#such as military operations or survival scenarios.

[fangdokja]

There is no safe word. There is no escape.

❤︎ Synopsis. Spies are not the glamorous ghosts of fiction—no tailored suits, no perfect getaways, no clean kills. In reality, espionage is a slow, rotting game of deception, where a single mistake means death… or worse, falling into the hands of the enemy who loves hunting you more than killing you.

♡ Book. A Heart Devoured: A Dark Yandere Anthology

♡ Pairing. Yandere! Russian! Mafia Boss x Fem. Reader

♡ Novella. The Enemy in His Bed - Part 2

♡ Word Count. 4,171

❤︎ Introduction.

In espionage, survival is not merely about physical endurance but also strategic decision-making. A captured spy’s priority is not just to stay alive but to protect valuable intelligence and ensure the long-term success of their mission. The notion that a spy should immediately submit to captors by stating whatever they want to hear is an oversimplified and impractical approach, particularly in scenarios involving high-profile enemies such as the Russian Mafia boss. This research explores the real-world precedents for why silence is often the best initial response, why the Reader was captured despite her skills, and why deception or deflection would not work in this context.

❤︎ The Reality of Counter-Intelligence and Spy Training.

Espionage training includes extensive preparation for capture and interrogation. According to declassified CIA and MI6 manuals on intelligence gathering and counterintelligence, spies are expected to resist interrogation techniques for as long as possible to prevent immediate compromise of information (KUBARK Counterintelligence Interrogation, CIA, 1963). They are trained to withstand psychological manipulation, physical coercion, and prolonged detention.

One of the key elements in interrogation resistance is silence. Silence serves multiple functions:

It prevents the captor from immediately assessing the spy’s vulnerabilities.

It disrupts the psychological advantage of the interrogator, forcing them to exert more effort and time.

It buys time for allies to attempt extraction or for operational shifts to occur, making the captured intelligence obsolete.

In contrast, immediate compliance signals weakness, which can escalate the severity of torture. If a captive immediately concedes to their interrogator’s demands, it creates a precedent for further exploitation. The concept of ‘resistance training’ in elite military units, such as the U.S. Navy SEALs’ SERE (Survival, Evasion, Resistance, Escape) program, reinforces that initial silence is a fundamental survival tool (U.S. Army Field Manual, FM 34-52, Intelligence Interrogation).

Contrary to common belief, this training does not teach operatives to resist indefinitely or escape easily—it teaches them to endure psychological and physical torment while withholding critical information for as long as possible (Siddle, 2012).

The reality is that spies expect to be caught at some point because espionage is high-risk. Capture is part of the job, and how one handles it determines long-term consequences.

♡ The Nature of Espionage and Capture.

A spy's job is not to seek a noble death but to gather intelligence, survive, and, if caught, minimize the damage to their mission. Intelligence agencies worldwide, including the CIA, MI6, and FSB, prioritize counter-interrogation training, understanding that capture is an inevitable risk. Historical records and declassified intelligence documents show that spies are trained to withstand severe interrogation, knowing that the moment they are caught, they become a tool in the enemy’s hands.

Example: The case of CIA operative William Francis Buckley, who was captured by Hezbollah in 1984, demonstrates the brutal reality of espionage. Despite his extensive counter-interrogation training, Buckley was tortured for months. His captors extracted critical intelligence over time, proving that even highly skilled operatives are vulnerable under prolonged duress. His silence was not a matter of pride but protocol—to delay and protect intelligence assets.

♡ Historical Examples of Spy Captures.

Vasili Mitrokhin (KGB defector): He smuggled Soviet secrets to the West but stated that had he been caught, resistance or deception would have been futile. Soviet interrogation methods were designed to break individuals physically and mentally (Andrew & Mitrokhin, 1999).

Richard Sorge (WWII Soviet Spy): Captured by the Japanese, he was tortured for weeks but gave little information. Japanese authorities understood that extracting the truth from a trained spy meant prolonged and systematic suffering (Bennett, 2011).

CIA and MI6 Operations: Numerous declassified documents indicate that intelligence operatives under KGB, GRU, and mafia interrogations had no way of deceiving their captors effectively. The interrogators were trained to identify microexpressions, inconsistencies, and psychological breaks (Blake, 2014).

❤︎ Why the Reader Was Captured.

Even the most skilled spies can be caught due to various factors beyond their control, including:

♡ Betrayal or Internal Leaks.

Many real-world espionage cases demonstrate that spies are often caught due to information leaks rather than their own mistakes. For instance, Aldrich Ames, a former CIA officer, betrayed multiple operatives to the Soviet Union, leading to their arrests (Weiner, Legacy of Ashes: The History of the CIA, 2007).

Historically, spies such as Mata Hari (Dutch spy executed in WWI) and Richard Sorge (a Soviet spy caught by Japan) were captured despite their expertise due to meticulous counterintelligence efforts.

♡ Superior Surveillance and Resources.

Russian intelligence agencies, known for their advanced counterintelligence strategies, have successfully infiltrated and dismantled Western spy networks. The Federal Security Service (FSB) employs sophisticated tracking systems, AI-based behavioral analysis, and deep psychological profiling to anticipate and counter espionage threats.

♡ Underestimation of the Enemy.

The Reader, despite her expertise, is up against a highly intelligent and powerful adversary with extensive resources. The idea that a spy should “never get caught” is a myth; historically, even the most legendary spies, such as Richard Sorge (a Soviet spy during WWII), were eventually captured due to counterintelligence efforts (Roberts, The Spy Who Saved the World, 1999).

♡ Other Examples.

Other real-world examples of spy captures include:

CIA operative Kevin Patrick Mallory (2017) – A seasoned former CIA officer was arrested by Chinese authorities for espionage, highlighting that even experienced operatives can be caught.

Anna Chapman and the Illegals Program (2010) – A Russian spy network operating in the United States was apprehended by the FBI, proving that no spy is truly untouchable.

Oleg Penkovsky (1963) – A Soviet double agent who provided intelligence to the West but was eventually captured and executed by the KGB.

In Reader’s case, it’s highly plausible that she was captured not due to incompetence but because the Russian Mafia Boss, as an experienced leader, had the resources to track and corner her. Intelligence agencies, militaries, and criminal organizations spend millions on counterintelligence—expecting a spy to evade capture indefinitely is unrealistic.

❤︎ The Role of a Spy: Survival Over Suicide.

A spy’s ultimate goal is not to die a noble death but to extract, manipulate, and leverage intelligence. Historically, espionage operations emphasize survival, as intelligence is only valuable when utilized. The notion that a captured spy should immediately take their own life is impractical and counterproductive. Intelligence agencies, such as the CIA, MI6, and KGB, have extensive training protocols focused on survival under captivity.

♡ Case Studies & Real-World Evidence.

Cold War Espionage: Soviet and American spies, including figures like Oleg Penkovsky (a Russian colonel who spied for the U.S.), did not opt for suicide but instead attempted to deceive, delay, or outmaneuver their captors.

Israeli Mossad Training: Mossad operatives undergo SERE (Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape) training, emphasizing psychological resilience and delaying tactics over self-sacrifice.

♡ Analyzing the Strategic Silence of the Spy.

Real-world intelligence agencies, such as the CIA, MI6, and the KGB (now FSB), emphasize that in high-stakes interrogations, silence is often the most critical initial response. The CIA’s Human Resource Exploitation Manual and historical accounts from former Soviet spies confirm that experienced interrogators are adept at detecting deception through behavioral analysis, inconsistencies, and physiological cues.

Examples:

The KGB, infamous for its brutal Lubyanka prison interrogations, systematically broke spies through psychological and physical coercion. They relied on prolonged sensory deprivation, mock executions, and induced despair rather than overt brutality, ensuring that even the strongest-willed captives eventually lost their ability to lie effectively (Andrew & Mitrokhin, The Sword and the Shield).

Former CIA operative John Kiriakou stated that in trained interrogations, deception is useless because “they will catch you, and they will punish you worse for the lie.” This is particularly relevant when dealing with a highly intelligent and sadistic interrogator like the Russian Mafia Boss, who thrives on power and control. Any detected lie would reinforce his resolve to escalate torture, making survival even less likely.

♡ The Concept of a Highly Specialized Spy: Why She Was Not Replaceable.

The argument that the Reader could be easily substituted ignores the nature of infiltration. Unlike foot soldiers, spies establish relationships, manipulate high-value targets, and gather classified intelligence over extended periods.

Examples:

The Cambridge Five, a British spy ring operating for the Soviets, demonstrated that deep-cover spies are irreplaceable because they have gained unparalleled access to inner circles. Substituting an operative would mean re-establishing trust—a process that could take years or may never succeed again.

In this case, the Reader is the only operative who has successfully penetrated the inner sanctum of the Russian Mafia Boss. His trust, love, and obsession make her an even more valuable asset, ensuring that no one else could replicate her level of access.

❤︎ Why Staying Silent is a Tactical Move.

The key principle in real-life spy training is to delay interrogation. Many intelligence agencies, including the CIA, KGB, and Mossad, train agents to resist giving valuable information as long as possible.

The first 24-48 hours of captivity are crucial. If the enemy doesn't extract intel quickly, its value diminishes. Military strategies, safe houses, and targets change constantly, making real-time intel perishable.

Interrogators expect resistance; breaking someone immediately is rare unless they were psychologically unprepared. Stalling gives allies time to adjust, relocate, and mitigate damage.

Former KGB defector Yuri Bezmenov described how intelligence officers are trained to withstand extreme duress by understanding the “timing principle” of declassification. The most critical information loses relevance over time.

♡ The Strategic Value of Silence in High-Stakes Interrogation.

Captured spies are trained to resist giving immediate information. The goal is not to deny everything indefinitely but to buy time, allow misinformation to devalue over time, and force interrogators into a cycle of diminishing returns.

Example: The WWII Case of British SOE Agents

During World War II, British Special Operations Executive (SOE) agents were trained in structured resistance techniques when captured. This included maintaining complete silence for as long as possible because experienced interrogators could extract information from even the most minor details in a prisoner’s speech.

Evidence: The SOE training manuals emphasized that the most effective way to resist interrogation was to "say nothing of value" rather than fabricate or admit anything prematurely. Captured agents, such as those involved in the Prosper Network, found that their best chance of survival was limiting their responses to neutral statements or remaining silent.

❤︎ Why Lying or Deflecting Would Not Work.

The suggestion that the Reader should simply “say what he wants to hear” or lie to avoid harm overlooks several key realities:

♡ Experienced Interrogators Detect Lies Instantly.

Russian intelligence and mafia organizations employ interrogation specialists trained in behavioral analysis, microexpressions, and stress indicators (Ekman, 2009). The FSB, for instance, utilizes polygraph tests combined with psychological interrogation tactics that make lying ineffective (Gladwell, Talking to Strangers, 2019).

The CIA's Kubark Counterintelligence Interrogation Manual (1963) also emphasizes that experienced interrogators can break down deceptive narratives over time.

Furthermore:

The Russian mafia operates on a strict code of control and punishment. A high-ranking mafia boss with a sadistic disposition would not merely be satisfied with verbal compliance.

The moment a captive attempts to lie, their interrogator detects shifts in voice modulation, facial expressions, and body tension. Modern behavioral analysis techniques, similar to those used in intelligence agencies, have been adopted by criminal organizations (Ekman, 2009).

Interrogators systematically test the captive’s responses, ensuring that deception is met with harsher retribution.

♡ Information Verification.

Any information provided by the captive would be cross-checked with existing intelligence, making false statements easy to detect. Spies who attempt deception are often caught due to inconsistencies in their stories.

Mafia bosses don’t just rely on verbal confirmation; they verify information through secondary sources. False compliance (saying what he wants to hear) only works if the interrogator lacks verification methods—which is unlikely in this case.

♡ Escalation of Torture.

Providing misinformation does not ensure safety; instead, it increases the likelihood of prolonged torture, as interrogators recognize the deception and push further for the truth. Cases like that of Oleg Penkovsky, a double agent during the Cold War, illustrate that once deception is detected, captors intensify their methods (Duns, A Spy Like No Other, 2013).

♡ Torture-Induced Compliance.

A captive cannot control physiological responses indefinitely under duress. The CIA's declassified KUBARK Counterintelligence Interrogation Manual explains that prolonged pain weakens deception, making lies unsustainable.

Russian mafia interrogations often involve brutal methods, including sensory deprivation, waterboarding, and controlled mutilation. According to UN reports on torture methods used in Russian prisons, sustained physical and psychological trauma breaks most subjects, making deception ineffective in the long run (UNHRC, 2018).

♡ Example from Russian Intelligence Practices.

The case of Sergei Skripal, a former Russian double agent, illustrates that Russian intelligence (and by extension, Russian mafia structures) prioritizes ruthless and methodical approaches. They assume deception and apply escalating physical coercion until compliance is achieved.

Brutal Verification Methods: In real-world cases, Russian interrogators have used polygraphs, sensory deprivation, and enhanced psychological techniques. Simply “saying what they want to hear” is not enough; the interrogators will force a captive to prove their compliance through actions, written statements, and verifiable betrayals.

♡ Psychological Domination.

Compliance does not ensure mercy. Psychological profiling suggests that yielding too quickly to demands often results in further degradation. The Milgram Experiment (1961) on obedience to authority demonstrated that individuals in power continue exerting control when met with compliance rather than resistance (Milgram, Obedience to Authority, 1974).

Professional sadists, especially those trained in Russian psychological warfare tactics, are not easily deceived. The Russian mafia, often employing former FSB (Federal Security Service) and GRU (military intelligence) operatives, utilizes systematic torture to extract reliable confessions (Galeotti, 2018).

Techniques include:

Sensory Deprivation: Used to disorient captives and make them more suggestible.

Mock Executions: Designed to force compliance through extreme fear.

Incremental Mutilation: Increasing pain gradually to break resistance, a known KGB and mafia method (Levinson, 2015).

♡ The Myth of “Just Say What They Want”.

One of the key flaws in the argument that the Reader should simply comply is the assumption that submission would lead to mercy. Professional interrogators, especially those from the Russian mafia or intelligence sectors, do not operate on mere verbal compliance—they operate on verification. Saying “I am yours” or pretending to break down does not guarantee freedom or reduced suffering.

Real-World Interrogation Example: Former Soviet KGB officer Oleg Gordievsky defected to the UK, detailing the KGB’s brutal interrogation tactics. He revealed that Soviet and Russian intelligence agencies do not accept mere words. Compliance is seen as a trap, and interrogators use psychological and physical means to confirm whether a captive is truly broken.

Psychological manipulation is employed to gauge if the subject is truthful.

Torture is used not simply to force an answer, but to confirm deception through physiological responses (e.g., inconsistencies in breathing, pupil dilation, sweating).

In the case of mafia interrogation, individuals who submit too quickly are often seen as deceitful, leading to further, more severe methods to extract the truth.

♡ Brief Insights and Summary.

By this logic, the idea that Reader should have just said whatever he wanted to hear is flawed because:

It assumes that compliance would have stopped the torture (which isn’t true for criminal organizations).

It underestimates the Russian Mafia Boss’s ability to detect lies and verify information.

It ignores that time is a critical factor in espionage resistance.

❤︎ Why Simply "Saying What He Wants" Wouldn’t Work.

The Russian Mafia Boss is not a government interrogator following international laws—he is a brutal, highly intelligent criminal leader.

Unlike in government interrogations (where survival through compliance is sometimes feasible), criminal organizations are notorious for continuing torture regardless of whether the victim complies.

♡ Case Study: The Russian Mafia and Brutal Interrogation Techniques.

Russian organized crime is known for extreme interrogation methods. Testimonies from ex-FSB operatives and defectors confirm that compliance often does not guarantee survival.

Victims who immediately comply are seen as weak and disposable. Once they give intel, they are often eliminated to prevent them from being used by other enemies.

Criminal organizations prefer prolonged psychological and physical torture to extract everything, even after the victim seemingly complies.

♡ Real-World Example: Russian Mafia Interrogations.

In the 1990s, Chechen gangs and Russian mafia groups would make prisoners comply but still mutilate or kill them after extracting information.

Reports from defectors and criminal insiders (e.g., Alexander Litvinenko, former FSB officer) detail the Russian mafia’s highly methodical approach to breaking captives. Techniques include prolonged psychological torture, forced betrayals, and systematic dismantling of an individual’s sense of self.

❤︎ The Reality of Captured Spies: Silence Over False Compliance.

The idea that a spy can simply admit to anything an interrogator demands to avoid torture is deeply flawed. Psychological research and real-world case studies of captured spies indicate that captors—especially those with extensive experience, such as Russian intelligence agencies and organized crime syndicates—are trained to detect deception and will not accept simple compliance at face value.

Furthermore, the rationale of remaining silent is:

Delaying Tactics: Silence prolongs the interrogation, buying time for potential rescue or the devaluation of sensitive intelligence.

Psychological Control: Remaining silent can frustrate the interrogator, forcing them to shift strategies and making them question whether the subject truly possesses valuable information (Russell, 2019).

Case Study – John McCain (Vietnam War): Captured and tortured for years, McCain resisted providing valuable intelligence, proving that endurance can limit the enemy’s gains.

By choosing silence, Reader followed a rational and established espionage strategy.

♡ Russian Interrogation Techniques and Psychological Warfare.

One of the most feared interrogation tactics is the Russian "Break the Will" method, which relies on prolonged psychological torture, isolation, and a deep understanding of human psychology. Unlike the common misconception that compliance immediately halts torture, professional interrogators do not stop simply because a prisoner says what they want to hear. Instead, they analyze microexpressions, inconsistencies, and physiological responses.

Example: The Case of Vasili Mitrokhin

Vasili Mitrokhin, a former KGB archivist who defected to the UK, revealed in his Mitrokhin Archive that Soviet and Russian intelligence agencies had developed meticulous methods of interrogation. These included long-term psychological games designed to break a subject's mind rather than rely on direct brutality alone. If an individual attempted to deceive or deflect, interrogators would escalate their methods, ensuring that the truth surfaced eventually.

Evidence: Studies by former CIA operative and psychologist Dr. Laurence Miller affirm that professional interrogators apply techniques like the Reid Technique, which is designed to detect lies based on physiological stress responses.

♡ The Ineffectiveness of False Compliance in Criminal Syndicates.

While it is true that in some hostage situations, compliance can buy time, this is not the case in high-level intelligence extraction, especially within organizations such as the Russian mafia. Unlike state intelligence agencies, criminal syndicates operate on extreme distrust and are notorious for their relentless suspicion. Saying "I am yours" or fabricating stories does not satisfy them—it raises more questions.

Example: The Kidnapping of Alexander Litvinenko

Alexander Litvinenko, a former FSB officer who defected and later spoke out against the Russian government, was poisoned with polonium-210 in London. His case demonstrated that Russian intelligence and criminal networks do not accept superficial compliance. Litvinenko had long been under surveillance, and any attempt at false compliance would have been easily exposed.

Evidence: Testimonies from defectors and mafia insiders confirm that Russian criminal organizations use trust-testing methods—forcing captives to give detailed and verifiable information before trusting their word. Simply saying what the interrogator wants to hear does not work because they will cross-check facts, demand proof, and escalate punishments when inconsistencies arise.

❤︎ Why the Reader's Silence Was the Only Logical Choice.

Applying these real-world principles to the scenario, it is clear that:

False compliance does not ensure survival – The Russian mafia boss is too experienced to accept simple words; he will demand proof and escalate interrogation methods to test deception.

Interrogators do not stop at surface-level compliance – Even if the reader admitted to being "his," the interrogator would continue questioning motives, past actions, and hidden intentions.

Maintaining silence is a known espionage tactic – Real-world spies have been trained to resist interrogation by minimizing verbal interaction, as words are weapons in an interrogator’s hands.

❤︎ The Yandere Russian Mafia Boss: A Logical, Sadistic Interrogator.

Regardless of the Reader’s actions, the Russian Mafia Boss—being both highly intelligent and sadistic—would continue torture and control tactics. The assumption that immediate submission would stop further harm is flawed for several reasons:

♡ Sadism as a Motivator.

Unlike professional interrogators who seek intelligence, a sadist derives pleasure from prolonged suffering. Compliance does not guarantee safety but may instead encourage further psychological manipulation.

Studies on sadistic personality disorder (Kernberg, Aggression in Personality Disorders) indicate that true sadists do not seek mere compliance; they derive pleasure from asserting dominance through the suffering of their victim. The act of breaking resistance itself is the reward, meaning that submission only delays further torment.

♡ Power and Control.

Russian mafia interrogations, particularly by high-ranking figures, revolve around asserting dominance. Submission is not an endpoint but a means to deepen psychological dependence (Suskind, 2004).

In historical cases of mafia interrogations, such as those conducted by the Russian Vor v Zakone (Thieves in Law), mere words were insufficient to halt torture. Survivors of Chechen and Russian mafia captivity, like those documented in Putin’s People (Belton, 2020), recounted that compliance meant nothing when dealing with interrogators who wanted genuine emotional destruction, not just verbal submission.

Given that the Mafia Boss is a yandere, his obsession distorts traditional motivations. While he may claim to want obedience, he is more likely to desire proof of complete ownership—something that requires breaking the Reader’s will in a manner mere words cannot satisfy.

♡ Historical Precedent – Stalin’s NKVD Interrogations.

The NKVD (precursor to the KGB) was infamous for torturing individuals regardless of their confessions, demonstrating that submission does not equate to mercy (Conquest, 1991).

Thus, whether the reader complied immediately or not, the Russian mafia boss—driven by sadism and control—would continue his actions.

♡ Why Compliance Does Not Grant Mercy.

While some may argue that admitting to the interrogator’s demands (“I belong to you,” etc.) would grant relief, real-world evidence shows that sadists escalate regardless of compliance.

Andrei Chikatilo, a known Russian sadist and serial killer, demonstrated that inflicting suffering was the objective, not just extracting obedience (Kuklinski, 2006).

Mafia leaders, especially those trained in torture, derive satisfaction from power over their victims. Compliance does not ensure survival but often extends suffering as the captor enjoys full control.

♡ Examples.

The Case of Felix Sater – Sater, a Russian-American mobster and former intelligence asset, described the unforgiving nature of Russian mafia interrogation techniques, where captives were methodically broken down over time.

The Chechen Mafia – Reports from investigative journalists and defectors detail how Russian and Chechen mafia groups specialize in psychological domination, where suffering is a tool, not just an interrogation method.

Given these realities, silence was the best protocol for the Reader. A sadistic interrogator would not accept immediate submission as genuine and would still enact brutal methods to test its authenticity. Compliance does not equate to safety in this context—it often results in prolonged torment.

♡ The Mafia Boss’s Logic: Why He Keeps Reader Alive.

While his personal obsession plays a role, the mafia boss’s decision to keep Reader alive is also deeply logical and strategic. Killing her would mean losing a highly valuable asset with extensive knowledge of enemy operations. In high-stakes criminal organizations, intelligence is paramount.

Real-World Criminal Psychology

The Use of Captives for Strategic Gain: Organizations like the Russian mafia, Yakuza, and Cartels often keep captives alive to extract long-term intelligence or force their cooperation. This is a proven method of psychological warfare.

Stockholm Syndrome & Psychological Conditioning: By breaking down Reader’s psychological defenses over time, the mafia boss increases his control, making her a more pliable and valuable asset.

Torture as a Power Mechanism: A sadist with a methodical mindset does not kill impulsively. Rather, he relishes in control and destruction over time. Eliminating the Reader prematurely would be counterproductive to his own gratification.

♡ The Logical Imperative of Reader’s Survival.

Reader’s decision to endure rather than self-terminate aligns with real-world espionage doctrine. The idea of a quick death as a noble exit is impractical and strategically unsound. Meanwhile, the mafia boss’s decision to keep her alive stems not only from personal obsession but also from logical necessity. In high-stakes intelligence and criminal power structures, survival, manipulation, and psychological endurance are far more crucial than martyrdom.

❤︎ Conclusion.

In summary, the idea that a spy could simply “play along” and avoid suffering is a fallacy not supported by real-world intelligence practices. Espionage training emphasizes endurance, strategic silence, and the understanding that capture often leads to long-term suffering, not immediate death.

In dealing with a Russian mafia boss who is a logical, hardcore sadist, deception is doomed to fail, compliance does not grant mercy, and resistance is a calculated necessity. The real-world methodologies of intelligence agencies, criminal organizations, and psychological warfare tactics all reinforce this reality.

Thus, the assertion that the reader staying silent was the only logical choice is not only narratively justified but grounded in actual espionage, psychological, and historical evidence.

❤︎ References.

Andrew, C., & Mitrokhin, V. (1999). The Sword and the Shield: The Mitrokhin Archive and the Secret History of the KGB. Basic Books.

Bennett, R. (2011). Behind the Bamboo Curtain: Soviet Intelligence Operations in Asia. Columbia University Press.

Blake, M. (2014). The CIA and Covert Operations: Espionage in the Cold War. Praeger.

Conquest, R. (1991). The Great Terror: A Reassessment. Oxford University Press.

Ekman, P. (2009). Telling Lies: Clues to Deceit in the Marketplace, Politics, and Marriage. W.W. Norton & Company.

Galeotti, M. (2018). The Vory: Russia’s Super Mafia. Yale University Press.

Kuklinski, I. (2006). Russian Criminal Psychology and Organized Crime. Harvard Press.

Kuklinski, P. (2006). Confessions of a Mafia Hitman. HarperCollins.

Kuklinski, P. (2006). Inside the Mind of a Sociopath: The Case of Andrei Chikatilo. Forensic Psychology Press.

Kubark Counterintelligence Interrogation Manual. (1963). CIA Declassified Documents.

Levinson, A. (2015). Torture and Democracy. Princeton University Press.

Levinson, D. (2015). Encyclopedia of Crime and Punishment. SAGE Publications.

Levinson, R. (2015). Torture: A Sociology of Violence. Oxford University Press.

Milgram, S. (1974). Obedience to Authority: An Experimental View. Harper & Row.

Mitrokhin, V., & Andrew, C. (1999). The Mitrokhin Archive: The KGB in Europe and the West. Penguin Books.

Mitrokhin, V., & Andrew, C. (2000). The Mitrokhin Archive: The KGB in Europe and the West. Penguin Books.

Russell, D. (2019). Interrogation and Torture: Integrating Efficacy with Law and Morality. Oxford University Press.

Russell, J. (2019). Interrogation and Torture: Integrating Efficacy with Law and Morality. Columbia University Press.

Russell, J. (2019). Russian Intelligence and Security Services: A Guide to the Post-Soviet World. Routledge.

Siddle, B. (2012). Sharpening the Warrior’s Edge: The Psychology & Science of Training. PPCT Research Publications.

Suskind, R. (2004). The Price of Loyalty: George W. Bush, the White House, and the Education of Paul O’Neill. Simon & Schuster.

UNHRC Report on Torture in Russian Prisons. (2018). United Nations Human Rights Council.

Yandere! Russian! Mafia Boss

♡ Main Story. 🔞"I trusted you, wife, and now I'll teach you what betrayal feels like."

Headcanons 1 : The Bride of Blood (General)

To him, you're perfect. To you, he's just a mission.

🔞"I don't need your love, I need your submission."

Novella 1 : The Enemy In His Bed

⭐️🔞"I trusted you, wife, and now I'll teach you what betrayal feels like."

There is no safe word. There is no escape.

♡ A/N #1. I released these crumbs to simply explain my reasonings on Reader's character in the Yandere! Russian! Mafia Boss story. I loathe non-deliberate plot holes in my worlds. And, considering I have not released Part 2 yet, here are some crumbs and clarification on the reality of this world. Hope this is understandable because trust me when I say my next "education post" might be harder to digest. Also, kinda messy but I have stuff to do still, so I just edited a bit and compiled the notes that I know would form a coherent and substantial argument. Feeling clarified, yet?

♡ A/N #2. Me to myself: Calm down now. Why are you taking this so seriously? -_-

♡ A/N #3. And, if you read this.... why? Seriously. Are you like lore hungry or is it something else?

If you want to be added or removed from the tag list, just comment on the MASTERLIST of A Heart Devoured (AHD): A Dark Yandere Anthology. Thank you.

General TAG LIST of “A Heart Devoured”: @definetlythinkimanalien , @floooring , @lilyalone , @theogborjie , @ne7zach , @songbirdgardensworld , @imnotabot28 , @ncsltgic , @aishiyaa , @scotchhopin , @queenmimis , @yandreams-storageblog , @holylonelyponyeatingmacaroni , @iris-arcadia

❤︎ Fang Dokja's Books.

♡ Book 1 [you are here]. A Heart Devoured (AHD): A Dark Yandere Anthology

♡ Book 2. Forbidden Fruits (FF): Intimate Obsessions, Unhinged Desires.

♡ Book 3. World Ablaze (WA) : For You, I'd Burn the World.

♡ Book 4. Whispers in the Dark (WITD): Subtle Devotion, Lingering Shadows.

♡ Book 5. Ink & Insight (I&I): From Dead Dove to Daydreams.

♡ Library MASTERPOST 1. The Librarian’s Ledger: A Map to The Library of Forbidden Texts.

♡ Disclaimer. Not all stories are included in the masterpost due to Tumblr’s link limitations. However, most long-form stories can be found here. If you're searching for a specific yandere or theme, this guide will help you navigate The Library of Forbidden Texts. Proceed with caution—these tales explore obsession, madness, and devotion in their rawest forms.

[jackoliverr]

The Unforgettable Markha Valley Experience

Markha Valley, nestled in the heart of Ladakh, is a destination that offers a perfect blend of adventure, culture, and natural beauty. Known for its breathtaking landscapes and challenging trails, the Markha Valley trek is a journey that every trekking enthusiast should undertake. This remote valley is a haven for those seeking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and immerse themselves in the tranquility of the Himalayas.

The Natural Beauty of Markha Valley

Markha Valley is a paradise for nature lovers, with its diverse landscapes and stunning vistas. The valley is surrounded by towering peaks, including the iconic Kang Yatse and Stok Kangri, which provide a dramatic backdrop for the trek. The Zanskar River flows through the valley, creating a lifeline for the local communities and adding to the valley's charm.

The Markha valley trek takes you through a variety of terrains, from barren deserts to lush green fields. Along the way, you will encounter vibrant wildflowers, grazing yaks, and occasional glimpses of rare wildlife. The ever-changing scenery keeps the trek exciting and ensures that every step brings a new surprise.

The Cultural Essence of Markha Valley

One of the most captivating aspects of the Markha Valley trek is the opportunity to experience the local culture. The valley is home to several small villages, such as Skiu and Markha, where the inhabitants live a simple yet fulfilling life. These villages are steeped in tradition and offer a glimpse into the ancient way of life in the Himalayas.

As you walk through the villages, you will come across ancient monasteries, chortens, and prayer flags that reflect the deep spiritual roots of the region. The locals are warm and welcoming, often inviting trekkers to share a meal or a cup of traditional butter tea. This cultural exchange adds a special dimension to the trek, making it more than just a physical journey.

The Thrill of the Markha Valley Trek

The Markha Valley trek is a moderate-level adventure that typically spans 7 to 9 days. The journey begins in the village of Chilling, where you cross the Zanskar River on a traditional pulley bridge. From there, the trail takes you through picturesque villages, high-altitude passes, and remote camping sites.

One of the highlights of the trek is the ascent to Kongmaru La Pass, which stands at an elevation of 5,200 meters. The climb is challenging but rewarding, offering panoramic views of the surrounding peaks. The sense of accomplishment upon reaching the pass is unparalleled, and the breathtaking scenery makes every step worth it.

Why Markha Valley is a Must-Visit

Markha Valley stands out as a trekking destination due to its unique combination of natural beauty, cultural richness, and adventure. Unlike other popular treks, the Markha Valley trek offers a more intimate and immersive experience. The trail is less crowded, allowing you to enjoy the tranquility of the Himalayas in solitude.

Additionally, the trek promotes sustainable tourism, with many operators emphasizing eco-friendly practices. By choosing to explore Markha Valley, you are not only embarking on an adventure but also supporting the local communities and contributing to the preservation of this pristine environment.

Conclusion

Markha valley is a destination that truly captures the essence of the Himalayas. Its stunning landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and thrilling trekking routes make it a perfect choice for adventurers and nature enthusiasts. Whether you are drawn to the challenge of the trek or the serenity of the valley, Markha Valley promises an experience that will stay with you forever. So, gear up, embrace the spirit of adventure, and set out to discover the wonders of Markha Valley.

[cerastes]

Something I’ve been thinking thanks to Babel is that you could make a banging game about the Babel period up until the end of the Reunion Arc in the style of Nobunaga’s Ambition, specifically more in the style of Ghiren’s Ambition, the Gundam spin-off.

Besides the obvious Grand Strategy element of managing your greater territory through a mix of generic squadrons and hero squadrons — Babel having Scout, Ascalon, Ace, and the other Elites, while the Military Commission has Ulsulah, Manfred, Scareye, and other such individuals — and the protection and seizing of supply lines and settlements, it’d also open the possibility for one of the signature features of the games: Alternate histories.

In Ghiren’s Ambition, you can try and replicate the canon events of the story perfectly, but you can also heavily derail the established canon for incredibly interesting alternate takes and outcomes. For example, in our hypothetical Theresis’s Ambition, assuming the scope is from the beginnings of Babel right up until the end of the Reunion Arc, we could explore possibilities such as:

The Sarkaz Royal Courts being spurred into action for either side. This instability, in turn, could spur foreign powers into action and taking a vested interest and side in the civil war, greatly expanding its scope.

The Leithanien invasion of Kazdel being a lot more successful, resulting in a far, far more unified Babel and Military Commission. This may in turn result in a far earlier, unified invasion of Victoria, or a far more emotionally charged civil war once the siblings’ differences become irreconcilable.

Amiya’s condition being a lot more stable, leading to Doctor, Amiya and Savage to actually push through with their plans to venture into Yan next. This could happen through either a lot of earlier medical advances, or by outright preventing the accident that gave Amiya oripathy in the first place, this obviously having major implications in the rest of the story.

Theresis early killing Doc when he has the chance. Likewise, lots of implications here.

Doctor not going through with their betrayal and keeping the Shipwide Defense Systems operational. This would have immense implications in the future of Kazdel as well. Furthermore, this could lead into an early Theresis kill.

Rhodes Island failing the operation to retrieve Doctor, and instead, they fall into Reunion hands. As they are a clean slate here, this could very well mean a Reunion-aligned Doctor.

Ursus seizing the Doctor, thus resulting in an Ursus-aligned Doctor. Probably one of the most nightmarish scenarios. Possibly as a result of Kal’tsit successfully pushing back against the notion to retrieve them from Chernobog in the first place.

Ch’en’s leaving Rhodes Island to dry in the Lungmen operation actually costing them that entire battle and Operator lives, subsequently breaking relations between the two factions.

The Chernobog operation in general having a different outcome depending on the level of preparedness and development you come into it with, such as an early Faust kill (Ascalon comes along and hard counters him, maybe?), the possibility to have Ace and Scout survive, the possibility of other R.I. Operators dying instead, the possibility of Reunion personnel/mercenaries dying or going a different route altogether (Ines legitimately dies, W caught early and thus needing to go back to R.I early).

FrostNova’s fateful death being averted, and successfully recruiting her into Rhodes Island.

Reunion!Doctor somehow resulting in events that successfully removes Kaschey from Talulah very early, wildly changing the direction Reunion takes and averting Mudrock and Big Bob’s defection as a consequence; this directly opens a route where Reunion and Rhodes Island can become allies, but it’d also be very difficult as these two reasonably sized powers joining forces might spur Lungmen/Yan or Ursus into deploying against them with absolute force.

The possibilities are so ample, I’d love this game.

[deadpresidents]

Can you recommend three history books that you couldn't put down and would be good xmas gifts for a history nut? Doesn't need to be presidents just any history.

I could spend the entire holiday season debating which books to suggest, so I'm just going with the first three books that came to my mind when I considered which books I'd choose if I could magically read them for the very first time again. Anyone would has been following me for a while will have heard me recommend these before because they are among the very best books I've ever read:

•Crucible: The Long End of the Great War and the Birth of a New World, 1917-1924 by Charles Emmerson (BOOK | KINDLE | AUDIO) It's difficult to describe this book in a way that illustrates how incredibly interesting and original it is. It's a look at the world as it came out of World War I and slowly tried to repair itself in the Great War's aftermath. But during that period, various personalities start appearing in the story like characters in a gripping novel. Those people end up being many of the leading figures of World War II and that becomes apparent as you read the book, as does the fact that the tense state that the world was in at the time wasn't a time of peace and reconstruction, but an incubation period for what would become an even more horrific world war that was the deadliest military conflict in the history of our species. Those leading characters in Crucible drive the story, not so much because of how extraordinary they became but because of how ordinary they were when they started. Emmerson tells these stories in an extremely creative way, and it makes the 739-page book fly by despite the fact that you will NOT want it to end. Without hesitation, I can confidently say that Crucible (which was published in 2019) is the single best book I've read in the past ten years.

•Rise and Kill First: The Secret History of Israel's Targeted Assassinations by Ronen Bergman (BOOK | KINDLE | AUDIO) This doesn't mean that I'm giving my stamp of approval to Israel's long history of targeted assassinations and daring special operations. But this book is an excellent example of top-notch investigative reporting and war journalism by Ronen Bergman, who is still an immensely talented correspondent for the New York Times with deep connections throughout the Middle East. Some of the military and intelligence operations described in this book with shocking detail are absolutely mind-blowing and would seem too far-fetched if you saw them in a movie. Bergman's book gives the reader the perspective of being embedded with forces as they undertake these ridiculously dangerous missions.

•Raven Rock: The Story of the U.S. Government's Secret Plan to Save Itself -- While the Rest of Us Die by Garrett M. Graff (BOOK | KINDLE | AUDIO) Speaking of journalists with remarkable connections, in Raven Rock Garrett Graff reveals aspects of the blueprints for America's continuity of government planning that have never been fully detailed. Beginning in the early days of the Cold War, Graff takes us through the creation of top-secret plans to keep the government functioning in case of all sorts of Doomsday scenarios. It's incredible to learn what would be prioritized (and how anything would still function) and where surviving members of the government (or their designated alternates -- which is an even crazier revelation) would run what was left of the United States in case of massive attacks that might decapitate vast sections of federal, state, or local governments. What should seem somewhat reassuring -- the fact that the government would continue to function and serve survivors, no matter what -- is frightening when Graff reveals systems that raise far more questions than it delivers answers. It even raises questions about aspects of the shadow federal government that existed during the Cold War (just in case). In some ways and for many reasons, the book is actually pretty frightening. (You'll probably start worrying about the records the U.S. Postal Service keeps about you considering all of the potential uses the government considered using it for in case of a widespread nuclear attack with massive numbers of casualties.) But it's also incredibly interesting and full of amazing details about secrets that I guarantee you'll want to share with people after you read the book. Raven Rock is right behind Crucible when it comes to the very best books of the past decade.

[celenawrites]

safe and sound

Pairing - Kyle 'Gaz' Garrick x f!Reader

Warnings - Angst, Hurt/Comfort, Idiots-in-love, pining, mentions of injuries and blood, mentions of needles, mentions of death, mentions of religious metaphors and the like (is it obvious that I have some religious trauma?), lots of yearning and tender moments(they should probably talk it out, but they won't - what a bummer), kinda whump/whumpee scenario, Gaz is forward with the praise, a lot of subtle yearning, somewhat open-ending.

Summary -

You're bleeding and bruised when he finds you.

Category -

1. One-shot

8. Safe House

Prompts -

5. 'I'll take care of you.'

11. 'Let me see you.'

14. 'Stay still.'

15. 'Take it off.'

Word Count - 2.8k

AO3 Version

Note -

This fic was written for 'Gazfest 2023' being organized by @glitterypirateduck. This event has led me to discovering so many writers and so many great stories for Gaz!

Check it out here: - Gazfest 2023

The mission had gone smoothly, for the most part. 

No one had died, no one was compromised and your team had been able to locate the weapon cache the cartel had been hiding in their expansive warehouse - stashed in the very heart of their operations, surrounded by drugs, guns and blood money. 

And yet you cannot help but feel like you have failed somehow. 

You lean against the wall, sitting on the island of the wash basin as you calmly debate the merits and demerits of forgoing a much-needed bath. You make a little game out of it - writing in your little mental lists about how fucked you’d be if you decide to not clean yourself up. 

Pros - you can go to sleep on the uncomfortable cot laid out in the small bedroom, you can go eat some awful MREs, you can talk to your captain and get an update on when you will leave, and did you mention that you can finally hit the hay?

Cons - you stink, your uniform is soaked in blood and sweat, you have injuries that you need to tend to (something that you do not look forward to), and you’re sure that you’d feel so much better if you take a steaming hot shower. 

Too bad that the water runs cold here. 

It is when you’re wholly absorbed into completing your mental checklist, when you see the door in front of you shake and hear the incessant sound of someone knocking on the wooden barrier as if it has personally offended them. 

You call out hesitantly, unsure about your ability to get up from your uncomfortable seat without worsening the injury into the side of your torso. 

“The door’s unlocked”. 

And that is where you seem to have messed up. 

The doorknob twists and the door is pushed open to the side, revealing a very pissed Sgt. Kyle ‘Gaz’ Garrick standing on the threshold of the room. You stare at him with wide eyes, and he wears an almost enraged expression on his handsome face, despite his best efforts in schooling himself to appear nonchalant to you. 

He has shed off his heavy jacket, his undershirt peeking from the few buttons of his military shirt. In one of his hands, he carries a first aid kit. And you take a secret oath in your mind to kick ass of whoever tipped him off about you. 

Probably Soap, that fucker-

The sergeant was the last person you wished to see at the moment, within reason. 

There has been a weird tension between you and him for the past couple of weeks. Ignored texts, brushed off advances, physical barriers and distances initiated by him that made you wonder if the bond you shared with the man had been nothing but a mirage that helped you tether your sanity as you survived the everyday grimness that haunts a person working in the military.  The ache in your heart had soon turned into a silent indignation of sorts, egging you on to match each action of his with a petty counteract of your own.  You refused to seek his company, and malevolent compliance had been your best companion when the direct chain of command forced you to listen to anything the sergeant requested; clearly the head on your shoulders worked well enough for you to prioritize the mission and the safety of your comrades over anything else, but it was extremely satisfying to watch your friend (The same friend who had just cut you out of his life in all regards like an invasive weed - forgetting that once its roots take place, the weed is nearly impossible to get rid of; and you’d be damned if you let him get rid of you so easily.) seethe in anger as you obey his commands on your own terms.  It all came to a head a week prior to the mission you were supposed to go on with the entire team. You had been minding your business, really - barely sparing Garrick a glance as you went about your way to brew yourself a pot of coffee when you heard him muttering something under his breath. You ask him to repeat himself, and next thing you know is that both of you are screaming your heads off - him for your ‘insubordination’ and you for him being a major bag of dicks.  With defeat sagging your shoulders and a deep exhale to calm yourself down, you detach yourself from the scene, leaving the man behind to his own devices in the rec room. It’s a miracle you didn’t raise your fists against him - you’d certainly have ended up with a broken wrist had you not retreated like a poor prey with your tail between your legs. And Gaz would’ve ended up with a broken nose.  It was more astonishing that the angry cacophony of yelling had not summoned your captain to the scene of the crime. 

You hadn’t spoken to the man since then. 

He takes long strides towards the wash basin, and you are mere inches away from your superior - close enough to take note of the pensive look on his face, his eyebrows furrowed and enhancing his crow’s feet under the pathetic yellow glow of the shitty bulb-light illuminating the otherwise grim room. 

If this was a lighter moment, you’d have eased the tension by pressing between his eyebrows - massaging away his tension with a simple roll of your thumb against his skin. If you were not mortally wounded and your sergeant wasn’t pissed at you right now, you’d have cracked a joke at your expense to see him laugh, his chuckle warming you up like the flames that licked at your fingertips whenever you got close to the fire to cook at home. 

Unfortunately, this is not the moment for you to attempt to make merry. 

He slams down puts down the kit on the island, next to your thigh and you flinch at the sudden movement. Your skittering only seems to make your injuries sting worse, and you grab at your abdomen, groaning at the sudden pain that shoots through you. You look down at your clenched hands, and notice how the blood paints them red. Your eyes widen a little at the scene, your fingers shaking with tremors as you try to appear unfazed at the crimson staining your skin and your clothes. 

You are always surprised at the mortality you possess whenever you get a close brush with death, not knowing when it will be your last. 

Gaz opens the metallic box open, meticulously pulling out various instruments to put at his disposal - gauze, bandages, rubbing alcohol, sterilized needles, and sutures. He looks up at you, his eyes narrowing as he takes in your pained expression and your crimson fingertips twitching mid-air.

With a ticked jaw, he demands, “Take it off”. 

“W-What?” you mumble out the question, slightly confused at his sudden order. 

With a sigh, he repeats himself for you, “I said, take it off”. 

The blood loss, while not fatal, seems to be impairing you cognitively. 

Dumbly, you ask again, “Why?”

He rubs at his forehead in frustration, and you’re almost inclined to apologize for worrying him. You wish to run your nails through his curls, quietly pinching at his nape as you rest your forehead against his and beg him to forgive you for being such an idiotic mess. 

Instead, you lean against the tiled walls like a delirious fool, losing blood fast. 

Patiently, he explains to you, taking into account your slowing brain, “You need to get those wounds checked, don’t you now?”

You nod at him with pursed lips, not at all happy at your current predicament. You can try and refuse, and he’d only end up butting heads with you again. Or you can swallow up your pride, and let him fix you up - awkward as that might seem. 

“Let me see you, then”, he asks you, and the shake in his otherwise firm voice makes you comply. 

Silently, you unfasten the buttons of your military-issued uniform shirt with shaky fingers. 

One by one. 

One by one. 

One by one. 

Your fingers give up on the task just shy of the last two buttons of the garment, the tremors making it almost impossible for you to even steady your aching arm. 

“Shit, shit, shit”, you curse to yourself, your fingertips constantly missing the plastic buttons on the shirt despite your best efforts. Irked at your inability to master such a simple task, you cannot help the tears of irritation that well up in your eyes, blurring your vision and giving you a much harder time with something you could’ve been done with in seconds. 

Calloused hands touch yours, and you can feel your skin set ablaze at the fragility of the touch as you look into the eyes of your dear friend and coworker. Glassy eyes look into his dark ones, conveying every little thing you wish to tell him - anguish, yearning, guilt, remorse, and  love. 

Every little thing that you fail to put into words and speech because your mouth is suddenly very dry, as if you have swallowed cotton and your tongue is weighed down by a block of lead. 

He always made you feel so nervous. 

He calls out your name (it sounds so sweet, so pristine when he says it - he exhales out each syllable of your moniker in reverence, as if you were a prayer to be uttered with utmost vigilance and devotion) and you snap out of your thoughts - your ears heating up partly due to embarrassment and partly due to the sudden proximity you share with the man standing before you. 

“I’ll handle this, ‘k?” his fingers toy with your button, and you do not protest as he unbuttons the last few of them near the hem of your shirt, leaving the center of your torso exposed. The cotton fabric sticks to your skin, thanks to the oozing wound on your waist that you had been nursing in the bathroom for the past half hour or so. 

You feel bashful, and yet you do not have the energy to express it - your eyes feeling heavier with every blink and the deft fingers of your sergeant feel warm against your cold, pallid skin. You fight yourself to stay awake, not eager about sleeping with untreated injuries and the dizziness that plagues you due to blood loss. 

You feel him tap at your arms, and you raise them just high enough so that he can lower down the sleeves of your shirt and undress you, leaving you in nothing but in a pair of khaki pants and your plain black bra. This is the closest you have come to being nude around the man, and if you weren't in enough pain to want to shoot yourself in the foot for your stupidity, you’d have tried to cover yourself up with your hands at least. 

Sadly, all modesty flew out of the window the moment you decided to get hurt on the field. 

Sometimes, modesty seems to leave your brain whenever you’re around him too. 

Kyle observes you with narrowed eyes, assessing the damage you had accumulated because of him. A lapse in judgment on his part had resulted in him not keeping a close eye around him and almost taking a bullet to his head - had you not tackled the henchmen to the ground; the scuffle had ended when you had slit his throat with your favorite knife, but not before taking some injuries of your own. 

When he had asked you about it, you had shrugged it off at the moment, assuring him that whatever you are inflicted with is something you can handle just fine. 

Clearly that was a lie, if your bloodied body is anything to go by it. 

Your face bears a few nicks and cuts that have already ceased bleeding - nothing too bad. Your body from neck down, however, seems to be a macabre masterpiece. Purple and yellow bruises litter across your shoulders and love handles. There are a few cuts that are closed up with dried blood; some of them are long enough to warrant some surgical assistance for recovery. And then he takes into notice your bloodied waist - the gash still oozing with fresh blood. 

You probably got it from the henchmen who almost blew his head off. 

He cannot believe he had let you get hurt on his watch. And he chides himself even more for believing your lies so easily. 

He is still so angry. At you. At himself. 

He tears out a piece of gauze from the packet he had laid out beside you, before slowly soaking it in a generous amount of rubbing alcohol. Your shoulders tense at the implication, and Gaz notices. (Of course, he does. He always noticed everything when it came to you.)

“This one’s gonna sting” is all he says before he’s pressing the gauze against an open wound and you prevent the scream that works up your throat by biting your tongue, grinding your molars against the muscle and tasting iron in your mouth. 

Your body twitches like a wild livewire as Gaz tries his best to treat your wounds, barely giving you a warning before you can feel the alcohol burn into your skin. You do not scream, but your sensitivity to pain leads you to shed a few tears of agony as you wait it all out with baited breath.

“.....So fucking stupid”, you hear the sergeant grumble to himself in your haze as he cleans your wounds and every time the gauze touches your skin, you cannot help but inch away from his hands, unable to handle the painful aftermath. 

“Cannot believe…”

“You really had to-”

He cuts himself off before he could finish his sentences, or maybe your brain is on a gradual process of shutting down - making it harder with each passing moment to pay attention to what he has to say to you. Through your muddled thoughts, all you can decipher is that he sounds angry. 

He’s angry. 

You shift just a little, hoping to brace for the pain by moving away from it - your pain-addled brain making you believe that prolonging the contact with the rubbing alcohol would help you recuperate from the pain much better. It only made the wound in your side bleed more, the droplets of crimson flowing down your abdomen like an endless rivulet.  

Kyle notices that, and he quickly grabs you by your shoulders to stop you from moving too much. You squirm under his touch; his palms are far too hot for your freezing skin, and you’d have probably jumped at the impact, had it not been for the indestructible hold he has of you. 

“Stay still”, he commands you, and you stop any and all movement immediately. You’re not sure you wish to fire the fuel that has been ignited in him when he saw your injured body on the island slab of the basin. 

“That’s it, sweetheart”, he assures you, his hands playing with the tips of your hair to soothe you, and you can feel shivers run down your spine. It’s soothing, to still be able to feel and react to his touch as if it’s the first time. 

“It hurts”, you sob out to him, your hands itching to grab at the wound near your waist - desperate to put any pressure on it, to stop the red liquid from leaving you lifeless. You’re scared and it shows. 

You won’t die, not yet anyway. And that is the only comforting thought you can muster to hold onto. 

You won’t die, even if your insides scream from the agony it feels from all of its open wounds and the ache your relaxed muscles throb with incessantly. 

You feel like you’re dying, but God has favored you today yet again. 

You wonder if the reason is divine intervention or a divine curse haunting you. 

“I know, sweet thing. I do. You did so good out there, having my back, yeah?” he asks and you nod eagerly in response, hoping to make amends with Gaz just in case. 

Just in case you breathe your last right here right now. In case you have run out of favor with the unknown deity who has protected you all this time without you knowing. 

“I got this, okay? I got you”, he leaves a soft kiss on your forehead, murmuring the affirming words against your skin. You feel yourself lighten up just a little at the gesture, knowing that this was not only to console you, but his own peace offering to you for earlier. For every little transgression he had committed against you. 

For the fight. For everything. 

“I promise everything will be okay. I’ll take care of you.”, he assures you, and for a moment you have faith that you’d live through the pain if he’s the one tending to it. 

Note -

I saw Prompts 5, 14 and 15 on the list and I couldn't resist writing a 'tending to your beloved in the bathroom while they're sitting and you're standing in front of them' scenario. Also a long lost fan art of the bathroom scene between Kaz Brekker and Inej Ghafa is a huge inspiration for this fic. (I have the books but I haven't gotten around to reading them. I have seen clips of the show, and I regret not having Netflix. Also, the yearning between the two is immaculate and the fanart is like stuck in my head, so if anyone can find it and send it to me, I'd appreciate it a lot.)

This is my first time participating for an event (at least for this fandom and blog). I seldom do these challenges because I tend to procrastinate for too long and forget to write before the due date.

When I finally finished the initial edit of this fic this morning, I almost entertained the idea of extending this fic, maybe by writing a second part of this story and incorporating a few more prompts in the Gazfest. But I have way too many WIPs to pay attention to, an original manuscript I need to start working on (and another one I need to edit), and I need to prepare for my final year of college too - so this is all I can offer, I am afraid. Maybe I will write a continuation of this, maybe I will write things from Gaz's perspective, but I won't be able to finish it in time, I am afraid. But I hope you enjoyed reading it, just like I enjoyed writing it. :)

Also, nevermind the title. I suck at naming things and I suck with names - can never get it right anyway. (also the Taylor Swift song being used as a title was purely coincidental - I swear on it)

[eretzyisrael]

by Lee Smith

The Biden team’s offer to trade Yahya Sinwar, the man believed to be the mastermind of the Oct. 7 attack, for guarantees that the Israeli military stay out of Rafah points to two disturbing truths about the current conflict in the Middle East. The first is that the U.S. knows plenty about what the Hamas terror group is doing and has done. The second is that Washington has been keeping key information—like the terror leader’s whereabouts—from the Israelis, thereby prolonging the war that it claims to decry.

The implications of the administration’s offer, relayed in a recent Washington Post article, has Israelis and U.S. pro-Israel activists livid. Israel’s former ambassador to the U.S. Michael Oren, for instance, posted on X, “I am shocked and sickened by reports that the U.S. is withholding from Israel vital information on the whereabouts of senior Hamas leaders in Gaza. Is the administration still our ally?”

The Biden administration is making the offer because all its efforts to end Israel’s war have failed and if Rafah falls, Hamas is likely to fall, too. It seems there’s no other way to preserve a pillar of what the White House calls “regional integration”—a euphemism for the U.S.-Iran alliance system that Barack Obama has tried to impose on the Middle East for the last decade.

Leaks that the Biden administration is withholding actionable intelligence on Hamas’ paramount leader in Gaza confirm that, as Tablet reported shortly after the Oct. 7 massacre, the administration had a wealth of intelligence on the terror group and its plans. If U.S. intelligence agencies are confident that they know where Sinwar is squirreled away now, in the chaos of wartime, they also knew what he was doing in the lead-up to the massive attack.

Biden and his aides have formulated their scenario: Hamas ‘technocrats’ will constitute the Iranian-backed component in a unity government with the U.S.-backed faction that now rules the West Bank. Hamas is a pillar of the U.S.-Iran condominium.Share

The administration’s efforts to disclaim any foreknowledge of the attack were always absurd. The U.S. has not only its own unrivaled collection of signals intelligence but also significant intelligence channels in Qatar, where Hamas leaders are based; in Lebanon, where Hamas fighters trained under the supervision of Iranian officials; and Egypt, which shares a border with Gaza and allows Hamas to smuggle weapons through the terror group’s extensive tunnel network. Further, detailed open-source reporting, especially in The Wall Street Journal, months prior to the attack showed that top Iranian officials were visiting Lebanon to coordinate major operations with Hamas and Hezbollah leaders.

And yet, according to reports shortly after Oct. 7, there was no evidence U.S. spy services shared with Jerusalem their intelligence on Hamas. The Biden administration rationalized its failures by claiming there was nothing exceptional about its findings, much of which was gathered in areas where the U.S. prevented or discouraged Israeli intelligence from operating. As one U.S. source told the press, “I think what happened is everyone saw these reports and were like, ‘Yeah of course. But we know what this will look like.’” In other words, the Biden administration knew there was something big in the works; the only question is whether it had any indication of the full scope of the Oct. 7 operation.

Read the whole thing.

[chaosk1ng]

I like the idea of Isaac Clarke constantly being on edge for different crossovers cause there’s no way in hell he would be okay with seeing aliens, military or “magic” in any universe after the whole thing with necromorphs and markers.

I can’t lie and say that I don’t think of this every once in a while. I do and usually it’s because I think of scenarios that are hilarious to envision. One of the most recent ones is a Star Wars one. I can see it at any point in time in Star Wars (I’m ignoring the Sequels because I forget they exist and couldn’t care less about them) and see it as the end of the remake since it was the only one I’ve played so far.

I like the thought that people would assume he’s a Mandalorian Jedi or something. The man only has his suit and weapons that aren’t even meant for combat, and is surrounded by planets and beings that he knows nothing about. Not only does he have this going but he can slow down areas and move objects seemingly with a flick of his wrist to anyone who sees him use the stasis or kinesis modules by chance. He would have to wear his suit whether he likes it or not but would probably prefer it since he would be on edge because of his most recent experience and would want to be protected from any harm.

Anyway, he would likely travel around in confusion, fully suited, and may only take off his helmet when in the ship he used to get away from Aegis VII. Depending on where on the timeline he is placed, people will either think he’s a new type of mandalorian, Jedi, both, or something inspired by them, I’m thinking this one for pre empire. If this is during or after the empire then he could be seen as a new version of mandalorians or someone who is like a weird amalgamation of both, or trying to be both. I don’t think a lot of people really know what qualifies as a mandalorian or Jedi since in the Mandalorian, Din is told to go to Mos Pelgo because there might be a mandalorian but ended up being Cobb and Jedi are pretty much seen as myths and are essentially extinct.

This ties into the post empire line of thought. I know that there are ways to get him to interact with characters from Star Wars but this is one of the only ones that feel kinda natural. For this one I can see him meeting Din because of the reason I mentioned before. He could be seen around enough that people think he might be a mandalorian, Jedi or both. I see it taking place during the first or second season of the Mandalorian when Din is looking for both a Jedi and Mandalorians. Something could happen that leads him to finding a lead to another mandalorian, who might be a Jedi, traveling alone.

He could eventually find Isaac after much difficulty because there is no way in hell Isaac would spend much time around aliens, he would probably only do some jobs here and there to make some money in this new universe to survive. Isaac could get used to the new species over time as he does more jobs which are probably based on engineering or maybe a little bounty hunting but not as much since he wouldn’t be that good at it. The engineering jobs would get him familiar with the technology of this universe, he could probably use some of his skills and use them to adjust certain things to be operated kinda like the tech of his universe.

On the topic of Isaac experiencing his new universe, he would likely still use the tools he uses in Dead Space. He would only have experience using his tools and not any other type of weapon so he likely wouldn’t use weapons of any kind. He would probably get a blaster just in case but never really use it, maybe reverse engineer it or try to understand how tech in this universe worked. Maybe because of his weapons and modules that people start taking note of him, aside from his unique suit.

Anyway, Din would hear about this somehow and would eventually find this dude who is barely seen. Depending on what part of the series this takes place, he can either think Isaac is another type of mandalorian if he’s already met Bo-Katan, or think he’s another person posing as a mandalorian if it’s after Cobb but before Bo-Katan.

Both Din and Isaac would be confused as hell regardless, this is a good way for them to learn about each other and become acquaintances. This could either lead to the two talking every once in a while or become partners of sorts with Isaac joining Din on his mission and using any ties he may have created to try and help. Either way, Isaac would be a good ally for Din to have and could help him a lot in situations like with that spider thing when he’s transporting the frog woman, or something as important as Din fighting Gideon. On the note of the spiders, Isaac by now has a lot of experience shooting off legs and tiny babies that can climb and shoot things at him. Maybe he tells Din about that fact and both confuses and concerns him if Isaac doesn’t really tell him about the Ishimura and the necromorphs.

I think that Din would be interested in Isaac’s weapons and how his suit works since they have nothing like them or the RIG he has. They could learn more about each other this way and about their respective universes. Isaac can learn about things like beskar, blasters, tech, Mandalorians (Mostly, if not completely, about Children of the Watch), and maybe some tips or stories Din has collected during his time bounty hunting. In turn, Din can learn about Earth, RIGs, how Isaac’s weapons work, and eventually things like the Ishimura, Necromorphs, Nicole, Unitology, the Marker and such. Either way, these things would happen as they get closer and more comfortable together.

Sudden thought, Grogu can get two dads by the beginning of the show and gets spoiled like hell by both, can’t convince me otherwise. Both Din and Isaac would probably just co parent rather than see each other in a romantic light in the beginning if anything. Isaac would’ve just come to terms with Nicole’s death and would be grieving or repressing it so it would be too early for that type of relationship. Regardless of where in time the two meet, Din likely wouldn’t feel ready at all for that type of thing since he was mostly occupied bounty hunting before he got Grogu. They don’t have to get together but honestly it would be kinda cute to see now that I think about it. The two would probably get together sometime during or after season two since season one can be used to get them close enough to be comfortable enough to be kinda reluctant to stop traveling together.

Another thought was if the two met right after Din gets Grogu and has the Razor Crest stripped. Isaac is confused but decides to help the man and the weird child out so he can find someplace to get supplies. Once they get to Navarro, the two part and after Din decides to go back for the child, he could run into Isaac and get his help getting the child back or run into him as he’s trying to escape. Either way, Isaac would be stuck with Din cause he would follow him to his ship and help get the child out. Regardless of how and when they meet, I can see Grogu getting two dads.

Instead of a clan of two it would be a clan of three. I can see Isaac being extremely happy about this after everything since he now has people he cares for and will fight for in this new universe. In turn, Din would be happy to have a family, a child he cares for but is willing to give up for the child’s wellbeing but willing to go to great lengths to protect and a partner that is more than willing to go the same lengths for the child and can fight with weapons no one else has. The three of them would be a good family for each other and would be heartbroken to eventually let go of each other when Luke takes the child.

Luke doesn’t have to take the child but if he does then both Din and Isaac would have each other to help ease the pain and would be there for each other. Din can still get the N-1 or they can use Isaac’s ship if they still have it. It would be useful because it’s pretty much untraceable since it’s not from that galaxy and could have parts added at this point to have parts normal ships would have. It has enough space for the two of them and the child when they get him back in bobf.

Speaking of, Boba and Fennec would have some opinions about the two. I see it as mostly judgment, both Din and Isaac would probably think it’s because of their choice in partners or something but in reality be because of their lack of knowledge about a lot of things. Imagine the four of them in Boba’s palace and maybe someone mentions Jabba and Isaac is like, “how did this jabba dude die?” and Din saying something like “not sure, heard he got killed by a slave girl or something. Don’t know, wasn’t really important for my bounty at the time.” But yeah, I think the four would get along but the judgment is real but they care for their idiot friends.

I don’t think Isaac would become a mandalorian, even if he ends up with Din. He would acknowledge that he’s kinda like them but he couldn’t commit to something like that, not even to Din’s way. I think the whole thing with Unitology, his mom, and Nicole kinda ruined any chance he would follow something like that or anything that might resemble a religion, cult, or a certain way of life. I think he would be like Boba, he is kinda like a mando, looks the part and acts it but doesn’t commit himself to it or follow any way, just respects it.

I think the Armorer wouldn’t really care if Din ends up with Isaac if he is already part of his clan but Paz would need convincing and would probably judge Din for getting with an outsider. I can see Paz challenging Isaac in a fight or seeing him do something that might gain his respect. If Isaac helped Din rescue the child and helped get him out of Nevarro then I can see Paz already respecting Isaac and being satisfied with Din ending up with Isaac since he’s already proved himself to him and the others that day. I can see Isaac coming with Din and when he finally finds the two but he doesn’t have to be there.

It’d be funny if at that point they weren’t together and both the Armorer and Paz are both judging and disapproving how long he has been with Isaac but not even trying to get with him. They would already know about how good of a choice Isaac would be as a partner and try to make him realize it. This could be a way that Don realizes he likes Isaac romantically. I know Paz probably wouldn’t be interested in Isaac but he’d probably help by saying or implying that he would go for Isaac if Din didn’t.

Maybe Din doesn’t realize right away, he can get upset at the thought of Isaac ending up with someone else or Paz. He could question why he’s so upset at the idea and thinks that he should be happy for Isaac if that happens. After that Paz can try to hit on Isaac if they meet or send gifts that he knows would upset Din, maybe tell a few childhood stories of the two when they were younger. Din gets upset and starts to think about what would happen if Paz or someone else did succeed in getting with Isaac.

He would lose another presence that he has gotten used to being around, he would lose the last of his clan of three, regardless if Isaac is a part of the clan or unofficially a part of it. If he and Isaac are using Isaac’s ship then he would likely have to get a new one and move out. If Isaac got with someone, he would talk to him less and would eventually stop completely because he no longer has any reason to be around him, Isaac was only with him to help with the child and he’s gone. Even if he didn’t get with anyone, he likely wouldn’t get with Din since he probably would’ve mentioned Nicole at this point and likely wouldn’t be interested in men if he doesn’t really respond to Paz’s courting.

When Din thinks of this, he thinks about how it would affect his future and realizes he wouldn’t know what to do, just like now, because he couldn’t see a future without him or the child anymore. He has grown used to them to the point that losing both of them would tear him apart, he would be listless, a shadow of what he used to be. Din would be even more lost than he already was and didn’t really realize how much he loves Isaac and now thinks he has a chance of losing him forever if he can’t get him to stay. He would probably feel stupid for not realizing it earlier and try his best to woo Isaac, even if he’s not interested in men, not knowing that he already loves him.

He would try his best when it comes to it but he wouldn’t be good at it since he lived in the sewers and doesn’t know how people in Isaac’s world court each other so he’s just fumbling, Isaac thinks it’s charming. Isaac probably realized he loved Din long ago and tried to flirt with Din or express his feelings by giving him little trinkets or weapons and try his best to court him in a way a mandalorian might like but, like Din, he doesn’t know how courting works for them. He probably tried a few times and got no response cause Din didn’t know he was trying to hit on him and thought he was being friendly. Grogu probably knew, he was either told by Isaac or felt it from the force and tried his best to help but Din was dense and didn’t realize. He probably gave up on it and decided to cherish his time with the two of them until Din found someone he would want to settle with. He just hoped that if Din kept the child he would still be able to visit the two.

Isaac would find Din’s new behavior charming but would be saddened because he would think he’s either trying to let him down softly, make him feel better after his attempts, or softening the news of Din possibly leaving. He would probably confront him about it before Din confesses and would think he’s trying to make him feel better but hope it’s true. He would tell Don straight that he stopped going after him because he thought he wasn’t interested when he was trying and didn’t want to pursue something that would lead to nothing.

Din would probably feel like a bigger idiot and lets Isaac know he is more than interested, that he couldn’t see his future with anyone else, he couldn’t see it without him in it and that he didn’t realize it until after Paz and the Armorer let their opinions about it known and when Paz stated he would court him. The two would get together and eventually get the child back. I feel like this would happen but I can see them getting together before the end of season 2 as well.

That aside, Isaac meeting Ahsoka would be interesting. She’d be very confused about why this Mandalorian’s friend can slow people down and move objects despite not being force sensitive. He might give a brief explanation to her about the stasis and kinetic modules but not a lot of details since he tries to keep them hidden. Isaac would probably explain that he has a limited supply that he can use since that universe doesn’t have the shop options there. He would’ve had to make something to replicate the ammo for his weapons and would’ve taken longer for something to replenish the stasis to be made.

Luke and Isaac meeting would be interesting but not even Din really meets him, only sees him when he takes Grogu. Luke learning about Isaac from Ahsoka would be interesting. She only knows a little about Isaac, has seen him fight and knows a little of what he’s capable of but something is off about him. He’s close to the mandalorian and child but the force is off about him, he’s completely null in the force. The force doesn’t touch him, it’s like he isn’t there but they know he is, Ahsoka has seen him kill people, interact with them, she knows he’s there but he just isn’t force-wise. He’s an anomaly, and both Ahsoka and Luke are curious but will leave him be.

I forgot about Cobb, Cara and Greef so imma speed run. If Din meets Isaac before Cobb he would be a big help when it comes to dealing with the Krayt dragon since he defeated things like the Leviathan, the Leviathan Remnant and the Hive Mind. This is to say that Cobb would like Isaac. Cara and Greef would like him since he can handle both the child and the Mandalorian and see him as their wrangler. Maybe when Grogu force chokes Cara he steps in instead of Din and stops him and teaches him a little he knows from his kinetic module and how to tell friend from foe, when something is serious or not. Greef would only really know Isaac from the glimpses of him he sees but likes him since he is close with Din and Grogu and shows how he would go to great lengths for them both. When they do properly meet, he likes him since he helped him against the Imps and chooses to stick with Din despite being offered a place like both Din and Cara. He thinks the two are a couple people should be scared of with how well they work together and how protective they are of each other and their green child. Overall, all three of them like Isaac and all think they're already together at that point and probably laughed their asses off when they did get together.

I can’t do anything past bobf since I stopped watching the Mandalorian after season 3 episode 3. My rant had spilled and now I don’t remember my original thought process and now I’m shipping Din and Isaac. Goddamn it, I need to stop thinking.

[cynicalrosebud]

Echoes of Duty (COD Sentinel AU) Worldbuilding

Echoes of Duty Masterlist

In this Sentinel and Guide AU, the role of a Guide, when it comes to elite military units like the SAS, would make sense for a Guide to have some degree of military experience or training in order to handle the high-stress, tactical situations that the team faces. Here's how that works:

1. Combat-Ready Guide

Active Soldier: In this interpretation, the Guide would be a fully trained soldier, capable of handling themselves in combat alongside the Sentinels. Given the elite nature of the SAS, this Guide would likely be highly skilled in tactical operations, firearms, hand-to-hand combat, and military strategy. This makes them a valuable asset in missions, providing both sensory support to the Sentinels and combat effectiveness.

Specialized Role: The Guide might also have a specialized role within the unit, such as a medic or intelligence officer, which would complement their ability to provide mental and emotional support to the Sentinels. This dual role allows the Guide to contribute directly to missions while still focusing on their primary duties with the Sentinels.

2. Tactically Trained, Non-Combatant Guide

Support Role: Another possibility is that the Guide isn’t an active combatant but is still trained in military tactics, protocols, and basic self-defense. They would not be on the front lines like the Sentinels but would work in close proximity, offering guidance, mental support, and sensory management without necessarily engaging in combat themselves.

Field Medic or Analyst: The Guide might serve as a field medic or intelligence analyst. Their skills would be in keeping the Sentinels grounded and focused, ensuring that they can carry out missions effectively, while the Guide handles medical emergencies or provides real-time intel.

Crisis Management: In high-stakes scenarios, this type of Guide could be invaluable for keeping the team calm and functioning, even if they aren’t directly fighting.

3. Civilian Guide Embedded with the SAS

Non-Military Guide: In some cases, the Guide might not be a soldier at all but is embedded with the SAS due to their unique abilities. This could make for interesting dynamics, especially if the Guide is not accustomed to combat situations. The Sentinels would likely be highly protective of the Guide, ensuring their safety during dangerous operations, while the Guide focuses on helping manage the sensory aspects of the mission.

Highly Skilled in Guide Abilities: Despite not being a soldier, this Guide would need to be exceptionally skilled in their abilities to justify their presence in such a dangerous environment. They might act as a calming presence, helping the Sentinels recover from sensory overload or emotional distress, even in the heat of battle.

Reluctant Soldier: In some stories, the civilian Guide might be forced to learn how to handle themselves in combat, either through training with the SAS or from being thrown into situations where they have no choice but to fight. This could lead to interesting character development as the Guide becomes more capable over time.

4. Elite Tactical Guide

Hybrid of Combatant and Guide: For a Guide working with the SAS, they could be portrayed as a hybrid between a soldier and a Guide. They would have the military training to survive and thrive in combat, but their primary role would be to serve the Sentinels’ sensory needs. This might include helping Sentinels maintain control during operations, ensuring they aren’t overwhelmed by sensory input, and offering emotional support during downtime or after traumatic events.

Bond Strength: Guides who work with elite Sentinels might have stronger bonds, allowing them to be more effective at keeping their Sentinels calm and grounded during high-intensity missions. This bond could even extend to providing physical support during combat, enhancing the teamwork between Guide and Sentinel.

5. A Guide Who Transitions into a Soldier

Progression: The Guide might initially not be a soldier but, due to circumstances or their bond with the Sentinels, undergo training to become a combatant over time. This would allow for character growth and development, as the Guide would need to learn how to balance their duties as a Guide with their increasing responsibilities as a soldier. The Sentinels might train them, leading to deeper relationships and more trust.

141 PRIMARY SENSES

In a Sentinel and Guide AU, each Sentinel typically has one heightened primary sense that stands out among the rest. Here's what each of the 141 members could have as their primary sense:

Captain John Price (Hearing) Price’s experience and leadership would lend themselves well to heightened hearing. He’d be able to pick up on conversations, footsteps, or distant sounds that others might miss, helping him plan and react with precision during missions. His acute sense of hearing could also help him detect subtle changes in tone or emotion when talking to others, making him a strong, empathetic leader.

Lieutenant Simon "Ghost" Riley (Sight) Ghost’s sharp sight would align with his role as a sniper and his ability to stay hyper-aware of his surroundings. Whether spotting enemies from long distances or noticing the smallest details in his environment, Ghost’s enhanced vision would make him a deadly force in the field, as well as a perceptive sentinel for danger.

Sergeant Kyle "Gaz" Garrick (Touch) Gaz’s primary sense could be touch, allowing him to notice subtle vibrations, changes in air pressure, or textures that others wouldn’t. This would make him incredibly effective at working with equipment, climbing, or detecting hidden threats, such as pressure-sensitive traps. His sense of touch would also make him an exceptional hand-to-hand combatant, feeling the flow of movement and reacting instinctively.

Sergeant John "Soap" MacTavish (Smell) Soap’s sense of smell could be his strongest asset, allowing him to detect explosives, chemical agents, or changes in the environment that would otherwise go unnoticed. His heightened olfactory sense could also help him track enemies or detect danger through subtle scents in the air, giving him an edge in both recon and combat situations.

LOCKED IN

In the context of a Sentinel and Guide AU, "getting locked in" refers to a Sentinel becoming overwhelmed by their heightened senses to the point where they lose control. Their senses become overstimulated and hyper-focused, making it difficult for them to function properly. It often happens in stressful situations where the Sentinel is bombarded by strong stimuli—whether it's a sound, smell, sight, or other sensory input—causing them to become "trapped" or "locked in" to one or more of their heightened senses.

When a Sentinel is locked in:

Overstimulation: The sensory input becomes so overwhelming that the Sentinel struggles to filter out irrelevant stimuli, focusing intensely on one sense or experiencing a barrage of sensations.

Loss of Focus: The Sentinel may become disoriented or unable to concentrate on anything but the overwhelming stimuli, losing awareness of their surroundings or their mission.

Physical or Emotional Strain: The strain of being overstimulated can lead to physical symptoms like headaches, nausea, or fatigue. Emotionally, the Sentinel might experience frustration, anger, or fear, further exacerbating their condition.

The Role of the Guide: The Guide plays a crucial role in helping a Sentinel break free from this state. By using their abilities to calm and focus the Sentinel, they can ground them, helping the Sentinel filter out excess stimuli and regain control.

In Soap's case from the previous scene, he was close to getting "locked in" due to his heightened sense of smell being overwhelmed by the scents of fear, sweat, and gun oil from the recruits. Y/n, as his Guide, stepped in to help him regain control by guiding him to focus on calming, familiar scents and using her presence to soothe him before he became fully locked in.

During a "locked-in" state in the Sentinel and Guide AU, a Sentinel becomes completely overwhelmed by their heightened senses, to the point where they lose control over their ability to filter stimuli. This can lead to several intense physical, mental, and emotional reactions. Here’s a breakdown of what typically happens:

1. Sensory Overload

Primary Sense Overwhelmed: The Sentinel’s strongest sense (like smell, hearing, etc.) becomes hyper-stimulated. For example, if a Sentinel's primary sense is hearing, they might hear every little noise as deafening, even the sound of their own heartbeat.

Inability to Filter: Normally, Sentinels can filter out irrelevant stimuli, but during a locked-in, that ability breaks down. Everything feels equally intense, whether it’s useful information or not.

Disorientation: The inability to focus on anything specific makes them feel disoriented or trapped in their senses. They can’t ground themselves or shut off the sensory overload.

2. Physical Symptoms

Headaches or Migraines: The overstimulation can cause intense headaches or migraines as the brain struggles to process the bombardment of information.

Nausea or Dizziness: Sensory overload can lead to feelings of dizziness or nausea, as the body becomes overwhelmed by the input.

Fatigue: The effort of managing heightened senses under normal circumstances is tiring, but when locked in, it becomes exhausting. This can lead to sudden fatigue or even collapse.

Physical Rigidity or Pain: The Sentinel may become physically tense or rigid, as their body tries to cope with the intense sensations.

3. Emotional and Mental Effects

Panic or Anxiety: The Sentinel may experience a sense of panic or anxiety as they feel trapped in their senses. Their inability to filter can make everything feel chaotic, triggering a fight-or-flight response.

Frustration or Anger: As the locked-in state persists, Sentinels may become frustrated or angry with themselves or their surroundings. They may lash out verbally or physically, struggling to regain control.

Shutting Down: Some Sentinels may mentally or emotionally shut down as a defense mechanism, becoming unresponsive or withdrawn as a way to cope with the overload.

Hyper-Focus or Dissociation: In some cases, a Sentinel might become hyper-focused on one sensory input (like a noise or smell) to the exclusion of everything else, dissociating from their surroundings.

4. Guide’s Role in Recovery

Calming Influence: A Guide can sense the Sentinel’s distress and use their abilities to help ground them. They may touch the Sentinel or use soothing verbal cues to help them focus on one calm, familiar stimulus, like their own heartbeat or scent.

Redirecting Attention: The Guide can help the Sentinel filter out overwhelming stimuli by redirecting their focus to a single, calming sensation—perhaps the Guide’s voice, touch, or smell.

Establishing a Mental Connection: In some instances, the Guide may need to establish a deeper mental or emotional connection, temporarily linking themselves to the Sentinel’s mind to help untangle the sensory overload.

Post-Lock-In Recovery: After the lock-in, the Sentinel may feel weak or drained, needing time to recover both physically and emotionally. The Guide continues to provide support during this period.

5. Post-Lock-In Vulnerability

Emotional Sensitivity: After a lock-in, Sentinels are often emotionally vulnerable and may seek comfort from their Guide, feeling ashamed or embarrassed about losing control.

Increased Bond Strength: Experiencing a locked-in state and being brought back by their Guide can deepen the bond between the Sentinel and Guide, as it reinforces trust and reliance on each other.

In summary, being locked in is a dangerous and overwhelming state for Sentinels, making them vulnerable and disoriented. A Guide’s presence is essential in pulling them out of it and helping them regain control.

In a Sentinel and Guide AU, it is often depicted that physical touch between a Guide and Sentinel greatly enhances the Guide's ability to calm and ground the Sentinel, particularly during moments of sensory overload or when a Sentinel is "locked in." However, touch is not always strictly necessary depending on the strength of the bond and the abilities of the Guide. Here's how it typically works:

FIXING A LOCK IN

1. Physical Touch

Immediate Grounding: Physical touch provides an immediate and powerful connection between a Guide and a Sentinel. It helps the Sentinel focus on the Guide's presence, allowing them to filter out the overwhelming stimuli.

Enhancing the Bond: Touch strengthens the emotional and mental bond, making it easier for the Guide to channel calming energies or direct the Sentinel’s focus.

Soothing Sensations: Touch itself can be soothing—holding a hand, brushing fingers along the skin, or resting a hand on the Sentinel’s back or shoulders—helping to calm overstimulated senses.

2. Proximity Without Touch

Verbal Cues: Even if they aren't touching, a Guide can often help a Sentinel through soothing words, focusing the Sentinel's attention on the sound of their voice, particularly if their bond is strong. This is especially effective if the Sentinel’s primary sense is hearing.

Strong Mental Bonds: For Sentinels and Guides with a deep, established bond, proximity may be enough to offer a calming influence. The Guide might use their emotional or mental connection to reach out to the Sentinel without needing to physically touch them.

Aura or Energy Projection: Some interpretations of the AU depict Guides as being able to project calming energy or influence from a short distance, especially if they are highly skilled. This can involve breathing techniques, body language, or mental projection, allowing the Sentinel to sense their Guide’s presence even without touch.

3. Remote Guidance (Distance)

Mental Connection: In rare cases or with highly trained Guides, it’s possible for the Guide to connect with their Sentinel mentally even when they are physically far apart. This usually happens if the bond between them is exceptionally strong or if the Guide has a particular skill in mental projection. This mental link allows the Guide to provide reassurance and calm even across distances.

Telepathic Influence: Some AU interpretations include telepathic abilities between Sentinels and Guides, allowing for a mental connection where touch is not needed at all. The Guide can calm the Sentinel through a mental link, communicating through thoughts or emotions.

4. Variability Based on Bond Strength

New Bonds: If the bond between the Sentinel and Guide is new or less developed, physical touch is often more necessary. The Sentinel may not respond as well to verbal cues or distant influence because the bond hasn’t fully solidified.

Established Bonds: In stronger or older bonds, the Guide may not need to rely on touch as much, as the Sentinel is more attuned to their Guide’s presence and can be calmed through proximity or mental/emotional guidance.

5. Touch During "Locked-In" States

Direct Touch is Critical: During a "locked-in" state, when a Sentinel is overwhelmed by their senses, physical touch is usually the most effective way to pull them out of it. The immediate grounding sensation helps break through the overload and refocus the Sentinel on something familiar and comforting.

Safety and Security: Touch also provides a sense of security and safety, particularly when the Sentinel is at their most vulnerable, giving them something tangible to hold onto as they regain control.

In summary, while physical touch is the most effective way for a Guide to help a Sentinel, it is not always necessary. Verbal communication, proximity, and mental connections can also be used depending on the bond’s strength and the Guide’s abilities. However, in extreme cases like sensory overload or being locked in, touch is usually the fastest and most reliable method for calming a Sentinel.

In a world where Sentinels and Guides exist, not everyone falls into these categories. Here’s how it works:

Sentinel and Guide AU World Structure

1. Sentinels:

Role: Sentinels are elite operatives with heightened sensory abilities who are often involved in high-stakes missions requiring their specialized skills.

Population: Generally, Sentinels are a smaller, specialized subset of the population due to the rarity of their heightened senses. They undergo rigorous training and selection processes to serve in this role.

2. Guides:

Role: Guides are individuals with the ability to stabilize and enhance the effectiveness of Sentinels through a unique bond. They play a critical role in maintaining operational stability and supporting Sentinels.

Population: Guides are also a specialized group, often fewer in number compared to the general population. Their abilities are rare and highly valued, making them critical to the success of Sentinel operations.

3. General Population:

Non-Sentinels and Non-Guides: The majority of the population would not possess heightened sensory abilities or the specific skills of a Guide. These individuals lead everyday lives without the specialized attributes of Sentinels and Guides.

Role: They may serve in various civilian, administrative, or support roles within society, but they do not have the specialized abilities or responsibilities associated with Sentinels and Guides.

4. Interactions Between Groups:

Integration: Sentinels and Guides work closely with the general population but maintain distinct roles and responsibilities. The general public may be aware of Sentinels and Guides but does not interact with them in the same way as those within the specialized circles.

Support: Guides and Sentinels may rely on the general population for logistical, operational, and support functions, while maintaining their own specialized roles.

Determining whether someone is a Sentinel or a Guide involves a combination of inherent traits, specialized tests, and recognition of abilities. Here’s how individuals discover their roles:

Discovery Process for Sentinels and Guides

1. Inherent Traits and Early Signs:

Sentinels: Individuals might exhibit heightened sensory abilities from a young age, such as enhanced hearing, smell, sight, touch, or taste. These traits can become more apparent through activities or situations that require acute sensory perception.

Guides: Guides often display a natural ability to support and stabilize others. They might show an intuitive understanding of others’ emotions or states, which helps them maintain balance and support those around them.

2. Specialized Testing:

Sentinels: To confirm Sentinel abilities, individuals undergo specialized sensory tests conducted by trained professionals. These tests assess the extent and precision of their heightened senses through various controlled stimuli and scenarios.

Guides: Testing for Guides focuses on their ability to bond and support Sentinels. This may involve simulations or assessments to determine their capacity for stabilizing and enhancing the effectiveness of those with heightened senses.

3. Training and Evaluation Programs:

Sentinels: Once identified, potential Sentinels are often put through rigorous training programs that further develop their sensory abilities and teach them how to apply these skills in operational contexts.

Guides: Those identified as Guides may enter training programs designed to refine their bonding abilities and enhance their support skills. They learn how to work effectively with Sentinels and understand the intricacies of the Guide-Sentinel relationship.

4. Recognition by Specialized Institutions:

Sentinels and Guides: Specialized institutions or agencies that handle Sentinels and Guides might conduct evaluations and provide certifications or recognitions. These organizations confirm an individual's role and provide further training and integration into their respective functions.

5. Mentorship and Pairing:

Sentinels: After confirmation, Sentinels are often paired with experienced Sentinels or Guides to mentor them and help them adapt to their role.

Guides: Guides are typically paired with Sentinels, either during the training phase or once they are operational, to establish and strengthen the Guide-Sentinel bond.

6. Self-Discovery and Community Support:

Sentinels: Individuals might self-identify as Sentinels if they notice their sensory abilities surpassing normal levels, especially if their skills align with the needs of high-stakes or specialized roles.

Guides: Potential Guides might recognize their role through their natural ability to support and stabilize others, and through feedback from peers or mentors who notice their aptitude for the Guide role.

[tonystark604]

Phineas and Ferb - A fanfiction idea

I have been contemplating if I should post this for a while now, but I feel like even if no one reacts, I am at least posting that for me now.

There is this Idea I had/have for quite some time now. I recently have gone back into my obsession of Phineas and Ferb and I am really hyped about the newest season coming up soon.

And I kind of see a lot of people loving on Ferb (which is totally fine, don't get me wrong). Often when I read fanfiction about their teenage life's, it's Ferb who is the more darker version, the one who drinks and would try out drugs and stuff and it makes me wonder sometimes about a certain what if scenario.

And this what if scenario has developed in a full blown hyperfixation of me right now, so I am kinda developing a whole plot for it, just for funsies for myself right now and even drew some fanart (as a non-artist so please don't judge) and I thought I might share, just in case someone else might be interested in it.

The Plot Idea:

What if, in an alternative Universe Phineas was kidnapped as a child from his family. He is still a baby when he is kidnapped and in this universe the kidnapping would also be where Phineas' real Dad would die during, because he would try to protect Phineas, but he is obviously not strong enough. (I have not settled on a reason as to why they specifically chose Phineas).

Phineas grows up away from his family, without even knowing they exist. He gets raised in a laboratory where scientists experiment on him and other children (again, not really sure yet how they picked out those children).

It's a secret organization who's goal is to cross-engineer animal traits into the children and train them as weapons for special operations that should replace humans (as half animals/half human they would not be considered humans anymore and therefore would be worth less). This organization is funded by high ranking people in the military and the government, but it is all kept highly secretive as it is of course illegal.

A lot of children don't survive this as it is a very stressful and painful process.

Phineas does survive it though. He is being cross-engineered with a Fox, because I think it fits his character.

Baby Phineas in a tank on the left and Baby Phineas being carried back into his cage on the right, he already has fox ears there. (sorry for the bad art, its just some sketches I made)

He doesn't understand what these people want from him, but I feel like, even though they hurt him, Phineas would still have his innocence from the TV Show to some extend and would try to give his best and make them like him. Because I feel like Phineas' innocence in the show is a character trait that is just purely Phineas. He is referred to as Subject 578 and truly believes that is his name in the beginning.

On the left is Phineas seeing what the scientist had done to him and on the right is Phineas being led to another testing room from his cell, they are walking through rows of other cages with other children.

With the completion of the cross-engineering Phineas training would start. At this point he does understand that some things are wrong, but he doesn't know what exactly. He knows that some children leave their cages and never come back, but he isn't sure why. He is still convinced that this is normal, but he starts to be wary of the scientists.

This is Phineas sleeping in his cage. The only thing he has is the thin blanket. Sometimes he would wave to the other children around him, but contact is limited.

The scientists would be very intrigued by Phineas. Not only because of his high level intelligence but also his resilience and his talent. At first Phineas thought that was good and would lead to them not hurting him anymore. But soon he found out that it didn't really matter what he did, he was just an Object for them.

Phineas after a few training sessions, surrounded by scientists who give him another experimental drug to make him stronger.

When Phineas training session start, that's when he would start to understand that the scientist's are bad. They hurt them and degrade them and they don't really care about them. Phineas sees a lot of the other children die. They don't survive the harsh training and environment and that's when Phineas starts loosing some of his innocence. During the training he tries to aid the other children as much as he can, often taking the blame or guiding them/encouraging them. He behaves and does what the scientist's tell him to their excitement, all in a ploy to make them trust him and get careless.

During his time there, Phineas would gather all the information he could get. He gets sent to missions with his team, mastering them successfully. He develops into the perfect specimen the Scientist's want, until one day, when he had gathered enough information and finally manages to flee. In his escape, he destroy's the laboratory and saves those that had been held there just like him. But even though he destroyed this laboratory, he knows its not over.

In his time there he found out that this organization is an organization operating world wide, funded by multiple countries that do not know of each other (with countries I mean that there are only a few people that know of it in the government and support it, the vast majority doesn't know). The children are taken from their families at a very young age, experimented on and trained as weapons, being sold to the highest bidder for special operations deemed too risky for normal humans. Phineas was one of their greatest subjects, and the organization wants him back.

However, Phineas just wants to go and find his own family, but he knows he would bring danger to them, if he would return home like this. So he makes it his mission to hunt them down, destroy the organization one by one and show the public what was happening right underneath their noses. He would travel the world to find them and dismantle them and Phineas being Phineas would still try to make the best out of every day and have fun despite the horrors he had endured. Simultaneously he would be on the run himself as well, because the organization wants him back desperately.

Phineas would be twelve, when he would be sent to his first mission. He would be fourteen, when he would escape and he would be sixteen when he would have nearly dismantled them all. The information he would gather, he would send to a Reporter he met. He doesn't trust her, but he knows that she wants the truth for the sake of her story and carrier, which is why he trusts her enough with the information he gathers. There would only be a small piece of them left and then he could go to his family, but of course his family had other ideas and the Reporter he found wasn't as selfish as he thought.

Linda had never stopped searching for Phineas even though the police had already said it was futile. She would have still met Lawrence in this universe and married him. Ferb, who never had Phineas and therefore no one who would understand him on this deep level, would be forced to speak like every one else. Candace would be super overprotective of Ferb, as she had lost one brother once already. Ferb's inventions would never be as big as they were on the show, but he would still do some, only that they would be more helpful gadgets. He would still be friends with Isabella, Buford and Baljeet and he would still have Perry. Linda would have told Lawrence about Phineas and Lawrence would have gone on in supporting her in the search for Phineas. Linda and Lawrence would also be open about it to their children, but would be careful to not put their trauma on them. Ferb would have the same bedroom as he has on the show, but he would often imagine how it would have been growing up with a brother. Candace and Ferb would also have a very deep bond and often talk about Phineas late in the night, when the parents where already asleep. Even though Perry never knew Phineas and it wasn't his fault, since he came into the family later on, he would still feel guilty about having failed the family and use OOCA sources in secret to try and find Phineas. Even Ferb would use his brain to try and find Phineas, the brother he never met, even though they all knew how unlikely it would be to ever find him again. All of this would lead to the Flynn-Fletcher Family connecting to the Reporter, who had also tried to hunt down Phineas' family as well as alerted other law enforcements she trusts to help the child that didn't deserve all of this.

I am not sure yet how exactly they would all meet up again, but the family would get in contact with the Reporter through all of this and that would be how they would find out about Phineas. That he still lives. What he has been up to and so on and so forth. They would of course want to connect to him and help him.

Ultimately the organization would be destroyed and the Flynn-Fletcher Family would be united again, though Phineas would be different from his canon persona in that he lived through a lot of trauma. A healing journey would start, where Phineas would learn what it means to have a family and live a 'normal' life. Of course during all of this the focus would mostly be on the most important bond of the whole show, which would be the one between Phineas and Ferb. Slight hints to Phinbella would happen as well.

Obviously a lot of things are not planned in detail yet, but this would be the gist of it.

I have some more fanart I drew for this that I will post here regardless if people like it or not and I will maybe also write out a few scenes until I loose interest lol.

Part 2 here

Part 3 here

[rivensdefenseattorney]

Red Fountain Curriculum

(WIP)

Vanguard School of Combat

Departments

Military History and Strategy Department

Ancient Battles and Warfare Tactics: Study of pivotal historical battles and their strategic significance. Analysis of strategies employed by renowned military leaders.

Modern Warfare: Strategies and Evolutions: Exploration of modern warfare tactics, including guerrilla warfare and asymmetric conflicts. Case studies on recent military operations.

Tactical Combat Department

Close-Quarters Combat Techniques: Training in hand-to-hand combat, grappling, and defensive tactics. Practical sessions and sparring exercises.

Weapon Proficiency and Maintenance: Mastery and maintenance of various combat weapons. Workshops on weapon crafting and enhancements.

Survival Tactics and Freelance Operations Department

Adaptability in Challenging Environments: Training in survival skills in diverse environments (wilderness, urban, etc.).Field exercises emphasizing adaptability and resourcefulness.

Freelance Combat Strategies: Understanding the dynamics and strategies of freelance operations. Scenario-based simulations for independent contracting roles.

Identification of Magical Flora - Beneficial and Hazardous: Identification and study of magical flora, focusing on their potential uses, properties, and dangers. Practical sessions on harvesting and utilizing beneficial magical plants and avoiding hazardous ones.

Navigating Independent Contracting Roles: Exploration of various independent contracting roles such as guild work, solo contracts, and team-based contracts. Case studies and simulations to understand the dynamics and responsibilities of each role.

Combat Psychology and Ethical Warfare Department

Psychological Aspects of Combat: Study of the psychological impacts in combat situations. Methods to handle stress, fear, and decision-making under pressure.

Ethical Decision-Making in Warfare: Ethical considerations and dilemmas in combat scenarios. Debates and discussions on moral choices in warfare.

Field Operations and Simulation Department

Practical Combat Scenarios: Simulation exercises mimicking real combat situations. Team-based scenarios testing strategy, communication, and leadership.

Medical Training and Combat First Aid: Training in providing first aid and medical assistance in combat situations. Simulated medical emergencies and treatments.

Navigation Techniques in Diverse Environments: Practical training in navigation using magical and conventional tools in varied environments. Simulated exercises in finding paths, mapping territories, and using magical navigation aids.

Advanced Field Navigation and Dimensional Travel: Understanding navigation in different dimensions and planes, including dimensional gateways and portals. Simulation exercises involving navigation across multiple dimensions.

Strategic Leadership and Organization Department

Leadership Development in Combat Scenarios: Training in command structures, leadership roles, and decision-making. Practical leadership exercises in simulated combat scenarios.

Organizational Tactics and Logistics: Understanding logistics in combat, resource management, and operational planning. Case studies on effective and failed logistical operations.

Arcane School of Magic

Departments

Magical Theory and History Department

History of Magical Practices: Exploration of magical practices across civilizations and historical eras. Analysis of influential magical theorists and their contributions.

Theoretical Foundations of Magic: Study of magical principles, laws, and universal magical theories. Discussions on the nature and essence of magic

Spellcraft Department

Fundamentals of Spellcasting: Practical instruction in basic spellcasting techniques. Practice sessions focusing on accuracy and incantation.

Advanced Spellcasting and Rituals: Mastery of complex spell structures and ceremonial magic. Practical applications in controlled environments.

Alchemy and Potionology Department

Alchemy Principles and Applications: Understanding alchemical principles, transmutation, and elemental correspondences. Practical experimentation with basic alchemical processes.

Potion Brewing and Elixir Crafting: Hands-on brewing of magical potions and elixirs. Studying potion ingredients and their magical properties.

Magical Artifacts Department

Identification and Analysis of Magical Artifacts: Study of various magical artifacts, their origins, and functionalities. Analytical methods for artifact identification and assessment.

Creation and Enchantment of Artifacts: Practical workshops on crafting and enchanting magical artifacts. Collaborative projects to design and create enchanted items.

Mystical Creatures Department

Introduction to Behavioral Studies of Magical Creatures: Observational studies on magical creature behavior and habitats. Ethical considerations in studying and interacting with mystical creatures.

Conservation and Care of Magical Species: Methods for ethical conservation, preservation, and sustainable habitats for magical creatures. Hands-on experiences in caring for and understanding mystical creatures.

Taming and Riding of Magical Beasts: Mastery of riding and taming diverse mystical creatures. Developing rapport and control for combat and strategic advantages.

Advanced Biology and Magic of Mystical Creatures: Study of the biological traits, magical attributes, and habitats of various mystical creatures. Examination of how magic interacts with their physiology and behavior.

TechForge School of Engineering

Departments

Techno-Magic Integration and Programming

Introduction to Techno-Magic Fusion: Overview of the principles behind merging technology and magic. Exploring historical examples and contemporary advancements.

Enchanting Technologies: Understanding enchantment methods for technological applications. Practical workshops on infusing technology with magical enhancements.

Properties of Magic Metals and Alloys: Study of magical properties in various materials and alloys used in techno-magical engineering. Analysis of how different materials interact with magical enhancements.

Programming in Magical Systems: Understanding programming languages and coding specific to magical systems and technological interfaces. Hands-on coding exercises for techno-magical devices.

Aerospace Engineering and Dimensional Travel

Fundamentals of Aerodynamics: Principles of flight, airfoil design, and aircraft stability. Hands-on experiments and simulations.

Spacecraft Design and Orbital Mechanics: Design considerations for spacecraft and understanding orbital mechanics. Projects involving simulated space missions.

Advanced Aerodynamics and Interdimensional Travel: In-depth study of aerodynamic principles and their application in interdimensional and cross-dimensional travel. Theoretical discussions and simulations on dimensional travel theories.

Maintenance and Upkeep of Advanced Aircrafts: Techniques and best practices for maintaining futuristic aircraft and spacecraft. Practical sessions on diagnosing and solving maintenance issues.

Vehicle Engineering and Transportation Infrastructure

Automotive Design and Innovation: Study of vehicle dynamics, design principles, and automotive innovation. Design projects for advanced vehicle concepts.

Advanced Transportation Systems Applications: Examination of futuristic transportation systems. Prototyping and development of next-gen transportation solutions.

Interdimensional Transportation Infrastructure: Understanding the civil engineering aspects of futuristic transportation systems. Design considerations and planning for advanced transportation networks.

Maintenance and Optimization of Techno-Magic Vehicles: Techniques for maintenance and optimization of advanced futuristic vehicles. Real-world case studies on improving vehicle efficiency.

Techno-Magic Artifacts & Tools

Construction Techniques and Enchantments: Advanced methods for constructing and enchanting techno-magic artifacts. Experimentation with different enchantment techniques for varying effects.

Practical Workshop: Magical Device Design: Hands-on sessions for students to design simple magical devices. Collaborative projects incorporating magical enchantments into technological devices.

Experimental Prototyping and Testing: Hands-on experimentation and testing of innovative techno-magic concepts. Collaborative projects to prototype and test new techno-magic innovations.

Application and Deployment of Techno-Magic Artifacts: Practical application scenarios for tools and artifacts in various settings. Simulated exercises demonstrating the use of constructed techno-magic tools.

Techno-Magic Innovation & Development

Emerging Technologies in Techno-Magic Fusion: Exploring cutting-edge developments in merging technology and magic. Discussions on potential future advancements.

Ethical Considerations in Techno-Magic Integration: Discussions on the ethical implications of merging technology with magic. Case studies and debates on responsible use of techno-magic fusion.

Research Methodologies in Techno-Magic Fusion: Techniques and approaches to conducting research in techno-magic integration. Project-based learning on innovative research methodologies.

Techno-Magic Weaponry Design

Advanced Weaponry Prototyping: Designing and prototyping technologically enhanced magical weapons. Emphasis on both combat effectiveness and safety measures.

Tactical Strategies for Techno-Magic Combat: Integrating combat psychology with the design and usage of techno-magic weaponry. Simulated scenarios testing weaponry and strategy effectiveness.

Theoretical and Practical Weaponry Applications: Advanced theories and practical applications in creating combat-focused techno-magic weaponry. Simulated combat scenarios to test and refine weaponry designs.

Required Classes

Required Classes for Students of Vanguard

Introduction to Behavioral Studies of Magical Creatures

Taming and Riding of Magical Beast

Practical Combat Scenarios

Medical Training and Combat First Aid

Navigation Techniques in Diverse Environments

Advanced Field Navigation and Dimensional Travel

Weapon Proficiency and Maintenance

Close-Quarters Combat Techniques

Organizational Tactics and Logistics

Ancient Battles and Warfare Tactics

Modern Warfare: Strategies and Evolutions

Fundamentals of Aerodynamics

Ethical Decision-Making in Warfare

Theoretical Foundations of Magic

Identification of Magical Flora - Beneficial and Hazardous

Required Classes for Students of Arcane

Creation and Enchantment of Artifacts

History of Magical Practices

Fundamentals of Spellcasting

Alchemy Principles and Applications

Potion Brewing and Elixir Crafting

Identification and Analysis of Magical Artifacts

Creation and Enchantment of Artifact

Ethics and Magic

Introduction to Behavioral Studies of Magical Creatures

Identification of Magical Flora - Beneficial and Hazardous

Theoretical Foundations of Magic

Required Classes for Students of TechForge

Fundamentals of Aerodynamics

Properties of Magic Metals and Alloys

Programming in Magical Systems

Enchanting Technologies

Introduction to Techno-Magic Fusion

Advanced Aerodynamics and Interdimensional Travel

Experimental Prototyping and Testing

Ethical Considerations in Techno-Magic Integration

Navigation Techniques in Diverse Environments

Advanced Field Navigation and Dimensional Travel

Construction Techniques and Enchantments

Identification and Analysis of Magical Artifacts

Creation and Enchantment of Artifacts

Theoretical Foundations of Magic

__________________________

Winx Rewrite Master Post

Red Fountain Polytechnic

___________________________

If you went to Red Fountain what would you specialize in and/or what classes would interest you the most?

[mariacallous]

One thing that the confused response to Russians at War makes clear is that eight years after the revelation that Moscow attempted to influence a U.S. presidential election, most Westerners still don’t really know how Russian propaganda campaigns work. Americans have become familiar with AI botnets, salaried trolls tweeting in broken English about Texas secession, deranged Russian TV hosts calling for a nuclear strike on New York, and alt-right has-beens. But what to make of a French and Canadian documentary, tucked between Pharrell’s Lego-animated film and a Q&A with Zoe Saldaña, that seems cozy with the Russian military and blurs the line between entertainment and politics?

...

Since the start of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Russian propaganda has churned out absurd and repulsive lies, such as that Ukraine has biolabs where NATO scientists are working on a virus that targets Slavic DNA, and that Zelensky, who is Jewish, presides over a neo-Nazi regime. Yet, in a way, it has become honest with itself—at least for the domestic audience. There’s no longer a need for platforms like Russia.ru or The Journal, because the message is clear: This is who we are, and you’re either with us or against us. And yet, the entertainment aspect didn’t disappear.

...

One reason Russian propaganda is running circles around the West is that the internet was one of the few domains where the Russian state arrived late, forcing it to co-opt those who understood it. RuNet, the Russian segment of the World Wide Web, was created—and run—by people like Rykov: artsy 20-somethings, filled with cynicism, post-Soviet disillusionment, and a cyberpunk mentality. The collapse of the Soviet Union taught them that truth was whatever they wanted it to be, and that survival was the ultimate goal. The advertising executives, philosophy students, and creatives who once made video art, lewd calendars, and scandalous zines are the same minds who in 2016 said, “Let’s make memes about Hillary Clinton,” and in 2024 suggested using AI to flood X with believable comments. In many ways, this confrontation mirrors what’s happening in Ukraine: This time, however, the West is the massive, unwieldy force being outsmarted by a smaller, more tech-savvy adversary.

The good news is that the Kremlin is a graveyard of talent. In time, every gifted person I knew who went behind its brick walls was devoured by deceit, paranoia, and fear of losing one’s place in the sun. Konstantin Rykov was exceptional at his job, so much so that the Kremlin offered him a seat in the Russian Parliament when he was just 28. He accepted the offer. But being a member of the Duma Committee on Science and High Technologies and the Committee for Support in the Field of Electronic Media wasn’t the same as being the editor of fuck.ru. Despite being involved in some foreign influence operations, Rykov, now 45, hasn’t produced any significant work for Russian audiences since he joined Parliament.

Asked by an audience member in Toronto whether Russia was responsible for the war in Ukraine, Trofimova replied, “I think there are a lot of other factors involved. Yeah, like they are definitely sending troops in to solve whatever grievances there are.” Even if it wasn’t financed by Moscow, Russians at War reminds me of a Rykov production: slick, scandalous, and with a ton of free press. The message the film conveys is that war, not the country that started it, is bad in this scenario. Trofimova seems to portray Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and the astonishing scale of the atrocities it has committed there, as something impersonal and inexorable, like a tsunami: We can only accept it and sympathize with the victims, including Russian soldiers.

[snapmite1998]

Squadron Name: Dawnbringers

Overview

The Dawnbringers are a notorious squadron of clone troopers who have turned their backs on the Republic and the Jedi Order. Disillusioned by the corruption they witnessed and the conflicts they were forced to engage in, these clones have embraced a new purpose under the banner of Crimson Dawn. Led by the cunning and resourceful Slick, this squad has become known for its ruthless efficiency and tactical ingenuity, often operating behind enemy lines and conducting high-stakes operations in service of Darth Maul.

Leadership: Slick

- Background: Slick, originally known as CT-1226, served as a clone sergeant in the Grand Army of the Republic. Disillusioned by the ideals and actions of the Jedi—whom he sees as keeping clone brothers enslaved to pointless orders—Slick began to question his loyalties and ultimately decided to sever ties with the Republic by leaking intelligence to the Separatists and botching the Republic's war effort during The Battle of Christophsis, until he was apprehended by Commander Cody and Captain Rex and arrested and sent to The Prism, where the Jedi Order had a secret prison that held fallen Jedi and dangerous war criminals, Republic traitors or otherwise. Slick, along with every prisoner within The Prism was freed from imprisonment when Crimson Dawn launched a daring prison break to liberate their leader, Darth Maul, and was given the opportunity to serve Crimson Dawn or die. For Slick, the choice to join Darth Maul and his criminal empire was an easy decision, driven by revenge, the desire for wealth, and freedom, Slick leads other defective clone troopers to aid in Crimson Dawn's military branch and help train new recruits and help Darth Maul understand clone tactics.

- Leadership Style: As the leader of the Dawnbringers, Slick is known for his tactical brilliance and unorthodox methods. He prioritizes the survival and effectiveness of his squad above all else, often employing guerilla tactics and psychological warfare against both the Republic and the Jedi.

Notable Characteristics and Tactics

1. Guerrilla Warfare Experts: The Dawnbringers uses guerrilla tactics to strike swiftly and unexpectedly, undermining Republic operations and spreading chaos wherever they go. Their training as clone troopers gives them a clear advantage in combat scenarios.

2. Covert Operations: This squad specializes in stealth missions, sabotage, and intelligence gathering. They excel at infiltrating secure locations and extracting valuable information that can be used to further Crimson Dawn’s objectives.

3. Deception and Misdirection: Slick often employs deception as a tactic, using fake transmissions and decoys to mislead their enemies, making the Renegade Brotherhood a formidable opponent in the field.

4. Strong Brotherhood: The squadron members share a deep bond forged through their shared experiences and disillusionment. This camaraderie not only strengthens their resolve but also enhances their effectiveness as a unit in combat.

Notable Operations

1. Operation Masked Shadows: The Dawnbringers infiltrated a Republic outpost, gathering critical intelligence on troop movements and plans. They executed a stealthy extraction, leaving no trace of their presence.

2. The Siege of Coruscant’s Underbelly: In this operation, the squad coordinated with Crimson Dawn to launch an ambush on a Republic convoy transporting supplies. Utilizing tactical terrain advantage and their training, they decimated the convoy and secured vital resources for their new allies.

3. Sabotage of Jedi Communications: The Dawnbringers conducted a daring raid on a Jedi communications relay. By disabling vital relays, they crippled the Jedi’s ability to coordinate effectively during critical battles, sowing discord among the Republic’s forces.

Conclusion

The Dawnbringers, under Slick's command, embodies the complexities of the clone troopers' struggles with their identities, loyalty, and purpose. Their defection from the Republic marks a significant shift in allegiance, and they have embraced the chaotic and power-driven world of Crimson Dawn.

As they continue to execute high-stakes operations for Darth Maul, the Dawnbringers represents a potent mix of skill, strategy, and betrayal, standing as a testament to the shifting loyalties within the galaxy's tumultuous landscape.

[shroudthecursedone]

So I was left thinking of a more isolated Murder Drones scenario while out walking and this is what I came up with.

The Main Group consists of Six Drones; Three Military Grade Worker Drones formerly of the Copper 9 Security Forces, One Technician Drone formerly of the Copper 9 Machinery Branch, One Communications Type Worker Drone formerly of the Copper 9 Administration Sector, and finally a recovered and repaired copy of N.

The Group originally consisted of the five; Hank, Mae, Gunny, Doc, and Buzz.

The N copy was one that was too severely damaged and abandoned, they were replaced by the time the group recovered their N. They repaired him with Worker Drone parts and agreed to led him back to V and J.

N did not take kindly to being replaced by another N and did not take the idea that he might not be the original N either, he suffered a nervous breakdown which would result in his own version of the Solver awakening. He joins the quintet and takes the name Nemesis, vowing to find what of his past was real and what was lies.

Doc is Beau's father and Alice's lover, they fell in loved after he berated Alice on her poor skill in disassembling other drones while strapped down himself. They bonded while he showed her how to hone her skills, much to the limited dismay of her other captives and they remained in contact ever since.

Alice and Beau survive their canonical ends, the squad ends up rescuing the duo (and V) before taking their Drones with them elsewhere. The Squad pulls a "No Russian" on the Sentinel Drones, extracts Alice and Beau then fucks off.

The Squad is adorned in scavenged armour and optical equipment, they roam about the Planet. They use leftover infrastructure kindly left behind by the human populous to move about and base themselves out of, when not doing their own thing they operate as mercenaries in the Post-Absolute End Copper 9 society.

Nemesis has a grudge against N, V, and J.

Nemesis never reclaimed his old Disassembly Drone parts, choosing to keep his new Worker Drone parts as a sign of moving away from his old life and his broken past.

Eventually I will either try my hand at drawing them or just use Picrew to make my pictured images of the Nemesis and the Squad

[bullet-prooflove]

Washington!Series Part Nine: Anytime, Anyplace - Captain Joe Milius x Reader

Tagging: @crazy4chickennuggets @kmc1989 @oureternalbond @witches-unruly-heart @shhoooketh @greenies-green @thandesa91 @atomic-art-dragon @irishavengersassemble @factualfic @mydarkestsecretlol @burningpeachpuppy

Washington Series:

Part One: Washington - You and Joe spend the night together before he leaves for Washington.

Part Two: Positive - You call Joe for the first time in two months.

Part Three: Tonight (NSFW) - You and Joe get reaquainted after two months apart.

Part Four: Family - Joe finds out your secret.

Part Five: Distance - Joe finds the distamce challenging when he misses your first sonogram.

Part Six: Kicking - Joe feels his baby kick for the first time.

Part Seven: Charlie 1 - Charlie 1 shows up on your doorstep.

Part Eight: The Right One - Joe wonders if he's the right one for you.

Noah Joseph Milius is born in the conference room of your workplace, one week before your due to date. It’s your last day and you’re in the middle of working a case when he decides to make his appearance.

The problem is the majority of the island is currently experiencing a black out due to a ransomware attack on the power grid, so all of the emergency services are slammed.

Of all the scenarios you and Joe have planned for this is not one of them.

Joe’s been back in Hawaii for over two months by this point and has treated preparations for the new baby like a military operation. You’ve enjoyed having him around over the past few months, the pregnancy has been tough during the third trimester. You’re heavier than you expected, less agile and Joe has been picking up the slack.

You’re fortunate that the medical examiner Commander Carla Chase is still on site otherwise Ernie would have been delivering the baby in the breakroom and you’re not sure your friendship would have survived that.

It’s two hours into the labour that Joe makes it back to Pearl. He’s been fielding the relief operation since the power grid went down. He may have missed most of the milestones throughout your pregnancy, but he refuses to miss the birth. He’s with you throughout the duration, supporting, cajoling, motivating until his son enters the world, wailing.

When he holds Noah for the first time, he looks at you with tears in his eyes because he never imagined the turn his life would have taken when you met. His forehead comes to rest against yours as he cradles the baby close.

“Thank you.” He whispers. “Thank you for giving me this.”

***

It’s a month later that you find the package on your doorstep. You’re coming back from a walk on the beach with Joe, Noah asleep in the stroller when you stumble upon the sky-blue hat box with a shiny gold bow on top. There’s no delivery note, or shipping label. It’s clear that it’s just been dropped off.

“Who’s it from?” Joe asks when the two of you are in the house.

He has Noah cradled in the crook of his arm, a bottle in his hand as the baby guzzles the milk. He’s taken to fatherhood the same way he takes to everything else, with enthusiasm and dedication. Having a baby has been an eye-opening experience for the both of you.

You suddenly have this tiny creature who is dependant on you for everything and at times you find it terrifying, however Joe is always there, a steadying presence when you start to have doubts. Being a father comes as naturally to him as breathing.

You reach into the box and remove a teddy bear dressed in a tiny Hawaiian shirt and a pair of it’s very own aviators.

“I guess Charlie finally decided to reach out,” You say before withdrawing a box of Cuban cigars and a bottle of top shelf bourbon. It’s your brand, the same one he brought over the last time he dropped by. “I suppose we should be thankful he didn’t break in this time.”

Charlie had an irritating habit of turning up in places that he shouldn’t. You’d come home a few times in the past to find him sitting in the armchair, a half-eaten sandwich on the table and a bottle of beer in his hand. You knew you weren’t the only one it happened to.

You recognise the gesture for what it is. Charlie’s way of saying he’s done trespassing in your life because things have changed, you have a partner now, a baby. He respects that.

Joe sets the bottle down before using the corner of the towel he has slung over his shoulder to clear the milk that’s dribbled out of Noah’s mouth.

You pick up the card from the bottom of the box, it looks like one of the ones from the gas station a few blocks over. Its glossy and cheap with a picture of a stork on the front. You open it to find a phone number scrawled on the inside with the words.

“Anytime, anyplace.”

Love Joe ? Don’t miss any of his stories by joining the taglist here.

Like My Work? - Why Not Buy Me A Coffee

[knightprincess]

Forgive Me (Echo x Medic Reader) Part 19

Words: 2K Warnings: None - Does mention Clone Rebellion Pronouns used: She/Her - (Y/N) and (Y/L/N) also used

"Calm yourself, Echo," called Rex as he put the freighter he shared with the Arc Trooper and Gregor on autopilot. "Wolffe won't let anything happen to her, whether they're together or not," added the great captain, swiveling the pilot's chair around to face his companions, noticing Gregor seemed preoccupied with something. 

"She's with him," confidently replied Gregor, throwing his feet on the dashboard as he leaned back and relaxed a little more, a grin appearing across his lips mere moments later. "Didn't you hear?" asked the Commando, not wording he'd recognize Snap's giggle anywhere, especially when he purposely wound up Wolffe. 

"How do you know it was (Y/N) and not some civvie Wolffe picked up?" asked Echo, almost as if he assumed Wolffe was similar to Fives and Jesse, even Gregor himself, when it comes to the charm and ladies. His question only served to amuse Gregor, who loudly laughed while Rex shook his head as if trying to rid himself of unwanted mental images. 

"Wolffe ..." started Rex with a sigh before stopping, almost as if he searched for the right words. "He doesn't trust those outside of his circle, especially civvies..." continued the great captain, recalling the times in 79's when Wolffe had been somewhat relaxed but still on guard. "After the judgment and fear he received because of his eye, he grew colder to outsiders," explained Rex, trying to word the explanation in the kindest ways possible, determined not to offend the Commander even if he wasn't there. 

"Upon my return from The Void, I was assigned as her protector alongside Gruffles; I'd recognize her laughter anywhere," answered Gregor, once again nicknaming Wolffe, similar to how he'd nicknamed others around him based on their personality and his knowledge of them. "Plus, we have Cody's account; that has to count for something," he added, returning his gaze to the ordinary colors of hyperspace, almost welcoming the distraction despite knowing it wouldn't last long. 

"You'll see her soon enough. I'm sure Snap will be just as thrilled to see you as you are for her," spoke Rex, changing the subject to the impending reunion once more, almost seeing the irony. The scenario was almost an exact repeat of before, except now it was just Rex himself and Gregor instead of Clone Force 99, General Skywalker, and Rex. Instead of returning to a military base of operations on Anaxes, Snap is within the ranks of the GAR, serving with the 501st. Now, she was touring the length of the galaxy with Wolffe, hiding from the empire and their unknown desires and motivations. 

"I'll tell her about her family," voiced Gregor, seemingly lost in the swirls of hyperspace, although it was clear he was thinking of an impending reunion too. Rex and Echo glanced at each other, both still debating if it was a good idea to tell her Devika was the only family she truly had left. Octavius and Isolde had both been killed at the end of the war, and (Y/N)'s parents and other immediate family members had been killed not long after for one reason or another. Her parents vocally protested what happened at the Military Base. The others for trying to protect both Snap and Devika. "Good idea or not, Snap deserves to know the truth. It's better it comes from someone she trusts than allowing the imps to weaponize it." 

"Where is Devika now?" asked Echo, recalling the younger woman with a love for politics. Despite everything, she stood as a fighter for Clone Rights alongside senators Chuchi, Organa, and Mon Mathma. "I don't recall seeing her around the senate building," added the Arc Trooper, concern beginning to flood his voice, even more so when Omega had mentioned some she'd met when with Riyo. 

"The Queen of Naboo extended an invitation to her, she's been helping survives of the purge get away and hide" replied Rex, recalling briefly meeting the young politician when on Naboo before, at first he thought she was (Y/N), the two being almost identical. "The queen keeps her protected until the times right for her to return to the Senate, likely as a fully-fledged senator," added the great captain, hearing Gregor chuckle, noticing something few others seemed to recognize. 

"I wonder if they did that on purpose?" questioned Gregor, purposely being vague with his line of thought. Another chuckle fled his lips mere moments later upon glancing at Echo and Rex, seeing the confusion written across their features. "Snap and Wolffe running across the galaxy is distracting the imps to the point they haven't even realized Devika is probably the bigger threat. One refuses to give the empire what they want out of sheer stubbornness, and the other is basically building a rebellion," explained the Commando, seeing the irony in the situation. Almost as if the (Y/L/N) sisters had used the divide and conquer tactic against the empire. 

"If that was planned, they're doing a good job at it," replied Echo, a proud grin coming to his lips, even more so when their plan seemed to be working. "Tech would be proud," laughed the Arc Trooper, thinking of how Tech and the rest of the Bad Batch would respond. 

"So would the rest of the boys," added Rex, knowing all their brothers would be proud of what the (Y/L/N) sisters had managed to do, even if it was unintentional. "And General Skywalker," he added, thinking of the unorthodox Jedi Knight he'd served under for the entirety of the war. Deep down, Rex liked to think the General would be pleased his creative thinking had rubbed off the civvie medic and the senator. "I think Senator Amidala would be proud too; I'm sure if she was still here, she'd be doing as Devika is now," sorrowfully added Rex, sadness glimmering in his eyes to think of all those lost at the end of the war for various reasons. 

"Speaking of planned things," started Gregor, pulling his feet from the dashboard, being careful not to catch any buttons and leavers. "How do you plan to sway old Wolffee to join your rebellion?" curiously worded the Commando, suspecting it would be no easy feat to convince the Commander to join the ranks of the growing clone rebellion. "And the rest of Clone Force 99?" he added with haste, suspecting Rex had a plan to convince the three remaining lads of the Bad Batch to join them. 

"Hunter, Tech, and Wrecker have Omega to think about; her safety is the number one priority for them," voiced Rex, acknowledging in order for the rest of the bad batch to fight, they would have to be sure Omega would be protected. "As for Wolffe, it shouldn't be much trouble; convincing Snap will be far harder," he replied, knowing the plan Cody had thought of would certainly help, but it relied on (Y/N) and put her in more danger than she was already in. It involved putting her into the heart of the empire's secret goings-on. 

"Convince Snap of what?" asked Echo, quickly deciphering he wasn't going to like the answer. Still, he pushed the growing fear and judgment of the situation aside to listen with a clear mind. Rex could only sigh, whereas Gregor clearly displayed his disagreement with Cody's plan; even if it would help them, he was still insistent it wasn't worth the risk. 

"Before Cody went looking for General Kenobi, he shared a plan with Rex. It would help with the rebellion and freeing our brothers, but it will also put (Y/N) in the heart of all the danger," worded Gregor, displeasure dripping from his normally smooth voice as he slumped back into the co-pilot chair he'd occupied as if protesting against the idea once again. 

"We know clones within the imperial ranks and prisons are disappearing. They're transferred to a secret facility somewhere and never heard from or mentioned again. Cody theorized they were doing experiments on them, he'd heard whispers of a top secret project, Death or Dark Troopers" wearily began Rex as if he was doubting his own judgement for agreeing with the idea in the first place. It was dangerous, and (Y/N) was no soldier, "Snap was supposed to be transferred to the Advanced Science Division when the war ended, but Wolffe, with help from Fox, got to her first. The Science Division is also involved in the disappearances; at first, I thought it was a coincidence, but the more time that passes, the more I believe whoever runs the division had a purpose for wanting (Y/N)," added Rex, sighing as the truth was slowly dawning on him, why the empire wanted to send Snap to such as place. 

"To use her as a weapon against us," voiced Gregor, pointing out the obvious answer as well as displaying his disagreement with practically handing Snap to the Science Division on a silver platter. "We clones are loyal to her. We're her army. Who better to use against us?" added the Commando, thinking like the enemy to come to the only logical answer there was. Snap wasn't going to join the empire willingly; the imperials knew it, so her purpose was to be a tool, leverage to force clones to do what the imperials wanted. 

"I agree with Gregor," stated Echo, not willing to put Snap in danger, especially if there was another way to get what they needed without taking such a risk. "I know (Y/N) would be willing to do this, especially if it meant furthering something she believed in, but I couldn't bear it if she were hurt or killed. I almost lost her once; I can't take that risk knowing this time she might not come back," added the Arc Trooper for once, listening to his heart rather than his head. Finally, he admitted how it felt being parted from Snap for almost a year, how it felt like he had lost her. He'd already mourned what could have been had the war ended differently, mourned the life he could have shared with her. He didn't want to go through the grief of actually losing her, as he had done with so many brothers, as he had done with Fives and Jesse, and so many others.

"Told you," victoriously spoke Gregor. "Old Wolffee isn't gonna be a walk in the park either."  

"And if Snap agrees to the plan?" asked Rex, knowing the opinions of his brothers mattered, but so did (Y/N)'s. What would they do if she agreed to do as Cody suggested? What would any of them do if she willingly joined the Advanced Science Division as a mole? "I know Wolffe would protest, but he'd also do what he could to protect her, even if that meant telling her she's an idiot," added the great Captain, recognizing the danger and Wolffe protesting. After all, protecting Snap was the only duty Wolffe likely felt he had left; there was little doubt the Commander wouldn't be so quick to let it go, especially if he were aware the civvie medic still needed him as much as he needed her. 

"I would reluctantly agree. I know better than to argue back with her," quietly replied Gregor, as if he were a cadet again being scolded on Kamino. After all, he was well aware it was pointless trying to convince Snap not to do something, especially if she'd already made her mind up about it. "I'd do everything in my power to make sure she's as safe as possible and has the support needed to complete her mission." 

"I would say try and convince her otherwise, but I know she's more stubborn than a Rancor at feeding time," commented Echo, knowing his Civvie Medic could be far more determined and stubborn than the best of soldiers. She could be more savvy than the politicians in the Senate if she had to be, and she was as fearless as the Jedi once were. But that didn't mean he wasn't afraid of losing her; they'd both survived one war, but there was no guarantee they would survive another; the Empire was far crueler than both the republic and the separatists combined, cold and ruthless when it came to dealing with their enemies. 

Series Masterlist

[sepublic]

            What gets me is that the Federation initially didn’t want to clone Metroids, if their orders for Samus to exterminate all of them on SR388 was any indication; When Samus brought back the Infant, that was against their orders. She must’ve made a case to the Federation, who only then changed their mind.

            Because we know the Metroid breeding program only happened using the Infant’s DNA; The Infant was NOT supposed to survive. At best, maybe the Federation hinged on extracting DNA samples from Samus’ armor after her mission on SR388, if Other M was any indication… But that was written well after Fusion, and anyhow, this hinges on Samus letting the Federation operate on her after a mission, which doesn’t make much sense to me imo. I’m ignoring most of Other M for obvious reasons.

            My point being: I could see this translating better into the original intention by Sakamoto for the Federation to not be a monolith (like many governments), and have some within it, this “Old Federation army,” who wants to exploit Metroids for military and other purposes. The prevailing order was for the Metroids to be wiped out and unused, but others saw their chance when Samus returned with the Infant.

            Maybe the choice to preserve and study it on Ceres came from a similar sentimentality, and a desire not to commit total genocide; And/or others supported it because they were war hawks. It’s hard to say for sure the distinction, and if some even held both ideas in varying degrees.

            I think it’d be worth bringing up during the scene in the Fusion arc where Samus confronts AI Adam over the existence of Sector Zero. Adam tries to get Samus to calm down, and then brings up this only happened because of her sentimentality; If she’d followed orders, none of this would’ve happened. Samus caused this, for the reasons she is seeing now, he argues; She should’ve seen it coming, and embrace the arguments she made. Furthermore, the research of Ceres and Sector Zero was what saved Samus from the X to begin with; And given Metroids are the only way to combat the X (short of just nuking everything), this ended up quite justified.

            Samus does retort that the Federation didn’t know of the X when they cloned the Metroids; That was NOT a motive. And the Space Pirates have been vanquished on Zebes, reduced to roaming cells and gangs. If they haven’t been resolved yet at this point in the timeline, Adam brings up the Kriken Empire, who themselves attempted to capture a Metroid to reverse-engineer for their Biomorph tech; Samus herself participated in preventing this. And who knows what other threats are out there…?

            When Adam insists the Metroid breeding program has non-military purposes as well, Samus sarcastically asks him to list them. He does, without hesitation; The Metroids could be used as a clean energy source, able to extract energy from living beings, and then transfer them into technology. Samus herself was subject to this by the Infant on SR388. Their indestructible, healing nature could be applied for medicinal practices; Indeed, their ability to interact with a mysterious ‘life force’ could also revolutionize healthcare. It could be used to instantly heal injuries otherwise; Or gradually heal the ‘impossible’ ones.

            Samus, unhesitating, says she believes Adam about the Federation using Metroids this way. She also believes they will use Metroids to slaughter all of their enemies. Both of these can be true. And the presence of the latter is why she can’t trust the Federation with Metroids, not after what Sylux had shown her; For a while, Samus saw it was just the exception, the inevitable worst-case scenario behind any system or policy. After all, she believed in mercy, while recognizing that sometimes, mercy could backfire. But on a whole, it was more beneficial and kind than not.

            (Did mercy not lead to this Metroid breeding program? Does Samus feel paradoxical regret; She shouldn’t have destroyed the Metroids, but if she went this far she should’ve seen it all the way through? Then this wouldn’t have happened… Maybe the Infant wouldn’t have suffered as it did if it just died immediately.)

            But now Samus realizes: Sylux was right. The Federation can’t be trusted, not when this one bad scenario could mean the deaths of millions, and doom the galaxy as a whole. Ironically, Samus repeats what the original Adam said, to justify the deaths of the Metroids, to an AI version she doesn’t realize is the same, who is arguing in favor of keeping them alive: This is why we can’t have nice things.

            Adam pauses; Do these words stir something in his databanks? Finally, he continues: It’s out of Samus’ hands anyway, there’s a more immediate threat that the Chozo recognized as such, hence creating Metroids… Etc.