#vitals mardon

[fallingintotragedies2]

More goretober stuff? It’s more likely then you’d think (Characters: Careen - express, Mardon - vitals)

[car-wreckers-perth]

Knowing the situations that require wreckers services is vital for all drivers. If you’re faced with a flat tire at the end of nowhere, or a serious crash in the midst of a massive traffic jam, having a dependable car wrecker service in your phone will save you time and money as well as stress. Here are a few everyday scenarios in which a wrecker’s service is vital.

[jcmarchi]

Seabird Droppings Help Tropical Coral Reefs Facing Climate Change Threat - Technology Org

New Post has been published on https://thedigitalinsider.com/seabird-droppings-help-tropical-coral-reefs-facing-climate-change-threat-technology-org/

Seabird Droppings Help Tropical Coral Reefs Facing Climate Change Threat - Technology Org

A new study, by an international team of scientists, has found the presence of seabirds on islands near to tropical reefs helps corals to ‘bounce back’ much quicker from bleaching events. Bleaching can cause mass die off of corals when seas are too hot.

Corals – illustrative photo. Image credit: Pixabay (Free Pixabay license)

The research, led by Lancaster University, with support from the University of Southampton, shows that this accelerated recovery is a result of faster coral growth near seabird colonies.

The key to how seabirds help tropical coral reefs to grow and recover more quickly is through their droppings. Seabirds feed on fish in the open ocean and then return to islands to roost.

The droppings , called ‘guano’, derived from their fish diet, concentrate nitrogen and phosphorus-rich nutrients from a wider ocean region on the comparably small area of the bird islands. Some of these nutrients enter into the surrounding sea where they act as fertilisers for corals and other marine species.

The Southampton researchers, Dr Loreto Mardones Velozo, Dr Cecilia D’Angelo and Professor Jörg Wiedenmann helped to determine nitrogen-stable isotope values in corals – a reliable measure to trace nutrients derived from guano.

Professor Jörg Wiedenmann, Head of the University of Southampton’s Coral Reef Laboratory, comments: “Our team has recently discovered that corals can access seabird nutrients by feeding on their own symbiont algae. It is exciting to see, in this latest research, how this new nutritional pathway not only helps corals to grow faster, but also to recover from bleaching events.”

The study, published in Science Advances, focused on Acropora, an important type of coral that provides complex structures supporting fish populations and reef growth, as well as protection for coastal areas from waves and storms. Acropora around islands with seabirds were found to recover from bleaching events within approximately three years and eight months, around 10 months faster compared to reefs located close to islands, without seabird colonies, which took four years and six months to regenerate.

The scientists say these shorter recovery times could prove vital in aiding some reefs to bounce back in the face of a warming planet, where damaging bleaching events now occur much more frequently than in earlier decades.

“Our results clearly show that seabird-derived nutrients are directly driving faster coral growth rates and faster recovery rates in Acropora coral,” said Dr Casey Benkwitt, research fellow in coral reef ecology at Lancaster University and lead author of the study.

“This faster recovery may be critical as the average time between successive bleaching events was 5.9 years in 2016 – a reduction from 27 years in the 1980s. Even small reductions in recovery times during this window may be key to maintaining coral cover over the short-term,” she added.

The team’s study focused on a remote archipelago in the Indian Ocean. They compared reefs next to islands with thriving populations of seabirds, such as red-footed boobies, sooty terns and lesser noddies, against reefs next to islands with few seabirds.

The reefs in the study area suffered extensive coral bleaching and mortality following marine heatwaves in 2015-16, providing an opportunity to observe and compare how coral on different reefs recovered. The researchers surveyed the sites from one year before the bleaching event to six years after bleaching, and modelled the Acropora recovery for the years between surveys.

The results showed that seabird-derived nutrients taken up by corals next to ‘bird islands’ boosted coral growth rates – with the rate doubling for each unit of seabird nutrient increase. In contrast, corals near islands infested with rats, causing there to be fewer birds, had similar nutrient values to corals that live at a distance from islands. The additional supply of nutrients to the corals by the seabirds had been virtually cut off by the rats.

The scientists also undertook a coral transplantation experiment to check the results weren’t due to genetic differences in coral populations between different islands. They could confirm it was indeed the presence of seabirds that caused the faster growth. They say their findings add further weight to the growing body of evidence showing ecological damage across ecosystems, on land and sea, from invasive rats on tropical islands.

Professor Nick Graham of Lancaster University and Principal Investigator of the study said: “Combined, these results suggest that eradicating rats and restoring seabird populations could play an important role in re-establishing the natural flows of seabird nutrients to the nearshore marine environment, bolstering rapid coral reef recovery which will be critical as we expect to see more frequent climate disturbances.”

The study, outlined in the paper ‘Seabirds boost coral reef resilience’, was supported by the Bertarelli Foundation as part of the Bertarelli Programme in Marine Science.

Source: University of Southampton

You can offer your link to a page which is relevant to the topic of this post.

[aprendizajeydesarrolloportafolio]

Ficha de lectura: Papalia y Martorell. (1978). Estudios del desarrollo humano.

Por Javi Mardones

Referencia  

(formato APA) 

Papalia, D. y Martorell, G. (1978). Estudio del desarrollo humano. En M. Rocha. (Ed), Desarrollo Humano (pp.3-19). Mc Graw Hill Education. 

Síntesis de los argumentos del/la o los/las autores: 

Se exponen los principales argumentos del autor o autores de manera ordenada y con coherencia lógica. Se rescata lo esencial del texto y se cubre la totalidad de éste, demostrando una comprensión del texto como unidad.  

En el texto del libro “Desarrollo Humano” capitulo llamado “Estudio del desarrollo Humano” se aborda la importancia del estudio del desarrollo humano y la importancia del desarrollo ciclo vital en cada ser humano y esto se convirtió en un campo de estudio a partir de que los científicos se interesaron por el desarrollo en la adultez. Se da una explicación lógica al mencionar que el ciclo vital es constante, o sea, desde que nacemos y envejecemos. Estos estudios han ayudado para aplicaciones directas en la salud, la educación, la crianza y en las políticas sociales y es que también estas mencionadas no son una sin la otra y puede influenciar en un desarrollo no progresivo. El desarrollo del ciclo vital puede ser negativo y positivo y es por eso por lo que se estudia la importancia de núcleo familiar y de la actividad constante y ahora el estudio en el desarrollo busca poder describir cuando son las primeras palabras, explicar cómo adquiere el ser humano el lenguaje y poder intervenir en el desarrollo si este se ve afectado. Se pueden conocer las diferentes etapas por las que pasamos como seres humanos y que cambiamos en cada una de ellas, pero es por eso por lo que el estudio del desarrollo es importante, ya que diferentes factores pueden intervenir y el desarrollo puede cambiar y que estas etapas no sean vividas y tratadas como deben ser. Se Mencionan las influencias en el desarrollo, como situaciones socioeconómicas, herencia biológica, medio ambiente, etc. Influencias normativas históricas, influencias normativas de edad y las influencias no normativas son la son las tratadas y se tratan de las influencias que como seres humanos somos semejantes, como ir a la escuela, pagar cuentas, trabajar, etc. Pero de igual forma están las históricas que serían como votaciones, cambio de gobierno, cambio en las leyes, etc. Y las influencias no normativas serian situaciones que no siempre nos pasan a todos, pero no significa que estas no sucedan y unos ejemplos serian; dictaduras, enfermedades de alto riesgo, neurodivergencias, etc. Esto ayuda para poder entender las diferencias y las semejanzas que hay en el desarrollo humano. Habla sobre la importancia de la cultura y los sistemas étnicos que afectan al desarrollo y esto es porque puede que costumbres o raíces se vean afectadas al momento de un cambio en su ambiente, por ejemplo, mexicanos en Estados Unidos; pues esto cambiaria su forma de vivir, sus costumbres en ciertas cosas sociales y si hay niños de por medio estos pueden verse involucrados a tener que enfrentarse a aprender dos idiomas. Otra parte de lo que tiene que ver con etnia y cultura serían las familias que se componen de ciertas reglas por su religión, tradiciones y puede que estas sean diferentes al estilo de vida de muchas otras familias. Se conoce que todo puede influir en nosotros y que seguirá siendo desde nuestra concepción hasta la muerte.  

Breve comentario: 

Se elabora un breve comentario final en el que se destaca el principal aporte del texto a la construcción de conocimientos del curso y la formación profesional. 

Este texto ha aportado a mi conocimiento ya que puedo diferenciar entre el desarrollo físico, cognoscitivo y psicosocial y poder relacionarlos y ver cómo influye en el desarrollo. Este texto me ayudara en todo el proceso de formación docente y la parte humanista de la docencia y así poder tratar con diferentes tipos de niñes y adolescentes. Aporta a mi saber del desarrollo y poder autoidentificar en la etapa en que la estoy pasando y poder saber cuáles son mis cambios y como poder manejarlos mejor y hacer una autoevaluación de cada situación que influye en mi desarrollo como un ser humano. Podre identificar aspectos de la vida de mis estudiantes que puede que interfieran mucho en su desarrollo y yo así poder interferir para ayudar a su desarrollo estable y completo. Este texto me abre una puerta a investigar y profundizar sobre la importancia del conocimiento del desarrollo humano y poder tener herramientas coherentes en su manejo ahora y en mi futuro como futura docente.  

[pastel-kinana]

heart out || barry allen [ix]

// chapter ix: a lesson on trust //

PREVIOUS CHAPTER | NEXT CHAPTER  ||  MASTERLIST

Barry sped along in his new speedster suit towards downtown Central City. After his victory in stopping Clyde Mardon, he decided that he continue his crusade as the heroic speedster.

“Barry,” Cisco called through the comms but Barry kept running along. “Barry!”

The speedster stopped in his tracks. “What? Did I miss it?” he asked.

“You overshot by about six blocks,” answered Cisco.

“My bad,” said Barry as he turned around and sped to the location of the fire.

When he reached the burning building, a woman was shouting for her daughter. Barry ran just in time to find more people trapped in the burning building.

“You there yet?” Cisco asked through the comms.

“What are you doing?” Caitlin’s voice startled him that he turned off all the computers and turned to her.

“Nothing,” answered Cisco.

“Who are you talking to?” Caitlin pressed.

“No one.”

“Are you talking to Barry?”

“Who?” asked Cisco, who then wanted to slap himself afterwards for the stupid question.

“Barry Allen?” answered Caitlin as she began to walk towards Cisco slowly. “Struck by lightning? In a coma for nine months? Woke up being able to run faster than the speed of sound? Ring a bell?”

“Nope, haven’t talked to him,” Cisco lied.

“Cisco, there’s fire everywhere!” Barry’s voice called through the comms.

Dammit... Cisco thought.

At the burning building, Barry was trying to protect himself while trying to find the people still trapped inside.

“Mom?” a little girl’s voice called. “Mommy?”

Barry ran towards the voice that belonged to a little girl holding onto her doll for dear life. He carried her to safety and her mother found her. Then, Barry proceeded to bring out the last two of the trapped and ran from the scene.

He let out a big breath and said to Cisco in his earpieces, “Everybody’s out. What else you got for me, Cisco?”

“Barry, it’s Caitlin,” said Caitlin through the comms like a mother scolding her child.

Barry went silent for a moment. “Hey, Caitlin,” he greeted her in a somewhat high pitched voice, trying to lighten the mood. “How’s your day?”

“Get back to S.T.A.R Labs now,” Caitlin demanded.

“On my way,” said Barry, defeated. He was definitely in trouble.

As he was about to run, he suddenly felt dizzy and his ears were ringing, making him stumble and he tried to hold on to the trash bin to stabilize himself. Once he finally got a hold himself, he ran to S.T.A.R Labs.

He reached the Cortex swiftly and was met by an upset Caitlin. “Have you both lost your minds? Who do you think you are?” she scolded both Barry and Cisco.

“Well, I'm the eyes and ears,” said Cisco as he pointed to himself and then to Barry. “And he's the feet.”

“This isn't funny. You could have gotten yourself killed,” said Caitlin. “You can't be running around the city like some supersonic fireman.”

“Why not?” Barry tried to reason. “This is what we talked about. Me using my speed to do good.”

“We talked about you helping contain people who have been affected by the particle accelerator explosion. Meta-humans. And aside from Clyde Mardon, we haven't found any.”

“People in the city still need help and I can help them.”

“We can help them,” Cisco added.

Caitlin rolled her eyes and then she saw Wells wheeling into the Cortex. “Will you please say something?” she desperately asked him, everyone’s attention turning to him.

“I think what Caitlin is saying in her own spectacularly angry way is we're just beginning to understand what your body is capable of. Not to sound like a broken record, Mr. Allen, I do caution restraint,” said Wells.

“Dr. Wells, I doubt restraint is how you got to be the man you are today,” Barry commented.

“In a wheelchair and a pariah,” Wells said back. “Lack of restraint is what made me these things. Know your limits.”

“Don't expect me to patch you up every time you break something,” Caitlin said angrily to Barry before walking away, the latter confused at her tone.

Cisco went towards him. “Hey, uh, anything happen out there today?” he asked. “The sensors in the suit were kicking back weird telemetry. Your vitals spiked for a few seconds.”

“Never felt better,” said Barry with a shake of his head. “Where’s Alex, by the way?”

“Why?” Cisco asked with a knowing smile. “You miss her?”

“It’s not like that,” Barry denied while his cheeks heated up. “Well, you know, she’s been working here since I got struck by lightning but now she’s not going to S.T.A.R Labs anymore.”

“Alex was just hired as your nurse during your coma and when you woke up, you wouldn’t need her anymore,” answered Cisco. “That was the contract she had with us and now she’s working as a full-time nurse again, sad to say. I liked having her here.”

“Yeah... sad,” Barry said under his breath and Cisco gave him his phone.

Joe was calling him so he answered it. “Hey, Joe, everything all right?” he asked.

“Great,” Joe answered sarcastically. “I got a fresh crime scene, a dead body, detectives interviewing witnesses, yellow tape stretched over everything. I'm missing one thing. Can you guess what that is?”

Barry sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose. “I’ll be right there,” he said before hanging up.

“My day job beckons,” he said to himself before speeding away to the crime scene.

“When do you think he'll realize he didn't take his clothes?” Wells asked Cisco and Caitlin as he looked at the spot were Barry was.

- - - - - - - - - - - -

Alex was finally back in her mundane life as a nurse in Central City. However, her life wouldn’t be as normal as before since she met Barry. What was impossible before was now possible after the particle accelerator explosion and Barry’s newfound powers. Alex knew that it’s better to stay where she is and do her job in helping people as a nurse. It was going to be the last time she would ever delve into the affairs at S.T.A.R Labs.

However, she still keeps in contact with Caitlin and especially Cisco, who was giggling like a little girl in their recent phone call. Alex just finished lunch and she took out her phone to see that Cisco was calling her.

“Good morning, Ms. Alexandra Lee,” he greeted her.

“I’ve told you for nine months what I prefer to be called, which is just ‘Alex,’“ she said with a laugh. “But whatever floats your boat. So what’s up? Any cool stories you wanna share?”

“Barry’s doing pretty well,” answered Cisco. “He just saved people from a burning building downtown.”

“What a hero,” Alex commented. “Well, he fits the job.”

“He definitely does,” said Cisco. “After his mission this morning, he’s been asking where you are?”

“You guys didn’t tell him?”

“Caitlin and I thought you’d tell him but apparently, you didn’t. So we told him and he looked like a sad little puppy when we did.”

Alex was surprised. “What do you mean he was sad?” she asked Cisco.

“Duh, he misses you,” said Cisco.

“Why would he miss me?” Alex mumbled.

“Because he likes you!”

“We’re just friends, Cisco. If he likes anyone, it’s Iris. I mean, they’ve known each other for a long time.”

“He may like Iris but you were the one he was looking for,” Cisco retorted. “You were the one taking care of him most of the time when he was in a coma and you were the one that motivated him to be a hero. You’re basically his knight in shining scrubs.”

Alex laughed at the term. “Keep dreaming, Cisco,” she said. “It’s not gonna happen. I’m gonna go back to work now.”

“Hey, hey. Don’t hang up on me just yet, Alex--” Cisco said through the phone but Alex hung up before letting him continue.

As she was walking to her next set of rounds, her mind was preoccupied with Barry. He hasn’t contacted her much and she thought he might be busy especially since he’s working as a CSI and also starting to become a hero. She guessed that this is how it’s just meant to be. He was the hero of the city and she is just a nurse helping the rest of the citizens.

After finishing her rounds at the emergency ward, which was the last part of her shift, she received another phone call from Cisco. “What’s up?” she asked. “More fangirling about Barry?”

“Not fangirling but it’s about Barry and we need your help,” said Cisco urgently.

- - - - - - - - - - - - 

“You lied to us,” said Caitlin angrily. “How could you not tell us you're experiencing dizzy spells? We're your doctors. God knows what's going on inside your body.”

Barry was sitting on the bed and just looked down, letting Caitlin ramble on until he heard a voice call from the hallway to the Cortex.

“What’s going on?” it asked.

Barry looked up and he sat up straighter when he saw Alex enter the room. He thought she was not going to work in S.T.A.R Labs anymore now that he was awake.

“Alex?” Barry asked. “I thought you’re not working here anymore?”

“I’m not,” Alex answered. “But Cisco called me and told me you guys need help and that it’s urgent.”

Everyone then looked at Cisco. “We could use an extra pair of hands?” he said sheepishly, almost sounding like a question.

Alex rolled her eyes. This situation is Cisco’s way of trying to set her and Barry up. However, judging by Caitlin’s rambling that she heard from the hallway, something was definitely going on with Barry.

“Anyway,” Caitlin started again and ranted to Barry. “ Your cells are in a constant state of flux. You could be experiencing cardiopulmonary failure, or a transient ischemic attack.”

Barry looked at Caitlin with a confused expression and then turned to Alex for help. “Mini-stroke,” she clarified for him. “But it’s not the only reason for a dizzy spell. There are plenty of other reasons.”

“You, of all people, should know that in science, we share. We do not keep secrets,” Caitlin continued before walking away to calm down.

Alex had never seen Caitlin so angry before and it sent a chill down her spine. She just went towards Barry and put her hand on his shoulder to calm his nerves after being put on the spot by Caitlin. Barry seemed to be relaxed under her touch and he looked up to smile at her. Alex smiled back and then Barry pats her hand that was on his shoulder.

“Wow, I haven't seen anyone make her that angry since Ronnie,” Cisco commented before going somewhere else.

“Ronnie was Caitlin's fiance?” asked Barry. “The one that died the night of the accelerator explosion?”

“Yeah,” answered Wells. “He is missed...”

Barry, Wells, and Alex went silent for a moment, processing the fact that Caitlin was angry because Barry’s situation made her worry like how she worried about Ronnie at the night of the explosion.

“Now, let's figure out why this is happening to you,” said Wells as he moved his wheelchair to lead Barry and Alex.

“Need any help getting up?” asked Alex.

“No, I’m fine,” Barry answered as he hopped out of the hospital bed. “Thank you.”

They walked together to where Wells was leading them. He lead them to a room and inside was some sort of treadmill with piles of boxes behind it. Barry then changed to a S.T.A.R Labs sweater, sweatpants, and trainers. 

“We’re all set,” Cisco said and Barry was quizzically staring at the boxes. “A little padding, just in case.”

“Yeah,” said Barry and Cisco went to the observation room where Wells, Caitlin, and Alex were.

Barry stepped onto the treadmill. “You sure about this, Cisco?“ he asked.

“Most home treadmills have a maximum speed of about 12 miles per hour,” answered Cisco from the observation room. “This one has been Cisco'ed. Trust me, it can handle your speed.”

“Okay,” said Barry. He started to jog when the treadmill started moving. Then, he started running as how he actually would. Alex observed his blurry figure running before looking at his vitals on Caitlin’s computer.

“Heart rate, blood pressure, nerve conduction all normal,” Caitlin reported.

“For Barry,” Wells added.

“Brainwave function within standard limits,” said Caitlin.

“Told you the treadmill could take it,” said Cisco with a giggle.

Alex, who was reading the vitals on Caitlin’s computer, found the problem. “Caitlin,” she called, making the mentioned look behind her. “Look at his glucose levels.”

Caitlin then checked Barry’s glucose levels on her computer and said, “Oh my God, of course.”

“Right?” said Alex.

“It’s so obvious,” said Caitlin.

Wells then talked to Barry through the microphone. “Barry, we think we know why you keep--” he said until Barry lost control and ended up flying backwards to the boxes behind him, surprising everyone.

“Passing out,” Wells continued.

Immediately, Alex opened the door leading to the treadmill room and pushed away the boxes that were on top of Barry. When they got the boxes off of him, Cisco and Caitlin helped Alex carry the unconscious speedster to the bed. Barry may be slim, but he was heavy.

Like what she did when he was in a coma, she checked his vitals and then she sat next to him afterwards. It was already dusk and Barry was awake again. Alex helped him sit up on the bed.

“I passed out again,” Barry groaned.

“Total metabolic failure brought on by acute hypoglycemia,” said Caitlin.

“I'm not eating enough,” said Barry as he got off the bed with Alex’s assistance. “So an l.V. bag and I'm good to go.”

Alex just laughed and showed Barry the forty I.V. bags waiting for him. “Try forty,” she said.

“Guess you were thirsty,” Wells commented.

“Given your speed and your metabolism, the regular ‘three meals a day with some snacks’ will just burn right through your system,” said Alex.

“We're gonna need to fashion you a diet based on your metabolic changes,” said Caitlin.

“You need to consume an amount equal to roughly 850 tacos,” said Cisco but then realized something. “Unless we're talking cheese and guac, which is like a whole other set of equations.”

“For Mexican, I recommend Tito's on Bruckner Avenue,” an unknown voice said and a familiar man entered the Cortex. “Best burrito in the city.”

It was Joe West, Barry’s adoptive father. “Detective West, what brings you to S.T.A.R. Labs?” asked Wells. “When I couldn't find you at your lab, I started doing a little research,” Joe said to Barry in particular. “Turns out, there's been reports of a red streak around the city,” he continued. “Stopping muggers, rescuing people from burning buildings.” Caitlin gave Barry a knowing look but the latter just ignored it. Wells tried to break the silence. “You... didn't tell him we were working together?” he asked Barry. “Joe, I can explain--” Barry tried to reason but was interrupted by Joe. “You already have a job in law enforcement, Barry. I suggest you get back to it,” he said.

“Mm-hm,” Caitlin quipped, earning a look from Joe.

“Don't look at me. I'm on your side,” she said. “Detective, we all want what's best for Barry,” said Wells. “If you wanted what was best for Barry, you'd talk him out of this instead of encouraging him going out there risking his life,” said Joe angrily. “You saw a man control the weather,” said Barry. “What are the police gonna do against someone like that?” “Since the accelerator explosion, we suspect there may more like him,” he continued. “And you're gonna do what?” asked Joe with crossed arms “Catch them? Are you insane? You think because you can run real fast that you're invincible? You're not. You're just a kid. My kid.”

With that last statement, Joe looked at Wells. The next thing Barry said shocked Alex. “I'm not your kid, Joe,” he said to his adoptive father, whose eyes are glistening. “And you're not my father.” Barry hopped off the table he was sitting on and continued, “My father is sitting in Iron Heights, wrongfully convicted. You were wrong about him and you're wrong about this. Now, I may not be able to help him but if I can save someone from a burning building or stop some armed thieves, I'm gonna do it. And you can't stop me. So don't try.”

Barry’s words felt heavy for Alex. At least he’s lucky to still have his real father and that he has another father figure, she thought. She then looked at Joe, who was trying to stop his tears and put up his pride. “You think you're so smart... All of you,” he said. “But you don't know what you don't know.” He turned to Wells and said, “And I hope that you're clever enough to figure it out before somebody gets killed.”

With one sorrowful look at Barry, Joe turned away and left the Cortex. Alex looked at the detective and she felt the amount of disrespect and sorrow that he felt from Barry’s words. It hit home for her and she couldn’t help but be angry towards Barry for disregarding whom he’s blessed to have.

“You’re so disrespectful,” Alex seethed.

“Disrespectful?” Barry asked, who is also still angry from what just happened. “He’s not my father, Alex. My father is in prison, wrongfully convicted for my mother’s murder. Joe was the one being disrespectful by making himself my father when I already have one.”

“At least you have someone, Barry!” Alex yelled and Barry fell silent as he just witnessed an angry Alex. Her usually calming eyes suddenly became terrifying and it almost scared him.

“I lost both of my parents when I was fourteen and I had no one,” she continued. “I was alone, jumping from foster home to foster home because no one wanted me. I had to rely on myself and it served me well after I graduated. The only family I have is myself and eventually, the friends I made.”

Alex went towards Barry, looking into his eyes. The latter noticed her eyes changed. Before, they were angry as if there was fire in them. Now, they began to soften and her voice became gentle again.

“Family isn’t just about blood, Barry,” she said. “It’s also about being there for each other, caring for each other, trusting each other. It’s also a choice... and Joe chose to love you and care for you when your real dad wasn’t there. He has every right to be concerned for you. And now that you have this whole team behind you, they also have that right.”

Alex didn’t say anymore words and silence enveloped the room. She just grabbed her bag and coat and then left the building. Cisco watched her figure disappear into the hallway. His little attempt in getting her and Barry to interact again was a complete failure. Meanwhile, Barry was stung by Alex’s words but his recklessness reigned and he kept his pride up.

[stupidfanfics]

Till Death Do Us Part: A Barry Allen Fan Fiction

Chapter 6: Ok?...Ok

Word Count: 3048

“Barry?” “Barry!” I yelled causing Cisco to stare at me. “What? Did I miss it?” I let out a sigh of frustration, “You overshot by about six blocks.” “My bad.” I rolled my eyes looking at Cisco who just shrugged his shoulders. “You there yet?” Cisco asked Barry sitting in an office chair and pulling up a map on the monitors. “What are you doing?” Quickly at the sound of Caitlin’s voice I pressed a button shutting down every monitor. “Nothing,” Cisco dumbly replied. “Who were you guys talking to?” “No one.” Caitlin stepped forward. “Are you talking to Barry?” “Who?” I couldn’t help but giggle as I watched the scene before me unfold. Which, of course, cause Caitlin to snap her head around and glare at me. “Barry Allen. Struck by lightning? Was in a coma for nine months? Woke up being able to run faster than the speed of sound? Monica’s childhood best friend? Ring a bell?” she asked raising an eyebrow. “No. Haven’t talked to him.” Cisco mumbled leaning back into his chair. “Guys, there��s fire everywhere!” Barry’s yell loudly played over the speakers. “Shit, we’re screwed.” I whispered. “Guys, are you still there?” “Everybody's out. What else you got for me?” Barry said in a cocky tone. “God, would you just shut up.” I yelled into my mic. “What do yo-” Caitlin cut Barry off, “Barry, it’s Caitlin.” Cisco and I shared awkward glances as we waited for Barry’s response. “Heyyy, Caitlin. How’s your day?” A small smile crept onto my face. “Get back to STAR Labs. Now.” Caitlin sternly said turning to Cisco and I. “On my way.” Barry flashed into the Cortex. “Have you three lost your minds?” Caitlin yelled. “Who do you think you are?” “Well, I’m the eyes and ears and he’s the feet.” Cisco replied. “And, what does that make you Monica?” she asked swiveling around to face me. “Oh me,” I pointed to myself, “I’m the team leader. Just making sure nothing gets out of hand.” “Well you obviously aren’t doing to could at that. You could’ve gotten yourself killed.” she retorted pointing to Barry. “You can’t be running around this city like some supersonic fireman.” “Why not?” Barry asked stepping forward. “This is what we talked about. Me using my speed to do good.” “We talked about you helping us contain other people who might have been affected by the particle accelerator explosion. Metahumans. And aside from Clyde Mardon we haven’t found any.” “But Caitlin, people in this city need help.” I said supporting Barry’s case. “And he can help them.” “We can help them.” Cisco corrected. “Will you please say something.” Barry, Cisco, and I all turned around to be met with Dr. Wells wheeling around. “I think what Caitlin is saying, in her own spectacular angry way, is that we are just beginning to understand what your body is capable of. Not to sound like a broken record Mr. Allen… I do caution restraint.” “Dr. Wells, I doubt restraint is how you got to be the man you are today.” “In a wheelchair and a pariah. Lack of restraint is what made me these things. Know your limits.” Dr. Wells retorted wheeling off. “Don’t expect me to patch you up every time you break something.” Caitlin disclosed to Barry, storming off. “Hey umm, anything happen out there today?” I asked Barry walking to stand in front of him. “The sensors in the suit were kicking back some weird telemetry, like your vitals spiked for a few seconds.” Cisco explained. Barry shook his head, “Never felt better.” Cisco then handed Barry his phone, “Hey Joe, everything all right?” Joe. I haven't seen him in so long, which is kind of weird to think because he’s basically my replacement dad. I guess that’s one of the reasons why I missed Central City so much, here I have family and friends. In Seattle I had nothing. A gust of wind interrupted me from my, what you could call, contemplating. “Where’s he going?” I asked. “Apparently his, ‘day job beckons’” Cisco responded. “Now, when do you think he’ll realize he didn’t take his clothes?” mumbled Dr. Wells.

“You lied to us! How could you not us you’re experiencing dizzy spells? We’re your doctors.” Caitlin scolded Barry, “God knows what’s going on inside your body. Your cells are in a constant state of flux. You could be experiencing cardiopulmonary failure or a transient ischemic attack.” Barry gave me a confused look, searching for an explanation. “Mini stroke. Probably not.” I told him. “You of all people should know that in science, we share. We do not keep secrets.” Caitlin said storming off. “Wow… I haven’t seen anyone make her that angry since Ronnie.” Cisco said handing a tablet to Dr. Wells. “Ronnie was Caitlin’s fiance? The one that died the night of the accelerator explosion?” Barry asked. “Yeah. He is… missed.” Dr. Wells replied staring off into the distance. “Well… let’s figure out why this is happening to you.” I said switching the subject.

“We’re all set.” Cisco said leaning on a pile of boxes, “A little padding. Just in case.” Cisco walked back into the room where I was sitting with Caitlin and Dr. Wells. “You’re sure about this Cisco?” Barry yelled. “Most home treadmills have a maximum speed of about 12 miles per hour. This one, has been Cisco’ed.” Cisco explained, “Trust me. It can handle your speed.” “Okay.” Barry started walking on the treadmill as we all waited in anticipation. “Heart rate, blood pressure, nerve conduction all normal.” Caitlin said staring at her screen. “For Barry.” Dr. Wells added. “Brainwave function within standard limits.” Caitlin continued. Cisco laughed, “I told you the treadmill could take it.” “Guys, look at the glucose levels.” I uttered. “Oh my god, of course.” “Right?” “It was so obvious.” “Glucose levels. Barry!” I shouted, “We think we know why you keep-” Before I could finish my sentence Barry’s body was flung into the stack of boxes. “Passing out.” I whispered.

Barry let out a groan when he got out of the bed in the med-bay. “I passed out again?” he asked as Caitlin, Cisco, and I helped him up. “Total metabolic failure brought on by acute hypoglycemia.” Caitlin explained. “I’m not eating enough. So an IV bag, and I’m good to go?” Barry asked me. I let out a laugh, “More like 40. Guess you were thirsty.” “We’re gonna need to fashion you a new diet based on your metabolic changes.” Caitlin reported. “I’ve done a few calculations. You need to consume an amount equal to roughly 850 tacos. Unless we’re talking cheese and guac, which is like a whole other set of equations.” I shook my head in disbelief at Cisco’s response. “For mexican I recommend Tito’s.” A familiar voice rang through the cortex. “On Bruckner Avenue? Best burrito in the city.” I looked up at the source of the voice. “Joe.” I whispered to myself. “Detective West. What brings you to STAR Labs?” Dr. Wells inquired taking the words right out of my mouth. “When I couldn’t find you at your lab,” Joe said pointing at Barry, “I started doing a little research. Turns out there’s been reports of a red streak around the city. Stopping muggers, rescuing people from burning buildings.” “You didn’t tell him we’re working together?” Dr. Wells asked Barry. Barry shook his head, “Joe I can explain.” “You already have a job in law enforcement, Barry. I suggest you get back to it.” Joe scolded. “Mhm,” Joe turned to face Caitlin, “Don’t look at me. I’m on your side.” “Joe, we all want what’s best for Barry.” I interrupted. “Monica, don’t get yourself into this. And besides if you wanted what was best for Barry, you’d tried to talk him out of this lunacy instead of encouraging him going out there risking his life.” “You saw a man control the weather. What are the police gonna do against someone like that?” Barry yelled. “Since the accelerator explosion we suspect there may be more like him.” Joe shook his head in disbelief, “And you’re gonna do what? Catch them? Are you insane? You think because you can run real fast that you’re invincible? You’re not! You’re just a kid. My kid.” Joe finished looking at Dr. Wells. “I’m not your kid, Joe. And you’re not my father.” Barry said shaking his head, “My father’s sitting in Iron Heights. Wrongfully convicted. You were wrong about him. And you’re wrong about this. Now I may not be able to help him, but if I can save someone from a burning building or stop some armed thieves, I’m gonna do it.” “Barry, maybe you should-” “And you can't stop me! So don’t try.” he yelled cutting me off. Joe looked around the room, searching for an answer. “You think you’re so smart. All of you. But you don’t know what you don’t know. And I hope that you’re clever enough to figure it out before somebody gets killed.” Joe finally responded pointing from Dr. Wells to Barry, hen he walked out of the Cortex. “I don’t remember him being that grumpy.” I observed turning to face Barry. “Yeah, well you haven’t really been here the past five years.” he muttered. “Well I’m sorry. I thought friends were supposed to be supportive of each other!” I yelled, “Or did you think there was something else between us? Because apparently something led you to believe it was fine to kiss me.” Barry stared into my eyes, his jaw clenched. “Monica, I’m-” “Sorry? Yeah Barry I know. Save the apologies for someone else.” I said, aggressively grabbing my jacket off my desk and storming out of the Cortex.

“Sorry, the abrasions are already rapidly healing.” I could faintly hear Caitlin’s voice from my desk as she cleaned up Barry’s wounds. “Yeah, I got my ass handed to me.” he responded. “No shit Sherlock.” I muttered to myself. “You got blood on my suit,” Cisco exclaimed. “Yeah Barry, you got blood on Cisco’s suit.” I said, standing up from my desk and folding my arms in front of my chest. “I think some of it belongs to him.” Barry retorted, “Another not-so-friendly meta-human.” Suddenly a man’s face popped up on the monitor. “Danton Black.” Dr. Wells sighed, “He’s a Bio-Geneticist specialized in therapeutic cloning. Growing new organs to replace failing ones.” “Apparently Stagg stole his research and fired him.” Caitlin elaborated. “I saw Black create duplicates from his own body.” Cisco chuckled, “That’s pretty ironic, the guy specializes in cloning and now he can make xeroxes of himself.” “If he was experimenting on himself when he was exposed to the dark matter wave released by the particle accelerator explosion-” “-meet Captain Clone.” Cisco smiled as we all stared at him in disbelief, “Don’t worry I’ll come up with something cooler.”  Barry started walking out the door, “Where are you going?” Caitlin asked. “Joe was right, I’m in way over my head. Yeah, I’m fast but I’m no warrior. Man, I could barely fight one metahuman, let alone six.” “Barry-” Dr. Wells said before Barry could leave, “I understand. Today was a setback. But any grand enterprise has them. And we can never learn to fly without crashing a few times.” Barry shook his head, “This wasn’t a grand enterprise, Dr. Wells… This was a mistake.” With that Barry was gone, leaving the other three scientists left to stare at me. “You’re looking at me like it’s my fault. It’s not. Ok?” Caitlin shook her head as she went back to work.

“What the hell are you doing?” I asked when I walked back into the cortex to find Caitlin experimenting with blood and chemicals. “Trying to help Barry. Or I guess The Streak.” she answered. “The Streak?” “That’s what Iris is calling him on he blog.” I rolled my eyes, “Well, Barry said he was done with this. I hate to say it but I think it’s time to-” “BINGO!” Caitlin exclaimed. “Holy shi- what the hel- what’s going on?” A man began to grow out of the petri dish Caitlin threw on the ground. “ Dr. Wells, Cisco, we need you in the Cortex. Now.” Caitlin said into STAR Labs intercom system. “Hey what’s- holy clone!” Cisco yelled when he walked through the doorway. “Monica, call Barry.” Caitlin ordered. “No, I don’t want anything to do with him.” Caitlin snatched my phone. “Sigourney, call Barry Allen.” “Calling Barry Allen.” A monotone voice coming from my phone explained. I began to mouth the word no over and over again until Barry picked up. “Look, I told you I’m through.” Barry’s voice harshly rang through the phones speaker. “I know, but you need to get to STAR Labs… Right now.” I said in a serious voice before hanging up. Barry flashed in. “Barry, it’s okay” Caitlin reassure him. “It is not okay.” Barry exclaimed standing face-to-face with a clone of Black. “Black is here and he’s just… standing there. That’s not him, is it?” “Looks like you solved the case Mr. CSI.” I said in a sarcastic tone. “It’s one of his replicates.” Dr. Wells answered. “How did you get it?” “I grew him.” Caitlin cockily responded, “I isolated a sample of Black’s blood from your suit, to see if I could trigger the in vitro cultivation process and learn how Black multiplies. So, I exposed the target cells to a protein gel, and they began replicating… into that.” Caitlin finished motioning towards the clone. Barry waved his hand in front of its face. “Why isn’t he… it doing anything?” he questioned. Dr. Wells rolled up his sleeves, “We did a brain scan. Involuntary motor functions are active, little else.” “We think it’s acting as a receiver.” Cisco elaborated. “The clones are an empty shell without Black.” Caitlin continued, “Shut down the real Black and you might shut them all down.” “But how do we know which one is the real Danton Black?” said a confused Barry Allen. “I think it’s pretty obvious Bartholomew.” I remarked. Barry rolled his eyes and turned to face me, “Oh really? Care to explain?” I clapped my hands together, “Well just like you and your unexpected naps, Black has limits. The one showing weakness or fatigue, like you when you forget your hourly Big Belly Burger, is the prime. Take him down, you take them all down.” I said a cocky smile plastered across my face. “Just a theory… but one you might want to put to the test, Mr. Allen.” Dr. Wells said pushing up his glasses. “Plus, I whipped up these high calorie protein bars for you to keep your metabolism up.” Cisco said handing him a bar. Suddenly the clone grunted and began moving away until a loud bang shot through the cortex. I turned to face the source of the bullet, “Any more of them?” Joe asked. “Nope.” Caitlin answered. “Why did it start moving?” Barry yelled turning to face Dr. Wells. “The prime,” he answered. “My guess is, the prime is on the move. This one heard the summons to battle.” “And I know where he was summoned to,” Joe added placing his pistol back in his holster. “Stagg Industries.” Barry stared at Joe, “You should call it in.” “Police can’t fight this. What Black’s become, like Mardon… beyond me. Maybe way beyond them, too. The only person it’s not beyond is you. You gotta do this. I get it. So for once in your life, do what I tell you to do. Go stop him.” Barry gave Joe a small smile before walking up to his suit.

“-but that doesn’t give you the right to murder.” Barry’s scolding voice could be heard over the Cortex speakers before there was a gunshot. As Barry whoosed around a kept an eye on his vitals, constantly making sure they were steady. What? Just because I hated him at the time doesn't mean I couldn’t have cared about his well being. Suddenly Barry’s screamed was played in the cortex as his heart rate increased. I gripped onto the arm of my office chair as more gunshots and screams were heard in the Cortex. I looked over to Cisco who was staring at his computer screen. “Remember Barry, find the prime.” Caitlin spoke into her mic. “There’s too many of them to fight.” “Barry, you need to isolate the prime,” Dr. Wells instructed. “I can’t. It’s impossible.” Barry panted. “Nothing’s impossible Barry. You taught me that.You can do this.” Joe said trying to inspire Barry. After a few minutes of only the sounds of bodies hitting the floor and running Barry finally let out a chuckle. “Barry? Barry, are you all right?” Joe pressed. “I-i’m fine. I’m fine.” he responded, “It’s done.” Suddenly the sound of glass shattering was played through the cortex, I looked over at Caitlin who was just as confused as me. “Hang on!” Barry yelled, “Don’t.” Suddenly Barry began breathing hysterically.

“Tried to save him,” Barry said over the new broadcast. “Doesn’t sound like he wanted to be saved.” Dr. Wells responded. “Yeah, I know how that feels.” I muttered, causing Barry to turn around and give me a stern look to which I just shrugged my shoulders, “What? I’m just being honest. Some people… when they break… they can’t be put together again.” “Some people heal even stronger.” I let out a chuckle at Barry’s ironic response. “I don’t get what’s so funny about this to you.” Barry said, his tone becoming more harsh. “Barry, can I talk to you? Outside?” He nodded his head and followed me out of the cortex. “Look, I know that the way I left things five years ago was not great,” Barry scoffed at my statement. “But we have to put that behind us. Or at least while we’re here.” Barry took a step closer to me, “Why?” I took a step back, “Because Barry, this is my job and I’m supposed to act professional. I’m sorry for what happened that night but we’re both to blame. Let’s just accept the way life is and go on with our lives. Ok?” I asked cocking my head to the side. “Ok.” Barry whispered.     

Taglist:

@lexeeehhh

[musexplat]

Reseña de Frenesí: Sentimiento Modular

Empezamos la semana con la primera reseña de nuestro nuevo colaborador Rodrigo Mardones, quien nos invita a escuchar este compilado realizado por el netlabel chileno Frenesí. Una muestra vital de lo que está pasando en la actualidad en la escena chilena.

Por: Rodrigo Mardondes Hay que romper este círculo restringido de sonidos puros, y conquistar la variedad infinita de los sonidos-ruidos.El arte de los ruidos. Luigi Russolo. Escena Chilena parte 1 Abrimos  estas reseñas, con el compilado del netlabel chileno de electrónica Frenesí, cuyo nombre es Sentimiento Modular, lanzado el 3 de septiembre de 2020. Este disco es una muestra vital de lo…

[pesosaludaleucc5]

El monitoreo y la evaluación son necesarios para dar un seguimiento adecuado a la implementación de la presente estrategia. La vigilancia epidemiológica de la obesidad proporcionará información útil para la correcta toma de decisiones y generación de cambios.

El área cuenta con las siguientes líneas de acción:

a) Vigilancia epidemiológica de la obesidad y sus factores de riesgo.

b) Investigación en obesidad y sus factores de riesgo.

Son objetivos específicos:

1. Fortalecer la vigilancia epidemiológica de la obesidad y sus factores de

riesgo.

2. Evaluar las buenas prácticas en el marco de la vigilancia de la obesidad.

3. Promover y apoyar investigaciones innovadoras para la prevención y el

tratamiento de la obesidad.

Dado el carácter multifactorial de la obesidad, el reto que afronta esta estrategia

requiere la participación de todos y un conjunto de actuaciones sostenidas en el

tiempo, ya que solo de esta manera podremos conseguir resultados positivos.

Metas e Indicadores Nacionales

El propósito de la presente estrategia es reducir la prevalencia de obesidad en la población 

A continuación, se presentan las metas para el año 2025 y los indicadores por ciclo vital:

• Niños pre-escolares (< 5 años):

- Meta 2025: Reducción relativa del 30% de la prevalencia de obesidad en niños menores de 5 años.

- Indicador: Porcentaje de niños menores de 5 años con obesidad según Peso/Edad (menores de 2 años), Peso/Talla (2 a 5 años).

- Periodicidad: 3-5 años.

• Niños escolares y adolescentes (5-19 años):

- Meta 2025: Reducción relativa del 30% de la prevalencia de

obesidad en niños escolares y adolescentes.

- Indicador: Porcentaje de niños escolares y adolescentes con

obesidad según Índice de Masa Corporal (IMC) para

la edad.

- Periodicidad: 3-5 años.

• Adultos (20-59 años):

- Meta 2025: Detener el aumento de la prevalencia de obesidad en

adultos.

- Indicador: Porcentaje de personas de 19 a 59 años con

obesidad según Índice de Masa Corporal (IMC).

- Periodicidad: 5 años.

• Adultos mayores (60 años o más):

- Meta 2025: Detener el aumento de la prevalencia de obesidad en

adultos mayores.

- Indicador: Porcentaje de personas de 60 años o más con

obesidad según Índice de Masa Corporal (IMC).

- Periodicidad: 5 años.

• Embarazadas:

- Meta 2025: Reducción relativa del 30% de la prevalencia de

obesidad en embarazadas.

- Indicador: Porcentaje de mujeres embarazadas con obesidad

según gráfica Rosso Mardones.

- Periodicidad: 3-5 años

[rottenappleusach]

Mandalas and Literature

Written by Andrea Campaña

Within the context of a Literature class one might ask what space does a Mandala have and moreover why should the painting of it have any relevance? Well within the study of literature we might draw our attention to myths and archetypal figures. The Mandala, then, falls into this symbolic aspect of literature that is so essential to our existence and our way to relate to the world. As Jung points out the Mandala is present in  many cultures, and that sole reason should be enough for us to delve into this matter. But Jung also touched upon his perception of the Mandala and what it represents – the self....

So we know he used it therapeutically with himself and his patients and found out that there were recurrent images that appeared in their drawings. This fascinating encounter originated his curiosity towards the matter, revealing later this recurrence to the world.  He remained fascinated with this topic the rest of his life, drawing mandalas himself and asking his patients to do it as well.

So, this experimentation done by Jung was the one replicated in a lower scale with fourth-year students. The mandalas painted by them are the ones shown below.

But why again would it be fruitful to go through this experience?  Well we could resource to several reasons but it mainly has to do with the concept of the self and its relation to wholeness: The circle this primordial image which is present in the whole universe biologically, astrologically and chemically contains the union of all things. This roundness is a symbolic representation of the interconnection that exists between elements in the universe. It is precisely this interconnectedness the one I wanted students to explore, since it is present not only in our bodies and nature, but also in literary texts. This completeness is the one that we pursue consciously or unconsciously in our daily endeavors. At first, it can be more unconscious, but as we grow and mature, we move more consciously towards what makes us feel more complete, since we learn to distinguish (some with more clarity than others) what is what makes us feel that way.

As psychologist Anny Iribarren states, becoming complete human beings, however, requires a process, and therefore time. It can be seen, then, as a long journey of self knowledge, and this journey and its landscapes can be represented in an image that acts as an artístic metaphor: the mandala. Every color or drawing placed within the circle represents different aspects of our own journey, which is unique, and therefore sacred.

Every trip we make to our own development makes us encounter different landscappes, people, places, challenges and treasures in the form of learning, so each one is a mandala that can represent each of these trips, each of these proceses, as it is, for instance,  the process of obtaining a degree. In turn all these mandalas that represent these journeys can be seen as parts of the Great Mandala that composes all the journeys of a person´s life, and therefore of his or her own vital process to become a person.

In this sense, there is no mandala more valuable than other, since all are important and form part of a larger one. Each person has his her own, from the most humble person to the most sophisticated person; from the sickiest to the healthiest; from the most powerful to the most loving. The “self” would represent the accumulation of all those journeys in one person. Which trip are we referring to? The one of knowing how to integrate those unconscious aspects with our conscious. When such an integration occurs the person (self) begins to experience that completeness, that is to say, it is not only a statement, but he or she lives it.

In this senses the mandala can act as an evocative agent of this integration, because the circular image itself is capable of triggering that process, thereby overcoming (indirectly) the fragmentation imposed by the waking state, where only those conscious aspects of my Self are active.

This activity which deals with expressive art was conceived not only as a step towards understanding Jung´s archetype, but also as an opportunity to stimulate self-awareness and self-expression in our students, contributing in this way to the formative aspect any educational program should pursue and embrace.

Mandala #1: Katherine Aguilera 

Mandala #2: Thamara Gaune 

Mandala #3: Gonzalo Mondaca 

Mandala #4: Siomara Pizarro 

Mandala #5: Franco Solis 

Mandala #6: Yasna Oróstica 

 Mandala #7: Jamir Céspedes 

 Mandala #8: Constanza Mardones

Mandala #9: Catalina Jiménez

[pastel-kinana]

heart out || barry allen [viii]

// chapter viii: the birth of a hero //

PREVIOUS CHAPTER | NEXT CHAPTER  ||  MASTERLIST

“I wasn't the only one affected by the particle accelerator explosion, was I?” Barry asked Wells angrily.

Then, Barry turned to Caitlin and Cisco, who just stayed silent. Afterwards, he turned to Alex, who only looked at Barry with an expression of pity. After working in S.T.A.R Labs for nine months, she was pretty much informed about what they talk about and what they’ve been working on.

“We don’t know for sure,” answered Wells.

“You said the city was safe, that there was no residual danger. But that's not true. So what really happened that night?” Barry retorted.

 Wells looked down and turned to Caitlin and Cisco, who kept their heads down. He then looked at Alex, who was silently pleading him to tell the truth, before turning to Barry. “Well... The accelerator went active. We all felt like heroes, and then... it all went wrong,” he said.

Then, he tapped on the tablet attached to his wheelchair and showed a diagram to Barry on the screen. “The dimensional barrier ruptured, unleashing unknown energies into our world. Antimatter, dark energy, x-elements--” he continued.

“Those are all theoretical,” Barry interrupted.

“And how theoretical are you?” Wells said back and the diagram showed parts of Central City where the dark matter is scattered. “We mapped the dispersion throughout and around Central City. Though we have no way of knowing exactly what or... who was exposed, we've been searching for other meta-humans like yourself.”

“Meta-humans?” asked Barry.

“That’s what we’re calling them,” answered Caitlin.

“I saw one today. He's a bank robber and he can control the weather,” said Barry.

Of course, Alex thought. That’s why there were three straight storms in the south.

“This just keeps getting cooler,” Cisco commented giddily at the mention of the bank robber controlling the weather.

“Cisco, I don’t think--” said Alex before being interrupted by Barry.

“This is not cool. All right? A man died,” he said. Cisco’s smile turned into a frown and he bowed his head in apology.

“Mardon must have gotten his powers the same way I did. From the storm cloud. He's still out there. We have to stop him before he hurts anyone else,” said Barry desperately.

“Barry!” Wells raised his voice to stop him. “That’s a job for the police.”

“I work for the police,” said Barry.

“As a forensic assistant.”

“You’re responsible for this,” Barry seethed. “For him.”

“What's important is you!” Wells yelled. “Not me. I lost everything. I lost my company. I lost my reputation. I lost my freedom. And then you broke your arm and it healed in three hours. Inside your body could be a map to a whole new world-- genetic therapies, vaccines, medicines, treasures buried deep within your cells and we cannot risk losing everything because you want to go out and play hero!”

After the monologue, Barry gave Wells an incredulous look. “You're not a hero. You are just a young man who was struck by lightning,” Wells continued.

Out of frustration, Barry walked out of the Cortex. Alex was about to walk after him until she was stopped by Wells.

“Let him go, Ms. Lee,” he said. “He needs to figure out himself that he isn’t a hero.”

“Well, he isn’t your guinea pig either,” Alex retorted. “He’s just like any other person who wants to help. And what you say about him is not helping others. You just wanna help yourself.”

With that statement, Alex walked out of the Cortex to follow Barry. Thankfully, she found him in the hallway.

“Barry,” she called him.

Barry turned around to face her. “Look, Alex, if you’re gonna make me go back there, it’s not working,” he said.

“Who said I was gonna do that?” Alex said back.

“I just wanna be by myself right now, please,” said Barry.

“I understand,” said Alex. “I just want you to know that I worked for Wells to help you and not him. I know how much you wanna use whatever your ability is to help people and I think that’s really brave of you.”

Barry looked into her eyes that were full of sincerity and possibly care for him.

“I just want you to think of me as a friend, Barry. Besides probably Wells and some others, not everyone is out to get you. Like you, a lot of people wanna help and be there to do it with you,” Alex continued.

Barry gave her a smile, touched by her words, and Alex held his hand with a smile as well. Alex felt a spark when she touched his hand and her cheeks were light pink. Barry felt the same spark and he couldn’t help but feel his heart racing slightly.

“Thank you,” said Barry.

“Anytime,” said Alex.

“I gotta go visit another friend first,” said Barry.

“Who’s this friend?” asked Alex.

“A close one of mine,” answered Barry.

“Alright. I’ll leave you to it.”

With one last smile. Barry ran with a tail of lightning follow him. He was so fast that Alex saw his figure swiftly disappear in front of her and a gust of wind made her stumble slightly.

That’s his power? she thought. Cool. 

After everything that transpired, Alex went back to her apartment instead of seeing Dr. Wells. She dressed herself in jogging pants and her Hudson University t-shirt and fixed herself some dinner. She scooped rice in a bowl and took out some side dishes such as kimchi and seasoned spinach. She was eating while watching TV, scrolling through the different channels until she just settled on watching cartoons.

As she was just about to finish eating, a gust of wind and a tail of lightning surprised her. Good thing she swallowed her food before she could choke. It was Barry in her apartment.

“Barry!” Alex yelped. “How did you know I live here?”

“Sorry!” Barry blubbered. “I looked through all the apartment buildings near the hospital since I figured that you’re a nurse and you’d live near, right?”

Alex just nodded with still surprised eyes. “Uh huh...” she said. “Why are you here?”

“I think I know how we can stop Mardon,” said Barry.

“Wait, did you say ‘we?’“

“Yeah. Your speech inspired me and my other friend’s too. I wanna help, Alex, and I don’t wanna do this alone. So what do you say?”

Barry held out his hand towards Alex, hopeful that she’ll join. With a smile, she took his hand and stood up from her chair, shaking his hand.

“Let me just get my--” said Alex before she was interrupted by Barry speedily putting on her socks and shoes for her. He also tossed her her coat and she just looked at him with a surprised expression.

“We need to get to S.T.A.R Labs and ask Cisco and Caitlin to help us,” said Barry.

“How do we get there?” asked Alex, sounding rhetorical. “News says it’s heavy traffic tonight.”

“I’ll carry you,” Barry immediately said. “And I’ll run us to S.T.A.R Labs.”

“Are you sure?” asked Alex with a tone of doubt. “You just took your powers out for a spin today and you think it’s a good idea to run while carrying me?”

“I’m sure. Now, come on,” said Barry.

Alex just nodded and Barry swiftly carried her bridal style, making the former blush at the intimate position they were in. She tried to not look directly into his eyes to calm down.

“Hang on tight,” Barry told her as he ran.

Alex saw a momentary blur of colors and the wind blowing at her face. She held on tight to ensure she wouldn’t slip from his grip. In a flash, they were already at the S.T.A.R Labs Cortex, where Cisco and Caitlin were. Barry gently put her down and made sure she didn’t stumble.

“Thanks,” said Alex. “That was surreal.”

“What’s going on?” asked Caitlin.

“I need your help,” said Barry.

Barry sped away for a moment and then brought in file boxes from the CCPD that were in his office and laid them out for everyone to examine. 

“I've been going over unsolved cases from the past nine months and there's been a sharp increase in unexplained deaths and missing people. Your meta-humans have been busy,” he said to Cisco and Caitlin who were just looking at Barry, then Alex, and then to each other.

“Now, I'm not blaming you. I know you didn't mean for any of this to happen. I know you all lost something but I need your help to catch Mardon and anyone else out there like him. But I can't do it without you,” he continued.

Then, Cisco said with a smile, “If we're gonna do this, I have something that might help.”

Cisco led the other three in a room where he presented them a sleek red suit with a mask. “Something I've been playing with. Designed to replace the turnouts firefighters traditionally wear. I thought if S.T.A.R. Labs could do something nice for the community, maybe people wouldn't be so angry at Dr. Wells anymore,” he said.

“How is it going to help me?” asked Barry.

“It's made of a reinforced tri-polymer. It's heat and abrasive resistant so it should withstand your moving at high-velocity speeds. And the aerodynamic design should help you maintain control. Plus, it has built-in sensors so we can track your vitals and stay in contact with you from here,” Cisco answered.

“Thanks,” said Barry, staring at the suit. “Now, how do we find Mardon?”

Caitlin stepped forward with her tablet. “I retasked S.T.A.R. Labs satellite to track meteorological abnormalities over Central City,” she said and everyone huddled around her.

“We just got a ping,” she continued. “Atmospheric pressure dropped 20 millibars in a matter of seconds. I've tracked it to a farm just west of the city.”

Barry was looking at the suit in awe and then with a smile of hope. Alex went towards him. “What are you waiting for?” she asked. “Suit up.”

Barry just chuckled and sped into the red suit. “How do I look?” he asked through the gas mask. 

“Looks tight,” Alex commented nonchalantly.

“At least I got some good tight spanx to go with it,” Barry said jokingly, making Alex laugh.

Cisco did some final touches with the suit and checked the sensors and comms if they were working well. When he was done, Alex took the opportunity to give Barry a pep talk before he goes to save the day.

“You good?” asked Alex.

“Nervous,” answered Barry.

“You can do it,” said Alex. “I know you can.”

Barry smiled through the mask and then he sped away to the crime scene.

- - - - - - - - - - - - -

While carrying his unconscious partner out of the farmhouse, Joe West was trying to stay calm and find a way to stop Clyde Mardon. The tornado the robber created was getting stronger and stronger. It was not safe to run anywhere in that moment. The tornado moved and along with it were pieces of the farmhouse that were swept away. A piece of the roof was hurling towards Joe until it was pushed away mid-air by a red-suited stranger.

Underneath the piece of the roof was Barry. He pushed away the piece of wood and he took off the gas mask that was covering his face. 

“Barry! Barry!” Cisco called through the comms. “This thing's getting closer. Wind speeds are 200 miles-per-hour and increasing. Barry, can you hear me?”

“Yeah, loud and clear!” Barry answered.

“If it keeps up, this could become an F-5 tornado,” said Alex.

“But it's headed towards the city,” said Barry. “How do I stop it? Guys?”

Barry looked at the tornado and tried to study it. “What if I unravel it?” he asked.

“How the hell are you going to do that?” asked Caitlin.

“I'll run around it in the opposite direction,” answered Barry. “Cut off its legs.”

“Your body may not be able to handle those speeds. You'll die,” said Caitlin.

“I have to try,” said Barry.

He looked at Joe for a moment and then he ran towards the tornado, trying to stop it by running in the opposite direction.

Back at S.T.A.R Labs, Alex, Caitlin, and Cisco were seated by the computers. They were watching Barry’s vitals and the stats of the tornado Mardon created. 

“The suit’s holding up,” Cisco said happily.

“But he’s not,” Caitlin said worriedly.

“He can do it,” Alex reassured. “I know he can do it.”

A few minutes in Barry’s attempt to stop the tornado, the three heard his groans of pain, meaning he was thrown away by the tornado. Alex grimaced and tightened her fist that was resting on her lap.

“It’s too strong!” they heard Barry yell in the comms.

“Alex,” a voice called to the said girl.

Alex turned around in her chair and saw Wells wheeling towards the computers. “Let me talk to him please,” he said.

She looked at him for a minute but then moved her chair to make way for him. He went towards the mic and said to Barry, “You can do this, Barry. You were right. I am responsible for all of this.”

Alex smiled at Wells who was finally admitting his mistakes and motivating Barry to do what he thinks is right.

“So many people have been hurt because of me, and when I looked at you, all I saw was another potential victim of my hubris. And yes, I created this madness but you, Barry, you can stop it. You can do this. Now run, Barry, run!” said Wells.

Barry, who was so close to giving up, just needed Wells’ words to stand up once again and run towards the tornado once more to stop it. He ran and ran and ran until tornado dissipated, accompanied by an explosive sound.

The four people in S.T.A.R Labs heard the noise and were relieved that the tornado was gone but at the same time, they were wondering what happened to the speedster.

“Barry?” Alex tried to call him through the comms. All she could hear was indistinct voices and she scrutinized it trying to find Barry’s voice.

“I can barely hear him,” she said to the rest of the team.

“Try again,” said Caitlin.

As Alex was about to try again, she heard a gunshot. Her eyes widened and so did Caitlin’s and Cisco’s. “Barry?” she called again, panic lacing her tone.

“It’s over,” Barry answered.

Alex smiled and let out a laugh of relief. “I knew you could do it,” she said.

After a little while, Barry raced back into the Cortex, victorious. He smiled and laughed and the rest joined in. Cisco first stood up and gave him a hug. After letting go of Cisco, Barry hugged Caitlin. Then, he went to Alex. He wrapped his arms around her shoulders and she wrapped hers around his waist.

“Thank you for believing in me,” he whispered in her ear.

“I’ll always believe in you,” she said sincerely.