls Morgan into the school he teaches at too. Instead of being embarrassed to have her Pop as her teacher she brags about it. Like, “that’s right. My Pop is smarter than your dad. All four of them are! Weeeell maybe not Daddy as much.” (Roman: “Hey!”)

However, he does have to step in sometimes when she starts getting into arguments with the other kids when she starts shouting things like “SMASH the patriarchy!” or “I have the best dads in the world! FIGHT ME!” and “Gender’s a construct! The binary’s useless, bitches!!” First time the four of them have ever been called into the principals office because of someone else’s bad behavior XD. Eventually they teach her to tone it down and that there are ways of being punk and standing up for others without resorting to screaming and fighting first; something it took them years to learn and only now appreciate as adults.

Usually Papa Patton will come to pick her up after school and they’ll either go to the park or to home. Sometimes he’ll gently and subtly get her to talk a little about her past if he sees she’s been down lately and they’ll hug out the bad feelings. Sometimes her Daddy Roman will pick her up and take her to the theater he works at so she can hang out backstage. All the performers love her, and she even starts getting interested in and learning about tech work from the stage crew.

Family time for them includes laughing around the dinner table, them listening to Morgan’s stories, and movie marathons with cuddle piles. Either Disney movies or Marvel movies (usually the latter if Morgan pulled out the kitty eyes; the punks’ kryptonite.)

If she ever does have bad days or wakes up from nightmares about her old life, it’s usually her Dad Virgil who’ll be first to her bedside rocking her in his arms; then all four are there surrounding her with kisses and hugs and love. In short, Morgan is the happiest she’s ever been with her new loving punk family. And all four of the punks found the piece of their family they hadn’t even known was missing.

[chojimaru]

@officer--dimples

First thing first. Making a new post because of how insanely long the other one is. I apologize for not replying sooner. I will attempt to be civil with you here because you obviously put a lot of work writing this.I also won’t reply to every single topic but I will try to cover what the main points are.

First we must define Assault Rifle. An Assault rifle is capable of automatic fire, uses detachable magazines, uses an intermediate cartridge, and is used in the act of assault. Assault is a verb. A comb can be an assault comb if you attack someone with it. Intermediate cartridges are rather low powered. The rounds themselves are pretty bad at killing Human sized animals because of this. The M16 when first used in the Vietnam was hated by soldiers because it would poke holes in the enemy while the M14(which used a much stronger, heavier bullet) would kill a man in 1 or 2 shots(more on this later). Automatic weapons are extremely regulated in America. More regulated than all guns in Australia and Britain and most countries you are likely to see cited for their gun crime rates. Unpaid parking tickets, unpaid child support, a pending trial, a divorce, and even being put on trial and found innocent are all possible ways to be kept from owning an Automatic weapon. Many things can result in your weapon being taken away. You must always have the physical license from the ATF with the gun at all times. You can’t have it in the car in the parking lot when you are at the gun range. The ATF can inspect your house and take it away for no reason. You must have an approved gun dealer in your will who will take possession and usually destroy the gun when you die. You must destroy the gun under certain circumstances. An AR 15 is not an assault rifle. An M4 or M16 used in combat is.

Let me explain why the AR 15 is one of the best guns for self defense.

This is 5.45 bullet that has been cut in half. It’s not the bullet commonly used in AR 15s but it operates in the same manner. It has a hollow cavity in the tip. The basic function is that this bullet travels very quickly and the tip breaks as soon as it makes contact with anything. Whether it be a wall, an animal, a human, or a tree branch that tip caves in when it makes contact and the bullets flips like a kicked American football. This decreases the energy of the projectile by a lot. This means that a 5.56 or 5.45 are the best rounds to use in neighborhoods, apartment buildings, or in homes with children around. This bullet will hit drywall and be less deadly. A 9mm pistol bullet can go through an entire house. a .30-30 bullet commonly used to hunt deer can go through multiple apartments. You could hit a home intruder and a shotgun slug can go through him and into the neighbors house.

On the topic of hunting. AR 15s chambered in .300 Blackout are the premier way to dispatch our wild boar invasion in farm lands. Pigs can destroy millions of dollars in property, crops, and livestock damage. They are an enormous problem. AR15s are needed because they are light, quick, and not too bulky so a farmer can have one in his truck and use it as soon as he sees boars. AR15s in 5.56 are great for hunting other animals like skunks, raccoons, wolves, coyotes, and rabbits to name a few.

Moving on to the topic of fear. Fear is an emotion and is therefore relative. Right now I am feeling cold. If someone in a colder area like Alaska or Norway is standing in front of a warm fire place covered in thick blankets while a blizzard rages outside does it mean it is warmer in Alaska than in Texas? Of course not, it just means I need to put some socks on. You feel safe, good for you. I do too, good for me. I am not living in fear, I am hoping for the best and preparing for the worst. I have canned goods because I once went with limited food for weeks during and after a hurricane. I drive a car with lots of safety features because I know people who died in car crashes. I brush my teeth because I know people in their 30s with dentures. I have a gun because my people were unarmed when they were murdered by their government. It’s one of the reasons my family came to this country and it’s one of the reasons those problems did not.

Regulations are great. I used the regulation that says food products need to be labeled with expiration dates today. I would have had some bad milk and been sick for hours without that. I don’t mind a government, but I do mind a lot of government. The police do not prevent crime, they arrest criminals after they have committed crimes. Look up what the average length of time it takes for police to arrive on scene in your area. The answer, no matter, what is too long. In the time it takes you for to pull out your phone, dial, the operator to respond, and the police to drive is less than it takes for a human to be beaten, kidnapped, murdered. 5 minutes may be ok if you call them because someone was spray painting a wall, but that is not ok if your friend is bleeding out. Literally in this recent case that no doubt inspired OPs post, an armed policeman stood outside of the school mere feet from the shooter and did nothing as people died. Your government does not care about you and they do not protect you. They try, but they fail too.

“Please educate me, if I get this wrong: you want to defend yourself with a gun. Why is that? Because you fear that one could attack you with the gun they are allowed to carry, right? You want a gun bc others have a gun”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iUk3HEqjf8c

This is Dutch MMA fighter Alistair Overeem. He is 6′3 and in his prime was 3% body fat and weighed 280 pounds. He is famous for his ability to get knocked out in devastating fashion. He’s a good fighter despite this, but hitting him in the right spot just puts him to sleep. Him and his brother(a less skilled, less fit mma fighter who has more knockout losses than some UFC champs have fights) once beat the living shit out 5 security guards armed with clubs. The five guards needed emergency care, Allistair hurt his hand because he punched a guy in the face and cut himself with his victims teeth. In a different incident he pushed a lady and with one hand sent her flying and she was injured after hitting some poles. Would you fight this man? I know it’s a extreme, he’s bigger and more well trained than 99.99% of the world but a guy even half as big and half as skilled and with twice the ability to make a punch would you say with confidence you could fight him off? Let’s think of someone else. Do you have an elderly person in your life or a very young person? A 5 year old nephew, a 70 year old grandparent? Not to mention any disabled people in your life. Maybe even people who are currently sick with the common cold or have a stubbed toe or pregnant or dealing with period cramps right now. Do you think you could beat Allistair Overeem in a 1 to 1 fight? Do you think every single person you care about could beat him at any given moment? If a man that big and even a fraction as skilled came into your home would you be ok? Would the police respond in time? The answer is no because even if you managed to call the police before he was face to face with you he has choked people until they fainted or knocked them out in less than a minute despite them being his size, strength, nearly his level of skill, and fully prepared to fight him. On the opposite end of the spectrum, do you think you, barring any personal thoughts and restraints could stop him if he attacked you and you had a weapon whether it be a gun or a taser or pepper spray? Which would you pick? Should training martial arts, taking steroids, and lifting weights become illegal?

“Let me tell you a secret: if the other isn’t allowed to own a gun, you don’t need a gun” Allowed is the keyword. Allowed is very different than has or owns or uses. In America we are a free people. My government doesn’t allow me to do things. We allow the government to do things. We allow the government to tax us, we allow the government to operate, and we allow the government to arrest and punish people who do certain actions. You have defined what freedom means to you. That is not freedom but you are free to think that way and to desire your life be that way.

On the topic of race and countries of origin and all that let me just go on a little tangent here. My Dad’s side is white, Norwegian mostly but I have a great grandma who’s ancestors were in the original US Navy under the great John Paul Jones. The cannons on said ship were privately owned as were all the small arms. They even had a gun that shot multiple bullets in a row. It wasn’t as advanced as an M60 machine gun but it was considerably faster than a musket. These people knew inventions were coming that would do things more effectively. Whether it be better ships, better guns, or better way of communication. You believe the change of technology should effect the right to bear arms. Do you believe the government should restrict speech? Do you believe people should be incarcerate for speech? If so, what kind of speech? Do you think it would be ok if in 20 years you holding that opinion became illegal and that put you in jail?

Finally let’s talk about guns and swimming pools and cars. Swimming is a recreational activity, exercise, sport, and therapy. Cars are transportation, sport, and hobbies. Guns are also used in sports, hobbies, exercise, recreational activities, and therapy. Earlier this month a friend told me a child in her neighborhood(a three year old) fell into a swimming pool and drowned. Last year a guy in a truck ran over and killed a lot of people in London. Last week a guy with a gun killed a lot of students at a school and at that same event a policeman with a gun stood outside without confronting him. Should we attach floaties to every child? Should we outlaw trucks? Should we outlaw guns? Sorry for any spelling errors.

[askaftertech]

Hacker’s Birthday!

Geno gently shakes Hacker awake, “Time to get up. Fresh has a job for you and Ink.”

Hacker blinks, “Okay, I’m up! Let me get dressed.” Hacker takes his clothes into the bathroom and changes into a blue shirt and tan pants, but keeps his boots. “Okay, Geno, I’m good to go! Do we head downstairs?”

Geno’s pulling on his sweater, “Yeah, go meet up with Ink. He’ll take you there.”

Hacker makes his way down and hugs Ink, “So where are we going? Or do we have to see Fresh?”

Ink opens his mouth, closes it, tilts his head, then speaks slowly, “I… don’t remember what we had to do…” He perks up in an instant, “I guess we’ll go see Fresh then!”

Hacker nods and looks back up the stairs at Geno,” I’ll see you soon, I hope… Let’s go Ink.”

Geno waves goodbye as Ink skips out the door. The ink-spattered skeleton has an extra bounce in his step, but his progress is slow. He hums a tune as they go.

Hacker looks at his feet most of the trip. I can’t believe I’m 20 now… Should I tell the team?

“Hacker!” Ink calls, putting an arm around the other monster’s shoulder, “Why do you look so down? It’s a beautiful day! And you’ve actually got something to do! Aren’t you excited to get out of the house?”

Hacker blinks as he walks,” I guess? I just did what to see fresh today…he’s very bight and hard to understand.”

Ink frowns, “You don’t like bright?”

Hacker giggles, “Most of the time I do… Fresh is just, um… weird is all.”

Ink seems to accept that, “Yeah, I’ll give you that… You never really get used to his kind of weird, either. But he’s one of the first real friends I ever made, so I’ll give him a pass. He’s really a good guy.”

Hacker smiles, “Yeah… I’m happy for you, Ink.” Hacker sighs before going into the courthouse. The two make way their way to Fresh’s office. “Hello Fresh, sir.”

Fresh tilts his head at them, “Hey there, Hacker. Ink. Whaddup my broskis?”

Ink hastily speaks first, “Hi, Fresh! What was the thing you wanted Hacker to do today? Remember, there was something about today? Super important? Something for Hacker to do?”

Fresh’s smile falls a fraction. It takes a moment for him to respond, “Oh yeah! A package, brotato chips! I needed ya to all up pick up a package for me!”

Ink grins, “Yeah, that! …where was it again? I must have forgotten. I’m always so forgetful!” He says the last part with a little too much joy.

“Uhh…” Fresh rifles through the papers on his desk for a moment, “Right! Underswap! I totally need ya to go pick up a doohickey from… Muffet! Get tha thing from Muffet and all up take it to Outer.”

Hacker blinks, “Okay?” I feel like Fresh is using us… Hacker nods and smiles, “We will get it done, sir.” Hacker steps out of the room and waits for Ink.

Ink bounds over, “We have to get out of the courthouse before I can make a portal. Come on!” They go out a different way than they came in. The halls are crowded with monsters showing up for work. For a moment, Hacker wonders if they might run into some of the other Team Libra members, but it never happens. They push out a side door and onto the street. Ink turns back to Hacker, “What were we doing again?”

Hacker sighs but smiles, “We need to go to Underswap… to get a box for Fresh. Let’s go.”

Ink almost seems disappointed for some reason, “Oh! Right.” He summons his giant paint brush and swipes it through the air. The trail of black it leaves changes to show a snowy landscape. They step through and Ink frowns, “Awww… I must have made the portal wrong… We’re outside of town…” His chipper attitude is back in an instant, “Oh well! At least it isn’t a snowstorm! We can walk.” He closes the portal behind them and starts off in the wrong direction.

Hacker takes Ink by the hand, “It’s this way, silly.” He’s still holding Ink’s hand, “We need to go to Muffet’s.”

“Oh!” Ink giggles at himself, “Sorry! It’s been a long time since I’ve had to walk to Snowdin!” He suddenly stops and pulls his hand away to point upward, “Wow, look! An eagle!”

Hacker blinks and looks up, “Oh, Ink, that’s a crow. A crow is a large, intelligent, black bird with a hoarse, cawing voice. They can make many different sounds. They are common sights in treetops, fields, and roadsides, and in habitats like open woods, empty beaches, and even town centers. They usually feed on the ground and eat almost anything: earthworms, insects, other small animals, fruit, garbage, and carrion. Crow chicks rob other nests when young. Their flight style is unique- a patient, methodical flapping that is rarely broken up with glides. Crows don’t fight to the death like black birds. They tend to bake wings, though, and then most of the male birds don’t play ever again after a wing is broken. They are mostly killed by other predators like wild dogs or other birds of prey.” Hacker blinks and blushes, “I… did not need to tell you that Ink. I’m sorry.”

Ink appears to have zoned out during the explanation, but he smiles at Hacker anyways, “That’s okay! You really know a lot, huh? It’s impressive!”

Hacker sighs again, “Yeah…. its what happens when you only have a computer to talk to most of the time…”

Ink blinks, then gives Hacker a soft smile and a warm hug, “Well, it’s not like that anymore. You have a whole team of people you can talk to.”

Hackers smiles, “I know… Oh! We need to get to Muffet… We spent a lot of time looking at a crow. Think Fresh will be mad if we are late getting back?” Hacker once again takes Ink’s hand, afraid he might walk off again.

“Nah.” Hacker has to nearly drag Ink to keep him focused, “If Fresh didn’t give us a deadline, there isn’t one. He’s not forgetful like me.”

Hacker nods at Ink as they enter Muffet’s store, “Hello Muffet. How are you today?”

The spider lady offers them a bright, fanged smile, “Hello there, dearies. I’m doing well, thank you. It’s been a long time since I’ve seen either of you. How have you been?”

Ink hops onto a barstool, “Hacker’s part of Team Libra now!”

Muffet nods, “I heard. Congratulations! Would you like a honeybun each to celebrate? On the house, of course.”

Ink beams, “Yes please! We left without breakfast this morning!” Muffet giggles slightly and gives them each a sweet sticky pastry. Ink takes a big bite and chews appreciatively. “Mmmm! It’sh been thoo long!”

Hacker takes a bite, “Mmm, they’re always so good! Thank you, Muffet!” Hacker finishes his treat, “Oh yeah, Fresh had a box for us to pick up?”

Muffet covers her mouth with one hand, “Oh, I’m sorry! I sent it with Stretch earlier. I figured he’d get it to his brother and Blue would give it to Outer. Was that bad?”

Ink frowns as he takes another bite. He slowly chews and considers. “Fresh didn’t give a deadline, but he did say ‘today’… We’d better go get it from Stretch. But first!” He digs some money out of his many layers of clothing, “I’m still hungry! Can I get a spider donut and a hot tea please?” As Muffet starts to get his order, Ink turns to Hacker, “You want anything? My treat.”

“I… I’ll take a tea, please…”

Ink eats slowly, dunking the doughnut in the tea and savoring each bite. He notices Hacker watching him and laughs sheepishly, “What? I don’t get to eat these very often… And they’re really good. You sure you don’t want one?”

Hacker shakes his head, “No… I just want to get the box… so we can go home… I am kinda tired and would like to lay back down.”

Ink sets down the last few bites of doughnut to give Hacker another hug, “Aww, I’m sorry… Do you need a nap? I’m sure Stretch won’t mind letting you nap on his couch.”

Hacker sighs, “No, I’m good… Let’s go get the box from him.” He smiles at Muffet, “It was good to see you, Muffet.” Hacker stands and walks out, knowing Ink will follow.

“Hackerrrr!” With a squawk, Ink runs after his teammate, shoving the remnants of his breakfast in his mouth, “Wait up!” He swallows the mouthful with effort, “For being tired, you sure are walking fast! And you didn’t have to leave me behind! Are you mad at me for something?” He looks like he might cry, “What did I do? Did I say something mean?”

Hacker giggles, “Nothing. I just wanted to make you leave the shop so we can get the box, silly.  You’ve been trying to keep me from this box.”

Ink stops dead in the snow, tears welling in his eye sockets and his voice cracking, “Y-you�� don’t like working with me, do you? I’m sorry… I know I get distracted easily, and I’m really forgetful, and I make a lot of stupid mistakes…” He sniffles, wiping his face on his sleeve, “You d-don’t have to work with me anymore if you don’t want… I’ll ask Fresh n-not to put us together on assignments… I’m sorry…”

Hacker hugs Ink, “It’s not like that Ink. I love working with you. I just want to go home and rest. I might be starting to catch a cold.”

“R-really?” Ink buries his face in Hacker’s shoulder, sobbing, “I love w-working with you, too! You’re really sweet a-and smart and you always p-put everyone else first…” He squeezes Hacker with a grip like a vice, “And h-here I am keeping you out in the cold! I’m s-sorry! Give m-me a sec…” A few more hiccups and sniffles later, Ink pulls away and wipes his face again, “Sorry… we can go now…”

Hacker smiles, “It’s okay. Let’s go.” Hacker once again takes Ink’s hand, and they make their way to Stretch’s house. Hacker knocks, “Stretch! It’s Hacker! We need to talk to you.”

The lanky skeleton opens the door wearing his signature orange hoodie. He looks tired as usual as he drawls, “Hey there, Hacker. Long time no see.”

Hacker smiles, “Is it alright for Ink and me to come in?”

“Sure,” Stretch steps aside, closes the door behind them, and follows them into the living room.

Ink pushes Hacker onto the couch, “Rest for a second, okay?”

“Something you need?” Stretch looks worried, “Why are you two out here alone? And why does Hacker look so tired? I thought he was doing well with Libra.”

“About that…” Ink checks to make sure Hacker is actually sitting before turning to address the taller skeleton directly, “He’s not feeling well, but he didn’t say anything until we were already out on this mission.”

Stretch frowns worriedly, “Not getting sick, are ya? Do you need some medicine? A hot drink?”

Hacker blushes, “Um, a hot drink would be nice, thank you… But, um… Muffet said you had a box for use to get for Fresh…”

Stretch is already heading for the kitchen. He calls back, “Hot drink, on it.” He comes back a few minutes later with a steaming cup of tea and hands it to Hacker, “Honey and lemon, best thing for a cold. Now what about a box?”

Ink pushes Hacker’s hand gently, urging him to drink the tea, “A package, Stretch. One you got from Muffet?”

“Oh, that…” Stretch rubs his skull, “I was supposed to keep that?”

Hacker almost chokes on the tea, “You… You mean you don’t have it?”

Ink pats Hacker’s back while Stretch puts up his hands to calm the coughing monster, “Hey, hey, easy… It’s not like I threw it out… I just don’t see Blue all that often. Undyne said she was going to the HUB in a few days, so I gave it to her.”

Ink sighs, “Finish your tea, Hacker. And take your time. Looks like we have another trip to make, and I really don’t want you to get sick.”

Hacker nods and drinks tea as quick as he can, “Thank you, Stretch. I’ll see you later.” Hacker sets the cup down in the table and make is way out the door, again not waiting for his teammate.

“Waiiiiit!” Ink catches up and wraps his wide scarf around Hacker’s neck and shoulders, “Here. Wear this until we get to Hotland.” He looks guilty, “Maybe they should have sent someone else with you… Someone that can port within an AU… I’m sorry, Hacker. This is the best I can do.”

Hacker giggles and hugs Ink, “I love your scarf! It’s so big! Thank you, Ink. I am sure I’ll be okay by the time we get to Hotland.” The two board the rivers person’s boat. “Can you take us to Hotland, please?”

Ink keeps casting worried, guilty glances at Hacker the whole way to the lab. When they finally get there, Ink knocks on the door first. It takes a few moments for Undyne to answer. “H-hello… D-did you… need something…? From m-me…?”

Ink nods, “The package Stretch gave you. Can we have it please?”

“O-oh dear…” Undyne seems to be nervous, fidgeting with her lab coat, “I um… d-don’t have it anymore…”

Hacker takes Ink’s scarf off and hands it back, fanning himself, “I’m sorry, Ink. It’s too much in Hotland.” Hacker smiles at Undyne, “It’s okay, Undyne. Where did it go, though?”

The anxious fish woman wrings her hands, “I-I was worried I might l-lose it… I gave it t-to Alphys… She’s… m-much more organized than I am…” Ink heaves a sigh, “Thanks, Undyne…”

Hacker smiles as they walk back to the river person, “Now we need to go to waterfall, sir. Is that okay?” Hacker sits on the boat again.

The river person doesn’t seem bothered in the slightest, but Ink looks like he might cry again. As soon as they pull into the dock, the Ink-spattered monster leaps out of the boat and insists on helping Hacker out. He keeps an arm around the other monster all the way to Alphys’s house. The fierce dinosaur is outside, beating on a training dummy. “Alphys!” Ink calls to her from a safe distance. When she’s turned around, he goes straight to business without bothering to greet her, “The package you got from Undyne! We need it!”

Alphys’s brow raises, “Woah, what’s the matter? Why the rush? Something wrong?”

Hacker waves and forces a smile, “I am not feeling well. I’m starting to get a headache, and I’m tired… We’re just trying to get a mission done so we can go home, but… Um, do you have any ibuprofen?”

Nodding with unusual calmness, the mighty lizard heads into her house and comes back with two pills, a glass of water, and a gift-wrapped box. “Here ya go, squirt. Feel better, alright?” She hands the medicine and water to Hacker and the box to Ink.

“Finally!” Ink takes the package like it might crumble in his hands, “We just have to go see Outer now.”

Hacker takes the pills and and drinks all the water, “Yay. And thank you, Alphys.” Hacker hands the cup back to her as Ink opens a portal to Outertale. “Okay Ink, I’m ready to go!” Hacker once again takes Ink’s hand.

They appear directly in Outer’s living room. Outer himself is nowhere to be seen. His brother, however, is cleaning. He looks up at their arrival, “Oh, hello, friends! If you’re looking to my brother, he’s just gone to the HUB.”

“What?” Ink’s voice trembles, “Where?”

“To Team Libra’s HQ. He said it was important. He even took a day off work.”

Hacker blinks and giggles, “Guess we’re going home then, Ink. I’m okay; the medicine is helping. Let’s get the mission done.”

Ink sighs with relief, “Good. I don’t know if I could forgive myself if you were really sick...” Outer’s brother sends a text to tell the older skeleton that they’re coming to see him, then Ink swipes his brush. He and Hacker step through yet another portal and appear right outside Libra HQ. Ink unlocks the door and opens it, “Go on, Hacker. I’ll find Outer.”

Giggling, Hacker opens the door to find the house in darkness, “Why is the light off? I thought Outer was here?” Hacker carefully walks into the room to get to the light switch on the other side.

Suddenly, the lights turn on by themselves, and a surge of monsters pops out from hiding places all over the first floor, “SURPRISE! HAPPY BIRTHDAY, HACKER!”

Hacker blushes madly and almost drops the box, “What?! When?! How?!”

The crowd laughs. Geno makes his way over to Hacker, taking the box and handing it off to Outer. The proud leader pulls Hacker into a gentle hug, “I read your file, silly. They include birthdates as basic information.”

The people Ink and Hacker saw today are present, too- Muffet, Stretch, Undyne, and Alphys from Underswap. Fresh is there, also. Ink looks like he might cry again, “I hope you can forgive me for lying to you all morning! We had to get you out of the house to set up!”

Hacker eyes go wide and he starts to cry. But pulling away from Geno, he’s smiling as he wipes his face, “I-I’ve never really had a birthday party before… Thank you, guys. I don’t know what else to say.”

G squeezes Hacker’s shoulder, “Just ‘thank you’ is fine.”

Error snorts, “You don’t really have to say anything if you don’t want.”

Dream hugs Hacker, “You deserve a proper birthday.”

Blue bounces, “Come on, Hacker! There’s cake and ice cream and lots of presents! And tons of hugs to get, too!”

Hacker giggles, tears still in his eyes, “I’m looking forward to it. Lead the way, Blue.”