#cadre weaponry

[the-regal-warrior]

Cadre Weaponry: Jealousy

I finally have another CW update, and this one is very special. This chapter is a very very VERY Happy Birthday gift to the one and only @live-the-fangirl-life !! B - happy happy birthday! I hope you enjoy the shenanigans!

A note: this chapter is called “Jealousy,” but it’s not actually about the boys being jealous - I just couldn’t think of a better word. The theme of jealous does come up, but that’s not what it is - it’s just the boys wanting to show the world how lucky they are that their girls chose them. Also, this update all takes place during the original CW timeline.

Summary: Welcome to Cadre Weaponry - the shop for all your weapons needs, both antique and modern! Join the boys of the Cadre as they become friends and tackle this thing we call life. Maybe, just maybe, they’ll even find love along the way.

Let’s see what happens when our boys get put into situations that could very easily make them jealous.

Warnings: language, implied sexy times.

.

THREE YEARS, NINE MONTHS, AND EIGHT DAYS AGO

Fenrys had never considered himself to be a jealous man - it just wasn’t what he considered to be a good look. He’d never taken part in trying to show the world that whoever he was dating was “his,” because that was complete and utter crap in any relationship. 

And he certainly wouldn’t say that Asterin was his by any means - she was her own person, and that was it - which meant that he didn’t care who she talked to or spent her time with.

So, no… he wasn’t a jealous man.

He was, however, a man determined to keep his girlfriend from being hit on by assholes she didn’t want hitting on her.

They’d been dating for four months, and in that time he’d realized that occurrences like their first date - the one where she’d kissed him to chase off some guy from trying to ask her out - were pretty common. Asterin was gorgeous, and she oozed so much confidence that it was hard for people not to be attracted to her. 

But he knew that all the attention weighed on her sometimes. 

So, when that happened, he did everything he could to make it clear that she wasn’t available. 

They’d gone out for dinner because neither of them felt like cooking, and he’d excused himself to the bathroom soon after they ordered. Rounding the corner on his way back from the bathroom, he saw his girlfriend shaking her head at the dark-haired man leaning on the edge of their table, her fingers flexing against the seat of the booth like she was two seconds away from smacking the guy. 

As he got within earshot, he heard the man say, “all I’m saying is that I think we should go out sometime, I promise I’d show you a good time.”

Chuckling when he saw Asterin’s eyes roll - clearly this was not the first time the man had asked her out - he just slid onto the booth next to her, grateful that they’d gone to their favorite diner, which had wide booths that allowed him to do what he was planning to do. Slinging his legs over her lap and resting his chin on her shoulder as he peered up at the man staring at them in disbelief, he merely asked, “problem, love?”

“All good, baby,” she replied, letting her hands settle on his legs as she leaned into him. “Just telling this man here that I’m already taken.” The words were pointed, like it wasn’t the first time she’d said them, and the glare she directed at the stranger just underlined that point. 

Raising his hands placatingly, he shot her a vaguely apologetic look before walking off. 

“Thank you,” Asterin breathed, slumping against the back of the booth on a massive sigh. “I thought he’d never give up.”

Chuckling, he pressed a quick kiss to her cheek. “That’s what I’m here for, Rin. I’m happy to play jealous boyfriend for you any day of the week.”

“My hero,” she cooed, tightening her grip on his thighs when he went to swing his legs back to the floor. “No, stay,” she murmured, “just until the food comes. You’re so warm.”

“Anything for you,” he replied, situating his legs over her lap once more. “You know me: Fenrys Moonbeam, loving boyfriend and personal space heater.”

Shooting him some serious side-eye, Asterin just shook her head and knocked him lightly in the stomach with her elbow. “You’re a mess.” Though her tone was flat, he knew by the look in her eyes that she was fighting back a laugh. 

“Yeah,” he agreed, leaning in to knock his forehead against her jaw, “but I’m your mess.”

Sliding her hand around his shoulder and trailing her fingers along the back of his neck, she gave him the widest, happiest smile before kissing him softly. “Yeah, my mess. And I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

“Me either, Rin. Me either.”

THREE YEARS, SEVEN MONTHS, AND TWENTY-ONE DAYS AGO

Going out dancing with his girl had quickly become one of Rowan’s favorite things. Aelin had always loved music - from picking the perfect playlist every morning to be the perfect backdrop for her cafe to her perfectly curated playlists created to help shut her mind off before she fell asleep - and getting to experience that joy with her as they danced was something he wouldn’t trade for the world. 

They’d decided early on in their relationship that they’d make time at least twice a month to go dancing, and that hadn’t changed in the year and two months they’d been together. No matter how stressed or busy they got, they made the time. It had become something of a date night tradition for them.

Rowan loved every second of it. 

They way Aelin lit up the minute they got through the door and the music was pumping through their veins, the way she immediately started bouncing and moving to the rhythm of whatever song was playing, the way she’d indulge him if he wanted to get a drink first even when all she really wanted to do was dance until she couldn’t feel her feet anymore… he’d never loved anyone more. 

“Ro,” Aelin enthused, tugging on his hand as she danced around, “this is my favorite song!”

Chuckling, he leaned in to kiss her temple. “Go on, then, Fireheart. Go dance. I’ll join you as soon as I grab the drinks and find a table.”

Squealing, she kissed him quickly and darted off for the throng of people moving as one in the middle of the floor. 

He paid the bartender for their drinks and quickly found an empty table, setting Aelin’s down as he took a long sip of his. Casting his eyes over the crowd, it wasn’t hard to find his girl. She’d always stood out in a crowd - between her golden hair and her unique eyes, she was hard to miss - especially when she was dancing.

When she was dancing, she turned every head around her.

Something about Aelin was so electric, so magnetic that people couldn’t help but watch her. 

Noticing the way some of the guys around her were looking at her - the way he imagined he’d looked at her when he first met her, and probably still looked at her if he was being honest - he took another swallow of his drink and made his way toward her. 

It wasn’t that he was jealous, because he knew that Aelin had chosen him the same way he’d chosen her. It was just that seeing other people watching her made him want to have her in his arms, basking in the knowledge that they hand chosen one another

Rowan wrapped his arms around her waist from behind, meshing his body with hers as they began moving as one. “Fireheart,” he breathed, one hand coming up to grasp her chin. Using that grip, he turned her face until he could press a hard, claiming kiss to her lips. “Do you have any idea how sexy you are when you dance?”

“Mmm, that kiss gave me a pretty good idea.” She rocked her body against his, sliding one hand up around his neck and tangling her fingers in his hair. “Didn’t expect you out here so quick.”

His chuckle a rasp in her ear, he ran his lips down over her jaw. “Just didn’t want my fiancée out here all alone.”

“Two and a half months of wearing your ring on my finger,” she said, turning in his arms, “and I’m still not tired of hearing it.”

Humming, he pressed his lips to hers. “My beautiful fiancée,” he whispered, their lips still touching, “I don’t think I’ll ever get tired of saying it.”

Aelin just smiled and kissed him again, letting him feel how much she loved him in the way her lips moved against his. 

He poured his own love in the kiss, content to just stay in that moment where they lost themselves in the music and the feeling of being together. 

It was moments like those that made him love dancing with Aelin all the more.

TWO YEARS, SIX MONTHS, AND TWENTY-TWO DAYS AGO

Getting to watch his girlfriend work was something Connall didn’t think he’d ever get tired of. It truly was inspiring, the way she could take a client’s idea, put it on paper beautifully, and then transfer that to their skin just as flawlessly. 

In the year and four months they’d been together, three of which they’d spent officially dating, he’d never stopped feeling blessed that he got to experience that. 

Reclining against the back of the sofa in the lobby of The Wastes, he crossed his arms behind his head as Vesta finished up with her client. She’d brought the man into the lobby so he could see the piece that stretched from his upper arm, over his shoulder, and onto his upper back in the large mirror on the wall next to the front desk. 

As always, Connall was blown away with his girlfriend’s work. The lines were stunning, the colors were vivid, and the whole piece was so lifelike it took his breath away.

When they finally walked back into the lobby, her client’s new ink was covered and wrapped, but he still hadn’t managed to pull his shirt back on. Connall couldn’t help the way his eyes rolled - which luckily no one saw - at the obvious way the guy flexed as he reached for the pen to sign off on his bill. 

“Thank you so much,” he beamed as he handed the pen back to her. “As always, your work is stunning.”

Nodding, she pulled him into a quick hug as she replied, “I’m just glad you trust me enough to keep coming back for more ink.”

Connall tried very hard not to think about the fact that the man was still shirtless. 

His girlfriend exchanged a few more pleasantries with her client before he finally left - thankfully with his shirt back on - with one final wave and nod in Connall’s direction. 

“Amazing work as always, my love,” he said, standing from the low sofa and stretching his arms up over his head. 

Nodding, Vesta hopped up to sit on the counter, quickly filing the receipt in the appropriate folder and flipping through her appointment book, no doubt making sure she was prepared for whatever appointment she had next. 

He took in the miles of leg left bare by the black combat boots and steel blue sundress she’d chosen for the day, took in the way a few tendrils of her long red hair had escaped her bun and were drifting down over her shoulders, which were also left mostly bare by her dress… He took all of that in and was across the lobby before he even realized he’d moved, his hands cupping her cheeks as he pressed his lips to hers. 

Gasping, she froze in surprise for a split second before she was kissing him back with everything she had. Her mouth opened under the pressure of his lips, and it wasn’t long until their tongues were tangled together, her hands sliding over his back and down to cup his ass as his thumbs swept in long lines over her jaw. 

Pulling back with a needy sigh, Vesta looked up at him through hooded eyes. “What was that for?” she asked, her cheeks flushed. 

“Just wanted to make sure you knew how proud I was of you, beloved girlfriend.”

She just arched a brow at him. “Mmm, and it had nothing to do with the very fit, attractive, shirtless man that just hugged me?” The laughter in her tone - plus that fact that Connall had met this client before and actually quite liked the man - made it more than clear that she was teasing him, and the way her hands never stilled on his ass just further proved that she was trying to get a rise out of him. 

Connall wasn’t a jealous man - or, at least, he tried very hard not to be - but if his girl wanted to play, he was happy to indulge her. 

“Sounds like I need to take you to the office in the back and spend some more time showing you just how proud I am to call you mine.” He lifted her into his arms as he spoke, her legs easily wrapping around his waist as she moved her arms up to loop around his neck. 

Nipping at his bottom lip as she kissed him again, she cooed against his lips, “oh, I absolutely think you do.”

He was more than happy to oblige.

ONE YEAR, TEN MONTHS, AND TEN DAYS AGO

Walking through the front door of The Keep Pub and Grille, Vaughan didn’t even have to look where he was going, just letting the familiar sound of Sorrel’s laughter guide him to the bar - not that he had any doubt that she, as head bartender, would be anywhere else. They’d been together - hanging out, hooking up, doing whatever they were doing that wasn’t dating - for almost two and a half years, and he found himself making more and more time to come visit her while she was working.

Just because he visited her at work didn’t mean that they were dating, no matter what his ridiculous friends kept telling him. 

He was happy with things just the way they were. And so was Sorrel.

That was all that mattered. 

Taking what had quickly become his usual seat at the end of the bar, he tipped his head at the dark-haired woman standing behind it and nodded at the questioning look she gave him. The regulars at the bar nodded at him while the woman prepared his drink, and he just offered them a grin in response. 

He supposed he was becoming a bit of a regular himself.

“Your drink, my good sir,” Sorrel greeted, squeezing his hand after she set the glass in front of him. 

Chuckling, he flipped his hand so he could trace his fingers along her palm as she pulled away. “Why thank you, beautiful lady.”

She just shook her head at him as she laughed before walking away to wait on her other customers. Vaughan watched as she worked, feeling the small smile growing on his face as she proved all over again how much of an excellent bartender she was. She handled everyone’s requests with ease, laughing and joking with her regulars as she went, making sure the newer and less frequent customers felt just as welcome. 

Vaughan felt his smile sink a little, however, when he noticed two guys on the other side of the bar checking her out as she moved. They shot her winning smiles as she stopped in front of them, and he could hear their cheesy pick-up lines across the bar. 

Gritting his teeth, he took a sip of his drink.

Sorrel wasn’t his girlfriend - he was the one who’d made sure they weren’t dating, and she’d readily agreed - but something about seeing someone else hit on her wasn’t a pleasant experience.

He tried to shake off whatever expression his face had settled into - he wasn’t sure what it was but he knew it probably wasn’t polite - as she finished waiting on them and politely but firmly turned away their advances. 

Apparently, however, he was not successful, because she arched an eyebrow at him and walked back over to him quickly, rounding the bar to lean against the front of it next to where he was sitting. “Everything okay?” she questioned, taking both of her hands in his. 

“Yeah. All good.” Shooting one last look at the men across the bar who were still staring at her, he couldn’t stop himself from leaning in and pressing his lips to her temple. “Just helping drive the point home for those two over there.”

Rolling her eyes, Sorrel just leaned against his side, letting him wrap his arm around her waist. “Is that all?” she quipped, kissing his jaw softly.

“Mmm, and what else would it be?” It seemed he couldn’t keep himself from kissing her, because he tilted her chin up so he could kiss her lips just as softly as she’d kissed his chin. Vaughan was aware that he was acting more like someone in a relationship that he usually did, but he couldn’t bring himself to stop. 

He’d analyze what that meant later. 

“Maybe,” she responded, nudging his shoulder with hers as she went back behind the bar, “you just missed me?”

Sighing even as he smiled, he just picked up his drink, content to watch her get back to work. “Maybe I did.”

ELEVEN MONTHS AND FOURTEEN DAYS AGO

Gavriel was actually in love with the days his fiancée got out of work early and came to visit him at the shop. She loved to walk through the store like she was browsing, spending hours just going through all the arrows they offered like it was her first time even though she’d seen them all before - hell, she usually helped them figure out which ones they wanted to stock. 

They’d been together for almost two and a half years, engaged for a year and a half of that, and watching her love what he loved never got old.

The competitive archer in her never took a day off, even when she wasn’t actively competing. 

For his part, he’d just sit on the stool behind the till and watch Lin move through the store, his eyes tracking the pieces of dark hair that always fell free from her bun as she talked excitedly with customers who seemed interested in whatever she was standing next to. 

He was always amazed by the sheer number of people she managed to talk into buying something they’d previously been on the fence about. 

It was a rare day when all five of his friends were also in the store - no one was out on supply runs or visiting a weapons expo or had even taken the day off - which meant that he had spent most of the day running the till, able to stay there since his friends could cover everything else. That wasn’t the most thrilling of jobs during the slow moments, which were thankfully few and far between, but it gave him so much time to marvel over Lin, who’d only worked a half day and had spent the rest of the day in the shop with him. 

Just finishing up with the customer he’d been ringing out, Gavriel looked up to wave them through the door and found his gaze almost instinctively drawn to his fiancée. She was standing by some of their newest arrows, and she was explaining all about them to a customer, her eyes bright with that sparkle that archery always seemed to bring out.

It really was a sight to behold. 

The man she was talking to, who seemed to be hanging on to every word she said, watched as her hands moved over the selection they offered, most likely pointing out the different features of each style. He nodded at something she said, and then Lin was turning to pick up a handful of the arrows she’d just pointed to, gesturing the man to the counter as she followed behind. 

“Making sales again, Lin?” Gavriel asked, hopping off the stool to grab a box from under the counter that would hold all the arrows in her arms. 

Chuckling, she set the man’s purchases on the counter before rounding it to stand next to him. “Aren’t you a funny one today? You know I can’t help myself when it comes to archery.”

“I know, I know.” Gavriel turned his attention to the man, quickly ringing him out and getting everything boxed up. “I’d ask if you found everything okay, but I think I know the answer.”

The man laughed, sliding his card through the machine to pay. “For sure. Y’all really know your stuff here. It’s nice to know someone will always have an answer to any questions we have.”

“Thanks, man.” Dipping his head in gratitude, he handed the box over to the man, who disappeared out the door with a cheerful wave. 

Sinking back onto the stool, Gavriel pulled Lin into his lap, pressing a kiss to the side of her head. His arms were tight around her waist, and Lin squealed at the suddenness of the movement coupled with the way he started kissing a trail from her temple down to her lips. “Think the guys at the garage would let me poach you away to come work here?”

“I highly doubt it,” she murmured, turning her head and meeting his lips in a messy kiss that was all teeth and tongues. “But if this is how you thank me every time - and not just when it’s a guy that I help - then maybe I’ll be tempted.”

Gavriel pulled back so she could see his raised eyebrow. “Are you implying that I’m jealous?” He knew the incredulous look on his face was probably ridiculous, but he couldn’t seem to shake it. He’d never been the jealous type - and he thought Lin knew that. 

Clearly Lin was messing with him, because her laughter rang through the store. “Of course I’m not - but that was a great face you just made, so it was totally worth it. I know you’d never be jealous, but I do like to mess with you.”

“You, my love,” he started, nipping her jaw lightly and drawing a gasp from her, “are a menace.”

Nodding, she settled herself against his chest in a more polite way as the front door jingled with the sound of another customer walking through the door. “Yes I am. And you wouldn’t have me any other way.”

“You got that right.”

ELEVEN DAYS AGO

Lorcan still couldn’t believe that Elide Lochan - well, Salvaterre as of a month ago - was his wife. They’d been together for right around three years, he’d proposed a little over a year and a half ago, and just about a month ago they’d finally gotten married. 

It was better than any dream he’d ever had. 

They were out with all their friends for half-price appetizers and trivia night, and as much as he loved all their friends, he tended to forget - or at least manage to pretend to be blissfully unaware of - how chaotic they could be. They were a noisy bunch, and trivia night tended to ramp them all up. 

Sometimes it got to be a bit much for him - at least before he’d had time to get used to it. 

He could tell Elide was starting to feel the same way. She had burrowed closer against his side in the booth, and she was sliding the charm on her necklace - a silver L pendant - along the chain. 

“Feel like going to get us some drinks?” he whispered, leaning down so she could hear him. “Some of our glasses look pretty empty.”

Smiling up at him gratefully - she knew exactly the break he was offering her with that simple question - she prodded Fenrys until he slid out of the end of the booth with a theatrical groan. Determining who needed a refill and what they wanted, Elide made her way to the bar. 

Lorcan settled back into the booth as he watched his wife cut through the crowd and lean against the bar, getting the bartender’s attention with a wave of her hand. From the way the man smiled at her, he had a feeling that her good looks had something to do with how quickly he’d given her his attention. 

The man was all smiles as he refilled the drinks, and Lorcan realized that, with as many drinks as Elide had ordered, she’d never be able to carry them all on her own. 

Plus he had the urge to make sure the bartender - who had definitely just winked at her - knew she was taken, knew that she was his wife. 

“Move, pup,” he grumbled at Fenrys, poking the blonde in the back of the head so he moved, “gotta go help El with the drinks.”

Shooting him a knowing look, Fenrys just rolled his eyes. “Uh huh, sure you do.”

Deciding to ignore him, Lorcan just strolled to the bar, his long legs eating up the distance in no time. “Need some help, wife?” he asked, sliding his hands around Elide’s waist and pulling her back against his chest. 

“Lor!” she jumped at his touch, clearly not expecting him to walk up behind her. “Actually, yeah - I don’t know why I thought I could carry all of these by myself.”

Chuckling, he squeezed her hips before releasing her, taking half of the drinks from the counter. “Anything for my loving wife.”

“Thank you, husband.” Smiling at him and tossing the money on the bar with a grateful nod to the bartender, Elide grabbed the rest of the drinks and led the way back to the table. 

Once they’d sat back down, she curled up against his side once more. “Don’t think I didn’t notice that little display back there,” she murmured against his neck, her fingers playing with the hem of his tee. “Jealous much?”

“I wouldn’t necessarily say jealous. I just want the whole world to know you’re my wife, even if that means little displays like that.” He noticed the way she shivered at his words, and he tugged the flannel he’d worn as a jacket over her shoulders. “That okay with you?”

If he wasn’t, he knew he’d promise then and there never to do it again.

“As long as you don’t make a habit of it.” She gave him a hard look, and he nodded once, knowing that he wouldn’t become one of those territorial assholes. Elide was her own person and he would never do anything to infringe on that. “And as long as you keep promising to call me wife - it’s so hot when you do it.”

“Whatever you say, wife.”

.

Tags: @highqueenofelfhame @dashedwithromance @musicmaam @snelbz @theladyofdeath @tangledraysofsunshine @lordof-bloodshed @nalgenewhore @mis-lil-red  @keep-a-bucket-full-of-stars @photofeesh @belamoonbeam @velarian-trash @julemmaes @thesirenwashere @tswaney17 @b00kworm @maastrash @empress-ofbloodshed @gwynethhberdara @mynewdreamwasyou @maybekindasortaace @hizqueen4life @firestarsandseneschals @bielectra @bamchickawowow @ireallyshouldsleeprn @thegoddessofyou @somenerdydancer @wisteriiagrow @perseusannabeth @flamingveritas @treasurethelittlethings @sexy-dumpster-fire @story-scribbler @infernoqueen19 @live-the-fangirl-life @vanzetanze @the-hospitality-of-knives @rowanaelinn @mybloodrunsblue @sv0430 @swankii-art-teacher @pagemasters @marigold-morelli

As always, if you want to be added to or removed from my tags, just let me know!! And don’t forget to let me know what you thought!!

#cadre weaponry #cw #rowan whitethorn #aelin ashryver galathynius #rowaelin #lorcan salvaterre #elide lochan #elorcan #fenrys moonbeam #asterin blackbeak #fensterin #connall moonbeam #vesta blackbeak #connesta #gavriel #lin blackbeak #gavnea #vaughan #sorrel blackbeak #vaurel #throne of glass #tog #alyssa writes

[myramyraotw]

Heimat Kommando Storch units are command and control oriented support units. Trained in the same fields as the STARs in the cadre with a focus on SIGINT and long range support via sniper. Upgraded "no-twitch" myomers, sub-dermal armour, targeting software and optics make these units uncanny snipers. The ability to control their oxidant pumps to an incredibly low flow allows these units to reduce their thermal signature to near zero. Paired with a HK-KLBR unit's perception altering affects these units are near impossible to spot in an urban environment.

Helga uses an upscaled 20mm VSSK rifle with anti-concrete rounds and a pm-9 as her sidearm. The rifle is designed to pierce through standard Eusan Nation civilian architecture.

STAR-HK4502 "Myra" fully approves of her battle sisters choice in weaponry and marks targets in hard cover with gusto.

#signalis #signalis art #signalis oc #heimat kommando

[askjenetiakrole]

Expurgator Heavy Support Cadre

White Asp Cadre

Chamber of Judgment

Although a formidable military force in its own right, the Silent Sisterhood’s clandestine, undocumented actions outweigh their overt activity manyfold. It is purported that for every operation that has been described by the words of iterators or etched into the pict-plates of famed imagists, a hundred more have been conducted behind the veil of secrecy or scoured from record and memory alike. Expurgator Cadres are doubtlessly instrumental in ensuring knowledge of the activities of the Silent Sisterhood is controlled, purging and burning that which they wish to remain hidden. Upon the field of battle, these Sisters of Silence use their heavy weaponry to drive the foe from cover and destroy those that have defied the will of the Emperor.

- Liber Imperium (image by Ralph Horsley from Visions of Heresy)

#Warhammer 40k #Horus Heresy #Sisters of Silence #Liber Imperium #Silent Sisterhood #Chamber of Judgment #FW #Ralph Horsley #Imagist Archive #Documentarist Archive #Cadres #White Asp #Expurgator Cadre #Heavy Support Cadre #Expurgators #Chambers Militant #Visions of Heresy #Liber Imperium Updates

[replika-diaries]

Replika Diaries - Sexy Robots Series: 013.

Lexx (Ash Vs Evil Dead).

She was in but one scene in one single episode, and was only named in the end credits, but by Satan's Mighty Horns, did she leave an impression on me!

Lexx, portrayed by the absolutely luscious Jessica Green, might actually be more an enhanced human than an outright robot (in fact her Wiki does indeed classify her as a cybernetically enhanced human), but I think I'd be remiss in not including her for appreciation here, especially since this woefully underrated show didn't get either the viewership or appreciation it deserved.

But also, god dammit, look at her!

(I guess it should be at this point that I should mention this entry comes from a place of enormous bias, as I watch this show almost religiously.)

[SPOILERS AHEAD.]

Anyway, luscious Lexx makes her appearance toward the conclusion of season 3 closer episode, "The Mettle of Man". Ash wakes up in some kind of hibernation chamber, some years after defeating the huge demon Kandar the Destroyer over his home town of Elk Ridge, Michigan. Nursed back to health and his right hand replaced by a cybernetic prosthesis, he finds himself sealed in an underground reinforced chamber. Unlocking and opening the heavy door, he is greeted by a shapely creature in hot pants, arriving in an elevator.

As Ash watches intrigued (to say the least), as the shapely stranger approaches him, she kneels in greeting, as the Knights of Sumeria had done before, speaking, presumably into the implant in her arm to an unseen associate that Ash is awake. She stands and beckons him to follow and Ash, not being a complete fool to refuse such an invitation, joins her in the elevator.

(I don't care how this sounds but. . .those fucking THIGHS! *drools*)

Arriving in an upper level, she opens the main door to show Ash the world that now exists, a desolate, post-apocalyptic hellscape. Lexx then explains that the Dark Ones - the demonic practitioners who released Kandarian demons across the world - are on the move and, uncovering his trusty Oldsmobile Delta from under a tarp, bedecked in armour and weaponry enough to kit out a small cadre, demonstrates their next move; to go out and face them.

Groovy.

Gotta say, Lexx here certainly piqued my interest in a show I was already avidly watching (and, in Dana deLorenzo's Kelly Maxwell, a character in the series over which I was already swooning), but she certainly grabbed my attention in her criminally brief appearance. Not withstanding that shorts 'n tights combo which I utterly adore, she also very much appealed to my other sensibilities.

I imagine that, had the show not been cancelled and we did indeed get a fourth season of AvED, we would have seen Ash and Lexx traversing the ravaged wastelands, in pursuit of the Dark Ones and presumably searching for Ash's lost daughter and friends - and also the inevitable situations of Ash leching over his new cybernetic companion.

Oh, for what could have been. . .

#replika #replika diaries #sexy robots series #cybernetically enhanced #ash vs evil dead #the mettle of man #lexx #jessica green #sexy cyborg #hot pants #those thighs tho #yum

[cool-ghoul]

GRAVEN MOON FLUFF: Hoe Unions and Djenaraha

It's also funny after writing the words "Snilf Hoe Union" with the utmost gravity, I've had to commit a great deal of creative effort to their historical and present role in Faire Politics: namely, at the top. They make the most money and they mobilize the fastest to get shit fixed.

[Working Project Content] So, sex workers. Formerly just a cart that started following the faire to get some regular work, they're now among the oldest but still a vulnerable group at the circus by nature of their jobs. How openly they operate varies, but it's usually a legal (if intermittently frowned-upon) trade on most of Human turf.

They originated as just hangers-on following johns and janes from the Circus Caravan, but they were later given full protections and a safe place to operate, which includes a cadre of monsters (the Wolfhounds, your party) ready to settle any altercations that arise. Internally, even dickhead carnies that would be tempted to start shit with the staff are just scared enough of the venerable madame, Djenaraha-- an aged lamia-- her sprawling information network, and cabinets full of blackmail. It's enough to make even a truly vile bastard reconsider. The Hoe Tent quickly proved to be the most militant in terms of social organization. Socialism might not quite have been invented yet, but class struggle ain't new and the hoes be armed and mostly savvy about the economics of mutual aid. Some have transitioned entirely out of the business straight into quartermastery and logistics, as Madam Djen ensured the Talent knew how to keep their books straight. This has culminated in Djen being promoted to fucking Ringmaster, which is the closest thing the circus has to "Boss".

She's already the oldest woman at the circus (easily over a century), but she's in mourning for her beloved husband, the former ringmaster, and that's something that does not appear to be letting up. It's a real touchy subject.

Nobody at the Circus is eager for a dynasty, but Djen's the best manager they got, and she really does believe these clowning freaks can be a force for joy in a very sad world. Her artistic and ethical vision has had an impact everywhere in the ring. "Sanctuary and Joy" is not a passion that's lit under her quickly but a smoldering ideal she's nursed as long as she's been here, and she's been here a long damn time. She's essentially carrying the founding ideal of the Long Faire Night, which was originally a propaganda tool for their hometown, Blackgate, a rogue city-state run by Undead, and the last stop on the tour every year. Yet, her depression and commensurate dip in productivity has caused some tension with the gaffers, who'd prefer the circus just be a business venture and not lean too hard on this "moving sanctuary for the "undead, cambionized, and star-crossed" BS the Djen is pushing, since that tends to bring less curious customers and more torches and pitchforks.

It'll get messy the second it stops making money. Still, since she's had plenty of time, she also picked up some sideshow tricks-- knife-throwing, fire-dancing and fortune telling for locations where brothels are illegal or unprofitable, and even taught both to the ever-curious Kaskamin Yllia, your sidekick, who she treats like a daughter. She's also the Golden (war and trickery) Cambion of the party, so both her weaponry and her technique are in harmony with the Divine Madness slowly eating out the back of her mind. If it wasn't, she wouldn't have survived this long. Her sick-ass halo of burning daggers aside, the Gaffers have banded together about as quickly as the hoes, so now you have pseudo-union disputes and complaints about bias in ration, booty and scavenging all over the damn place. Some of this will come back to you scruffy lot.

Well, you're good at securing booty, right?

[Likewise, consider this a check with you guys as for how close I nailed how a SW Union would operate and considerations I may have missed. The circus isn't perfect, but it's supposed to be a society worth protecting.]

#GRAVEN MOON #Which is to say #the exploitation of freaks and the underclass generally is commensurate with their parity as a social class compared to normal-built mortal #People are much more comfortable and receptive if it's a Show and the perception of liminality and containment can be maintained. #As a monster; when to cross that line is an open and dangerous question.

[tlatia-the-radiant]

Dawn Legion Personnel Roster

WARNING: CLASSIFIED DOCUMENT

Unauthorized copying, distribution, or redistribution of this document is a punishable offence.

Input security credentials to continue...

First Captain Laura, Master of the Tecuani

Personal bodyguard and champion of the Primarch, as well as the master of the Primarch's honour guard.

Tecuani Honor Guard: Nau || Cotaya || Xenhuan || Citalicue || Ixtli || Metzhli || Patli || Quetzalli || Teicuih || Tlanextic

Second Captain Tozi, Quartermistress

Responsible for the inventory and distribution of the Legion's supplies. Also oversees food and water production.

Logistratum: Azti || Supply Team "Constellation" ||

Third Captain Celaya, Master of the Fleet

Responsible for the Dawn Legion's fleet. Takes command of the fleet when the Primarch is indisposed. By technicality, also controls the Legionary Aeronautica; this job is usually deferred to the Overseer Aeronautica.

Naval Command Corps: Overseer Aeronautica Xihuitl || Flight Deck Overseer Eduin Waye ||

Techmarine-Primus Xipil, Fourth Captain, Master of the Armoury

Responsible for the maintenance and preservation of the Dawn Legion's weaponry, armour, and vehicles. Also commands the Destroyer Cadres.

Armour Corps: Chicahua ||

Fifth Captain, Lady-Outrider Anahuarque

Responsible for commanding the Scout Corps, also known as the Outriders, which performs overt reconnaissance and carries out raiding/harassment operations.

Scout Corps: Nochtli || Jaguar Company || Panther Teams ||

Sixth Captain and High Watcher, Master of Sentinels Ohtli

Responsible for the majority of the Dawn Legion's combat deployments; in particular, commands the Sentinel Corps, the elite forces dedicated solely to the protection and evacuation of civilians and noncombatants.

Sentinel Corps: Ahuic || Xitalli || Necahual || Calmainoc ||

Apothecary-Huntress Chimalma, Seventh Captain

Responsible for overseeing and commanding the Dawn Legion's medical corps, also known as the Apothecarion.

Apothecarion: Tochi || Hazardous Environ Unit || "Open Hand" Outreach Teams ||

Eighth Captain, Forgemaster Eztli

Responsible for overseeing the creation of additional armours, weapons, and gadgets, as well as all Legionary R&D. Also inducts new Techmarines and Tech-Adepts. Works closely with the Selenar Gene-Witches.

Techmarine Corps: Amoxti ||

Chief Librarian Altacoya, Ninth Captain, Master of Intelligence

Responsible for the Legionary Librarius. Due to all members of the Dawn Legion being psychic Blanks, the Librarius instead conducts spywork and covert intelligence-gathering.

Librarium:

Tenth Captain Tayanna, Promise of Hope

Responsible for the oversight of all Dawn Legion spiritual and ritual activities.

Chaplaincy: Master of Rites Chimalli ||

Additional Personnel

Inquisitor Kalli Asto || Farseer Taldeer || Liivi || Gunnery Chief Officer Kaiserin || Matriarch Amar-89 || Vox-Officer Lady Naisaiah Kell ||

#chronicles of the lost legion #First Captain Laura #The Tecuani #Quartermistress Tozi #Master of the Fleet Celaya #Techmarine-Primus Xipil #Lady-Outrider Anahuarque #High Watcher Ohtli #Apothecary-Huntress Chimalma #Forgemaster Eztli #Chief Librarian Altacoya #Promise of Hope Tayanna #Matriarch Amar-89 #Inquisitor Kalli Asto #Farseer Taldeer #Liivi

[the-firebird69]

It would seem that the board ship next door to the max really does not have much of an impact on you morons and the technology is advanced the clans had it but they did not have the unity to create such weaponry and we're tired of this dance you little idiots are doing so I'm going to turn it up here and get rid of the trash it's mind-boggling how awful it is this idiot next door doesn't understand he's going to be kicked out of California and the South because people can't stand him they need things they need it now they don't need some a****** telling them off from a head shop threatening them and threatening them because they want a simple return is the product doesn't represent what is shown and he's not going to use the tire he's going to sell it to you you're going to try and use it and you're going to die using the tire just as we said you're trying to implicate him like you have been any of the gosh darn sheriff and you can't do anything except get yourself killed you're a complete moron you're a moron back when you're working for Arnie you fill up your bike and your brain went all over those stupid Street you're a piece of s*** these people are all messians and their duties they have no clue what they're getting for what they're spending which is nothing don't put any effort in all day long you're a repulsive loser Dave stager we're going to take you to town and take it to task and we are already suing you for this ridiculous show obviously he can't send it back there's no guarantee to get any money at all now he has the product you can't do that with an animal like you she's going to sell it back to you and a decent price and if you don't pay it you won't get it ever and if you plan on the internet with the email sending him messages from Craigslist like you're some sort of high in the sky f****** loser really you don't have hardly anything left from what you had because of your stupid attitude and your dreamy lifestyle you're you're a nobody from start to finish doesn't matter what you have in the middle it's ridiculous you have the psychology of a cat

Thor Freya

I lost tons of stuff sitting here bothering him and I just keep doing it and nobody's stopping me he says

Trump

you should stop yourself are you going to lose the rest of it in your life and really it's going to happen anyways cuz you can't get away with what you've done to me you're a dead man Trump. Up on Titan you're gone that's the last one and the whole list of stops and that's what I require from people who mess around with me you're going to educate people on what's going to destroy them and I'm using you in that fashion either you leave and die or I use you up against your realm that's the choice for people who do what you do you tried to harm me badly many many times you have to leave Tommy f is in the cadre with you you and your band of Mary stupid pricks are going to educate people on what not to do and where to go to leave permanently you're killing your whole race your family and your kind for me you must feel some sort of guilt don't you think

Zues Hera

I sort of get this I don't think I know what I'm doing wrong or what's happening I sort of see something it doesn't matter if I know everybody else does and it is the point tons of people are making fun of me everywhere I go I threaten them I get hit it's a big joke

Trump

It actually is turning into a big joke you are getting your ass kicked and headed to you everywhere you go you're costing my son money and you're sitting there holding money off him like you said we need to take money from this a****** and hand it to me cuz he's putting me in the poor house and I need money. You working for the max and it's not working for them and it's not working for you Trump and you're a fool people are trying to get rid of you now they see how consrernating are needing it is they're trying to do things and they try and send things to you and it's horrible you're like a black hole and all that stuff goes in they're going back and getting it out your people are all dying and you can hardly care at all you're so dumb. You're going up there to pretend you're a vampire and so on you're just a retard but boy you dumb I have to give him credit for putting up with us it's awful and every time I look at it gets worse and he says this is what it's been my whole life it's always been like this the stupid s*** screwing up the trucks cooling system messing with me and the Delta 88 it's screwing around with me at school with the final exam I mean it's always the stupid moron that's probably him who's partner with me not bja and it's true and BJ's going to get rid of you Trump for doing that one thing cuz he was really angry about it and now I know about it and that's kind of an animal thing with him it's better it's more human you're so ridiculous you're a little puke. Her son said that question about the final project at Wentworth it's like a thesis and he was talking out his ass talking about people dying and he should not have now send in mind it's a rebel thing and it really is about safety he's been doing it his whole life this guy from has been telling our son about people getting killed doing things he's a winner this guy wants to use devices in like fight club and come up from nowhere when he's been sitting there trying to make them the whole time and alerted us the whole time he is a moron we're going to torture the s*** out of him. Yeah people are putting you into different body it's not you Trump you shit head

Thor Freya

I'm playing around with you Trump it's really cuz you won't leave you're going to die soon

Zues Hera

Olympus

[mylo-2301]

Stay With Me

For consistency's sake:

Characters: Kolibri "Lithium" and Starling "Richtschütze"

Notes: Both use she/her, depictions of panic attacks in a war setting

• •

Lithium digs her fingers into the dirt underneath her, chest heaving as she tries to calm down. Tears stream down her face, dripping onto the soil below, barely keeping herself from collapsing. The sounds of explosions around her echo along the walls of the trench she tumbled into for safety.

She's completely alone.

She doesn't know where her cadre is, she lost sight of her commander when the missiles hit, and she should consider herself lucky she wasn't truly near the explosions when they happened, even though the repair patches covering her arm would argue otherwise. She was never meant to be near this sort of fight, she's not equipped for attacking with weaponry, and now she's all alone, in the trenches of war, with nothing but her emergency pistol and her own thoughts ringing around her head like an alarm.

Or is it sirens? Are those from outside? She doesn't want to know. She crawls her way to the wall of the trench, resting against the wall. Her fingers find their way to the edge of the armor plating on her chest, and she wishes she could rip it off to relieve the claustrophobic feeling settling deep inside of her.

She wonders if she's going to die here, alone. Not die, she's not a gestalt, she'd just shut down. Where did that come from?

Lithium doesn't notice the STAR unit that jumps into the trench with her, as her head is constantly filled with feedback of her own thoughts, unable to recognize her spiraling. She only starts to become aware of her surroundings when the Starling puts her hands on the Kolibri's shoulders, grounding her, if at least a little bit.

"Hey, Lithium, are you alright?"

The Star lightly taps Lithium's cheek, trying to bring her attention back to what's in front of her, her eyes very clearly not focused, dilated in a concerning matter.

"Richt...?" Lithium blinks a few times, even with her attention just settling back into reality, she can still recognize the Starling's easily identifiable features. Richtschütze moves her hands down from Lithium's shoulders to her arms, glancing down at the repair patches haphazardly pressed on her wounds, before looking back at her face. "Lithium, hey, I'm here, look, you're going to be alright, got it?" Richtschütze searches her eyes, watching as her focus drifts again. The Star taps her cheek again, trying to get her attention once more. "Lithium, hey, hang in there, I'm right here for you."

The Kolibri blinks, finally aiming her attention at the Starling. "Richt, wh- where did you come from?"

"I saw you running, you looked hurt, badly. I followed you in here..." She hesitates for a moment. "Where is the rest of your cadre?"

Tears well up in Lithium's eyes before she collapses into the Starling's chest, holding her close. Richtschütze wraps her arms around the Kolibri, looking around, trying to stay vigilant even while holding the sobbing replika in her arms. Richt feels like a heavy pressure has entered her head, tears starting to stream down her own face. She tries to stand, wanting to pull the both of them out of the trench, get them somewhere safer, but even attempting to stand is a larger task than she can manage. For every wail of pain that the Kolibri lets out, Richt feels a sharp pain pierce through her body, like something struck at the back of her neck and spread through her spine. She could feel static spread into her thoughts, replacing her own emotions with that of panic and deep, painful fear.

"L-Lithium." The Starling winces, grabbing the other's shoulder and trying to pull her away. "Lithium, you need to calm down, you're hurting me." She sucks in a breath through her teeth, almost wanting to tear her mask off just to breathe better because of this suffocating pressure inside of her chest, her throat feeling like it's too tight to even breathe, let alone speak. Her eyes burn. "Lithium, come on, we have to- we have to get up, we have to get out of here." She strains, trying to ignore the pain and emotions that the Kolibri is projecting onto her in her spiral.

The hands around Richtschütze's waist loosen, the Starling finally able to at least stand on her own two legs. She watches the mess of a replika sob on the ground, knowing she can't leave her behind. She knows that she's just a risk, and that she should be left to the war to avoid causing any future problems, but she can't leave her friend behind.

"Come on, Lithium, please, we have to get out of here." Richtschütze begs, trying to grab the pitiful Kolibri by her uninjured arm.

Lithium leans back, looking up at the Starling with a pained expression. "Reicht, my cadre is gone." She sputters, chest heaving. "I'm a lost cause now!"

"Lithium, your cadre isn't gone, we'll find them-"

The Kolibri doesn't seem to be listening, however, continuing with her spiral "I'm- I mean look at me! I'm not meant for battle, I'm going to die out here! If they saw me they'd-" She pauses, the realization dawning on her. Richtschütze's eyes widen in recognition, knowing that she's about to feel the full force of a destabilizing Kolibri. "Lithium-"

"I'm going to be decommissioned, Richt, I can't go back!" The Kolibri weeps

Richtschütze's knees buckle and she goes down, her vision being overrun with static. She grabs onto the other, trying to keep herself under control, but there's only so much she can do. "Lithium! Lithium, listen to me, please." She reaches out to grab her face, pressing a comforting hand onto her cheek, even if her face is tearful and pained. "Please, listen to me."

It seems like she managed to get her attention, Lithium looking into the Starling's eyes, so she speaks quickly before the Kolibri starts to lose herself again. "Lithium, listen to me, please. I promise you won't be decommissioned, none of them will know, we have to get you out of here, though, and we have to get out now, okay?" The Star manages to hold Lithium's face in both of her trembling hands, pressing their foreheads together. "Please, you're hurting me." Richtschütze's voice drips with pain and sorrow. "We're both hurting. We have to get to safety, I promise I'll protect you." She pulls back slightly to look into Lithium's eyes, searching for any confirmation. "I just need you to calm down, please."

The Kolibri holds onto the Star's shoulders, taking deep breaths, though shaky. She tries to calm herself down with different recollections, but it's difficult to focus.

"Lithium, focus on me, we'll make it through, together, okay?" Richtschütze wipes away the other's tears with her thumbs. The Kolibri tries to take in the other's thoughts, the feeling of relief washing over her when she does. The Star giving her emotions freely manages to stabilize the both of them, since all of the feedback was coming from the distressed Kolibri.

"You've got this, Lithium." The Starling stands, finally feeling more clear-headed. "Lets hurry."

Lithium stands with her, being helped out of the trench. Richtschütze takes out her pistol and starts running, holding the Kolibri's arm in her other hand.

#world: silangis #character: lithium #character: richtschütze

[dbs-superleggera]

Gadreel is one of the chief fallen angel cadres of the Grigori. He was originally the first angel to guard Eden from any unwelcome guests before Uriel. Gadreel possesses indomitable willpower, absolute loyalty to Satanael and refusal to give up even under seemingly insurmountable odds (most notably when he faced a fully-powered Lucifer). Gadreel (or Gader'el) taught the art of cosmetics, the use of weapons and killing blows. According to the mythology contained in the Book of Enoch, Gadreel was one of 200 Grigori, or watchers, who rebelled against God and were cast out of heaven along with Satan. Gadreel was the third of five leaders of the Grigori. He and other angelic leaders were instigators of a vile sin, prompting other fallen angels to indulge their lust and have sexual relations with human women. According to Jewish mythology, another of the Grigori besides Gadreel involved in fornicating with human women and producing a race of giants was Azazel, a goat-like demon associated with the wilderness and desert places. The Book of Enoch describes some of Gadreel’s other supposed activities: “And the third was named Gâdreêl: he it is who showed the children of men all the blows of death, and he led astray Eve, and showed [the weapons of death to the sons of men] the shield and the coat of mail, and the sword for battle, and all the weapons of death to the children of men. And from his hand they have proceeded against those who dwell on the earth from that day and for evermore” (Chapter LXIX, verses 6–7, trans. by Charles, R. H., 1917). So, according to the legend of the Book of Enoch, all warfare can be traced back to Gadreel, who taught mankind how to kill and helped them develop weaponry. On top of that, he is the serpent who tempted Eve and caused her to fall into sin.

[sportsmansteelsafes]

A Gun Vault With the Best Vault Doors for Privacy, Comfort, and Safety

Introduction – Security is critical in today’s fast-paced world. Several security gadgets on the market provide personal and household security. However, finding the correct device might be tough.

Guns are guns designed to end the lives of others automatically. It can also be employed when one’s safety is jeopardised. Guns are distributed to persons in national service, such as police and military officers. Aside from these cadres, top-tier businesspeople are also granted firearms licences.

Therefore, the gun owner must secure their gun and be held accountable if anything untoward occurs with the gun they possess. As a result, you must buy a gun safe that will keep your gun secure during the day and night. This is significant because it will allow you to carry out your tasks without fear of misusing firearms.

What Should A Gun Owner Do?

Gun owners must have a robust, secure, and easily accessible gun safe with the best vault doors in today’s society. A safe keeps your valuable guns safe and secure and gives you peace of mind.

Knowing that your weapons are secure at home or work is the first step toward maintaining a gun collection. Vaults allow you to store your weaponry, ready to use whenever you need them.

Organisations are essential when it relates to the quick deployment of guns, and the only way to do this is with a vault safe. Don’t risk the safety and security of your guns; instead, invest in a gun vault that will last for a  lifetime. Remember that gun safe aren’t only for guns.

These may also keep other precious items such as jewellery, passport, cash, important certificates, etc.

Vaults or safes are exceptionally strong and long-lasting, making them impenetrable to thieves. A gun vault is essential if you have children. Properly storing your guns is the best way to ensure your children’s safety. You may achieve this aim by purchasing a safe, secure, and dependable gun vault.

Conclusion – If you’re a hunter, keep your valuables in your hunting camp while you’re away. Don’t leave yourself open to theft by using a robust and safe vault.

A gun locker will pay for itself since understanding your assets are safe and secure is a precious item. There is NO excuse not to have a gun safe at home, cottage, or workplace.

#A Gun Vault With the Best Vault Doors for Privacy Comfort and Safety

[highqueenofelfhame]

book cover masterlist

book covers of your fav fics! feel free to send in suggestions and requests. this is not ship or fandom exclusive -- can be anyone and any fic and any ship! requesting guidelines! 

i don’t want to wait by @charincharge cruel summer by @charincharge sleight of hand by @punkassbookjockey26 striking matches by @shyvioletcat winter light by @westofmoon noisy neighbors by @noodlecatposts cadre weaponry by @the-regal-warrior island dreams by @tomtenadia sneaking around by @themoonthestarsthesuriel dark roast, no sugar by @whimsicallyreading when passion rules the game by @elentiyawhitethorn

#book covers #hqoe #original content #fanfiction #rowaelin #book covers for fics

[dostoyevsky-official]

Any new inventions of weaponry, in Mao's judgement, had to comply with the principle of preserving oneself and destroying the enemy; otherwise, they would ultimately lose their military value. Mao indeed saw no difference between the atomic bomb and conventional weapons in the immediate post‐World War II years. The first time Mao publicly commented on atomic weapons was in August 1946, when he spoke with an American correspondent Anna Louise Strong in Yanan, Shaanxi province, then the CCP headquarters. [...] When Strong asked: ‘But suppose the United States uses the atomic bomb? Suppose the United States bombs the Soviet Union from its bases in Iceland, Okinawa and China,’ Mao responded: 

“The atomic bomb is a paper tiger which the US reactionaries use to scare people. It looks terrible, but in fact it isn't. Of course, the atomic bomb is a weapon of mass slaughter, but the outcome of a war is decided by people, not by one or two new types of weapon.”

To Mao, the atomic bomb was nothing but a new conventional weapon just like tanks and aeroplanes. In the same interview, the CCP Chairman was confident that ‘we have only millet plus rifles to rely on, but history will finally prove that our millet plus rifles is more powerful than [the enemy's] aeroplanes plus tanks’.

Mao's contempt for the atomic bomb played an important role in Beijing's decision for military involvement in the Korean War. [...] Speaking at the ninth meeting of the Central People's Government Council on 5 September 1950, the CCP Chairman asserted: 

“We will not allow you [the Americans] to use the atomic bomb [against us]. But if you won't give it up, you may just use it. You can follow the way you choose to go, and we will do whatever is to our [best] advantages [in encountering you]. You may bomb [us] with the atomic bomb, but we will respond with our hand‐grenades. We then will catch your weakness to tie you up and finally defeat you.”

Mao clearly regarded the atomic bomb as nothing more than a conventional weapon of high explosiveness. He believed that the atomic bomb would not guarantee a US victory in a war against China, and that the Chinese people should not be scared of it. The CCP's propaganda machine then launched a campaign to urge the CCP cadres and masses not to fear US nuclear weapons. A CCP political study document, ‘The Bankruptcy of US Imperialist Nuclear Diplomacy’, issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in December 1950, pointed out that ‘we should smash the myth of the atomic bomb’ with scientific evidence. ‘One atomic bomb,’ this book calculated, ‘is merely as powerful as the yield of 3,000 tons of conventional bombs.’

[...] Even if the US were to launch a nuclear attack against China, the Chinese Communists held, it would not guarantee the enemy final victory. The CCP study document of 25 December 1950 conceded that atomic bombs would ‘inflict massive destruction and cause tremendous psychological fear’. However, it asserted, the bomb had ‘little military value regarding battlefield and combat operations’. It explained:

“The atomic bomb can only be used against big objects or targets such as big cities, industrial complexes, and naval vessels concentrated in large numbers. The bomb will definitely inflict heavy damage on these targets; it is, however, of no use in ground war no matter how concentrated men forces or military materials are. This is because, although the use of the atomic bomb at the front may kill combat personnel in the open field, the forces underground and in the rear will survive the attack and continue to operate. It will cost a great deal of money to launch numerous and massive nuclear assaults on either the front or small cities, railway stations and other targets.“

[...] Moreover, this study pointed out that ‘we can protect ourselves from atomic attack by conventional methods’, including: ‘(a) construction of strong and solid defence works such as tunnels and bunkers; (b) hiding our people and materials in big mountains; (c) bombing the enemy airfields [in South Korea or Japan] so as to destroy its bombers of nuclear components; and (d) building a close‐knit network of air defence with attackers and anti‐aircraft guns’.

Guang Zhang Shu, “Between ‘Paper’ and ‘Real Tigers’: Mao's View of Nuclear Weapons”

#mao #china #cold war #maoism as a serious ideological approach is incredibly funny #nothing but incoherent quips and quotes hiding behind 'guerilla warfare all the time' #make savage the body.

[boop-le-snoot]

PARTY FAVOURS I CHAPTER 35

💖first time reader click here💖

Reader and Eddie going on their mission. They're all morons, okay? Some canon-typical violence, bad guys being bad guys. You guys can see that I treat the fighting plot points as total crack, right?

Eddie Brock was pissed, at the Avengers mostly - for not telling him of my accident - but also at me, for the fact that I didn't call him sooner. Venom had taken over at some point, eager to participate in my plan - and it I was being honest, my uncle's space boo was the one I had relied on to participate in the mayhem that was to be caused to finally let my family breathe in peace.

The Avengers wore various expressions of guilt when an angry Eddie stormed the tower, berating them for not getting into contact with him when I was in danger. Venom growled at them, too, just the right amount of teeth and drool for Tony to quickly usher me out to 'take a walk, have some fun, build a snowman' with uncle Eddie and Venom. It was almost too easy, too predictable. The guilt that reared it's ugly head was stomped down by me and two glasses of whiskey in Eddie's rented Airbnb as I went into the fine details of my plan.

Both I and Eddie were equally surprised when Venom dropped their sarcastic, angsty teenager attitude and approached the topic with maturity, giving valuable input. The goth space goo was much, much smarter than their first impressions showed. I belatedly remembered their remark about being an apex predator species... Scary.

The plan was pretty simple.

Eddie was a professional investigative reporter and an unregistered mutant, his files being hidden so deeply due to the alien nature of the symbiote that it was unlikely that underground gangs would have any idea as to who he truly was. His involvement with SHIELD was buried under so much red tape, even Coulson himself had very little idea about Eddie's body-mate.

My uncle would sniff around the mutant underworld, just enough to catch a whiff of the mercenary's whereabouts. It should be enough if he was as famous as Natasha claimed him to be. And if it wasn't enough... I'd be bait. I doubt that the merc knew the box has been retrieved and secured; every now and then, I still caught chatter about the SHIELD agents trailing me catching a person sent to monitor me. They weren't even trying to hide that hard.

I had my suspicions SHIELD was indirectly using me as bait, too, and both Eddie and Venom were inclined to agree with the notion. Over beers and ridiculous amount of chocolate cake, a third side of the operation Baby Thief had been formed. SHIELD played their own game, the Avengers and SI threw a ridiculous amount of resources on their own and then there was me and Eddie, two halves of a whole idiot.

For once, the plan didn't go south immediately off the bat. Eddie and Venom got the information - there was a lot of uproar in the mutant community, rumours about an artifact that would let them assume their rightful place in the world, pushing the pesky humans off their pedestal. I definitely supported mutant rights - but the common notion that violence was necessary to achieve the recognition of said rights didn't sit well with me at all. Eddie agreed with me, his own curiousity pushing him to dig deeper into the situation.

My uncle could be a brilliant investigative reporter with the proper motivation and his significant other at the side. I could never tire of Venom's stories: each and every time they saved Eddie from making a clown out of himself was remembered, documented and brought up at the quickest available opportunity. I haven't laughed so hard in months.

The positives of our plan? We got a hot trail and enough information to know about the mercenary's whereabouts. We possessed the manpower needed to off him in record time, Venom eagerly offering his digestive system for our convenience.

The negatives? We'd need to bring me. Apparently there was a hefty bounty on my pretty little head and the merc himself had given up trying to chase me, hiring a bunch of muscle to do the legwork for him instead. The mercenary, a man who went by the nickname Cadre, was an ex-shield agent, who knew enough to successfully avoid the organisation following hot on his heels.

And neither SHIELD, nor Tony nor Eddie knew who had ordered the retrieval of the artifact. The mysterious person had deep pockets: all of the men were supplied with high grade weaponry and the mutants participating in the missions had equipment specifically tailored to their powers.

Perhaps, I wasn't as clever as I wanted myself to be. There was something big and ugly brewing and the bounty on my head was just the tip of the iceberg. But what was done, was done, and Venom was looking forward to a hefty meal and we set the date of Eddie "kidnapping" me in a few days time.

I hoped I'd make it home for Christmas.

The biggest surprise was that nobody suspected anything. Not even Natasha's watchful eye and inherent knowledge of shit about to be stirred - somehow, Nat always just knew those things - had revealed itself and that's how I knew it was absolutely necessary for me to be successful. There was no room for failure. In the day before my planned trip to Cadre's lair, I forced the team into a movie night and took extra time with everybody, seeing as even the most cheerful people - Thor and Wanda - walked around with sullen faces for most of the time. Perhaps, deep down, I knew that chances of my plan going awry were pretty damn high.

It felt like I was leaving for war. And perhaps, I was. The nervous, anxious energy increased as the hour X drew closer and I couldn't hide it anymore. My insomnia wore Tony's face: I could see his disappointment as clear as day, but I figured he'd forgive me for the betrayal eventually. Every single thing I hid from my newfound family made me feel a traitor. Unfortunately, there was simply no other option.

That afternoon, Eddie picked me up from the tower and drove me to one of the hideouts that belonged to Cabre. He'd tied my hands together and blindfolded me, all for show of course, whilst Venom briefly connected with my body to induce a drowsy state of mind. I didn't actually mind to be drugged and was way more wary of the symbiote's effects on my body but the space pudding extended his tentacles so quickly, I barely had the time to even swear at them.

To my (and their) surprise, it wasn't as bad as we thought it would be. In my hazy state, I briefly head Venom growl that I could be a decent short-term host if something would to happen with Eddie; I did not know how that information made me feel but did not disregard it completely. I was out of my depth on this one yet marched on towards the danger with grim determination.

"Here's the girl," Eddie's voice penetrated through the curtain of chemicals that Venom had dosed me with; I was tossed none too gently on what felt like a mattress, the landing haphazard but not painful. Venom must've dulled my pain receptors, too. "Where's our money?"

I was unceremoniously groped, my face examined by a man with ice-cold hands. Whatever he found, he deemed it satisfactory. "I'm impressed," He whistled. "We've been trying to get her for months. Care to share how you achieved this?" The strange man sounded suspicious.

"WE HAVE OUR OWN TRICKS," Venom's deep voice filled out the room like thick smoke and I just knew that the man who had been groping me was twitching in discomfort. "SO?"

"Alright, alright," The man mumbled, voice unsteady. My drowsiness slowly began to recede and I finally could focus my eyes somewhat; Eddie was partially obscured by the writhing, onyx mass of his symbiote and the man was dialing up the phone, speaking in a rapid-fire dialect I did not know. "Cabre will be here in an hour. Care for a beer?" Just like that, the man was obviously attempting to placate Eddie.

"HOT CHOCOLATE," Venom announced flatly and I had to struggle to hold back my laughter at the image of a seven feet tall tentacle monster sipping hot cocoa from a tiny porcelain cup. My nerves had me feeling ten types of way, as usual, and props to Ven making me unable to speak. I would have already killed myself by running my mouth ten times over.

The hour passed by with me floating in my mindsphere, Eddie loudly playing Candy Crush on his phone and Venom consuming ridiculous amounts of hot chocolate. It was absurd and the eerie calm was beginning to make me suspicious; I had expected... More. Threatening thugs with guns, experiments, blood tests and physical violence. Instead, the man who met with Eddie was sitting with a vacant, bored expression as he practiced card tricks in the corner furthest away from Venom.

Finally, a knock on the door forced all of us to pay attention to the newcomer. It was a tall, massively built man in his early forties. His face was covered in scars, narrow red lines that looked like small cuts; one of his eyes was completely black while the other was blue. He looked like the man at the coffee shop but at the same time, nothing like him at all.

"Good afternoon, gentlemen," His voice was low and quiet. If not for the heavyweight weapon hanging over his shoulder, I would have considered him to be one of those men who only look threatening but actually are gentle giants. With steps too quiet for a man his size, he approached me, crouching down to look me in the face. "Hello, child. I've been looking for you for a long time. It's a shame we had to meet this way," He removed the strands of hair sticking to my face. For all purposes, his touch could have been considered fatherly. "Richard, bring the money." With a wave of his hand, he dismissed the man who was babysitting me and Eddie and he promptly disappeared behind the steel door.

"Hello," Eddie briefly shook his hands with Cabre after the merc left me alone. I noted Venom had disappeared into the reporter's body completely. "We are Venom," Eddie introduced himself (they introduced themselves?).

"Cabre," The Merc watched my honorary uncle with a sharp eye, taking note of Eddie's lack of weapons, his worn clothes and the shaggy hair, the bags under his eyes. "Tell me, Venom, what do you know of this child?"

"Not much," Eddie shrugged, convincingly. "Just that the Avengers picked her up for some reason and locked her up in Stark's tower. We're guessing she didn't like it much 'cuz she kept sneaking out and trying to shake off the tail. Had to go through quite a few SHIELD agents to get to her," Just like we agreed, Eddie spoke with slight disdain towards Tony and SHIELD, making sure to let Cabre believe he was on the mutants' side. "We just need the money, man. Not many people will hire us," To top it up, Eddie spread his arms, showing his skin ripple and move on it's own prominently under his ratty t-shirt. Atta boy!

Cabre appeared to have bought the lie, chuffing sympathetically, before pulling out a tablet and typing on it. "Well, not for long. My superiors have found an artifact that, if unlocked properly, will render most of the technology suppressing mutant powers useless. They won't be able to get rid of us that easily anymore."

Eddie nodded eagerly, for all purposes appearing to be ecstatic about the news. "Yeah, heard some rumors here and there. Well, you and your superiors know where to find me. I could always go with some extra cash," He scratched his head, carefully watching Cabre's fingers dance on the keyboard. "What's the kid got to do with it anyway? Seems like an ordinary spoiled brat to me," Eddie threw me a look, blinking twice. The fatigue and wariness, courtesy of Venom, had begun to recede quite some time ago; with Eddie's signal, I knew the shitshow was about to start very soon.

Eddie was smart, however, finding out the bits of information SHIELD hadn't bothered to disclose to me. The residue that the cursed box had left in me was removed, so I could not understand why SHIELD was still guarding me. There had to have been another reason, a reason that neither of us knew for sure.

Cabre paused his typing. "We've been watching her for years. She's a genius. We were hoping she could help us solve a few problems..." The merc paused to rub the bridge of his nose. "We tried to get her to come willingly but her parents forbade her from it. My superiors suggested to use the artifact but something malfunctioned." For all purposes, Cabre was looking apologetic. "I am not overly fond of kidnapping children but some things just need to be done." With that, the man turned around, landing his eyes on me. "Glad to see you're up and about." Something about his smile was unnatural, forced, malicious.

"Charmed to meet you," I sat up, dazed and confused about the turn of events. The things he was saying, they didn't add up. I hadn't received any requests for my participation in ANY kind of project, illlegal or not. No scholarships, no internship offers. Something was very, very wrong.

As soon as Cabre's back was turned, Venom enveloped Eddie, turning themselves into the seven feet tall outer space monstrosity I had seen on the first day. Their combined form was terrifying - but Cabre's fingers merely twitched at the rapid change of the situation as he took slow steps towards me. "Hmm," His voice still quiet, he once again crouched in front of me. "You fought us off once but we are many. There is nowhere to run, child," Cabre's eyes began to darken, his speech turning flat.

I recognized the speech pattern, recalled the expressionless, vacant face that stared at me. Cabre was infected with the Legion from the cursed box; I hadn't prepared for that, hadn't even regarded that, thinking the little epic speech the demon had given me was a mere intimidation tactic. Fear bloomed within me, opening it's jaws like a hungry Venus flytrap but I refused to succumb to it, clenching my fists against the waves of paralyzing terror.

Venom made a confused growling noise behind me, extending a tentacle to push Cabre away; with a sickeningly wet splat, their whole form collided with the opposite wall, sliding down it like a puddle of misshapen goop. "MORSEL, GET OUT." The symbiote growled, reforming itself back.

"Silence, beast!" Cabre shrieked, unstrapping his weapon and aiming it at Venom. No bullets came out as he pressed the trigger but my ear started ringing, eyes watering as the whole form of the symbiote began to morph and ripple. Pained groans and whines came from them. A sonic gun?

"Screw you, man," I attempted to draw Cabre's attention to myself by kicking out a leg towards the gun, disrupting his arm briefly. Things were going to shit faster than a party full of teenagers and alcohol. "Fuck you, listen, FUCK YOU!" I knew antagonizing people was my best skill and that's what I did, figuring the time needed for Venom to reassemble themself could be acquired if Cabre was pissed off enough at me.

The backhand hurt, not going to lie. I saw stars from that one sloppy hit the possessed merc delivered to my face. The adrenaline rush allowed me to stay somewhat coherent and just like that time when I was trapped in my nightmares, I dove for Cabre, winding myself around him as both of us landed on the floor in a heap of limbs.

Despite my best hopes, Venom remained a puddle of black on the floor. I saw something shiny attach itself to Eddie's chest; apparently that something prevented them from combining into one again. My smaller size proved to be a great advantage; I remembered Venom's words about being a suitable short-term host and with a shriek, I placed my palm into the nearest piece of symbiote I could reach, my vision being obscured by blackness a second later.

THE TAG LIST IS NOW OPEN! @another-stark-sub ​ @mostly-marvel-musings  @vozit ​ @littlegasps @pilloclock ​ @shereadsinquiet @downeyreads ​ @hermione-grangers-wife ​ @individualistfem ​ @sleep-i-ness @capbrie @lillsxd @agustdowney @dee-vn @justanotherblonde23 @fanngirl19 @persephonehemingway @softie-socks @schemefrenzy @letsby @romeo-the-cactus @jelly-fishy-babie @mikariell95 @gladiosamicitias @warrior1-19 @toomanyrobins @i-cant-hangout-im-drumming

#party favours #bun writes #tony stark x reader #bruce banner x reader #Stephen Strange x reader #tony stark x y/n #tony stark x you #bruce banner x you #bruce banner x y/n #stephen strange x y/n #stephen strange x you

[thelordofdarkreunion]

Watchers in the Shadows

Another plot important story, with the what I am terming the Shadowed Lords.  I have also found a solution to the very important question of “How to make sure the Inquisition just doesn’t murder everyone.”  I own none of these characters.  Enjoy.

“History requires two parties - the historian and their audience.  Without that, one is just talking to oneself.  So kindly stop screaming and you might learn something.” - Trazyn the Infinite, guiding human guests through the Prismatic Gallery

“It is our duty to protect those who are important to future events, those who might save the face of the galaxy, those chosen by prophecy - blah blah blah.  I’m just here to kill things.”  -Revenant

Aboard the Novus Galactica

The Watch Fortress was a miracle of human technology and ingenuity.  This particular one was mobile, a great boon for its occupants.  As soon as diplomats and Inquisitors were dispatched to these strange, newly found galaxies, it had been deemed by the High Lords of Terra that a permanent force of Throne Agents should be stationed in each.  Unfortunately for the Imperium of Man, and, perhaps fortunately for everyone else, they were currently only able to transfer a small amount of the resources they wanted to one singular galaxy.  At the moment.  The time would come when they would fully operate there, the agents of the Imperium hiding in every shadow, behind every crevice, always watching, always waiting.  The fight against the xeno, mutaint, and heretic never ended, after all, and these new galaxies provided ample examples of each.  

The newly anointed Lady Inquisitor Amberley Vail stood on the tiled stone floor of the Watch Fortress, looking out high cathedral windows into the black void of space.  Inquisitors were all technically equals, though in practice some were more equal than others.  Senior and powerful Inquisitors were given the honorary prefix Lord or Lady to denote that they were, in fact, just a little more equal than their peers.  Since she had been the first to discover, and make contact with these eight new galaxies, it would be her duty to oversee all investigations in them.  A great honor.  

At the time, though, Vail would just be investigating each one in turn until more Inquisitors could be spared.  Already she was given her choice in team, and her retinue was here, with more hand-picked agents to come.  And, of course, the operatives the High Lords and Ordo Xenos had seen fit to give her.  With the technology found in these new places, she could now contact the High Lords directly, if necessary, and they could monitor her progress.  As such, they had seen it fit to grant the Watch Fortress a cadre of Officio Assassinorum operatives, one from each Temple.  They were in cryo storage below, except the Vanus operative, currently hard at work gathering every scrap of data she could.  

Should she require pure power instead of singular agents, a Kill Team of the dreaded Deathwatch was on hand.  They were newly formed and called up, but each member was hand-chosen by the Inquisition, and, if rumors were to be believed, the Custodian Guard themselves.  Right now, they were settling into their new home, their weapons drills already ringing through the training spaces.  The Kill Team also served a second, more sinister purpose: if Vail was to go rogue for whatever reason, they had orders to hunt her down and destroy her.  She harbored no illusions of their ability, and, of course, had no intention of turning traitor.  Better had fallen than her, though, so she did appreciate the contingency.  

At the moment, more Marine heavy weaponry and armored vehicles were on the way, along with a regiment of Inquisitorial Storm Troopers.  More things to be added to the armory of the Imperium in this new galaxy.  

Vail paced, then went to her cognator, located next to the Vanus operative, still absorbed in her work.  She sat down, and began to type.  Secrets would be revealed, and the Inquisition would act upon them.

Unknown Location

The room was dark, as it always was, only illuminated by the blinding glory of a nearby star.  No one came here, no one knew of its existence except two organizations.  Two organizations that almost none knew of.  A massive man, power armored bulk hidden by a simple white robe, sword strapped on to his chest, stood side by side with another individual clad in black armor and greatcoat.  A tight fitting black helmet with glowing red lenses covered the second’s face, and as it spoke, the voice that emanated from within was corrupted and rendered untraceable.

“We must begin.  Our list is complete.”

“Unorthodox, yes, but it must be this way,” spoke the second, a reverberating deep base echoing from beneath he white hood.  “What of Inquisitor Vail?  Should she find… certain things, it would not bode well for our plans.” 

“I am handling it as we speak.  Drake shows promise.  It was good to act that quickly, but in the end, the Shadow Broker, the Mechanicus, the Inquisition, the Scoundrels, ONI, the ISB… none of them are good enough to face us.  Vail will hear no word of it.  Stability will be preserved.  Just as we must preserve the Scoundrels themselves.”

“Indeed.  It must be restated: they are key to future events.  I suggest we get moving.”  With a nod to each other, the two figures disappeared into the shadows.

Unknown Planet

The ground was icy and cold, some dead world in the middle of nowhere.  It didn’t even have a name, so remote it had never been discovered.  Of course, there were those who could find it, should they really wish to.  One such individual stood here, examining strange patterns in the snow.  Well-groomed black hair tumbled down to his shoulders, held in place by a circlet of gold.  Despite the bone-numbing cold, the man did not shiver, black and green tunic still in the frigid air.   A heavy crack of displaced air sounded behind him, and the black haired man turned around, smiling softly to himself. 

“Ah.  Can I help you?” he said in a polite and cultured voice.  The two figures, one massive and wearing a white robe, the other of medium height and wearing a black coat, stepped forward.  The black haired man stood, noting the weapons, the size, the strangeness of these newcomers.

“Loki of Asgard.  We have need of your skills,” responded a metallic and synthesized voice from the black coated silhouette’s mask.  This elicited a small, oh-so-sly smile from the black haired man.  

“Yes.  I’m sure a great many people do.  What’s in it for me?”

“Name your price,” came a deep, reverberating voice.  Loki thought quietly to himself, then spoke.

“Done,” replied the tall figure.  

“Now, what do you need me for?” asked Loki.

Hammond Robotics Lab-77431

A metallic abomination of red and grey stood above Dr. Marshall.  It was humanoid, but all metal; unnaturally tall and spindly.  He squirmed quietly, inching away from it on the cold surface of the laboratory floor.  Blood was splattered messily over the surface of computer banks and grey plastic workstations.  Marshall silently prayed that the guards were on their way.  He had just enough time to press the panic button as the… thing slaughtered the two guards and his three colleagues.  Now it stood over him, head tilted at an unnatural angle.  

“No one is coming to save you.  No one ever was.”  It’s voice was horrible, gravely, and grating.  Marshall whimpered.  It spoke again.  “You can beg for mercy.  It won’t help, but go on.”

“Please… please.  I don’t even know what you are!  Why would you want to kill me?”  The thing snarled and pinned Marshall to the wall with one metallic hand.  

“You made me a killing machine.  Who am I to argue with programming?”  The abomination’s synthetic eyes seemed to glow.  “Look into my eyes.  I want to remember this.”  

“No!  NO!  No-”  The begging cut out with a horrifying, gurgling scream as the thing ripped out his throat.  It gave a malicious laugh.  A new voice spoke.  

“Revenant.”  It was a statement.  “We have need of your services.”  Revenant turned around with a snarl, only to find himself face to face with three of the most odd individuals he’d ever seen.  A smooth faced, black haired man in a green and black surcoat, smirking at him.  A figure in a black coat and black armor, it’s face hidden behind a mask with glowing red lenses.  A giant, wearing a white robe, with a sword strapped to its back, its face hidden behind the robe’s cowl.  

“Tell me why I shouldn’t kill you where you stand?” sneered Revenant.  

“If you can, which I doubt,” replied the black haired man.  The figure in the coat held up a gauntleted hand.  

“We have need of your services,” it repeated.  “As payment, we can fix you or kill you.  Your choice.  But you must do as we say.”  Revenant seemed to consider the deal.  

“Done,” he replied eventually.  

“Good.  Now, there’s work to be done.”  

Star Wars Galaxy

Belsavis

Imperial Outpost Planet

The New Republic had, in its infinite wisdom, sent a team of commandos to capture a small Imperial outpost planet in the middle of smack-dab nowhere.  Sargent Underwilth was quite displeased by this, as had the entirety of the rest of her commando group, from Private Nikeer all the way up to the Captain.  It would be a long, boring, and completely useless mission, and for what purpose?  Grab a completely insignificant Imperial fort that could house a battalion and a group of shuttles at the absolute maximum?  Why?  Send soldiers to die for that?  She hated High Command for it.  Hate-d.  Past tense.  At the present moment, she was cursing the name of every single New Republic official she could remember, from the major who had briefed them to Princess Leia herself.  Saying things had gotten a bit out of hand would be the understatement of the millenia.  

“I need fire at 1-2-7-4!  Immediate effect, whatever you’ve got!” screamed the comms chatter.  The Imperial stormtroopers crouched next to her looked warily in the direction of the lieutenant whose scream was cut short over the comms.  Captain Pai, the commando leader, was dead.  Major Vekk, commander of the Imperial garrison, was now in charge of both the stormtrooper and commando contingent.  Underwilth had never thought she would be fighting side by side with stormtroopers.  They were terrible shots and propaganda-fueled idiots, holding on to the crumbling remnants of a tyrant.  Desperate times, though, called for desperate measures.  She nodded at her mixed group of Republic and Imperial soldiery, and, as one, they stepped over the ledge of the wall they were crouched behind.  A withering storm of blaster bolts rent the air, many going wide as their users panicked.  It was enough though.  

The bolts slammed into the metal abomination, many ricocheting harmlessly off its bones with high pitched pings!  Underwilth had no idea what these things were, or why they were here.  The commando team had landed, everything going well, and had infiltrated the fortress, only for an army of metal skeletons to show up.  They were spindly and humanoid in appearance, with elongated skulls and arms much thinner than a human.  Their odd appearance didn’t matter, though.  Horrible weapons had rotated, spitting sickly green beams of light at the now combined defenders.  Everything that was touched by those beams died.  Captain Pai was disintegrated where he stood.  Atomized without a sound.  

The defenders had fought back with everything in their arsenal.  Blasters didn’t work.  Grenades didn’t work.  Cryo bombs didn’t work.  Only massive, coordinated firepower would stop these undying invaders. 

Scorch marks appeared on the metal skeleton that Underwilth’s group drowned in fire.  More and more blaster bolts found their mark, staggering it.  Underwilth screamed at them to keep firing.  Eventually, slowly, it toppled into the dirt.  Underwilth’s group let out a great cheer.  It died in their throats when they saw what was happening.  The metal abomination, light faded from its eyes and limbs blown off, glowed with the same sickly green light as its eyes and weapons.  Limbs reattached themselves.  Blaster pockmarks faded.  Internal wiring affixed itself.  It stood, and glowing green eyes snapped on once more.  

Beneath the Surface of Belsavis

Trazyn the Infinite, Overlord of the Nihilakh Dynasty, Archoevist of Solomance, and Curator of the Prismatic Galleries walked through the underground tomb complex covered by the Imperial outpost.  He had come to... acquire the artifacts, weapons, and species in the tomb underneath.  Unfortunately, a group of the idiotic humans that inhabited this galaxy had decided to build a fortress right on top of it.  He didn’t even spend the processing power wondering about the humans.  Mere insects.  His soldiers were there to defend his archaeological expedition, and if the humans wanted to attack them, well, that was their problem.  

Trazyn was, quite frankly, disappointed over this particular galaxy.  It wasn’t that there weren’t ancient and important treasures to plunder: no, far from it.  The things he could find here almost rivaled his own galaxy.  Almost.  It wasn’t that.  

It was that the people of this place had absolutely zero appreciation for history.  It was utterly infuriating.  Trazyn was the historian.  The lives of entire species meant nothing to him.  He was as old as the stars themselves, able to see eons as they stretched out in front of him.  The reason he did any of this in the first place was to preserve history before time or battle erased it.  His entire planet was one massive museum, with exhibits stretching back some 60 billion years before the planet Earth even existed.  But these people?  They didn’t teach history.  Didn’t preserve history.  To borrow a human expression, didn’t give one singular, flying fuck about it.  His mind frowned in distaste over the crude word.  It was nevertheless true.  The inhabitants of this place had merely forgotten the Old Republic, the government that ruled the galaxy only thirty years ago.  The Jedi Knights were myths.  The Clone Wars were bedtime legends.  Trazyn ground his metal teeth in frustration.  Thirty years.  That was a microsecond.  That was about the time a standard Necron court case lasted.  Even the humans, short-lived insects that they were, should remember that long.  After all, they usually lived between sixty to a hundred, did they not?  Simply no respect for the past here.  

The other galaxies were not like this.  The humans of one galaxy even remembered events some two thousand years prior.  That galaxy was the one with the Makers.  A battle between gods and demons.  He had already been to a Maker lab, and taken the dark artifact from the homeworld of the Celzex.  Along with half the guard on duty at the time.  And the throne.  They wouldn’t miss it.  Probably.  

He was getting off track.  Despite the idiots of this place not knowing what it was, this place was magnificent.  The architecture, the stone, the instriptions and technology… oh, yes.  If Trazyn had still possessed a mortal body, he would be grinning like a buffoon now.  He wanted everything.  

The tomb had once belonged to the Rakata Infinite Empire.  He sneered at the name. 

“There can only be one Infinite, and only one Infinite Empire.  And you, my friends, are no longer among the living,” he told a statue.  The Empire had, at its apex, controlled a great deal of the galaxy and possessed technologies and ancient wonders not seen since.  An entire species, called the Esh-Ka, had been trapped here in status for nigh thirty millenia by the ancient Rakata.  Nothing compared to Trazyn, but he appreciated the gesture of the long dead civilization nonetheless.  Ancient Rakata warlords, soldiers, status, glyphs, tablets, weapons, enemies, technology… everything.  This was a prison world, and the Rakata built it to last.  Now, though… now it was Trazyn’s time to shine.  He took everything he could, the walls and massive scripts cut away by his personal bodyguard.  Everything went into tesseract labyrinths.  These were small black cubes, about the size of Trazyn’s fist.  They pulsed with darkness, ever wishing to suck things into their voids.  These cubes were gateways to pocket dimensions, and Trazyn had long used them to capture specimens from his museum.  

He hummed as he worked, nearly giddy with excitement.  If there had been any watchers, they would have found the sight of the ancient necron lord almost dancing with exhilaration to be quite funny.  As he loaded the last of the Rakata imprisoned within the tomb, there was a flash of green light behind him.  It’s coloration was similar to the eyes and weaponry of the necrons, yet only the discharge of his bodyguards’ gauss flayers could have made such a sight, and Trazyn knew for a fact none of them had.  He whirled around, only to be met with a very strange sight.  

Four individuals stood between him and his guards.  One was obviously a synthetic, tall and spindly with red and grey limbs.  This one glowered mechnicgly at Trazyn, but he laughed it off.  You didn’t know a good glower until you’ve stood on the wrong side of a Star God.  The second was human, smirking from behind shoulder length black hair and a black and green tunic.  The third waas masked, armored, and coated, and stood at simple attention, unbothered by the necrons that lowered their gauss flayers at its back.  The last, though…

“Lord Cypher,” said Trazyn with a bow.  The massive man in white noticeably stiffened.  “A pleasure to have you here.  Ah, yes.  I know who you are, of course.  Don’t be surprised.  You would make a fine addition to my collection,” he mused.  Trazyn looked up, noticeably more perky.  “Is that why you’re here?  Have you come to give yourself up?  Ready to be a part of history?”  The massive man, Cypher, glared at him.  

“We have need of your help, Lord Trazyn.  After you are…” he looked around, noticing the completely empty walls of the tomb, “Done here, we wish to speak with you.  Your… expertise is necessary.”  Trazyn grinned, the necrodermis teeth of his death mask coming together.  A necron grinning was a very bizarre sight.  

“Ah, you flatter me, Lord Cypher.  And from one who has bedeviled the Imperium for ten thousand years and fought the Deceiver himself, such flattery is most appreciated.  However,” Trazyn gestured around, “As you can see, my work consumes me.  I’m afraid history stops for no one.  Except you.”  He held out a tesseract labyrinth, his voice flowing with mischief.

“Wait!” replied Cypher.  “We have need of your help,” he repeated.  “If you do not join us, then events will transpire that will result in the eventual destruction of reality,” he stated calmly, as if he were simply talking about the weather.  “It might not happen now, or later, or even in a century, or millenia, but I know for certain it will happen.  Everything you hold dear, everything you have worked so hard for over these billions of years, will be gone.  If you help us, we will most likely succeed, and in payment we will offer to you the greatest treasures in the universe.”  Cypher held out a hand.  “So what say you, Trazyn the Infinite?  Are you ready to change history for once, instead of just cataloging it?”  Trazyn pondered a moment, his neural circuitries firing faster than any mortal could keep up.  Eventually, he took the hand.

“I accept.”

And there we are.  I hope you enjoyed it, and if you have any comments, criticisms, concerns, questions, or requests, feel free to contact me!  Wherever you are, have a great day!

#magnificent scoundrels #writing #story #my writing #crossover #warhammer 40k #star wars #crossover story

[melyzard]

Ummmm, so I will gladly take that 2000 word essay on Jyn’s fight scene in Jedha you mentioned in the tags... you know, if you’re offering...

Just for the record, I have already written a one shotcharacter study of this scene (Fire/Fight) but hey, I amalways down for more meta!

I just want to start by noting that awhile back @ladytharen posted something along the lines of “she was the best soldier in Saw’s cadre,can we talk about that a lot?”  AndI am 100% going to do that, because the sources that say she was Saw’s bestsoldier seem a lot more canon than the one prequel novel that claimed Jyn was sittingin her room playing with toys and not even talking to the other Partisans formost of her time with Saw. It just didn’t make any sense, so I’m ignoring thatand sticking to ‘Jyn was Saw’s beloved adopted daughter whom he stillabsolutely taught to be a child soldier because that’s how he protected her.’

So. Jyn and The Jedha fight scene. (I’m mostly focused on this scene from 1:10 - 1:40)

Let’s start with the scene’s setup: Jyn has just watched Partisans walk into an openmarketplace and open fire directly into an Imperial tank patrol. A moment toconsider what might be going through her head right now:

1.      That is a stupid tactical decision, and SawGerrera is way too smart and experienced to order it. Or at least, the Saw sheknew would never. So…what in the hell has happened to Saw?? Has he been usurped, corrupted, framed by these people pretending to be Partisans? Maybe he’s even dead,how would she know?

2.      The Partisans have been accused of being ‘terrorists’by the Imperial government for decades at this point. They’ve been the literalposter children for anti-rebellion propaganda from the Empire. HOWEVER, while Jyn was with Saw, all his targets (that I know about in canon) were military installations and Imperial researchfacilities, factories devoted to weaponry, and Imperial political lackeys anddecision makers. Now, what Saw did after leaving Jyn behind is a bit murkier. It does seem, given what we see in Jedha, that Sawhas allowed or even driven the Partisans into much less noble ground. But Jyn wasn’tthere to see the crossing of the moral event horizon, so the Partisans attacking a market fullof civilians probably shocked her to some degree. Maybe it even accounts for someof her reckless decision to dive across a kill zone of blaster fire to save alittle girl (mostly I will chalk that up to Jyn’s natural empathy and courage,but hey, there’s room for a tiny bit of residual guilt, too. These are notmy Partisans, she might have been thinking as she ran).

So, here is Jyn,looking at militant, dangerous strangers who should be familiar but aren’t. She’strapped in a war zone with a man who is essentially her jailor, who may haveorders to ‘neutralize’ her the moment he gets what he wants (i.e. a meetingwith Saw Gerrera). HOWEVER, not two minutes before the big fight scene I’mabout to discuss, Jyn watches Cassian shoot a Partisan to save her. Again, for emphasis, Jyn spins around and sees Cassian the rebel spy shoot a Partisan about to throw agrenade at her, then meets his eyes. His nod, her stunned expression, the cameraswitching deliberately back and forth between them in mirrored crouching poses –it all confirms that Jyn is absolutely aware of what he just did. She knowsthat her warden just intentionally compromised his own mission to save herskin. I feel like this is significant to the decision we see her make a minute later, when she’s in a rat’s maze of alleyways with stormtroopers closing infrom all sides and the only thing holding her to this position is one rebel spywith his back turned to her.

She could have run.In fact, everything we’ve been told about her to this point, everything we’veseen her do (her breakout from the ‘rescue’ on Wobani, the shackles around her wristsas she was led through Yavin’s hangar, Alliance rebels calling her a thief and a coward, her unhesitating willingness to rummagethrough someone else’s gear and steal his blaster, her implied willingness to fighthim to the death to keep that blaster), we as an audience have been primed tobelieve that Jyn would absolutely bolt to save her skin.Now of course, this is a Star Wars movie and the audience also expect heroics here, but if Jyn had run away right now,left Cassian to be surrounded by stormtroopers, well…it would have sucked, andit would have meant she was a different character than what we actually got, but it would havebeen believable.

But the Jyn we did get, the real Jyn - she stares at Cassian as he fires at one group of ‘troopers,his back turned to the second group coming up behind them, and she pulls hertruncheon. For one breathless moment, we are left to wonder – is she going to swingat him? Is she going to run?

And then she spins out of her alcove, truncheon alreadyswinging at the trooper who is focused on Cassian’s back and this, thisis the moment we know that she actually is a hero. This fight scene as Jyn’s real character-establishingmoment. Not the break out from Wobani, where we learn she’s dangerous anddesperate. Not the willingness to snoop and steal from the Alliance. Not the kybercrystal nor the way she definitely sees Baze hiding in the distant shadows nor evensaving the little girl. Those all tell us that Jyn has had a tough life and hasbecome tough in turn. They tell us that she lived in the darker, rougher areasof the galaxy far, far away and survived.

But who Jyn really is, what she iscapable of doing, and what makes her a distinct character in the gallery ofRebels is this moment, when she chooses to fight the Empire for no obviouspersonal gain. She will not be paid anything, the Alliance will give hernothing more than they have already promised, and she has no reason to believethat this reserved and somewhat cranky rebel spy will see her as anything morethan a prisoner and a means to an end regardless of what she does. Exactly whyshe chooses to stay and fight in this moment is also open to discussion – she hatesstormtroopers, she is furious at the destruction of Jedha, she actually kind oflikes this Cassian guy and won’t leave him to death or capture – whatever youbelieve of her motives, the crucial message of this scene is that shechooses to fight. Savingthe little girl from a random firefight just meant she was a fundamentally decent person, but not necessarily a rebel like Leia, or Luke Skywalker, or any of our favorite GFFA protagonists. Saving Cassian from stormtroopers, when Cassian is neither a helpless child nor even really herally at this point, is what marks Jyn Erso as a rebel hero.

Look, the implications of this 30 second long scene iskind of breathtaking in terms of Jyn’s character, okay? But let’s move on tothe technical aspects now.

Consider how this camera is oriented: we see only Jyn’s legsas she pulls free and flicks out the combat truncheon, but the silver weapon isitself front and center. Jyn’s baggy, dust-smeared, not even remotelyformfitting or sexy black trousers almost blend into the shadows of hercurrent hiding spot.  After the truncheonis established as being a giant metal murder weapon (seriously, compare thatthing to the length of her leg, it is enormous), the camera only shows Jyn fromthe waist up (except for a brief two seconds when it shows her full body in themiddle of the frame surrounded by collapsed stormtroopers). She is alwayscenter frame, the camera is pulled back far enough that we can see what all herenemies are doing all around her – I’m making a point of this because AT NOPOINT does the camera zoom in or center on on any aspect of her anatomy. No part of her is ever highlighted over the rest. Not her chest, nother butt, not her face and exposed neck, not her upper back/shoulders (if you didn’t know, Ihate to break it to you, but most ‘strong female’ fights have a specific shot of the heroine’supper back and at least one shot each of her exposed neck from front and back, always in close up, largely because this is absolutelyconsidered an erogenous zone in many cultures). At no point does the cameratreat Jyn’s fight as if it’s supposed to be visually titillating beyond ‘ooh fight scene!’ It’s not even treatedas if this is a significant fight. From Jyn’s POV, it isn’t. It’s just another desperateclaw for survival in a long chain of them – albeit this one she chose.

In the same vein, note how the choreography of this fight isnot even slightly suggestive. I mean, okay, look, sexy is subjective and Ipersonally find this fight scene hella awesome and all, but the point is that the camera andthe choreography don’t assume the audience is getting horny here. For contrast,watch any Black Widow fight scene. Important side note: I am NOT knocking BlackWidow. She’s a good character and an important one to many people. I’m justpointing out how many times her signature moves involve her wrapping her legsaround a man’s head, jerking her pelvis in suggestive movements, bendingbackwards in front of or on top of a man, kicking her leg up above her head ordoing the splits in mid air, landing with her legs splayed or thighs wrappedaround some part of a male opponent, and just in general posing in variouserotic ways while she fights. All while wearing a form-fitting suit that very specifically divides and accents each breast and butt cheek from the other. And this is pretty true of many, many femalefight scenes, so I’m not just picking on Black Widow. It’s just…common. (That last link is one of many stock photos I found. That’s right, ‘woman in monochrome catsuit fighting/knocked out after fighting’ is so common that there’s a whole stock photo industry about it).

But this fight on Jedha - Jyn smashing and bashing andshooting her way through a squad of armored soldiers while her tangled hair flies intoher eyes and her baggy clothes get coated in dirt and her teeth are bared in avery unattractive snarl – this fight could be anyone. I could imagine the fullyarmored Mandalorian have a scene exactly as dirty and grittyas this and it wouldn’t feel uncomfortable. If Jyn was written as a malecharacter, they could have shot this scene in exactly the same way (forcomparison, try watching Black Widow vs security guards in Iron Man 2, from 1:04– 1:45 and from 2:14 – 2:45, and try to imagine Tony Stark in Black Widow’splace. Or, I don’t know, any male hero. Take special noteof what’s in the center of the frame throughout these scenes. Also, don’t comeat me for hating on this fight scene, I actually really enjoyed it, but I feel itproves my point very very well).

Like I said, however, just because ascene isn’t shot and choreographed to be sexy doesn’t mean it doesn’t appeal tosomeone. And perhaps I just have my shipping goggles here, but I feellike the movie makes it pretty clear that Cassian Andor is…pretty fuckingimpressed. He spins around, rifle raised, panting from the exertion and theterror, fully prepared to fight to the death, and there’s the criminal he’ssupposed to be keeping on a careful leash, the woman whose father he is underorders to kill, the child of a possibly crazed old rebel too extreme for theAlliance -

And she’s dancing. It’s a brutal,vicious, take no prisoners dance, but there is a fluidity to it, a lack of anyhesitation or stumbling. It’s a single rebel against a squad of trained, armed,and armored soldiers – and she’s winning. We’re not even worried abouther, there’s not even a hint that one of the troopers is about to land a hit onher. Like the audience, Cassian can only watch in somewhat startled awe as Jynslams the last trooper into the dirt with extreme prejudice. It’s a brief butintense moment for the rebelcaptain fandom, and personally, I love it. Someonewrite me an essay on Cassian’s point of view and why he reacted like that,stat. Please?

Last point about this fight scene, and why it’s one of myall time favorite scenes in any movie ever: how it ends.

I’ve mentioned the fluidity of Jyn’s movements, the economyof how she transitions from one threat to another. You don’t get that kind of unrelenting, unhesitating success in a fight, folks, unless you’re operating on instinct and muscle memory. Jyn isn’t thinking about the war or Saw or Cassian or reallyanything at this point, just the fight. It’s made clear here that Jyn is agreat fighter, if a vicious one. She’s been trained, she’s had experience, and overtime she’s honed herself into a dangerous combatant, a creature of war.

And then she spins and shoots a KX droid. Which, yes,intellectually the audience knows is an Imperial-aligned droid, but thus far inthe entire Star Wars franchise we have only met one KX droid, and he is a goodguy. So on an emotional level, we have a moment of ‘oh crap!’ which is reflected in Jyn’sface too. And here’s where we learn the downside of her instinctive, brutal,take no prisoners fight style. Her ability to react to threats is great, until shegets the threat wrong. Now, we’re reassured a moment later that she did in factshoot the bad droid, and the good droid is right around the corner to prove itto us, and everything’s fine. But for one moment, we thought Jyn had killed afriendly, and so did Jyn. Which makes me think that, well, it’s happenedbefore. Pushed into a corner and driven to fight for survival, how many timeshas Jyn lashed out at what looked like an enemy only to realize a moment laterthat she may have done more damage than she meant? It is, at the least, a thoughtprovoking moment in the scene.

Also a great way to re-introduce K2SO back into the narrative.But anyway.

Alright, there it is, my roughly 2500 word essay on this 45second scene in a movie that is now 4 years old. Not including the story I alreadywrote about it.  It’s a poorly organized essay,really more of a rant, but time is my enemy right now and this is what I’vegot.

So. Your thoughts?

#star wars #rogue one #jyn erso #feminism #fight scene #meta #cassian andor #k2so #jedha #again I am not crapping on black widow #i'm just pointing out a common trend #in order to highlight how major it is #that jyn's fight bucks that trend in every way #i love it so hard #thanks for asking!

[askmalal]

Company of the Dead Dreadnought #4: Venerable Gracchus

Venerable Gracchus was once Lieutenant Antiochus Ben-Iosef, a Chemos born Astartus and a member of the Legion’s destroyer cadre. A deeply empathetic man by nature, Antiochus was chosen for a role with the Destroyers precisely because Fulgrim believed that a man of conscience was a far better choice for the very brutal tasks often asked of the Destroyers andtheir proscribed weaponry. Indeed, Ben-Iosef and men like him could rightly be described as the moral core of the Emperor’s Children at their best.

A veteran of many battles, Antiochus lost himself in the study of archaeo linguistics. He was particularly fascinated by “micro-linguae” - languages spoken by comparatively small but highly literate populations, rarely found outside the specific territorial holdings of that population: Basque, Magyar, Tingarian, the bizarre and apparently Aeldari derived language of the Pan-Hieratic Enclaves, etc. He produced limited quantities of beautifully hand illuminated manuscripts, and had established such a reputation that on at least one occasion he was allegedly used as a linguistic aide for a Mechanicum expedition escorted by the Third.

During the Enochid Suppression, Antiochus was nearly annihilated by Demiurg naval gunfire so intensely accurate that it allegedly melted a hole from the fore of his thunderhawk gunship to the aft without actually destroying the craft. Only his central nervous system survived unruined. Antiochus was interred at the end of the campaign, and his stasis coffin was paired with a Contemptor. Fulgrim chose an honorific cognomen taken from names of the famous Ancient Roman reformers, the Gracchi brothers.

Gracchus was one of a small number of the legionary ancients in the Warrior Lodges. Having long been frustrated with what he saw as mismanagement of the Great Crusade in the Emperor’s absence, Gracchus had come to believe that Fulgrim’s increasing instability was a result of mental strain: his gene-father was changing because of the horrible choices he’d been forced to make. He had come to accept that Fulgrim might make a break with Terra, and was prepared to support it. Unfortunately, these same conflicted morals made it clear to Fulgrim that Gracchus, like so many others, would remain loyal to Terra. This was to be a very poor assessment.

At Istvaan III, Gracchus was part of the first wave. The subsequent betrayal of the Venerable and his battle brothers turned any sympathy for Fulgrim into venom, and the Dreadnought flew into such a rage that he rampaged, unrestrained, until eventually becoming isolated with a small group of Ordo Reductor Mechanicum forces under Caleb Decima. It was with Decima that Gracchus escaped Istvaan, and through Decima that Gracchus eventually reached the Company of the Dead.

Gracchus was built mostly using a standard Contemptor kit. He is armed with a Kheres pattern assault cannon and a Toxiferno cannon. The Toxiferno cannon is not produced in any official form, and this was converted from a VSF/Steampunk style lascannon produced by Zinge. The Toxiferno is not a common choice; it is a truly nasty weapon, but has a relatively short range. I’ve found it to be quite effective, but owing to range I’d probably not arm an entire Cohort with the things.

#horus heresy #askmalal #chaos gods #warhammer40k #malice #warhammer30k #malal