#rope access services
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mtandtgroup-blog · 6 months ago
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Mtandt provides comprehensive rope access training programs for technicians & professionals in various industries, including oil, gas, construction & maintenance.
For More Click Here: https://www.mtandt.com/services/rope-access-training
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vmxservices · 1 year ago
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Vmx is Good Choice for Building Painting Service in Vancouver
When it comes to maintaining the aesthetics and longevity of your building, nothing beats a fresh coat of paint. In the bustling city of Vancouver, one name stands out as the go-to solution for all your building painting needs – Vmx. With a stellar reputation and a track record of excellence, Vmx has become synonymous with quality, professionalism, and customer satisfaction.
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Unmatched Expertise:
Vmx boasts a team of highly skilled and experienced painters who have mastered their craft over the years. Whether it's a commercial complex, residential property, or an industrial facility, their expertise in handling diverse projects is unparalleled. They are well-versed in the latest painting techniques, ensuring a flawless finish every time.
Comprehensive Services:
Vmx takes pride in offering a comprehensive range of painting and coatings service tailored to suit the unique requirements of each client. From interior and exterior painting to intricate detailing, they've got you covered. Their team also excels in handling specialty coatings, protective coatings, and eco-friendly paint options, making them an eco-conscious choice for your building.
Cutting-Edge Technology:
Embracing innovation, Vmx employs the latest technology and tools to deliver top-notch results. They stay up-to-date with industry advancements, allowing them to work efficiently and with precision. Their commitment to using high-quality paints and materials ensures that your building's paintwork will stand the test of time.
Safety is a Priority:
Painting tall structures and high-rise buildings can be risky, but with Vmx, safety is always a top priority. They strictly adhere to safety standards and regulations, implementing advanced safety measures like rope access techniques and harness systems. You can have peace of mind knowing that their team is well-equipped to handle even the most challenging painting projects safely.
Customer-Centric Approach:
Vmx believes in building strong and lasting relationships with their clients. From the initial consultation to project completion, their friendly and professional team is dedicated to understanding your needs and providing tailored solutions. They work with transparency and integrity, ensuring you're always in the loop and satisfied with the progress.
Timely and Cost-Effective:
Time is of the essence, and Vmx values yours. They take pride in completing projects within agreed timelines without compromising on quality. Moreover, their competitive pricing and cost-effective solutions make them a budget-friendly choice for building painting services in Vancouver.
Conclusion:
When it comes to enhancing the beauty and durability of your building in Vancouver, Vmx stands out as the best building painting service provider. With their unmatched expertise, comprehensive services, commitment to safety, and customer-centric approach, they are the go-to choice for clients seeking exceptional results. Trust Vmx with your building painting needs, and watch your property transform into a masterpiece that will leave a lasting impression for years to come.
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cutechgroups123 · 2 days ago
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Explore unparalleled NDT and Advanced NDT services at Cutech Group. With a focus on excellence, we offer a comprehensive range of solutions including Rope Access PAUT, Heat Treatment, and Storage Tank services. Trust our expertise in NDT to deliver precise and reliable results. Visit our website to learn more about our innovative solutions and how we can meet your NDT needs effectively.
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energyplus-technicalservices · 23 days ago
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What is the Rope Access method?
Workers can reach hard-to-reach areas, frequently at a height, by using ropes, harnesses, and other safety gear. This approach is a unique methodology that makes these locations accessible to workers. Its invention was based on climbing and caving techniques, and it has since been modified for use in commercial and industrial contexts. In some businesses, traditional access techniques like lifts and scaffolding are not practical or economical. In several industries, this technology is used for a wide range of tasks, such as installation, cleaning, maintenance, and inspection.
Click here if you're trying to find the top rope access service provider in Qatar.
The Rope Access Method's Functionality
Dual Rope System: Rope access relies on a dual-rope system, which is made up of a backup safety rope (in case the primary rope breaks) and a working rope (the main rope that the technician uses to traverse).Harnesses, carabiners, and descenders securely fasten each technician to both ropes; these components are regularly inspected and maintained to guarantee their continuous safety. Safety Gear:To guarantee the maximum level of safety when working at heights, technicians must use safety harnesses, helmets, and other protective equipment. The equipment has been designed to lessen the possibility of accidents and falls.Because the rope access equipment is lightweight and portable, it can be set up fast and moved around with ease. Controlled Movement: By being able to move horizontally over ropes and climb and descend, technicians can more easily reach areas that are challenging to reach.Personnel may perform their duties efficiently thanks to the use of pulleys, descenders, and other specialized equipment, which allows for controlled and accurate motions. Redundant Safety Measures: Safety is a primary concern while using the rope access method, and there are several safety precautions in place. Reliable methods significantly reduce the chance of accidents by guaranteeing that the backup system will continue to operate normally even in the event that one rope fails.Thorough risk assessments are conducted prior to the start of each project in order to detect possible hazards and implement safety procedures. Adaptability and Efficiency: The rope access technique is a great option for a variety of locations, such as high-rise buildings, offshore platforms, restricted spaces, and industrial plants, due to its high degree of adaptability and its quick setup time.In comparison to more conventional techniques like scaffolding, rope access is more effective, which reduces setup time and project costs overall.
Ropes and Their Uses Are Available
Inspections are the term used to describe routine examinations of infrastructure, such as pipelines, wind turbines, bridges, and building facades. The category of maintenance and repair includes tasks including painting, welding, sealing, and routine care. The cleaning services include industrial cleaning, façade cleaning, and high-rise window washing. Installation is the term used to describe the process of putting up devices like cameras, lighting, and signage in elevated or restricted areas. The goal of rescue operations is to provide emergency rescue and evacuation services in challenging areas.
Energyplus is among the most respected companies in Qatar offering rope access services.
It is commonly known that Energyplus is Qatar's leading supplier of rope access services. They offer a wide range of services, such as maintenance, inspection, cleaning, and installation, by using the rope access method. By hiring a group of skilled experts and giving careful regard to safety, Energyplus ensures that every project is completed safely and effectively. They are now the go-to firm in Qatar for rope access solutions in a variety of industries thanks to their vast experience and persistent commitment to upholding high standards.
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energyplus-qatar · 6 months ago
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What does "HVAC" mean? What advantages do HVAC services offer?
The initials HVAC stand for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. The technology and methods used to regulate the indoor environment in buildings have the ability to control several indoor environmental parameters, including temperature, humidity, air quality, and airflow.
Check Out Qatar's Top HVAC Service Provider
A breakdown of each component is as follows:
Heating: Heating systems are in charge of raising the interior temperature of a structure while it's cold outside. Numerous techniques, including as the use of electric heaters, boilers, heat pumps, and furnaces, can be employed to achieve this.
Ventilation is the process of moving air between interior and outdoor areas to remove moisture, odors, and contaminants from the air while preserving a suitable degree of air quality. Proper ventilation not only gives individuals access to fresh air to breathe, but it also helps dilute toxins contained within.
Air Conditioning: Since air conditioning systems remove heat from the air, they are made to cool interior spaces during hot weather by eliminating humidity and heat from the air. Common types of air conditioning systems that are currently in use include window units, ductless mini-split systems, and central air conditioning systems.
There are many benefits to using an HVAC service:
Comfort: A well-maintained heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system will guarantee that the inside temperatures of the building are comfortable throughout the whole year, regardless of the outside weather. This contributes to making the interior space that people occupy more pleasurable and productive.
Energy Efficiency: By making improvements to the efficiency of heating and cooling systems, HVAC services can reduce energy consumption and the amount of money paid on utility bills. It's feasible that completing routine maintenance, upgrading to more energy-efficient equipment, and adding sophisticated technology like programmable thermostats within the system will be necessary to achieve this.
Quality of Indoor Air: One way that heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems help to improve the quality of the air inside a structure is by removing toxins, allergens, and pollutants from the air. This approach may lead to better respiratory health and general well-being for the building's occupants.
Equipment Life: HVAC technicians can prolong the life of heating and cooling equipment by performing regular maintenance and timely repairs. This lessens the duration of time the equipment is out of commission owing to malfunctions and lowers the need for costly replacements.
Being the leading supplier of HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) services in Qatar, Energyplus probably offers complete HVAC solutions that are tailored to the region's unique building codes and climate. It is likely that their services are focused on achieving the best levels of comfort, energy efficiency, and indoor air quality for residential, commercial, and industrial clients in Qatar.
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jtworxptyltd · 7 months ago
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https://www.masterblogger.com.au/5-common-mistakes-to-avoid-when-selecting-an-anchor-point/
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thoughtfulenemyking · 1 year ago
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Ultra Clean: Your Trusted Partner for General Cleaning Services in Dammam
In the vibrant city of Dammam, where modernity meets tradition, cleanliness and hygiene are of paramount importance. A clean and healthy environment not only enhances the quality of life but also contributes to overall well-being. This is where professional cleaning services come into play, and Ultra Clean stands out as a trusted partner for general cleaning services in Dammam. In this article, we will explore the significance of professional cleaning, the excellence of Ultra Clean, and the advantages of choosing their services for all your cleaning needs.
The Importance of Professional Cleaning
Cleanliness is not just about aesthetics; it's about health, safety, and comfort. In a bustling city like Dammam, professional cleaning services are vital for several reasons:
Health and Hygiene: A clean environment reduces the risk of illnesses by minimizing the presence of germs, bacteria, and allergens.
Enhanced Productivity: Clean and organized spaces, whether at home or in the workplace, contribute to increased productivity and a better quality of life.
Aesthetics: Cleanliness enhances the appearance of spaces, creating a positive impression on visitors and residents alike.
Prolonged Asset Lifespan: Regular cleaning and maintenance can extend the lifespan of assets like furniture, carpets, and appliances.
Compliance: Some industries and businesses have strict cleanliness and hygiene regulations, making professional cleaning essential for compliance.
Ultra Clean: The Pinnacle of Professional Cleaning
Ultra Clean has established itself as a leading provider of general cleaning services in Dammam. With a commitment to excellence and a team of skilled professionals, they have earned the trust of businesses and residents alike. Here's why Ultra Clean stands out in the world of cleaning services:
Comprehensive Services: Ultra Clean offers a wide range of cleaning services, including residential cleaning, commercial cleaning, deep cleaning, and post-construction cleaning. They provide for a range of requirements and settings.
Experienced Team: Their team of experienced and well-trained professionals understands the nuances of cleaning, ensuring thorough and efficient results.
Customized Solutions: Ultra Clean believes in tailoring their services to meet the specific requirements of each client. They work closely with clients to create personalized cleaning plans.
Advanced Equipment: Ultra Clean employs state-of-the-art cleaning equipment and eco-friendly cleaning agents to ensure the highest cleaning standards while minimizing environmental impact.
Reliable and Punctual: Time is valuable, and Ultra Clean understands that. They adhere to schedules and ensure timely completion of cleaning tasks.
Quality Assurance: Quality is a top priority for Ultra Clean. Their supervisors conduct regular quality checks to maintain consistency and excellence in their services.
Transparency: Ultra Clean believes in transparent pricing and clear communication with clients. There are no hidden fees, and clients are kept informed at every step of the cleaning process.
Advantages of Choosing Ultra Clean
When you choose Ultra Clean for your general cleaning needs in Dammam, you reap several benefits:
Healthier Environment: Their thorough cleaning eliminates dust, allergens, and germs, creating a healthier living or working environment.
Time Savings: Professional cleaning services free up your time, allowing you to focus on more important tasks and enjoy leisure activities.
Enhanced Aesthetics: Your spaces will look and feel better after Ultra Clean's professional touch, making your home or workplace more inviting.
Long-Term Savings: Regular cleaning and maintenance by Ultra Clean can prolong the life of your assets, potentially saving you money on replacements.
Peace of Mind: With Ultra Clean, you can relax knowing that your cleaning needs are being handled by experts who take pride in their work.
Cleaning Services Tailored to Your Needs
Ultra Clean understands that different spaces have unique cleaning requirements. They offer a variety of specialized cleaning services to cater to these needs:
Residential Cleaning: Ultra Clean's residential cleaning services cover everything from routine house cleaning to deep cleaning for move-ins and move-outs. They ensure your home is a clean and comfortable sanctuary.
Commercial Cleaning: Businesses in Dammam trust Ultra Clean to maintain clean and hygienic workplaces. They offer customized cleaning solutions for offices, retail stores, restaurants, and more.
Deep Cleaning: Sometimes, a thorough deep cleaning is necessary to tackle accumulated dirt and grime. Ultra Clean's deep cleaning service ensures that no corner is left untouched.
Post-Construction Cleaning: After a construction project, debris and dust can be a nightmare. Ultra Clean specializes in post-construction cleaning to get your space ready for occupancy.
Carpet and Upholstery Cleaning: Carpets and upholstery can harbor allergens and odors. Ultra Clean's cleaning methods bring new life to your fabrics.
Window Cleaning: Sparkling clean windows enhance the view and the overall appeal of your space. Ultra Clean's window cleaning service ensures streak-free, crystal-clear windows.
Sustainability and Eco-Friendliness
Ultra Clean is not only committed to cleanliness but also to environmental responsibility. They use eco-friendly cleaning agents and practices to minimize their impact on the environment. Here's how they contribute to sustainability:
Green Cleaning Products: Ultra Clean selects cleaning products that are non-toxic and biodegradable, ensuring that your living or working environment remains safe and eco-friendly.
Energy-Efficient Equipment: Their state-of-the-art cleaning equipment is energy-efficient, reducing carbon emissions during the cleaning process.
Waste Management: Ultra Clean follows responsible waste management practices, including proper disposal and recycling, to reduce the environmental footprint.
In Dammam, where cleanliness is not just a preference but a necessity, Ultra Clean has emerged as the ultimate solution for general cleaning services. Their commitment to excellence, personalized approach, and dedication to environmental responsibility make them the top choice for residents and businesses alike. By choosing Ultra Clean, you not only ensure a cleaner and healthier living or working environment but also contribute to the overall well-being of Dammam's vibrant community. Trust Ultra Clean for all your cleaning needs and experience the difference a professional touch can make.
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scssltdcouk · 1 year ago
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Gutter Cleaning Bournemouth | Abseiling Companies London
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Explore SCSS, one of the leading abseiling companies in London. Ensure a clog-free environment with professional gutter cleaning services in Bournemouth. Trust our skilled team for safe and efficient results.
Gutter Cleaning and Upkeep
Our gutter cleaning and upkeep services are especially designed to cater to the demands of business establishments that require routine maintenance to maintain their gutters' efficiency and keep them free of debris. In order to keep your gutters clear of obstructions and damage, we clean and maintain them using equipment and supplies that are environmentally safe. With 3600w of hoover power, gutters up to 15 metres above the ground can be properly cleaned while keeping our feet firmly planted.
Cleaning of carpets
Maintaining your carpets properly will enhance indoor air quality and make your office a healthier place for your staff to work. We can work around your schedule to limit any disturbance to your business activities. Our team of skilled professionals is equipped to handle all varieties of carpets, from delicate fabrics to heavy-duty industrial carpets. 
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Air Quality Management
In addition to improving efficiency and extending the life of your HVAC system, proper ductwork cleaning can also result in lower energy costs. Our thorough ductwork cleaning service at Specialist Cleaning Support Services Ltd. involves an evaluation of the system and the delivery of a thorough report describing any required repairs or maintenance.
Why Choose SCSS?
1. Expertise and Experience
SCSS boasts a team of highly skilled and experienced abseilers. These professionals undergo rigorous training and certifications to ensure they can handle the complexities of working at heights. Their wealth of experience in the field guarantees efficient and safe results.
2. Safety First
Safety is the top priority for SCSS. They adhere to the strictest safety protocols, including using top-quality safety equipment, conducting regular inspections, and ensuring that their team is well-versed in emergency procedures. This commitment to safety provides peace of mind to both clients and abseilers.
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3. Comprehensive Services
SCSS offers a wide range of services, including:
Building Maintenance: From masonry repair to painting and structural assessments, SCSS can handle all aspects of building maintenance.
Window Cleaning: They specialize in cleaning high-rise windows, ensuring a crystal-clear view for residents and workers.
Facade Inspection: Regular facade inspections are crucial for identifying and addressing potential issues before they become major problems.
Gutter Cleaning: Proper gutter maintenance is essential to prevent water damage to buildings. SCSS can efficiently clean and clear gutters at any height.
Installation and Repair: Whether it's installing signage, banners, or repairing external features, SCSS has the expertise to get the job done.
4. Cutting-Edge Equipment
SCSS invests in the latest abseiling equipment and technology. This allows them to work efficiently and with precision, ensuring the highest quality of service for their clients.
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5. Tailored Solutions
Every building is unique, and SCSS understands that. They provide customized solutions based on the specific needs of each project. Whether it's a historic building or a modern skyscraper, SCSS has the expertise to handle it.
6. Environmental Responsibility
SCSS is committed to reducing its environmental footprint. They use eco-friendly cleaning products and implement sustainable practices wherever possible.
Know this website:- https://scssltd.co.uk/about-us/
Contact us:
Address: Specialist Cleaning Support Services Ltd
Cambridge House, 27 Cambridge Park London E11 2PU
Call us: 01202 016737
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dead-end-draws · 8 months ago
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WOF tribe Merchant/Trading booth concepts:
Hey folks! This one was the recent winner of this WOF poll, so here’s my concept art that headcannons trading in Pyrrhia.
Read below cut for close-ups of the individual booths + the thought process / headcannons behind the design choices: 👇
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Skywings: The Sky Kingdom’s mountain ranges provide plenty of pasture for raising sheep. As such, Skywing shepherds benefit from traveling to sell their wool, dyes, fabric, and woven tapestries. Many of these merchant tables also include herbs grown exclusively in the mountains, or ibex drinking horns that can be strapped on a dragon’s shoulder & carried in flight.
Along with goods, Skywing merchants may offer sewing services to fix tears, burn marks, or other fabric damage. They are sought out for their quality clothing, and most fabric across Pyrria originated from a Skywing’s talons.
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Mudwings: Mudwings’ abundant food & cooking skills are envied almost anywhere in Pyrrhia. Their swamps have fertile soil, responsible for hosting diverse crops which can be purchased as produce at merchant stalls. For those lucky enough to find a traveling Mudwing merchant, the promise of a delicious dish can be whipped up and served at the stall in no time. Along with produce goods, Mudwings sell weaved baskets, spices, and cooking ware.
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Sandwings: Sandwing booths offer luxuries of the desert: It’s most common to find accessories such as gold carved jewelry or musical instruments such as drums, lyres, & mandolins for sale. Though, even more sought out across Pyrrhia is Sandwing tattoos/piercings, which are done within the merchant areas. Ink etchings on papyrus paper are stationed outside their tents to showcase designs. All which can be selected, and poked into the skin with a tapping stick and plant dye ink by a trained talon.
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Seawings: SeaWings sell a variety of ocean related goods; taking a share in the fish market with Icewings. Outside of food, there are den decorations like driftwood carvings, accessories such as seashell & pearl jewelry, and rope nets weaved by expert Seawing sailors. Some Seawings even sell fishing equipment, canoes, or offer sailor knot tying instructions to curious dragon buyers.
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Nightwings: During the war, it was near impossible to find a Nightwing merchant. Most refused to participate in merchant territory, mostly as a way to keep up with their tribe’s mysterious nature.
Though in the more shady, unground parts of the market you can buy from a huge selection of obsidian weaponry, the sharpest in Pyrrhia. No one knew initially how Nightwings smithed so many weapons, or why, until their secret volcano kingdom and the intention to invade the rainforest was discovered. Then forging armor & weapons became clear. Along with a vast armory, for the right price, some Nightwing merchants offer Prophecies & Nightwing Literature (not always guaranteed to always be reliable) and assassin services as well (very reliable).
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Rainwings: Though Rainwings haven’t been part of Pyrrhia trading for years, they have a vast hold on dragon medicine. An apothecary of herbs, salves, and remedies are all offered for various ailments due to the rainforest’s abundant resources. Along with medicinal goods, many Rainwings are fruit vendors, promising to any hesitant meat-eating dragons that such an array of flavors isn’t to be missed. Though, their fruit selling pitches often fall flat to most other predominantly meat-eating tribes.
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Icewings: Icewings have everything a dragon could need to brace the cold, with a selection of goods only found in the most frigid regions of Pyrrhia. Furs, bone jewelry, and fresh fish (thanks to frost breath) are served on ice. Though Icewings themselves don’t require fur to withstand the cold, it’s considered fashionable and common in upper ranks to wear fur as a status symbol. Since metal is hard to smith without fire & in cold temperatures, fur and bone are more accessible to Icewings for clothing statements.
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insightnde · 2 years ago
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Get High-Accuracy API Tank Inspection Services Today!
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Insight NDE provides the highest quality API tank inspection service at competitive prices. Our talented and knowledgeable professionals use innovative technology to deliver accurate results on a timely basis. We are committed to client service excellence, safety, and maintaining a financially strong organization while encouraging individual achievement. Get a quote!
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mtandtgroup-blog · 6 months ago
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Discover efficient rope access solutions, techniques, and safety training. Our certified technicians provide services in cleaning, painting, and inspection.
For more click here: https://www.mtandt.com/services/rope-access-operations-and-services
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maliro-t · 11 days ago
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The highlight of Veilguard for me is the relationship between Solas and Rook- and I don't know how to write about this on the internet without being acutely aware of other peoples' criticisms (such as there not being enough of it)- so I'll just say up top that I'm not actually intending this as a refutation of any of those. I just want to talk about my experience with the game and why I like it so much, which will probably make obvious where I disagree with some reoccurring critiques I've seen. *
The thing about Solas in this game is that he plays the role of the trickster perfectly. As much as Fen'Harel is a myth or a persona, and the stories we know of him invented or twisted, his role in Veilguard feels like it could slot in so, so easily with the myths, and in many ways directly parallels them. He is sinister and noble, monstrous and sympathetic, ruthless and compassionate, all at once. He spends the game trapped and humbled but can be almost gleefully condescending at times. He conflates outsmarting an enemy with being right, even as he plays the long-suffering martyr, tortured by countless mistakes. He falls easily into the role of advisor but is quick to note your foolishness. To sneer and declare the problem yours and yet still impose upon you an appraisal of your conduct.
But more than any of that, for most of the game, he's...passive. Dormant. He seems to make no moves, other than as a glorified consultant, despite starting as the main threat.
In Blood of Arlathan, when he finally rears his head again as major a player on the board, it's with a gallant offer of help. As an ally. He is exactly what you need, right when you need it, and you don't even have to ask him to be. And- because you don't have constant access to him, you maybe haven't even considered him an option!
He feels extremely intentionally sparing to me before this in service of a) making you think you're the one with power over him and b) causing you to forget he might contribute at all, so that when he finally does, it seems wholly benevolent. It comes in a moment where your goals are exactly aligned, and indisputably noble.
It's a waiting game. A classic of his, harkening back to stories we've heard time and again about Fen'harel and traps.
As Felassan tells it in the Masked Empire:
Fen'Harel was captured by the hunting goddess, Andruil. He had angered her by hunting the halla without her blessing, and she tied him to a tree and declared that he would have to serve in her bed for a year and a day to pay her back. But as she made camp that night, the dark god Anaris found them, and Anaris swore that he would kill Fen'Harel for crimes against the Forgotten Ones. Andruil and Anaris decided that they would duel for the right to claim Fen'Harel. He called out to Anaris during the fight and told him of a flaw in Andruil's armor just above the hip, and Anaris stabbed Andruil in the side, and she fell. Then Fen'Harel told Anaris that he owed the Dread Wolf for the victory and ought to get his freedom. Anaris was so affronted by Fen'Harel's audacity that he turned and shouted insults at the prisoner, and so he did not see Andruil, injured but alive, rise behind him and attack with her great bow. Anaris fell with a golden arrow in his back, badly injured, and while both gods slumbered to heal their wounds, Fen'Harel chewed through his ropes and escaped.
He goads his enemies into fighting each other for his benefit. Anaris, who had hunted him, succeeds with Fen'Harel's advice, exploiting a weakness he could only see with his aid. In turn, Anaris himself is left exposed. The victory goes to Fen'Harel, who has now dispatched two enemies at once and cleverly won his freedom.
He who was both Creator and Forgotten One. Who could walk amongst both as kin, and who in the end turned his back on them all.
Another tale:
The god Fen'Harel was asked by a village to kill a great beast. He came to the beast at dawn, and saw its strength, and knew it would slay him if he fought it. So instead, he shot an arrow up into the sky. The villagers asked Fen'Harel how he would save them, and he said to them, 'When did I say that I would save you?' And he left, and the great beast came into the village that night and killed the warriors, and the women, and the elders. It came to the children and opened its great maw, but then the arrow that Fen'Harel had loosed fell from the sky into the great beast's mouth, and killed it. The children of the village wept for their parents and elders, but still they made an offering to Fen'Harel of thanks, for he had done what the villagers had asked. He had killed the beast, with his cunning, and a slow arrow that the beast never noticed.
Felassan is everywhere in the Crossroads, in memories, in regrets, in notes that speak to a time you can barely fathom and traces of a friendship that is never once brought up by Solas directly (to my knowledge at least). I think Felassan serves a lot of purposes; he's a window into history, into Solas' mind and ideals, someone who challenges moments of ruthlessness but is loyal, an advisor who keeps Solas grounded even as he pushes him to become something larger than he is, a lingering notion of a loss that you can never really see the full scale of, and so on. And I think, too, that he's written carefully to be a meaningful presence from the rebellion without explicitly spoiling what eventually happens to him, which I wouldn't be surprised if was a legit consideration made for people who might go back and read the Masked Empire after dav lol- in the same way that Trespasser only really spoils the book if you already know what happens.
But for me, every note signed with his name is almost a tongue-in-cheek warning about what's to come. Felassan. A slow arrow, fired apparently mockingly into the sky, only to strike true when it's least expected. A solution executed with neither kindness nor explanation, serving first and foremost the interests of the one who fired it. Felassan's presence in the game ever so slightly encodes a reminder of who you're actually dealing with and what his core tenants are, whether as an ally or an adversary. You only know if you know, but it doesn't seem an accident to me that this reoccurring name of a general who shaped himself in honor of the Dread Wolf's unorthodox cleverness is so key to these traces of Fen'Harel's past, despite, again, never directly being discussed.
Anyways, to Rook. First, I gotta give a shoutout to Bryony Corrigan, whose voice I used for mine- she honestly made the game for me, especially in moments where I felt unsure of it. I love Rook, I love how they're written, and I love how they're performed. While a complete blank slate protagonist can be really fun, I find putting myself as a player in conversation with limitations given by the game really fun and interesting, and often surprising! And I do feel there's still plenty of flexibility.
My perspective on the relationship between Rook and Solas in Veilguard is specific to how I played of course, and I haven't seen other versions of their dynamic at this point to compare so I can't speak to them. But my experience was as such:
I didn't come into the game wanting to intentionally antagonize him. If he rose at me, I rose at him- and those moments of tension were really, really fun. But I tried to accept what he gave me with a fairly open mind. Skepticism, sure, but also the knowledge that ultimately, we both wanted Elgar'nan and Ghilan'nain gone, and he knew them better than I did.
It was really gratifying, then, to see our rocky partnership evolve over time into what seemed like a genuine respect. But it didn't really feel straightforward to me either. For example, the conversation before Weisshaupt held a lot of weight for me: listening to him tell that chilling tale about undermining an enemy with persistent laughter and finding that 'Do whatever it takes to remove those who oppose you' was something we came out aligned on was.... There was an element of foreboding to that. Like, I had found myself actively trying to impress him here! And feeling good when it seemed like I had, but uneasy about how I had done it, even when I agreed with what I'd said.
And of course, after that comes Arlathan. Solas' big hero moment. This is the point in the game where our alliance finally felt comfortable to me. The conversation in the fade after was the first time that it really seemed like we were on even ground. And the game- not just Solas- told me here outright that I had earned his respect! After that, I didn't consider betrayal a possibility for a moment. Honestly, I barely even considered him an antagonist at all, because he had become a partner instead! I was expecting something clever down the line, but I wasn't worried about it hurting me. Our disagreements had been set aside, and the goal of his that I had initially opposed had been so thoroughly usurped I had forgotten that he was even pursuing it. And yes, that's perhaps naivety on my part, but I was so distracted by that not at all being the main plot that I forgot that it actually still was. Which is the whole point, right? He waits until your head is turned the other way to strike.
All this to say, my reaction when you kill Ghilan'nain and Solas uses the instability of the Veil to force you into his prison went beyond shock and confusion. It wasn't until well into his villain monologue that I was able to accept that he had betrayed me at all- having been thus far trying desperately to convince myself that the sequence I was seeing was Elgar'nan playing mind games in retaliation, and not actually Solas.
That prison moment is his Slow Arrow. You are Anaris to Elgar'nan's Andruil, the dagger the chink in her armor, and Ghilan'nain's death the golden arrow striking you in the back.
The wolf chews its leg off to escape the trap.
And I should say, I was coming at this all from the meta perspective of someone who loves Solas and empathizes with him and has never seen him as irredeemable or evil- and I, the player, who believed that all game and is ultimately satisfied with the resolution I got- felt hoodwinked as fuck in this moment lmao!!
There's a line in the prison that Varric has about it being easier for Solas to play the villain when he knows he's causing harm- so I do think he plays up his sinisterness here on purpose. But it's such a slap in the face coming straight off of "You have earned the respect of the Dread Wolf." A true and profound betrayal, at least for me.
And it doesn't stop there! His trickster maneuvers and half-truths aren't done until the credits roll. I love that when you meet again, he is nothing but apologies. He makes every concession- that Varric was a good man, that every victory in this fight has been yours, that he needs you and not the other way around, that he was wrong and made mistakes and betrayed people who never deserved it. And of course, we know from experience at this point that this won't stop him from doing it again anyways. But he never holds back from placing the blame on himself. Agreeing with you. Telling you you're right, and that Elgar'nan must be stopped. He only ever says things that are true. Things that are aligned with your point of view.
"[The veil] will never come down by my hand." Well, yes. Because it will fall on its own when Elgar'nan is dead. You won't hardly have to do anything at that point, Solas, will you?
It doesn't matter if Rook isn't falling for it, because if they don't accept his partnership, they lose! That's it! It's the same as it was at the start, but with the added sting of knowing it probably won't work out in your favor this time.
I remember before launch John Epler saying that Solas sees himself in Rook, which really echoes throughout the whole game for me. There are some ways you could say Solas seems opposite to Rook- and of course this can wax and wane depending on roleplaying choices, but the central conceit of Rook as Varric's recruit is that they are a specialist in being willing to act. And on the surface at least, that's kind of counter to Solas' Slow Arrow, right? Blunt force versus delayed gratification. But not entirely! Because every backstory we have for Rook revolves around a kind of heroism that is unorthodox enough to have left you ultimately punished for it. Like yeah, yeah, you saved some lives.... The optics were kinda bad though, so maybe you could go on a sabbatical for a while?
Rook is, from the start, an unconventional and unsung hero, admonished by some for ruffling feathers that they shouldn't have in pursuit of a noble goal. Not unlike Fen'Harel.
I find, too, that there's kind of a nesting doll of parallels around Rook and Solas as foils that the whole story hinges on:
We see Solas, his regrets plastered on every wall, each of them tied to Mythal. At every turn he seems to warn her that this is not the right path, but he follows her down it anyways, until he is left with nothing but an overwhelming need to fix what they have broken.
We see Felassan, who still wears Mythal's vallaslin on his face, challenging Solas' judgement and methods, but still standing by him through the rebellion, after the Veil, for however many thousands of years they slept. Ultimately, in the Masked Empire, the thing that makes him falter is his admiration for someone else's pursuit of freedom. His admiration for Briala.
"I suspect you'll hate this, but she reminds me of-"
Solas is Rook. Solas is Briala. Upstarts, flawed defenders, people who are made into leaders because of their willingness to fight for something. Who see injustice and cannot rest.
Solas is Felassan, the devoted general. One who pushes against his orders but cannot deny them. Someone who loves the cause, but more than that is dedicated to the person who champions it. A voice of reason who, in the end, turns away.
Solas is Mythal, a pragmatic leader, responsible for uncountable deaths. Someone who has relied on partners and power structures that have led her down a dark path, partners whose mistakes in their pursuit of power have become her own. Partners who in the end betray her.
Solas is trapped in his regrets because they are not all his. He struggles with having been failed and with how he has failed others, and in his mind the two become conflated. He carries these contradictory roles on his back- perpetrator and victim, betrayer and betrayed- and cannot see how to overcome them. He is ultimately freed by Mythal's absolution because the foremost factor in his crusade is not belief but guilt.
The ends have to justify the means, because there is no other way he can live with himself. And at every step, he is trying to redeem Mythal as much as he is trying to redeem himself.
He did not want a body, but she asked him to come. He wanted to give wisdom, not orders. I will always follow where you go.
He left a scar when he burned her off his face.
It was all for her. It was always for her.
Solas' duplicity is unending, but so is his devotion. And there is such an earnestness to a Rook, always betrayed, that sees and empathizes with that and uses it to free him.
* I will say that during the game I was definitely wishing you could show your hand to him a little more and press him about his memories prior to the endgame (and separate from this I have quibbles with the impact of some of those memory reveals- like wrt the delivery just not feeling as weighty as I would like. The payoff is absolutely still there in the end, it just felt to me like they were too nonchalantly getting a ton of info out that had to be established moving forward, despite these being like earthshattering reveals that people have Correctly (!!!!) theorized about for up to 15 years). That being said, in retrospect it would have lessened the impact of the finale to have pressed Solas about, for example, his relationship to Mythal prior to absolutely pulling the rug out from under him with it at the 11th hour. And additionally, it's a structural nightmare because you can uncover the memories at almost any point in the story, and you don't have constant access to Solas to chat with him about them. Which you shouldn't imo, in service to the story being told!! But it's also true that early on I found scenes with Solas super gripping, and scenes with my team often...not. And that was initially disheartening, but developed positively over time on all fronts once the game didn't have to worry about setting things up. So, I did wish for more here at first, but I've revised my opinion now that I can see the whole arc.
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energyplus-technicalservices · 24 days ago
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Is rope access safer than scaffolding?
To answer your question, the answer is yes; in many instances, rope access can be safer than scaffolding. A significant portion of this can be attributed to the stringent safety measures, the training requirements, and the inherent flexibility of the technique.
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A comparison of the safety aspects that are connected with rope access and scaffolding is presented in the following manner:
comprehensive pedagogical training and certification
Technicians that work with rope access are needed to undergo comprehensive training and certification, with the primary focus being placed on safety, the correct handling of equipment, and rescue operations. This measure is adopted in order to guarantee that only qualified professionals are responsible for carrying out duties that need them to work at a height. Scaffolding workers are also required to take training; however, the level of technical expertise and the emphasis placed on safety in rope access training is often higher. This is especially true when one takes into consideration the fact that technicians are directly responsible for the safety devices that they have installed.
2. A reduction in the hazards and dangers that are present
As a result of the use of rope access, the quantity of extensive equipment and buildings that are required is reduced, which in turn decreases the risks that are associated with the assembly, deconstruction, and movement of the structure. Due to the fact that there are fewer people involved in the process of setting up, the likelihood of accidents occurring is significantly reduced. As a result of the additional time, equipment, and personnel that are necessary for the erection and disassembly of scaffolding, the probability of accidents occurring is increased. It is conceivable for the physical structure of scaffolding to be vulnerable to external factors such as wind, which could lead to the development of conditions that are even more hazardous than they already were.
3. Procedures to Ensure the Continuity of Safety and Redundancy
Rope access makes use of a dual-rope system, which is comprised of a primary working rope and a backup safety rope, in order to provide redundancy. This system is used for the goal of offering alternative access. In the event that one of the ropes breaks, the backup mechanism will make certain that the technician is not compromised in any way. Before each and every piece of equipment is put to service, it is subjected to a comprehensive inspection, and there is a system in place to deal with any emergencies that may occur. In order for scaffolding to function properly, the structure's structural integrity must be maintained. If this integrity is compromised, it can result in events that are more severe. Furthermore, despite the fact that it is vital to undertake complete inspections and maintenance on scaffolding in order to guarantee its safety, problems may still develop, particularly with larger installations.
4.Adaptability and the ability to respond quickly without delay
When compared to rope access, which makes it easier for technicians to traverse tough regions, scaffolding is more harder to climb. As a result of this, it is a good alternative for tasks that require a rapid turnaround time and urgent repairs, which are situations in which erecting scaffolding would take an excessive amount of time and create a bigger risk. Because it takes a significant amount of time to set up scaffolding, it provides less flexibility than other available options. It is possible that scaffolding is not a practical solution in circumstances where repairs are required quickly or in an emergency situation. This is due to the lengthy process of putting it up and taking it down.
5.Environmentally friendly and less invasive to the natural environment
Due to the fact that rope access requires only a small quantity of equipment, it is less disturbing to the environment and the operations that are taking place in the surrounding area. Due to the fact that this is the case, the probability of accidents occurring at the workplace as a consequence of interference with other tasks is reduced. Scaffolding, because of its increased extent, has the ability to restrict movement and create hazards for persons and equipment that are passing by. This is because of the scale of the scaffolding. Additionally, because it takes up more space, it can result in additional safety difficulties. This is because of the fact that it is problematic.
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tanoraqui · 8 months ago
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In Which Space Orcs are Men
[AO3] A "what if humans are space orcs" take on Dagor Dagorath. (Aka the prophecied apocalypse of Middle Earth. Scifi story accessible to non-LotR nerds!)
Elves weren't really supposed to leave Earth. That's what they told us—the Elves, that is, told people thousands of years ago, when Elves could still be found here and there. When I was born, elves were nearly as much a fairy tale as they’d been on Ancient Earth.
Elves weren't supposed to leave Earth, the Elves said in the fairy tales, and in a few old scraps of records scattered around known space. They literally weren't made for it. They could only do it if they brought Earth with them—Arda they called it, leaves or dirt, water or a rare bubble of air, perfectly preserved in a white crystal. There are tons of tales about Elves losing their lifeline jewels—their hearts, their silimirs—and roping people into epic quests to get them back before they—the Elf—faded to nothingness. 
Even the jewels weren't enough, though. That's why there are also stories about Elves who fell in love with a person or a place and stayed there until they faded, or Elves who charmed someone into following them back to Fairyland on Earth...because whatever they said, Elves didn't really live on Earth. Humans have maintained their home planet as a monitored nature reserve since like the 40th century, open only to vetted research teams and serious Human religious pilgrimages. The most confirmed accounts of Elves that exist are of their ships appearing out of nowhere, with no trace of any tech that would enable it, at random, always-changing points within 100 miles or so of Earth.
Nobody ever came back from trying to follow Elves home. Mostly Elves tried to dissuade people from trying. But there are always crazy and curious people—and Elves usually attracted those, because any Elf who left the home they were "made" for was usually crazy and curious themselves. 
Those were the stories I grew up with. There was a cave near the orphans' creche which was supposed to be haunted by a faded Elf. I didn't really believe it—like I said, the last confirmed Elf was last seen like 5,000 years ago, and not even on my planet. People have met two dozen new sentient races since then. We've discovered that reincarnation is probably real (just functionally untrackable), prompting the Pan-Religious Reform Wars. The last person to see a live Elf was still traveling via natural wormholes—they literally didn't know that you could loop pi.
.
When the Human natal sun started to turn really red, it wasn’t that big a deal at first. It’s a very important, very sad event for any species, but it happens to everyone eventually. It happened to the Hectort just after we invented interstellar flight. There were some unusual gravatic waves around Earth’s Sol, but nothing worth noting to anyone who didn’t already care for personal reasons.
Then the Elves sent us a message.
The local Parks Service picked it up, of course. I bet the Humans meant to hush it up at first—though the Centaurian government still won’t admit anything—but someone leaked it immediately on the intergalactic net. It should’ve only been famous as a joke of a hoax, but…
It was basically just a metal box with rudimentary fire-thrusters soldered on the sides. It contained two things. The first was a recording/replaying device so antiquated that the only way they got it working is that it was already playing on loop, and didn’t stop until someone disconnected it from its power source.
The message was in Ancient Bouban, which some folklorist soon announced is the latest language an Elf could know, since the last known Elf went back to “Arda.” The voice somehow sounded melodic to every species with a concept of music, from the screeching Vesarians to the deep-sea sub-sonic Thinkers, even when translated through cheap, staticky speakers. And to most species, the speaker was audibly distraught.
They said,
This is the final message from the Firstborn of Eru to the Secondborn, and everyone else. The Battle of Battles has come, and we…are losing. If there are any who remember the ancient love and loyalty which bound our peoples, if there are any heirs remaining of Thargalax the Magnificent, of Nine-Fingered Frodo, of the noble Houses of Haleth, Hador and Beor—
The speaker drew a sharp breath, there.
—by great oaths and greater friendship I bid you now to raise your swords and ride to our aid. Ride as swiftly as you can!
We will hold for another year. We will, they said determinedly. After that, it is unlikely that…
Another, shakier breath. A smile forced into a voice which would rather weep.
Fëanáro and Nienna believe there is a way to destroy the Straight Road. If we must, if it comes to it, we will do so, and trap the First Enemy here in this dying world with us. Though I don’t know about—
Hair-aristocrat! a more distant, slightly less perfectly melodious voice called, in a language so dead that they needed computers to decode it. The walls are falling, we need to go!
If you never hear from us again, and no sudden discord arises among you, you will know we succeeded, the first speaker said quickly. If otherwise…I am sorry. Either way, I bid you all only, remember us! Oh beautiful flames, remember us, as we have ever remembered y— 
There was a sudden screech of tearing metal, a defiant, musical battle-cry, and a jarring silence. Then the message restarted.
And that wasn’t even the strangest thing in the box. The strangest thing was the recorder’s power source, which was powering the whole tiny rocket mechanism as well. It was an Elf-jewel right out of a fairy tale, a fist-sized, translucent not-quite-diamond—but instead of rock or water or a much-loved scrap of plant, the only thing it held was light.
...Kind of. It isn’t normal light. It arguably isn’t light at all, as we know it—scientists now think it’s technically some sort of plasmoid aether, except it only acts like a plasmoid aether about half the time. 
It has no detectable source within the jewel. It fully illuminates whatever space it’s in, no matter how big. Its visible radiation is a frequency, the scientists say, that matches a hyper-accelerated version of what the universe must’ve sounded like in the split second after the Big Bang.
It makes people remember things, when they see it in person or sometimes even across a holo. Some remember a similar light in a strange traveler’s eyes. Others, dreamily enchanted valleys where spring never faded, or tall castles, bright swords, and stern and glorious lords and ladies. And some of us got hit with a whole lifetime of memories in one go: an identical gem on the brow of a sober forest king, friends who slipped through trees like shadows save for their merry laughter, an impossibly beautiful gold-haired maiden dancing in a glittering cavern...
(And all the pain and loss that came with them.)
And some people just remember the sight of a distant star—in another world, in another lifetime.
Reincarnation was provable but untraceable…until now. 
The Thinker ambassador on Astrolax Station 5 was the first to kick up a fuss. Most Thinkers never leave their home planet, they're too huge and aquatic. But like I said, there's always crazy and curious people. The ambassador started bellowing the second che heard the message, without even seeing the light, because, "I know him! My Wisdom! We must send aid!" That made some news, and random other people shared their own, less dramatic revelations, and soon a compilation swept the net with timestamps showing that most of them were organically independent, not just jumping on the bandwagon….
Even that might've gotten written off intergalactically. The Thinkers are big in reincarnationist circles, on account of how they claim that deep in their planetary ocean they can hear echoes of their past lives. But being mostly planet-bound means they're not really influential on a big political level. Or it would've sparked another surge of the Reform Wars, and everybody would've remembered the rock, but not the recording. Or there would’ve been a fight over this potentially infinite energy source (though that is so last giga-annum)….
But first it was shown in person to the current Director of the Admiralty of the Astral Alliance, President of the X-ee Empire and Matron of the House of S,sh, Ch’ees/i’i S,sh. I was actually there—I was Captain of her ceremonial Alliance guards, in a last-ditch attempt to salvage my career after Zanzibus. Very ceremonial, considering the X-eee have laser-proof shells and pincers and I have, what, opposable thumbs? Vestigial tusks?
I wasn’t paying attention at first, too busy being suddenly assaulted by all my own memories. So I missed the President freezing mid-step and gasping (in X-eee), “Mother.” I also missed her rising alarm call of an attempt to speak Ancient Elvish without an Elvish tongue or lips.
I sure didn’t miss her snap back to X-eee for a sharp call to attention, and everything that followed: the call to arms! The rousing of the Alliance! A tour of the galaxy, to find anyone and everyone else in whom the Light could awaken ancient memories! And for the love of X'eeh, why had nobody figured out how to get back to Fairyland with this thing yet, and every warship in the quadrant?!
If I believed in the One Behind, or in any other creator god or gods—I'm not saying I do, but if I did, if there really is something out there all-powerful and all-kind—then it'd be because out of every soul in the entire universe, the probably one in the best position to act on the Elves' message turned out to have, from a past life, two parents and a much-loved twin still in Fairyland. Like, that's insane, right?
I stayed with the Director's ceremonial guards for the whole tour, actually more than ceremonial for once—it was the weirdest mission of my life, and I've been on a lot of weird missions. Or supposedly routine missions that got weird (and usually disastrous). My friends joke that I'm cursed. S,sh requisitioned an Inquiry-class ship, so the science boffins could study the Light and jewel along the way, and we started wormholing at weft speed, hitting a new planet every week. Sometimes every day. In each major spaceport and ground-city, S,sh stood with the jewel on the highest available point and gave a recruitment speech for going to save the Elves and fight the oldest enemy of all reality. 
Honestly, it seemed a little redundant? The Astral Alliance was made for this sort of rescue mission (and for escorting trade convoys). But I was...if not happy, then sure as hell more self-certain with my ancient memories restored, and most people who joined up seemed to agree. It was mostly people who remembered, when exposed to the Light, who joined—so before long, we had a whole tag-along trail of mostly civilian ships, trying to get up to Alliance Fleet standard on the road in less than a year.
Three different religious sects tried to kill S,sh for "profaning the mysteries." Five others tried to steal the jewel because we were apparently appropriating a holy object. The boffins announced that, bar the can't-prove-a-negative possibility, the evidently sourceless Light should be counted as an infinite energy source, and at least seven different groups, ruthless financiers and sustainability idealists, immediately tried to steal it for that. And I still don't know what the rival thief-queens of Likkiliani were about, except that I got tied up upside-down from a palmdar tree for two hours trying to stop one, the other paid me 700 cron then threw me off a cliff, and in the end they recognized each other from past lives and just made out on worldwide live-holo before joining our growing fleet. 
It turned out they were the Director's past life's great-grandparents, and a Canid pop princess was her niece. The Thinker ambassador was some sort of ancestor, too. Crazy extended family. 
Most people who remember just remember the sight of a star in the sky. A buddy of mine from Fleet Academy remembered looking up at it as a Human sailor. The historians—and you’d better bet we picked up some Earther historians on this mission as well!—say this jewel or one like it was probably astrologically conflated with the planet Venus by early Humans.
(The more time I spent around the jewel, the Silmaril, the more I remembered, of my first life and more. Lifetime after lifetime with bad luck dogging my steps, killing loved ones in my arms, destroying cities I was supposed to save… One restless, haunted night, I met a Rigilic in the cafeteria who’d been awake with some of the same nightmares, who’d been my dead older sister once.)
The tour was cut short when word came from the Earth system that there was a black hole growing in the center of their reddening sun. 
No, the sun wasn’t compressing into a black hole millennia ahead of schedule—one had just spontaneously manifested within it, like it’d teleported in. No, not literally—that was impossible. We were pretty sure. No, the sun wasn’t falling into it…somehow. Yet. The black hole was only 17 quectometers wide, but it was growing at an erratic but unceasing rate. If their best estimation of the pattern held, it would consume the sun 2 months before the Elves’ deadline, and the Earth 4 to 950 minutes later.
We pulled back to Earth—well, to the dwarf planet Eros, on the edges of Earth’s star system. That’s where the nearest shipyard of any note was, and we were gathering the whole Astral Alliance. This is exactly the sort of thing the Alliance is for. 
I was released back to ship duty. Zanzibus was still a black mark on my record, as was Jorab, and really everything on the AAS Endeavor…and that thing in third year of Fleet Academy… But no matter how bad my curse, I was an experienced captain and one of the best pilots in the Alliance. For this, we needed all the best.
The boffins had pretty quickly mastered limited manipulation of the Light, using modified aetheric resonators, and every day they came up with something new for us to test. They focused the Light into a laser cannon like no one has seen before. They laced it through plasma shields until a fully shielded ship glowed like a distant star. They managed to nearly replicate the Silmaril’s crystalline structure, so they could make “copies” that shone like the original for first a few hours; then, with refinement, a full week…
The one thing they couldn’t pin down with any real confidence was how to get to Fairyland. The frequency of the Light resonated with large bodies of Earther saltwater in a particular way, and models suggested that if the Light source moved horizontally along the water within a certain range of distance and velocity, the resonance would create a wormhole-like ripple in space—but wormhole-like, was the key word, and models suggested. The closest anyone had seen to that spatial distortion was in a logbook of dubious veracity from the Delta Quadrant, four hundred years ago. Alteia, my Academy buddy who’d been a Human sailor, took the Silmaril in an M-wing on a series of highly monitored test flights above the Atlantic Ocean, and space did repeatedly start to hollow in front of bom—so bo had to stop every time, rather than risk vanishing with our single, maybe-one-way ticket.
Then Earth’s moon stopped shining in the sky. Its albedo just dropped nearly to zero, from one night to the next. There was nothing wrong that anyone could figure out—nothing with the orbit, nothing with the surface rock, nothing with the artificial atmosphere. Inhabitants reported feeling colder by several degrees, but no measuring equipment recorded anything.
The black hole slightly off-center in the middle of Sol was now 844.9 zeptometers, and growing more steadily.
We didn’t have time to keep testing. We needed to raise our swords and make our ride, even if we only got one shot at it.
I was given command, for seniority, skill, and because I was the one who managed to talk S,sh out of leading the fleet herself. (If my lives had taught me anything, it was the importance of having someone, anyone, ready to be emergency backup.) Ironically, I was back on the Endeavor, with most of my old crew—though we got permission to rename the ship, in honor of the mission. A lot of people did. Alteia was now commanding the AAS Elendil on my right flank, star-friend in Ancient Elvish. That Canid pop princess had taken over a hospital ship and renamed it Rivendell. An Earth Park Ranger, of all things, remembered being my dad—briefly—and he was leading the Rangers plus my Rigilic drinking buddy on the EPSS Elfsheen. 
We weren’t sure if any ship but the one with the Silmaril would get through. The fleet numbered in the hundreds in battleships alone, not counting scouts and scuttlers. Twelve races had sent ships on top of their typical Alliance Fleet tithe, and S,sh had brought about half the full force of the X-ee Empire. We all just locked tractor beams and hoped. 
I was piloting as well as captaining, with the Silmaril between my forehorns. It was held in place by about a dozen wires and other connectors to the ship, like an old-timey pilot’s headset. We took off in orbit around Earth, as close as possible to the surface—not very close, in warships of Class S and higher, but within range of the oceanic resonance. A Likkilianian thief-queen stood at my shoulder, ready to advise if anything “Musical” started to happen.
Think about what you’re trying to get to, and why, the boffins had advised, so I did—bright-eyed kings and dancing maidens; lost friends, families, cities, planets and all. The jewel got warmer against my skin and shone brighter with every pulse of the engine, brighter than we should’ve been able to see through.
The silver-gold Light twisted and diffused as space did around us. But there was no familiar rippling wormhole boundary—instead, spacetime thinned to a curtain like driving rain, like Vesarian silver-glass.
A ghost appeared next to me. She looked like the oldest, grumpiest writing teacher at the crèche, though I knew that was only in my head.
“There you are,” she said, impatient and relieved like I’d been hiding in the sandbox again, rather than coming to class on time. Her sewing scissors went snip snip snip as she darted them around my body—and a chain on my soul faded into guiding threads.
Before she’d even disappeared again, I punched the engine and blasted through the silver-glass curtain.
Fairy tales said there’d be a peerlessly beautiful land on the other side, green with eternal spring, full of endless light and laughter. They said there’d be sunlit shores and shimmering waves, with welcoming docks for sea-ships, sky-ships and space-ships all…
We flew into the worst battlefield I’d ever seen, in any lifetime. It was more desperately vicious than Jerusalem V at the height of the Reform Wars, more ruined than Glaurung’s wake, more desolate than Zanzibus after the nuclears fell.
Either a massive supercontinent or a small moon had been shattered, leaving nothing but a roiling debris field. The brand-new meteoroids ranged from pebbles to rocks the size of a small space station, and included space-frozen corpses, forests, and what might have once been city blocks.
I gave the helm back to my Pilot Officer—zer had, I can admit, slightly better reflexes for dodging debris—and focused on captaining.
Most of the life signs were clinging to the larger rocks. There shouldn’t have been atmosphere for them, but walls of thunderstorm wrapped around every shard with even a single life sign—wind and water desperately hand in hand to safeguard the last of the Elves. The only thing visible through the impossible storms was the Light of a second Silmaril, on a meteoroid shaped like half a broken eggshell.
A corpse lay at the epicenter of the explosion—what might’ve been a corpse, if it wasn’t also shattered. The broken pieces of a massive stone humanoid, taller than my ship if it’d stood beside her, still bleeding lava so hot that it burned even in frozen space. Another titan knelt at the shards of its head, a figure of towering bark and leaves, wailing with grief even worse than the end of the world. 
A slimmer tree-woman stood with one hand on her shoulder, comforting, and the other wielding a skyscraper-sized club spiked with incandescent wildflowers. Guarding her sister’s heartbreak, she fended off a swarm of bat-sized monsters with wings of darkness and whips of flame. 
Bat-sized relative to the gods of Elves and ancient Humans. About the size of an M-wing, in flight.
Countless more of the bat-things flung themselves at the storm-bubbles, like carnivores chasing the prey hidden inside. They were fended off by an equal army of creatures with wings of light and swords of lightning, led by a towering figure who seemed to dance from one bloody battle to the next.
The biggest battle by far was the farthest away, over where the sun had been. In this dimension of stories over science, Sol was another woman-shape, smaller than the others but burning just as brightly as her star. Also just as blood-red. The light was centered on a fist she kept clenched at her chest, and instead of containing the black hole, the unseeable thing that it was here surrounded her, striking at her with a thousand hungry jaws and grasping legs, and she had only a one-handed whip of a solar flare to fend it off—
But she didn’t fight alone. A warrior tore at the Darkness’s spidery limbs with his fists, image on the cameras flickering impossibly between every hero I’d ever heard of. A snarling figure bit at it with jagged teeth, gored it with horns, shredded it with claws and talons, and generally made every ancient prey-instinct in me scream. And a queen with a crown of stars, a shield like the night sky and a sword like a streaking comet, stood dauntlessly at the sun-holder’s side. 
With all that, and with the speed of even her most exhausted strikes, I thought the sun-holder could probably have gotten away if she’d tried. But I knew how a person fought when they weren’t willing to leave a friend, and a smaller, silver figure lay at her feet, unmoving and drained of light.
But even the battle for the sun wasn’t what grabbed my eye. No—all my attention, all my guiding threads of fate and the quick temper that always used to get me in trouble, before (and sometimes after) I learned to leash it in an Alliance uniform— All of that took me straight to the fight happening orthogonal to the stone giant’s corpse.
It was another one-versus-many. Morgoth, the First Enemy of Elves and Men— Master of Lies, Maker of Chains, Sonofabitch Curser of Bloodlines—towered over even his fellow gods. His shape changed constantly, sickeningly, but it was always black-armored with eyes like dying stars that hated you personally. His maul dripped with lava and every other kind of blood.
He fought against three great gray figures who moved as one. The tallest wielded a star-studded scythe with swift, efficient strokes, and wore the dark gray of corpse-shrouds. The shortest shimmered with more colors than even a Stamotapadon could dream of, and his weapon shifted likewise. The third was the clear, clean gray of skies after rain or tears run dry, and fought with only a shield—and hit harder with it than either of her brothers.
Around their heads darted the only Elves on the battlefield, in small fliers more like sea-ships than aircraft. But they moved fluidly, pestering the Dark Lord like flies, pricking his skin and threatening his burning eyes.
Until Morgoth swung his maul with a roar of fury that traveled even though soundless space. My ship and heart both shuddered. The gray gods all staggered back, and the Elves fell from the no-longer-sky—all but their leader, more fire than flesh, who wore the third Silmaril. Morgoth caught him in one massive black hand and with sharp claws plucked the jewel away, as easily as a ripe berry from a tree—
“All power to fore-cannon and fire,” I ordered—and the jewel on my brow shone bright again as several stored months’ worth of infinite Silmaril-Light slammed into Morgoth’s chest with all the force that the best scientists in the Astral Alliance could engineer. 
He stumbled. He dropped both the jewel and the elf-king (who’d been trying to bite him). The Lady of Mercy tossed her shield to catch them, staying low and out of sight—though she needn’t have bothered. The so-called “Lord of All” had already found his next enemy.
“All ships, move forward and join shields,” I ordered, and met his burning stare though the viewscreen. “Then broadcast me on all external frequencies.”
The wires on my forehead shimmered as we shifted Light-flow to the shields—and to my right, so did the Elendil, and to my left, the Cosmian Blade, and all around us the Minas Tirith, the Elfsheen, the Muse, the Rivendell, the Heart of Zanzi, the Longbottom Leaf… They were still soaring out of the silvery distortion behind me, tractor- and Silmaril-towed: sleek Rigilic eels-of-prey and Centaurian cruisers full of Humans eager to fight for their homeworld, Betan mine-ships and Canid X-M-wings and my own Hectoan starlighters, a full third of the X-ee navy with their X-eee–shaped six-engine dreadnoughts, and hundreds more. 
“This is Captain Pel Cinia, once Túrin Turambar, of the Astral Alliance ship Gurthang,” I said. My words were broadcast from every ship on every frequency in every language that the people of Arda might know, as the Fleet assembled from forty-plus different worlds flew into position. Our Light-infused shields blazed and locked together, until we formed a seamless wall right in the Enemy’s face, with the Elves and their other allies safely behind us.
I’ve never felt more proud to recite the most cliché line in the Fleet:
“We got your distress call. We’re here to help.”
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jtworxptyltd · 8 months ago
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The Ultimate Guide to Caulking: Tips, Tricks, and Techniques
In the realm of home improvement, few tasks are as essential yet often overlooked as caulking. While it may seem like a minor detail, proper caulking plays a crucial role in maintaining the integrity and aesthetics of your home.
Whether you're sealing gaps, preventing water damage, or enhancing energy efficiency, mastering the art of caulking can save you time, money, and frustration in the long run. In this comprehensive guide, let’s delve into everything you need to know about Caulking Sydney - wide, from selecting the right materials to mastering application techniques.
Understanding Caulking
Before diving into the practical aspects of caulking, it's important to understand what it is and why it matters. Caulk is a flexible material, typically made of silicone, latex, or polyurethane, used to seal gaps and joints on various surfaces.
Its primary purpose is to prevent air and moisture infiltration, thus improving energy efficiency and preventing damage caused by water intrusion. Caulk can be applied to a wide range of surfaces, including windows, doors, bathtubs, sinks, and countertops, among others.
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Choosing the Right Caulk
With numerous caulking products available on the market, selecting the right one for your project can be overwhelming. Here are some key factors to consider when choosing caulking materials:
Type of Surface
Different surfaces require different types of caulk. For example, silicone caulk is ideal for wet areas like bathrooms and kitchens, while acrylic latex caulk is suitable for interior surfaces.
Flexibility and Durability
 Consider the flexibility and durability of the caulking Sydney and beyond, especially if the joint is subjected to movement or exposure to harsh weather conditions.
Paintability
 If you plan to paint over the caulk, ensure it is paintable and compatible with the type of paint you intend to use.
Mould and Mildew Resistance
 In moisture-prone areas, opt for a caulk that is specifically formulated to resist mould and mildew growth.
Preparing for Caulking
Proper preparation is essential for achieving a professional-looking caulking job. Follow these steps before applying caulk:
Clean the Surface
Remove any dirt, debris, or old caulk from the joint using a utility knife, scraper, or caulk remover.
Dry the Area
Ensure the surface is completely dry before applying caulk to prevent adhesion issues.
Masking
Use painter's tape to mask off the area around the joint to achieve clean, straight lines.
Caulking Techniques
Mastering caulking techniques is key to achieving a neat and durable seal. Follow these steps for successful caulking:
Cut the Tip
Cut the tip of the caulk tube at a 45-degree angle to control the flow of the caulk.
Apply Even Pressure
Use a caulking gun to apply steady, even pressure to the trigger while guiding the tip along the joint.
Smooth the Caulk
After applying the caulk, use a caulk finishing tool or your finger dipped in soapy water to smooth the bead and remove excess caulk.
Remove Tape
If you use masking tape, carefully remove it immediately after smoothing the caulk to create clean edges.
Caulking Maintenance
Regular maintenance is essential to ensure the longevity of caulking. Inspect caulking periodically for signs of wear, damage, or mould growth and repair or replace it as needed. Additionally, keep an eye out for gaps or cracks that may develop over time and address them promptly to prevent further damage.
Final Thoughts
Caulking may seem like a simple task, but it plays a significant role in protecting your home from moisture damage, improving energy efficiency, and enhancing aesthetics. By understanding the different types of caulk, proper preparation techniques, and mastering application methods, you can achieve professional results and maintain the integrity of your home for years to come. So, roll up your sleeves, grab your caulking Sydney gun, and embark on your next home improvement project with confidence!
Source - https://jtworxptyltd.blogspot.com/2024/04/the-ultimate-guide-to-caulking-tips.html
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