#small things are coming i will model and rig her. bug things are coming my epic loser seabug

[wavetapper]

go bugie

[maxismatchccworld]

Welcome back to our latest - and last! - Deep Dive into the gameplay of The Sims 4 Nifty Knitting Stuff Pack. I’ve really enjoyed sharing the designs and development of this pack with you, and I hope to continue doing these sorts of posts in the future. It’s been a super cool experience, and I hope you’ve enjoyed reading these! In today’s post I’ll talk about the feature that is core to everything in this pack, Knitting! Once again, I have to remind you that we’re still in active development on the pack and so some things may change between now and the final game. Now, let’s talk about some nifty knits!

READ IT I PROMISE YOU GONNA LIKE IT!

In order to start knitting, you’ll need to purchase a Yarn Basket from the Build/Buy catalog. You probably remember voting on these baskets a while back. This was the winning design, presented to you now in all its colorful glory! Don’t like color? That’s okay, because we included a solid black and white variant.

We have one more knitting basket coming too! Remember this one?

The basket acts as the crafting catalyst(neat term, huh?) similar to the Easel or Woodworking Bench in The Sims 4 base game. But unlike those examples, the Yarn Basket is meant to live in a Sim’s inventory so that they can take their knitting anywhere they want to go. Knitting itself is relatively straightforward: click on the Yarn Basket in your inventory, OR, with the basket in your inventory, click on the chair you want to sit in while knitting (perhaps a rocking chair?) and select the Knit interaction. Your projects are saved to your Sim, so you can pause your progress at any time and resume later, and even juggle multiple projects at once. Starting a project costs a small amount of Simoleons for the cost of yarn, but nothing too outrageous.

(Children can knit too!) As a Sim levels up their knitting skill they’ll have access to new patterns. They’ll start with knitting socks and beanies, but as they grow more skilled they can tackle more challenging projects like sweaters and toys for kids. But if you only want to specialize in one thing - perhaps knitted mailbox cozies? - that's fine too! Just keep knitting anything and everything, and you’ll be level 10 before you know it. Speaking of knitting skill, sometimes your skill is reflected in your knitted work, or rather your lack of skill. Knitting projects can fail, and when they fail they can get weird. But it’s all subjective, and maybe you’ll end up accidentally knitting the cutest derpy companion, or the perfectly itchy sweater. No mistakes, only happy accidents!

(Just own it.) One of the niftiest parts of the knitting skill is unlocking the ability to Teach to Knit, where Sims sit down together and have a knitting pow-wow. We wanted this to feel special, so we got a really sweet animation for it (Thanks Haeju!). Now that you can infect other Sims with the knitting bug, no yarn ball will be safe!

(The knitting needles aren’t finished on the Teach To Knit interaction yet, but trust me it's SUPER CUTE.) So, what can you do with all these knitting projects? Lots of stuff! Not only can knitted objects be listed on Plopsy, but you can also Donate them to charity. If you want to surprise a loved one, try Gifting a knitted object too. If you want to destroy all traces of your knitted failures, you can Frog the object and start again! If it's a particularly nice Sweater that you made, consider Adding it to Wardrobe to make it available in Create-A-Sim to all family members.

(Everyone appreciates a nice gift!) We want Sims to be able to knit something for their whole family. Not only will Sims be able to knit Toddler Onesies, but Baby Onesies as well. So put your little grubworm in a handmade knitted outfit. I’m sure they’d thank us if they could! (And if they didn’t like it I’m sure they’d be polite about it.)

(Here’s a sneak peek at some of the concept art for new clothing for the littlest of Sims!) It also felt like a good idea to add an Aspiration to tie this passion for knitting all together. So if you want to master the fuzzy art of knitting, consider signing your Sim up for the Lord(or Lady) of the Knits Aspiration. With yarn running through your veins, there will be no knitting mountain too hard to conquer! Master the Aspiration and you’ll be rewarded with the Sacred Knitting Knowledge trait. What does it do? Lots of stuff! What does it unlock? Something special! Am I being vague? I am! Come on guys, I can’t share all the secrets quite yet.

As I’ve mentioned previously, we’re trying to get as much cross-pack functionality for knitting as we can. Cats can play with Yarn Baskets and Yarn Balls, there will be new Club rules for Knitting, new class electives at University, and knitting counts for Emotional Control, just to name a few. I’m hoping Knitting feels nice and snug alongside our other gameplay systems. Now let's have a chat with our lead Object Modeler, Beth Mohler! Conor: Can you tell us a little bit about what an Object Modeler does on The Sims 4? Beth: As an object modeler I spend a lot of time trying to figure out how to make objects work in The Sims 4. This is actually a very involved process, and somewhat different from the wonderful work our environment team does. We work with designers, concept artists, engineers, animators, vfx artists (basically everyone!) to make sure that Sims can use an object properly in an animation, or that all of our objects will work with each other. Once we understand the design for a new object, we will create a rig, a block model (a very generic version of the object used to help us make more of the same object in the future), and a footprint (tells us where the object can go and how Sims move around it). Once those are tested by animators and other disciplines we can model the final version, create UVs, and add textures. We also hook up and test everything in the game to make sure it all looks good. There is a lot to think about when it comes to making objects because we know players can find so many interesting ways to place and use them in game. That makes it a very fun challenge to make them work with everything else we’ve built before. Conor: What feature are you most excited to work on in Nifty Knitting Stuff? Beth: I’d say I am most excited to work on the rocking chairs! I love that we are bringing them to the game and can’t wait to see them in some cozy living rooms or on porches. Conor: What are some of the challenges you are facing working on this pack? Beth: One of the biggest challenges is ensuring that the knitting itself looks good and is fun to watch! This is a challenge given that it needs to work for everything you can create. Figuring this out takes a lot of iteration between modeling, animation, engineering, design, and art direction so that we come to a conclusion that will work the best given our time and technical constraints. Another interesting ��challenge” is the fact that I crochet as a hobby myself! When you are knowledgeable about something (yarn!) in real life, working on it in the game it can sometimes be hard to separate the things you know and may expect in reality from what is possible or best within a video game. I have to make sure to keep a balance and to conceptualize how we can best convert the knitting experience into The Sims 4. As someone who also generally enjoys interior design and architecture, this is actually one of my favorite challenges and one of the things I love about working on objects in The Sims 4. Conor: What is your favorite feature you have ever worked on in The Sims 4? Beth: I think it has to be a tie between the mini fridge or the robotics table in Discover University. That pack was the first time I got to really take an entire feature from start to finish. I’ve been with Maxis for a while, but I’m relatively new to The Sims 4. Both of these objects had some complex features we wanted that required a lot of iteration. I learned a ton about the technical aspects of our game during the process as well. I’ve also worked on a few very cool things between then and now, but those can’t be shared yet ; ) As a fan of The Sims since the very beginning I am so happy to be able to share a little about what I do on a daily basis on The Sims 4 with you! I haven’t been on The Sims 4 for quite as long overall, but some of you may also recognize me from my time on Sims Mobile where I shared some of our workflows on Twitter for making a juice bar. Thanks! Conor: You shared a screenshot of the In-Progress Rocking Chair in our Rocking Chair Deep Dive. Can you share an updated screenshot now that the Rocking Chair is further along? Beth: I would love to! I hope everyone has been enjoying seeing the progress on this object so far! Here it is a little further along. This program allows us to set the rules for the object materials, footprint size and rig it should use, as well as all the color variants and swatch colors you see in the catalog.

Thanks Beth! By the way, Beth is on Twitter @SimGuruBeth, so be sure to Follow her! And thanks to all of you Simmers for following this pack’s development, this has been a really fun project in a very crazy time. A big thank you to my Stuff Pack teammates, and especially SimGuruSarah who edited my inane ramblings and wrangled the miscellaneous bits for these posts. While this concludes my design Deep Dives, we still have more forum posts with development insights on the way! Keep checking the Community Stuff Pack forum and we’ll have more fun stuff to show off in the weeks to come. Until next time, SimGuruConor

Source: The Sims Forum

[thesims4blogger]

The Sims 4 Nifty Knitting: Knitting Deep Dive

SimGuruConnor has released a forum post providing details on The Sims 4 Nifty Knitting!

Welcome back to our latest – and last! – Deep Dive into the gameplay of The Sims 4 Nifty Knitting Stuff Pack. I’ve really enjoyed sharing the designs and development of this pack with you, and I hope to continue doing these sorts of posts in the future. It’s been a super cool experience, and I hope you’ve enjoyed reading these!

In today’s post I’ll talk about the feature that is core to everything in this pack, Knitting! Once again, I have to remind you that we’re still in active development on the pack and so some things may change between now and the final game.

Now, let’s talk about some nifty knits!

In order to start knitting, you’ll need to purchase a Yarn Basket from the Build/Buy catalog. You probably remember voting on these baskets a while back. This was the winning design, presented to you now in all its colorful glory! Don’t like color? That’s okay, because we included a solid black and white variant.

We have one more knitting basket coming too! Remember this one?

The basket acts as the crafting catalyst(neat term, huh?) similar to the Easel or Woodworking Bench in The Sims 4 base game. But unlike those examples, the Yarn Basket is meant to live in a Sim’s inventory so that they can take their knitting anywhere they want to go. Knitting itself is relatively straightforward: click on the Yarn Basket in your inventory, OR, with the basket in your inventory, click on the chair you want to sit in while knitting (perhaps a rocking chair?) and select the Knit interaction.

Your projects are saved to your Sim, so you can pause your progress at any time and resume later, and even juggle multiple projects at once. Starting a project costs a small amount of Simoleons for the cost of yarn, but nothing too outrageous.

(Children can knit too!)

As a Sim levels up their knitting skill they’ll have access to new patterns. They’ll start with knitting socks and beanies, but as they grow more skilled they can tackle more challenging projects like sweaters and toys for kids. But if you only want to specialize in one thing – perhaps knitted mailbox cozies? – that’s fine too! Just keep knitting anything and everything, and you’ll be level 10 before you know it.

Speaking of knitting skill, sometimes your skill is reflected in your knitted work, or rather your lack of skill. Knitting projects can fail, and when they fail they can get weird. But it’s all subjective, and maybe you’ll end up accidentally knitting the cutest derpy companion, or the perfectly itchy sweater. No mistakes, only happy accidents!

(Just own it.)

One of the niftiest parts of the knitting skill is unlocking the ability to Teach to Knit, where Sims sit down together and have a knitting pow-wow. We wanted this to feel special, so we got a really sweet animation for it (Thanks Haeju!). Now that you can infect other Sims with the knitting bug, no yarn ball will be safe!

(The knitting needles aren’t finished on the Teach To Knit interaction yet, but trust me it’s SUPER CUTE.)

So, what can you do with all these knitting projects? Lots of stuff!

Not only can knitted objects be listed on Plopsy, but you can also Donate them to charity. If you want to surprise a loved one, try Gifting a knitted object too. If you want to destroy all traces of your knitted failures, you can Frog the object and start again! If it’s a particularly nice Sweater that you made, consider Adding it to Wardrobe to make it available in Create-A-Sim to all family members.

(Everyone appreciates a nice gift!)

We want Sims to be able to knit something for their whole family. Not only will Sims be able to knit Toddler Onesies, but Baby Onesies as well. So put your little grubworm in a handmade knitted outfit. I’m sure they’d thank us if they could! (And if they didn’t like it I’m sure they’d be polite about it.)

(Here’s a sneak peek at some of the concept art for new clothing for the littlest of Sims!)

It also felt like a good idea to add an Aspiration to tie this passion for knitting all together. So if you want to master the fuzzy art of knitting, consider signing your Sim up for the Lord(or Lady) of the Knits Aspiration. With yarn running through your veins, there will be no knitting mountain too hard to conquer! Master the Aspiration and you’ll be rewarded with the Sacred Knitting Knowledge trait. What does it do? Lots of stuff! What does it unlock? Something special! Am I being vague? I am! Come on guys, I can’t share all the secrets quite yet.

As I’ve mentioned previously, we’re trying to get as much cross-pack functionality for knitting as we can. Cats can play with Yarn Baskets and Yarn Balls, there will be new Club rules for Knitting, new class electives at University, and knitting counts for Emotional Control, just to name a few. I’m hoping Knitting feels nice and snug alongside our other gameplay systems.

Now let’s have a chat with our lead Object Modeler, Beth Mohler!

Conor: Can you tell us a little bit about what an Object Modeler does on The Sims 4?

Beth: As an object modeler I spend a lot of time trying to figure out how to make objects work in The Sims 4. This is actually a very involved process, and somewhat different from the wonderful work our environment team does. We work with designers, concept artists, engineers, animators, vfx artists (basically everyone!) to make sure that Sims can use an object properly in an animation, or that all of our objects will work with each other. Once we understand the design for a new object, we will create a rig, a block model (a very generic version of the object used to help us make more of the same object in the future), and a footprint (tells us where the object can go and how Sims move around it). Once those are tested by animators and other disciplines we can model the final version, create UVs, and add textures. We also hook up and test everything in the game to make sure it all looks good. There is a lot to think about when it comes to making objects because we know players can find so many interesting ways to place and use them in game. That makes it a very fun challenge to make them work with everything else we’ve built before.

Conor: What feature are you most excited to work on in Nifty Knitting Stuff?

Beth: I’d say I am most excited to work on the rocking chairs! I love that we are bringing them to the game and can’t wait to see them in some cozy living rooms or on porches.

Conor: What are some of the challenges you are facing working on this pack?

Beth: One of the biggest challenges is ensuring that the knitting itself looks good and is fun to watch! This is a challenge given that it needs to work for everything you can create. Figuring this out takes a lot of iteration between modeling, animation, engineering, design, and art direction so that we come to a conclusion that will work the best given our time and technical constraints.

Another interesting “challenge” is the fact that I crochet as a hobby myself! When you are knowledgeable about something (yarn!) in real life, working on it in the game it can sometimes be hard to separate the things you know and may expect in reality from what is possible or best within a video game. I have to make sure to keep a balance and to conceptualize how we can best convert the knitting experience into The Sims 4. As someone who also generally enjoys interior design and architecture, this is actually one of my favorite challenges and one of the things I love about working on objects in The Sims 4.

Conor: What is your favorite feature you have ever worked on in The Sims 4?

Beth: I think it has to be a tie between the mini fridge or the robotics table in Discover University. That pack was the first time I got to really take an entire feature from start to finish. I’ve been with Maxis for a while, but I’m relatively new to The Sims 4. Both of these objects had some complex features we wanted that required a lot of iteration. I learned a ton about the technical aspects of our game during the process as well. I’ve also worked on a few very cool things between then and now, but those can’t be shared yet ; )

As a fan of The Sims since the very beginning I am so happy to be able to share a little about what I do on a daily basis on The Sims 4 with you! I haven’t been on The Sims 4 for quite as long overall, but some of you may also recognize me from my time on Sims Mobile where I shared some of our workflows on Twitter for making a juice bar. Thanks!

Conor: You shared a screenshot of the In-Progress Rocking Chair in our Rocking Chair Deep Dive. Can you share an updated screenshot now that the Rocking Chair is further along?

Beth: I would love to! I hope everyone has been enjoying seeing the progress on this object so far! Here it is a little further along. This program allows us to set the rules for the object materials, footprint size and rig it should use, as well as all the color variants and swatch colors you see in the catalog.

Thanks Beth! By the way, Beth is on Twitter @SimGuruBeth, so be sure to Follow her! And thanks to all of you Simmers for following this pack’s development, this has been a really fun project in a very crazy time. A big thank you to my Stuff Pack teammates, and especially SimGuruSarah who edited my inane ramblings and wrangled the miscellaneous bits for these posts.

While this concludes my design Deep Dives, we still have more forum posts with development insights on the way! Keep checking the Community Stuff Pack forum and we’ll have more fun stuff to show off in the weeks to come.

Until next time, SimGuruConor

[aelowan]

Special Delivery – A Books of Binding Short Story

Cian woke in the dark to an urgent rapping on his bedroom door. Winter’s low voice carried through the wood. “Cian, we’re on.”

Cian sat up in bed, trying to parse that. On? On what? English wasn’t his first language and sometimes idioms — he hoped it was an idiom — tripped him up. He pulled his jeans on and made his groggy way across the spacious room to find Winter on the other side of his door, dressed in her usual loose dress and cardigan, her purple bag over her shoulder and her surgical bag heavy in her hand. She hadn’t taken the time to put her hip-length white hair up in a bun, and it rode one shoulder in a careless braid.

She was lovely.

He pushed his own long, sleep-tousled hair out of his face. “What are we on?”

A small, exhausted smile played about her lips, and he wanted to kiss her until the shadows under her ice-blue eyes faded away. “’On’ means it’s showtime,” she explained, not terribly effectively. What was a ‘showtime?’ “We have a delivery to attend. Corinne’s started bleeding heavily, and Doc says she can’t stop it.”

Cian’s brows shot to his hairline. The Lion Queen? Oh shit. “Is it the placenta previa? She’s five weeks early.” Which wasn’t too terribly early for a human or a vampire, but with a therian’s five-and-a-half-month gestation it could make things complicated.

Winter nodded. “Which means that either she got pregnant during an earlier heat than we thought, or the placenta’s started pulling away from her uterus, which I think is the more likely. Either way, I suspect we need to deliver the baby tonight. If she’s having contractions it will tear the placenta apart, leading to hemorrhaging. Now, you get dressed, and I’ll wake up Etienne so he can drive you out to Xanadu on the motorcycle. I need you at the top of your game, and making you ride with me in the Bug with its old steel chassis won’t help with that.” She sighed. “I really do need a new car.”

Cian shuddered at the thought of riding in the Bug. He’d ridden in more than one older model vehicle and gotten sick in the process. He was sidhe, though, and not a lesser fae, so sick was the extent of it. A lesser fae might come away with more serious injury or even death. The little pixies in the gardens here on the Point avoided Winter’s vintage car at all costs. “Yeah, a new one would be good. Maybe we can go shopping for one this weekend?”

Winter gave him a tired smile, but tired as she was it still reached her eyes. Cian couldn’t have said that only a few weeks ago. “Yes, maybe.” She checked the time on her phone. “We need to head out as soon as possible. Doc is perfectly capable of performing a c-section if she needs to, but I’d rather be there in case things get complicated. I’ll meet you in the foyer in five minutes.”

Cian shut the door as Winter moved toward Etienne’s room and turned to get ready. It was just the three of them rattling around in this huge house, where once there had been dozens of wizards, all part of the extensive Mulcahy family. He could tell that Winter liked having the company, and he liked it, too. So did Etienne.

Long hair pulled back in a neat ponytail, worn boots and a new sweatshirt against the mid-November chill, his silk-lined riding chaps to protect him from the Harley’s frame, and he was ready to ride as soon as he got his helmet and riding jacket together. Worry for Corinne dueled with excitement. This would be his first time attending a birth. He’d assisted Winter with several surgeries already, but Corinne was the community member closest to delivering and currently the highest-risk pregnancy. She was also one of Winter’s closest friends, and Winter said she felt better knowing he would be backing her up with his healing gift. Cian was happy to help.

Etienne was still putting his auburn hair up into a ponytail in the high style he preferred as he hit the stairs and nodded to Cian. “Get your things. It’s going to be a cold ride, even for you.” His red plaid overshirt was slung about his neck and the new black gun rig for his old Glock jostled lightly against his chest with each stairstep he took.

Cian stood at the bottom of the double staircase beside Winter and watched the faerie knight descend, his bootheels thudding softly on each wide tread. He waved a hand indicating the Glock under Etienne’s left arm. “Expecting trouble?”

Etienne smirked and pulled on the overshirt as he touched down from the last step. “Always. This is Seahaven, after all.”

Winter shook her head and offered a rueful smile but didn’t disagree. “I’ve got the car loaded and ready to go. Be careful out there. The roads might be a bit slick after that rain.”

Etienne’s smile stretched into a rake-hell grin and Cian felt his belly flop. By Dagda, Etienne had a sexy smile. “A little rain isn’t going to stop us. Now, let’s go help Corinne.”

Cian handed Etienne his helmet and his old worn leather coat before getting into his own, new, silk lined coat. Winter’d had it made for him when she’d noticed he was showing about an inch of wrist below the cuff of his old one.

Winter hitched her bag up higher on her shoulder, determination showing in her eyes. “Okay, let’s do this.”

The rain had subsided to a sprinkle, which did nothing for making the ride out to Xanadu any safer. Etienne sat a little higher in his seat, vigilant, and managed to avoid most of the puddles.

Most.

Cian tried to ignore his cold, wet boots as the three of them pulled into the covered Xanadu employee parking lot, Winter leading the way in her yellow Bug. They were met at the back entrance to the primary hotel that crowned the largest island in the resort complex. Corinne owned all of the islands in Eriksson Bay, and employed both the dolphins and the selkies as well as her entire large pride of lions. Scores of humans worked in the park, too, but they were offered only limited access. No need for some curious teenager to die just because they got a peek behind the Veil of Secrecy.

Santiago, Corinne’s husband, mate, and Chief of Security, waved as they approached the private elevator. Worry etched deep lines into his brow, cutting into his light brown skin. Cian noticed that he’d shaved his head, but it was already showing fine stubble with the force of his therian regeneration. “Winter, thank god you’re here.” His English was flavored with rich Cuban Spanish, as were most of the lions he had brought with him from Miami to merge with Corinne’s lioness-heavy pride.

Winter offered up a confident smile and gave the Lion King a quick hug. “It’ll be all right. I can get little Bella out in under a minute if I need to.”

Cian knew that Winter’d had to perform emergency c-sections in the past and knew what she was doing. Therian couldn’t get sick or infected, but they could develop conditions that put a pregnancy at risk, like Corinne’s placenta previa. Most therian lived on the edge of society, victims of poverty, abuse, and malnutrition. Pregnancy loss and high infant mortality were common.

But that wasn’t a concern with Corinne tonight. The Lion Queen led one of the biggest groups in Seahaven and was one of the most powerful and wealthiest therian on the West Coast.

Santiago ushered the three of them into the elevator and swiped his resort ID through the reader, granting them access to the private floors and the penthouse where the pride lived. “Doc says Corinne and the baby are both holding steady, even with the blood loss. She’s got both of them on monitors.”

Winter looked to Cian. “With heavy bleeding, what is keeping Corinne and Bella stable?”

Cian thought about that for a moment. “It’s Corinne. She’s strong enough that her healing ability is regenerating blood before she can lose too much, so Bella isn’t being stressed.” He paused. “Yet. There’s a limit to how long her body can heal itself and maintain the baby at the same time. She’s burning through an incredible amount of calories, and once she’s depleted, she’ll be vulnerable.”

Winter smiled her approval. “Excellent. You’re picking this up quickly.”

Etienne looked pleased but said nothing.

Santiago listened intently, tension singing across the backs of his hands, stress making his dark-eyed gaze intense. “But you can save her — save them — can’t you, Winter?”

Winter exuded confidence even as Cian could feel her exhaustion through the veil of his healing gift. “I’m here to fight. We’ll get Corinne through this.”

They exited the elevator one floor below the penthouse where Corinne and Santiago lived and travelled at a brisk pace past closed doors and the soft sounds of sleeping lions until Santiago pushed open a set of frosted glass doors at the end of the hall.

Doctor Gloria Park’s domain.

Glass, chrome, and bright lights, the small clinic and surgery suite gleamed like a shrine to modern medicine. Winter’s backroom clinic was smaller and homier — and a lot busier — but Cian could tell by the way she glanced around that Winter admired it and all of the shiny toys Doc had to play with.

Cian had to admit that he did, too.

“Doc, they’re here.” Santiago raised his voice just enough to be heard on the other side of the two frosted glass doors that bracketed the main room of the clinic.

Doc emerged from the door on the right, butting it open with a hip, her gloved hands marked by blood and ruddy betadine. A bloody streak smeared wet across her white coat at the waist, but she ignored it. She flashed a quick smile of greeting at the new arrivals, her slightly hooded eyes crinkling at the corners and tugging at her small epicanthal folds, her short, no-nonsense, black hair tucked beneath a surgery bonnet. “Excellent timing. I’m prepping Corinne now. How do you want to do this?”

Winter took her surgery bag from Etienne and began moving toward the surgery suite. “I think we should first administer my painkiller potion, and then once it kicks in, we can take a closer look.” She gestured to the blood on Doc’s coat and hands. “Is that all hers?” In any place other than Seahaven that might have been an odd question, but Cian was quickly learning that chaos seemed to reign above all, here.

Doc made a short shrugging gesture. “This time, yes. Contractions started about an hour ago.”

Winter nodded, all business. “Then we’ve got no time to waste. Santiago, do you want to come in and keep Corinne company?”

Santiago smiled, visibly relieved. “Si. I wouldn’t miss this for the world.”

Etienne crossed his arms and leaned a hip against a table. “I’ll wait out here. Haven’t attended a birth in a while, but I bet it’s going to be crowded enough in there as it is.”

Winter flashed the faerie knight a warm smile of gratitude and pushed through the door, Cian close behind her, Doc and Santiago bringing up the rear.

The surgery suite was small, but airy and brightly lit. Corinne sat reclined in the center of the room, gravid belly painted a lurid yellow-red with betadine, long red hair tucked into a surgery bonnet to keep it out of the way, full lips looking pale. Even still, she was glamorous. She opened her eyes as they entered the room, and she smiled a tired smile. “Hey there.”

Winter returned the smile with one of her own as she pulled out a surgery bonnet for herself and passed another to Cian. “Ready to have a baby tonight?”

Corinne chuckled softly and reached out for Santiago’s hand as he reached her side. “You have no idea. But someday you will.”

Winter’s smile turned a bit wistful. “Maybe.” Cian wanted to hold her, just for a moment. He knew she expected to die young, like the rest of the Mulcahy line. She was the last.

Cian found a chair and brought it to Santiago so he could sit at Corinne’s head.

Santiago took the seat and stroked Corinne’s forehead. “Mi corazón.”

Winter tucked her long braid into the surgery bonnet and Cian followed suit. “This is going to go very fast. Your contractions tore the placenta and that’s what’s causing the bleeding. It’s still a total occlusion, still entirely blocking the cervix, as we saw on the ultrasound during your checkup last week.”

Corinne gave a single nod, exhaustion and worry etched into the corners of her eyes. “Did I do something wrong? She’s so early.”

Winter shook her head no and dug into her surgical bag. “Sometimes babies just come early. Nobody’s at fault.” She looked at the monitors showing both Corinne and the baby’s vitals and Cian followed her gaze. Both were holding steady so far. “But Bella’s at a good weight. She should be fine. And your strength is keeping her that way. But I still want to get her out with all speed. We need your bleeding to stop.” As she spoke, she pulled a tumbler from the bag, filled it with cool water, and added three drops of light blue potion, drops that never quite mixed in, instead swirling about like whisps of metallic smoke. “Here, drink all of this down as fast as you can.”

Corinne took the tumbler and knocked it back, then locked her jaw as her entire body shuddered. “Good lord, what was that?”

Winter retrieved the tumbler before it ended up on the floor. “Painkiller potion. It will last for a few hours. It also gives us the ability to go in after little Bella without you feeling any pain and without giving you enough human anesthetic to knock out the Fifth Fleet.” Cian knew from Winter’s explanations that therian could burn through human drugs at an alarming rate. Only magical solutions could withstand their incredible metabolisms.

Corinne shuddered one more time, and then leaned back with a sigh and closed her eyes. “Oh. Oh, that’s much better. Thank you.”

Winter gave her friend’s hand a squeeze. “Good. Now let’s meet your daughter and get that bleeding stopped.” She shrugged out of her sweater and pulled a couple of scrub tops out of the surgery bag, handing one over to Cian. “This is going to be pretty straight forward,” she began to explain, mostly to Cian. Doc already knew what she was doing. “Cian, I want you as tech on this so you can get as much experience as possible. You’ll suction the amniotic fluid out of our way, and I’d like you to use your touch healing to tack Corinne back together once we deliver the placenta, so she heals correctly. Corinne is strong enough that she’ll probably heal faster than I can suture her. Doc, if you can keep the incisions open long enough for me to go in and get the baby and the placenta, we can get her delivered in the next few minutes.”

Doc gave a thoughtful look at her queen’s belly and then to the monitors. “I think that’s reasonable. The bassinet’s already warming, so you can just plop the baby in there while you deliver the placenta and we get the bleeding stopped, and then as soon as the umbilical cord stops pulsing, we can cut it.” She cast a grin at Santiago, who was massaging Corinne’s temples. “Feel like cutting the cord?”

A smile spread across Santiago’s handsome face. “Si. I thought that was just a TV thing.”

Doc let out a soft chuckle. “No, it can be a dad thing, too. Bella’s welcome to the world.”

Winter handed Cian a clean absorbent pad, and he replaced the blood-soaked one beneath Corinne, tossing it into the operating room trash with the rest of them. He could only thank Dagda that she was a therian, and a queen. A human would be in dire straits by now.

Doc lifted an electrocautery scalpel from its tray, the steel glinting under the bright lights, a long wire stretching to the base of the machine beside her. “Ready when you are.”

Winter explored Corinne’s belly, feeling out the position of the baby within. “She’s breech, which is normal with placenta previa. First incision down here, across the lower abdomen, and then we very carefully cut into the uterus.”

Doc snorted. “Don’t teach me to suck eggs, kid.”

An amused smile tugged at Winter’s mouth. “Yes, ma’am. Cian, get ready with the suction, please.”

Cian flipped the machine on and held the wand at the ready, tucking himself against Corinne’s side opposite of Santiago so he could both reach and stay out of the way. He’d done this in surgery with Winter before. There had just never been a baby involved. It didn’t make him nervous, though. Winter had faith in him.

Winter shifted just a little to the side to give Doc more room. “All right, let’s do this.”

Doc spread her fingers across Corinne’s lower abdomen, her hands rock-steady, and made the first deft incision, a tiny whiff of smoke rising as she made the long cut, stopping bleeding before it could start, exposing the flesh of Corinne’s uterus. “Get the retractors ready,” Doc murmured to no one in particular.

Winter reached around her and picked up the two steel retractors, looking for all the world like salad tongs to Cian’s mind. He’d used them before, but the first impression was always the lasting one.

Doc carefully centered her scalpel and indicated a small band of muscle just to the side of her hand. “Pay attention to this, Cian.” Her voice was low with concentration. “Corinne is a lioness, and her uterus works a little differently than a human’s. Instead of basically just being nestled in place by the other abdominal structures, it’s held in place at two points, acting as shock absorbers. She’s built to hunt and fight while pregnant.” Doc shifted the position of her scalpel. “We don’t want to cut those, so we’re making a bit of a smaller incision instead.”

Cian nodded, absorbing the lesson. “Will the baby still fit through?”

Doc nodded. “It’ll just be a tighter squeeze, but she’ll be fine.” Doc deftly nicked the edges of the first incision, pushing against Corinne’s healing ability. “Cutting now.” She pierced the uterine wall without hesitation, drawing another long, bloodless, horizontal line across Corinne’s abdomen.

Immediately a tiny foot appeared, pressed against the intact, translucent amniotic sac. Winter smiled as she applied the retractors. “Very nice.”

Doc grinned. “It’s what we do. Ready to catch?”

Winter nodded. “Trade you.”

Doc and Winter traded tools in a dance born out of years of practice. Doc had been Winter’s primary teacher as she learned trauma surgery, after the death of her Aunt Curiosity.

Winter cut into the amniotic sac with a delicate touch, careful of the moving baby beneath. Cian shifted behind her, suctioning fluid as best he could, until Winter slipped her hands inside and began to ease the baby out.

Corinne’s eyes widened. “Oh, that feels weird. How does she look?”

Winter slipped a hand further into Corinne’s uterus, sloshing fluid over her wrists and onto the pad. “Well, all I see right now is her little butt, but her head is coming free… right… now.”

Corinne raised her head, eager for a peek. “Can I see her?”

Winter mopped the tiny baby’s face off with a pad that Cian handed her, suctioned her little nose and mouth, and held her where Corinne and Santiago could see just in time for Bella to raise her first vigorous objections to being pulled from her warm retreat. Winter beamed. “Look what you two did.”

Santiago’s eyes reddened with joy and he kissed Corinne’s cheek. “She has your hair, mi corazón.”

Corinne grinned, unable to take her eyes off the baby. “She’s beautiful. Just beautiful.”

“And messy.” Winter handed Bella off to Cian, who wrapped her in an absorbent pad and carried her to the cozy bassinet. She was so tiny, and so fierce. “Let me finish this with Doc and Cian’s help and then she’s all yours.”

***

If you like this story, check out our other free short fiction and all things Seahaven at https://www.aelowan.com.

[thewildjoshwaa]

Oni:Trials of Destiny Dev Blog

Pre Assumptions/Week 1

The first week we formed our groups. After a successful project working on Ashes myself, our former team leader Hassan and artist Cedez wanted to form up and work together for this project. However, this time we decided to take on Nela who is an excellent programmer, Mike who is a talented 3D modeller and Ella who is also a talented 3D modeller. Between the former Ashes team we decided we needed two modellers as opposed to one, as last time we had a very large workload to create 3D models just for one modeller. We decided this time we would need two in order to better space out that workload.

Last module I was an artist for the group and had helped with other aspects of the project such as texturing. This time however I wanted to work on the programming, as I had an entire semester working with code and would also be working in unity for my other project this semester. Therefore I believe I would be able to apply my new skills here. This was agreed with the entire group meaning we would have myself, Nela and Cedex as programmers. Hassan as team leader and artist. Finally Mike and Ella would be our 3D modellers. I was very happy with this team and felt we had one of the strongest teams assembled so far. 

Our task this week was to each come up with a game idea and some concept art for it to show off our ideas and between us all pick one idea to go with and develop it for the project. My idea was a cyberpunk themed platformer where the player would have to track criminals/dangerous creatures and hunt them down bringing back the targets alive. The player would have to find clues in the levels to find them and track the target.

Week 2

After some careful consideration we actually took a few ideas from a couple of the other ideas we put forward and developed it as a group, each member contributing evenly to our idea until we had something concrete so everyone was happy working on the project in a passionate way. 

Week 2 ended up being a very busy week for the group. In order to inspire the aesthetics of our game  we built up a pinterest board centered around the Kitsune, Japanese mythology, futurism and other mythologies/cultures, which was collaborated on as a group. For my own personal contribution I was tasked with developing the character controller and the camera controller for the player in a white box level. 

This is the first time I have worked on a 3rd person 3D game before, but with the help of some tutorials, developing these components I was tasked with this week turned out to be a relatively simple task at first. The challenge with this task was solving the camera collision and clipping issues we would inevitably have. I couldn’t get this to work perfectly from week 2, but I did manage to get the camera to collide correctly to limit clipping in terrain. Whilst clipping would still occur at this stage, I will have to tweak and refine the character controller in future weeks. For the purposes of a whitebox however, what I had developed this week would suffice.

Week 3

Again this week would turn out to be a very busy week as I had picked up 3 important tasks in terms of developing more basic mechanics for the player character. We also had a major setback in that Hassan unfortunately would leave the team this week to work on his placement for the BBC. Hassan would have been an amazing asset for our team so I saw this is a pretty big blow for us particularly because he was our project manager for the last project and now this one. Luckily we do still have a very strong team despite the loss of Hassan and Nela naturally stepped up in the project manager role, setting tasks for the team this week and organising our documentational side of things.

In terms of my tasks, I was developing the jump, dodge and health mechanics for the player. Unfortunately the jump and dodge mechanics took a little longer than anticipated to get working, I had some major issues with the jump being far too strong or too weak even though I was only increasing or decreasing the jumpforce by very small increments. I did manage to find a workable medium that would work for the very early prototype stages of the project, but the jump did feel very floaty and was still a little too high. Ultimately this will be worked on and tweaked in future weeks. For the dodge I opted to have a teleport style dodge similar to how Noctis would dodge attacks in the latest Final Fantasy instalment at the time. I did this as I was keeping in mind the workload for our modellers who would also be rigging the character for animation, and in order to lessen their workload I felt having a particle effect animation play when the character does the teleportation dodge would not only help reduce their workload, but also fit the character being a mystical kitsune with powers and look aesthetically pleasing at the same time. This would also need tweaking as right now the player can teleport through geometry which can cause bugs of falling through the map or skipping puzzles we had planned later down the development pipeline.

The final task I worked on was the Health mechanics. I had opted to develop a health system that both the player and the enemies can use, as well as a visible health bar that the player and enemies can use. I managed to get this working relatively fast and through testing damage to the player would accurately reflect on the player health bar.

Week 4

After a busy first few weeks for me in developing this project, this week was more relaxed. We were ahead of schedule compared to other groups, so this week was solely focused on refining the character controls and tweaking the current mechanics. Other members were working on getting assets into our would be level and developing the game infrastructure such as the menus. I also added sections on the Game design document based on the assets I had produced so far on the project.

Week 5

This week had some confusion. We had two white box levels. Myself and Cedez were working in one white box level and Nela was working in another. In order for Nela to test her enemies she had to incorporate some of the assets I had developed such as the camera controller and health system. I had to show Nela how to correctly set up and link the camera controller as well as how to set up the health bar on the enemies correctly. As a result of proper testing with the projectiles and multiple enemies this caused issues for the health bar both for the player and enemies. Whilst the health system itself was tracking the correct amount of health and damage for the player and enemies, the health bar wouldn’t reflect this properly. The issue was having multiple enemies on a level at the same time, the health bar script was looking for one enemy health bar to work with but it had multiple. In the end we took the health bar off the enemy entirely. This solved the issue with the player health bar also.

Week 6

We had successfully managed to transfer the assets we had to the actual game level people would play, and even the actual fox player models to the player and camera controller. This was in time for testing this week whereby we had first year game students come and give us feedback for the game. I was in charge of producing a questionnaire for playtesters to fill in and logging their feedback as well as any bugs they encountered.

As a result of their feedback we immediately started working on fixes to the bugs people encountered which I had helped with. The biggest contribution from me was fixing the camera controller making it way easier for the player controller because before the test it was clunky and strange to work with.

We also removed the dodge mechanic from the game as it was causing too many issues with clipping the player through the geometry and skipping parts of the level. We decided dodge was no longer required anyway and the player could work without this mechanic as the player had tools such as their projectiles to defeat enemies or they can easily sun away if they take too much damage.

Week 7

Week 7 was a very tough week for me personally. I was tasked with developing a sprint mechanic for the player and fixing some of the bugs that were reported in play testing. However I didn’t complete these tasks as I was faced with some very difficult and tough personal circumstances that caused me to lose my normal passion, motivation and fight to achieve in developing a game. I brought this to the attention of the group and they were very understanding with me and Nela was especially so as she picked up my tasks, and was very supportive.

Quarantine

Uni closed down and everyone was forced to work from home. I still had ongoing personal issues and was bouncing between places I was living, which limited my capability to work on the project. Due to the uncertainty and overall lack of motivation across the group there were a couple of weeks where a few group members understandably didn’t work on the project too much. Even Nela who I would say is the hardest working member of the group had knocked motivation based on the circumstances. During the early stages of this period the group didn’t communicate as much as we normally would have which is again understandable considering the circumstances. Thanks to all the hard work we had put into the project before the lockdown, these weeks where little was being developed didn’t affect the project too badly.

After a few weeks we managed to pull together as a group, fix issues, communicate better until the project was near completion. Towards the last 3/4 weeks before deadline we only had sounds to incorporate, narration for the cutscene and finishing up the documentation for these parts as well as producing a presentation with some gameplay. When I had personally bounced back I was tasked with creating fall damage for the character. I had successfully created working fall damage that reflected damage based on how far the player fell. However when applied to the fox character for some reason this would not work properly. Fall damage was being reflected with standard jumps when it shouldn’t and changing the fall value slightly would mean the player would take no damage no matter how far they fell. I brought this to Nela’s attention and she couldn’t figure out how to make it work properly either. We believe it has something to do with the fox having two character models at all times due to the transformation mechanic. As the transformation mechanic is a key mechanic and we were running out of time we decided to scrap fall damage for now and implement fences in places the player could fall from to skip parts of the level, or instant death if they fall to places the player shouldn’t go.

I was tasked with being the voice of the narrator. Between myself and Cedez we came up with a script that goes with the cutscene. We had to not only write something that goes in time with what the player is seeing but also provide enough story and context to give the player a better idea of what is going on in the game. We had no issues with the script or recording my voice and Cedez edited the narration to fit the cutscene.

My final effort with the project involved working on my task for the presentation we had to film. I talked about some of the things I had produced earlier on in the development for Oni. I quickly produced a speech and recorded myself going through it resulting in a three minute thirty audio clip. I then recorded gameplay whilst listening to the clip to ensure what I was playing fit with what I was saying in the speech which resulted in three minutes thirty seconds worth of gameplay on my segment of the presentation alone.

Post Mortem

Ultimately Oni:Trials Of Destiny really turned out well despite the setbacks we had as a group both before the lockdown and during it. Due to the group's strength, I believe we came up with a really cool prototype that is both fun and artistically pleasing. Both the programmer and the modelling teams did a great job on developing their assets as a team and we all supported each other and helped each other when it was required. Creating a 3D 3rd person platformer I thought was going to be a real challenge due to my own personal lack of experience in developing a game like this, but thanks to really digging in and researching how to develop a lot of the assets and components needed at the start of the project, really helped push me and learn.

I had learnt so much switching from an artist to a programmer for this unit. I felt being a programmer meant I was far more involved in the project and how it would turn out, whether it would be a success or a failure. I enjoyed the problem solving aspect of this role despite the stress it brought at times. Whilst some of the components I produced were not perfect, I had learnt a lot by making mistakes and having people like Nela and Cedez helping me, as I helped them at times during the project.

My only disappointment was the lull I had during my difficult time just before the quarantine and some weeks during the beginning of it. I wish I had bounced back sooner as I feel I disappointed my team despite their understanding, and I wished I picked up my own slack so they could get on with their own tasks. Whilst the end product of our project turned out really well, there were some things we couldn’t quite get to work such as the dodge mechanic and fall damage that if I did bounce back sooner, may well have been implemented properly into the game making it better. However, I did bounce back, I wasn’t down and out all the way through. This will make me a stronger game developer no matter what role I end up in future projects.

Asset List

- Character controller

- Camera controller

- Jump

- Dodge (not used)

- Health system

- Health bar script

- Fall damage (not used)

- Narrator (voice and script)

- Some Sections related to what I did, in the GDD

[amuletrebel]

Bring May Flowers (Ch. 21)

AO3 Link / FF.net Link

Prompt: Civilian has a day with Chat Noir

Time froze as Chat’s eyes stared down into Marinette’s in horror. Did he really just say what he thinks he said? It was a spur of the moment thing! He just blurted it out when he heard ‘Ladybug’ come out of Marinette’s mouth. This was not how he wanted their grand reveal to go, not by a long shot. Marinette took a step back out of his hold, her expression unreadable. A chill whooshed through him at the lack of her warmth. “Princess,” he cautiously whispered, slowly reaching out to her. He looked like he’d just been slapped when she pulled away from him.

“How long…?” Her voice was just above a whisper. The ears atop his head flattened at the coolness in her tone. “Not long, I swear!” When she curled up on herself, he took another step forward. “Please, Princess. You have to believe me.” Her bluebell eyes were hidden in the shadow of her bangs and her grip tightened on her arms as she held herself. “Is that why…?” “Why what?” “Why you agreed to date me!” Chat instinctively flinched when Marinette’s voice rose. “Because I’m Ladybug? Because you love ‘your lady’ so much? You didn’t see Marinette at all, did you? You saw the mask.” “What? No! Marinette, that was never—” “Chat Noir!” a voice called out, making both of them freeze. Marinette took the opportunity to slip out of sight when the cat-themed hero turned his head. But when he whipped his head back a second later, he visibly sagged when he saw that she wasn’t around. Andre Bourgeois approached Chat and shook his hand rapidly. “You saved the day once again, Chat Noir!” The mayor looked behind, eyes searching. “But…where is Ladybug?” “Oh!” Adrien’s brain started forming any excuse it could form. Words culminated and shot out of his mouth before he could stop them. “Well, my Bug had a bug, so she had to swing out fast! She’s not really feeling well, so yeah…” “Well then, give her my regards. And we are still on for the contest, yes?” Andre held his hands together and leaned in with a hopeful expression. “Yeah, the contest!” Chat gave a model smile, internally sweating from nervousness. I have no idea what you’re talking about. “Of course I haven’t forgotten! I just, um, need a rundown of how this is gonna happen. Just to be safe.” “Of course!” the mayor exclaimed, visibly pleased. Chat covered his sigh of relief to not draw suspicion. “One lucky civilian will be chosen over live broadcast. Their name is in an envelope I marked for the occasion. The lucky civilian will call in and have a fun day with Ladybug and Chat Noir. Well, I guess it’s just Chat Noir since Ladybug isn’t feeling well.” “Y-yeah.” He felt like this conversation was going in circles. “Well, this cat needs to make like a banana and split! So…bye!” With an uncharacteristically awkward wave, Chat bound off to the Agreste mansion. When Adrien arrived in his room and detransformed, he took a running start before he jumped and faceplanted onto his bed like a big blonde mess. “She hates me,” Adrien’s muffled voice groaned. “She doesn’t hate you, kid,” Plagg said matter-of-factly, chomping down on his Camembert on the coffee table. The model’s head shifted so he was looking at his kwami. “And how would you know?” “Trust me. I’ve seen real hatred in my eight thousand plus years of living.” Deep green met peridot as the little god of destruction floated over to the bed. “Usually, I convince my holder to not transform for selfish and stupid reasons, but I can grant it this once. Just go and talk to her.” “Haven’t you been listening?!” Adrien complained. “She doesn’t want to talk to me! I wouldn’t even get the chance…” He miserably plopped his head back onto his soft pillow. “Yes you do. You already know how. Use that perfect blonde head of yours and the information you got recently.” Adrien turned toward his kwami once again, his eyebrow arching in confusion. “What you do me—“ Suddenly, it clicked. “Oh. Oh!” The young model sprang up from his bed. “That’s it!” Immediately after dinner, Adrien rushed up to his room, feigning it as eagerness to practice piano since he’s ‘really been committing to it.’ Instead of doing that, Adrien suited up and leapt out the window, his route all planned out. This was a terrible idea. It was a horrible idea. But it was the only thing he could think of to get Marinette to talk to him. It was actually quite easy; easier than anything he’d seen in spy movies. Guess the mayor was either really careless or too lazy to install high security. He was gonna go with the former. Chat slunk into the office and began his search. He opened a drawer and found an envelope marked “Hero Day Winner.” Bingo. The hero, currently cat burglar, pulled it out. He carefully removed the seal and stuck in onto the envelope he prepared, including copying the signature on the real envelope onto his. With that complete, he shut the drawer and scurried home as fast as he ever has. Adrien, both from the rush of what he’d just done and terror that this plan might fail, didn’t sleep a wink that night. Luckily, it was a free day so he could sleep in just a little bit until Chat Noir made his debut for the contest winner announcement. After his scheduled afternoon meal, Adrien made an excuse about going out to the movie with friends. Nathalie and Gorilla dropped him off at the theater and he went inside. But when they left, he dashed out and transformed in a nearby alley. Chat leapt across buildings until he was at the Grand Paris Hotel. The crowd surrounding the area cheered for him and he waved happily. Sure, he knew he basically rigged this contest, but being able to apologize to Marinette would be well worth it. “And the winner of the Hero Day contest is,” Andre announced, opening the envelope before reading out the name, “Marinette Dupain-Cheng!” Yes! Chat cheered in his head. “If that’s the case,” the hero said, stepping off the stage, “I’ll make a personal appearance. That particular civilian has helped Ladybug and I a couple times. So I can say my thanks now.” Before he could be questioned, Chat leapt off to see Marinette, swiping a small bunch of anemone from a public garden in the process. The balcony was unoccupied when Chat landed. But he could hear the silent squeak from the other side of the hatch. “Marinette…” he called, knocking on the hatch. “Princess, please open up.” He knocked again. “I’m begging here Mari. You can karate kick me off this roof, string me up to the Eiffel Tower, whatever punishment you see fit. But please, just hear me out.” When there was no response, Chat belt tail dropped as he sighed. The blonde was ready to leave until he heard the trapdoor creek open. He whipped around so flash he was surprised he didn’t get whiplash. Marinette poked her head out, not coming any farther. “…Well?” She looked at him expectantly, but also with a glare. Oh, right! His mouth needed to form words! Come on, brain. Don’t fail me now! “I’m so sorry!” he blurted. Okay, good start. “I never, ever intended to hurt you. And I see now how much I did by not telling you sooner. But this is exactly what I was afraid of.” He could see Marinette starting to rise out of her spot, slowly coming up to the balcony. “I promised myself I’d love the girl behind the mask, and I do! I really do! I liked you before I knew you the truth.” By the time she was standing on her balcony, his gloved hands took hers. “I found you irresistible, but I denied it for so long. I’m not just saying this because of your identity. It’s the truth; the honest truth.” His eyes stared deep into hers, revealing the seriousness in his gaze. “Once I knew, I spent more time to confirm that what I felt for you on both sides was real. You deserve someone who loves all of you. I want to be that person for you. I couldn’t stay away from you, so please. Please don’t push me away. I love you Marinette. Every time I said, ‘I love you,’ I was always telling the truth.” It was quiet again and Chat started panicking. But he was caught off-guard when Marinette knocked him off his feet, tears streaming down her cheeks. “Chat!” she cried, snuggling into his chest. “I forgive you, kitty!”

“You…you do?” Chat looked hopeful, resting his hands on her shoulders. His elation skyrocketed when she nodded and looked at him with a teary-eyed smile. “Yes. I’m so sorry. I’m really insecure, aren’t I?” “No, no! Your worry is totally justified!” The hero picked them both up. “There’s one more thing I need to tell you. This is actually what I’ve been most worried about with this whole situation.”

The pigtailed girl’s head tilted in confusion. “What do you mean, kitty?”

This was it. This was the moment that he believed would make or break them. He just hoped she wouldn’t hate him forever after she just forgave him. Chat closed his eyes, took a deep breath, and said, “Claws in.”

I want to dedicate this to the lovely @catneylang as a thank you for her wonderful work. I save all her works to my computer and look at them constantly because they give me so many happy vibes and a sense of inspiration. I want to show the same passion she shows in her works through my writing.

Previous Chapter / Next Chapter

[verdigrisprowl]

Mar 25 Dancitron Movie Night - Thor: Ragnarok

Prowl tuned out most of the movie and left his avatar on idle. He’s working on a project.

He skimmed his recording of the movie during the credits, realized that there was some rather traumatic content in there, and went over to reassure Soundwave. They’re now scheduling an opportunity to go destroy Soundwave’s old cell in the pits. Prowl also worried over Mixmaster a bit.

Today Specs 7:32 pm *the dragon arrives! she, thankfully, does not have a knife this time. she does have some shellfish-shaped energon cookies, however.* ItsyBitsySpyers 7:33 pm *Soundwave finishes popping something into his mouth and closing his visor just before the dragon arrives; he turns to greet her and nods, peering at the cookies with much curiosity.* Specs 7:33 pm Hello, Soundwave! *she's putting them where they belong before she takes a seat, as always* Smokescreen 7:34 pm /Smokescreen's coming in, and is going to flop onto a couch as soon as he enters./ ItsyBitsySpyers 7:35 pm [[Greetings, dragon. Have you had a pleasant week?]] *Soundwave glances over to Smokescreen and nods to him. Still nervous after that card, but... a couple of hours here can't hurt. Right?* Smokescreen 7:37 pm /Smokescreen's waving at Soundwave, so far looking like he's fine!/ Hey, Sounds- Sounds, can I share this one documentary with you? ItsyBitsySpyers 7:37 pm [[Do.]] Specs 7:37 pm It's been quiet. Nothing much happened. Concursion with the one of the space elevators came and went, so new supplies came down! That was nice. Er, came up. How do directions work in space, anyways. ItsyBitsySpyers 7:38 pm [[Poorly.]] Smokescreen 7:38 pm Alright- it's a from the boxyverse, but focusing on this hit band group at the time! ... Also, can I talk to you about the big- you know, the allspark thing in my universe? Ratchet 7:39 pm *pops in* Jetstream 7:39 pm it's fighting me Omicron 7:39 pm *Ice Queen comes in, tired predacon is tired, looks around and chirps a greeting* Specs 7:39 pm *the dragon chirps back at the predacon* ItsyBitsySpyers 7:40 pm [[You may.]] *Soundwave nods to Ice Queen, Jetstream, and Ratchet. Greetings.* Omicron 7:40 pm Racer: *Chirps! too from Icy's back, riding and chewing on a metalic stick* Smokescreen 7:40 pm ... Right here? Now? Ratchet 7:40 pm *slow scan of the room. is there anyone here he wants to sit with tonight? doesn't look like there is, yet.* ItsyBitsySpyers 7:41 pm [[You might as well.]] [[...Over comms.]] Smokescreen 7:41 pm Oh! Oh yeah! Prowl 7:41 pm *arrives via the door like y'do* Smokescreen 7:42 pm @Soundwave: ::First- you got any idea how to break the news to Megs that I'm inviting you to help? And- and also, we found these different symbols that go with all the coordinates we've found.:: ItsyBitsySpyers 7:42 pm [[Good evening, Prowl.]] Ratchet 7:42 pm Hey, platter arms. Is Bug around? Omicron 7:42 pm *Icy tries not to flop, but lays down in beast mode* Jetstream 7:42 pm ((what do y'all see?)) ItsyBitsySpyers 7:42 pm [[..."Platter arms"?]] *Irritated blip.* [[They can be, if you give me a moment.]] Smokescreen 7:42 pm !! /Waving at round Prowl!/ Omicron 7:42 pm RAcer: *Meeps at the mechs he's seen before* ItsyBitsySpyers 7:43 pm @SS: [[Gently. Perhaps not specifying which one he is. And what do you mean, different symbols?]] Prowl 7:43 pm ...*her helm whips in Soundwave's direction, mouth opening slightly before she collects herself* Good evening, Soundwave. Prowl 7:44 pm *fails to notice Smokescreen waving, he might want to say something if he wants Prowl's attention* ItsyBitsySpyers 7:44 pm *So very pleased with that.*

*Zori trundles into the room by way of the ceiling as comes out of the stairwell. He beeps noisily at Ratchet and waves a claw upside-down.* #hiiiiiiiiii Smokescreen 7:45 pm @Soundwave: ::That could work- but he'll find out when he sees you, won't he? And- different symbols of the different Primes, the allspark, and another symbol I don't recognize. So we know, from all the coordinates, which one should be the allspark- but the other ones should also be interesting!:: Ratchet 7:45 pm *platter arms indeed. but nevermind that, here's Zori!* Bug! You wanna sit with me tonight? Jetstream 7:45 pm ((Alright here we go, i think)) *Walks in and looks around* Omicron 7:46 pm ((I have a friend that wants to join as a TFP Knockout, would that be okay?)) ItsyBitsySpyers 7:46 pm @SS: [[There's little he'll be able to do at that point. And Megatron knows where his priorities rest. Megatron would be a fool to turn away his help.]] Pause. [[You mean to say you might have found other relics...?]] ((long as the rules get observed, sure thing)) #yes! #um #...hold on #I do not want to jump Smokescreen 7:47 pm @Soundwave: ::Oh no- we've known that there would be other relics. We have 15 different coordinates- but now we have a better idea of what they are! I've been looking through the co- through soome historical research files to see if I can make a guess what they are, but no luck yet.:: Tarantulas 7:48 pm (( I WAS GONNA ASK IF U HAD THIS ONE QUEUED ItsyBitsySpyers 7:48 pm *Zori wiggles a little, concentrates, and.... BWOOSH. Big fragging Bug on the ceiling. NOW he drops to the floor with a huge thump, and once he's settled, shrinks again.* *Up the couch he'll crawl.* Omicron 7:48 pm O_o Prowl 7:48 pm *makes way over to the table nearest the door to sit down* Jetstream 7:49 pm *Happens to have sat there already. more than welcome though* ItsyBitsySpyers 7:49 pm @SS: [[Is there anything he can do to assist you with identifying them?]] Specs 7:49 pm *the dragon considers joining Zori's couch, but Ratchet doesn't really know her. oh well! an unoccupied couch it is. maybe next time.* ItsyBitsySpyers 7:50 pm ((there's only a few songs left, so y'all get your snacks and drinks and stuff)) Omicron 7:50 pm *there's always the big predacon you can sit on lol* ItsyBitsySpyers 7:50 pm *Zori taps Ratchet's leg. Can he perch on the knee?* Ratchet 7:50 pm *....* That was impressive. Specs 7:50 pm *the dragon pile is too powerful for this movie night* Ratchet 7:51 pm Come on up, Buggo. Omicron 7:51 pm *NEVER! dragon loafs together, even if RAcer is acting like he's got catnip* Prowl 7:51 pm *Prowl's aiming for the chair against the wall that faces out to the rest of the room, is Jetstream sitting there or did they snag another chair at the table?* Smokescreen 7:52 pm @Soundwave: ::I mean- if you know more relics that were associated with different Primes, that could help. I don't think it's any of the relics that ended up on Earth, and I'm pretty sure the covenant is not one of the relics. Alpha Trion's might be his quill? That's my best guess right now:: Magnum Ace 7:52 pm -pings Soundwave. It's movie night, right?- Jetstream 7:52 pm *just another chair in the area* ItsyBitsySpyers 7:52 pm #thank you! #...but it makes me hungry

*Up up, little circle, and settle. Except for the wiggling he does in time to the music.* Ratchet 7:52 pm *wiggles fingers along with* You get that snack I sent for you? Omicron 7:53 pm RAcer: *nomnom on his stick* ItsyBitsySpyers 7:53 pm @SS: [[He'll consult his files. We attempted to find - and indeed, located some of - several uncommon relics on the way to Earth. They may match.]] Prowl 7:53 pm *oh good, Prowl doesn't have to ask Jetstream to move, she'll slide into her usual chair contently and ping Soundwave for the movie title* Jetstream 7:53 pm *Jetstream gives a small nod to this Prowl that he hasn't met yet.* ItsyBitsySpyers 7:54 pm *Yes, it's movie night; Ace gets his bridge.* Swoop 7:54 pm *slides in, looking around for Soundwave* Prowl 7:54 pm *Prowl didn't see the nod, so she might come off as rude here, whoops* ItsyBitsySpyers 7:54 pm *Soundwave politely sends his Prowl the title... AND a place to get quality audio descriptions. Someone's pleased.* Specs 7:55 pm *oh no. that's a Swoop on a mission. nevermind, Icy, she's taking you up on that dragon pile. one fox-sized dragon, coming in to LOAF* Smokescreen 7:55 pm @Soundwave: ::That might help! Some of the coordinates are right on Cybertron- I'm kinda curious about those ones. They're probably really well hidden in one way or another.:: Swoop 7:55 pm *makes a bee line for Soundwave* Hey! Jetstream 7:55 pm *Jetstream's head starts to bob to the song already* Smokescreen 7:55 pm Stars Cream Swoop 7:55 pm Soundwave Soundwave Magnum Ace 7:55 pm -pings back a thanks, and then trots through- Rosanna 7:55 pm *slips in. hello* ItsyBitsySpyers 7:56 pm ((plz don't spam the chat with repetitive things rn i can barely keep up as is)) Omicron 7:56 pm *Icy shifts her wings, used to making a place for her hatchlings to ride, thus she's easier to climb right now* ....pfffft xD Swoop 7:56 pm ((kk)) Prowl 7:56 pm *a ping of gratitude to Soundwave* Bull 7:56 pm *Bull follows Magnum in* Specs 7:56 pm ((I would love to be the person who makes and rigs these models for MMD)) ItsyBitsySpyers 7:56 pm #the big one? #from Bevel's? #yes! #it was good #I still have some #do you want it?

*Soundwave looks at Swoop and - hold on a minute. What is he doing here. What does he want.* [[What.]] Swoop 7:57 pm You Soundwave good at call people. You call Bob! Him Sunstreaker looking. You tell Bob to go check in and then Him can movie! VProwl 7:57 pm *appears* Jetstream 7:57 pm ((just appears? what like he teleports like Skywarp?)) Ratchet 7:57 pm Heh, no. Just checkin' no one grabbed it before you. ItsyBitsySpyers 7:57 pm [[...He thought Bob's comm was off.]] Omicron 7:57 pm RAcer: ...! PBBBT! 'Owl! Magnum Ace 7:57 pm -and he's going to snort at what's on screen once he and Bull are seated on the table- VProwl 7:57 pm ((no he materializes out of thin air like a hologram turning on)) Jetstream 7:58 pm ((Same concept)) VProwl 7:58 pm ((because he is a hologram, which has just turned on)) Swoop 7:58 pm Dunno. Him Sunstreaker say Bob have to check in and Him not checking in. Ratchet 7:58 pm Hey, Prowl! VProwl 7:58 pm Hello. *goes to sit with Ratchet.* Ratchet 7:58 pm *has a Bug with* ItsyBitsySpyers 7:58 pm *Soundwave pings Prowl hello and immediately snaps his attention to Racer afterward. Was that - did Racer call Prowl by name? How /precious./* Bull 7:59 pm *The footage on the screen is reminding Bull Armor of something which makes him chuckle* ItsyBitsySpyers 7:59 pm #oh #no no #Laserbeak tried #I pinched her wing #... #it was mean #but it was my candy VProwl 7:59 pm *turns to Racer. He caught it this time.* Hello, Racer. Omicron 8:00 pm RAcer: *bouncing on Icy's back, excitedly waving his first soft metal stick around, look what he has! He's getting bigger! * Smokescreen 8:00 pm /Smokescreen's finally moving enough on the couch to make a little more room. He zoned out for one second and suddenly everyone's here!/ Ratchet 8:00 pm I thought she might. But you're right, it was your candy. You can pinch people who try to take your things. Specs 8:00 pm *that's ADORABLE, but also requires ducking. mind her head, Racer!* Jetstream 8:00 pm ^WHAT. IS THAT.^ ItsyBitsySpyers 8:01 pm [[...His comm still registers as unavailable.]] Swoop 8:02 pm Unavailable? 😕 Him Bob should available for movie Omicron 8:02 pm oy *turns her head around and nudges Racer to scoot him a bit away from Specx* ItsyBitsySpyers 8:02 pm *Zori shifts uncertainly, but nods. Ratchet is a good mech, and a doctor. He will trust that Ratchet would not tell him to pinch people if it was bad. Back to wiggledance.* Magnum Ace 8:02 pm -nudges Bull. He thinks he has an idea of what- ItsyBitsySpyers 8:02 pm *That's a thing now, by the way. He has a somewhat mobile head.* Specs 8:02 pm Thank you, Ice Queen. *hatchlings are adorable, and everything is worthy of their enthusiasm! but she has a fragile organic skull.* Rosanna 8:02 pm *finds a spot to sit--somewhere. There are many here tonight* Smokescreen 8:03 pm /Smokescreen's offering a seat on the couch to Rosanna!/ Ratchet 8:03 pm *look at him go. he wiggle.* ItsyBitsySpyers 8:03 pm *Good thing Rumble's not here. Soundwave will just... tell him to skip the night.* Bull 8:03 pm *looks to Magnum* Remind you of anything we had to do? Magnum Ace 8:03 pm Hush you Rosanna 8:03 pm *Offer accepted!* Jetstream 8:03 pm ^Oh hey, it's that Tom, guy.^ Omicron 8:03 pm If you want you can sit up on my head or neck, the spines are good to hang onto. Racer has been...really active all day Magnum Ace 8:03 pm -still gets a snort of laughter from him anyway- ItsyBitsySpyers 8:03 pm ((LAST MUSIC APPROACHES)) Ratchet 8:04 pm *Ratchet has a Bug and a Prowl, this is good. this is exactly the company he was hoping for tonight.* VProwl 8:04 pm *oh, hey—Zori is here. Prowl didn't notice him immediately, he's too small. hi, Zori.* Specs 8:04 pm He's still a hatchling, isn't he? It's the time to be full of energy. *but she's taking that offer. neck loaf, away!* He's quite endearing. ItsyBitsySpyers 8:04 pm ((*sinks into this and hums happily*)) Rosanna 8:04 pm @ smokescreen - Hello! ItsyBitsySpyers 8:04 pm *Zori waves a tiny hello to Prowl.* Smokescreen 8:05 pm /Smokescreen's waving at Rosanna/ Hey! Don't think I've seen you here before- what's your name? ItsyBitsySpyers 8:05 pm ((ALSO. y'all. he composed this when he was like 19 or 20 and it took until a few years ago for him to let anyone see and play it because he thought nobody would like it. if there are things you want to do in life, don't wait that long.)) ((musical sap psa.)) Smokescreen 8:06 pm Man- those giant dresses look SO COOL Swoop 8:06 pm ((that's so sad and kind of sweet)) Magnum Ace 8:06 pm ((it's freaking amazing, thank you)) Rosanna 8:06 pm *throws up an energetic peace sign at him* Rosanna! And you're... Smokescreen, ne? Jetstream 8:06 pm *looks at the Prowl near him* ^Hi.^ Swoop 8:06 pm *wanders over to the goodies, grabbing what he assumes to be a Bob sized portion* Rosanna 8:06 pm *hopes she got that name right* Smokescreen 8:06 pm Rosanna? That name sounds kinda familia- yeah! That's me! /Smokescreen's throwing back TWO peace signs this time!/ VProwl 8:06 pm *waves a not-so-tiny hello back* Swoop 8:07 pm *looks around for where to sit* R. 8:07 pm *Incoming Bruin. Spotter is here too, and Specter is curled around his neck. They'll just try to find somewhere unobtrusive to sit* Prowl 8:07 pm *turns her helm toward Jetstream and nods politely* Hello. Rosanna 8:07 pm I appear sometimes *Big ol' smiiiile* Mostly when Rumble's not here Omicron 8:07 pm Racer is, and likely dew to grow again here soon. He's the oldest of the clutch, and on the ship right now *lifts her spines a little, to let little dragon get under and lets them settle, giving a shelter from active hatchling* Smokescreen 8:07 pm Rumble? Haha- you don't get along with him? Me and Frenzy are like... BEST friends. He's better known as Friendzy. ItsyBitsySpyers 8:08 pm \\LIKE FRAG\\ *From upstairs.* Jetstream 8:08 pm ^Haven't seen you at one of these before. but then i'm not here as often as i'd like. Name's Jetstream. You?^ Tarantulas 8:08 pm *tarantulas is arriving before the movie starts, wow!! annnnnnd wow there's really a crowd tonight, time to walk right back out the door so he can hide and gather the proper stamina and courage for this* ItsyBitsySpyers 8:08 pm *Someone's on camera duty tonight.* Swoop 8:08 pm Spiderbot! Rosanna 8:08 pm Mmm... it's complicated. But, hey-- *honestly giggles* It's fine now Omicron 8:08 pm *Ice Queen starts humming to the music, she likes it* Swoop 8:08 pm *sets the bowl back down and sprints for the door* Rosanna 8:08 pm *probably lying* *trying to be cute* Prowl 8:08 pm Prowl. I only started coming to these recently. Smokescreen 8:09 pm Haha- that's fair! Slag happens- there's lots of bots I've ruined the chance to be friends with, and it hurts, but- it's sometimes just not worth it. Rosanna 8:09 pm Will you be my friend? Jetstream 8:09 pm ^Another Prowl, huh? I'm never gonna get the hang of this multiverse thing... eh.^ Specs 8:09 pm The others are still too little to be out and about, then? Or, well, I suppose that's really none of my business. My apologies! Racer is certainly looking fine. You must be very proud. *the dragon adores this music, too- her eyes are half-closed in a rather feline show of appreciation* Smokescreen 8:09 pm Hey, sure! Sounds good to me! /Thumbs up at Rosanna!/ Tarantulas 8:09 pm *internal groan. ah, swoop. gotta come back in now* Yeeesss? Ratchet 8:10 pm *settles in quite comfortably to lean on Prowl. he is here for a nap tonight because he cannot get any peace on the Ark* Swoop 8:10 pm *bounces right up into Tara's person space* YOU call Bob! ItsyBitsySpyers 8:10 pm ((all right, warnings for tonight: ... THERE ARE NONE BECAUSE I HAVEN'T GOTTEN TO SEE THIS. if you haven't either, you're in the same boat as me.)) Rosanna 8:10 pm *quiet yay! since the movie is about to start* ItsyBitsySpyers 8:10 pm ((so if there's anything unpleasant or something, i apologize ahead of time)) Specs 8:11 pm ((uh, alcoholism is the big one I can think of off the top of my head. also being Hulked. and eye trauma.)) Smokescreen 8:11 pm ... /Smokescreen's making a point of looking towards the screen when/if he can hear Tarantulas./ ItsyBitsySpyers 8:11 pm ((thank ye)) Jetstream 8:11 pm ((Can vouch. it's not all that bad.)) ((Seenit before.)) Dragon 8:11 pm *looks around as wanders in* Awesome, just in time! ... Hi people I don't know? Omicron 8:11 pm *to the dragon on her neck* One or two are getting big enough, but their not as out going to those outside of the crew. There's a little wyvern, but she's very...umm...bitey ItsyBitsySpyers 8:11 pm ((and NO SPOILERS i swear to god I will boot people)) Prowl 8:11 pm I'm sure it will come with time. VProwl 8:11 pm ((there's a flashy scene. there might be more than one but i can only remember one)) ItsyBitsySpyers 8:11 pm ((i managed to keep myself mostly unspoiled and i'd like to stay that way)) Jetstream 8:12 pm ((THE VILLAIN IS-)) Specs 8:12 pm ((oh YEAH, there's two)) Tarantulas 8:12 pm Call Bob? What - why? Smokescreen 8:12 pm ((I'M THE VILLAIN Swoop 8:12 pm Him not here! ItsyBitsySpyers 8:12 pm *Also, Soundwave has nods for everyone who's come in since the last time I remembered to have him greet people. Bruin, Bull, and so on.* Smokescreen 8:12 pm Skeleton friend! ItsyBitsySpyers 8:12 pm [[A jaw-dropping introduction.]] Jetstream 8:12 pm ^well. that's... quaint^ Magnum Ace 8:13 pm ......... Specs 8:13 pm *the dragon chuffs in amusement* So was I, as a hatchling. Sometimes that's how the world is best explored. With teeth. Smokescreen 8:13 pm .... that guy sure is.... Omicron 8:13 pm *Ice Queen chirps a confused greating to Athena, remebers her from port* Smokescreen 8:13 pm he sure has horns! ItsyBitsySpyers 8:13 pm [[Mind yourself, Smokescreen.]] Smokescreen 8:13 pm Sounds come on it was too obvious Jetstream 8:13 pm ^what th- Baaahahaha!^ VProwl 8:13 pm *that human sounds familiar. has prowl seen this human before? he feels like he has. where has he seen him.* Dragon 8:13 pm *Athena blinks when she hears a chirp and looks over* Whoa hey, didn't expect to see you over here. Funny how the verse works, yeah? Magnum Ace 8:14 pm .........-snorts- Smokescreen 8:14 pm ... I like this thor more than the one in like the avengers movie Omicron 8:14 pm *to little dragon* this one has teeth that harded fist, she's left marks on my tail Jetstream 8:14 pm ^umm... yknow what ima let that stay^ Smokescreen 8:14 pm ..... this thor is just me giant eyebrows Swoop 8:15 pm *woudl love this fire themed badguy but he needs Tara to call Bob so they can mooooooovie* Magnum Ace 8:15 pm He's...big Specs 8:15 pm *another chuff* Teeth do that. Dragon 8:15 pm *hears the comment about a tiara and grins* Oh I like the blondie. He's got fire. Jetstream 8:15 pm ^This freaking movie...^ Tarantulas 8:15 pm *puts a distracted hand on swoophead and tries to comm bob to no avail* Swoop 8:16 pm *bounces to the music even if he isn't watching* ItsyBitsySpyers 8:16 pm *Soundwave pings Tarantulas. Greetings, spide.* Swoop 8:16 pm *this is def Dinobot music* Smokescreen 8:16 pm /He's practically bouncing watching this fight scene!/ Tarantulas 8:16 pm .....He's - not responding. Or more accurately, there's just - nothing. Specs 8:16 pm *okay, maybe the dragon is wiggling to the music. maybe a little. maybe a lottle.* ItsyBitsySpyers 8:16 pm #...that is a strong hammer #😮 VProwl 8:16 pm ... Oh. This guy. I remember him. From his other documentary. Prowl 8:16 pm Impressive weapon. Swoop 8:16 pm Comm broke 😛 Jetstream 8:17 pm ^That's ok. what's physics in movies anyways.^ Smokescreen 8:17 pm maaaaan I want thunder powers Omicron 8:17 pm *Icy might be tapping tail against her leg to music too* Magnum Ace 8:17 pm .... Tarantulas 8:17 pm I do hope that's what it is. *worries it's not* Magnum Ace 8:17 pm He's not doing his job, is he? Dragon 8:17 pm *laughing* I gotta get myself a hammer one of these days. Jetstream 8:17 pm ^who the heck is this?^ ItsyBitsySpyers 8:18 pm [[...Where is the bridgekeeper from before.]] Jetstream 8:18 pm ^SON OF A^ ItsyBitsySpyers 8:18 pm [[This one is an oaf.]] Omicron 8:18 pm .....? VProwl 8:18 pm ((tecks-awss)) Swoop 8:18 pm *huffs* Him Bob have to check in with Sunstreaker before movie. Him not check in yet. Sunstreaker say so. Rosanna 8:18 pm *there's the dragon she thought she saw!* Smokescreen 8:18 pm Ohhh- is that how you pronounce Texas? Omicron 8:18 pm Why is a human hording? Dragon 8:18 pm Humans are weird, Icy. *shrugs* Jetstream 8:18 pm ^No, uh... Smokescreen... right?^ Magnum Ace 8:18 pm Oh Rosanna 8:18 pm *wants it back on screen--thank you* Specs 8:18 pm Sometimes they have good ideas. *okay, the dragon does not have a problem. she has a solution, and that solution is cooking.* Omicron 8:18 pm true... you going to come over and sit down? ItsyBitsySpyers 8:18 pm *Huffs at the hammer trick.* Smokescreen 8:19 pm That's me! And it's called Texaws! ItsyBitsySpyers 8:19 pm ((A SHAKE-WEIGHT i'm crying)) Jetstream 8:19 pm ^WHAT WAS HE JUST USING^ Swoop 8:19 pm ((fuck off with the shake weight XD)) Magnum Ace 8:19 pm ..... Dragon 8:19 pm Eh? Oh, right. *Athena walks over to Icy and settles nearby* No sense in me standing in the doorway. Omicron 8:19 pm Scourge? that oaf takes a name after one of my mates? *snorts steam* Rosanna 8:19 pm ((that dragon. did it have like fire jets for wings)) Magnum Ace 8:19 pm that was only the opening? Bull 8:19 pm I hope that it didn't go through with him Specs 8:19 pm ...Fire wings? *her eyes have been opened* Bull 8:20 pm ... Jetstream 8:20 pm ^part of it did^ Rosanna 8:20 pm D : Magnum Ace 8:20 pm ........... ItsyBitsySpyers 8:20 pm [[That will make a fine trophy. When it stops sliding.]] Smokescreen 8:20 pm Poor dragon Omicron 8:20 pm ....the frag Magnum Ace 8:20 pm P-part of it did? Dragon 8:20 pm *Athena bursts out laughing* Ooooh that's one way to make an entrance. Specs 8:20 pm *the dragon whimpers a little* Poor cousin. Cousin-ish. Cousin three times removed? Tarantulas 8:21 pm *pats swoop on the head again* I'm sure he's alright. Jetstream 8:21 pm ^i'm with the blondie. what the heel is that^ Omicron 8:21 pm *shifts her neck as she nods* poor thing Smokescreen 8:21 pm .... PPpppp VProwl 8:21 pm *... isn't that the brother that backstabbed the... main character, here? why did he get a statue? he missed something.* Jetstream 8:22 pm ^Wait but that Odin guy IS in asgard...^ Omicron 8:22 pm Racer: *well timed* pffft Swoop 8:22 pm *tilts his head to lean into the pats* Him missing movie Specs 8:22 pm *look, sometimes you stab someone and then get a statue. it happens.* ItsyBitsySpyers 8:22 pm [[...He doesn't remember it happening this way.]] Smokescreen 8:22 pm I wanna see a play about me Tarantulas 8:22 pm And so are you and I, Swoop. Specs 8:22 pm ((the error message concerns me)) VProwl 8:23 pm ((same)) Rosanna 8:23 pm ((same Jetstream 8:23 pm ((yup)) Omicron 8:23 pm ((umm)) ItsyBitsySpyers 8:23 pm ((it's bob-mun don't worry)) Tarantulas 8:23 pm (( i'm EXCITE Specs 8:23 pm ((I know but... fear. something is Happen.)) wily 8:23 pm ((= =ob Swoop 8:23 pm Yeaaaaahhhh Us go movie now : > Jetstream 8:24 pm ^That's... is that not?^ ^Oooooohhh^ Specs 8:24 pm *cackles* Omicron 8:24 pm *laughs* Dragon 8:25 pm *grins* Somebody got busted. Omicron 8:25 pm .... O_o *predacon laugh mad it poof?* Smokescreen 8:25 pm PFFFF Omicron 8:25 pm (op, its back) Jetstream 8:25 pm ^...^ ^burn^ Swoop 8:26 pm *scampers back inside* Jetstream 8:26 pm ^OH! OH^ ^I KNOW THAT ONE^ Magnum Ace 8:26 pm !!! Swoop 8:26 pm ((swoop every movie night)) Smokescreen 8:26 pm .... man is it really that normal for gods to date mortals Specs 8:26 pm *chuffs more. this is hilarious* Omicron 8:26 pm humans have ground bridges? ItsyBitsySpyers 8:26 pm [[Not... usually.]] Dragon 8:26 pm *shrugs at Icy* Never question humans and their weirdness, I've learned. They're just... different. Jetstream 8:26 pm ^This is a rather...^ Smokescreen 8:27 pm ... is that wizardman Magnum Ace 8:27 pm Um...? Smokescreen 8:27 pm the wizard Jetstream 8:27 pm ^STRANGE encounter, amirite?^ Rosanna 8:27 pm *helm tilt* ItsyBitsySpyers 8:27 pm [[Who is that?]] Jetstream 8:27 pm ^ugh i should leave the puns to Whirlwind^ Bull 8:27 pm *is confused* Jetstream 8:27 pm ^You don't know?^ Smokescreen 8:27 pm thor comes in and breaks everything Omicron 8:27 pm I sense a possible show off ItsyBitsySpyers 8:27 pm [["Possible" nothing.]] Magnum Ace 8:27 pm Thor isn't...good with delicate objects Specs 8:27 pm Humans do enjoy their wing measuring contests. Omicron 8:28 pm ...XD Smokescreen 8:28 pm I don't like that wizard Magnum Ace 8:28 pm How? Omicron 8:28 pm ....can he do that with energon? *intrested* Dragon 8:28 pm Anyone who can fill a mug that fast is good in my books. *grins* Bet he's a favorite at parties. Bull 8:28 pm I think asking that question will just lead to more... Smokescreen 8:28 pm fdshjndasvbnMDSAVFB Jetstream 8:28 pm ^Primus. This movie^ Magnum Ace 8:28 pm ... Jetstream 8:28 pm ^Norway.^ ^Not. surprised. at all^ Magnum Ace 8:29 pm What the... Jetstream 8:29 pm ^Wait...Where's the witch^ ItsyBitsySpyers 8:29 pm *Mental mutter.* [[It is like dealing with greyfaces.]] Smokescreen 8:29 pm i like to imagine wizardguy isn't doing anything and thor just likes tumbling around Dragon 8:29 pm *blinks at the noise* ... Primus, sounds like one of my friends when the ninjas are chasing him. *laughs* Magnum Ace 8:29 pm Revenge, I think Jetstream 8:29 pm ^there he is^ Specs 8:29 pm *she's going to bust a lung laughing* Omicron 8:30 pm and this is why there's no teleporters currently in my crew Jetstream 8:30 pm ^HAHAHAH!^ Specs 8:30 pm Is this an unethical use of groundbridge technology, and if so, should I care? Magnum Ace 8:30 pm One way to deal with him Prowl 8:30 pm Certainly would be useful if our bridges could do that. Jetstream 8:30 pm ^Actually Soundwave can kinda do that^ ItsyBitsySpyers 8:31 pm [[He does not know, but he'd like to learn how to do it.]] Jetstream 8:31 pm ((Didn't Soundwave do just that to Arcee and almost do it to Miko?)) Smokescreen 8:31 pm ... he ItsyBitsySpyers 8:31 pm ((he can't do all the spot warping and whatnot)) Smokescreen 8:31 pm he better not die i'll Jetstream 8:31 pm ((fair enough)) Smokescreen 8:31 pm NO Dragon 8:32 pm Easy Smokescreen. Don't get revved just yet. There's bound to be some sort of twist he-ooooh that sounds bad. Omicron 8:32 pm ((wait)) Jetstream 8:32 pm ^not liking this^ Smokescreen 8:32 pm no no no no no Jetstream 8:32 pm ^He better freaking not^ Magnum Ace 8:32 pm ..... ItsyBitsySpyers 8:32 pm [[And he didn't think to tell anyone?]] Jetstream 8:32 pm ^ODIN DON'T YOU DARE^ Swoop 8:32 pm *settles down on the floor in front of the screen with the bowl for bob next to him* Magnum Ace 8:32 pm Oh no.... Omicron 8:32 pm ((hela? isn't she supposed to be Loki's first born child?)) Jetstream 8:32 pm ^Odin!^ Specs 8:32 pm ((she is, yes)) Swoop 8:32 pm *chances are it will become a bowl for bird but, hey, works out either way* Smokescreen 8:32 pm no no no no no n n Bull 8:32 pm I don't like where this is going Jetstream 8:32 pm ^Don't you even dare!^ Specs 8:32 pm ((but marvel gives No Shits about mythos)) Rosanna 8:32 pm ((#closenough)) Smokescreen 8:33 pm NO Jetstream 8:33 pm ^NO!!!^ Specs 8:33 pm That's a fancy way to die. Magnum Ace 8:33 pm ........ Jetstream 8:33 pm ^SON OF A-^ Dragon 8:33 pm *stares* ... that... at least he went out in style? Magnum Ace 8:33 pm He's gone... Jetstream 8:33 pm *stops himself from throwing something.* Omicron 8:33 pm (I remember them saying that in the cartoons and in the comics though) Smokescreen 8:34 pm come on you can't blame your goth brother for everything Magnum Ace 8:34 pm Um....? Jetstream 8:34 pm ^holy heck she's more goth than Loki^ Specs 8:34 pm *looks at Soundwave* You make entrances like that. Or at least your alternates do. ItsyBitsySpyers 8:34 pm [[He still does when it suits him.]] Bull 8:35 pm .... why is she reminding me of the Owner of the Blue Angels? Jetstream 8:35 pm ^where did that sword come from^ Dragon 8:35 pm Ooooh she's a nasty piece of work, this one... Swoop 8:35 pm KAH! ItsyBitsySpyers 8:35 pm [[And that cannot be good.]] Swoop 8:35 pm Good catch Magnum Ace 8:35 pm Because violent as....oh dear Jetstream 8:35 pm ^that was cool^ ^osht^ Specs 8:35 pm *gapes a grin and returns to looking at the movie. Soundwave is So Cool.* Jetstream 8:35 pm ^WHAT?!^ Rosanna 8:35 pm ! Magnum Ace 8:35 pm She...broke it Bull 8:35 pm I don't think that was suppose to break... ItsyBitsySpyers 8:35 pm *Now THAT is a crown.* Dragon 8:36 pm ... Kind of glad ground bridges don't do that. Specs 8:36 pm That would hurt. Right up until you died, anyways. Magnum Ace 8:36 pm Oh that's not...that's not good Swoop 8:36 pm Where him fall? Smokescreen 8:36 pm I wanna be flung into space ItsyBitsySpyers 8:36 pm [[It is perfectly possible to fall out of a ground bridge, if it destabilizes.]] [[You do not want that to happen.]] Omicron 8:37 pm well... Dragon 8:37 pm *stares* ... ow...? Smokescreen 8:37 pm what did I just say sounds Jetstream 8:37 pm ^Smokescreen, unless i'm mistaken, you WERE flung into space^ Swoop 8:37 pm Dead Magnum Ace 8:37 pm She just...killed them Smokescreen 8:37 pm Not while I was awake though! Tarantulas 8:37 pm *alright, it's taken tarantulas this long to steel his nerves and he still hasn't come back in yet, iiiit's not happening. time for the spide to go home* Jetstream 8:37 pm *spots Tarantulus* Tarantulas 8:37 pm (( mun is staying ooc *thumbs up* Omicron 8:37 pm *grumbles something under her breath about falling through bridges, sour look* Jetstream 8:37 pm ^Oy. You're that Spider scientist, yeah?^ Specs 8:37 pm To be fair, she doesn't seem like the sort to negotiate, nor does she seem to need to. Jetstream 8:38 pm ((killjoy)) ^nvm then^ Specs 8:38 pm There's something to be said for that. Maybe nothing good, but something. Dragon 8:38 pm I... will have to see if Frost ever fell out of one. He's got the luck for it... I know he's made landings like that before. Tarantulas 8:38 pm (( they can intro sometime! just having ooc difficulties atm Jetstream 8:38 pm ((:P)) Specs 8:38 pm ((I would send you a message of Goblin Support but the princess is eating my toes instead)) Rosanna 8:39 pm ((this reminds me of Junkion Omicron 8:39 pm ((I might be delayed, having some connection issues)) Smokescreen 8:39 pm ((aaaaa hope everything's okay on your end mau! tasty thor Jetstream 8:39 pm ((Middle one's Wreck-gar)) Smokescreen 8:39 pm I wanna be caught in a net Specs 8:40 pm *the dragon looks awed* I want to be that cool. Dragon 8:40 pm *looks at Smokescreen with mild wonderment* You're a special kind of adventurous aren't you kiddo? ItsyBitsySpyers 8:40 pm [[You do not. It is awkward and unpleasant. The pieces get caught in all your edges.]] Jetstream 8:40 pm ^She's wasted^ Specs 8:40 pm ...Oh... Jetstream 8:40 pm ^yup^ Swoop 8:40 pm Kah haha! Her fall! Smokescreen 8:40 pm I'd like to try everything at least once! And I do Sounds- I wouldn't say that if I didn't wanna try it! Omicron 8:40 pm that's a bad example of pirate life little dragon Jetstream 8:41 pm ^OOhhh hohoho Smokescreen 8:41 pm I WANT THAT FRAG YES Jetstream 8:41 pm ^Ruthless^ Dragon 8:41 pm Well... your fall then. *blinks at the gun controls shown* ... I think we ALL want that. Omicron 8:41 pm .....okay I like that *perks up* Specs 8:41 pm She looks like she's having fun! ItsyBitsySpyers 8:41 pm *....Makes a note of that for Dancitron's defense systems, maybe.* Jetstream 8:41 pm ^I amDEFINITELY getting one of those for my ship... when i hae a ship^ Omicron 8:41 pm ....! Swoop 8:41 pm Her like Bird kehhehhe ZAP Smokescreen 8:41 pm ... I DON'T want that part to happen! Dragon 8:41 pm That was brutal. *blinks* Omicron 8:41 pm *hisses at the screen, spines lifting* Dragon 8:42 pm *looks at Icy* Whoa, easy there. I've got a feeling this won't be a permanent problem. Omicron 8:42 pm I recognize control chips *glaring at the woman on screen* Specs 8:42 pm *the dragon, at least, sees nothing wrong with putting someone down and keeping them there. but she suspects there's more to this than that, and she's on the back of someone who's- ooooooh* Jetstream 8:43 pm ^That's more of a shock chip^ Omicron 8:43 pm *specs is safe, might be lifted up if on a spine* Swoop 8:43 pm kehee Jetstream 8:43 pm ^pft^ Swoop 8:44 pm This going to good fight Dragon 8:44 pm Oh this will not end well... Smokescreen 8:44 pm Actually Sounds, can you shock me again sometime? ItsyBitsySpyers 8:44 pm [[He will consider it.]] Magnum Ace 8:44 pm ........ Specs 8:44 pm As they say in those memes- Hela is Soundwave, and the legions of warriors are firewalls. Smokescreen 8:44 pm Thanks! I've been having trouble recharging again. ItsyBitsySpyers 8:44 pm [[And it seems like a poor idea to get into a physical fight with the god in control of death itself.]] Swoop 8:44 pm *bounces in place* Jetstream 8:44 pm ^Sounds accurate^ Swoop 8:44 pm Dead Magnum Ace 8:45 pm I... Jetstream 8:45 pm ^Killcount, anyone?^ Omicron 8:45 pm did she say she was a god of death Specs 8:45 pm *gapes another grin at Soundwave* What if you bridged them into the sun? Dragon 8:45 pm ... That was... horrifying... Magnum Ace 8:45 pm I think I'm going to... Swoop 8:45 pm KAHAH VProwl 8:45 pm *sets his avatar to autopilot. the movie isn't doing a great deal for him, and he's not having any conversation at the moment. he'll (probably) tune back in if someone speaks to him, but otherwise his avatar's recording the surroundings for him.* Swoop 8:45 pm Him no problem DEAD Smokescreen 8:45 pm ... You okay, Magnum? Bull 8:46 pm *if Bull could pale he would* Magnum Ace 8:46 pm -NOPE- Specs 8:46 pm HE'S BACK. ItsyBitsySpyers 8:46 pm [[He would like to be certain bridging such a being into the sun would not give them greater power, first.]] VProwl 8:46 pm ((oh this is the flashy scene i remembered)) Omicron 8:46 pm (prowl can always see racer, or have him come visit with his stick of nom) VProwl 8:46 pm ((not yet but in a mo)) Jetstream 8:46 pm ^wait wait... THIS MUSIC WTF^ Magnum Ace 8:47 pm -answers by burying his face in his knees- Specs 8:47 pm *grumbles* This is propaganda. ItsyBitsySpyers 8:47 pm *Soundwave tilts his helm. Is this not the song from the candy factory movie? Did Thor go there?* Smokescreen 8:47 pm .... I'd end up in that place wouldn't I Swoop 8:47 pm ((I love how blatantly Willy Wonka this is)) ItsyBitsySpyers 8:47 pm *Bristle.* [[/Property?/]] Omicron 8:47 pm are they trying to brain wash him? VProwl 8:47 pm ((okay it's done)) Jetstream 8:47 pm ^ppfffffHAhAH^ Omicron 8:47 pm ..... *hisses again- hiss pauses* Dragon 8:47 pm This... this I do not like.... *blink* ... *snirk* Specs 8:47 pm Poorly, but it seems so. Jetstream 8:48 pm ^Brutal^ Swoop 8:48 pm Him have energon on face *draws a finger over his chin where grand master has blue* Omicron 8:48 pm what...is with these organics ItsyBitsySpyers 8:48 pm *Bristling harder.* Bull 8:49 pm *Has a feeling this is how the UN views them* ..... Dragon 8:49 pm *watching with a frown* Well... this is certainly... interesting... Omicron 8:49 pm *soundwave isn't the only one bristling at this* Magnum Ace 8:49 pm -knows this is how the UN views them- Jetstream 8:49 pm ((oh this)) ^wha-^ Smokescreen 8:50 pm ... Bull 8:50 pm !!!! Jetstream 8:50 pm ^oh primus^ Swoop 8:50 pm *squeaks and laughs* Him MELTED Specs 8:50 pm The blue stripe is like what Docents have on their muzzles. Is he a planetary Docent? Is that his claim? Dragon 8:50 pm *O_O* that... oh that was just... *shudders* Bull 8:50 pm *hopes Magnum was not looking up* Magnum Ace 8:50 pm -didn't need to look up, he heard it- Swoop 8:51 pm ((that sudden smile drop lol)) Smokescreen 8:51 pm loki just lives to party Magnum Ace 8:51 pm -curls into a tighter ball- Jetstream 8:51 pm ^what does that mean^ ^oh wait... nevermind^ Smokescreen 8:51 pm th Omicron 8:51 pm *Icy shifts and sits up, protective of Racer and now specs on her- Racer though seems interested in the music off and on as he chews* ItsyBitsySpyers 8:52 pm [[He is a vile fleshling who attempts to take ownership of souls as though they were - as though they were pretty baubles to be displayed before others.]] Bull 8:52 pm *places a hand on Magnum's shoulder and is try not to react the same way* ItsyBitsySpyers 8:52 pm [[He deserves no claim to anything.]] [[Except, perhaps, to a front row seat with Hela.]] Smokescreen 8:52 pm that guy ROCKS Swoop 8:52 pm *giggles, this humor is on his level* Omicron 8:53 pm Or frount row view of Dreaded Wings' main cannon Specs 8:53 pm Noted. *he's like the Eaten, then.* Do you think Hela eats him by the end of the documentary? Jetstream 8:53 pm ^hang on i need to make a call^ *comlink on* ^Dude. you know that movie you saw? it's playing at Soundwave's.^ ItsyBitsySpyers 8:53 pm [[He hopes this "Grandmaster" is eaten in the next three minutes.]] Magnum Ace 8:53 pm -will thank Bull for trying, later- Jetstream 8:53 pm *Whirlwind enters, albeit a bit hurriedly* Specs 8:54 pm *yawns, and shows all her Teeths* It would be deserved. Ratchet 8:54 pm [[ i like the rock guy he's cute ]] Specs 8:54 pm ((korg is the best)) Jetstream 8:54 pm "Why didn't you just say that was where you were going?" ^Didn't think you'd care so much.^ VProwl 8:54 pm ((the rock guy is a peach)) Omicron 8:54 pm RAcer: *meeps up at little dragon, showing off his fangs back?* ItsyBitsySpyers 8:54 pm *Briefly admires the Teeths as a distraction from his hatred of the Grandmaster.* VProwl 8:55 pm ((notice his revolution failed because he didn't make enough pamphlets)) ((rock, defeated by paper)) ItsyBitsySpyers 8:55 pm ((....i missed that)) Jetstream 8:55 pm ((son of a-)) Smokescreen 8:55 pm ... man now I'm wondering if the hall of records has anything like this Ratchet 8:55 pm [[ omg ]] Specs 8:55 pm *the dragon chirps at Racer* Yes! They're wonderful. You will shred so many things. Dragon 8:55 pm ((I never caught that before. o.o LOL) Omicron 8:55 pm (pffft that's awesome) Swoop 8:55 pm *snickers* Her funny Specs 8:55 pm ((I can't decide whether to be HORRIFIED that puff pointed that out, or unsurprised that puff noticed it first)) Smokescreen 8:55 pm energonnnn enered john Swoop 8:56 pm Oh! Her fire : > Omicron 8:56 pm Racer: ya! *lifts up his metal stick and waves it around again, he's a thrid through* VProwl 8:56 pm ((i saw it pointed out somewhere else, lol)) Swoop 8:56 pm That bad floor Jetstream 8:56 pm ^This can't be good^ "It isn't" Magnum Ace 8:56 pm ........ Smokescreen 8:56 pm ... this makes me really want to destroy slag is that bad Magnum Ace 8:56 pm -peers back up- Smokescreen 8:56 pm I want to wreck a floor and jump through to the first level Dragon 8:56 pm I'm kinda with dino-bird on this one; that is not a safe floor... and an even worse basement by the look of it. *shudder* Specs 8:56 pm Who puts a floor over a giant crypt? Swoop 8:56 pm Destroy Slag????? :V Smokescreen 8:56 pm me Omicron 8:56 pm a tomb? Smokescreen 8:56 pm I do that ItsyBitsySpyers 8:56 pm *Note to self: Smokescreen is impressionable as Pit.* Smokescreen 8:56 pm Destroy stuff! Swoop 8:56 pm *looks at Smokescreen with confusion* Slag stuff? Omicron 8:57 pm .....didn't a whole organic city do that on earth? Smokescreen 8:57 pm /He didn't Sounds already know this/ Bull 8:57 pm .... *whines lowly* Jetstream 8:57 pm ^What?!^ "yup" Smokescreen 8:57 pm Slag stuff! Dragon 8:57 pm *jolts back, utterly horrified* ItsyBitsySpyers 8:57 pm *AND NOW THERE ARE TERRORCON GODS?* Specs 8:57 pm Did they at least drop a glacier over the pit first? Swoop 8:57 pm Kehehe You have to get past Him Slag first! Kehhehehhh ItsyBitsySpyers 8:57 pm *Is practically flattened to the couch yet puffed as far as his armor can go.* Magnum Ace 8:57 pm -horrified noises- Omicron 8:57 pm ..... well....this is bad *lifts wings and holds them loosely, if someone needs they can hide under them* Jetstream 8:57 pm ^Look at how done with Loki he is!^ Smokescreen 8:58 pm You've gotta at least try, right? Specs 8:58 pm If they break the hammer, use your claws. If they break those, use your teeth. It's simple. Omicron 8:59 pm *radiating protectiveness, Queen mode* Jetstream 8:59 pm "Blunt" Dragon 8:59 pm *shifts uncomfortably, but slowly relaxing* Thank Primus that Remix didn't bring her minis to see this; they'd be scarred for life. Smokescreen 8:59 pm i love that guy Omicron 8:59 pm ......... *snorts at that* Jetstream 8:59 pm "hahaha!" Specs 8:59 pm *HAH* The only proper reaction. Smokescreen 8:59 pm he's mcfreakin gone Magnum Ace 9:00 pm -slowly pats Bull when he's recovered enough to- Jetstream 9:00 pm ^HAHAHA^ "real mature" Smokescreen 9:00 pm CFASDGVHBJZXCHBJNMCXV Specs 9:00 pm ((fhaksjfaljsfga)) Swoop 9:00 pm !!! ItsyBitsySpyers 9:00 pm ((.............)) Jetstream 9:00 pm ^AW" Swoop 9:00 pm ??? Omicron 9:00 pm ?@?@ Smokescreen 9:00 pm that timing is Dragon 9:00 pm *stare* ... Well... Scrap. ItsyBitsySpyers 9:00 pm ((uh. hold on.)) Omicron 9:00 pm ....what Dragon 9:00 pm ((Haha no worries)) Rosanna 9:00 pm (( r i p Smokescreen 9:00 pm it's gotta be intentional right Specs 9:01 pm *distraught peep* Omicron 9:01 pm *shifts and huffs* if anyone needs they can use my wings ItsyBitsySpyers 9:01 pm ((....for fuck's sake. y'all gimme a minute okay.)) Dragon 9:01 pm *rolls her shoulders before glancing at Icy* So, those two tykes you met with my crew? They're growin' up. Driving the boss nuts. *grins* Magnum Ace 9:01 pm ((kaaay Dragon 9:01 pm ((No worries, you got time. 😃)) Smokescreen 9:02 pm ((no worries!! Jetstream 9:02 pm *Whirlwind looks over at "Other Prowl"* "Oh hey! Are you another Prowl?" Omicron 9:02 pm ((we can chat here)) Swoop 9:02 pm *reaches over and tugs on the nearest bit of Smokescreen's armor* Smokescreen 9:02 pm !! /Looking over at Swoop, and is going to try to pat his helm!/ Swoop 9:03 pm *immediately leans into getting pet* Smokescreen 9:03 pm ... /Petpetpet/ Omicron 9:03 pm *looks at Athena* they have? good. Those insecticon workers are healed now, though I lost one worker recently. Dragon 9:03 pm ((Yay! 😀)) Swoop 9:03 pm You call Bob Specs 9:03 pm ((yay!)) ItsyBitsySpyers 9:03 pm ((don't cheer yet)) Smokescreen 9:03 pm I don't have Bob's comm! Rosanna 9:03 pm (( for now I \o/ Smokescreen 9:03 pm /Pet peeeeet pettt/ Specs 9:03 pm ((YAY)) ItsyBitsySpyers 9:03 pm ((.... all right. we'll hope it sticks.)) Swoop 9:03 pm *pings the frequency over to Smokescreen* You call Him and ask if Him going to movie : < Dragon 9:04 pm *grins at Icy* Yeah, but that's probably because they've been hanging out with our jet. He's a nutcase at the best of times. *thinks a moment* Sorry to hear 'bout your worker. At least the rest are healthy though, yeah? Specs 9:04 pm Drinking things that are on fire. A wonderful tradition. Smokescreen 9:04 pm p primus I can try? Omicron 9:05 pm flames can be fun Smokescreen 9:05 pm /And he's gonna try to comm Bob!/ Jetstream 9:05 pm ^Wow he's old^ Specs 9:05 pm ((comm boob)) Omicron 9:05 pm ................. Smokescreen 9:05 pm ((sadvbncxvbmn my o key is broken Dragon 9:05 pm Primus! *stares in horror* ItsyBitsySpyers 9:05 pm *And now they modify him against his will.* Swoop 9:05 pm *stares expectantly at Smokescreen* Jetstream 9:05 pm "That's Stan Lee, Jetstream. Respect him" Smokescreen 9:05 pm ... Beep beep beep hewwo Bob are you there? Omicron 9:05 pm its a pit fight... ItsyBitsySpyers 9:06 pm *...Soundwave is going to stand up and go upstairs.* Specs 9:06 pm They could rise up and eat him. Swoop 9:06 pm *looks at Smokescreen like he's bananas* Dragon 9:06 pm *shifts a bit and scowls a bit* This looks bad... Smokescreen 9:06 pm GIVE HIM HIS HAIR BACK Rosanna 9:06 pm ((is that Kratos makeup ((or at least that's wht it reminds me of lmao Smokescreen 9:07 pm ... /Patting Swoop again and actually tries comming Swoop./ Jetstream 9:07 pm *Whirlwind shifts giddily* Dragon 9:07 pm *stares* ... Dude would be a boss to wrestle against. Specs 9:07 pm ((loki's face is PRICELESS)) Jetstream 9:07 pm ^What?^ "What do you mean what?" Swoop 9:08 pm *looks at the screen* It Hulk! Omicron 9:08 pm ..... *Ice Queen gets up for a moment but since little dragon is watching sh just turns around so her back is to the pit fight, pulling Racer down and under a wing* Smokescreen 9:08 pm ...... Yeahhhh Thor is me Swoop 9:08 pm ((oh my fucking god loki's face)) Dragon 9:08 pm *looks at Icy with concern* You gonna be alright? ((XD Loki's expressions are amazing as always.)) Specs 9:09 pm *the dragon herself readjusts herself so that she can watch without forcing Icy to go through contortions. she's going to purr, too. that's a good way to make people feel calm, right?* Swoop 9:09 pm *pats Smokescreen* Him Bob check in with Sunstreaker for movie night yet?? Omicron 9:09 pm I grew up in cresh Pits, I don't want to see this scrap ItsyBitsySpyers 9:09 pm *That is exactly why Soundwave is upstairs working on something else instead.* *He had enough of this in person.* Jetstream 9:09 pm "Did you people learn nothing from tony's example? Never mention puny Banner" Smokescreen 9:09 pm !! /Doorwings wiggle as he's pat! And he's patting Swoop back./ I don't know, Swoop. Do you want some to get some energon while we wait? Dragon 9:09 pm Ah... yeah, that's a rough scene... bet you and the big guy on my crew have something to relate to each other with that way. I'll letcha know when it's over, alright? Magnum Ace 9:09 pm -back to hiding his face now- Swoop 9:09 pm No Omicron 9:10 pm @Soundwave: can I go somewhere not to see this? Smokescreen 9:10 pm 😔 Jetstream 9:10 pm ^HAHAHA!^ ItsyBitsySpyers 9:10 pm *Soundwave sends her a small map to the canyon a little ways out of Dancitron.* Jetstream 9:10 pm ^Trapped!^ Bull 9:10 pm *Bull groans* Dragon 9:10 pm ((Freaking Loki, lol)) Smokescreen 9:11 pm Fair enough Swoop- you wanna sit and wait? Specs 9:11 pm Creche pits? Creche, as in, where hatchlings are raised? *well, that horrifies the dragon* Swoop 9:11 pm *mock siiiighs but is immediately into the movie* Them FIGHT Omicron 9:12 pm *IceQueen shakes herself carefully, gets little drago in jaws and puts on a counter on her way outside, picking up Racer and goes to get a flight* yes exactly that. I'm not going to see this. Jetstream 9:12 pm ^???^ Swoop 9:12 pm ZAP! Magnum Ace 9:12 pm -seriously not watching anymore- Dragon 9:12 pm *watches Icy head out, grimacing in concern before looking back to see when it ends so she can let Icy know* Specs 9:12 pm ... *she is on the counter now. okay. that's fair. Icy definitely needs some time.* Jetstream 9:12 pm ^Woah...^ Swoop 9:12 pm Coooooll! Magnum Ace 9:12 pm -sorry Bull- Swoop 9:13 pm Oh! Him JUMP on! Kehehheh SPLAT Dragon 9:13 pm *gets up to go track down Icy and make sure she's alright* Smokescreen 9:14 pm REVOLUTION ItsyBitsySpyers 9:14 pm *Frenzy heads over to the Boss and taps him on the leg. The Pit is done with for now.*

*Soundwave will make his way back downstairs and reseat himself.* Smokescreen 9:14 pm when I was a young boy Jetstream 9:14 pm *Whirlwind goes and sits near Smokescreen* Specs 9:14 pm *the dragon would help, but she's only got a respirator. accidentally falling, or acid rain, or being stepped on are all real and dangerous hazards. she will give Icy's friend a supportive chirp, though. go comfort the predacon!* Swoop 9:14 pm *snickers at smokescreen* Smokescreen 9:15 pm ? /Smokescreen's feeling popular today! But waves at Whirlwind./ Dragon 9:15 pm *glances at Specs and winks on her way past* Jetstream 9:15 pm *Whirlwind waves back* Specs 9:15 pm HIM. ItsyBitsySpyers 9:15 pm [[Finally.]] [[Someone not utterly disgusting.]] Swoop 9:15 pm It, uhhh, guy Pacific Rim Omicron 9:16 pm *Icy is is streaching her wings, Racer sitting at the door noming- says something that the big predacon trusts soundwave enough that her hatching will be safe for now* Jetstream 9:16 pm "He HeimDEALT with those freaks" Specs 9:16 pm Maybe he eats those who need to be eaten? Although he's got those silly human teeth... ItsyBitsySpyers 9:16 pm *The first to so much as think of injuring Racer will lose their limb.* Dragon 9:17 pm *wanders closer, but not quite in range* Hey, it's over. I don't think they'll have anything like that again. Gonna stay out here for a bit, or up for coming back in now? Swoop 9:17 pm *streeeeeeeeeetches* When them more fighting? : > And joke Prowl 9:17 pm *Prowl's tuned out a while ago, focusing most of her processing power on more important matters, but she's still monitoring her surroundings and what's happening in the documentary* Smokescreen 9:17 pm i heard thor was ripped Specs 9:17 pm *!!!* *the dragon doesn't technically SAY anything, but she lets out a series of warbles and whistles at seeing Heimdal's sanctuary* Smokescreen 9:17 pm that he had a 6 pack Swoop 9:17 pm what a 6 pack? Smokescreen 9:18 pm The chest! It's a way they show how strong they are Swoop 9:18 pm what 6 for? Omicron 9:18 pm RAcer: *wanders back in with his stick, confused as to why he's alone....this is pack?* Smokescreen 9:18 pm For each level of strength! They have a 1-pack if they can barely fight Swoop 9:18 pm How many Swoop has???? Smokescreen 9:19 pm You, Swoop? 200! Specs 9:19 pm *the dragon hops down with an energon cookie in one paw* Wanna go back to the couch with me, Racer? Swoop 9:19 pm keeheee THEN 6 not much at aaaaaaaall Smokescreen 9:19 pm ... OH like red and white hulk Omicron 9:19 pm *frustrated predacon roaring in the air away, she's getting some cursing and things out of her system* Swoop 9:20 pm Him Grimlock have baby arms KAHA! Him get zap again! Omicron 9:21 pm Racer: *gasp! energon! and a stick, follows innocently* Specs 9:21 pm *back up to the couch they go! and Racer gets the cookie. she'd say something, but Heimdall is back doing his thing and she does that string of whistles again.* Swoop 9:21 pm COOOL Dragon 9:22 pm *is staying with Icy for the present, quiet but there if she wants someone to talk to* Swoop 9:22 pm Kehehhehh Smokescreen 9:22 pm DON'T BULLY HULK noooooo Swoop 9:23 pm *gets increasingly worked up into a laughing mess, this is literally the dinocave and he loves it* Omicron 9:23 pm RAcer: *fail at climbing couch, but he wants cookie* Swoop 9:23 pm *flops over, still laughing* *if he needed to breath, this would be a problem* Specs 9:24 pm *the dragon is a softie. Racer gets cookie.* Alright, alright. Just stay nearby until your docent gets back, okay? Omicron 9:25 pm RAcer: *happy trill, no promises as he eats the energon cookie, he's on the floor that means he can wonder* Specs 9:26 pm *the dragon stress-bakes. she feels reasonably confident in the quantities of energon cookies to keep him corralled, if maybe overfed* Smokescreen 9:27 pm PFfff Swoop 9:27 pm KAHAHAHAHHAHHAHAH Omicron 9:27 pm ((pfft)) Magnum Ace 9:27 pm -snorts at the window jumping- Smokescreen 9:27 pm I wanna jump out a window.... Swoop 9:27 pm Me Swoop jump things aaaaaaaaall the time Smokescreen 9:28 pm /He's looking around for windows. Just out of curiosity!/ Swoop 9:28 pm Him Bob find WINGS! Me Swoop want to get him to flying! Omicron 9:28 pm RAcer: *is so confused, he's noming stick and cookies, but starts to sniff around* Smokescreen 9:28 pm hulks just lonely Magnum Ace 9:28 pm ((Rabbit ((stop eating my shit Specs 9:29 pm *sniffing is allowed! wandering too far away from the couch will prompt the dragon to retrieve... ANOTHER COOKIE* Smokescreen 9:29 pm banner's gonna be naked Magnum Ace 9:29 pm It's...I've done that. A few times...I mean the window jumping... Omicron 9:29 pm *Icy lands outside and sits by her friend* Dragon 9:30 pm *looks at Icy and offers an encouraging smile* Feel better? Smokescreen 9:31 pm c criminally seductive Swoop 9:31 pm That means tricky Specs 9:32 pm I almost regret suggesting eating him. He must be riddled with prions. Omicron 9:32 pm Racer: *meeps, looks around and looks for pedes he knows, the little predacon trying to move with a cookie and stick* Specs 9:32 pm ((racer pls cookies are for eat)) Omicron 9:32 pm .....sort of, but I think a roaring predacon will start to scare the locals ((racer is going to do a cute with his half eatten cookie)) Dragon 9:33 pm Ah, it might, yes. But hey, sounds like the bad stuff's over, so at least there's that. ItsyBitsySpyers 9:33 pm *...He hopes Prowl is on autopilot right now, or else this would be a bad thing.* Magnum Ace 9:33 pm -and back to hiding his face- Swoop 9:33 pm DEAD Specs 9:34 pm ((racer already is a cute)) VProwl 9:34 pm *he is* Omicron 9:34 pm ((...then he's going to kill with cute)) Specs 9:34 pm ((im ded already)) Omicron 9:35 pm Racer: *sniffing his way to a mech he knows, good thing peopel are sitting* Smokescreen 9:35 pm thor Specs 9:35 pm *the dragon just follows Racer. she may be tiny, but she's going to keep him safe! the tiniest bodyguard.* Omicron 9:36 pm are you sure? *folding wings down* Dragon 9:37 pm Yeah. From what I picked up, blondie escaped and is working his way around to an off-planet adventure. Swoop 9:39 pm Keheheheh! SMACK! Keheehee! Omicron 9:39 pm Racer:: *sits beside Soundwave's pede* Smokescreen 9:39 pm pppppffhffp Specs 9:40 pm *okay, that's probably the safest place for Racer to be.* Specs 9:41 pm *CACKLES* Smokescreen 9:41 pm cxzbnmcbnmsdfnbmcvm Swoop 9:41 pm KEHAHEHEH! Dragon 9:41 pm ((XD that story is great.)) Swoop 9:41 pm That good trick Omicron 9:41 pm Racer: *careful pat with a paw on the hosts pede, waits for attention* Smokescreen 9:41 pm EGGS Windchill 9:41 pm *Walks in at the wrong moment.* Tarantulas 9:41 pm (( *loud ooc snorting* Swoop 9:41 pm *notices Windchill and pops up* HI! Windchill 9:42 pm *Looks too tired for this already, as if he's aged 20 million years in the past week.* Hi, Swoop. Swoop 9:42 pm *scampers over into windchill's space* You call Bob! Bull 9:42 pm ... *really doesn't like that guy* Omicron 9:42 pm *icy comes in again to sit to one side* Smokescreen 9:42 pm I wish I had a family again like this... Windchill 9:43 pm I call Bob? Dragon 9:43 pm *Athena follows after her and settles nearby, as before* There we go. See? Things are better. Swoop 9:43 pm yah Smokescreen 9:44 pm maybe family that doesn't have needl- Loki no 😔 Windchill 9:44 pm *He's going to engage in this...conversation and watch the film simultaneously. He's seen this already so it's fine.* Magnum Ace 9:44 pm -okay, this is a nice lull- Windchill 9:44 pm Why call Bob? Smokescreen 9:44 pm fPFPFFFHF Specs 9:44 pm *cackles more* Jetstream 9:44 pm ^BAAAHAHAHA!^ Swoop 9:44 pm Him Bob not at movie Magnum Ace 9:44 pm -oh wow- .... Windchill 9:44 pm Why is Bob not here? Specs 9:45 pm Turnabout is fair play, I suppose. Jetstream 9:45 pm "That's a shock. when that get there?" Dragon 9:45 pm *Athena blinks* ... I... did not see that coming... *grimace* Jetstream 9:45 pm ^Whirlwind, you little.^ Magnum Ace 9:45 pm ............. Swoop 9:45 pm Dunno! Him supposed to check in with Him Sunstreaker and then movie with Swoop. But no check in! So Swoop come here. And no Bob still. Omicron 9:45 pm Racer: *has dropped his things and put the half eaten energon cookie on soundwave's pede for when he comes back to it, and starts chewing on his stick, sitting beside Specs* Bull 9:46 pm .... *is so happy he never felt a shock circuit* Omicron 9:46 pm ((rabbit keeps eating my cute)) ItsyBitsySpyers 9:46 pm *Soundwave glances down at his foot and tilts it up to better see what's now stuck to it. Is that... is that a half-eaten snack?* *...........Okay. He'll leave it where it is.* Windchill 9:46 pm *Looks suspicious. On one half of his face, anyway.* Magnum Ace 9:47 pm -Those things do remind him of the shock circuit and he's not happy about it- Swoop 9:47 pm *bounces* Omicron 9:47 pm RAcer: *meeps! he's learning to give gifts* Windchill 9:47 pm Why don't you call Bob? Swoop 9:47 pm Did! Windchill 9:47 pm And? Swoop 9:47 pm No answer So! You call : > Specs 9:47 pm *Racer gets a pat on the head and another cookie. Good hatchling.* Windchill 9:47 pm Did you ask Soundwave? Swoop 9:48 pm Yes Dragon 9:48 pm Frag, this chick's giving Striker a run for her credits... Omicron 9:48 pm indeed...might not want to show her this Windchill 9:48 pm So my calling Bob would be a little redundant, don't you think? Swoop 9:48 pm No Specs 9:48 pm (( https://78.media.tumblr.com/3fa050fe628706b6451e832886ef83a4/tumblr_p67iw3ImaD1wz9wjeo1_1280.png )) ((it's relevant I swear)) Dragon 9:48 pm *laughs* Primus no, she frays her sire's circuits as it is already. Windchill 9:49 pm Well, I think it is. *Tries to not sputter mid-sentence.* Omicron 9:49 pm RAcer: ! *noms cookie* Windchill 9:49 pm I'll call Bob one time. Swoop 9:49 pm *bounces on his toes like he wants to get picked up* Kay! Windchill 9:49 pm *Picks him up without hesitation, sorry.* Swoop 9:50 pm *is absolutely down for this and hugs Windchill around the neck* You call now Windchill 9:50 pm *Great, he might have miscalculated. Now he's got a fancy necklace.* Ratchet 9:50 pm [[ i love rock guy i love him. also look at that good big doggo ]] Specs 9:50 pm *bristles and hisses at Skurge* ((GOOD DOGGO)) Windchill 9:50 pm *He always was bad at math.* Okay. Swoop 9:51 pm *is a winner winner chicken dinner, just needs a bug friend to complete things* Windchill 9:51 pm *Calls Bob I guess.* Omicron 9:51 pm RAcer: *tries to minic bristling, no idea why* Swoop 9:51 pm ((bob's comm is unavailable fyi)) Windchill 9:51 pm (( I guessed. )) Specs 9:52 pm ((I typed good doggo and the princess sat on my keyboard and muted everything)) Windchill 9:52 pm *Waits...gets distracted by the movie for a few seconds...waits some more...* Swoop 9:52 pm *sets his chin on Windchill and stares at him* Specs 9:52 pm *pats Racer* Don't worry, little hatchling. You're safe. Windchill 9:52 pm I don't think he's going to answer, Swoop. Swoop 9:53 pm *unblinking staring* Windchill 9:53 pm *Gives up.* Omicron 9:53 pm Racer: *happy still, chewing on his stick again, waiting for another cookie* Windchill 9:53 pm Well, we tried. Magnum Ace 9:53 pm -now what is going on?- Specs 9:53 pm ((help a kitten is holding my keyboard hostage)) Swoop 9:54 pm Him Bob missing movie Bull 9:54 pm nothing good... Windchill 9:54 pm (( Ur doomed say your prayers.)) Yeah...it's a good one, too. Magnum Ace 9:54 pm I...figured as much Windchill 9:54 pm *Sighs, still just standing more or less near the doorway.* Specs 9:54 pm ((oh goblin princess, please release my keyboard, if not my heart)) Omicron 9:55 pm (kittly noms?) Swoop 9:55 pm *leans backwards to look at the screen upside down* Specs 9:55 pm ((she is full of teeth and noise)) Dragon 9:55 pm ((XD cats are always a love/hate relationship) Specs 9:55 pm ((nah, she's love/love, she's just a demanding little child)) Magnum Ace 9:56 pm ...... Dragon 9:56 pm ((Haha glad she's a good kitty.)) Magnum Ace 9:57 pm Oh...oh no Windchill 9:57 pm You're pulling on me. *Reaches around to grab at Swoop's fingers, probably in vain.* Dragon 9:57 pm ... Icy? ... let's NEVER show that critter to Striker. She'll want one in a heartbeat. Omicron 9:57 pm Racer: *puts his next cookie on soundwave's pede too, trying to be a good boy* Windchill 9:57 pm *Gives up, having a better idea.* Omicron 9:58 pm ....yeah, no. she tried to take one of predacons like that Swoop 9:58 pm *pops his head back up to look at Windchill* ItsyBitsySpyers 9:58 pm *Soundwave glances down again and tilts his helm. What is with the cookies...?*

*He picks the second one up and looks at it, then to Racer. Points at himself with a finger. Is this supposed to be his?* Windchill 9:58 pm You need to ride on my back if you're going to be stuck on me for the movie. Dragon 9:58 pm ((I know I wrote a response to Icy... o.o)) Swoop 9:59 pm Backpack Windchill 9:59 pm (( It's eating a lot tonight, I've had to retype several things. )) Dragon 9:59 pm Yeah, though she's more likely to ask for one than just take one. Jetstream 9:59 pm "..." Specs 9:59 pm ((yeah, same here)) Windchill 9:59 pm Yes, like a backpack. Specs 9:59 pm *CACKLES* Bull 9:59 pm ...... Specs 9:59 pm I've felt like that before.. Smokescreen 9:59 pm banner no Omicron 9:59 pm Racer: *exited wiggle and waves a paw, present! for soundwave!* Bull 10:00 pm ((Banner No, Hulk YES)) Swoop 10:00 pm Ok : > Backpack Magnum Ace 10:00 pm ((pfffff ...... That looked...painful ItsyBitsySpyers 10:00 pm *Ah. So it IS for him. He nods and makes a show of placing it in his subspace, since he can't eat it in public.*

*He'll trade a very tiny bead of silver. Here you go, Racer.* Windchill 10:00 pm *Nods as best as he can with a dinobot hanging from his neck.* Do it. Ratchet 10:00 pm [[ I LOVE HIM ]] Dragon 10:00 pm ((Freaking Loki XD)) ItsyBitsySpyers 10:00 pm ((oh my god.)) Swoop 10:01 pm *hoists himself up over Windchill's shoulder to climb around the long way to get on his back* Smokescreen 10:01 pm LOKI Specs 10:01 pm *cackles more* I like him, I think. Omicron 10:01 pm ((dude has style)) well.... *won't admit she would do just that* Windchill 10:01 pm *Thank Primus. He might be harder to pry off this way, but he'll deal with the consequences later.* Ratchet 10:01 pm [[ i meant korg tho ]] Windchill 10:02 pm (( Korg is pretty great. )) Magnum Ace 10:02 pm ....... Omicron 10:02 pm Racer: *OMG SHINY! whiggles around happily for the silver- is it just a shiny? can he eat it?!* ItsyBitsySpyers 10:02 pm [][][]Eat.[][][] Windchill 10:02 pm *He's not gonna sit down though, not with this new parasite.* Swoop 10:02 pm *is an A+ backpack, maximum secure grip* Windchill 10:03 pm *So long as it's not Permanent Backpack.* Specs 10:03 pm *wiggles* Omicron 10:03 pm RAcer: *NOM!* ItsyBitsySpyers 10:03 pm *Gentle pat.* Dragon 10:03 pm .... Gotta hand it to humans, this music's pretty epic. No wonder Remix is always jamming. Windchill 10:03 pm We'll try to call Bob later. We can always watch the movie again. Omicron 10:03 pm Racer: *paws on soundwaves fingers, but not noming them* ItsyBitsySpyers 10:04 pm *...What a power to have.* Swoop 10:04 pm Kay Windchill 10:04 pm *That's as reassuring as it's gonna get, sorry.* Smokescreen 10:04 pm I was about to say I wish I could have awesmoe theme music play whenever but But I CAN do that ww Magnum Ace 10:04 pm ...yikes Omicron 10:04 pm ....hey look, jolt as a human Specs 10:04 pm *suddenly rises up onto her hind legs, mantles her wings, and allows herself a wild, howling warble* *and then gets back down and ducks her head. okay, that was a little embarrassing* Dragon 10:05 pm *laughs* I was gonna say I need to bug our medic about getting an electricity upgrade. Frost's got his ice bombs, I don't wanna be left out. Magnum Ace 10:05 pm !!! Omicron 10:05 pm You have a giant aft shield that can punt people Athena, I don't think you're left out Magnum Ace 10:05 pm -looks around the room for where the noise came from- Dragon 10:06 pm *thinks* ... *grins* True that. Frost can't pack that thing around to save his life. Windchill 10:06 pm You know what might make you Swoop feel better? Swoop 10:06 pm What? Windchill 10:06 pm A sticker, duh. Swoop 10:06 pm YAH! Me Swoop like stickers Windchill 10:07 pm Yes, I know. Swoop 10:07 pm You have sticker? Omicron 10:07 pm Racer: *noming and wiggling happily, soft metal? he can chew it!* Smokescreen 10:07 pm Wait wait stickers where Windchill 10:07 pm Yes. Do you want...a fire sticker or a turtle sticker? Swoop 10:07 pm FIRE!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Jetstream 10:07 pm ^LOKI NO^ ^FOCUS^ Windchill 10:08 pm *They're car decals because that's how you get big enough stickers on Earth, okay.* Specs 10:08 pm ((a place in midgard called Texas)) Windchill 10:08 pm Okay. Swoop 10:08 pm ((there is something incredible about a guy in full body armor with two automatic guns jumping out of a space ship)) Dragon 10:08 pm ((Achievement unlocked: Des-Troy)) Specs 10:08 pm ((also, seriously, how much damn ammo is in that thing)) ((oh)) Magnum Ace 10:08 pm ((not enough Omicron 10:09 pm ((that much is seems)) Specs 10:09 pm ((I, too, headbutt undead abominations)) Swoop 10:09 pm !!!! Windchill 10:09 pm *Digs around in his bra/subspace for a flame sticker. Swoop gets a white one today. He'll hold it back over his head for Swoop to take.* Magnum Ace 10:09 pm !!!!! Swoop 10:10 pm *chirps!* VProwl 10:10 pm ((i'm so happy for that dude)) Swoop 10:10 pm *takes the sticker thx* Dragon 10:10 pm ... Hey... Icy? ... Ever think this is what Magnus does when he gets mad? Specs 10:10 pm ((IN THE BACKGROUND)) VProwl 10:10 pm ((he wanted one thing. he wanted to destroy asgard. and he got it.)) Bull 10:10 pm .... Smokescreen 10:10 pm HULK NO gotta smash Windchill 10:10 pm *Ur welcome.* Specs 10:10 pm *cackles* It's Smokescreen as an organic! Smokescreen 10:10 pm HEY COME ON I almost never smash! Swoop 10:11 pm *chatters while he plays with the sticker* VProwl 10:11 pm ((how often do the big terrible monsters get to achieve their life goals)) Omicron 10:11 pm ....well....he's nearly metrotitian size *she wonders if Dreaded Wings will ever transform an...* really... VProwl 10:11 pm ((i'm proud of him)) Windchill 10:11 pm Swoop. Swoop 10:11 pm Hi Magnum Ace 10:11 pm ........ Windchill 10:11 pm No putting it on Soundwave's things. Or on other people without permission. Swoop 10:11 pm Why Rosanna 10:11 pm ((he's having so much fun Specs 10:11 pm ((korg ;-; )) Bull 10:12 pm ((nope)) Windchill 10:12 pm Because that's not nice. Magnum Ace 10:12 pm ...... That's...it's gone Windchill 10:12 pm You have to abide by the sticker rules if you want more stickers. Smokescreen 10:12 pm ......... Bull 10:12 pm yeah... Smokescreen 10:12 pm this is this hurts Omicron 10:12 pm Racer: *no more silver, flops on his side* Swoop 10:13 pm Me Swoop never hear sticker rules before Magnum Ace 10:13 pm -sinking where he sits- Windchill 10:13 pm *That's because he made them up just now shhhh.* Swoop 10:13 pm ((hug hug hug)) Windchill 10:13 pm They're new sticker rules. Swoop 10:13 pm Not old sticker rules? Kehehh Windchill 10:13 pm Right. Specs 10:13 pm *makes an attempt to balance a cookie on Racer's snout* Omicron 10:14 pm Racer: *full, but after a minute tries to eat the chookie* Swoop 10:14 pm This sticker look pretty new to Me Swoop Windchill 10:14 pm (( Still laughing at his hair. )) Tarantulas 10:14 pm (( MIEK Omicron 10:14 pm .....pfft Windchill 10:14 pm It is a new sticker. Dragon 10:14 pm *grins as she leans back* That was intense. Specs 10:14 pm *chuffs* I like this documentary. Ratchet 10:14 pm [[ i am actually In Love with Korg ]] Smokescreen 10:15 pm why earth though earth smells Omicron 10:15 pm (he's awesome) Smokescreen 10:15 pm ... I mean it wouldn't be my first choice to live forever ItsyBitsySpyers 10:15 pm *Well. That was - something.* Windchill 10:15 pm And if you want more new stickers you have to play by the new sticker rules. Dragon 10:15 pm *glances at Smokescreen* Eh? Dude, Earth is fun. You just gotta be in the right crew to enjoy it. Swoop 10:15 pm What rules are? Magnum Ace 10:15 pm -is from Earth- Specs 10:15 pm Is it an unethical use of multiverse bridges to find and eat the Grandmaster? Smokescreen 10:15 pm It is fun! But I don't think I'd wanna live there. ItsyBitsySpyers 10:15 pm [[Not in the slightest.]] Specs 10:15 pm Excellent. Smokescreen 10:15 pm You'd rust to death there, you know Windchill 10:15 pm *Sighs internally.* Bull 10:16 pm *would rather stay on Earth* Prowl 10:16 pm *oh is it finally over, that sure was a movie she totally listened to yep* Magnum Ace 10:16 pm What's wrong with Earth? Dragon 10:16 pm Bah, only if you are a ninny about what you do. So far my gang's going just fine and one of us already has a rust problem she's gotta be careful with. Windchill 10:16 pm No putting stickers on Soundwave's things, no putting them on other people unless they say it's okay, and you have to not get kicked out. Omicron 10:16 pm That grandmaster wouldn't' have something that could effect several cybertronians at once do you think? Windchill 10:16 pm I can't give you a sticker if you get kicked out. Swoop 10:16 pm Me Swoop get kick out aaaaaaaaaall the time ItsyBitsySpyers 10:16 pm [[If we are fortunate, he will have never heard of our kind.]] Specs 10:17 pm Likely not. And it's rare that anyone notices someone my size. Windchill 10:17 pm I know, and if you get kicked out you can't get a sticker because you're not here, understand? Swoop 10:17 pm Yah Dragon 10:17 pm ((Loki's face there is priceless)) Jetstream 10:17 pm ^What^ "The^ Dragon 10:17 pm That... looks bad. *frowns* Swoop 10:17 pm *holds the sticker in front of Windchill's face* Me have sticker Jetstream 10:17 pm ^FRAG" Bull 10:17 pm uuuuuuh..... Specs 10:17 pm Hm. They're going to need a bigger stomach. Magnum Ace 10:17 pm Oh no...that looked bad Bull 10:17 pm What was that?! Windchill 10:17 pm Yes you do. What are you going to do with it? Specs 10:17 pm Or a freezer. Magnum Ace 10:17 pm I don't know Swoop 10:17 pm Keep ItsyBitsySpyers 10:18 pm [[He has no idea, and he doubts we will find out any time soon.]] Omicron 10:18 pm *debating on finding that place and letting Dreadded Wings loose for a bit...and taking some Crew down to leven that pit* ItsyBitsySpyers 10:18 pm ((reminder: 20 minutes)) Windchill 10:18 pm Good plan. Omicron 10:18 pm (okay) Dragon 10:18 pm *looks at Icy and grins* Bring me along if you go in there; I'm up for trashing some people. Swoop 10:18 pm !!! Movie over Dragon 10:18 pm ((Thanks for the update)) Smokescreen 10:18 pm Windwind- can I have a sticker too? Specs 10:18 pm *the dragon stretches and yawns* Goodnight, everyone. *gives Racer an affectionate lick to the forehead* Thank you for the movie, Soundwave! Magnum Ace 10:19 pm I think it's time for us to go though ItsyBitsySpyers 10:19 pm [[You are welcome, dragon. Thank you for the fuel, as always.]] Omicron 10:19 pm Racer: *full hatchling, wiggles to lick back, then to peer up at Soundwave* Bull 10:19 pm Yeah, sounds like a good idea. Specs 10:19 pm ((sometimes ya gotta slorp the child)) Windchill 10:19 pm *CRINGES on the inside, but it wasn't 'Windy' so he's not going to gripe about it.* You can have one sticker. Omicron 10:19 pm (he's Icy's little, he gets all the licks) Smokescreen 10:19 pm YES Jetstream 10:19 pm *The twins stretch a bit.* ^Should probably be on our way, too.^ "Always nice to see a good movie." Prowl 10:19 pm Good night, Soundwave. *Prowl leaves with a nod* Smokescreen 10:19 pm Can you put it right in the middle of my face? So that way, I can have a nose! Jetstream 10:20 pm ^Soundwave, Thanks for lettin us in. Maybe we'll see ya next time^ ItsyBitsySpyers 10:20 pm *Pings those who can be pinged and nods to the rest.* Windchill 10:20 pm I don't know if I have any nose shaped stickers...*digs around...turtle nose it is.* Dragon 10:20 pm *can't help but tap foot to the music* And more epic earth tunes. Swoop 10:20 pm Him Bob miss whole movie :x Omicron 10:21 pm Racer: *little mind turning away, waiting to show off* Magnum Ace 10:21 pm Soundwave? Can we have a bridge home? Windchill 10:21 pm *Luckily, his gibbon-like arms are long enough that he can just about reach Smokescreen's face to put the turtle smack dab in the middle of it.* ItsyBitsySpyers 10:21 pm [[Hmm? Of course.]] Windchill 10:21 pm Behold...one sticker. Smokescreen 10:21 pm /Smokescreen iiiis getting up and singing + dancing to this whoops./ ItsyBitsySpyers 10:21 pm [[It will be right outside. Ah, and next week's film should be... lighter fare.]] Windchill 10:21 pm Okay Swoop, let's go. We can watch the movie with Bob later. Magnum Ace 10:21 pm Thanks. Good night. Windchill 10:22 pm *When they, you know, find him.* Magnum Ace 10:22 pm -and out he goes- Omicron 10:22 pm *Icy is slowly nodding in time, calming down, keeping her mind and memories in strict order. not going to relive things* Swoop 10:22 pm Kay : < ItsyBitsySpyers 10:22 pm *Difficult, isn't it?* Rosanna 10:22 pm *streeetches. She's still here--sort of. Will likely returneth to her room and form a cuddle pile of microns* Bull 10:22 pm *Bull exits with Magnum* Windchill 10:23 pm I know one place we can watch movies. It's kind of dirty though. *But, he's going to worry about that part later.* *Turns to leave, with his new backpack.* Omicron 10:24 pm *very, she's keeping the predacon instincts down and trying to focus on the music, tail might be curled around Athena for saport* Swoop 10:24 pm *doesn't care about dirty and doesn't particularly care where they are going, just so long as it's fun* : > Dragon 10:25 pm *thinking a bit as she listens to the music, glancing over when she notices the taili* Eh? ... Heh, glad to know you got my back. I got yours too. Windchill 10:25 pm *Fair enough.* Omicron 10:25 pm Racer: *sits on a soundwave pede* Windchill 10:25 pm Byeeeee suckers, hope you all enjoyed the Devil's Anus as much as I did. Smokescreen 10:25 pm sounds uptown funk you up Windchill 10:25 pm *Hand, over spark.* ItsyBitsySpyers 10:26 pm *Lightly bobbles his foot to entertain Racer while he waits for Ice Queen to collect the hatchling.* Omicron 10:26 pm Racer: *happy trill, looking up though, peering at lap, waiting to be invited. hatchling has a plaaan* (maybe lighten the mood before going) ItsyBitsySpyers 10:27 pm *Small puff. He'll allow it, but only for a couple of minutes. The less he has to think about what he saw, the better.* Windchill 10:27 pm *Goes.* Smokescreen 10:27 pm /Smokescreen's also singing to this/ Omicron 10:27 pm RAcer: *happy wiggle and climbs up- oof he's full, forgot he ate so much* ItsyBitsySpyers 10:27 pm *Soundwave pings Windchill goodnight.* Dragon 10:28 pm *blinks and stares at the screen* And... then we find the weird side of human entertainment. *blink blink* Smokescreen 10:28 pm oh this isn't the weird side Omicron 10:28 pm *Icy bumps her head against Athena's shoulder* want to get highgrade and do something? Dragon 10:29 pm *blinks and looks over before grinning* Sounds like a grand party to me Icy. Smokescreen 10:29 pm /PRACTICALLY SHOUTS THE ME/ Omicron 10:29 pm RAcer: *sitting in Soundwave's lap, rests a moment, then looks up, big breath* (this song is killing me) ItsyBitsySpyers 10:30 pm *Hears a breath and pays close attention. This is either speech or fire.* Omicron 10:31 pm Racer: 'Ave! Aaayye....wa...'ave...aye! *faceplants on his chest, predacon over exited nuzzle, senses the sad/grump* Smokescreen 10:32 pm I wish we had video conferences like that ... we don't even have a fully functioning government bots are still trying to have elections megatron I think joked about making a council ItsyBitsySpyers 10:33 pm *Soundwave is delighted to hear part of his name, but he does nooooot like other mechs messing with his chest. He carefully picks Racer up with one hand and boops his snout with the very tip of a finger on the other hand.*

[[Thank you, small one. The comfort is appreciated. But you should return to your creator. He closes the building soon.]]

*Places Racer on the ground.* Dragon 10:34 pm *stretches a little and rolls her shoulders* Well, I better make sure the minis aren't using my shield like a snow sled again. Catch ya in a bit, Icy? *moves to get up, but doesn't quite make it due to the tail* Smokescreen 10:35 pm sounds hey if megatron makes a council can you shock him ItsyBitsySpyers 10:35 pm *That sounds like something minicons would do.*

[[He'll do worse than that.]] Smokescreen 10:35 pm ... What'll you do? Omicron 10:35 pm RAcer: *flops, krells for icy to come pick him up...might have burped smoke*

Yes, I'll meet you...and get Racer home *gets up to walk over* ItsyBitsySpyers 10:36 pm [[He hasn't decided yet. You've only just informed him.]] Smokescreen 10:36 pm .... wait I probably shouldn't hav Dragon 10:36 pm *grins as she gets up* Sounds like a plan. If I'm late, it's because I'm hauling Frosty's aft out of the closet again. *turns and salutes playfully to whoever's still present* Later! *heads off at a run* Smokescreen 10:36 pm sounds can you pretend you didn't hear that ItsyBitsySpyers 10:36 pm [[We'll see. Time for you to be on your way. He can't do as he's said he would with everyone here.]] Smokescreen 10:37 pm Awww- night night, Snoozewave. ItsyBitsySpyers 10:37 pm [[Smokescreen.]] *Warning tone.* Smokescreen 10:37 pm I'm going! I'm going! /And he's finally leaving!/ Omicron 10:38 pm Racer: *picked up, whines for his stick, gets that after put on icys back* bahh!!!! ^__^ ItsyBitsySpyers 10:38 pm *He more meant the nickname, but that works.* [[Goodbye, Racer. Ice Queen.]] Smokescreen 10:38 pm /Hey he was tempted to call him Soundbabe to be fair/ Omicron 10:38 pm Thank you for the even soundwave... even with....moments. Sorry if I scared anyone nearby ItsyBitsySpyers 10:39 pm [[You're welcome, and you were fine.]] Omicron 10:40 pm *Icy turns to leave, racer meeping to prowl on the way out* (have a good night!) ItsyBitsySpyers 10:41 pm ((you too!)) VProwl startles out of idle mode 10:41 pm VProwl 10:41 pm ((oh hey /me works, i didn't mean to do that)) Omicron 10:41 pm (oh, I can talk again! XD now I poof, rest well you two) VProwl 10:41 pm *nods to Racer.* Omicron 10:42 pm Raver: *flaps wing in a good bye, full sparkling....enjoy the cookie?* ItsyBitsySpyers 10:42 pm *Soundwave will wait until everyone is finally out to slump down in his seat and stare up at the ceiling. Zori comes scuttling across the floor, up his Boss' leg, up his Boss in general, and curls up to dock on Soundwave's neck.*

*He's banning this movie from the building, he thinks.* ((hit enter too early. just apply it when it applies)) VProwl 10:53 pm *right, he's fully here now. he's gonna head over to Soundwave.* ... Hey. ItsyBitsySpyers 10:54 pm *Soundwave sits up some to track the movement he hears. Ah. Prowl.*

[[Hello.]] VProwl 10:56 pm I was—I didn't really pay attention tonight, I went on auto-pilot to work at home, so—I only skimmed quickly through the movie when the credits were rolling, so I didn't realize at the time—uh... *cut to the chase.* How—how are you? ItsyBitsySpyers 10:58 pm *Soundwave watches Prowl uncertainly at first. Yes, he thought that might've been what'd happened; if the workload now is anything like what he had to deal with, it's a heavy one - but what's that got to do with...*

*Oh.*

[[...Furious. Not with you.]] [[And somewhat - hmm. Mildly overwhelmed. He was not expecting so many, or quite what he saw.]] VProwl 11:00 pm *nods.* And so many unfamiliar, too. *part of the reason he'd checked out. it was... busy, tonight.* Do you w...? *no, not that way.* What would help? ItsyBitsySpyers 11:01 pm *...Ping marked with gratitude. Prowl didn't have to come ask him anything.*

[[Yes. Most mechs are welcome, of course. He simply wasn't aware of the drawing power of this documentary ahead of time.]]

*Soundwave places the little spinning circle on his visor. Thinking.* VProwl 11:04 pm *he'll wait.* ItsyBitsySpyers 11:07 pm [[He was thinking of...]] *Shakes his helm a little bit. That was a poor start to the sentence.* [[The plants he wished to show you. He considered destroying his cell afterward. He thinks he will. It would - he would like your assistance with that. An enforcer helping to do what his own should have done long ago.]]

[[...And to be reminded that he is owned by no mech. He /knows/ it, but it - the memory still feels like claws and chains on his plating at times.]] VProwl 11:12 pm It still stands? *... a nod.* I'd be happy to help you destroy it. ItsyBitsySpyers 11:15 pm [[The Predacons nest mainly on the surface of the arena. Most are too large to fit into the cells beneath, and those who can claim to dislike the scent. Countless millions of years of fear, despair, anger, energon, rust... among other things. Ravage loathed it as well, back then.]] *Long, long pause.* [[Thank you.]] VProwl 11:16 pm What weapons do you want me to bring? ItsyBitsySpyers 11:19 pm *Faint huff.* [[You mentioned using acid and acid weaponry, once. There aren't many who can say they've literally watched their past be melted away. He'd like the right.]] VProwl 11:20 pm I'll ask Mixmaster for the most corrosive stuff he can cook up. ItsyBitsySpyers 11:22 pm [[Those are some of the sweetest words you've ever said to him.]]

*Small leg stretch. That helped soothe his mind a little.*

[[How /is/ Mixmaster? Still ill?]] VProwl 11:24 pm *a frown.* He's—quiet. He's not worse, but... ItsyBitsySpyers 11:25 pm [[...But?]] VProwl 11:27 pm Well. He's not better. Which is... We'd thought it was psychosomatic. Stress, from the construction site. But, if that was the case— He hasn't gone outside since construction was completed, and he knows none of us are going to make him until and unless he decides of his own volition that he wants to. But he—doesn't feel better. *Prowl's starting to worry. They all are.* ItsyBitsySpyers 11:28 pm [[Hasn't gone outside? For /anything?/]] *Feels a little unobservant having to ask this, but he doesn't watch the apartment anymore, and he tries not to watch the Constructicons too much lest Bonecrusher freak out.* VProwl 11:29 pm No, well, that's normal for him. He'll hole himself up in his room for months at a time if he's allowed. I think he /might/ have gone out once with Bonecrusher. That's it. ItsyBitsySpyers 11:31 pm [[He would think that'd have helped by now, if it's normal for Mixmaster. Has Hook had a look at him yet?]] ItsyBitsySpyers 11:34 pm *What if it's a horrible slow-burning plague unleashed by that planetary reset he's heard about? The flobster plague didn't hit his Cybertron for a while. Or, or - some kind of tool Bombshell and the others planted while sticking Prowl with Devastator that's going wrong without anyone to fix it, Garak style?* VProwl 11:35 pm Hook has. Mixmaster's not in peak physical condition, but Hook says everything he's seeing could just be consistent with sustained stress without an underlying condition. But, we don't know. At this point, he could be feeling unwell because he's stressed or he could be stressed because he's feeling unwell. To find out more, we'd have to take him somewhere with better medical equipment, and, well—that would involve dragging Mixmaster outside, against his will, to interact with strangers. If this IS a psychosomatic reaction to agoraphobia-related stress, we'd just make him worse. ItsyBitsySpyers 11:36 pm [[And there is no mech willing to make a house call? Are there any who are even an option?]] *Because he's willing to dig up dirt on them and blackmail them into it. If Mixmaster's going to be asked to help him, the least he could do is repay the debt.* VProwl 11:41 pm House calls aren't the issue—there isn't a medic on Cybertron who matches Hook. It's the equipment that'd be needed. We're talking stuff that only a hospital would have. We can't just rent a heavy-duty medical scanner from the nearest hospital for a day, pry it out from the wall, roll it out on a trolley, load it on Long Haul's bed, and drive it home to Mixmaster. *there is a reason for this extremely specific example.* *the reason is he's checked.* ItsyBitsySpyers 11:41 pm ((rabbit can u not eat my comments)) ItsyBitsySpyers 11:45 pm *Ohh. THAT kind of better medical equipment. Also, yeah, by that description, he's kind of assuming Prowl looked into it. Too specific.*

*Vent.* [[Then for now, he will hope better feelings are merely late, and not impossible. ... Still. Keep him updated if it gets worse?]] *If only because that puts Devastator, and therefore Prowl, at risk.* VProwl 11:46 pm That's what we're all hoping, right now. *A sigh.* I will. Thanks. VProwl 11:47 pm *There's a hint of noticeable grimness in Prowl's face. Mixmaster's condition has been bothering him more than he's verbally admitted.* ItsyBitsySpyers 11:48 pm *Nods. He doesn't like it, but for the moment, he hasn't got any better ideas. Space bridging the mech directly to the equipment probably wouldn't be of any more use than making him walk or drive there, and anyway, Prowl already knows how to use th-- and THAT'S unusual.* ItsyBitsySpyers 11:50 pm *To ask and risk Prowl turning off his expressions and making everything that much harder to read, or to ignore it and wait?*

*...Maybe he'd better keep quiet for now. He can poke that bitbear when they're both in a better place to discuss it, moodwise.* ItsyBitsySpyers 11:51 pm *But a feeler will slither out and move towards Prowl's wrist, clicking its claws. That'll look more like comfort for him than anything for Prowl, so it should be safe, providing he's allowed to coil.* VProwl 11:54 pm *allows him to coil; and grabs with his other hand as well. he could use a little more comfort himself, thanks.* Yesterday ItsyBitsySpyers 11:55 pm *Oh, good! Not only did it work, it worked better than expected. He'll definitely offer up extra loops and length of feeler.* VProwl 12:02 am *Good. He's taking them. TOTALLY BECAUSE HE'S OFFERING SOUNDWAVE COMFORT AND NOT BECAUSE HE'S BEEN REMINDED OF HIS WORRIES OVER MIXMASTER.* ItsyBitsySpyers 12:04 am [[We have both had a great deal on our minds tonight. A crowd of thoughts, the Pits, your work.]] And Mixmaster. [[Come relax with him. Things might be clearer in the morning.]]

*Rises and uses the grip on Prowl's arms to squeeze and tug in the direction of the stairs.* VProwl 12:07 am *Is willingly tugged up with Soundwave.* I hope they will be. *And if they aren't, still better to pass the time with Soundwave than without.*

[travelingtheusa]

NORTH CAROLINA

2020 Nov 19 (Thu) –Bonnie had a bout of diarrhea and we were getting up every two to three hours to take her out.  Poor thing.  At one point, she was also throwing up.  She got a bad bug this time!

    A brisk, cold wind was blowing in from the ocean.  The temperature didn’t get much into the 50s today.  We stayed around the camper most of the day except to run out to the post office to mail off some post cards.  We also did the laundry. The machines were only $.75.  That was a delight.  Getting ready to move on tomorrow.

 2020 Nov 18 (Wed) – It was a cold and blustery day.  At 4 p.m. we ran out to the store to pick up some rice.  Bonnie started in with diarrhea and we didn’t have any rice to mix with her chicken.  While we were out, we stopped at Michael’s Seafood Restaurant and had dinner. Paul enjoyed black drum, a flaky white fish.  I had salmon. The meal was delicious and they gave us a military discount to boot!  Always, always ask.  You never know who gives a discount and who doesn’t.

 2020 Nov 17 (Tue) – It was a beautiful day today but we did not go anywhere.  I think it was because there is not much to see in this area and we have been to all the tourist stops.  It is disappointing to think that you have seen everything and nothing else interests you.  I certainly hope we are not at that point.  

2020 Nov 16 (Mon) – We drove to Wilmington today to tour the Battleship North Carolina.  When we arrived, there was water flooding the road and the parking lot.  We slowly drove through several inches of water only to find that we couldn’t get onto the ship without walking through water. So I called the desk to see if they were open.  The clerk said they were flooded out with high tide.  It would go down and they would be open around 12-ish.  We think they could have built up their parking area a little.

    We left and picked up pet food at PetCo, then went to the historic part of town on the Cape Fear River to have lunch. The Fork & Cork was a small bar and café.  We both got the specials.  Mine was a mac & cheese carbonara.  Sounded good but didn’t taste good.  Paul had some kind of burger with bacon jam and spicy mayo.  He seemed to enjoy it.

    Heading back to the battleship, we found that the water level had gone down and we were able to park and go into the place.  We spent about 2 hours crawling around the ship.  I learned a couple of new things and we had fun exploring 5 decks below and 2 decks above the main deck although we couldn’t go into the engine room.  The coding machine they used during WWII was top secret.  When a repairman came to fix it, everyone had to leave the room.  Different parts were done by different people so very few understood the entire system and how it worked.  When radio messages were sent, they were entirely encoded – even the name of the ship the message was going to.  So radiomen had to decode every message that was sent out in order to sort out their messages.

    After the battleship, we stopped at Publix to pick up groceries.  After dinner, we walked over to the beach to watch the Leonid Meteor shower.  We brought a sheet so we could lie down on the sand.  It was cold, the sand was hard, and we couldn’t see any meteors even though the circumstances were unusually excellent.  There wasn’t a cloud in the sky and the moon was nearly invisible; had just the barest fingernail of a shape.  We were very disappointed.

2020 Nov 15 (Sun) – The day was overcast and threatening all day.  We tried to walk down to the beach but it started sprinkling, so we turned around and went back home.  We spent the day hanging around the camper.  Bob & Holly left without ever coming over to visit.

 2020 Nov 14 (Sat) – We went into town to pick up a few groceries.  Drove through Carolina Beach.  It is a very beachy community.  Although there are many people here, it is no where near what it usually is in the summer time when all the beach houses and condos are rented.

    We took a walk across the street to the ocean with Bonnie.  The beach front is very open and expansive.  You can see the Kure Beach Pier in the distance.  The beach is deserted at this time of year and you can see forever.

2020 Nov 13 (Fri) – We packed up and left Elizabeth City at 9 a.m.  It was an easy drive to Fort Fisher AF Rec Area in Kure Beach.  The campground is right off the main road that runs through town along a row of beach houses.  It reminds me of beach row in the Hamptons with all the 3-story pastel houses on stilts fronting the ocean.  Although it belongs to the military and you have to show ID to get a campsite, the campground is open.  It’s not on a base.

There are about 25 sites here.  They are concrete and very, very long with full hookups.  There is a decent amount of space between the sites with trees along the back of the perimeter.  Our window looks out at the ocean side and all the pastel homes and cottages built adjacent to the roadway.  

Fort Fisher must have made a lot of money selling the property to beach goers.  If you don’t turn into the campground and just drive straight down the road, you go into the Fort itself.  It was a civil war fort and there are breastworks that visitors can wander around. There is also an aquarium on the beach side.  When we toured it last year, there were Christmas trees all over the building.  

We were here last year just after the area had been hit with a hurricane.  Buildings were under repair and the reception office was temporarily set up in another building.

We are on a narrow spit of land, like Fire Island back home.  They call this area the Crystal Coast – 80 some miles of outer islands that protect the main coastline.  On one side of us is a bay.  On the other side is the Atlantic Ocean.  We can hear the waves breaking on the shore all day long.

      After we set up, we went to the office to check in.  When we got back, we spotted an orange Class A Motor Home setting up.  It turned out to be Bob & Holly from our Utah caravan last year.  They were the couple that had trouble with their rig. While they were in Las Vegas waiting for it to be repaired, they got married.  We said “Hi” to Bob and promised to get together later when Holly returned.

 2020 Nov 12 (Thu) – It was an overcast and rainy day.   We just hung around the campground all day, getting ready to move tomorrow.

 2020 Nov 11 (Wed – Vets Day) – It was a rainy, overcast, nasty day today.  We stayed in the campground.  Did laundry this afternoon.  I began work on my book about my time in Iraq.  It’s been 15 years since I was sent to the Middle East. It’s about time I got that damn book written.

 2020 Nov 10 (Tue) – We started a new diet today so we stayed close to home to get ourselves into the groove.  While I was cooking, we turned on the Magic Fan to help exhaust the heat in the kitchen. Weirdly, the fan would not turn off. We flipped switches, checked fuses, and shut the DC-12 volt system – all to no avail.  Paul finally just cut the wire to the fan.  

 2020 Nov 9 (Mon) – It rained all morning.  The insulation in our rig is really good.  I couldn’t hear any rain.  I didn’t know it was raining until I looked out the window.  Our pop-up camper used to sound like corn popping on the roof when it rained.  This is much quieter.

     We had lunch then drove to WalMart to pick up groceries.  We’re starting a new diet tomorrow.  Trying Keto this time.  We’ll see how things go.

2020 Nov 8 (Sun) – We drove into New Bern today.  We had been there last year when we drove through here but the North Caroline History Center was closed then.  The historical houses in the complex were closed.  There was a small museum inside the visitor center that covered the history of the state and city.  At 1:30 p.m., we went to the Tryone Palace.  It was and the first capitol of North Carolina from 1770 to 1794. The original palace kitchen burned down in 1798, leaving only the stable intact.  In 1952, two ladies from the historical society found the original architectural plans for the property.  They bought it, raised money, and rebuilt the palace and kitchen according to the original plans.  With the Revolutionary War looming on the horizon, the governor fled to New York, fearing for his personal safety.  There were docents in every room on the first floor and in the basement (we weren’t allowed to tour the upper floors).

     We walked down the Main Street and stopped at a café for lunch. I had tuna on a croissant and Paul had a gyro sandwich.  Everything was tasty.

     On the drive back to the base, we stopped at the Junkyard Market.  It was an intriguing place with lots of odds and ends out on the street to attract visitors.  We walked through the building, looking at all the knick-knacks.

     Back in the car, we drove through a nearby development when Paul spotted a sign there were new homes for sale.  We thought we would go through a couple of model homes but there weren’t any.  So after driving around the neighborhood, we returned to the campground.

2020 Nov 7 (Sat) – It was a very delightful day. After letting the animals have outdoor time, we headed out to the Crystal Coast to tour Fort Macon.  It was a small but very neat confederate fort built on the Atlantic coast.  We realized how big some of the other forts were that we have toured after seeing this one. There were 3 forts built on the site. The first was Fort Dobbs in 1756.  It was never completed and allowed to fall into disrepair.  The second fort (Fort Hampton) was built in 1808.  It defended Beaufort Harbor during the War of 1812. A hurricane eroded the inlet in 1825 so Fort Macon was built between 1826 and 1834.  In 1862, union forces attacked and captured the fort.  The fort was used during the Civil War, the Spanish American War, and World War II.  It served as a military prison from 1862 to 1877.  The property was purchased by the state and became the first state park in North Carolina in 1936.

     We then drove into Beaufort and explored the Old Burying Ground.  The historical society normally conducts tours of the site but because of the coronavirus, nobody was giving any tours.  There are graves of confederate and union soldiers as well as slaves and freemen.  It was such a mish mash of gravesites.  It looked like a lot of them had concrete coverings over the bodies.  The large cemetery had graves laying every which way. It’s like they came in, looked around, and said, “There’s a spot.”  It was crazy!

     We then walked around the block and explored the historic site where there were many houses that had been built in the 1700s. Most of the houses had plaques on them stating the year they were built and who lived there.  We stopped at the marina to ogle the boats and yachts.  I picked up two kites for our grandsons who we will be seeing over Thanksgiving.  

     We stopped at the Crabs Claw for lunch.  There was an outside deck overlooking the ocean.  We both had the lobster salad.  It was quite good.  Next door was an interesting looking rental.  We asked the waitress about it.  It was 5 units attached as one building, each one with 4 floors with balconies looking out over the ocean.  In the backyard were a barbecue, a hot tub, and a pool.  She said it was rental condos that cost (she thought) about $3,500 a week.  Wow.

     The drive back to the base went over several bridges and past some interesting places – Radio Island, Morehead City, Atlantic Beach.

 2020 Nov 6 (Fri - Paul’s Birthday) - We packed up and left the USCG base in Elizabeth City at 9 a.m.  With only one stop at a rest area along the way, we arrived at the Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Cherry Point in Havelock at noon.  The campground is called Pelican Pointe RV Park.  It is very nice.  There are 30 sites arrayed in 4 rows within an oval.  One row (the one we are in) has pull-thru sites; all the rest are back-in.  All the sites are concrete with a nicely graveled area holding the electric, water and sewer hookups.  Trees surround the campground and there is a water body nearby – called Slocum Creek but looking like a river.  We went out to Del Patron for a Mexican dinner and margaritas.

2020 Nov 5 (Thu) – We hung around the campground this morning.  At noon, we went out to do some errands – get fuel for tomorrow’s drive, pick up pet food, and get lunch.  We ate at the City Grille, a diner type café.  The food was good and the place was doing a good business. Sheba certainly enjoyed this campground. She had lots of space to run and play in with a tree to climb on.  It’s been nice with the river right outside our window and the USCG aircraft flying into and out of the airport.

2020 Nov 4 (Wed) – I have returned from a week in New York.  The time went fast.  The visit with the oncologist went very well.  All bloodwork is normal.  I don’t have to go back until January.  I also got to visit with my daughter, Gina; my sister and her husband, Susan and Bill; and my grandson, Caiden.  I got to go trick-or-treating with Caiden and his parents.  He was able to hook up with a friend and the two boys had a great time together.  Caiden came to stay two nights with me at the hotel.  We drove out to Sue’s for lunch and swam in the pool at the hotel.  He had a great time and was sorry to see it end. So was I.  I went over to his house and helped his father put together an electric car, which was a gift from Aunt Susan and Uncle Bill.  It was Caiden’s 7th birthday on October 30th.

    It was good to get back home and see Paul and the girls again.  Bonnie actually seemed glad to see me.

2020 Oct 27 (Tue) – We went to WalMart to pick up a suitcase for me.  While looking for my duffel, we couldn’t find it. Paul thought we might have thrown it out after my last trip.  We wound up buying two rolling duffels with the hope that we can take a trip to Australia next year for our 50th anniversary.  

    We then stopped at Currituck BBQ for lunch.  Paul had pulled pork and I had beef brisket.  It was a lot of BBQ.  Next stop was at Enterprise Car Rental where I picked up a Nissan Kicks SUV.  I will be driving to New York tomorrow.  Because of the coronavirus and all the quarantine stuff going on in New York, we felt it would be better for me to drive home rather than fly.  It’s going to be a very long drive – 9 to 10 hours.  Last stop was at Ford where we dropped the truck off for a diagnostic.  The AC stopped working about 2 weeks ago.  You definitely don’t want a non-working AC down here in the south!  Paul thinks it’s the compressor.  We’ll see.

    Finally, we returned to the camper. It has remained overcast and cool all day.  This is such a nice campground.  It was great the first two days before the weather turned foul.  Hope it clears up – for Paul, at least.  I think I’m driving into some bad weather up north.

2020 Oct 26 (Mon) – It was another overcast and dreary day.  We walked over to the Navy Federal Credit Union to use my debit card.  I had gotten an email from them saying I hadn’t used my debit card in the last year and if I did not use it, they would not send me a new one.   What kind of bank cancels a debit card because you don’t use it?  So I took the debit card for the SMART Nomads account and my own account, walked over to the ATM, and used both cards.  I withdrew $20 then redeposited the $20.  How stupid is that?

      We gathered up the dirty clothes and did the wash.  They have a small shack with two washers and two dryers.  The cost was better than the last one – only $1.50 per washer and $1.00 for the dryers.

    Once we had the clothes put away, we drove into town to Lowe’s.  Paul needed to pick up a few things for the RV.  Next, we stopped at CVS to pick up some Halloween candy.  Neither of us thinks there will be any trick-or-treaters here in the campground but I thought it would be a good idea to have something on hand, just in case.  A family was here this past weekend.  They came in on Friday night and left Sunday afternoon.  They had three children and a dog.  Since Halloween will be on Saturday, it’s possible a family might come in to camp.

2020 Oct 25 (Sun) – It was a dreary, overcast day with rain on and off.  Every morning, we wake up to fog that slowly burns off as the sun rises.  The weather during the day has been decent even though it starts out cool in the 50s.  We stayed in all day.  Had soup and grilled cheese for lunch.  Attended church via Facebook.  Watched the crappy weather out the window.  Didn’t go anywhere, except to walk the dog.

2020 Oct 24 (Sat) – We drove to Great Dismal Swamp State Park today.  On the way there, we tried to stop at a Cracker Barrel for lunch but they were crowded and the wait time was 45 minutes.  We left and wound up stopping at a Wendy’s for lunch.  Poor choice but it was lunch time and everything was full.

    When we arrived at the park, we happily found the visitor center open.  After poking through it, we took a short hike on a trail.  It was a raised wooden walkway that wandered in a big loop through the woods.  A bridge passed over the intracoastal waterway.  It is a 22 mile canal that passes through the swamp.  It was very straight and disappeared on the horizon either way you looked.

    We then drove over an hour to Mattaponi in Virginia.  I lived there as a child in the summer of 1963.  It was a 12-room farm on a farm.  I wanted to try and find the place.  I found the town.  I found the river that used to run in back of the house where we fished.  And I found the paper mill that always seemed to stink up the air.  But I could not find the house.  Although the area is still pretty rural with farms, there were more houses in the area than I remember.  I guess 57 years makes a difference.  Lol.  

2020 Oct 23 (Fri) – We drove into town for lunch at Groupers Seafood Restaurant. We ate out on the deck looking out over the water.  It was a very pleasant day.  I got the lunch special – fried flounder, cole slaw, and hush puppies.  I tried to swap out the hush puppies but the waitress said there were no substitutions.  I also tried a red corn soup but it was too spicy.  Paul had clam chowder with a shrimp and scallop casserole.  

    I had our mail forwarded to a UPS package store.  I had tried to call three days ago to make sure they would accept the package but the number on their website was wrong.  It turned out to be some guy’s cell phone.  Their site said they accepted packages so I took a chance and had the mail forwarded there.  When I went in to pick the package up, they charged me an additional $5 because I didn’t let them know the package was coming.  WTH?  First, I paid to have the package mailed already.  Second, I couldn’t let them know it was coming because their number was no good.  And third, I was SAVING them money by their not having to put the package on a truck and bring it to me.  Boy, was I furious!  I was more angry with myself because I didn’t fight the charge and refuse to pay.  I groused and the guy gave me a business card with their correct phone number on it.  A lot of good that did me then!

2020 Oct 22 (Thu) – We packed up and left Blackstone, VA at 9:30 a.m.  The weather was good.  The RV GPS had us driving 40 miles more than what my iPhone GPS said so we followed my phone.  It took us along a lot of local routes but we had no difficulty and arrived at the US Coast Guard station in Elizabeth City at 12:45 p.m.  In addition to checking our IDs, they took our temperature. That was a new thing.  Since I had registered by phone, we already knew our campsite assignment.  We set up then I called to see if we had to come in to pay.  The clerk said no; that she had my card information and would run the charge.

    After giving the animals outside time, we went to the supermarket – Food Lion – to get some groceries.  They had the rows marked one way but nobody but us seemed to be paying attention to them.  It’s funny.  When we first pulled up into the parking lot at Food Lion, I saw several people with no masks.  For a second, that always fuels some kind of crazy hope that we stepped out of the nightmare and finally found a place where no one has heard about the corona virus. Then another person steps into the picture wearing a face mask and the bubble pops.

    When we got back, we found a business card from a fellow SMART member on the door.  Allen & Judy are also staying in the campground.  They are in another part of the base in the same area we stayed in last year.  We were here for Thanksgiving and because the campground was full, we had been assigned to a dirt lot in back of the BX.  We drove over and visited for an hour.  We met Allen & Judy during the Canadian Maritimes caravan in 2016.

[brachylagus-fandom]

12 Days of WIPmas - Day 11

Not in Our Stars (but in Ourselves), a 39 Clues/Hunger Games fusion

basically Catching Fire with the addition of Cahills. First chapter under the cut.

District Eight

The Reading of the Card happens on a Tuesday. Amy spends the morning clearing out Grace's attic trying not to think about it; since Katniss and Peeta were crowned, she and Woof and Cecilia have taken long walks through noisy parts of town (always with a reason - to pick up fat quarters or yarn or food or Cecilia's kids from school or Dan, not infrequently, from Peacekeeper custody) and quietly speculated at length about what the twist could be. (Woof had suggested forbidding volunteering in order to rig the reapings as much as possible - the Starling brothers, both severely injured in Games-losing ways, are eighteen, and Katniss has a thirteen-year-old sister, and fourteen, which Dan turned five months ago, has never been a good age for Cahills. Cecilia, scoffing at the Capitol endangering their beloved Career districts, thinks they'll change the age range. Amy suspects they'll do reapings in proportion to how many rebels each district had - get Dan and Prim and Ned and Ted and whoever else a rebel loves who’s of reaping age in one fell swoop.) She's sick of dreading it; she'd rather sort through the rest of Grace's library and relish six months outside of the Capitol since apparently they think she should use the time post-drawing to get extra sponsor pledges. 

Eight's victors decide to watch the Reading apart. (They used to do this at Grace's house, Amy knows from Woof's half-finished tatting projects bur- hidden in the couch cushions next to a forgotten earring of Cecilia's and notes in Hope's handwriting. She likes to picture them like that, crowded around the screen together, safe and healthy and alive.) When the sun starts to set, Amy goes back to her house, sets out dinner for Saladin, makes herself a cup of tea, and waits for Dan to come home. All of the factories were on half-shifts today because of the mandatory television (and because they're trying to crack down on the weavers by cutting their hours as deeply as possible), so he technically should have been home by four at the latest, but Amy would be entirely unsurprised if he's out painting mockingjays on burned warehouses or bleaching them onto Capitol fashion set to be shipped. (Wouldn't be surprised if the Peacekeepers shot him for it, either; Snow would think that a fitting punishment for her six months of freedom and what her district's just done.)

Five minutes before the broadcast is set to begin, long after sunset, Dan comes in, barely stopping to stomp the snow off his boots. There are fresh bruises on his knuckles. Amy hopes he isn't getting into fistfights with Peacekeepers.

"Where were you?" Amy asks. "There weren't any afterschool shifts today." Dan shrugs.

"Studying with Atticus and Lowell," he says. "They're stressed about the big text coming up, not sure they'll make seventy-fives." The weavers are getting antsy, he means. It's not surprising - things have been heating up ever since the last Games but Amy still tries not to think too hard about it. The last time the weavers got antsy - not counting last month, which ended with three bombed factories and fourteen executions and countless whippings, because last month was miniscule as far as riots in Eight go - was nine years ago, right after the "house fire" that killed her parents, and it ended with three executions for treason and four months of missed tesserae and twelve tributes, too young and totally doomed, who worked in the mills. (Thirteen, if you count Amy herself, but she'd worked inventory - bobbins in, bolts out - not on the floor. She hadn't been a mill girl, not really. Not in the way Hope had been, and especially not in the way Grace had been.)

"Well, just be careful where you… study," Amy says. "The weather's getting rough out there." Don't get caught running messages, she means. I can't lose you, too. Not for something that's partially my fault. Dan grunts an acknowledgement.

"What's on tonight?" he asks.

"Supposed to be the Reading of the Card," she says. "Cecilia and Woof say it's past time, actually." On their screen, the seal of Panem is replaced by Katniss modeling wedding dresses, which Dan scowls at.

Two years ago, he would've mocked the dresses - loudly, to Atticus' and Lowell's and Calico's laughing agreement - and mocked Amy's feeble comments in their defense. Two years ago, they spoke more than a handful of words to each other on any given day, even if most of those words were arguments. A year and a half ago, Amy went to the Capitol as a little girl with a jade necklace - a legacy tribute, sure, but still a child entirely naive to how the Games were really played - and she came home with Ian's blood caking the dirt under her nails and his words rattling around in her skull. (Silly girl, he'd called her, thinking you'll ever esc- and then she stabbed him and pushed him down to the mutts below, and he'd buried her alive but he hadn't deserved that, and she still sometimes wonders if he didn't really mean to win at all, if he was warning her of what was to come.) She came home, smiling and with clean hands (literally, not metaphorically) and deeply claustrophobic, to a brother who was quiet and furious and blank-faced. Sometimes, she thinks she lost him that year; if she didn't, she'll lose him (metaphorically, and maybe literally) when they go to the Capitol together, him as tribute and her as his mentor.

Caesar reminds Capitol citizens to vote for their favorite wedding dress - "something red to match Peeta," Dan mutters under his breath because Calico had been his friend before she had been Amy's first lost tribute - and then the screen transitions to the Viewing Room at Snow's mansion. The opening notes of the anthem play again. A small boy walks in with an ornate box filled with envelopes, each labeled with a games year. One marked 75 is drawn, and the slip within is pulled out.

"On the 75th anniversary," President Snow reads slowly, "as a reminder to the rebels that even the strongest among them cannot overcome the power of the Capitol, the male and female tributes will be reaped from their existing pool of victors."

That's… unexpected. Unprecedented. Terrifying. (Silly girl, Ian said, thinking you could ever escape, and Amy had killed him and come out with blood and dirt under her nails but she never really left and has spent the past two years bargaining for Dan's life with her body as currency with people who fundamentally do not care. She didn't escape. He did.) Subconsciously, Amy can feel the walls of the den closing in, trapping her, cutting off her air supply as Evan just sobs and sobs and sobs somewhere behind her, and then he goes quiet and a cannon goes off and she won't know it's not his until that night's deaths go up and she can't waste time trying to get to him when she has to dig herself out… Dan, swearing, storms out of the house, towards town (towards trouble), and Amy is back in the present, with a yellow and red quilt Cecilia made around her shoulders and nothing under her nails. The television has shifted to Caesar Flickerman and Claudius Templesmith guessing which victors will go in again; given that only five districts have at least two male and two female victors, it's not hard.

She has to go in again. (She never left.) Amy has so much less left to lose than Cecilia, and she's in better shape, more likely to win. (And, when she inevitably falls on a One tribute's spear, Cecilia has decades of mentoring experience; she's more likely to get their tributes - get Dan - out come next year.) They can get everything else they need out of Grace's house before the Reaping, stash it in a third-party location, and have Dan memorize it. They should do it anyways, just in case the Peacekeepers revoke access.

The day of the Reaping, Amy puts on her Reaping dress from two years ago and Grace's favorite jade necklace - her token, then and now - and shoes she can run in. She buries District Eight dirt as deep under her perfectly painted nails as she can get it. Dan, who's wrangled himself into a pure black suit of his own accord, doesn't mention the oddity if he notices it at all. He's been saying less and being out more than ever since the card was read; Amy doesn't ask where he's been or what he's been doing anymore. (She knows. She put him up to at least twenty percent of it.) Dissuading him is a lost cause, and the bugs in the house really shouldn't catch it if he chooses to tell her.

Dan stays by her side once she enters the pen and holds her hand like he's one of Cecilia's kids; Amy clutches his back. Antonius, after digging around for a moment, calls Cecilia's name, and she walks forwards, her kids still stubbornly holding onto her dress; the camera on the roof of the Peacekeeper's barracks catches every tear rolling down her face in HD, to be transmitted live back to the Capitol for its citizens to coo at. At the base of the Justice Building's stairs, Cecilia's husband takes the two younger children in his arms, leaving Cecilia to try to persuade only the eldest to follow him back with a few soft whispers before Peacekeepers force them apart.

Amy doesn't have to do anything. If she chickens out now, no one will know, and Eight might have a snowball's chance in hell of winning.

But - silly girl, thinking you could ever escape this. Amy came out of the arena, but she never left, never got all the blood and dirt out from under her nails, and now it's calling her back. Quickly, sharply enough that the cameras don't see, Amy takes her hand out of Dan's grip and steps forwards.

"I volunteer!" Antonius gapes at her. Cecilia sobs in relief. "I, Amy Cahill, volunteer as tribute." Antonius nods, gulps, announces her again. He's afraid for once. He should be; the crowd in the square is a powder keg of weavers who have mourned two Cahill girls already and rioters from six months ago who didn't get caught, and Amy's throwing out sparks.

It feels good to be the fire and not the cloth, for once.

Before visitation hour starts, the square erupts, and Eight's victors are hustled onto the train and out of the district as the square burns behind them. Amy, all the Eight she can have around her, only hopes Cecilia's husband and the kids made it out in time. She knows Dan probably didn't. (She knows Dan probably had a part in starting it.)

***

District Six

When the card is read, District Six's Victor's Village is eerily silent. It always is; its designers soundproofed every inch of it and placed it so far from the Hub that you can't even hear the trains. (Nellie misses the noise; she lived right under Track Five growing up, so the only time before her Games that there wasn't a train thudding overhead was the night before every Reaping.) As the closing notes of the anthem play and commentators come on, Nellie looks at the glass of vodka in her hand and debates flinging it at the screen to make Claudius Templesmith's face shatter.

She decides against it. Barely.

She needs to talk to Erasmus. The games this year were always going to be a mess, and they planned to disrupt them as much as possible, but this twist changes things. Disrupting a Victor's games will be easy. You have the lovers from District Twelve and either the mother or the legacy from District Eight, plus a variety of everyone's favorites from elsewhere. They can make this unpopular with ease. The only real problem will be getting them all out, since virtually everyone will either be in the games or mentoring them.

The morning of the reaping, Nellie doesn't dress up. She spikes her (recently redyed) hair up more than usual, but she wears the same grunge she always does; it's her style, and it got her through her first reaping just fine. When her name is called, she is thoroughly unsurprised that Rosie doesn't volunteer; she's pretty sure Rosie didn't even notice. (Ford certainly doesn't when his name is called. Nellie dreads what their pre-Games detox will look like.)

They have a brief visitation, Nellie's parents hug her and take most of her piercing jewelry (at least a quarter of which will be missing if she comes home), Erasmus glares down the peacekeepers to hug her tightly and whisper that there's a plan to get her out, yadda yadda, she's been through this before and it was just as forgettable the first time. The train speeds out of Six quickly, its wheels thudding along the track. Nellie can tell by the sound they're on a hyperspeed, duoblock wheels with front right starting to get fatigued. The sound lulls her to sleep.

***

District Five

Irina knows she's going back in; District Five's only two living victors are Edison, winner of the Forty-Ninth Hunger Games, and her, winner of the Twenty-Fifth. Most of her competitors had been picked because no one wanted them around, because they were a drain on resources, because they were hated; Irina had been all of those things, but she had also been chosen because people thought she stood the faintest, slimmest chance of winning.

She doesn't now. She's kept in shape since her win - she has too much time on her hands, so she might as well spend it doing endless pole vaults and gymnastics routines - but she knows the age breakdown of the victors, and she is one of the oldest left. She'll be speared through by some well-trained twentysomething from a Career district, and that will be that. This time, she has just as much of a chance as most of her tributes do (as Nikolai did), and she doesn't waste time trying to deny it.

She comes up when her name is called (after Flavinius spends a good minute and a half rooting around inside the ball for her slip, which is at least amusing even if it means nothing) and looks directly at the camera they plant dead center at the back of the square. She does not smile, or shiver, or cry, or react at all. She just stares into its dark lens until the cameraman turns away and whispers "as it began, and so it ends" under her breath. Edison staggers up next to her. She's not surprised she can smell the alcohol on his breath from two feet away; he's always been a less-than-functional alcoholic, even before he went into an arena swarming with insects and came out screaming.

They do not do visitation; there is no one to visit them. Edison has never had anyone, and Irina's husband is gone, and Nikolai… Nikolai is gone, too. (Irina just needs to block out why.)

***

District Three

Sinead can't return to the arena. Her brothers need her Victor's stipend; since the accident, Ned can only spend a few days a week in the workshop before the noise and the smell of burnt solder set off his migraines, and no one will hire Ted at all, not even for assembly work. If they were on their own, they couldn't survive, and all three of them know it.

So, on Reaping Day, Sinead stands in the pen with shaking and sweaty hands skating off her vinyl skirt; her stylist says it's in this year, and she needs to earn as many sponsors as possible however she can whether she's in or out of the arena. It's funny; the year of the Sixty-Ninth Hunger Games, she hadn't been nervous at all. Not with the crush of bodies in front of her to pad the probabilities and her brothers, leaning over their side of the cordon, beside her and so many Personal Efficiency credits on her side to balance out the tesserae they and everyone else they knew took out. Now, there are only two slips in a much smaller bowl - their tesserae haven't carried over, it seems - and a sickly sense of dread in her stomach.

Sinead doesn't cry when Wiress' name is called, but it's a close thing. It's not that she doesn't like Wiress - the woman got her out of the arena basically sane, and they work well together in the games and on technological projects - but she just can't afford to go back in again and lose - her brothers can't afford to lose her - she's going to lose Wiress, and it's going to hurt so, so much -

Then Alistair's name is read, and it's like a punch to the gut. Logically, Sinead knows the two events are independent - both of them had a one-in-two chance of being called - but it still feels like they should've gone in together if they went in at all. Alistair was there when her parents died and they had been too young to take out tesserae or get work; Alistair had been there to put her back together after she was crowned; Alistair was there when the battery factory exploded and through the months of painful recovery it had entailed for all of them; Alistair isn't going to be there for anything else, because Alistair's not getting out of this.

Not unless she does something about it.

***

District Two

Hamilton knows he isn't going back in. He knows the other victors have his back. He's barely out, not even cleared yet to mentor; his burn scars are still soft and fresh from a fourth round of half-successful remake. He's still woken up most nights by dreams of gasoline and fire and blood and the sensation of brain dripping on his fingers; the night before Peeta proposed, he nearly strangled Reagan when she tried to wake him up from a nightmare.

Reagan, who fights Madison almost daily over who'll get to volunteer the year they turn eighteen. Dad, trying not to look bitter at the honor he was denied, appeases them by saying one of them can try for a spot at seventeen like Enobaria; this only mutates the argument, which turns into a fistfight at the dinner table that Hamilton is left to break up as his parents smile. (He loves his family, he really does, but if Brutus' couch wasn't covered in wood shavings, he'd be staying there in a heartbeat.)

So, when Hamilton Holt is called forwards, he isn't worried about killing people again. (He knew what he was doing, knew what would happen when he set that trap, but that didn't mean he was prepared to watch a thirteen-year-old burn alive until Satin could shoot her.)  He knows the others will volunteer in his place; that's simply how it's done in Two. The female victors had a frenzy when Boudicca was called, and Enobaria won, no surprise about that. Until the crowd is eerily silent, and Brutus - his mentor - is stone-faced and shameful, and his scars itch in the summer heat and there's a sea of victors in front of him but none of them move a muscle and Hamilton realizes there's been a conversation he was left out of.

Goddammit.

His family raves during visitation about the honor he's been given. His father, the front-runner for the Forty-First Games before he was kicked out of the Program for the Promotion of Athleticism (allegations of unauthorized steroids, which Dad admits to, and rumors of grandad committing treason, which he claims were entirely fake, that followed Hamilton in ugly whispers from teachers and jealous peers alike) is eager to have a son who will win the games twice (any other option is unthinkable), and his sisters are eager to watch, but Reagan is shaky and pale. Hamilton thinks she's finally figured out what will happen if he doesn't win. Especially after Cato's epic non-win last year, which was broadcast live to District Two's schools.

Brutus, his mentor a second time around, is a stone wall on the train ride up. Hamilton doesn't do anything to assuage his guilt; it's his fault they're both in this mess again. He absentmindedly scratches at his scars; they haven't itched this much since the second round of remake.

Hamilton Holt is from the safest district in Panem, has already won the games once with tricks and fire and pure, brutal violence, and he's been reaped for the first time in his life.

Goddammit.

***

District One 

Jonah knew from the second the card was read that he was going back. He's young enough to still have a chance to bring his district glory; he's new enough that the sponsors haven't really fallen in love with him yet and won't care if he dies. (Jonah's fan's are a bit young for the big bucks, anyways - the markets pull in more money than a hundred concerts ever will - and he knew that when he made his talent music that he aggressively targeted to the tween market, had made that choice deliberately just as he had made his kills as personal and bloody and nonsensual as possible, and he doesn't really regret keeping as much of himself his even if it works less every passing year and even if this is what it led to.) The next morning, he gets a training plan from Victor's Affairs, supplements to help him bulk up muscle he's since lost to suit fashion whims and review on weapons he hasn't held in the six and a half years since his win. 

His family doesn't visit him after he volunteers. He doesn't expect them to; he hasn't seen Broderick since before he started training full-time, Laila is keeping Phoenix as far from the Career program and her sister as possible (which, frankly, good for her), and Cora… he's always known his mother's love is fleeting. The last time he talked to her was when he got pulled out, needing immediate surgery to stabilize his leg and half-delirious from pain, and she called him a disgrace - for getting injured, for not playing it sexy, for mercy killing Fourth Place instead of dragging it out - and she's never walked back comments like that. The person who does visit him is Natalie Kabra, sister of the Seventy-Third's male tribute, who placed second after being mauled by mutts. She's seventeen still, a year shy of the arena, but already gunning for the top spot if the trainers' reports are anything to go by. (Also halfway to completely batshit crazy if the psychologists' reports are anything to go by, but that's not exactly a disqualifier in the Hunger Games.)

"Avenge him," Natalie says. "Kill her." Jonah nods; he knows Amy Cahill's odds of leaving the arena alive, and they aren't high. He won't even have to kill her himself.

[themastercylinder]

SUMMARY

Dr. Robert “Rack” Hansen, a veterinarian in rural Verde Valley, Arizona, receives an urgent call from a local farmer, Walter Colby. Colby is upset because his prize calf has become sick for no apparent reason, and the animal is brought in to Hansen’s laboratory. Hansen examines the calf, which dies shortly afterward. Hansen tells Colby he cannot explain what made the animal so ill so quickly, but takes samples of the calf’s blood to a university lab in Flagstaff.

A few days later, Diane Ashley, an arachnologist, arrives looking for Hansen. Ashley tells Hansen that the calf was killed by a massive dose of spider venom, which Hansen greets with skepticism and disbelief. Undaunted, Ashley tells him the problem is serious and that she wishes to examine the animal’s carcass and the area where it became sick. Hansen escorts Ashley to Colby’s farm; and moments after they arrive, Colby’s wife, Birch, discovers their dog is also mysteriously dead. Ashley performs a quick chemical test on the dog’s carcass and concludes that like the calf, it died from a massive injection of spider venom. Hansen is incredulous, until Colby states that he recently found a massive “spider hill” on a back section of his farmland. He takes Hansen and Ashley to the hill, which is covered with tarantulas. Ashley theorizes that the tarantulas are converging together due to the heavy use of pesticides, which are eradicating their natural food supply. In order to survive, the spiders are joining forces to attack and eat larger animals–and humans.

Hansen and Ashley return to the Colby farm to burn the spider hill. As the scientists and the Colbys are walking past a barn, a bull erratically stampedes out, also being attacked by tarantulas. Ashley notes that the spiders likely will not be afraid to attack people either. Colby douses the spider hill with gasoline and lights it on fire, seemingly destroying the spider menace. However, many of the spiders escape out of a distant tunnel. Colby is attacked by a group of tarantulas as he is driving along in his truck the next day, sending the truck over the side of a hill and killing him. Hansen happens upon the accident scene and helps the sheriff, Gene Smith, examine the wreckage. Colby’s body is found encased in a cocoon of spider webs. Meanwhile, Ashley is notified by her colleagues that a sample of venom from one of the spiders is five times more toxic than normal. Hansen is then told by the sheriff that several more spider hills have been located on Colby’s property.

Hansen, Ashley and the sheriff examine the hills along with the mayor of Camp Verde, who orders the sheriff to spray the hills and the surrounding countryside with a pesticide. Ashley protests, arguing that pesticide use is what caused the problem to begin with and that the town would be better off using birds and rats (tarantulas’ enemies in nature) to eradicate them. The mayor dismisses the idea, fearing that having a large number of spiders and rats all over the countryside will scare away patrons of the annual county fair. A crop duster is enlisted to spray the pesticide; but once airborne, the pilot is attacked by tarantulas, causing him to crash the plane and perish before he can successfully disperse the spray.

The spiders eventually begin their assault on the local residents, killing Birch and Hansen’s sister-in-law, Terri. Hansen arrives at their home and rescues Terri’s daughter, Linda, from the spiders. Hansen, Ashley, and Linda then take refuge in the Washburn Lodge. They consult with the sheriff, who tells them that the spiders are everywhere and Camp Verde is cut off from the outside world. Officer Smith drives into town, while Hansen and the other survivors at the lodge plan to load up an RV and escape. However, the spiders have them trapped in the lodge, and they barricade themselves inside. Meanwhile, Smith arrives at Camp Verde and finds the town in screaming chaos, as it is under siege by the spiders. Smith tries to escape, but is killed when another car crashes into a support post under the town’s water tower, causing it to fall on his vehicle and crushing him to death.

Back at the lodge, the power goes out, and Hansen is forced to venture into the lodge’s basement to change a blown fuse. He succeeds, but is besieged by spiders who break through one of the basement windows by using their combined weight. He makes it upstairs just in time to be saved by Ashley.

The film concludes the next day, with the survivors rigging up a radio receiver and listening for news of the attacks. To their surprise, the radio broadcast doesn’t mention the attacks, indicating that the outside world is oblivious to what has happened. Hansen pries off the boards from one of the lodge’s windows, and discovers that the entire building is encased in a giant web cocoon. In the final scene, the camera pulls back to reveal the entire town of Camp Verde encased in cocoons as well.

  DEVELOPMENT

The project began with Igo Kantor, a 20-year movie veteran who had worked as a composer (Nightmare in Wax, Russ Meyer’s Vixen). editor (Arch Oboler’s The Bubble) and music supervisor (TV’s The Monkees) and wanted to give producing a try. “A friend of mine came to me with a short synopsis of a story that was somewhat reminiscent of The Birds,” remembers Kantor, who started his career with Ed Wood Jr. while still in college. “Except that it was not birds, it was about spiders that are going to take over because they’re short of food supply and are going to get even, first with animals and then with people.”

Igo Kantor made his entrance into the horror genre with Kingdom of the Spiders in 1977. This taut thriller deals with an ecological imbalance that causes thousands of tarantulas to go on a rampage in a small Arizona town. For this picture, Kantor promoted John “Bud” Cardos from second unit work to the position of director; together, this producer-director team created a horror film with sympathetic characters, tight plotting and good action.

The collaboration between Cardos and Kantor on Kingdom of the Spiders began when Cardos was shown a story that he describes as “really bad.” Despite the story’s failings, he saw some cinematic potential in this tale of spiders on the rampage, and his background in animal handling made him the perfect choice to direct 5000 tarantulas. Alan Caillou, a staff writer on TV shows like Thriller and Man from U.N.C.L.E. and scripter of such memorable B-movie efforts as Bert I. Gordon’s campy oversized-teen epic Village of the Giants and the bikers VS. Vietcong classic The Losers, was called in to rework an original script by Jeffrey M. Sneller that Caillou deemed “absolutely unworkable.” Director John “Bud” Cardos came to me at 10:00 one night and said, Alan, we’re about ready to start shooting, and just look at this bloody Script,'” recalls Caillou, who also had a career as an actor in films like Journey to the Center of the Earth and Beyond Evil. ” ‘Give me a hand, help me straighten this thing out. We worked through the night, till 5 a.m., and I got it organized decently.”

He brought the story to Kantor and, between the two of them, they worked with several writers to bring out a convincing, suspenseful script. This intensive script preparation is characteristic of the work of the Cardos/Kantor team. Cardos says that Kantor is excellent at developing dialogue, while he describes himself as an idea man, especially in terms of action.

Micro-distributor Dimension Pictures had green lighted the project, but Kantor had to enlist the aid of numerous investors including Sneller, who shared producing credit with Kantor to reach the necessary $500,000 budget. “We had about 10 producers,” Caillou says. “There are only two credited, but there were so many of them. I recall that one of them borrowed $10,000 from his father, bought himself a producer job on the picture by investing the money and then told his father the movie was an absolute flop and he’d never get paid back. Meanwhile, the picture was making money hand over fist!”

  PRE-PRODUCTION

Igo Kantor made his entrance into the horror genre with Kingdom of the Spiders in 1977. This taut thriller deals with an ecological imbalance that causes thousands of tarantulas to go on a rampage in a small Arizona town. For this picture, Kantor promoted John “Bud” Cardos from second unit work to the position of director; together, this producer-director team created a horror film with sympathetic characters, tight plotting and good action. They also had to deal with thousands of live tarantulas and had to convince actors to deal even more directly with the poisonous bugs. Kantor points out that, even though tarantulas carry venom, they are fragile, unaggressive, and have stingers that are not very effective at penetrating human skin. Just the same, actors’ fears were still an issue. “The way we cast that picture, “Kantor says, “”was by having a big, live tarantula in the office during interviews, Actors and actresses would come in and we’d take the spider out and put it on their shoulder. If they didn’t faint, they had the job.

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  CASTING

Cardos straight-no-chaser attitude came to the fore when it was time to select the female star. “What I did was, when I was casting the part of the lead girl, I kept two live tarantulas on my desk in one of those one-fish aquarium things,” Cardos remembers.

“They’d come in, and while we were talking. I’d just pick it up and hand it to ’em, And then they screamed and ran for the door! Donna Mills came in for the part, but she was so afraid of them that it was impossible. “I remember we had Barbara Hali [Della Street on TVs Perry Mason) as one of the first candidates, and she fainted dead away.” says Kantor. “So she didn’t get the part.”

Tiffany Bolling, I handed it to her and she just put her hand out.” Bolling was a model-turned-actress who’d had roles in ’70s drive-in fare like The Candy Snatchers and was pursued by Edd “Kookie” Byrnes in the unique split-screen psycho film Wicked, Wicked; in 1976, she played the “Spider Lady” in an episode of the kids’ super heroine show Electra Woman and Dyna Girl.

You worked with William Shatner on KINGDOM OF THE SPIDERS.

 BOLLING: Well, first of all, where we shot was a dream come true, in Sedonia, Arizona, it’s like four seasons come through every day, you get your snow at night and then it warms up to about 70° in the daytime and you can go lie by the pool. So, it was a wonderful place to be able to shoot a film and I felt so bad for those poor spiders, because they were all so innocent, bless their hearts. And Bill Shatner…he’s a horny guy, like most men. [Laughs]

  So he chased you around?

 BOLLING: No. Well, just little [things], so that was fine. His wife, Marcie, was in the film, too, you know.

 So he kind of flirted with you?

 BOLLING: Well, sure, but I thought that was great, because it helped us work together, because I’m supposed to be this very tongue-in-cheek “Ms.” type of person, and so he used that a lot.

“What was really a great help,” he adds, “was a little girl in the cast the name of Natasha Ryan. She loved the tarantulas she had one for a pet. She was playing with them on location in Arizona and all these actors would say, Well, heck, this little girl can play with them, it must be okay.’ So finally even the crew could deal with them. William Shatner was a real trouper-he had 50 live tarantulas on him in one scene.

Shatner, of course, had become a genre star thanks to Star Trek and had also appeared in such scrappy low-budget affairs as Impulse (a.k.a. Want a Ride, Little Girl?) and The Devil’s Rain. The actor, whose then wife Marcy Lafferty co-stars in Kingdom, delivers one of his most low-key performances as Rack Hansen, the good-ol’-boy vet who first investigates the spider attacks. “I guess I was attempting to be real in a potentially very unreal situation,” says Shatner about his lack of horror flick hysterics.  While Shatner’s presence adds immeasurably to the film’s appeal and longevity, he was not the first choice. “We had come up with Jim Mitchum, Bob Mitchum’s son, and then all of a sudden Jim wanted somebody else to direct it. I said, ‘Well, I don’t think so!” laughs Cardos.

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Kingdom of the Spiders Spanish Lobby Cards

“And remember Bo Svenson?” he continues, recalling another actor who was in line before Shatner. ” had done a picture with him about a month before Kingdom of the Spiders started, and Bo and I became pretty good buddies. I wanted to talk to him about doing it. I thought he might be a good choice, ’cause he Was kinda hot back around then, and at the time Bill Shatner was not as hot. He and I met for lunch, and wound up staying for lunch and dinner and almost closed the place,” Cardos laughs. “Drinks all day and all night! And he just said, ‘Nahhh, I don’t think so.’ Then, after the movie was done and Bo saw it, he called me up and was crying on the phone almost, saying, “My God, why didn’t I do that picture?!'”

After all that, Kantor and Cardos almost didn’t land their third choice, either! “I had worked with William Shatner on another picture a few years before that,” the director remembers. “They submitted the Script to his agent and the agent gave it to Bill and he just turned it down, Now, when I heard that, I said, ‘Naw, that ain’t right. So I called up Bill and went over to his house. We sat there with a glass of wine and some cheese, and I told him what I was gonna do and how I was gonna do it. Well, by the time I left there two or three hours later, he had called the office and said, “OK, I’ll do it.”

“It looked like an exploitation film, and I didn’t think I should do that type of film at that point in my career,” Shatner explains his initial refusal. “But I talked to Bud, and he told me about how he was casting women by making them stick their hands in the jar of spiders, and I thought that was very funny and inventive, so I trusted him with the project.”

Cast as Hansen’s young niece Linda was child actress Natasha Ryan. “It was, of all the lovely B flicks I’ve done in my time,” Ryan recalls, “the most enjoyable filming of any of them.” Already a TV veteran by the time she screamed her way through Kingdom of the Spiders, she later had supporting roles in The Amityville Horror, The Day Time Ended, Going Berserk and 1983’s underrated ghost-rapist film The Entity. Little Ryan definitely deserves some kind of acting honors for Kingdom; though barely out of day care, she had to pretend to be afraid of spiders! “I love tarantulas,” she beams. “I’ve owned one personally ever since. I own one presently!”

Woody Strode, the late black character actor whose career spanned from 1940s films to Sam Raimi’s The Quick and the Dead, played Walter Colby, the farmer who first reports the spider activity. “Woody Strode fantastic man,” says Cardos. “Just a gentleman. We had some fun. One night, I think it was on Easter eve, we wrapped in Camp Verde, and they had a big old bar and steakhouse there. It had giant wooden stools with the leather tops on ’em and a huge wooden bar—you know, the whole thing. Well, we got there and it was already closing. But I’ll be damned if the old bartender didn’t open up for us, then closed the doors. Woody played guitar and I play guitar; we had about a dozen crew and actors and stuff, and Woody and I played guitar till the sun came up!” Cast as Colby’s wife was Altovise Davis, then spouse of Sammy Davis Jr., who was making her film debut.

Kingdom of the Spiders – Interview with William Shatner

BEHIND THE SCENES

“Making a movie is always fun, but on this film I started every day with a bucket of spiders dumped over my head, Shatner says, explaining his less than pleasant memories of the shoot. Did you know that tarantula fur is what they make itching powder with? And for good reason! Also, tarantulas have these hooks at the end of each leg. Normally it’s not a problem, but I was wearing a silk shirt and they would stick right into my skin. And they do bite! Everyone kept saying, “We took their stingers out but I was bitten many times.”

While all remember Shatner as a 100 percent trouper and a pleasure to work with, Ryan does recall the fearless Captain Kirk showing a more vulnerable side. “I remember one scene he was antsy in,” she says. “There was a scene in the lodge where I’m sitting on a bed covered with them, and he’s supposed to rush in and pluck me off the bed. Which he did, but in between takes the tarantulas were crawling up the inside of his thighs, which he wasn’t too comfortable with!”

Kantor describes his leading man as having an “anything to be realistic” attitude, which he proved in a shot towards the end of the film, where his character stumbles out of the basement, almost dead from spider bites. “I wanted to have a shot in the movie where I’m covered with spiders, and then I fall down right in front of the camera and we see one crawl off my face,” Shatner says. “Just to prove to the audience that these were real spiders. Well, it took six takes to do it. On the fifth take it was right, but then the still photographer popped up in the corner of the frame. How much spirit gum you use to keep a live spider on a man’s face was a continuing issue of debate.”

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Kingdom of the Spiders (Mörder Spinnen) German Lobby Cards

“While they were shooting in Arizona, but before I joined them there, they told me to give the screenplay some urgency by putting in a scene from Jaws, which at the time was very popular,” says Caillou. “I said, “For God’s sake, this is stealing somebody’s screenplay! I’m not going to do it. One of the producers, a friend of mine, then went and hired another writer (Robinson) to put these changes into my script-about 20 or 30 of them scattered throughout. And instead of paying this writer, they offered him 50 percent credit.” Cardos, with whom Kantor had worked on Nightmare in Wax, was chosen to sit in the director’s chair on Kingdom. Not wanting to make waves because he was friends with many of the people involved. Caillou agreed to share co-screenwriting credit with Richard Robinson, who only added minor changes to his work.

To create the considerable action and stunts for Kingdom of the Spiders, Cardos had to create a maximum of effect within limited resources. Working under these conditions comes naturally to him, I have this background,” he says, “from years ago in independent movies where we’d improvise everything. To get a car crash, for instance, we didn’t spend much money. We bought a junker and I would back-rig the throttle and throw it in gear and let it go-you take your foot off the gas and it went full-bore. So, in Kingdom, on a stunt like the plane crashing into the building, I could see it and improvise and it doesn’t cost that much, I can’t use dollars and cents because I really don’t know. I know that a major studio would pay maybe $10,000 or $20,000 to do that plane stunt. We probably built the set and shot it for $2000 or less.”

“Obviously, working with tarantulas is not easy because they don’t always follow instructions,” Kantor adds. “But otherwise, it was one of the easiest shows I’ve done.”

Having a limited budget for the full-scale pandemonium the script called for, the production team found enjoyable ways to stretch their finances, Kantor, Cardos and Caillou all enlisted their families as extras and for minor speaking parts, and some of the action highlights were not exactly what they seem. One involved veteran stuntman Whitey Hughes, who plays the crop duster hired by the mayor to dump pesticides on the rebelling arachnids, against Dr. Ashley’s warnings, Attacked in

midair by spiders, the plane crashes into a gas station, signaling the full scale spider siege to begin, “We never actually crashed a plane, Kantor reveals. “It was an optical illusion. We had the plane actually go behind the gas station, but shot it from straight ahead. We detonated the gas station at the precise moment when the plane crossed the sightline; it was actually just behind it. But it appears for all intents and purposes that the plane crashed into the station.”

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“In the shot of me in the plane screaming and everything, we propped the airplane up, got the tail end of it up so it looked like an aerial shot,” Hughes explains. “They put the tarantulas all over the plane’s joysticks, and they were crawling onto my hand and my face. When I did the scream in that thing, they all said, ‘Boy, Whitey, that scream sounded real.’ I said, ‘Believe you me, it was real!” ”

While the crop dusting scene is one of the highlights of the film, it did come at a cost-namely the good will of the local police force. “I remember we had the airplane flying at 150 feet over Camp Verde, and the police came out in every car they had to find out what the hell was going on. When the pilot finally landed, they picked him up, handcuffed him and threw him in jail!” laughs Caillou. “But Bud Cardos is a very tough man who doesn’t stand for any bloody nonsense. He went round to the police and said, ‘What the hell are you doing with my pilot! I need him! I want him out! Somehow he talked the cops into letting the guy go, and no action was taken.”

Cardos remembers the incident somewhat differently: “We had to drop in very low when we did that crash, and we didn’t get a permit for buzzing, but I don’t think they arrested him,” the director says. “I think they just slapped his fingers or something. They didn’t haul him off, I don’t believe.”

THE SPIDERS

Come early 1977. money in line and cast and crew chosen, the only thing left was to gather up the film’s titular stars. “We got 5,000 live tarantulas from Mexico at $10 a crack, so that was $50,000 just for Spiders.” Kantor reveals, “We also had a few rubber ones in the background. We had spider wranglers in Mexico hunting for tarantulas for six or eight weeks.”

“We used every spider in Mexico, I believe,” Shatner recalls. “The spiders were from Southern Mexico; those are far superior to the ones from the North. They walk with a sashay and have a lot more charm,” he laughs.

“They had to keep ’em warm in heat containers,” adds Kantor, “And you can’t put two tarantulas into one container because they’re carnivorous and they’ll eat each other. So they had to keep ’em separate. Can you imagine 5,000 containers, every day?”

Logistics aside, there was also the little matter of danger: Popular knowledge tells us that many, if not all. tarantulas are poisonous. “People think that working with tarantulas is dangerous,” says Ryan’s mother, who accompanied her daughter on the set. “I took a lot of flak, that I would let my daughter in this movie! But I did a lot of reading about it, and tarantulas can give you no more than a bee sting.”

“Unless you’re really allergic to bees, you’ll be fine,” Kantor says. “If you’re allergic to bees, you’re allergic to spiders and vice versa. The only thing they can do is cause you to itch: that fur they have sheds on you.”

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KINGDOM OF THE SPIDERS – SET OF 6 BRITISH LOBBY CARDS

Also contrary to popular opinion, tarantulas, at least the Chihuahua redlegs used in the film, are not aggressive by nature, but rather shy, retiring types. Spider wrangler Jim Brockett used air, via fans or through long tubes, to move the tarantulas in the desired direction for wider shots. For close-ups, it was mostly a matter of covering actors with spiders and hoping for the best. “They used gigantic fans to keep them running towards us,” remembers Ryan. “Because the Spiders didn’t want to be there doing what they were doing. “If you watch the movie, very, very carefully, you will see that the tarantulas are running away from the bodies and not toward Not all the them!” her mother spider bites laughs. “It was so Shatner funny!”

As it was cold special enough to occasionally snow at the Sedona and Cobra Verde, Arizona locations, the south-of-the-border stars did not take well to the cooler climate. The crew used heat lamps to keep the spiders warm between takes, which, combined with the many action scenes involving running, driving and stomping, succeeded in sacrificing many of the eight-legged actors to the B-movie gods.

“In my opinion, they did not observe any animal rights laws,” protests Ryan. “In between scenes, somebody would cover them all with little yogurt containers so they would stay in place, and then they would heat them. And they had a nasty tendency to melt! I remember a lot of them dying from that.

  POST PRODUCTION

In a move quite common in the ’70s but largely unseen today, Kingdom of the Spiders has a downbeat ending: As dawn breaks and Hansen pries a board off a window to survey the outside situation, he sees the entire town wrapped up in a cocoon, preserved as future tarantula food. Then the credits roll! “The movie comes off very well except for the end, when they ran out of money and couldn’t do the matte shot properly,” says Caillou. “It should have been more obvious that the whole village was in a cocoon.”

MUSIC

Another cost-cutting and timesaving measure was Kantor’s Scoring of the film using bits and pieces of existing film music, mostly from TV sources. As a composer and former head of the music department at Columbia Pictures, it was an easy hat for him to wear. “I used a lot of tracks by my friend Jerry Goldsmith,” Kantor explains. “He had done a series called Thriller which had a lot of scary music, so I used a lot of that.

(from “The Invaders” and “Back There”) – Jerry Goldsmith

“Startle cues” used in the film during the scenes with the spiders can also be heard in notable episodes of The Twilight Zone, including “To Serve Man” and “The Invaders”, as well as in at least one episode of The Fugitive. The country music songs heard on the radio in the movie, as well as over the opening and closing credits, were performed by country singer Dorsey Burnette.

Dorsey Burnette – Peaceful Verde Valley

DISTRIBUTION-RELEASE

The film only had a brief theatrical release, but more than made up for it by becoming something of a network TV staple. “The film cost $500,000, and the week after we got our answer print, ABC bought it for $850,000 for two runs,” Kantor recalls. “Of course, we told them that they couldn’t play it until it ran theatrically. It played theaters, and then a year and a half later, they played it. Then CBS, on the heels of ABC, bought it for another $75,000. So out of network television alone, we got $925,000 on a picture that cost $500,000. It has grossed to date about $17 million, which is not huge, but compared to what it cost, it is.” Kingdom was also nominated for Best Horror Film of 1977 by the Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy and Horror Films. Viewers lucky enough to catch the syndicated awards show on TV were treated to

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INTERVIEWS

Kingdom of the Spiders writers Stephen Lodge Jeffrey M. Sneller

  Stephen Lodge

 How did you and Jeff Sneller come up with the idea for Kingdom of the Spiders?

STEPHEN LODGE: I met Jeff in Tucson in 1967 when I was the set costumer on the TV series Dundee and the Calhane. He was about my age and, like many of the locals, he worked extra on any Western that came to town. Between then and the time we wrote Kingdom, he had moved to California, wiggled his way into the business and done a few pictures as a producer. One day in 1972, Jeff and I were sitting in the bar across from CBS Studio Center, and he asked, “You want to write a horror picture?” I had always wanted to write Westerns, but a horror picture was fine, so I said, “Sure!” Then he asked, “Well, what will we write it about?” I said, “I don’t know, What scares you the most?” There was a little beat, and then we both said, “Spiders!” We said it simultaneously, which made it very funny. Turns out both of us have been scared shitless of spiders since we were little kids! We went to the library and found a book on them, to use for research, and went over to his house in Studio City. We set up our typewriters on a table in the kitchen, across from each other, and started writing an outline.

When we got that done, we said, “Why don’t we just go ahead and write the Script?” I brought my typewriter over to his house every day, and he’d sit on one side of the table with an old manual and I sat on the other side with my old electric, we turned out I-don’t-know-how-many pages a day and did a first-draft script probably within a week or a week and a half.

At first, we included different types of spiders, but we finally decided to make them all tarantulas ’cause they were the ugliest ones. Our whole thing was, we would not have large, overgrown spiders; the ones in our script were just normal sized and would get into groups and attack humans. We didn’t want our script to be an exaggerated sci-fi/horror picture; we wanted something that could happen.

That was written in 1972, but it was years before anything happened with it

LODGE: Jeff was mixed up with some kind of a producer named Pat Rooney, but he just didn’t ever get anything together. Finally, two years later, Jeff called and said,

“I think we got a deal. It turned out to be with (music editor] Igo Kantor, who’d produced a couple of pictures, and Jeff was going to be one of the producers.

Kantor said that during the casting process, when actresses came into the production office, they’d be handed a tarantula to see how they’d react and Barbara Hale “fainted dead away”!

LODGE: No, it was Barbara Anderson. I can see where he made that mistake because both Barbara’s are famous for co-starring with Raymond Burr. Barbara Hale on Perry Mason and Barbara Anderson on Ironside. Yes, Barbara Anderson was horrified! This was in our Arachnid Productions office, which was in the old Selznick studio in Culver City.

Why was Kingdom shot in Arizona?

LODGE: Probably they got the best deal there. Usually that’s why anybody shoots anywhere. I wasn’t on the production team. The only job they could offer me was wardrobe and not at my regular rate. I took the job for about half price because I wanted to be with the show, to see what was going to happen.

By the time it went into production in 1977, other writers had been involved.

LODGE: I was never asked to rewrite anything; by the time I got there, they had already shopped it out to Alan Caillou, who was more of an actor than a screenwriter, and this Richard Robinson, who I don’t believe I ever met. He was a Florida guy. I think. Caillou I met because he came out and visited for maybe a week, smoking a pipe and acting like he was The Big Writer. First he had done some rewriting, and then they brought Robinson in.

Caillou told me that your script, the one he was asked to revise, was “absolutely unworkable”!

LODGE: If the script was unworkable, why the hell did they buy it?

Did you like nature-runs-amok movies of this sort?

LODGE: Well, I wasn’t really a sci-fi fan. I had seen The Birds, and yes, there were a few things we stole out of that. But [the makers of The Birds] probably stole some things out of somethin’ else too ! It’s done all the time, believe me.

In Kingdom, there are also a few things stolen out of Jaws but that couldn’t have been you, because you did your writing years before there was a Jaws.

LODGE: Those moments were things the other guys [Caillou and/or Robinson) put in. I was just now thumbing through our screenplay, the one Jeff and I wrote, and noticing some of the differences between it and the movie. In ours, there was a veterinarian named Hansen, who was an older man, and a hero named Peter Cook; in the rewriting, they combined the two characters into one, played by William Shatner. In our script, Peter was a lawyer who came to Camp Verde to see his little daughter and his ex-wife; in the movie, our ex-wife ended up being the wife of Shatner’s late brother, and so the little girl became his niece. The movie features all the stuff we wrote, but manipulated around enough to make someone think it was different, if they ever even saw the original, Those characters were changed; in our draft, the cattle rancher played by Woody Strode had a son, and so on.

During shooting, did you get much cooperation from the Arizona locals?

LODGE: Oh, sure, you always do. Just hand over a little money! There was no studio work; everything was shot on location in Sedona and Camp Verde. In Sedona were the cabins where Tiffany (Bolling’s) character stayed, and where all the people are trapped at the end. That lodge was up in Oak Creek Canyon, where John McCain lives. It was a pretty exclusive tourist place, but for about a week it was all ours. They fed us every day out of the kitchen; the best food we had was there. We also shot in Sedona the scenes where Shatner, Tiffany and the little girl, Natasha Ryan, ride their horses and have a picnic. The rest was Camp Verde, which is a nice drive from Sedona.

If a bunch of people came to my town to shoot a movie and brought 5,000 tarantulas, I don’t think I’d be pleased. Was everybody there happy about what you were doing?

LODGE: First of all, it was 2,000 tarantulas. Other people who were on that movie like to say now there were 5,000, but on the day we started shooting, it was 2,000. Every one of them was individually kept in a plastic container, the kind you’d get if you went to the deli and said, “Give me a pound of coleslaw.” There was wet cotton in each container so the spider wouldn’t dry out, maybe a couple of crickets so it could eat and there were holes cut in the tops. These containers were kept stacked in the back of a truck. They died easy: tarantulas live in little holes in the ground, they’re not used to being out and about like they are in the movie. They were Mexican red spiders, so I assume they came from Mexico. Our “spider wranglers’” came up with them.

If one of your spiders bit me, what would I get, besides the bite?

LODGE: It’s like a bee sting. But what the spider wranglers would do was clip off the spiders’ chelicerae, the little fangs and they’d die from that. If the spiders were going to be on somebody in a scene, they’d first clip them so that person would not get bitten.

Once their fangs were clipped, how soon would they die?

LODGE: I have no clue. But there’s no way for them to kill their prey if they don’t have those.

Walk me through the shooting of, say, an outdoor scene with a couple of dozen spiders running around.

LODGE: We’d have a bunch of those plastic containers and take the tops off and put ’em on the ground upside down, without letting the spider out, so it kept the spider in one place. Then when we were ready to shoot, somebody would say, “OK, run and pick up all the containers, and 15 crew guys, or however many were there, would dash in and start lifting them, letting the spiders run wild. This was an independent picture, there wasn’t any union bullshit, so (the crew guys! could do all this. Everybody would run in and pick up the containers and get out of the frame, and then the filming could begin. Then, once they got the shot and the director yelled cut, somebody would say, “All right, go cover ’em!” and we’d run back in and put the containers upside down over all the spiders. None of ’em ever escaped, The wranglers would go in then and put the tops on the containers. Inside it was a different story; it was usually just a few spiders at a time. Like when you see a bunch on the hanging light bulb in the cellar of the lodge. I guess they glued those spiders to the bulb, and they were obviously killed when the bulb exploded. And then in the kitchen, when Lieux Dressler (playing the lodge owner) throws boiling water on the spiders in the sink, you saw ’em scurry because it was boiling water. See, when we first got (to Arizona), I figured people hated spiders as much as I did, and it wouldn’t bother them to see one of these f*kers squished. So we did a shot of Shatner running around a corner and stepping on one, right in closeup, and out squirted all this green shit. When we saw it in dailies, it was, like…really yucky.

I don’t remember now whether Tiffany Bolling saw (the spider-squishing on the set or in dailies, but she said, “Oh my God, what are you doing? These are little critters! In her mind, she made ’em into animals, just like PETA has done now. They were nothin’ but frickin’ spiders as far as I was concerned. But after we’d done a few scenes, she made a big stink about that, so everybody had to start being careful with them.

I guess those were the days when you didn’t have to worry too much about animal rights organizations, yes?

LODGE: Well, they’re not animals, they’re spiders! There was no ASPCA type organization for spiders in those days; they were insects, like a fly, I “love” this whole new bullshit thing where anything that breathes, even if it can kill ya, is considered an animal. Or “a critter,” as Tiffany would have said. It’s like when Obama Swatted a fly, and people bitched about that whole thing. Isn’t that ridiculous?

Once spiders overran an interior location, like the lodge, how were you able to be sure you got ’em all out again?

LODGE: Inside, they were much easier to control than outside, because we’d never have a thousand of ’em indoors. We probably never even had a thousand at one time outside, even for the scene in Camp Verde where the tarantulas are attacking all the people on the street. In that scene, a ton of the spiders in the distance were rubber, and then the ones in the really far distance were stencils: people went around stenciling them on walls with spray paint. Go to Camp Verde today and you can probably still find some! Also, every spider that died was saved, and for the scene where all the people are running down the street, they hired three local girls to glue dead ones on the extras.

Can you talk a little about some of the cast members?

LODGE: Shatner was OK, he was friendly enough. He raised horses and liked to ride them, so maybe that’s why [one of the Kingdom rewriters had his character doing that. I’d worked with him before, on a movie of the week [1973’s The Horror at 37,000 Feet}, and I did a Star Trek [“Whom Gods Destroy”] for a few days one time. But I didn’t hang out with him. I don’t think he hung out with anybody.

He was aloof?

LODGE: Actors behave that way. It’s like they think they’re better than you. One who never did was Jim Arness. When I worked on Gunsmoke, he’d eat with the crew. They’d call lunch and he’d run to the catering truck, trying to get there faster than anybody else! Meanwhile, other stars have to have their food brought to them in their private dressing rooms. Anyway, on Kingdom, I took all the clothes over to Shatner’s house and we fit him over there. Marcy Lafferty, his wife at the time. played his widowed sister-in-law. She was fine. Natasha Ryan (playing Lafferty’s little daughter] loved the spiders; she thought they were great. For one scene, they put her on a bed and threw all the spiders around her, and it didn’t seem to bother her at all!

So, cast wise, everybody was OK with the spiders?

LODGE: The only one who was really afraid of them was the actress who played the vacationing Colorado wife at the lodge [Adele Malis). I had brought with me plastic suits that would cover the wearer from wrists to neck to ankles-the kind people used to wear when they ran, so they could sweat to lose weight, I brought a bunch of those in case some of the actors wanted ’em, but she was the only one who wanted to wear one of those under her clothes.

Tiffany Bolling was all right, I guess. They actors and actresses all have an opinion of themselves that’s a little bigger than they are; she was probably happy as shit she was doin’ a movie, but acted like she’d done it all her life. She played the part well.

Lieux Dressler was great, wasn’t she? I’ve run into her at a couple of festivals, and it was like old times. Woody Strode was great too. He liked his wine, and he was just as cool and casual as you see him on the screen. His wife was played by Altovisc Davis, the wife of Sammy Davis Jr. This was one of her first pictures and she was very professional, didn’t have any problems. When I fit her, I marked everything and took her outfits to my mother’s house and I had my mom do all the alterations. I’m used to working at & studio where you’ve got tailors, etc., but on Kingdom we couldn’t do that on the budget we were on. It was crazy

The budget: How low was it?

LODGE: This is how things would happen: I asked for an extra motel room to use as a wardrobe space, and when I got there, of course they didn’t have two rooms, so I ended up with all these costumes hanging in mine. Everything would happen like that; there were always lies, just to get rid of ya.

Did you like Cardos, overall?

LODGE: I gotta hand it to him, “Bud” Cardos was fine. He was very into it, he was nice, he was pleasant and he knew what he wanted. I’d never worked with him I’d never even heard of him before but he was a stuntman who had also directed a couple of little pictures before that. The scene in Kingdom where the runaway car takes out two of the legs of the water tower and it falls over and crushes the sheriff’s car—that was “Bud” Cardos; it seemed like all he was interested in was gettin’ to that stunt. They had the legs of the tower all rigged with joints and whatever, so when the car hit it, the tower would go down right where they wanted it to go. Whitey Hughes (the stunt driver) had to nail it at the right angle and so on. “Bud” was so focused on that, sometimes you almost wondered if he was really interested in the rest of the show! But he was, and he did a good job.

Where did you Hollywood folks stay when you were making the movie?

LODGE: In a motel in Sedona. It was a class place with a restaurant and bar but, as I mentioned, they didn’t have enough money for a wardrobe room, so I slept with a couple of racks of clothes. According to my diary, I was there from March 21, 1977, through April 22 month.

What was there to do in that part of Arizona when you weren’t making the movie?

LODGE: You really were always making the movie, and that included at night ’cause you were always talkin’ about what you were gonna do the next day and all that jazz. If you drank, you drank; if you met somebody you liked, you screwed… My very good friend Hoke Howell, we got him a part in that (as a thick gas station attendant), and once Hoke got there, we went out to dinner whenever we had the chance. That’s the way it is on every show you go on; it’s a vacation, not a location, for a lot of people. Especially the married ones. The married ones always have to fall in love with some of the locals!

Where did you see the movie for the first time?

LODGE: At a drive-in in Burbank where it was second-billed to a thing called The Swarm, which had Michael Caine. I believe the people liked Kingdom better. It’s hard to tell that in a drive-in, but that’s the impression I got. Nobody drove out, anyway! I went with Hoke Howell and a couple of other guys.

To your mind, which scenes worked the best?

LODGE: One scene I liked was where the lady entomologist (Bollingl gets out of the shower and, with nothing on but a towel, goes over to a dressing table and opens the drawer and finds a spider. In our original script, she opens a cabinet over the sink and it’s at eye level, staring at her which happened to me once in Simi Valley. Talk about frightening to have a spider at eye level. I had just gotten up that morning, and I went in the bathroom stark naked and opened the medicine cabinet to get my razor, and I screamed! The girl I was with walked in there, got a piece of Kleenex, squished it and threw it in the toilet. Anyway, in the original script the entomologist goes up to a cabinet and opens it and finds the spider, but they changed it to a dressing table and a drawer. In both scripts, she had the same cool and collected reaction; she was the spider expert and they were her friends. Just like they were to Bolling in real life when she called ’em “the critters.”

I also liked the gas station scene with Hoke Howell, and Bill Foster as the guy with the cow in the back seat of his car. Earl was our character, a little comedy relief thrown in. So the movie worked fine for me. First of all, as long as a movie gets made that you had something to do with, it makes you happy. There isn’t anything in it that really peeves me; and I have to be honest, I thought (the rewriters made it better by combining the two characters, the lawyer and the veterinarian, into one. It made more of a star part out of the leading man.

According to Kantor, between playing theatrically and on network TV, Kingdom made a lot of money.

LODGE: I made practically no money off of it, but I realize now that I got screwed more by myself than by them, because of my ignorance. But it was still fun. For the parade scene in The Honkers, we had 17,000 people we brought together to be on the sidelines, and we had a real 72-unit parade that we could actually control and run around the block three times to get all the shots we needed. I was on the set when that happened, and when the drums rolled and the band began playing and the spectators started screaming and the parade started down the street, I had this great feeling inside, like, ‘We’ve really done something.”

Jeffrey M. Sneller and Stephen Lodge, the producer and co writers of 1977’s “Kingdom Of The Spiders”, on “Flashback” to discuss the film. In this segment, they tell just how crucial the casting of William Shatner really turned out to be.

  Jeffrey M. Sneller

You mentioned your previous science fiction work.

SNELLER:“The one that I’m most proud of and that I talk of most frequently because it was nominated for many awards including the science fiction award – and we lost the award only to Star Wars, but that made me very proud – that was called Kingdom of the Spiders, which I did with William Shatner. There have been others, but that’s the one that I talk about. That was 1977, it was released.”

Did you cast William Shatner because of his association with the SF genre?

SNELLER:“ “No, actually it was… I say yes and no, because Kingdom of the Spiders was more a sci-fi adventure than science fiction fantasy and it was a completely different role for Bill Shatner. He played something that was a counterpoint to the characters he’s associated with, and that was what attracted him to the role and what attracted us to him.”

Did you use effects spiders or did you have a spider wrangler?

SNELLER:“ “You know, in those days effects weren’t nearly as developed as they are today. It was done through the old process of generation of film after film, and creating those visual effects; it was done the old-fashioned way. So we actually imported I think 5,000 live tarantulas from Honduras, Guatemala, all over the world. Today of course we could have worked with maybe 50 and generated the rest through computer-generated animation, and had as good, if not better, results. It would have been more controllable than having 5,000 spiders crawling all over the country! So we relied on live tarantulas in that one, as well as background models to fill in space in the background. That’s the way that one was done.”

Kingdom of the Spiders was playing in London when Star Wars opened. When you first saw Star Wars, how did you react as a maker of SF/fantasy films?

SNELLER:“ “I was blown away. George Lucas was so far ahead of his time – as he has continued to be – that it was overwhelming. So I was really very proud when the Science Fiction Academy nominated us for best science fiction film of that year. And I didn’t feel too bad losing to Star Wars! But there was also a difference: Star Wars was a $9 million – today I think it’s $90 million – Twentieth Century Fox production, and ours was a $500,000 independent production, so I felt that it was in good company.”

Jeffrey Sneller and Stephen Lodge, the producer and co writers of 1977’s “Kingdom Of The Spiders” joined me on “Flashback” to discuss the film. In this segment, the infamous ending of the movie is discussed and Jeffrey Sneller reveals an amusing fact about how the ending was “re imagined” when it was released in foreign markets.

Kingdom of the Spiders – Novelization

Kingdom of the Spiders – Novelization an unauthorized audiobook recording narrated by Jon Olsen

REFERENCES and SOURCES

http://mjsimpson-films.blogspot.com/2015/03/interview-jeffrey-sneller.html

http://templeofschlock.blogspot.com/2009/06/breakfast-with-tiffany-interview-with.html

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Kingdom of the Spiders (1977) Retrospective SUMMARY Dr. Robert "Rack" Hansen, a veterinarian in rural Verde Valley, Arizona, receives an urgent call from a local farmer, Walter Colby.

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