#roll forming machine for module box

[busbarmachine001]

Bare punching machine brand (ranking of Xinjiang mother row processing machine)

The composition and working process of the fully automatic bus control system are usually controlled by CNC fully automatic bus. The two motor control systems are used. Two motors are used for dual -fly forks and one motor is used for division. The control system mainly uses pneumatic control. The pneumatic system is mainly achieved by the solenoid valve and the cylinder and the sensor. In order to facilitate program control and maintenance, the whole machine can be divided into two types: manual operation and automatic operation. Therefore, the corresponding input and output points are more. If the mechanical connection method is used, it will greatly increase the hardware module and electrical connection. The corresponding fault rate will It will also greatly increase. So we adopt a solution of PLC and touch screen. The system frame diagram is shown in Figure 1.

In the 1970s, Wuhan Iron and Steel Company, based on the introduction of digestion and absorption of Japanese cold -rolled silicon steel sheet manufacturing technology to produce cold -rolled silicon steel sheets, introduced Japanese high -guide magnetic crystal grains to cold -rolled silicon steel sheets in the 1990s ( Hi-B) manufacturing technology has created iron-hearted materials with better energy-saving effects. However, because the number of products cannot meet the problems of demand and production technology, it is still necessary to import some cold -rolled silicon steel sheets from Japan, Russia, and Western Europe. In terms of the use of amorphous alloy materials for the development of power distribution transformers, in the early 1990s, my country had formed a specialized work by the original Mechanical Department, the Ministry of Metallurgical Department, the former Electric Power Commission, the National Economic and Trade Commission, and the former National Science and Technology Commission. Group, in -depth research on the design and manufacturing process of amorphous alloy iron heart materials and amorphous alloy iron heart transformers. ～ 500kva's power distribution transformer, tried by electricity users, showed that it basically achieved practical requirements. Bare punching machine brand

The number of coil winding circles is reflected by the number of rotations rotated by the bus. The number of circles is then converted from a dry spring sensor to a pulse signal. After plastic surgery, it becomes a square wave, and the counter is triggered by a differential division. When the input given signal consisting of a single -knife two -digit switch is consistent with the count signal of the counter, that is, when the number of circles that need to be bypass in one person and the number of rings that have been winded in one year, Just turn on and send the signal to the controller to stop the winding motor immediately to ensure the accuracy of the number of circle control.

In the configuration of the bus component, the main axis motor determines the shape, weight and winding process of the device that can process the coil. Different types of spindle motors are used in different types of parent line machines to meet different coil winding processes.

The busbar machine brand thermal runway mold: This type of mold structure is roughly the same as the fine water outlet. The biggest difference is that the flow tract is in one or more thermal flow plates and hot pouting. The pouring mouth is directly on the product, so the runner does not need to be released. This system is also called the water -free system, which can save raw materials. It is suitable for the situation where the raw materials are more expensive and the product requirements are high. It is difficult to design and process. Essence The thermal flow system, also known as the hot lane system, is mainly composed of hot pouring mouth, hot watering panel, and temperature control electric box. Our common thermal flow system has two forms: single thermal pouring mouth and multi -point heat pouring mouth. Single -point heat pouring mouth is to shoot the melting plastic directly into the cavity with a single hot portal cover. It applies to a single cavity and single -pouring plastic mold; more hot pouring mouth is the branches of the melting material through the hot watering panel to each Divide the hot pouring socket and then enter the cavity, it is suitable for single cavity multiple points or multi -cavity molds. Maternal mold mold

When you use punching, please put the direction handle until the position of the punching word is marked; after using the perforation, the handle can be hit until the oil return sticker position.

The display screen uses a large screen (7 -inch) color screen to display the touch formula. It has a password protection function to modify unqualified data. If the customer uses not a standard workpiece, you can also set the data according to the requirements of the non -standard workpiece to set the data for the data. Processing, it is very convenient to operate. Bare punching machine brand

When the orbital surface and the rolling of the rolling surface form an ingredient, it also has the effect of reducing the contact stress caused by the load. Manageing the lubrication work, fully forming the reliability of the oil film is very important to ensure the reliability of the linear guide.

[hermmachinery]

How To Maintain The Feed Machine Machine?

In the process of pellet feed production, if the user does not operate the feed pellet machine correctly, it will undoubtedly affect the service life of the feed pellet machine. How can we better reduce the wear of vulnerable parts of the feed pellet machine? Let's share with you the wear cause analysis and maintenance methods of vulnerable parts of the feed pellet machine.

1. Raw material particle size Because the crushing fineness of raw materials determines the surface area of pellet feed composition, the finer the particle size is, the larger the surface area is, the faster the material absorbs water in steam, and it is relatively easy to condition and particle forming; If the grain is too coarse, the die wear increases, the energy consumption increases, and the productivity decreases.

The requirements of animal feed equipment manufacturers are that the particle size of raw materials after crushing shall all pass through the 8-mesh screen, but the material on the 25-mesh screen shall not be greater than 35%. For materials with high crude fiber content, a certain amount of grease shall be added in the granulation process to reduce the friction between the material and the ring mold, and the appearance of formed feed particles shall be smooth.

2. Raw material impurity cleaning If there are too many iron impurities in the material, resulting in accelerated die wear, this should attract the attention of the pellet feed-making machine operator. Therefore, impurity removal before raw material processing is very important.

3. Add steam Adding steam during material granulation is conducive to material softening and lubrication, to reduce the wear of materials on the machine and improve the output. Generally, the pressure varies with the variety of pressed materials. After adding steam, the moisture content of materials should reach 16% ~ 17%, and the temperature of materials after quenching and tempering should be controlled at 78 ~ 87 ℃.

  4. Clearance between ring die and press roll The unreasonable installation angle of the feeder will lead to uneven material distribution between the ring die and the press roll, and over time, it will lead to uneven wear distribution between the ring die and the press roll.

How to do routine maintenance? Minor maintenance: once every six months, including the following contents: 1. Check and adjust the clearance of the main shaft bearing, and the radial runout of the hollow shaft head shall not exceed 0.05mm.

2. Disassemble and wash the feeder and modulator bearings and replace the lubricating oil.

3. Check the wear of the modulator blade and replace the damaged part.

4. Check and replace the damaged cutter.

5. Repair and clean the pressure-reducing valve, filter, drain valve, steam separator, valve, etc. of the steam system.

6. Disassemble and wash the pneumatic triplet and solenoid valve.

7. Check whether the bolts in the motor junction box are loose and replace the damaged sealing ring of the junction box.

8. Check whether the anchor bolts are loose.

Medium maintenance: once a year, including the following contents: 1. All contents of minor maintenance.

2. Check the service condition of the motor bearing and replace the grease.

3. Check the use of the shifting knife and replace it in time if it is seriously worn.

4. Replace the V-belt with serious wear and reduced elasticity.

5. Check and clean the condensate on the oil circuit of the main shaft and pressure roller shaft.

6. Adjust the clearance of the main shaft bearing of the chicken feed machine.

7. Calibrate ammeter, voltmeter, thermometer and tachometer.

8. Check relevant lines and electrical components and replace and repair them in time.

9. Replace the damaged press roller spring washer box sealing ring.

10. Check the wear of the pulley and the reliability of the key connection.

Major maintenance: once every 2 years, including the following contents: 1. All contents of maintenance.

2. Check the operation of the main shaft bearing and replace the seriously worn or damaged bearing.

3. Check the wear condition of the spindle, modulator, and spindle head, and repair or replace it in time if it is serious.

4. Check the wear condition of the wear ring and the keyway on the frisbee. If it is serious, repair or replace it in time.

5. Replace the severely worn copper sleeve of the main shaft.

6. Replace the deformed main shaft oil seal.

7. Derusting and painting of feed pellet machine body, pipeline, and support.

Henan Herm Machinery Co., Ltd was established in 2010 and has been devoted to the research and development of Feed Mill Machinery ever since. With more than 10 years of experience, Herm® has become a leading manufacturer and supplier of animal feed machines and complete animal feed production lines, cattle feed plants, poultry feed plants, animal feed pellet production lines, etc. It always endeavored to improve the quality of products and aims to meet the new requirements of the international market. 

If You Are Ready to Start a Feed Pellet Plant Business, please contact us for the feed mill machine. We Can Provide Professional Design and Comprehensive Guidance According to Your Needs. Get in touch with us now!   Welcome Contact Us! Henan Herm Machinery Co., Ltd Email: info@hermmachinery.com Phone/Whatsapp: 86-18037508651

[remcortechnology]

The sheet coil slitting machine is widely applied in steel furniture, electrical cabinets, elevator, etc. industries, which can be combined with laser cutting, cnc panel bender, Robert loading and unloading system, which can realize the 24 hours unmanned processing and the electricity consumption only need 1 degree/hour. This sheet metal coil line machine is the complete solution for coil sheets. Including a de-coiling system, levelling system, thick turret punching and slitting system.If you need the higher productivity, less electric consumption and less cost on materials and labors. REMCOR sheet metal slitting machine is your best choice. Contact us and get steel coil slitting machine price now!

REMCOR coil-sheet fed punching or shearing line is a fully automated punching solution for metallic coils. Which can realize the 24 hours unmanned production. It is capable of handling coils of 300 – 1500 mm in width, up to 9 ton in weight.

Features of Coil-Fed Punching Machine

24 hours unmanned processing, From the de-coiling, feeding, leveling, feeding, thick turret punching, slitting the whole process can be done with our system continuously. Realize the real 24 hours unmanned processing. The traditional processing needs different systems and a numeral labor to handle the machine together with loading and unloading. Different devices have different beats and lead a lot of waste on labors.

Higher productivity, only need to monitor the system, can realize the 24 hours continuous automatic manufacturing. Continous processing from the raw coil material to the final profile, there is no waste of time in loading and blanking compared with traditional forming lines. 2 times faster than traditional technologies.

Higher Flexibility, Multiple combination with standard die bases and diverse die tools, one-to-one correspondence between products and molds. Shorter mold changing time.

More chances for automation, It is available for combining with laser cutting system, panel bender system, and Robert loading and unloading system, which can leave more space for automation. With punching station unworking, and the other station working, it is equivalent to a leveling line, can provide plates for turret punching, single platform laser cutting machines, automatic panel benders, etc.

Parameter Details of Coil-Fed Punching Machine

Feeding system

1000mm/ Precision Ball Screw

Die base

2 sets of standard thick turret plug-in box molds 4 sets of Remcor standard mold bases

Punch frequency

200cp/min

Die changing trolley

2

Number of servo axes

8+1+2

Material width

300-1000mm

Feed roller

2sets

Correction roller

Up 5/Down 4

Output speed

16m/min

Coil weight

7T/8T

Coil inner hole

φ508mm

Coil outer hole

φ1300mm

Rack expansion

Hydraulic

Max thickness

2mm

Forth

300KN

Maximum punching

90*180mm

Number of modules

There are 8 stations in B and 4 stations in D, which can hold 4 large squares or 8 small squares

Punching accuracy

±0.1mm

Diagonal accuracy

±0.5mm

Coil loading - Trolley - Decoiler

The Coil-sheet fed system starts with loading. The process can automatically change from one material to another in under 2 minutes. The hydraulic expansion is applied in decoiling station. After the decoiling station, the strip is straightened and the coiling tensions are removed.

Levelling station

The levelling station principle is using upper and down rolls to staigthen the strip. After this station the tensions for the strip are removed. The rolls and drive motors will be choosen according to the material thickness. The straightener settings can be imported from the controller system, we also add the manual wheel for the special condition

Punching unit

The levelling station principle is using upper and down rolls to staigthen the strip. After this station the tensions for the strip are removed. The rolls and drive motors will be choosen according to the material thickness. The straightener settings can be imported from the controller system, we also add the manual wheel for the special condition

FAQ of Coil-Fed Punching Machine

1. How can I know if your system workable for my factory

Our metallic coil-sheet feed punching line is widely applied in steel furniture industry, the electric cabinets. the elevator shells, the kitchen and bathroom facilities, etc. Pls kindly share with your profile drawings and material type, width, thickness, weight. We will offer you suitable proposals

2. Can I come to your factory to check the real working process?

Yes and before travelling, pls also kindly share with us your profiles drawings, material type and thickness and weight. We welcome the global business partners to visit us.

3. What's your system punching process, and are they same as turret punching?

Our system Punching is done by tools set in two traversing tool cassettes, with the punching stroke done by a single ram plate. The dies quantity for our punching unit is at least 6 stations more than turret punching. And our system support the customerized square dies. The system starts with the raw coil material, which is different as turret which need to be cut-to-length square sheets that have been processed. The completly efficiency for our system is much higher than turret punch.

[insourcecorporation]

The Role of Custom Corrugated Box Packaging Making Machines

Packaging plays a critical role in protecting and promoting products during storage, transit, and retail display. Among the most versatile and widely used packaging materials is corrugated cardboard. To meet the diverse packaging needs of various industries, custom corrugated box packaging making machines have emerged as an invaluable solution. These machines are designed to efficiently produce tailor-made corrugated boxes, providing businesses with the flexibility to create packaging that perfectly suits their products and brand. In this article, we will explore the significance, functionalities, and advantages of custom box making machine in today's dynamic packaging landscape.

1. Understanding Custom Corrugated Box Packaging Making Machines

What are Custom Corrugated Box Packaging Making Machines?

Custom corrugated box packaging making machines are automated devices designed to manufacture corrugated cardboard boxes tailored to the specific requirements of a business. These machines can produce boxes of various shapes, sizes, and styles, accommodating the diverse needs of different industries, including e-commerce, food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, electronics, and more.

Working Principle

The working principle of custom corrugated box packaging making machines involves a series of precise steps:

Corrugated Cardboard Feeding: The corrugated cardboard, typically supplied in rolls or sheets, is fed into the machine.

Printing (Optional): Some advanced custom box making machines may include a printing module to add branding, product information, or barcodes on the boxes.

Die Cutting and Creasing: The machine uses a die cutting tool to cut the cardboard into the desired shape and create creases for easy folding.

Gluing and Folding: The machine applies adhesive to the necessary areas, and the cardboard is folded and pressed to form the box's structure.

Finishing and Ejection: The finished custom corrugated box is ejected from the machine, ready for use in packaging products.

Advantages of Custom Corrugated Box Packaging Making Machines

Flexibility in Design: Custom corrugated box packaging making machines enable businesses to create boxes tailored to their products, optimizing space and providing an excellent fit.

Efficient Production: These machines can produce boxes at high speeds, reducing production time and increasing overall efficiency.

Cost-Effectiveness: By eliminating the need for outsourcing packaging production, businesses can save on costs and maintain better control over their packaging supply chain.

Consistency in Quality: Automated production ensures consistent box quality, minimizing variations and potential defects.

Sustainable Packaging: Corrugated cardboard is a recyclable and biodegradable material, making custom corrugated boxes an eco-friendly packaging solution.

Branding Opportunities: Custom printing options allow businesses to incorporate their brand elements and enhance brand visibility.

2. Types of Custom Corrugated Box Packaging Making Machines

Custom corrugated box packaging making machines come in different types to suit various production needs:

Manual Machines: These machines require some manual intervention, such as feeding the cardboard or adjusting settings. They are suitable for smaller production volumes.

Semi-Automatic Machines: Semi-automatic machines combine manual and automated processes, striking a balance between production volume and labor requirements.

Fully Automatic Machines: These machines are highly automated, requiring minimal human intervention. They are capable of handling large-scale production with high precision and efficiency.

Digital Printing Machines: Some custom box making machines offer digital printing capabilities, allowing for on-demand customization and short print runs.

3. Applications of Custom Corrugated Box Packaging Making Machines

Custom corrugated box packaging making machines find extensive applications in various industries, including:

E-Commerce and Shipping: Custom boxes are essential for e-commerce businesses to package and ship products safely and efficiently.

Food and Beverage: The food industry utilizes custom boxes for packaging perishables, ready-to-eat meals, and beverages.

Pharmaceuticals: Custom boxes are used to package and protect pharmaceutical products, ensuring safety and compliance with regulations.

Electronics: Electronics manufacturers rely on custom boxes to package delicate and valuable electronic devices securely.

Retail and Display: Custom boxes play a crucial role in retail displays, creating an attractive and branded packaging presentation.

4. Future Developments and Advancements

As technology continues to evolve, custom corrugated box packaging making machines are likely to witness the following advancements:

Increased Automation: Manufacturers may focus on further automating the entire production process, reducing human intervention and increasing efficiency.

Advanced Customization Options: Machines may incorporate advanced digital printing and cutting technologies to offer even more intricate and personalized box designs.

Integration with Software Systems: Custom box making machines could be integrated with enterprise resource planning (ERP) and supply chain management systems for seamless production and inventory management.

Sustainability Features: Machines may incorporate eco-friendly adhesives and recycled cardboard options to further enhance the sustainability of custom corrugated boxes.

Conclusion

Custom corrugated box packaging making machines have revolutionized the packaging industry by providing businesses with the ability to create tailor-made packaging solutions that perfectly suit their products and brand. The efficiency, versatility, and cost-effectiveness of these machines have made them indispensable tools for a wide range of industries.

As technology continues to advance, custom corrugated box packaging making machines will likely see further developments, contributing to more sustainable packaging solutions and enhancing the overall efficiency of the packaging process. By embracing these cutting-edge machines, businesses can elevate their packaging game, delighting customers with personalized and well-protected products while streamlining their production processes.

[steelboxmaker]

Metal module consile box production line process Uncoiler →Straightening→servo feeder→Hydraulic press breach device  → Guide device → roll forming machine → hydraulic punch → Bending enclosure (optional)→shear device (including knife)→ finished product rack

[superdamc]

Superda roll forming machine production line for electrical modular iron box, module consile box, steel conduit box, socket outlet box, switch box for push buttons.

[ahsoka-lives]

Apprentice pt. 4

Inquisitor!Cal Soulmate AU

A/N: Umm, I’m sorry!!! My life is very hectic and will probably stay that way for a long time :/ I still want to update my fics and talk to you guys when I can. Thank you for almost 200 followers already!! I hope this part will have been worth the wait, I rewrote it like three times!!! Please feel free to leave a comment or an ask in my box and I hope to update again soon!! 

P.S. I will either write a part 6 and continue Iris or write an epilogue, feel free to let me know what you guys prefer! It will take quite a while but it will come! As will updates to my other fics! <3

Warnings: Canon-typical violence

Word Count: 1671

Songs I listened to: A Guide to Live By by Remo Drive, Delilah by Florence+the machine, Misfit Love by QOTSA

-

Cal Kestis

“How much longer is this going to take?”

“Just another moment, Master Kestis.” The medical droid replied as it finished taping up Cal’s broken ribs. 

Cal was in a hurry, you could hear it in his voice and see it on his stress-ridden face. He woke up on that table, he guessed it’d been about 12 hours since you’d left him in that field of grass. A lot could happen in 12 hours.

The second that droid finished, Cal was on his feet and briefing the squadron. They rarely saw him like this. For the most part, he was playfully arrogant, his missions were always successful and he didn’t need much help from the troopers. Today, he was stern and to the point, only a flicker of excitement could be seen by those looking for it. 

“As you all know, this is not our usual manhunt. The target is one of ours, they are armed and force sensitive. The symptoms of withdrawal will render them unstable which will only feed into the effects of their conditioning, I don’t need to explain how vital it is that they be put back under supervision. Unfortunately for all of you, I will not be- ”

“Sir, s-sorry to interrupt...” Panted a very worn out officer. The officer clutched a datapad tightly to his chest and blinked rapidly as he tried to collect himself in front of his superior. “...we’ve gotten word that the target is on a nearby moon in the mid-rim but they’re on the move, sir. Intel says they’re scouting out a ship.” 

“A ship? They can fly?” Cal grit his teeth, his eyebrows drawn together in clear frustration. 

You’d think that was something worth mentioning. Cal was relying on your helplessness to get this job done faster.

“I-ntel d-doesn’t suggest they were looking for a p-pilot.” The man winced as Cal towered over him.  

With a deep breath, Cal stepped away from the officer and turned to the troopers. They stood stock-still, afraid that the simplest movement would finally set him off. 

“I want them on this ship alive by the end of the rotation, don’t disappoint me.” 

-Reader

Your teeth ground together as you gave one last tug on the robe that lay beneath the unconscious man. Your first choice was to buy one but that just wasn’t an option. This patron was in the wrong place at the wrong time. The uniform of the inquisition was drawing too much attention in the outskirts of the city you’ve found yourself in. Your eyes stared back at you in the mirror while you gave yourself one last pep talk. 

Once you left the refresher of this cantina it would be a few miles to the heart of the city. You needed to find a shipyard, any shipyard. Living on Bracca taught you the inner workings of a variety of ships, it was just time to put the theory into practice.

Eyes seemed to follow you as you left the refresher but it felt like that ever since you’d gotten off of Trilla’s ship. She was gracious enough to drop you here after you held the point of your saber close enough to your throat. A symphony of pleas from ‘Let me help you’ to ‘You don’t know what you’re getting into’ fell from her lips. Every one of them made the itch to do something a bit more drastic to grow stronger. 

There was something about you that was different, you couldn’t quite grasp it but your thoughts seemed to get away from you. It felt primal like you were being controlled more by instincts than morals. As you walked down the rainy dirt path, the question of what changed had already left. Too focused on the task at hand, you decided it was a problem for another time. 

So focused, in fact, that you didn’t notice the surveillance droid that was following close behind you. 

- 

Your boots splashed into the puddles on the concrete. The populous streets were providing much-needed cover, the business filled the air with the sound of tapping shoes and mild chatter. The streets were lined with troopers, there wasn’t a corner left unguarded. It seemed excessive for a supposedly unsuspecting city.

Eyes remained fixed on the ground in front of you. As you reached the end of the street you caught a glimpse of a ship, then another and another. Jackpot. Within moments your feet had carried you just in front of the fence surrounding it. 

As your eyes flickered over the ships closest to the fence you caught onto how suspicious you must have looked. Immediately, you looked around and to your surprise the street was empty. Gone was the chatter that filled your ears, only the slight whistle of the wind moving through the skyscrapers.

Panic struck you, this isn’t right.

Your heartbeat quickened and you started away from the fence, a strong sense of urgency pulling you back. Somehow you knew something was waiting in that shipyard for you. Someone or many someones if Cal stuck to any kind of pattern.

You secured the hood over your head once more and tried to cross the street as casually as possible, not that it mattered if what you feared was true. The safety of a crowed street felt all too far away. As you neared a skyscraper on the corner of the street you froze in place. Was that...

Your head swung around, looking to confirm your suspicion. Troopers wore heavy armor that clacked together ever so slightly at the knee, it was a distinct sound if you knew what to listen for. But there wasn’t a soul in sight. 

The atmosphere was feeling oddly artificial without the others walking about. It made the hairs on the back of your neck stand, your ears were buzzing all too loudly. It felt like the world was crashing into your chest without a single warning. Your hand reached for the saber on your belt and your feet took hesitant steps away from the corner of the building. 

Eyes fixed on the reflective glass that met the concrete floors, trying desperately to see beyond it. You were so certain that any moment a stormtrooper would emerge and blast you. 

In your moment of concentration you failed to notice the wall behind you. Your back hit the sturdy concrete sending a shock through your system. 

“Well, that was easy.” The deep, modulated voice spoke.

You frantically pushed away from the voice and tried to turn to face him. Cal moved too quickly for you, he threw you up and over his shoulder before you could even get a word out. 

“How did you even find me!” You grunted and fought against him. 

“Don’t tell me you’re not happy to see me, not that you can see much from up here.” He chuckled sarcastically.

You stopped your useless struggle and played along for a moment, there had to be something..

“You know, if anyone should be mad, it’s me. You broke my ribs, and let that irritatingly little padawan go. I will say, I am proud of how..” 

You were paying almost no attention to his rambling. Instead, you were fumbling with the only other weapon on your person. A switchblade securely strapped to your waist, a little too secure. Your heart jumped with excitement when you felt the button snap open. 

You quickly sank the small blade into his calf. Cal groaned and his grip faltered enough for you to push off of him and to drop to the floor. Without wasting a second, you took off running down the road. A quick glance over your shoulder showed Cal knelt on the ground speaking into his comlink. His wrist held just below his chin while the other hand crudely ripped the knife from his skin. 

He won’t be down for long. 

You were surprised to see he stopped at all.

You couldn’t stop for a second, you had to keep going, but where? The shipyard was behind him and the shipyard was your way out. You didn’t have much time to think as you heard footsteps picking up behind you. Just as you reached an intersection at the end of the street, troopers pulled out in front of you. They formed a blockade around you on their speeders and fixed their blasters on you. At least thirteen laser scopes pointed directly at your heart. 

You whipped hoping to go back down the street only to find an Inquisitor standing in your way. 

“Their weapons are set to stun but it’ll still hurt. Of course, they won’t have to shoot you if you come quietly.” His tone was completely different. In place of the somewhat welcoming voice he had moments ago, he presented as the negotiator, calm and emotionless.

You stayed silent, your eyes looked passed him to the shipyard that was barely in sight. 

“Really? That’s how this is gonna be?” He rolled his eyes and shook his head, clearly annoyed. “Watch the face, everyone, I quite like it the way it is.” 

The next few seconds seemed to move by painstakingly slow. Cal gave the signal for the men to open fire and stepped back with his hands crossed behind his back. Without conscious thought, your hands quickly found the crimson lightsaber at your waist. You wished you’d had more practice with this thing. The troopers fire relentlessly and you weren’t able to keep up.

A stun got past your defenses then another, and another. Your ears rang loudly and the world spun around you as your back hit the floor. The firing ceased and the world around you grew quiet. Black leather boots took quick strides over to you and you felt a gloved hand cup the side of your face. Gently, you were made to look at Cal who had at some point removed the helmet. His eyes examined your face, turning it from side to side with a smirk. Even in your dazed state you couldn’t help but think he still had the face of an angel. 

“Mm, not a scratch. Great work, everyone.” 

Some angel.

[chips1977]

Walkthrough - Phendrana: Into the Core

Welcome to a darker place in Phendrana. You will now begin to head into the Research Core. Enter into Specimen Storage, disable the defense turret (easily done if you charge your Wave Beam) and prepare your scan visor. A Shadow Pirate will come hopping out after you. Then press forward into the Research Entrance where you will be spotted. Then out come the Space Pirates . But, before you scan them and blast them to pieces, turn around and look at the door you just entered through. Scan it and you'll see that it is a Locked Door , which can only be opened by defeating all the enemies in the room. It enters into your Log Book, so it's worth examining.

After you've defeated everyone in that room, go back to the bottom floor and you'll see an unopened door. This is the Map Station for Phendrana Drifts. Once it is downloaded, head back up the walkways and exit through the top of the room.

This is the Research Entrance. You'll find the next room, Research Lab Hydra, is also full of Space Pirates. Destroy them all and then get your scan visor ready to scan the area. On the bottom floor you will find three Pirate Data log book entries: Security Breaches , Phazon Analysis , Mining Status . At this point you should have completed 50% of your Log Book, thus unlocking Image Gallery 1, accessible through the main menu. Upstairs there is another set of computer terminals, which also contains the Pirate Data Parasite Larva and Glacial Wastes . Move out through the Wave Beam door on the ceiling. You should end up in the Observatory. Clear out the Space Pirates and head to the bottom. More Pirate Data is available for downloading: Phazon Program and Contact . Now, scan the center module to activate one of the Morph Ball slots in the room. Bomb it and you will begin to send power to the hub. You will need to bomb the second Morph Ball slot located on the opposite side, however. This will take some large leaps, but you can do it. Once activated, you will trigger power to the Morph Ball spinners below. Roll down there and Boost Ball spin in all four of them. This will cause the power to flow to the astronomical holographic projector. Be sure to scan the new Research Data floating around: the planets Zebes and Tallon IV . Your goal is to make it to the top by platforming around the edge. There are some very distant jumps to complete, but it is doable. At the top you will find the Super Missile upgrade, resting in the center of the Observatory.

Move through the West Tower Entrance and access the Control Tower transport. As soon as you enter the Control Tower, a battle is waiting for you. Clear out the Space Pirates on the ground and then prepare to meet the Flying Pirate , an agile, missile-shooting unit that will require a little more persistence. Try firing back with your own missiles; they're just as quick and deadly, but be wary of the Flying Pirate when it falls. Like a bottle rocket, it will zoom towards you out of control and explode. You should burn through about four of them before the doors unlock. If you need any health, just shoot the nearby boxes. Then head into the East Tower and activate the transport to the Research Lab Aether. Inside the lab you will see several things to scan. First check out the two Pirate Data entries Meta Ridley and Metroid Studies . You will also be treated to your first Metroid encounter. Blast it with missiles and your Wave Beam. If it attaches itself to you, just roll into a ball and set a bomb to jolt it loose.

A Space Pirate will jump through a window to attack you. Proceed into that room (defeat the pirates, of course) and check the computer terminals at the top and bottom of the room. You'll find the Pirate Data Phazon Infusion , Metroid Forces , and Metroid Morphology . There are several more stasis containment units in the lab. There is one more Metroid hiding in one of them. Shoot the glass with a missile to free it and dispose of it. Take a closer look at the rest of the stasis units. An Energy Tank is hidden in one that is adjacent to the wall. Blast it open with a missile and power up! But wait -- there's more. Take the elevator back up to the walkways hanging above. If you look closely at the piping in the room, you'll see there is a Missile Expansion hidden at the end of one. You'll have to jump up there and roll in Morph Ball form to get it. It's tricky too.

From the lower floor, drop down into the Research Core Access. Don't be surprised to see your first Ice Beetle . As you enter into the Research Core, you will be met with some opposition from Space and Flying Pirates. Destroy them and then scan the nearby terminal to disconnect the containment unit below. You will get a quick glimpse via cut-scene of a visor upgrade. Continue downward -- watch and listen for defense turrets -- and access the next terminal, disconnecting yet another power source to the unit below. Finally, when you reach the bottom there is one last terminal to scan, which frees the force field around your new Thermal Visor . Grab it and prepare for a power outage. Accustom tapping down on the D-pad to use it. You're going to need it immediately, as Shadow Pirates will be running around the area causing havoc. Likewise, the Metroids will grow restless. Blast them away with your Super Missiles if you don't want to prolong the battles. Return up to the top where you entered. The door no longer has power. This is where your Thermal Visor comes in handy. On the right side of the door is a power conduit (only visible with the Thermal Visor), which can send power from your Wave Beam to the door. Simply shoot it to continue forward.

On the other side of the door you will find a Sentry Drone waiting for you. They cause major static to your visor, so try blasting them quickly with missiles. Move back through the Research Lab Aether and be wary of more Shadow Pirates. Right now you should just focus on getting back to the save station located in the Observatory. If you make it there all right, you're next check point should be the save station located off of the Ruined Courtyard. You'll need all your energy for the forthcoming boss fight. In the Ruined Courtyard flip on your Thermal Visor and examine the door straight across from the save point. You'll see a glowing power conduit on the archway above it. It is shielded by cordite, however, so you'll need to use your Super Missiles (Charge Beam+Y) to uncover it. Then send power to the door by shooting it with your Wave Beam. Continue forward and enter into the Quarantine Cave, and prepare for battle.

Boss: Thardus

As always, be sure to scan for vital Log Book data immediately. You'll find that Thardus, a rock structure infused with Phazon, cannot be targeted as usual. The data suggests you should try another visor, and that's just what you need to do. Use your Thermal Visor to locate the hot spots on Thardus. You'll be able to lock on to him while using this visor. You can easily crack the highlighted stone portion of his body with the use of charge blasts and missiles. Try not to get too antsy and use Super Missiles just yet. Save those for a bit. When the Phazon-infused rock cracks open, it will expose the highly radioactive material beneath it. The material is far too bright for your Thermal Visor, so just switch it off and you'll be able to lock on as usual. Repeat the same process of hitting the weak spot with charge blasts and missiles, all the while sidestepping out of his line of fire.

Thardus will often summon rocks from beneath the ground and toss them your way. Take the moment to lock on to them and blast them to pieces. Note: if you're in Thermal Visor mode and try this, the Phazon material inside will blind you. If you get frozen by Thardus, just quickly tap the B-button to get out of it. Another attack that you must get a handle on is his boulder form. You will him animate, leaning back and then curling up in ball form. This is your cue to turn into a Morph Ball and boost out of the way. It's important that you memorize this animation. As soon as he begins to roll into a ball, do the same and boost out of the way. Thardus will also summon snow storms to blur your view. Try not to let it disorient you too much, and use your Thermal Visor when possible to cut through the haze. When it gets to the point that his Phazon is exposed during a snow storm and you cannot see him, try to get as close as possible and use those Super Missiles. You should eventually be able to work him down to the final center point of his body. Work through it and he will die.

You are rewarded with the Spider Ball , which is just about the coolest upgrade in the game. It allows you to attach yourself to magnetic Spider Ball Tracks (scan!), which are all around the world. To accustom you to the process, you actually have to escape Thardus's lair by using the Spider Ball. You should find another exit, leading you through the South Quarantine Tunnel and to the Magmoor Caverns South transport. Proceed downward into the warmer territory. There is a Blast Shield and save station right behind the elevator when you arrive in Magmoor. After freshening up, head into the Magmoor Workstation and fight the Flying Pirates from behind the entrance door if you want to save some health. Then jump down to the bottom where you'll see three glowing passages: green, purple, and blue. Scan around and you'll see there is a pillar-shaped machine that is not receiving power. Flip on your Thermal Visor. This reveals a power conduit next to each colored passageway. Flash power through them with your Wave Beam and the machine will begin to function. This cools the lava beneath the blue passage. Roll underneath the grating and access the area behind the, blue passage. You will see a panel ready for the scanning. Do so and you will cool the lava in the green passageway. Repeat this process and you will end up behind the purple passageway where an Energy Tank awaits you.

Face the purple passage and exit the door directly to the right. This leads into the South Core Tunnel. The giant mollusk Puddle Spore will be standing in your way. Shoot its mouth when it opens and jump on it like a platform when it flips over. Use the same technique to get across the Geothermal Core, and nevermind the tall pillars that spike through the room. In the North Core Tunnel use a missile to shoot down the stalactite that is hanging above, and use it as a platform. Move forward into Twin Fires and repeat the same procedure by missile-blasting the stalactite at the front of the room. Hug the right wall, take down another stalactite and move to the other side of the cave. Yet another stalactite must be used as a platform. Open the next door and you should be in Twin Fires Tunnel, which connects you to the Tallon Overworld West transport. You may have seen this room before if you went snooping around. Use your Spider Ball and roll into the small hole. Hold on to the magnetic track and cross the lava pit. Then take the transport up to Tallon Overworld. Then head over to the Chozo Ruins West transport.

Right now you should be heading for the Main Plaza in Chozo Ruins. Remember that half-pipe structure in there? Time to put it to use. Roll into Morph Ball so you're under the bridge and slip underneath it to grab a Missile Expansion pack.. Now roll your way into the Ruined Fountain. With the water free of toxins and your new magnetic Spider Ball, you'll find a nice little puzzle awaits you. Bomb your way up on top of the fountain spout. It will spit you onto the Spider Ball track above with leads to another Missile Expansion . After finishing up that, head into the Aboretum right next door with the goal of arriving in the Watery Hall. There is a small Morph Ball tunnel at the end where you original got the Charge Beam. Bomb it and roll through it to the Dynamo. Once in the Dynamo, scan the room and locate a weakened metal structure. You'll find a Missile Expansion pack behind it. Then look above and access the Spider Ball track , which leads to yet another Missile Expansion . Now would be a good time to save off of the Gathering Hall. Platform to the top of the hall and look above the doorway to the East Atrium. Yet another Missile Expansion is hidden above it. You'll need to use the red lights as stepping stones before you can double jump up there. Bomb the wall and grab the missiles.

Next head through the East Atrium towards the Furnace As soon as you enter you will see a Spider Ball track. It leads you to a whole new area. You'll need to use Boost Ball to get across some disappearing blocks: quickly boost across the disappearing blocks and lay a morph ball bomb to jump up to the blocks on the right. You'll have to be very quick or you'll fall down a level and you'll have to backtrack a tad and try again.

Once in the heart of the Furnace get your scanner out. The little critters carving their way around the elevated Spider Ball tracks are called Plated Parasites . You can't do anything with that track for now, but keep it in mind. Spin around and head to the other side of the room where you'll find a Morph Ball tunnel and Chozo Lore . Scan it and roll through the tunnel to access the Crossway. There's a lot to do in this room. You'll notice the half-pipe in front of you. Use it to propel yourself high enough to access the other side. Once there scan the three Chozo Lore engravings. After reading through them, you should scan a cordite shield just on the adjacent wall. Blast through it with a Super Missile shot and scan the reticle behind it. This will activate one of a set of Spider Ball tracks. Use the half-pipe to launch yourself up to it, then bomb the nearby Morph Ball slot. Repeat this process and you will be able to take a special Morph Ball elevator up to a Missile Expansion .

After receiving it, head through the archway and into the Elder Hall Access. You should eventually arrive in the Hall of the Elders where you'll immediately find a Morph Ball tunnel that leads to a Missile Station . This should be your first encounter with one; scan it. Then jump down into the center of the Hall of Elders. The room will darken and you will meet your first Chozo Ghost . Use a few Super Missiles to dispose of him and then walk behind the giant Chozo statue in the room and check out the latest Chozo Lore . With that out of the way, jump into the hands of the Chozo statue and change to Morph Ball form. It will toss you like a bowling ball, ramping you up the opposite wall of the room where you can use your Spider Ball to access a Morph Ball slot. Bomb the slot and you will reveal three more special slots.

Jump back over by the Missile Station and look up where you can find another ledge to platform on. This will lead you to the three slots. One of them will work with your Wave Beam. Shoot it and you will reveal another Morph Ball slot behind it. Bomb it and a new path will be opened in front of the Chozo Elder. Once again, roll into his hands and you should be able to follow a new path that leads you behind an energy shield. Scan the nearby reticle to take it offline and then enter the unopened door in the same vicinity. This leads to the Reflecting Pool, which is surrounded by Stone Toads. Roll into a ball and drop into the center of the pool. Bomb the drain to release the water. Now you can see the pool acts as a half-pipe. Use it -- avoiding the Toads -- and boost up to the second floor. There are two Blast Shields. You're looking for the Antechamber. Walk in and you'll find your new best friend, the Ice Beam . After, head do the door across from the Antechamber, which leads to a Save Station. From Save Station 3 you can roll into Morph Ball form and access Tallon Overworld East transport, but don't use it just yet. You should also walk in to the unopened Ice Beam door on the top floor of the Reflecting Pool. This is another transport to Tallon Overworld South.

With that out of the way, head back to the Hall of Elders. This time use your Ice Beam to activate the second Morph Ball slot located behind the Chozo Elder. He will then toss you down a new path, which leads to an Energy Tank . Who couldn't use one of those, huh?

[rollformerchina]

Metal module consile box production line process Uncoiler →Straightening→servo feeder→Hydraulic press breach device → Guide device → roll forming machine → hydraulic punch → Bending enclosure (optional)→shear device (including knife)→ finished product rack.

 Superda guarantee steel enclosure & modular iron box roll forming line design accordance with clients required drawing, machine is brand new. Specification and performance as stipulated in drawing and operation with good smooth.

[cammys-imagines24]

• U n c o v e r Y o u •

Title: Uncover You.

Connor x Reader.

Warning's: None.

Word Count: 2K+

Synopsis: You had always wondered what Connor looked like without his skin, and one night you finally gain up the courage to ask him about it. (Fluff, Insecure Connor)

••••••°••••••

You had always wondered what he looked like, I mean really looked like. Past the layer of liquid skin which bared such an uncanny likeness to that of a real human that you sometimes even forgot that it was indeed synthetic.

But, synthetic it was. It wasn't real. The outer layer was just a veil to conceal what was truly underneath; a machine.

Inside there were biocomponent's, circuits, Thirium, wires, processors, units, and metal. Inside, laid an Android. And, you had always been curious to see Connor for who he really was, not the appearance he cloaked himself in.

Even though you had been with the Negotiator for a long time now you had never seen him for who he truly was, and you wanted to. To you it felt like he was always evading showing himself, and you understood why.

Connor had always been one of the most advanced Prototypes to ever stem from CyberLife, and he was created to look the way he did. As a handsome, charming man. And, it was in his basic Programming to remain as human like as possible in order to build up trust in others, and formulate a harmonious environment.

He was built to look the part of a welcoming, benevolent, and affable male who could be anything he needed to be at any precise moment. From domineering and aggressive to friendly and trustworthy when the situation demanded it.

Like a chameleon shifting it's colors to suit it's habitat Connor was designed to be adaptable at any given moment. That was his speciality, but after he became a Deviant you were the first person who got to see him. Really see him for who he truly was, and it was a beautiful sight.

Watching a once indifferent, ever processing, never real Android become something more, and form a personality for himself was so nice to look at. Like a baby experiencing everything for the first time; that's how Connor acted for a while until he eventually grew into the being you fell in love with.

Watching him blossom, his opinions flourish, and his own individuality sprout up like flowers in Springtime was something spectacular, and you marveled in every new day that he expanded more, and more of his identity.

An identity he could actually claim for himself, and not just a built in module in his System.

Connor came to be a sympathetic man with a true heart of gold, and unyielding morals. Slightly awkward, socially inept, even humorous when it came to sassing Hank... He was sensitive, blunt, emotional, afraid of death, and undoubtedly loyal.

And, you loved him dearly... But, you still were curious as to what he truly looked like.

Though you had obviously seen what Androids looked like beneath their layer of synthetic skin; everyone nowadays had, you still wanted to see him.

You wanted to see the man you loved without him being shrouded in a facade that was manufactered to mimic humans. Because that's what it was; a facade. At least to you.

Androids were made to be a perfect carbon copy of humans as that was what was deemed most "appealing" to the public.

People thought that the porcelain white plastic bodies were too disturbing in an everyday scenario, and you hated that. That Androids couldn't just be themselves, how they were built, because it was too appalling apparently.

And, more than anything you didn't want Connor to feel like he had to cover up around you. More than anything you wanted him to be himself, and to see him for who he truly was.

So, that night you waited around in your shared apartment for him to come home. Which usually took a while since Detective work ran late, and most times Connor would wind up shuffling on inside once you were already fast asleep.

But, tonight was different. Tonight you were determined to uncover him.

So, as the evenings sky drifted in, the pale moonshine flooding into the windows of your living room, you stayed up seated on the couch.

Your body coccooned in a fleece blanket, a box of Chinese take-out near you; the bamboo chopsticks stuck into the remains of your Lo Mein.

You were flipping through the channels of your TV, the Detroit news sprawled out across the screen, and in the blue effulgence you cracked a smile, seeing some footage of a crime scene that Connor and Hank had been called out to investigate earlier.

The News Anchor was talking about the gruesome crime involving Red Ice, but you didn't concern yourself with her words. Instead you focused on the footage from the scene, the sight of Connor making your heartbeat flip even though it was just a previously aired recording.

You slunked down more into the cushions of your couch, and continued to impatiently wait around for your boyfriends arrival; Detroit's skyline prevalent in your line of sight as you stared longingly outside, silently wishing for him to be home soon.

As the hours of nightfall drew thin, the moon continuing to rise, your exhaustion was beginning to show itself as your head bobbed, and as your eyes began to slink shut on their own.

But, soon enough before your sleepiness could win out, you heard the door clicking open; the security code having been typed in.

There in the shadows of the entry was Connor, his Android jacket casting a blueish glow all around him.

As he himself never tired it was sometimes hard to believe, by human standards anyway, that he had just came from a gruelling 12 hour shift at the Station. He never looked the part of someone who had the unfortuante job of laboriously solving the incessant crimes that went on in the city of Detroit.

He looked the same as always, ever clean and composed. Not a single thread out of place in his uniform, his tie perfectly straight. The only quirk being the little tuft of brunette hair that fell over his forehead. An individual feature that you happened to enjoy.

With ease the Negotiator made his way over to you, his own face now brightly-lit from the TV screen.

"You shouldn't stay awake for me." He spoke, his smooth voice laced with concern. Your well-being his top priority.

"I know, but I wanted to." You answered, repositioning yourself on the couch in order to swipe the last egg roll.

"You shouldn't eat that." You heard Connor lecture as he took a seat beside you, and you could plainly see his LED blinking. He was calculating the amount of calories, cholesterol, and saturated fats that were inside of it. All the facts he had at his constant disposal sometimes like rain on your parade.

"Please, no details," You halted, raising up your hand in protest. "If you could eat you would understand why people take risks in order to eat truly delicious food."

Connor did as you wished, and fell silent. He meant well, but he knew that he didn't have the right to tell you how to live. He merely wanted you to be healthy, and happy.

So, he just took to settling back into the cozy cushions of the couch while you curled up beside him. Your body snuggling against his as you munched on your last egg roll.

After a lull of calm where you just watched TV like usual, and he made a report to CyberLife it then came time to go to bed. (Well, for you to go to bed anyway)

So, while in the bathroom brushing your teeth you thought about your desire yet again. The distant thought nagging at your brain, and had been for the past few hours.

You were gonna do it, you were going to ask him.

Stepping out into the bedroom you saw Connor waiting for you, his coffee hued eyes so sincere, and you worried that what you were about to ask would make him upset.

But, curiosity killed the cat, they say.

"Connor?"

"Yes?"

"Is it alright if I ask you something personal?"

"Sure, if you'd like." He replied, unaware of the bomb you felt you were about to drop.

"Is it alright if I... See you without your skin?"

To be honest your query had surprised the Android. As that part of him was something he wanted to keep hidden from you.

Connor never wanted you to see him as a machine, as a model that could be mass produced. Forever he could be rebooted into another form, and another, and another... There had been so many Connor's before he met you, and that is why ever since you stepped into his life he had grown to actually be afraid of dying.

Never again did he want to die and come back, never again did he want to be rebooted into another Connor model because to him, it was so different now...

He wanted to keep the form that he first met you in, the one you had touched, and kissed... The body he felt belonged to you, and that is why he wanted to seem as human as possible.

If he revealed himself to you as you wanted would you then start seeing him as simply RK800, and no longer your boyfriend?

Would his body then no longer be like a human males, and instead be like a mannequin to you?

You could see the hesitancy blaze across Connor's expression as his brows knit together. He looked so doubtful, and in a way insecure? You hadn't seen that side of him before, but you knew immediately that it was like looking at a sad puppy.

"I know it's alot to ask, and I won't force you to if you're too uncomfortable to do it," You began to reassure. "It's just that you've seen me when i've been at my most vulnerable. Without makeup, severely sick, having a bad day..."

"I don't want you to think of me as a machine." Connor disclosed, looking so unsure, and you merely smiled.

"I could never think of you as a machine, Connor. To me you'll always be the man I fell in love with." You assured, your words honeyed, dripping with sincerity.

With that Connor's expression softened as you strolled over.

You took his black tie in your hands, and carefully loosened it. Letting the strand of silky fabric cascade to the floor before you continued.

You unbuttoned his crisp white shirt, your eyes interlocked with his all the while, and he let you slip off his Android jacket.

Once fully unclothed Connor brought his fingers up to his LED, and gently tapped the blinking yellow indicator, allowing for his liquid skin to be stripped away.

His humanness peeled off slowly, revealing the pristine white underneath, and you watched as even his synthetic brown hair vanished. The one remaining thing his deep mocha hued eyes, the eyes you fell in love with.

You weren't frightened in the least, instead in awe. He looked beautiful, and his eyes retained the same liveliness to them.

He was now bathed in pure white, the color of snow. His form basic, and plastic. Completely bare to you.

His face was outlined by a few sections of gray, and you could see his Serial Number printed above his brow bone.

Gently with the tips of your fingers you traced over the number, his number "313 248 317- 51" and then you kissed the spot where his Model was stamped.

Your lips pressing sweetly against the "RK800"

You could feel his Thirium pump beating rapidly, and it made your mouth tug upwards into a grin. To you, it was his heartbeat, and you could tell that he was nervous.

"You know being vulnerable is one of the most human things you can feel, Connor." You told him, noticing that he was fixated on you. Analyzing the intimacy that was occuring between you two, and how you were being so affectionate with him.

Connor had probably never showed any other human his entire Android form before, and you were grateful to be the first.

"Aren't you scared?" You heard Connor utter, his LED blinking a warning shade of red for a split second, and you knew why.

He was feeling afraid, the fear of you seeing him differently washing over him, invading his Processors.

"Of course not." You spoke up, your hands timidly roaming over his smooth plastic chest, your gaze locking with his once more.

In the pallid gleam of moonlight you continued to touch him, your fingers ghosting over each piece of his Android frame.

"You are alive, Connor, and this form of yours won't ever change that." You consoled, and you saw the outline of his white lips etch into a smile before he let himself touch you back.

His porcelain hand caressing your cheek, his other finding it's way to the small of your back, pulling you closer to him.

"Thank you for letting me see you." You said before you were pulled into a tender, passionate kiss.

His outer human skin reappearing, along with his locks of brown hair which you were quick to run your fingers through again.

To Connor that was what he loved most about you.

Your acceptance...

That even in his Android form, all plastic and bare, you saw him as himself. Nothing more, nothing less.

To you he wasn't the Negotiator, the Android sent by CyberLife, a machine designed to accomplish a mission...

In your eyes nothing could deteriorate him from being anything other than the man you loved... A living being that loved you back, more than you could even know.

[smolstrawberrychara]

Klance Au Month - Day 1 - Coffee Shops

This was not supposed to be so long. And I can in no way guarantee I will do prompts everyday, but I definitely want to do some! (rip my other fics)

Lance from Astro:

Keith gets soaked when he goes out for a run in the rain so hits up a coffee shop for shelter. Here he finds a boy claiming to know him and a barista who wants nothing more than for him, and his dripping wet self, to leave. When Keith realises he has no money, the stranger steps in...

Also available on ao3: https://archiveofourown.org/works/17626292

Keith had always been impulsive. As a kid that meant punching the little shit who decided to steal his crayon. As a teenager, it was skipping classes when there was something far more interesting happening across town. And as a student, it was going out as soon as he even glimpsed the sun’s rays peeking out between the sheets of grey cloud. Yeah, Keith had calmed down a lot in his old age. Or maybe he’d just learnt to deal with the frequently irritating occurrences of daily life better. That’s what Shiro would say, patting Keith on the back whilst wearing that well-practiced big brother smile that said ‘I’m proud of you,’ that Keith read as ‘please punch me’.

Shiro had introduced Keith to running. At the time, Keith hadn’t been to class in three weeks. Just moped about the house all day like a lonely vampire. But the sun had been shining and Shiro along with it. He’d dragged Keith off the couch and shoved him into some running shoes. Five years later, here Keith was, shorts on, headphones in, hair up. And the sun was shining gloriously for a cool February morning.

That was, when he left.

Now it was pouring like they’d suffered a monthlong a draught. They hadn’t. It had been raining on and off for two weeks now, and every day had been more miserable than the first. So, when Keith spotted the golden rays in the morning, you’d think he’d realise that it would be brief. That objects in motion, stay in motion. Nope. Keith ran out all guns blazing. And now, he was currently dripping wet as if he’d dived into the deep end of the pool, clothes and all.

His feet squelched in his trainers, and every foot fall blasted muddy water up his calves. His skin was covered in a thin membrane of sweat, rain and dirt and his clothes chafed with every slight movement. He huffed down the path, river on his right, houses on his left. He was exactly halfway around his usual route and this seemed to only encourage the storm, wind picking up and sweeping cold tendrils between the now permanent creases off his shirt.

Panting along the path, he finally got out onto the concrete of the quay. Usually it was bustling with tourists and locals alike. Boats lined the canal, rusted tractors lay abandoned above them, kids rolled around the grass and parents yelled at them to keep away from the edge. One day, Keith hoped to see one fall in. Trying not to laugh at the thought, he powered into the main hub. Outdoor seating lay around untouched, shop doors were pulled shut against yellow light and not a soul was in sight on the roads. Keith was weaving around bollards, slowing his pace to avoid slipping on the cobbles, when something caught his eye.

A door swung shut, light bouncing off the shining window. Just beyond, a figure hugged a trench coat tight to their body and slipped away into the silver stripes. Keith looked at the building. It was a modest one, coloured a pale blue with flaking paint and flower boxes full of drooping flowers. White plastic chairs were propped forward against similar tables, water collecting in pools across the surface. The window was steamed up, and the streaks warping the glass were painted with licks of orange from the indoor lights. It looked warm, and the rush of air from the door had the smell of coffee winding up Keith’s nose like smoke. Maybe he could afford to wait out the rain inside?

Keith swung into the café and was immediately assaulted with heat. He shivered on instinct, dragging his feet against the welcome mat as he looked around the room. It was small. White tables and colourful chairs cluttered the space. The counter was painted bright turquoise and held large glass domes filled with pretty pastry’s and delicate cakes. Beyond it was a loud machine, standing sturdy like a bodyguard and squirting out drinks with high-pitched screeches and hisses. Lining the window was a honey coloured table, with tall metal stools standing bright red against it. Keith made a beeline for them, swiping a hand across his face and shaking out his hair. Removing his head phones, he dropped them down on the bench and dug his phone out of his soaked shorts. That can’t have been good for it.

“Sir, you’re dripping.”

Keith jumped at being addressed. Behind him, a thin man glared at him with piercing eyes. Blond hair was sleeked back against his head so tightly that Keith could see every undulation of his scalp. Undulation being a bit of an overstatement to say it was more like his head was perfectly round and there were precisely zero dips in which to undulate with. Everything about him was startling perfect now Keith thought about it. Well-kept nails, creaseless uniform, apron free of any kind of stain.

“Oh, I, uh…” Keith looked down to find a puddle forming. Oops?

The man made a noise. All nose and disregard. Keith watched him raise a single, well-plucked eyebrow before leaving. Keith shuddered. Maybe this was the wrong place to dry off?

He placed his phone on the table and grabbed a few napkins from a pot nearby. Drying off as best he could he sat down.

“Keith?”

He turned to the voice. Behind him, on one of the small square tables, was a boy. He had curly brown hair stuffed under a wooly hat, tanned skin stretched over pointy features and curious blue eyes that narrowed their way towards Keith. Leaning forward, he tilted his head at Keith and pursed his lips. Then they were suddenly splitting into a wide curve and Keith realised it was his turn to speak. He instinctively opened his mouth, waiting to say a name, but it never arrived. He realised too late he had no idea who this person was. He clapped his mouth shut again, dread filling his stomach. The boy seemed about Keith’s age, and did know his name. All evidence pointed to them being at least passing acquaintances. But Keith couldn’t place him anywhere. So, he did the normal thing and just stared.

“It’s me, Lance.” The boy said, raising his eyebrows. Keith continued to stare.

“From astro?”

Astro? Astronomy? Keith took the astronomy module. It was his favourite in fact. He loved stars and the mysterious objects space tried to hide from Earth. He never missed a class. And this person? He took it too? Keith brought the lecture theatre up to the forefront of his mind. Keith liked to sit at the front, near the edge - no-one to block his view and easy to make a quick exit. People rarely sat near him, and to be fair, people rarely turned up to lectures these days. How was Keith supposed to recall him?

“I’m in your tutorial class.”

Ah. The vision changed to a small classroom, whiteboard at the front with a permanent dent in the middle that gathered various conspiracy theories. The course leader, a shrewd rat-like woman with thin rimmed glasses, stood at the front writing equations. There was the guy who only showed up the first day and never again. The girl who always did her make-up before the start – oddly, without a mirror. The two guys who always arrived late. That first day when one of them turned and introduced himself to Keith. Oh. The blob cleared into what resembled a human before it blurred together with reality. Lance. From astro.

“There.” The guy sighed, “nice of you to remember me.”

Keith shrugged. He was beyond politeness these days. It’s not like they’d spoken more than that one time on the first day. Why would Keith remember him? Just as he settled himself back in his seat, Lance was talking again.

“How come you were out running in this?”

Keith let out a growl, “well it wasn’t like this when I left.”

The boy snickered behind him and Keith found himself turning toward the noise despite himself. Lance’s nose was wrinkled with the effort, eyes crinkling at the sides as he hid it in the table.

“Fair.” He said, “guess some of us would check the forecast first though.”

Keith rolled his eyes, “like you can’t just look out the window.”

The words were more for himself than anyone else, he wasn’t planning on starting a conversation, hadn’t planned to see anyone he knew. So, he was already looking back at the rain dripping down the glass when Lance snorted.

“Sorry, sorry,” he mused when Keith regarded him again. He shook his head, trying to hide his smile behind a hand, “you’re just- not what I expected.”

“Excuse me?”

Expected? What was Lance doing getting expectations of him? They just met.

“No, no! I didn’t mean, like not in a bad way. I just…”

He bit his lip, face the faintest tint of red. Keith found it irritating. People always made some kind of assumption when they met him. He used to play to it – if people thought he was a bad kid then he was going to be a bad kid. He remembered Shiro’s sigh, the lines in his brow that were verging on permanent, the sadness in his voice when he said ‘why is this the one thing you won’t rebel against?’ It stuck with Keith. It was such a strange thing to say. Keith always misbehaved. He refused to be told how to be - where to sit in the dinner hall, how to dress properly to impress foster parents, when to smile even when you didn’t mean it. He rebelled against everything.

And that’s when he realised what Shiro meant. People were always telling him he was no good. They didn’t even know him, and yet he was labelled a ‘difficult’ child. Not a kid for ‘first timers’. He would struggle through school, make trouble in the workplace and never amount to anything. But that wasn’t true. Keith was smart. He believed in rules – when they were fair. And he knew that smiling didn’t make you okay, just fooled other people into thinking you were. Shiro made a damn good point. Keith was just toeing the line. So, he quit lying. And

did what he wanted. Like a true rebel, he went to class, studied hard, smiled at Shiro’s lame jokes and let the words of others run off his back like water.

But above all, he refused to acknowledge anyone who paid him, or anyone else, that treatment. Which now meant Lance. He turned to the window.

“I meant I thought you were smart!”

And now he thought Keith was dumb?

“No wait! That didn’t come out right! I meant…”

Lance sounded kind of desperate. Shame. Keith wasn’t going to turn around. He sighed, flicking a menu over on the table.

“Sorry.”

It was the tiniest noise. More like a whimper. It didn’t really match the rest of their conversation. Keith dared a glance back. Lance was frowning down at his notebook, eyebrows in a furrow like he was cursing the thing. That was different. No-one ever used to apologise. Well, they never meant it. They never looked that upset about it, like it hurt them to hurt someone else. Keith opened his mouth to speak.

“You gonna order anything?”

Keith glanced up to find smooth head looming. He looked as if Keith was a grave inconvenience, a stain on his perfect coffee-shop world.

“If you don’t order anything, I’m going to have to ask you to leave.”

Keith breathed through the irritation, squeezing his hands into fists. The waiter had a fair point, but he didn’t have to make it with such disdain. Keith was still a customer, he just hadn’t bought anything yet.

“Alright,” Keith mumbled, stepping up to reach into his back pocket. His hand slid against his ass, and then straight down to his thigh. Crap. These were his running shorts. He had no money.

Keith looked at the waiter. The waiter looked at Keith. Keith looked at the window. The rain threw itself against the glass like it was going to attack him. He shuddered.

“I’ll buy.”

Keith spun around. Lance was leaning against the back of his chair, fixing the waiter with a face dripping with raw, smug energy. His card sat between two slender fingers and he twirled it in the air.

The waiter sighed, clearly uncaring for the whole ordeal. Keith on the other hand, was still in shock.

“No, no, it’s alright.” He said firmly, gathering up his few belongings, “I’ll just go.”

“No.” Lance interrupted, “I’ll buy.”

His eyes were resolute, daring Keith to argue. Keith took the bait.

“No. I don’t want to owe you.”

“And you won’t.” Lance said lightly, following the waiter to the counter. “It’s an apology, for speaking with my foot in my mouth.”

He stopped to look up at the chalk board. Drinks were written in curly white lettering, with pastel coloured sketches drawn next to them.

“I’ll have a hot chocolate, please.”

Fingers clicked across the till.

“With marshmallows and cream?” The clerk asked in a bored voice.

Lance turned to face Keith then, elbows leaning back on the counter. He poured his gaze over Keith, right from his head down to his toes. Keith felt exposed, stomach swooping at the glint in Lance’s eye. Too busy fighting the heat spreading through his body, he didn’t get the chance to interrupt when Lance was speaking again.

“Oh yeah. Add extra sprinkles too, I want it extra festive.”

Keith let his mouth fall slack. Where the hell did he get that idea from? For one, Keith drank coffee. Black. And he didn’t do all the fancy stuff. He wanted a plain and simple drink and he did not want to draw attention. Lance on the other hand, drew all of Keith’s. He had a huge grin plastered across his face as he threw his head back laughing. Round-head rolled his eyes, dialling up the order and sparing Lance one of his disdainful glares.

“I’ll bring it to your table.”

“Thanks, Lotor!”

Then Lance was flouncing back to his seat and Keith was still standing next to his own chair. What had just happened?

“You didn’t need to apologise.” Keith rushed. Lance looked up at him, blankly. Then a smirk pulled against his lip.

“So, you already forgave me?”

“No?”

Had Keith forgiven him? He couldn’t really remember what he was apologising for now. The whole… event, had him a little bit lost.

“So, then you’ll need a drink.” Lance said solemnly.

“No, wait.”

Lance grinned. Keith struggled. With this conversation, with this person, this whole situation.

“Take a seat, Keith.”

The chair opposite Lance moved out on his own, like a ghost. Keith approached with caution. He did not sit, but Lance shifted when he arrived, that same grin plastered on his thin lips.

“Come on, sit with me.” He crowed, swaying side to side.

Keith eyed the seat cautiously.

“Look, I really didn’t mean to offend you.”

He was looking down at his book again, pen drawing absent circles in the margin of his work.

“I was hoping we could be friends.”

Keith sighed. He shouldn’t sit down, shouldn’t be indulging in this. But despite that fact, Keith flopped down. Lance perked up then, shoulders bouncing. But before he could speak, Keith interrupted him “I get it. You didn’t mean to offend me. But I still can’t accept your drink.”

Lance considered this for a second. “Okay. How about, in exchange for the drink, you help me with my astro coursework?”

He tapped his pen against his notebook and Keith saw that there was also a textbook lying open above it. There were several papers strewn across the table and pens hiding between layers. Lance himself had pen marks all over his fingers and grey loops below his eyes.

“Fine.”

That was enough for another one of those blinding grins. Lance seemed abundant with them.

“So, how come you recognised me?” Keith asked, wanting a distraction from the radiance.

Lance gave a little wiggle and Keith could tell he’d stepped on a landmine. With eyebrows bouncing he sent Keith a mischievous grin, ‘oh, I never forget a good-looking face.”

Keith nearly choked. Was he being flirted with right now? By a strange boy who shone too brightly for a coffee shop? A strange boy he in fact knew and had somehow missed in the however many weeks they’d been studying that course?

“Clearly I do.”

Lance’s brows froze in their strange hooks and Keith realised with striking alarm that he’d said that out loud. Oh god. Keith really was too well adjusted to life alone. Maybe he should listen to Shiro more and make some friends? Lance’s face was still frozen on his and Keith pulled at his shirt. Curse the heating in this place. He really shouldn’t have sat down. He glanced back to the window. Was rain really that bad?

“Hot chocolate.”

Keith jolted as a cup and saucer landed on the table with a loud clink.  Liquid swished out the side as the tidal wave settled, swirl of cream sloshing above. A light dusting of cocoa covered the top, pink marshmallows cut into the shape of hearts thrown haphazardly across the drink. The waiter levelled them with a look.

“With extra festive.”

“Thank you so very much.” Lance said through a giggle. The waiter rolled his eyes, sweeping back to his post at the counter. Keith stared at the drink. Then he stared back up at Lance. The boy was just sparkling eyes above two hands that covered his entire face all the way up to his spiky nose. Keith shook his head fighting off a smirk. He picked up the drink, lifted it to his lips and stared right into Lance’s glistening eyes as he took a sip.

Lance snorted.

“Perfectly matches your aesthetic.”

Keith shrugged, now losing the fight against his lips. “I dunno, I think it’s a bit understated.”

“You’re right.’ Lance said, poking his pen into Keith’s face, ‘it’s just not enough. Shall I call Lotor back and get him to bring us some glitter.”

Keith shook his head. “I’m thinking sparklers.”

Lance burst out laughing. He was all teeth and no eyes and Keith found the noise buzzing in his chest too. He quickly swigged his drink before it could be set free. The taste wasn’t bad either, if he was being honest. Sweet and creamy, tickling his lip as he drank. He was quite content until, one of the marshmallows rolled off and hit him in the eye. Keith frowned, glanced up and saw Lance pretending to read his textbook whilst barely containing more giggles. Keith shook his head but couldn’t shake the warmth in his cheeks.

“So, I’m confused on Quasars.”

Keith frowned, putting down his drink.

“Who isn’t?” He said, shuffling around to get a look at what Lance was reading. After a moment of no more words, Keith looked up and found Lance staring.

“What?”

“Oh!” Lance whipped back around to his book, “It’s just, uh, it’s nice.”

“What?”

“Hearing you say that.”

“What, ‘who isn’t’?”

Lance nodded, still not meeting Keith’s eye.

“Yeah. Guess I thought I was the only one.”

Keith didn’t tend to speak to the people in his class. That’s how he didn’t know Lance. He just kept to himself. But that meant he was privy to his course mate’s conversations. Namely, that nearly every topic they’d covered since the start of term had at least somebody complaining. To Keith, it was a given that absolutely no-one truly knew what they were doing on their degree.

Lance wasn’t Keith though. Lance didn’t just talk to strangers, he went out of his way to make friends with them. Those kinds of people always eluded Keith. Shiro was the same – he took in Keith, and from their first meeting, Keith had been convinced he was some kind of next level angel. But whilst Shiro was adept at caring for others, Keith discovered over time he struggled letting other people look after him. It was something Keith hadn’t had much of an issue with – once someone was actually willing to do it, he liked being looked after. But not everyone was Keith. And just because they weren’t Keith, that didn’t make them perfect. Or evil. And with the words Lance just spoke, it occurred to Keith, that he might have misjudged him. The thought made his stomach twist in a guilt he immediately wanted to fix it.  

“Trust me you’re not.” He said firmly. “Everyone struggles, you’re doing fine.”

Lance looked up at him then, lips parted as his pen fell to the paper in a dull thud. Keith immediately wanted to claw the words back. He should have thought more before speaking. They were far more intense out loud. Almost threateningly so. Keith scraped the barrel for some sort of distraction. Steer them away from his creepy intenseness. “Why-uh, why’d you think that?”

Lance’s stare held a second longer – a second that burned itself straight through Keith. Then he was reclaiming his pen and speaking again with a sigh, “my housemates. They just- they get it all, y’know? One lecture and they’re good to go.”

“I feel dead after half an hour.” Keith said honestly.

There were those who seemed to absorb everything, regurgitating hours later and sweeping through their exams. But Keith was not one of them. And even then, he had a suspicion he only saw what they wanted him to see – not the hours they studied the night before. Maybe even years– some people were that dedicated after all.

Lance let out a short laugh. ‘Me too. Alfor opens his mouth and I’m just dead.”

Keith snickered and soon they were discussing the ins and outs of all their lecturers. It was fun. Keith found talking to Shiro about his disdain for academics was like bouncing water balloons off a concrete wall. He was never impressed. Lance, on the other hand, became invested. His enthusiasm grew with his pitch, hands thrown around in fury as he recalled a particularly awful lecture that wouldn’t have been out of place playing in the back of a hearse. Keith had said as much and Lance had laughed so hard, he spat coffee everywhere. The waiter, Lotor, as Lance called him, was far from enthusiastic about their patronage. He wiped up the spill with a huff, eyes sharp enough to cut glass. As soon as he was gone, Lance fell apart laughing telling Keith about the time he put glue in Lotor’s hair at primary school and the other was yet to forgive him. Lance had zero regrets and Keith would probably commit the same crime now.

The more they talked the more Keith found himself watching Lance’s mouth. He noticed now, how animated it was. It could go from a small ‘o’ to a wide-open grin in a blink of an eye. His teeth were bright white, lined up like crooked little houses along his gums. Then there were his lips. They were pink and looked soft and every so often Lance ran his tongue along them. Keith wanted to do that too. The thought surprised him, and he quickly found somewhere else to look. He could blame the warm café for his reddening cheeks.

Keith hadn’t kept track of time, he hadn’t felt the need when he was happily filling the moment. That was until he heard the door chime and noticed they were the last guests in the café. Must have been a long moment.

Lotor appeared at Lance’s back, a looming vampire.

“Five minute ‘til closing.” He said curtly. Lance jumped at the proximity.

“Jesus,” he breathed, holding a hand to his heart, “does he even have footsteps?”

Keith shook his head, looking out the window. “Wheels for feet.”

Lance laughed beside him. It was a nice sound, loud without even trying. It was like it burst out from nowhere to set the room alight. The more Keith heard it, the more he wanted to hear it. He was stuck in a vicious cycle that he didn’t particularly want to leave.

“Which way you heading?” Lance asked, shuffling his belongings together. The rain was still trailing down the windows and the wind rattled the windows, demanding its next victim. Keith sighed, as he got to his feet.

“Penny Road.”

“Oh! I’m just by the roundabout!’

Maybe he didn’t have to leave quite yet?

“I, uh…” Lance continued, talking to the ground. He was rubbing his neck, now fully dressed in his navy blue rain coat and backpack swung over one shoulder. “I’ve got an umbrella.”

He looked up with a smile. A bashful one this time, with pink cheeks. Keith didn’t know what to make of it. The expression was so different to his previous ones. It made him want to lean forward and squish it. But that would be inappropriate, so Keith focused firmly on the words

“Good for you?”

Lance blinked at him, before a more familiar expression tucked himself against his cheeks, “I meant we could share it.”

“Oh.” Keith’s cheeks burned hotter than coals. He ducked his head before it could be seen and stepped towards the door. “Sure. I’d uh, I’d like that.”

Lance’s feet tapped along the wood until he was at his side again, grabbing a brightly coloured umbrella from the bucket by the door before swooshing it open. Keith grimaced as he was hit with cold air and icy blades.

“Might be a bit windy for that.”

Lance laughed, “nah, it’ll be fine when we’re away from the river.”

Lance was right. It was fine once they were walking along the streets lined with painted town houses. Keith couldn’t help noticing how snugly the two of them fitted beneath the bright fabric dome. He also couldn’t help noticing his urge to link his arm with Lance’s. He told himself it was to just to keep the heavy umbrella steady but that was a lie.

Not too much later they arrived at Keith’s door, startling red against the black and whites of the rest of the street. Keith felt a little smug about bagging this one. It was the best house, even with the cracks in its cobble stone path and the overgrown bushes lining the street and most of the garden. The rain had died down a little, pattering rhythmically against the umbrella like a tent and Keith lingered beside Lance. The peaks of the clouds above were dyed a deep orange where the sun was finally cutting through the grey as if giving its last cry of the day before it sunk down for bed.

“Well, this was a nice way to end a date.”

Keith felt his stomach jump, throwing the breath from his lungs. “Date?”

“Uhh, I mean…” Lance’s face was so bright it was matching Keith’s door. He blinked widely before looking at the ground and mouthing many words but saying very few. “It doesn’t have to be, I just uhh, I thought it would be nice, but I mean-“

“Well, in that case...”

Keith leant in close, right up to Lance’s freckles. He pressed a kiss to a flaming cheek, smiling at how it was warm like a mug of hot chocolate.

“See you in class.” He whispered, before peeking up at Lance’s face. It was red with fluster, blue eyes wide and gleaming as his mouth wobbled into something that resembled a smile. Keith returned the favour, before pulling the umbrella down and letting the rain ping off it. “Lance.”

[theflyingpimphat]

A to Z Episode 2

Handling illegal goods

It was weird waking up in complete darkness. Arqeez fumbled for the fastening of the safety belts with his smaller pair of hands while a bigger arm was searching for the light switch on the wall. The lamps flickered to life and made finding the fasteners a lot easier. The moment they opened, the belts retracted into the wall, releasing the large exoskeletal from his position on the mattress lying in the corner.

Sleeping while tied up was uncomfortable but necessary, especially considering who steered the ship. Speaking of the pilot...

Arqeez walked in the direction of the bridge, grabbing himself several food ration packages from a box nearby on the way. They tasted like sponge soaked in broth, but were surprisingly filling for something so small. One block between his teeth and several more in hand, Arqeez pushed the panel that opened the door.

Loud noise was the first thing that greeted him. Arqeez could recognize it as some kind of Kun Esh folk music, which meant it had a heavy beat and a lot of low frequency notes that made different parts of the ship rattle in resonance. Arqeez walked up to the pilot seat, paying attention not to step on the brown and white patterned tail sticking out of a section sawed out of the seat's backside and coiled up on the ground.

“Morning, Arq,” came from the seat's front side, barely audible in between the loud music.

Arqeez gave his companion a look. “You look like you really need a break yourself now,” he said with the food ration still in his mouth. Zekra all but hung in the safety belts, both arms slung onto the steering module more as support rather than for controlling the ship. Ge had told once that Serkanians had a pretty high tolerance for extended waking periods, but they still had their limits.

“As much as I want to, I can't.” Zekra leant forward to push a button on the console and the music went quiet. “Hear for yourself.”

Arqeez needed a few moments to listen himself through the various humming and rattling noises that made out the soundscape of the Sciara.

“You mean the knocking?”

“Exactly. Some shit is loose in this bucket again and I have no clue which. That's why I have to be present, to keep tabs on it, hear if it changes or if it influences anything about the controls or the life support until I can land it for a repair. Well, at least I don't have to hang here for long.” Ge gestured at the window.

Only then Arqeez paid attention to what was going on outside. The sight was confusing: there was a weird object slowly growing in the view. It looked like a large city had been rolled up into a ravel, parts sticking out at random angles.

Zekra gave ger companion a look like ge caught him trying to drink the water from the alga farm. “It's a space station. Aun 74 Et, to be precise, also known as the garbage heap of the Tolemut quadrant. I wanted to avoid it, but with the ship dicking around, I have no other choice.”

Arqeez kept looking out of the window while opening another food ration package, examining the odd object called a space station. He could see a number of small ships swarming around it, entering and exiting ports or landing on marked platforms. Sometimes even parts of the space station itself detached and moved to different places to dock.

“But if you need to land there, why are you going around it? There are landing marks all over it.”

Zekra took a few seconds to answer. “There is a very specific repair station I'm approaching. Run by Skiamus. As unpleasant as this station is, that is one of its better elements.”

“Greetings, customer! How can I help you and your ship?”

There was a screen in the middle displaying a stylized face of a grinning Tolemo to interact with, yet Zekra couldn't help shifting ger gaze between the three cameras surrounding it. The jovial electronic voice came from a synthetic entity, a three-metre-long streamlined machine floating at eye height. They were inside a spacious hangar, the last airlock gate that let the Sciara into the space station still closing. Several identically-looking synthetic entities were already examining and scanning the aged spaceship's exterior while other ships were being worked on on different platforms.

“A system check, there is a knocking sound when it is running. Aside from that, a sealing of the airlock. The leaks have been taped shut and allow its use in an atmosphere, but not in a vacuum.”

The Skiamu clicked its tools mounted to multiple arms attached at the bottom. “Understood. The estimated time for full restoration of the requested functions will take 17 tertiary Universal Time Units. Please return in an adequate time frame.”

“How much will it cost?”

“The estimated costs for the requested repairs are between 500 and 10000 Gams. Unfortunately, with the current lack of knowledge of the state of components to repair, a narrower frame cannot be given.”

“Well, let's hope it will be in the lower end. Have fun with the repairs.” The Skiamu's antigravity pads that held it in the air turned, made it swerve sideways and away. Zekra turned towards ger larger companion, who was watching the Skiamu floating away. “Arqeez, let's go, we have 17 terts to spend.”

“They are machines,” Arqeez stated while they walked towards one of the smaller gates leading out of the hangar and deeper into the station.

“Yes, so what? Skiamu repair stations have the best cost-performance ratio you will find in the known galaxy, because they only charge for material expenses with an additional charge that goes towards maintaining themselves, their tools and their station. They have no needs for having a living place, entertainment, families and all those other money sinks us organic lifeforms tend to have. Repairing machines is their only desire. That's why I can also leave them alone with the Sciara and not expect anything to be stolen or anyone taking a dump in the ventilation system for fun.”

Arqeez looked back at the ship. “Speaking of leaving the ship, why not going back and sleep there? You are about to fall over.”

“That is one of the things not to do in a Skiamu repair station. As amiable as they are, they have no consideration for anything not connected to their work. It will be loud and if they have to dismantle the wall with the pallet on it, they will screw it off with you still on it.” Ge sighed. “Well, off to find some shitty cheap dosshouse where the mattresses have formed their own ecosystems sourced from half the quadrant's planets.”

The inside of the space station proper corrobated Arqeez' comparison to a rolled-up city. Everything was either metal, plastic or ceramic, seemingly clobbered together with little regards what fitted to which. One moment they walked over solid metal plates clanking and bending under their feet, the next moment it were grids, allowing the view on tubes underneath, one of them leaking steam. Overhead, cables of various thickness and colour were tied to the ceiling in thick bundles. It was dark, noisy, stifling and cramped, stuffed to the brim with people and the wares they wanted to sell and buy.

Small stores and stands lined the narrow alleys, their owners loudly trying to get the attention of passerbys, mostly in Unicomlang, sometimes in one of the many other languages spoken in the quadrant. Similarly, the people present came from all over the place. Where on planets there was usually one or several species being dominant, Aun 74 Et harboured a wild mixture. Im Kpaz scurried between their feet, a Gthuor was praising his wares with inflated horns and a loud honking voice. A Sharkaz pushed herself through the crowd, proudly carrying a tiny male in a cage with one of her head tentacles while her diminutive nonsapient soon-to-be partner was chittering and flapping his wings behind the bars.

“This one looks promising,” Zekra muttered and vanished behind a door wedged between two stands. Arqeez had to duck to be able to follow.

The low, narrow door led into a room that was barely bigger, containing only a counter with a yellow-furred, bored-looking individual of unknown origin behind it. The moment they saw their visitors, the four piercing green eyes narrowed and the upper mouthparts rose straight up.

“Aah, new customers, come in, come in,” the individual said with a heavy accent.

“How much for one room for four to seven tert-UTUs?” Zekra asked, leaning on the counter.

“40 Gams, paid upfront.” The individual ducked under the counter and retrieved a reader, placing it on top. Zekra pulled a currency storage module from a pocket of the bag harness, unlocked it and shoved it into a port on the reader. Satisfied, the receptionist vanished behind the door in the wall behind the counter and came back with a roll of fabric and ropes soon after.

“Room 4 it is,” they said, placing the roll and two disc-shaped electronic keys on the counter.

“But don't be... too loud,” they added with with a slow blink and a quiver in the middle mouthparts which Arqeez figured was an equivalent of a dirty grin. He gave the receptionist a wary look and followed Zekra into the corridor to the rooms, which was as low and narrow as everything else in this establishment; he had to lower his head and even then his antennae brushed over the ceiling.

Calling the room's interior 'bare necessities' was already a stretch. A dim, flickering ceiling light revealed a toilet and a tap in one corner, a small, rickety table against a wall and two pairs of robust hooks on opposite tiled walls.

“Well, at least it is a way from preventing the spread of disease,” Zekra commented while unrolling the bundle. It was a hammock to be hung onto the hooks.

“Okay, Arqeez, this will take some time and will be really boring for you, but try not to move away from this inn too far,” ge said while hooking the hammock up. “Stay in sight of the entrance when you go out. I will leave a module for you. There is barely any money on it left so you can empty it out to get yourself some food and entertainment for the time being. 'Entertainment' excludes beating people up or breaking stuff, for the record. Sure, I will not forbid you self-defense, but for fuck's sake, don't start anything.”

Zekra took off the bag harness and slung it over one of the hammock's ropes, removed the currency module in question and threw it over to Arqeez. Then ge clumsily got onto the hammock and a bit of shifting later, both shoes dropped out.

“But what if there are no places to get food while still staying in sight?” Arqeez wondered, turning the module and the electronic key in one pair of hands each. “I also wonder what sort of entertainment here is. Zekra, what about fighting rings? Are those fine?”

The only answer was silence.

At first, Arqeez wanted to stay in the room and wait, but after about two hours, it pulled him outside. Making sure the door was closed and secured, he walked the low corridor into the entry area. The four eyes of the receptionist were fixating him on his way.

“Time well spent, I presume?”

Arqeez paid him a brief glance. “No, just waiting. Tired of waiting.” He then stopped, facing the yellow individual and their staring eyes. “If you go in there and take Zekra's stuff or do any harm to ger, I will find you and tear your limbs off.”

The individual's eyes narrowed and the upper mouthparts rose. “I wouldn't think of that in my dreams. We value the discretion of our customers here.”

Arqeez gave the receptionist a last look before he pushed the panel that opened the door to the outside.

Behind the door of the inn he was met with a cacophony of smells. The dominant one was that of the various metals and plastics the space station was composed of, but it was unable to hide the smells of the various nuances of unwashed bodies from a multitude of planets, the distinctive acridity of rust and fuel, the faint notes of decay. And of course, the alluring scent of food.

Following the strongest note of the more interesting food smells, Arqeez' feet carried him to a stand not far away from the inn. Looking back, he could see the door, so he was doing everything right. The stand in question was hissing with the sizzling of hot oil where a spindly exoskeletal was using all their four arms to dump, remove and turn around small orb-shaped things in several pans.

The exoskeletal turned one of his two iridescent stilted eyes into Arqeez' direction, the other one still jerking from pan to pan.

“Oh, hello, dear customer. Here to have some kunus, I presume?” Despite the cook being a completely different species than the receptionist, their voice was dripping with the same greedy sliminess.

“You mean those balls?”

“Of course I mean those balls.” The exoskeletal emitted an amused raspy chitter. “Judging by your size, you will likely want to have an extra large portion. That would be 12 Gams.”

Arqeez showed the cook the currency storage module to have him evaluate the red line that indicated how much was left. “Will this be enough?”

“More than enough.” One of the hands briefly interrupted its work to pull up a reader and tap some buttons while two others were shovelling finished kunus into a large one-use bucket. Arqeez did what he has seen his companion do many times and put the module into the reader's port after opening its protective cap, watching the red line on the module's screen shrink a bit, then removed it when the line started to blink.

With the module back in the pocket strapped around the base of his postabdomen and the bucket in a hand, Arqeez decided to spend his time eating the kunus while checking out the other stands in the vicinity of the inn. A lot of them didn't interest him, like the ones selling machine parts, souvenirs or cloth pieces. There was another food stand in the vicinity, but whatever was being cooked there smelled so unappealing Arqeez assumed it would be inedible to him. Zekra had told him to check if the food he ate was compatible with his biochemical profile or whatever ge had called it. But it was a complex array of letters and numbers he usually forgot right after hearing it, hence he preferred trusting his sense of smell, which hadn't failed him so far.

Speaking of smell, there was one entering between the metal and the weird stuff being cooked that grabbed his interest. It reminded him of the plants he had smelled several planets ago, mixed with cleaning powder and the wall paint used in the last planet's space terminal, yet it was different. It piqued his curiosity and made him follow the scent rail.

The scent carried him to a stand set in a niche in the wall, in a place of the space station that was not frequented much and poorly lit. The stand itself was partially overhung with dark, heavy cloth and manned by a rotund being with tiny eyes, head fans with complex folds and two movable tubes poking out of the tip of the upper jaw, apparently holding nostrils at their tips. On the table in front of the trader there were a number of round flat jars, which looked identical save for the differently-coloured stickers on their lids. The smells seemed to come from said jars.

“What are those supposed to be?” Arqeez asked the trader, pointing at the jars. “They smell strange.”

“Ooh, a connoisseur of arts I hear, welcome to my stand,” the trader piped. Unlike the receptionist and the food seller, this one's feelings seemed to actually match his words. “These are umi'qui boxes, an art form practised by us Varufoi. I will show you.”

The Varufoi took one of the jars and opened it, then put their tubes over the substance inside and took a slow, deep breath. “Ooun wood and Damelian algae with a hint of holom. The wood’s natural balsamic smell gets a note of spice from the algae and the holom rounds it off into a symphony of scent, I tell you. Try for yourself,” they said and handed the jar to Arqeez. Since his olfactory organs were not connected to his spiracles, he brought the jar up to his forehead and waved his feathered antennae above it. It was indeed an interesting smell. Usually, scents were separate elements for him, easy to pick apart and follow to their source. But this mixture made them... fit together surprisingly well? As if they were parts of one single olfactory construct, meant to be together.

The Varufoi seemed to notice Arqeez' confused expression. “You probably have seen drawings or paintings to be enjoyed by those with good vision or music and ranthouls for those with good hearing. Umi'qui boxes are like that, but for those with good sense of smell. It takes skill and talent to find smells that accentuate each other well and then to mix them together in their best amounts. Some other cultures use a primitive form of that to spray or smear the smells onto their bodies to cover their own odour, what a waste! Like burning a painting to warm yourself at the fire!” The Varufoi shook his head, folded and unfolded the head fans. “But I trail off. Here is one which I enjoy in particular. Hmm, can you guess what scent was used as the base?”

Arqeez put down the jar he had been given first and took the new one. The smell that came from it was surprisingly familiar.

“Machine oil?”

“Indeed!” the Varufoi clasped their chubby hands together with elation. “Such a simple everyday substance, yet I could turn it into a piece of art with Limarian herbs and Garmatian brine midge secretions! Now, let me smell you this one, my most recent creation!”

After a time that felt like several terts, Arqeez had smelled himself through the whole collection of the Varufoi's stand. He wanted to go back to the inn to check on Zekra, but as he turned around, there was no door of the inn in sight. Not a single part of the sight had any resemblance to the part where it was located, in fact.

Crap.

Arqeez took the branch-off that smelled most like the area with the inn, crumpling up and dropping the long-empty kunu bucket into a trash disposal. There were more people in the alley he had taken, walking in both directions without stopping. Arqeez followed the flow, checking the smell of the side alleys if it was more or less similar from what he remembered being close to the inn.

Where was it?

Zekra awoke to the sound of the flickering ceiling light.

Uncurling, ge looked around. As expected, Arqeez was not present, so ge didn't bother staying in the room longer than needed.

“Six terts,” ge muttered while taking a look at the wrist computer. “Well, let's hope the big lug didn't get himself into trouble during that time.”

After ger stretching routine, Zekra put ger shoes and bag harness back on and rolled up the hammock, which ge put onto the receptionist's counter while leaving.

“Your friend has left about four and a half tert-UTUs ago, I presume,” the green-eyed individual said after being asked about Arqeez' whereabouts. I haven't seen them after that.”

“Well, thanks. I'm off, then.”

“Grace this establishment with your presence again soon,” the receptionist said with narrowed eyes and raised upper mouthparts.

Outside, the alleys of Aun 74 Et were as busy as usual. Some stands were erected, others dismantled, people walked from place to place, stopped at the stands, vanished and emerged from barely-visible doors. There was probably a member from every intelligent species of the entire quadrant present and there was rarely more than one of each species being visible, but none of those were an Idrath.

Zekra stood at the entrance for a few moments, checking the passerbys and the stands, but it seems Arqeez had indeed wandered out of the dosshouse's proximity.

“You fucking idiot,” the Serkanian groaned. Finding Arqeez in a regular city when he got lost was bad enough, but space stations were worse in every aspect. Zekra sought out the next food stand and asked the trader if he had seen the large, dark grey exoskeletal with orange marks and feathered antennae.

“Nnnot that I know, no,” the trader answered with a nasal, high-pitched voice. “I have opened the stand two terts ago, maybe he had left before I arrived?”

“Must have been that way, thanks.”

Two food stands later, Zekra had found a witness, a Zambularian who was selling kunus which he prepared right at the stand. “Yes, I saw an individual who would match the description. Bought a large bucket of kunus here. Do you want to buy a bucket yourself?”

“Not before I find him,” Zekra replied. “Did you see where he went afterwards?”

“This direction,” the Zambularian pointed with a tong. “Can't tell more, there were kunus to fry. I'm willing to give you a discount, considering a friend has brought you here, even if it wasn't by recommendation.”

“Not before I find him, as said.”

Zekra turned into the direction the Zambularian had pointed, but didn't get far. There was a six-legged machine standing in ger way, two additional manipulative limbs clicking. The top of it was mostly taken up by a glass dome that allowed a view inside, which was filled with water and contained either a Doburen or Xunnm; a skeleton-less, flattened aquatic with two large, mobile eyes and twelve tentacles, each on a separate lever in their mobile aquarium. The broad flat back, starting out with a greenish-brown colour, rapidly began to flash in a variety of colours and patterns.

“Hello, I have seen the individual you are searching,” a monotonous, robotic voice translated the flashes into Unicomlang. “They were walking around seaweed shortjaw-” the aquatic's flashes briefly stopped, then repeated at a slower pace. “They were walking around Hor 39 Alley, which you can reach by going left to the Jounur stand that mutilates... commonplace... sells the stitched kerchiefs. Excuse me, this new visual to auditory communication translator model is recently-installed and ellipsoid... cathode screen... concrete... rape and desiccate this fucking useless piece of electronic trash!” The individual's tentacles curled up in frustration and their flashes became red-tinted. “May the company that stuck it together get infested with worms and shit their own bowels out!”

“Thanks for the information, I think that is enough to find him but I need to hurry,” Zekra told the still swearing aquatic and sped off into the mentioned direction while trying to hide ger amusement at how the translator was able to give out the stream of profanities without a single fault.

The given directions led ger to a narrow alley, past several intersections and then up a metal ramp that connected with the space station layer above. This part was where the proper stores were located. Instead of small stands, inns and pubs that were focused on serving the newly-arrived, these were the parts where those staying for extended time spans or permanent residents of Aun 74 Et would find what they needed. It was not nearly as crammed as the exterior parts, not as stifling and cleaner. But while it was easier to scan the place for the lost companion, he was still nowhere to be seen. Not that he was easy to confuse with a different individual; as far as Zekra knew, he was the only Idrath native who was off-planet and hardly any other type of exoskeletal reached his size and mass.

After wandering the alleys for some time and asking various store owners if they had seen the Idrath with no results, Zekra decided it was time to take matters into ger own hands. Finding gerself a remote dead end where a few crates were stored and no one would disturb ger, ge crouched down, put both ger hands on the ground and closed ger eyes. A few slow breaths to calm ger hearts and clear ger mind, ge extended the antennae forwards.

Telekinesis was a skill that was understood as a means to move objects in space relative to the user. For this, the moved object had to be felt, otherwise it was impossible to give it directions or to even hold it in place. What many were not aware of was the possibility to use this telekinetic sensing as a way of perceiving the environment. Rather than focusing all energy on a single object to move around, it was spread out, used for nothing more than to touch the objects, to perceive where they were and how they moved relative to the user on their own. Focusing on moving objects was easier than on stationary ones, which allowed Zekra to check through a multitude of walking, gesturing people all around ger.

Yet, out of the schemes ge was perceiving not a single one had the shape of a four-armed, large exoskeletal.

Ge spread the perception further apart, stretched it so thin only the schemes of moving objects were visible. It was crucial to remain motionless while doing this, since every motion of gerself would mean the entire space station moving relative to ger, breaking ger concentration completely. Checking the new schemes that entered ger telekinetic perception, Zekra sensed a thin form that could only be a Bolourn run in and out just at the edge, a fight between a Gthuor and an equally large, unidentifiable species and... there he was!

Ger eyes shot open and the antennae flicked back into their usual position. Arqeez was deeper inside and two layers below. Having pinpointed his position and actually finding him were two different things, though – now it was to take the right alleys, find the right ramps or staircases and maybe even climb the right ventilation shafts.

“...And this is how we ended up here.” Arqeez nodded to his conversational partner. She just wanted to open her mouth again and continue when a familiar voice cut in.

“You brain-amputated imbecile! How the fuck did you manage to get so far away from the inn when I have clearly told you to stay in visible range to its door?”

“Hello, Zekra!” Arqeez' face lit up at seeing his companion run over, who looked rather displeased in return.

“You moron could have gone lost here completely! Maybe even wound up dead by bumbling into an area with an environment lethal for you or because someone decided to harvest your organs and dry them to sell as some quackery that enhances performance in the marital arts and other such shit!”

Arqeez shrugged. “But I'm alive and my organs are where they should be.” A brief look down. “Or at least I think so.”

“Arqeez, don't you want to introduce me to your friend?”

The two interplanetary travellers looked at the third person present. It was a female Tolemo standing at the display of a small store that sold various gadgets, both complete as well as in parts. Arqeez had outdone himself in winding up at the strangest places whenever he was unsupervised, as female Tolemos were a rarity outside Tolemut or its exclaves. Society expected them to stay home and they were travel-lazy by nature, preferring to run everything on their home planets and major settlements ranging from politics to home construction, while the males were those travelling around and seeking work off-planet, sending their earnings home to support their families from afar. Appropriately, the individual was shorter than a male but much bulkier, her advanced age and cushy life having only added to her mass, which her robes had a hard time hiding.

“This is Zekra, the one I'm travelling with. We share a spaceship together, breathe the same air, eat the same food, use the same-” Zekra reached up and put a hand over the Idrath's left spiracle to make him stop before he could share more irrelevant and probably more embarrassing details of how they mostly lived inside a glorified vacuum container.

“And we work together,” ge finished for him.

“That much has been told by Arqeez, yes,” the Tolemo snickered with her colouration turning yellow, then looked around. “In fact, we have been talking to each other about a little transport job I'm willing to pay for well. It is your personal possession, that spaceship you travel in, am I right?”

Zekra passed an annoyed side glance to ger partner. Just how much had he been prattling on to the trader? “Yes. It's in a repair station at the moment and still needs a few tert-UTUs before I can go and check on it. It's also nothing big and the storage room is half-filled already.”

Ooh, good, good,” the Tolemo beamed. “What I'm asking for isn't big, and the smaller the ship carrying it, the better. Your friend did tell me you are willing to turn a blind eye on transporting not quite legal goods when the price is right. Let's come inside, where we can talk about the details.”

“Bloody. Fucking. Shit.”

Zekra was looking at the wares to transport in utter disbelief. There were electric stunners as used by security forces on many planets, small projectile arms, hand-mounted plasma generators and many more weapons filling the crate. Ge faced the Tolemo without changing ger expression in the slightest.

“Excuse me, Elem, but I'm not crazy. This crate is more illegal than me taking a crap in this station's water reserves and even if it weren't, I certainly don't want to contribute to the trade of weapons, even if I could buy half the space station from the payment.”

“Do not worry, these aren’t real, just elaborate decoys,” the Tolemo said, still jolly. “Arqeez, if you may pull the trigger?”

The Idrath, who had taken out a pistol to examine it closer, did as he was told. But rather than discharging a projectile, the weapon opened up along its length. It was hollow inside, stuffed to the brim with transparent packages containing a yellow powder.

“Drug smuggling,” Zekra stated, taking the pistol-shaped container from ger companion to examine the contents closer. “But why disguised as weapons? Why not as something less suspicious?”

“Well, we have used less suspicious containers before, but our couriers tended to be sloppy when they thought the container shape alone was good enough to hide the contents. Hence we switched to weapon-shaped containers to maintain safety measures by the smugglers and since then, interceptions of the transports have gone down significantly. Drugs or weapons, the payment for the transport still stands and I'm willing to put something extra on top. As I said, this is important.”

“Fine.”

Elem's skin changed to a purplish pink and her brow tendrils went up. “Refusing to transport weapons but no discussion on drugs?”

“If someone wants to kill themselves, that's their choice and responsibility,” Zekra shrugged. “But I do take issue if someone wants to kill someone else. Where should the packages go, anyway?”

Elem handed over a piece of paper, having a planet name and address noted on it with a clean, small-lettered Unicomlang handwriting. Lyorimut-3. Being unfamiliar with the planet, Zekra looked it up on the wrist computer while continuing to listen to the Tolemo.

“It is a mining colony that focuses mostly on gemstones, to a lesser degree on ores and minerals. It's not densely populated and not close to any major flight routes or colonized planets. Accordingly, the security measures are lousy, but they are still present, so don't be lax. Aside from the payment, I'm also willing in aiding you with tools to help you getting past, if you don't already have them. Is there anything you need?”

“Yes, a part of the payment being up-front to cover ship maintenance expenses, several supply crates like that one containing food rations and a protective breathing mask fitted for Arqeez,” Zekra told while ger eyes were still on the wrist computer screen. “I see the planet's atmosphere has a pretty high carbon dioxide content. Still liveable by a variety of species, but I prefer not to take any risks and having one made for him is overdue.”

“Well, if that's all...” Elem clasped her hands together.

Fitting the mask took about one and a half hours, in which Elem made casts of Arqeez' spiracle surroundings and parts of his head, had them translated into soft, form-fitting rubber through a matter printer, then put them together with a glass screen, filter ports, straps and everything else needed for a mask that would allow both to control air intake as well as cover any exposed mucous membranes like on the eyes. She spent the time talking about her husband working on the planet the delivery was meant to go and how an infectious disease had him sick more often than working.

Arqeez was getting antsy from having to sit still during the process, but in the end, he had a mask in his possession that allowed him to leave the ship on a planet with an unbreathable atmosphere.

He was dangling the bag containing the mask in his bigger arm while the two were taking the way to the Sciara.

“How will the box get to the ship?” Arqeez wondered. “It’s big and if I understood it right, it should not be seen outside.”

“The contents shouldn’t,” Zekra corrected him. “The exterior is fine, there are hundreds of said crates being transported through this station every sec.” Ge pointed at a worker robot rolling by, carrying two such crates.

“That's what the other supply crates are for. That and a longer flight to our destination. Well, let's hope the Skiamus are finished.”

Some time later, they had arrived at the gate to the repair station. The Sciara was neither dismantled nor being worked on, so Zekra assumed the repairs on it were finished. The crates from Elem had arrived before them and were stacked neatly next to the ship's right hind leg. Ger presence in the proximity of the ship attracted one of the Skiamus that were flying around in the repair station.

“Greetings, customer! We are happy to inform you that the requested functions of your ship have been restored.” The grinning face on the display between the three cameras turned from happy to sad. “Unfortunately, we also discovered several more compromised or failed functions we could not leave unfixed.”

“Well, thanks for the additional efforts,” Zekra replied flatly. “How much does the repair cost?”

“The expenses for the requested functions and the additional repairs are 12053 Gams.”

“Slightly overshot the estimation, it seems. Well, I hope it will be worth it and the bucket is going to fly for a long time before something breaks again,” ge commented while taking out two currency modules and handed them over to the Skiamu. As the synthetic entity floated away to the next reader, Zekra faced ger companion.

“I hate to say it, but your little wandering trip came at the right time and brought you to the right place. The upfront payment for our special delivery brought in enough money to afford all those extra repairs, I think a thank you is appropriate,” ge said with a genuine smile that had the tooth plates hidden.

“Hmm, I do have one or two ideas once we're inside the ship,” Arqeez snickered, his antennae standing straight up and quivering.

Zekra rolled ger eyes, ger tail raised in threat. “I could have expected you to bring up that shit again. Seriously, do you have to be so damn horny the whole fucking time?”

“Can I wish you were more horny instead?”

“Arq, I will test the airlock by dumping you on the next asteroid if you don't shut up about it.”

“The transaction has been completed and your expenses have been paid in full. We thank you for using our services and wish you to return soon,” the Skiamu announced as it returned. The two modules were hanging off one of its grasping limbs.

“Highly unlikely, but thanks.” Zekra took the modules. One was empty and the other half down. Ge put them away and replaced them with the remote control for the Sciara's door. “Arqeez, time to get our freight inside.”

Once the crates had been brought in and secured in the storage room department, ge signalled the repair station’s operators to get the ship out. The platform set itself into motion slowly while the inner gate opened. About fifteen minutes later, the Sciara was standing outside the station, more than enough time for the two to have taken their seats. As the turbines sprung to life for the little push that was required for the ship to take off, Zekra listened to its sounds – not only was the knocking gone, but it flew quieter than even at the day ge had it acquired. If everything went right, the Sciara wouldn't have to see a repair station from the inside again for quite some time.

The flight to the planet their freight was destined to go took them about four weeks. Zekra was dozing in the pilot seat, legs resting on the console and chewing on a stonewood stick when a beeping notified ger of the planet's proximity.

Ge slowed the ship down and left the cockpit. The ship would require ger attention in about half an hour again, enough time to prepare for leaving.

Arqeez was playing around with a small rubber ball in the living area. His antennae went up the moment he heard the door open.

“Are we there yet?”

“Yes, time to gear up,” Zekra replied while walking past him, to the wardrobe in the ship's right wall. Ge quickly put a tunic over the dark grey one-parter, then took out two breathing masks together with several belts, tubes and three air tanks. “You won't be prancing around naked this time.”

The Idrath set his antennae askew. “How do you put those things on?”

“I will show you. Sit down.”

Arqeez did as he was told while Zekra put the mask from the space station over his head and attached the lower portion to his spiracles. The thing felt weird, his eyes were looking through a wide visor that obstructed parts of his view and breathing through it created an odd hissing sound.

“Now spread your arms.” After the mask was attached, Zekra wrapped some of the belts around his upper body and he felt first one, then another of the tanks being attached to his back. “I figured you would need two, considering your oxygen uptake.” There was some more fumbling behind him; as Arqeez wanted to turn his head to take a look, one of the tubes was attached to the right side of his mask, then another to the left.

“Done, you can get up now. Try to get used to the gear for the time being, I will go land the ship.”

Curious on what sort of planet they were heading to that he had to wear this odd, uncomfortable contraption, Arqeez followed his companion to the cockpit. The tanks pushed against his back when he sat down.

The planet seemed to consist of a single, yellowish-brown landmass in a blue ocean. It didn’t appear extraordinary, not even close to the odd appearance of the space station and there he hadn’t needed the mask.

“What is wrong with it? Why the mask?”

“It has an atmosphere not everyone can breathe,” came the reply. “I for example definitely can’t. There is a gas in it at such a high concentration that it can make one faint in a few sec-UTUs if inhaled by a species not adapted to it. But before that happens, you will feel like you are breathing acid. But outside of that, you will probably like it. It’s a young planet, just one supercontinent with most of it being dry like a corpse in a boiler room. There is some simple multicellular life in the ocean, but the landmass is barren save for a few microorganisms. Beside the mines, there is little infrastructure, so it’s probably just land, deliver, leave.”

“Hmm.” After spending so much time in the ship, Arqeez would have liked to be a bit longer outside.

“Makes me wonder,” Zekra continued, “if intelligent life evolves there in hundreds of millions of revs, what will they say when discovering the fossilized remains of some mine worker's discarded junk in rock from a time their ancestors were just learning to swim?”

“Ship with the identification tag SC1-26B-AI25, please respond,” came from the speakers.

“Oh, fuck me sideways”, Zekra leaned back and sighed.

“This was a figure of speech, Arq,” ge quickly added when ge noticed the Idrath's bewildered posture. Leaning forward again, ge activated the intercom.

“Ship with the identification tag SC1-26B-AI25 responding.”

“You seem to be new here. Please land on the Temple Arch station for a security check. Coordinates of the station are being sent.”

“On my way.” The connection was broken off. “Great. Bad security that isn't bad enough for us. Chances are, we are screwed.”

The box containing their special freight was in between identical-looking crates containing food rations as well as dried consumables for variety, where it had been put when it was loaded on the ship. There was not enough time to find a better hiding spot – Zekra had to steer the ship, Arqeez would likely mess it up and if they were to search for a better hiding spot after landing, it would just make them more suspicious. Their best chance was to pretend the load had been slipped into their supplies by accident, which in turn might result in a bigger investigation and would still have them detained for the time being. What was left was to expect the worst but hope for the best.

Temple Arch Station was ridiculously small. Aside from the Sciara, there were just a few even smaller intra-atmospheric ships standing next to nearby buildings, and with that the station was at full capacity. The ship's door opened with a hiss and extended its ramp to the concrete ground.

“Just act like you do on other stations, be quiet and let me do the talking” Zekra said, ger voice distorted by the breathing mask covering ger face. “And if you feel dizzy or short of breath, tell me immediately. I'm not joking about that.”

At the bottom of the ramp there were three security workers already waiting for them. A Hrrau stood in the middle, the only one of the three not equipped with a breathing mask, flanked by a Tolemo with a heavy-looking bag slung around the shoulders and a Ronoumun holding a pen and pad.

“Welcome to Lyorimut-3. What is the reason for the visit?” the Hrrau asked. The Ronoumun remained behind her, tapping the pad with his pen while the Tolemo walked up to the ship, examining the exterior.

“We are visiting a friend in Hatorix Quarry 14.”

“Anyone could say that. Any friend in particular?”

“Yes, his name is Louno,” Zekra told, trying to remember as much about Elem's husband as ge could. “He's a mine worker, but doesn't handle the work very well. He was in the adjacent hospital last time I heard from him.”

The Hrrau's eyes passed over the Sciara. “And what sort of freight do you transport?”

“Aside from the necessities, not much. Some minor mechanical parts and dried herbs for the most part.”

“What a piece of junk.”

As Ledvejet was questioning the two-person crew outside, Hisnar was tasked to examine the ship itself. It had already looked like an exhibit in a run-down museum from the exterior. The inside wasn't any better, the smell alone made him wonder if the ship had been used as an interstellar hearse. He was surprised the chemtracer wasn't getting a short circuit from the smell, but the device meant to detect traces of a wide selection of drugs and explosives functioned normally, showing nothing of concern.

After Hisnar had walked the entire ship with the chemtracer in his hands remaining silent, it was time to check the freight. It was in the hindmost room, behind two compartments that contained respectively a toilet and an apparently nonfunctional shower that was abused as an additional storage room mostly occupied by an EVA suit. There were several compartments behind wire doors, stacked with tied-down crates.

Hisnar went to work, pushing up the door of the leftmost compartment, taking out a crate and opening it. What he saw were optical lenses, thrown into the crate without any care and seemingly taken out of discarded devices. The second crate contained copper scraps, The third one was something else: packages of dried plant material. Hisnar held the chemtracer over them, but it showed no reaction. Apparently those were just spices. The fourth crate was full of mostly unidentifiable mechanic parts, with a damaged cybernetic arm on top.

Every new crate made Hisnar doubt the chance the two were smuggling anything illegal more and more. He had been working at security stations for a good part of his life and had checked countless ships in that time, even before he had been demoted to work on this forsaken, barely-habitable dump. From what he had seen on this particular ship, everything pointed towards it being owned by small-scale scrap dealers. Drug smugglers using such a small and old ship were usually addicts themselves, but the two talking with Ledvejet outside seemed to be normal and the chemtracer would have gone haywire once Hisnar would have left the airlock. And weapon smugglers were usually parts of crime organisations that would for sure not use anything that wasn't pristine and screaming 'law-abiding citizen'. Of course, there were always new types of explosives being developed the chemtracer wouldn't react to. Some type of exotic drug meant for a species with an uncommon biochemical profile and an active group that wasn't part of the chemtracer's detection range. But these sorts of illegal goods were smuggled either by bigger, newer ships or in public shuttles, as no one developing those would give their expensive creations over to a flying scrap heap.

Having worked himself through crate after crate of junk and herb packages, Hisnar opened the last door. It was stacked with crates which, according to the tag stickers, were packed with food rations and purchased on Deurem. One of them was already open, showing the typical packages. He leaned further in, to see if there was something else besides those crates, as an infernal screech and a blue-green flash lunging at his face with wide-open jaws full of black teeth made him jump back with a surprised yelp and slam the wire door shut.

The beast continued to screech and sputter, digging its black teeth into the wire as Hisnar ran for the airlock.

“That... is the weirdest story I have ever heard about anyone coming into the possession of a ship,” the Hrrau said with tilted nose flags, “but let's assume it's true.”

“I have the papers to back it up,” Zekra said with a shrug. The Hrrau wasn't really paying attention, as she saw the Tolemo emerge from the ship and hurriedly run down the ramp.

“Have you found anything suspicious, Hisnar?”

“No, but there is an infestation in there! No clearance!”

“Was the 'infestation' of a blue-green colour, had pink jaws and six legs?” Zekra asked. “Because that would be Mourin, our karucat. She's there to prevent infestations from happening. Is she okay?”

“By the spirits, why would anyone want to keep such a beast?” the Tolemo addressed as Hisnar said, the fear still evident in his voice and colouration. “But yes, she is okay and tearing apart the storage room right now probably.”

Mourin had been in an exceptionally foul mood in the latest time and must have given the security worker quite some shock when he had intruded her territory, Zekra noted with some degree of satisfaction.

“Aside from the karucat, what have you found in there?”

“Dried plants and mechanical junk. Chemtracer remained silent everywhere. I think you can clear them, these are scrap dealers.”

“That's what they have told me, too,” the Hrrau said to her Tolemo colleague, then faced Zekra. “Well, I guess we are done. Enjoy your stay on Lyorimut-3.”

The Sciara was gliding over a span of rocky desert with no sign of civilisation in sight. “Fucking waste of fuel,” Zekra grumbled, ger voice nearly drowned out by the howling of the ship's turbines.

“Hopefully there will be an opportunity to get fuel nearby, otherwise the tank is spent after the next landing. Some extra food for Mourin, too, the little bastard made us get through the security check unscathed. Still, makes me wonder what stuff we have loaded, if the chemtracer didn't detect it.”

Arqeez was in the copilot seat again, having taken the mask off and hung it around his neck. The view from the window was oddly familiar, so similar to his home planet he almost expected one of its enormous predators to saunter out from behind a rock formation.

The flight continued in silence, until buildings appeared on the horizon. There were not many, just the necessities of the mining operation itself and its workers. Zekra steered the ship to land in front of the building that was noted on Elem's instructions, but ge couldn't quite believe what sort of building it was. “A fucking hospital?”

As the two stepped out of the ship, one of the hospital workers was already running up to them. Zekra expected him to chew them out for landing on what ge assumed to be the landing strip for intra-atmospheric vessels.

Instead, the worker said: “The sky has a beautiful shade of blue today.”

Zekra's left antenna twitched. This was the code phrase for the delivery. “It will be prettier tomorrow,” ge replied in a bewildered tone.

The worker's posture changed with relief and his elation could be clearly heard through the breathing mask. “Finally! Fuck, I had thought Elem would never find someone for the bloody transport!”

“Excuse me, but seriously? Drug smuggling for a hospital?” The Serkanian was still baffled by this turn of events.

“Well, not quite,” the hospital worker said, stepping from one leg to another. “The delivery didn't contain drugs in the 'substances that get you high and possibly addicted' sense, but a type of experimental Torouvian flu medication that hasn't been approved yet. It was considered a failure in the beginning, but recently, new tests performed in a high-carbon dioxide atmosphere showed it to be effective against those damn spironates that thrive in this planet’s atmosphere and have become pathogenic. We can't wait the revs for the tests to be wrapped up, because the mine workers are bloody suffering now.”

“But... why? Why let it be delivered through drug smugglers if you could have flown it in through a regular medicine transport? It would have been quicker, too!”

“Maybe it would, but this hospital is not approved for research functions. If we were to transport substances unapproved as medicine, everyone involved in the transport would face punishment and the hospital would risk closing down. Detainment for the contribution in the administration of unapproved substances to patients is up to five quints, but smuggling drugs onto Tolemut-controlled planets and bases? Fucking three quints at most, and the security checks are a joke compared to official medical traffic. Hence we had to rely on illegal ways to have this medication brought here. It’s not always easy, because hardly anyone would bother with the long flight to Lyorimut-3, but it’s the best we could do.”

“That’s quite the revelation,” Zekra commented. Hospitals having to cooperate with drug smugglers... Ge wondered what killed more, the diseases or bureaucracy. “Arq, time to get the crate out.”

A few minutes later, they returned with the crate, while the hospital worker called for a few colleagues that brought a barrow with them. The crate was exchanged for several full red lines on their currency modules, but unfortunately, there was no possibility to refuel. The hospital's fuel stations were only suitable for intra-atmospheric vessels and the next station for spaceships would require another flight that would empty the Sciara's tanks, which still left the question of the type of fuel being used for the shuttles being compatible with the Sciara unanswered. Hence, the ship left the atmosphere, where it could switch to the antigravity drive that didn't use turbine fuel.

“Finally, the mask is off.” Despite the ship having left Lyorimut-3 behind and it being highly unlikely any of Zekra's mad flying was to happen in the near future, Arqeez remained in the copilot seat.

“I will see if the next planet has a breathable atmosphere.”

“What planet do you aim for?”

“Haven't looked for one yet. The flight to the next one will take some time, especially now we are low on fuel and have to skimp on the maneuvering.” Zekra undid the safety belts and got out of the pilot seat. “Since you are so comfortable here, will you stay here for a few secs and alert me if something happens? There are a few favours I have to return.”

Ge went straight from the cockpit to the storage room in the back. “Hello, Mourin.”

There was a special crate among the scrap department that contained meat conserves made from Fenaharian cell cultures specifically for such occasions. Ge took one out and opened it, spreading the foul smell of its contents in the small room. A quiet hissing and chittering told of the other living being in the room noticing the smell as well.

The karucat stood on the highest crate in the food department but wound itself out of the first gap when the door was raised. Mourin scuttled from side to side, looking up expectantly. As she was handed the opened conserve, she started to gobble down its contents, dropping half of it on the floor.

Zekra crouched down to watch the karucat eat with mild amusement. The mess she left was no issue – she would lick it up to the last bit when the conserve was cleaned out and even is she didn't, it was a fair price for her to allow the Sciara to pass through the security check despite their rotten luck.

[roboticsappreciationsociety]

Japanese researchers have created the closest thing to a real-life Transformer. The aptly-named DRAGON is an autonomous flying robot that can adjust the snake-like shape of its body in order to pass through tight spaces and accomplish tasks, an article in IEEE Spectrum stated.

Navigating indoors is a big challenge for flying robots. There are far too many things that can accidentally get in the robot’s way, causing it to get damaged or even destroyed.

Solutions including shrinking the size of the robot so that it can squeeze through tight spaces or encasing them in protective cages. The former option ends up making the machine too small to effectively manipulate its environment while the latter will make it difficult for the robot to interact with items outside of its cage.

So a research team at the Jouhou System Kougaku Laboratory of the University of Tokyo (UTokyo) created a new flying robot that was tough enough to dispense with the cage, sufficiently big and strong for labors like picking up objects, and small and agile enough to avoid obstacles and move through cramped spaces. They gave it a very long and technical name, which they abbreviated to DRAGON. (Related: The latest prototypes of flying cars do not require a pilot or piloting skills.)

The DRAGON robot flies and transforms on its own

A flying robot that is shaped like a snake, DRAGON can fly thanks to a series of ducted fans. Its modular body allows it to transform in mid-flight; it can assume a shape that is best for the job at hand.

The prototype is made up of four modules. Each individual module mounts a pair of ducted fan thrusters on either side. A thruster can direct its thrust in almost any direction. When all of the thrusters work in tandem, they provide precise control of the robot’s pitch and roll.

Hinged joints serve to link the modules together. Power is provided by a battery pack that runs along the spine of the robot. The battery has enough juice to last three minutes of flight time. An Intel Euclid computer serves as the electronic brain of the robot.

DRAGON debuted at the 2018 International Conference on Robotics and Automation (ICRA) event. In a quick demonstration, it took off from the ground and transformed into different shapes, such as a straight line, a box, and the capital letter “L.” It can also form more complicated 3D shapes in the middle of its flight.

A flying robotic arm that can work on its own

The UTokyo researchers explained that DRAGON can fit through tight passageways by changing its shape. The flying robot can coil or curl its body so that it can squeeze its way through winding paths.

Furthermore, the autonomous robot can make a decision without the need for a cue from humans.

The benefits of transformation are not just limited to getting in and out of tight fits. Its creators say DRAGON can serve as a multi-actuator flying arm. When it transforms, it could use those shapes to interact with its surroundings.

DRAGON could curl its multi-module body around an object like a snake. Or it could use its front and rear ends as the prongs of a gripper so that it can pick up a delicate object.

The final version could have up to 12 interlinked modules, allowing DRAGON to grip and carry large objects.

“A breakthrough in hardware design which, in a beautiful way, connects a manipulation arm with a ducted fan-driven aerial robot,” is how JSK Laboratory researcher Fan Shi summarized the project.

You can read more stories about flying robots, transforming robots, and transforming flying robots at Robotics.news.

[jerry618]

The Advantage of LED Display Rental

1. Portable and ultra-thin

Cabinets of traditional LED screens are mainly made of SPCC (common & general use of cold-rolled carbon steel sheet and strip), commonly known as "iron box". It is made of plates through bending, soldering, spraying and other processes. It has low costs but also a disadvantage: too heavy. 

The weight per square meter after it being made into a screen reaches over 60kg. Cabinets used in LED screens rental for the stage performance industry are basically made from aluminum. It weighs about 30-50kg/m2. Its characteristics include lightweight and fine thermal conductance, etc.

2. Small deviation and seamless splicing

Traditional cabinets of LED screens adopt the manufacturing pattern of sheet metal, being processed through manufacturing techniques like bending and soldering. Due to the large deviation of such manufacturing techniques and its frequent deformation after processing, the deviation of screens exists in the millimeter level. 

It is difficult to meet the requirements of seamless splicing. Due to the module forming machine applied in the manufacturing of aluminum cabinets of LED screens rental, the deviation can be limited within 0.1 millimeter, which completely meets the requirement of seamless splicing.

3. Quick installation

As the cabinet is made of aluminum, it is lighter with higher precision, ensuring the disassembly to be convenient and quick. Technicians can splice cabinets within a few minutes, thereby greatly shortening the time for installation and disassembly and saving the labor cost.

4. Long service life

The main part that affects the service life of LED screens is the light-emitting diode (bulb). High temperature is the major killer of the light-emitting diode. Aluminum cabinets with the fine cooling capability and thermal conductance can stabilize the temperature of the service environment, thus greatly increasing the service life of screens.

5. Affordable price

Outdoor LED screens rental is an ideal choice for event organizers who have limited budgets but want to present excellent functions. The fact that outdoor LED screens are easy to install means that you can hire experts to set up screens without paying. In addition, its brightness and clear visibility mean that you do not need to employ a lot of displays to meet the needs of the audience. 

A single screen is enough to attract a lot of audiences. LED screens rental is also energy efficient, which means that your electricity bill will not be too high. What you need to look for is an installment rental company that can provide you with high-quality LED screens. There are a lot of such experts. All you need is to study carefully and find a company that can provide you with high-quality LED screens at an affordable price.

6. Reliability

Outdoor LED screens are sturdy and durable. It can withstand harsh weather such as heavy rain and strong winds. It means that renting a high-quality outdoor LED screen can display clear pictures and voices for the audience to appreciate, regardless of the weather. It is applied with new technologies and can withstand severe weather as well.     

[bosj2020]

HIGHWAY GUARDRAIL ROLL C PURLIN FORMING MACHINEE

http://www.bosj.com/products/highway-guardrail-roll-c-purlin-forming-machine.html

Cold roll forming technology has been widely used for its energy saving, environmental protection and high efficiency. Guardrail plate forming machine products have also been widely used in many industries such as construction, bridges, vehicle manufacturing, container production, and machinery manufacturing, and have played a huge role.

 Full line is controlled by PLC control system with touch screen operation to achieve the human and PLC interactive. The operator can monitor the setting program (programmable control) and modify the parameter to control the line. Also can check the running status, parameter and error indication etc..

 Operation type: manual /auto two type switch. In manual position: can run the each part of the machine. In auto position: can run the full line. The emergency stop ensures the safe of the equipment and operator.

 Machine side is equipped with the manual operation control panel for convenient worker to operate.

 Technical parameter

Technical Requirements

 Operation area:25* 4.0 * 4.0(length *width* height)m

 The direction of feeding: from left side to right side

 Power: 380V, 50Hz, 3 parch

 Hydraulic oil: # 46 hydraulic oil

 Gear oil : # 18 hyperbolic gear oil

 Motor Power:about 65KW

 Material quality:MS,like Q195，Q235,50#steel,galvanized sheet

 Main roll forming machine:

 (The machine consists with drive motor, frame, forming roller and mould etc. The main forming machine drive adopted 45kw hard tooth face speedreducer with the frequency conversion velocity modulation, the encoder control brake.)

 Gear box and universal coupling drive system.

 Forming station: 12 stations

 Material of the forming rollers: bearing steel GCr 15, with quench treatment.

 Motor power: 45KW

 Material of the roller shaft: 45# thermal refining , the diameter of the shaft is 90mm.

 Hydraulic cutting device

 Function; According to input work piece length parameter, uses encoder fixed-length, cut off the working piece after machine stop. Adopt hydraulic cutting type.

[andilim4789]

HOW TO PLAY 토토사이트!! RED DEAD REDEMPTION 2 TIPS AND TRICKS

The other possible numbers are the point numbers: 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, and 10. If the shooter rolls one of these numbers on the come-out roll, this establishes the "point" – to "pass" or "win", the point number must be rolled again before a seven. A winning bet will bring a payoff of 35-1 -- the player gets his original bet back, plus 35 times the bet in winnings. Following is the strategy according to the player's initial hand. This strategy was kindly provided to me as a "basic strategy" by the game owner for the benefit of fans of the game. This means that a player who always bets a pair of deuces or better will lose less in the long run than one who sometimes folds such hands.The dealer will fail to qualify 43.7% of the time, and will qualify with an Ace-King (no pair) 6.4% of the time.

The designs aspire to present the traditional playing cards in a modern, simple way. The face cards symbolise today's typical characters of our modern world. To make the designs more interesing I used CMYK printing and added detailes with digital silver and varnish. http://query.nytimes.com/search/sitesearch/?action=click&contentCollection®ion=TopBar&WT.nav=searchWidget&module=SearchSubmit&pgtype=Homepage#/엠카지노 Or put it the other way: A player must know which cards are still in the shoe. The game owner was kind enough to provide me with the math report by GLI. That report is based on a random simulation of a "near optimal" strategy. Dealers must qualify for the hand by making at least ace – king or higher, otherwise the hand is dead and the player wins EVEN money on the ante bet.Once the dealer’s hand qualifies, the player has to beat the dealer’s hand in order to get paid on their bet.

There are three ways to arrange four tiles into two hands when no two of them form a pair. However, if there is at least one pair among the tiles, there are only two distinct ways to form two hands. Place bets to win pay out at slightly worse than the true odds: 9-to-5 on points 4 or 10, 7-to-5 on points 5 or 9, and 7-to-6 on points 6 or 8. But in the short term, results vary widely from the norm. Player makes an ante wager plus an optional $1 progressive side bet.Each player and the dealer get five cards each. All cards are dealt face down, except one dealer card is exposed. The player may examine his own cards but sharing of information is not allowed.

Other early playing cards were found in Mamluk Egypt (the period about 1250-1517). It then spread through southern China during the Qing dynasty. The tuck box may have a seal applied.Card manufacturers must pay special attention to the registration of the cards, as non-symmetrical cards can be used to cheat.The numbers are pre-drawn for each card and hidden until the card is scratched. In lotteries with online networks the price is electronically confirmed to avoid fraud based on physical fixing.

The videos played and light patterns can also give players a general idea of what their odds of winning are. Japanese pachinko players have not shown significant signs of protest in response to the incorporation of koatari; on the contrary, battle-type pachinko machines have become a major part of most parlors. In the 2000s, Alberta reallocated some of its VLTs to increase the number allowed at specific sites, in effect reducing the total number of sites in operation. 안전한놀이터 Poker is any of a number of card games in which players wager over which hand is best according to that specific game's rules in ways similar to these rankings.

As a country influenced by Japan during its occupation, Taiwan has many pachinko establishments. The combination of a Day or Teen with an eight results in a Gong, worth 10 points, while putting either of them with a nine creates a Wong, worth 11. However, when a Day or Teen is paired with any other tile, the standard scoring rules apply. If you have a lot of smaller-denomination chips and wish to change for larger-denomination chips to make it easier to carry them to the cashier's booth, ask the dealer to "color up."You can’t “double down” on a split, and you can only “split” a hand once. Usually, one hand is almost guaranteed to go bust – except maybe when the Gods of Chance are smiling, which is too risky for most.

Some pachinko parlors may even give out vouchers for groceries at a nearby supermarket. Even the games that are slightly more complicated wouldn’t be considered difficult. The true odds are 17:1 and 35:1, resulting in a house edge of 11.11% and 13.89% respectively.And the majority of Blackjack gamblers make the wrong decisions over and over again.

Like the Don't Pass bet the odds can be removed or reduced. The strategy here is never to take a card if there is any chance of going bust. Even after casino gambling was legalized in Nevada in 1931, its growth outside that state was stifled for decades.Perhaps you are considering joining the legion of casino gamblers, but you are unsure of the rules and customs.