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bookishardor · 1 year

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A Last Journey to Lorien~

Or, A Dream Comes True Again.

In October 2019 I wrote a short blog entry about a course of events that I could owe to a book I pulled from a box in eleven years earlier.

The Ape Who Guards the Balance by Elizabeth Peters set the trajectory of my life on that otherwise unremarkable day, and the knowledge that I simply skipped home none the wiser of how deeply it and its author would affect my life still gives me goosebumps.

I have looked back at that moment countless, and at all the moments that stemmed from it, with elated and sometimes stupefied astonishment. Moments that include choosing to attend Hood College because I read MPM lived in Frederick and had an honorary degree from that institution, pursuing my budding interest in archaeology/art history and Egyptology, and even traveling to Egypt.

After graduating college, I discovered and helped cultivate the most amazing community of fans on Twitter, and through that channel TeamRamses and Beth Mertz, MPM’s daughter. The two of them have been such joys to get to know and talk to on social media, the main forum for the MPM fans I know. It’s not often I run across people who know the books in real life, so being able to talk to fans from around the world online is important to me.

Funnily enough, it is rarer for me to find casual fans of MPM’s work than it is for me to find people who actually knew her.

In 2017 with the launch of The Painted Queen, I met the owner of Wonder Book, Chuck, who had been dear friends with MPM, as well as Ray and Jay, Egyptologists who not only knew MPM, but also purchased and moved into her Frederick home a few years after her death.

Eventually I would come to work at Wonder Book, and in that fateful October of 2019, I was invited to see the house and gardens, MPM’s Lorien.

One might suppose with that jewel in my proverbial crown, that this would be the end of a superbly lovely and incredible tale.

Oh, Dear Reader, it was not the end.

At the end of April of this year, I had the privilege to attend Malice Domestic—an annual conference of mystery writers and readers. TeamRamses and myself were kindly invited by Beth to be a part of the fun in honoring her mother, and while I was only able to be there for that Saturday’s events, I had the most wonderful time.

I brought along my mother and one of my best friends—my roommate from college actually, so you could say I kind of owe MPM even more for the push that had me attending Hood—and we had a blast listening to the panels and walking the book room. You all likely know how hard it was for me to not snatch up a million books to buy in that room…

And then it was time for the panel. And here is where I met TeamRamses for the first time in person. There is something so special about meeting someone who loves a book series and author just as much as you do, even if online, and then to finally be able to hug and talk face to face. And TeamRamses is so easy to talk to, and so insightful about books and fandom. Chatting with her on the balcony outside later in the evening while we waited for the banquet was delightful. We talked books and television, and brought up all of our favorite topic: Who is your dream Amelia Peabody cast? Maybe we can run a panel on that someday. Or better yet, a panel about a show itself! Wishful thinking, I know.

The authors gathered on the panel for MPM discussed her amazing characters and her lasting influence over their own works. As soon as Gigi Pandian opened the discussion on Amelia, with an introduction along the lines of, “Peters’ most famous and beloved heroine” I felt a suspicious tingling in my eyes. As Amelia might say, just a bit of dust, nothing more!

But truthfully, I felt briefly overwhelmed. It’s been nearly 10 years since MPM’s passing, but being in a roomful of people celebrating her and thinking of Amelia and seeing her so vividly in my mind as I have for 15 years, sort squeezed the breath from me for a second. All of this culminated when we all realized that Barbara Rosenblatt, the voice of Amelia, was in the crowd and graciously answered a fan’s question, and illuminated us all on MPM’s more mischievous side.

When it was time for the banquet later that evening, I was seated at the same table as Gigi Pandian and some of MPM’s old friends; her veterinarian and her husband and son. It definitely still hits me in hindsight, how incredibly lucky I was to have gotten that seat. To be able to talk to an author so influenced by MPM. To hear first-hand accounts from the friends that knew her so well, including a riveting tale involving a treed raccoon and some rather presumptuous hunters. I have added each little detail I’ve picked up from her friends to my ever-increasing regard for the woman. In hearing these stories, I know I am beyond fortunate.

At the next table, Beth and TeamRamses sat with Beth’s family and Chuck. Barbara Rosenblatt was also in their set, and when I turned suddenly to find Chuck standing with her at my side…Reader, you should have seen how wide my eyes got. I could feel them become starry saucers. I shook her hand and thanked her—in my mind for all of the beautiful narration she has done for the Amelia books and beyond—though in reality it probably looked like I was just thanking her for standing next to me. Let’s be honest, I kind of was. Chalk one up for me being completely calm and smooth, certainly. If you ever read this, Barbara, I promise I’m more eloquent when I’m not star-struck!

Unfortunately, I was unable to stay for the entire award ceremony that night, but I took with me so much from that dinner and the people I shared it with. To them I also wish to say, “Thank you.”

The drive home gave me time to reflect. What a wonderful day. What a wonderful gathering of people. What a wonderful woman MPM had been. I turned to my friend, not for the first time that day mind you, and asked, “So when are you gonna read Amelia?”

On the following Sunday I was invited, along with my mother and TeamRamses, to visit Lorien again once more before Ray and Jay move.

Now, as I said before, I’d been to Lorien once, in the fall of 2019. But coming around that corner and seeing the house on that little rise again…

At this rate, I feel most everyone has seen photos of the house and gardens. I don’t know if I could paint that same scene with words that can’t be gleaned from those images. If you have not seen the photos, you can likely Google the real-estate listing, or find it on the Facebook fan page: Another Shirt Ruined. I recommend it; they’re a feast for the eyes.

Nothing I say could do it justice, but there are a few things that can’t be extricated from photos, and I’ll do my best to explain here.

Once the visual beauty and appeal of the home has settled around you the next thing you notice is the scent. In fact, you may notice it as soon as you enter the solarium, but the architecture and bright glass walls of the room dazzle, where the smell calms. It permeates the air until you can’t help but pay attention, until it ensconces itself in your memory. Weeks later and I can still recall it; I think I always will be able to.

I’m not exactly sure what it was entirely. Lavender, undoubtedly, as Jay had it hanging in the kitchen, but also the earthy smells of the garden and trees outside. And perhaps, the stone itself imparted a lingering trace of aroma. The overall effect was dreamy and sweet and I could only imagine many a quiet, rainy day in that room, sipping coffee and dozing while the rain ran down the windows and accentuated the smell of the air.

The next thing you notice is the love.

It’s in the very bones of that house. It’s in MPM’s desk and chair that were still in situ. It’s in the bookshelves and artwork and posters that were still hanging in the rooms and up the stair case. It’s in the custom Egyptian murals of the bathroom and the tiles on the kitchen floor and backsplash. And of course, it’s in the gardens; where beloved pets were buried and where so much time and care was given to creating a paradise. It’s in the stories I heard about gatherings and exploits her friends and family recalled.

And that’s where the love was most. In the people that gathered at the open house that day.

As we all walked the rooms of the home, listening to Beth and asking questions, I know we all fell into pockets of personal reverie. Where we could just imagine the life of the woman who’d lived there, who’d filled each room with her blazing personality. It felt like that I had actually met her before, in a sense. And it felt like I could turn a corner and find her there, petting a cat or tending a plant, or writing away at her desk.

After a tour of the house, TeamRamses, my mother, and I took a turn through the garden, ruminating on all the reasons why it would be so easy to never leave the property. It’s simply idyllic, even in the misty weather of that day.

And love was to be found lastly in the performance given by Barbara Rosenblatt.

As a delightful treat for all of us, before she had to drive back up to NYC, Barbara read an except from The Curse of the Pharaohs, the second book in the Amelia Peabody series. Fans will know the scene well—where Amelia and Emerson return to Evelyn’s to collect their progeny…little baby Walter Peabody Emerson.

Ramses, to those of us who know him best.

It was surreal to stand there in MPM’s home and listen to Barbara read. I’m still in a daze thinking about it. A little teary, too. I never gave audio books the time of day until I thought to try the Amelia recordings as a reread method. And to hear her voice come alive in the home where so many of the stories were written? To hear Emerson bellow and Evelyn laugh, to hear baby Ramses proclaim in somber, serious tones, “it is a femuw. A femuw of a winocowus…”

I have said before that somewhere in my mind and heart, I am always in the desert of Amarna with Amelia and Emerson. The first book in the series is my favorite for so many reasons, least of which is the nostalgia and peace it brings me. My original copy is well loved, and I know pieces of it by heart. Part of me is sitting with them at the fire, looking at the stars and listening to the jackals, chiding Walter and Evelyn’s young love, and scoffing at Lucas. Part of me is always snickering at the feelings brewing between Amelia and Emerson, even as he sets his own pocket on fire and she bosses him around.

In the same vein, I know part of me will always be standing in that solarium with MPM’s nearest and dearest, listening to Barbara read. The smell of lavender, rain, and stone in the air, the sound of all our laughter, and the sense of MPM just out of eyeshot, chuckling with us all.

I write my own story, from time to time. I’m not very disciplined with it, at least, not as much as I used to be. I have varying feelings about it, and I don’t imagine it will ever be much more than a tale of my own whimsy. But I do feel like every time I add even a little bit to it, that I’m adding to a love letter to MPM. And I do think I could add endlessly to a love letter to MPM. Writing my story, reading her books, talking to fans and friends on Twitter—it’s my way of saying thank you, thank you, thank you a million times over to an author I owe so much to.

So does the story end with the last visit to Lorien, the last glimpse into the sanctuary of a woman I can only wish to have met? Maybe. But so many things have happened these last 15 years that can find threads trailing back to my decision to read that book.

I can’t wait to see where she leads me next.

#amelia peabody #elizabeth peters #mpm #barbara mertz #barbara michaels #mine #blog post #essay

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jinxedyaart · 11 months

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A little too Similar part 4

A/N This is still story building but I got some wips of when they hang out more together I promise!

Leo fixes up their posture, putting up the happy face before starting to guide the group again. As they continued the tour of the outside building, spewing out facts of certain places they've passed. Arms pointing at different points of interest as they chatted. Passing a few omnics outside the building with relatively normal looking clothing, expect for the guns they carried on their sides. They were outside guards from what it seemed.

Looping the visitors back inside the building, going back to the main statue again. Leading them down the stairs behind it to the real facility. The little one, once again was looking down at the stairs rather than forward, reaching out for Valen's arm for balance. Which the omnic happily responded in putting his arm out, helping leo walk down them. Gaining a bit of interest from the others as they looked at the captain infront of them. Clearly confused as to why they did that. Before anyone could point out the strange actions, they stopped as they came face to face with the double doors. Valen put his arm down to rush over to them, forcing the doors to open as wide as they could to accommodate the size of the party. As leo fixed their glasses, two other omnics whipped their attention to the sudden movement. Racing over to hold open the doors with their legs, looking down at their captain passing through. Saluting at them as quickly as they could. Both echoing a 'good morning captain.' Leo replied with a simple 'good morning boys' continuing down the room.

"This is the real facility in which we make and sprouse up our latest equipment. Our best normally hang around their work, only moving around if asked most of the time. Since some of their work gets damaged from the outside gangs while they patrol just outside the umm.. just outside the uh...the uhh.."

Leo froze up in the spot, whole expression confused as they tried to remember what that word was. Scrunching their small eyebrows, snapping their fingers just in front of their chest as if to force themself to remember. Tipping their head subtly to the left, then shifting it back straight. Mumbling ums and uhs, shifting to Valen who tilted their head to Leo. Mimicking their captain's train of thought.

"What's the word I'm looking for.. like area but not exactly area.. like the outside of what I protect.."

They questioned the omnic who also was similarly stumped, being brought out of his train of thought by Winston's voice.

"The parameter? Is that what you mean?"

He asks, fixing his glasses as well as his posture. Walking up to the small one infront of them.

"YES! Ah thanks Winston."

Leo spun around to face the ape on the other side of them, a grateful smile on their face. Spinning back to lead the party to their facility's conference room.

Passing some more workers and projects on the way. The group scanned around the large space curiously. Spotting different cliches working around the space. People fixing trucks and cars alike. Omnics and humans alike at a table cleaning up a quick game of cards in a small hidden corner made from the spaces in-between said vehicles. Few of those who worked under Leo turned to the Overwatch group as they passed, smiling at them from where they were. The little one came to a halt, ending up in front of a glass door. Taking out some keys from one of their pants pockets. At first struggling to find the right key. Showing the right one to Valen then promptly putting it inside the door handle, easing the door open. The room was similar to the one the Overwatch company has, just with a bigger table and barely any windows to point outside. In the middle of the room was the same table with holographic abilities, a few differences was it didn't show a globe and it had more compartments hidden just under the screen. Portraying the block they protect instead. The table was slightly covered at one end with drawings while the other was as clean as it could be with some scratches showing signs of frequent use as of recent. Simple office chairs lined the sides of it while the top and bottom end had chairs equivalent to those of top gamers. One a navy blue almost black while the other had a similar shade of money green all over it. Just behind the green chair was a white board with a few times written on it. A schedule on the top left hand side written out in black marker. Next to it was the date and a few magnets holding up a variety of things. Ranging from child like drawings to pictures of a few random people who seemed more akin to possible gangsters. In bold letters was todays date and OVERWATCH COMING in blue marker taking over most of the board. Behind the board was some fake plants, certain leaves had some punctures on it clearly the animals chewed on it. The wall behind the navy blue chair was a few more screens well TVs. Varying in sizes from medium to large, displaying a more recent photo of the siblings as a screen saver. Another screen had 4 animals as the screen saver. 2 large dogs and 2 normal cats. The dogs had their mouths open in a doggy smile while one cat napped and the other sat right in the middle of the dogs as if it was guarded by them. On the right side wall was a single window showing the backyard of the top building. Along with some more photos lined next to it. Looking down next to the same chair were two large pet beds. One purely black on the left and a nice off white covered in different colored furs to the right. Across from it was the open glass door or well the only door to enter and exit from. The wall a cloudy glass to have some privacy from the workers, but who ever entered the room could see clearly out the door.

"Apologies for the dog beds. I hope you're all not allergic. My dogs tend to stay in here while I'm out and about on business around the block. But they are home at the moment probably whining or messing with the cats."

Spoken out so nonchalantly as they close the door once they confirmed everyone made it inside the spacious room. Flicking on some more artifical light since the screens did little to illuminate that large room well for a meeting of this nature. They needed to make the right atmosphere for a good sounding meeting and being in a dim room with screens screamed malicious intent.

Taking their seats besides Leo and Valen who were still standing. Moving to where the navy blue chair was. Pushing it back to grab some papers from a cabinet in the table then pushing the chair to their body to sit down at the table. Valen was still standing right next to said chair, arms crossed out of view. Turning his attention to his captain awaiting the meeting to start.

Getting comfortable, Leo puts the folder down onto the table. Touching a few holograms to bring up a few more bits of information. Placing their left elbow on the table, holding up their head by their cheek.

"Now let's officially begin. Formally, I am known as Siren, my code name. My real name is Leo E Varela-Gonzales, the new leader of El Cielo de Puerto Rico. Though many know my eldest brother by his Code name Fuego as the leader. But due to some familial issues he has past on and it befell me to continue this company in his honor. I've been watching the Overwatch company for many years, cheering on from the sidelines. From my younger years to the first and second disbanding. Hearing the controversy of the black watch organization and other things that you have all heard of before I'm sure. Once I've caught wind of Overwatch coming back, I've cultivated as much as I could and messaged you, Winston, once I felt I've had enough to give you."

They fix up their posture so both elbows rested on the table, linking their fingers together to form a concave plateau which their chin could rest on. Slanting their head noticably with a small smile on their lips. The air changing around them as they did so. A slightly amused yet alluring all at the same time.

"I offer Armies of men willing to fight for you, Guns and Ammunition for all soldiers, Vehicles which can withstand even the strongest of attacks. More doctors well trained but willing to know more from the ones you have such as Dr Angela. I even offer up my own services and abilities as well, in this fight.. All I ask for in return is equal protection and assistance for what I protect."

Angela turned to leo in surprise that they also had doctors on hand. Not that she minded training others but it still surprised her. Their dark eyes focused on Winston's face to show their serious of this offer as they finished their proposal. Smile dropping quickly in an effort to physically show it. Never once really turning to the blue eyed doctor to fully gage her expression. Leo knows they are making an offer they can't refuse easily. They know they captured their needs perfectly. Awaiting a rebuttal from the leader across from them. Leering around the room for anyone to answer or to simply affirm, only to have the cowboy enraptured the void's gaze. His brown eyes catching the little one's void like eyes, inhaling the aura in the room.

"What kinds of abilities do ya have? If ya don mind me askin' Sweetheart."

He sat back more comfortably with a cocky attitude filling the air around him. Their soft features slowly crinkle up into a smile. A challenge is what he's asking really but Leo knew better than to take up a man with such an attitude just yet. Mei was the first to nod her head in agreement to the cowboy, with the others soon following suit. They were all curious about what else they can tribute physically to the team.

Leo responded with opening the folder on the table and bringing back a few holographic files as well. Spinning both to better show the group. Sprawling out the paper files on the table so each could take a good look at each one. Opening and closing their thumb and pointer finger to the holographic one to make it bigger for the group as well. A picture was on the top right hand corner of each paper file. Everyone could tell it was an older picture of them in their youth. Their long curly dark brown hair cascaded down their soft oval face. Big glasses held up by an un pierced nostrils, the septum was still there though. Their eyes a warmer tint to it as a small cute smile scrunched up their upper lip into said barbell. The files all had different dates on top the pages. With the paper ones being oldest and holographic ones being the newest iteration.

"I'm sure you all know the mythical creatures of folklore called sirens. They have the ability to hypnotize any and all who find it attracted to it or even weak minded people who desire an alluring creature for more promiscuous things. Their sharp claws and assassin like reflexes are also another thing they've been told to have. I however have the same singing ability and claws which the same rules apply although I am unable to shape-shift nor control water. My nails can grow out or unsheath like a cat in a way. I can also control the frequency of my voice with the newer modifications that my doctor has made on my vocal cords. All here in these specific files about myself. My skills are best suited for undercover jobs which Intel is obtained or possible crowd control if the event ever arises. However I am more of a glass cannon when it comes to hand to hand combat. I have the ability to send out kicks with full force but after a few punchs from the enemy I'm out of the fight. So I do use more back handed um.. tactics to tilt the fight in my favor. Street rules as my brothers and I liked to call it."

They move to grab another holographic file, a more indepth version of what their powers can do. All their training and even all modifications of their body as well can be read on the large file. Some even had a few doctor notes at the bottom which caught Angela's eyes. These were newer and clearly more experimental if anything. That's what truly caught the doctor's attention. Shifting her eyes back up as they noticed a small blur of movement to the side Leo's body. Seeing they were pointing with their full arm to Valen, who didn't seem to care much.

"Valen here is like my amplifier which helps me reach more people if I need an entire group to hypnotize or make dormit. But if you require my services for specific jobs then he will have to stay and watch over this place in my absence. Lucio might be a good substitute if the situation calls for it."

Winston grabs a few paper files, skimming the lines of each one. Even angela takes one as she would be the head doctor to assure the modifications wouldn't be malfunctioning. She read over the doctors notes first, her face slowly going back to the little one then back down. Leo pauses to allow everyone to fully read the files, fixing up her right elbow to the table to hold her head from her cheek. She holds onto the paper with a slight worry, turning to her leader then back at the little one. Once Winston had his full of information, he puts down the files one by one. Looking at the holographic one last, stretching out his hand with a small 'may i?'. Hearing a small 'of course' from Leo. Giving him the holograph with a small smile.

"How do you have all of these things in just a few years?"

The mammal questioned, voice laced with both worry but also conviction as he passed his eyes over it. Clearly he was worried this was from underground means. The question doesn't throw them off instead they looked more used to being asked it rather than afraid of answering it.

"Some were given to us from the blocks older gangsters which knew my brother in his um.. his wilder days, if i must say. Some are from government officials who live in the area as well who gave us better connections. They also helped with certain, more powerfull equipment. Hell, even the guards who protect the outside of this very building are old gangsters who met my eldest brother when he was 20 years of age. These people watched my growth and respect me enough to put a few cents into the cause. So some are from more older questionable means but the rest are given to us from the same government that assisted you back in the day. So dont think its all bad news or something along those lines, please.."

They reiterated back to him. Flicking up a few glass chips on the table's screen protector with the tip of their thumb nail. Valen smacked their hand softly to stop them from messing the screen more infront of company. He found it rude to do that in front of others in this building no less. The tone they spoke with filled the others with a slight calm. Shifting their small body against the chair, pushing themself into the back of it. Kicking up their legs over their chest in retaliation of Valen's hand smack. The small sound produced from it grab the attention of the others, all whipping their head to the proximity of it. Seeing Leo making themself more comfortable in the chair, rocking back in forth just subtly. Rubbing the new reddening part of their back hand from the smack.

"Like I said beforehand, I've spent the past 4 or so years cultivating as much as I could from those who are willing, to even have a good offer for you. While this company has been under my care, I've made sure that people didn't have anything against me to use against you in the upcoming battle."

They backed their body away from their table, linking their hands in front of their legs. Perching their cheek on their right knee, closing one eye before yawning a bit. Opening their eye again to do a half lidded stare across the room at Winston. Not noticing the ninja slowly growing worry as they moved.

"I ain't no black watch, i'll tell you that. The record for this place is as squeaky clean as it can be. We are very open armed to any and all that need us. We feed the people here with home cooked meals. Children run around the streets woth no fear of dying anymore. I personally don't want overwatch to be in a fight without a few allies. And I'm trying to make sure you're all aware I have many helpful allies I can give you, as long as you're willing to protect my things in return. I'm not asking for a pardon nor am I asking for potential hush money or secret deals. I wanna help the same people who helped many other families in the omnic crisis. This time, we wanna help you in return. A form of payment to you for protecting us."

Their head lifts just a tad off their knees, a lazy smile on their lips. Eyes a dull shining black as they buzzed around the room to each face. Stopping at Winston's form getting up from the table. Making Leo nervous that they may have done something wrong. As they even begin to spew out apologies, The large mammal smiles.

"I'm glad we had this meeting with you then. You sure know how to talk you're way into things haha! I was at first nervous about this and I'm sure everyone one was."

He opens his arms to motion his side of the room. Angela stands up with Winston, nodding her head then the others follow suit. Genji was at first nervous but stood when Angela's hand touched his shoulder armor. She begins with a happy tinge to her voice. He stood up looking at Leo's expression. Clearly they too were nervous from the sudden motion everyone took.

"We welcome you to Overwatch, Captain!"

As Angela spoke, Winston moves towards Leo, extending his hand for a handshake. His face a full friendly smile. Cautiously getting out of their chair, they scanned the room again. The air felt exciting, it shook them to their core. They did it! They finally are moving their dream along! Overwatch now had an agreement for their company. As they stood up, they smiled gleefully at Winston. Zipping over to take his large hand into theirs. Cupping one hand over his and shaking it firmly. A soft shriek leaving their throat.

"I'm glad we both came to an understanding! I won't let you down, I'm sure of it!"

The group chuckles a bit from their response. They giggle nervously as the group did. Pausing the shaking to look up at Valen who handed Winston a card.

"This is our card with many different ways to contact both Leo and me if you can't reach them. So please keep in touch with us. Or maybe we could set up an appointment to see the overwatch base."

The pair nod to each other then to the others in the room. This would be a great help moving forward. For both parties and both know it.

As the meeting sadly came to an end, Overwatch had to go back to their base to continue fixing up some more. And with the few gifts in hand from Leo, they'll be well prepared for it. Bits of strong metal and some blue prints they had for modifications of their own vehicles were the gifts given to them. Winston held onto the metal carefully, not wanting to hit anyone with it on the way to the jet. Leo, of course, walked them back out to the jet, staying at the door, not wanting to get too close to the jet. shaking hands with a few people. Winston got yet another handshake,and so did Angela, Mei, Lucio and lastly Cole. He tipped his head down and winked at the little one with a smile. Genji and Lena being the only two whom didn't get a handshake. Lena was already in the pilot seat waving happily as she got her gear on, meanwhile genji held onto the blue prints and stayed a bit closer to the jet waiting for both Angela and Cole to board first. His gaze falling to their body language. He could tell they werent used to getting up early with how much fatigue was written all over them. Nodding his head down to Leo as a goodbye as he finished scanning them.

"We can't wait to host ya in our point Lil Missy. Maybe we can put those skills of yours to the test.. I'd certainly enjoy seeing what you could do."

Cole spoke smugly as he walked backwards to the jet, nearly bumping into genji who was awaiting his friend to finish his "flirting". Scoffing at the man's attempts. He was cocky with how he flirted with them. He was toying and genji knew it. He was then slightly shocked by the reply Cole managed to get from Leo.

"Oh I'm sure you'd enjoy seeing what I could do Lil Cowboy. Who knows maybe I'll surprise you. You'd definitely enjoy that."

They laugh a bit in their response. Both men were taken aback from the firey response Cole managed to get. Leo shifts their weight a bit, blowing a kiss to Cole before laughing even more at the cowboy's open mouth. Now it was Genji's turn to laugh a bit, as he turned to his friend's face who couldnt recover quickly from shock. This is going to be fun for him and they both know it. Someone whose willing to playfully flirt back to Cole with no hesitation.. genji wasn't gonna hear the end of it.

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warningsine · 8 months

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WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. fighter jets launched airstrikes early Friday on two locations in eastern Syria linked to Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps, the Pentagon said, in retaliation for a slew of drone and missile attacks against U.S. bases and personnel in the region that began early last week.

The strikes reflect the Biden administration’s determination to maintain a delicate balance. The U.S. wants to hit Iranian-backed groups suspected of targeting the U.S. as strongly as possible to deter future aggression, possibly fueled by Israel’s war against Hamas, while also working to avoid inflaming the region and provoking a wider conflict.

Air Force Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder said Friday that the strikes near Boukamal by F-16 and F-15 fighter aircraft targeted a weapons storage facility and ammunition storage facility used by the IRGC and affiliated groups. “Both facilities were destroyed,” he said. “We currently assess there were no casualties in the strikes.”

A senior U.S. military official said there had been Iranian-aligned militia and IRGC personnel on the base and no civilians. The official would not say how many munitions were launched by the jets.

A senior defense official said the sites were chosen because the IRGC stores the types of munitions there that were used in the strikes against U.S. bases and troops. The two officials briefed reporters after the strikes on condition of anonymity to provide details on the mission that had not yet been made public.

Syrian opposition activists confirmed the U.S. strikes in Syria’s eastern province of Deir el-Zour. Omar Abu Layla, a Europe-based activist who heads the Deir Ezzor 24 media outlet, said the main target was an area known as “the farms” outside the town of Mayadeen. He said it is an important transit site where weapons from Iran are stored before being shipped to Lebanon.

He said the second strike hit an area known as the “green belt” in the Boukamal area that borders Iraq. According to Abu Layla, some people were evacuated before the strikes because the retaliation was expected. The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, an opposition war monitor, said ambulances were seen rushing to the area but it wasn’t clear if there were casualties.

Meanwhile Friday, an Iranian semiofficial news agency, Tasnim, said gunmen in east Syria fired 10 rockets on a base housing American troops in retaliation for the U.S. airstrikes. A U.S. official confirmed the rocket attack and said there were no reported casualties.

And the Islamic Resistance in Iraq, an umbrella group for several Iran-backed groups, said fighters attacked al-Assad airbase in western Iraq with a suicide drone. U.S. officials said it was shot down a few kilometers away and did not hit the base.

According to the Pentagon, as of Friday there had been at least 20 attacks on U.S. bases and personnel in Iraq and Syria since Oct. 17. Ryder said 21 U.S. personnel were injured in two of those assaults when drones targeted al-Assad airbase in Iraq and al-Tanf garrison in Syria.

In a statement, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said the “precision self-defense strikes are a response to a series of ongoing and mostly unsuccessful attacks against U.S. personnel in Iraq and Syria by Iranian-backed militia groups that began on October 17.”

In a letter sent Friday to congressional leaders, President Joe Biden wrote: “The strikes were intended to establish deterrence and were conducted in a manner to limit the risk of escalation and avoid civilian casualties. I directed the strikes in order to protect and defend our personnel, to degrade and disrupt the ongoing series of attacks against the United States and our partners, and to deter Iran and Iran-backed militia groups from conducting or supporting further attacks on United States personnel and facilities.”

The senior defense official told reporters that the airstrikes will have a significant impact on the ability of Iranian proxy groups to continue to attack U.S. forces. Asked what groups were targeted, the official said there are several that can have different names, but the U.S. holds Tehran responsible for funding, arming, equipping and directing the proxies. The official said the airstrikes were not designed to expand the conflict in the region, but to compel Iran to direct the militia groups to cease the attacks on American bases and personnel.

The Biden administration has not accused Iran of having a direct role in the Oct. 7 Hamas attack on Israel and has said it appears so far that Tehran was not aware of it beforehand. But the U.S. has noted that Iran has long supported Hamas and has raised concerns that Iran and its proxies could turn the conflict into a wider war.

Austin said the U.S. does not seek a broader conflict, but if Iranian proxy groups continue, the U.S. won’t hesitate to take additional action to protect its forces.

According to the Pentagon, all the U.S. personnel hurt in the militant attacks received minor injuries and all returned to duty. In addition, a contractor suffered a cardiac arrest and died while seeking shelter from a possible drone attack.

The retaliatory strikes came as no surprise. Officials at the Pentagon and the White House have made it clear for the past week that the U.S. would respond, with Ryder saying again Thursday that it would be “at the time and place of our choosing.”

The latest spate of strikes by the Iranian-linked groups came in the wake of a deadly explosion at a Gaza hospital, triggering protests in a number of Muslim nations. The Israeli military has relentlessly attacked Gaza in retaliation for the devastating Hamas rampage in southern Israel nearly three weeks ago, but Israel has denied responsibility for the al-Ahli hospital blast and the U.S. has said its intelligence assessment found that Tel Aviv was not to blame.

The U.S., including the Pentagon, has repeatedly said any strike response by America would be directly tied to the attacks on the troops, who are focused on the fight against Islamic State militants in the region. They said the strikes are not connected to the war between Israel and Hamas.

Such retaliation and strikes against Iranian targets in Syria after similar attacks on U.S. bases are routine.

In March, for example, the U.S. struck sites in Syria used by groups affiliated with Iran’s Revolutionary Guard after an Iranian-linked attack killed a U.S. contractor and wounded seven other Americans in northeast Syria. American F-15 fighter jets flying out of al-Udeid Air Base in Qatar struck several locations around Deir el-Zour.

U.S. officials have not publicly tied the recent string of attacks in Syria and Iraq to the violence in Gaza, but Iranian officials have openly criticized the U.S. for providing weapons to Israel that have been used to strike Gaza, resulting in civilian death.

#Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps #syrian civil war #iran #syria #us

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darkmatter-nebula · 1 year

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Nightmare with a Twist.

It's a quiet night, and a very calm and comfy one, Colli is in his brother's arms, and the Child is in fast sleep, dreaming.

In this dream, Colli is in a beautiful forest, when all the sudden appears Belos.

- YOU?!

- Yes! Meeee!!! And now! No lightning can aid you!!!

The boy remembers he being struck by the lightning and smiles...

- That was not funny!!!

The boy starts to laugh at him and thinks: what I would give to see that again...

- Oh no no, this time I possess the control over the animals, with this amulet!! And those trees keeps me safe from lightnings!

When he lifts the Amulet a jackdaw snaps it from his hands and flies away laughing.

All the sudden the animals that were under his spell looks at him, one hamster unsheathes a huge sword and gives a manly war cry.

Belos runs away and all the animals runs after him, with a flock of all kinds of birds flying after him.

Colli runs to watch it, Belos body is covered by furry creatures biting and attacking him, one cat sticks to his face biting his nose, two wolves bites his butt one each cheek, one cougar and one baboon bites his legs, and birds beaks his head...

Colli laughs pointing at the scene...

Belos loses balance falls down the hill, hitting each tree and rock on his way down, he spits a hand full of grass and mud and is chased by a mob of angry apes with swords, spears, knives, and the last one was driving a tank.

Hunter watches his brother laughing again while he sleeps....

Greetings! Thank you for the request!

Normally, Colli is a cinnamon roll, who would never make fun of someone. But Belos, who had tortured him for fifty years, is a different story.

Drabble: Nightmare With A Twist

It was a quiet night on the Boiling Isles. The most inseparable pair of brothers was cuddled close together in the large bed in their shared bedroom. The small starboy with otherworldly fluffy lavender hair and a heart of gold slept in his big brother's loving embrace.

Speaking of Hunter, the young Grimwalker woke up as he heard cute laughter. Colli, his beloved little brother and the light of his life, was laughing again in his sleep. Hunter couldn't help but smile. "Looks like you have a funny dream again, my beautiful little Sunshine." The former Golden Guard whispered softly.

He couldn't hold himself back and kissed lovingly the kindhearted eternal little boy's freckled cheek. Colli had an expression of pure joy on his adorable multi-colored face as he was still laughing. A few minutes later, Colli calmed down. The immortal celestial boy was brightly smiling, though.

The End

#lost but now found au #the collector #hunter #clawthorne brothers #clawthorne-noceda-deamonne-whispers brothers #fanfic

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ask-the-crimson-king · 2 years

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I played a game of Horus Heresy with Word Bearers

Yes, the tabletop version. It was done via tabletop sim and I was against a guard list. 1.5k points each cause it was a beginner's game for all of us involved.

And I have learned the following: 1. 5+ Feel No Pains are clutch as fuck 2. Gal Vorbak as troops is a fucking meme. They're pretty expensive but were well worth the points -- Initiative 5 fucking saved me against Ogryns so hard. 3. THE MHARA GAL IS GENUINELY FUCKING OVERPOWERED WHY DOES IT HAVE 8 WOUNDS 4. 14 armor bastions are annoying but not the end of the world. I had 2 lascannons cause I only brought 1 heavy support squad (cause I misinterpreted Breaching on the Mhara Gal's weapons, F) and I only nicked off 1 Hull Point of damage with them. Ever. And my opponent put a fucking MEDUSA SIEGE CANNON IN THERE. Along with about 20 guys. 5. Unswerving Devotion was CLUTCH, along with the new Procurator unit from the Guilden's Star thing. Being able to have a free d6 to help make sure I got my Diabolism off was very very nice.

My opponent didn't want to play marines due to bad experiences with 40k tabletop, hence him playing guard, but it was still a fun game all around. Sweeping Advance is fun, even if I did lose 5 Tac Lads to them failing morale and being out of range of my Warlord. Which sucked but eh, they had done their duty.

But the Mhara Gal is a fucking brutal nightmare. 8 Wounds is kind of fucking insane. Needing to Instant Death it in order to bring it down before it stomps over and whacks you with a S9 AP 2 Brutal 2 Murderous Strike 5+ claw is wowie. And it costs 35 pts less than a squad of Gal Vorbak. Why. Who approved of this. That is insane.

So my personal playgroup are gonna try bringing it down to 5W instead and see if that's a bit more balanced, but maybe it'll seem less insane in a proper 3k pts game. That is going to be attempted at some point.

BUUUUT I do recommend checking out the HH tabletop if you're on the fence about it. Reactions feel way better than stratagems and there's a lot of good fluffy stuff and it overall feels like a more relaxed game. There's some swing but it's enjoyable.

Also Erebus's fucking Warlord Trait is indeed maximum annoying and I've made a deal with a friend who plays UM in 40k to do Calth so I can run a game with him and another with KP. Though the one with KP will also be against Guilliman so that's gonna be a Sunny Funny Death Match. I expect to lose, of course, but it'll be a satisfying loss. Because KP deserves to get curb stomped every once in a while.

Asscravat he is.

Anyway. That's the post. HH 2e good. That is all. Enjoy your day.

#horus heresy #warhammer 40k #warhammer 30k #word bearers #i won btw because my gal vorbak Refused to Fucking DIE #i would not roll 3s and 4s #i would roll either 1s and 2s or 5s and 6s #5+ CLUTCH bro

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papabear85artist · 2 years

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La Mersallies the French Tortoise Furrie from the heavenly planet Pleasure Paradise

La Marsellies the heroic, brave, noble, supportive, charming, optimistic, free-spirited, encouraging, daring, highly intelligent, creative, cheerful, fearless, good-natured, enthusiastic and caring French Turtle Furrie from the heavenly planet Pleasure Paradise has a good sense of friendship. He rarely refuses to participate in a certain journey or adventure usually when it mostly involves seeking buried Dragons Treasure or sometimes hunting various mystic relics on each island all across Pleasure Paradise. La Marsellies first met his true creator Papa Bear and his guardian angel aka Jodie the Pink Heavenly Whippet when he was hunting for the remaining Dragons Treasure on Chicken Valley when he was betrayed by a small army of Dragon Soldiers from the horrific planetoid Medievilonia before he was left to fend for himself. One day while he was picking several fruits from off a nearby tree, that was when The French Turtle befriended Papa Bear and The Pink Heavenly Whippet and a few other Furries whom they helped. While camping out for the night La Marsellies kindly agrees go along with his newly-found friends on their quest to Pig Island when Papa Bear promises a permanent home. Following a perilous journey all over Pleasure Paradise fighting off Wolves, Ferrets , Weasels and Coyotes the likely travellers finally arrive on Pig Island. Before they could celebrate, however, a whole swarm of invading MediEvil Dragons attempt to storm The Castle of Heaven to raid it's lost Dragons Gold. La Mersellies bellows in rage when he runs into the same Dragon Soldiers who double-crossed him earlier before charging at them and angrily beating them into submission. A very happy Papa Bear provides La Marsellies a Turtle Wand to teach him some magic. After concocting a Stupidity Spell on his Dragon Enemies Papa Bear offers The French Turtle a career opportunity if he promises to help build his farm, to which the latter gladly accepts. A short time later La Marsellies now has a job full-time as a guard at The Castle of Heaven as well as one of Jodie's loyal servants (who is now Queen after she obtained all of the remaining Dragons Treasure, making Papa Bear another one of her servants) and working part-time at Georgette's Ice Cream and Yoghurt Co (The French Ice Cream Cow now owns Papa Bear's Farm after the latter gave all of his Dragons Treasure to her, thus making him her employee) as a security guard. When not working The French Turtle either visits The Nude Camp, The Nudist Spa or one of The Nude Beaches for Papa Bear make a clay sculpture of him. He sometimes visits The now Georgette-owned Farm to feed his former Dragon adversaries bananas who have since been reduced to slobbering imbeciles with the minds of a primitive Ape. La Marsellies has a passion for collecting numerous Singing Flowers while at the same time picking sweet fruits off tree branches. When he finds a perfect spot The French Turtle slides into a river or lake and very happily starts floating calmly. As he floats around the lake or river La Marsellies eats the delicious fruits he balances on his fat tummy while he listens to the serene melody The Singing Flowers hum softly to him The French Turtle balances on his chest. La Marsellies soulmate is Liza the Tree Gecko Furrie whom he is ultimately protective of and vows to do whatever it takes to help her🐢🦎🪄✏️🖍️🖌️🍌🍍🥥🍇🍓🍏🍎

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bongaboi · 3 months

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South Carolina: 2023-24 NCAA Division I Women's Basketball National Champions

With undefeated South Carolina jolted onto an unfamiliar backfoot, coach Dawn Staley looked toward her bench to remedy an early 11-point deficit to Iowa — more specifically, she looked toward Tessa Johnson.

The freshman guard outshone her six-point scoring average all tournament long and was a revelation in relief for the Gamecocks. With a team-high 19 points and three triples, Johnson led South Carolina to a slim halftime lead and a dominant third quarter, helping the Gamecocks claim their second national title in three years, 87-75, and cap off a perfect season.

The role players were rolling from the opening tip, as Kate Martin and Sydney Affolter gave Iowa a quick 7-0 lead, but Caitlin Clark scored 13 in a row from all over the court. The newly crowned AP Player of the Year drained a pair of 3s, was fouled on two more attempts and converted at the rim to give her Hawkeyes a 20-9 lead by the first media timeout. Clark finished with 30 points (10 of 28 shooting), eight rebounds and five assists in her last college game.

Iowa's centers Hannah Stuelke and Addison O'Grady admirably limited star Gamecock post Cardoso to just 2 of 6 shooting in the first quarter, but the Brazilian behemoth partnered with Johnson and inevitably found her opening. Johnson — who led the Gamecocks' 36-0 bench scoring advantage — took up the mantle for South Carolina and its top-ranked defense. The freshman guard poked away a pair of steals, turning each into transition baskets, before Cardoso finished through contact to tie the game at 27.

That top-ranked defense also took exception to Clark's early mastery, and a savvy defensive play from Raven Johnson dispossessed Clark and gave the Gamecocks an easy two points before halftime.

South Carolina bottled up this late-half momentum for a roaring start out of the locker room. Chloe Kitts ensured her spot on the floor with two straight baskets out of the intermission, and Te-Hina Paopao nailed a pull-up jumper to give her Gamecocks a 55-46 lead and force Iowa coach Lisa Bluder to burn a quick timeout.

Cardoso also hauled a career-high 17 rebounds, leading an overwhelming South Carolina rebounding effort that started to wear on the Hawkeyes. The Gamecocks enjoyed a 24-11 rebounding advantage in the second half, including six offensive boards, and a plus-6 advantage in second chance points helped South Carolina maintain its lead.

Paopao nailed a 3 to begin the fourth quarter, one of her three long-range bombs Sunday, and a familiarly balanced South Carolina scoring attack — seven Gamecocks made at least three field goals — proved too much for a late Hawkeyes rally.

#2024 #women's basketball #college basketball #south carolina gamecocks #national championship

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team-ramses · 1 year

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"It is so like a man to suppose that kisses and caresses will distract a woman from more serious matters."

-Amelia Peabody in The Ape Who Guards the Balance by Elizabeth Peters

#amelia peabody #the ape who guards the balance #elizabeth peters

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runningoutofbooks · 9 months

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Amelia needs to pull her head out of her ass and apologize to David

#and someone needs to yell at Walter #he could use a slap too #poor David and Lia #the ape who guards the balance #amelia peabody #david todros #lia emerson

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recentlyheardcom · 8 months

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WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. fighter jets launched airstrikes early Friday on two locations in eastern Syria linked to Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps, the Pentagon said, in retaliation for a slew of drone and missile attacks against U.S. bases and personnel in the region that began early last week.The strikes reflect the Biden administration's determination to maintain a delicate balance. The U.S. wants to hit Iranian-backed groups suspected of targeting the U.S. as strongly as possible to deter future aggression, possibly fueled by Israel's war against Hamas, while also working to avoid inflaming the region and provoking a wider conflict.Air Force Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder said Friday that the strikes near Boukamal by F-16 and F-15 fighter aircraft targeted a weapons storage facility and ammunition storage facility used by the IRGC and affiliated groups. “Both facilities were destroyed,” he said. “We currently assess there were no casualties in the strikes.”A senior U.S. military official said there had been Iranian-aligned militia and IRGC personnel on the base and no civilians. The official would not say how many munitions were launched by the jets.A senior defense official said the sites were chosen because the IRGC stores the types of munitions there that were used in the strikes against U.S. bases and troops. The two officials briefed reporters after the strikes on condition of anonymity to provide details on the mission that had not yet been made public.Syrian opposition activists confirmed the U.S. strikes in Syria’s eastern province of Deir el-Zour. Omar Abu Layla, a Europe-based activist who heads the Deir Ezzor 24 media outlet, said the main target was an area known as “the farms” outside the town of Mayadeen. He said it is an important transit site where weapons from Iran are stored before being shipped to Lebanon.He said the second strike hit an area known as the “green belt” in the Boukamal area that borders Iraq. According to Abu Layla, some people were evacuated before the strikes because the retaliation was expected. The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, an opposition war monitor, said ambulances were seen rushing to the area but it wasn't clear if there were casualties.Meanwhile Friday, an Iranian semiofficial news agency, Tasnim, said gunmen in east Syria fired 10 rockets on a base housing American troops in retaliation for the U.S. airstrikes. A U.S. official confirmed the rocket attack and said there were no reported casualties.And the Islamic Resistance in Iraq, an umbrella group for several Iran-backed groups, said fighters attacked al-Assad airbase in western Iraq with a suicide drone. U.S. officials said it was shot down a few kilometers away and did not hit the base.According to the Pentagon, as of Friday there had been at least 20 attacks on U.S. bases and personnel in Iraq and Syria since Oct. 17. Ryder said 21 U.S. personnel were injured in two of those assaults when drones targeted al-Assad airbase in Iraq and al-Tanf garrison in Syria.In a statement, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said the “precision self-defense strikes are a response to a series of ongoing and mostly unsuccessful attacks against U.S. personnel in Iraq and Syria by Iranian-backed militia groups that began on October 17.”In a letter sent Friday to congressional leaders, President Joe Biden wrote: “The strikes were intended to establish deterrence and were conducted in a manner to limit the risk of escalation and avoid civilian casualties. I directed the strikes in order to protect and defend our personnel, to degrade and disrupt the ongoing series of attacks against the United States and our partners, and to deter Iran and Iran-backed militia groups from conducting or supporting further attacks on United States personnel and facilities.”The senior defense official told reporters that the airstrikes will have a significant impact on the ability of Iranian proxy groups to continue to attack U.S. forces. Asked what groups were targeted, the official said there are several that can have different names, but the U.

S. holds Tehran responsible for funding, arming, equipping and directing the proxies. The official said the airstrikes were not designed to expand the conflict in the region, but to compel Iran to direct the militia groups to cease the attacks on American bases and personnel.The Biden administration has not accused Iran of having a direct role in the Oct. 7 Hamas attack on Israel and has said it appears so far that Tehran was not aware of it beforehand. But the U.S. has noted that Iran has long supported Hamas and has raised concerns that Iran and its proxies could turn the conflict into a wider war.Austin said the U.S. does not seek a broader conflict, but if Iranian proxy groups continue, the U.S. won’t hesitate to take additional action to protect its forces.According to the Pentagon, all the U.S. personnel hurt in the militant attacks received minor injuries and all returned to duty. In addition, a contractor suffered a cardiac arrest and died while seeking shelter from a possible drone attack.The retaliatory strikes came as no surprise. Officials at the Pentagon and the White House have made it clear for the past week that the U.S. would respond, with Ryder saying again Thursday that it would be “at the time and place of our choosing.”The latest spate of strikes by the Iranian-linked groups came in the wake of a deadly explosion at a Gaza hospital, triggering protests in a number of Muslim nations. The Israeli military has relentlessly attacked Gaza in retaliation for the devastating Hamas rampage in southern Israel nearly three weeks ago, but Israel has denied responsibility for the al-Ahli hospital blast and the U.S. has said its intelligence assessment found that Tel Aviv was not to blame.The U.S., including the Pentagon, has repeatedly said any strike response by America would be directly tied to the attacks on the troops, who are focused on the fight against Islamic State militants in the region. They said the strikes are not connected to the war between Israel and Hamas.Such retaliation and strikes against Iranian targets in Syria after similar attacks on U.S. bases are routine.In March, for example, the U.S. struck sites in Syria used by groups affiliated with Iran’s Revolutionary Guard after an Iranian-linked attack killed a U.S. contractor and wounded seven other Americans in northeast Syria. American F-15 fighter jets flying out of al-Udeid Air Base in Qatar struck several locations around Deir el-Zour.U.S. officials have not publicly tied the recent string of attacks in Syria and Iraq to the violence in Gaza, but Iranian officials have openly criticized the U.S. for providing weapons to Israel that have been used to strike Gaza, resulting in civilian death.____Associated Press writer Bassem Mroue contributed from Beirut.

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