#but for real keep wearing your masks and get the vaccine! | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

speedyslothboi · 18 days

Text

I spent an hour making a flower crown today. I'd never made one before. It didn't turn out very good; clumsy knots and and sticky fingers and broken petals but I still put it on and smiled. I never got that kind of childhood. I wondered if this is what healing feels like: sitting on a picnic table, gently warmed by the sun, breathing in the world. I have so much to do (an ap psych test in three days, ethics bowl nationals and science olympiad state to prepare for, a read through for the play on Monday) and instead I went outside and listened to the birds.

Then I got home and cried. Because 30,000 people will never get to make a flower crown again (and how many never had? It took me 17 years. That's more time than many of them ever got). I haven't breathed clearly in 6 months; a weight on my chest and a pit in my stomach but for one hour, I felt like I could breathe, the smell of grass unfamiliar but comfortable (and how many died in that time? Trapped under rubble? The weight on their chests real).

I feel like I've been sitting Shiva for strangers halfway across the world but I'll die before I finish mourning (575 years is a lot to ask of this body). I'm not doing a very good job. But what else can I do but remember? I don't know know what to do with myself. I'm heartbroken and horrified and I am so angry. I go to school and hear kids talk about tik tok drama and I want to grab them and shake them and yell "how can you think about anything else? How can breathe around your guilt well enough to speak?" I feel like I know to much and too little, never informed fast enough. I feel like I'm grieving and like I have no right to grieve. I'm tired. I'm not doing well (I can't remember the last time I brushed my teeth and I still need to schedule my fillings and do my laundry and change my sheets) but I feel so selfish doing anything to make myself happy, like I'm stealing joy I don't deserve. And I know that I'm burnt-out (years into it) and that I have to take care of myself too but I just don't know how to carry all this grief. And this isn't about me (I'm making it about me, aren't I?)

This will be the first presidential election I get to vote in and I can't vote for him, I can't. And I'm scared. People keep saying it's selfish not to but I'm the one who will face the consequences. I'm one of the "vulnerable" people (does that make it self-sacrificial? Does that make it okay? To risk my communities if I am at risk too?)

Paul Alexander died three weeks ago. I can't stop thinking about him. (Most of the articles won't tell you why though; that one of the most vulnerable members of society was abandoned to a disease that has killed 3 million). I keep seeing inspiration porn articles about how he didn't let his disability "stop him" (I feel like I'm "letting" mine stop me). None of them mention "I love the sun, but I haven't felt it in a long time. It's lonely." (I feel lonely all the time but I didn't feel lonely at the park, with dirt in my fingernails. I don't really believe in heaven but I hope it exists so Paul can sit in the sun again). I think of Paul and I am filled with rage. 5,000 people die of covid every week; that's one person every five minutes (how is that okay? how could you abandon us for "normal"?) and I'm one of three people out of 2200 at my school who still wear a mask. I got the most recent booster two days ago (the one only the "vulnerable" can get as if long covid isn't becoming an increasingly documented mass disabling event. And the genocide is one too. And what about the countries we blocked from getting vaccines with patents. How dare we condemn the global south to suffer without vaccines only to stop getting them). And I need to buy more masks (yet another expense to exist while disabled) and they aren't free anymore so it's another 3 hours of work. Cases keep rising despite the lack of testing and wastewater doesn't lie. And whats the new variant? News isnt reporting on it anymore because "no one cares" (I care. I need to believe others would care if they knew. Maybe thats just wishful thinking) I still have at home tests but their negatives feel like taunts (a positive is a positive though, I remember)

I don't really have any friends. I have acquaintances and people I work with for projects but I don't want them to be my friends. My mom and my therapist keep telling me to reach out and do things with them (I know it would be good for me to socialize but doing so would put me at risk. They can't even wear a mask, and I'm supposed to choose to spend extra time with them?) Neither my mom or therapist wears a mask. (My mom fought for me when doctors didn't believe anything was wrong. Fought for 7 years to get a diagnosis and now she won't protect me.) I go to the doctors and even they aren't wearing masks (didn't you learn your lesson?).

I've seen people complain about "boycott fatigue" and I'm just wonder how you are surprised? I lost faith 2 years ago when people decided that disabled people's lives weren't worth discomfort (I used to value the nuance, how it isnt that simple. Now my compassion is shot. My empathy used up on three million deaths. But it is, isnt it? Simple that is. You just dont care enough). When the accessibility we begged for for years that had been "impossible" was suddenly "easy" when everyone needed and then taken away just as quickly. The second you could leave us behind, you did. So how could I be surprised people would do the same for Falastin? I love theatre, and I'm excited for too much light. But half of them will walk in with Starbucks on Monday (and none of them will be wearing a mask) and I know these people will never truly be my people (I resent them and love them but mostly I'm disappointed.)

I've been crying alot. I never used to cry. Sometimes I feel like that means I'm healing (some of the time I wonder if I have the right to heal right now). It's like this grief keeps overflowing but the world keeps turning (and how can everyone keep living right now?) and homework keeps coming and the genocide keeps happening and I need to get back to making my magma composition notes. (I left the flower crown at the park. I felt guilty about picking the flowers; that must be bad for the environment, right? How selfish, to kill things just to make a silly crown, and I didnt even do it very well. It fell apart within a minute. An hour of work crumpled in my hands. A moment of enjoyment stolen at the cost of life, what a bad vegan I am. Anyway, i left the flowers there, to decompose where they were born)

#free palestine #from the river to the sea #free gaza #covid #long covid #wear a mask #poetry #?#does this count?#poem #i guess #vent #also the 575 year number is real #i did the math and started crying #and then i wrote this

10 notes · View notes

misterewrites · 1 year

Text

Greyfield, Arthur Greyfield (Side Mirrors)

Hey everyone! E here with a surprising update for Side Mirrors. I still love and hate that name. alrighty since i didn’t make a post for the first chapter (which four people still found that was an honor) these are side stories that take place in the Mirror’s Edge universe/canonization etc etc. For the most part they just little fun side stories that are meant to either flesh out secondary characters, groups, background, lore or even the city itself. There’s usually no relevant timeframe to the main plot unless I say so (in which case i will mention the chapter it takes place around or parallel to). Still have fun! these are a blast to write and honestly helps me get some ideas i have out without disturbing the main story. I hope you enjoy them and feel free to share this if you like! thanks!

Side note: Arthur is a direct Descendant of a few characters of Welcome to the Underground. Special treat for you readers that read that project.

The world keeps spinning and sometimes you need a break. You need get away and just have fun and exist. Do that here, for now. Wear your mask, take care of yourself, be safe, get vaccinated if you can and push for the world to get it cuz we're in this together and it's not over, no matter how much we want it to be. Be safe and have a great week! the next mirror's edge chapter should be coming soon.

That's it for me! i sincerely hope you are enjoying not only this but any of my work that tickles your fancy. Thank you for the views, the kudos, feel free to tell me what you enjoyed and share with others you think might like it. Thank you. E is out for now! bye and take care!

If you want to read this on a site that doesn’t hate me you can check it out at ao3 over there https://archiveofourown.org/works/42464157/chapters/107640534

The previous chapter which is not connected whatsoever was published, but i just forgot to post it here, can be find right over here! https://archiveofourown.org/works/42464157/chapters/106647273

If you are curious about my non-original work that spans various fandoms that include but are not limited to Arcane/League of Legends, Owl House, Legend of Zelda and Owl house, the rest of my work can be found riiiiight here https://archiveofourown.org/users/MrE42/pseuds/MrE42

That’s it for this post. Have a great week! and everyone pass the keep out sign to keep reading

Summary: The Swift Silvers, a well renowned mercenary group that has existed for two thousand years. From their humbled beginnings founded in an underground society to their modern day counterparts, they'll take on any job with unrivaled skill and grace. Well skill at least as Arthur Greyfield, their top agent, attempts to retrieve on a stolen family heirloom for their client. But if nothing could go wrong then there would no need to send in Arthur.

-----

The phrase “Beauty is in the eye of the beholder” is an objectively subjective saying. Simply put it meant that definitions of beauty varied from person to person and each was entitled to their own opinion.

Of course the woman sitting at the bar all by her lonesome was nothing BUT gorgeous: Her long brown locks were tastefully curled in ringlets that ran down her back. She wore a strapless dark blue dress that caught the light of the club like glittering starlight with a white shawl snugly wrapped around her otherwise bare neck and shoulders. Tasteful but light make up gave her a regal aura of elegance. Beauty made real though her most lovely feature were her eyes: A light brown, the shade of honey and sparked with life. Her lips were curled into the most utterly enchanting smile that captivated him. Perhaps she would like some company, surely he could spare a moment to leave his table and...

“Arthur?” A voice crackled in his ear, breaking him out of his stupor “You are paying attention right? I don’t need to remind you you’re there to watch out for the necklace, not the newest love of your life.”

Questioned phrased as a statement: Classic Bethany.

Arthur resisted the urge to roll his stormy gray eyes “You really gonna start Beth? I can look for the future Mrs. Greyfield and keep an ear out for our prize. Besides who jumps straight into love?”

“Arthur.”

“That’s a bit extreme.” Arthur continued, giving no indication he’d heard her “First you find a spark then you go from there. You build up a relationship Bethy.”

“Arthur.” Beth repeated firmer.

“I know you’re not interested in the nuances of courtship but I am and I take great pride in….”

“Arthur!” Arthur flinched, resisting the urge to pluck out his earpiece “Is it even on the auction docket or you finding excuses to buy expensive wine with our coffers?”

Arthur gasped dramatically while he ignored the expensive bottle of wine he just ordered on the business credit card “How dare you? I am deeply offended you would think I would waste our hard work merc money on…”

“I just got a text from the bank.” Beth stated flatly before adding “Dumbass.”

“Well then why did you ask if you knew the answer? I mean really what was the point of all this?” Arthur pretended to be offended at the notion.

Beth answered dully “Messing with you. You’d take it out of your cut anyway. So it’s not up for sale tonight huh?”

“Nope.” Arthur clicked his tongue thoughtfully “It got taken off the list a few minutes ago. Emergency restoration is what was cited.”

“So someone’s buying it backroom.” Beth finished for him.

“Mhm. Probably wheeling and dealing as we speak.”

Arthur could hear his oldest friend rubbed her temples, trying alleviate the incoming headache “What’s the play? Going in hot?”

“By myself?” Arthur scoffed as he ran his hand through his white hair “I mean I’ll get it done but by the time I fight my way backstage it’ll be gone.”

“Ash and Blitz are nearby” Beth offered halfheartedly “I can pull them off their job but they’re not gonna be much help aside beyond stand outside and look pretty. It was hard enough to hack the company’s system to get you an invite and I had weeks to work on that. A last minute rush drop isn’t going to happen and we’re about to lose a huge paycheck if this goes south so we’re gonna need every little cent to cover the loss.”

Arthur scratched his clean shaven chin thoughtfully.

“I can hear you scratching Arthur. Give it to me.”

“You left yourself a backdoor into their system right?”

Her voice was neutral but he could the rapid keystrokes of her fingers gliding across the keyboard effortlessly “Yes I did.”

“Patch yourself in. Camera, communications and wait for the action to start.” Arthur explained while he waved down a waiter “How long till you’re ready Beth?”

“5 minutes. I’ll let you know when.”

Arthur nodded, more out of habit than anything else.

“Sir?” a young man in a stylishly plain white suit and holding a tray approached him carefully.

“Yes hello my good sir. I like to order something. Well two somethings actually.”

-----

“Arthur, I’m in.”

The auction room was less room and more well lit night club: various of Newton Haven’s wealthy class were on the floor below, each seated at a table that was not only catered to their specific taste but also positioned in a certain way that no one found themselves to a jilted ex lover.

Or spouse.

Or business partner.

Or family member.

As he himself was not from old money, or new money for that matter nor was he anyone of any level of notable fame, Arthur was stuck on the second floor landing. He was so far tucked in the back that he could cover the entirety of the stage with his thumb.

Which he had done repeatedly in the last five minutes.

Arthur brought his near empty drink to his lips, carefully positioning his posture to make it seemed like he was taking a sip.

“When I get in.” he murmured, the glass echoing his voice just loud enough for Beth to hear “When they call it in make a false report that I’m making a break for an exit. Don’t mention which one.”

He could practically hear her mocking salute on the other line “Hall of Mirrors, gotcha. Also Arthur.”

“Yes?”

“You wore that to the job?”

Arthur glanced down at his attire: a collared tattered dark red shirt tucked into a black vest, wrinkly black dress pants and dirtied black loafers.

“Yes? Problem?” he took an accusing tone.

“No, just funny.” Beth chuckled “No wonder they stuck you in the nosebleeds. Probably didn’t want to risk you offending the rich with your terrible clothes.”

Arthur gave a little laugh “Well they’re going to regret that.”

“Oh?” Beth asked curiously “How so?”

He grinned impishly “I’m about to offend a rich person.”

“Oh this I gotta hear.” Beth couldn’t keep the eagerness out of her voice.

“The easiest way you can of course. Acting like you’re on their level.”

Beth’s smile widen as she watched Arthur on the camera feed lean in closer to an older couple near by, their perfect faux smiles dropping within moments.

-----

“Sir.”

Arthur glanced upwards from his phone to find a rather serious man standing in front of him. He wore the same suit as the waiter but between his black shades, ear piece and muscular frame made it clear he performed a different duty here at auction night. With one hand he gestured for him to stand while the other reached for something.

“Is there a problem?” Arthur complied, pocketing his phone and pretending to adjust his clothing as he stood.

The clearly security guard tapped a baton against his leg “We’ve received a rather large amount of complaints involving you sir .”

Arthur dramatically pretended to be shock “Me? No. No no no sir I have been nothing but a well behaved, civil guest in your fantastically stocked place of business.” he motioned with his cup then to the older couple couple nearby “We just finished a pleasant conversation, right?”

The older gentleman gave a strained smile. The older wife decided to glare, her hands clutched tight around her cell phone made it obvious who had complained.

“Oh that hurts Karen.” Arthur clicked his tongue disappointingly “Real hurtful. I thought we were connecting over our shared wealth and our goal of donating to the less fortune. Shameful, shameful. Well he’ll vouch for me.”

The waiter, whom at this point had been minding his business, was taken aback by the sudden attention.

Arthur beamed, cheerfully pointing “Yes him! Tell your man here that I have not caused one ounce of trouble.”

“Sir I just work here.” The waiter raised a hand defensively as he desperately tried to slide his key card into the electronic lock barring his exit from the room “No need to get me involved.”

The lock’s light shifted from red to green, trilling loudly to let the poor waiter it was time to go. He bowed his head apologetically while he pushed open the door and hurried inside.

“Shit.” Arthur clutched his hand into a fist uneasily.

The security guard rubbed at his eyes tiredly “Last warning asshat . Don’t cause a fuss. Nice and quiet. These folks don’t like having their evening ruined.”

“I wouldn’t want to ruin their buying of illicit and wrongfully taken goods. Look mister.” Arthur scrunched his face as he eyed the I.D. card clipped to the guard’s belt “Is that Philips? Mister Phillips I never do anything quiet and based on my treatment here I am far beyond being nice now.”

The guard sighed but said nothing as he reached for Arthur.

Arthur, however, was ready. He gripped the unprepared guard’s wrist and yanked him closer with a mighty pull. The guard stumbled forward and using his free hand, Arthur grabbed the back of his head and smashed his face into the table as hard as he could.

The guard shot up, howling in pain while he clutched as his now bleeding nose with both hands. Arthur snatched up the baton and took a step back, planting his foot firmly against the table’s edge. With a barely audible grunt he kicked the table and slammed it into the reeling guard’s knees.

“Don’t be rude!” He gestured with the baton as he slid across the top of the table.

The guard was still too stunned by pain to react Arthur gently pushing him to one side to make his way past.

The two other guards stationed up here noticed the commotion but not the source. They approached slowly, eyeing each other warily as they drew near.

-----

“Miss?”

The beautiful woman at the bar was taken out of her thoughts to noticed a rather fancy drink placed in front of her by the bartender.

“What is this?” She asked curiously.

The bartender motioned behind her “The white haired man bought it for you. Sends his love .”

She turned around in time to find Arthur making his way to the locked side door. He caught notice of her gaze and shot her a flirtatious wink and grin. He slid an I.D card into the electronic lock and with bow, slipped inside quickly.

-----

Arthur gave an unsatisfied sigh , sliding the baton in between the doors handle to prevent anyone from entering “Good bye future Mrs. Greyfield. Tis not meant to be in this life.”

He looked around and noticed he was inside some storage room: To the left of him was an emergency exit complete with “do not open unless in case of emergency” sign. Some storage cupboards lay in front and to the right stairs that led down and further into the building .

“How’s it looking?” Arthur asked while rolling up his sleeves.

Beth took a moment to answer “They just reached the guard. He’s having trouble explaining what happened. I’d say you got half a minute before they sort out the story and go looking for you.”

“Best to hurry then.”

Arthur raced down the stairs and found himself backstage. Evidently word of his scuffle hadn’t been cal led in because the room was peaceful. Aside from the steady stream of waiters streaming in and out of the kitchen, there was not a soul in sight.

He glanced at the various doors that littered the room “If I were an illegal backroom office where would I be?”

He stopped in front of a door with a hastily written sign that read “Janitor’s Closet”

“Seriously?” Arthur sighed. He gave the sign an irritated tap “At least try guys. This is embarrassing.”

“Halt!” A voice anxiously called when he entered the room proper.

It turns out it WAS a janitor’s closet: Metal racks stacked with various chemicals and cleaning supplies hugged the walls of the room. Brooms, mops and buckets tucked into a corner. A plain metal container on a table sandwiched between armed guards.

You know usual janitorial things.

One guard asked, their voice tense “Who are you? You’re not allowed to be back here!”

“Access restricted! I-I mean restricted access!” The other guard stepped forward threateningly.

Arthur studied the pair : One’s grip was too tight on their weapon, the other was too loose. Both shared hunched frames as if they were trying to appear less of a threat. They were both caught off guard by his presence like they hadn’t been expecting anyone to show up. They kept stealing glances at the other, unease etched all over their face.

“Excuse me?” He answered with some steel in his voice “You did not just tell your superior officer where he is allowed or not allowed to be”

The duo flinched, stammering over each other.

“I’m sorry sir!” one said.

“Show me your identification!” The other asked.

Arthur flashed them his stolen I.D just long enough for them to recognize what it was.

“Okay that checks out but why are you in a different uniform?”

“Because.” Arthur began slowly “To clearly denote rank. If I looked like everyone else how would you know I’m in charge?”

“I guess that makes sense”

Their posture relaxed.

The closest one to him scratched their head in embarrassment “Sorry sir. We were told no one was allowed in this room and a superior would be along shortly to relive us.”

“Well I’m here.” Arthur made of show of gesturing to himself “You may go.”

“Sir.” The guards replied as one before hurriedly making their way out of the room.

Beth whistled appreciatively “That was lucky.”

“How’s it look?”

“They’re trying to get in through the door.” Beth typed something quickly “They’re not eager to call it in.”

“Of course not. Imagine inconveniencing the rich. Oh the horror.” Arthur scoffed dismissively.

“Well let’s not give them chance to ruin this. There’s no camera in whatever room you’re in. Confirmation?”

Arthur ran his hand over the container slowly: It was smooth and cold to the touch but it didn’t seem to be more than just a box. He gave it a shake for good measure yet nothing happened.

“No signs of being trapped. Opening the box now.”

Carefully he unlatched the lock and gingerly lifted the lid. It opened effortlessly and within lay an opal necklace the size of a fist.

“Confirmed.” he ran a hand through his hair “It’s the opal. Retrieve is a go.”

He latched the box and lifted it by the handle to get a feel for the weight.

“Good because it seems like they discussing what do next.” Bethy warned, urgency hidden behind her laid back tone.

Arthur paused for a moment before putting the container down. He began searching the shelves for something.

Beth could hear his rustling of objects “Arthur? Did you not hear me? They’re starting to panic. Any longer and they’re going to go crying to the supervisor.”

“You got access to everything in the building right?”

“Yes.” Bethy answered, unsure where this was going “They connected everything to the wifi and naturally there’s a dozen vulnerabilities I squeezed in through. How exactly is this relevant?”

“It will be in a second. Ah!” he exclaimed as he found a box of matches. He began dumping bundles of old clothes and towels onto the table quickly.

Arthur pulled out a match and struck it against the rough grooves of the matchbox “So in theory a place that handles artifacts and the like should have a really good fire suppression system in place right?”

“In theory yes.” Bethy replied slowly.

“Cool and if they don’t that’s on them.” Arthur smiled as he held aloft the burning match “Hit the fire alarm.”

“There isn’t a fire according to the sensors. I don’t think anyone will buy it.”

He tossed the match onto the pile he created “Well there is now.”

There was a moment of silence before a loud, high pitch shrieking filled the air. The alarm in the corner began flashing an eye catching flickering light.

Arthur picked up the container, made his way to the door and waited for the panic shuffling of yells and scraping of feet. He threw open the door, allowing it to slam against the wall with a thunderous thud.

“FIRE!” He cried, eyes wide as he wildly motioned behind him “FIRE IN THE JANITOR’S CLOSET!”

He broke into a mad sprint, slipping into the retreating crowd as a choir of voices cried out “FIRE IN THE CLOSET!” Despite being seen by more than a dozen witnesses, each found they had difficulty remembering what exactly happened let alone some mystery man who vanished into the night.

-----

“Thank you, this is indeed the opal I wished for you to recover.”

The following night was when Bethany and Arthur decided to conduct the debriefing/concluding of business.

Bethany Friar was an average height with long dark brown hair. Her green eyes took in everything with a bored, uninterested look. Both members of the Swift Silvers were dressed in their uniforms: Blue collared shirts tucked under silver vests and ties. Black work jeans (Skirt for Bethany as she did not own company issued pants because she did not do field work often.) and black combat boots. Completing the look was the standard issue silver trenchcoat.

Their employer was supposedly an older woman though she did not look it. Her long jet black hair flowed down her back like waves. Her black dress hugged her curves in an enticing way and short enough to show a lot of leg. She was inhumanly beautiful and clearly not a human given her dark red irises.

“Was it trouble?” She asked, her concerned spoken with a honeyed accent.

Arthur feel himself flush “No. Not at all. Just a standard job.”

“Standard my ass.” Bethany mumbled under her breath “Three weeks trying to find a way in. That’s like three times longer than normal!”

Arthur nudged her subtly.

The woman eyed them carefully “Well excellent work. Now about payment.”

Beth rolled her eyes “Here we go.”

“I have the money of course but perhaps you desire something more…personal?”

Arthur had seen it coming but still he was caught off guard by exactly how powerful the wave of lust washed over him and Bethy. Suddenly their client was impossible beautiful and even more alluring. Surely the others wouldn’t mind if he took one for the team? So to speak.

“Is this accepted” the client batted her eyes invitingly.

Arthur opened his mouth to answer.

“Yeah no. Fuck off with your magic.” Bethany was the one to answered with a dismissive wave of her hand “Hand over the money.”

The client eyed the woman carefully and Arthur could feel the wave of lust pass over them both once more. He nearly collapsed, his blood thundering in his ears.

“Surely there is someone you desire.” The woman swayed closer to Bethany in a hypnotic fashion “Man, woman. Both at once? Or are you more varied in your tastes?”

Bethy crossed her arms “None of the above. The only thing I desire right now is a burger and since you don’t seem to have one on you, money please.”

The client huffed, clearly unhappy about paying up. The aura vanished as quickly as it came and reluctantly she opened the briefcase at her side and showed the money all accounted for.

“You can’t blame me for trying.” She winced uncharacteristically with not a single trace of her accent to be found.

“Of course not.” Arthur agreed wholeheartedly

Bethy glared “Oh shut it. Pleasure doing business with you.”

The woman slunk into the shadowy night and vanished into thin air.

A moment passed before Bethany tapped Arthur’s shoulder.

The pair turned and began making their way back to the car.

“Do you really want a burger right now?” Arthur asked curiously.

Bethany scoffed “Psst, yeah. Let’s go to Ma’s.”

Arthur nodded in agreement “Oh Ma’s sounds good right now. I’m starving!”

And with a pep in their step and a briefcase full of cash, the pair made their way to a celebratory meal for a job well done.

#Mirror's Edge #Original Work #original story #my work

18 notes · View notes

nancydrew428 · 2 years

Text

Why is everyone (both everyday people and governments) treating COVID like it's over? Why did we stop caring? Why are we letting so many people die?

At least in the U.S., we are still having some of the highest cases we've ever had! We have more cases currently than we did in March 2020. And this is probably an underestimation, considering the fact that so many in person testing places have shut down, nothing is really requiring that people get tested anymore, so many people are buying at home tests where they don't have to report the results, many people get asymptomatic COVID, and lots of cities/states have essentially just stopped reporting cases.

On average in the past week, we are having almost 98,000 new cases per day. Thankfully, deaths are down, but that's still about 300 recorded COVID deaths per day in the past 7 days. (this is according to Google by searching "COVID trend US".)

The thing about this is that so many of these cases and deaths would be preventable if governments did anything about it. But instead, governments give into their furthest right constituents + their corporate interests and decide that pretending that everything's fine and letting immunocompromised and otherwise high risk people have to choose between hiding and dying is more important than caring about people's lives and health.

Why is your personal freedom to not wear a mask, to not get vaccinated, to possibly kill yourself, and to likely kill others more important than other people's rights to live?

I'm not saying we have to go back to the way it was when we were strictest with COVID. I know that is not going to happen and people want to get out there and do things. But why are big businesses no longer requiring masks? Why are some governments no longer making it easier/cheaper to get tested for COVID? Why are governments no longer pushing vaccines? Why are we not better funding our hospitals, other healthcare settings, and really anything that will truly help people?

How could we all be so selfish, ignorant, bigoted, hateful, self-centered, corrupt, careless, and perhaps even malicious?

What can I do to help people care or do what's right? What can I do to hold my government accountable? What can I do to protect myself and others?

I'm vaccinated and I'll get any future COVID vaccines that are recommended. I'll keep wearing my mask. I can ask my friends to do the same. I can start carrying around other masks in my car just in case one of my friends forgets theirs. I social distance when possible. I keep up to date with COVID news. What else I can do?

I want to live my life, too. I want to enjoy my 20s and go to concerts and see friends. But I also don't want to give up. I don't want to put myself or others at high risk. I don't want to pretend like COVID is over, like everything's fine, like people aren't getting sick and dying when many of these cases are preventable! COVID is real. It still exists, it's still infecting people, affecting people, killing people. It's here to stay, but there has to be something that can be done. For the U.S. government to decide that the onus is on the individual and to wipe their hands clean from the blood that was once there is despicable and disgusting.

#if you are anti-vax or don't believe covid exists or never wear a mask or feel too defensive to respond in a meaningful way #then please don't respond #block me and leave me alone #i mostly just needed to rant but i do want to do what i can to help others and make the world a better place #but when not enough people/no powerful people or entities are doing this (or being open/loud enough about it)#it feels scary and lonely and hopeless #and i don't like any of those feelings lol #post #covid #covid 19 #not nd #not nd related

8 notes · View notes

calvin-af-crone · 2 years

Note

I'm not the other anon, but you do realize that these fact checking websites are also paid very well by the very people trying to push their agendas... right? You couldn't have possibly gone through all those years of life taking every single thing the government tells you at face value, right? If so, I am sorry for you. You should look up the hashtag "vaccineinjured" and also take a look at the doctors who chose to leave their careers instead of lying to patients. He made the right choice.

Golly, you sure sound like the same person. You're just as patronizing. I can't argue w/ you so I'm just gonna tell you what happened to my late husband's daughter, her husband, & her husband's father. All of them were Fox "News" viewers, convinced the pandemic was a hoax OR a Chinese plot & the vaccines were gonna implant GPS devices more accurate than the ones they all carry in their phones OR getting vaxxed would slowly kill them. They refused to wear masks & went about their lives as usual. Until the father—who is our age—got Covid, ended up in the hospital & nearly died.

No problem. They amended their delusions to allow for Covid being real & started wearing masks. But, the vaccine was still a evil plot. The father partially recovered & believing he was now immune went on w/ his life as usual.

Then the husband went to a wedding where he was the only one wearing a mask. The Bride had been vaccinated but the Groom had not. It was a super-spreader event & half the guests got Covid. The Bride survived. The Groom died along w/ a quarter of the other guests who got infected at his wedding.

Their direct experience caused them to shift away from their beliefs & they were discussing maybe getting vaxxed after all when the father caught Covid AGAIN & ended up back in the hospital. His second bout was far worse than the first. Before they intubated him, he gasped out a last message to his family on Facebook—

"Get vaxxed." Then, they all got vaxxed.

The vaccines never promised to keep you from getting sick from a rapidly mutating virus. But, the Moderna vaccine has been 93% effective in preventing hospitalization & DEATH. Ya'know, it's one thing for me to chose not get an annual flu shot because I personally had bad reactions. If I get an ordinary flu, I will survive.

But risking death or long-term disability over the notion there has been a massive conspiracy among competing science research labs in countries around the world to create a vaccine that does more harm than good is absurd. None of this occurred because of some monolithic "government". Thousands of individuals acted in good faith to save people from suffering death. And you don't trust them to want to save themselves & their families!

My husband & I—because of our age & infirmities—were among the first people in the US to get vaccinated. My husband did his research & decided Moderna was the best bet. That was what our county health dept offered & we got our first dose in January 2021. At the time, we felt a bit brave & willing to be guinea pigs for the sake of our children & grandchildren. We read the CDC Guidelines & accordingly wore masks & avoided crowds.

EXCEPT, after being triple-vaxxed, I flew across the country & returned home after passing thru 4 airports TWICE. I slept fitfully in a Dallas airport overnight wearing only a cloth mask AND DIDN'T CATCH COVID!

EXCEPT, the first month my husband was in a nursing home because he was dying, the facility had an outbreak of Covid & he tested positive. He got over it in a few days w/ symptoms no worse than a sinus infection. He recovered & joked about being invincible. But he went in w/ COPD & Congestive Heart Failure & those conditions are what finally killed him 6 weeks later.

You won't convince me the Moderna vaccine doesn't work & I've probably wasted my time trying to convince you to reconsider your position. Ah well...

THIS IS THE END OF THAT TOPIC.

3 notes · View notes

pcttrailsidereader · 2 years

Text

Avoiding the Preventable

On my first PCT hike I was a little younger and a lot more naive. I was with my two friends and we were in the Cascades doing something we had never done before. We were spending a month walking from the Columbia River to Rainy Pass in Washington state. It was late June when we began our journey. The rainy times are not completely done by then. Needless to say there was plenty of early summer snowmelt bringing fresh water cascading out of the mountains.

We drank freely and often from the streams we found along the way. The water was cold, crisp, and delicious. Soothing to parched throats and reinvigorating to tired bodies. All was just fine until about a week after we returned to our respective homes. A week after slowly integrating back into 'normal' life I began to not feel so great. Severe abdominal cramps, diarrea, and general fatigue were keeping me sidelined. I wasn't sure what was happening to me. Whatever it was it wasn't good.

I got to a doctor who had recently studied parasitic diseases and recognized my symptoms as giardia. To be sure he had me do a lab test but got me going on a strong medication to clear the intestinal cysts that make giardia so nasty. The meds turned things around pretty quickly. Gladly I was feeling more like my normal self in a few days.

The lesson learned was, 'DON'T drink the water!'. I knew that my future adventures in the mountains would include some form of purification or filter system for any water I was intending to. drink. I clearly knew I DID NOT want to experience giardia again if I could help it. That was the start of a long history of making sure I was being sensible about drinking water in the backcountry.

This has led me practice everyday preventative actions to keep myself and others as safe as possible. These days we are really concerned about preventing the spread of Covid 19. We also don't want the flu, or the common cold, especially when we are so far from home. Even out of doors it is still important to cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing. None of the above mentioned infections stop at trailheads. You can reduce your risk of Covid with measures like being fully vaccinated, wearing a mask where appropriate, and staying outside. Even before the Covid outbreak many PCT hikers were fist bumping up and down the trail as both a greeting and preventable measure.

Gastrointestinal issues are an often preventable cause of wilderness medical emergencies. By washing your hands you can decrease your chances of contracting stomach ailments. Norovirus is a particularly contagious virus. Outbreaks have occurred on trails around the world. Simply washing your hands frequently with biodegradable soap at least 200 feet from water sources can make a real difference towards preventing many health issues. Illness often begins suddenly and lasts about 1 to 2 days, with stomach pain, nausea, diarrhea and vomiting. Plenty of time to ruin a wilderness experience. Noroviruses are found in the stool or vomit of infected people and on infected surfaces that have been touched by ill people, such as pipe gates or containers of water at a cache.

Washing your hands, or at least using hand sanitizer can lessen the opportunity for a virus to strike. Other strategies include not sharing food or drinking from the same water bottle. Try not to touch your eyes, nose, or mouth. Finally, boil or chemically treat water as most filters will not remove viruses alone.

This probably reads like a horror story. Well, if you get sick you will be starring in one. No one wants that. I was so happy in my misery with giardia to be home and not miles from a road and a ride out. Taking a few preventable measures can keep you moving in the direction of your dreams down the trail.

#Giardia #Covid 19 #Norovirus #Safe water #Clean Hands

1 note · View note

605speaks · 7 months

Text

#605Speaks Superheros Don't Always Wear Capes 2023

#605Speaks Superheros Don't Always Wear Capes, sometimes they wear a mask! #SiouxperCon is just days away. I'm happy to be volunteering again this year for SiouxperCon to Sioux Falls and Beyond! It's important to me to do my part to keep my community, the guests, attendees and staff of #SiouxperCon safe. I made time last week to get my updated vaccinations for Flu and Covid 19. As someone with a chronic health condition, pandemic preparedness is still very real for me. My shot last week was my 6th Covid vaccination. I have remained Covid negative since it's appearance in 2019! I want to stay that way. Please consider getting your Flu and Covid shots before the Convention to protect yourself and others. And hey, rock those masks you invested in over the last 3 years! Functional Fashion at it's best. #siouxpercon #siouxpercon2023 #HiFromSD #SiouxFalls #SouthDakota https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2023/p0912-COVID-19-Vaccine.html

#605 speaks #south dakota #siouxpercon #siouxpercon2023 #HiFromSD #Sioux Falls

0 notes

langhoffsharma11 · 10 months

Text

Gold Bars On the Market In Purchase & Sell

Minted gold bars are made by cutting gold blanks from flat sheets of strong gold. Scottsdale Mint sells plenty of 1 kilo gold bars, but you may as well acquire a kilo of gold in an assortment of bars and coins of smaller weights. Essentially the most handy technique to reap the worth of your 1 kilo gold bar is through the use of Scottsdale Mint’s buyback program. Since 2016, Bitcoin IRA has processed over $400 million in cryptocurrency transactions, opened greater than 50,000 client accounts, and carried out hundreds of particular person trades for its shoppers using its proprietary 24/7 on-line self-trader. LOS ANGELES, April 2, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Bitcoin IRA, the world's first, largest and most safe digital asset IRA technology platform that permits purchasers to buy cryptocurrencies and other digital belongings for their retirement accounts, as we speak publicizes it has added physical gold to its checklist of available property for its clients. When a person purchases Gold on Bitcoin IRA's 24/7 self-commerce retirement platform, they're buying the ownership rights to funding-grade, US-certified gold bars, the place 1 Gold represents one fantastic troy ounce of a London Good Delivery gold bar.

2021 TRB Bullion. All Rights Reserved. On this page, you will discover the 1-kilogram gold bars which are currently obtainable from TRB Bullion. We're the reputed Gold bullion house and inventory a range of Gold Bars, Gold Coins, and Precious Metals. The best way to search out out the present worth of your 1 kilo gold bar is to contact Scottsdale Mint’s buyer providers. One among only a few working mints in the United States, Scottsdale Mint is dedicated to delivering the very best-quality gold and silver to its investors. Well-identified suppliers of gold bars embrace Heraeus, Perth Mint and Umicore. Gold bars provide the lowest premium over spot, especially when compared to gold rounds, coins, and novelty items. We're posting our publication right here to enable patrons contact us for the available and bars in our stand here which is 500kgs. Additionally we have now a mining site in bertoua and north looking for an investor for a joint venture by these sellers. There are 33 different third-get together sellers who additionally provide Liquid Gold Bars - Final Milk Chocolate.

Who needs to speculate with profit intention in gold coins, should fall again on investment coins. All patients and staff are required to wear a mask, all employees are required to have not less than the primary full collection of Covid vaccinations.… To compensate for this disadvantage, you must put money into heavy coins that weigh not less than one ounce. Property may be eliminated by appointment only and appointments should be made a minimum of 24 hours in advance. Re-lists: Occasionally you might discover that an item is re-listed. Damaged Items: If a purchase arrives and it is defective or broken you won't be charged for return delivery and shall be provided a substitute item or full refund if the oversight was ours. Look for real Toyota replacement parts at your neighborhood Toyota vendor to keep your Toyota a Toyota. Every Toyota dealership goals to offer prime-class service proper here in your space to assist make your automobile procuring experience as partaking and straightforward as possible. Friendly gross sales staff at your close by Toyota dealerships at all times intention to offer the best worth in city. California sales tax applies to all California residents.

After sending the complaint, you'll be receiving an automated electronic mail as acknowledgement. Please email us for more data. Safe: The gold is insured at Brink's bullion vault facility, including any gold in transit (be taught more). Presenting our purchasers with different enterprise alternatives from all corners help broaden their product portfolio which would enable them to stay aggressive in each market. From Enterprise: About Monroe Enterprise Providers Monroe Enterprise Providers affords accounting, tax, and associated software program consultation providers backed by an intensive quantity of… GST incurred on enterprise purchases and bills, including import of goods, is named enter tax. Please contact us for separate invoicing and fee choices on firearm purchases. bars of gold bars of silver accept all major credit playing cards through PayPal (Except firearm purchases), cashier's checks, money orders, and financial institution wires for payment of your total amount due. Buy Gold On-line direct from Bank of Bullion.

youtube

Nonetheless, in the case of a return the Purchaser's Premium and Transport Price won't be refunded. Buyers speculating on a rising gold value ought to put money into bars that are as heavy as potential so as to maximize their return. PLEASE Only PLACE AN ORDER In case your Payment Is completed IN 72 HOURS FROM ORDER --PLEASE Observe----Our shippping is simple - we mix up to 14 days at no extra price on transport in the event that they categorized in these following strategies marketed and laid out right here beneath - --------Please note that we don't allow collections normally , But if need be , we might be able to arrange it. The gold market is essentially the most stable valuable metal market, so if you happen to need a secure, secure funding, you should buy a 1 kilo gold bar. Which brings us to the 2 primary Swiss gold bars. Two smugglers had been arrested at a checkpoint on National Highway-37 in Morigaon district of the state and gold bars weighing two kilograms were seized from their possession, Assam Police mentioned on Wednesday. Mr Durolek repeatedly ignored court docket orders and fled to France, despite a choose ordering him handy over his passport and stay put. Perform licensed practitioners' written, verbal, and phone orders in a well timed manner.

#buy gold bars online

0 notes

allaroundmovingusa · 1 year

Text

Reliable, Responsible and Professional Relocation Service In NYC

Are you planning to move your home or office to another location? If yes, then it can be complex, worrisome, and hassling at times whether you are a business owner or an individual, moving your long-established company and home to another location. Many New York City packing and moving to Florida services offer comprehensive relocation services, including packing, loading & unloading, and transporting but finding a reliable, responsible and efficient moving service is a real challenge.

Moving to Florida from New York

Millions of people typically choose to move to another location each year. This is one of the reasons why moving has since grown to become an important industry. The pandemic has changed the entire NYC moving industry in the way moving services are provided to customers.

While people around the world have started getting vaccinated against the coronavirus, most movers still remain adhere to the following safety protocols to combat the spread of the virus –

· Social distancing

· Wearing face masks and sanitization of the hands

· Disinfecting the moving tools and equipment

The market size of the relocation industry in the USA will grow at a compound annual rate of 1.0% from 2017-2022. In recent years, moving costs have risen significantly nationwide due to labor shortages and supply chain disruptions due to the pandemic. As the gas prices, this year are touching a record high, moving services have become a very expensive proposition.

ALL AROUND MOVING SERVICES COMPANY INC – Best Moving To Florida Service

ALL AROUND MOVING SERVICES COMPANY INC remains a one-stop-shop for moving to Florida needs. People often find it difficult to get a professional local and long-distance mover that offers unlimited options in terms of transportation and storage. With the part of the Better Business Bureau, the company is ready to go an extra mile for its customers to provide them reliable and responsible services. It keeps importance on minute details while delivering relocation services such as timely service and high-level care for belongings for having no damage. It doesn’t matter which place in Florida you want to relocate to, the company is ready to deliver you world-class services. For complete details and get a quote for your needs whether short or long-distance moving services, visit our website or call on us now! Our professional relocation services to Florida include-

· International & Commercial Moving Services

· A/C Storage

· Packaging Eequipment

· Shipping Services

· Storage Supplies & Products

#moving to florida

0 notes

bananaaccess · 2 years

Text

Nc driving restriction codes

#Nc driving restriction codes driver

#Nc driving restriction codes license

#Nc driving restriction codes download

Visit Count On Me NC to see a list of businesses – restaurants, lodging, attractions and others – that have completed the Count On Me NC training, as these businesses are making a concerted effort to help keep everyone safe and healthy. As a guest, you can take your own pledge, too, to show you’re doing your part. More information about local restaurant resources specific to North Carolina destinations can be found via their local tourism organization, which can be found here. If exploring outside, please follow Outdoor NC and Leave No Trace's recommendations for slowing the spread of the virus so we can continue to enjoy nature responsibly. 23, 2020: Executive Order 135 Extends until May 8, North Carolina’s Stay At Home (Executive Order 121) as well as other orders regarding the closures of restaurants for dine-in service, bars and other close-contact businesses. The North Carolina Office of Administrative Hearings provides access to both permanent and temporary rules. (link is external) Sign up for Weekly Email Updates. (link is external) Vaccination Hotline: 88. Protect yourself and your loved ones by getting your shot as soon as you can. The app does not collect any personally identifiable information. May 8, 2020, eases some restrictions on travel, business operations and mass gatherings. North Carolina administrative codes (NCAC) and regulations from the Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) that apply to acute and home care facilities are provided below. COVID-19 vaccines are available to everyone 5 and older.

#Nc driving restriction codes download

North Carolinians and out-of-state visitors are also encouraged to download SlowCOVIDNC, an exposure notification app that alerts users when they may have had an unknown community exposure.

#Nc driving restriction codes driver

Please use for real-time information on rest areas, resources and traffic. North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles Commercial Driver Endorsements and Restrictions ENDORSEMENTS VEHICLE DESCRIPTION KNOWLEDGE TESTS REQUIRED SKILLS TESTS REQUIRED T Combination vehicles with double or triple trailers. The Order does not change the reduced capacity limits. Executive Order 176 will go into effect on Friday, November 13 and will be in place through Friday, December 4. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also recommends wearing a mask in indoor public settings (even if you are vaccinated) if visiting an area with high or substantial levels of transmission. Governor Roy Cooper announced that North Carolina’s indoor mass gathering limit will be lowered to 10 people in an effort to drive down North Carolina’s key COVID-19 metrics. If individuals are not vaccinated, the NCDHHS recommends against both traveling and gathering with other unvaccinated people who don’t reside in the same household. The U.S. Visitors are also encouraged to check with local governments to determine if any mandates or limitations are in place.

#Nc driving restriction codes license

North Carolina Class A CDL License Test Requirements. Covers North Carolina CDL Classifications (A, B, and C), Endorsements and Restriction Codes. While there are currently no statewide restrictions for the general public related to COVID-19 and its variants, visitors should use their best judgment when traveling and adhere to the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services’ recommendations. COMPLETE NORTH-CAROLINA CDL CLASSIFICATION CODES INFORMATION.

#Nc driving restriction codes

1 note · View note

misterewrites · 2 years

Text

Showdown At Gallow Hills (Mirror’s Edge)

Hey everyone E here with the newest Mirror's Edge chapter. Little late but life happens you know?

I hope you are all doing good. Please keep Ukraine in your minds even if you're not watching the news or anything. I get it it is a lot but they're still fighting. We owe it to them to keep them in our hearts and minds and do what we can for them. If you donate please research carefully and be careful of russian Psy-ops. For folks in the state side keep pushing Disney, hold them accountable because you did that. The pressure made them backpedal hard and while they laid off for now, they are not your friend. They can and will wait for no one to pay attention to start pulling shit like this again. Remember the movies and shows you love are made by real artists who have a passion for that but the Disney is a company first and foremost and is ran by people who care only about money. Keep fighting everywhere you can, if you can’t it’s okay life gets rough sometimes and we all get tired and remember every little bit helps *Looks at Texas* especially in some places whose leaders don’t live in the present age.

I hope you are all good. be safe, stay safe, keep your loved ones safe, wear a mask still because it's not over yet (Alot of people can't get the vaccine for various reasons and it's not really fair to them) and there's plenty of places that don't even have the vaccine and desperately need it. Get vaccine if you can, push for everyone to have it cuz fuck man come on. have a great week! i will try to get the next chapter out soon. Tell your friends to give this a read, likes, reblogs, feedback all that is appreciated but really thank you for reading. As a long time writer I know original work does not do good in general reading and I am so happy it has so many readers. it makes my day. E is out peace!

If you wanna read this story in a more reader friendly format you check it out over here https://archiveofourown.org/works/30599756/chapters/96221044

The last chapter if you need a refresher https://archiveofourown.org/works/30599756/chapters/95135887

Here’s the story from the very beginning if you want know what the hell I’m talking about. It’s a decent read I swear and I’m not just saying that because I wrote it. I am way too humble to admit I did good haha

https://archiveofourown.org/works/30599756/chapters/75486005

And the rest of my work that ranges from Soul Eater to the Owl House, got some Arcane if that’s more your speed, Genshin Impact. Loads of random fandoms I keep bouncing around when I’m not writing my own stuff.

https://archiveofourown.org/users/MrE42/pseuds/MrE42

and that concludes this portion of the tour. If this is your stop, feel free to keep scrolling and have a fantastic day. Everyone, past the keep reading sign!

Summary: Finnrick's work has led him here to a final showdown with the inky creature from beyond our reality. Outclassed and outgun, it'll take everything the wizarding detective has to both find the truth about Richard Junior and stop this creature. Hopefully he's up for the challenge and won't, you know, die.

-----

Sparks flared into the air as a stream of flames burst forth from runes etched in the palm of the red glove. Finn could feel beads of sweat form on his brow, the cool air of the graveyard suddenly turning stuffy.

The creature may have being hurtling midair towards the detective at full speed but it had coming expecting a brawl: The inky tendrils switched from ready to impale Finn to a defensive position, wrapping themselves tightly around the dummy body the creature inhabited. There was choir of inhuman shriekingwhen the flames engulfed the inky substance, an ear piercing sound that would’ve stunned any living been who heard it.

Finn, however, was ready: he bit the inside of his cheek as hard as he could, the sudden sharp pain and adrenaline dulling the screams to a tolerable pitch. He ceased his fiery assault and tucked into a forward roll, leaping over a faded gravestone in time to narrowly avoid the creature colliding into him. Instead it hit the ground where he’d been standing with so much force the grass sunk a foot or so, dirt crumbling below with the creature as gravestones cracked and broke. The dummy stomped the ground and kicked up a dust cloud that quickly extinguished the flames Finn blanketed it with.

“Shit” Finn muttered as he noticed the broken gravestones “I better remember to call Yorrick.”

The wizard fiddled with the knob on the back of his glove, switching from one setting to another as the doll and its inky tendrils turned to face him.

The creature broke into a run, wooden face snarling with pure rage with its inky appendages flailed about wildly, smashing and breaking anything in its way.

Finn arched his hand back, focusing his magic into the center of his glove before he pitched forward, fingers outstretched towards his opponent. Five shimmering orange darts flung from the tips of his fingers and sailed through the air quickly.

Some of the tendrils had reposition themselves to blocked this new attack while the rest remained fixated on skewering Finn. The fiery darts cut clean through the ink, separating them off from the rest of the body and burning them into ash.

The creature was too caught up in bloodlust to notice though: it grabbed a headstone, plucking it from the ground ease and used it as a makeshift projectile. Finnrick was too slow to dodge. He made a gesture with his hands, blue runes forming around him while he yelled at the top of his voice “Proto-quis!”

The runes formed not a solid wall, Finnrick’s preferred protective spell, but instead a watery, translucent mist that hung in the air between himself and the projectile. The stone slammed into the watery barrier with great force but like physics dictated, its momentum had it shattered into numerous smaller pieces that pelted the detective with much less speed. While unpleasant and would definitely leave a bruise or two, Finn was no worse for wear.

Which was good because it closed the distance. The creature hit the spell at full sprint but it only held for a moment before evaporating into nothingness. His foe barely slowed as it raised his hand, its inky tendrils mimicking in response.

“Toro asshole!” Finnrick mocked as the lines etched into his coat began to glow with arcane power. The creature took a swing, bringing down the full weight of its fist and ink upon the detective.

Only to find empty space.

“Tricks!” It howled furiously.

“Magic.” Finn’s voice mocked from the fog “Though I guess to you it’s one and the same.”

Finn sighed in relief as he crouched hidden behind a gravestone. He glanced at the buttons on his coat sleeve: two of the three gently glowed with a blue light.

The Windsilk coat was one of Finn’s earlier attempts at magical item crafting. The coat itself was enchanted to teleport the user out of danger whenever it detected a large amount of force or magic nearby. Of course teleportation was one of the hardest schools of magic and even past Finn could only manage to get it to move him several feet away. He had always been terrible at spellweaving, the mystical art of fusing magic into clothing and thus the Windsilk coat reflected this. It could only be used three times before requiring a full month to recharge. While he had gotten better at magical item crafting over the years, he always neglected to update his coat.

Hopefully it won’t get him killed this time.

“Do you really hope to defeat me wizard?” it asked from within the thickening mist.

“Yeah obviously.” Finn called back, readjusting the knob once again “I mean if you want to give up and go home I’d be okay with that too.”

“Jokes are all you have left.”

He peered around the gravestone “Not true. I’m also have a membership to this really nice video rental place. It’s got framed posters and everything!”

“Stop hiding! You’re delaying the inevitable.”

Finn blew a strain of hair out of his face, allowing himself to enjoy the cool air for a moment “You really are in a hurry to get your ass kicked huh?”

“SILENCE!” It roared from somewhere nearby.

Finn rolled backwards as his hiding spot was ripped from the ground, the creature’s eyes blazing with an uncontrolled fury. It swung at him with the stone, moving faster than Finn had anticipated. The runes on his coat glimmered and once more the detective vanished into thin air.

Finnrick stumbled for a moment, blindly reaching out for anything to steady himself. He felt decayed wood under his touch and decided not to get creeped out by the implications of what he was holding.

The creature was a few feet ahead of him, head slowly scanning for any sign of the wizard.

Finn decided to give him one.

He gripped his wrist tight and aimed the red glove directly at his enemy. With a mighty “Batter up!” he let loose a barrage of baseball sized fireballs.

The creature responded faster than he’d been hoping: His first few hits managed to stagger it backwards but as the flames began to take hold, his inky limbs began to pat them out despite the great discomfort it caused and thrashed with reckless abandon, batting many of the attacks away.

The detective’s face began to sweat as his hand began to slowly rise in temperature. Overusing the glove would cause it to begin to generate a lot of heat and Finn was not eager to cook his hand.

He stopped his volley of fireballs, sending a cocky grin he wasn’t feeling towards the dummy “Not bad, ever think of dropping this whole spawn of evil act and joining the majors? I’m sure there’s a few teams that won’t mind having a terrifying monster from beyond our reality.”

“I” the creature roared, its inky limbs grabbing hold of two tombstones and ripping them free from their resting place “DON’T KNOW WHAT YOU ARE TALKING ABOUT!”

Two more stone projectiles his way but he was catching on. Finn sidestepped one and ducked under the other. He turned in time to see the creature barreling at him once more, hoping to catch the detective off guard.

“Friga-impalus!” a thick sheet of ice formed over his gloved hand and with a mighty swipe, Finn sent shards of ice flying. Unlike fire, however, the creature had no problem with this element. It allowed the shards to pierce its chest as it approached.

The creature was quick to the wizard’s tricks and instead of going for one single killing blow, it decided to throw a dozen slightly less fatal attacks his way: Finnrick bobbed and weaved as it tried to strike him clumsily with its fists. The inky tendrils, however, formed into pointed blades and were more precise in their attacks.

“Proto-finte!” Finn hopped back in time to avoid being skewered by a particular vicious ink appendage as his fists and arms were blanketed by a shimmering blue protective spell.

Normally the wizard was more unmovable wall and outmaneuvering in his tactics but years doing this job for a living taught him sometimes it paid to be unpredictable. And he deflected one inky blade with his warded arm while he drove a fist into the creature’s wooden host, cracking its jaw completely it was clear this thing hadn’t been expecting him to get physical.

The creature’s body stumbled backwards, inky limbs flailing about in confusion but Finnrick took the advantage: He began closing the distance himself, arms close to his face in a boxer stance, blocking or deflecting any counterattacks while driving his fist any and everywhere he could.

In a straight fight with a professional Finn wouldn’t have stood a chance but this wasn’t a competition and he wasn’t going to play fair.

“What is this treachery!?” the creature shrieked, attempting to strike at the detective with a free hand but Finn ducked under its attack and countered with one of his own “Wards? How!?”

“Easy!” Finn huffed, pushing past the exhaustion that was slowly ebbing at him “I protected my fists and since you keep hitting your face on them my shield spell is blocking it.”

“Cease this at once!”

Finn drove his fist into its face again, breaking more of the wooden frame away “Stop hitting yourself, stop hitting yourself.”

“ENOUGH!”

Finn winced as the tendrils shot out in all directions without warning. One managed to hit him in the shoulder and while it no doubt pierced skin, his coat kicked in time to prevent it from digging in deeper.

Finn breathed deeply. The pain stung but kept his adrenaline going which was good. He glanced downward to find all the buttons faded.

“Well shit. I didn’t know something could out trigger my coat.” he mumbled to himself “I really gotta work on that.”

“I thought you were doing great.”

Finn remained calm on the outside and resisted the urge to flambe the new voice that whispered to him from out of nowhere. He took a moment to allow his racing heart to slow before turning to the stranger in the mist.

Hidden behind a still standing gallows was a young man, about early 20s if Finn had to guess: His hair was a brown, a familiar shade nice and tidy. His face was boyish, smooth as if he lived a life free of any kind of stress. His eyes were a soft nonthreatening stormy gray. His clothes were ragged and torn as if something had attacked him though he seemed fine beyond that no nicks or bruises.

“Sorry.” He spoke in a gentle tone “I didn’t mean to scare you. I’m…”

“Richard.” Finn answered coldly.

Richard gave nervous smile “Y-yes. Richard Charles Junior.”

Finnrick remained silent, eyes narrowed at Richard carefully.

An unbearable pressure formed in the silence between them. Each moment passed Richard thought the detective was going to say something, a reassuring word or comfort but it did not come. Each moment passed and Richard’s smile slipped a little more and more until it had been replaced with unpleasant smirk.

“Nothing gets by you huh detective?” His voice turned hollowed and cold, his eyes no longer soft but stony and cruel.

“Richard” Finnrick repeated with a firm tone “Just Richard. No Senior, no Junior. Just you huh?”

Richard gave chilly chuckle “How did you figure it out?”

“You.” Finn gestured to all him “It’s hard to tell with all the ink and snarling and general wild animal behavior but you are the spitting image of your old man. Down to the same smooth skin. Freshly varnished I take it?”

“Yes.” Richard grinned proudly “I learned from my first time. Didn’t realize how unsettling wood could be if you don’t keep it safe from the weather. Luckily no one paid too much mind to me even as it splintered.”

“Inserting your soul into a wooden body.” Finnrick muttered.

Richard gave a casual shrug “I’m just staving off death, same as anyone else would if given the chance. Though you don’t seem fazed by this revelation. You truly are as good as they say Finnrick.”

“Mister Drift to you.” Finnrick harshly replied “This is unnatural.”

“Natural and unnatural is a matter of perspective.”

“And your process? Your magic? Were they unnatural too?”

Richard only gave a shark-like smile.

Finn could feel ice form in the pit of his stomach: Necromantic magic varied but all amounted to the same thing: There was a bill to pay and it always came due. Most necromancers were fine to pay it themselves, take the responsibility of their power.

Others, however, preferred if someone else was left holding the bag

And consequences.

Finn glared openly at Richard “You’re under arrest.”

He gave disbelieving scoff “For what? Disappearing?”

“Summoning a dangerous being, illegal magical use, pretty sure you got a couple other nasty skeletons in your closet too.” “My closet?” Richard’s voice took on a sickeningly sweet, innocent tone “I’m just the poor naive son who was tricked into helping his old man. I mean the apartment were in his name, he brokered the deal with the werewolf. He made the spell circle designed destroy his patron. Nearly succeeded too if it hadn’t been for an unexpected guest. I bet he’s been seen all about town. Meanwhile, on the other hand, I haven’t been known at all. Trapped in my father’s home. You think your word is good enough to get me to face justice Finnrick?”

Before Finn could answer, a tendril broke through the wooden structure, wrapping itself tightly around his arm. It flexed before launching him into the air and far away from Richard. Finn flinched as his shoulder collided with a particularly sturdy gravestone. Both it and a bone went CRACK though it was impossible which was louder.

Finn tumbled across the grass, his exhaustion finally catching up to him.

Magical items were designed to be indestructible to all but to the most powerful, pure force of magic.

His red glove was perfectly fine. Something in his arm wasn’t and every time he tried to move it a sharp stab ran up the side of his neck.

“Well fuck.” he whispered to no one in particular as he forced himself to a sitting position.

The gallows had been torn to shreds, a whirling mess of inky tendrils as the creature slowly approached a cowering Richard.

“CHEATED!” it snarled with a hatred only reserved for the worst of humanity.

“N-no!” Richard backed away. His voice was tense with fear but his eyes were still empty and distant “I honored our deal!”

“LIES!” the creature smashed some nearby tombstones into rubble “Your body was promised! YOUR BODY! Not this glorified doll!”

Richard gave an anxious smile “Well technically it was my body so I did honor our pact. It wasn’t my fault you weren’t specific.”

The creature did not like that answer. Forming as one, the inky tendrils smashed into the ground with so much force there was a newly form crater at least six feet deep.

“Your grave.” it hissed.

Richard straightened up “Our deal is concluded! You have your body and have no claim over me.”

“Deal!?” The wooden doll actually looked offended “You tried to kill me. YOU TRIED TO USE MY OWN SPELL AGAINST ME!”

“Per our agreement.” Richard gave a fake wheeze “I traded my body for your knowledge. Again you should’ve really been more clear about the terms and conditions.”

Finn could see the murder in the doll’s eyes, the creature slowly inching closer to Richard. He knew that the little asshole’s words rang true: Whether the creature liked it or not, the deal was properly met and thus it had no claim over Richard’s anything.

Of course that meant it was free to stay here and not only torture Richard until he gave up but also anything else it felt like inflicting pain on.

Finn slowly rose to his feet, leaning against a gravestone for support.

“Hey!” he called weakly but still with a hint of confidence “Ready for round 2?”

“Wizard.” The creature’s voice was low, dripping with rage “You earned my respect but not my mercy. Stay out of this if you wish to live a little longer. Intrude further and I will prolong your suffering.”

Finnrick coughed “That sounds like a shit deal. I’ll give you a better one.”

He gestured with his other hand. The ice sloshed off the doll’s body, turning back into water as it soaked the ground.

Finn could literally hear the irritation in the creature’s voice “A deal? With me? Is that wise?”

“No.” Finnrick stood on his own two feet “But we work with what we got. Right Richard?”

Richard looked taken aback but before either he or the creature could question the detective further, Finnrick aimed with his good hand: The purple gloved hummed with a quiet magic and out shot a single bolt of lightning.

It hit the doll straight onto the chest, leaving a little scorch mark. Dry trees were an excellent target for lightning storms but were poor conductors for electricity. Electricity instinctively searched for ground and followed the path of least resistance. In this case that was down towards the grass. And the puddle that formed at the doll’s feet.

Water didn’t conduct electricity despite popular belief.

Wet wood, on the other hand, did.

It was satisfying to see the doll’s leg explode from the force of the electricity surging towards the ground and then back up creature’s wooden body.

It hadn’t been completely destroyed but large chunks of the wooden surface had cracked open and splinter. The inky tendrils shrieked in displeasure but slithered about like snakes. The creature let out the most painful scream Finn had ever heard.

“YOU SHALL PAY FOR THIS!” the creature roared in an unmatched fury.

“Hey!” Finn shouted loudly “If you get Richard, will you leave this reality?”

“Yes!” it snarled “I will ‘get’ Richard! THIS I SWEAR!”

Finnrick slumped to the floor “Okay deal. Just checking.”

Richard could only look dumbfounded as inky appendages wrapped around him tightly, dragging him closer to his former patron.

“Finally!” there was an edge of triumphant to the creature’s voice “You will plead for me to end you. You will suffer for as long as I decree it and when I am through with you, you will beg for a death that will never come.”

“No!” Richard struggled to escape the inky bonds but it was in vain “Finnrick you can’t let it have me! It’ll destroy everything!”

“Actually he’s got you.” Finn said with a smirk.

“Yes!” the creature chuckled darkly “And once I’m finished with him you will be next little wizard.”

Finnrick clicked his tongue thoughtfully as he shot it a playful wink “Am I though?”

“What kind of…” the question died in the creature’s mouth as the ground began to sink under it, earthen hands made of dirt and grass grasp at it tightly and began dragging it deeper and deeper “Wizard! What trickery is this?”

“No trick.” Finn blew a loose strain of hair out of his face “It’s just you fulfilling your part of our deal. You get him and you leave.”

“Wait! That’s not what I…you cannot do this!”

“You’re right I can’t. But Litwick?” Finn patted the ground lovingly “Litwick takes agreements and deals very seriously. Fae are all about that kind of stuff.”

Finnrick was expecting death threats or at the very least some kind of “I shall return to feast on your bones” blah blah blah spiel but instead the creature gave a chilling laugh.

“Bested me wizard and fairly. Very well I shall take my leave.”

And like that it stopped resisting, allowing the forest to return it from where it came.

“Drift!” Richard cried as he slowly sunk beneath the ground “Drift you can’t let this happen! Let me face justice! Let me pay for my crimes! Don’t let it take me!”

Finn stood, his gaze cold yet absolute “My mother, Annabelle, used to have a saying: If you go chasing what lurks in the shadows too long you’ll join them. It’ll be you going bump in the night. You made this bed, it’s time to lay down.”

Richard’s eyes finally shone with a single emotion: Fear.

And like that he was gone, the grass smooth and undisturbed as if nothing had happened.

Finnrick took a deep sigh of relief.

And promptly passed out on the floor.

#Original Work #original story #my stuff

23 notes · View notes

reluctantmystic · 2 years

Text

Well, after two years of successfully avoiding it, husband and I caught COVID from a classmate. Fortunately, we were fully vaccinated, so for us it was basically equivalent to a mild cold - aside from husband having a 104F fever for one night. What’s really remarkable is that we live with my grandma, dad, and unvaccinated mom - but because we masked with KN95′s when we had to enter shared areas, none of them caught COVID. It took about a week from the time we found out we were exposed to start experiencing symptoms. Husband had a sore throat and dry cough, but tested negative with home antigen tests twice over the course of three days. I made him test again after he got feverish and he tested positive. It took another two days after that for me to test positive. And it took exactly 10 days from the date of our respective positives to test negative again. We’ve experienced no lasting effects. This morning my mom went to the funeral of a friend who died from COVID after over a month on a ventilator. COVID is still real, and it’s still killing. If you can be vaccinated safely, please get vaccinated. Vaccinated or not, if you’re feeling under the weather, please wear a mask. And just because you’ve tested negative early on, that doesn’t mean you don’t have COVID. Get a couple boxes of home tests, test over the course of your illness. If you test positive and have to go back to work or school, wear N95′s until you test negative. I know they suck, I know they look silly, but they absolutely work. Keep each other safe.

0 notes

projectcubicle1 · 2 years

Text

The Importance of Regular COVID-19 Testing in the Workplace

As of February 1st, there have been over 376 million confirmed cases of COVID-19 around the world. Over 5 million of those people have died as a result of the virus. And the real number could be even higher. These numbers make it painfully clear that COVID-19 is a real and present threat. And it still hasn’t gone away. However, while COVID-19 is still running rampant, there’s life at the end of the tunnel. A vaccine has been developed, and research is constantly being done to help us to better understand and combat this pandemic. As well as those steps forward, several tests are here to help us to identify a COVID-19 infection. Organizations and team members, in particular, have a vital role to play to keep workplace environment safe and clean with the use of regular Covid-19 testing.

How Regular Testing Can Help Your Team

The interesting thing about a pandemic is that fighting it has to be a group effort. Yes, governments and medical professionals fight COVID-19 more directly, but everyone has to play their part. We can play our part by following proven advice and practices that reduce the risk of contracting COVID-19 and passing it on to others. So, wearing masks and regularly washing your hands will help, as well as avoiding large gatherings indoors. Vaccines also give you resistance to COVID-19 and reduce the severity of the symptoms if you do catch it. When to Do a Covid-19 Testing? If you have COVID-19, then it’s important to isolate yourself from your team members. So that you don’t spread the virus to anyone else. Even if you feel okay, someone else could get seriously ill or even die from this virus. If you don’t isolate yourself, then you could give COVID-19 to anyone you come across. These are including some who have health problems and may be unable to get vaccinated. However, you can’t make this decision unless you know that you have COVID-19. Some of the symptoms are similar to those of the common cold, so many people find it impractical to isolate at the first sign of a cough. This is where testing comes in. If you take a COVID-19 test, then you can know for sure whether you’re sick or not. From here, you can make an informed decision and take the appropriate precautions. Some people have no symptoms of COVID-19, which means that you won’t know that you have it unless you take a test. These tests are important for public health, but they’re also usually a necessary step to leaving the country. Both the USA and Europe require visitors to have gone through antigen testing, which is another reason why you should know where to go for your test.

How You Can Get Tested

Organizations and team members have to work together to maintain a safe and risk-free workplace environment. There are several different COVID-19 tests. You can use tests at home, but this test isn’t as accurate as PCR or in-clinic antigen tests. While home tests are useful, they won’t help you to leave the country or do anything else that requires a more reliable result. You can receive same-day testing at Swift Clinics around the country, which means that you can get your results right away. Even if you need to board a plane in an emergency, you can get tested in time to leave. As many municipal governments develop reopening standards, we're seeing an increased emphasis on personnel screening and testing to help with the rapid identification of those responsible. As a result, companies should keep an eye on shifting local and state laws. And be proactive in developing their return to work plans when the need arises. It will be a little simpler to move back to 'normal' operations if you plan ahead for future screening and personnel testing in advance. Regular Covid-19 Testing Can: - Assist employers in maintaining and/or increasing work capacity in a safe and responsible manner; or assist employees in returning to work. - Critical/essential staff should be considered while making decisions and developing a plan. - Identifying asymptomatic employees is essential to preventing a significant percentage of the workforce from leaving. - Provide the critical information essential to take prompt action if an employee becomes infected with the virus. What Are the Advantages of Rapid and Regular Covid-19 Testing in the Workplace? These fast tests for COVID-19 are critical screening tools that may assist you in safeguarding your company's employees, customers, their families, and the community in which they reside. Not every person who has COVID-19 will exhibit signs of the disease. According to some studies, those who do not show any symptoms may be responsible for up to 50% of COVID-19 transmission. By testing and screening your staff on a regular basis, you may assist to limit the likelihood of outbreaks. Routine quick testing adds an additional layer of protection against the spread of the virus. In conjunction with public health measures such as frequent handwashing, physical separation, wearing a mask, and immunization, workplace screening will aid in the following areas of prevention: Keep your employees, their families, and your community safe from COVID-19. And restore the economy in a safe and secure manner. For the purpose of ensuring that workers have quick and simple access to COVID-19 rapid tests, the federal government, several provincial and territory governments, and participating distribution partners are distributing them to organizations for use in their workplace screening efforts at no charge. COVID-19 rapid tests are quick, simple, and completely safe. They can offer findings in as little as 15 minutes. Access to Quick Test Kits: As part of Rapid Testing for COVID-19 Screening, the federal and state governments are making free rapid testing available. It is possible that organizations with 200 or more employees will be qualified to obtain and complete free quick exams. In several provinces and territories, small and medium-sized firms and organizations with less than 200 workers can also take use of speedy testing services. Regular work-related testing is not under health insurance. And providing free testing is not practicable. Employers will need to study the appropriate federal, state, and local employment regulations to decide whether or not they need to pay for the testing. Policies regarding vaccinations and COVID-19 testing are under federal anti-discrimination rules. So long as they are in action equitably and allow for reasonable adjustments. Read the full article

#covidtestingnearme #covid-19testingnearme #howtogetcovidtesting #regularcovidtesting

0 notes