#veterans support group sasha

[emberleesblog]

WIP WEDNESDAY

WEEK 35

Remember that veterans support group wip I started months ago? No? Me neither.

But @glacecakes didn't. And she's been hounding me for an update.

So I watched the finale again, cried, and then got retrospective.

This was the outcome.

Enjoy!

[millenniallust4death]

The Ontario Human Rights Tribunal has ruled in favour of a Sudbury woman who was denied guide dog benefit funding because her pup didn’t meet the province’s training criteria. The tribunal ruled the province’s policy was discriminatory because it created large barriers for disabled people who need service dogs for mental health support. It also directed the province to begin changing the current law by the end of 2023. [...] Under provincial criteria, a dog must be accredited by a group called Assistance Dogs International (ADI), the only designated organization for training and accrediting service dogs in Ontario. However, they only train dogs for mental health support for armed forces veterans and first responders. That meant Robinson-Cooke had no practical way of getting her dog, Sasha, accredited so she could receive the monthly funding of $84.

Link to the CTV news article (4 August 2023).

Link to Robinson-Cooke v. Ontario (Community and Social Services).

[littlez78aka]

Home Part 2

Previous Chapter

The group alertness spiked at Alia's words but no one moved seeing how they didn't have their gear nor orders to grab them yet. Though luckily one of their higher ups, Nanaba, came to the window opening it within seconds.

Her face scrunched up with a look of alertness like they all were. "Is everyone here?" "Yes" Alia answered fast as she looked at the woman. "Good" She muttered as she continued. "Cause we've got company"

Sasha and Alia had been right.

"Approximately 500 meters to the south and closing. Titans. Headed this way." Now at those words Alia turned her head down to look at Connie. The boy had done the same as the pair locked eyes. That was were their village was.

The two's interaction was ignored as Nanaba continued to talk. "There's no time to suit up with your ODM gear. I want everyone on a horse STAT. Evacuate every home and settlement in the area. Get to it."

At the command everyone couldnt help but just stare at the woman as the news settled in. Alia's face dropping and full of worry as she looked down to Connie who finally spoke up their shared worries. "The south...thats where.."

He trailed off but with the conversation they were just having it didnt take a genius to understand. Sasha certainly understood as she looked between her two best friends in shock. Her eyes full with sadness not knowing how they felt in this moment.

So much so that when everyone else was already moving she was the one to grab onto their arms to get them moving. "Let's go" She muttered not even glancing to Nanaba who was already taking off since they were following her command.

Despite his worries, Connie moved with Sasha's help. Turning to look at Alia who was more in a shocked state then he was. "They'll be fine" He stated bringing her eyes to him. "Uncle Egon would've moved our families to safety by now"

He reasoned since the man was mean sure but he was protective that he would do anything for his family and the Springers. "You know Ludwig would've done everything to protect Karin and the others too."

Even though his words were true Alia couldn't shake off the feeling of badness that suddenly filled her. "Y-you're right" And yet she stuttered out those words wanting to hope that they were safe. Wishing and praying that they were okay.

With those words the pair finally got moving without any help. Sasha gave them both a pat on the back as her silent way of supporting them before they started moving to get their horses and to warn other homes of the news.

They could worry about their village later after they've done what they were ordered to do.

---

The orders were simple. Split into four teams and make your way around the area to tell the civilians of all villages to evacuate. No engaging the enemy. And each group would be mixed up of recruits and veterans alike.

"Which one of you is most familiar with the area?" Miche called back to the group now glancing back to the group. Sasha was fast to raise her hand "Me sir! My home town's just to the north of here." Alia by now had pushed back her worries as she did the same.

"Me as well sir!" Connie on the other hand was still stuck in his head that Alia had to continue for him. "And Connie too sir" She stated bringing her head to look at the bald boy. "Connie and I are from the south of here" The girl swallowed down a breath. "Where the titans were coming from sir."

Although her words sad no one commented as she sat up straighter on her horse. "But the three of us know this region like the back of our hands." She glanced to Sasha who nodded in agreement. "Every detail and section!" The brunette reassured despite her fear and worry on the situation.

"Alia and I can lead you to nearby settlements," Connie finally spoke up as he came up with only one request. "but afterwards...let us go home. Please." Alia gave Connie a look of grieve before she turned to the Miche, their commander as of right now.

Gripping the reigns a little tighter she spoke up as well. "Please sir." She voiced out in a desperate tone. The man took a moment as he turned to the pair who was mostly likely hurting and worrying the most out of everyone. "very well."

His words and agreement stern but with a slight sadness for them. "Guide the southern team, then go to your village." He was giving them the chance to see even if it would end up bad. Alia and Connie both said out their agreement. "Yes sir"

Reiner picked up a pace a bit to go between the pair. "I'll come with you guys" His brotherly side came through to show again. "You're crazy. They'll be everywhere" Connie muttered out not wanting to bring someone else to the death site that would be there.

"You think i care?" Reiner gave him a strained smile as Alia shook her head. The girl was thankful he was trying to support them but she'd rather not endanger another one of her friends if she didn't have to. "I was gonna help you get home anyway, remember?"

Alia couldn't help but sigh though her attention when to Bertholdt when Reiner turned to question him. "What about you? you coming?" The giant looked stressed as he stared down at Reiner though his eyes moved to Alia beside the blonde.

His expression softening just a little. "Of course. Wouldn't miss it for the world." The girl's heart ached a bit. Her friends were willing to come with them even if it meant possibly getting snatched by a titan and eaten.

All for the sake of helping them out.

"You two are crazy" Alia let out a dry chuckle as she turned her head back to the front. The conversation she had with Bertholdt not too long ago coming to mind. She told him she'd always be there for him and it looks like he was doing the same for her.

Connie did the same as he agreed with Alia. "Crazy nut heads indeed" He called out wanting to keep the air less tense. Reiner just snickered. "Aren't we all for doing this job?" The blonde called out the obvious while Bertholdt didn't say anything but chuckle.

His eyes never leaving Alia's form as the order to separate came to. "Scatter now! Ride for everything you're worth!" Miche shouted and in an instant the soldiers moved.

"Don't die!" Alia shouted to the others who weren't with her. Sasha let out pained laugh. "I'll try not to!" Yelling back despite it all. Ymir just shook her head while Crista shouted out her own last words to her friends. "Please just be safe!"

Right. That was the only thing they could do even if they didn't want to die. Was to be safe.

---

Ignaz and Naruto had just finished placing the last meat and vegetables into the cabin of food that the family there were delivering to had. Unlike today there was no need to trading but just dropping off. Since they in turn would deliver some of their stuff another day.

"That should be everything Mr Braus ." The redhead stated as he turned to the man who's been kind to him and his family. Naruto had taken the time to go off and interact with the kids of the family.

The man just shook his head as he fixed the cowboy hat he wore on a daily. "How many times i Gotta tell ya to call me Artur. Yer brotha does why cant ya?" His accent was as thick as Egon's but a little different seeing how he was from a different village.

Ignaz shook his head with a small smile. "My sister always told meh to be respectful sir" The redhead teen answered lightly as he thought of the girl he hadn't seen in years. Even if she was off being a soldier the teenager kept her rules in mind everyday.

Artur just sighed with a smile. The man had heard a lot of the girl and yet never had the pleasure of meeting her yet. "I hope ma daughter learns from yer sista about respect." He sighed placing a hand on Ignaz's shoulder.

It was a nice coincidence that both Ignaz's sister and Artur's daughter had gone off to training at the same time. But for them to know each other or even be friends was a bit of a long shot. But the redhead didnt mind thinking the same as Mr Braus.

"I hope yer daughter teaches my sister to relax a little" Was Ignaz's response as the pair smiled at the thought of the two girls. Artur glanced at the boy who seemed mature for his age but somehow childish when talking about his sister.

The man liked to think that one day the two girls would be back and both families to get together and have dinner. It was a nice thought and the conversation was light up until some others came runing.

"A titan! A titan's been spotted!" Ignaz was fast to turn towards the terrified person. His body tensing up as he heard those words. Something he thought he'd never hear despite the attack five years ago that caused wall Maria to fall.

Artur was the first to respond. Calling out for the people as he shouted. "we've got horses! We can get yall out of 'ere faster!" Instantly the people came rushing towards him. The man turned to Ignaz his expression serious but pleading.

"Do you mind helpin me out a little to give out the horses?" Ignaz stood straighter at the question. His sister coming to his mind on what she would do. Then his brother and father. He knew that they were strong and smart enough to be safe.

He's spent his whole life watching the three be nothing but strong that he admired them so much. So with a nod he agreed. "Naruto and I can help out in any way we can" Even though they were just 15 they had experience in labor.

And their hands were much better to help then Artur's younger kids. "Good" Artur muttered relieved as they moved to the stable where the horses were. Going in fast to help the scared people who was running.

Instead of running themselves though they stayed put to help any people who were still leaving the village to give out a horse. Humans helping humans even if they were scared out of their mind.

---

~ 𝐅𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐡 𝐛𝐚𝐜𝐤 ~

Alia sat on the steps of the girl's cabin waiting silently as she stared down to her feet. Sasha, who had just been talking to Ymir and Crista, was walking back to the cabin when she saw the girl. Deciding to stop instead going in to change she sat down next to Alia.

Nothing was said at first before Sasha opened her mouth of what she thinking. "Am I not likable?" Her question made the blonde look up to her. It wasn't something that the girl thought she'd ever hear Sasha say. Not in the time she's known her.

"Who cares what people think" Alia started off slow as she nudged Sasha with her shoulder to get the brunette to look at her. "Why think about their opinions if you know who are you" She stated softly. "I mean i like you just the way you are"

Sasha smiled at her words but the smile didn't go to her eyes. "And if i change or don't change?" Another question that Alia wasn't expecting. So she took a moment to think as she looked up to the sky.

"Changing is apart of life." Again she started off slow. "I think when we do change is up to us in our decisions" Alia turned to look at Sasha again this time wrapping an arm around the girl lightly. "but even with changes with the people around us...they will still be by yourself because you are Sasha"

"People don't just choose to be with people for the way they are at the time. They choose to be with them because they want to be. and if a person stays with them its because they care for them no matter what they come to be."

Alia leaned in closer to press her forehead against Sasha's. The brunette was quiet the whole time as they stared into each other's eyes. "Humans are social creatures that its automatic for them to seek each other out. It's just up to us on who we are willing to seek out to."

At that sentence, Sasha just hummed. Taking her words into mind before she nodded. "Thanks." Sasha whispered out softly as she moved to hug Alia. Holding her tight and close that she buried her face into Alia's neck.

Sasha was glad to have been forced to come here by her father. Being able to meet people such like Alia and thankful to have them accept her. Just as she did with them.

~ 𝐅𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐡 𝐛𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐄𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐝 ~

---

"Help! Somebody Help!" Ignaz was the first to hear the pleads of a little girl. So much so that he ran towards her direction with Naruto right behind him. Settling onto his knees for a moment he grabbed onto the girl's shoulders. "What's wrong? What's the matter?"

His words simple and fast for the girl to understand. "Someone's still back the village holding a titan back by herself....please! Please go help her!" Ignaz was fast to turn to Naruto who was out of breath pulling a horse behind him.

The blonde already could tell what his friend was thinking that he made a face. "Just dont die on me" He grumbled out as he grabbed onto the little girl that Ignaz was handing to him. "Out of the two of us you're the idiot that would"

The comment wasn't needed but it was light to keep their moods up. "Yeah yeah" Naruto muttered turning away to run back to the others who was busy settling more horses out. Carrying the girl in his arms as he ran back.

Ignaz took that time to get on the horse Naruto brought before taking off into the direction the girl came from. His heart beating so fast that it was going to burst as he used one hand to grab onto his axe.

A weapon he rarely used but had per his brother's orders to always have it on him in case of emergencies.

The redhead had thankfully made it in time to see the titan wrapping it's arm around a girl--letting out a shout he jumped up from the horse and to them. Landing his feet on the titan and bringing the axe down into it's head with a big swing.

His movement forced the titan to release the girl who dropped onto the ground breathing heavily. "the Nape! You need to aim to the nape of the neck!" She called out despite nearly just dying. Ignaz placed his hand on the titan's face.

Balancing himself well as he pulled his axe out before using all his strength to force the titan's head to the side before he struck again. Thankfully the thing it had a chunk of it's neck cut already that with just three more strikes it went limp.

With it's body dropping, Iganz barely had time to catch himself as he fell back onto the ground behind him. Leaving his axe in the chunk of it's neck as he dragged himself back with heavy breaths.

Looking at the titan he tried to calm down from the adrenaline rush he just had. His hands shaking as he turned to the girl who was beside him in the same position. "You 'right?" He muttered out still processing what just happened.

The girl just ignored his question as she looked around the area. "Is the little girl alright? Did she make it other people?" The brunette wasn't even worried about herself but the girl she saved. Before Ignaz could answer though sounds of horses riding came closer to them.

"Ignaz!" Naruto shouted bringing the pair's attention to the group of man. The little girl right in front of the blonde as they rode on one horse together. "You 'right buddy?!" Naruto shouted again as they all came to a halt.

Once again the redhead didn't get to answer when Artur spoke up with a breath. "Sasha?" His gaze straight to the girl beside Ignaz. The 15 year old took a moment to look over to the girl beside him.

If she was here then did that mean his sister was somewhere near by?

---

After settling down the group was off again on horses in the forest to ride back to where they were to find other people. Ignaz hadn't said anything to Sasha yet letting the father and daughter talk before he bit down to ask.

Riding up close to Sasha when he knew they were done--the redhead couldn't help but ask. "Is Alia Kasper somewhere near by?" Sasha looked away from her father as she heard the name. Her body straightening up as she looked at the boy who helped her.

It was as if the dots were connecting in her head on who he was. After all Alia spent years telling Sasha about her family and what they looked like. This boy had to be Ignaz and from the looks of the blonde holding the little girl had to be Naruto. Connie's little brother.

So answering Sasha shook her head. "She and Connie went back to your village to check on them.." Her words dying for a moment as she got ready to tell him the bad news. "The direction of your village was where the titans came from..."

Ignaz once relaxed form had tense again. His face falling at the thought of his village being destroyed. "Right.." He muttered out as he turned back to the front. "Thanks for answering me.."

Sasha just nodded--her expression grim as she felt bad for the boy. Just as bad as she felt for Alia and Connie who would be seeing the village by now. Naruto who was beside Ignaz listening to the conversation spoke up in a slightly hopeful tone.

"They've gotta be fine Ig.." The usually sunshine and loud boy whispered out to try and ease his and Ignaz's nerves. The redhead didn't say anything as they continued to ride. They could only hope for the best.

---

"Connie! Alia! Slow down!" Reiner shouted out to the pair who was already a good distance away from the group so they could get to their village faster. "Get ahold of yourselves! There could be titans around every corner!" The blonde continued to reason.

Even Bertholdt now called out. "Wait for us guys!" But their calls went to deaf ears as the pair made it to the destroyed village. Connie was looking around for any sign of life. Breathing heavily as he started to shout for someone to answer him. Saying that it was Connie and Alia.

But there was no answer. Alia took the time to turn to her childhood friend. "Our houses Constance! We gotta go to our houses!!" She didn't wait for him to answer as she took off to her own house. The usage of his full name going right over his head as he went to the direction of his own.

In doing do Reiner went after Connie while Bertholdt went after Alia.

The sight of her home made Alia halt as she saw it in ruins. The porch and the front of it was in pieces while the back of it was broken in. Open to the eyes to see. Her own room. "No.." She whispered.

Getting off her horse she ignored the sound of other steps coming to her. "No" Her eyes filled with tears she spoke again as she dropped to her knees. There was no blood but seeing how destroyed everything was made her think of the worse.

"Alia" Bertholdt whispered now getting off his horse to go to her. She simply cried as she curled her arms into her chest. "Papa...Ludwig...Ignaz" She cried to herself as she shook her head.

Alia didn't want to believe it. Not when she didnt even get the chance to see them. To tell them all of the sights she saw and experienced. Not when she could even hear about what they were doing themselves. Their love life. Everything.

Bertholdt took the time to drop down to his knees. Wrapping his arms around the crying girl as he shushed her. Comforting her even if his face crunched up in guilt. Not that Alia could see as she was too busy mourning of the lost of her family. All of her family.

Next Chapter

Sea Green Eyes Masterlist

[ashes-in-a-jar]

The Purrfect Alternative

Premise: Why would there be a cat in the archives? An archive cat fixit.

2.7K words

Rated G

(Tw: A bit of violence but it's against Jurgen Leitner)

This is a fic dedicated to the @jonsimsandcats event! Hope you enjoy it :)

"Sorry, you haven't seen a cat, have you?"

Jon gaped at the larger man who suddenly barged into the office. 

"I-I'm sorry, a what?"

"Uh, a cat, tabby I think." The man hurriedly explained.

"No. No I haven't. Is it.. Supposed to be here?" Jon knew book shops sometimes kept cats. Perhaps archives did as well. Maybe Gertrude had a soft spot in her after all.

"N-no actually. I, uh, I was feeding it on the way in but when I got up with my things, well, my hands were full you see, so when I managed to open the door it sort of slipped in with me? I'm so sorry, I have to find it before-"

"Okay okay calm down, stop." Jon held up his hand and let out a sigh. First day of the promotion and he's already stressed. But it's fine. He's fine. He can handle a cat. He's good with cats.

"Where do you work? Upstairs? Are you sure it came down here?"

"Yes, I saw it. And I just started working down here today? I'm Martin. Blackwood." He offered a hand. Jon automatically took it. Big and soft. He let go a bit too quickly and coughed. 

"Work here? Are you certain?"

"Yes, I'm supposed to let Jonathan Sims know about becoming an archival assistant. He's the head archivist Elias told me to talk to."

"Well that's one thing to cross off your list." Jon smirked. "I'm Jonathan Sims. Jon, if you please. And Elias did not mention you. Tim and Sasha were supposed to be the only new recruits." Jon frowned to himself. He'll have to have a word with Elias about this. It's fine now that it happened but keeping Jon updated could really help in preventing these kinds of awkward introductions with people he's supposed to work closely with.

"O-oh! Well, here I am now too." Martin chuckled nervously, fidgeting with the hem of his jumper.

Jon hummed "So you are I suppose. Well, let's not waste time on trivial matters, there is a cat that needs to be found." Jon got up from his chair.

"O-oh god, you're right. I'm so sorry for this." The other man apologized, remembering why he was there in the first place. It was clear that he now realized that the fact that the person he's asking to help him clear up his mess is his new boss could be very problematic for him. Jon easily sympathized with that kind of familiar pressure.

"It's alright, let's just, get this sorted." Jon was not willing to admit that a part of him was also just looking forward to seeing the cat. It would help distract him from his own stress, as it were.

Ten minutes later the two of them sitting on the floor in the stacks with a chubby tabby cat sprawled on Jon's lap. Jon was petting it affectionately while amicably getting acquainted with his new assistant. The man turned out to be a library veteran with useful cataloging skills that could help with the mess that was left down here. Having calmed down considerably, Martin had stopped fidgeting and was cooing at the cat who was head butting his large palm. Their presence soothed Jon in a way that surprised him. In the tranquil, quiet atmosphere of the stacks, sounds of cat purrs and Martin's low murmurs, he felt almost optimistic that despite his lack of experience and the large task ahead of them, he would be alright. 

-------

Paper meowed loudly behind him as Martin hurried down the tunnel with Jon and Tim at his tail. Martin glanced back as he reached an intersection and noticed they were too far behind, Jon limping on his injured foot. He hesitated, stopping and waiting for them to catch up. Paper came up and rubbed his leg before trotting down the tunnel on the right, tail held high and confident. Martin inhaled deeply to catch his breath, starting to walk again, this time more slowly. They managed to leave most of the fast worms behind and the ones down here were few and sparse enough to easily stomp down individually. Paper was making a game out of it.  He kept leaping onto some that crawled ahead of them, squishing them loudly with his paw. 

Jon and Tim caught up and the three followed Paper down the dark passage. 

"Yeah, get the damn crawlers." Slurred Tim. The CO2 he inhaled was not helping his coherency. 

"You know," gasped Jon, "I actually think they're larvae, given Jane's statement and-" 

"Jon, I'm going to have to ask you to stop now." Martin said, as calmly as he could, his voice a tad too high and loud. 

"... Sorry." Jon said sheepishly. 

They followed Paper down the forking paths, hoping the cat knew where in the seven circles of hell they were. 

Eventually they stopped seeing any worms as the path sloped up, ending in a sudden door. There was daylight filtering in from beneath it. Paper was eagerly pawing at it. 

"Uh, I think we found a secret way out of the institute." Martin could hardly believe their luck. 

"Excellent, now I can ditch work and no one will know I even left." Tim mumbled. 

"Tim, if you wanted to succeed in that endeavor, you should have not said that next to your boss." Jon commented dryly. 

The worm threat no longer being imminent, Martin allowed himself a nervous chuckle. 

They pushed at the door and with a bit of group effort, eventually managed to pry it open into fresh air. They came out into a narrow alleyway which turned out to be not far from the institute. As they walked (limped) down the street to find access to a working phone they heard someone cry out. 

"Jon? Tim? Martin!" They spotted Sasha hurrying towards them, carrying heavy bags of cat food. 

"Sasha! You're okay!" Martin exclaimed. "We were worried you'd get back and be caught in it like Tim had."

"Where have you been?" Jon inquired, straining to stand upright on his own. Martin came closer, gently supporting him by the hip on the opposite side of Tim. 

"We ran out of food for Paper, I figured I'd pop by the store for a moment to get some." Sasha said. "I came back when the building was being evacuated."

"Oh good, at least the alarm worked." Tim said tiredly. 

"What in god's name happened to you three?" She inquired worriedly. 

"Prentiss, we'll fill you in later. We need to make sure the ECDC is informed regarding the CO2 in the fire suppression system that needs to be activated."

"And get you to a hospital." Martin chastised, squeezing Jon's side. 

"Yes yes." Jon waved dismissively but all the while leaning further into Martin's side. He really wasn't discreet, Martin thought smugly. 

Sasha was about to say something else when a loud meow interrupted her. Paper was nosing into the bag, fully aware of its contents and who they were meant for. 

Jon dislodged from Martin and Tim and hobbled towards the cat. 

The cat turned and moved back into Jon's welcoming arms, as the archivist picked him up and stroked him fondly. 

"We are lucky on all accounts that Paper is such a smart cat." He murmured into the soft fur, injury forgotten for the moment. 

Tim chuckled, "cats always ruin evil people's plans, it's a well known fact. Anyway, Sasha, please call an ambulance for us?" He said, and promptly sat on the floor. 

Martin sighed with relief. For now, they are all safe and together. And that's all that matters. 

-------

It was all almost too much to take in. Luckily Paper was held tight in his arms as he listened to Jurgen Leitner ramble on about powers and fears and monsters and Jonah Magnus. He had been chased by a distorted form of his boss, who was apparently replaced by a monster Jon and the crew tried and failed to destroy, thus separating in the ensuing pursuit. In light of these events Jon now needed something soft to ground him in the face of so much new information. 

The discovery of Elias' death was a shock, especially given the fact that apparently it happened when he was trapped in artifact storage during the Prentiss siege a half a year back. 

He (that is, his doppelganger) told them back then that he was trying to reach the suppression system switch when he tripped down the stairs over one of Paper's many scattered toys, alerting Jane in the process and was driven back into the storage area. His account seemed to check out given he was rescued from there by the ECDC after Jane was dealt with. And given the few toys strewn about the stairs leading to artifact storage. Why Paper kept scattering his toys all over the building was beyond Jon but that wasn't the main issue at hand. After trapping the creature in the walls of the tunnels, Jurgen Leitner proceeded to reveal himself. Once Jon dragged him back to his office, and picked the protesting Paper up to calm himself down, he unveiled the truth of Elias', or Jonah's, whole operation. 

Turns out Jonah Magnus decided life was too short to enjoy once and did exactly what eventually happened to him. Talk about karma. Leitner explained that Gertrude's plan was to stop Jonah from... Something he was planning. Perhaps a ritual to end the world in a way the others would fail to do. That bit of information was on a tape of Gertrude which Leitner played for Jon. By the time they reached the part where Leitner said, “they needed to kill Jonah's main body then burn down the archives.” Martin, Tim and Sasha had arrived back at the office as well. 

"Jon? Jon! Are you okay?" Martin rushed forward, hugging Jon tightly, ignoring Paper's loud yowling at being squished in between them. Jon sighed, "Martin, thank god. I-I'm fine." He hugged him back, relieved his boyfriend was safe, as well as his other assistants of course. "It chased after me but he stopped it."

Tim raised his axe, "Jon are you sure he's not... Another one?"

"Yes I'm sure. That" Jon took a deep breath, "is Jurgen Leitner."

After the team's loud exclamations of disbelief he and Leitner updated them on everything they had discussed. As he was being hugged by Martin and holding the fluffy cat he slowly began calming down.

After Leitner was done a long moment of silence ensued.

"So," Sasha said slowly, "Gertrude's dead?"

"Yes, she was shot and then hidden by Jonah in the tunnels. Unfortunately I couldn't get out to allow for a proper burial, so I had to leave her there." He seemed sad admitting it. Jon did not feel sympathy for him. This man deserved none for his past and cowardice.

"And now, we need to, what, somehow find the center of the maze of tunnels to kill Jonah completely and burn the archives?" Sasha asked skeptically. 

"Yes, the whole institute in fact. I have a gas main in the tunnels ready to be ignited once we find the center." Leitner said.

"How do we do that?" Martin frowned.

"Maybe Michael knows?" Tim quipped. "He just helped us out of that situation with his own… corridor labyrinth. Maybe he'll be able to help."

"Okay, okay let's first take a breather and calm down. We'll figure out how to solve this." Jon said, raising his hand to slow them down.

"Yeah, I'll make us some tea." Martin added, "At least now that... Thing won't bother us for a long while."

"Let it burn along with this hell of an institute." Tim said harshly. Knowing how his brother was killed almost the same way, Jon felt strong sympathy for Tim rush over him.

Which was replaced with a different emotion the moment he turned to the man who saved him.

"Thank you for your help, now Martin, I need you to hold Paper for a moment."

Martin, looking baffled, took Paper out of Jon's arms. "Jon wh-"

Jon swiftly approached the older man and proceeded to sock him in the nose with the full force of his fist. The crew gasped in unison. 

"That's for everyone you hurt with your idiocy, you stupid old coward." Jon seethed and punched him again. He heard Martin chuckle and Tim whoop as the man whimpered and attempted to protect his face.

Jon was glad they were spared the horrible plans of a 200 year old evil man and that they had some semblance of a strategy moving forward. He was, however, equally elated for this opportunity to do what he fantasized about since learning of Leitner's existence.

And, he supposes, all of this can be indirectly attributed to Paper, the archive cat.

-------

Jon woke up to the warm snuggle of his lovely fiance and a mouthful of cat fur. 

"Pffff, Paper geerroff," he mumbled, uselessly trying to push the stubborn cat away. The chirping of birds mingled with the sound of highland cows grazing in the field near their cabin. 

After the success of their plan to end Jonah, after the fire had already burned down the horrors of that evil place, it took a while longer for their troubles to be resolved. They had to endure endless questioning and investigations of the police. Jon, who was weakened by the ordeal to the point of needing hospitalization, took a long time to recover and regain his strength. Leitner claimed it was lucky he was cut off from the Eye this early, or the consequences would have been much more serious. The others seemed to have been less affected, but once the archives were completely reduced to ashes they recovered, their jobs burned down along with everything else. 

Sasha found a new job as a researcher in a prestigious institute, nothing supernatural involved. Tim moved on to journalism, utilizing his curiosity and charm to their full potential. Jon and Martin opened a tea & book shop, if only to make Paper a real bookshop cat. They have been slowly setting it up and settling down until... Well, Jon proposed and they took a break. Traveled to Scotland with Paper on an early honeymoon to see the cows and enjoy the quiet. 

And quiet it was. Until Paper shamelessly began purring as loud as a train right in Jon's ear. Jon huffed in fond annoyance and got up, leaning down to give Martin a kiss on the head and then shooing the crime of a cat off to the kitchen. 

"You can't give me a moment of reprieve, can you?" He stretched and followed the cat out the bedroom. 

He filled Paper's bowl and sat on the floor leaning his back on the cabinet, closing his eyes as Paper chewed his food noisily. 

He must have fallen asleep because the next thing he knew, he was awakened by a soft tap on his head. He looked up blearily and smiled. The cat had long since finished eating and found a home in Jon's lap. 

"Morning love." Martin murmured softly, matching his tone to the serene atmosphere. After hesitating a moment, he bent down and sat next to Jon. Jon looked at him adoringly as he absent-mindedly stroked Paper, humming along to his purrs. Martin joined him, petting Paper, their hands occasionally (and very purposefully) brushing against each other. 

After a few minutes of calm silence, Martin spoke up. 

"You know, this reminds me of that first day we met. In the stacks."

Jon smiled at the memory. "Ahh yes, all three of us had a very fateful meeting there, didn't we? God, I was so stressed back then." 

"You handled it pretty well I have to say. Handled my nervousness pretty well too." Martin chuckled. 

"I was lucky you were there. You really helped me calm down." Jon admitted. "Well, you and Paper." Jon added fondly. 

"Paper was a really good archive cat wasn't he?" Martin said, leaning into Jon, pressing a warm, still sleepy kiss on his cheek. Jon closed his eyes, grateful for the events that led up to this moment of pure happiness, with his fiance and his cat. 

"Yes, the best cat in the world."

[depressing-debbie]

Squad Dad Levi at the 104th Kids’ High School Graduation

Just a small modern au Levi squad to celebrate the occasion, happy father’s day everyone!

Shoutout to @pathetic-pablo for the concept, I swear I cannot write anything without you anymore bestie <3

Also here’s an absolutely shameless advertisement for my Squad Dad Levi headcanons that fit today’s theme pretty well: 

Part 1   Part 2   Part 3   Part 4

The kids just kind of assumed that Levi would be coming to their graduation. He’s basically their dad at this point, and he was one of biggest sources of support throughout high school, so of course he’d be coming to see them off?

Luckily, though, Armin thought to remind him the date of the ceremony, because Levi had absolutely no idea that he was invited. They asked why on earth he wouldn’t be, but Levi just kind of shrugged.

But truthfully, he was absolutely HONORED.

It hasn’t really ever occurred to him that the kids would think of him as a family member? But the way they just assumed he was going, it was clear that he really did mean a lot to them.

Once he knows he’s welcome, he gets so excited. He even lets Hange take him out shopping for a new outfit, even though he rolls his eyes at them the entire time.

The day of graduation, he sees them all getting ready together, all wearing their cap and gown, and he catches himself feeling surprisingly emotional

Of course, Armin sees him getting emotional and does the same, then so do Connie and Sasha, and pretty soon literally all of the kids are crying and trying to rope Levi into a group hug. 

And, sure, he’s overwhelmed, but he’s still Levi, so he manages to pull them back together and helps them finish getting ready.

He offers to help take pictures before they leave, and he’s absolutely shocked when they make him take a timed photo instead so that he can be in it with everyone.

Every single one of the veterans came to support the kids, so they had an entire cheering section in the front of the auditorium. Unsurprisingly, everyone learned that Hange and Erwin combined can cheer louder than the entire rest of the audience.

Armin definitely gave a speech as valedictorian, which Levi had helped him rehearse enough that he had also memorized all the words, so he was quietly mouthing along the whole time, clapping so loud when he was finished

Proud Dad Levi is cheering SO LOUDLY when their names are called, any other day he would have found the volume absurd, but he was just so proud of them.

Watching them all walk across the stage, he started having flashbacks to helping them with their homework, making sure everyone got to school, begrudgingly delivering the lunch that Eren could never remember to pack- but, being Levi, he brought himself back to reality, rolling his eyes at his own cheesy brain

After the ceremony, he gave each of the kids the flowers he’d bought them (don’t tell anyone, but he put SO much thought into what kind of flowers to get everyone), as well as the handwritten note attached. They were short and pretty simple, but anyone who knows Levi well could tell they were actually incredibly meaningful.

Levi’s obviously not usually one to verbally express his appreciation, but he made an exception just this once so that he could make sure each and every one of them knew how proud he was. 

Which of course prompted everyone to start crying again, and since all the veterans were there as well this time, Levi couldn’t dodge the group hug. (which Hange will forever tease him for)

Sorry for dragging everyone into this absolute emotional rollercoaster, brb gonna go cry

[farsight-the-char]

Thinking about how i would write an Avengers book using the current status-quo.

...

Unity Squad

Robbie Reyes/Ghost Rider bruiser and emotional support, plus magic

Jean Grey/Marvel Woman: Veteran Leader and powerhouse.

Amadeus Cho/Brawn: more the tech/genius, though will provide "Hulk Smash" when needed.

Laura Kinney/Wolverine: Best at what she does. Stealth, Claws, Guns.

Wanda Maximoff/Scarlett Witch: Magic, co-leader, mentor.

Noriko Ashida: Brings the lightning. Also wears armour that works with her abilities.

Original Character, Starborn Sorceress/Sasha Maximoff, a "Chimera" clone of Wanda and Jean. First arc centers around her discovery and rescue, with her then joining the Unity Squad.

...

Maybe a few others? But this is the initial roster.

First arc centers of the Xmen/Avengers teaming up to put a stop to an evil cloning operation/trafficking group.

Second goes into magical stuff.

3rd goes into back to cloning stuffm

4th and 5th are????

[sepublic]

Barrel’s Warhammer!

           YYYYOOOOOO SASHA!!!!

           She really is the epitome, the pinnacle, of gaslight, gatekeep, girlboss! I love Sasha, she’s such an utter mess, morally ambiguous and then downright terrible in so many ways, and genuinely unhinged in just as many! She’s a freaking riot and SUCH an amazing character, y’all!

           In general, I adore how Toads are handled in this show! Yeah, they’re big and brutish and used as thugs… But the show still clearly portrays them as people, and some of them are terrible like Bog, but others are just trying to live their lives, like Percy and Braddock! And how they’re all clearly working with this ascribed role as Andrias’ enforcers and iron fist across Amphibia, how they’re encouraged to be cruel brutes… But they’re still people and they’re still oppressed, which is why Grime is leading his rebellion! Good for him, good for THEM!

           Also… GRIMMITY?!?! Beatrix?! Grime LORE! I like how Beatrix and Grime have blind eyes on opposite sides, and Sasha roasting Bufo by naturally connecting his name to Buffoon, WONDERFUL! Aldo’s also a legendary, killer design, he reminds me of VLD Zarkon, old and decrepit and fanged and clearly has seen a LOT of stuff, a real warrior of his time… Honestly, getting a look into the Toads and THEIR complicated role in this story, as the ‘bad guys’ but not really, there’s more to them; It’s such a fit to Sasha’s character, and I LOVE how she’s such an utter brute for someone who normally seems accustomed to using honey over vinegar to attract flies (to feed her Toads)! She’s nuts, she’s great.

           I love the explanation for the eye symbol, I love Sasha really getting to appreciate Percy and Braddock, and for a moment I thought she really was learning her lesson… When she gave them an out, I thought maybe she took what happened with Anne to heart, but now…! Maybe this is what she’s always done; Made empty promises. God, I love this little arc for her character, how she wants to be a good friend, but she keeps valuing power and control over all else…

           AND HER RAGE! HER JEALOUSY! At Anne and Marcy being with each other, leaving her out, Sasha’s mind jumping to all of the worst conclusions, and how THAT anger is what unlocks her gem power, not heroism or anything else! Sasha’s such a complex and messed-up character but you can’t help but root for her, she really IS a Problematic Fave! God, with how she’s going to meet Anne in a volcano, and the whole “Sasha is Anakin and Anne is Obi-Wan” just WRITES itself, with Sasha angrily accusing Anne of turning Marcy against her, Anne retorting that Sasha did that herself, etc.!

           God Sasha’s such a complicated mess and ball of unresolved emotions and contradictions, denial that’s insisting everything’s fine when it’s really not… She’s a manipulator who prefers to be hands-off, yet is also somehow the raw brute with unthinking, unyielding strength! She’s utterly terrifying, no wonder all of the Toads are in awe of her ferocity and power!

           Also, I like how Barrel’s Warhammer was included; At first I wondered WHY the Narwhal Worm would guard the weapon used by the Toad who fought it, but as we can clearly see… Barrel must’ve conked it out BADLY with his Warhammer, knocking it out, and the hammer has been stuck since! And once more, the hammer has been slammed into the worm… And in general, I love seeing the Toads just ROOT around Sasha and Grime, I love seeing villainous characters get to go feral and unhinged as you root for them, as THEY rise up and fight against all odds as the underdogs!

           Percy and Braddock and the gag with the kawaii poses was great, but it’s also sad to see them go! They’re definitely a wake-up call for Sasha and I like it, I wonder if you could parallel them, one-by-one, to Anne and Marcy respectively? Perhaps Anne and Marcy were initially not taken seriously by Sasha at first, but ultimately she DID grow to care for them and not just as ‘tools’, who knows? With Anne and Percy and Braddock, I think Sasha’s going to have to reconsider things… And GRIME, how he just sort of accepts that, yeah, you gotta lose people to achieve a goal! I could see him being a bad influence to Sasha, unintentionally- Like her, he means well, they’re really great parallels to one another!

           Like, Sasha and Grime are both brutes, power-hungry, and wanting control, but Sasha prefers subtlety and manipulation, appeals to both her and others’ emotions, while Grime prefers to be raw and unthinking strength, he’s a seasoned veteran from combat, while Sasha is likely a rich kid, young and learning… They’re such a dynamic duo with a lot to teach one another! Maybe Grime sees himself in Sasha; Himself when HE was a kid… Maybe when he was a gladiator, he had friends but left them behind to be promoted to Captain? I wonder if Beatrix has anything to say on this, too…

           Could Beatrix provide insight to Grimmity? Did Grime leave her behind in a sense…? Does SASHA have a sibling, and that leads to her weird power complex, as another parallel to Grime! Either way it’s sweet, I adore the dynamic of two horrible people who are good friends and bad, enabling influences to each other… Being problematic faves, you can’t help but cringe at their mistakes but also cheer as they win as underdogs and turn the tables on their enemies! I like how Sasha is still supportive of Grime and vice-versa, Grime’s guiding this kid, but Sasha’s fully supporting Grime as the de-facto leader and backing him up, not trying to seize control!

           I think it really parallels Anne, how she just wanted to get back home… But somewhere along the way, she realizes how much she loves and enjoys this, and values her friend! And maybe it could lead to Sasha not wanting to head back home after all, especially if there’s nothing there for her; Which could play into her keeping all of her gem powers as she opposes Andrias openly, while Anne has some of her power because again, she’s more neutral, and then Marcy has none because she’s fully bought into the Newt King’s schtick!

           Also, it’s funny that Sasha is no doubt feeling betrayed, like her trust has been jeopardized by Anne and Marcy, considering she did the same to Anne in Reunion! Lying to her about what she intended to do with the Frogs… It’s wonderfully hypocritical and this kid does NOT want self-awareness, she’ll toy with it for a bit, but then immediately backpedal! Get better and well Sasha, for everyone’s sake… The confrontation and paranoia as she loses her friends and only has Grime, who means well but isn’t so great himself, is also nice!

           Honestly, there’s even a parallel to the idea of Sasha meaning well, only to be ruined by her own toxicity… And Grime wanting a better life for Toads in his revolution, but still allowing a hierarchy to exist by the end of the day, instead of abolishing it for all! They both have good ideas and initiative, but it’s ruined by Sasha and Grime not backing down on certain things and not listening to others, being SO sure they’re right… Very compelling stuff. Now I’m starting to wonder if Sasha will be open to Anne about her suspicions, if they WILL get along for the Third Temple…

           …Or if she’ll try to manipulate and fool her again, thinking that SHE’s been betrayed herself! And maybe Sasha will realize her faults in the battle of Newtopia, only for it to be too late, Anne has been too betrayed, Sasha has only herself (and, well, Andrias) to blame! In the meantime, as Sasha no doubt embraces her role as a rebel, but also unknowingly as a hero against Andrias and his master… I can see her tapping more into her gem powers and actually using them as part of her rage, hence the shots we see from the Third Temple! She’s going to be terrifying, y’all, and even more of a match for Yunnan at this point… And Anne, poor Anne’s going to be caught between TWO toxic friends!

           Both mean well, but both have other bad points… And it just means Anne’s gonna have to forge her own path, make her own decisions and group and faction, be her own person and take initiative once more! But it’s also gonna be lonely and could contribute to more trust issues along the way… And maybe she’ll think she can only trust herself, only do things on her own, and how this might pair badly with her selfless martyr-complex. We’ll have to wait and see, though… We’ll have to wait and see.

[sleepysnk]

Hiii I saw you were doing requests and thought of one! Can you do a one shot where the female reader is dating Mikasa and she worries about what everyone else in the Scouts will think but all their friends and superiors accept it? Very cute and pure one shot with female reader and Mikasa because I don't see many with her and I love her 🥺💕 Thank you so much!

this is such a cute request!! i love this sm! mikasa does need more love tbh. i hope you enjoy!! 🖤.

Mikasa x Fem!Reader: Acceptance

Warnings: None

Love was pretty common in the Survey Corps. A lot of people knew love was quite a risk, especially in the world they all live in.

When it came to Mikasa and (Y/N), it was a bit of a shocker. No one really knew they were together, and it was pretty much out of public eye. Mikasa was really protective over (Y/N), and she didn't want her to ever get hurt.

The only reason it was quiet was because they were both women. As far as they knew, no one really seemed to be in a relationship with the same sex. They both feared that if it was revealed, people would judge them, or they would be shamed for it.

They were in love though. Mikasa and (Y/N) were inseparable, but kept their PDA out of view. Most people just assumed they were best friends, like Mikasa was with Armin and Eren. (Y/N) was starting to feel a little uncomfortable with the idea of hiding it. Jean was the problem.

He'd always flirt with Mikasa, and it bothered (Y/N) a lot. Of course, she couldn't just tell Jean. She wanted to respect her wishes. That's until one night, she decided to talk to Mikasa about it.

"What do you mean we should be public with it?" Mikasa asked and stared at her girlfriend.

(Y/N) was trying to tell her that maybe it was time they should reveal it. She shouldn't be worried about judgement since they were in love.

"Mikasa... I feel like it's time, you know? We've been together for a bit, and I don't want to hide it anymore" she said and crossed her arms.

Mikasa wasn't really for the idea. What would Eren think? What would her superiors think? She really wasn't sure.

"(Y/N) as much as I love you, I don't want us to be judged by everyone. What would the Commander think? Or even Captain Levi?" Mikasa asked.

Her lover rolled her eyes. "I doubt they would care! They don't have time to deal with our relationship" the (h/c) girl replied.

Mikasa sighed. "I just don't know if it's a good idea" she said and looked at the floor.

(Y/N) really didn't care. Tonight, the scouts were having a celebration, and she was going to tell them. Even if Mikasa opposed it, (Y/N) knew they wouldn't judge.

"It is a good idea my love! We can be open with it, and not have to hide it" (Y/N) said and grabbed her hand.

Mikasa still didn't budge. Eventually, they went to the celebration together. Everyone was there from the Survey Corps, it was in the mess hall, so everyone was in there groups talking at their tables.

(Y/N) was going to say something at some point. Mikasa kept her eyes on her the whole night, her biggest fear was that she'd spill everything.

"So Mikasa, when are you finally going to give Jean here a chance?" Connie asked and looked over at him.

A blush spread over Jean's cheeks. "What the hell Connie?!" he yelled and looked at him.

Connie shrugged and started laughing. "What? It's so obvious, you always flirt with her anyway" he replied.

(Y/N) was fuming on the inside. That's when she grabbed Mikasa's hand. She gripped it tightly, and Mikasa was a bit shocked at the move. She quickly removed her hand away from (Y/N), and stared at her intensely.

"Hey... what was that about?" Sasha asked and pointed at (Y/N) and Mikasa.

'Shit!' Mikasa thought as she looked around at everyone.

Everyone stared at them. "It was nothing" Mikasa replied and crossed her arms.

(Y/N) wasn't going to let the opportunity slip by. "Actually... we wanted to tell you all something" she said and looked at everyone.

Eren nodded. "What is it? I want to know" he asked.

The others grew curious as the veterans looked over as well. "(Y/N)... I swear to God" Mikasa said and shot her lover a terrifying look.

She sighed. "Mikasa and I are a couple!" she said and smiled at them.

The whole room fell silent. Mikasa sat there feeling embarrassed. She was totally going to kill (Y/N) after this.

"It was so obvious!" Hanji yelled and came over to the group.

Mikasa looked up at saw that everyone was laughing. "Yeah guys... we all kind of knew you guys were a thing. We never intruded though" Connie said and laughed a bit.

"So wait... you all don't care?" Mikasa asked and looked around at everyone.

"We don't at all, we accept you 100%" Armin replied and smiled.

Levi looked over. "I could care less, just don't let your relationship impact what you do around here, and for God's sake, don't eat each other's faces" he said.

"I told you!" (Y/N) said and smiled at her girlfriend.

The others smiled and assured them that they didn't have an issue with the relationship. They accepted (Y/N) and Mikasa, and they told them they were very supportive. Even the veterans totally accepted the relationship.

"Nothing could ever change how we see you both" Armin said and gave a soft smile.

Mikasa felt so relieved after that. She was glad that everyone didn't judge, and she could kiss her girlfriend without anyone judging her.

"I guess you were right (Y/N)" Mikasa said and looked at her lover.

She smiled and rolled her eyes playfully. "When have I ever been wrong?" she replied and gave her a kiss on the cheek.

Mikasa gave her a small smile. "Whatever" she said and looked back at everyone else.

"So... I want to know one thing" Jean said and looked at the both of them. "Who asked out who?" he asked.

They both looked at each other, and began to laugh.

[fearsmagazine]

6:45 - Review

DISTRIBUTOR: Regal Theaters

SYNOPSIS:  Bobby Patterson is taking one last shot at saving his relationship with his girlfriend, Jules Rables by taking her on a romantic weekend getaway to the picturesque island resort of Bog Grove. The sleepy beach town is curiously deserted and as they ask around they soon learn about its notorious and bloody history.  Their relationship issues are quickly cast aside as they try to overcome a demented cycle of terror in which they’re seemingly trapped. No matter what great lengths they take to avoid it, Bobby and Jules awake at 6:45 each morning to a nightmarish chain of events with no escape.

REVIEW: Director Craig Singer returns to the big screen after ten-plus years since his last feature, “Perkins’ 14,” with a sci-fi horror thriller where a struggling couple are caught in a murderous time-loop. 6:45 is receiving a theatrical release through Regal Cinemas.

The story, by veteran screenwriter Robert Dean Klein, is a simple twist on “Groundhog Day.” After spending the night, the next day the couple become caught up in this murderous time-loop. In essence, it is the character of Bobby who relives the nightmare as he is the only one who carries over the memories of the previous days. His girlfriend Jules doesn't have any clue to what has transpired and each new day Bobby tries hard to convince her, adding more stress to their strained relationship. Ultimately Bobby does something that breaks the chain of events and sends him back into the reality of a nightmare he created. The story ends on a note that feels similar to “Psycho” or “Identity” as it moves into a psychological explanation as to what brought about the events. Bobby never comes across as a likeable character and Jules remained hard to access or feel anything for.

The supporting cast, a group of veteran actors and talent, attempts to add background and atmosphere to the tale. Actor Armen Garo adds some lighter moments as the strange innkeeper. He brings some interesting ticks to the role that delivers many of the film’s memorial moments. Also creating an interesting character is veteran actor Thomas G. Waites as the peculiar barkeep. He starts out as your friendly bartender and as the days progress it begins to feel like he might know more than he is letting on. The rest of the supporting cast feels more like name recognition than anything that adds to the film. The leads Michael Reed and Augie Duke are fine but I never got anything from them that fully immersed me in the drama. It was almost as if I was watching a stage production.

For a “home grown” independent film 6:45 has some excellent locations that add depth to the film. The inn is very nice, the shops in the area are quaint, the bar was your basic dive. There were a couple of scenes shot on the beach that felt a bit off for the lighting as the time of day felt off with the rest of the timeline. There is an interesting montage utilized to show the passing of days that was utilitarian, effective but lacked any emotion or artistry. The mysterious killer was simply a guy in a dark hoodie with a simple makeup/mask to obscure his features. It was okay but wasn’t scary, at best slightly menacing.

The score by composer Kostas Christides adds depth and emotion that was lacking in the cinematography. It also added edge to the tension, as well a bit more scare to the mysterious killer's appearance and actions.

6:45 looks fabulous in the theater. However, it lacks any passion or intensity to engage the viewer. After a while, it felt like I was being shown pictures and videos from a friend’s killer vacation. They may have made memories that will last a lifetime, but after a while I was bored and couldn’t wait for it to be over. I mean how many times can you see the same shots of their room, beach, quaint shops, over and over again before you’re bored. 6:45 isn’t a bad film, just not the time of my life.

CAST: Michael Reed, Augie Duke, Thomas G. Waites, Armen Garo, Remy Ma, The 45 King, Ray Mancini, Joshua Matthew Smith, Sabina Freidman-Seitz, Allie Marshall, Leonardo Mancini, and Sasha K Gordon. CREW: Director/Producer - Craig Singer; Screenplay - Robert Dean Klein; Cinematographer - Lucas Pitassi; Score - Kostas Christides; Editing - Sam Adelman; Production Designer - Erin LaSorsa; Special Effects Supervisor - Vincent J. Guastini. OFFICIAL: www.645movie.com FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/645movie TWITTER: twitter.com/645movie TRAILER: https://youtu.be/VivQxpbRbkc RELEASE DATE: In Regal Theaters August 6th, 2021

**Until we can all head back into the theaters our “COVID Reel Value” will be similar to how you rate a film on digital platforms - 👍 (Like), 👌 (It’s just okay),  or 👎 (Dislike)

Reviewed by Joseph B Mauceri

[duker42]

💜Age Matters💜

💜Age Matters💜

Nervously tugging on the straps across her chest, Y/N takes one more look in the mirror. Confident her uniform is pristine, her gaze falls to the insignia on her jacket. The Wings of Freedom look very different from the Garrison Roses that she had worn for the past 15 years.

Leaving her new quarters in the Survey Corps Headquarters, she prepares herself for a barrage of questions, doubts and mistrust. While the Garrison might support the Scouts on expeditions, it’s practically unheard of for someone to transfer in like she has. Especially for someone who has been the Garrison as long as she had.

Reaching the Mess Hall, she observes the soldiers around her. There is clearly two age groups, very young and her age. The number of people she sees that are around her age is lower that she had expected. Then again, when 30% of the force is lost every expedition, did she really think there would be vast numbers of veterans?

Grabbing her tray, she chooses a spot seemingly out of the way, not knowing that she was about to be overrun with young, curious new Scouts. Suddenly, several trays dropped down on the table around her as bodies flopped onto the benches.

“God,” a two toned haired boy groaned. “I thought we would have a little break in training after we joined the Regiment. I feel like we are back in the Training Corps.”

A delicate looking blonde boy answered him. “Well, we have to learn our squad’s movements. The expedition is only 30 days out.”

She listen as the conversation passes back and forth between the group. They are kids, energetic, idealistic kids. Musing over their differences in personality, but obvious close relationships, she don’t realize that she was being spoken to until the tiny angelic blonde touches my arm.

“Are you okay?” Her small voice is easy to hear as everyone else has stopped talking and turned to me.

“Oh, sorry. I was wool gathering. I’m fine, thank you.”

“My name is Christa. What’s yours?”

“Y/N”

The rest of the table goes around and introduces themselves. Reiner, Berthold, Ymir, Connie, Sasha, Jean, Armin are unfamiliar to her. Y/N had heard of Mikasa for her impressive display of skills during the Battle of Trost. And of course everyone has heard of the emerald eyed Titan shifter, Eren Yeager.

The two toned haired boy, Jean, leans over Eren with what she could only assume he believes is a charming smile. “I could have sworn I had met all the beautiful girls in our class, but I haven’t seen your gorgeous face before. Why is that?”

Eren pushes the boy off of him and they glare at it each other a moment before turning back to her for the answer.

“I just transferred in from the Garrison.” She braces herself for the follow up question.

“Why on earth would you do that??” Comes a surprised question from Jean.

“I was tired of it. All most seemed interested in doing was getting drunk and fighting. If I’m going to fight, I would rather it be for humanity rather than against some poor slob in a bar.” Y/N explains.

The kids stiffen up and return to their food quietly as she feels a presence behind her. Turning, Y/N sees the infamous Captain Levi. Shorter than most men, he still commands respect and attention. His stormy blue eyes miss nothing as he openly scrutinizes the young looking woman. Never having been this close to the enigmatic soldier, she was surprised at how attractive he was. She knew him to be around her age, but like her, he looked younger than his years. Pale, clear skin and jet black hair framed his sharp face nicely. His neutral expression did not seem to put the kids at ease, but Y/N could tell that it was just the way his face rested.

Levi meanwhile was appraising Y/N. Having read her file, he had originally been wary of the transfer. He didn’t trust the intentions of a soldier who suddenly gave up the position of Squad Leader to transfer over to the Scouts. While there were no reasons given beyond her explanation to the brats, he was going to keep his eye on her. Especially since she had immediately ended up at the same table as the Titan shifter.

It did catch him off guard with how young she looked. She could have passed for a new recruit if he was unaware of her time in the Garrison. He internally rolled his eyes in annoyance at the prospect of all the hormonal brats getting to know her. It was going to distract them from their training, and in turn, piss him off.

“When you’re done, you’re with me, Garrison. Time to see what you’ve forgotten sitting on your ass, safely behind the walls.” His word comes across sharp and dry.

Standing, she picks up her tray and silently follows the Captain. Disposing of the tray, she walks behind him, observing his quick purposeful strides out of the castle and down to the training grounds.

Without breaking his stride, he questions her. “What’s missing from your file? The real reason you transferred?”

“Captain, I transferred because I was tired of the antics of the Garrison. Most are just as bad as the MPs.”

Stopping, he turns and stares at her, reading her for dishonesty. “That’s all?”

“If you read my file, you know I was a Squad Leader. I had a soldier under me that had acted inappropriately towards other soldiers several times. Starting vicious fights, stealing, generally causing problems. When I took action against him, I was censured. He was drinking and gambling buddies with our superiors. I want nothing to do with filth like that. So I asked to transfer.” Her confidence bespoke of her honesty.

Finding no reason to doubt her words, Levi merely nodded and started walking towards the ODM course. Quickly grabbing gear for her, he appraises her as she equips.

“When was the last time you wore the gear?” He asks, noticing her fumbling with a few of the connections.

“Retaking Trost, sir.”

“Did you stand on the roof like all the other idiots, or did you run?” She grits her teeth at the abrasive question. She rationally knows he’s trying to push her buttons, but to imply she was a coward pissed her off.

Her eyes flashed with anger as she spit out, “5 solo kills, 4 assists. I DID NOT run.”

Folding his arms across his chest, he quirks an eyebrow, surprised at her kills. While his numbers were unimportant in his mind, he was impressed that someone who doesn’t encounter Titans regularly kept her composure during the surprise attack on the town.

Running her through the course several times, he noted that while her movements weren’t quite fluid, that seemed to be from lack of practice rather than lack of skill. Taking into account the fact that the Garrison got less ODM time than Scouts, her skills were still above the fresh recruits from the 104th. Satisfied with her performance, he signaled her to come back.

**Time Skip**

In the several weeks since transferring, Y/N had started to settle in. Making friends with several of the veterans, she was able to talk with them about events that had occurred, sharing her perspective from the Garrison. The 104th soldiers were endearing to her, she almost viewed them as younger siblings. Still having not revealed her age, she was enduring daily advances by most of the boys, Jean especially.

Levi sat at the superiors table observing Y/N interact with the kids. His jaw tightened as he watched Jean throw another flirty grin at the alluring woman. He had come to like Y/N, quickly taking advantage of her former position as a Squad Leader to pull her into his office every evening to assist with the mountains of paperwork he never seemed to finish. In between the scratching of pen against paper, they had begun to talk, first about non-consequential things. As the hours past in the candle light, the conversation had turned personal, more so on her part. While he still held himself back from revealing all of his past, he was surprised to realize that in a few short weeks, she knew as much about him as his closest friends Erwin and Hange.

Jean grabs Y/N’s hand, rubbing his fingers across her knuckles, causing Levi to set his cup down and get up, intent on going over to the table to put the kid in his place. He doesn’t understand the feelings he’s having, but he knows that he hates it. Walking quietly towards them, he stops as he hears the conversation.

“Y/N, you have to go on a date with me! Your face is haunting my dreams.” Jean smiles, thinking that his admission is suave.

“I’ve told you before Jean, you’re too young for me.” She gently pulls her hand from his, annoyed that he just doesn’t seem to get the hint.

“Babe, you can’t be too much older than me. I promise I’ll satisfy you.” Wiggling his eyebrows suggestively, he moves in closer.

Levi is ready to tear the boy apart physically, but Y/N beats him to it, verbally.

“Okay, kid, I’m done being nice. Let me put this a way you will understand. I am old enough to have pushed you out of my vagina. Why the FUCK would I let you in it?” Her words filet him neatly.

Levi almost laughs at how quickly Jean pales. The horrified expression on his face grows as Y/N continues.

“Or do you have mommy issues? I’m not into that kind of kink, thanks though.”

The table explodes with laughter and someone throws out the question that is on all of their minds. How old is Y/N?

“I’m 31. I was in the Garrison for 15 years, not 1 like you all assumed.” She grins.

The conversation moves on, the kids amazed at Y/N’s age and asking questions about events past. Levi walks away, satisfied that the brats will no longer be hitting on the woman he secretly has come to think of as his.

**Time Skip**

Knocking on the door to his office, Y/N waits for Levi to open the door. She had noticed her grumpy superior walking towards the table at dinner, his posture stiff from anger. When he changed his course after watching her putting Jean in his place, she knew that she had not imagined the growing relationship between them.

When the door opens, her pulse speeds up like every other time she comes face to face with the sullen man. His posture relaxed, he stood back and let her enter. Walking towards the desk in the absurdly tidy office, Y/N realized there were no stacks of paper to pour over. The convenient cover for spending hours trying to get to know Levi was not going to work tonight. Facing him, she watched him close the door quietly, staring at her as he walked slowly towards her.

“You distract me. I don’t like it.” Levi comments.

“I’m sorry?” Tilting her head in confusion, Y/N tries to understand where the conversation is headed.

“I didn’t like that brat thinking he had a chance of touching you. It pissed me off.”

“Ahhhhhh, you were jealous.” A small smile curved her lips as she begins to see.

He rolls his eyes and crosses his arms, stopping an arm length from her. “I don’t get jealous.”

Now she rolls her eyes, “Maybe not before. But you shouldn’t be.”

Invading her senses, he steps closer, the space in between them non existent. His observant grey orbs darken as her breathing quickens. She lifts her hand to his chest, slowly feeling the hard muscle beneath his shirt. Bringing a hand to her waist, he questions. “Why is that?”

Wetting her lips, she leans forward, breathing into him as she honestly replies. “I don’t do younger. Age matters to me.”

“Thank fuck I’m older.”

Mobile MasterList

[orbemnews]

Biden lifts transgender military ban “This is reinstating a position that the previous commanders and, as well as the secretaries, have supported. And what I’m doing is enabling all qualified Americans to serve their country in uniform,” Biden said, speaking from the Oval Office just before signing the executive order. President Donald Trump’s ban has been rebuked by the Democrat-led House of Representatives and condemned by LGBTQ activists as discriminatory. Austin voiced his support for overturning the ban in his Senate confirmation hearing last week. White House press secretary Jen Psaki said Monday that cases in which transgender service members were discharged from the military because of their gender identity would be reexamined. “No one will be separated or discharged from the military or denied reenlistment on the basis of gender identity, and for those transgender service members who were discharged or separated because of gender identity, their cases will be reexamined,” Psaki said during a White House briefing. “President Biden believes gender identity should not be a bar to military service and that America’s strength is found in its diversity,” Psaki said. “America is stronger around the world when it is inclusive.” Biden had a meeting late Monday morning with Austin, Vice President Kamala Harris and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Mark Milley, according to the White House. Later on Monday, Harris ceremonially swore in Austin as Defense secretary in the Roosevelt Room at the White House. Harris and Austin are the first two Black people to hold their respective positions, and their joint appearance underscores the record diversity of Biden’s administration. Austin is the first Black secretary of defense, and Harris is the first Black vice president, as well as the first woman and first South Asian to hold the position. Austin addressed the ban in his confirmation hearing on Friday and told the Senate Armed Services Committee: “I truly believe, senator, that as I said in my opening statement, that if you’re fit and you’re qualified to serve and you can maintain the standards, you should be allowed to serve.” He was confirmed by the Senate later that day, after being granted a congressional waiver to serve in his post because he was assuming the post before waiting seven years after active-duty service. Austin was the second member of Biden’s Cabinet to be confirmed by the Senate, following Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines. Trump first announced the ban on Twitter in July 2017, arguing transgender people in the military would lead to “tremendous medical costs and disruption.” The policy, later officially released by then-Secretary of Defense James Mattis in 2018, blocks individuals who have been diagnosed with a condition known as gender dysphoria from serving with limited exceptions. The policy specifies individuals without the condition can serve, but only if they do so according to the sex they were assigned at birth. Trump’s ban reversed a policy initially approved by the Defense Department under former President Barack Obama, which was still under final review, that would have allowed transgender individuals to openly serve in the military. The Supreme Court allowed Trump’s transgender military ban to go into effect in January 2019. The House of Representatives passed a resolution in March of that year expressing opposition to Trump’s ban, describing it as discriminatory and saying it was based on “flawed scientific and medical claims.” “We’re thrilled that the Biden administration has moved forward to place this garbage policy into the dustbin of history,” Sasha Buchert, a transgender military veteran and senior attorney at LGBTQ legal advocacy group Lambda Legal, told CNN on Monday. Human Rights Campaign president Alphonso David praised Biden’s move. “The greatest military in the world will again value readiness over bias, and qualifications over discrimination,” he said in a statement. CNN’s Arlette Saenz and Donald Judd contributed to this report. Source link Orbem News #ban #Biden #Lifts #military #Politics #Transgender #Transgendermilitaryexecutiveorder:BidenliftsbanimplementedbyTrump-CNNPolitics

[dipulb3]

Biden lifts transgender military ban

New Post has been published on https://appradab.com/biden-lifts-transgender-military-ban/

Biden lifts transgender military ban

“This is reinstating a position that the previous commanders and, as well as the secretaries, have supported. And what I’m doing is enabling all qualified Americans to serve their country in uniform,” Biden said, speaking from the Oval Office just before signing the executive order.

President Donald Trump’s ban has been rebuked by the Democrat-led House of Representatives and condemned by LGBTQ activists as discriminatory. Austin voiced his support for overturning the ban in his Senate confirmation hearing last week.

White House press secretary Jen Psaki said Monday that cases in which transgender service members were discharged from the military because of their gender identity would be reexamined.

“No one will be separated or discharged from the military or denied reenlistment on the basis of gender identity, and for those transgender service members who were discharged or separated because of gender identity, their cases will be reexamined,” Psaki said during a White House briefing.

“President Biden believes gender identity should not be a bar to military service and that America’s strength is found in its diversity,” Psaki said. “America is stronger around the world when it is inclusive.”

Biden had a meeting late Monday morning with Austin, Vice President Kamala Harris and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Mark Milley, according to the White House. Later on Monday, Harris ceremonially swore in Austin as Defense secretary in the Roosevelt Room at the White House.

Harris and Austin are the first two Black people to hold their respective positions, and their joint appearance underscores the record diversity of Biden’s administration. Austin is the first Black secretary of defense, and Harris is the first Black vice president, as well as the first woman and first South Asian to hold the position.

Austin addressed the ban in his confirmation hearing on Friday and told the Senate Armed Services Committee: “I truly believe, senator, that as I said in my opening statement, that if you’re fit and you’re qualified to serve and you can maintain the standards, you should be allowed to serve.”

He was confirmed by the Senate later that day, after being granted a congressional waiver to serve in his post because he was assuming the post before waiting seven years after active-duty service. Austin was the second member of Biden’s Cabinet to be confirmed by the Senate, following Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines.

Trump first announced the ban on Twitter in July 2017, arguing transgender people in the military would lead to “tremendous medical costs and disruption.”

The policy, later officially released by then-Secretary of Defense James Mattis in 2018, blocks individuals who have been diagnosed with a condition known as gender dysphoria from serving with limited exceptions. The policy specifies individuals without the condition can serve, but only if they do so according to the sex they were assigned at birth.

Trump’s ban reversed a policy initially approved by the Defense Department under former President Barack Obama, which was still under final review, that would have allowed transgender individuals to openly serve in the military.

The Supreme Court allowed Trump’s transgender military ban to go into effect in January 2019. The House of Representatives passed a resolution in March of that year expressing opposition to Trump’s ban, describing it as discriminatory and saying it was based on “flawed scientific and medical claims.”

“We’re thrilled that the Biden administration has moved forward to place this garbage policy into the dustbin of history,” Sasha Buchert, a transgender military veteran and senior attorney at LGBTQ legal advocacy group Lambda Legal, told Appradab on Monday.

Human Rights Campaign president Alphonso David praised Biden’s move.

“The greatest military in the world will again value readiness over bias, and qualifications over discrimination,” he said in a statement.

Appradab’s Arlette Saenz and Donald Judd contributed to this report.

[damonbation]

The Tatiana Show Ep. 242 Luke Mulks, Bobby Lee, & Sasha Hodler

Luke Mulks is the Business Development Director at Brave, an internet browser that promises privacy and security for their users. Anything that may try to track you on other browsers and collect your data without your awareness is blocked by default. Along with this, third-party ad blocking and tracking protection are integrated into the browser as well. Brave has created a new way to monetize the internet, and has implemented use of their BAT token for software users.

Tatiana and Sasha Hodder interview Bobby Lee, as they find out more about Ballet. Ballet is a crypto wallet, and a brand new, simple way to be able to hold multiple cryptocurrencies. Created for people that have no prior knowledge in crypto and those who are experienced veterans, Ballet is an innovative product that is leading us into the future of cryptocurrency. Ballet is a physical device, that uses a two-factor key generation process. Find out more about what inspired this iteration of wallets after working so many facets of the crypto industry.

This episode will also be syndicated on the Hodlcast with Sasha!

About the Guests:

Luke Mulks

Luke has founded multiple businesses of his own, worked for others, freelanced, taught, worked in print publishing, print production, photography, video, audio, illustration, web design, development, user experience, client services, ad ops, ad products, strategic planning, product integration, product support and incident response. He is a true Jack-of-all-trades.

Bobby Lee

Bobbyis an entrepreneur in the cryptocurrency industry, and he just recently founded his second startup, Ballet, in early 2019. Ballet aims to drive global adoption of Bitcoin and cryptocurrency. It is headquartered in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA.

Previously, Mr. Lee was the Co-founder and CEO of BTCC (formerly BTCChina), the first bitcoin exchange in China, and the leading bitcoin financial platform worldwide. BTCC was acquired in January of 2018.

Before BTCC, Mr. Lee was Vice President of Technology for Walmart's e-commerce business in China. Previously he was the CTO of SMG BesTV New Media, the largest IPTV operator in China with the most subscribers globally. He moved to Shanghai in 2007 and started off at EMC's China Center of Excellence, as Director of Software Engineering, with responsibilities for Cloud Computing and Cloud Storage.

Mr. Lee started his career in Silicon Valley as a software engineer at Yahoo!, and led the development of the earliest online communities. He graduated from Stanford University with B.S. and M.S. degrees in Computer Science, and was a member of the Mayfield Fellows Program. He earned an EMBA degree from CEIBS in China.

Mr. Lee currently serves on the board of Bitcoin Foundation, a non-profit organization that fosters the adoption of bitcoin globally. In his spare time, he enjoys traveling, photography, watching movies, and playing poker.

Sasha HodderEsq

Sasha is an Attorney with DLT Law Group, P.A. where we support crypto-related businesses. She helps her clients navigate the variety of applicable regulations. She has worked with companies attempting to launch crypto-exchanges, establish LLCs in America and abroad, apply for various money transmission licenses; respond to SEC subpoenas, start crypto-hedge funds, operate a fleet of Bitcoin ATMs, and fundraise through Regulation D and CF.

She is a regular guest on the Tone Vays Bitcoin Law Review Show where a group of prominent crypto attorneys discuss the legal news.

She is the host of the HodlCast podcast, a show focused primarily on crypto regulation. These interviews have given her a deeper understanding of the industry from many unique viewpoints. She is also a curator for the MerkleReport and a guest writer for Bitcoin Magazine.

If you like this content, please send a tip with BTC to: 1Q2QHoNowg8D2QzWhBQU1YrraG771aCpgS

More Info:

TatianaMoroz.com

CryptoMediaHub.com

Friends and Sponsors of the Show:

eToro

Proof of Love

Brave

Ballet

Sasha

Let's Talk Bitcoin

*You have been listening to the Tatiana Show. This show may contain adult content, language, and humor and is intended for mature audiences. If that's not you, please stop listening. Nothing you hear on The Tatiana Show is intended as financial advice, legal advice, or really, anything other than entertainment. Take everything you hear with a grain of salt. Oh, and if you're hearing to us on an affiliate network, the ideas and views expressed on this show, are not necessarily of the those of the network you are listening on, or of any sponsors or any affiliate products you may hear about on the show.

from Money 101 https://letstalkbitcoin.com/blog/post/the-tatiana-show-ep-242-luke-mulks-bobby-lee-sasha-hodler via http://www.rssmix.com/

[danielmarkharrison]

The Tatiana Show Ep. 242 Luke Mulks, Bobby Lee, & Sasha Hodler

Write up/Show Breakdown by Tatiana or for her approval: On this episode of the Tatiana show, Tatiana interviews Luke Mulks and Bobby Lee live at the North American Bitcoin conference. Luke Mulks is the Business Development Director at Brave, an internet browser that promises privacy and security for their users. Anything that may try to track you on other browsers and collect your data without your awareness is blocked by default. Along with this, third-party ad blocking and tracking protection are integrated into the browser as well. Brave has created a new way to monetize the internet, and has implemented use of their BAT token for software users. Tatiana and Sasha Hodder interview Bobby Lee, as they find out more about Ballet. Ballet is a crypto wallet, and a brand new, simple way to be able to hold multiple cryptocurrencies. Created for people that have no prior knowledge in crypto and those who are experienced veterans, Ballet is an innovative product that is leading us into the future of cryptocurrency. Ballet is a physical device, that uses a two-factor key generation process. Find out more about what inspired this iteration of wallets after working so many facets of the crypto industry. This episode will also be syndicated on the Hodlcast with Sasha! About the Guests: Luke Mulks Luke has founded multiple businesses of his own, worked for others, freelanced, taught, worked in print publishing, print production, photography, video, audio, illustration, web design, development, user experience, client services, ad ops, ad products, strategic planning, product integration, product support and incident response. He is a true Jack-of-all-trades. Bobby Lee Bobby Lee is an entrepreneur in the cryptocurrency industry, and he just recently founded his second startup, Ballet, in early 2019. Ballet aims to drive global adoption of Bitcoin and cryptocurrency. It is headquartered in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA. Previously, Mr. Lee was the Co-founder and CEO of BTCC (formerly BTCChina), the first bitcoin exchange in China, and the leading bitcoin financial platform worldwide. BTCC was acquired in January of 2018. Before BTCC, Mr. Lee was Vice President of Technology for Walmart's e-commerce business in China. Previously he was the CTO of SMG BesTV New Media, the largest IPTV operator in China with the most subscribers globally. He moved to Shanghai in 2007 and started off at EMC's China Center of Excellence, as Director of Software Engineering, with responsibilities for Cloud Computing and Cloud Storage. Mr. Lee started his career in Silicon Valley as a software engineer at Yahoo!, and led the development of the earliest online communities. He graduated from Stanford University with B.S. and M.S. degrees in Computer Science, and was a member of the Mayfield Fellows Program. He earned an EMBA degree from CEIBS in China. Mr. Lee currently serves on the board of Bitcoin Foundation, a non-profit organization that fosters the adoption of bitcoin globally. In his spare time, he enjoys traveling, photography, watching movies, and playing poker. Sasha HodderEsq Sasha is an Attorney with DLT Law Group, P.A. where we support crypto-related businesses. She helps her clients navigate the variety of applicable regulations. She has worked with companies attempting to launch crypto-exchanges, establish LLCs in America and abroad, apply for various money transmission licenses; respond to SEC subpoenas, start crypto-hedge funds, operate a fleet of Bitcoin ATMs, and fundraise through Regulation D and CF. She is a regular guest on the Tone Vays Bitcoin Law Review Show where a group of prominent crypto attorneys discuss the legal news. She is the host of the HodlCast podcast, a show focused primarily on crypto regulation. These interviews have given her a deeper understanding of the industry from many unique viewpoints. She is also a curator for the MerkleReport and a guest writer for Bitcoin Magazine. If you like this content, please send a tip with BTC to: 1Q2QHoNowg8D2QzWhBQU1YrraG771aCpgS More Info: TatianaMoroz.com CryptoMediaHub.com Friends and Sponsors of the Show: eToro Proof of Love Brave Ballet Sasha Let's Talk Bitcoin *You have been listening to the Tatiana Show. This show may contain adult content, language, and humor and is intended for mature audiences. If that's not you, please stop listening. Nothing you hear on The Tatiana Show is intended as financial advice, legal advice, or really, anything other than entertainment. Take everything you hear with a grain of salt. Oh, and if you're hearing to us on an affiliate network, the ideas and views expressed on this show, are not necessarily of the those of the network you are listening on, or of any sponsors or any affiliate products you may hear about on the show.

from The Let's Talk Bitcoin Network https://ift.tt/2U7seMT via IFTTT

[fullspectrum-cbd-oil]

The Top Foreign Policy Gurus in the 2020 Democratic Race

U.S. President Donald Trump’s withdrawal of forces from northern Syria in October united the Democratic candidates hoping to take on the Republican president in the November 2020 election, who roundly denounced the move as damaging to U.S. credibility.

But it also sparked discussion over what they would do in Trump’s position, putting a rare spotlight on how the leading White House hopefuls see America’s role in the world.

On the most recent Democratic debate stage in Ohio this month, former Vice President Joe Biden argued for a continued presence in Syria to defend Washington’ Kurdish allies. His main progressive rival, U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren, indicated she would want combat troops out of the Middle East.

To understand better how the candidates would change foreign policy, we take a look at the experts advising the front-runners on these issues, and what this little-known group of advisers might mean for a future Democratic administration.

THE VETERAN

Biden’s pick for his senior foreign policy role, Tony Blinken, reflects the claim that former President Barack Obama’s No. 2 is the only Democratic candidate with the experience to undo the impacts of Trump’s presidency.

Blinken, a national security aide in Democratic President Bill Clinton’s White House, has been alongside Biden for years. He advised Biden’s aborted 2008 presidential campaign before joining the vice president on trips to war zones as his national security adviser.

Blinken, who also served as deputy secretary of state during the Obama administration, is seen in the background of the May 2011 photo of Obama’s national security team, which also includes Biden, watching the raid that killed Osama bin Laden in a Pakistan compound.

Adding to the focus on foreign policy experience, Biden has brought in Nicholas Burns, who served as U.S. ambassador to the United Nations in the run-up to the 2003 invasion of Iraq.

Trump this month withdrew U.S. forces from northern Syria, drawing bipartisan rebuke. The president defended the move as part of an effort to “end endless wars.”

In an interview with Reuters, Blinken said that claim was a “con,” since Trump has really put more troops in the Middle East this year. He sent about 3,000 troops to Saudi Arabia in recent months as tensions with Iran escalated.

The Obama administration had worked to limit most U.S. combat deployments to small numbers of troops working with local fighters, Blinken said, but a complete withdrawal from places like Syria could lead to a power vacuum that is “filled by chaos.”

“As much of a burden as it sometimes seems to play this leadership role, the alternatives in terms of our interests and the lives of Americans are much worse,” Blinken said.

Biden says his foreign policy priority would be to recommit to U.S. allies, especially North Atlantic Treaty Organization members. He plans to rejoin the Paris Climate Accord on day one of his presidency.

THE WONKS

U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren came to prominence as a Harvard academic studying bankruptcy, and has brought a professorial focus on domestic policy to the 2020 race.

But before she ran for president, Warren sought to bolster her foreign policy knowledge in 2017 by bringing in former Department of Defense official Sasha Baker, who served as deputy chief of staff to Obama-era Defense Secretary Ash Carter.

Warren took a seat on the Senate Armed Services Committee in 2017 and traveled widely, including trips to Iraq, Afghanistan and China over the subsequent two years.

Warren formed a “cohesive vision” on foreign policy during this time, said campaign spokeswoman Alexis Krieg, which “is reflected in many of her plans ranging from how to revitalize the State Department to how to reorient America’s trade policies.”

Warren also leans on a cadre of academics for foreign policy advice, including Ganesh Sitaraman, a law professor at Vanderbilt University in Tennessee, who worked on her 2012 campaign for the Senate.

Sitaraman has written about a movement toward a progressive foreign policy that promotes diplomacy over military might, but understands the risks of partnering with “nationalist oligarchies” like Russia and China.

Warren distilled her foreign policy views in a November 2018 speech at American University in Washington, lashing out at “reckless, endless wars in the Middle East” and “trade deals rammed through with callous disregard for our working people”.

Warren’s positions can seem to echo Trump’s “America First” approach, but her campaign has said she would take a multinational approach in places like Syria, a contrast with Trump’s go-it-alone style.

“Senator Warren believes that by pursuing international economic policies that benefit American workers instead of an elite few and using diplomacy to amplify strong yet pragmatic security policies, we can achieve a foreign policy for all,” said Krieg.

THE INSURGENT

Bernie Sanders’ key foreign policy adviser is Matt Duss, a staffer in his Senate office since early 2017 who has a reputation for taking on the Washington foreign policy establishment.

Duss, a Middle East specialist with a background at liberal think-tanks including the Center for American Progress, played a leading role in a resolution that Sanders co-sponsored with libertarian Republicans to end U.S. involvement in Saudi Arabia’s war in Yemen.

The resolution passed in April, a rare bipartisan effort in Congress, but Trump declined to sign it into law.

“That shows that there is strong popular support for rethinking our approach to military intervention,” said Duss, who sees the bipartisan bill as a model for Congress reining in presidents’ power to use military force.

“This is not to say that Americans want to withdraw from the world. They certainly don’t, but they want to have a serious debate about how we actually engage in the world,” Duss told Reuters.

Duss and other researchers Sanders has sought out for advice are skeptical of unconditional U.S. support for countries accused of human rights violations, including Saudi Arabia and Israel.

Sanders, who is Jewish, said on Monday the $3.8 billion of U.S. military aid the United States gives Israel each year should be tied to the Israeli government’s “respect for human rights and democracy,” calling the security blockade on Palestinians in Gaza imposed by Israel and Egypt “absolutely inhumane”

“It is unacceptable. It is unsustainable,” Sanders said in a speech to a conference hosted by liberal advocacy group J Street in Washington on Monday.

“So I would use the leverage. $3.8 billion is a lot of money, and we cannot give it carte blanche to the Israeli government, or for that matter to any government at all.”

THE BRAIN TRUST

Pete Buttigieg, the mayor of South Bend, Indiana, has put foreign policy at the forefront of his campaign, speaking in debates of his deployment in Afghanistan as a naval intelligence officer.

Doug Wilson, a former assistant secretary of defense for public affairs during the Obama administration, leads Buttigieg’s foreign policy team.

Wilson, who like Buttigieg is gay, worked on the 2010 repeal of the military’s “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy for LGBT personnel.

As well as Wilson, Buttigieg has a brain trust of more than 100 foreign policy experts that the campaign turns to for pro-bono advice on policy in different parts of the world, according to Politico.

His campaign has also named a group of five Obama-era U.S. ambassadors, such as Tod Sedgwick, former ambassador to Slovakia, who have helped fundraise by bundling contributions.

At 37, Buttigieg is the youngest candidate running for president. In June, he delivered a foreign policy speech in his home state of Indiana in which he set out a vision for “America in the world in 2054”, the year he would hope to retire.

Buttigieg’s central argument is that the United States must “be its best” on issues like immigration, LGBT rights and tackling hate crimes in order to project its values around the world, Tarek Ghani, an academic and another adviser to Buttigieg, said in Washington in June.

“If we don’t do those things at home, there’s nothing for us to champion abroad,” said Ghani.

(Reporting by Simon Lewis; additional reporting by Trevor Hunnicutt and Jarrett Renshaw, Editing by Soyoung Kim and Jonathan Oatis)

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