#slash wasting their valuable time

[whentherewerebicycles]

ok can someone advise me on what to do. I have gone to two different eye doctors over the past two years and both have given me multiple prescriptions that are “wrong,” in the sense that they don’t give me clear vision (it’s blurry, I have to squint a little bit all the time, I can’t read fine print or see low contrast images very well, and I have to have a ton of lights on very bright to read at night). the one I just went to spent literally no more than two minutes doing the “1 or 2” thing, and even though I kept saying “it’s still blurry, it’s still not clear, I still can’t read below the giant letters,” he finalized the prescription anyway. unsurprisingly when the trials came in I could tell immediately that they were really off, to the point where I didn’t feel comfortable driving in them. then he ordered me a different pair which were somehow even worse. when I called to ask he told me kinda impatiently that it was impossible to give me 20/20 vision and 20/40 was the best he could do… but like honestly I’m not even sure I’m getting 20/40 vision given how off these feel? I also don’t know if he’s full of shit or right? I don’t want to spend a bunch of money doing exams all over again at a new eye doctor if it’s true that they can’t fix my vision or even get it to something I can kinda live with. aghhh I’m just so tired of having eye strain ALL the time and not being able to like, idk, read the menu board when I walk into a restaurant to order food.

[modelbus]

I've been in the worst writing slump... so I've defaulted to Kaz Brekker (oops). This didn't get as far as I wanted it to, but it's about 2k words!

Be warned: This contains death (murder), kidnapping, violence, skin trading, mentioned sex work, human trafficking (called "the skin trade" in here), weaponry, and I think that's it!

Pairing: Kaz Brekker x Gn!Reader

Tricked Target

Time is as good as the kruge in your pockets in the Barrel. You know this well, considering you have little of both; money and time. Or perhaps you have too much time. It simply depends on how one sees it, you suppose.

Someone might take you pouring over papers on a desk as a waste of time. See the mahogany wood, stained dark, and curl their lips as the sheer money it must've taken to buy.

Someone else might realize this isn't your office, isn't your desk, and keep their mouth shut.

Tonight, that happens to be an unfortunate man named Zade Oren. Tied in his leather chair, black ropes expertly woven, a gag stuffed in his mouth, and both Achilles slashed for good measure, he learned his lesson.

Don't piss you off.

And although he isn't technically keeping his mouth shut of his own free will, it still technically counts. You give him the slightest of glances, just enough to monitor the tears dripping down his face from wide eyes, before returning to the papers you're rifling through.

"This would be easier if you had just cooperated." You muse aloud, flicking through a ledger before abandoning it. "But you guys never do."

He makes a pathetic sort of whimpering that makes you grin.

You aren't a bad person. After all, you only enjoy the blood on your hands when it's from the right person. The type of person you have at your mercy right now, for example. If anything, you're as close to good as it gets in the barrel. A type of vigilante, rather than one of the profit-seeking groups.

Dime Lions, Black Tips, Razorgulls, The Liddies, Harley's Pointers. Now those are some bad organizations. You're still on the fence about The Dregs; you've seen them do as much good as they have bad. Mostly due to the smaller organization within them. Or maybe the Crows aren't part of the Dregs anymore; you don't care. They're not of interest to you.

"Ah. Here we go." You hum, finding a record of a transaction. Zade gives a feeble cry. Useless, these men who beg for their lives. As if you'll ever give them back.

The transaction seems harmless enough. Four pearls for a sum of money. A sum far too large to be worth even some really fucking nice pearls. And, most importantly, names of the buyer and seller. Your eyes ghost over Zade's name as the buyer, focusing on the seller's name instead.

Then, you crumple up the paper and stuffs it in your pocket.

Pearls. What a stupid code name. The sellers determine it, and they're never very creative with code names. Always something valuable, never something believable.

All it takes is one person (you, in this case) to see what it really means.

Kids.

"I should be going, I think." You finally say, straightening. "Don't worry, don't worry. No more people need to get hurt anymore."

Zade slumps in relief, and you let a wicked grin stretch over your face.

"Oh, no, you've misunderstood. No people will be harmed by me tonight. But you're not really a person, are you?" Your head tilts, watching the panic wash over his features.

Like a cat toying with a mouse, you are. It's just so amusing though, to witness the fear. To let them experience what they've instilled in so many others. That despair? It's precious.

Your knife is sinking into his chest before he can protest any more. Pushing past the hard bone, sinking into his heart with a sick squelch. By the time you pull it out, he's already dead.

"Fool." You sigh, leaving him there and striding over to the window. Let his guards find him later, you don't care.

And when you hoist yourself out the window, scaling onto the roof, the office is almost as you found it. Only his dead body and a note to proclaim the kill as justified.

It reads the same as always: Hurt a kid and I'll hurt you next.

The Avenger is the name people like to call you. Or the rumors of you. Most of Ketterdam has the wrong ideas about you, but you aren't fixing to correct them. False assumptions only make your job far easier.

Honestly, you'd rather be called a protector. But avenger works just as fine. It gets the point across.

A shiver runs up your spine when you're standing on the rooftop, but a cursory glance around shows nobody. You didn't expect it to, but still. The feeling of eyes following you has only gotten stronger recently, but seeing as nobody has attempted to kill you yet you assume it's fine.

Some people are just too curious for their own good and like being spies. As long as they aren't fucking up your plans, you really don't care. Honestly. The feeling of eyes is perfectly fine with you.

"You could say hi. I don't bite." You murmur into the still air, but to no avail.

The feeling doesn't leave as you head back to your home, a dingy apartment near a lot of the gambling dens. It's rented from a landlord who couldn't give less of a shit—she's never met the guy—which was perfect for you. And the place was cheap, which was a big bonus. Not that you were hurting for money, because you had no problems about stealing from those you killed, but you preferred to use it for better things.

Like buying new knives.

Dropping back down to the alleys, your feet hit the cobbles without a single sound. Subtlety was an art form, one everyone had to perfect in the barrel. Unless they were rich enough to get away without it, but you were not. Sadly.

There's footsteps behind her, and you turn to glare at the stranger. Give them a silent warning to mind their own fucking business.

Luck is not on your side today though, because they lunge at you with outstretched hands and a knife. You dodge, slamming your body into a wall to avoid the attack, hands scrambling for your own daggers.

The attacker is big, an ugly snarl stretched out across his mug, a beard covering half his face. Professional, if you had to guess, and definitely after you. Oh, joy.

This time, you don't give him the opening he wants. You dart forward, metal gleaming, knowing that the only way to walk away is to remove the obstacle in your path. In other words: kill him.

You both scramble, your knife digging into his forearm due to a nicely executed move on his part, but you abandon it in his arm to stab at him with another. A hand on your arm, metal meeting metal, it's a raw fight. Evenly matched.

But you must be off, must be mentally occupied, because you don't hear the footsteps behind you until it's too late. It's not until something slams into your head, sending you staggering with black spots, do you realize someone else is here.

"And that's meant to be the Avenger?" The person behind you scoffs.

"They put up a pretty good fight before you came in." Burly guy answers, stepping toward you.

His shoes are the last thing you see before your eyes roll back.

-

There's a hood over your head.

When you blinks your eyes open, you're met with complete and utter darkness. Although you want to panic—desperately—you don't. You can feel the ropes tying you to some type of chair, your wrists pulled together behind the back of it and your ankles tied to the legs of the chair.

Panicking now wouldn't do anything for you, so you just sit in silence.

But you're frustrated. So frustrated that you let your guard drop, that you've gotten yourself into this situation. You refuse to be another Mar, refuses to be the second Avenger that befalls the fate they tried to prevent.

"Makes sense now why he's wanting 'em." Someone is saying, and you try to subtly tilt your head to listen in. "He's always collecting 'em dangerous skinny ones."

"Putting together his own little menagerie." A second voice joins in, laughing.

The words have you tensing, against all instincts. Are they selling you to the menagerie?

Everyone knows what the menagerie is. Girls, tricked into sex work—and sometimes men—and people all too willing to take advantage of them. One of the things you worked against, and, subsequently, one of your worst nightmares.

"Serves this one right. Sardonic, isn't it?"

"You mean ironic?"

"What the difference?"

Oh, saints. You haven't just been kidnapped, but you've been kidnapped by idiots.

"Both of you stop. He'll be here soon." And that's a third voice. Only two people grabbed you, and you're willing to bet this third is the boss.

You don't recognize the voice, but you haven't exactly heard the voices of many people that are high in the chain in the Barrel. Not unless it's them begging for life, and you never hear from them again after.

But now you know for certain that they won't be sending you to the actual menagerie at least. The double confirmation is nice, even if the unknown is a whole other worry.

A door opens somewhere, and there's an abrupt rush of footsteps.

"You're early!" Probably boss guy shouts way too loudly. "The Avenger is all ready for you, but still knocked out."

"How long ago did you grab them?" Oh, that's a new voice. Faintly familiar, although you can't tell from where.

It's been a long time since you've felt so helpless. Like things were out of your carefully measured control. Not since you came home to an empty apartment, a person missing from it.

"A few hours." Probably boss answers. You don't need your eyes to know he's leering at you.

"...and how hard did you hit? Saints."

"They're alive, ain't they? Pay up."

"How much did we agree on again?" A cool voice asks, and your head jerks up. You know that voice, you've stalked the owner of that voice.

Kaz Brekker.

"Oh, look at that. It lives." Probably boss laughs cruelly, and you attempt a glare at him through the hood. "And you know how much we agreed on. Hand it over, Brekker."

And there's your confirmation. Your didn't just imagine it; Kaz Brekker is buying you. Why? You've never interfered with his dealings. In fact, after confirming he isn't into the skin deal, you actively stayed out of his business. You definitely didn't need more enemies than you already have.

The sound of Kruge being exchanged, followed by gleeful exclamations, makes you grit your teeth. If Brekker wants a shot at you, he'll have to do a lot more than pay some money.

"Get out." Brekker says after a moment, cutting the guys who kidnapped you off.

"This is our-"

"Get. Out."

Nobody makes him repeat it a third time, as is evidenced by the sound of footsteps fading away.

He's bossy, but he has the power to be. The cool indifference in his tone, the brilliant business plays he's made. Scrappy, like you, but far more powerful. There's a raw hunger in him you don't have; that nobody but him has.

It's scary as hell.

"Untie them."

There's movement around you, and then the hood is yanked off. You squint, blinking a few times, before focusing on the irritatingly put-together man in front of you. Although looking roughly the same age as you, the Barrel makes anyone be adults far too fast.

Brekker stares down at you, gloved hands clasped onto his cane. Behind him, a Suli girl hovers. Inej, his wraith. A spy, as far as anyone knows. Not an assassin. So that means whoever is working on untying you is Jesper.

"You're in quite the situation." He notes dully, but there's a wicked gleam in his eyes.

It only makes you glare harder. "Thanks, I'm aware."

The rope around your wrists falls away and you bring your hands to your lap, but don't move to untie your ankles. There's a sharpshooter behind you and a girl with knives in front of you; You aren't completely stupid. And that's not to mention the damage you know Brekker can do too.

"I have a deal for you." Brekker says after a moment, taking a step forward. He switches his crow-headed cane to his left hand, holding out his right for a handshake.

You don't take it. "What's the deal?"

"I don't think you're in a position to be asking questions."

"What's. The. Deal?"

"Perhaps I didn't make it clear. Take the deal right now, or we'll dump your body in the harbor to drown."

Well. That's not a lot of options. Everyone knows to negotiate all terms of a deal before accepting, but what choice do you have? He's brilliant for this move, and you hate him for it. Saving your life, buying you, just to force you into a deal to live.

Before you can talk yourself out of it, reason why this is such a horrible idea, you're shaking his hand. 

"Screw you." You spit out, life-saving be damned. Your grip tightens, just to spite him. Although his lips tug down, he doesn't pull away.

His reply is passive.

"Welcome to the crows."

[coldslaws-gear-station]

Oh trust me, he knows peace now. By the time BW2 rolls around he's a very happy man. Peaceful, UD Ghetsis gave him a black board, white sand, and a plant at the start of the healing journey.

"Create something with the sand" Ghetsis would say, sitting lone on a chair while Alder is sat kneeling in front of the black board. "Anything I want?" "Mhm, whatever you desire or see fit to create, etch it with the sands."

So he does, it takes a few hours, a few mumbled swears and coins in the jar, but he finishes it. In his eyes it's perfect, it's his, he likes it. "I'm finished!" He'd boast, pride evident in his voice as Ghetsis bends down to look. "It looks wonderful, you did a splendid job." At this point he was just feeding his ego!

"Now destroy it." Alder pauses his moment of self victory, "Excuse me?" He'd ask, looking incredulously at Ghetsis. "You heard me, destroy it, lay waste to it." "And why the fuck would I do that? I worked hard on this! Isn't this supposed to be mine?"

Ghetsis smiles at him gently, knowing. "Indeed it is yours, however it is unstable. One gust of wind and it'll be left in ruins, sometimes you need to learn that destroying things is a good thing. Not to get attached to things so fragile and meaningless, to not be so materialistic." Ghetsis gets up to leave, tilting his head slightly at Alder before he leaves his room, "Ruin it, you'll feel better."

It takes a bit. Everytime a line or such gets blown off its place he immediately tidies it up, but after being stuck in the same position for over an hour just tiding it, he gets frustrated. Slashing his hand across the work, destroying it far beyond saving, but when he looks at it, he doesn't feel anything.

No, he doesn't feel upset or frustration at ruining his work, in fact, he feels better. Now he can leave, he's not actually tied down to his mural, he can leave and come back whenever he wants. Besides, he can always come back later a make a new one, continuously improving from the first.

As for the plant, the first one dies. Alder became furious with it, he came to Ghetsis upset as he was tending to what Alder thought was a ludicrously large garden for one man. "It just died on me! Didn't you say this was supposed to grow with me?" "Did you take care of it?"

He furrowed his brow and cocked his head to the side, confused. "Plants require maintenance, care, you can't just abandon it simply because you don't wish to care for it anymore. It doesn't work like that, I'm afraid."

Ghetsis gestures to one of his many rose bushes, "Notice how bright the roses are? How vibrant the red is? That's because I care for it, I give it water and sun, I give it my time and attention as it needs it. I always check up on it to make sure it's okay, you can't just abandon something that is your responsibility to care for and expect it to stay the same."

"You're being philosophical again," Deadpanning. Ghetsis chuckles a hearty laugh, placing down his watering can, "Perhaps I am, but this is quite the valuable lesson that needs to be taught." He picks up another black pot, a seeding barely sprouting from the soil, "Would you like to try again?"

Silence, for a moment and only a moment. Alder sticks out his hands, huffing with frustration and only enough, competitiveness. "Give me the damn plant." Ghetsis smiles softly, placing the plant firmly into his arms, "That's a dollar for the swear jar, Firefly."

- 💌

ONCE AGAIN I AM SAYING. FANFIC WHEN? YOU WRITE EALLY GOOD!!! i love the part with the sand especially . control freak. it actually made me squirm a bit to think about destroying the sand art so damn i kinda relate... love that you can tell ghetsis is a father of 6 because he's clearly been over this kind of lesson 8 billion times. god

also little nickname? hello? dont make me feel (too late actually)

[knightofgreatrenown]

zote the mighty, knight of great renown,

crystal peaks are so bad!!! remember the enemies i said shot crystals? your comparison to aspid venom was… slightly off.

usually aspid spit fizzles out when it hits the ground, but these crystals expand when they touch the ground. on flat ground, it wouldn’t be so bad, but on platforms? you have to battle the mysterious force, not get impaled by crystals, all the while either trying to fight or progress in the room.

and the husk miners! some of them still mine, and if you approach too close, they’ll throw a seemingly infinite supply of pickaxes at you, or they’ll start trying to slash you. but other husks.. they can shoot literal laser beams from their arms. it’s easy to distract them just by slashing at them, but it’s still quite the surprise to see a laser beam targeted directly at you.

those aren’t the only enemies to shoot lasers either! there are tiny, tiktik-sized crawlers completely encased in crystal that just shoot lasers randomly. not to mention a few other small creatures that can expand and retract crystalline spines.

the biggest foes are the least threatening at all! all they do is walk with their backs covered in crystals. i swear, size correlates with strength in the opposite way you’d think.

and at the top? the statue. for that perilous ascent, i get to see a giant statue of a moth as my reward! honestly, the only truly interesting things were some.. runes? seals? i’m not quite sure, but there were symbols of sorts depicting what i believe to be the sun?

oh! in a particularly quiet room filled with crystals, i could hear… echoes, of sorts? i imagine it’s the crystals reflecting the sound of mining as well as light, but i can see where the rumor of them whispering emerged.

truly, you were right to turn back and leave the peaks. i don’t plan to visit again. though it was.. extremely pretty, at least.

-lifeblood anon

...It appears you went on quite the excursion, yes.

Well, I'm unsurprised to hear my intuition was correct on the worth of those caverns. "Pretty" or otherwise, it is hardly worth such an endeavor, especially if it is as perilous as you would have it seem! And worse if the only reward truly is a statue! How insubstantial!

The appearance of anything, location or object, should not be what draws you forward. Only approach if you've something to gain, or, as you've experienced, you will pass through arduous trials for no purpose! Such time-wasting is to be avoided.

If nothing else, you have learned this valuable lesson for your efforts. And, I suppose, you have uncovered the truth of those "speaking" crystals.

But henceforth, you must adjust yourself accordingly to never succumb to these faults again! Pick your battles, and journeys by extension, wisely, so not to squander both your time and energy!

[adleryoung]

"This here plan is gettin too dang convoluted!" Burnside protested, brandishing her machete. "Just send me out to stab somebody. It'll be simple. I can just go out, gut everyone who gets in my way, save the dumb baker femme that you ain't never even laid eyes on nor spoken to so it's a wonder you care about her at all, an drag Didelphis back here for judgement. I'll get it all done in one night. There ain't a lowfolk born that can get the drop on me. The Ixies can bet on it."

"I don't like it," I objected.

"If you're so doggone worried about bein' Seelie, just remember it ain't Unseelie to stab somebody if he deserves it."

"No stabbing!" I insisted.

"Fine, I can slash instead."

"That's a bad idea," I persisted, "for the same reason that nailing headless torsos to trees is a bad idea. It may inspire fear but it also draws attention and will cause mass outrage that will spread and bring all the lowfolk on this island right to these woods, with torches and pitchforks. If it turns out this situation requires assassination, and I really hope it doesn't, it would have to be done cleanly, precisely, and secretly so it cannot be traced back to me or my coven. I do not want my organization associated with sloppy and wasteful mass murder!"

"You sounded almost like Ash for a second there," Burnside grinned as she lowered her machete. "All right, I can wait."

I scowled at Burnside for a moment, then directed my attention to the witches.

"All right, all right," I called. "If everyone could please focus and answer my question: Is Didelphis worth saving?"

"Um, no way," Gretchen declared. "She's trying to get us all killed. She's proven herself to be a mean and selfish old hag that doesn't care about any of us. Throw her under the ant-coach, I say."

"She was a pretty crappy coven leader," Petunia added. "She promised us dark power beyond our wildest dreams, but every meeting we would spend a few minutes looking at the same grimoire, and the rest of the night listening to her rant about baking and how much she hated Oonagh. Letting her get burned by an angry mob is probably karma or something. Nothing of value would be lost."

"I don't really like the idea of anyone being killed," Chloe shrugged, "but saving her would only give her another chance to betray us again."

"I'm disappointed with all of you," Rebecca scowled. "Didelphis must be saved."

"What? Why?" the other witches asked in chorus.

"Didelphis represents what all of us could end up being," Rebecca explained. "Especially me. She was a social outcast who spent so much time wallowing in her darker aspects that she eventually believed that was all there was to her. Think about it! She's actually proud of the fact that she's a hideous, mad crone. If I hadn't met Lord Randall, that's exactly what I would have become. I was on that path, but now I'm on a different one and I can hardly wait to share with you what I've learned. If we all get a chance at a happier life, then Didelphis should too. I volunteer to pose as Didelphis like our lord said. I know her better than the rest of you, because I always arrived for coven meetings early, and stayed late to help her around the house and maybe get more pointers on being a witch. I think I can imitate her mannerisms convincingly enough."

That wasn't good. I didn't want to risk my organization's most valuable member (next to Vernier of course) but it would be a mistake to blurt that out in front of the other witches. Plus, I was 99 percent sure Rebecca was an elf, so telling untruths would be a problem for her. It could damage her emerging magickal ability.

I was just about to say something, when an Ixie buzzed up to me and gave a salute.

"Sire, I have more information. There is in fact a ring-leader whipping the rabbit mob into a frenzy. They call him Parson. As best we can tell, he careth not if Didelphis's story is true. He seemeth to be doing this merely to strengthen his influence in the rabbit village. We have also learned that there will be a jury for the trial. Oonagh is popular enough in the town, they were willing to give her that much. If the rest of the coven cannot be found in two days time, then the trial commenceth without them."

Pretty suspenseful, eh? This seems like a good place to pause. I need to take a short break to moisten my throat. In the meantime, why not be like the Ixies and place bets on the coming sequence of events. How do you think I handled this situation? Did Didelphis survive? Did Oonagh?

Discuss among yourselves while I hunt down a decent bottle of wine.

[crimson-calling-cards]

Reveal of Roux PT. 1

Pitter patter, pitter patter, the foot of the great thief hardly touched the roofs of the buildings they so gracefully flew across. The night was new, they could feel the kiss of precipitation on their face. The stars shone upon them like spotlights in the sky, a show with no witnesses, not yet at least. They came to a stop atop the glass roof of the largest museum in the city. They were saving this heist for a special night… and what a special night it was, looking up into the sky the moon shone a bloodied red. It’s not every night you get to perform for the blood moon itself. Their gaze upon the moon was broken only when the flash of red and blue lights could be seen from below. It was about time, the police were usually there before Roguefort got there themselves. With a smirk, they kicked the glass in and jumped down into the museum. What they didn’t notice, however, is that they had an extra guest on the scene… a small, shadowy creature, watching from afar. The blood moon watches in more ways than one.

They landed in the atrium of the museum, the soft clatter of glass shards fell among them. Looking around, the place wasn’t guarded at all. Usually they’d have to deal with a guard or two, but this time was different. Not a soul in sight, impossible. They’d never leave the thief alone. They walked about the atrium, their goal so easily in sight but yet so far away. There had to be a catch, there had to be. Even Roguefort hyped up this heist with various calling cards! If this was such a big deal, such a valuable target… why so little care? After circling the large gem like a shark, Roguefort made a move. They couldn’t find anything off or anything amiss, so best not to waste more time. They dashed towards the pedestal holding the gem on a soft velvet pillow, but before their hand could reach the gem something slashed at them. Taken aback, they jumped backwards, composing themself before locking eyes with the person between and their goal. A sinister grin grew on their face “So we meet again, Golden Scourge. I should have known they’d deploy only the best”

Outside the museum tensions were only growing. There was no view from outside to inside, no one could tell what was going on. Outside stood famed detectives, Walnut and Almond, among some officers, all anxiously waiting for one or the other to emerge from the museum. Walnut tugged on her father’s sleeve “...what was the plan again? You never told me-” Before Almond could respond, an officer butted in speaking firmly. “We’re finishing this thief, once and for all. We will get them dead or alive tonight.”

[teefa85]

And here we are! Not too hard since I could keep up healing so easily (I was prepared to use Elixirs if need be). Not to mention the levels, since, ya know, needing squishies to not be dead every time Almagest got cast (I can never remember which part does what and killed the wrong one, though Vacuum Wave isn't a picnic either and Grand Cross 1 saw Faris getting confused and casting Shell on that part). And then wanting OFF anything that could be hit by a Level based Blue Magic spell during Azulmagia.

(class talk under cut)

But I've gained a new appreciation for the Geomancer after being forced to use one. It's also very useful during Neo Exdeath due to a fairly decent move in Wind Slash being the ONLY thing that proccs here. No trap damage in Exdeath's Castle and Undersea Trench is wonderful as well.

White Mage, always useful on any team! Especially if they're not the first class and you don't have to fight all those annoying battles with just a White Mage. A lot less stupid ends than the last time I tried an unofficial Fiesta run and my only healing was Animals!

Knight is a sturdy class with good power. My not wanting to fight everything that comes my way and waste valuable resources in a long dungeon meant I still got the Chicken Knife...but it's not like a Knight is hurting for options in combat. Also, Cover saved my ass quite a few times along the way.

Monk was the weakest link on the team, and whomever was using it tended to be the heal bot while my White Mage used Gaia. I got more use out of it by passing on Focus to the Knight to avoid the Chicken Knife's downside. Oh, and the Focus shenanigans I did on Byblos...but that thing's a pain with any physical party so I wasn't above shenanigans! Kick also did help give us more multi-target damage in some areas.

(and ending is still running because these credits are damn long)

[pat-the-togorian]

Pat's Febu-Whump Day 13: Forced to Hurt A Loved One

“Masters, I still don’t believe this is a good idea.” Sinvulkt stood nervously before the Jedi Council.

“In great need of Jedi, we are. A great waste, your refusal to form your own Squadron, it is,” Yoda wheedled. Sinvulkt shifted on her feet, disturbed by Yoda as usual. She would never leave Aheka; that much was certain.

“Your potential as a Jedi Shadow is very valuable,” Mace Windu insisted. “I believe you are uniquely positioned to be our best infiltrator on this mission. As it stands, a direct assault will be far too costly with the target under heavy guard.” 

Clearly uncomfortable at the “choice” laid out for her, she shakily responded, “Then I will take the mission.” 

Windu gave a slight smile. 

And I awoke with a jolt. 

At least this time, my dream seemed helpful… 

I awoke to a Temple awash in anxiety. It was all over the holonet—A Jedi Knight among us had turned to the Dark Side. Sinvulkt. Master, why would you do this? 

Allegedly, she had been last sighted traveling to Mustafar in the extremely early hours of the morning. 

Aheka and Rema both stared at me wordlessly over breakfast, not sure of what to say, or how I would act. Aheka finally spoke up. “Pat, I cannot express how sorry I am.”

I hid my face in my paws, torn between crying and yelling, and not fond of the idea of doing either. 

Rema added, “You know we’ll do whatever it takes to keep you here, right? We’re not going to throw you out. No matter what.” 

I nodded from beneath my paws. On the inside, I was screaming “Why isn’t anyone doing anything to save her? Or at the very least, save whoever’s in her path?” 

Thanks to the alerts shared among Jedi for their own safety, I knew where she’d be, even without her Force signature being recognizable. After that, it was merely a matter of taking my new ship, the Beholden, straight over there, with enough Clones to— I paused. Of course I wasn’t sure it was the best idea. I opted to take a fighter instead. I may have been a new pilot, but with an R2 Unit, I was sure I could make it. The autopilot and droid assistant would help me stay more in tune with the Force as we traveled, anyhow. 

As I left Hyperspace above Mustafar, I noticed two other flashes. I panicked at first. I was so careful with getting away stealthily! Who could these pilots be? 

“Didn’t think you’d be on your own in this, did you?” Rema chided over the radio. 

“Pat, officially, our orders were to stay away from here,” Aheka lectured tiredly. “But we’re not letting you do this alone. I’ll lead us down,” she finished. I fell into formation behind Aheka’s fighter.

I smiled for the first time since I’d gotten the horrible news. I should have believed I would never be alone. 

We stealthily landed in the midst of a small grove of weather-beaten irontrees on the side of a dormant volcano. Sulfur stained the air as we disembarked our ships. Aheka led us up a rocky trail to the volcano’s mouth, hot wind buffeting our faces. 

The old lava tube led us deep into the earth. The heat was oppressive, especially since I was covered in thick fur. The hissing and rumbling of gasses and underground streams made for a terrifying soundscape. The cavern began to widen. 

Before anyone else noticed, I drew my lightsaber and slashed through a battle droid standing guard behind the rocks at the cavern’s mouth. My senses were heightened, and my Force sensitivity was even touchier than usual. A new, yet familiar presence filled my consciousness. 

Stay away. 

Master? I asked the new Force presence. 

It didn’t reply, but I had to find where it was coming from. I had to know if it was true. 

Aheka and Rema, startled at my sudden burst of speed, struggled to keep up with me as I entered a four-legged lope across the cavern floor. My fur grew streaked with sweat, and my lungs burned with exertion and soot. The cavern began to slope downwards, into a kind of basin shape with a massive purple-edged black crystal in the middle. Two people stood in its shadow. One was a Theelin, and the other one looked terribly familiar. 

Who once was my Master looked nearly unrecognizable. She was hunched over in tiredness, her wings and tail almost seeming to trail her as she walked. Her downcast eyes glinted a horrible, sharp yellow. And her Force presence… I could only describe it as if it was crying, horrible retching sobs mixed with terrifying laughter. In this state, she hadn’t noticed me at all. A great repulsive force, similar to the spoken message earlier, told every fiber of my being to turn back. I refused. 

“Master!” I yelled, trailing off in a wretched bout of coughing. “This isn’t you!” 

Sinvulkt looked up at me with absolute terror. “You must leave!” She yelled, suddenly frantic. 

“No—aaugh,” I spat, the volcanic ash working into my lungs with every second. 

“He will do, my Apprentice,” the Theelin ordered. “Kill him, and I will be sure of your allegiance.” 

“Go!” Sinvulkt yelled again. 

“Doubting me, are you?” The Theelin taunted. “After all the convincing it took to make you fall… understandable, I suppose. But the time for action is now. Save yourself from those betrayers, and join me!” 

I stepped forward, slowly and determinedly. She wouldn’t kill me, I just knew it. She couldn’t. 

“S-stay away,” she warned again, her face becoming even more panicked. She drew her purple lightsaber, which burned frighteningly close to the color of the crystal. 

“I’m willing to take the chance.” I simply stated, closing the gap between us.

Nothing could have prepared me for what happened next. It was the only thing worse than a lightsaber wound I could think of. 

She struck me across the face with the lightsaber’s hilt. 

Despite her seeming weakness, this was a hard hit. A desperate hit. My face spun sharply to the side and I caught sight of Aheka and Rema finally appearing over the basin’s edge. 

“Leave!” she screamed, nearly begging. 

Visions of an all-too-similar exchange between my father and I the day I was kicked out of my home flooded back to me, and I did my best to keep the panicked tears and hyperventilation at bay. 

“Scélérat!” Aheka yelled. “This is over.” 

“Oh! Are you finally back?” he spat. “It’s been over for a long time. But my replacement seems to be no better than I was! She fell far quicker than I did!” 

Aheka herself looked wracked with guilt. “I thought you were dead,” she yelled, unable to hide the waver in her voice. “I’m sorry.” 

The walls of the cavern began to rumble. 

“I’m… not, not anymore,” he retorted venomously. 

A squad of Droidekas rolled out from other caves and surrounded the mouth of the basin, their spinning action kicking up rocks that thudded painfully into our skin. Aheka and I drew our sabers and Rema readied her blaster. 

“Rema, Pat, tactical retreat!” Aheka ordered. 

I couldn’t believe what I had just heard. 

I swung my saber and danced as the lethal droids swiped at me, one after the other. The odds were immense, but there was no way I was retreating now. Not after coming so close to rescuing Sinvulkt… 

“Leave him,” Scélérat ordered the droids. “His kill still belongs to my new Apprentice.”

Rema and Aheka retreated, covering their backs with blaster shots and lightsaber whirls respectively. The Droidekas laid down heavy fire in their direction, before converting to rolling form to presumably chase them down and bowl them over. 

In the brief moment I turned to look at my Master, I saw her expression change to one of resolution and calm. She looked more like herself, though her eyes were still glassy and yellow. I tried to send a questioning Force suggestion, but she wordlessly told me there was no time to explain. 

“Let’s fly,” she replied instead, much more of her old Force presence back in my mind. 

She quickly grabbed me by the arms and legs in our flying formation. “If I take off vertically, facing away from the others, Scélérat will hopefully believe I’m going to drop you for a few seconds,” she messaged. “Then we can get out of his range with a fast glide.” 

With several wearied wingbeats, we lifted off, but it quickly became clear that vertical flight was out of the question. She was exhausted, and the glimpses I caught of her wings showed that they were caked with volcanic ash and bleeding in places from being scuffed on sharp rocks. At about 30 feet up, she shuddered, her left wing hardly opening at all, and we entered a spiral. But I could still land on my feet. 

We landed on the volcanic gravel, the sharp and chalky stones plus Sinvulkt’s weight on my back slicing my paw pads to ribbons. I couldn’t hold back a scream of pain. 

“I’m…” Sinvulkt wavered. “So sorry…” tears cut tracks through the soot covering her face. 

“I’m not leaving you here,” I yelled. “Open your wings one more time.” I had caught sight of Aheka and Rema reaching the edge of the basin. After drawing all the Droidekas into a chase, Rema had dropped a perfectly-timed grenade, which fried all of them as they trod over it. More were coming, though; their whirring and the ear-splitting screech of metal on pumice already split the air. 

“What?” Sinvulkt asked, bewildered. 

“Just do it!” 

I roughly opened her left wing into its soaring position for her and she bit back a screech of pain. 

Next, I hoisted her by the stomach and threw her as hard as I could like a glider, adding every bit of Force push I could muster. She sailed in the direction of Aheka and Rema.

And lastly, I fell to the ground and blacked out. 

A/N: Happy Birthday, @sinvulkt!! I'm eternally grateful for all you've done as both beta reader and friend! Awhile ago I realized I had the perfect opportunity to whump Sin's character today~ :D

@febuwhump

@formeralleycat

[allfoaminsulation]

Expert Insulation Contractor Services in Klamath Falls, OR: Tailored Solutions for Your Home and Business

Keeping your home or business cozy and energy-efficient doesn’t have to be a challenge. The right insulation contractor can make all the difference by providing customized solutions that fit your property’s unique needs. In Klamath Falls, OR, and nearby areas like Ashland, Central Point, Eagle Point, Grants Pass, and Roseburg, expert contractors are ready to deliver top-notch insulation services to keep your space comfortable year-round.

What Does an Insulation Contractor Do?

An insulation contractor is your go-to professional for installing materials that regulate temperature and energy efficiency. In areas like Medford, where the weather can fluctuate significantly, having the right insulation is crucial.

Whether you’re working on a new construction project or upgrading an older building, insulation contractors provide tailored solutions using advanced materials. Popular options include:

Closed Cell Spray Foam

Open Cell Spray Foam

Fiberglass Batt Insulation

Blown-In Insulation

Membrane Roofing

Each material offers unique benefits, and a seasoned contractor will help you choose the one that’s perfect for your property.

Why Insulation Matters for Homes and Businesses

Investing in proper insulation goes beyond just saving on energy bills. It’s about creating a more comfortable, sustainable, and valuable space. Let’s explore why insulation is so important:

1. Save on Energy Costs

Good insulation helps your heating and cooling systems work more efficiently, slashing those utility bills.

2. Year-Round Comfort

Say goodbye to drafts and uneven temperatures. Quality insulation keeps your indoor environment consistent, no matter the season.

3. Quieter Spaces

Some insulation types, like open cell spray foam, double as soundproofing solutions. This is a game-changer for noisy neighborhoods or bustling commercial areas.

4. Boost Property Value

Energy-efficient homes and businesses are more attractive to buyers and tenants, making insulation a smart long-term investment.

5. Go Green

Eco-friendly materials like spray foam insulation reduce energy waste and contribute to a sustainable future.

Insulation Services in Klamath Falls, OR

Local contractors offer a variety of insulation services designed to meet the demands of your home or business. Here’s a closer look at the options:

Closed Cell Spray Foam

This high-density foam is perfect for areas that need maximum energy efficiency, like basements, attics, and walls. It’s durable, moisture-resistant, and even adds structural strength to your property.

Open Cell Spray Foam

If noise reduction is a priority, open cell spray foam is a great choice. It’s lightweight, flexible, and works wonders in interior walls and ceilings.

Fiberglass Batt Insulation

A classic choice, fiberglass batt insulation is affordable and reliable. Pre-cut panels make it easy to install in walls, floors, and ceilings, offering excellent thermal resistance.

Blown-In Insulation

Perfect for tricky spots like attics and wall cavities, blown-in insulation creates a seamless thermal barrier to prevent energy loss.

Membrane Roofing

If you have a flat or low-sloped roof, membrane roofing is a must. It insulates and protects against water and UV damage, making it ideal for commercial properties.

Why Spray Foam Insulation Is a Standout Option

Spray foam insulation is a favorite for both homes and businesses, thanks to its versatility and efficiency. Here’s why so many property owners choose it:

Superior Thermal Performance: Spray foam seals every crack and crevice, stopping air leaks and heat transfer.

Moisture Resistance: Unlike other materials, spray foam won’t absorb water, keeping mold and mildew at bay.

Long-Lasting Durability: It doesn’t sag or settle over time, maintaining its performance for decades.

Eco-Friendly Benefits: By lowering energy use, spray foam helps reduce your carbon footprint.

Insulation Tailored to the Klamath Falls Climate

Living in Klamath Falls means dealing with chilly winters and warm summers. That’s why proper insulation is a must for maintaining comfort and efficiency. Local insulation contractors understand these challenges and recommend solutions that are perfectly suited to the climate.

Nearby areas like Medford, Ashland, and Grants Pass face similar weather patterns, making insulation services just as essential. No matter where you’re located, the right contractor can help you stay comfortable year-round.

How to Choose the Right Insulation Contractor

Not all insulation contractors are created equal. Here’s how to pick a professional who’ll get the job done right:

1. Look for Experience

An experienced contractor will guide you in selecting the best materials and techniques for your property.

2. Check for Advanced Tools

State-of-the-art equipment ensures precision and long-lasting results.

3. Read Reviews

Customer testimonials can give you insight into the contractor’s work quality and service.

4. Go Local

A contractor familiar with the Klamath Falls area knows the unique insulation needs of the region.

When Should You Upgrade Your Insulation?

If you’re unsure whether your property needs new insulation, watch for these signs:

Sky-High Energy Bills: Poor insulation makes your HVAC system work harder, driving up costs.

Drafts or Uneven Temps: If certain rooms feel colder or hotter than others, your insulation might need an upgrade.

Moisture Problems: Dampness or mold could mean your current insulation isn’t doing its job.

Old Materials: Insulation doesn’t last forever. If yours is outdated, it’s time for a change.

Noise Issues: Increased noise levels may indicate inadequate soundproofing.

FAQs About Insulation

Q1: What’s the difference between closed cell and open cell spray foam? Closed cell spray foam is denser and offers better thermal resistance, while open cell spray foam is lightweight and great for soundproofing.

Q2: How long does spray foam insulation last? With proper installation, spray foam insulation can last 20-30 years or more.

Q3: Can insulation help with noise reduction? Absolutely! Materials like open cell spray foam and fiberglass batt are excellent for soundproofing.

Q4: Is spray foam eco-friendly? Yes, it reduces energy consumption, which lowers your carbon footprint. However, professional installation is key for minimizing environmental impact.

Q5: How do I choose the right insulation for my property? A qualified contractor can assess your space and recommend the best solution based on your needs and budget.

Get Started Today with Expert Insulation Services

For top-tier insulation solutions in Klamath Falls, OR, and surrounding areas, trust All Foam & Insulation, LLC. Their skilled team is dedicated to enhancing your property’s energy efficiency and comfort with customized services. Call them today at (541) 826-9600 to schedule a consultation.

Don’t wait—upgrade your insulation now and enjoy the benefits of a well-protected home or business!

[thinkdifferentprint]

LabelDrive: A Paradigm Shift in Label Procurement

Introduction

When selecting a label supplier, many procurement managers and executives fall into the trap of focusing on unit costs. While a lower price per label might seem the best option, this narrow focus often overlooks the hidden costs associated with traditional procurement models. Adding to this problem is printers are conditioned to sell volume, often leaving PLMs holding the bag of excess inventory that risks obsolescence, damage, or loss); long lead times and inflexible ordering processes further inflate the total cost beyond initial expectations.

Enter LabelDrive a solution that helps private label manufacturers (PLMs) slash costs, streamline procurement, and gain control of their supply chain. With LabelDrive, the focus shifts from unit costs to total cost savings. Here’s why that change in perspective is critical for your business.

The Real Problem: Bulk Buying and Inflexibility

To combat long and inconsistent lead times, PLMs are often forced to bulk buy labels just to secure a better price point or avoid stockouts. This bulk buying may reduce unit costs on paper, but it ties up valuable capital in excess inventory that could become obsolete with a simple design or regulatory change.

In addition, brands are unable to vary their label designs for market testing or enhanced customer engagement (promotions, holidays, events, new sales channels, demographics, recipes, etc.), leaving them stuck with a "one-size-fits-all" approach. Without the ability to quickly produce press samples or adapt labels for different events or promotions, businesses miss out on valuable opportunities to connect with their customers.

If these challenges sound familiar, you’re not alone. Many PLMs face these exact issues, driving up total costs far beyond the initial price of the labels themselves.

The Solution: LabelDrive

LabelDrive is a game-changer that eliminates traditional label procurement constraints, inefficiencies, and hidden costs. It offers PLMs an on-demand label procurement platform with features that provide unprecedented flexibility, transparency, and control while realizing cost savings of up to 60% (see case study at the end of this article).

Here’s what makes LabelDrive stand out:

On-Demand: Get 48-hour turnarounds or opt for a consistent weekly (or biweekly, etc.) inventory refresh, giving you just-in-time delivery without bulk buying or carrying excess inventory.

No Minimum Order Quantities (MOQs): LabelDrive eliminates the burden of high-cost MOQs, allowing you to order exactly what you need for your current production cycle—nothing more, nothing less.

Branded Procurement Platform: With a fully branded label procurement and management platform, you gain full control and visibility over the entire label procurement process, from order to delivery.

The Benefits of Shifting Focus to Total Cost Savings

Slash Costs: By using LabelDrive, you can reduce total costs by up to 60%. The savings come from more than just a lower unit cost:

No excess inventory means less wasted, lost, or damaged stock.

Reduced stock audits and storage costs free up capital.

No risk of holding obsolete labels due to regulatory or design changes.

Flexible Procurement: Instead of being locked into bulk purchasing to hit price points, you can order only what you need for your current production schedule. This flexibility helps free up cash flow, reduces warehouse space requirements, and allows you to respond quickly to market demands.

Targeted Consumer Engagement: With fast 48-hour turnarounds, you can vary label designs for events, seasonal promotions, A/B testing, new sales channels, and more. This agility allows you to customize your labels for specific demographics, social causes, or promotional events, boosting consumer engagement and increasing sales.

Streamlined & Automated Procurement: LabelDrive automates and consolidates the entire procurement process, eliminating back-and-forth emails, phone calls, and status checks. This reduces errors and speeds up the flow of information, removing friction from your supply chain.

Full Supply Chain Visibility & Control: LabelDrive provides predictable lead times, meaning you can plan your supply chain with confidence. With complete visibility into the production and shipment of your labels, you’ll never be in the dark again. This transparency enables better decision-making, reduces waste, and minimizes the risk of production delays.

Consolidated Procurement: By consolidating your label procurement with LabelDrive, you can take advantage of group pricing, lowering costs for all your brands and private label customers. With one centralized supplier, procurement becomes easier to manage, and costs are reduced across the board.

Boost Sales & Foster Innovation: LabelDrive supports the growth of startups and smaller brands by providing them with faster, cheaper, and more flexible label options. By eliminating traditional constraints like long lead times and MOQs, PLMs can foster innovation and grow alongside emerging brands.

Generate New Revenue Streams: LabelDrive’s branded reseller platform allows you to add a markup to label prices for your customers, creating an entirely new revenue stream for your business. Alternatively, you can pass on the cost savings directly to your customers, strengthening your relationship and building loyalty.

How much does LabelDrive cost?

Implementing LabelDrive is free because it streamlines and automates the procurement process and eliminates errors for all parties involved, providing you with faster service and enabling our team to scale without hiring more customer service reps.

Conclusion: Focus on the Big Picture - Total Cost Savings

Focusing solely on unit costs when choosing a label supplier can lead to hidden expenses and inefficiencies that drive up your total cost of ownership. LabelDrive shifts the focus from the price per label to total cost savings, providing procurement flexibility, reduced inventory waste, and increased supply chain control.

Don’t let the illusion of lower unit costs cloud your judgment. By embracing LabelDrive, you can unlock significant savings, enhance your operations, and set your business up for long-term success.

Want to see how much you can save with LabelDrive? Try our new TOTAL Costs Calculator.

For more information or a demo, please contact Mark Pohlkamp at 513-260-4400 or mpohlkamp@ltlco.com or visit Think Different Print.

Blog resources: https://blog.thinkdifferentprint.com/labeldrive-a-new-ondemand-procurement/labeldrive-a-new-sustainable-flexible-on-demand-procurement-model-for-plms-0

[igoldenlaser]

Laser Wood Cutting Machine:Precision engraving and cutting

Welcome to a new era of woodworking precision and creativity! Our advanced laser wood cutting machine is the ultimate tool for woodworking enthusiasts and professionals alike. With its unrivaled precision, speed, and versatility, this cutting-edge machine is set to revolutionize the way you work with wood. Say goodbye to traditional cutting methods and unlock a world of possibilities with our extraordinary laser wood cutting machine.

Wood Engraving Machine CO2 laser cutting machine, the standard worktable size is 1300*2500, equip with 150w/180w/260w/300w laser tube, satified the engraving and cutting requirements of large plate such as S.S sheet, C.S sheet, wood sheet, acrylic sheet and so on.

Section 1: Unmatched Precision for Exquisite Craftsmanship When it comes to woodworking, precision is everything. Our wood laser cutting machine employs cutting-edge laser technology to deliver unparalleled precision in every cut. Whether you’re working on intricate designs or detailed engravings, our machine ensures immaculate results with crisp edges and clean lines. Experience the joy of crafting masterpieces with precision that surpasses traditional woodworking methods.

Section 2: Lightning-Fast Speed for Increased Efficiency Time is a valuable asset, and our wood laser cutting machine recognizes that. With its impressive cutting speed, it slashes through wood with lightning-fast precision, significantly reducing production time and boosting your overall efficiency. From small-scale projects to large-scale production runs, our machine helps you meet deadlines without compromising on quality. Witness a remarkable increase in productivity and take your woodworking business to new heights.

Section 3: Limitless Versatility for Endless Possibilities Woodworking is an art that thrives on creativity and versatility. Our laser wood cutting machine offers an array of possibilities, allowing you to explore various wood types, thicknesses, and designs. From intricate furniture pieces and decorative wooden panels to personalized wooden gifts and signage, our machine empowers you to bring your wildest ideas to life. Let your imagination run wild and create woodworking masterpieces like never before.

Section 4: Expanding Opportunities in Woodworking Industry The woodworking industry is evolving, and our laser wood cutting machine positions you at the forefront of this revolution. Embracing this advanced technology opens doors to new opportunities and expands your market reach. From customized woodworking products to personalized interior designs, the demand for laser-cut woodwork is skyrocketing. By investing in our machine, you position yourself for success in a growing market and gain a competitive edge over traditional woodworking methods.

Section 5: Seamless User Experience for Effortless Operation We understand the importance of a seamless user experience, especially in the woodworking industry. Our laser wood cutting machine is designed with user-friendliness in mind, offering an intuitive interface and easy-to-use controls. Even if you’re new to laser cutting technology, our comprehensive user manuals and dedicated customer support ensure a hassle-free operation. Experience the joy of effortless woodworking and focus on what matters most—bringing your creative visions to life.

Section 6: Sustainability and Cost-Efficiency for a Greener Future Our laser wood cutting machine not only revolutionizes woodworking but also promotes sustainability and cost-efficiency. By utilizing laser technology, it minimizes material waste, reduces energy consumption, and eliminates the need for additional tools. Additionally, the precision of our machine minimizes errors and enhances yield, ultimately saving you valuable resources and maximizing your profitability. Join the movement towards sustainable woodworking practices and embrace a greener future.

Conclusion: Unleash the power of precision in your woodworking journey with our state-of-the-art laser wood cutting machine. From unmatched precision and lightning-fast speed to limitless versatility and expanding market opportunities, this machine is the gateway to a new realm of woodworking excellence. Experience seamless operation, embrace sustainability, and unlock your full creative potential with our laser wood cutting machine. Contact us today and embark on a woodworking journey like no other.

[mariam0309]

Reinvent Your Approach: 4 Ingenious Methods to Slash Energy Bills

ServicePlus - Total Home Warranty Imagine a life void of the familiar hum of everyday home appliances. From dishwashers to heaters, HVAC systems to electrical devices, these components are indispensable. While these appliances make our lives smooth sailing, we cannot ignore the drawbacks they bring, particularly in the form of energy bills. The more appliances we have, the fancier our energy bill becomes. Naturally, we need power to run these essential components, but are we prepared to pay a fortune for skyrocketing energy costs? Fear not, for here are a few invaluable tips to save your hard-earned money and put a halt to escalating bills.

Service Plus Home Warranty Plans Here!

Harness the Power of HVAC Maintenance

Air-conditioners become essential to beat the scorching heat, while heaters keep our homes warm and cozy in freezing temperatures. Hence, paying attention to HVAC system maintenance is crucial. Have you ever considered the drawbacks of a sudden breakdown of your HVAC system? Repairing such a major home system is not only laborious but also comes with a hefty price tag. Are you comfortable bearing such exorbitant expenses? In such circumstances, relying on a reputable home warranty company can be a tremendous relief.

Have you heard of a home protection plan? These service contracts, provided by reliable home warranty companies, cover the upkeep and maintenance of your home's systems and appliances. Home warranty benefits shield you from the financial burden of restoration and repair bills. Instead, a reputable home warranty company dispatches skilled professionals to repair your broken systems without charging you a dime.

By scheduling a yearly HVAC check-up, you ensure that your system remains in pristine condition. During these routine maintenance sessions, minor issues can be identified and resolved, preventing potential disasters. Whether it's changing HVAC filters or deep-cleaning the air conditioner compressor, every small step contributes. Never underestimate the importance of calling in professionals to inspect and maintain your valuable home systems. And if you're concerned about the cost, take the time to explore the numerous home warranty benefits available to you.

Home Warranty Companies Here!

Embrace the Power of Sealed Ducts

It's no secret that even the tiniest duct leak can cause more damage than anticipated. Here, the assistance of professionals becomes your best bet. Properly insulating and sealing the ducts ensures efficient ventilation throughout your home. Don't let valuable energy escape through leaks—let the experts seal and protect your ducts.

Step into the Future with Smart Thermostats

Did you know that running an air conditioning unit consumes a significant amount of energy, leading to soaring bills? Enter the era of digital thermostats—a brilliant innovation. Gain control over your home's temperature with a simple touch. No longer will you need to keep the air conditioning units running when you're inactive or absent from the space. Enjoy the convenience of adjusting the central temperature at your fingertips, reducing energy consumption and, in turn, your bills.

Unleash the Power of Thoughtful Appliance Usage

Running all your appliances simultaneously in a frantic rush to complete household chores is an imprudent move. It's time to become the master of your domain and use your appliances wisely. Consider this: why waste electricity by running the dryer when you have a beautifully illuminated outdoor space to hang and air-dry your clothes? Make intelligent choices and witness the remarkable impact on your energy costs.

Reach out to a reputable home warranty company today. Maintaining your home goods is what truly matters. Neglected appliances in poor condition consume excessive energy. The benefits of a home warranty are abundant, making it smart to learn about the protection plan in detail.

[sandwormrp]

Ripping Seams

Bastian Valenzuela (oc) x Marzieh Karimi (oc) 916 words

Summary: The following story takes place in the Hagga Basin, a location on most maps of Arrakis. It involves an OC Sietch (yet to be named), and the characters of the Fremen Marzieh Karimi and the Smuggler Bastian Valenzuela. The initial part of this story will involve violence and some blood and death.

Fuel a writer's fixation by liking & reblogging their work!

It was late evening in the Hagga Basin of Arrakis. The sun had set hours ago, and only one of the system’s dual moons was in the sky. Krelln’s silvery immensity cast moonshadows across the rocks and dunes of the desert planet below. Its strange, fist-like impression on its back, unseen. To the Fremen, such times when Krelln hid its closed fist represented secret dangers. “This man closes his fist behind his back. What does he conceal? Or is the fist itself what he conceals?” Beneath Krelln’s impassive gaze, the desert owls hunted, the scorpions crawled cautiously, and the hares dashed and halted and zig-zagged like wandering madmen.

Other creatures moved and lived in the night. In the Basin, in the cleft of a twisted lump of stone that the Fremen called Qadam al Hison, or 'Foot of the Horse', two men were moving much like the desert hares. They were dashing, halting, zagging in the center of a pit of sand, surrounded by unmoving figures who watched like owls. This was a duel, the Tahhadi Challenge of the Fremen, and they had been gathered here to watch the culmination of a plot that was many moons in the making, and which itself was a tangled ball of many complex strings.

Only one of the duellists was a Fremen. He was shorter than his opponent, compact and well-built with confident blue-within-blue eyes and expressive brows. Like the man he meant to kill, he was bare from the waist up, for such duels were meant to spend one’s water in the fight; none of the moisture lost in a challenge should be caught in a stillsuit. Ripping up a stillsuit in a dagger-duel was also a waste of valuable equipment, as well… So it was that the Fremen’s scarred musculature was on display. Signs of past duels won, signs of a ripping gouge from a near-deadly fall onto craggy rocks ten years past, signs of Harkonnen swords earned during raids and sabotage. Two wounds were fresh; an in-wide slit into his pectoral muscle when his opponent’s kindjal blade tip had only briefly invaded him in a swift thrust, and a long bright line over his hips and below his belly button, not deep enough to draw more than the slightest hint of blood.

The other man, taller, wider in the shoulders, was no native of Arrakis. He wasn’t water-fat like most foreigners, but his face was free of the weathering that decades in the sand and wind might’ve otherwise inflicted on his features. He had only a moustache where the Fremen was fully bearded, and his jungle-green eyes were watchful, their whites free of the blue of the Ibad. He held a blade of off-world steel, a kindjal, and the Fremen bore a worm-tooth crysknife. His own shirtless form was marked by scars, but the tale of their tapestry differed. Here were circular wounds from the crossbow darts of Kirkreeti street criminals, a triple-line claw scar laid on his chest by the pet beast of a House Zanbar slaver, and on his back an artful acid-splash with an accompanying story that the man preferred not to tell. He had blade-scars as well, but they were the dashing cuts of swords used in shield-fighting. His skin was only tasting the teeth of a worm now, on this night, at the hands of his enemy. His non-dominant hand had taken a grueling cut that had slithered in between his middle and pointing finger, and a downward slash had tickled the ribs of his left side. Neither wounds were mortal, but in the accounting of blood, the offworlder was spilling more onto the sand.

It was not distressing that he was wounded. It was, however, distressing that he was not yet dead. He had fought well from the start, despite fighting on stand and stone rather than starship decks and city streets, and he had not succumbed to the first or the second or the third of the Fremen’s many maneuvers. In truth, despite the Fremen duelist’s outward show of confidence, he was beginning to worry. He was beginning to sweat.

The offworlder, who had been the one challenged this night, knew little about Fremen culture, but he had an idea of how this duel had to end. He’d wanted to reject the challenge immediately, of course! He wasn’t insane. But he’d come to the meeting with precious few of his own men, and the challenger had brought more than enough of his fellows to decimate the offworlder and his smuggler companions. If they’d rejected the challenge, they would’ve surely been carved up and carted away to some gruesome machine that would’ve converted their flesh and bones to water. Trying not think about a future where his body became endlessly cycled in the stillsuits of these desert maniacs, the offworlder chose to speak to his opponent again, to try once more to suss out the real reason for this challenge.

”What is this… really about, eh?” he asked between breaths, planting a heel on a smooth piece of stone under the pit’s sandy surface. ”What did… I do to… so offend? Did a lasgun I sold you fail on you?” He pressed forward, using the stone to give him a strong foundation as he aimed a cautious slash at the other man’s wrist, knowing he’d miss, but wanting to keep the other back. ”You see me piss outside of a suit, thought you’d kill me for the waste of moisture?”

Continued on our jcink rp!

[metalstorage]

Lean Manufacturing Excellence: Reducing Waste to Enhance Productivity.

Lean Manufacturing Excellence: Reducing Waste to Enhance Productivity.

Lean manufacturing is a highly effective method. Its focus is On Reducing waste And maximising value .Rooted in the Toyota Production System TPS) Lean manufacturing has revolutionised industries. With its help businesses streamline operations The system Enables them to reduce costs and improve Product quality The core aim of lean manufacturing is to create more value for customers. This needs to be Done using fewer resources. This approach has seen wide adoption in modern production environments.

 Key Principles of Lean Manufacturing

Core idea of lean manufacturing is to concentrate on valuable activities At the same time eliminate non value adding ones Multiple key principles guide this approach .They are as follows:

Value: Define customer's desired features.   Then make sure to focus on delivering them .This means eliminating activities   that don't add   value.

Value Stream Mapping This technique involves visualising the entire production process .It is also known as identifying areas of inefficiency or waste. It's about finding opportunities For improvement.

Flow: Ensure production flows smoothly. This involves avoiding both interruptions and bottlenecks .Doing this results in a more efficient workflow and less downtime.

Pull: Lean manufacturing doesn't follow forecasts .Instead it follows a "pull" system. This system produces goods when needed. It is based on Actual customer demand. Overproduction and excess inventory is reduced by this method.

Continuous Improvement (Kaizen): Lean manufacturing is not done once.. It Requires constant evaluation. .It also needs small incremental improvements in processes. It aims for operational excellence Over time.

 Types of Waste in Lean Manufacturing

Eliminating specific waste types is the focus   of lean manufacturing. These are often recalled by the acronym TIMWOOD The waste types are   seven in number .They are as   follows:

Transportation: This waste is About unnecessary Product movement Inside factory. For instance ,moving items between workstations when they could be put closer together wastes time and resources.

Inventory: This Waste involves having too much inventory .This takes away Capital and storage space. It risks Product damage and obsolescence waste.

Motion: Workers often make   unnecessary movements .They   might have to   reach Far for tools. This slows down production.

Waiting: Production suffers from Idle time. Wait Is during the process. It can be for materials and machinery resources. This Leads to inefficiency.

Overproduction: More than Needed is produced .Excess inventory results. This can cause waste if demand decreases.

Overprocessing: Doing More than required is common .This can include Using higher-quality materials than necessary. It can also Involve adding unnecessary features.

Defects: Flawed products are common .They fail to Meet quality standards. It leads To rework of wasted materials and time.

 Lean Manufacturing Techniques to Boost Productivity

Lean manufacturers adopt various strategies to lessen waste and raise efficiency:

- Just-in-Time (JIT): Products made   exactly when demanded .  This lessens unsold goods   and decreases storage costs.

- 5S Methodology: Systems to order workplace. .Aim is to boost efficiency.. They keep workspaces clean.. They keep them organised and standardised.

-   Kaizen:   Encouraging Small changes constantly. It involves everyone in the organization .From the factory floor to management. It maintains a culture   of steady progress.

- Kanban: Offers A visual tool. It controls production flow. It Signals when new materials or components are needed .It Ensures production alignment with demand.

 Benefits of Lean Manufacturing

Adopting lean manufacturing techniques carries a vast array of benefits for businesses:

- Cost Reduction: By removing waste firms slash operating costs. .Also they enhance profit margins..

- Increased Productivity: Streamlining processes allows for Speedier production cycles .This equips businesses To answer customer demand more effectively.

- Improved Quality: Continuous Improvement results In fewer flaws .It also results In higher-quality products. This in Turn leads to heightened customer satisfaction.

- Flexibility: Lean Systems Respond to changing customer needs. .This allows manufacturers to readily adjust to market shifts..

Lean manufacturing provides a robust foundation for businesses .It is looking to boost efficiency, curtail waste and bolster productivity. By paying heed to ceaseless enhancement and culling non-value-adding activities ,lean manufacturers can forge more value for Their consumers. They can also stay in the race in an Always Shifting market still. Their focus on continuous improvement and elimination of Wasteful expenses make them key players. They can easily adapt to The changing market landscape.

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Easy Ways to Slash Printing Costs: Save Money Without Sacrificing Quality

In today's competitive business landscape, controlling costs while maintaining high-quality output is essential. Printing costs can quickly escalate if not managed properly, impacting your overall budget. However, there are several straightforward strategies to reduce printing expenses without compromising the quality of your printed materials. Here are some easy ways to slash printing costs effectively:

1. Choose the Right Printer

The type of printer you use can significantly impact your printing costs. For small to medium-sized print runs, consider investing in a high-quality inkjet or laser printer that is efficient and cost-effective. Compare the cost per page of different printers and choose one that aligns with your printing needs.

2. Optimize Your Design Files

Before sending your files to print, ensure they are optimized for printing. Use vector graphics when possible, as they scale without losing quality. Additionally, reduce file sizes by compressing images and avoiding unnecessary elements that increase the file size without enhancing the design.

3. Select Cost-Effective Paper Options

Paper quality plays a crucial role in printing costs. While premium paper can enhance the appearance of printed materials, it can also significantly increase costs. Opt for a medium-quality paper that strikes a balance between affordability and quality. Consider using recycled paper, which is often cheaper and environmentally friendly.

4. Utilize Print-Ready Templates

Many design software programs offer print-ready templates specifically designed for various types of materials. Using these templates can save time and reduce errors in design, minimizing wasted materials. Look for templates that adhere to industry standards for dimensions and bleed areas.

5. Print in Bulk

If you have a consistent need for printed materials, consider printing in bulk. Most printing companies offer discounts for larger orders. This approach not only reduces the cost per unit but also ensures you have a stock of materials ready when you need them.

6. Take Advantage of Digital Printing

Digital printing is a cost-effective option for smaller print runs. It eliminates the need for costly setup fees associated with traditional printing methods. With digital printing, you can print only what you need when you need it, reducing waste and saving money.

7. Use Double-Sided Printing

Whenever possible, print on both sides of the paper. Double-sided printing can cut paper usage in half, significantly reducing costs while also minimizing your environmental footprint. Ensure your design works well on both sides to maintain visual appeal.

8. Review Your Color Choices

Color printing is typically more expensive than black-and-white printing. Analyze your designs and see if you can reduce the number of colors used. Additionally, consider using a single color or grayscale for certain materials, which can save on ink costs without compromising quality.

9. Implement Proofing and Prepress Checks

Before finalizing your print job, implement a thorough proofing process to catch any errors that could lead to costly reprints. Use prepress checks to ensure that files meet the printer’s specifications, which can prevent delays and additional costs.

10. Partner with a Reliable Printer

Developing a good relationship with a reputable printer can lead to better pricing and service. They can provide valuable insights on cost-saving measures, recommend materials, and assist in optimizing your print runs. Look for a printer that understands your business needs and can offer tailored solutions.

Conclusion

Reducing printing costs doesn't mean sacrificing quality. By implementing these strategies, businesses can effectively manage their printing expenses while still producing high-quality materials. From choosing the right printer to optimizing designs and taking advantage of digital printing, there are numerous ways to slash printing costs without compromising on quality.

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Like OG Fallout? Play Pathologic!

I've been a fan of various things for literal decades now, but not really participated in any fandom communities until literally this year. I've just been making cosplays, watching videos, drawing fanart and writing fan theories / fiction in my own time. So the very heated aspects of fandom flew me by until now ^^' I do completely get the more angry fellow FNV fans for what Bethesda has done to Fallout (regarding all entries after FNV), and some of the aspects I see people praising most about OG Fallout and FNV are mainly the roleplaying, writing, and bleak setting / vibe.

And to that I can't help but go "Have you heard of our Lord and Saviour Icepick Lodge?"

Pathologic classic HD and Pathologic 2 are the closest games (in my opinion) that capture the same aspects of OG Fallout and FNV the more angry fans feel they've lost.

You play as one of three healers in an isolated Russian town ravaged by plague. This is going to be more of a ramble of me gushing about various aspects of the game, so I've included a less popular review (love this guy's stuff) to more concisely discuss the game in a more structured way and give an accurate picture of gameplay (which I only really discuss in terms of combat, which is frankly a really small part of it compared to the resource and survival stat management, semi-present fast-travel (at a cost, which changes as circumstances get worse and forces the player to choose between loss of time, energy, money, or risk of infection, when deciding how to get from a to b by forcing players to only fast travel between certain points if they have the right resources, or walk through infected or ransacked districts).

Never before have I sympathised so much with a certified twat (The Bachelor), or been so genuinely excited to discover my character's bf-turned-bitter enemy isn't dead but finally taking a nap.

Admittedly, Classic HD is more linear but that doesn't detract from the story for me, but I definitely think 2 actualises the player freedom classic HD pretended to have.

Also both soundtracks are bangers, but quite different (tribal electronica versus shamanistic horror).

An aspect of gameplay that took a hot minute to learn but is very engaging is the hobo economy bartering system, which subtly changes as time goes by. Different resources such as medicine (which are obviously used up a lot in a plague) become more scarce and expensive. As people get more desperate for essentials like food, they start trading more valuable items like jewellery for it. Kids want seemingly valueless things like marbles and nuts for very valuable items (food and meds - yeah, besides the pharmacies, children carry the most drugs and knives; take that as you will). Inflation goes through the roof, money is no longer accepted in some shops later on. The economy is extremely dynamic, but not overly difficult to navigate so forces the player to adapt alongside it. You can never be certain what resources will be accessible the next day, which further makes when and where you decide to use what resources you have on others an engaging moral and practical decision. Unscripted, might I add!

Leading players to act like this when rare things like Schmowder (a near-fatal cure to the plague) show up by chance:

And if you don't stay on top of your stats and resources (which is very easy to do) you end up in binds like this:

The diagnostic and treatment system is also fairly intuitive, in that there are humor-specific tinctures, and others that can be used to treat two different humors. The more resources you use trying to diagnose where the infection has settled, the more pain you'll caused the patient, which you can lower (to prevent death) by using vials or morphine. Accurate diagnosis is important to avoid wasting resources by using the wrong antibiotics (which is less effective). You can't be in two places at once, so every patient you treat is a drain on time and resources you could be using somewhere else. Sometimes it's better to let a patient be if the risk of death is too high for your treatment to have a worthwhile impact on their chances for survival.

Given how stretched thin your time and resources always are, even if the opportunity for tender downtime catching up with old friends arises it is all to easy to pass up because you're too busy. A cruel reality most people face these days irl. What's more, if you happen to die before deciding to go to this meetup, there is a chance that Mark Immortal will tie your character's hands behind their back which then prevents you from being able to hug you friends when you meet them.

Oh yeah, forgot to say but death has permanent consequences across all saves so reloading to before you died doesn't undo any penalty Mark curses you with unless you start a whole new run. Early on, you may be asked to help with a task which ends up not helping in the way expected (to help solve Burakh's father's murder or to help cure the plague) but does act as a small tutorial on how to listen / look for herbs you can use in remedies. You still feel irritated that a child wasted your time / was just playing with you, at least initially, so you learn to really consider what's worth chasing up and what might be a waste of time / red herring when deciding what trails in your mind map task menu to chase up. Especially since if you don't pursue them, they WILL happen without you and the consequences of your intervention or not remain uncertain until they crop back up in unexpected ways.

Admitedly, the endings in 2 are binary (though what you do in the wider world and story do effect the ending / what happens to specific characters) which I found very disappointing, especially given how much less effort it takes to do one over the other, like the game is encouraging you to pick the diurnal ending. The game is also a bit janky, but no moreso than FNV. Combat is not satisfying mechanically, especially if you opt for using guns, though that's kind of the point. You're a doctor (admittedly Artemy was a military medic, so he has some combat training, but still). Though sometimes it can seem (but isn't) unavoidable in the early game when you're public enemy number one. The combat feels like if OV Fallout's combat was in first person.

There aren't technically "factions" per se, but rather bodies of power in the town the approach both its running and the crisis at hand from different angles. To be honest, I completely sidestepped the Saborovs for my first two playthroughs entirely. Bad Grief says I'm a fool to try and clear my name to the man who effectively runs the police force? Sure! Unless you take interest in investigating your father's death, or frequently save babies (long story), I didn't cross their path except in the town hall meeting. Which is a shame, but honestly the other families interested me more. The Kains have a lot going on and are the most philosophically driven family both in their architectural choices and in how they utilize the polyhedron. The Kains and the Olgimskies are more interlinked than the Saborovs are with anyone, especially regarding the town's children and their seperate factions (Notkin's Soul-and-a-halves and Khan's Dogheads, whom you'll likely encounter early on to help settle some gang warfare). In fact the town children functionally operate a seperate society divided between the town and the polyhedron.

I quite like the fact that the Olgymskies (responsible for the town's main / only industry of slaughterhouses, which repeatedly overlap with the older practice of bull worship and sacrifice by The Kin - wait, I haven't even mentioned them yet wtf) aren't just treated as evil robber barons (though Big Vlad absolutely partakes in corruption and prioritising the health of his children over the town / his worker, especially when investigating The Termitary and the circumstances around its closure), but people navigating stopping the spread of plague while still trying to meet the very real problem of food scarcity now that the Town's been effectively cut off from the rest of the world and their lifeline industry has been halted.

Something I really appreciate is that they show the children have agency and act by their own judgement, and that the adults of the town aren't inherently wiser. Early on in the game the leaders of the town main child gangs will go in search of a way to help stop the plague's spread and WILL get infected unless you intervene. They also keep track of the plague's spread, for their own sake but the player can take head of what they learn to plan their routes through the town ahead of time. They also aren't treated like untouchable saints either. Death is very much a reality for EVERY character, no matter how young, both by natural and unnatural causes from the get-go. There are several occasions where the player character will be taught by child characters, such as Sticky, about how to survive in ways they've had to as orphans. I also love how the main child factions have their own distinct philosophies that help (alongside more specific characters that play carer / leadership roles outside of the Doghead and Soul-and-a-half factions, like Capella and Maria Kaina) inform your late-game decisions, since the children are very much the town's future, and how you endorse them will inform how the town operates going forward. I especially love the dogheads, and how they see themselves as not quite fully human yet. Striving for humanity and to be better, such as the utopian future promised by their home The Polyhedron. Meanwhile Notkin's soul-and-a-halves are far more grounded in the here and now, and the fact we need to rely on each other (and our animal companions) to be whole. The two aren't a dichotomy either and work together on a few occasions since, at the end of the day, surviving the plague is a shared goal.

Good luck trying to save everyone! It is genuinely difficult and just deciding who to use resources on and choosing what to use resources for actively effect the story and roleplaying, not just dialogue. Supplies are limited and sometimes it's better to focus on self-preservation just to live another day because it's better others die than the town to go without a doctor. The game mocks and derides players who engage in combat, but you're never barred from it and there are very good reasons to engage in it (obtaining more medical supplies to keep people alive, saving babies from infected buildings, self-defence, protecting people who would otherwise be wrongfully executed, etc.)

I think it's important to seek out the good that still exists in the world rather than stew over the bad. Ironic, I know, given I'm recommending a bleak tragedy of a game / story, but my point that it's good still stands.

So yeah, if you're a disgruntled Fallout fan please give Pathologic (especially Pathologic 2) a shot. I really think you'll like it!

Edit: I keep adding stuff to this post. Originally tried to keep it brief but kept thinking of stuff worth talking about that it's beginning to get bloated ^^'