#was not prepared for the timeline to accelerate like that

[wulfhalls]

getting the kitkat in three days instead at the end of the week :)))))))

[artykyn]

Not me crying because I had a really bad beginning of 2023 and signed up for a program that would proceed to make the rest of my 2023 rough and I spent the whole first three months of 2023 trying to pick myself up and motivate myself like "I'm gonna make it through this year if it kills me" and well look at that I made it

[agentmarvel]

🖤, 🔪, Mistreated Medic

yay! thank you for sending this!🖤

nikto x reader

cw: dark content, stalker!nikto, allusion to kidnapping

mdni - 18+; minors and ageless blogs will be blocked

Nikto peers through the eyeholes of his mask, gaze shifting anxiously as he follows a pacing Private. The man has been growing progressively more and more agitated, demanding medical attention for a pain he can’t quite pinpoint or explain.

“If you’re not bleeding or dying, I’m sorry, but it’s not a priority,” you had told him, offering your best expression of sympathy. He tried to argue, but you silenced him pretty quickly. “Listen, Private, I’ve got a triage helo on the fucking field right goddamn now. Two critical and at least two more to patch. If you’re only here for a minor exam and some pain pills, you will have to come back later. I do not have time for this right now, okay?”

But he didn’t leave. No, he continues to pace while you prepare for your patients to be brought in by the MedEvac team. He bites at the skin around his thumbnail, tearing it away in miniscule slivers that he spits out with an almost imperceptible sputter.

Withdrawal, Nikto muses. He’s likely been faking a variety of issues to score narcotics from the other corpsmen. They aren’t as smart as you; they wouldn’t see through his bullshit the way you do.

Perhaps that’s why Nikto finds himself so drawn to you. You’re brilliant, you don’t take shit from anyone (him included), you demonstrate so much restraint and commitment; you are perfect. He adores you. Every fiber of your being sings to his fragmented soul like a needle mending a sleeve tear. Something about you makes him feel whole. Maybe not entirely, but in part. A large part.

“Can’t you just send a new prescription for me? It’s not that hard; all the other fuckin’ nurses do it!”

“I’m not writing you a prescription without an exam first, and your exam is not a priority right now. You can come back tomorrow. I’m not going to repeat myself.”

Nikto can see the rage boiling under the Private’s skin. He’s clenching and unclenching his fists, veins protruding in his forearms. His stance is defensive at first, but your outright refusal causes him to shift. If you turn your back, that fucking coward will attack you.

No, not while Nikto is here. He won’t be able to make it even three steps closer without getting his fuck-ugly rat face caved in. You’re safe with him around. He’ll keep you safe.

His poor, mistreated medic. You deserve so much better than the bullshit you deal with day in and day out.

Really, he has half a mind to take you away from all of this. Stow you away in his secluded little cabin, take care of you for the rest of his life, give you anything and everything you could ever hope for and then some… He knows what you like; lord knows how much time he’s spent scrubbing through your interest history or following you on your rare off days to see where you spend your time.

He decides he’s definitely going to start considering that a bit more now, but that timeline accelerates in a split second. As you look towards the window for your incoming patients, the Private advances, and Nikto has no choice but to tip his hand.

You’ll never have to deal with this sort of vile behavior ever again. Decision made.

pick your prompt here! 💌

[katsona-the-katsequel]

Background Events: Persona Experimentation

Unethical experimentation on Persona Users has been happening since the beginning. But how has it evolved until now?

Warning: Some speculation will be involved.

TW: Human Experimentation

The Beginning

We don't have an exact date for when experiments related to Personas and the Collective Unconscious began. Phil and Nyarly's bet had been going for some time by the time IF took place. However, if we had to place a true beginning to the experiments, we would have to go with Stephen and the Demon Summoning Program. Along with Kyouji Kuzunoha, he's the only SMT character who's also canon to Persona. Makes sense, considering his weird transcendent nature. The tale may vary between franchises, but the Persona version goes like this:

By unknown means, Stephen managed to create the Terminal System to travel through computer networks. Since he's in a wheelchair in IF, then this Stephen also managed to connect to the Expanse (located in the Collective Unconscious) with the Terminal System. Since he didn't have a way to communicate with the demon who crossed and no Persona to defend himself, Stephen was was attacked and subsequentaly crippled. All of this had to have happened before 1996 for the timeline to make sense (Side Note: This also tells a lot about Stephen, since the incident had the perfect conditions for an Awakening).

The incident led Stephen to create the Demon Summoning Program, probably for personal use, since there was no upcoming war to prepare to (that Stephen could have known of). For some unknown reason, Stephen chose to upload the only copies of the program in the computers of Karukozaka High School. Was he an alumni? Did Stephen realize teens had more probability of connecting with the Expanse? Were Karu High's computers just that good? Who knows. Only Hazama and Tamaki took the program serious enough to use it, even if it was against each other. But that's a story for another time.

Like St. Hermelin would in a few months, Karu High briefly made the news before the entire incident was forgotten. That is highly suspicious on itself. My assumption is that there truly were some experimentation going on before this, amd they made sure to silence the press and make sure the students didn't snitch. Since Tamaki managed to hide among the student population as another victim (probably with Stephen's help), they never questioned her on her abilities nor disappeared her.

But who are they? Well...

SEBEC

The first formal organization seeking to gain a foothold in the Collective Unconscious was the Japanese branch of SEBEC, leadered by Takahisa Kandori. Their story goes like this:

When Kandori took over as head branch of SEBEC, they began to undertake the creation of a device capable of transporting matter from one place to another. Kind of like a portal. This had the main objective of helping to lower freight costs of imports and exports. Maybe even erasing them entirely. Key contributors were Setsuko Sonomura (an engineering specialist) and Dr. Nicholai (a scientist). Kandori kept the project so under wraps that those involved basically lived in the installations. Together they created the Dimension Variable Accelerator System, or DEVA System. However, they also pulled a Backrooms and accidentally connected to the Collective Unconscious.

It is probably at this point that Kandori awoke to his Persona, which was hijacked by the real Nyarlathotep. And thus, Kandori became a puppet in The Great Bet while believing he was achieving world domination or something like that. "But, Kati," I can hear you saying, "all of that was about the Collective Unconscious. Aside from Kandori, there were no Persona Users working with SEBEC".

Oh? OH? So quickly you forget about him?

Takeda. The man, the myth, the barely remembered NPC. All we know about him is that he is Kandori's right-hand man, the head of security at SEBEC and a Persona User. We don't even know what his Persona is, only that its couldn't handle the combined forces of the St. Hermelin students. His existence does imply something deeper: SEBEC is already employing Persona Users to their cause. They probably didn't know much about the phenomena (understandable, since they had just finished the DEVA System) and didn't have a definitive way of figuring out who could be a User and who couldn't. For all they knew this could be random. And so, a not-so-stellar security guard rose to become the second-hand man of the main antagonist. Just because he had the same power as him.

As we know, Kandori and SEBEC failed. But what was the fate of the staff that worked on the DEVA System? What about the little knowledge of the Collective Unconscious they had?

New World Order

Due to Nyarly's meddling, the NWO was founded in 1979 after they found Kiyotada Sumaru's head. They might have had supernatural advice from an ancient head and the backup of one of the most powerful beings in the Persona Universe, but no real Persona Users. Not one of those people had their shit together. The closest thing they had was Chizuru Ishigami, who was a sorcerer (most probable given true power by the Rumor Curse). When the time was right, we can assume Nyarly guided them to the remnants of Kandori's fuck up. The NWO revived Kandori and began their recruitment of the now-lost scientists and inventors. The NWO gave more freedom to their researchers than SEBEC did, which eventually led to the beginning of true human experimentation.

We don't see the worst of it unless you play Tatsuya's Scenario, where the hints they leave us are enough to call for a second Doctors' Trial.

Yikes. And this was only one known experiment.

Like SEBEC before them, the NWO also fell. But they weren't the only ones running supernatural and unethical experiments in 1999.

Kirijo Group

With the creation of the Dark Hour, demons shadows weren't only a danger of the Collective Unconscious anymore, at least, as far as the Kirijo Group knew. Now those in the know had to watch themselves every night to avoid being attacked by them. They couldn't always rely on the perfected version of the Anti-Shadow Suppression Weapons. That must have been the moment when they began to hear rumors of supernatural events in Sumaru City, which led them to the crumbling NWO.

As it turns out, the entire Death Incident a couple of months ago left a huge vacancy for their supernatural research division. And these guys seem like they have fresh ideas that might just solve their self-created problem! A secret scramble must have taken place where the Nanjo and Kirijo Groups tried to covet all the info and personnel that had anything to do with the NWO. Those who weren't important enough to know the truth behind Kiyotada Sumaru's head and their self-proclaimed high-class greatness could have become the precursors of the Conspiracy.

And so, the Kirijo Group now had better scientists, inventors and researchers than before, and more willing to dab on unethical territory. With the need for defense, the former NWO scientists must have suggested they try to create their own Persona Users, like the ones who kept barging into their labs back in Sumaru. Thing is, no one there knew how a Persona User came to be. They did seem to have the power to control a shadow to do their bidding... maybe all they had to do was link (whatever that meant) a human with a shadow. The survivors of these experiments would become bodyguards for the Kirijo Group's excursions to Tartarus. No one would last long, though.

Skip a couple of years and the unexpected happened:

A natural Persona Awakening.

Note was taken of the factors that had to do with the event: the User was a child and she had been in a highly stressful situation. This is how the Kirijo Group rounded up the 100 children they would experiment on to create Artificial Persona Users. All of them dying except for three: Takaya Sakaki, Jin Shirato and Chidori Yoshino (and Sho Minazuki). This violation to the Nuremberg Code probably fell to the side when Mitsuru found and recruited two natural Persona Users on her own. Nothing like flushing dozens of children's lives down the toilet.

We must remember that the Kirijo Group didn't know everything about Personas, and so believed that the stressful situation with a dash of fear of death was necessary every time the User wanted fo summon their Persona. And so Evokers were created. Better not think of the trial and error that led to those inventions. Nor the one that helped create Persona Suppressants.

Who cares if three failed lab rats ran away? Now the Kirijo Group had true Persona Users with them.

A lot happened after that, but that is a story for another day. What about the hypothetical precursors to the Conspiracy formed from the high-profile members of the NWO? The ones that fell through the cracks during the power vacuum?

The Antisocial Force

For once, this wasn't Nyarly's fault. The basic rich bitches would have remained basic rich bitches if it wasn't for Yaldabaoth. The creation of the Shadow Operatives and the less restrictive hold on Kirijo Group employees probably made all that Persona and Collective Unconscious experimentation more of an open secret in the science community. And like hypnosis, this is one secret that most didn't believe until they witnessed it themselves. Not all were skepticals, and those interested were recruited by Masayoshi Shido for the creation of the Antisocial Force.

They would be the new oppressive entity in this area, suppressing information and giving stitches to snitches. This wouldn't stop "Cognitice Psience" from becoming an increasingly popular field. Who knows what kind of experiments happened in and out of the Antisocial Force. They couldn't have been the only ones.

If there is one thing the new Kirijo Group managed to contain, was the knowledge of the creation of Persona Users. The Antisocial Force didn't even have the research from the original NWO scientists that would help them create Artificial Users. Yaldy had to put an already-Awakened Goro Akechi in Shido's path for them to have a User. And even with an actual User, they couldn't replicate the circumstances that could have helped create more. I doubt Akechi was very helpful with that, though. Can't have any potential substitutes for his job.

Nah, the Antisocial Force's forte would never be Persona Users, but rather humanity's cognition.

So, what was the order of events?

Stephen created the Terminal System and began working on the Demon Summoning Program.

SEBEC began working on the DEVA System.

Stephen completed the Demon Summoning Program.

SEBEC finished the DEVA System and, after Kandori's Awakening, began to recruit Persona Users (at least one other than Kandori).

After SEBEC's fall, the New World Order recruited the staff that worked in the DEVA System.

The NWO began to experiment with demons and humans.

The Kirijo Group hired all the scientists and inventors from the NWO.

The Kirijo Group began to create Artificial Persona Users.

After Mitsuru's Awakening, the Kirijo Group focused on children experimentation.

The Antisocial Force began to recruit experts in cognitive psience for personal experiments.

[saezurumurmurs]

A BL Platform For Everyone

NB: Please reblog this for visibility!

A little over two years ago, me and my BL crew were in our little chat sharing recommendations. 

Cat had an impressive spread sheet, Marcie and I had iCloud Notes, and it was pretty much chaos.

I looked at it and said out loud, "There has to be a better way for us to keep track of our reads and share recommendations. There has to be right?"

Cat said she wished someone would build a BL app with everything already there. Me, a developer of almost thirty years, paused while a floodlight (not a light bulb) went off in my head.

“Well I could maybe build one… cause like, I build stuff. How would that be?”

By the end of the conversation Cat had invited me to build an app for BL. 

Four weeks later, in late February of 2022, digitaljuicy.com was online. 

In the last couple of years, I’ve been listening to the fandom, paying attention to feedback, poured over analytics, read your responses to the Reader’s Survey and continued to craft a platform with all this in mind.

What I have been building is 100% for us... there is nothing but BL and it is an attempt to encompass ALL of BL. Not just the bits and pieces.

But for two years I've been struggling. Struggling in many ways, but specifically to get what I wanted out of the platform. I tried and failed so many times.

In September of 2022 I tried to raise venture capital to build the platform I wanted for us. I pitched it to accelerators and true blue venture capital.

Juicy is what is called 'pre-seed'. Which means were still so new and evolving, under-resourced and while there was interest, there was no joy. No funding was raised.

In December 2023, I realised it was time to rethink Juicy. i have been on the deepest dive for months rebuilding Juicy from the ground up and preparing the framework for the mobile app.

I’ve built something I want to use… and wild, I’m building it and using it as a fan at the same time. I'm at the point where it's impossible not to want to share.

And what kind of platform do I mean? At its most basic level:

You can track your reads, watches and plays

You can review and recommend the titles to the community, your friends, strangers on Twitter, your friend you're trying to corrupt outside the fandom. Your poison.

Timelines for you, for titles, for episodes, chapters… just about everything. I mean everything: The creators, the publishers, the studios, the actors... you can leave reviews and status posts on EVERYTHING. No algorithms, no force feeding... just discovery, recommendations and honest reviews by this community about our community and the industry we feed.

Collections! Lists of stuff you're reading, dropped, want to read, want to buy, love or hate, all pretty and organised and shareable..

A growing database resource of titles, tagged up to its eyeballs with a minutiae of data.. with reading an streaming links and anything else we find that we think is relevant.

But it is also a lot more than this.

I wanted it to be more than what it was. I want to turn Juicy into a mobile app, add some more functionality and more specifically, platform all of BL for its non-Asian fandom.

We get left out of so much, I feel like we need our own thing. 

I don’t know about ya’ll, but I was tired of being banned on social media for sharing content. How you gonna ban me for saying a 2D fictional character needs to be shot with shite and strung with cobweb? But they did… and I know it’s not just me.

What about the creators? How do they interface with the non-Japanese or non-Korean fandoms? On which misogynistic hell site?

What about the publishers and merchandisers? What about the little Etsy sellers? Why does BL have to hidden away in the databases of mangaupdates, anisearch and anilist? Why does every single manga tracker out there seem to have pitiful listings for BL? 

Is it because we’re a female or queer audience? 

Look at this lil video I made:

Either way, I’ve long felt it’s time for us to do our own thing. So I’ve been building it. Pixel by pixel. Feature by feature on my own.

Juicy has been a small chat group, but I��m the only developer. We’ve always been clear about what we wanted to build: A platform for the fandom, the creators, the publishers, the merchandisers… my goal is a one-stop platform for BL and I am damn close to presenting this new iteration.

This was and remains the core of what I’m building: The largest English platform for BL on the planet. The functionality is one thing, but building a database like that is not a one-person job.

So now I need your help.

First to keep the servers online, so I can continue to build and develop and finally, finally release the mobile app. I can't tell you how much I want that.

I’m close to pushing the new Juicy 3.0 out, and I’m very in love with the work I’ve done since December. It’s a new look, and it works 1000 times better than the previous iterations of Juicy.

I just have hit a wall financially, and need your help and support to get it over the line.

Juicy's ass is fat and I been carrying her mostly alone for two solid years. 

I’m going to launch a Kickstarter for this project in a bit so I can hire another developer  to help with the trickier bits and fine tune the mobile app, but for now, I felt a Patreon would at least help us keep the servers up and maybe, just maybe allow us to afford a few crucial bits that will elevate your experience as a user.

And because I’m a developer, and I can do some pretty kinky shit with APIs and such, if you support this Patreon campaign, you will get some nice feature perks on the platform automagically. You won’t have to pay again to access these perks in-app later.

As many perks as I can cook up anyway, not the least of which will be access to some of the nicer functions and features I’ve already built into the platform.

When the mobile app launches, you will get it first and for free! Plus we’ve been talking about a lot of other ways we can make the platform fun beyond what I've done already.

I plan to monetise the platform in various ways, but in a profit sharing model. You contribute to the database, you contribute content, you get a share of whatever the platform makes. This is already built into the system. This will be open to anyone willing, but to Patrons first.

Finally, I'm limiting the number of people who can subscribe via Patreon to 1000 people. Once we hit that number, the rolls will be closed to new membership, and everyone directed to the platform to pay for any services or merchandise.

My goal for this group of Patrons is that you become an exclusive and tightly knit inner circle.

My hope is that you will help me actively shape what Juicy will become. Your votes and say will carry weight. Your feature requests considered and if possible implemented first.

You will get access to exclusive merchandise, exclusive giveaways and promos (like free stuff), and exclusive programming from the team.

With your help we will produce an exclusive podcast for Patrons only discussing all things BL and Juicy (honestly our conversations are generally wild and hilarious... it will be a rollick for sure), along with other content for Patrons only. We've even planned watch parties and other fun shit... I swear, we want you all to be our greatest ambassadors so we are planning as many treats as we can.

Your access on the platform will be specific to your Patreon subscription and your treatment will be VIP for the life of your subscription.

Finally, the way my auADHD are set up, I have no interest in the dramas of the BL fandom, so this is never going to be about gatekeeping access to anything. It’s about making more access possible. You can help bring us all together and make us stronger as a group.

So do you think Digital Juicy sounds like something you’d like in on?

Okute Sea

Saezuru Murmurs

[unhinged-summer-fun]

common grounds (oshamir) - chapter 10

Pairing: Osha Aniseya x Qimir "The Stranger"

A/N: dividers by @cafekitsune also YAY happy ten chapters everybody~

series masterlist

chapter 10: a.f.l.d.

“Where’s Jecki?” Osha asked Yord fifteen minutes into her shift.

Yord didn’t look up from reorganizing one of the fridges. “She was pulled off shifts with the others going to Theed for the Regional Open.”

“What? But the Open isn’t—”

She was interrupted by the beginning of the lunch rush, which incited a minor stock emergency that left Osha by herself for fifteen minutes while Yord went to buy milk.

“Where did you go? Downtown?” she asked around the screech of the milk frother.

“I have a cousin with a grocery store. It’s important to support small businesses, Osha.”

She could have thrown all 85 pounds of Huyang at him.

The implications of Yord’s answer bled into a tight knot of anxiety that wouldn’t settle. When things calmed down after the rush, Osha grabbed her stool and asked Yord to tell her more about the Open.

“We’ve been trying to coordinate this since last night—wait, you’re not in any of those group chats.”

Yord Fandar was a complicated creature. While his words were sharp and candid, Osha knew he didn’t mean it maliciously. At least, she hoped he didn’t. The decade and a half she had known him made her more than used to his priorities: fact and truth over tact and friendship. It sucked whenever he turned his brutally honest eye on Osha.

She was fine not being in the group chats, really. She didn’t want people hesitating to make plans because she couldn’t handle a hike or something. It was fine; she valued individual connection anyway. Totally fine.

“What happened?” she asked. For whatever reason, glazing past the dig at her took a little more effort today.

“Apparently, after… whatever happened with you,” Yord gestured to the stairs leading to Vernestra’s office, “Jecki was told she needed to focus on the Regional Open, which then led to the other competitors needing to focus on the Open, and then everything after that.”

“But the Open’s like two months away,” Osha said, busying her hands by cleaning a portafilter. She may have banged the puck out into the trash a little violently. 

“You should check your email.”

“I’ll check it right now, good suggestion, Yord.” she said, knowing Yord hated workplace misconduct more than anything. That he didn’t scowl or tell her to do it on her break spoke to the importance of whatever message awaited her.

The email was distressingly professional and spelled her doom at once: to accommodate the coming competition season, operating hours in the cafe would be shortened, competition members’ shifts would be adjusted with priority, elite classes would be invite-only, and the typical pre-season timeline would be accelerated, meaning the Temple would go dark much earlier than it did in past years.

The terms and timing were more than just coincidental—they were outright suspicious. However, for someone like Yord (who, the email announced, had been promoted to shift supervisor), the changes were inconsequential to his gains. Osha was confident his promotion was to distract him from everything else.

Yet Osha, Tasi, and many other employees’ hours had been slashed, all to accommodate the coming competition season.

Osha felt a well of righteous anger rising inside of her. It took some serious effort to snuff her emotions out to the point where she could ignore them entirely, but she was used to hiding how she felt. It felt doubly necessary to do so now, considering her new supervisor watched her reaction to the news like a hawk.

“Did you see Vernestra set a date for employee evaluations?” Yord said, practically vibrating with the need to prove himself.

“Sure did,” Osha mumbled, tucking her phone away. Yord would leap at every opportunity to write her up now that he had a taste of authority. Great.

“So, Mae is shadowing Sol as junior trainer for the foreseeable future. Jecki’s working with Sol to prepare for the season, but the cafe crew will return. Hopefully, with some title trophies for the Temple!” He seemed to consider giving a friendly pat on her shoulder, but he stopped before he could touch her.

She gave him a watery smile and went back to work.

It got harder and harder to keep her anger and emotions at bay as she turned the news over in her mind. Yord was the one who cost the Temple countless dollars just by fucking up Huyang as often as he did. She was the one who constantly cleaned up after his messes. Promoting him over her and cutting hours across the board and going dark three weeks early and employee evaluations? These were all clear strategic moves that spelled an unavoidable future: she was going to get super fucking fired.

Maybe… hm. That could be an option. It couldn’t be too dissimilar from being a barista. Luckily, she knew just who to ask. She texted her stranger when Yord stepped into the walk-in.

O: Is Unknown Planet hiring

?: You’ll have to be more specific. There are two Unknown Planets.

O: Whatever’s available

O: Bartender preferably

O: I don’t think cage fighting will pay my rent lol

?: Fight money isn’t THAT good.

?: Did something happen at the cafe?

O: A lot of something

O: lol

?: When’s your next break? Call me.

O: I’ll take it in ten minutes

Osha’s temper had risen to a fever pitch by the time she headed for the Starbucks. The moment she walked out the door, she called him. I hope he won’t hear my teeth grinding across the—

“Hey,” he answered after the first ring. Just hearing a single syllable from him replaced the tension in her chest with relief. She sighed, feeling the anxiety go slack around her chest.

“Hi.”

“What’s going on?” In the background, she could hear the chatter of men’s voices. “You sound upset.”

“I’m not upset, I’m just…” She quickly relayed what the email had said. “So I guess I’m job hunting.”

“I’m sorry, Osha—hold on.” Something jostled on the other end, and his voice went sharp. “If you’re talking this much, you’re not focusing on your form! Start from zero!” The chatter ceased, and she heard him close a door.

Her face went almost radioactive from the sudden heat in her cheeks. His voice had an undeniable authority that she hadn’t heard before. She’d seen hints of his personality here and there, cutting sarcasm and dry sass. It gave her whiplash to hear the change in tone when he spoke to her next.

“Sorry about that,” he sighed. 

Mae had felt the need to warn her about him, calling him a butthead—about as scathing a remark as she could make. He’d been so patient and open with her at the gym the other night… Sheesh, how many sides to him were there?

“Osha? Still there?”

Shit. “Yeah! Yeah, I’m still here. Just trying not to slip like forty feet from the door.”

“Take your time.”

“Are you… working?”

He chuckled. “I’m filling in for the swimming and diving team trainer today. They can survive fifteen minutes without me.”

“What do you have them doing?”

“Innumerable V-ups.” He returned to their original topic. “So you want to work at the bar instead?”

“There are some transferable skills,” she said while opening the door to Starbucks. Talking to him like this felt so domestic, she realized. She blamed her rosy cheeks on the weather as she got in line.

“How long have you worked at the cafe?”

“Something like eight years? Nine, if you don’t count the time I took off after the injury. Was that what you were asking?”

“Close enough. Have you had any other job?”

She frowned, toying with her sleeve. “Not really. There was some prize money from the junior championship, but it was mostly scholarship money so I haven’t seen any of it.”

“Did you never want to go to college?”

“Sol practically had a meltdown when Mae enrolled at the community college a few years ago. It wasn’t a matter of wanting to go to college, it was a matter of not wanting to disappoint Sol.”

“I don’t think I’ve ever heard of a parent being disappointed in their child getting an education.”

“Yeah, well. Sol’s got strange priorities.”

“He sure does.”

“You said you worked in food service before, right?”

She caught the barest beat of hesitation before he spoke. “I worked at the Temple cafe when they were open 24 hours a day. A few years of graveyard shift put me off of coffeehouses pretty much forever.” No wonder he knew where to find the cleaning supplies and the first aid kit—not to mention his comfort dealing with Huyang. “Throughout college, I worked in a few restaurants and retail stores, typical stuff. I bartended at Unplan through my Master’s before I was hired to the rehab staff at the college. The manager still asks me to take a shift here and there, typically on the slow nights or when he misses me.”

She caught herself smiling at his story and realized she was being incredibly stupid. He’d literally read his resume to her over the phone, and she was giggling like a schoolgirl. “Well, now that I’ve seen you fight, I want to see you make drinks. You’ll have to tell me when you’re doing that next.” Yeah. Cool girl response. Great job.

He gave a light chuckle. “You can’t get enough of me, is that it?”

“Can you blame me?”

She was pretty sure she could hear a quiet, sharp inhale from his end. She didn’t know what it meant.

“I’ll, uh, definitely have an easier time seeing you at work if you—”

“Hold on a second, sorry.”

She held her phone to her shoulder to order, but another barista spoke up at the other end of the counter. “I have an order for Osha at the bar!”

Osha looked blankly at the worker behind the register for a second before tentatively approaching the pickup counter without ordering. To her surprise, her usual waited—in a festive cardboard cup with a festive cardboard sleeve. She did a double-take at the name on the order tag.

:) OSHA :)

Just like she’d put in his stupid fucking flip phone.

She brought her phone back to her ear. “Did you buy me coffee?”

“Hmm, I have no idea what you’re talking about,” he said, a grin in his voice that she wished she could see. He must have ordered it the moment she took her break. “You deserved something nice. You seemed stressed when you texted me.”

A sudden swell of emotion bloomed in her chest, warm as summertime. “Thank you, uh. Well. Thank you.” She grabbed a seat, hoping she didn’t sound too awkward.

“What’s up?”

“You know, I don’t really know what to call you. Mae told me your name is Qimir, and I saw it in the article I gave you last night, but…”

“…but what?”

“It doesn’t—I mean, you didn’t introduce yourself as—” She groaned at her fumbled explanations. “Do you want me to call you… that?”

He was quiet for a few moments. “I try not to go by that name anymore. Casually, at least. But I also never gave that name to Mae while I trained her.”

She tucked away that piece of information for later. “Okay. What name do you go by? Casually, that is.”

“So things are casual between us?” he teased.

She felt her eyes bugging slightly. This guy must have been made in a lab with the express purpose of tormenting her. “Casual in the way someone talks about casualties.”

“What have you been calling me in your head?”

“Bold of you to assume you’re on my mind that much.”

“Sure, but are those assumptions correct?”

Damn him.

“I’ve just been calling you the stranger—whenever I have to bear the thought of you at all.”

“You wound me, Osha.” She was hooked on the laughter in his voice. For whatever reason, this coffee warmed her up much faster than she remembered it doing the other day. “You were going to say that the name doesn’t suit me, weren’t you?”

“Yeah, actually. Sorry.”

“No, no. I agree. The FDO named me Qimir Loharne, anyway.” No wonder he had such a complicated relationship to it. “What name do you think suits me better, then?”

She hummed in thought, looking out at the rest of the Starbucks and resting her left foot onto the seat across from her. “I dunno. Not Smiley.”

A laugh, half-sarcastic and half-amused. “That’s another name that was given to me.”

“All names are given to us. It’s the one thing that belongs to you but is used freely by everybody else. They’re paradoxically important.”

“You have me there.”

Osha traced her finger along the edge of the cup. “I think it was something my mother once said to me.”

A pause. “Do you remember much of her?”

She sighed. “Yes and no. Some memories stand out—” Fire, twisted steel, broken glass, screams— “But other times, my memories seem more like wishes and guesses.”

“Is Mae the same?”

“If she talks about them, it’s not with me. I’m not sure.”

“Forgetting, remembering… they’re different pains that make you wish you’d done the other.”

“Are you normally this eloquent, or am I just special?”

He gave an indecipherable hum that flustered her enough to make her switch topics.

“I don’t know, then. Qimir, Smiley, stranger, doctor, do your athletes call you coach?”

“Anybody in authority is ‘coach’ on a sports team. To them, I’m Coach Lo, or Dr. Lo when they’re trying to annoy me.”

“More aliases!” She took another sip of her coffee. “I think the more important question than my opinion is: what name would you choose for yourself?”

He went quiet abruptly. She’d been only chatting, saying whatever nonsense came to mind as she enjoyed her break. Had she struck a nerve?

“I like… yours.”

“Then I shall continue to call you stranger.”

He cleared his throat. “I hope not forever.”

“I… hope so, too.” She traced her thumb over the sticker on her cup, right over her name. He was elsewhere in the city—the college—but it felt like he was there with her just the same, like he could hold some part of him in her hands.  

“I think you know more of me than anybody else, Osha,” he said softly. “I didn’t expect it, but I’m glad you do.”

Her heart raced, and she pressed her hand against it, urging her sudden emotions to dissipate so she didn’t make a complete fool of herself. “I’m glad I know you, too.”

A soft, shared silence connected both ends of the call. She occasionally heard him speaking to the swim team, and he probably heard the din of the Starbucks on her end. He broke the silence after nearly five minutes of neither speaking at all. “When do you get off?”

“Six tonight.”

“I’ll pick you up.”

“You don’t have to do that,” she said, bashful.

“It’s way icier today than it was yesterday. Please let me pick you up.”

It was the please let me that did it. “Okay. I’ll see you at six, then.”

“Enjoy your coffee, Osha.” 

“I will, stranger.”

When she got in his car after clocking out, her mind was transported back to the night before—that witching hour moment they shared where he whispered her name so softly and he almost—they almost—

She was getting ahead of herself.

“Hey, stranger.”

He rolled his eyes. “Oh, I’m never getting rid of that, am I?”

“You said it’s your favorite name. Deal with it!”

“I said no such thing.”

He pulled into traffic, and they trudged along the short commute as it was bogged down by rush hour and shitty weather. She didn’t mind the inconvenience—she was warm and in good company.

She told him, “I packed my swim gear if you wanted to go straight to the pool.”

“I thought you might have—that’s what we’ll do. How was it not having class before your shift?”

“It was really good. The tape is still on, doing its job and shit. I put my leg up whenever I could, too.”

“Attagirl,” he said, smiling but not looking away from the road. She was grateful he didn’t witness the embarrassing face she made upon hearing his praise.

“How did the swimming and diving team fare?”

He stopped at a red light and only then did he look over, raising an eyebrow. “Why do you ask?”

“You certainly don’t train me with death by V-ups.”

“Yet.”

She groaned, but recognized his playful tone.

He rubbed his thumb over the steering wheel, pulling her focus there while he answered her. “Everybody learns differently. Good teachers listen and adapt to what their students need. The same goes for training. I prefer personal training because I can focus on my student’s needs. If I trained the swimmers like I trained you, they wouldn’t get anything done. And if I trained you like I trained them, I don’t think you’d enjoy spending time with me anymore.”

“I doubt that,” she protested.

“You never know,” he shrugged, keeping his eyes resolutely off of her.

Osha was a little worried about her swimsuit—it had been years since she last wore it, and it felt precariously small. Still, the seams held, and it did its best to squish her chest down into as unflattering a figure as possible, but she was proud of her body—squished or otherwise.

Her stranger was already out near the end of the pool, stretching his arms over his head. He was angled away from her, which put her face to face with the scars on his back. Now that she knew they were there, she could make out two pale, pink, and perfectly healed surgery scars along his spine. She would never have seen them if he hadn’t told her about his procedures as a child. Even so, they were hard to see beneath the gray and purple tragedy carving from one shoulder blade to the opposite hip.

T6, T7, T12, L1. A couple broken ribs. Likely much more.

She set her things on the chair beside hers and said: “How’d you know my coffee order anyways?”

He sat on the edge of his chair, pulling an arm across his chest as he stretched his shoulders. He had a half-formed word on his tongue, but it went unsaid when he looked at her.

He started at her feet and dragged his way, molasses-slow, up her body until he met her gaze. Behind his glasses, his eyes were as dark and desirous—he liked what he saw, plain as day. Perhaps she shouldn’t have worried about her swimsuit being too small.

“It was a highly educated guess.” Only the barest burr of emotion came through in his tone. Knowing she’d affected him just by standing before him lit up her blood in neon lights.

“Oh? Did you get a doctorate in coffee predictions, too?” She began running through her warmup stretch routine from last night. “Or is that a certification?”

He rolled his eyes, but his gaze returned to drag hotly over her body as she demonstrated her flexibility, preening just a little.

“Long story short, I couldn’t imagine pumpkin-spiced Osha.”

“And the espresso shots?”

“Power of two,” he shrugged. “I’ll get you to join my caffeine habits eventually.”

“You think I’d succumb because you bought me one coffee?”

“How many coffees would it take?” he grinned.

“Don’t push it. You’re lucky you were right about my order,” she said, shooting him a look. His teasing smile made her insides flip around.

“I often am when it comes to you.”

She scoffed. What a man. “What, right?”

“Lucky.”

Motherfucking stupid emotions—

“You’re ridiculous.”

“And you’re stalling. Finish up and get in.”

Finally. Something she could do.

He didn’t join her in the pool, standing at the edge to watch her instead. She nearly panicked when securing a cap over her hair—the swimsuit was definitely protesting her range of motion. She silently begged her assets not to make an escape attempt. It was her second day training with him, and nothing good could come from flashing him by accident.

Or perhaps—

Fuck. Not the time to think about that.

“Each length is twenty-five meters. Give me one hundred.”

He watched her swim, walking apace with her on the deck. He hadn’t been wrong about swimming being a full-body workout. She was out of practice, breathing hard when she came to a stop at the end of her lane.

“How did that feel?” he asked, squatting down by the edge.

“I’m a bit rusty, but—feels good.”

“Good,” he said. “Give me your hand.”

She stood up and offered her hand, curious. He slipped a small device around her wrist. His thumb traced idly over her knuckles as he turned her hand over, showing off a small screen. A few seconds passed, then it beeped once and showed 143 bpm. “I want you to focus your breathing to get your heart rate below 100. Get used to it. These first few weeks, we’ll do this every time there’s a pause or circuit shift.”

“Why?”

“Do it, and I’ll tell you.”

She wasn’t sure how successful she’d be, seeing as he didn’t let go of her hand and didn’t let her look away from him. But she tried anyway. While she breathed as slowly as her galloping heart would allow, he quietly explained. 

“We were taught to leave emotion out of the fight. To cut off any strings of passion or chaos tied to us.”

“Fights shouldn’t be personal,” she said. It felt strange to parrot Temple doctrine at him—especially an aspect that Osha struggled with all her life.

Everything was personal to Osha. Every defeat proved her to be a failure; each victory proved her worthy or deserving of happiness. She could not let go of her grief following the accident that left her an orphan, nor could she shake the repeated losses and despair following her injury. She could only seek to hide her feelings from the Temple and from Sol, who always reprimanded her for her outbursts. If she ever got close to revealing the passion that fueled her every moment, he would stop her entirely until she calmed herself.

“We are never without emotion, Osha. As much as we’d like to forget it, or as much as others want to convince us otherwise.” The stranger was talking about Vernestra. “Perhaps for the time-honored art of boxing,” he snarked, “where there are rules and limitations and even a person standing between you and your opponent, it’s possible to convince yourself that when you fight, there is no danger. If you do that, eventually, your body will suppress its natural response to a real threat.

“But when you are in the cage, two things must be true if you want to walk out of there alive. The first: your body must believe you’re in danger. And don’t get it wrong; when that door closes, you are in danger, Osha. The second imperative: you must accept what happens when you’re in danger. Do you know what the natural, biological response to danger is?”

She knew—twisted steel, broken glass, fire, screaming. Osha knew the answer well. “To feel scared.”

He nodded slowly. “That’s right. Fear is the natural response to danger, and that’s not our fault. That’s how it should be. Any emotion can grow beyond our control. A lot of times, an elevated heart rate is at fault for inciting fight-flight-freeze responses. Fear can become panic, and if you allow panic into the cage, you’ll get dragged out by your feet no matter how hard you trained. So, instead of lying to ourselves about some inner harmony of martial combat, we must accept that there is no peace in danger and no danger without even a small measure of fear.”

“Wouldn’t fighting instead of fleeing or freezing be useful?”

“You’d think,” he said, chuckling. “The only issue is that you don’t get to choose. That’s all back here.” He tapped the back of his head, indicating the medulla oblongata—the lizard brain. “Your body wants one thing when you’re threatened. It wants to survive. Tipping past the threshold of a powerful emotion puts that specific emotion at the helm, and as much as the Temple tried teaching us, emotions cannot be controlled or erased. Luckily, you can acclimate to your feelings enough to control your reactions. Denying your fear exists doesn’t erase the danger. It only makes the danger harder to survive and dulls the edge of instinct.”

“Are you afraid when you’re in the cage?” she asked. He seemed so controlled when he fought—except… he’d frozen upon hearing her voice. He’d dropped his focus on the fight to seek her out through the chain-link fence. Had he been afraid of her seeing him?

He shook his head. “Not exactly. I’ve been in true danger enough times in my life that it’s hard to scare me anymore. But that doesn’t exempt me from those stress responses, either. Any emotion can wrest control from you anytime if you consistently ignore your body’s natural responses to them. We reclaim power over our emotions by accepting and moving alongside them, not against or away from them. The more often you feel your emotions, the less likely you will become lost to them.”

“I don’t understand,” she said. As usual, his point of view countered everything she’d been told—perhaps that was the point. The Temple demanded her strength, demanded she endure—but it did not want strength borne from her anger nor endurance borne from her grief. The Temple wanted her blood but not the heart that moved it. Perhaps she spoke too soon; she did understand.

A muscle feathered in his jaw, as if he had to prepare himself for what he was about to say. “Below the surface of consciousness are powerful emotions. Anger. Fear. Loss… Desire.”

Heat coiled in her gut, contrasting with the relatively cool swimming pool. “What does—what do those… other ones have to do with fighting?”

He held her gaze for another moment before looking away. It felt like stepping into the shade on a hot day, but the relief felt hollow. “The short answer is that if you keep your cool, you’ll make better decisions when it matters. I’m not telling you to suppress your emotions in a fight—you should never do that. What I said about a high heart rate is what’s important right now. If you can get your breathing under control and avoid hyperventilating, your emotions will help you fight.”

“And what if the stress response kicks in anyway?” she asked.

He chewed on the answer before giving it to her. “That’s where mental strength comes in—finding focus in chaos, precision in anger. But we’re far off from getting you into that territory. For now, you’re in a controlled environment where you will most likely not have a strong emotional response. Today, practice lowering your heart rate. Can you do that?”

Over the next half hour, he ran her through drills that supported his point. Getting her heart rate below the threshold felt more exhausting than the physical effort that raised her above that same threshold. It was the strangest cardio session she’d ever done.

In the last section before cooldown, he joined her in the pool. It excited her to have him so close, but she could feel her body reaching the limits of her once-indomitable stamina. Finding the place where exhaustion took over was a novel feeling. She had never left classes at the Temple feeling this way.

“Last push. Fifteen minutes, and whatever you do, don’t stop,” he instructed.

“And then breath control?”

He set his glasses at the end of his lane. “You know it.”

He started the same time she did. She was crawling by the end, almost laughably slow. When her time was up, she rested her back on the pool’s edge to focus her breathing—but he didn’t stop with her. He must have been holding back while swimming beside her. When she started her controlled breathing, something shifted in the water—a primal feeling, like a live shark had just been tossed into the pool. He opened up the throttle, carving through the water at nearly twice the speed he’d done before.

Watching him do swim sprints completely fucked up whatever methodology she was using to calm down.

Eventually, the tiny machine beeped to indicate she’d gotten below the threshold, and he cruised to a stop beside her. When he stood up, they were close enough that their shoulders almost touched.

“Good job,” the stranger said, chest heaving with exertion. He turned, leaning his hand on the edge of the pool and pushing his hair out of his eyes.

“That was—you’re a good swimmer.”

He smiled, eyebrows lifting. “It takes practice to make progress.”

“I don’t think I’ve gotten any better at controlling my heart,” she said, biting her tongue when she realized how mushy that sounded.

“While the heart is a muscle, just like the ones in your leg and my back, it’s never something that can be controlled,” he panted. “The heart’s one of the few places in your body running on emotions, too.” He took her hand and slipped the pulse reader from her wrist to his. The reader beeped to display his heart rate, still fast, strong, and firmly in the cardio zone. “What we’re doing with our hearts isn’t controlling. It’s… persuading. Hearts need a gentler treatment than knees and ankles and backs.”

He brought her hand to rest flat over his heart.

“They need different treatments than we’re used to.”

Osha’s mind went a little fuzzy. He looked a little wild in the dark depths of his eyes, hidden behind tendrils of dripping wet hair. This wasn’t a reaction that a controlled environment would give.

The device gave a long, annoyed beep. It showed his heart rate had gone up.

“I don’t think you’re—”

“This is what the stress response feels like,” he rasped, hand lightly squeezing hers. “This is when a mind is run on instinct—nothing but impulse and emotion.” He gave a breathy laugh, sounding a little manic. But she didn’t pull away. “It’s taking a lot of self-control not to—” he cut himself off, biting his lower lip, shutting his eyes, and tilting his head back. It exposed the long column of his throat, and Osha suddenly wanted nothing more than to lean in and—

He squeezed her hand again, disrupting her thoughts. “You asked,” he panted. “What if you hit this point anyway? What if your emotions drive you?”

Her mouth went dry at the look he was given her, eyes half-lidded and lips slightly parted. This was his stress response? He didn’t look scared… which emotion was driving him now?

He tilted his head back down for a clearer view of her. He hardly blinked as he started his own procedure for calming himself down. She could feel the moment things changed in him. He lost the tension limning his features, his breathing slowed into a circular pattern of in-hold-out-hold-again, and his shoulders slumped somewhat. She worried initially that he’d pass out from the quick drop in his heart rate, but he didn’t look unsteady, and his eyes remained focused on her.

In about thirty seconds, he’d persuaded his heart to a sedate 100 beats per minute. He tugged the pulsometer off his wrist using his teeth, then tossed it onto the pool deck without looking. Now Osha was the one at risk of passing out. He had so much control over his body, and that body was strong and lethal by his design.

“How did you do that?” she asked, just louder than the lapping water against the sides of the pool. She hadn’t moved her hand from his chest, and he hadn’t let her go. 

“Lots and lots of discipline.”

Now that she knew what it looked like, she remembered him doing something similar when he told her about his childhood at the Temple. He’d needed a minute to calm himself before continuing—that had been a stress response as well, something she was sure was the fear he said he was used to.

“I can show you.”

“Yes, please.”

His eyes flashed with something hot, and she felt his heart rate pick up again beneath her palm.

“Then I will. Next time.”

He waited for her in the lobby after they’d finished showering off. It reminded her of their third meeting, when the automatic lights had shut off because they were talking too long. But this time, they were quiet as they stood at the door. She didn’t want to let this moment go.

“Can I k—”

“How often ar—”

They both stopped when they realized the other was speaking, too. “You first,” he said before she could.

“Oh, I was just going to ask how many times a week we’re swimming.” It sounded so lame.

“It might be three times a week until you’re ready for interval training and more. Are you opposed to every other day?”

“No, I just need to go shopping. My tits almost fell out of my swimsuit today.”

Even the silence seemed to suck in a gasp.

FUCK. Osha. RUN.

“Okay, see you tomorrow, stranger!” she said quickly, dashing out the door and leaving him gobsmacked in the lobby.

She wondered what he was going to ask her.

CHAPTER ELEVEN

[talonabraxas]

The Galactic High Council 🛸 To The Ascension LightWorker Collective:

As you navigate through transitions activating change, endings, and new beginnings, know that you are now equipped with healing and insights that empower you to move through this phase effortlessly. Prepare to witness the unveiling of mysteries and illusions, representing a major global awakening drawing us much closer into the frequency of divine light.

Embrace the newly activated energies pulsating through you, igniting a profound connection to your soul's purpose and beckoning you to honour your true essence. A deep-seated urge to align with your authentic self will guide you towards significant lifestyle shifts and healthier ways to express and release emotions, transcending impulsive reactions.

During this transformative new earth stage karmic cycles and patterns are undergoing drastic shifts or completions. Past life, family, and childhood karmic wounds may also resurface, presenting you with many opportunities to fully release and heal. the profound healing energies that surround you now are supporting ascending individuals to navigate through this phase of intense personal and spiritual development .

Eclipses are a profound cosmic phenomena, That hold immense significance in astrological and spiritual realms. Reminding all ascending that everything is occuring for the highest good of self and all . These celestial occurrences stand as the pinnacle of annual transits, acting as portals to higher dimensions.

Their divine purpose is to create a higher vibrational energetic space that accelerates cosmic recalibration and destined metamorphosis. In their essence, eclipses also catalyse the unfolding of fateful events, bringing in a surge of higher energy that brings in profound shifts in the fabric of our existence.

This next Eclipse on the 25th of March represents a significant juncture in time, where the universe will orchestrate many unexpected events and opportunities, compelling swift decision-making and serving as a catalyst for profound change. Within their cosmic realms this next eclipse will serve to clear and intertwine timelines, harmonising past, present, and future to propel ascending individuals and the collective towards a new paradigm of authentic being.

Through their disruptive yet enlightening influence, the next 2 eclipses will guide many Ascending towards a much higher state of Conscious awareness and being, beckoning all of us to embrace the transformational power of these celestial forces now at play .

In this new ascension season and chapter the focus shifts towards connecting with genuine souls on a path of true healing and authenticity. Whether in business partnerships, friendships, or relationships, the emphasis is on aligning with individuals dedicated to their inner growth work emotional maturity, and pursuing their divine purpose.

This next stage of the journey transcends mere surface-level connections, it is about finding others who aspire to authentically Ascend and are committed to their personal evolution.

Gone are the days of seeking external validation or striving to embody an idealised image of how success should look like , Instead, the focus now lays in developing genuine connections based in vibrational alignment, authenticity, commitment, and loyalty. Recognising your inherent worth and value and the depth of your reflected inner work, Many ascending are now raising their standards and surrounding the self with those who resonate with the soul's journey.

Commonly reported Starseed Ascension Symptoms have included flu-like symptoms, waves of nausea, third eye pressure, headaches, body aches, dizziness, digestive issues difficulty balancing, extreme fatigue, sleep disturbances, heightened emotions, dull headaches, accelerated dehydration, and back/kidney pains, as well as continued third eye pressure and sinus issues. It is advised to prioritise self-care during this process.

Embracing this transformative shift means stepping into a space where mediocrity has no place, and the pursuit of exceptional connections becomes non-negotiable. By upholding these higher standards in self , you are able to create a fertile ground for enhanced consciousness , mutual support, and a collective shared purpose, connecting with those that nourish the elevating spirit to elevate the collective consciousness.

Starseed activations are now unfolding at a rapid and an unprecedented pace, catalysing a new era unlike anything witnessed in our solar system. The Love Revolution of New Earth is taking shape as we collectively embrace living from the heart space with increasing ease and grace. Within our Family of Light, a shared consciousness is emerging, paving the way for a collective shift towards multidimensional existence.

As Starseeds awaken to their true essence and purpose, they are aligning with the energies they were destined to embody. It is a moment in time where each ascending individual is called to come online to fully embrace their unique gifts and purpose . The threads of connection among Starseeds are weaving a tapestry of unity and higher awareness, propelling us towards a reality where multidimensional living is not only possible but absolutely inevitable.

This cosmic awakening marks a pivotal juncture in our evolution, as we stand on the threshold of a brand new earth paradigm one characterised by unity, unconditional love, and expanded consciousness. Embrace this moment, for it is your time to shine Starseed , to contribute your expanding light to the collective experience of planetary and cosmic evolution.

Eclipses have the power to unveil what is out of alignment and in need of change, revealing truths through revelations. While they may introduce chaotic energy and unexpected events, eclipses will always offer significant opportunities for deeper healing, clearing old energies, clearing stagnation to start afresh and anew. Physical changes during and after eclipses will accelerate personal transformation, marking the end of one cycle and the beginning of a new one.

In loving and dedicated Ascension service

[kingsonne-zedecks]

Elder Whisper Cradlepost

I want to talk about Elder Whisper, because out of almost anything in Cradle I feel like Whisper had the most potential that wasn't met.

Will has talked a bit about his writing process, how he'll leave himself threads that he might not know exactly what he's going to do with, but gives himself the option to pick up later.

(Which, as an aside is a pretty great piece of writing advice. Not all foreshadowing has to be planned out like a massive scheme. Calling back to something you prepared earlier without knowing where it was going to go will read like well thought out foreshadowing all the same)

Now, we know that sometimes this doesn't pan out at all. Like Lindon grabbing those scripted stones from the Transcendent Ruins that Will had a rough idea for but later scrapped because the story went a different direction on. I really feel like Elder Whisper falls into this category, because pretty much everything about Whisper prior to Reaper hints at him being so much more than he ends up being.

In Unsouled he is getting glimpses of fate that reflect the actions of literal Judges of the Abidan. Like, Whisper can see that the Wandering Titan will destroy Sacred Valley, and he can tell that it might happen in a few years or it might happen in 30. The accelerated timeline was a direct result of the interference in fate of both Suriel and Ozriel, and the resulting machinations of Makiel to try to restore fate.

And Whisper could see it.

Now. The Doylist explanation is that Will hadn't nailed down Fate Reading and it's implications yet. But that opens things up to so much more when it comes to the Watsonian explanation. Why was Whisper able to see so much? When we get to the end of Bloodline, Why does Whisper know so much about the Dreadgods? At the beginning of Unsouled Markuth talks about the sins of the founder of the Wei, is he referring to the human's that Whisper taught? Or Whisper himself? How did Whisper keep open the soul space of a Sage for years after his death?

It gets me fired up. One of the popular theories is that Whisper is actually a retired Judge living under a powerful veil, potentially even The Fox. Which is a great theory and explains a lot of his abilities.

My other favorite is drawn from DaoistMystery's Wei Shi Lindon Arelius Sue on ao3, which is fantastic fic and worth reading even though it's unfinished. I've reread it many times and you should too

But DaoistMystery's Whisper is amazing. So much is hinted at and partially revealed. The idea of some consequence of the fight with Li Markuth that resulted in his ascendance. The idea of a soul oath that limited and bound him. Whisper as this former Sage or even Monarch bound down in his power to that of a Gold and then limited further by the suppression field down to Jade.

And then the idea of White Fox Madra having qualities similar to that of Blackflame, in that it has consequences on the mind. Whisper, who had achieved such heights in the Sacred Arts that his illusions could trick reality itself. To the point where even he can't tell the difference between his illusions and himself.

I love it, and I headcanon it hardcore, and I think that canon justifies it more than what canon actually states. Like, Whisper is fully aware of just how far the Sacred Arts go, he's even aware of ascension and some of what goes on in the Heavens, and you mean to tell me that he's just a Gold? No. He's a liar and Will just didn't have time and space to dedicate to the truth about Whisper, as the main plot moved away from him.

[spacemilkies]

For real, I just had a thought about Dagan and y/n as husband and wife, living in tanalorr with santari (idk if I wrote her name right), y/n had just given birth to a beautiful babygirl, Dagan takes the baby to see the planet (imagine him with a little smile on his face as he cradles her in his arms, showing all the flowers and animals to her) and santari stays with y/n to clean and take care of her

baby steps

pairing: dagan gera x reader wc: 3k rating: teen a/n: just when i thought, how can i bbygirl this man more. The truth lies beyond him having a babygirl himself. thank you for the request, i hope you enjoyed reading it as much as i did writing synopsis:

“She’s adjusting so well. You both are.”

“Well, what can you do when your husband discovers a brand new planet in the middle of your pregnancy?”

The critical time had arrived, and you were both uncertain and eager as your husband embarked on the journey through the unstable abyss. With Santari's research team as his guide, you felt a glimmer of hope that he might make it through unscathed.

Weeks passed, and you found yourself worrying about Dagan's safety and the second being growing inside you. The fear and anticipation of the unknown kept you on edge, but it all came to head upon his return as Dagan regaled the entire order with stories of the wonders he had discovered.

You were almost swept away by his excitement, forgetting momentarily about your own news. However, a sudden wave of lightheadedness jolted you back to reality, and Dagan's worried hands cupped your cheeks, searching for any sign of distress.

"My love, are you unwell?" he asked, his icy blue eyes filled with concern.

You smiled, masking your discomfort as you tried to ground yourself. Your vision swam for a moment longer, but you regained your clarity with a deep sigh. You reached up and covered his hands with your own, squeezing tightly.

"We are fine. I'm just happy that you've made it back to us," you replied.

Dagan's inquisitive mind picked up on the emphasis in your speech, and it took him a beat to connect the dots. But as his gaze flicked down between you, it was clear that he understood.

"You're pregnant," he stated with a sense of certainty, his temple connecting with yours as a flood of emotions washed over you both.

Dagan overwhelmed you with a plethora of kisses, framing every inch of your face until you were forced to pull away, your laughter ringing out in the empty space around you.

He didn't let you go far, immediately reaching for your hands and pulling you close. A flicker of determination brightened his already ethereal gaze as he brought your hands to his chest.

"Tanalorr, we must go at once," he said, urgency ringing in his voice.

▁▂▃▄▅▆▇▇▆▅▄▃▁▂.

The anticipation of the journey weighed heavily on your mind as you waited for the council to deliberate over Dagan's findings. Every passing day felt like a lifetime, spent endlessly preparing provisions and programming droids for the expedition. Despite the urgency conveyed by Dagan, the council seemed to take their time, deliberating over every detail and scrutinizing every possible outcome.

As the days turned into weeks, you felt your body begin to change, evidence of the new life growing inside you. The burgeoning life within you seemed to make the wait even more unbearable.

Dagan, however, remained focused on the task at hand, overseeing every step of the preparations as if he could personally accelerate the timeline. His excitement was infectious, a source of comfort amid the uncertainty of leaving everything behind and embarking on a new journey to a distant world.

"Almost there, my love," he reassured you, his voice carrying the weight of the journey ahead. "You'll love our new home."

But as the journey began, your physical state worsened. The lightheadedness persisted, punctuated by bouts of nausea, cravings, and cramping. Every symptom felt like a threat to your wellbeing, a reminder of the precariousness of traveling through space while carrying new life within you.

Dagan did his best to comfort you, his strong but gentle presence offering a sense of stability in the midst of the chaos. Yet the uncertainty of the journey lingered, compounded by the treacherous crossing of the abyss. Despite Dagan's previous successes, this journey felt different, carrying with it the weight of multiple lives, including your own and the life you carried.

"All will be well," he promised, the conviction in his voice momentarily soothing your fears.

You leaned into him, allowing yourself to be enveloped in the warmth of his embrace. It was all you could do, knowing that the journey ahead would require every ounce of strength and resilience you possessed.

With a deep breath, you closed your eyes, feeling the hum of the ship beneath you as you hurtled towards the unknown.

▁▂▃▄▅▆▇▇▆▅▄▃▁▂.

The weightlessness of space was a strange sensation, one that never quite settled within you. The added weight of your pregnancy made it even more uncomfortable, a constant reminder of the life growing within you. You found yourself constantly shifting in your seat, trying to find a comfortable position, but to no avail.

The journey through the unstable abyss was nothing short of harrowing. You could feel every jolt and vibration reverberating through the ship, making your stomach churn with nausea. The constant thrum of the engines was a relentless presence in the background, an ever-present reminder of how far away from home you truly were.

Dagan's determination was undeterred, but even it couldn't entirely ease the discomfort of the journey. You could see the effort behind his smiles, the way his gaze flickered with concern every time you winced. You knew he was determined to make this trip a success, but it still hurt your heart to see him put on a brave face for your sake.

As the days stretched on, you found yourself with little to do but stare out at the vast expanse of space before you. The stars were beautiful, of course, but they offered little solace for your discomfort. You could feel the weight of the void pressing in on you, a constant reminder of just how far away from everything you truly were.

You longed for solid ground beneath your feet, for the feeling of the sun on your skin and the scent of fresh air in your lungs. You longed for the life you'd left behind, for the comfort of the familiar and the known.

But as the ship hurtled through the darkness of space, there was nothing to do but endure. You knew that eventually, you would reach your destination, that you would set foot on solid ground once more. And perhaps then, the discomfort and uncertainty of the journey would all be worth it.

▁▂▃▄▅▆▇▇▆▅▄▃▁▂.

As the ship made its way through space, you found yourself sinking deeper into a state of drowsiness, lulled by the gentle movements of the vessel and the hum of its engines. Dagan's presence beside you was a comforting weight, his hand resting gently on your rounded stomach as he spoke of the new world that awaited you both.

Though the journey had been a grueling one, fraught with discomfort and uncertainty, the sight that greeted you upon waking was enough to make it all worthwhile. The bridge of the ship was a wide, open space that afforded a panoramic view of the world beyond.

At first, all you could see was an expanse of color, stretching out as far as the eye could see. But as you gazed more closely, you began to make out the details of the landscape. The mountains and rolling plains provided for a perfect canvas for the pretty foliage walks of life.

The air outside the ship was different from anything you had ever experienced before, a heady blend of sweet scents and fresh oxygen that seemed to fill your lungs with every breath. It was a stark contrast to the sterile, artificial environment of the ship, and it left you feeling alive and invigorated.

Dagan's hand found yours, and he gave it a gentle squeeze. "Welcome to Tanalorr," he said, his voice filled with pride and affection. "This is our home."

You looked up at him, feeling a sense of wonder and gratitude wash over you. Despite the trials and tribulations of the journey, you knew that this was where you were meant to be. And with Dagan by your side, you felt ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.

▁▂▃▄▅▆▇▇▆▅▄▃▁▂.

As the weeks went by, the ever-bustling Dagan found himself torn between his duties as the lead expert and his desire to show you all his favorite spots on Tanalorr. Though he couldn't always be by your side, the growing being in your belly reminded you that soon enough, space would be meant for three. Your mobility became increasingly limited as your due date approached. Your belly grew round and heavy, and you found yourself unable to see your feet or stand for extended periods of time.

But even so, you found solace in the gardens, surrounded by the vibrant colors and fragrant scents of the botanical life. Santari often joined you there, her curiosity piqued by the diverse flora that Tanalorr had to offer. As you basked in the warm sun, Dagan materialized behind you, his lips nuzzling your jaw as he spoke.

"I'm sure you tire of the same sight. I wish to show you more," he said.

Santari snorted ahead of you, her voice tinged with amusement. "I will pretend that is not directed at me."

Dagan chuckled, clearly enjoying the playful banter between the two of them. "You know I value the time you've been able to keep them company."

It was true - Santari had become a frequent companion, her focus on research and rebuilding the archives of Tanalorr making her a valuable asset to the initiative. As she shared her work with you and Dagan, you couldn't help but feel grateful for her company.

But as your due date drew closer, you found it increasingly difficult to move around. Dagan's hand slid down to your belly, which had grown prominent and heavy. "And a promising Jedi they will be," he mused, a hint of pride in his voice.

Santari couldn't resist a playful jab. "Perhaps by the time the child is of age, you may even be mature enough to be their Master."

Dagan made a face at her teasing, the two of them falling into their usual verbal sparring match. As you watched them, you couldn't help but imagine what it would be like to have a new, curious voice in the mix.

But as you pushed yourself to stand up, your brain struggling to catch up with your body, something felt off. You stumbled an extra step, and a trickle of fluid slid down the inside of your thigh. Embarrassment threatened to overtake you, but the realization of what was happening hit you first.

You met Dagan's concerned gaze, feeling a sense of urgency in your chest. "Dagan, we need to go. The baby's coming."

▁▂▃▄▅▆▇▇▆▅▄▃▁▂.

Dagan's instinct kicks in as soon as he realizes your water has broken. With every ounce of his being, he guides you to the resident medics with the utmost care and urgency. As you enter the unfamiliar space, a flurry of new faces whisk you away, leaving Dagan behind. In that moment, you witness a side of him that you've never seen before – lost and unsure, unable to do anything but watch from afar as the medics attend to you.

As the contractions intensify, fear and relief flood through you. Fear of the unknown, but relief that you have no control over the force. If you did, it would be too dangerous for those around you, as you filter through a myriad of emotions. And yet, you can't help but feel anxious, knowing that Dagan is attuned to every sound and expression of pain that you emit.

The process is long and arduous, each contraction feeling like an eternity as your muscles strain with the effort of expelling the being that you've nurtured for so long. The medics try to support you where they can, but there's only so much encouragement they can provide. You're left to bear the brunt of the work, but somehow, through it all, Dagan's presence wraps around you, giving you the clarity to push on.

With every push, you feel yourself growing weaker, but you know you must keep going. And finally, after what seems like an eternity, you hear the sound of your baby taking her first breath – a tiny wail that echoes pleasantly against your collapsed form.

“Congratulations, it's a girl," the medic announces.

Your heart is overwhelmed with emotion as the medic gently places your whimpering baby in your weak arms. She's a beautiful sight, her complexion favoring your own, but it's her eyes that captivate you. Looking up, you find an identical pair hovering close as Dagan's finger strokes the tiny damp head.

“You did so well, my love. She's beautiful," he whispers, adoration etched on his face.

In that moment, surrounded by the love and warmth of your family, you feel a sense of peace wash over you – a feeling of pure joy that words cannot describe.

▁▂▃▄▅▆▇▇▆▅▄▃▁▂.

The medical facility where you convalesce is an oasis of calm amid the chaos of war. The air is crisp and cool, sanitized to prevent infection. Soft sunlight streams through the windows, casting a gentle glow across the room and bathing it in a warm, comforting light. The faint scent of disinfectant lingers in the air, a reminder of the sterile environment necessary for healing.

The recovery process is slow and grueling, every movement an effort. Your muscles ache with the effort of sitting up, and your legs feel weak and unsteady beneath you when you first try to stand. It takes all your willpower to push through the pain and focus on your goal: getting back to your feet and being reunited with your family.

In those early days, Dagan is a constant presence at your side. He fusses over you, bringing you water and food, and reassuring you that everything will be all right. Santari is a regular visitor, her easy charm and gentle humor lifting your spirits and helping you to forget, if only for a little while, the pain and exhaustion that you are feeling.

As the days turn into weeks, your daughter becomes the center of your world. You and Dagan take turns holding her, gazing into her bright, curious eyes, and marveling at the miracle of life. The Jedi order continues to grow and change around you, but in those quiet moments, all that matters is the bond that you share with your little family.

The first year of your daughter's life is a blur of sleepless nights and endless diaper changes, but it is also a time of wonder and joy. You watch her grow and develop, marveling at her first steps, her first words, and the boundless curiosity that drives her to explore the world around her. Through it all, you and Dagan are a team, navigating the challenges of parenthood together and finding strength in each other's love.

▁▂▃▄▅▆▇▇▆▅▄▃▁▂.

The distant chirps of the aviary species permeated the air, a symphony of sound that echoed through the tranquil woods. Your daughter's voice, however, was the most beautiful of them all.

"Papa, papa!" she called out with glee, her small hand grasping at the rough bark of the tree trunk.

The word meant a lot of things to your child.

Dagan.

You.

This.

That.

Here.

Mine.

And her favorite.

Now.

Her word held many meanings, but it was clear that in this moment, she wanted her father's attention.

From your position, you watched with a smile as Dagan promptly appeared, always quick to respond to his daughter's beck and call. He lowered himself onto one knee, and your daughter eagerly clambered onto his lap, her chubby fingers grasping at his hair as she hoisted onto her feet. "What is it?" he asked, his deep voice filled with amusement.

Your daughter's finger pointed up towards the canopy of the tree, and Dagan followed her gaze. At first, his expression was curious, but as he spied the small nest nestled among the branches, his face lit up with recognition. "Ah, your friends are finally here," he remarked, understanding your daughter's excitement.

With gentle care, Dagan lifted your daughter up until she was perched atop his shoulders, granting her a much better view of the precious new hatchlings. The tiny birds chirped and squawked, their beady eyes fixated on the world around them.

Your daughter's own voice joined in with their chorus, "Papa, papa!"

As Dagan explained the species to your daughter, you couldn't help but feel a wave of nostalgia wash over you. The memories of the early days flooded back, the uncertainty and excitement that came with being new parents. It was all worth it, though, to see your daughter's joy in moments like this.

Dagan's gaze flicked towards you, and you met his eyes with a tender smile. Yes, this moment was worth it all. The sun shone brightly, dappling the lush greenery with golden light, and the garden teemed with life. It was a moment frozen in time, one that you would cherish forever.

[canipetthatdeaddove]

I wish I could understand why it's been so difficult for me to update either blog. Probably just because there's so much going on.

I'm in my 5th week of my first semester of courses - accelerated semesters. At 3 credit hours, I'm considered full-time, and jeezy creezy, it feels like it. Comms and Eco Literacy are the classes, and I feel like I've learned so much in such a short amount of time. The most intimidating thing is learning how to engage research material in an ethical and effective way. Imposter syndrome is going to be very difficult to manage, as is maintaining a high level of personal and academic integrity. I already know I have a tendency to confirm biases, so I need to be prepared to check that regularly. I cheated several times through a college-level course in high school and one of my last-semester course finals in my first go-around in college. Since then, I've learned about how to prevent myself from being in a situation where I might be tempted to cheat in the first place, etc. But I worry about myself. I always will, probably. Probably because I judge myself on a core level about being someone capable of that. That's a whole 'nother discussion.

Aside from the most intimidating thing, the most CHALLENGING thing is maintaining my schedule. Wait, back up, it's actually creating a functional schedule in the first place. A couple of weeks ago, I was 3 days late turning in an assignment because I didn't fully comprehend the timeline or number of submissions an assignment required. 50% deduction. I have precious little room for bullshit mistakes like that on accelerated courses. I'm anxious about this because I was declined funding from the Choctaw nation because in my very last semester at KU (the semester I was spiraling, and, ya know, cheating on exams) I fell below 2.0 gpa (big surprising yeah?). I know I'll manage well above that by the end of this term, but... WORRIES. ALL THE WORRIES.

Aside from school, I'm running my own SMART Recovery meeting finally, still helping out with Wellbriety (that situation has changed SO much and it's very... sobriety testing), volunteering for the PTO, volunteering my time with a native plant nursery, doing the part-time job, making and selling jewelry, still grooming and dog sitting, still gardening and landscaping...

It's so much. It's too much.

I have ended my participation in a leadership program where my "mentor" ghosted my for nearly a month. I just left the voicemail today, so I'll likely be dealing with the fallout of that tomorrow. Maybe I'll blog about it lol.

Today was also my final session with my rehab therapist, and I didn't realize it. So two mentors down in one day. And I'm kind of crushed. The one that ghosted me promised me all this help with getting my finances together, and it was, like, possibly the most valuable carrot you could have dangled in front of me. In a Long List of Things, it's The One Thing that must be tackled before I can start making my dreams come true. It's also the one problem I can't find a single source of help for. Today I went to the library to check out the library databases and just spend time in between appointments NOT BUYING BEADS AT MICHAELS CRAFT STORE and perused the finances section. Not a single book on basic budgeting. It was all how-to-get-rich stuff.

And while yeah I'm definitely taking note for, like, the FIFTH non-profit I need to create to address this educational shortcoming for adults in recovery, I would like to not have to do something entirely from the ground up. A mentor would be so, SO nice. It seems demanding or needy, but I need someone to sit with me once a week, twice a month maybe, and help me create and go over my books with me until I've gained the skill and accountability to do it myself. The credit counselor said, "You need to start with a budget."

Sir. SIR. There is a big ol' gap between where I'm at and competently creating and following a budget. There's like... many steps. And maybe most people learned those steps from a parent, or in some way had access to that education in a way that impacted their behavior patterns, but many many people did not. And from what I can tell, those folks and myself are utterly left behind by almost every program. State aid, DCF, EBT, TANF, Bridges Over Poverty, none of these government or non-profit private sector agencies provides financial literacy/competency training. I asked my regular therapist where I could start from a behavioral stand point, and while we did come to a solution-based answer by the end of the session, there were crickets for several minutes while I challenged my therapist to tell me something other than "start with a budget". I'm seeking and trying and still not gaining any ground on this. It's depressing because it's interconnected to so many other things, but just living in poverty in general. It inhibits my ability to do so much.

Anyway, there's been a lot of isolation despite being busy. I'm lonely to the max, and trying to stand up for myself lately has been draining. I'm not good at it, I never know if the timing is correct or if its justified, if I'm doing it the right way or did I just ruin a connection/friendship, etc. I can't tell if I'm being negative laying out my challenges or just being real.

I do know that I'm in full relapse-mode, and I've been mindful of the substance cravings. I have 7 days to go before I reach 1 year sobriety.

There have been good and wonderful things lately, too - took my daughter to a Bee Fest, all the lovely time spent out at Lake Cheney working with native plants, my beadwork, a glorious morning walk the other day, fall and my garden, and all the growth I've experienced.

I miss being here, though. It's such a regular part of my processing and emotional health to have my blogs, and it's largely absent right now and I feel it pretty hard. In all of this "becoming", it's hard to spend any time just "being".

The olive oil store (part time job) got robbed while I was in it. (A widow's mite. It's a xtian owned shop so of course there were widow's mites.) I'm really tired of xtian music but could dedicate a whole blog post to it XD The robbing thing was weird. Ren fest this coming weekend. Hope I get to go!

I miss you folks. I appreciate knowing that anyone is still keeping an eye out for me at all. The holidays are on the horizon and like all good bi-polars, it's time to get crazy. But I gotta try and not this year and stay stable and sober, and I should try and learn on this space for some grounding. Okay I gotta stick to that sleep schedule - sometimes its the only thing between me and oblivion lol.

[land-of-troves-and-rabbit-holes]

Powerset for a Seer of Rage

one who shares knowledge of ferocity, madness, and spite

.

Basic Rage powers: High resistance to Grimdarkness, mind control, and direct corrupting influences. They have a power multiplier that scales with their fury - their class powers, weapon durability, and all forms of attack damage grow stronger with their anger and ferocious determination.

Seer special: You can remember moments of calamity, terror, and bloodlust from alternate timelines, even though a different "you" experienced these memories. Context is up to you to interpret; there's very little you can remember beyond these scenes.

.

List of Spells

Pick 3 spells. In addition to your Rage power multiplier, their duration and potency scale with your practice, experience, and personal development.

Dread Archives: Conjure an illusory scroll with obsidian-black paper and glowing violet ink that appears as if written by an invisible pen. The scroll's writing always describes the nature of anger, fear, passion, pain, trauma, and their effects on the body and thought process. If you ask it verbal questions, or write prompts on it like an unfinished sentence, it will write in an answer in your desired detail level.

Horrific Transfiguration: Enchant an everyday object or accessory to a devilish transformation. It grows to a menacing size; levitates while chained to your hands or wrists; and grows sharp edges, jagged spikes, gnarled thorns, or another feature appropriate to your image of Rage. Your new weapon flies around as you direct it with your hands. It stays transformed for 1 minute before it reverts, harmless and brittle. As you grow, you can increase the spell's duration, lengthen the chains, and enhance the weapon's specs.

Malefic Reflexes: Draw a simple majyyk circle beneath you, speak a wicked incantation, and enter a tempered state of focus. For 6 seconds, you get highly accelerated reflexes, resistance to pain and fear, and any amount of epiphanies about how to survive this situation or fell a hated enemy. This spell has the hardest duration to extend, but a fully realized Seer of Rage could use it past the 1-minute mark.

Molten Mortar: Draw an intricate majyyk circle beneath you, and conjure six javelins dripping molten lava, each as tall as you. Each javelin flies after and homes in on a target you're angry at. They fly in a tangled yet determined path, whipping and weaving around other targets as you concentrate. The greater your battle-fervor, the faster they fly. They explode on contact.

Premonition Pyre: Set something on fire, concentrate on two people (players, Carapacians, quest monsters, etc), and gaze into the flames. Within the flickering, you can see how a fight between them is most likely to play out. You can see their relative levels of strength, how they would fight based on their usual tactics, and any abilities they normally use. The result of the fight is not absolute truth- it may change based on either person's preparations and improvement, or the circumstances of the battle.

Nightmare Walking: Sprinkle some petals or root powder - perhaps passionflower or devil's claw - around someone's shoulders, to enter their dreams. If you enter their dreams, you can create terrifying illusions and phantasms to cause a nightmare, or simply observe their dream and interpret any signs of hidden pains or fears.

Sigil of Horror: Draw a sigil on an object (like a door or a crown), smoldering black and smelling of ash. Anyone who sees this object will feel an overwhelming sense of dread, and an urgent pull towards their stress response (fight/flight/freeze/fawn). People especially susceptible to fear may see something they're afraid of instead of the object. Courageous people may resist the stress response. The effect lasts until the sigil rubs off, the object is destroyed, or 1 hour passes.

Sigil of Vehemence: Draw a sigil on your skin or an ally's skin, smoldering purple and giving off heat. The recipient will be able to think clearly in times of terror or extreme stress; get 50% resistance to heat and pressure damage; and be protected from (and aware of) intimidation magic and other powers that hijack their stress response. It lasts for 1 hour, or until the sigil rubs off.

.

Intrigue Skills

In addition to your spells, pick 1 intrigue skill.

Baleful Sixth Sense: You have a natural insight into what makes people tick, as in ticking time bomb. By observing a person, you can sense what makes them lash out, what motivates them, their hidden doubts and fears, and how they normally handle their anger. You can also tap into your power to ask more specific questions about the nature of their Rage. When you do, violet sparks trickle over the skin near your eyes and ears, and you can hear the answers in your head or see them as private visions.

Seismograph Clairvoyancy: You can sense where Rage is brewing - when people fight, hate, hold a grudge, or let their temper explode - and observe wherever it erupts via clairvoyance. When you use your clairvoyance, your five senses work as if you were there, and you quickly get insight into who's really in control, who the most dangerous threats are, and what people are truly fighting about. You can also quickly intuit the combat abilities and weapons of people you observe, even the things they don't normally use (trump cards deliberately kept hidden, taboo/kamikaze attacks, and similar).

.

"They love the mayhem more than the love."

[warriorofdragons]

Have Chronal Accelerator Will Travel Chapter 1: Back in Blackwatch

Word Count: 11.5k

Warnings: Language, Some slight Suggestive themes.

Summary: Overwatch sends two teams of two to travel back in time on retrieval missions: one is sent to acquire a blueprint, and the other is sent to acquire military weaponry, combined these assets will help them put a stop to a destructive plot Talon intends to set loose upon the world.

Notes: Timeline: Present 7 years from current lore. Past: Precedes Retribution mission, by at least a month or two.

Abbreviations: Class C=Communications, ES=Encrypted Storage.

Your husband Cole kisses your forehead, “Be safe, Honeysuckle.” “You too,” you whisper before wrapping your arms around him. The two of you hold one another for a long moment, until eventually Lena clears her throat, “Well, we best get a move on then.” You both pull apart to look back at her and then you glance up at Cole. Cole places his hands on your arms, “Hey, we’ll be back together in no time.” You give him a half-smile, “Yeah.” You then stare into his eyes for another moment before your eyes drop to his lips and you place your hands on his cheeks and lean forward and kiss him. Cole desperately returns the kiss before the two of you break away from each other again. And as you step away from one another, Cole’s right hand trails down your arm to your hand and he grasps it until your fingertips leave his finally. Cole then heads to his own plane with Lena in tow, and you head to yours with Mei. You seat yourself in the pilot’s chair and fasten your seatbelt, and you wait for Mei to settle herself in the chair beside you before you close the ramp door. Then you start flipping switches to turn on the engine and prepare for takeoff. Nearby, Lena is preparing her own plane as you hear her engine roar to life. “Everyone strapped in and ready for takeoff?” Lena asks cheerfully over the radio. “Yep,” you answer. “Uh huh,” Mei says beside you holding tightly onto her tank. “Chronal Accelerators working?” Lena asks. You glance down at the device on your chest that is currently emitting a quiet hum before zipping up your jacket, “Yes.” “Definitely,” Cole says. You look across at Lena’s plane and see your husband seated next to her. “Everything seems in order,” Mei says. “Then we are ready for takeoff,” Lena announces. “Runways all clear, Lena,” Winston says into your earpieces. Lena maneuvers her plane out in front of you and down the runway first, since her and Cole have to travel back further than you and Mei, they need a head start. Once her plane is lined up on the runway with the only exit from the mountainous base she guns the engine and speeds down the corridor of the hanger. The wheels of the plane just start to lift up as she coasts out into open air and you watch the plane drop out of sight. It’s another moment or two of watching before her plane comes back into view in the opening of the mountain, as she gains altitude. “Lena, don’t forget to-“ Winston begins. “I know, I know ya silly goose, I’m calibrating the teleportation matrix now,” Lena interrupts, “Don’t worry, Winston, everything will be fine, you and the team did a great job with the calculations everything’s going to be fine…” she trails off in her usual chipper tone. You and Mei glance at one another and smile. Going back into the past is no easy feat and a part of you was still surprised Lena had agreed to come along on this mission. But you suppose an ace like her couldn’t leave this to anyone less skilled at flying these planes. “Calibrations complete, New Mexico here we come!” Lena shouts. It takes her another couple minutes to get up to speed before she activates the teleportation matrix and then… “Making the jump in three…two…-“ Lena says before a crackle of static from her comms being out of range is the only sound left in your ears. There’s a moment of silence as you inhale deeply. “Alright, Slipstream Three, you’re cleared for takeoff,” Winston says. You position your plane onto the runway next. “Alright, Snowball, it’s time to deactivate for a little while,” Mei says. Snowball emits a few sad, low beeps, but nonetheless locks themself into their port. “It’s only for a little while,” Mei promises her small, mechanical friend. “Hold on tight,” you tell Mei. She nods and clutches Snowball’s battery to herself as Snowball switches themself off. You gun the plane forward and hurtle down the ever decreasing runway, just as Lena had. The wheels of the plane come off the paving beneath you as the plane lunges forth into open air. Bright light fills your vision and you adjust the plane wings to generate more lift, and you soar out away from the mountain before you slowly start to climb back up through the air. Once you’ve reached the appropriate altitude you begin your own calibrations as Winston’s voice once again comes over the radio, “How are things, Slipstream Three?” “Going smoothly so far,” you say, “The gravitational field is online.” “Good, good,” Winston murmurs. You know Winston is nervous to send his friends off into the past knowing very well what might happen, and to be honest you’re nervous yourself. But you trust Winston has done his best to ensure your’s, and your team’s, and…your husband’s safe return. And that’s all anyone can ever hope for really. “You and Dr. De Kuiper have done a great job recreating and improving upon the original Slipstream’s design, I trust that the two of you will get us there and back home safely,” you say. Winston’s quiet for a moment, “Good luck out there, Overwatch.” “We’ll see you soon, Winston,” Mei says. Winston chuckles lightly, “I’m holding you to that.” You prime the teleportation matrix and then bring the plane up to speed, “Preparing to jump in three…two…one……” You’re met with a huge concussive force as you punch through time and space and alarms start blaring in your ears. Quickly, you adjust the gravitational field surrounding the plane and the levels start to dip back into the green. The plane continues to rumble around you, but you can’t inspect much of the outside what with all the light from the energy currently surrounding the three of you. You hold the plane steady as you fight against the current trying to sweep you along and then you’re hit with another wave of force and then the energy surrounding you dissipates as you soar into a cloud. It seems you’ve come out the other side and you take a deep breath to steady your nerves, it’s time to see if it worked or not. You flip through the radio channels to the one Jack gave you and chatter from the nearby mountain base fills your headset. But it’s not from your team, no the voices you hear are unfamiliar to you, and you smile and glance at Mei, who smiles back at you hearing the same thing.

You circle the plane back around and decrease your altitude so you can land, “Mayday, mayday, requesting emergency landing!” you radio the base. You receive an immediate response, “What’s your cosign?” You give them the cosign of one of the planes you and Ana had managed to find in the old flight records, “I need to make an emergency landing!” you insist. “You’re weren’t due for another hour, what’s your emergency?” the voice asks over the radio. “Got a damaged engine, took unexpected enemy fire and I need to land ASAP, would you rather I do it in the Atlantic?!” you argue in an irritated tone. There’s a brief pause and then you’re being directed to one of the open lanes. You carefully fly the plane, making sure to shut off the gravitational field completely, before nearing the opening in the mountainside. It’s a tricky maneuver landing inside a mountain and only the best pilots can land here. The wheels of the plane touch down on the ramp that extends to just beyond the opening of the mountain base and then you begin to rapidly decrease your speed as the wings of the plane flare. You smoothly maneuver the plane once you’ve slowed down into the open bay they’ve cleared for you. As you cut off the engine and people start to approach, you notice that they’ve already realized you’re not the plane you’ve claimed to be, judging by the armed guards headed your way. You’re engine also isn’t damaged and you’d like to keep it that way, so you unfasten your seatbelt and remove your headset. “They might separate us, keep calm and remember to ask for either Commander Morrison or Blackwatch Commander Reyes,” you tell Mei. Mei nods as she unfastens her seatbelt and grabs her gear, “Alright.” You both get out of your seats and head down the ramp at the back of the plane to meet the armed agents outside. The Overwatch agents approach you cautiously and then restrain the two of you and confiscate your weapons and gear. Mei looks a little sad as they also unknowingly take Snowball with them. “Everything will be alright, Mei,” you whisper to her. “Hey! Keep quiet!” an agent yells at you. “No,” you state, “We’re here to speak with Commanders Morrison and Reyes.” “Yeah, riggghtt,” the agent says, “The two of you are going straight to a holding cell.” “I think Commander Reyes would be pretty angry if he found out you didn’t tell him we were here,” Mei says. “Is that so?” the agent replies in feigned interest. “The Commander doesn’t have time for the likes of you,” another agent says. “I don’t know…my friend here’s right, he would be mad if he found out something interesting was happening that he didn’t know about, in his own base no less. And I’d hate to think what he’d do to the person or persons who didn’t inform the Black Ops Commander of strange goings on,” you persuade. The agent glances to the other one and you can see them weighing their options. The two of you are then pulled along with them as the agents escort you to an interrogation room as opposed to a holding cell. They sit you and Mei down in the chairs in front of a table and handcuff you to it, and then one of them tries to remove Mei’s Chronal Accelerator he just now notices under her jacket. She tries to resist, but her hands are adhered to the table now. “Hey! Leave her alone! You take that off and she’ll die!!” you shout. “What the fuck are you talking about?!” the agent argues. “Ever heard of Lena Oxton?” you ask. “NO,” the agent protests. “Well, Lena Oxton, current Overwatch agent, previous RAF pilot got into an accident where she phases in and out of reality, take that off and we’re all gonna be sorry for it,” you threaten. The agent shoots a weird look down at Mei, but lets go of her. “Why do you think we want to see Reyes?” Mei adds. “Whatever,” the agent says shaking their head. “Let’s just go,” the other agent says, “The higher ups can deal with this.” Both agents leave the room finally and lock the door behind them. You glance back over to Mei, “You alright?” “Yeah, those two are assholes,” Mei says. You chuckle, “Yeah.” “Do you think Lena and Cole made it alright?” Mei asks. “Yeah, I mean if we did they had to of,” you say. You turn to stare across the room at the large glass pane, which you’re certain is a two-way mirror, as your thoughts turn to your husband. “So this is what it used to look like?” Mei muses, “I’m not impressed.” You laugh a little, “At least it’s not a decrepit concrete building.” “True,” Mei says laughing. You end up waiting for a little while in relative silence with the combined hum of the lights above you and your Chronal Accelerators, and the occasional footsteps heard from the hallway outside. Mei even starts making up a tune that she hums under her breath to the sound of both of them, when finally the door opens.

You both turn to look as none other Gabriel Reyes and Jack Morrison walk in, apparently your little stunt Had been enough to attract both of their attentions, just like Jack had said. Reyes’ eyes scan the two of you while Jack is busy studying a tablet in his hands, no doubt with a report written on the two of you. Reyes stops in front of the two of you and crosses his arms, and you notice his eyes find Mei’s Chronal Accelerator peeking out from underneath her heavy jacket. “Commander Morrison,” Reyes states. Jack continues to wander into the room and past Reyes as he continues to read. “Jack,” Reyes calls. “Huh?” Jack says as he looks up finally. And you can’t get over how much younger he looks, his blonde hair’s only just beginning to gray, there’s no scars on his face…although there are deep, dark bags under his eyes. You have no idea how much coffee he’s running on, but the lingering smell of it on his clothes, would suggest a lot. Jack looks to the two of you finally, with a tired and unfamiliar cast to his blue irises. This isn’t the same grandparental, old man whose held your’s and Cole’s child, or grilled meat at team cookouts, or fallen asleep in front of the tv on Christmas Eve. This is a tired, overworked, middle-aged man who seems to only go from one problem to the next. Jack clears his throat as he glances back down at his tablet one more time before fixing his full attention on the two of you. “You see that?” Reyes asks pointing at Mei. Jack squints, “Yeah, it looks just like it.” “I have one too,” you announce. “Really?” Reyes asks almost uninterested, but you can tell there’s more to it in his eyes. You lift up your hands, gesturing to your handcuffs and Mei jingles hers too. Jack and Reyes exchange a glance and then Jack nods back at the mirror behind them, “Alright.” Reyes steps forwards and undoes your’s and Mei’s handcuffs and then steps back. You unzip your jacket and reveal your own Chronal Accelerator. “Son of a bitch,” Jack says. “How’d you two ladies come by these devices, did you make them yourself?” Reyes asks. “No, Winston made them for us,” Mei answers. Both Jack and Reyes laugh. “It’s true!” Mei exclaims. “Yeah, right the monkey made you two Chronal Accelerators,” Reyes continues. “Scientist!” Mei insists leaning forwards. They both stop laughing and look at you and Mei seriously for a moment, and then the two exchange a glance. “How did you find this base? Where did your intel come from?” Jack asks. “Well, you, Jack,” you say. Jack shoots you a confused look before shaking his head, “Try again.” “She’s serious, you helped us with the secure radio channel, and with retrofitting the plane although that was a group effort,” Mei explains. “Look we could go around and around in circles all day, okay? So let’s just cut to the chase, we’re from the future,” you say gesturing to you and Mei. Both Reyes and Jack start laughing again. “Oh, God that’s a good one,” Reyes says wiping his eyes. “We’ve come back in time to retrieve a blueprint that was destroyed-are you even listening to me!” you shout to be heard. “From the future, huh? And here I thought I heard it all,” Reyes says. Their combined laughter finally starts to die down as you stare off at the wall annoyed. “So…you’re from the…” Jack snickers again and then controls himself, “So you’re from the future, how do we know you’re really the good guys then?” “Yeah, prove that you’re really from the future,” Reyes says and then chuckles as he looks at Jack. “Yeah, what’s something only we would know?” Jack adds. Unfortunately, you don’t know Gabriel Reyes very well, that would have been your husband Cole’s expertise considering he was taken under Gabriel’s wing for a time. Cole could have answered any questions regarding Commander Reyes easily, but he also would have encountered problems interacting with his past self, which is why you’re here instead. You glance over to Commander Morrison, Jack on the other hand… “Jack, you still like to carry around that old photo of you and Vincent,” you say. Now Your Jack has stopped in recent years, and finally left that old photo in an album and in the past along with other photos from his military career like any memory ought to be. But it was something Jack had suggested you bring up if either of you were going to be taken seriously, something about ‘having to cut through to his younger self like a knife.’ Jack’s eyes widen, “I…what? Um…No, I-You must be mistaken.” Reyes notices Jack’s sudden discomfort and studies him closely, “Wait…Do you?” Jack rubs the back of his neck awkwardly, “I…Maybe? Which one?” he asks you defensively, his face growing red. “The one from during the Omnic Crisis, right before you were shipped off to join the Soldier Enhancement Program, he’s got an arm around your shoulders and he’s wearing a blue polo…should I go on?” you ask with a raise of your brow. “No, that won’t be necessary,” Jack says quickly with a wave of his hand. Reyes gives Jack a sideways glance before turning his attention back to you,” How’d you know all that?” he accuses. You shrug, “Jack told me.” “You also sent us with one of your favorite novels,” Mei pipes up. She reaches into one of her jacket pockets and pulls out an old paperback book with yellowed pages and crinkled corners and holds it out to Jack. Jack takes it and smiles a little and then opens it up to a different old photo tucked inside it’s pages, the book is a western tale that he had lent Cole one time years ago, and the photo is an old Overwatch team photo. Jack closes the book back up and then hands it back to Mei, “I think…I’m actually starting to believe them.” Reyes furrows his brows at Jack, “You can’t be serious?! They could have been tailing you for all we know!” he exclaims and then glances back at the mirror. The anticipation swells up in your chest at who could be behind that mirror, you know who you’re hoping it is, but it could also be anybody. Reyes then tilts his head as if considering something and then motions a come here gesture at the mirror.

You feel the pressure build further in your chest as you wait with baited breath for them to appear. It’s not long before the door opens although to you it felt like an eternity and you’re not disappointed when the love of your life, Cole Cassidy walks in. He’s a lot younger than you know him to be of course, but no less handsome. He’s wearing a black t-shirt, gloves, and pants, with a black stetson to match adorning his head, but the belt buckle he’s wearing is one you’ve never seen and it bears the Deadlock gang symbol. Cole is unarmored, but he is wearing his pistol and ammo belt, it’s likely all he could grab on such short notice. The thought of him relaxing in his quarters or taking a smoke break is distracting to you, almost as distracting as his shoulders and arms… You try not to stare too much at his left arm, but you’re struggling. You instead steer yourself towards the thought of if his Blackwatch uniform would still fit him, you decide that it couldn’t possibly, the Cole you know is much bigger now. Cole moves to stand next to Reyes and he looks between the two of you. “I’m gonna need a little more proof, before I allow them to just waltz around the base,” Reyes says. “Well, I’m the Commander of Overwatch and if I say they can, they can,” Jack says. Reyes pinches his nose, “Not this again. Jack, I’m the Commander of Blackwatch and I can veto your decision.” “Like hell you can,” Jack says. You’re focused on Jack’s and Reyes’ beginning argument when you feel a pair of eyes on you, and you glance up and straight into Cole’s soft brown eyes, you smile at him and he smiles back at you. “I’m as much in charge here as you are,” Reyes says pointing a finger at Jack’s chest. “My Base, My jurisdiction,” Jack argues. “Well, why don’t we just ask Captain Amari?” Cole asks nonchalantly. Both men stop and turn to Cole. “Listen, we don’t need to get her involved,” Jack says holding his hands up. “I’m sure Captain Amari has better things to do with her time than solve another one of our arguments,” Reyes says. “I think they’re scared of her,” Mei whispers to you. You giggle a little. “Are not!” they both exclaim in unison before then looking at one another. “Mind if I try askin’ them some questions?” Cole asks, “Since you’re too busy squabbling again.” “Be my guest,” Reyes says gesturing towards you and Mei. Cole threads his thumbs through his belt loops and approaches you, all confidence and charm, something you’re so familiar with, it doesn’t even require a second thought to melt it away, “Hey-“ Cole begins. “Hey there, Cowboy,” you say lowly with a wink, “What’s a tall glass of water like you doing in a place like this?” Cole’s eyes widen in surprise and then he smiles so wide and when he tries to speak he stumbles over his own words to the point where you can’t make out anything he’s saying. You giggle lightly in amusement. Cole smiles a wide, lovesick grin and pulls his hat down low over his face as the younger version of your husband becomes downright bashful. You laugh again at how cute he’s being. You’ve had plenty of practice at making Cole flustered beyond recognition and that’s when he’s prepared for everything you could throw at him. This Cole never stood a chance against your flirting. Reyes looks at Cole disapprovingly before he looks back at you, “Alright, who exactly are you two?” he demands. You and Mei introduce yourselves. “We’re Overwatch agents, well future ones anyways,” Mei says. “What did you come all the way back in time for?” Jack asks. “A blueprint for a machine,” Mei explains. “That still doesn’t explain why you time traveled for a blueprint,” Reyes says crossing his arms again. “Yeah, if we have it now, why can’t you just get it from future Overwatch?” Jack asks. You and Mei exchange a glance. There’s a lot of reasons why, besides the original blueprint being destroyed, but it would be a lot to go into and definitely more information than they need. “It was destroyed in a fire, the original no longer exists,” Mei says simply. “We also didn’t just time travel for a blueprint, there’s another team that went on ahead to a separate time jump point,” you explain. “Who’s on that team?” Reyes asks. “Lena and Cole,” you answer. “Cole? Cole who?” Reyes asks suspiciously. “Cole…Cassidy,” you say carefully and your gaze drifts over to Cole standing next to Reyes who seems to be staring at you with a different sort of surprise on his face. “How…do you know that name?” Reyes asks. “Because I know him,” you say pointing directly at Cole. Reyes looks over at Cole and nods, “Good, I wanted to be sure we were talking about the same thing.” “How many other cowboys named Cole Cassidy do you know?” you ask in annoyance at his roundabout questioning. “Just the one,” Reyes says. “So ya’ll both know me in the future, I take it?” Cole asks. “Of course!” Mei says with a nod. “Yes,” you say softly. And Cole’s attention is drawn more to your soft spoken reply. You of course have only ever known Cole by Cole Cassidy. To the point where you could almost forget these days that he used to go by a cycling list of aliases for a long period of time. It’s especially easy to forget now that you share the same last name, you do have to write it on a lot of paperwork afterall. Your wedding ring isn’t on your finger at the moment, on missions you prefer to wear it on a chain around your neck to keep it close to your heart. “Alright, then I have a couple questions of my own,” Cole says. You have to resist the urge to fiddle with the ring now, less you call attention to it. “What’s somethin’ I’ve never told anyone?” Cole asks. Cole’s eyes fix on you as he waits for you specifically to answer him. And it’s a tough question if only for the fact that you know too many answers to that question. But a lot of them are painful, memories from his childhood he hardly talks about, his greatest fears, missions gone wrong here in Blackwatch. Many things that are hardly appropriate to bring up in mixed company, like right now. But maybe that’s what he’s hoping for, that you do truly know him well enough that you’ll be able to find something to convince him, without resurfacing buried trauma. “You still have your father’s hat…and on the inside of the brim written in your mother’s handwriting, is your father’s name,” you answer holding his gaze. Cole blinks and then inhales deeply, “Alright, one more question, is it this one?” he asks. He is of course referring to the black stetson currently adoring his head. You shake your head and smile, “No, the hat I’m talking about has a wide brim and a lot of nicks in it.” Cole smiles and takes of his hat and combs his fingers through his hair, “That’s right,” he says and then turns to Reyes and Jack and puts back on his hat, “I’m satisfied they’re telling the truth.” “Well, that’s two out of three,” Reyes says with a sigh, “Seems I’m outnumbered, I guess we’ll take them to Winston first see what he has to say about these Chronal Accelerators and then we’ll track down that blueprint.” “Perfect! The blueprint is one of Winston’s, I’m sure he’ll know where it is,” Mei says. “Well, ain’t that convenient,” Reyes says with a smirk. “Alright,” Jack says clapping his hands together, “Let’s go see our resident scientist.” Mei smiles and the two of you are lead out of the interrogation room finally.

Jack and Reyes have your gear and weapons returned to you both and as you and Mei are walking through a cargo bay stacked with crates, you spot another familiar face passing by, Captain Amari. And she stares at your group and furrows her brows, undoubtedly because she doesn’t recognize you and Mei, before she stops in her tracks. You can tell Jack and Reyes are anxious about her presence which only further seems to raise her suspicion and her brow, so she confronts them, “And what do we have here?” she asks crossing her arms. Jack tells her your’s and Mei’s names. Ana blinks and looks at both of you, “I’m unfamiliar with the two of you, what business do you have here?” “They’re here for a blueprint,” Jack answers for you. “Oh? What kind of blueprint?” Ana questions. “One of Winston’s blueprints,” Reyes says. “Oh and they’re also uh…from the…future?” Jack says with a nervous laugh while rubbing the back of his neck. Captain Amari narrows her eyes at Jack, “If I could have a word with the two of you in private,” she says sternly before turning to Cole next, “Agent, keep an eye on these two while we are gone.” “Will do, Ma’am,” Cole says with a tip of his hat. Ana walks off with Reyes and Jack in tow as you watch them try to explain to her the situation. Cole walks over to one of the nearby crates and sits down and pulls out a cigar. You sit down across from him and Mei gives you a knowing look and sits down nearby, but far enough away to give you two some space. Cole’s eyes drift towards Mei as she reactivates Snowball, and the little robot comes beeping back to life. Cole takes the still unlit cigar out of his mouth and points at Snowball with it in silent question. “This is Snowball!” Mei chimes happily. “Right,” Cole says. “He’s an old friend of hers, they’re inseparable,” you say. Cole looks to you and then back at Snowball before nodding, “Just make sure the little guy stays out of trouble.” Cole then takes his lighter out of his pocket and lights his cigar finally. You watch Mei talk to Snowball for a few moments as she explains what happened while they were asleep. You hear a low exhale from Cole as he puffs out a cloud of smoke from his cigar and look back at him, and the gaze he has fixed you with you could only describe as burning. Cole places his cigar back in his mouth and you watch the movement of his lips as he inhales another drag and then your eyes drift up to his as he watches you from underneath the brim of his stetson. He then blows out the smoke from the left corner of his mouth and closes his eyes gently, before returning to stare at you. “It’s not polite to stare,” he says softly. “You were staring first,” you retort. Cole chuckles lightly, “True, true. Maybe I’ve just got a nice view from here.” You smile, “Well, the view ain’t half bad from here either.” Cole bites his cigar a little in response. You stare at him for another moment or two, your eyes trailing over his face and all the little details, and Cole seems to enjoy your quiet appreciation of him. “Do we know each other?” Cole asks suddenly, “In the future I mean.” “Of course, Cole, remember what I said earlier?” you ask. He nods, “Yeah, but do we Know each other?” “Intimately?” you offer. Cole takes his cigar out of his mouth and gestures with it, “Yeah.” You smile and bite your lip, “You’ll have to find out, won’t you?”you ask lowly. Cole’s jaw goes slack as he stares at you with a hunger in his eyes that you’ve seen many times, and he’s about to say something else when Reyes and Jack walk back towards you. “Alright, you’re cleared with Amari but something’s come up, Cole, we’ll need you to escort them to Winston,” Reyes says. Cole stands up and drops his cigar to the concrete floor and steps on it, “On it, Boss.” “We’ll meet up with you three…four…afterwards to see you off,” Jack says staring over at Snowball now hovering near Mei. And then the two of them walk away again. “Alright, looks like I’m in charge,” Cole says looping his fingers through his belt loops and straightening his pants, “Lab’s this way.”

You and Mei follow Cole down a series of hallways deeper into the base until he comes to a large, metal door with a keypad. Instead of using the keypad though, Cole knocks on the big, metal door, “Hey, Winston! Got a couple of visitors for you!” A small screen next to the door and above the keypad lights up and a camera of Winston soldering some parts together comes into view, “What is it, Cass? I’m in the middle of something.” “Said I got a couple visitors for you, thought you’d might like to meet ‘em,” Cole says. Winston is still focused on his task as he picks up a banana and dips it into a nearby jar of peanut butter and starts to eat it, “Tell them to come back later, I’m busy.” “Now that’s not very nice,” Cole scolds playfully, “After they came all this way to meet you,” then Cole turns to you and winks, “How far in the future did you say y’all you’re from?” “About fifteen years,” you say. Cole whistles, “So I’d be what forty three, forty four?” You hear the clattering of metal tools as Winston drops whatever he was working on and turns to face the camera finally, “Did you say you were from the future?” Winston asks in astonishment. “Finally! That get your attention did it?” Cole asks with a smile. “We are!” Mei answers. “You didn’t say they were from the future!” Winston yells at Cole. Cole weathers his shouting easily, “I said they came all this way to meet you, they’re a long way from here.” Winston glares at Cole, “I don’t understand your cowboy speak.” “Well, now are you going to stand there gawking or are you going to let us in?” Cole asks. Winston goes to open his mouth and then just sighs instead and pushes a button and you hear the door padlock click. The door then swings inwards and Cole waves his hands at the door. “Ladies first.” Mei walks in first and stares around the lab in awe. And as you pass by Cole he gives you another wink. Cole then shuts the door behind you all and you take a moment to look around as well. Winston’s workshop is huge and filled with an assortment of projects he’s working on. You step towards the center of the room where he’s seated, schematics and parts strewn across the table in front of him. “So you’re really from the future?” Winston asks. “Yes, and we came here to retrieve one of your blueprints,” Mei explains stepping towards Winston. Snowball flies around Mei and beeps in agreement. “Really? And what’s your’s and your friend here’s name?” Winston asks holding his hand out to Snowball. “I’m Mei, and this is Snowball,” Mei introduces. “Well, it’s a pleasure to meet you Mei and Snowball, I’m Winston,” Winston says. Mei laughs, “I know.” You smile at the three of them as Cole steps beside you and clears his throat and holds his hand out to you as he introduces you as well. “And it’s a pleasure to meet you as well,” Winston greets adjusting his glasses. “They’ve got a couple of your Chronal Accelerators too,” Cole adds. “Really?! Might I see?” Winston asks. Mei unzips and removes her coat and Winston’s eyes widen as he sees the Chronal Accelerator attached to her chest. You also remove your own jacket to reveal your Chronal Accelerator. “My, my, this has been an unexpected turn of events,” Winston says as he turns off his soldering tool and sets it aside. Winston then cups his chin as he examines Mei’s Chronal Accelerator, “Hmm, it seems the design has been improved upon. No doubt it needed to emit a stronger field to shield you from a jump to the past. What did future me recommend to you with these devices?” “Not to take them off for any reason,” Mei says shaking her head. Snowball beeps again in agreement. “Interesting, Lena has always been able to remove her Chronal Accelerator as long as she remains near the active field, but since you’re in the past…you are not anchored to your own timeline,” Winston says. “Like a life vest not a life boat” Cole says. “Precisely,” Winston says, “I will defer to my future self’s expertise on this matter, surely he has information that I do not currently possess in regards to this.” “It was a precaution so we wouldn’t get Chronal Disassociation like Lena did,” you say draping your jacket over the back of a chair and sitting down at the table. “Yes…” Winston sighs looking down. “Didn’t you say Lena was on the other team?” Cole asks stepping closer to you. “Yes,” Mei says. “There’s another team?” Winston asks with raised brow. “Yeah, apparently they sent out two teams of two, one here and one…somewhere else, didn’t really specify,” Cole says. “Lena made a jump into the past?!” Winston exclaims with shock, “But the implication of-“ “It’s alright, Winston, you said yourself that there have been improvements to the device, and it’s because you made the improvements that we’re all still alright,” Mei interrupts. Winston sighs, “But still, this was a very dangerous thing to do.” “We all knew the risks when we agreed to do this mission,” you say slipping your fingers underneath your shirt to feel your wedding ring. “And Lena didn’t go alone, Cole offered to be on her team,” Mei says waving her hand at the younger Cole standing beside you. “But what if the devices are damaged?” Winston asks concerned. “You made us memorize how to make repairs to them,” you say. Winston sighs once again and nods, smiling a little, “Just like I did with Lena.” “So two teams of two so each of you has backup in case somethin’ goes wrong and each one of you has a pilot. I know Lena’s gotta be the pilot on my team, but who’s the pilot on your team?” Cole asks. “Me,” you answer tucking your ring back under your shirt. Cole’s eyes dip down for a moment to follow the movement and then his eyes meet yours, “You? You must be pretty damn good to be chosen to fly a plane like that back in time,” Cole says with a grin. You grin back at him, “Yeah, I am. Fareeha wanted to be the one to pilot the plane but then she’d have to deal with her mother in this timeline.” “Fareeha is in Overwatch?” Cole asks with his brows raised. “Yeah,” you say. “Her mother must not be too happy about that,” Cole says. “It was…let’s just say it was complicated,” you say. Cole chuckles, “It would have been easier for her to convince Gabe and Jack though but…she definitely would have had argued with her mother. Shame, I kind of would have liked to have seen that.” “Oh, don’t worry you will,” you say with a laugh. Cole blows out a breath, “Still fightin’ after all these years?” “Mostly, it’s over little stuff these days, but those two had their work cut out for them,” you say. “I’ll say,” Cole says with a smile. “So which blueprint was it that you needed from me?” Winston asks. Mei removes a piece of paper from her discarded jacket and unfolds it and hands it to Winston. Winston squints at it and then his eyes widen, “This? But it was just a prototype, it never even worked, the gravitational field alone was-“ “Let’s just say we have an expert who’s willing to help us with that,” Mei interrupts, “And please, Winston we really need that blueprint.” Winston sighs, “The blueprint on file is incomplete, I’ll need to compile some of my notes.” Winston then gets up from his spot at the table and goes to his computer desk to start retrieving the blueprint. You then hear a swift series of knocks on the metal door. “Oi, Winston! Open up!” a voice calls. “Oh! Cole, could you?” Winston asks. “On it,” Cole says and presses the button for the door. Lena speeds into the room as soon as the door opens and then stops dead in her tracks as she stares open-mouthed at you and Mei. Winston looks up from his monitor, “Oh, Lena, these three are-“ he begins. “You’re from the future!” the younger Lena exclaims now pointing at you and Mei. Cole chuckles as he closes the door again. “Yes, I do suppose it’s obvious,” Winston states taking a microfiber cloth and wiping his glasses clean. Lena starts excitedly running in place, “Ooh! I just knew it! One look at those Chronal Accelerators, and I just knew it!” “Heh heh, maybe we should have had Miss Oxton here meet the two of you first, she would have got this whole thing sorted a lot quicker,” Cole says. “What’s it like? The future I mean, do I get that tattoo I always wanted? Ooh, what about skiing in the Alps? I’ve always wanted to do that, or-“ Lena says and then gasps loudly, “No, wait! Do I ever get married?” Lena’s staring at Mei and fixing her with the biggest puppy dog eyes and pouting out her bottom lip. “Yes, no, and yes,” Mei answers. Lena excitedly squeals and jumps up and down. “Mei!” you exclaim, “You’re not supposed to tell her that!” “I’m sorry! I can’t lie to my friends, especially not Lena!” Mei defends. You sigh and drop your shoulders, “I know.” “Am I your friend?” Cole asks Mei. “Of course,” Mei answers. You stand and turn to him, “Oh no, you don’t, Cowboy,” you warn poking his chest. Cole smiles and puts his hands up, “Or you’ll what?” he teases. You narrow your eyes at him and he raises a brow. And then you flick his hat off his head. “My hat!” Cole exclaims as he quickly spins around to scoop it off the floor, “I’ll have you know this is a Stetson!” Cole complains dusting it off. “I know,” you giggle, “You’re not allowed to ask Mei questions about your future self. And, Lena, You should know better,” you say turning to her. Lena’s shoulders slump, “I know, I just couldn’t help it. I mean who wouldn’t want to know about their future self?” You smile at her, “I mean Lena you want to get married eventually, right?” “Well, of course,” Lena answers. “Then by virtue of that being something you want out of life you’re probably going to get married,” you say. “Well, now I definitely know I’m getting married,” Lena says, “What’s her name?” Lena then asks Mei. “It’s…” Mei begins and then looks over at you shaking your head, “A surprise. I really couldn’t ruin it for you especially if I want to be a bridesmaid.” Winston looks up from his monitor, “Lena, stop asking questions about the future…as tempting as it may be…” he muses staring up at the ceiling for a moment before getting back to work. It seems everyone in this room wants to know what happens, which is fair, but…there’s a lot they don’t need to know yet, both the good and the bad. And besides spoiling too much of the good might ruin it’s impact when they really need it most. “So…are you a part of future Overwatch?” Lena asks Mei. “Uh huh,” Mei nods, “We’re much newer agents compared to all of you,” she says waving her hands at Lena, Winston, and Cole. Cole sets his hat back on his head and adjusts it. Winston lets out a sigh, “I’ve compiled all of my notes into one file, but…it’s going to take a little while longer for me fill in some of the gaps I had left in my research.” “Take all the time you need, Winston, we’re not in any rush,” you say. “‘Cause I bet you got all the time in the world, huh?” Lena says with a chuckle, “A little time travel humor for you, since we’re all time travelers now.” Mei laughs and Snowball chimes happily. “But that means I get more time to chat,” Lena says taking a seat and placing her hands under her chin, “So where are you from? I’m from England obviously,” Lena says patting an English flag patch stitched to the shoulder of her Overwatch uniform. “I’m Chinese,” Mei says. “Ooh nice, and what’s your specialty?” Lena asks. “I’m a climatologist,” Mei answers. “Oh, so a scientist like Winston here,” Lena says turning in her chair to look at him. Winston smiles back at the two of them. You watch them talk for a few moments the past version of Lena already becoming fast friends with her future friend, to no one’s surprise, and that’s when you feel a tap on your shoulder. You look back at Cole behind you and he points his thumb in the direction of the door. “Mind if I have a word in private?” Cole asks quietly. You glance back over at the group with Winston busy at his computer and Lena and Mei engaged in conversation with Snowball floating nearby paying close attention. Now that Lena has focused her curiosity towards Mei instead of her future self you don’t think you’re in any more danger of big secrets getting revealed like the fall of Overwatch.

So you turn back to Cole and nod. Cole walks over to the door and opens it for you and you step through first. You walk out into the hall as Cole closes the door gently. You start to turn around when Cole suddenly throws out his right arm to and it hits the wall firmly, effectively pinning you in. He then leans closer to you so that you can now feel his hot breath on your lips and the soft fabric of his t-shirt brush against you. Staring down at his lips for a moment as they’re slightly parted you can see a smile form on his face. Your eyes slowly drift up Cole’s face as you smile back at him. His eyes regard you for another moment before he quirks a brow, “You didn’t even flinch….I’ve done this before….” he breathes, “Haven’t I?” You bite your lip, “Easy there, Cowboy,” you tease. Cole points at you with his left hand, “And that? What you just said, just now? I’m pretty sure you’ve said that before too.” You open your mouth slightly as you try to come up with a response. He’s right of course, but you can’t tell him that. Cole leans back a little, tilting his head as his brown eyes study you, “So…to pick back up where we left off on our earlier conversation…we know each other in the future and intimately from what I’ve gathered…” he trails off as his fingers lightly drift across your chin and then down your neck. You can’t help the involuntary shudder that passes through your body at his touch, and Cole seems to enjoy it, but you quickly realize it’s not what he’s after when you feel his index finger slip under your collar and give a gentle tug to your necklace. A small gasp leaves your lips as Cole carefully and slowly pulls out the chain holding your wedding ring. He’s quiet as he stares at it, turning it over in between his thumb and index finger. “Cole I-“ you begin and stop when you see him notice the engraving. A custom engraving which consists of a little lasso bordering the words, “Let’s ride off into the sunset together.” You meet Cole’s eyes as he slowly lifts them to yours, and you can see the realization wash over him. He opens his mouth and shakes his head slightly, “You’re…my wife?” he asks softly. There’s no point in hiding it now, so you simply nod, “Yeah, Cole, I am.” He drops your ring to let it fall back against your chest as he cups your face in both of his hands a huge, yet tentative smile now gracing his lips, and he laughs breathlessly, “Of course! It makes perfect sense!” A little confused you place your hands over his and shake your head a little, “What does?” Cole tilts his head and grins, “Darlin’, you do…the way you smile at me, the way you look at me, the way you talk to me I….Sweetheart, no one has ever looked at me with so much love in their eyes the way you do,” he says with a dreamy sigh, “You couldn’t have been anyone else.” “Cole…” you whisper as you look deeply into your future husband’s eyes. Cole laughs a little, “See?” he asks now caught up in how you’re looking at him. You tighten your grip on his hands and feel the fabric of his gloves against your skin and a thought occurs to you, “Can you take off your gloves?” you ask gently. “Oh, ‘course,” Cole says as his hands leave your face and he hurriedly removes them. Cole stuffs the gloves into one of his pockets haphazardly and then places his palms back against your cheeks. You smile happily and close your eyes and relish the feeling as he strokes your skin softly with his thumbs. His palms are calloused, but surprisingly gentle as he cradles your face reverently. You had met Cole after his Blackwatch days of course and after he had already lost his left arm, so you’ve never felt his left palm before. And Cole had always lamented on how he wished he could cradle your face in both of his hands, to get to feel every curve of your face at once. He’s memorized the planes of your face and your body after all your time spent together over the years, but still This was something he could never have. You don’t know if your husband will remember it or not, but at least you could give one Cole this…this moment. You open your eyes finally as you feel Cole’s forehead lean against yours and as you shift your head upwards he pulls back at the movement, seemingly also having been lost in the moment. He smiles at you and then leans forwards and presses a kiss to your forehead, before exhaling and pulling back entirely, a bright smile still plastered on his lips. “Honey, you have no idea how happy I am to meet you, I thought that…that I would never get to settle down or fall in love and…I mean especially with everything going on these days and I…” he stops to shake his head as he continues to smile at you, “You’re just that little bit of hope I was lookin’ for.” You smile at Cole as you feel your eyes start to get watery, “I can’t promise you that things won’t be tough in the future and that there won’t be bad things-“ “Shhh,” Cole soothes stroking your cheeks with his thumbs, “If you know me, then you know  that I’ve been through my fair share already, but just knowing that you’re gonna be there on the other side of all that waiting for me? That’s all I need to keep going.” You let out a wet chuckle as you try to stop the tears. Cole smiles softly at you, “C’mere, Honey.” And with that you fall forwards into his arms. Cole holds you for a little while before letting you go, albeit a little reluctantly before drying your tears, it’s then that you can see a few tears had formed in his own eyes. “You know I have half a mind not to let you go back,” Cole says jokingly. “Cole,” you scold playfully. He chuckles, “I know, I know. But I couldn’t do that to you, you belong in your future with future me, the lucky bastard.” “Hey, that’s my husband you’re talking about,” you tease. Cole laughs. You smile at him and then bite your lip, “And with little, Sweetpea, of course.” “And with little-“ Cole begins and then stares at you with wide eyes. You smile more. “We? We have a kid together?” Cole asks. You give him a small nod. Cole then scoops you up into his arms, lifting you clean off the floor in his excitement, you squeeze him back as your feet dangle in the air. He then sets you back down on your feet with a laugh and wipes at his eyes, “Future’s just lookin’ brighter and brighter, boy or girl?” You place your index finger over your lips, “I can’t tell you that.” “Aw, not even a little bit?” Cole asks. “No,” you laugh, “I’ve already said too much.” “Alright, can’t blame me for trying though,” Cole says before holding out his hand for you, “Come on, let’s see if Winston’s done with that blueprint.” You take his left hand in yours and follow him back into Winston’s lab.

Cole quietly opens the door a crack and peeks back into the room. As the sounds of Lena’s and Mei’s conversation drifts out into the hall, Cole opens the door further and creeps back into the room. He then waves at you for you to follow. You step back into Winston’s lab and Cole doubles back to shut the door again while you rejoin Mei by standing near the table. “So then I said, ‘They don’t call me an Ace for nothin’!’” Lena laughs, followed by Mei’s own giggles. Winston looks up at you and Cole, “Ah, there you two are! I’ve finished filling in my notes and I downloaded everything onto this,” he says holding up a small device, “You still use Class C, ES chips in the future, right?” Winston asks with a raised brow. You smile at him, “Of course,” you say taking the offered data chip from him and tucking it into your jacket pocket still hanging on your chair for safekeeping. “So where did you two run off to, eh?” Lena asks leaning her elbows on the table. “Just stepped outside for a minute s’all,” Cole answers for you. For which you’re grateful because you were about to lie and say the bathroom, and with Cole obviously in tow that would have sounded very awkward. “Oh? Busy flirting, Cole?” Lena accuses. Cole’s face flushes and he dips his head, “I…Mmm,” he grumbles. You smile and cover your mouth with your hand trying not to laugh. Lena continues to smile at the embarrassed cowboy and then she fixes her gaze on you, “Oh come on, it’s so obvious he’s crushing on you. And I’ve never seen him quite like this before.” “Cole was nothing but a gentleman,” you say in his defense. “Oh, I’m not saying that,” Lena says holding her hands up, “Just that he wanted a private chat with you was all. Did he strike out?” Cole clears his throat, “No, I most certainly did not! And now that the whole room knows about it, it turns out it wasn’t much of a private chat now was it?” he demands glaring accusingly at Lena. Mei covers her mouth and giggles. “Heh heh, sorry!” Lena apologizes rubbing the back of her head, “It’s just I’ve never seen you this smitten before, it’s so sweet!” You stare lovingly at Cole and are amused at how flustered he is. Lena looks over to you and gasps and then covers her mouth before she says anything else. “What?!” Cole exclaims startled by her reaction. “Nothing!” Lena claims innocently, “Just that I know something you don’t know!” Cole glances back to you and gives you a knowing smirk before shooting Lena a feigned confused look, “And what might that be?” Lena shakes her head and then mimes a zipper being closed over her mouth, “I Can’t tell you!” she sing songs. Cole shakes his head and chuckles. “Well, we’d better get going,” you announce, “We are on a mission after all,” you say retrieving your jacket and draping it back over your shoulders. “Aww!” Lena pouts. “Ah, of course! I understand, spending too much time in the past could be dangerous,” Winston says pushing up his glasses, “And future Overwatch needs this intel.” “It’s too soon! I was hoping we’d get more time to chat,” Lena says her shoulders drooping. “Don’t worry we will,” you say. “Yeah! We’ll see you soon!” Mei answers happily standing up from her chair. “Oh, true!” Lena laughs, “Although not soon enough for me! Here at least let me give you a goodbye hug?” Cole glances over to you a soft smile on his face, “Yeah, not soon enough,” Cole whispers to you. You smile back at him. Lena gets up and hugs Mei first and then you, “Since you’re my friends from the future then you Know how much of a hugger I am!” “Oh we know,” you laugh. You step towards Winston next and hug him goodbye. “Oh,” he mutters in surprise, but gladly returns the hug. Finally Mei hugs Winston and then you look to young Lena and Winston, “Thank you so much for all your help.” “Anytime,” Winston says and then his eyes widen in realization, “Haha accidental time joke?” Lena bursts out laughing, “Yeah! Anytime!” The rest of you join them in laughter before saying your final goodbyes and then Cole escorts you back down the series of hallways you came from as the door to Winston’s lab closes and then bolts shut behind you.

You continue down the halls that will lead you back to the hangar where your plane the Slipstream 3 resides, but before you can leave the lab area of the facility a door opens up in front of you to the left and a tall, lanky figure in a lab coat steps out. You still in your tracks as your blood suddenly runs cold and your heart starts pounding in your chest. You knew that there was a chance you could run into former Overwatch members on this mission, but this was one person you were hoping to avoid at all costs. Her gaze remains fixed on the paperwork in her hands as her long nails rapidly tap away at the little blue screen, a sly smile creeping it’s way onto her visage as she continues to loom in the hallway in front of you. Cole manages to take a handful of steps forward before he notices your sudden absence to his left and turns back to stare at you behind him. You can see his mouth open slightly and his eyes narrow at you before he turns his head to glance back at the scientist in front of you. Moira finishes her tapping and looks up as she closes it out to find the three of you standing there. Her dual colored eyes scan over each of you and land on the only face that This Moira should recognize, “Ah, Agent Cassidy, to what do I owe this…unexpected visit?” “Just showing these scientists around,” Cole says hooking his thumbs through his belt loops. “Oh? I would have thought that sort of thing a bit below your pay-grade, and what exactly is their field of expertise?” Moira asks her eyes scanning you and Mei and then fixing on you. You try to steel your expression as best you can, but you can still feel her icy blue eye piercing through you like a needle. Mei glances back at you, “We’re Climatologists,” she announces placing a hand on your shoulder and covering for you. Luckily you and Mei had already zipped your jackets back up to cover your Chronal Accelerators again after leaving the safety of Winston’s lab, so Mei’s lie for you isn’t as blatant and leaves no real reason to disbelieve any of you. You also only just now notice that Snowball is tucked away in Mei’s canister on her back and not free-floating like before. “Hmm,” Moira ponders removing her gaze from you finally to stare up at the ceiling. But you’re reminded that this Is Moira and she likes to poke holes in everything, Often just for the fun of it. You have to try to suppress an involuntary shiver at the thought. “Curious what Overwatch would need with a couple of glorified weather reporters,” she muses. “Now, Moira, play nice,” Cole warns taking a cigar out of one of his pockets and placing it between his teeth. Which gains Moira’s attention and ire as her lip curls up in disgust, “You’d better not be thinking of lighting that thing in here.” “What?” Cole smirks his voice muffled slightly from the cigar, “This old thing?” he asks taking it out briefly to gesture with it, “Was just headed out for my smoke break.” Moira is clearly not amused, if her pursed lips and narrowed eyes are anything to go by. Cole steps backwards to you and takes your left hand in his right and tugs you toward his right side, effectively putting himself between you and Moira. But his hand in yours actually brings her attention back to you and she arches her brow, “Is this your little girlfriend?” she asks cooly towering over you, “Didn’t think you’d ever find one of those, Cassidy, what with that empty head of yours.” Cole chews on his cigar as he repositions it to the corner of his mouth and narrows his eyes at her. You know that sometimes Cole will keep an unlit cigar in his mouth as a way to calm his nerves and keep from grinding his teeth. And you also know that no one makes him grind his teeth more than Moira. “At least I don’t drink piss and vinegar instead of coffee in the mornings like you, Moira,” Cole quips back with a smile. The immediate frown on Moira’s face is almost comical, at least it would be if you weren’t still terrified of her. “Such colorful, backwater language that I’ve come to expect from you, Cowboy,” Moira says. You know what Cole’s doing, he’s trying to keep Moira’s full attention on himself so that she won’t scrutinize or criticize you and Mei. But you also still really want to leave, being in Moira’s presence is making you sick to your stomach. And besides, from what your husband has told you he had a lot less patience in his Blackwatch days than he does now and you can tell from the glint in Moira’s eyes that she’s waiting for him to crack. You tug on Cole’s hand subtly and he squeezes back in acknowledgment. “Well, I’ll let you get back to whatever it is that you science types brew up in your little cauldrons-I mean labs,” Cole says tipping his hat down with his left hand. Moira grumbles and looks like she’s about to say something else, but Cole cuts her off, “Can’t just stand out here in the hall gawking at your colleagues, there’s work to be done around here.” Moira’s eyes dart to the floor, “Yes, there is More important work for me to be doing,” she says thoughtfully and more to herself, “Good day, Agent, and Congratulations on actually managing to fool someone into dating you. Enjoy it while it lasts,” she says walking down the hall past you. The three of you continue walking again and you carefully look over your shoulder to find that Moira is gone. You breath a small sigh of relief and try to stop the shaking in your hands. “Are you okay?” Mei asks and Snowball peeks back out of Mei’s canister with a sad beep. “Yeah, I’ll be fine,” you answer quickly. You look up to find Cole staring down at you and then you glance down at his hand to realize that he’s still holding yours. “I know Moira can be a bit much,” Cole begins, drawing your eyes back up to him, “Personally, she always gives me the creeps.” He has no idea. You huff out a quiet laugh. Cole looks back down at you, “She really spooked you though,” he whispers. You glance over to Mei and she shakes her head, but then she picks up her pace to walk a little further ahead of you two, just enough to give you both some space. You know you can’t tell Cole the real reason for why Moira scares you so much. If he knew there’s no telling what he’d do to your abductor, he’d probably try to kill her honestly. But you can’t change the past, not even yours, you can only change the future. You meet Cole’s gaze again. “You want to talk about it?” Cole asks quietly. “You know I can’t,” you admit. There’s a touch of pain behind Cole’s eyes and he bites down on the cigar still in his mouth. A moment of silence passes between you as you walk down the halls together, the only sounds the soft hum of your Chronal Accelerator, and your’s and his boots clunking against the metal floors. “Promise me that you’ll at least talk to future me about it when you get back?” Cole asks. You’re caught off guard by his request and you look back up at him in surprise. “Whatever it is that I Can’t know about, I know you wouldn’t have kept from him. And I also know that he’d do anything for you, so promise me you’ll tell him? In case…I don’t remember,” Cole continues. You nod, “I will,” you promise. Cole sighs and offers you a small smile. You smile back at him. Moira may have accused Cole of being empty headed, and while he may not be a genius scientist like many of your friends in Overwatch, he’s always been very perceptive. And for a self-proclaimed genius scientist like Moira, she continuously underestimates him and actually played right into his hands when he started throwing insults at her. So much so that she began to ignore you and Mei in favor of winning the argument And getting the last word in. Cole was even willing to let her get under his skin a little if it meant protecting you from her scrutiny.

Soon enough the three of you reach the hangar and Cole takes the cigar from his mouth and stuffs it back into his pocket. And you notice that he’s almost bitten it in half from worrying it between his teeth, and now you’re really glad you decided against telling him the truth about Moira. He can and will be rightfully angry about it later, but now’s not the time, not when he still has to work with her within Blackwatch. And some of his most dangerous missions still lie ahead of him. Cole busies himself with scanning the hangar from the sidelines, and you glance around as well, and aside from your plane the Slipstream 3 there’s only one other plane. The crew from the hangar is busy with unloading the cargo from this plane, which clearly had arrived to the base after you, and as you study it…you realize that it’s the Actual Plane who’s callsign you had co-opted. “Ah, there they are,” Cole says beside you. You follow his gaze and spot Commanders Morrison and Reyes approaching you. “Well, that was fast,” Reyes notes. And you realize that he’s staring down at your’s and Cole’s joined hands. You let go of Cole’s hand and Cole loops his thumbs through his belt loops. “Get the blueprint you needed?” Jack asks. “Yep,” you say procuring the data chip from your pocket and holding it up for him to see. “Good,” Jack says, “We’ll clear you for takeoff in just a few more minutes,” he says looking over your shoulder at the plane that’s almost finished being unloaded. You put the chip back into your pocket. While you’re waiting for the other plane Cole pipes up, “You’ll never guess what happened, Miss Oxton instantly recognized them as being from the future.” “Of course she did,” Reyes groans in annoyance, his shoulders sagging. “You know maybe we should have called Lena in when we were interrogating them, Gabe,” Jack suggests. Reyes sighs and rubs his fingers between his brows. Jack has the biggest shit-eating grin on his face and Reyes just looks like he can’t wait for this crazy day to end. You lower the ramp to the plane once everything is cleared away. “See you all soon!” Mei chimes happily waving to the group, Snowball chimes in with a few beeps as well, “Snowball also says goodbye!” “Who’s Snowball?” Reyes questions with his hand in the air as Mei boards the plane. Cole surprises you by taking one of your hands in his left, “I’ll see you soon, Sweetheart.” “See you soon, Cowboy,” you say as you step backwards onto the ramp and the two of you keep your hands outstretched until only your fingertips touch and then your hand falls limp to your side. “Good luck out there, Overwatch,” Jack says with a salute. “Thanks,” you say mimicking his salute and with that you board the plane.

                                                                      *******

“Preparing to jump in three..two…-“ she says and then the radio crackles and fills with static, and then a few moments pass where no one says anything else. “I guess it worked,” Jack says as he checks in with the radio tower operators in front of him. “So what was that all about?” Gabe asks Cole. Cole looks up at his boss, “Huh?” “You know, that whole hand holding, ‘Oh now we’re stepping apart as we stare wistfully into each other’s eyes’ bit,” Gabe explains. “Oh that?” Cole asks. “Yeah, That,” Gabe says. Cole smiles wide and looks out the window at the blue, open skies as he takes off his hat and places it over his heart, “That was My Wife.”

[megamattzx]

New Frontier Character profile examples

First one: 

Name: Son Gohan Jr (or Son Gohan the third if we want to include grandpa Gohan)

Nickname (if any): Hano (distinction from the different versions of Gohan) Age: 4 Faction: Red Ribbon Army (Creation), Time Patrol  (Adopted) Alignment: Neutral Good

Race/Species: Saiyan-human hybrid Species Variant (If applicable): Universe 7 half Saiyan, half human Gender: male

Sexuality: TBD

Rank/Title (if any): none

Height: 3'9 Weight: 75 lbs

Hair Color: Black Eye Color: Black

Abilities/Skills/Transformations (if any): Ki manipulation, Latent transformations, latent power. Strengths and Weaknesses: latent potential but not currently a fight. Intelligent for his age, though naive.

Family: Son "Kakarot" Goku Jr (adopted father) Son Gohan, Goten, Beat, Basaku, and Erito (Adopted uncles), Videl and Viola (adopted Aunts), Pan (adopted Cousin), Son "Kakarot" Goku (Adopted Grandfather), Son Chi-Chi (Adopted Grandmother), Ox King (adopted maternal great-grandfather), Bardock (adopted paternal great-Grandfather), Gine (adopted paternal great-grandmother)

Mate/Spouse (if any): no, he's too young

Personality: In development, but he is a very shy and timid boy from the start.

Backstory: Gohan Jr, or Hano, was created in response to Gohan defeating Cell, Bojack, Broly the second time around, Cell Max, and Garlic Jr. After the Red Ribbon Army acquired Gohan's DNA after years of experimentation. They managed to create a perfect clone of Gohan, only for the accelerated aging not to take effect.  For four years, he was forced into grueling training exercises to be turned into a weapon against the Dragon team and team patrol. Fortunately for the boy, fate has other plans for him.

Overall Appearance:  Hano looked exactly like Gohan when he was his age, but his clothes are different from the start. He wears a dark crimson and gray version of the orange gi Gohan wore training with Piccolo. He is currently in the red ribbon army base, unaware of his true fate.

Second one: 

Name: Crimson Scarlet Red Ribbon

Nickname (if any): Commander Crimson Age: 172 (physically 24) Faction: New Red Ribbon Army, Red Ribbon pharmaceuticals, Capsule Corp (mutually beneficial partnership), Time Patrol (secret Ally) Alignment: lawful neutral leaning towards good

Race/Species:Human turned cybernetic Android Species Variant (If applicable):advanced human Gender: Male

Sexuality: Aromantic Asexual

Rank/Title (if any):  Commander of the new Red Ribbon Army. CEO of Red Ribbon Pharmaceuticals

Height: 5'9 Weight:270

Hair Color:Black Eye Color: Silver

Abilities/Skills/Transformations (if any):  superhuman strength, speed, agility and senses, ki manipulation, upgraded cybernetics.  Unreadable energy, able to use barriers. Able to command cybernetics and robotics. Immune to any and all poisons and toxins. An extremely proficient expert at weapons of various kinds.

Strengths and Weaknesses: strengths:  cunning, organized, cautious, prepared, intelligent, strategic, resourceful, has everything planned out.

Weaknesses: Can come off as egotistical and narcissistic at times even when that's not the case, overly cautious to the point where one could mistake pessimism. Cybernetics also can be a hindrance should they be disabled or damaged. Cynical. Sensitive eyes from enhancements

Family: Commander Red (Father) Magenta (Elder Brother), Violet (mother)

Mate/Spouse (if any): none.

Personality: Determined, Persistent, cynical, albeit optimistic, a visionary, always set in the future for the long term.

Backstory: Commander Crimson was born shortly before the events of the original Dragon Ball in an alternate timeline and saw the issues with the Red Ribbon Army to begin with from the very beginning at a young age. By the time Goku destroyed the Red Ribbon Army the first time, Crimson had already considered leaving the Army by making himself into an Android and gathering as much resources from the original Red Ribbon as he could as Goku was destroying the Army. Observing the other events of Dragon Ball ever since, Crimson decided to not only rebuild the Red Ribbon Army but also completely reform it from its original goal from conquering the world to simply changing the world for the better. Crimson spent the last century bidding his time building the resources across the timelines, and building the Red Ribbon Army and creating the strongest version of The Red Ribbon Army to exist in the Omniverse. This has caused him to be in turmoil with all other versions of the Army. Secretly fighting a war on multiple fronts without the Time Patrol's knowledge. Crimson is an ally operating in the shadows biting his time for the necessary moment to strike and emerge from the shadows for good working on an Android project of his own to be the Time Patrol's best assistance. What he is calling this project is currently unknown. As are the details of another project called project Mobius.

Overall Appearance: significantly older than he looks, courtesy of his enhancements, Crimson looks like a young man around the age of 24, with peach skin, medium black hair, silver eyes, a crimson suit with a black dress shirt, Scarlet tie, Crimson dressed long coat, black vest, polish black shoes and adaptive lens style sunglasses for his eyes. He also wears a dark brown Indiana Jones style Fedora

[whentherewerebicycles]

i am obviously not going to be able to fit all of this into my job talk and i have no idea if it’ll even match the prompt BUT i’ve been thinking about some of the specific areas of programming i’d be most psyched to design/work on if i got this job. still incomplete (and obviously this could easily be 5-10 years’ worth of work but i like to DREAM ok!!!) but here you go.

Focus Area 1: Make high-impact mentoring more accessible, effective, and sustainable for faculty and students.

Build upon the success of existing faculty cohort programs (Diversity and CE Fellows) (ie structured longer-term forms of professional development, community building, ongoing support

Collaborate with faculty, staff, students to develop a centralized library of evidence-based resources (tools to use at different stages in mentoring relationships, mentoring curricula, professional development workshops to address specific needs, etc.), to ensure students get the most out of mentorship AND to ensure faculty are able to engage in high-impact mentoring in personally & professionally sustainable ways. (Basically I just think that too often faculty are left alone to reinvent the wheel and that is so exhausting!! It increases the likelihood that mentoring will be ad-hoc and kinda random instead of thoughtfully planned. It also means people might not be using the most time-effective, culturally responsive, and/or evidence-validated strategies. I’ve always been REALLY into the idea of interviewing faculty and students about their mentoring experiences, needs, challenges, etc. and then using that info + secondary research to develop a toolbox of activities, forms/tools, and vetted resources people can consult & use for any stage of the mentoring relationship. it could be modeled off alison green’s incredible The Management Center and tailored to the institution’s specific demographics: high rates of first-gen, first-gen low income, and transfer students. this would just be like... passion project for me lol.)

Create resources (as part of the toolkit above) and integrate workshops into existing undergrad research programs that teach mentees the skills they need to get the most out of mentoring relationships (such as how to identify potential mentors, initiate mentoring, define expectations, communicate short- and long-term goals, develop mentoring maps, prepare for meetings with their mentor, navigate conflict, etc.), with a focus on giving students greater agency and confidence in navigating mentor/mentee relationships.

Restart the defunct faculty research mentor award program (and explore other ways of recognizing and thanking faculty for their intellectual and emotional labor). Also, explore ways of institutionally rewarding and incentivizing faculty mentorship, for instance in relation to promotion, tenure review, or contract extensions. (This is an area I’d need to learn more about—but it would be cool to explore how faculty currently document mentorship work in their tenure files or whatever.) 

Focus Area 2: Increase transfer student engagement in research. 

Background: [school] accepts very high numbers of transfer students each year; transfer students often significantly overlap with other student demographics (many transfer students are first-gen, BIPOC, or belong to other groups historically underrepresented in higher education) but they’re also a unique demographic who would benefit from targeted programming designed with their specific needs and accelerated timelines. Transfer students may enter four-year universities with less navigational capital than their peers and less familiarity or past contact with research (as two-year college faculty may be less likely to engage in research or to integrate students into research projects). They also tend to have greater demands on their time and resources outside of the classroom and fewer years in college to build relationships with faculty and to explore different research opportunities. 

Before transfer students matriculate:

Work with local community college instructors and advisors to demystify research, communicate the academic and professional benefits of engaging in undergrad research, and familiarize students with [school] resources/opportunities.

Incorporate presentations & workshops specifically tailored to transfer students into new student orientation events.

Collaborate with academic advisors & academic coaches who support transfer students to deepen their awareness of [school] research opportunities and to develop strategies for guiding students towards research. Focus on developing consistent messaging and easy-to-digest one-page resources that advisors can share with students.

Create a page specifically geared towards transfer students on the Office of [Redacted]’s website (so we have somewhere to direct students during workshops, orientation, etc.).

Directly email all incoming transfer students to invite them to a special “Getting Involved in Research” event held in the fall, where they can listen to faculty speakers and then have a chance to informally network with faculty in small groups after. 

During transfer students’ two years at [school name]:

Develop and teach two-credit “Research for Transfer Students” course (potentially modeled on the UW Seattle version)

Develop and implement Faculty Mentor Lunch/Dinner program (modeled off the one in the first-gen book—look up the institution) specifically for transfer students, to help them make early contact with faculty and learn about ongoing research projects.

Work with academic advisors to encourage them to incorporate curricular and co-curricular research opportunities into the degree maps they already create with students

Explore ways of recognizing and incentivizing transfer student involvement in research (for instance, creating a faculty-nominated award to honor transfer students who have excelled in research placements, or even eventually creating a certificate program where students earn a credential of some kind by taking a couple classes, completing a research assistantship or internship, participating in a professional development workshop series, and presenting their research at a conference or campus symposium).

Gather informal data from transfer students to understand barriers to getting involved in research & explore ways of addressing those barriers (for instance, if childcare responsibilities prevents adult students from engaging in research or attending late afternoon/evening workshops, how can we get creative about addressing these barriers?)

After students graduate:

Maintain an active alumni network if possible, since most alums live in the region (newsletter highlighting transfer students and former transfer student alums’ achievements and projects?)

Invite alums back to speak at workshops and events (ooh it might be cool to have them attend one of the faculty mentor dinners or the orientation event).

Explore eventually developing a professional mentorship program (similar to the business school’s) that pairs transfer student alums with current students. This could be integrated into a larger professional mentorship program. 

Focus Area 3:

Can’t decide between these (all of which would obv be long-term projects)...

Gradually increase the number of undergrads who complete some kind of senior research project (a senior thesis, Capstone, or research assistantship that involves creating a substantive professional research product) over time... would have to learn more about what their current support for thesis writing looks like & also think more about the specific infrastructure you’d need to make this possible. could target a specific department as an initial three-year pilot or something like that, maybe?

Develop a research certificate or minor of some kind that involves completing a specific number or sequence of courses, participating in professional development programming, completing a research assistantship or internship, and/or doing some kind of senior research project? idk would obviously have to think about this more & learn more about institutional politics & look at how similar programs are structured at other institutions)

Collaborate with the Connected Learning director to recreate my old program in this new school <333 I bet we could get that Mellon $$ lol

[aimlayresearch]

MBA Admission 2025: A Comprehensive Guide to Your Path to Success

Pursuing an MBA (Master of Business Administration) remains one of the most effective ways to advance in your career, broaden your professional network, and gain the expertise necessary to excel in today’s competitive business landscape.

If you’re considering applying for MBA Admission 2025, this comprehensive guide will walk you through the key aspects of the MBA admission process, from preparing your application to choosing the right program and understanding what schools are looking for in candidates.

Why Pursue an MBA in 2025?

The value of an MBA is timeless, but in 2025, it promises to be more relevant than ever. With new technological advancements, shifts in global markets, and changes in corporate structures, the MBA is evolving to prepare students for the challenges of the future. Here’s why pursuing an MBA in 2025 might be the best decision for your career:

Industry-Relevant Skills: Today’s MBA programs are adapting to rapid changes in business. Courses now cover digital transformation, data analytics, sustainability, and leadership in a tech-driven world. An MBA can equip you with both traditional business acumen and cutting-edge tools needed to succeed.

Networking Opportunities: Business school provides a unique platform to meet like-minded professionals, establish connections with influential alumni, and collaborate with peers from diverse backgrounds. These relationships can significantly impact your career trajectory.

Career Advancement: For mid-career professionals, an MBA offers an opportunity to pivot into leadership roles, start a new business, or change industries entirely. In many cases, it acts as a career accelerator, unlocking new job opportunities.

Global Perspective: The increasing globalization of business requires professionals to understand global markets, cultural nuances, and international business strategies. Many top-tier MBA programs offer global immersion experiences, preparing you to operate on a world stage.

The MBA Admission Process for 2025

Applying for an MBA is a multi-step process that requires careful planning and execution. Below is an overview of the key components involved in MBA admissions for 2025.

1. Choosing the Right MBA Program

The first step in your MBA journey is to research and select the right program. There are a variety of MBA formats available to suit different professional backgrounds and career goals, including:

Full-Time MBA: Ideal for those who can take time off work to immerse themselves in the academic environment. These programs typically take two years to complete.

Part-Time MBA: A flexible option for working professionals who want to earn their degree while continuing their careers.

Executive MBA (EMBA): Designed for senior professionals with significant work experience who are looking to enhance their leadership skills.

Online MBA: A great choice for those seeking flexibility, allowing you to complete coursework remotely while managing other commitments.

Global MBA: Offers opportunities to study in multiple countries, providing an international perspective and networking opportunities.

Consider your career goals, timeline, and personal circumstances when selecting the right program. It’s essential to look for a school that aligns with your aspirations and provides a strong alumni network, top faculty, and robust career services.

2. Preparing Your Application Materials

MBA programs are highly competitive, so your application needs to stand out. Here’s a breakdown of the key components of the application process for 2025:

GMAT/GRE Scores: While many programs have made the GMAT or GRE optional in recent years, some top business schools still require these standardized tests. Preparing for and excelling in these exams will significantly improve your chances of admission.

Academic Transcripts: Schools will review your undergraduate academic performance, so it’s important to have strong grades. If your undergraduate GPA is not stellar, you can counterbalance this with other aspects of your application, like work experience or a high GMAT score.

Work Experience: MBA programs typically require at least two years of work experience. Schools value professional achievements, leadership potential, and your ability to contribute to the classroom discussions. Make sure your resume reflects your accomplishments and highlights your growth in your career.

Essays/Personal Statement: Most schools ask you to submit personal statements or essays where you articulate why you want to pursue an MBA, why you’ve chosen that particular school, and how the program aligns with your career goals. Be authentic, clear, and focused in your responses.

Letters of Recommendation: Most programs require two or three letters of recommendation from professional contacts who can speak to your skills, leadership potential, and character. Choose recommenders who know you well and can provide specific examples of your work and achievements.

Interview: If you’re shortlisted, you will likely be invited for an interview. This is your chance to showcase your personality, your passion for business, and how you fit with the school’s culture.

3. Understanding What Schools Look for in Applicants

Top MBA programs are looking for more than just academic excellence or professional experience. They seek individuals who have leadership potential, a strong sense of initiative, and the ability to collaborate with others. Schools also look for diversity in applicants, valuing different professional backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives.

In general, here are the key qualities that admissions committees are looking for:

Leadership: Schools want to see that you’ve demonstrated leadership in your career, whether it’s through managing teams, taking on high-impact projects, or contributing to organizational growth.

Academic Ability: While work experience is important, a solid academic record shows that you can handle the rigors of business school.

Interpersonal Skills: Collaboration and teamwork are essential components of an MBA program, so schools value candidates who can communicate effectively and work well with others.

Global Outlook: A broad worldview and an understanding of international business issues are increasingly important in today’s globalized economy.

Important Deadlines and Application Timelines

Every school has its own application deadlines, but most top MBA programs have three rounds of admissions:

Round 1: Early fall (usually September or October)

Round 2: Winter (typically in January)

Round 3: Late spring (April or May)

Applicants who apply in earlier rounds tend to have a better chance of admission, as there are more spots available. Be sure to check individual school websites for specific dates and deadlines.

Scholarships and Financial Aid

The cost of an MBA can be significant, but many schools offer scholarships, fellowships, and other forms of financial aid. Some of these are merit-based, while others are need-based or targeted at specific groups (e.g., women in business, underrepresented minorities, etc.). Be sure to research and apply for financial assistance as part of your admission process.

Conclusion: Get Ready for Your Future

An MBA is more than just a degree; it’s a transformative experience that opens doors to new opportunities, enhances your career prospects, and empowers you to make a significant impact in the business world. If you’re considering MBA admission 2025, start planning now.

Research schools, polish your application materials, prepare for exams, and make sure your professional experience reflects the leadership and strategic thinking skills that top business schools value. With the right preparation and determination, your MBA journey will not only set the foundation for your future career but also give you the tools to become a leader in a rapidly evolving world.

[divinejhonson]

Ready-Made Concrete Delivery Services in Karachi: A Complete Guide

 In the bustling city of Karachi, where construction projects are in full swing, the demand for high-quality building materials is always at its peak. Among the most essential materials, ready-made concrete stands out as a versatile, durable, and efficient solution for construction needs. Whether you're working on residential, commercial, or industrial projects, opting for Ready Made Concrete Karachi can significantly streamline your construction process.

Understanding Ready-Made Concrete

Ready-made concrete, also known as ready-mix concrete, is a pre-mixed blend of cement, aggregates, water, and other additives. It is prepared in a controlled environment at a batching plant and delivered to construction sites in a ready-to-use form. This eliminates the need for on-site mixing, ensuring consistency and quality.

Key Features of Ready-Made Concrete:

Pre-mixed in precise proportions.

Delivered directly to the construction site.

Suitable for various applications, including foundations, walls, slabs, and pavements.

Customizable to meet specific project requirements.

The Growing Demand for Ready-Made Concrete in Karachi

Karachi, Pakistan's economic hub, witnesses rapid urbanization and infrastructure development. From residential buildings to commercial complexes and industrial projects, the city’s construction sector is thriving. This growth has spurred a rise in the adoption of ready-made concrete due to its numerous advantages:

Time Efficiency: Ready-made concrete reduces the time spent on mixing and preparation, accelerating project timelines.

Quality Assurance: Being mixed under controlled conditions ensures consistent quality.

Cost-Effectiveness: Minimizes waste and reduces labor costs.

Environmentally Friendly: Uses precise quantities of raw materials, reducing environmental impact.

Benefits of Choosing Ready-Made Concrete in Karachi

1. Consistency in Quality

Ready-made concrete is prepared using state-of-the-art equipment, ensuring uniformity in every batch. This consistency translates into stronger and more durable structures.

2. Convenience

Delivered directly to your construction site, ready-made concrete eliminates the hassle of on-site mixing, saving time and labor.

3. Customized Mix Designs

With ready-made concrete, you can specify the mix design tailored to your project's needs, whether it’s high-strength concrete for a skyscraper or lightweight concrete for residential use.

4. Reduced Wastage

Precise measurements and batching reduce material wastage, making it a cost-effective option for builders.

5. Eco-Friendly Construction

Efficient production methods and reduced waste contribute to more sustainable construction practices.

Ready-Made Concrete Delivery Services in Karachi

When choosing a supplier for ready-made concrete in Karachi, reliability, quality, and timely delivery are critical factors. Trusted suppliers like Allied Materials provide comprehensive delivery services tailored to meet the unique needs of various projects.

Key Aspects of Delivery Services:

Prompt Delivery With an extensive fleet of concrete mixer trucks, suppliers ensure on-time delivery to keep construction schedules on track.

Wide Coverage Delivery services cater to construction sites across Karachi, from densely populated areas to suburban locations.

Professional Handling Trained professionals manage the transportation and unloading process, ensuring the integrity of the concrete is maintained.

Flexibility Ready-made concrete can be delivered in various quantities, catering to small-scale projects as well as large construction sites.

How to Choose the Best Ready-Made Concrete Supplier in Karachi

Selecting the right supplier is crucial for the success of your construction project. Here are some factors to consider:

1. Reputation and Experience

Look for suppliers with a proven track record of providing high-quality ready-made concrete. Established companies like Allied Materials are known for their reliability and expertise.

2. Quality Standards

Ensure the supplier adheres to international quality standards, including ISO certifications, to guarantee the durability and strength of the concrete.

3. Range of Services

A good supplier offers a variety of concrete mixes to suit different applications, from residential projects to industrial construction.

4. Timely Delivery

Check the supplier’s delivery capacity and ensure they can meet your project timelines.

5. Customer Support

Choose a supplier with responsive customer support to address queries and provide assistance throughout the project.

Applications of Ready-Made Concrete

Ready-made concrete is versatile and suitable for a wide range of construction applications:

Foundations: Ensures a strong and stable base for buildings.

Walls and Columns: Provides durability and structural integrity.

Slabs and Floors: Ideal for creating smooth and even surfaces.

Roads and Pavements: Offers high strength and resistance to wear and tear.

Precast Products: Used in manufacturing precast components like beams, blocks, and panels.

Why Builders in Karachi Prefer Ready-Made Concrete

1. Streamlined Construction Process

Ready-made concrete simplifies the construction process, allowing builders to focus on other critical aspects of the project.

2. Enhanced Productivity

With pre-mixed concrete delivered on-site, construction teams can work more efficiently, completing projects faster.

3. Reduced Labor Costs

Eliminating the need for on-site mixing reduces the number of workers required, saving on labor expenses.

4. Improved Structural Performance

The consistency and quality of ready-made concrete enhance the overall performance and longevity of structures.

Common Myths About Ready-Made Concrete

Despite its popularity, some misconceptions persist about ready-made concrete. Let’s debunk a few:

1. Myth: It’s Too Expensive

Fact: While the upfront cost may seem higher, the savings on labor, time, and material wastage make it a cost-effective option in the long run.

2. Myth: It’s Not Flexible

Fact: Ready-made concrete can be customized to meet specific project requirements.

3. Myth: It’s Only for Large Projects

Fact: Ready-made concrete is suitable for projects of all sizes, from small residential buildings to large industrial complexes.

The Future of Ready-Made Concrete in Karachi

With the ongoing development and modernization of Karachi, the demand for ready-made concrete is expected to grow. Innovations in concrete technology, such as self-compacting concrete and eco-friendly materials, will further enhance its appeal.

Suppliers like Allied Materials are at the forefront of this evolution, ensuring that Karachi’s construction sector has access to high-quality and sustainable building solutions.

Conclusion

For builders and developers in Karachi, Ready Made Concrete in Karachi is not just a material but a solution that ensures efficiency, quality, and cost-effectiveness in construction projects. Choosing a reliable supplier like Allied Materials ensures you receive the best products and services tailored to your project needs.

As the city continues to grow and evolve, ready-made concrete will remain a cornerstone of its infrastructure, paving the way for stronger, more sustainable developments. Whether you’re constructing a high-rise building, a residential home, or an industrial facility, ready-made concrete is the key to building with confidence in Karachi.