#the big fall

[lost-technology]

SEEDS Security Codes and Why They Matter

So, I've been thinking about one of the details in Trigun: Stampede that was not present in either '98 or the manga. In '98, Knives just hacking into the SEEDS codes was left as-is. He walked up to Captain Joey and shot him and apparently took his pilot's seat. Did the Captain have the navigation open at the time? Was it closed and Knives had to do some hacking? Anyway, there, he did it on his own. Now, in Trigun Maximum, which treats Vash and Knives' childhood differently (just Rem there raising them), there is a foreshadowing of what is to come. In Volume 6, Rem is depicted waking up to an emergency signal in the middle of her sleeping-hours. (Aw, she sleeps in her regular clothes, mom-jeans and all...). Panicked, she yells at Knives for him and Vash to lock themselves in their rooms and not to come out or speak up for ANY reason, even if they hear voices outside. She tries to handle the situation, but it goes from bad to worse and the automatic crew-wakening protocol goes into effect, which she is very concerned about (for reasons that we who have read the manga know about)!

In the beginning of Volume 7 the crew wakes up, there's a situation-update. The ships are going off-course and will collide if things are not corrected. They're working through the issues and suddenly, there's an unknown factor that kicks in to correct the course. Rem then gets the crew all settled back in again for nappy-time... And proceeds immediately to Vash and Knives, where she scolds Knives with (Rem's angry mom-face, my beloved)! Knives was playing around with the ship codes and systems. He'd apparently hacked his way into the system and was curious about SEEDS' functions. (One would assume that Rem changed some of the codes after this, but I bet they were in some kind of hacking-war, with her trying to stay one step above curious Plant-twins). Knives did not mean to nearly cause a catastrophe, but this shows that he can and is a foreshadowing to when he DOES mean to cause one later. Now, in Trigun Stampede, it is stated by Nai / Knives that Vash gave him the ship-codes, also that he spent a lot of time and trouble changing the codes for every human ship. (The manga lists the ship they are born on as the Mothership, presumably guiding the entire fleet, in Stampede, it is just Ship 5, which implies multiple guides with multiple navigators). I am wondering where Studio Orange is going with this. Will it be a situation like the manga where the kids are just playing around? Little prank-war with Rem? Maybe Vash is sharing a ship code innocently, as part of their games? Or is it going to be darker, more sinister? I wonder if Vash was originally of the thought of "maybe we need to crash the ships and kill all humans (except Rem) because they're scary and dangerous because of what happened to Tesla" and then had a change of heart and backed out of it? - I can see that happening... him having his cathartic alone-time with Rem as in the manga and then talking things out with Nai and thinking that they weren't going to go through with it. And then Nai betrays him. I've been wondering about the guilt Vash carries over the Big Fall in Stampede. Is it an unnecessary, undue guilt like he seems to have about a lot of things? Or is there a guilt born from "I had originally planned disaster / we had originally planned disaster" and it came true even after he'd backed out? It's just that... in both '98 and Maximum, he does carry his cross (that is not Wolfwood's), but he seems to feel less specifically guilty over this (the Big Fall). He's really more like "Knives, how could you do this to everyone / Rem?!" He just seems more guilt-ridden in Stampede than in the other media and I am wondering if there is a dark secret behind it. I can see it going either way.

[museqmeg]

jfc... So, the SEEDs colony consisted of 1000 ships and the Big Fall caused the loss of 80 million people. Makes you wonder how many actually survived. Only about 7% of the ships did. 😭💔

[brokenpieces-72]

Down with the Ship

A few hours before the gathering and before the raid. Alejandro and Rudolfo were there and you had the chance to chat with Alejandro who expressed his love for your work.

“You should come with us for the next dia de los Muertos. Pay proper respects.” Alejandro says. You’ve had the chance to meet up with him and Rudy a couple times to help plan and sort out the raid. You mainly go to learn and understand how everything works, listening intently as they sketch out crude diagrams or blueprints of ships and going over cargo records and docking schedules. Your attention to detail has proven useful. Alejandro had also heard about Graves getting a tip, and while reluctant he figured there could be benefit to getting Makarov’s men behind bars. If Makarov tried to get them released it would raise some flags.

Right now was a chance to relax and gather your nerves. That was done with pool, chatting and drinks. Nikolai would be coming with weapons and gear that could be worn under their clothes. The image of Simon in a black hoodie charging at you only for your own bullets to barely phase him sent a visible chill down your spine. As for the kittens the mother would stick around to care for them.

You’re nervous too. Tonight you were going to see Makarov for the first time face to face. Your bouncing knee is visible as you try to decide whether you avoid him the whole night or try talking to him. There’s a sliver in you wanting to confront him about your father but you know the risk and you have no evidence aside from two witnesses one of which was false.

Johnny calls you out of your thoughts, inviting you to join him on the fire escape. Once you’re out there you lean over the railing with him. The chilly night forces your thoughts of Makarov away and you’re focused on the view. Cars honk on the streets below, window light turn on and off, and clouds blot out the stars and moon.

“How ya feelin?” Johnny asks.

“Nervous… you?” You ask. He nods absently. “At least you have practice. I’ve never met Makarov.”

“Experience, not practice. No dress rehearsals here.” Johnny says. “You can’t practice confronting the man who took yer father either. Laswell will be there. And Alex. I think he said somethin’ ‘bout bringin’ Farah. Won’t be alone.”

You see him nod absently, and look around, like he’s reminding himself more than you. That’s when you realize something that warms you inside. Johnny’s leg bounces and he’s fiddling with his hands. You lean against him making him look at you. You give him a warm smile.

“I won’t be alone.” You say. Without warning, Johnny puts you in a headlock of a hug and pressing his face into your beanie for a moment.

“No ya won’t. You’ll be safe.” He says a little muffled by the beanie. Johnny wasn’t so much worried about the raid as he was you.

“You better be safe too, no fucking around.” You say, sternly. He pulls away to look at you but keeps the arm on you. His eyes meet yours.

“Always.” He says.

The 141 and Los Vaqueros were ready. They truly were, suited up in bullet proof vests and guns. Alejandro and Rudolfo led them to the docks, splitting off into smaller groups to check the ships. They’d frightened a couple of fisherman, opening their cargo holds and demanding to know where everything was. There were drugs, and they knew there would be. Graves was waiting for there to be a sign of the 141 or the Los Vaqueros before starting to move in. He brought his best to ensure Nolan’s guys wouldn’t have the chance to try anything.

Price and Kyle were with Rudolfo when a shot rang out followed by shouting and heavy gunfire. They left the ship they were on, telling the few men on board to run from the docks to safety. They ran over and saw Nolan and a few guys in masks and hoods. Alejandro and Soap had found the drugs, but Simon had to hold off the men who had reached for their pistols. From there it barrelled downhill.

Simon was outmatched but could still take out a couple out, dropping two of them. He checked their bodies quickly but found nothing except side arms. He didn’t have time to remove their masks before he heard Soap yelling and a gunshot. Simon went below deck and found another one dropped along with the stash of drugs and his two allies. He radioed Price.

“Price we found their stash.”

“We got another problem.” Price barks. All three men bolted back up and off the ship, running towards another ship. They heard Nolan shouting and more shots were fired from the deck while they tried to get on board. Kyle was on there already and was thrown to the ground. He was lucky enough to avoid being shot, knifing his attacker’s thigh and then going for the neck. The man dropped but there wasn’t a chance to reveal his face either. Kyle retrieved his gun it having been kicked away. He then ran down the deck to take out a guy about to knife Rudolfo who had been knocked to the ground.

Price was doing what he could from the docks, taking out anyone who got off. Kyle got Rudolfo back up and helped him off the boat. Nolan held up a Molotov cocktail lit with a rag and threw it into the cargo hold, before diving into the water. Unfortunately it still wasn’t over.

Graves revealed himself after the gunfire could be heard and ran in with his men. His men didn’t hold back like he had told them to. They fired at Price, Simon and Alejandro. They charged at Johnny who wasted no time firing at them, wounding most. One got to close and got shot point blank. A couple went for Kyle and Rudy hoping to make an easy arrest since Rudolfo’s leg made walking difficult. Alejandro shot at the cops, not hitting any of them but covering Kyle and Rudolfo.

Then a bomb went off. The cocktail may have set the ship aflame but something else caused the whole boat to explode. It was pandemonium with shouting, gun fire and debris filling the docks.

They never had a good chance to check the bodies. The only one who did was Graves and the men he’d brought.

Meanwhile you were at the party. Laswell had made sure you would have an appropriate outfit. Felt very androgynous, and was pretty comfortable. You got to chat with Alex and Farah who were there together. Farah had taken photos of your art in her neighbourhood and was showing them to you and Laswell. Laswell’s brows were raised the whole time, sometimes looking around to make sure no one notices. Laswell excused herself from your small group to shake a few hands and chat with an old friend whom she hadn’t seen for some time.

You stayed near Alex and Farah, still having yet to see Makarov, Nolan or Milena. You guessed Nolan was probably at the docks but don’t express concern. Honestly Farah and Alex make such good company you practically forget where you are.

Milena approaches your small table and you slap the phone in Farah’s hand, to hide the screen. You smile at Milena who looks less than pleased. Farah doesn’t make eye contact, instead pulling her phone to her chest and under the table while Alex scratches his neck.

“So you wanted commissions?” You ask. Farah stifles a laugh and Alex covers his snort with hand.

“I have a lawyer drawing up a contract. The price can be further discussed.” Milena replies. It’s clear she’s holding back a lot, her glare stabbing you from all sides. “Besides after tonight I should have everything will be arranged for your work. Finally get rid of some trash.” She says the last word while looking at Farah, before turning on her heel and walking away.

“Mythic bitch.” You mutter. Alex and Farah look a little nervous. You know it means something is up. Farah excuses herself to make a phone call, and you’re left with Alex who walks around the venue with you. You try to find Kate again but instead find the last face you wanted to.

Vladimir Makarov approaches you and Alex with a friendly expression, a challenging one. It’s as if he’s daring you to a put a gun to his head and you want to. Standing there it’s like the air is sucked out of the room, or rather he’s stolen all the air from your lungs and is dangling it in front of you.

“Hello. I don’t believe we’ve met.” He says holding out a hand to shake. You just stare at him, as everything else slows. Alex puts a hand on your back, noticing how tense you are. It’s like he’s given you the oxygen that you needed to function again. Without missing a beat, you shake Makarov’s hand. His smile becomes a satisfied one, as if he’s made a deal with you.

“Hello. Nice to meet you.” You say without giving him your name. Alex offers his hand to shake introducing himself to Makarov. Alex being the decent guy he is, wasn’t about to let you stand there and face Makarov alone.

“Milena tells me you are an artist no?” He asks. You nod. He’s a person. A horrible person. A monster but you could talk to monsters.

“Something like that…” you say. Deep breathes you can do this.

“I hope to see more of your work. I have to make an announcement.” He says excusing himself. You wait for him to be out of sight before you finally feel yourself breathing on your own. Alex takes you aside to make sure you don’t pass out in the middle of the floor. Farah returned and Alex explained what happened while Vladimir was introduced on the podium.

You’re still trying to focus as Vladimir introduces himself and thanks everyone for their attendance. Then your own hell starts to crack.

“Returning I intended to clean and straighten out this city. Gang activity has been ever present and tonight we finally bring down one of the most infamous. The Los Vaqueros and the 141 have been tracked down and linked to drug shipment. I’ve just gotten word from one of my best that they will be apprehended by next morning. My hope is to eliminate any and all gangs in the area, keeping this city safe from drug abuse, violence and death. I want to go even further and eradicate unsafe housing, health violations and rebuild this city to be better. Better than it was. By tonight you will see this is not just pandering and that justice will prevail and protect good people, like your friends, families and neighbours. While I have been gone for some time I come back with a strong mission and intend to see it through. By tomorrow I will prove it too.” There is audible applause and you’re terrified. Had the raid all been a set up? Graves was there, did he tell Makarov beforehand? No… no you know he wouldn’t do that. Surely.

Out of the corner of your eye you see a commotion and you step back instinctively. Farah is being arrested! What the hell?!

You look just past the officers who are cuffing Farah while Alex protests, and see Milena smirking. Farah is muttering words you don’t understand. Alex tries fighting one of the cops, while a pair of hands takes you by the shoulders, pulling you further back. The next thing you know Alex is under arrest for police interference. You try to intervene yourself but the hands on you tighten, and you hear Kate’s voice telling you to leave them.

Kate leads you out of the venue and to a vehicle. There’s a woman in the drivers seat while Kate gets in the passenger side giving directions. The car peels out of the parking lot. In the backseat you curled into a ball. What the hell just happened?!

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[noodles-and-tea]

:(((

[disgruntleddemon]

dead meme format ik, but this is basically what pops into my head whenever i see a dumb take on their dynamic

[podcastwizard]

the hot new trend is "guard posting"

[kayiiin]

S: "Why are we dressed like this?"

F: "Not quite sure what happened," Ford examines his outfit, "but I like this trench coat, not bad, not bad…"

S: "...Wait, is this suit pa's???"

[ID: art of Stan and Ford from Gravity Falls, seen as teens but wearing their clothes from adulthood. Stan's in his suit and fez, resting his chin in his hand and frowning at the viewer, while Ford's in his trench coat and sweater, smiling. They're both in their socks, and the caption reads: "In Big Boy Suit!" End ID.]

[mroddmod]

what gravity falls did i watch bro

[miss-americanbi]

so glad that gravity falls is back so we can finally discuss how ford sees himself as the protagonist of every story while stan can’t see himself as anything but the antagonist

[golden-berry]

lol just don’t get caught ogling next time

[artsymeeshee]

doodles of Ford being a good big brother (because he is)

[lost-technology]

The Big Fall Yeehawgust Day 16 - Prairie Fire [IMG ID: A slightly hilly but mostly flat vast landscape in the dark. Massive amounts of flame and purple-blue smoke lick over it and fiery streaks rain down from the sky. Watercolor-ink image. / END IMG ID.] The Project SEEDS spaceships crashing down from the sky onto Nomansland / Planet Gunsmoke. Hundreds of thousands dead because one little boy was scared and angry. All survivors among the human population are because of one brave woman.

[hoofpeet]

Midwestern cousins who will catch crawfish and shoot cans off of a fence in the woods with you

[1spooky2me]

Here’s them with their tits out because I hit 30k on twitter… enjoy

[time-woods]

thats fashion for ya ! some bill warmups to play round with shapes

[tesscourtes]

if nobody got me, pinterest kissing references got me.