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goodcareerpath · 1 year

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Is Steel Or Iron Ore A Good Career Path?

Whether steel or iron ore is a good career path depends on a number of factors. These factors include the salary, education certificate, and skills required. In addition, the outlook of the industry for the future is also important. If the steel or iron ore industry is expected to experience growth, this could be a positive sign. On the other hand, if the outlook is not expected to be as favorable, this could be a negative sign.

Is steel/iron ore a good career path?

Regardless of whether you're interested in mining or just want to work in a steel factory, there are many jobs open in the industry. If you're interested in the industry, make sure you learn everything you can. It can be a challenging job, but it can also offer many benefits.

The steel industry is an important part of manufacturing in the U.S. It has helped generate a lot of revenue and provided jobs for many people. It is also environmentally friendly. As a result, it is not likely to go away anytime soon.

If you're interested in a job in the steel industry, you may want to consider getting a GED or even an associate's degree. These can help you to move up the corporate ladder. Also, you may want to take a tech certificate course in order to advance in the field.

Another important thing to consider is how you will get your foot in the door. Some entry level jobs can help you to make money quickly. In addition, you may be able to get promoted and move up the ladder.

Entry level jobs in steel/iron career path

Several entry level jobs in the steel/iron ore industry are available. These include truck drivers, miners, material handlers, and production workers. These positions require a variety of skills, but offer great benefits and opportunities.

Miners perform heavy machinery operations, such as raking rock to uncover iron ore. They may also drive a bulldozer or an excavator. They follow instructions from supervisors, whose job is to oversee mining operations.

Material handlers may be responsible for unloading metals or packaging finished coils. They may also be responsible for handling scrap metals. The demand for iron and steel is increasing in urban areas. The industry is not likely to go away soon, but there are some risks.

Iron Technicians are one of the highest-paying jobs in the steel/iron ore industry. These industrial professionals must be skilled in reading and writing, have a strong knowledge of iron, and be able to establish a positive work environment. They can earn around $933,198 annually. They may also work on weekends.

Other jobs include truck drivers, who deliver iron ore to steel mills. They may also do basic maintenance. A truck driver with a CDL license earns around $48K annually.

Average Salary in steel/iron career path

Those who work in the steel and iron industry enjoy good pay and job security. They are also offered health insurance and pension plans. This is a stable industry that will be around for years to come.

Various jobs are available in the steel industry, with the most popular being structural metal fabricators, welders, and truck drivers. The steel and iron industries are also growing in urban areas. This means that job opportunities are likely to increase.

Several factors affect the average salary in the steel/iron ore industry. The most important is on-the-job training. This will help you learn how to safely perform various tasks. You will also learn how to handle various equipment. Then, you may be able to move up the corporate ladder.

The newest technology has also increased the efficiency of the industry. For example, new mining technologies allow for a higher-quality mine to produce higher-quality ores, which means that new job opportunities are created.

One of the best paying jobs in the steel/iron ore industry is a mining machine operator. These workers operate large machinery and trucks to move iron ore to the mill. They need to be able to understand and follow directions, and they will also need to be physically fit.

Education certificate and Skill Requirements

Whether you are interested in a career path in the steel or iron ore industry, you may find that an education certificate and skill requirements are important. Although a high school diploma may be enough to land an entry-level job, most jobs require further education to qualify for a more advanced position.

In order to become an ironworker, you will need to enroll in an apprenticeship program. Most apprenticeships include classroom instruction and on-the-job training. These programs can be completed in a few years and make you more competitive for a job.

In addition to classroom instruction, you will learn to measure, cut, and install metals and rebar. You will also learn to measure the distance between objects and apply welding methods to create structural components. You will also learn to inspect the structural components for safety concerns.

In addition to learning the necessary skills, you will need to wear personal protective equipment, such as safety glasses, hard hats, and gloves. You may also work at heights, so you need to be able to balance and be strong enough to guide heavy beams into place.

Future Industry Outlook of steel/iron career path

Getting a job in the steel/iron ore sector can be a smart move. It's a booming business that offers plenty of opportunities. However, there are some risks involved.

First, there is a fair amount of competition. Many companies are seeking ways to reduce the number of raw materials they use to make their steel products. The industry is also looking at new ways to reduce emissions. Using recycled steel products is one way manufacturers are trying to cut back on their carbon footprint.

Another way manufacturers are finding ways to reduce emissions is by using electric arc furnaces (EAFs) to produce steel. EAFs are less dependent on raw material deposits, meaning that they are cheaper to run. Increasing production capacity is another way to lower operational costs. EAFs can also be more easily placed near clients.

A lot of money has been spent on R&D projects to find new ways to manufacture steel. However, steel production is a cyclical business. This means that demand for steel plummets during economic downturns.

Pros of steel/iron career path

Unlike the average workforce, steel and iron workers enjoy a variety of advantages. They can enjoy a dependable salary, a sheltered pension plan and all-inclusive health insurance.

Steel and iron industry jobs require a lot of energy and hard work. Fortunately, most jobs offer solid benefits. Some jobs even offer bonuses.

Iron and steel are important to the global economy. The demand for these products will only increase as the world becomes more urbanized. In fact, it's estimated that steel production will continue to increase over the next two decades. Steel is also important for the construction industry, which needs materials to make buildings and tools.

The industry has been around for thousands of years. It's been one of the most reliable sectors of the economy. The industry is expected to grow by approximately 11 percent through 2022. The steel and iron industry boasts some of the world's largest companies.

The industry also has a multitude of jobs and career opportunities. A good place to start is by getting an apprenticeship. Apprentices work for two years and are then eligible to apply for real jobs.

Cons of steel/iron career path

Those considering a career in the steel/iron ore industry should understand the industry's potential pitfalls, especially the risks associated with working in this field. The pros of a steel/iron ore career, on the other hand, are numerous. They include high pay, sheltered pension plans, and health insurance.

There are many different roles within the industry, all of which require physical exertion and long hours. This is a good career option for people who enjoy physical activity, but it may not be for everyone.

The steel/iron ore industry is growing and offers many opportunities for people who want to work in a stable industry. It's also very rewarding and pays well. Steel is used in many different industries and goods, including body armor for soldiers, cookware, tools for construction workers, and more.

Steel is also very important in the global economy. The world uses over a billion tonnes of steel each year, making it one of the largest industries in the world.

If you're interested in working in this industry, you can enter the industry by completing a two-year apprenticeship program. Once you've completed the program, you can look for employment in one of the many companies operating in this sector.

Conclusion

Despite the risks, the steel and iron ore industry offers jobs and benefits that are extremely appealing. As the demand for iron and steel increases in tandem with the growing needs of modern society, jobs in this sector will continue to be in high demand.

If you are interested in pursuing a career in the steel and iron ore industry, there are many ways to get started. The first step is to obtain a high school diploma or GED. You can also choose to earn an associate's degree, which can help you get an office job.

The majority of the jobs available in the steel and iron ore industry are in mines or rigs. You can also find some corporate level positions. A majority of these jobs are entry level, which means they require very little education.

Steel and iron ore industries are often labor-intensive, which means you need to be physically strong and alert. You also need to be careful of your safety. You may also be exposed to environmental risks. However, these risks can be eliminated with the proper safety measures.

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steelfoy · 2 years

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An innovative platform hosting quick connections for problem solving, an extensive network of partners and information on price and quality of service. Signup

#steelofy #steel #iron #cnc machine #skill worker

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workingclasshistory · 9 months

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On this day, 24 July 2009, 3,000 steel workers in Tonghua, China rioted and beat an executive to death when threatened with privatisation and job losses. Jianlong Steel Holding Company official Chen Guojun, who earned over 3 million yuan the previous year, planned to take over the majority state-owned Tonghua Iron and Steel Group. He announced plans to cut the number of workers from 30,000 down to around 5,000, with those made redundant receiving around 200 yuan in compensation. The firm was still profitable, but the planned restructuring was aimed at increasing profits further amidst a global economic downturn. Outraged, the workers shut down production and rioted, beating Chen, blocking roads and smashing police cars to prevent police and ambulances from reaching him. The sale was subsequently scrapped. More information, sources and map: https://stories.workingclasshistory.com/article/9663/chinese-workers-beat-capitalist-to-death https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=666848108821741&set=a.602588028581083&type=3

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alphabetsoup-blogposts · 2 years

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What a tragedy. We’re all wishing we could do something. I suppose Musk has more superpowers than most but...oh dear.

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isagrimorie · 1 month

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Rewatching a few scenes from Star Trek Voyager's 2 part episode: Workforce. These episodes really did a number on Janeway; this is one of the times I did wish emotional arcs carried over from one episode to the next.

In the seven years in the Delta Quadrant, nothing has stopped Janeway's quest to bring home her crew back to the Alpha Quadrant.

And in the Delta Quadrant, for Captain Kathryn Janeway, the Voyager is home.

Janeway has faced off against the Borg Queen, the Hirogen, the Vidiians, and Species 8472 but no one has done as much damage to Janeway the way Dr Kadan did a number on Kathryn Janeway.

Because Kadan took away Janeway's certainty.

Kathryn Janeway can traverse any gulf, and jump to any fire as long as she has her iron-clad certainty and belief in her mission intact and that was what Kadan took from Kathryn Janeway.

He accidentally pinpointed the one thing she's been able to repress for so long, and that's her loneliness and how bone tired she is of being in Command.

More than any other Captain, Kathryn Janeway needed a sabbatical. She needed to reconnect with herself, and just be Kathryn.

This is the gift and curse Kadan gave to Kathryn Janeway. Because as plain ol' Kathryn Janeway, a factory worker she was happy, free of responsibility and burdens of Command.

She found friends, love, and comfort in Jaffen (a well-casted romantic lead. The actor had charisma and acting chops to make us believe Janeway Captain or just Kathryn would fall for him).

I don't think Janeway even knew how lonely she's become -- no one needed a long vacation from work than Janeway. I hope that she got that vacation Starfleet put her on the Flag Officer track.

Through the whole two-part episode we see them build up this vivacious and happy version of Kathryn, and then by part 2, the story slowly pulls that away from her.

Just as an example, the look on Kathryn's face when Harry addresed her as "Captain".

You can see how Harry addressing Kathryn as "Captain" struck a chord in her but it's also like someone threw cold water at her.

Kathryn immediately tells Harry to call her "Kathryn" instead:

Kathryn tries to still be in denial and tentatively brings up what Chakotay told her: "He said you had proof of who some of us really are."

She's trying to put distance between herself and this reality. She's conflicted-- she doesn't want to be Captain Janeway. There's even a hint of temptation there that she doesn't want to continue on helping her missing friends.

And yet, the moment Voyager and her crew were in trouble some part of herself reacted. And despite what she felt, she proceeded to bring down the shield knowing that doing so would tear her away from the life she's come to love.

This happens fast, once the shield grid is down, Kathryn disappears from Jaffen's side.

And the next time they see each other again, Kathryn Janeway is Captain Kathryn Janeway again with her uniform and Command back. And they might as well be a million miles away despite being in the same room:

Janeway allows herself to embrace Jaffen for one last time, and there's tears in her eyes, her grief is palpable. It's the way she's held herself apart from Jaffen, the way her hand twitches like she wants to reach out and touch him but can't.

Not in the uniform she's wearing, not in the position she's in.

You can see how much her experience in Quarren affected Janeway by the way she enters the Bridge:

In the turbo lift, she's faced away from the Bridge as if she can't bear being there. She has to steel herself.

Normally Janeway occupies the turbo lift like she owns that space. Because she DOES.

It’s so strange seeing Janeway occupy so little space in her own bridge, even when Voyager was hijacked she never looked out of place or so small.

The moment she steps out Harry, eager Ensign Harry, who missed the events in Quarren and how it might have affected her notices Captain Janeway immediately and announces her arrival.

She looks around at the bridge, still uncertain. Still picking up the pieces of the Captain.

Even when she sat on her Command chair,Janeway looked uncomfortable and for the first time, Captain Janeway doesn't look like she's larger than life.

She can't help but confide to Chakotay:

And. There. It. Is.

The biggest moment. Janeway admitted that Quarren felt like home. Even in The 37s, on a planet that's closest to Earth and home Janeway never even considered that home.

In the Delta Quadrant, Voyager is home.

The moment Janeway said this on the rewatch, I was bowled over because this is such a big moment for Janeway. A big thing for her to admit.

Chakotay asks her if Janeway is sorry he showed up and upended her comfortable life in Quarren?

There is a second's beat, but the beat tells all the story that needs to be said. Janeway rallies and lies: "Not for a second."

She's saying the right words but, at that moment, so near Quarren, after just losing Jaffen. Janeway says something she doesn't feel.

Janeway orders Tom to resume the course for home; but after she gives the order, Janeway's face falls.

And it's so damned sad and this, as I said above, is one of the moments I wish they continued this emotional throughline with Janeway.

Kadan did a number on her and I wish we get to see throughout a few episodes Janeway slowly get over the lie and find a measure of happiness.

Instead, season 7 loses its focus on Janeway and bizarrely have an episode with Q Jr and then a lot of focus on the EMH Doctor. It takes several episodes before Janeway gets the focus again, and that's the series finale.

If Voyager were written today, and the writers were allowed, this moment would be the emotional turning point for Janeway. It's the point where Janeway has to find a way home fast otherwise she's heading for a breakdown.

The center will not hold.

It's probably a good thing her future, alternate self decided to save Captain Janeway the heartbreak of a decade more of this life, and losing the people she loves the most.

And it kind of hurts that canonically, we don't know if Janeway was able to take that vacation. And if Janeway was able to get a measure of happiness and love, as I've mentioned after this episode and after Firewall I really don't care who Janeway ends up with anymore as long as Janeway is happy.

/Edited, March 13 2024, 10AM

#star trek voyager #long post #kathryn janeway #workforce 1 & 2 (voyager)#voyager s7

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antonio-m · 1 year

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“The Spirit of Vulcan, Genius of the Workers in Iron and Steel (figure study)” by Edwin Austin Abbey (1852–1911). American painter, illustrator and muralist. Rotunda, Pennsylvania State Capitol, Harrisburg. Yale University Art Gallery Collection.

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batboyblog · 20 days

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Things Biden and the Democrats did, this week #12

March 29-April 5 2024

President Biden united with Senator Bernie Sanders at the White House to review Democratic efforts to bring down drug prices. President Biden touted his Administration’s capping the price of insulin for seniors at $35 a month and capping the price of prescription drugs for seniors at $2,000 a year. Biden hopes to expand both to all Americans through legislation next year with a Democratic congress. The President also praised Senator Sanders' efforts as chair of the Senate Health Committee which has lead to major drug manufacturers capping the price of inhalers at $35 a month. “Bernie, you and I have been fighting this for 25 years,” Biden said “Finally, finally we beat Big Pharma. Finally.”

The White House gave an update on its actions around the Francis Scott Key Bridge disaster. The federal government working with state and local governments hope to have enough of the remains of the bridge cleared to partially reopen the Port of Baltimore by the end of the month and have the port working normally by May. The Administration has already released $60 million in emergency money toward rebuilding and promises the federal government will cover the cost. The Department of Labor has released $3.5 million for Dislocated Worker Grants and plans up to $25 million to cover lost wages. The Small Business Administration is offering $2 million in emergency loans to affected small businesses. The Administration is working with business and labor unions to keep workers at work and cover lost wages.

Vice-President Harris and EPA Administrator Michael Regan announced $20 billion to help finance tens of thousands of climate and clean energy projects across the country. The kinds of projects that will be financed through this project include distributed clean power generation and storage, net-zero retrofits of homes and small businesses, and zero-emission transportation. 70% of the funds, $14 billion, will be invested in low-income and disadvantaged communities. The project is part of a public private partnership so for every 1 dollar of federal money, private companies have promised 7 dollars of investment, bring the total to $150 billion for ongoing financing of climate and clean energy projects for years to come.

The Department of Transportation announced $20.5 billion in investments in public transportation. This represents the largest single investment in public transit by the federal government in history. The money will go to improving and expanding subways, light rail, buses, and ferry systems across America. The DoT hopes to use the funds to in particular expand and improve options for public transport for people with disabilities and seniors.

The Departments of Energy and The Treasury announced $4 billion in tax credits for businesses investing in clean energy, critical materials recycling, and Industrial decarbonization. The credits till go toward 100 projects across 35 states. 67% of the credits ($2.7 billion) will go to clean energy, wind, solar, nuclear, clean hydrogen, as well as updates to grids, better batter storage, and investments in electric vehicles. 20% ($800 million) will go to to recycling things like lithium-ion batteries, and 13% ($500 million) to decarbonization in industries like automotive manufacturing, and iron and steel.

The Department of Agriculture announced $1.5 Billion in investments in climate-smart agriculture. USDA plans to support over 180,000 farms representing 225 million acres in the next 5 years move toward more climate friendly agriculture. 40% of the project is reserved for disadvantaged communities, in line with the Biden Administrations standard for climate investment. $100 million has been reserved for projects in Tribal Communities.

The Department of the Interior approved the New England Wind offshore wind project. To be located off Martha’s Vineyard the New England project represents the 8th such off shore wind project approved by the Biden administration. Taken together these projects will generate 10 gigawatts of totally clean energy that can power 4 million homes. The Administration's climate goals call for 30 gigawatts of off shore wind power by 2030. The New England Wind project itself is expected to generate 2,600 megawatts of electricity, enough to power more than 900,000 homes in the New England area.

The Department of the Interior announced $320 Million for tribal water infrastructure. Interior also announced $244 million to deal with legacy pollution from mining in the State of Pennsylvania, as well as $25 million to protect wetlands in Arizona and $19 million to put solar panels over irrigation canals in California, Oregon and Utah. While the Department of Energy announced $27 million for 40 projects by state, local and tribal governments to combat climate change

#Thanks Biden #Joe Biden #Bernie Sanders #political #american politics #Democrats #health care #climate change #drug prices #clean energy

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supplyside · 27 days

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Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge

#infrastructure #construction #Verrazzano #suspension bridge #Bethlehem Steel #steel #iron worker #New York #Staten Island #Brooklyn

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pookiestheone · 1 year

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Edwin Austin Abbey (1852-1911) The Spirit of Vulcan, Genius of the Workers in Iron and Steel

#Art #Men in art

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husainssfabriction · 1 year

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#main gate manufacturers #Steel Single Gate Design #Home Grill Manufacturer #Iron worker near me #iron stairs for roof #Stainless Steel Gate GURUGRAM

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visit-new-york · 9 months

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How many years did it take to build the Brooklyn Bridge?

The Brooklyn Bridge stands as an iconic symbol of New York City, connecting the boroughs of Manhattan and Brooklyn over the East River. Its majestic towers and intricate cable patterns have captivated the imagination of millions, but behind its grandeur lies a tale of determination, innovation, and unwavering perseverance. The question of how many years it took to build the Brooklyn Bridge unravels a narrative that spans more than a decade, marking an extraordinary chapter in the history of civil engineering.

Planning and Design:

The conceptualization and planning of the Brooklyn Bridge date back to the mid-19th century. In 1867, John A. Roebling, a renowned German-born civil engineer, envisioned a bridge that would unite the rapidly growing cities of Brooklyn and New York. Tragically, Roebling passed away in 1869 due to injuries sustained during a ferry accident, leaving the ambitious project in the hands of his son, Washington Roebling.

Construction Commences:

Construction officially began in 1870 under the supervision of Washington Roebling, who faced numerous challenges, including the treacherous waters of the East River and the need to accommodate the busy maritime traffic of the time. The construction process involved sinking caissons—large wooden boxes filled with compressed air—into the riverbed to create foundations for the massive towers.

However, the conditions within the caissons proved perilous. Workers faced dangers such as decompression sickness, commonly known as "the bends," due to the rapid change in pressure. Despite these hazards, construction persevered, and the towers began to rise.

The Great Cable Debate:

One of the most critical aspects of the Brooklyn Bridge's construction was the installation of its cables. Washington Roebling opted for a novel design, employing steel cables in lieu of the more common iron chains. This decision sparked a heated debate within the engineering community.

Ultimately, Roebling's vision prevailed, and the steel cables were employed, showcasing the innovative spirit that characterized the project. The cables, meticulously woven and anchored to the towers, served as the backbone of the bridge, supporting its vast expanse.

Inauguration and Legacy:

After 13 years of construction, the Brooklyn Bridge finally opened to the public on May 24, 1883. It was an extraordinary achievement, not only for its innovative design but also for the determination and resilience exhibited by those involved in its construction.

The Brooklyn Bridge quickly became a symbol of progress and connectivity, transforming the dynamics between Manhattan and Brooklyn. Its completion marked the longest suspension bridge in the world at the time and set new standards for engineering excellence.

Conclusion:

The question of how many years it took to build the Brooklyn Bridge unveils a remarkable tale of vision, dedication, and overcoming adversity. From the initial plans laid by John A. Roebling to the final completion under the stewardship of his son, Washington Roebling, the bridge stands as a testament to human ingenuity and the enduring spirit of those who dared to dream big. Today, as the Brooklyn Bridge continues to stand tall against the Manhattan skyline, it serves as a reminder of the extraordinary feats that can be accomplished through perseverance and innovation.

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bettyfrommars · 8 months

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The Nightmare Factory: Origins

nightmare!eddie x Reader

Masterlist

a little peek into how Eddie got the job

Sigh, yet another blurb that turned into 2k. There is mention of Reader in this, but no actual interaction. We get to meet the notorious Kevin and get a glimpse at the inside of the building where nightmare!eddie works, as well as run into a few of his future co-workers. I love those of you who have shown interest in this; let me know if there are certain things/events you'd like to see. wc: 2.2k

18+ONLY, mature themes, horror, nothing bad happens but there will be mention of gore and scary things. Nightmare!eddie, Gareth, a ventriloquist doll, liminal spaces, mention of spiders and creepy dolls. A severed foot. I write these like a fever dream and then post them, so I hope it makes a decent amount of sense.

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When Wayne told Eddie that there were positions open at the Nightmare Factory, it just so happened that he was tired of slaving over a grill every day and ready for something new. But he wasn't interested in working at a desk or on the janitorial team—he wanted to travel and scare the shit out of a few people.

From the trailer park, he could see the tall stacks in the distance, jutting up into the sky, pumping out industrial black smoke from somewhere inside the factory. He never realized how much elbow grease went into producing nightmares.

The Nightmare Factory had not always been there. One day, it just appeared, as it was prone to do in various locations all over the world. Months ago, he was having a smoke out behind the diner where he worked the kitchen, when a creepy doll head fell from the sky and bounced to the ground. It rolled to the edge of the nearby dumpster and wedged there.

He yelled for Gareth to come out so he could tell him what just happened.

“It’s raining heads,” Eddie blew a raspberry laugh after he said it, and the two of them bent to get a closer look.

The plastic doll head had long, patchy, auburn hair that fell over its face, and it was missing a glass eyeball. Eddie picked it up and stood to full height, turning it around to give it a look. A thick, slimy centipede slithered out of the empty eye socket and crawled over Eddie’s finger, making him yelp and throw the thing.

He shook his hand out, making sure the centipede was not still on him. Not too far away on the pavement, the head now looked molded and rotten, as if it had been made of living tissue.

“It’s that fucking Nightmare Factory, I’m telling you,” Gareth insisted, wiping his hands on his apron. “It just showed up a couple days ago, and yesterday I saw a frog walking on its hind legs with a mouth full of vampire teeth.”

Eddie licked his lips, thoughtfully.

Soon enough, he was driving to the factory in question with his resume next to him in the seat, wearing the nicest shirt and pair of jeans he owned, and he even had his hair tied back—at Wayne’s urging. “You’re not a drug dealer anymore, son, you need to look presentable.”

Upon arrival, an ornate, iron gate opened at the entrance, and he followed in what appeared to have once been a car. The metal was dented all over like a piece of balled-up paper, and the blue paint chipped in areas to expose the dull yellow underneath. The passenger window was nothing but saran wrap secured with duct tape, and there were a few aluminum cans tied to the bumper with string. The cans were pock-marked and rusted, and the vehicle drove at a tilt as if the tires on one side were too small.

On the back window, there was white writing, scrawled as if with a non-dominant hand. Eddie squinted at the lettering, saying it out loud as he read: JUST DEAD.

He parked the van in front of one of the visitor placards right next to a wood-paneled station wagon.

On the outside, the factory looked like an old, abandoned steel mill you might see from the freeway as you passed, but inside—it offered the aesthetic of a pristine, marble floor museum. A museum without any artifacts or art—just bare, cream walls, one long hallway of doors, low, fluorescent lighting, a reception desk, and a pair of mysterious double doors to the right.

Eddie’s footsteps echoed in the empty hall as he made his way over to the reception desk.

The secretary was bent over behind the desk, possibly jotting down a note, when Eddie cleared his throat to get her attention. She had on a light blue, pillbox hat from the 60’s with a matching suit, and wore her hair in a short, platinum blonde bob.

When she looked up at him, he realized her face was made of fiberglass—her pink lips and wide, a tiny, sharp nose, and blue eyes frozen in time. There was a lightning-shaped crack down her cheek that feathered out down her neck, and he realized then, with one glance down at her stiff hands, that she was a broken mannequin.

“Do you have an appointment?” She asked without moving her mouth; lips slightly parted and turned up at one corner.

“Um, yeah, no,” Eddie stammered, taken aback when a few small spiders crawled out of the crack on her face. “I’m here about the job opening.”

“Ah, well then you’ll need to meet with Kevin,” she confirmed, running her beige, plastic hand down some scribbles on a big appointment book. “He is the only door on the 3rd floor. I’ll let him know you are on your way.”

“Oh great, thanks,” Eddie moved his hand to flash her the devil horns, but then he realized that might not be appropriate, faltered a bit, and then chose a thumbs up instead. “I like that color blue on you, it matches your eyes.”

The receptionist couldn’t blush, but she did give a high-pitched giggle at the compliment.

There were two sets of elevator doors, and while he waited in front of one for it to open, the one next to it dinged, and a group of tall, thin men in black coats with no faces and hooks for hands stepped out. They seemed to glide on the air more than walk, and he wondered if they had any feet. One gave a wave of his hook to Eddie and mumbled, “morning,” as they moved to enter one of the doors across the way.

The hallway to Kevin’s office had a clear, aquarium floor with colorful fish fluttering around in Eddie’s path, and he stopped to admire them for a minute as a smile stretched around his face. There was mellow jazz playing from a speaker somewhere overhead it reminded him of the waiting room at the dentist office. It wasn’t long before a severed foot that looked like it had been sawed or bitten off at the ankle floated through the aquarium beneath him, and Eddie’s smile dropped. The toe was nearly bitten off by little fish nibbles.

“This fucking place,” he whispered to himself, one fist in the pocket of his leather jacket, as he took note of the portrait painting on the wall from the early 1900’s of a woman in a dress sitting in a chair, and it looked like her eyes had been cut out, offering two perfect ovals for another pair of eyes to peep out.

The door to Kevin’s office was open, so Eddie rapped his knuckle on the wall and stuck his head in. “Hello? Kevin? I’m here about the job?”

When he didn’t get a response, he pushed in a bit further, with caution.

The inside looked like the library of some distinguished gentleman; a big oak desk backed by floor to ceiling rows of books; a globe on a brass stand; oil paintings with ornate frames; a cigar smoldering in a glass ashtray near the cream-colored phone with the blinking red light on it.

Eddie made one last attempt: “Hello?”

“I’m right here, you knob,” a tiny, irritated voice said.

Eddie turned to follow the sound, and the chair behind the desk spun around to reveal what appeared to be a ventriloquist doll in a blue and white sailor suit, sitting atop a few thick encyclopedias so that he could reach the top of the desk. It had a big, abnormal grin on its face that hinged at the chin, and eyebrows too high on the head, as if he were eternally shocked, framed in a swirl of brown, plastic hair.

“That's me. I am Kevin. Go ahead, sit,” the doll extended his arm, motioning to one of the two chairs in front of his desk. They were both small, plastic chairs meant for children, and Eddie eyed them with trepidation. Before he could sit, he had to move a thick book titled “Ruling the World for Dummies” and set it on the desk. His hips barely fit as he shoved down into the seat, angling his head all the way back to look up at Kevin.

He slid his resume forward on the wood as if he were a middle school kid handing in his homework.

Kevin hopped from the stack of books onto the desk in his shiny black shoes and looked over the piece of paper—his featureless fingers flexing.

“A mechanic and a line cook,” Kevin’s eyes clicked as he looked at the typed out words, and then found Eddie’s eager gaze over the top of the page. “So, no nightmare experience?”

Eddie’s brain scurried for the correct answer. “Well, not professionally, no. But I’m a quick study, and my life is kind of one big nightmare, if you know what I mean,” he rubbed his sweaty palms up and down on the knees of his jeans while Kevin returned a blank—albeit perpetually alarmed—expression.

“Can you work weekends?”

“Yes.”

“Evenings?”

“Sure. Well, except some Fridays and Tuesdays. My band, we—”

“What about portals? Do you experience motion sickness during interdimensional travel?” Kevin interrupted.

“I don’t think so, but I’m not sure.” Eddie moved his eyes around the room, keeping his head still.

“Are you willing to sign an NDA in regards to this facility, and any activities that take place herein?”

Eddie considered that for a second, wondering how strictly they enforced the non-disclosure agreement. At the end of the day, he really didn’t talk to many people, but it was hard for him to keep his mouth shut around those he did interact with.

“Sure,” Eddie shrugged.

“Great. Swell.” Kevin dropped the resume, letting it slip off the desk and flutter to the ground without a second thought. He bent down to pick up the cigar that was still smoldering and stuffed the fat end in between his grinning lips. The smoke he inhaled came out his ears. “You’re hired. Benefits start after 30 days. Come back tomorrow around the same time and someone will give you a tour and set you up with a locker.”

Eddie moved to stand up and thank him, but his ass was stuck in the chair, so he sat back down for the time being.

“Do you know what type of nightmares you want to specialize in?” Kevin asked.

Eddie hadn’t considered any of that. “Um, what are my options?”

Kevin rolled his eyes and put his cigar back down. “Do you even have any idea what we do here?”

“I’ll be honest, man,” Eddie raised an eyebrow, offering a bit of a smirk. “I'm just looking for a paycheck. But I’m a hard worker, I’ll take anything you throw at me.”

What Kevin didn’t tell him was that Eddie was the only applicant they’d had all week. Work conditions were rather dismal at the factory as of late, and the turn-over rate was astronomical; there were Nightmare Scholars with several degrees still slumming it as closet monsters and ghosts that tapped on windows pretending to be a branch.

But, Eddie was fine with it. He wasn’t interested in a career in nightmares—his music was all that mattered to him back then.

Back before your nightmares were all he cared about.

“At the end of the hall on the first floor, there’s a bulletin board with the positions that are available. You’ll need to pick one, and then Walter will get you enrolled in whatever classes you need.”

“Walter?” Eddie asked, looking around, as if the Walter in question might appear at any second from out of the bookshelf.

“You’ll meet him tomorrow,” Kevin’s head turned to the side, but his body stayed facing forward. “He’s a swamp monster; big guy. He’s in charge of all the new trainees. Man’s got a particular foul odor about him, but damn his wife is a great cook.”

Eddie’s wallet chain clinked against the plastic chair as he forced it off his hips like popping out a cork, and he thanked Kevin with a wave.

Little did he know then what a pain in his ass Kevin would be.

Little did he know that, some 2 years later, he’d be so dedicated to the work that they’d be offering him a promotion.

They offered to put him in a training position, or behind a desk sorting dream journal entries, but he had no interest in such things. They could keep their promotions.

He needed to stay on the ground, in the trenches.

Until he could find a way out of your dreams and into your arms. --------

This is dedicated to my darling Kiya and their generous donation to my Kofi...it meant the world to me 🧡🧡

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#Eddie Munson #Eddie Munson fic #The nightmare factory #nightmare!eddie #Eddie munson series #spooky season fic #eddie munson fluff

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fortheloveofexy · 1 year

Text

Andrew is not delicate.

He is sharp blades and bloodied knuckles. Steel -spined and concrete skin. Nothing gets past him, nothing seeps through the cracks. Andrew has a will like iron and he does not bend, he does not break.

Well. Not usually.

Today, he woke up wrong. The cracks in his armor are wider than normal, leaving him on edge and tense. He feels weak. Vulnerable.

He'd dreamt of a previous foster mom. A woman named Grace. He'd only stayed with her for a few weeks when he was only five, a temporary place to land while his case was reassigned to a new social worker (his third one so far). She'd been unusually kind, offering him snacks and letting him pick out the movie they watched before bedtime. Grace was divorced and retired, and had no children of her own, so she fostered kids instead.

She was also a hugger.

Andrew remembers with perfect clarity the first time she held out her arms in offering. He'd shied away and then immediately panicked, expecting to get hit for refusing. But Grace had simply smiled and suggested they get ice cream, as if nothing had happened.

The day his new caseworker came to get him, he'd cried and begged not to go. He'd pleaded for her to keep him, to become his real mom, couldn't he stay just this once?

She only replied with a sad smile before offering him a hug again, and he'd thrown himself into her arms without hesitation. In the end, he'd clung so tightly that the caseworker had to drag him away.

It was the first time he'd ever hugged someone willingly. It was also the last.

He never saw Grace again.

"Hey," Neil says, dropping onto the ledge beside him.

Andrew glances over at him, unsurprised that Neil thought to check their usual rooftop perch.

He doesn't bother returning the greeting. Instead, he silently holds out a cigarette, tucking it back into the carton only after Neil declines.

"Couldn't sleep?" Neil asks, casual.

It's an invitation to open up, to say what's on his mind. Usually, on days like today, Andrew abstains. But he *has* gotten better, according to Bee, so he tries for honesty. "Had a dream," he mumbles past his cigarette, "Nightmare."

He can feels Neil's eyes on him. Despite what he often claims, Neil isn't stupid. He knows who and what Andrew's nightmares usually entail, and he knows Andrew doesn't talk about them to anyone but Bee. "A new one?" Neil asks, careful. So careful. Andrew isn't delicate, but Neil is gentle with him regardless.

"An old one," Andrew elaborates, exhaling smoke, "From before." He suppresses a shiver; the wind is stronger up here. "A woman who was kind to me when I was small. I was remembering her."

Neil pauses, tilting his head. "Not Cass?"

"Not Cass," Andrew confirms, "Grace." He plucks the lit cigarette from his lips, considering the lit cherry. "I hugged her, once," he says mildly, as if it means nothing, as if Neil won't see through that facade immediately, "It was the last time I was held. By choice, I mean."

Neil shifts, and the movement draws Andrew's attention back to him. Neil's brows are furrowed, his mouth twisted into a puzzled frown. "So when you hugged me last week," he starts, "That was-?"

Andrew taps him on the forehead, annoyed. "Don't read too much into it," he chides, smoothing out Neil's brow with another poke of his finger, "I only did that to calm you down."

Neil pushes his hand away, his frown deepening, "Then why are you bringing this up?"

Turning away, Andrew stubs out his cigarette and leans back on his hands. "Because I didn't hate it," he sighs, "Last week, and before."

Neil is silent for a long moment. At last, he shifts again. "Ask me."

Andrew raises an eyebrow at him, but Neil presses on, undeterred. "If there's something you want, I'll give it to you," he says, "But you need to ask me. I won't make guesses about that."

The urge to remind Neil that he wants nothing rises to the tip of his tongue, but Andrew discards it. Lying is pointless; they both know by now that it's not true.

Instead he pauses, quietly considering the offer. "Yes or no?" he finally relents.

Neil turns towards him and opens his arms. "Yes," he replies, "Come here."

"Hands above my waist," Andrew mumbles, and then he's tentatively sinking into Neil's embrace, his hands finding purchase on the bumps of Neil's spine while his cheek finds a home next to Neil's jaw.

The sudden flood of body heat nearly has him trembling, but he grits his teeth and forces it down. It's so good and so much, it's almost painful. He finds himself torn between shoving Neil away and coiling around him so tightly he can never let go.

Letting out a long breath, Andrew tries to relax. He focuses on the sound of Neil's breathing, on feeling the faint ridges of Neil's scars where their bodies are pressed together. Soon, the sensory overload starts to fade, and the tension in his muscles begins to dissipate.

Neil waits until he settles down fully before loosely wrapping his arms around him in turn, one hand winding fingers through the fine hairs on his nape while the other rubs soothing circles on his back. It's calming and steadying; a repetitive motion that settles Andrew back into his skin and tethers him to Earth. He's holding Andrew in the same considerate, gentle way he sometimes looks at him. Like if he's not careful, Andrew might shatter.

For the first time, Andrew is grateful for it. He is not delicate, he is not fragile. What is already broken cannot break. Neil knows that, better than anyone.

But, Andrew admits, there was something to be said about being handled with care regardless.

"Okay?" Neil whispers, his voice soft in Andrew's ear.

Andrew nods into his shoulder, squeezing him tighter. "Okay."

#aftg #all for the game #the foxhole court #andreil #andrew minyard #neil josten #aftg fic #aftg ficlet #andreil fic #andreil ficlet #fanfic #ficlet #snippet

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