#uss resolute

[lilithism1848]

I wish more people read. Of course there were citizens within the USSR who despised Stalin and the CPSU and even called for their deaths, however this was a minority and often those who opposed the CPSU sympathized with either the Tsar or unfortunately Hitler, claiming that Hitler would liberate them.

Stalin and the CPSU enjoyed a majority of support from the citizens much to the chagrin of Liberals. Those who sympathized with Stalin and the CPSU often cited women's and national minority rights, worker protections and benefits, improving healthcare and nutrition and overwhelmingly access to education as reasons for their support. Those who were in opposition cited issues such as lack of consumer goods, lack of variety of consumer goods, unfair economic practices (such as welfare for the very poorest), the State's atheist sentiments, and the expansion of rights to national minorities including (and especially) the Jewish population.

Many Liberals will rush to defend fascism in a heartbeat either without realizing it (which is no excuse) or by lying to themselves as Fascism is preferable to Communism for them.

References :

"Popular Opinion in Stalin's Russia" by S. Davies

"Stalin's Constitution" by S. Lomb

"Life and Terror in Stalin's Russia" by R. Thurston

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Star Trek: Resurgence #4 - USS Resolute Damaged by Josh Hood

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[dronescapesvideos]

Damaged Grumman TBM-3 Avenger of VT-82 in flight, February 1945. The U.S. Navy Grumman TBM-3 Avenger of Torpedo Squadron 82 (VT-82) "Devil's Diplomats" in flight after the plane above it in her formation was shot down by anti-aircraft fire near Chichi Jima and fell on this Avenger, breaking off the left wingtip and cracking the fuselage just ahead of the tail, circa 18 February - 4 March 1945. The damaged plane was flown by its pilot about 160 km back to its task group but had to crash land in the water. All crew members were rescued. VT-82 was assigned to Carrier Air Group 82 (CVG-82) aboard the aircraft carrier USS Bennington (CV-20).

➤➤ HIGHER RESOLUTION IMAGE: https://dronescapes.video/Avenger

[captain-price-unofficially]

A high-resolution synthetic aperture sonar image of the former USS Stewart (DD-224), a four-piper ship resting on the seafloor of the Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuary. 1 Aug 2024.

[dangerousthingobservation]

CVN-65 USS ENTERPRISE Air Wing Airplane Pictures - CLOUD9PHOTOGRAPHY

High resolution US Navy airplane pictures with an aircraft carrier’s name showing

[shewhoworshipscarlin]

Thomas Fountain Blue

Thomas Fountain Blue, the first African American to head a public library in the United States, was also a civic, educational, and religious leader. Blue was born in Farmville, Virginia, on March 6, 1866, to Noah Blue, a carpenter, and Henry Ann Crawley Blue. They were parents of two other children, Alice Blue and Charles Blue.

Blue enrolled in Hampton Institute in Hampton, Virginia, in 1885 and graduated in 1888. In 1894, he enrolled in Richmond Theological Seminary (now Virginia Union University) in Richmond, Virginia, finishing in 1898 with a Bachelor of Divinity degree. One week later, when the United States declared war on Spain after the sinking of the USS Maine off the coast of Cuba, touching off the Spanish-American War, Blue joined the Sixth Virginia Volunteers battalion comprising African American soldiers and was stationed first in Camp Poland in Tennessee and later at Camp Haskell in Georgia.

In 1905, Blue was selected to lead the Western Branch Library of the Louisville Free Public Library on South 10th and Chestnut Street, the first Carnegie Library in the nation to serve African American patrons with an exclusively African American staff. The facility cost $31,024.31 to build and when completed had over 4,000 books and 53 periodicals.

In 1914, Blue opened Louisville’s second Carnegie Library for African Americans, the Eastern Branch Library. During World War I, Blue was drafted, left the branch, and was appointed the Education Secretary at Camp Zachary Taylor in Louisville, one of sixteen national Army training camps created across the nation. Blue worked with Black troops who mostly had supporting and laboring roles in the United States.

After the war ended in 1918, Blue returned to Louisville, and a year later, in 1919, he was named head of the “Colored Department” for the city’s public library system and supervised eight African American assistants. The Colored Department was the first in the United States to have a staff which served multiple Black library branches.

In 1922, Blue was a presenter at the American Library Association Conference in Detroit, Michigan, where he gave a paper titled, “Training Class at the Western Colored Branch,” and led the subsequent discussion with the Negro Roundtable composed of other African American Library staffers from across the nation.

On June 18, 1925, Blue married Cornelia Phillips Johnson from Columbia, Tennessee, and they parented two children, Thomas Fountain Blue, Jr., and Charles Blue (named after his younger brother). Two years later, in 1927, Blue founded the Negro Library Conference and conducted its first meeting at Hampton Institute.

Later becoming a minister, Reverend Thomas Fountain Blue—who held membership in the American Library Association, the Special Committee of Colored Ministers of Louisville on Matters Interracial, and was a charter member of the Louisville Chapter of the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History—died on November 10, 1935, in Louisville, Kentucky. He was 69.

At the 2003 joint conference of the American Library Association with the Canadian Library Association Annual Conference at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre in Toronto, Ontario, Blue was posthumously honored when the organization passed a resolution recognizing his leadership in promoting professionalism among the staff of African American libraries across the United States. In 2022, a headstone honoring Blue and his wife, Cornelia Phillips Johnson, was placed at Eastern Cemetery in Louisville by the Frazier History Museum.

https://www.blackpast.org/african-american-history/people-african-american-history/thomas-fountain-blue-1866-1935/

[allstartrekgames]

Star Trek: Resurgence

Original Release: 2023

Developer: Dramatic Labs

Publisher: Burner House

Platform: Xbox One/Series, PS4/PS5, PC

Star Trek: Resurgence is a story-based “choose your own adventure” type game from Dramatic Labs, a developer made out of some ex-Telltale staff, who have been doing this kind of game for a while.

While a few known characters do show up, this game is focused on a unique cast of characters on the science ship, the USS Resolute. You play as two members of the crew: Jara Rydek, the ships new first officer, and Carter Diaz, a lower decks engineering crewman. They’re both very likable, and the dialogue options let you have some sway over their personalities – for example, Jara can choose to fully trust her captain, or can fight to do what she thinks is right.

The rest of the crew range from likable to immediate dislike but grows on you (or you end up feeling sorry for them). Most of them are well written (the only exception is the the tactical officer, who goes psycho later on), with their characters flaws serving the story and your choices in some manner. the ship suffered a disaster before Jara was brought back on board, so you have to deal with the comradery that came out of that experience.

Due to an intense ion storm, the Resolute was picked to transport an Ambassador to the Hotari system, where previously peaceful races, the brutish Hotari and the militaristic Alydians, both species with great designs that look like something that could still be achieved in live action. The Alydians have provided technology to the Hotari, while also using them as a labour face to mine the dilithium rich moon of Hotari Prime. However, this is interrupted by the emergence of an ancient and powerful civilization. I’ll leave it there for details of the story, but it was one that I loved the entire way through the game, with lots of stunning locations that you get to visit.

As for the gameplay, it changes a lot throughout the course of the game to meet the scene’s requirements. Most of it is spent on foot, walking around then pressing dialogue options and quick time events when prompted. Sometimes you’ll have to use your tricorder to scan, swapping between different modes to further analyse components, or a phaser, which is used for non-combat reasons during the walking sections.

There are some shooting sections, but in those you’re behind cover (and can occasionally swap cover), popping out to take shots. Other action sequences include piloting a shuttle and stealth sections. Some parts I absolutely loved was interacting with consoles, including a brilliant segment where you get to use the transporter, having to counter interference. It’s a really great depiction of what a transporter chief actually does during difficult transports.

While the gameplay itself is simple, it all helps the game feel immersive and works really well with the world. I’ve always disliked Telltale’s story games due to a “stiffness” about them that Resurgence manages to avoid. It’s a joy to experience the Star Trek Universe in this way and there are some meaningful references to a few episodes – even using a very disliked episode of The Next Generation in a great way.

I absolutely loved my first playthrough of Resurgence. The characters and story are extremely enjoyable, with lots of great different moments. The characters definitely make the game and I think it helps that this isn’t the “best” ship in the fleet – it gives a wonderful insight into Starfleet. You’ll also be given insight into how each character reacts to your choices, showing approval, disapproval or indifference, and I do like that it mentions that the character is a bit confused if you do flip-flop.

I did play again immediately after and the flaws of the game do show up – although it’s more the flaws of the genre. As the main story beats have to be consistent, some of the choices don’t matter. Plenty of them make smaller changes, including which characters you interact with, some character deaths or injuries and how some of them treat the main two. If you did your second playthrough after a break, it would be a better experience. Although I do think that the game should be better at punishing you – some of the actions you take can be pretty bad, but the consequences are very mild.

Resurgence is a brilliant game that captures Star Trek extremely well. It has engaging story and characters, and the gameplay, while simple, helps to compliment it all. It’s a wonderful way to experience a slice of the Star Trek universe.

[divinemissem13]

Writing Patterns

Thanks for the tag, @curator-on-ao3! This is a very interesting trip down memory lane...

Rules: List the first line of your last 10 (posted) fics and see if there's a pattern!

Working in reverse posting order:

I'm With Her (The Closer: Brenda Leigh Johnson/ Sharon Raydor, 5+1 fic, completed but not fully posted yet; T) "The first time Sharon Raydor saw Brenda Leigh Johnson, she was waiting at the LAX baggage claim to welcome her son home from college."

When the Night Comes (The Closer: Brenda/ Sharon, double drabble; G) "Deputy Chief Brenda Leigh Johnson finds it easier to forget the horrible things she’s done when the days are busy and filled with new challenges to conquer."

Patheti-Q (TNG: Picard and Q, prompt based gift fic for Star Trek Winter Gift Exchange, one shot; T) "They are sitting in a bar when they see him."

Candy Hearts and Other Sweet Surprises (ST: Prodigy: Gwyn/Dal, Valentine's Day one shot; G) "At the end of his first week aboard the USS Voyager-A, Dal R’El decided that it was a lot more exhausting being an actual Starfleet warrant officer than it was being a fake Starfleet captain."

A Dream Is a Wish Your Heart Makes (Star Trek crossover: Beverly Crusher/ Kathryn Janeway, multi-prompt fic from femslash feb; T) ""I like it,” Beverly said, fingering the grey streak in Kathryn’s hair."

The blue of your eyes, the gold in your smile (Star Trek crossover: Beverly/Kathryn, one shot multi-prompt fic from femslash feb; G) "The package contained only three things: a strip of black silk, an umbrella, and an envelope."

The Holo-Adventures of Data Holmes (Star Trek crossover: Data/Geordi, Janeway & Tuvok, prompt based gift for Star Trek Winter Gift Exchange, multichapter, G) "Geordi La Forge moved quickly across the grounds of Starfleet headquarters, hoping to avoid being stopped on his way to the holo-complex."

I'll Be Home For New Year's (ST crossover: Beverly/ Kathryn, one shot, T) "It’s late when Beverly gets home from the New Year’s gala, although she still managed to make her escape before midnight."

Resolutions? More Like Revelations! (Voyager: J/C, babyfic, multichapter, T) "Kathryn Janeway could not get out of bed."

Nel mezzo del cammin di nostra vita (Voyager, post canon: J/C, Janeway & various, multi-chapter vignettes, T) "My childhood home shimmers into existence before me."

Tagging 10 people (who hopefully haven't been tagged before?): @ussjellyfish, @madamairlock, @caitylove, @isagrimorie, @cleverlycrusher, @commandermeg, @ruthbaderjaneway, @captainhattersvoyagerstuff, @regionalpancake, @magdalenejaneway

[lilithism1848]

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Star Trek: Resurgence #4 - USS Resolute pursued by Talarian Ships into a Nebula by Josh Hood

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[hrefna-the-raven]

Another chance

Masterlist

Part 4 of: An unlikely bond - The garden - Goodbye

Next part -> Reunion (18+)

Words: 1278 Summary: You were trapped in the middle of escalating peace talks between the Hotari and the Alydians, hurrying behind commander Rydek towards the meeting room. As you anxiously toyed with the ring, your fingers trembled, oblivious to the fact that it began to emit a faint glow ever since the commander mentioned the cartabula. Warnings: slight anxiety, doubts, hope Notes: this is canon divergent to include the reader and speed things up :)

By now you definitely regretted your choice to join the crew of the Resolute. It was supposed to be more quiet and here you were, trapped in the middle of escalating peace talks between the Hotari and the Alydians, hurrying behind commander Rydek towards the meeting room. As you anxiously toyed with the ring, your fingers trembled, oblivious to the fact that it began to emit a faint glow ever since the commander mentioned the cartabula. The name felt strangely familiar, like a distant memory hidden behind the fog of forgetfulness that plagued your troubled thoughts. Oh Portal, why didn't I just stay with you? A faint sigh left your lips as you slumped down on the chair in the briefing room.

“It appears to be some sort of control panel, possibly connected to the warp disruption weapon originating on Tau”, Jara spoke while showing the scans of the artifact.

The unique form and design immediately grabbed your attention. It seemed familiar, like something you had encountered before, but the details were hazy. Your eyes drifted downwards to your hands, where your fingers absentmindedly spun the ring, and that's when you finally noticed the pulsating radiance.

“Of particular interest is this symbol, which we couldn't identify the origin of.”, Jara continued.

“The Tkon!”, you gasped, the eyes of everyone in the briefing room now resting on you.

“Did you say the Tkon?”, ambassador Spock asked in his usual emotionless yet intrigued fashion.

“Y-y-yes, ambassador”, you stammered, suddenly aware of what was happening, “it's the symbol of the Tkon Empire, a civilisation that collapsed over six hundred thousand years ago. There is only one remaining Tkon, that is if....”, your voice broke for a second as you tried to push back the sadness that came with the thought you were about to voice, “if he's still alive.”

With a heartfelt gesture, you placed your right hand on your chest and delicately caressed the stone. Instantly, an enchanting orange glow emanated from it, transforming into a mesmerizing mist that gradually took the form of a Portal. What has been your own very private image of comfort over the last fifteen years was now shared with every one in the room. In front of you, a charming smaller hologram of Portal Six Three appeared, wearing a loving smile and extending its hand. Although it remained silent, the message it conveyed was crystal clear, you understood the meaning behind its silent words perfectly well. My little barbarian. The playful banter he employed to tease you that eventually evolved into a sweet expression of his affection.

“That's Tkonian technology!”, Rydek interrupted your trail of thoughts, “how did you get this? Are you one of them?”, she jumped up from her chair, her eyes fixed on your figure as if she expected you to attack her any moment.

In a calm and composed manner, Spock raised his hands, signalling the commander to cease her actions.

“She was part of the away team of the USS Enterprise that landed on Delphi Ardu IV, the exact team that first met the last guardian of the Tkon Empire.”, he spoke calmly.

Jara began to relax as the ambassador provided a comforting explanation, and she settled back into her seat.

“How do you-”

“-know?”, Spoke almost escaped an amused chuckle, “I do know your former captain and, before coming onto this ship, I did research its crew where I came across the files of your extraordinary mission. I think you'd agree on calling captain Riker and inform him about the situation at hand.”

“That would be...logical”, you murmured, your thoughts racing in a desperate attempt to grasp the realisation that, probably, you would soon have the opportunity to see Portal once more.

As you sat alone in the room, lost in your thoughts, you couldn't help but reflect on your past connection with Riker. Despite going separate ways in Starfleet, you had always kept in touch. Although you never fully disclosed the truth about your experiences on the desolate planet with the guardian, Riker seemed to have an intuition, a faint understanding of what you had endured. He kindly urged you to consider returning to Portal, but guilt held you back from taking that leap.

The doors slid open and Solano entered, Jara trotting behind him.

“The Titan's communication officer says Captain Riker is ready”, she informed him.

“Put him through.”

You stood up, positioning yourself next to the captain and the commander as Riker's hologram appeared in front of you.

“Captain Riker, this is my first officer, Commander Jara Rydek”, Solano introduced as Jara stepped forward, giving a polite nod.

“My pleasure”, Riker replied, his mouth opening again to say something as his gaze shifted towards you and the corners of his mouth formed into a friendly smile.

“I expect you know the lieutenant commander of my science division.”

“Of course and I remember working with her very fondly”, Riker nodded briefly, “I have been informed that you're dealing with Tkonian technology but I am not sure why you would contact me, given that you can access to the report and you're having an actual expert on all Tkonian matters on your ship”, he winked at you.

His praise caused a rush of warmth to spread across your cheeks. You don't perceive yourself as an expert, but rather as a simple woman who came to deeply adore an ancient being on a remote planet.

“We need clearance to land on Delphi Ardu IV”, Jara interjected.

“Granted, but only under one condition.”

“And what would that be?”, Solano requested impatiently.

“She has to join the crew that will seek out the portal”, Riker pointed at you before turning his gaze back to your captain, “and, most importantly for the success of your mission, only she will speak to him. And if I may give you my piece of advice: don't let him push you around. He'll test all of you, but don't be overwhelmed by the pageantry and theatrics. Portal is full of bluster and bravado but he can be reasoned with.”

That last comment made you chuckle. It made you wonder how Portal would react to the new visitors. Would he try to scare them, challenge them, or simply ignore them, including you, and remain hidden in the temple? It has been fifteen long years since you last saw each other. Would he still hold a fondness for you? Would he be happy to see you? Would he even recognize you after all this time? After all, you were just a fragile human, while he was an ancient and powerful being. It occurred to you that perhaps you no longer belonged in his world the moment you walked away from his side. Your mind wandered to the beautiful garden he had created for you, a sanctuary where you spent countless peaceful days together. But now, you questioned if it even still existed. Suddenly, your attention snapped back as you heard your name being mentioned.

“Don't worry too much and great Portal from me”, Riker reassured you before his hologram disappeared.

Despite the years that had passed, you were filled with disbelief as you were about to reunite with your friend, your love. The anxiety gripping your mind was undeniable, but deep down, a glimmer of excitement remained. Leaving him on that planet was a decision you deeply regretted, and now life had granted you another opportunity to make things right. If he allowed it, you knew without a doubt what choice you would make this time.

[dronescapesvideos]

Douglas TBD Devastator Over Oahu. They Took Off The USS Enterprise in September 1940 ➤➤ Doolittle Raid, The Answer The Pearl Harbor Attack: https://youtu.be/68qVYAa1uE0

➤➤ HIGHER RESOLUTION IMAGE: https://dronescapes.video/Enterprise