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genuflectx · 2 years

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Giant Mantis/Reader CH6 Epilogue {SFW}

Chapter Length: 2,529

Main Themes: Giant bugs, fluff

Other Warnings: Internships, manipulative texts, mutual anxiety, children

So long for now, little alien bugs

Ch 1 - Ch 2 - Ch 3 - Ch 4 - Ch 5 - Epilogue (you are here)

(all images in aesthetic board are labeled for reuse with modification or are mine)

Chapter 6 - Return

The change was easier than you expected. The worst of it was when you had to fly back home and finish your affairs, waiting for Gladys to get confirmation that you could come on board as an intern to full-hire. The waiting, waiting, more waiting nearly drove you up a wall. You frequently sat staring out the gigantic apartment windows, out across the skyscrapers that rasped the polluted city air. Then you'd come back to Earth, remembering you needed to hurry and fill out all the tediously long pages of background check and security information.

As soon as Gladys called and gave you the a-okay you rushed to make calls of your own. Family took the news of your move relatively well when they learned it was for a job supposedly in your field- which of course it wasn't- albeit none of them were thrilled about the distance. They had been the simplest part. It had been your ex who gave you trouble; though they tried to place emotional pressure on your shoulders you refused to bend to their tactics.

Wednesday, 3:07pm

I can't believe you're doing this this is crazy!!

5:55pm

Youre just fuckin with me aren't you. Just trying to see if i'd care if you just up and moved away like it was nothing. We're still friends!! don't you think I would still miss you?

You so graciously responded to them, opting not to ignore their messages in favor of keeping the peace as much as possible. Even when you knew they were being manipulative, underneath it all you knew that they were just insecure and lonely. You didn't have to take it, but you weren't going to be mean either. This was it. This had to be it.

6:10pm

We'll be okay, you have nothing to worry about. I already got to know my new boss really well on vacation. She's really nice! I'm super excited to work with her and learn.

6:16pm

I don't care who your boss is I'm still not even convinced this is all real, you might be being scammed by some stranger on some randon fuckin island out there, for who knows how long doing what. Wha did they even hire you for?

You tried, and tried, but nothing seemed to ease their nerves. Eventually you stopped trying, but their texts continued, becoming increasingly more snide and panicked the longer you didn't say anything. It only solidified why you needed to be separated from them. Why, even trying to be friends, things just weren't working. As your phone buzzed in the early hours of morning you sleepily pictured Vervain back at the island, his arms spread and waiting for you to embrace him. Did he think of you, too?

Thursday 3:21am

if you do this we can't keep talking. I can't take it. Quinne mighttake me back. Yeah, bet you didn't know. She was always nicer to me than you were anyways and she doesnt like childish shite like stuffed animals or believe in things like art therapy. Yeah yeah I know your a “psychologist” but that just means you should know better what does and doesn't work- The text continued on, and you stopped reading. Somehow, despite everything they said, you had never felt more alive than when you hugged your pillow in darkness thinking of the island.

You gave your landlord notice. Finished out your sales job. Booked a one way ticket, no hotel room needed. Packing took the most out of you between everything, and you really cut it close. In the end, you even decided to give a good few things away to save on the amount of junk you'd be moving over.

When you stood stock still, surveying the horizon from your window one last time, you considered that maybe this was a mistake. If something went wrong where would you go? Eventually you planned to buy a home on the island, but that would be some ways off. Perhaps upon arrival things would change and Gladys would no longer want you there. You would have to use your savings to book a hotel in town just to have a roof; there would be no apartment to go back to, and you couldn't bare the stress of staying with your parents after so long of being on your own.

And Vervain? What if he no longer wanted you by the time you were again face to face? You imagined his mother finding him a more suitable mantis mate. Someone who fit better against his body. Someone who had his strong sense of smell, sense of sight, his craving for the occasional pound of fresh meat. You tired to swallow those fears down with the Dramamine.

After three months away from the island you were in jitters, both from excitement and that nervousness that plagued you since you left. It did not leave you even when the plane landed. Did not leave when you stepped upon the ferry. And when you finally planted your feet again on solid ground still the nerves persisted, even as Gladys hugged you tightly. You didn't know someone her age could be so strong. You choked, patting her back and laughing, until she pulled away.

“No time to dawdle, you have your work cut out for you as soon as we get back!” She declared, tugging you along to her truck.

You chewed your lip, dragging along a thick, heavy suitcase which was the only thing to ground you. The rest of your belongings would arrive later. “You uh, mentioned a surprise over the phone a few times?”

Gladys opened your side of the truck and stood in your way, beaming suspiciously. “Oh yes, many surprises, honey. Well. You ready to start your new career?”

More like my whole new life, you thought, and gave her an enthusiastic nod. You'd been ready for three months. A menagerie of greens and yellows overtook your thoughts as the two of you made the painstakingly long trip to the reserve. It felt longer than an hour. You wondered if she was driving slowly or if it was just your imagination.

The closer you got the more excitement overtook the fear. She opened the gate in the fence, drove through, closed it behind her. Tall pines and evergreens flew by in a blur and you bit your lip in an attempt to contain yourself.

There were no mantids around when she parked in her gravel driveway. You tried not to look disappointed. As if reading your mind, Gladys chuckled. You thought she would be so kind as to tell you were Vervain was, but when she didn't, dread again pooled in your stomach. Why wouldn't she tell you? You wanted to think it was part of the surprise, but after being away from him for so long there was still that fear that something was wrong. Again your brain whispered, maybe he didn't want to see you. Maybe he found a new suitor, one of his own kind, that he liked more.

“Let's get your things in your room. Picked one out for ya. You'll love it,” she patted her dashboard in punctuation then got out, and you were happy she at least took your suitcase for you. Your stomach was becoming too nauseous to wheel it along.

You walked behind her, dragging your feet. With her key in the door she glanced over, smirking. “Nervous?” She turned back, the door clicking as it unlocked. “Don't worry, I was, too, on my first day. Maybe there's something we can do to remedy that.”

The door slowly swung open, and you were shocked that it was dark inside. She had drawn all the blinds and turned out all the lights before she left, apparently. But something small shifted in the dark, and suddenly several lights were flicked on at once.

“Surprise!” Squeaked tiny, childlike voices.

You stood and gasped in the doorway, eyes wide as dinner plates. The joint living room and dining room were littered with little faces, all looking at you, all spindly legs and moss-green, wingless bodies. Only, one stood out. There, in front of the table with its chairs pushed away to the side, was a massive presence fidgeting with its giant barbed arms.

“Vervain!” You cried, unsure if you should give into the instinct to rush to him and hug him. “You... you all...”

Gladys slapped your back a little too hard. “Eight in total.” She sounded so proud.

The faces were children, now chattering and surrounding you, tugging at the hem of your shirt and prodding Gladys for access to the suitcase. You shot Vervain an astonished look. He stared back, but didn't say anything.

“Human.”

You turned your face down. A mantis with bright blue eyes had its stubby fingers clenched into the fabric of your pocket, digging around. You gently grabbed the hand and it hissed, forcing you to flinch away.

“Not nice,” Gladys crouched and scolded, wagging her finger.

The baby took its hand away, a fistful of lint apparently enough to satisfy it. It babbled something at Gladys, then threw the lint at her. She sputtered and shoved them gently. The child skittered away, clicking in its mouth.

“Don't worry,” she sighed, straightening. “They're sturdier than they look. You have to take an authoritative stance with the children or they won't accept you. Buuut that's work stuff, you can learn more about it later. For now,” she clapped a hand on your shoulder and looked fond. “Welcome home, [Y/N].”

A choir of baby voices echoed her. But the one voice you wanted to hear didn't speak up. That dread continued to gnaw at you. With the children distracted by opening your suitcase and rummaging, you took the opportunity to slip away towards Vervain where he still sat, fidgeting.

“Well they seem like... a handful,” you laughed awkwardly, trying to break the ice. “Whose are they?”

Wisteria or Ginkgo, you thought silently, though you only recalled Wisteria mating all those months ago. You looked up at Vervain expectantly, a small polite smile on your lips.

Vervain stared, mouth parts chewing. Their small dark pupils slid to the ground.

Well. That wasn't a good sign. You swallowed thickly, feeling a lump form in your throat. “Things must be crazy around here now,” you continued, crossing your arms. He still didn't say anything. “It's okay, you know. If you're not excited to see me. I guess I... I understand.”

His eyes slid back up and he stopped fidgeting, becoming a big green statue. You eyes fell in turn.

“I've thought about it a lot while back home. Er, at my old apartment. Don't want to make it weird but,” you exhaled shakily. “Let's just get it out there and be done with it? Okay? Because before I left things got intense and I know, maybe you were just happy a human wasn't scared for once. And that after I left, you would have had time to calm down and think, or change your mind, and... I don't regret coming back. But I just. Want you to know I understand. If you didn't miss me as much as I missed you.”

You looked up at him again, heart exposed, and weren't sure what you were looking for. But the drooping of his antennas and expression of utter grief (one you realized you could only ascertain after growing accustom to their minute facial details) was not it. You yelped, suddenly crushed against him between two strong forearms, the barbs pressing softly into your back.

“V-Vervain?” You peeped, palms against his smooth shell.

He loosened, but only just-so. “I was afraid. That it was youwho would not have missed me. I have missed you so much.”

That percolated, and then you felt silly. A strangled laugh escaped your tight throat and your vision blurred, threatening to release a deluge of embarrassed and relieved tears. You pushed against him slightly, and he let go so you could look up into his purple eyes.

“I think... I think we're both sorta idiots, aren't we?” You smiled softly.

One of his claws scraped into the floorboards, just enough to scratch. “I am glad you are here. Gladys let me into the house to surprise you. There is cake. Do you like cake?”

You laughed with more of your body now, grin wide and stupid. You nodded.

“Hey! Bastard!” Gladys called from where she'd been supervising the children. “Quit scratching my floors up!”

Vervain brought his arms back to his chest but otherwise did not seem apologetic. You sighed, then went in for a second, much less constrictive, embrace, feeling warm all over and exactly where you were supposed to be.

Before cake Gladys shooed all the babies out of the house, citing that they would absolutely decimate the cake if not careful. The three of you sat around the table, all warm smiles and hopeful thoughts, and as you took another bite you groaned and voiced regret.

“Too much!” You griped. “But I almost never eat cake, ugh, I want to finish this!”

Vervain, who was licking small bits of cake off of one sharp claw, made an amused sound in his throat. You suddenly felt sheepish. Luckily, Gladys broke the tension with her loud voice.

“A picture. How about it kids? You still got that camera?”

You looked at her a moment while chewing, then realized what she was asking. You stood and nodded, moving towards the contents of your suitcase which were still strewn about the joint rooms.

“Yeah! Hold on, it's... around here somewhere. Should be in a blue- here it is!” You gathered it from a protective bag that had been left on a loveseat. “I got all my pictures from my trip here printed out too. When I was printing I realized I didn't have any of you, Gladys.”

She leaned back at the table and smirked. “But plenty of Vervain.”

“Yes. [Y/N] liked making photos of me,” he said, unhelpful to your case.

Your face warmed. You decided not to comment and instead brought it to the table and held it up. “It has a timed mode.”

“Here,” Gladys got up and took it.

The camera was set on a small side table Gladys had moved over, and the two of you bracketed Vervain. He brought one possessive forearm around you, drawing you closer, and you felt flush all over. This new job was going to be the death of you. It felt like grade school, like first love, something that made you kick your feet into your mattress and scream into your pillow. But it was also exciting and new, and you were so ready to begin.

“Okay! Get ready folks,” Gladys warned, leaning and pressing the button. As soon as the first second ticked by, she asked: “So, when will you two have a clutch of your own?”

Your jaw immediately dropped, head snapping to shoot her a flabbergasted look of shock and confusion, then the camera flashed.

#terato #exophilia #giant bug #giant insect #monster romance #art

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thejanewestin · 4 years

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the shopping mall AU no one asked for

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#janewestin draws #fanart #janewestin paints #frozen fanart #frozen #elsamaren #elsa #honeymaren #frozen 2

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jazminebritney12 · 4 years

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10 Questions Ahead of hiring a Cleaning Company

Screening and recruiting a professional cleaning service for your office isn't as easy as you think. As your company owner, you should spend your time doing homework on the companies that you are considering to keep your offices clean. In fact, you should treat hiring an office cleaning service just like hiring any member of your team.When considering hiring an external company to travel openly inside the offices of not just yourself but other workers, keep in mind what such individuals would have at their disposal. There are not only personal information for workers but also materials, products and useful information for companies. One dishonest worker who could easily turn your life into shambles. Your workplace is your corporate attitude. That's just one reason why it's important to employ a reliable cleaning company that can offer a full clean for your heart safety thoroughly, safely and efficiently. Screening and hiring a commercial cleaning service is not an easy job, but if you're doing it right, you can score a janitorial service that will allow you to establish a relationship for years to come. There are so many types of cleaning firms that it might be a challenging method to find the best one for your workplace. The fact that so many office cleaning firms would say just about anything to score your company is contributing to the overwhelming phase. Your best weapon is to know the right questions to ask, rather than relying solely on the details they offer you. The following are 10 Questions to Ask Before Hiring an Office Cleaning Service that will help you distinguish the bright stars from night-time flying firms:1. What accounts are you currently serving with a business like mine and how many years were you in that industry?Every company obviously needs to start somewhere, but do you want your company to be the training ground for a brand new office cleaning service? Experience counts and the more experience you get, the better work you'll get. Look for an organization with a secure work history that is keen on satisfying your needs. Past actions by businesses can easily predict future behavior. Seek references and do a long review with each company to get a clear idea of how happy their customers are with their service. Only because the operator has a rag supply, and the window cleaner does not count them as a qualified cleaner. Every time you need to have experience, skill and a clean consistency. 2. What steps do you take to screen cleaners from your office?All cleaning services firms will carry out random drug testing and a comprehensive background check at the very least. An even stronger company will go above and beyond enlisting the best applicants for the job. Clean Affinity screens all our service members for washing. If the prospective organization takes a lot of shortcuts to screen its workers, you can guarantee that they will also take shortcuts in the job they do. Shortcuts are an excellent way to high-risk your company, your credibility, your employees and the privacy of your facility. 3. Which sector has your business background delivering Office Cleaning Services?It is more important to ask the question than you might know. When your company is a medical office and you just have experience in cleaning corporate environments in the workplace cleaning industry, you would not be happy with their level of service. Every industry has its requirements for what form of cleaning needs or care is needed. Many fields require sterilization while others that need a deeper, chemical cleaner. Before interviewing potential cleaning service companies it is necessary to know your needs.4. How do you prepare for the staff?It's just as important to get extensive training from their workers as it is for your employees. When a new employee is aboard, the organization would need to provide you and your business with the appropriate equipment they need to provide good cleaning. Employing a cleaning company for your office is almost like employing your own member of staff. A robust preparation will also be built in to help the employee provide outstanding service to you and your employees. Keep in mind; the active chemical use also happens and putting such chemicals in untrained hands may be a risky step. If you need a school cleaning, medical cleaning or industrial cleaning, your commercial office cleaner will provide your staff with the necessary training specifically tailored for your industry. 5. What services does the cleaning company provide in your office? The other job that the organization performs, other than the usual vacuuming and dusting, is put in writing. Certain activities to remember are: If so, how often are the cleaning of the carpets and hard floors available? Does the outside of your building requiring power washing? Would they be providing the service? Is there a choice they give their services before, during, and after special events at the company? Was the glass sealed with washing? How does it mean to keep the toilets clean and stored? Are door nozzles, light switches, and telephones washed to minimize germ and bacterial spread?6. What kind of cover are they carrying?Easily the most important question you can pose as a company owner. A cleaning business should not only be licensed but also have the protection that covers you. There are four forms of protection a cleaning company can look for. These are General liability Employee Compensation Vehicle Liability Umbrella Plans If the cleaning company works for you, you will also get copies of existing policies and policy evidence to be stored in files. It is worth its weight in gold to have peace of mind in the event of a crisis emerging.7. Will the same workers clean my office constantly?That is a very important question to ask. Not only can you ask for a consistent flow of new people to and from your workplaces, but keeping the same cleaning workers helps them to meet your particular request while usually providing a more comprehensive clean. Many cleaning companies hire floaters, or other qualified workers are out for different reasons who step in for the regular staff. You would only usually suggest that you do not see a parade of new people. The top businesses hire decent people and retain them.8. How are they going to handle the contact with me?Communication should always be available to keep both sides track of progress and request. Usage of software that allows the cleaning employee to record details, time and date of completed details, reports of inspections and work orders. If a problem occurs, direct feedback allows for real-time intervention. 9. Will, they put in a Green Clean Program?By implementing a clean, green system, you and your staff are placing extra emphasis on environmental responsibility, sustainability, protection, and health. Labeling, chemical storage, and disposal are simple green clean practices that should be supported by all the cleaning companies. Many businesses still allow plastic garbage bags to be disposed of by reusing them if no liquid or food is visible and the liners are not soiled. A simple practice like this not only saves money but also limits the amount of plastic produced by your business.10. Do they have CIMS certification currently in place?CIMS stands for "Certified Industry Management Standard." The most significant stipulation you have could be to allow that of the organization you are recruiting. Why? For what? Since getting this credential means a cleaning company has a proven record of implementing the best industry practices to provide sensitive, effective, and reliable cleaning whenever possible. Maintaining the CIMS certification assures you that this cleaning company is dedicated to the job and that it adheres to the high standards set by the industry leaders.Conclusion, Hiring Office Cleaning Services Several choices are available when hiring a cleaning service for the workplace. You'll see that getting to know your cleaning service is one of the most critical aspects of running your business if you ask all the right questions. Be sure to always employ a company that holds the reputation, integrity, and privacy of your companies. Selecting the right cleaning company will ensure your facility is stress-free, smooth and completely clean, providing a friendly atmosphere for visitors and employees. Find the best Office Cleaners in your area on ratedcleaners.ie. Tell us what you need and receive the best quotes for your location!This helpful guide has been written by RATED CLEANERS who is one of the leaders in the cleaning services industry. https://ift.tt/2wi83CG https://ift.tt/2xitV0z from All about Business and Home http://allbusinessandhome.blogspot.com/2020/03/10-questions-ahead-of-hiring-cleaning.html http://webmediagroup.ie/

#seo #seo company #seo ireland #seo dublin #seo tools #seo service #seo services #All about Business a

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thatswhenyourefrom · 6 years

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Sunday’s Best - “Poised to Break” & The “Californian”

I wanted to give insight into the checkpoints of the external forces that make me who I am today. I won’t deny that most of these pieces will mostly stem from my adolescence (and also mostly be music), but I still act as clay in the presences of art around me. The selected pieces (or collections of pieces) may be precise or vast, so expect varying lenses. Most of what I wanted to bring to this conversation were my hidden gems; pieces I hold so true to me and me only. I came to a realization recently that some of my favorite albums and some of my favorite movies do not stick to some of my peers. I don’t expect them too. I also don’t expect to sway any opinions or justify any of my opinions. The expectation is to usher you in to the closest parts of me.

I first heard Sunday’s Best in 2002 on a Canadian tv show called Undergrads before I was in the double-digits. It was a background song (reused again in the end credits), but the chorus stuck in my head. Whether it be hummed, sang, or just spinning around in my head, the song and the sound was stuck (and remains to be to this day). This song has built a house on top of my brain.

In the early 2000’s, the internet was picking up a lot of steam, and even though I was a young little guy, i started to learn my way around it at a young age. Yet still, there was difficulty in finding what I was looking for. I needed to find the artist of this song and the name of the song and download it on Napster or Ares or Kazaa or Limewire (or……). When a certain mood would strike, I would feel almost nostalgic and go on journeys to find a soundtrack list of the songs involved with this show. The hunt for the past is what I craved, and still do. One day I found the Undergrads website, put up by MTV when they used to make websites for each individual show on their rotation. It was a flash site and you could navigate around a little picture and highlight items for more information. One setting to navigate was a bar. In that bar was a jukebox. In that jukebox was the soundtrack list.

I began downloading every song I could. To be entirely honest, I think that these two Sundays Best songs were relatively easy to find, since the rest of the soundtrack was made up by obscure Canadian power pop bands. After listening to the first song I downloaded I knew I had found it; the song was called “Saccharine”.

I mark this song as my touch point for what I would later call emo music. The cul de sac that now exists with the houses of The Promise Ring and Texas is the Reason would most likely not exist is I didn’t hear “Saccharine” when i was nine years old. It fit right in with the other music I liked at the time like Jimmy Eat World who had just brought the light of Bleed American to the world. I get amped in the same way when I hear “Saccharine” as I do “Sweetness” by Jimmy Eat World; youthful, energetic, a little pain, and most of all nostalgia.

[If you would like to split hairs for a minute, I really love the poppy sound of this song and it‘s a much more of a power pop/college rock sound that I was attracted to than something classically emo, but it paved the way, so i digress.]

The hooks still get me. The riffs enliven me. At the very least, you can walk away from this song thinking it it is a catchy bastard. If anyone in the world can take a step back, look in on this song, and for even a second understand that this is the foundation for some person’s entire musical world, you have found me out. I am an open book at that point.

This is one song.

There is another Sunday’s Best song in the soundtrack for Undergrads and it also rang in my head, but to a much lesser extent. “White Picket Fences” is a much more reserved song by comparison to “Saccharine.” Quieter, yet way more dynamic. It grows so much. From what I remember from Undergrads, the audience only hears the last section, a theme that is bigger and hookier than the mood the rest of the song lays.

These two songs remained on my iPod for years.

When I was around the ages of fifteen and sixteen, I decided that i really needed to figure out all of this mumbo jumbo and really hammer down the music that has plagued me for years. What is that sound I am looking for? I want more Sunday’s Best. Can’t just search indie rock. Can’t search punk. Can’t search anything. The keyword “emo” was found and i had suddenly discovered a bible.

I spent a ton of time getting to know a ton of new bands which continue to dominate the music I like today. In this discovery of bands, I also learned much about record labels, including Polyvinyl records. Guess who put out Sunday’s Best’s music.

I decided that I would make the gamble and buy the CD “Poised to Break” by Sunday’s Best from the Polyvinyl store. I call it a gamble, because I have been severely bitten by looking in deeper to a bands output only to find out that the single I love is by far the only thing I could find likeable. This is not the case. This album is ten songs of exactly what I love.

“The Hardest Part” is a strange opener, because it’s kind of big and heavy. The chorus is yelled for Christ sake. It’s easily the angriest sounding song for an otherwise mellow band that I would call energetic at most. Partially uncharacteristic, but still a damn fine song. Track 2, “Bruise Blue” would fit right in with the soundtrack of Undergrads (and parallely my life). It’s calm, full of hooks, emotional. Great. Followed by “Bruise Blue” is “White Picket Fences” and “Saccharine”. At this point, my thought it “well I have all of the best songs out of the way.” “Indian Summer” blows that away with a track that I am so surprised isn’t heralded as an indie rock classic. This song wants be on every mixtape and MTV show until the end of time. “When is Pearl Harbour Day” is an awesome song about nostalgia, including the following line which rings in my head all of the time: “I hate nostalgia, it tries to hard to remember only the easy parts.” Track 7 and 9 are both energetic ones. Track 8, “Looks Like a Mess” is a broody, melodramatic song that I am undeniably in love with. “Winter Owned” rounds out the album and brings it back to the energy of track 1 and employs the same mixed singer chorus. The final track (and bonus track) is called “Congratulations”. Full of hooks, personal experience of naivety and confusion. The secret track is an instrumental song I am sure they used to open sets with. I am glad they included it because it’s loud, slow and cool. To me, each track is unskippable.

The whole album sounds like a soundtrack to a teen drama show that were hugely popular in the late 90’s going into the early 2000’s. Shows like Buffy, Dawson's Creek, 90210, and so many others were drenched in naive and intense emotions, stories of love and personal growth, and youth culture which made them a perfect place for this type of music. I am lucky i got to grow up in the times when I did where I can look up to those people on the screen, then be them, then look back on them with a familiar nostalgia.

Years later I would find that Polyvinyl holds a “Garage Sale” where they sell their surplus records and cd’s for next to nothing. While flipping through the garage sale, I had discovered Sunday’s Best had a second full length. I must have unconsciously ignored this release due to my fear of ruining the sanctity of my entire musical foundation. Do I risk it? What if it sucks and it’s ten boring songs? Or what if they sound like other more popular bands of now? It did come out in 2002 when this type of music was the mainstream. This is more than just a $3 gamble.

I bought it. It’s called “The Californian”. It’s better than the first LP.

Again hitting a ten song track count, “The Californian” is a succinct mood of an album. Much more consistent in tone, the songs are a lot more mellow than the ones on the first LP. This doesn’t mean that it lacks dynamics or moments of intensity. But it does mean there’s less yelling, head banging, and anthemic lyrics. What arises is my own personal therapy. Whether it be because I found a lot of this music (emo) in the autumn seasons, or if my mood just drew my to these sounds during fall, I always return to my classics around this time. Monday was a brisk day and I put in “The Californian” and it immediately hooked a line to the center of my heart. The air reminded me to being a young person and being in high school and college and time passing and old friends and how I used to feel so big, and the songs from “The Californian” were not there to yell at me; they were there to hold me like mother to her child. Therapeutic.

Quick track by track: The album launches into “The Try”. Coming off of the first album, you immediately know this album has more pieces to each song (production wise) creating a huge sound. But it’s not wasted. Every melody is catchy as all hell. “The Try” reigns that in. Track two, the title track, continues this pace. The chorus bops around a bit. “Don’t Let It Fade” is the single. Very quiet. Very somber. The bridge is my favorite part. “The Salt Mines of Santa Monica” has more energy than the last two so it sounds like a bigger “Poised to Break” song. The second singer has great contributions in the pre-chorus. He is really being used in a more calculated way. “If We Had It Made” comes in with massive church bells sound. One of my favorite songs. I love the bells. I don’t entirely know what the song is about, but the chorus moves me. Track 6 is a rocker. Even so, it’s consistent. “Without Meaning” was used in a Gilmore Girls and it’s directed melodrama fits that vibe really well. “Beethoven St.” is pure Sunday’s Best. If you wanted to write a song like them, copy this song. “Brave But Brittle” has a lot of the classic emo riffs. The way the intro falls over itself and then morphs into have arpeggios. Another favorite of mine. The last track is easily my least listened to song, but that’s because I usually reach my destination listing to this album in the care. It’s great though and I kick myself for missing it.

(I could give more in depth track-by-track if requested, but that isn’t necessarily the point of the writing.)

This band and these two lengths are an emblem of my growth. They are a tree that has stood my whole life and I am still sustained by its fruit. The sound that is contained in these albums is contains a definition of who I am and what I love. When you cannot articulate a feeling with direct words, you use art. That’s what artists do. Though I could never imagine conjuring this feeling inside of anyone else with my own art, I am glad I can direct others to this album and this feeling. It it’s hooks can get in and you let yourself get pulled, you can be me.

-luke

#r #by luke

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theadddm · 6 years

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Keep Track of Character Stats and Initiative, at the Same Damn Time

Do you like handy references, which don’t take up space on your tabletop, are reusable, track multiple game functions, and provide flavor for your players, too?

Of course you do. I don’t know why I bother even asking....

I’ve seen a lot of people run games, and so I’ve also seen a variety of ways to manage encounters, but the most amazing tool that I’ve met, so far, has to be the character stat card thingy, which hangs on the top of the DM screen. These things are the best multitaskers in DM land, accomplishing such feats as:

track initiative, by moving them around on top of the screen

provide basic character information for DM reference

provide basic character information for SEEEEECRET DM reference (I’m talking about passive checks; we’ll get into that, later)

provide spellings of character names, for everyone

provide whatever character or monster visualizations you want, on the player side of the card

...and there are really only 2 downsides:

storing and carrying them

taking time for players to fill them out, at the beginning of the game, and that’s really only for public event sorts of situations; in any campaign with a steady roster of players, the DM could simply reuse the cards every session

How can you get your hands on this miracle product? Well, I can’t claim any credit for the idea; if you search Google or Pinterest for variations on the terms “combat initiative tent card”, you’ll find a bunch of examples. Mine was mostly inspired by the ones made by Reddit user Jimmidoe.

Here’s what they look like:

Mine are roughly 2.5 x 8, and I get 4 of them on a letter-sized page. They are also dry/wet erasable, because I’m running my games at a store, and won’t necessarily get the same players week-to-week. For your own erasable cards, find printable acetate sheets (overhead projector transparencies), and full-size printing labels (basically big, blank stickers). You’ll want to reverse the image before printing the transparencies, so that you can write and erase the opposite side, and not wipe off your ink; then, apply the printing labels to the printed side of the transparency, to protect the ink, to provide an opaque white background, for visibility, and so that your words and things will not be backwards. You could probably also print on regular paper, and cover that regular paper with clear contact paper, to get an erasable surface, but I haven't tried it. Transparencies definitely work really well, because they were designed for this sort of thing.

A word about the my choices of stuff to put on them: Since they're erasable, I wanted to make use of that feature, so I have a few checkboxes for temporary things: Concentration, Inspiration, etc. However, I also didn't want to OVERuse that feature, since they'll be hanging on a paper screen, which isn't great for writing and editing; so, I didn't include HP, which is going to get edited just CONSTANTLY; that gets tracked in a separate encounter tracker. I'm actually going to move my tracking of Concentration and Conditions over to a newer encounter tracker, too, because it will be better at indicating when those conditions or effects should be removed.

You probably noticed, as well, that nearly half of the damn thing is devoted to passive scores. Passive checks are a bit of a contentious thing among DMs, but I use the hell out of them, and having information about the scores just sitting behind the screen is really conducive to that.

Should you use them? That's totally up to you, and it's sincerely a philosophical matter, concerning how the game models actual life situations. ...or fantasy life situations, I guess. I'll address that elsewhere; the point is that character info cards are really good at providing character information to the DM, without having to ask the players for it.

Whatever you think of that, you don't have to put the same stuff on yours. You can print out mine, or make your own, but you will have some of your own. This is not an option. You should absolutely use these things, because you're wasting your life, otherwise.

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johannakaila · 4 years

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10 Questions Ahead of hiring a Cleaning Company

When considering hiring an external company to travel openly inside the offices of not just yourself but other workers, keep in mind what such individuals would have at their disposal. There are not only personal information for workers but also materials, products and useful information for companies. One dishonest worker who could easily turn your life into shambles. Your workplace is your corporate attitude. That's just one reason why it's important to employ a reliable cleaning company that can offer a full clean for your heart safety thoroughly, safely and efficiently.

Screening and hiring a commercial cleaning service is not an easy job, but if you're doing it right, you can score a janitorial service that will allow you to establish a relationship for years to come. There are so many types of cleaning firms that it might be a challenging method to find the best one for your workplace. The fact that so many office cleaning firms would say just about anything to score your company is contributing to the overwhelming phase. Your best weapon is to know the right questions to ask, rather than relying solely on the details they offer you. The following are 10 Questions to Ask Before Hiring an Office Cleaning Service that will help you distinguish the bright stars from night-time flying firms:

1. What accounts are you currently serving with a business like mine and how many years were you in that industry?

Every company obviously needs to start somewhere, but do you want your company to be the training ground for a brand new office cleaning service? Experience counts and the more experience you get, the better work you'll get. Look for an organization with a secure work history that is keen on satisfying your needs. Past actions by businesses can easily predict future behavior. Seek references and do a long review with each company to get a clear idea of how happy their customers are with their service. Only because the operator has a rag supply, and the window cleaner does not count them as a qualified cleaner. Every time you need to have experience, skill and a clean consistency.

2. What steps do you take to screen cleaners from your office?

All cleaning services firms will carry out random drug testing and a comprehensive background check at the very least. An even stronger company will go above and beyond enlisting the best applicants for the job. Clean Affinity screens all our service members for washing. If the prospective organization takes a lot of shortcuts to screen its workers, you can guarantee that they will also take shortcuts in the job they do. Shortcuts are an excellent way to high-risk your company, your credibility, your employees and the privacy of your facility.

3. Which sector has your business background delivering Office Cleaning Services?

It is more important to ask the question than you might know. When your company is a medical office and you just have experience in cleaning corporate environments in the workplace cleaning industry, you would not be happy with their level of service. Every industry has its requirements for what form of cleaning needs or care is needed. Many fields require sterilization while others that need a deeper, chemical cleaner. Before interviewing potential cleaning service companies it is necessary to know your needs.

4. How do you prepare for the staff?

It's just as important to get extensive training from their workers as it is for your employees. When a new employee is aboard, the organization would need to provide you and your business with the appropriate equipment they need to provide good cleaning. Employing a cleaning company for your office is almost like employing your own member of staff. A robust preparation will also be built in to help the employee provide outstanding service to you and your employees. Keep in mind; the active chemical use also happens and putting such chemicals in untrained hands may be a risky step. If you need a school cleaning, medical cleaning or industrial cleaning, your commercial office cleaner will provide your staff with the necessary training specifically tailored for your industry.

5. What services does the cleaning company provide in your office?

The other job that the organization performs, other than the usual vacuuming and dusting, is put in writing. Certain activities to remember are: If so, how often are the cleaning of the carpets and hard floors available? Does the outside of your building requiring power washing? Would they be providing the service? Is there a choice they give their services before, during, and after special events at the company? Was the glass sealed with washing? How does it mean to keep the toilets clean and stored? Are door nozzles, light switches, and telephones washed to minimize germ and bacterial spread?

6. What kind of cover are they carrying?

Easily the most important question you can pose as a company owner. A cleaning business should not only be licensed but also have the protection that covers you. There are four forms of protection a cleaning company can look for. These are General liability Employee Compensation Vehicle Liability Umbrella Plans If the cleaning company works for you, you will also get copies of existing policies and policy evidence to be stored in files. It is worth its weight in gold to have peace of mind in the event of a crisis emerging.

7. Will the same workers clean my office constantly?

That is a very important question to ask. Not only can you ask for a consistent flow of new people to and from your workplaces, but keeping the same cleaning workers helps them to meet your particular request while usually providing a more comprehensive clean. Many cleaning companies hire floaters, or other qualified workers are out for different reasons who step in for the regular staff. You would only usually suggest that you do not see a parade of new people. The top businesses hire decent people and retain them.

8. How are they going to handle the contact with me?

Communication should always be available to keep both sides track of progress and request. Usage of software that allows the cleaning employee to record details, time and date of completed details, reports of inspections and work orders. If a problem occurs, direct feedback allows for real-time intervention.

9. Will, they put in a Green Clean Program?

By implementing a clean, green system, you and your staff are placing extra emphasis on environmental responsibility, sustainability, protection, and health. Labeling, chemical storage, and disposal are simple green clean practices that should be supported by all the cleaning companies. Many businesses still allow plastic garbage bags to be disposed of by reusing them if no liquid or food is visible and the liners are not soiled. A simple practice like this not only saves money but also limits the amount of plastic produced by your business.

youtube

10. Do they have CIMS certification currently in place?

CIMS stands for "Certified Industry Management Standard." The most significant stipulation you have could be to allow that of the organization you are recruiting. Why? For what? Since getting this credential means a cleaning company has a proven record of implementing the best industry practices to provide sensitive, effective, and reliable cleaning whenever possible. Maintaining the CIMS certification assures you that this cleaning company is dedicated to the job and that it adheres to the high standards set by the industry leaders.

Conclusion, Hiring Office Cleaning Services Several choices are available when hiring a cleaning service for the workplace. You'll see that getting to know your cleaning service is one of the most critical aspects of running your business if you ask all the right questions. Be sure to always employ a company that holds the reputation, integrity, and privacy of your companies. Selecting the right cleaning company will ensure your facility is stress-free, smooth and completely clean, providing a friendly atmosphere for visitors and employees. Find the best Office Cleaners in your area on ratedcleaners.ie. Tell us what you need and receive the best quotes for your location!

This helpful guide has been written by RATED CLEANERS who is one of the leaders in the cleaning services industry.

Source www.ratedcleaners.ie

https://ift.tt/2Uq8OS1 from All about Business and Home http://allbusinessandhome.blogspot.com/2020/03/10-questions-ahead-of-hiring-cleaning_21.html http://webmediagroup.ie/

#seo #seo company #seo ireland #seo dublin #seo tools #seo service #seo services #All about Business a

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brandiejana26 · 4 years

Text

10 Questions Ahead of hiring a Cleaning Company

1. What accounts are you currently serving with a business like mine and how many years were you in that industry?

2. What steps do you take to screen cleaners from your office?

3. Which sector has your business background delivering Office Cleaning Services?

4. How do you prepare for the staff?

5. What services does the cleaning company provide in your office?

6. What kind of cover are they carrying?

7. Will the same workers clean my office constantly?

8. How are they going to handle the contact with me?

9. Will, they put in a Green Clean Program?

youtube

10. Do they have CIMS certification currently in place?

This helpful guide has been written by RATED CLEANERS who is one of the leaders in the cleaning services industry.

Source www.ratedcleaners.ie

https://ift.tt/2Uq8OS1 from All about Business and Home http://allbusinessandhome.blogspot.com/2020/03/10-questions-ahead-of-hiring-cleaning_21.html http://webmediagroup.ie/

#seo #seo company #seo ireland #seo dublin #seo tools #seo service #seo services #All about Business a

0 notes

nashisabel · 4 years

Text

10 Questions Ahead of hiring a Cleaning Company

1. What accounts are you currently serving with a business like mine and how many years were you in that industry?

2. What steps do you take to screen cleaners from your office?

3. Which sector has your business background delivering Office Cleaning Services?

4. How do you prepare for the staff?

5. What services does the cleaning company provide in your office?

6. What kind of cover are they carrying?

7. Will the same workers clean my office constantly?

8. How are they going to handle the contact with me?

9. Will, they put in a Green Clean Program?

youtube

10. Do they have CIMS certification currently in place?

This helpful guide has been written by RATED CLEANERS who is one of the leaders in the cleaning services industry.

Source www.ratedcleaners.ie

https://ift.tt/2Uq8OS1 from All about Business and Home http://allbusinessandhome.blogspot.com/2020/03/10-questions-ahead-of-hiring-cleaning_21.html http://webmediagroup.ie/

#seo #seo company #seo ireland #seo dublin #web design #seo service #seo services #dublin seo company

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upthehillart · 5 years

Photo

gotta do research for the triwizard tasks, lots of late night studying, long hours, such responsibility, very important 🤓🤓🤓

(note: after I drew it I realized it’s basically this drawing by @hanatsuki89, I think it might’ve gotten into my subconscious hahah)

#FINALLY! HEDRIC! after many unfinished sketches i started over the past year finally one has been fruitful! I CAN DIE IN PEACE NOW thank god #harry's like 'mmm yes cedric how interesting please tell me more wow ur so smart and beautiful'#Hedric #Cedric Diggory #Harry Potter #hogwarts #triwizard tournament #hufflepuff #harry james potter #goblet of fire #slash #upthehillfanart #background not mine and labeled for reuse

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gooberry · 7 years

Photo

Shallura week day 4: Free

Finally free from Galra & co. I know its late, but here in my country its 11pm lol

#shalluraweek 2017 #shalluraweek #shallura #shiro #takashi shirogane #allura #voltron #voltron legendary defender #vld #fanart #my art #artists on tumblr #cute #hehe #the background is not mine and labeled for reuse with modifications

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anthonysirius · 4 years

Text

10 Questions Ahead of hiring a Cleaning Company

1. What accounts are you currently serving with a business like mine and how many years were you in that industry?

2. What steps do you take to screen cleaners from your office?

3. Which sector has your business background delivering Office Cleaning Services?

4. How do you prepare for the staff?

5. What services does the cleaning company provide in your office?

6. What kind of cover are they carrying?

7. Will the same workers clean my office constantly?

8. How are they going to handle the contact with me?

9. Will, they put in a Green Clean Program?

youtube

10. Do they have CIMS certification currently in place?

This helpful guide has been written by RATED CLEANERS who is one of the leaders in the cleaning services industry.

Source www.ratedcleaners.ie

Source: https://ratedireland.blogspot.com/2020/03/10-questions-ahead-of-hiring-cleaning_21.html

#rated

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thejanewestin · 5 years

Photo

To Draco’s first day of work!

Even after all this time, Draco doesn’t feel like he deserves praise, particularly Harry’s, but it makes him ridiculously happy nonetheless.

(Background not mine and labeled for reuse with modification)

(inspired by Hey, Potter by sunseticmonster)

#drarry #harry potter #draco malfoy #harry x draco #draco x harry #Harry Potter fanart #hp #procreate app #janewestin draws #fanart

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bombshellsandbluebells · 7 years

Text

First Do No Harm, Chapter 3

Summary: During the 5+ years aboard the Ark, Murphy stumbles into becoming the designated doctor.

Relationships: John Murphy/Emori, Murphy & the Space Squad, background Marper and Bellarke

I'm so sorry for the late update, guys. A lot of crazy stuff happened in real life, and I also had to spent some serious time figuring out where exactly this story was headed. The great thing is I now have a much better idea of where to take this story and updates should come faster, life willing.

And again, one million thanks to @infernalandmortal for her encouragement, support, and editing skills. This chapter and this story as a whole is stronger because of her!

Previous Chapter

Read on ao3

Creating an inventory for Medical turns out to be fairly easy – mostly because there really aren’t that many supplies left.

Murphy works on it in between shifts at the algae farm. By the end of their first week aboard the Ring, he’s managed to gather everything into one cabinet closer to the door and mentally tally what they have.

The results are disheartening, to say the least.

They have four rags, two meager rolls of gauze, half a roll of tape, the needle and thread Bellamy found, a pair of tweezers, three scalpels of varying sizes, a bit of plastic tubing he isn’t sure the purpose of, and about a shot of moonshine left. Murphy estimates they used about a fourth of a roll of gauze on Monty’s hands already.

These supplies need to last five years. Ironically, the thought nearly makes him sick with worry.

Along with the other supplies, Murphy finds five different medications left in Medical. The only one he’s at all familiar with is Morphine, of which they have only two doses. He adds a mental note to his internal inventory list – “Don’t use unless someone’s dying.”

The names of the other four medications are unfamiliar, and the labels give no indication of what they treat. Murphy wishes again that Clarke was here. Maybe they can get in contact with the bunker now that Praimfaya’s passed, and he can talk to Abby – he’ll have to check with Raven.

But there’s no guarantee they’ll be able to contact the bunker at all in the next five years, and the medicine they have on hand might just save someone’s life in the future. He refuses to let it go to waste – the very thought makes his blood run cold and his stomach twist with nausea. He’ll just have to figure out some other way to identify them.

Another thorough search of Medical reveals no papers, notes, or files of any sort. Murphy isn’t very surprised, since paper has always been a rarity aboard the Ark. Instead, he finds a tablet stashed away in a drawer. It has a strip of duct tape stuck to the back, and “Medical” written across it in large, blocky letters.

He’s only vaguely familiar with tablets – and only in theory, since he’s never used one before. Like everything on the Ark, the number of tablets was limited. They were reserved only for important personnel – and that’s a list Murphy’s never been included on. He knows, in theory, that it’s possible to keep a digital record of their inventory on it, and that there’s a possibility there are files identifying the medicine stored on it – he just doesn’t have any clue how to find them.

In the algae farm the next day, Murphy checks Monty’s hands. He figures he’s the best one to judge their progress, considering his own history with burns. Monty must agree, because he lets him look them over without protest.

It’s now officially their second week aboard the Ring, and the burns are healing slowly but steadily. Most of the blisters have disappeared completely, and the vivid red color is gradually fading into a lighter pink as they scar. The skin is rough to the touch, now, probably permanently warped, but according to Monty, the pain is fading. Still, he flinches when Murphy applies too much pressure.

Now that the open blisters are gone, Murphy thinks it’s safe to remove the gauze. Briefly he wonders if it can be reused, before a glance at the stains vetoes that idea completely – it’s not worth the chance of infection.

“How much movement do you have?” he asks as he carefully turns the hands over to look at them from all angles. From what he can remember, they seem to be healing normally. The hands will scar pretty terribly, but the pain and tenderness should disappear with time – a couple weeks if he remembers correctly. If the radiation doesn’t cause any further issues, Monty should be fine.

“I’m not sure. I’ve been trying not to move them,” Monty says. He gently pulls his hands away from Murphy and tries to form a fist with both hands. He winces as he moves them, but the movements themselves don’t appear hindered. “They hurt still, but I think I can move them.”

“You’re going to have some fucking badass scars,” Murphy says, “But the burns are healing normally. At least, they’re healing the same way mine did, so I think they’re healing normally.”

“Very reassuring,” Monty says, grinning wryly. There’s something almost harsh about Monty that Murphy doesn’t remember from before he left camp. Something almost sharp. Even his grin now seems just a little too severe.

“Does he still need to keep them bandaged?” Harper asks. She’s hovering near them, a little closer than Murphy would like, watching his movements like a hawk. Clearly, she hasn’t grown any more comfortable with him in the time they’ve been working together. He’s just glad she’s mostly hid her distrust while they’ve worked on the farm, because her eyes are currently burning holes in his back, and it’s not a pleasant feeling.

“No. Let ‘em breathe,” he instructs, mimicking Abby’s nearly decade-old instructions. “Besides, we can’t waste more bandages on you.”

From the corner of his eye, Murphy sees Harper narrow her eyes at him. Her distaste sits clearly on her face. Fuck off, Harper, he wants to say, but wisely holds his tongue. He’s not being a dick this time, he’s just being smart – if someone cuts an artery and starts bleeding out tomorrow, they’re going to need bandages way more than Monty and his burnt hands do.

Luckily, Monty understands, and only nods at him as he continues to slowly flex his fingers and test his range of movement.

Murphy grabs the tablet from Medical that he brought with him, and holds it up for Monty to see. “I found this tablet in Medical. Any idea how to open the files on it?”

“Oh, that’s a good idea,” Monty says. “But no. I’m good at machines, not computers. You should ask Raven.”

Murphy finds Raven in the hallway outside of the algae farm.

The wall panels in front of her have been removed, and she’s buried halfway inside the wall, in an incredibly uncomfortable looking position to account for her bad leg, which is sticking out straight to one side. The back of her tank top is drenched in sweat, and she works frantically with something out of Murphy’s sight.

“What are you working on now?” he asks as he comes to stand behind her. From what he can see, the inside of the wall is a mess of wires and pipes.

“Trying to fix the heating,” she grunts, her words muffled.

His brow furrows. “I thought you did that already.”

“I did. For us to be comfortable. The problem is the Algae Farm. Monty’s worried if we can’t make it warmer in there, the algae won’t bloom.”

It’s the first he’s heard about a potential problem with the farm. His heart sinks. “And then we all starve,” he adds helpfully.

Raven gives half a laugh from inside the wall. “Exactly,” she says dryly. “We gained a bit of time with the farm with one less person, but not much. Our rations are only going to last so long.”

Well, at least they don’t have to worry about identifying the medicine they have – not if they’re going to starve before they have a chance to get sick.

“Shouldn’t the algae farm be heated correctly already? Go-Sci’s always had an algae farm.”

“Should be,” Raven grunts. “But it isn’t. I’m guessing – hand me that wrench, would you?” He finds the wrench she’s motioning at and places it in her flailing hand, and she continues explaining as she starts working at a bolt, “– that the Ark separating knocked out these extra heaters.”

“Nice of everyone on the Ark to fuck us over one last time, huh?” he says, running his hand through his hair, tugging on the ends in frustration.

Fuck.

The sound of pounding footsteps echoes down the hallway. Bellamy storms around the corner, a tornado of agitated energy. Murphy fights the urge to turn and run, because usually when Bellamy looks like that, it doesn’t end well for him.

But Bellamy barely pays him any attention. Instead, his eyes catch on Raven, and he zeroes in on her. “I’ve been trying to find you,” he says, voice as agitated as the rest of him.

He still looks terrible – if anything, he’s looking worse with each day that passes on the Ring. His face is paler than usual, and his hair is a tangled, chaotic mess. Nobody is adjusting to living on the Ark that well – Murphy’s slept less this past week than he has since the A.L.I.E. incident – but Raven and Bellamy are the worst of all of them. They’re holding the stress and responsibility of everything on their shoulders, and he’s pretty sure one of them is going to collapse underneath it soon.

Murphy thinks Bellamy probably hasn’t gotten over Clarke yet, either, but that’s just a guess. It’s not like Bellamy’s said her name since she died.

“Why haven’t you been eating?” Bellamy demands.

“I have been eating,” Raven argues from inside the wall.

Bellamy sighs. His entire body shakes with it. “No, you haven’t, Raven. I’m keeping track of our rations, and you haven’t taken any for two days.”

“Can’t say I blame her,” Murphy cuts in. “It’s not like any of it tastes good.”

Bellamy turns to glare at him. He looks angry in a way Murphy hasn’t seen in a long time, and he recalls suddenly how hard Bellamy can punch. “Shut up, Murphy,” he growls, and Murphy raises his hands in mock surrender.

He takes that as his cue to exit. It’s not like Raven can take the time to figure out the tablet with their food supply at risk, and he’s not willing to get caught in the middle of a fight between Bellamy and Raven. The growing sounds of their argument follow him down the hall as he heads back to his room.

It seems that it’s not just Bellamy and Raven - everyone on board the Ring is growing increasingly irritated. Emori comes back to their room that night on-edge and angry. She tries to hide her mood from him, but he can see how tense she is even from a distance, and he knows her well enough by now to recognize that the turn of her lips and the rigidness of her shoulders means she’s upset about something.

She’s good at secrets, though – especially with things she doesn’t want to talk about – and she does an excellent job acting like she’s okay. She greets him with a smile and a kiss like usual, and asks casually about the algae farm as she starts removing her many layers for bed.

Murphy walks up behind her and grabs her elbow, spinning her around gently to face him. She complies, raising an eyebrow at him in silent question. “Hey,” he asks. “What’s wrong?” He fears the worst. The Ring. Space. Being trapped.

He can’t fix any of those things.

“Nothing, I’m fine,” she starts to argue, but he cuts her off with a gentle shake of her shoulders.

“Emori,” he says, sternly. She isn’t supposed to keep secrets from him. “You can tell me. What is it?”

Emori sighs, glancing away towards the door of their room. It’s propped open, like usual, and he’s lucky that their room is tucked away in a section of the Ring that the others rarely go, and that Emori isn’t incredibly concerned with modesty, aside from her hand, and that she’s willing to put up with his request at all. It’s hard to breathe when the door is shut.

“It’s the Azgedan,” she says, turning back to face him. Her face is pinched, mouth twisted in a frown. He brings a hand to her face, rubs his thumb across the rough, scarred skin under her eye, as if he could smooth the worry away. Emori tilts her head towards his hand. The corners of her mouth tick up into a smile.

Her words register, and anger sparks in his chest. “What the hell did she do?” he growls. It feels like a betrayal after their conversation the other day; he wants to find Echo and demand to know what she’s playing at – he’d thought, perhaps naively, that the peace they’d made with each other included Emori.

“She didn’t do anything,” Emori murmurs. He can tell she doesn’t want to talk about it, but he doesn’t care. If there’s something bothering her, he wants to know about it. “She and Bellamy started working in the supply room. Bellamy wants to organize everything I find and make a list of what we have, and the Azgedan is helping him. She’s there every time I bring Bellamy more supplies.”

Murphy waits for her to add something, and when she doesn’t continue, he asks, “Well, did she say something?”

“She didn’t have to say anything,” Emori says, and it rushes out of her like a dam breaking –exasperated, angry. Hurt. “I know what she thinks of me. I know what Azgeda thinks of people like me.” She spits the clan name with venom, and makes a face, like even the taste of the word sits unpleasantly in her mouth. “They’re worse than Trikru. Or the others. Azgeda doesn’t just banish mutants. They kill mutants.”

Murphy’s stomach twists with fear. He pictures, suddenly, Echo creeping silently through their open door at night, slitting Emori’s throat with the knife she carries. He imagines her overpowering Emori in the supply room or in some hidden corner of the Ring where the rest of them aren’t around to see. Bellamy told him once that Echo was a spy and a warrior. He saw her fight on the island. Emori can protect herself, but Echo is trained, and Azgeda, he knows, is vicious.

He thinks of Ontari and her cruelty. An image comes to mind: Echo holding Emori’s severed head, covered in her blood.

The image knocks the air from his lungs, and fear clutches at his heart and squeezes. The room spins. He feels sick.

It was so stupid of him to trust Echo – so stupid to stop thinking of her as a threat. Hasn’t he learned by now not the let his guard down? Hasn’t he learned not to trust people?

He shouldn’t have stitched her arm up. It would have been so easy to just let her bleed. The wound was deep, and she had lost a lot of blood already by the time he saw her – how much longer would it have taken for it to be fatal? He could have done it, somehow, without Bellamy knowing. It would have looked like an accident.

Emori would stay safe.

Except Echo’s not going to try to hurt Emori.

Even in his fear and anger, he knows it’s true. Echo values her own safety more than she might care about attacking Emori, no matter what she thinks of her. Most of the group already doesn’t trust her; doing anything to hurt Emori and further break that trust is a risk he knows Echo won’t take – she’s too smart for that. She’s too much like him.

Besides, she won’t do anything to anger Bellamy. Bellamy may not personally care much for Emori either way, but attacking one of their group isn’t something he’s going to stand for. At least not now. At least not this new, older Bellamy. Murphy tries not to think of the Dropship camp.

It doesn’t matter what Echo might have done to Emori on Earth – at least here in the Ring, in their little group, Emori’s safe.

Still, he can’t help but ask, “Do you think she’ll hurt you?”

Emori purses her lips as she thinks it over, then shakes her head. “No. I don’t think she’ll risk it.”

“I can talk with Bellamy,” Murphy offers. “See if he can give her a new job somewhere else.”

Emori shakes her head. “John, no. I don’t want to cause problems.”

“It’s Echo causing the problems,” he argues back, angry on her behalf.

“John.” Emori lifts her own hand to his cheek, mirroring his position. Her thumb strokes tenderly at his lower cheek, catches on the rough stubble growing there, then smooths over it. “Please.”

Every part of him wants to continue this fight – because he’s fighting for her. For her honor. For Echo to respect her. But her eyes are wide and vulnerable, pleading with him to drop it. He knows she believes that any fight between her and Echo will be taken as her fault – that she’ll be labeled as the problem in the group. Based on what happened on the island, he’s not even sure she’s wrong.

She doesn’t want to give anyone a chance to kick her out again. He understands that, even if it kills him to let Echo get away with her prejudice. God. He can’t believe he helped her. He can’t believe he started to like her.

Murphy sighs, yielding finally. “I don’t like her looking at you like that,” he mutters as one last argument.

Emori smiles softly. Her thumb keeps tracing circles over his cheek. “I can handle it. I’ve been looked at like that my whole life.”

That’s even worse, he thinks. He knows what it’s like to have people look at you like you’re worthless, how it stings and chips away at you.

Murphy takes her left hand in his. She lost her glove when they changed into the radiation suits. Since they’ve landed, she’s made a new wrap from the loose fabric of her shirt. He kind of hates it, even though he knows she still isn’t comfortable exposing her hand to anyone but him.

Sometimes she’s still not even comfortable letting him see it.

Gently, he pulls the wrapping away and studies the warped form that’s exposed – the long, twisting fingers, the distorted shape. He rubs his thumb over the back of her hand, then brings it to his mouth to kiss.

“Badass,” he says, and Emori smiles, exasperated, rolling her eyes to the ceiling as if he’s told a joke and she’s humoring him. She turns her head away from him, towards the wall, and he can tell she’s uncomfortable, that part of her is looking for an escape from this conversation. “Beautiful,” he adds.

She whips her head back to face him, loose hair flying with the force of her turn. Her eyebrows are downturned now, her eyes narrowed, and he sees that they’re glistening and red-ringed. “It is not,” she argues, voice harsh, almost angry – like he’s lied to her, and she won’t stand for it.

“It is,” Murphy argues. He’s not great with words, not good at compliments, but he wants her to know this. He thinks she’s the most beautiful thing he’s ever seen – and that includes every part of her. “You’re beautiful.” Then because he just can’t help himself, because it bubbles up and out of him like an overflowing cup, “I love you.”

There’s a pause. Emori stares at him. He realizes, with a growing sense of dread, that he’s never said that to her out loud, even if he’s thought it nearly every day for weeks now – even if he screamed it in the lab for the whole world to hear when he thought she was going to die.

The moment hovers on uncertainty. He suddenly doesn’t know if she’ll say it back.

Then Emori lunges forward, her mouth colliding roughly with his. Her hands, both of them, pull away from his grip to land securely on either side of his face, holding him steady while she pushes forward, as if she’s trying her best to sink into him and become one. “I love you,” she breathes out between kisses, and Murphy pushes forward to kiss her back. He uses his now free hand to clutch at her waist, at her sides, finally landing at the back of her head, tangling in her loose hair. He tastes salt on her mouth and knows that if he pulls away, he’ll see tears on her face.

He does pull away from her – not to see her crying, but to grab her hands again and tug her eagerly towards their bed.

Halfway through their second week, Emori finds a bottle of alcohol stashed in the Ring.

To boost morale, Bellamy decides to gather everyone together for dinner and pass it around. It’s good news for everyone, even if they’re not quite sure whether they’re celebrating or drinking away their sorrows.

The past week has been hard. Partially because getting the Ring back in habitable conditions takes a lot of effort, but also because everyone’s still adjusting – or readjusting – to life on the Ark.

And a lot of people are mourning.

Personally, Murphy doesn’t really have anyone to mourn on Earth. He made it up here with the only person he really still cares about, but coming back up to the Ark has reawakened old ghosts; part of him feels like he’s mourning his parents all over again.

The pragmatic side of him, the side that’s kept him alive this long, wants him to argue with Bellamy to set aside the alcohol for Medical, since their disinfectant is running low. But the majority of him just wants to get drunk and forget he’s on the Ark for a bit.

He sides with that part of himself.

It’s weird – eating together. So far, they’ve all been taking their rations at different times, eating when they have free time in between their jobs. They’ve gone down to two rations per day, to make sure they last until the algae farm grows. Murphy usually eats his first during the middle of the day in the farm, then his second at night with Emori. They’ve never all sat around like this and eaten together.

Conversation starts slowly. It’s clear that even though they’ve been living together for over a week now, they aren’t used to being around each other. Murphy makes sure to sit himself between Echo and Emori, and he glances frequently at the Azgedan as he eats. She looks the same as she had in Medical – uncomfortable, scared. Out of her element. She hardly even looks at Emori.

The more the bottle gets passed around the circle, the easier conversation flows - still, it feels stilted and awkward. Raven, Bellamy, Harper, and Monty do most of the talking; they’re all familiar and comfortable with each other, even if they’re all struggling with whatever happened on Earth. Echo keeps quiet, and Emori and Murphy mostly talk amongst themselves.

Occasionally, Raven calls across the circle to Emori and Murphy, as if she’s trying to pull them into the others’ conversation. She doesn’t fully succeed.

Surprisingly, Harper tries to talk to Emori. She won’t address Murphy, and hardly even looks at him, but she seems genuinely interested in getting to know Emori. Murphy wonders why she’s so willing to trust her if she’s still so wary of him, but figures it might be because of how easily Raven accepts her. Harper seems to trust her judgement.

Whatever the reason, he’s glad to see someone besides himself and Raven treating her with kindness and acceptance. He glances over towards Echo again, but she’s looking down at her food.

When the bottle is nearly empty, Bellamy clears his throat, and the room falls silent. He raises the bottle in the air, and starts to speak, but his voice breaks on the first word, splinters into the air in broken pieces. He clears his throat and tries again. “To Clarke.”

It’s the first time he’s said her name since they landed, and it’s like his speaking it aloud breaks some unspoken agreement they’ve all settled into. Something in the air breaks free.

“To Clarke,” the room echoes. Even Murphy joins in. There are a lot of things he still hates Clarke for, but he and Emori wouldn’t even be here if it wasn’t for her. None of them would. It’s worth a moment of remembrance, at least.

Bellamy takes a swig of the bottle, then passes it on, nearly dropping it before Raven can get a hold of it. She takes her own hearty gulp and passes it on to Monty.

Monty pauses when it comes to him, then mimics Bellamy’s earlier move, holding the bottle high. “To Jasper,” he says, and the careful, calm mask he’s kept since they landed finally cracks with pain. The bottle trembles in the air; Murphy knows it isn’t just because of his hands.

“To Jasper,” Bellamy, Raven, and Harper echo. Murphy gives a silent nod, not sure he’s allowed to speak up.

“To Riley and Bree,” Harper adds before Monty can even pass her the bottle. Her face is heavy with grief, but her voice rings out strong and steady. “To Fox. To Monroe.” She takes a sip and passes the bottle to Emori.

“To Sinclair. And Wick,” Raven says. “To – ” her breath hitches, and she breaks off, biting at her lip, tears brimming in her eyes. Her free hand moves almost involuntarily to her collarbone, grasping for something that isn’t there. It closes around nothing. “To Finn,” she says, her voice barely above a whisper.

“To Mbege,” Murphy adds quietly, and the eyes of the other delinquents turn to him, surprised. He doesn’t really miss Mbege that much – at least, he doesn’t think about him that often. They weren’t really close, but they were cellmates for seven years, and they were comfortable with each other, and occasionally, he makes a stupid joke and thinks to turn to Mbege for a reaction before he remembers.

He was sad when he heard he died. That’s more than he can say about a lot of people.

Emori and Echo don’t add any names aloud, but beside him, Murphy hears Emori whisper Otan’s name. Across from him, he sees Echo mouth something silently, her eyes closed.

They finish the bottle in silence, and when it’s gone, no one lingers. The circle breaks apart, and their little group scatters into pieces, heading separately to their rooms.

#IT'S FINALLY HERE SO SORRY #john murphy #space squad #the 100 #the 100 fic #john murphy fic #first do no harm #my stories #monty green #echo #emori #memori #memorific #dailymemori #bellamy blake #raven reyes #Harper McIntyre

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