#the west wing commencement

[ansxit]

The Beauty and the Dreaming

[Morpheus x Reader (Beauty and the Beast Au)]

a/n} Yesyes I did post about the Howl's moving castle au,,, but this came first in my brain so here it is! i assure anyone who will read this though, the hmc au is on the way !! (will probably post it later this week lolol) btw comment if you want to be part of a tag list for this series !

(Also!! Please reblog + like!! It would really mean a lot to me !! <3)

Prologue, Part 1

- The cruel King of Dreams is cursed by a witch, doomed to be a beast forever and to be forgotten by humanity. But what happens when a determined woman finds herself in the abandoned halls, and happens to fall in love with the unlikeliest of people.

TW] Small Description of bone disfigurement

~Prologue~

There are trivial things known to the world, many mortals dedicate their lives and lineage seeking power, glory, fame. It's a deep concern as to why beings with no need for the shimmering stones or acknowledgment within history would want. But maybe in their anthropomorphic personification’s hearts lay the same greed a dragon has to their hoard. Or in the way a king will still demand everything from nothing; either way, beings such as the endless decided to want, and the frivolous things they surrounded themselves with became the utmost important in society.

One of these beings was none other than the King of Nightmares, ruler of the dreaming; Dream of the Endless. His kingdom in the mortal plane was grandiose and, to put it simply, beautiful. Ivory walls, golden inlay held just the support of the palace’s walls. The gardens were vast and endless, with blossoming flowers stretching towards the horizon, their soft petals drinking in the bright sun. The knowledge held between the walls of the palace was more than what could be gathered in several lifetimes. There was a nearby village, one full of his citizens who he liked to call Dreams, amongst them lived his creation called Nightmares. Together they lived to serve him and the grounds, and in return lived peacefully amongst the flowers and trees.

No mortals were permitted past the kingdom's gates, however. It was the one law the King enforced with an iron will, but eventually under the threat of his siblings, they were finally permitted past the gates for one night and one night alone.

On this fateful night, the sun was shielded from the kingdom, the dark clouds murmuring bringing upon an unwelcome storm.

-

“You act like you are going to a funeral.” Jessamy stated dryly. She moved to the other side of Dream, taking another pin and not-so subtlety stabbing him in the elbow with it. The suit he adorned was black, with the subtlest hints of gray when the candlelight struck. Each seam was pressed neatly, and just below his collar lay a glinting red ruby.

“I might as well be,” Dream declared, side eyeing her. Her dark skin blended beautifully with the black garbs she donned for that night. The patterns on her skirt matched the ones on his vest. It was a familial sign, perhaps even one of trust. “A party, inviting simple mortals into my palace.” He shook himself and Jessamy sent him a glare.

“Those ‘mortals’ are your people too; All of them dream, therefore they belong here just the same.”

“They are insects, crawling and destroying any life they are granted with. Let it be a miracle to them they are even permitted past the gardens.” The Lord of Dreams squared his shoulders, daring her to even attempt an argument. Jessamy lifted her chin, defiance glimmering in her clever eyes.

“My lord, if you will-”

“Sire,” a voice interrupted from the door. Standing there was a woman in a blue vest, with a pocket watch held out like an offering. “Forgive me for the intrusion, but there is a woman requesting your presence.” The Lord of Dreams stepped off the podium, not sparing Jessamy a single glance.

Enchanting music swirled around him as they exited the West Wing, making their way to the main hall where the party was commencing. Servants bowed as the Lord of Dreams passed, and many of the partygoers below the bannister whispered at the shadows that followed behind him. Outfits with stark white frills floated around the room, the chandeliers casting bright light above them all, and the musicians sat in the far left corner of the room, their director joyfully conducting the tune. The King looked down at the dreamers, the smallest of smiles gracing his lips.

How could mortals beat the beauty that were his citizens, it was a question that needed no answer; they could never compare.

“She seeks an audience with you,” Lucienne whispered, motioning towards an older woman, gazing at the golden decor with wonder in her eyes. The longer the king stared at her, a feeling of uneasiness slipped through him, and the dreamers that surrounded her appeared to sense it too.

The rain beat like a steady drum against the windows, lightning flashed as the cloaked woman side-stepped into three, all holding the same cutting eyes. But when the thunder roared to follow, it was the one beggar woman, knelt in front of him.

“Your highness,” The woman whispered, her gnarled hand reaching out to grab at his lapel. “Please, let me seek shelter from this storm- there will be no trouble amongst your realm, I will leave when the sun breaks.” Dream slowly took her hand off of him, and his lips curled in disgust.

“You have no right,” He paused, his tone laced with poison, “to lay your hands upon me.” Old anger as hot as burning stars shot through him, and the shadows that danced behind him grew taller and leaner.

“My lord please, I beg of-”

“You shall beg nothing of me,” He sneered, “You will leave my palace at once, and my realm for that matter. And if I ever see your face again, you will live to regret it.”

The woman knelt to the floor, dejected. The Lord moved to walk away, finished with the events of the party, but stopped when what sounded like laughter began to radiate from her weathered bones. The King of Dreams watched the one woman revealed to be three, and for the first time in his existence, He felt afraid.

Wrenching gasps and screams filled the room as most of the party goers watched the women orbit around their king, all cackling as he spun to protect himself. The harsh rain rattled the windows, threatening to break them.

“One shall not turn down the fates that lead you,” The Crone sneered at him, her eyes piercing his soul like a sharpened blade, twisting deeper into the grooves of his very being.

“You are still young and foolish, Endless.” The Mother tutted, reaching out to grab his chin before shoving Dream away. “Appearances are deceiving, but you won’t worry about that anymore.”

He fell into the shoulders of the Maiden, who giggled and kicked him to the ground.

“You shall be cursed with a beast as cruel and ugly as your heart,” The Maiden said, her black eyes shimmering as the mist began to swirl around Dream. “Since you act like a monster, why not look like one as well.” The air became heavy in the circle casted around him, and Dream found himself

“A wall will be cast, the mortals will forget you and your pitiful prowess.” The Mother stalked around him, cackling as he tried to stand, but invisible forces shackled him to the ground, as if his own shadows strangled him.

“It will stretch as far as your gates, so no one may ever find you again,” The Crone sneered, “You will be forgotten, and maybe then you shall learn humility again.” The one that was three began to circle him, a gray mist swept through the ballroom, the guests all but gone as the magic ran to capture them all.

The sounds of bones popping and crunching competed with the symphony of the storm raging outside, as well as the loud cackling from the Fates. In the distant halls, Dream could hear the cries of his servants and citizens. The dreams and nightmares that brought meaning to his realm, swept into the storm of his mistakes. As his collarbones cracked, he finally caved and let out a horrid scream- one that felt to shatter the windows and crack the mountains holding his realm together.

Many centuries passed, and the people outside the kingdoms forgot about the Sandman and his realm. Nightmares ran rampant through the waking world, and mortals fell into fitful dreams, terrorized by the fears that followed them.

-

“Y/n!”

A voice broke you out of your reverie, and warm hands pulled you out of the way of an oncoming wagon. With a beating heart, you turned to find your younger sister, Rose and behind her, Jed who was flushed from trying to pull the both of you back onto the sidewalk.

“What on earth were you thinking?” Rose chastised, “You’re going to give me gray hairs, and we’re not even thirty yet!” Her tone was playful, but the way she gripped your hand told you she was terribly worried; well, for good reason, You supposed.

“Oh, just daydreaming I suppose.” You squeezed her hand and smiled down at Jed. “I dreamt of a fantastical castle, with gold everywhere the eye could see.” He broke out into a grin and you eagerly continued on. “There were these two little raven’s concocting mischievous plans.” Rose Simple rolled her eyes and, with you and Jed in separate hands, walked you both through the traffic and into the markets.

“Like those ones?” Jed pointed, and you followed his hand to some black birds perched on one of the building's roofs.

“Hm, I believe those are crows, but it’s a common mistake to make. In my dreams the ravens were accompanied by…” You trailed off, and watched two men walking together in the distance, the happiest of smiles on their faces. Your heart tugged as they reached to hold each other’s hands, faintly remembering wisps of black hair. “A beautiful prince.” You finished, and Rose turned back to give you a questioning glance.

“And this prince was very kind,” A soft smile crossed your features and you reached over to grab Jed’s hand. “He treated his subjects fairly and there was never a cloudy day in their kingdom.” He hummed and they lazily swung their interlocked hands.

“Well what happened next?” Jed asked, letting you lead him out of the way of other pedestrians as Rose hurried on to hit all of the needs from the grocery list.

“I dunno, I suppose I’ll find out tonight when I dream again.” You grinned.

“Rosie, I want to dream too!” He exclaimed, running up past them both and climbing onto the fountain’s edge. “I want to be a prince with a castle and ravens.” Kids and adults alike stopped what they were doing to watch Jed balance on the fountain. The nearest people covered their child’s ears, while most hurried to move away from him. Some noticed you as well, averting their gazes and keeping a wide berth away from You and Rose.

“That’d be lovely, wouldn’t it bud,” Rose said, turning to give you a hard stare and motioning towards the vendors. She went up to him and held his hand as he walked along the side, “But we have Y/n’s dreams, and her stories— so it's better that she tells them, right Jed?”

You sighed, choosing to ignore whatever convincing argument Rose said to satiate Jed for the evening, instead beginning to pick out some fresh fruits from the bin. Dreaming was a finicky thing nowadays, with some falling asleep and never waking up, as if in a coma; Which made people fear everytime they fell asleep. Most simply never dream, just drifting through the nothingness for the hours until they awoke. But you had been one of the lucky few, if not only, people who still dreamt. While they weren’t as much as the fantastical adventures you would tell to Jed before sending him to sleep, they were still special in their own right. But nothing was wrong with a little extra imagination every now and then.

The golden kingdom still tugged at your mind as you purchased the fruits, thanking the man and going to find Rose again, hoping she wasn't as furious as she pretended to be. As you walked away, you noticed an annoyingly familiar face jogging to catch up to you.

“Y/n, wait up!” Rowan called, briskly passing people and giving you a cheeky grin the closer he came. Now, you were not a hateful person; but Rowan was absolutely the exception. He was vulgar, loud, obnoxious, and somehow the prized jewel of the town you and your siblings resided in. According to every other woman in the village, he was the handsomest, rugged, and had everyone tripping over themselves to even get his attention. He had money to waste, and one of the most skilled huntsmen in the town. Beside him was “Hey,” He greeted, “What're you doing here?”

“Oh, Hello,” You greeted with a grimace. “We’re getting groceries, like many others are today.”

“We?” Rowan’s eyes narrowed and he began looking behind you. “Have you been holding out on me N/n? Last I heard you weren't interested in anyone.”

A warm hand slid into yours and you looked over to see a very pissed off Rose glaring up at him. Behind her was Jed, holding her basket of vegetables from earlier.

“We, as in her family. Besides, it's not your business whether or not she’s courting someone.” Rose squared her shoulders and if it was even possible, Rowan narrowed his eyes further.

“He's not worth it,” You sighed and as you moved to walk away, Rowan’s hand shot out like a snake and grabbed your wrist.

“Come on, Y/n, just let me take you out for one night— I can make it worth your while.” You grimaced and wrenched your arm away.

“No offense, but I wouldn’t consider it even if you were the last man on earth.” You took Rose’s hand and started walking back to the path home, with Jed walking two paces ahead.

As you walked off, one of Rowan’s hunting buddies came up beside him, and clapped him on the back.

“I don’t see why you leave them alone, you said it yourself on how you despise her spitfire of a sister.”

Rowan smiled at your reatreating figure andturned around to face his friend.

“That's where you’re right, but oh so wrong. It's the evasive prey that make it the best hunt. She'll come around, and that's when I'll make her my wife.”

-

“I don’t like the way he talks to you.” Rose grumbled, holding open the door for Jed with her hip. You sighed and grabbed the basket from her arms and set it on the table inside. “I mean who does he think he is? The king of England?” You snorted and Jed started giggling.

“He certainly has audacity where he lacks brains,” You mused, lighting a match to get started on dinner. “I'm thinking some stew for tonight, how about you?” You looked over at Jed, who was sorting through the fresh produce. He looked up and nodded at you, and Rose walked over to join him— getting a pail out to wash the fruits in.

Jed started to hum as he worked, with you and Rose joining in occasionally. It was a song their mother had taught them, and eventually found it's way to you when you were all younger. Between the three of you, You had a different mother than them, being born just weeks before Rose was due. There was a little strain on your family relationship, but once your guys’ father left the picture, the hurt became easier and there became no blur between you and your siblings anymore. While you and Rose were similar in age, you took on the responsibility of caring for the two of them when their mom passed away. Of course, Rose wouldn’t let you take all the responsibility, and together you tried the best you could to give Jed the best childhood he deserved.

At times it became difficult, but when there were moments like these, it made everything worth it.

But what none of the siblings realized, that this would be the last peaceful dinner any of them could have for a long, long time.

-

Despite what Rose had said, Jed always knew the stories Y/n were actually just her dreams. He had tried to read the same books as her, trying to find the ending to whatever bedtime story he sought that night, but they weren’t the same, and his imagination couldn’t do it justice. But he didn’t quite understand

His teacher wasn’t too pleased to have him tell the wonders of dreaming to his classmates, and after Rose found out, Y/n stopped talking about the Sandman. Instead, she talked about day-dreaming, using her imagination to create her own adventures to tell to her little brother.

He desperately wanted to dream, he wanted to go on incredible journeys he imagined and go back to his sisters and get to tell them the stories of his adventures. But his wish remained ungranted, and sleep became a very disappointing venture.

But then, one fateful night, he found himself wandering a lush garden, with hedges twice his height, and flowers that bloomed colors he had never seen before. A childish joy overtook him as he ran through the gardens, wild animals and butterflies took off as he chased the breeze that flew around him. He finally broke through the garden and his jaw dropped in amazement as Y/n's storytelling voice drifted through as a reminder.

A grandiose, golden castle sat in the center of the garden, with a fresh snow falling from the skies above. With the castle was clearly in disarray, it meant nothing to the young boy who could finally find an adventure for himself.

The grand floor was completely deserted, and no candles were lit as far as Jed could tell. “Maybe the prince had found a different castle.” Jed thought to himself, running his hands along the ivory railing and sneezed at the dust that flew into his face. Soft whispered trailed behind him at he climbed the stairs, but he couldn't care less; First he wanted to explore.

Jed managed to find a ballroom with the windows shattered in it, many many guest rooms that he believed could house the entire village if it wanted to. He also found a dining hall and kitchens, and then finally he stumbled upon the master bedroom.

While the rest of the castle appeared to just lack some dusting, this room seemed to have been pillaged- or as if a wild beast was set free to destroy everything in its path. He found a painting of a pale man with wispy black hair and equally black eyes, but it's face had been slashed and it's frame was cracked in many places. Jed grinned as he began to imagine whatever prince owned this castle facing in a terrible battle to defend his citizens and the final showdown happening in the very room he stood in.

In the far right of the room, lit perfectly by the moonlight was a rose protected by a glass dome.

“The treasure the prince was protecting,” Jed whispered excitedly. He reached out to touch the glass but a giant clawed hand grabbed his wrist painfully before he could do so. Gold shivers wracked his body as he looked up at the beast that had caught him.

He'd couldn’t find the words as he stared at the monstrosity that towered over him. It must've been at least seven foot, with black, matted fur draped over its hulking form, feathers protruded from the creatures should blades into giant wings, and it stood on hind legs, like a person would. The creature wore tattered royal clothing and a glinting, red ruby hung from it’s neck. The scariest thing about it though, Jed thought as he saw the pointy fangs protruding from the creatures mouth, was it's incredibly human-like eyes. Intact, they looked just like the dark eyes in the painting of the prince Jed had seen.

“What are you doing in here, mortal,” It snarled, and Jed whimpered as the grip on his wrist tightened. “You trespass into a realm that is not meant for your pitiful existence.”

“I'm- I'm sorry!” Jed cried, and fast crocodile tears rolled down his face. “I just wanted to have an adventure, I didn’t realize—!” He broke off into sobs as the creature bared its razor-sharp teeth again.

“You should have known better, boy.” He hissed. “You mortals are all the same, destroying any good thing we have left. Maybe if we lock you up for an eternity you shall learn your lesson.”

“I didn’t mean to!” Jed cried again, and the beast wrenched his arm hard enough to pop his shoulder. The boy let out a terrible scream as he was dragged deep below the kingdom. His cell was small, and there was little moonlight that made it through the bars.

“It's just a dream, it's just a dream.” Jed told himself, but when he opened his eyes, he was still in the prison. He pinched his arm, nothing. More sobs wracked through his body and he curled up into himself. Rose was right, dreaming was too dangerous for him, and now he'd never see his sisters again.

a/n} Please reblog + like!! It would really mean a lot to me !! <3

#fanfiction #dream of the endless #the sandman #morpheus x reader #the sandman x reader #the sandman x you #dream of the endless x reader #beauty and the dreaming #beauty and the beast Au #lucienne #morpheus x y/n #morpheus x you #the sandman netflix #morpheus fic #morpheus fanfiction #rose walker #jed walker

[scotianostra]

On the 18th January 2009 just a few weeks before the completion of a £4m restoration project, Raasay House was severely damaged by fire.

The history of Raasay and the house here is intermingled with The McLeod Clan, of which my own family were septs to on the Island, and quartermasters to the family. . A clan house, home to the Macleod Chief of Raasay, has stood on or near the present site from as early as the 1500's, but the original clan house was burnt to the ground, torched by government troops after Culloden. Like many families there were MacLeods on both sides that day, the Raasay branch were on the Jacobite side. Perhaps the most famous of the clan in modern times is Calum Macleod, who single handily famously built Calum's Road on the Island over ten years, with little more than a shovel, a pick and a wheelbarrow.

Anyway, back to the house. Since rebuilding started on 1747 the present Raasay House history has been recorded right through to today.

In 1773 Dr Samuel Johnson and James Boswell made their historic journey to the Western Isles and were guests of the Macleod chief at Raasay House, but by 1843 the last Laird, John Macleod, left the house and emigrated with his family to Australia, the house was old three years later to a George Rainy from London and changed hands again in 1872-4.By 1746 it was in the hands of It was sold to Henry Wood who added the ornate Georgian-style wings and frontage to the house. It changed hands twice more before being converted into a sporting hotel around 1937, very successfully at first, with many wealthy guests. It closed it's doors in 1960.

Another 3 decades passed under different owners and the house was used as an Adventure centre and Outdoor centre, during which little maintenance work was carried out and the building started to deteriorate, it was finally sold to the Raasay House Community Company in 2007. A multi-million-pound project to renovate and refurbish Raasay House commences a year later.

Fire caused damage to all but the west wing in January 2009, just as the house was about to be reopened but thanks to a lottery grant the house rose from the ashes to what it is today, the house retains many of its historical features which were painstakingly restored. Today, still owned by the community it has returned to it's use as a hotel and has a four and a half star rating out of five on Tripadvisor.

As you can see from the pics it is a beatiful building, and the views from the house over to the Isle of Skye are stunning.

#scotland #scottish #history #inner hebrides #fire #historic building

[viilpstick]

the twisted ending: The tension is undeniable, and perhaps it's not solely because of the games. Concern lingers on both sides, especially as a revelation unfolds, exposing one of the underlying truths.

warnings: Oc x canon, trauma, blood, cursing (a lot), Adeline's dad, literally so much happening i am sorry, if I forgot any-

genre: Angst, drama, suspense to fluff (WAR IS OVER)

a/n: THIS IS LONG. REALLY LONG. Also, I love grammarly, I've been improving my writing thanks to it :3 (dividers by @/cafekitsune)

"Malleus?" Adeline arched her blonde eyebrow, behind her dark green cloak with the darker roses partners in it. The ambient tranquility signaling the culmination of yet another day.

However, Adeline appeared to be immune to the call of slumber, her wakefulness mirrored by Malleus, who stood in close proximity. In a tender display, Malleus reached out and clasped Adeline's hand, treating it with the gentleness that bespoke his inherent grace.

"My dear," Planting a soft kiss on her cool knuckles, he addressed her with endearment. The nocturnal air seemed to carry with it a whisper of secrets, weaving a mysterious tapestry around the duo, who stood intertwined in the waning twilight. "Were you lingering outdoors earlier?" Shallowing the dry Adeline denies it with her head. Everything but him finding out what she was doing outside. "Adeline, were you at the West Wing?"

A gasp left her lips, as she puts her cold hands in her mouth, she was in the hallways, if anyone heard her and were to check out it would be hard to explain.

"Outrageous!" Exclaimed Adeline quietly, but loud enough for him to hear it. "Are you putting me as this type of hypocrite?" Malleus shakes his head, but he doubted his own partner words. "Good." She whispers again. "Go back to bed, Mal. I will be doing the same."

Before she could turn away from him, Malleus looked into her eyes grasping her arm.

"Adeline." The way he said it made the blonde shiver, as she knew what he was about to say. "What will you do with Isabelle?" He asks seriously.

Adeline used her magical powers to suspend Isabelle, who was unconscious, in mid-air when she tried to access the forbidden West Wing. This highlighted the risks of seeking forbidden knowledge and the challenges that come with it. Isabelle's inability to move on her own showed the strong barriers that protected the secrets guarded by magic and mystery.

"I..." Adeline takes a deep breath. "I will solve this morning. Make sure to pray for the Sevens, that who I have in mind is her true love's kiss."

Pulling her arm away, without too much to say she walked away from Malleus without further words. When he was nowhere close or seen, Adeline felt warm tears falling on her porcelain cold face.

"Shit..." Adeline curses cleaning the tears away, leaning into Isabelle's door for the minimum support for her weak heart aching in her chest. "I am sorry, Mal. I can't let you know..."

The soft glow emanating from Poppy's room cast a warm ambiance, refusing to yield to the encroaching darkness outside.

Among the topics swirling in the conversational eddy was the imminent disclosure of Adriano and Adeline's familial connection—an intricate tapestry of shared blood and history that had remained veiled in the folds of time.

The group gathered and settled into a circle, their collective energy vibrating with a sense of anticipation as they prepared to engage in a profound discussion. As the group delved into the intricacies of this revelation, the room became a crucible for the exchange of emotions, perspectives, and the delicate dance of intertwined destinies.

"So," Daria commenced, gently shutting her book, "we may reasonably agree that their lineage traces back to the paternal side. Adeline has shared with us the details of her mother's death, revealing that her father, in turn, formed another family connection."

"Precisely." Lucie says with a nod followed by a hum.

In the midst of the girls' animated discussion, Audette couldn't help but discern a quietness enveloping Poppy. Breaking from the conversational flow, Audette turned her attention to her younger one.

"My dear, is everything alright?" Audette inquired, her voice carrying a blend of confusion and genuine worry. "You seem quieter than usual."

Her gaze, a mix of curiosity and worry, searched for any response Poppy's demeanor. Soon the attention turned to Poppy who pulled out the hood of her pajama's.

"Isabelle was supposed to be here." Poppy turns to her friends moving away from the window.

The silence went back as all thought of possibilities to why Isabelle hasn't show up. Specially after Poppy told them all early that day it was urgent.

"Maybe she has fallen sleep without even noticing? You've seen how tired she looked... Specially after that show Leona gave us during lunch." Daria crossed her arms at the memory from the evening.

Following the conclusion after the game. The convivial atmosphere, Leona and Isabelle found themselves engaged in a discreet fight, a conversation that gradually piqued the interest of those present. The discussion became an unintentional loudly, casting intrigued faces across the room.

However, the angry teens were abruptly interrupted by the unfiltered candor of Adeline. With a mischievous twinkle in her pink eyes, she playfully addressed the duo, breaking the tension with a touch of humor, "Well, if the urge to kiss each other is becoming too big. I must tell you both, perhaps it's best to seek a bit of privacy." Her unabashed comment, a collective burst of laughter from the onlookers, making both Leona and Isabelle sit down in embarrassment. Without Adeline's timely intervention, the conversation between Leona and Isabelle might have continued the debate through the whole day.

"I hope so..." Poppy sits again by the window with worry taking care of her whole joyful and sweet aura.

All the four girls stand up getting closer to Poppy trying to reassure the girl that nothing has happened. Poppy eyes squeeze as she looks over the west wing, Yuu, a red haired, a cat and blue haired following Adriano. Everyone in the room had their eyes winded.

"Fuck." Lucie whispers.

With a sudden flurry of movement, everyone in the room hastily descended the stairs, drawing Adeline's attention at the far end of the corridor.

Adriano had a cape teared up. He looks over the quartet with disgust. "You are not to tell me where I go!" The girls arrive with plain confusion in their eyes. As Adeline stays on the covered side of the building.

"I don't need you to tell me anything! Can you not see? Rosique has been lying to you all! West Wing is not dangerous. Why not tell them, Adeline, the truth?!"

"Mélombre, stop." Adeline steps forward the group.

His boisterous laughter reverberated through the entire building, sending chills down Grim's spine as he instinctively sought refuge behind Yuu.

"Why should I? It is because I am going to expose who you are Adeline Rosique Enchanta?" A heavy silence descended upon the room in the wake of the revelation, leaving everyone in a state of profound shock.

"Enchanta? Like the... The King and Queen from West? The kingdom who attacked their queen after... The King, Grendel Enchanta accused her of his doings?" Deuce whispers in surprise after the revelation.

"You are the daughter of the... King and Queen of Westerian Beau?"

Adeline, instead of shivering from cold, trembles with fear as an unsettling sense of dread takes hold.

"I am sorry... I just didn't thought it was important to reveal-"

"-She kept this away from you all in this West wing. This is where all the story is hidden! Why not tell them that the King ran away with you to a cottage because you were ugly, huh? Isn't that right Adeline?!" Adeline seems lost, just like an abandoned puppy.

Fury etches itself across Adeline's countenance as she vehemently closes her fists, the tension in her body palpable. The room bears witness to the intensity of her anger, the air thick with the weight of unspoken emotions.

"At least I had an excuse. Unlike you, who claimed he was closest to you! He never truly knew you! You were useless, Adriano! You were never enough for him!"

Unbeknownst to her, the magical pen held by Adriano begins to betray its own distress, drops of ink falling quietly to the ground like the ominous drips of an impending storm. He laughs again, loud, more annoyed, more scary... As ink takes care of his embodiment.

"Yes... He wasn't there. I was not enough to him after all."

Realizing the impact of her own words, Adeline hastily covers her mouth with one hand, as if attempting to physically restrain the words that had escaped. In a desperate attempt to undo the damage, she extends her other hand toward Adriano, a gesture pleading for pause.

"Wait, Adriano, I didn't-" she starts, the unfinished sentence hanging in the air like a plea for mercy, as the weight of the words already spoken lingers between them, fraught with the potential to reshape their relationship.

"CAN YOU UNDERSTAND THIS PAIN?!"

The enraged overblot, a tempest of anger and intensity, directed its attention towards Adeline, who defiantly stepped forward to face the tumultuous force. In the charged atmosphere, a palpable tension hung in the air, like a storm about to unleash its fury. He contemplated Adeline with his howling madness.

"I AM GOING TO TEAR YOU ALL APART!!"

As the looming overblot monster materialized before them, each member of the group swiftly drew their magic pens and wands. In the face of this formidable foe, it was evident that now was the opportune moment to unleash the mystical power inherent in these enchanted tools. A hand in another's hand, hoping to stand against the unhinged form of Adriano.

"Adriano…" She whispers, a sense of remorse weighing heavy on her. In the hushed admission, she acknowledges her role in causing the current turmoil. Yet, in this realization, a newfound determination emerges—she must be the one to stop him now.

"ANSWER ME ADELINE!"

He attacks her strongly enough to make her fall into the floor.

"ADELINE!" As the tension escalates, Poppy dashes forward, attempting to reach Adeline, who has been forcefully thrown to the ground. However, Yuu intervenes, holding her back with a strength that reflects an understanding of the danger at hand. Despite Poppy's inherent resilience, she recognizes the severity of the situation and refrains from endangering herself further.

In the midst of the arcane confrontation, Adeline's once-whispered plea resonates like an echo in the charged air. The battle against the formidable overblot monster rages on, and each member of the group brandishes their magic pens and wands, the mystical instruments now radiant with a luminous energy ready to be unleashed. The battle's intensity spills into the awakening hours, the once-quiet residence now a battleground for magical forces and emotional turmoil.

"Of course, I understand you... Adriano, I was left because I was ugly. My own father, thought I was ugly! But, beauty is found within, Adriano."

Adriano looked over Adeline, with disgust, yet he didn't had a clue of how to react. Somehow, though, he had seemed to ease down at her words, with ink tears streaming down.

"Please, Adriano. Is okay to not be perfect, Grendel himself wasn't perfect... He wanted us to be, what he wasn't."

"I-" His voice, once steady, now faltered and broke, the weight of emotions bearing down on him.

A tremor passed through his hands, his gaze widening as he stared at them in disbelief. The vulnerability etched across his face spoke volumes, a silent testimony to the inner turmoil that had seized him.

"I SUMMON THEE CAULDRON!!"

"DEUCE! NO!"

Adeline attempted to intervene, yet the cauldron collided with Adriano, causing him to falter and crumple to the floor in pain, the ink vanishing from his pen.

"I… I always considered myself a mama's boy. Especially because I've never met my dad. I envisioned this perfect, flawless scenario, eagerly anticipating the day he would come and complete our family—just the three of us, my mom, him, and me."

A young Adriano, barely reaching the keys of the house piano, showcased an impressive display of skill. Despite his tender age, his fingers danced gracefully across the keys, creating a melody that resonated within the walls of the home. The rich tones and intricate notes he produced were a testament to a talent that belied his years.

In response to his performance, a heartfelt clap of pride rang out from his mother. The sound echoed through the room, a manifestation of the deep sense of joy and admiration she felt for her musically gifted child. The proud applause lingered in the air, a harmonious backdrop to the musical journey that the young Adriano was just beginning to embark upon. This simple yet profound moment encapsulated the essence of a mother's love, expressed through the applause that celebrated not just the music, but the budding talent and joy of her beloved son. Young Adriano smiled at his mom.

"Growing up, I would often wonder about him. What he was like, where he might be, and if he ever thought about us. It felt like an incomplete puzzle, with a missing piece that I couldn't find."

"Mom?"

A towering figure stood stoically at the entrance, a commanding presence that demanded attention. Meanwhile, a woman, perhaps overcome by a momentary fatigue or a need for support, clung to the doorframe. Her form leaned into the sturdy frame, finding solace and stability in its embrace. They weren't having a heartfelt talk. They were arguing.

"You left your daughter with no one else! You left your wife to be killed by her own kingdom! You left me and your son!" She pointed her finger at him in disgust. "Who else are you going to leave, Grendel?!"

In the midst of the conflict, Grendel fought back with a determination fueled by his own set of reasons—motivations known only to him. Despite the turmoil, he extended a hand toward his son's head, a gesture that carried a blend of authority and paternal concern.

With a steady voice, he posed a question to his son, seeking an understanding of the circumstances that led to the confrontation: "So, son, what do you have to show me?"

On that day, Adriano bared his soul, revealing everything he could muster in a heartfelt effort to make his father proud. Every ounce of talent, determination, and dedication flowed through his actions, a testament to his unwavering desire to earn his father's approval.

"But, I wasn't able to make him stay. I wasn't enough to make him stay. He would eventually come back... To hear me playing piano. Nothing else."

"I wanted him to see me more than anything else..."

"I needed him to see me..."

"But, I was never enough. I will never be enough!"

He weakly raises his head, looking up to Adeline and the rest of the students around and on the windows watching. "I am sorry... I am so sorry. I just wanted, him to see me..." He whispers as he cries in fear for of his own self.

In a tender and compassionate gesture, Adeline knelt down and enveloped Adriano in a comforting embrace. The air, heavy with the emotional aftermath, crackled with a mixture of concern and curiosity. Meanwhile, Crowley, Ambrose, Yuu, Grim, Deuce, and Ace turned their attention towards the duo, their faces reflecting a worry sight.

As the questioning glances were exchanged, Adeline, cradling Adriano in her arms, sought to provide solace and support in the aftermath of the emotional storm. Meanwhile, the inquisitive gazes of Crowley, Ambrose, and the others hung in the air, prompting a silent exchange of information.

The shattered pain of years began to mend, replaced by a newfound bond that promised resilience, unity, and the strength to face the challenges that lay ahead, finally found a shared sanctuary of understanding and healing.

Today, was enough of an adventure. The silence and touch of Adeline, let everything very clear. She forgives him...

Adriano was taken to nursery, meanwhile Malleus comforts Adeline, hugging her with a full hug, protecting her. Adeline clears her tears turning to face everyone, as the storm has come away slowly from Rosantée.

"I think is my turn to apologize. I lied for you all, West wing isn't dangerous. It just contained my cruel past. I was scared of any of you all find out. I finally had gained you all trust and I was able to ruin it." She lowers her head. "I am terribly sorry."

Poppy takes a step forward before running and hugging her vice housewander. She cries loudly in her friend's shoulder.

"Adeline..." Poppy whines in pain. That was too much for her to process, the other girls step up two. With a reassuring smile. Forgiven, perhaps even forgotten.

"Miss Rosique, in respect of both you and Adriano. We will be trying to find Grendel and he will face all the possible charges." Ambrose says, with Crowley confirm the headmage's words on his side.

Adeline smiles hugging tightly Poppy. "Thank you, headmages..." She puts Poppy on the floor. "But, is my turn to fix this mess." The long sigh left her lips pulling her magical pen. "Appearances May Deceive."

Applying her unique magic into it the west wing had shining sparkles surrounding it. Exploding into the golden and normal comforting aura of Rosantée. Roses grew on the sides of the tower, and with a smile Adeline turns to everyone.

"West Wing is free to be explored." Everyone cheered in happiness. "Tomorrow, right now. Is bed, you all have work to do." They all sigh in sadness. Making the vice housewander giggle awhile her boyfriend smiled at her.

As the morning light graced the room, Isabelle lay gracefully in the princess's bed, clutching a delicate rose gifted to her by Fauna. The vibrant bloom exuded an air of romance, prompting Daria's inquisitive gaze as she arched an eyebrow in her friend's direction.

"Why the rose?" Daria queried, her curiosity evident in the subtle lift of her brow.

With a contemplative expression, Fauna responded, her words laced with a hint of playfulness, "Well, you know… If he is the one who can awaken her, I may as well try to make him fall in love with her again." A soft, tender look accompanied Fauna's words as she absentmindedly scratched the back of her neck.

Daria couldn't help but respond with a gentle giggle, amused by Fauna's hopeful notion. The duo, carrying the shared secret of Fauna's romantic endeavor, left the room, their laughter echoing in the morning air. The rose, a silent messenger of Fauna's heartwarming intentions.

Entering the room after both girls left, Adeline brings out Leona. Adeline, with her trademark strong and confident demeanor, fixed her gaze upon Isabelle, silently communicating a mixture of support and encouragement, hoping and knowing she is right. Beside her, Leona, surprising those who knew him for his fierce exterior, wore a surprisingly soft expression. The beastman's eyes lingered on his arranged fiancée, silently observing with a depth of emotion that transcended words. While Leona refrained from vocalizing his thoughts, the yearning hope in his eyes betrayed a silent wish—that he, rather than Neige, might be the one to unlock Isabelle's heart.

Isabelle, reclined in the princess's bed, presented a vision of elegance. Her hair, free-flowing and unconfined, framed her features delicately. Adorned in a yellow nightgown, she clutched the red rose gifted by Fauna, a poignant symbol of the romantic aspirations that danced within the room. As Isabelle was placed in bed with a grace befitting royalty, the atmosphere held a delicate tension, a moment pregnant with the possibility of unveiling the true love that could awaken her. The scene unfolded like a tableau, each character playing a role in the unfolding drama of affection and destiny.

"So?" Leona asks as the blonde hums raising her eyebrow towards him. "Have you call little prince white as snow over, already?"

A resounding burst of laughter erupted from Adeline, catching Leona's attention and causing his eyes to widen in curiosity. He furrowed his brow slightly, perplexed by the sudden outburst. The silence that followed hung in the air, leaving a palpable sense of intrigue as Leona scanned the room for any clues or explanations.

"Oh no, dear..." She cleans the corner of her eyes that were slightly teary. "It might sound even crazy from what I am about to say... But, he is not the one." Adeline could sense the tension building up in Leona, but, she would let it slide. "One day or another you would kiss her, Kingscholar. So..."

She inclined her head, signaling for him to take over. With a sense of quiet reverence, he obediently knelt beside Isabelle. As Adeline silently exited the room, the atmosphere shifted, leaving only the hushed presence of the two figures.

With a tender touch, he pressed his lips gently against the peaceful slumber of Isabelle. The moment, framed by the serenity of sleep, carried an unspoken tenderness—a kiss bestowed in the quietude of the room. The delicate act spoke volumes, echoing the nuances of care and affection that transcended the waking world.

Adeline's departure marked the passing of the torch, leaving him to complete the silent ritual with a gentle kiss, sealing a moment that lingered on the precipice of dreams and reality. In that tranquil interlude, the room held the promise of dreams woven with whispers of unspoken feelings and a quiet connection that transcended the confines of wakefulness.

Entering the infirmary, she was met with the bow of the nurse, who respectfully left the room, granting them the privacy needed for an intimate conversation. The door closed softly behind the departing figure, leaving the two of them alone in the hushed confines of the medical chamber.

"How are you today, Adriano?" Asks Adeline, sitting on the side of his hospital bed.

"Feeling better. How was today's game?"

"Hmm, let's see, from where I start?" As she shared the story in a joking manner, the room transformed into a space of shared mirth, where the weight of serious matters momentarily lifted. Their laughter resonated, creating a bond woven from the threads of shared experiences and a mutual appreciation for the lighter side of life.

Ultimately, Adeline and Adriano were not deceitful individuals or remotely close to being considered as bad people. Instead, they were akin to broken pieces of glass within the intricate mosaic of life—a stained glass adorned with fractures and imperfections. The trials they faced, the wounds they bore, and the challenges that shaped them were the cracks and fractures that defined their individual journeys.

moots' taglist :: @mhedusard @midnightmah07 @justm3di0cr3 @shinysparklesapphires @lowcallyfruity @cecilebutcher I DO NOT AUTHORIZE ANY COPY, TRANSLATION OR REPOST OF MY WORK IN ANY OTHER MEDIA | ©viilpstick 2024

#christmas event 𓂃 ࣪˖ ִֶָ❅ #events 𓂃 ࣪˖ ִֶָ✧ #ocs 𓂃 ࣪˖ ִֶָ♡ #𐙚 moots ♡

[valiantwarriorsquadroncomic]

MISSION 6

Within a classified meeting room inside the HARRIS, armed erasure unit guards surrounded the area as Andrew Norman reported to the secretary of defense and the C-USA president Melissa Dowell, and director of America’s intelligence agency, the ODS. “I’m thrilled that operation trifecta went along swimmingly” he said as a large, bat-like man in a large horned mask loomed next to him with a tiny thermos. “George smith and Sgt. Gustavo are as good as captured.”

“Excellent work, Mr.Norman.” Said Madame president. “We had some doubts that these special interests groups would cooperate, but it appears our fears were exaggerated. “You managed to arrange a coordination exercise that also doubled as a rescue of multiple POWS, needless to day, I’m very impressed.” Andrew saluted the president with a subtle smile.

“You honor me, Mrs. President.” He replied. “We shall commence a multi-pronged attack for both targets, QM’s spy network has damaged ALA intelligence, monitoring George smith’s every move.” He took another sip of tea from his thermos cup. “The HCA are destroying any airborne aircraft on sight, and even the FPU are providing support in regards to supply and resources.” A large map of prospera was projected within the meeting room. Several red dots blinked near prospera’s no-go zones. Giant red arrows blinked indicating movement, pointing to mainland south america while others simply stopped flashing. “Our intelligence agency and CNGS intelligence have detected multiple ALA bases being destroyed while large swathes of ALA members are fleeing to Argentina.” Andrew nodded as she brought up a middle aged German man with thinning hair. “The HCA defector responsible for the Berlin bombing has yet to flee to south America, HE is to be VWS-1’s next target.

“And what of my senior corps orders, madame president?” asked the mask man.

“BERSERKER, your team shall continue to apprehend WNM6 members and question them about the whereabouts of their main headquarters and leader. She answered. “Bring in high ranking members alive, but I have no concern how you deal with any ALA member that gets in your way.”

“I was hoping you’d say that.” Said BERSERKER, as he let out a low, menacing chuckle. The erasure unit soldiers surrounding him and Andrew began to sweat, those not in the usual mask peered at each other in fear. After dismissal, BERSERKER walked Andrew alone to his office.

“Quite a feat.” Said Andrew casually. “It’s hard to strike fear into erasure unit soldiers.” BERSERKER ducked behind a sign to ensure his 7 foot 10 frame wouldn’t smack into it. “Especially those two, who are refugees from Eastern Valadovia.”

“I’ve been informed about the Valadovian conflict.” Said BERSERKER. “refugees from Valadovia period are almost like spartans, hardened from being raised in abject poverty to mandatory army conscription at 18. He held open the door for his superior. “Even its government cabinet of both east and west have adamantly clung to independent status despite the inevitable submission to our union dedicated to global security to the rest of Europe."

“Many of my colleagues in the CNGS advisory council and the white house were very sore upon hearing President Juan’s decision to remain independent.” Andrew said in a neutral tone. “I don’t understand why, with the agreement with other independent countries for a balance of power, and east valadovia’s ally to global security status, we will be properly compensated in the near future.” Meanwhile in the small medical wing of the HARRIS, Joseph visited Logan after 10 days of his rescue, ducking under a broken directory sign.

“God damn, that thing’s been broken for weeks.” Joseph muttered to himself. “They have the cash to fix it, I don’t know why they just wont.” Joseph showed his badge to the guards, who noticed he had proper clearance and disinfection to enter the recovery room.

“Damn, they’re working your ass off, huh?” Said Logan, noticing Joseph’s tired expression.

“Yeah, they made us go through a boot camp so we’d be ready to snatch George smith from his bunker.” His fist clinched as George smith’s face flashed in his mind, but quickly returned to Logan. “Something weird happened to me.” Logan got quiet, as he was still trying absorb everything that happened. “I’ve been able to sense a person up to 65 meters now, and I’ve developed some sort of enhanced reflexes.” He said, remembering how he somehow outmaneuvered that ALPHA KOMMANDO member and was able to stab him in the neck. He tried to change the subject to hide the discomfort of the changes that made him feel less human. “You’ve really made a comeback since the last time I saw you.” Joseph said as Logan was doodling in a large sketchbook.

“That lion lady you talk about is a really fucking great doctor.” He said, showing a cartoon of Laleh to joseph. The cartoon depicted Laleh fully furred and walking on two legs, like something out of a cartoon. Logan had despited her accidentally bumping over a wooden chair with her hips, her face bright red as it fell. “She kept on apologizing to the head nurse, but this place feels like being crammed inside a little box.” He continued, showing another cartoon of him and fellow patients being shoved into a small cardboard box, the head doctor angrily jumping up and down on them. Joseph laughed upon the sight, and Laleh, while she was a bit embarrassed that her little table incident was immortalized, was overjoyed to see her friend in a joyful state. “Also, SO.AKROPOLIS was really thrilled that to see my art!” he said, showing several torn pages of his sketchbook.

“Let me guess, she took them?” joseph asked.

“She literally screamed with like an insane fangirl at a boyband concert and took all the drawings I made of her.” Laleh’s jaw dropped. “It scared the hell out of the guards.”

“She could’ve asked you first!” she with a snort, putting her hands on her hips. “I need to have a word with her, then!”

Logan held up his hands as joseph laughed at laleh’s reaction, but was also full of pride that at her becoming more assertive when someone or something upsets her. “It’s okay, really!” Logan said, reaching for his wallet, and pulling out a sizable bundle of cash. “She’s probably the best paying client I ever had!” the private room grew quiet as Logan noticed a look on Joseph’s face. “I know what you’re gonna ask me.” He said as Joseph’s expression severed.

“If it’s OK to ask, did…your mom know about your dad?” he asked. Logan put his sketchbook down.

“I think she probably knew, but didn't know what to do…” he replied quietly. "I mean...what the HELL was ANYONE supposed to do?" He sighed. "We both saw him get more weird about South Africa and stopped talking to his friends...he made me clean a bunch of guns we didn't even KNOW he had... Laleh's eyes widened in disbelief. "I think she was too scared to call the cops, and at least she was rescued from the ALA, thank god. He looked up to joseph again. “Those communist guys said that I have to wait a while to see her again. He drummed his delicate fingers on the hard back cover of the book. “I know she’ll be okay.” He finished with a hopeful, but sad smile.

“That’s what made me fall for you in high school.” Joseph said as he caressed Logan’s cheek. “The ability to see the bright side when things are fucked.” Laleh began to tear up, wiping her eyes.

“That’s just terrible.” She whimpered. “You’re so brave for dealing with all this with such stride. Logan shrugged sadly

“It’s not like collapsing to the floor and crying is gonna help my mom.” He replied giving laleh a box of tissues, joseph rubbing her hand to comfort her. Joseph’s gaze peered to Logan, his hands folded in front of him, staring into space with an empty smile. His scars pulsated rhythmically. The same vertical scars he and RM III had. It was apparent to him that what ever an “RM” was, he was one of them. “I heard they’re running your ass ragged at that bootcamp.”

“Yeah…” said joseph. “They’ve also got me wearing a new piece of armor. Joseph thought back to the first time he was brought to the bootcamp training room in prospera. “Their briefing room was just a dinky broom closet, and the CNGS special forces representative plopped the helmet in front of me.” He shuddered as he recalled the disturbing smile the Representative have. “Like, since RM II defected, it feels like they’re hoping I’ll be their replacement.” He recalled the face of the prosperan special forces operative who ran him like a dog with sniper drills and combat training. “They REALLY wanted to make sure that I was familiar with anti-material rifles.”

“Does the helmet look like mine?” Logan inquired, as laleh became silent. Joseph slowly came back from reality when he recalled the special forces operative taking a long drag from a cigarette as joseph sat exhausted parallel to him . He remembered the sad look on the operative’s scarred, wrinkled face he regaled joseph on horror stories from the prosperan civil war. He replayed the older man’s cynical, yet forlorn tone as he told joseph how it was prospera’s “proud tradition” to try and kill each other as shook himself out of his daze.

“It’s like yours…and it kind of looks like her.” He said, pointing his thumb back at her. A sudden BANG went off in the ceiling, causing joseph to instinctively flee toward the small table in the room and flip it over while Laleh thundered towards him and shielded her friend as if he was under attack. She desperately tried to search herself for a weapon as joseph pulled a combat knife from his vest. Logan’s eyes bulged as he saw the spectacle.

“Are…you guys fucking okay?”

Joseph and Laleh snapped out of their sudden trances. Laleh noticed she was foaming at the mouth and tried to wipe it off in a panic. Joseph also got a grip as he put his knife back into his vest.“Looks like everyone’s having a shit day.” Said Logan.

“It’s just been a little tough lately.” Joseph said. “I think all the horrific bullshit we’ve seen is catching up on us.”

“We should ask for another round of therapy before this mission, I feel that should assist in easing our troubled minds.” Laleh answered, attempting to smile and ease Joseph’s concerning glance at her manic state. Undoubtedly, he was being reminded of her breakdown on their very fist mission. “You’re understandably on edge because we’ll be confronting the man whose incompetence harmed you in a way he can’t take back.” Commented laleh, gently gesturing joseph. “I also assure you that I’m just a little tired, and to not be concerned about me.” Joseph nodded as the two made their way out. the flat screen TV down the hall flashed to a breaking bulletin, causing a hoard of CNGS personnel to flee to in in shock and horror. Joseph and laleh peeked around the hallway to understand the commotion. The TV swooped down to the FPU president, Il presidente Juan Hidalgo Ramirez fleeing and ducking behind a concrete barrier with several FPU soldiers as his podium was shot to pieces by sniper rifle fire. He was shoved into an APC which sped off with several other military and government vehicles. The crowds of prosperan citizens panicked and fled as FPU soldiers fired into the rooftops where several assassins fired back.

“Today at 11 am central time, president Juan Ramirez of the FPU was celebrating his country’s official independent nation status and the country’s military being mostly repaired after years of war.” Said and anchorwoman. “The ceremony ended with Independent Germany gifting an old destroyer to the prosperan navy. However, the celebration was cut short as an attempt was made on the president’s life.” The TV cut to several white men in balaclavas, reading off a piece of paper in English. “the American branch of the ALA, the largest and leading branch of the entire terrorist organization has claimed responsibility, as retaliation against attacks on their bases.” The room feel silent as joseph began to close the door. “What was supposed to be a celebration of the United Prosperan Federation pulling itself out of poverty and war was dashed to pieces.

Joseph felt his phone vibrate several times, and discovered fritz texted him 3 times in a row. He whipped out his phone as he tried to steady his nerves from his sudden PTSD episode. From the corner of his eye he saw laleh’s fearful gaze as he opened his messages.

“THE FPU’S MINSTER OF DEFENSE ALMOST GOT KILLED BY AMERICAN ALA OPERATIVES” “THOSE NEO NAZI BASTARDS LITERALLY JUST DROVE UP AND THREW A PIPE BOMB AT HIS VILLA” “FPU GOVERNMENT CABINET IS IN AN UPROAR.”

Joseph suddenly felt cold at the recent developments, as if something terrible was looming on the horizon. Not helping things was that tomorrow morning was the date that the VWS would attack the airfield and raid the George Smith’s shelter. Meanwhile in the Harris hanger, Veronica barked at a crew of her personal guard as they loaded an escape craft into the underbelly of the RISENFLEDERMAUS. She flipped through digitally generated 3d schematics as her aircraft’s engines were tweaked to accommodate the new weight, the face plate being freshly replaced. She chewed through her pen as sweat dripped from her brow. The extra engineers she hired barked at each other in farsi and English. Her brother scrolled through a news article about the prosperan government uproar, a Representative demanding that America take action against the ALA’s recruitment and troop dispersal as it was founded and staffed mostly by white Americans. Fritz approached his overwhelmed sister, noticing the chaos.

“Is everything OK?” he asked as she tightened a bolt on the escape vessel.

“NO, OF COURSE NOT!” She yelled. “DO I LOOK OK?” she continued, waving at the escape craft being finalized. “I’M LUCKY I EVEN GOT SOME EXTRA HELP WITH INDEPENDENT IRAQ AND INDEPENDENT AFGHANISTAN’S AERONAUTIC ENGINEER CORPS!” the mechanics occasionally watched over their shoulder at the giant monster woman as they finished their work. A worker dragged over a chair with some headache medicine and a cold towel to their boss. “Thanks, you are very sweet.” Said veronica, pulling out a business card. “Email this number so you can all properly get the overtime you deserve.” The engineers began cleanup, hurriedly rushing around fritz as he noticed the RISENFLEDERMAUS’s new addition. “A second aircraft.” Fritz stated. “No, it’s an escape vessel.” “It looks too…polished and advanced to be some escape pod.” “Don’t tell me you’re complaining about me caring about safety!” “I’m not.” Replied fritz, sitting next to her. “You’ve been testing and tweaking the RISENFLEDERMAUS for days with this thing attached, not to mention how you’ve run enough safety checks to get three separate certifications that it’s safe for field and combat use.” Veronica took a giant swig of water from her giant water bottle, a worker gently dabbing her head with the cold towel. “It’s about what happened to mom, correct?” He said, looking right through her. She shot up in surprise, frightening her worker.

“She almost got shot down, and told me it shook her so badly, she’s going to retire to politics.” The giant monster woman took the towel for herself. “Thank you Khalid, you’re an angel.” She said, pulling a large stack of money and shoving into his pocket. “Get your wife and mother-in-law something nice.” Veronica rose from the chair wearily. “FINISH YOUR WORK AND LEAVE IN AN HOUR, THE HCA ENGINEERS WILL FINISH THE REST, YOU’VE DONE ENOUGH FOR ME THIS PAST WEEK AND A HALF.” Fritz unwrapped a large chunk of dried and cured ham, a favorite treat of hers when she became stressed. She smiled sincerely at her brother’s kindness before eating the large piece of meat into two clean bites. The two continued to conversation in a private room. “Got another call from some of the old farts in the HCA court.” She said in a bored tone, pulling out a tablet, her work email filled with angry messages.” “YoU’RE NOt SUPPoseED tO pAY thEM EXTRA” she said in a mocking, crotchety tone. “THey’RE SUpoosed TO wOrk PRO-boNO To PaY OFF HCA iNTERvenTION FoR StaBLIZing THieR cOUNTRIES” she snorted as she sent the messages to spam. “We’re supposed to support our fellow independent countries getting back on their feet after years of instability, not hold that over their heads until they die.” She logged off her email. “Worthless, old bastards.” She added.

“The ALA may be fleeing from prospera and taking their high command leaders with them” said fritz as Veronica began to finally cool down, but they’re certainly enraged that they’ve effectively lost the war.” Veronica held her head in her hand as she swiped through a tablet. “Ironically, the more violent they act and the more they flee to other countries, the more incentive other countries aid in the fight against them.” He swiped to several news websites. “CHILE JOINS CNGS AS ALA OPERATIVES FLEE TO SOUTH AMERICA” “ARGENTINA BECOMES ALLY TO GLOBAL SECURITY AS ALA ACTIVITY SKYROCKETS ON MAINLAND SOUTH AMERICA FROM THEIR EXODUS.” It’s like watching a chess player with a single pawn futilely move their final standing piece as they’re cornered into checkmate. Fritz said cheerily. “Damned if they fight, damned if they flee, they’ve effectively brought mortal enemies together.” Veronica’s left air flopped to one side, lost in thought. “Once smith and Gustavo are captured…HE’s going to be the next target. Her ears shot up again, as her eyes became blood red. “I’m speaking the truth, he had fled to prospera and had been hiding for some time after he…”

“…masterminded the Berlin massacre.” She hissed. “I wouldn’t doubt he’d just use prospera is a temporary stop to flee to Argentina.” Her eyes slowly faded to a light orange. “I just hope those ancient old farts hold our services to the VWS over the CNGS’s heads either.”

“I never expected you to say something positive about the coalition.” Inquired fritz.

“No, I don’t give a fuck about those power hungry busybodies.” She answered. “I do however give a shit of they try to run Nathan, joseph or laleh into the ground or treat them like busboys.” Veronica clicked off her tablet. “Speaking of nathan, he’s been a little more quiet than usual.”

“He’s probably busy.” Fritz assured her, as her eyes returned to their regular, putrid yellow color. “He’s probably also receiving the word that Schmidt is to be pursued and captured as soon as possible after we apprehend smith.”

“Of course!” she answered, once again in her confident tone, trying to pretend that she didn’t hear Nathan’s screaming and crying last night that chilled her to the bone. Fritz noticed her discomfort.

“There’s been this eerie sense of dread since mother almost died, and I’m here for you.” He clasped his hands and looked around cautiously, noting his sister’s compromised state. “Perhaps I should change the subject.” Fritz’s hands fell to his side as his mood seemed to drop. “From what our informants on the HARRIS said, apparently…he’s in a romantic relationship with that Logan fellow he rescued.” Fritz’s eyes faded from the usual piercing yellow to a pale white.

“That fucking sucks, I know you were hell bent on treating him right.” Said veronica, heavily, but empathetically thumping fritz on the back.

“I’ll at least let him know of my feelings once things calm down.” Fritz replied, thinking of the BIOMENACE ALICE statue kit he had bought and a bouquet of roses when he prepared to let confess his love. “I know I can’t be his, but at least I’ll put this beast to rest so I won’t stare forlorn at his beautiful visage from a distance.” Before he walked away, he fumbled through his bag. “Mother wanted you to have these.” The young man presented his sister a large box and a small container covered in CNGS warnings. She wants you to present them to joseph.” Veronica quietly observed the foreboding packages.

“This can only mean that shit is about to get drastic.” She replied. Throughout the Harris, more activity bustled as the day of reckoning for George smith arrived. He was now in a “bunker” which seemed more like a poorly kept prison. a series of blotted out faces were chattering amongst each other. APOTHECARY had been suspected of foul play during his actions of the Fort NFELHEIM Subterranean bio-weapons accident, which set back their RENAISSANCE MAN serum experiments. Am dist the chattering, the center figure, an old man with a blotted out face, held up his hand. The rest of the figures suddenly fell silent with an instant. “GEORGE SMITH.” Said the voice.

“I HAVE COME TO THE UNANIMOUS DECISION THAT YOU ARE NOT GUILTY OF SABOTAGE OR DELIBERATE INTERFERENCE TOWARDS THE PATH OF THE ARYAN PARADISE.” APOTHECARY let out a sight of relief as he slumped back into his chair. “HOWEVER, YOU LET INEXPERIENCED STAFF HANDLE CHEMICAL HZ-98R, CAUSING THE UNNEEDED DEATH OF 5 MEDICAL STAFF MEMBERS, FORCING NFELHEIM STAFF TO EXECUTE A PREMATURE EVACUATION, AND LEAVING LARGE TRACES OF PERSONAL INFORMATION AND MATERIALS TO BE SNATCHED UP BY THAT BLASTED COALITION, INCLUDING RENAISSANCE MAN 4.” APOTHECARY froze up again. “YOUR PUNISHMENT IS DEMOTION TO COMMON MEDICAL STAFF, AND THE LOSS OF YOUR ALPHA KOMMANDO POSITION AND PRESTIGE.” A bombing run caused the monitors to flicker. “ONCE YOU ARE EVACUATED, THESE PUNISHMENTS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED POST HASTE. Gustavo’s video feed flickered as his safehouse was also getting strafed by bombing runs from the HCA and their advanced jets.

“You’re also working to get me OUT of this hellhole, my New Fuhrer?” he asked meekly. The older man paused for just a moment.

“HOLD OUT AGAINST THE ENEMY, AND WE WILL SEND SOMEONE TO GET YOU, AWAIT FURTHER ORDERS.” The old man turned to the other blotted out members. “OUR NEXT SUBJECT OF DEBATE SHALL BE OUR UPCOMING RAID ON CNGS FACILITIES FOR MATERIALS NEEDED FOR OUR ABOMINATION PROGRAM.” “WNM6 SHALL BE THE HERALDS OF THE ARYAN PARADISE.” The entire monitor flickered off as more jets flew above the bunker.

“A raid on the coalition.” Sneered APOTHECARY. “With those white sovereign lunatics in high command gaining more influence, I won’t be surprised they’d approve of something so needlessly stupid and costly.” He clenched his fists. “Mark my words, those blood thirsty MANIACS will be the death of this organization.” Within his barely disguised prison, APOTHECARY watched the footage of joseph encouraging Logan to keep fighting and to keep living. He looked back at his schematics for his abominations, the ALA sympathizers volunteering to be irreversibly changed to monstrosities to fight for the aryan paradise. He held his head in his hands as the weight of his misdeeds, and the courage and humanity joseph exhibited despite being a subhuman, racial untermnesch.

An alarm bellowed throughout the bunker as ALA communication experts had picked up the RISENFLEDERMAUS, and an unidentified aircraft with a large red star. The radio chatter picked up from central command showed the ALA soldiers and the other American auxiliaries panicking. Screams that “The Red scar and his pet lioness demon” were going to claim their souls. APOTHECARY adjusted his mask, and loaded his handgun as the VWS and E-12 touched down, HCA jets were surely destroying their own aircraft and providing cover fire. He was finally ready. Ready to surrender to the coalition, and he prepared himself move quickly. declaring surrender with being surrounded by ALA staff would mean certain death. Now he had to face the more deadly of the Renaissance men besides RM III. He had nowhere left to run, except to the very man whose life he had irreversibly harmed…

Upon the RISENFLEDERMAUS, Veronica swooped down to the least defended part of the airfield’s outskirts, joseph didn’t know whether to feel excited or disgusted. A mess of conflicting emotions swirled within him as he prepared to meet the man robbed him of normality forever. “I bet you’re excited to get your vengeance!” veronica called cheerily from the cockpit.” Joseph twiddled his thumbs as he gazed into the air.

“ I’m glad to put a stop to him before he hurts more people, but this is about justice.”

“You don’t have to be so high and mighty about this!” veronica called, preparing to land. “He’s gutter slime and doesn’t deserve any sort of mercy!” Nathan could detect an argument coming up.

“Oh, boy” Nathan muttered to himself.

“This isn’t my problem.” Fritz thought to himself, flipping through a new philosophy book, trying to be not annoyed. “God, I wish to desperately to just tell her off on these rants, but it simply isn’t my fight.”

“ You’re right in that he’s irredeemable.” Joseph replied. “Frankly if he dropped dead in front of me, if the ENTIRE ALA dropped dead in front of me, I wouldn’t give two shits.” Laleh grew uncomfortable at Joseph’s repressed bloodlust. “But I want to do things the right way, to get him as soon as possible, and get him shoved in a miserable little cell until he dies.”

“Frankly, I’d just blow his head off.” Veronica said. “If I confronted a man who took the lives of people I cared about, I’d probably put his head on a pike or sit him in front of a firing squad.” She let loose a disquieting, subdued cackle. “You should see the faces of the war criminals that CNGS hands to us, their reaction to THE WALL is the funniest shit ever.”

“That’s pretty fucking excessive.” Joseph sat up, annoyed. Before continuing he, peered into laleh’s worried gaze behind her helmet. He sighed and sat back down. “That’s just my opinion, and that’s all I have to say in the matter.”

Nathan shot a look at veronica, in which she also stood down. “OK, let’s drop this spat then.” Nathan smiled at her, giving her a thumbs up, internally sighing in relief that things ended before they got ugly. Joseph clutched his head, and his scars flared. “WATCH OUT!” he screamed, causing Veronica to sit back in her chair.

“Relax, I know its your wacky psychic powers going off, but we’re perfectly fine.” A small alarm blared as veronica continued to remain calm. “This thing can take whatever dinky little rocket the ALA throws at us.” The small alarm suddenly exploded into a blaring scream as the inside of the cockpit flashed red. “Oh, Jesus.” She wheezed. “HANG ON TO SOMETHING.!” she screamed, violently turning the vessel as a giant, black missile flew past her, only for it swing back around. “HEAT SEEKER!” she barked. “SON OF A BITCH!” she activated the RISENFLEDERMAUS’s automated machine guns, latching onto the missile, and destroying it. No sooner was it destroyed, another one was fired at her, followed by two more. “IT’S GONNA GET HAIRY!” she called out, as oxygen masks dropped to the passengers. Unfortunately, an engine burst into flame as a missile hit successfully, causing veronica to make an emergency landing. The automated system sprayed powerful extinguishing chemicals, thankfully stopping the inferno from spreading. She tried to regain control of the atmosphere of the RISENFLEDERAMUS, as everyone was terrified. “N-no problem!” she said, though nobody seemed convinced as she landed the jet. “I-I’m not scared, I’m j-just a little rattled!” she said, her hands trembling. This was the first time the RISENFLEDERMAUS sustained significant damage, with everyone in state of shock. Veronica sweat underneath her helmet, recalling her mother’s nightmarish near death as her own jet had caught fire. Nobody was receptive to the desperate attempt to make light of a desperate situation. The gang hobbled out of the downed aircraft, fritz puking out of stress and horror as laleh addressed any minor wounds. She sighed with relief as she checked joseph last.

“Nothing fractured or broken.” She said as she put a small bandage around Joseph’s wrist. “Physically, everyone else is OK.”

“Thank god.” Said joseph, rubbing his bandaged wrist.”

“However…” laleh said, looking back at veronica, impatiently pacing as nathan relayed their situation to a local QM field commander. “In regards to a psychological health…some of us are in need of more attention and care than others.”

“I’m trying to reach them as soon as possible, second lieutenant Gaertner.” He said gravely. “Fritz, scout the perimeter around the jet.” Fritz saluted as he dashed off again with super human speed.

“I-I could start repairs!” Veronica tried to explain. “I’m sure I could find some scrap to patch up the eng-”

Nathan put up his hand, causing her to shut up immediately. Joseph worriedly side-eyed the grim nature of two best friends in a rocky development. Nonetheless, he tried to sense any danger from anyone he psychically dowsed. “It would take too long, George smith is bound to be on some sort of escape vehicle soon, Nathan replied, the sweat on his brow betraying his level-headedness. “OK, understood.” “Thanks, meet up with you soon.” Nathan clicked off his ear-piece. “We’re gonna meet up with some E-12 soldiers to the east near the airfield, they got someone coming by to guard the RISENFLEDERMAUS.” He announced as Fritz returned, panting and taking a rest. “2nd lieutenant, make sure you don’t over-tire yourself, we can’t afford to have you weak in the middle of uncharted enemy territory.”

“Of course, Kapitän.” Fritz replied taking a large swig of water from his canteen.” Nothing unusual yet. No sooner than he said that, joseph clutched his head in pain.

“Oh fuck, what now?” Nathan griped loading his handgun.

“THE SCARRED BEAST SLITHERS TOWARDS US.” He whispered ominously. Laleh picked up on the term.

“That… terrible blond man from our mission when we rescued GHOST FANG…” she said, fearfully aiming her grenade launcher into the forest.

“Just keep us posted on his whereabouts, buddy.” Said nathan, putting his hand on Joseph’s shoulder. “We got to drag smith out of his burrow and bring him to justice.” Joseph shook out of his trance and nodded, training his gun in a certain direction as the gang made their way east. Nathan could see that they didn’t need a map to the airfield as HCA jets pummeled the airfield with napalm, large flashes of light signaled the decimation.

“I know you’re upset about the RISENFLEDERMAUS being in a sorry state.” Fritz said, trying to comfort his older sister. “You’ve put much love and craftsmanship into it, it must be terrible that you-” Veronica whipped around in subdued fury.

“Don’t treat me like that sniveling, weak little girl who used to cry at the drop of a hat.” She hissed at Fritz. “I’m just rattled that those MARXISTS will scuff up my masterpiece with their grubby hands.” She marched faster to get ahead of her brother, who continued to have his submachine gun primed and ready, its laser sight sweeping the darkness. That is, until his infrared scope picked up a humanoid form. Joseph’s scars flared as he dashed by fritz’s side. A familiar shaped stepped out of the foliage.

“Hell of a welcome party.” Said RM III, circling the VWS like a vulture to a dying animal. “You guys look pretty scared about something.” He said, tenting his fingers. “Did one of your fellow freaks die or something?”

Veronica lost her temper as she grabbed him by the throat, pinning him against a tree. She unsheathed her combat knife. “I’m not in the mood for your childish games!” She growled, pointing the knife inches away from his ribcage.”

“The combat armor’s new!” he said, peering back at fritz. “I know you call him childish, but you guys are bit too old to be playing dress-up?” I chuckled in Veronica’s face. “You HCA pricks always won’t shut up about knighthood, even though you’re a bunch of backwards, role-playing losers.” He turned to joseph. “Oh cute, they’re trying to strong-arm you into being their replacement Renaissance man.”

“Stand down, 1st lieutenant.” Nathan ordered, slowly approaching RM III, his hand gun trained on the blond soldier’s head. All of a sudden, joseph could sense danger from the trees, but not before RM III drew a handgun and shot the mysterious assailant on the head. The body of a poltergeist commando dropped from the canopy. The VWS stared at the abomination before immediately looking back at RM III.

“You’re welcome.” He said, putting up his handgun in a waist holster.

“What’s your game?” Nathan demanded, his gun still trained on RM III’s head.

“I’ve been separated from that miserable old fart, and I even I know wondering around this place alone is a death sentence.” His smug smile dropped as he grabbed his shoulder, a dark red stain formed under it. “Can’t believe that prick made me ambush that patrol alone.” He murmured mentally. “I swear that asshole is going to me killed one day.” Joseph noticed the wound on his shoulder and a bruise on RM III’s neck.

“Did RM II do that to you?�� he asked, prompting RM III to pull his hand from the wound, and pull up his jacket.

“Don’t you have some have some prick to abduct?” he shot back. Everyone look toward nathan what to do. Time was of the essence, and smith could escape.

“If I wanted to kill you guys, you’d be worm food by now.” Said RM III, smugly turning towards The captain. “If you shove me into cuffs or sedate me until I’m a drooling zombie, that’s one less capable soldier.” A bead of sweat dripped of Nathan’s face. “You’re in a hostile place, coalition dog.” “You need all the capable soldiers you can to make a break to your allies.” Nathan refused to break sight from RM III or lower his weapon.

“Drop him and let’s go.” He instructed veronica.

“Is that wise, captain?” said fritz.

“If he tries anything, break his legs.” He replied. “Or shoot his kneecaps, whatever stops him from scampering off.”

“As you wish, captain.” Fritz answered. Veronica threw RM III to the ground, as they dashed towards the rendezvous point. RM III lagged behind, his body reeling from being tossed like a ragdoll. It wasn’t long until the VWS encountered heavy abominations, supplementing the ALA soldiers and their mercenary forces. Flashbangs went off as fritz gunned down hoards of neo nazis commandos, making sure to pace himself to avoid collapsing from exhaustion. Joseph used his danger sensing premonitions to snipe into the canopy as more poltergeist commandos dropped like flies. Joseph suddenly sensed danger, using his agility to leap from a heavy abomination that was lying in wait from foliage. Before he had a chance to kill him, RM III cut through several soldiers with his bayoneted assault rifle, leaping with superhuman agility of his own to drive the bayonet into the abomination’s skull. The abomination tried to pull the bayonet out in vain, only to fall backwards onto the trench. An audience of ALA mercenaries, demoralized from a lack of provisions and proper support watched in horror as RM RM III took out a large, bizarre looking knife. He began to decapitate the abomination, still clinging to life despite its grievous wound. It tried to let out a final scream as RM III finally sliced that last bit of muscle and tendon. Laleh was aghast as joseph ignored the vicious super soldier to concentrate fire on more marksmen. RM III gripped the decapitated head in his hand.

“I hope my techniques have left an impression on you.” He said proudly as joseph reloaded.

“Yeah, the impression that you need some goddamn help.” Veronica leapt on top of the trench, letting loose a barrage of heavy machine gun fire, signaling to joseph and nathan to stay back for their safety. Some of the ALA soldiers, were from the European chapter, some became frozen in their tracks at the sight of the giant bat woman.

“IT’S THE IRON EMPRESS!” a solder screamed in a thick German accent. “WE’RE ALL FUCKED, RUN FOR YOUR LIVES!” only the abomination soldiers were left to fight the VWS.

“FIELD COMMANDER, THE BULK OF OUR FORCE HAS FLED!” Yelled the heavy abomination commander.

“You are to stay and fight as well.” Answered their leader.

“WE DON’T HAVE SUFFICIENT NUMBERS TO FIGHT BACK!” he insisted, as the gunfire drew closer. “WE’RE STRETCHED TOO THIN!”

“You orders are to prevent the CNGS dogs from reaching their allies, you are to be the backbone of the ALA.”

“THE BAT ABOMINATIONS AND LION ABOMINATIONS ARE BREAKING THROUGH THE LINES!” “WE NEED BACK UP N-” the heavy abomination was cut off as one of Veronica’s bullets made contact with his head, splattering skull and brains onto other abominations.

“THE ENEMY ABOMINATIONS HAVE BROKEN THROUGH!” garbled a poltergeist commando, as he futilely fired upon laleh as RM III and joseph used her as mobile cover. Joseph was honestly a bit shocked that his best friends and the other animalistic super soldiers were abominations.

“So, have you finally figured out you’re basically the fourth Renaissance man?” sneered the blond super soldier.

“Oh, that’s what that meant.” Joseph said. “I suppose that makes sense.” RM III became annoyed at Joseph’s lack of shock. “The Renaissance man program was a super soldier program created by the coalition to cut down on specialized labor costs.” He said smugly sniping another poltergeist commando. “Plenty of guys died to perfect it.” Nathan was furious as he was going to let joseph know about the program in coalition guidelines. Laleh thundered in front of joseph, allowing her friend the safety as he reloaded once again. Joseph tuned the vicious soldier out as he continued his marksmen duties, saving fritz from an enemy sniper as he killed a poltergeist commando from stabbing his sister. RM III grabbed him, getting in his face. “You didn’t listen to a fucking word I said.” He barked, his face turning slightly red.

“I’m sure the CNGS has shit it’s keeping quiet about.” Joseph said, “I’m know I’m probably an “RM” thing or whatever, but I also know you could be full of shit.” Laleh grabbed RM III, and slammed him into the ground once again, ferociously growling.

“DO NOT TRY THAT AGAIN.” She sneered. “YOU WILL REGRET IT.” RM III scrambled to get back up, assisting in breaking through the lines as the VWS took cover using an overturned vehicle shell.

“Hey man, I just want to tell you the truth.” He said as joseph reloaded. “The CNGS lies to your face on a regular basis, anything to maintain their burgeoning neoliberal empire.” Joseph proceeded to ignore him, casing RM III to get even more exacerbated. “You’re better off with me and the old man, we’ll fight for our survival, not some stupid organization of hypocritical, bleeding hearts.” “The CNGS won’t ever let the choke chain off you, since you basically became a Renaissance man from stolen CNGS bio-slop that went airborne.” This finally got Joseph’s attention, as he shot back at RM III with a vicious stare. “Just dump the self-righteous losers who are trying to save a crappy world full of stupid, useless people.” “At least you get to retire and put your feet up and enjoy the fireworks as the unwashed masses kill each other.”

“I’ve had enough of your shitty, selfish attitude.” Joseph spat back. “The world’s in a bad place right now, even without the ALA.” As the gang drew closer to their goal, the ALA were suddenly sideswiped by QM soldiers. “I know damn well that putting George smith in prison won’t magically make the world a better place, and I know damn well that even when the ALA collapses that Nazis won’t disappear.” RM III was actually caught off guard by Joseph’s rough tone. “That doesn’t mean I’m not going to try to stop terrible people from doing terrible things.” A large green APC smashed through the underbrush, and cut down the abominations, forcing them back. “My life will never be the same again, and putting away smith won’t bring my friends back or reunite me with my parents.” RM III feigned annoyance, trying to conceal the pain of rejection. “At least I’m in a position to help others, and I can at least try to make the CNGS less conniving.” RM III was completely silent as no one had ever brought up the futility of his viciousness. “I’ll never join you, and I pray to god you get it through your skull that we have NOTHING in common.”Joseph’s scars flared again and proceeded to shoot into an unassuming pile of ALA corpses. RM III was simply speechless at this evisceration of his self-centered, social Darwinist lifestyle, but soon shook out of it when several bodies slid of a figure emerging from the corpses. It appeared to be another ALA abomination, but donned in a white mask, 3 vertical eye-holes on each side. The abomination wore large headphones with a single radio antennae on the right side. In the dead center of the mask, a large proboscis unfolded itself, its base resembling the remains of a human tongue. Blood poured from the bullet wound, staining the mask a dark red. RM III cracked a wicked grin as he dashed off to the dying monstrosity, digging his bayonet into its neck.

“Finally found that freak he kept bitching about!” RM III said, slicing through its neck muscles. “Thanks for clearing my path, idiots!” he sneered, tossing a flash grenade, causing the VWS to dive for cover. “You’re a fucking idiot for caring about a world that doesn’t care about you, hope it doesn’t come back to bite you in the ass!” RM III yelled to joseph as the super soldier disappeared into the jungle. “ITS NOT MY FAULT IF YOU DIE FOR SOME SHITTY, POWER-TRIPPING POLITICIANS AND THE SLACK-JAWED, UNCARING MASSES!” “I GAVE YOU A WAY OUT!” Despite his boasting, he winced at the bruise he received from a beating from RM II. A bizarre feeling rose in his chest as he saw the VWS fought to protect one another in the heat of battle. “Idiots.” He grumbled as the readjusted the refrigerated backpack filled with stolen abomination limbs and organs. “Relying on other people is a the saddest thing a person can do.” Joseph could sense RM III vanishing as the green APC opened up, revealing a muscular monster woman with a fleshy crest on her face, and large pincers that unfolded from her mouth.

“VEE!” she called out in a husky voice, waving at veronica. “MOVE YOUR ASS!”

“MAXILLA!” she answered cheerfully, rushing towards the muscular monster woman, and wrapping her in a hug.

“Save it for the after party, vee.” Said maxilla, gently pulling veronica off of her, cheerfully nudging the bat woman with her fist. “You guys got a prick haul off.” Before the VWS piled into the APC, several attack helicopter sped by. Joseph squinted at the copter’s insignia. Painted on it side was the words “FAFPU” as it sped off to the airfield. Moments later, Joseph and laleh leaned back, sighing with relief in the plush seats of the APC. Veronica began pestering nathan about the whereabouts of her jet, only for her to hush her as he got into contact with the senior officers. Fritz stared sadly and forlorn at joseph beneath his mask, as he pulled out a small diary to write in.

“This is the captain of VWS-1, we have successfully joined with the QM escort and on our way to the airfield, do you copy?” a voice crackled back.

“This is MacMillan.” Their special forces coordinator answered. “Good to hear, the senior coordinator would have my ass on a silver plate if you freaks wound up dead.” Nathan let out a chuckle at his ex-Co’s insensitivity.

“Any word from senior coordinator? He asked, as Veronica tapped her foot in the floor impatiently. “I just wanna check in to see of the senior officer corps’s mission to get Sgt. Gustavo is going well.”

“Extremely well.” MacMillan said, turning towards his senior counterpart. The large, masked bat-like man quietly observed a live video feed of the senior officers. Sgt. Nguyen knocked down helicopters with her short ranged, but devastating laser weapon built into her cybernetic arm. Equinox, the Japanese man and her 2nd in command, swiftly killed anyone with his handgun and combat knife that attempted to fire upon AKROPOLIS. GHOST FANG, recovered from his near fatal brush with RM II, took out poltergeist commandos with ferocity and agility. The large badger woman destroyed several bridges and protective fort walls, blasting hole into an underground tunnel that would lead to Gustavo. Finally, Charlotte descended from the sky, using several parachutes and her combat robot’s jet engine to slow her descent. However, she fell to earth at a noticeable speed, as if she purposely wanted to collide into the enemy base. The ALA soldiers screamed as the enormous hunk of metal acted as an improvised bomb, and were sent broken and flying as the monster woman made contact. The giant metallic beast was coated in blood, which only caused even more panic amongst the ALA. MacMillan looked away as Charlotte slowly removed an enormous assault rifle from a compartment, and blew away enemy armor and abominations. Body parts, blood, and organs splattered across the facility. “A bit too well, if you ask me.” He murmured in a concerned to Nathan.

“It’s shit like this that makes me glad we’re not fighting with the Coalition anymore.” MAXILLA said cracking her knuckles. “Some of our guys complain about being your allies, but it beats being labeled as a terrorist organization and threat to global security.” She rubbed a scar on her hand. “Don’t miss those days at all.”

“By the way, your 1st lieutenant’s little toy has been escorted into a QM safe-house, I know she’s probably pissing you off about that.” Nathan gave veronica thumbs up, and she soon fell back in her chair in relief.

“Alrighty, keep us posted, we should be arriving at the airfield soon.” He concluded, ending the communication. Joseph began to sense George Smith’s presence as they passed through a QM checkpoint.

“Hey uh…sorry for fighting with you before we crashed.” Veronica said. “He’s the person who hurt you and killed your friends, so while PERSONALLY I’d rather see him shot…you do you.” Despite being disturbed by her bloodlust, Joseph accepted his comrade’s attempt at an apology.

“I get it.” Joseph said. “Sounds like you’re also got a person to confront who did terrible things.” Veronica looked back at her friend Maxilla, who simply tugged her vest collar at the situation.

“You’re absolutely not one of those sad, mediocre apologists I run into with my own faction.” She said again. “So many times I’ve been told by the old farts in the HCA that excessive violence against the Nazis makes you as bad as them.” She leaned next to joseph, giving him a little side hug. “You actually WANT these bastards to be punished and you more than anyone here deserve to be disgusted by them.” Joseph smiled, which made fritz’s heart flutter momentarily before he got a grip and accepted joseph would never love him the way he wanted to be loved.

“I find myself occasionally enjoying killing these racist freaks.” Joseph confessed. “I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t like you in anyway at all.”

“And at least we’re not that blond coward who doesn’t care about human suffering or that abysmal state that the world is in right now.” She added. Maxilla whipped out a small portable radio device that was attached to a smart phone. She began tweaking it and swiping the screen with her finger until she heard a panicked voice.

“THOSE COMMIES BASTARDS BOMBED OUR FUCKING ESCAPE TUNNELS!” “THEIR ABOMINATIONS CHARGED RIGHT THROUGH US AND BLEW IT TO HELL!” Maxilla smiled to herself as she swiped her finger again.

“I figured we might get board on our little car trip, so how about a nice radio show called “we jacked these stupid fuck’s radio frequencies” She fiddled with the device again. A Englishman’s voice called out next;

“THE MAD SCAR’S BEEN SIGHTED NEAR THE AIRFIELD!” “WE’RE DOOMED!”

““I’M NOT SHITTING YOU! THE SCARRED HUNTER KILLED LIKE 6 SNIPERS WITH PERFECT HEAD-SHOTS BEFORE HIS GANG OF FREAKS KIDNAPPED ARTIFEX! “WE’RE FUCKED!” bellowed a man with a thick, Bostonian accent. Maxilla clicked the device again.

“THE RED SCAR KILLED WHITE WOLVERINE AND THE GREAT CUTLASS, I’M FUCKING OUT OF HERE!” Joseph suddenly remembered when he killed two snipers with a sword insignia and an insignia consisting of animal teeth. Another transmission got picked up with someone only muttering “Fröhliche Kaiserin.” Again and again. The VWS could hear another prosperan helicopter fly above them. Joseph looked around to see the multiple factions he had witnessed come together to stop the neo nazi threat of the ALA. For a moment, he was actually hopeful that people could put aside their differences to do the right thing. The VWS had finally reached the interior of the airfield, joseph once again picking up on George Smith’s presence. The green APC came to a screeching halt as URSA and another E-12 operative finished demolishing a cadre of American ALA soldiers.

“NATHAN.” Said Andrew Norman. “THERE IS AN ALPHA KOMMANDO MEMBER IN CHARGE OF THE BUNKER’S DEFENSES.” URSA provided joseph several photos of woman in the same sort of black camo and red armor as VELVET and the other abomination soldiers. SHE’S THE DEFENSE EXPERT OF ALPHA KOMMANDO, SHE SET UP MANY OF THE TRAPS AND SABOTAGED WEAPONS AROUND THE COMPOUND WHERE YOU APPREHENDED ARTIFEX. Joseph flashed back to the exploding rocket launcher that nearly killed veronica.

“You got it Andrew, we’ll watch out for her.”

“YOU ARE TO KILL HER ON SIGHT.” Nathan’s eyes widened at Andrew’s request. “AS WELL AS ANY AND ALL ALPHA KOMMANDO MEMBERS, INCLUDING N.1685.”

“Well, orders are orders.” Replied Nathan, his panicked eyes betrayed the concern for his superior’s blood-thirst.

“MY SUPERIORS HAVE DECLARED EACH OF THEM A LIABILITY.” “NO CAPTURE.” “NO NEGOTIATION.” “KILL.ON.SIGHT.”Joseph was perturbed by Andrew’s to the point order. His captain rallied them alongside the other E-12 members and QM soldiers as they headed towards the bunker.“MS GAERTNER.” Andrew said, speaking specifically to veronica. “IT’S TIME YOU GAVE THE CARE PACKAGE YOUR MOTHER GAVE YOU TO MR. BAKER.” Veronica felt around in her pack for a small box of sniper rifle ammunition. It read “ANTI-HOMO CENTONIBUS ROUNDS, ONLY TO BE USED AFTER GIVEN PROPER AUTHORIZATION, CODE 5-B512. A small note was folded inside, written in German, adorned with the HCA heraldry and an iron cross.

“THOUGH I AM UNABLE TO BE WITH YOU RIGHT NOW, I HAVE PERSONALLY TESTED ITS EFFECTIVENESS AGAINST THE FASCIST TRAITORS THAT DARE STAND IN THE WAY OF HCA BUSINESS.” GIVE THEM TO YOUR MARKSMAN, AND MAY HE SWIFTLY KILL THE FASCIST WHO TRIED TO TAKE YOU AWAY FROM ME.” Meanwhile, RM III could sense RM II’s presence as he made his way to the rendezvous point when he detected a presence hiding near a boulder. An ALA field captain in the same chocolate chip camo and dull red vest as the rest of his men crept out of his hiding spot.

“Renaissance man III!” he said with excitement. “To think I’d meet a fellow ubermensch in this hellhole! RM III stared blankly, his mask dripped with condensation and blood. “You don’t know how MUCH our organization respects you!” “you simply kill and take what you want without mercy or pity, no matter how much blood you must shed!” he said excitedly. “A true example of Aryan superior-” RM III said nothing as he took out his handgun and shot the ALA captain in the head, causing his brains to splatter all over the rock from which hid behind. The young man looked down at the Neo Nazi he killed, then to the bone fragments and viscera that stained the surrounding area. For the first time in his life, he felt the bitter twinge of shame and disgust. His face contorted in a hateful expression while he tried to fight back tears before scurrying back to RM II…

TO BE CONTINUED IN MISSION 7

#valaintwarriorsquadron #valiantwarriorsquadroncomic #webcomics #monster girl

[twwpress]

Weekly Press Briefing #47: May 14th - May 20th

Welcome back to the Weekly Press Briefing, where we bring you highlights from The West Wing fandom each week, including new fics, ongoing challenges, and more! This briefing covers all things posted from May 14 - May 20, 2023! Did we miss something? Let us know; you can find our contact info at the bottom of this briefing!

Challenges/Prompts:

The following is a roundup of open challenges/prompts. Do you have a challenge or event you’d like us to promote? Be sure to get in touch with us! Contact info is at the bottom of this briefing.

The Woulda, Coulda, Shoulda Josh/Donna prompt fest (hosted by @jessbakescakes and @thefinestmuffin) is open for claiming; fics reveal on June 24th. Details here. 

Photos/Videos:

Here’s what was posted from May 14 - May 20.

Allison Janney posted a preview for her upcoming film The Creator.

Bradley Whitford posted a photo of him and his mom and some words to remember her on Mother’s Day.

Dule Hill posted a photo of his wife for Mother’s Day along with some sweet words. 

Josh Malina posted a selfie holding a sign supporting striking WGA writers. 

Marlee Matlin posted a photo of herself, her husband, and their son after commencement at Marquette University.

Mary McCormack posted an old photo of her mom with their family in honor of Mother’s Day.

Rob Lowe posted a selfie with his wife Sheryl along with a nice post about her for Mother’s Day.

Donna Moss Daily: May 14 | May 15 | May 16 | May 17 | May 18 | May 19 | May 20

Daily Josh Lyman: May 14 | May 15 | May 16 | May 17 | May 18 | May 19 | May 20

No Context BWhit: May 14 | May 15 | May 16 | May 17 | May 18 | May 19 | May 20

This Week in Canon:

Welcome to This Week in Canon, where we revisit moments in The West Wing that occurred on these dates during the show’s run.

Season 1, Episode 22: What Kind of Day Has it Been aired on May 17, 2000.

Season 2, Episode 22: Two Cathedrals aired on May 16, 2001.

Season 3, Episode 20: We Killed Yamamoto aired on May 15, 2002.

Season 4, Episode 23: Twenty-Five aired on May 14, 2003.

Season 5, Episode 22: Memorial Day aired on May 19, 2004.

Season 7, Episode 22: Tomorrow aired on May 14, 2006.

Fics:

Presenting your weekly roundup of fics posted in the tag for The West Wing on Archive of Our Own.

Josh/Donna

Air, Clearing The by spooky_spacegirl | Rated G | Josh Lyman/Donna Moss | Complete

Help Me Hold On To You by Shinyrosa | Rated M | Josh Lyman/Donna Moss | In Progress

Promoted by starbuckmeggie | Not Rated | Josh Lyman/Donna Moss | Complete

Domestic Days by spooky_spacegirl | Rated G | Josh Lyman/Donna Moss | In Progress

Our Time Now by starbuckmeggie | Not Rated | Josh Lyman/Donna Moss | In Progress

 C.J./Danny

Ten Weeks by Jxjxjx | Rated T | Danny Concannon/C. J. Cregg | In Progress

Off the Record by  onekisstotakewithme for daylight_angel, miabicicletta, Luppiters, hondagirll | Rated T | Danny Concannon/C. J. Cregg | In Progress

 Sam/Josh

slow down (you crazy child) by Khoshekh42 | Rated T | Josh Lyman/Sam Seaborn | In Progress

they were pieces of a puzzle (they were made for each other) by Khoshekh42 | Rated T | Josh Lyman/Sam Seaborn | In Progress

 Other Pairings/Gen Fic

one hundred pounds lighter by fizzan for SonnyDLV, XSpotX | Rated T | Jed Bartlet & Josh Lyman (No Pairings Listed) | Complete

The Language of Healing by silasfinch for justdreaming88 | Rated M | Ellie Bartlet/Original Female Character(s) | Complete

it started off with a kiss... now it ended up like this by imawkwardlysoc | Rated G | Sam Seaborn/Original Female Character | In Progress

 Multiple Pairings

On The Road by pipisafoat | Rated G | referenced Josh Lyman/Donna Moss, referenced Helen Santos/Matt Santos | Complete

 THE WEEKLY PRESS BRIEFING TEAM CAN BE REACHED VIA THE FOLLOWING METHODS:

Twitter: @TWWPress

Email: [email protected]

Feel free to let us know if we missed something, if you have an event you’d like us to promote, or if you have an item that you’d like included in the next briefing!

 xx, What’s next?

#the west wing #west wing #tww #west wing fandom #the west wing fandom #tww fandom #tww fic #tww fic rec #josh lyman #donna moss #cj cregg #sam seaborn #danny concannon #josh x donna #sam x josh #danny x cj #tww rare pairs #weekly press briefing

[nancypullen]

I'm Blaming the Full Moon

I posted twice here and it vanished. I double and tripled checked that I hadn't accidentally saved them as drafts instead of posting, but nope. I guess my boring little posts are just floating around out there with the rest of the space junk. Little words and photos that extraterrestrials won't understand. That's more fun to think about than the fact that the Tumblr server had a glitch and my posts just bounced off. I don't know how any of that works, so floating in space still seems like the more realistic option. BUT, I'm here, ready and willing to try again. I've spent a lovely couple of days puttering around the house. I put some mums out and I'm going to will them to live while we're gone. I just couldn't wait. Tomorrow I'll probably tidy up the yard a bit more in preparation for full blown fall. I imagine that by the time we return we'll see more color in the trees, we're seeing hints right now. Exciting!

On Monday morning we'll fly out of Baltimore, land in Toronto, then take off again for Dublin. We'll arrive in Dublin early Tuesday morning and shenanigans shall commence. We'll do a clockwise tour of the Emerald Isle. After a day in Dublin we'll head down the east coast to Wexford and Waterford, then turn west and head to County Kerry, Killarney, and finally Killorglin where our Air BnB is located. That will be our base for exploring the Dingle Peninsula, Ring of Kerry, and the Aran Islands. After about a week of that we'll say goodbye to Killorglin and head north to Galway (and points in between) for a bit and see what there is to see. Finally we'll leave Galway to head east toward Dublin again, visiting the Hill of Tara and anything else that caches our fancy. One last day in Dublin and then we'll wing our way homeward. I'm expecting to fall in love with the country. Mickey may have to drag my kicking and screaming onto the plane home. I'm packed, the house is clean, and we have a kitty sitter who will be popping in. I'll take the ol' laptop along and hopefully post a few times from the trip. If nothing else I can share some pics. Stay tuned for missives from Ireland! Stay safe, stay well. XOXO, Nancy

[interesting-conversational-style]

Have you listened to The West Wing Weekly podcast? I saw your post abt Danny being your commencement speaker and thought it was so funny that he’s like the only person on the show to never be a guest on the podcast.

I actually started listening to it recently on a long research trip! I’m only a few episodes in and I’m not much of a podcast girlie, I get bored after a few episodes of any podcast. But I really like it when I listen and I love the extra behind-the-scenes info!!

I had no idea Danny went to my school let alone would be the commencement speaker at both ceremonies - he’s spoken before for commencements here so I’m guessing he enjoyed being a student here at least a little bit lol.

[socialoutsider1a]

Josh Lyman in the West Wing Season 4 episode, "Commencement".

#bradley whitford #josh lyman #the west wing

[commando-rogers]

ok but in the commencement episode at the end of season 4 of the west wing when Ron comes and tells Leo that zoey’s missing and his face is so DEVASTATED because this means so much, and when Leo starts RUNNING oh my god I’m crying that’s his daughter too and they know they’re going to have to tell the President that his absolute worst nightmare happened and he has to go tell his friend his daughter is missing and he’s RUNNING and then it fades to WHITE I’m crying

[axxelagroupng]

Energy companies in Africa

Energy companies in Africa have a critical role to play in the socio-economic development of the continent. This is because energy access is an important prerequisite for economic development in any nation. According to the World Bank, energy access “has impacts on a wide range of development indicators, including health, education, food security, gender equality, livelihoods, and poverty reduction”. Facilitating development must be at the core of business goals for energy companies in Africa.

This is why at Axxela, our vision is to drive industrial growth in Sub-Saharan Africa by providing natural gas as an alternative fuel that is cost-effective, environmentally friendly and is in abundant supply within the continent to meet the increasing demand for energy in the region. In achieving this, we have over 280km in gas pipeline infrastructure and four established subsidiaries that provide unique energy solutions across West Africa.

Our four serving energy companies in Africa include:

Gaslink Nigeria Limited (GNL)

In conjunction with the Nigerian Gas Marketing Company (NGMC), Gaslink (GNL), operates an exclusive gas distribution franchise in the Greater Lagos area via a pipeline network of over 100km with a capacity of 140MMSCFD and peak utilisation of about 70MMSCFD. Our operations through GNL accounts for 80% of Nigeria’s domestic gas distribution to industrial and commercial concerns, with over 165 blue-chip industrial customers including Cadbury Nigeria. Plc., Flour Mills of Nigeria Plc., Dangote Sugar, and Nigerian Breweries, Plc.

Central Horizon Gas Company

Central Horizon Gas Company (CHGC) is a joint venture between Axxela and the Rivers State Government. This gas distribution company situated in the South-South region of Nigeria owns a facility of a 17km gas distribution network and a throughput capacity of 50MMSCFD. This subsidiary is actively delivering gas to end-users as a direct replacement for expensive alternative fuels. The strategy for achieving this is focusing on an established industrial customer base for which the company is becoming a major supplier of natural gas to industries in Port Harcourt.

Gas Network Services Limited

Gas Network Services Limited (GNSL) is Axxela’s pioneer venture into the compressed natural gas (CNG) virtual pipeline business. The subsidiary presently operates a 5.2MMSCFD Compressed Natural Gas Station in Lagos, Nigeria from where natural gas is compressed into mobile tube trailers and delivered to customers’ locations. The facility is 100% energy sufficient using natural gas without connection to the national grid. Among its customers include Nigeria Breweries PLC, Ibadan, Chi Limited, Rite Foods Limited, etc. Other strategic and technical partners include OPEX Limited, Transport Services Limited, FornovoGas, and Clean Energy Compression (IMW) Canada.

Transit Gas Nigeria Limited

Transit Gas Nigeria Limited (TGNL) is focused on the development of physical and virtual pipeline technology for gas distribution and supply. The subsidiary is currently developing a mini-LNG plant in Ajaokuta with an initial capacity of 20MMSCFD, and a 135km pipeline network between Abeokuta and Iwopin, in partnership with the Nigeria Gas Marketing Company (NGMC). The Ajaokuta project will make it possible to supply natural gas to industrial customers all over the country, particularly stranded customers in the North. Presently, TGNL has ongoing contracts with medium to large-scale industrial customers including Apple & Pears Limited, Rite Foods Limited, West African Soy Industries Limited, Coleman Technical Industries Limited, Celplas Industries Nigeria Limited and have commenced construction of the natural gas pipeline to their factories.

Contact Us

Call us at [phone] Email Us at [email protected]

Address

Axxela Group, 8th Floor, The Wings Office Complex, East Tower, 17A Ozumba Mbadiwe Avenue, Victoria Island, Lagos, Nigeria

Website - https://axxelagroup.com/

Visit Link - https://www.axxelagroup.com/four-energy-companies-in-africa-serving-in-the-natural-gas-sector/

#energy #energycompanies

[scotianostra]

On the 18th January 2009 just a few weeks before the completion of a £4m restoration project, Raasay House was severely damaged by fire.

The history of Raasay and the house here is intermingled with The McLeod Clan, of which my own family were septs to on the Island, and quartermasters to the family. . A clan house, home to the Macleod Chief of Raasay, has stood on or near the present site from as early as the 1500's, but the original clan house was burnt to the ground, torched by government troops after Culloden. Like many families there were MacLeods on both sides that day, the Raasay branch were on the Jacobite side. Perhaps the most famous of the clan in modern times is Calum Macleod, who single handily famously built Calum's Road on the Island over ten years, with little more than a shovel, a pick and a wheelbarrow.

Anyway, back to the house. Since rebuilding started on 1747 the present Raasay House history has been recorded right through to today.

In 1773 Dr Samuel Johnson and James Boswell made their historic journey to the Western Isles and were guests of the Macleod chief at Raasay House, but by 1843 the last Laird, John Macleod, left the house and emigrated with his family to Australia, the house was old three years later to a George Rainy from London and changed hands again in 1872-4.By 1746 it was in the hands of It was sold to Henry Wood who added the ornate Georgian-style wings and frontage to the house. It changed hands twice more before being converted into a sporting hotel around 1937, very successfully at first, with many wealthy guests. It closed it's doors in 1960.

Another 3 decades passed under different owners and the house was used as an Adventure centre and Outdoor centre, during which little maintenance work was carried out and the building started to deteriorate, it was finally sold to the Raasay House Community Company in 2007. A multi-million-pound project to renovate and refurbish Raasay House commenced a year later.

Fire caused damage to all but the west wing in January 2009, just as the house was about to be reopened but thanks to a lottery grant the house rose from the ashes to what it is today, the house retains many of its historical features which were painstakingly restored. Today, still owned by the community it has returned to it's use as a hotel and has a four and a half star rating out of five on TripAdvisor.

As you can see from the pics it is a beautiful building, and the views from the house over to the Isle of Skye are stunning.

More on the history of Raasay here https://www.isleofraasay.com/

#scotland #scottish #inner hebrides #scottish highlands #highlands and islands #history

[mishraabram]

Top 10 Major Ports in China

China is known for its manufacturing and shipping capabilities. It has a long coastline that is dotted with various harbors and small ports, which are used for a variety of purposes, including trading, fishing, and shipping.

China is one of the world’s largest importers, with its ports serving as major hubs for the transport of consumer goods, minerals, automobiles, and agricultural products to many countries around the world. The development of China has been heavily influenced by its shipping ports, which are a vital part of the country’s economy and play a key role in facilitating global trade.

If you’re interested in learning more about the major ports in China and their roles in the shipping industry, here is the list of the top 10 ports in China with crucial information about each port.

1. Port of Shanghai

In January 2003, the Shanghai Port Authority underwent a restructuring that resulted in the establishment of the Shanghai International Port (Group) Co., Ltd. (SIPG), the operator of public terminals in the Port of Shanghai. In June 2005, it changed its legal status to a shareholder company, and on October 26, 2006, it commenced trading on the Shanghai Stock Exchange, becoming the first Chinese firm of its sort to do so.

The Port of Shanghai, located in the center of the eastern shore of the Chinese mainland, is where the Yangtze River, often known as the “golden canal,” and coastal transit routes meet. It has access to both China’s southern and northern coasts, all of the world’s oceans, the Yangtze River basin, the inland rivers of Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Anhui provinces, as well as the Taihu Lake basin.

The Port of Shanghai is located in a key geographic area with exceptional natural characteristics and a strong hinterland economy. It is served by well-connected road and railway networks as well as fully established cargo collecting and distribution systems.

Key Information

Monthly throughput record: 4.20M TEU

Total annual container throughput: 43.5M TEU

Vessels in port: 2290

Annual cargo tonnage: 514 million

Number of employees: 13,546

Top exports: Cars, integrated circuits, computers, telephones

Top imports: Processors and controllers, iron ore concentrate, gold, medium-sized cars

Top trading partners: United States, Japan, Hong Kong, Taiwan, United Kingdom and Germany

2. Port of Shenzhen

The Port of Shenzhen is located in China’s Guangdong Province, south of the Pearl River Delta. It is one of China’s most significant harbors in terms of foreign trade. Several ports along Shenzhen’s coastline are referred to as the Port of Shenzhen. It covers 260 kilometers of coastline. The Kowloon Peninsula also divides the port into two sections, the eastern and western ports.

The port is home to about 40 shipping companies’ headquarters, which have also opened about 130 international container lines. The Port of Shenzhen is also serviced by 230 international container routes. More than 300 ports in more than 100 nations are connected to Shenzhen.

The future of Shenzhen Port will see the implementation of the “two wings, six zones, and three main ports” layout. The east and west port groups are referred to as the “two wings,” while the “six areas” are the east’s Yantian and Dapeng port areas and the west’s Nanshan, Dachan Bay, Dachan Island, Xiaochan Island, and Bao’an port areas. Yantian Port, Nanshan Port, and Dachan Bay Port are the “three main ports,” emphasizing container shipping and highlighting Shenzhen Port’s fundamental competitiveness.

Key Information

Container traffic in 2018: 27.7 million TEU

Cargo tonnage in 2018: 194.9 million tons

Coastal line: Stretches along 260 km of coast

Container lines: 130

Number of employees: 12,454

Top exports: Mechanical and electronic products, computers, data processing devices, mobile phones, audio and video equipment

Total foreign trade, including imports: 3.45 Trillion Yuan

Three main ports: Yantian Port, Nanshan Port and Dachan Bay Port

3. Port of Ningbo-Zhoushan

The port is a large state-owned company of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Provincial Seaport Investment & Operation Group Co. Ltd., i.e. Ningbo Zhoushan Port Group Co. Ltd. (referred to as Zhejiang Seaport Group).

Zhejiang Seaport Group owns and runs more than 310 businesses with about 30,000 employees. Its primary businesses include the development and utilization of marine resources, investment in the marine industry, management and capital operation of resources related to the sea and ports, investment in the design and operation of ports, shipping services, storage, trading, and processing of bulk commodities, construction of marine engineering, and design and supervision of port engineering, among other things.

The group progressively combines port resources across the province per the idea of unified planning, building, branding, and operation. The group is dedicated to creating an integrated operating system and a top-notch contemporary port cluster by managing port assets in an integrated, extensive, and intensive manner.

With a coastline that stretches for 220 kilometers, Ningbo Zhoushan Port has a sizable port area. In addition to owning more than 200 big deep-water berths for boats over 10,000 dwt and more than 115 large and super-large deep-water berths for vessels over 50,000 dwt, it has 19 port regions. Most large and super-large deep-water facilities in Mainland China are owned and operated by Ningbo Zhoushan Port.

Since 2005, Ningbo Zhoushan Port has experienced a sharp increase in cargo volume. Ningbo Zhoushan Port’s container throughput in 2019 totaled 27.535 million TEUs, solidly placing it in third place globally. The total cargo throughput was 1.12 billion tons, putting it first globally for 11 years.

Key Information

Container throughput in 2019: 27.535 million TEU

Number of employees: 17,425

Top trading partners: European Union, United States and ASEAN

Total assets: 124.1 Billion

Total value of imports and exports at the port: $270.77 Billion

Largest import: Crude oil worth 153.48 Billion Yuan

4. Port of Guangzhou

The primary seaport for Guangzhou City, Guangdong Province, China, is the Port of Guangzhou. Guangzhou Port Group Co. Ltd., a state-owned enterprise, runs the port. It is currently South China’s largest all-encompassing port. Over 300 ports in more than 80 nations and regions throughout the world are served by its international maritime trade.

The port is also the major transportation and economic hub for the Guangdong province and the Pearl River Delta. It is an important transportation center for businesses in provinces nearby, including Jiangxi, Yunnan, Guangxi, Guizhou, Sichuan, Hunan, and Hubei.

In South China, the merger of the three most significant rivers, the Dongxiang, Xinjian, and Beijing, is where Guangzhou Port is located. A vital transportation hub is created by the intersection of the waterway, railway, motorway, and air routes for all three rivers. In the Pearl River Delta region, it serves as the primary port of concentration.

Key Information

Container traffic: 24.2 million TEU

Cargo tonnage: 600 million tons

Minimum wage: US$300

GDP growth rate: 8.3%

Number of terminals: 8

Top exports: Tea, silk, paper, copper, iron, gold and silver

Major trading partners: U.S, Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Thailand

5. Port of Hong Kong

A deep water seaport near the South China Sea, the Port of Hong Kong, is mainly used to transport manufactured goods in containers, with raw materials and passengers coming in second and third. The natural harbor and deep waters of Victoria Harbor, which play a crucial role in Hong Kong’s economic development, offer perfect conditions for the berthing and handling of all vessel types.

In terms of maritime movements, cargo handled, and passenger carries, it is one of the busiest ports in the world. For many years, the port was among the busiest—container ports in the world. From 1987 to 1989, from 1992 to 1997, and from 1999 to 2004, it ranked as the busiest cargo port in the world. In 2016, 25 869 container ships with a net registration tonnage of 386,853 tons passed through the container port in Hong Kong.

There are currently 11 separate yard sites used only for mid-stream activities, taking up 27.5 hectares of land and 3,197 meters of waterfront.

Key Information

Container traffic in 2018: 19.6 million

Cargo tonnage in 2018: 258.5 million tons

Land area: 279 hectares

Available berths: 24

Main exports: cement, blank audio media, oscilloscopes, metalworking transfer machines

Major imports: Equipment, manufactured goods and articles, chemical, mineral fuels

Top trading partners: Taiwan, USA, Singapore, Korea, Japan, Vietnam and India

6. Port of Qingdao

The Port of Qingdao is a seaport on the Yellow Sea in the vicinity of Qingdao, Shandong Province, People’s Republic of China. It is one of the ten busiest ports in the world.

In 2011, the Qingdao Port in Shandong Province, East China, joined forces with three other Chinese ports to form a strategic partnership with the largest port in the Republic of Korea (ROK). To establish a maritime and logistics hub in Northeast Asia, the ports of Qingdao in Shandong, Yantai, Rizhao, Weihai, and Busan in the ROK have joined forces to form the alliance.

Four sections of the Qingdao harbor serve as independent ports. Dagang and Qianwan manage cargo and container traffic. The Qingdao port is an international terminal, whereas Qianwan predominantly deals in domestic containers. A sizable facility for handling iron ore cargoes is also present at the Qingdao port.

Key Information

Container traffic in 2018: 18.26 million TEU

Cargo tonnage in 2018: 600 million tons

Alliance: Busan Port, South Korea

Number of Employees: 9,218

Major cargo handled: Grains, steel products, fertilizers, finish product oil, aluminum, frozen Products

Top trade partners: ASEAN, the United States and the EU

7. Port of Tianjin

Tianjin, formerly known as the port of Tanggu, is the biggest port in Northern China. It is also acknowledged as Beijing’s primary maritime entry point.

Every year, this port handles 500 million tons of cargo on average. It has undergone massive expansions through the years to accommodate the significant volume of goods it handles. To boost its capacity rate, the port is being developed constantly. This port in China is constantly open. It serves both people and various kinds of freight.

The port is renowned for moving bulk liquid and oil cargo. Its handling of freight containing liquid lye and propylene is one of its outstanding offerings. Additionally, it features roll-on and roll-off terminals for grain and other edible oils.

Key Information

Container traffic in 2018: 15.97 million TEU

Cargo tonnage in 2018: 428.7 million tons

Top imports: Fixed-wing aircraft, unladen weight, soya beans, electronic integrated circuits, iron ore, medium-sized cars

Top exports: Telephone sets, processors and controllers, bicycles, cargo containers

Major trade partners: United States, Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea and Vietnam

8. Port of Dalian

The Dalian port has been in use since 1899 and is currently operated by the Dalian Port Corporation. The port is situated on the Liaodong peninsula in the Liaoning province. It is the most northern Chinese harbor where the water doesn’t freeze. The port has more than 80 berths as well. Ships carrying more than 10,000 tonnes of cargo can be docked at 50 of them.

The port mostly reloads refined oils, coal, grain, and mineral oil. More than 300 ports in 160 nations send ships to Dalian. The Dalian port serves over 90 trade routes, both domestic and international. It ranks as China’s second-largest transshipment hub.

The northern port of Dalian serves large portions of the Pacific coastline. It manages a sizable amount of the cargo and container traffic from Pacific Rim countries to North and Eastern Asia. It is a deep-water port that serves both the Yellow Sea and the Bohai Sea, and it is the second-largest transshipment hub on the Chinese mainland. Over 160 different countries’ ships are serviced at 300 ports.

Seven berths that were once held by Nippon Yusen, Singapore Dalian Port Investment, and PSA China are now operated by the Dalian Container Terminal (DCT). Rail and vehicle connections to the port are good. For goods and containers, there are also sizable storage areas. Deepwater berths that have been modernized typically have a depth of 16 meters.

Key Information

Container traffic in 2018: 9.77 million TEU

Cargo tonnage in 2017: 455 million tons

Major trading partners: Japan, European Union, Saudi Arabia, United States and ASEAN

Number of employees: 11,227

Majorly handled cargo: Coal 15 million tons

9. Port of Xiamen

Xiamen is a deep sea port situated on the island of Xiamen along the Jiulongjiang river. It is ranked 17th in the world for cargo throughput— one of the few ports that can handle mega boats and sixth-generation ships. The Xiamen Municipal Government owns the bulk of Xiamen and manages it through the Xiamen Port Authority. It became one of the biggest ports in the world in 2010 after merging with the Port of Zhangzhou. Currently, it is South-East China’s largest port.

The port has 74 total berths spread across 12 separate operating zones. Nine are specifically designed terminals for handling containers; the remaining are for cargo. On average, these berths can process 10,000 tons of cargo, while some can handle 100,000 tons. The port extends across 30 kilometers of the harbor, with an average anchorage depth of 17 meters. Haitian, Liwudian, Dongdu, and Heping are a few operational zones.

Xiamen has cutting-edge technology and provides service to all major shipping lines. It handles almost 500 vessels per month from more than 50 nations and regularly runs 70 routes via the busiest ports in Europe, the Americas, and Africa. Additionally, the port runs a little passenger ferry that connects Xiamen to other ports on the mainland. Regular ferries run between Hong Kong, Guangzhou, Shanghai, and Wenzhou; service is also offered to Kinmen island.

Key Information

Container traffic in 2018: 10.7 million TEU

Cargo tonnage in 2018: 218 million tons

Major exports: Tea, salt graphite powder

Major imports: Wheat, cement, chemical fertilizers, coal, rolled steel, sugar

Major trade partners: ASEAN, U.S and European Union

10. Port of Yingkou

Yingkou Harbor is one of China’s smallest ports, but it is bigger than the largest ports in other countries. This port, which the Yingkou Port Group Corporation runs for the Republic, has 27 berths as well as numerous smaller docks and piers. The primary imports in this country are grain, coal, steel, and cars.

The main exports are foodstuffs, electronics, mass-produced commodities, containerized goods, and machinery parts.

The Old Yingkou Port on the Daliao River and the Bayuquan Port on the Bohai Sea are the two functional areas of the port. The seaport provides loading, pipeline transportation, pilotage, communication vessels, transportation by road and rail, and other services to incoming ships. Chinese Shipping Corporation (COSCO) and the port authorities jointly built the primary Bayuquan container terminal.

Key Information

Container traffic in 2018: 6.5 million TEU

Cargo tonnage in 2018: 21 million tons

Main imports: Grains, coal, steel, vehicles, oil tar, minerals

Main Exports: Container transfers

Major trade partners: Japan, Korea, the U.S and the European Union

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[twwpress]

Weekly Press Briefing #46: May 7th to May 13th

Welcome back to the Weekly Press Briefing, where we bring you highlights from The West Wing fandom each week, including new fics, ongoing challenges, and more! This briefing covers all things posted from May 7 - May 13, 2023! Did we miss something? Let us know; you can find our contact info at the bottom of this briefing!

Challenges/Prompts:

The following is a roundup of open challenges/prompts. Do you have a challenge or event you’d like us to promote? Be sure to get in touch with us! Contact info is at the bottom of this briefing.

The Woulda, Coulda, Shoulda Josh/Donna prompt fest (hosted by @jessbakescakes and @thefinestmuffin) is open for claiming; fics reveal on June 24th. Details here. 

Photos/Videos:

Here’s what was posted from May 7 - May 13.

Amy Landecker posted photos in memory of her and Brad’s boxer, Otis, who sadly passed away this week: 1 | 2

Bradley Whitford also posted a photo of himself and Otis in memory of him. 

Dule Hill posted a video of himself and his wife Jazmyn promoting their new children’s book. 

Josh Malina posted photos of himself from a Bond Official interview. 

Marlee Matlin posted a photo of herself and her mother, who has passed away, in memory of her for Mother’s Day. 

Mary McCormack posted a photo of herself in her show Heels (the second season premieres on Stars on July 28).

Richard Schiff posted an elevator selfie with his wife Sheila, Ronan Diego de Oliviera, Eric Edmeades, and John Lee. 

Rob Lowe posted a selfie celebrating 33 years of sobriety. 

Donna Moss Daily: May 7 | May 8 | May 9 | May 10 | May 11 | May 12 | May 13

Daily Josh Lyman: May 7 | May 8 | May 9 | May 10 | May 11 | May 12 | May 13

No Context BWhit: May 7 | May 8 | May 9 | May 10 | May 11 | May 12 | May 13

This Week in Canon:

Welcome to This Week in Canon, where we revisit moments in The West Wing that occurred on these dates during the show’s run.

Season 1, Episode 21: Lies, Damn Lies and Statistics aired on May 10, 2000.

Season 2, Episode 21: 18th and Potomac aired on May 9, 2001.

Season 3, Episode 19: The Black Vera Wang aired on May 8, 2002.

Season 4, Episode 22: Commencement aired on May 7, 2003.

Season 5, Episode 21: Gaza aired on May 12, 2004.

Season 7, Episode 21: Institutional Memory aired on May 7, 2006.

Editors’ Choice:

In honor of Mother’s Day in the US and moms everywhere, this week we are recommending some of our favorite mom-centric fics! We’ve tried to balance angst and fluff, but sometimes moms are there for/go through some tough stuff, so as always please check warnings, tags, and descriptions before diving in. 

where you lead, i will follow by sam_writes_fics for JessBakesCakes  | Rated G | Josh Lyman/Donna Moss | Complete | A series of vignettes focusing on Mama Lyman over the years.

 Don't Spare Me From Anything (Your Burden is Mine) by JessBakesCakes for SilentScreamer | Rated G | Josh Lyman/Donna Moss | Complete | "When Rachel looks into his eyes, she sees eight-year-old Josh, awake from yet another nightmare after Joanie’s passing. She sees sixteen-year-old Josh, bags under his eyes after a fitful night’s rest. She sees twenty-four-year-old Josh, downing another cup of coffee and heading to the library to study, just to avoid the possibility of being confronted with the images that have been haunting him nearly his whole life."

Or, Mama Lyman helps her Trauma Boy navigate his mental health.

 Love, Mom by sloganeer | Rated G | Josh Lyman/Sam Seaborn | Complete | [Ed. note: no description given on AO3, but this is a cute, Sam’s mom-centric drabble.]

 A Heart, Sketched in Blue Pen by BeatriceEagle | Rated T | Josh Lyman (No Pairings Listed) | Complete | Like his father and his sister before him, Josh Lyman can't help but break his mother's heart.

 Ain’t Nothing But a Family Thing by jeaniecregg | Rated G | C. J. Cregg/Toby Ziegler | Complete | Molly stumps CJ with an important question.

 Janus by Sangerin | Rated G | Abbey Bartlet/Jed Bartlet | Complete | Introspection caught up with her.

Fics:

Presenting your weekly roundup of fics posted in the tag for The West Wing on Archive of Our Own.

Josh/Donna

The Theory of Entropy by Jane_3yr3 | Rated M | Josh Lyman/Donna Moss | In Progress

Cicatrix by spooky_spacegirl | Rated G | Josh Lyman/Donna Moss | Complete

Domestic Days by spooky_spacegirl | Rated G | Josh Lyman/Donna Moss | In Progress

Help Me Hold On To You by Shinyrosa | Rated M | Josh Lyman/Donna Moss | In Progress Stranded, Strung Together by TemperanceCain for JessBakesCakes | Rated T | Josh Lyman/Donna Moss | Complete

Other Pairings/Gen Fic

Off the Record by  onekisstotakewithme for daylight_angel, miabicicletta, Luppiters, hondagirll | Rated T | Danny Concannon/C. J. Cregg | In Progress

yeah, me too by smallandblueandloud | Rated G | C. J. Cregg/Andrea Wyatt/Toby Ziegler | Complete

it started off with a kiss... now it ended up like this by imawkwardlysoc | Rated G | Sam Seaborn/Original Female Character | In Progress

Multiple Pairings

Tiny Fighters: NICU Stories by mlea7675 | Rated T | Josh Lyman/Donna Moss, Helen Santos/Matt Santos, Original Male Character/Original Female Character | Complete

THE WEEKLY PRESS BRIEFING TEAM CAN BE REACHED VIA THE FOLLOWING METHODS:

Twitter: @TWWPress

Email: [email protected]

Feel free to let us know if we missed something, if you have an event you’d like us to promote, or if you have an item that you’d like included in the next briefing!

xx, What’s next?

#the west wing #west wing #tww #the west wing fic #west wing fic #tww fic #tww fic recs #fics about moms #abbey bartlet #mama lyman #cj cregg #josh x donna #sam x josh #jed x abbey #cj x toby #tww rare pairs #weekly press briefing #west wing news #west wing fandom

[knotsuit78]

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Cash Move Forecasting Depending on how a lot cash there is, this curiosity might be a big amount of cash. Regardless, it must be included in your record of money inflows. One-time gross sales — It's obvious to recollect to count your subscription recurring revenue, but do not forget to include these one-time gross sales in your money circulate assertion. While these are essential steps, they nonetheless include some challenges. Project your collections…what do you expect to usher in as income to your business? In other phrases, you might be in a state of affairs the place your July bill is definitely September income. Remember, the operative word in money move is “cash.” Your cash circulate finances should include money in and cash out…period. Your cash flow price range is literally the in’s and out’s of cash movement in your small business. Direct cast flow forecasting is calculated by plugging in cash influx and outflow directly. 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[madsenhoppe5]

Fifty Years Of Heli

At Stellar Heliskiing we depend on our amazing pure surroundings to offer life-changing experiences for our visitors. We also rely on our community of fantastic staff, partners and suppliers to persistently function. There is no doubt that the success of our enterprise depends on the assist of our community in addition to the continued resilience of our mountain surroundings. From the first-ever devoted heliski destination, Bugaboos Lodge, built in 1968, the CMH portfolio has grown to embody eleven properties and areas. Gourmet meals are taken collectively, adventures are recounted in front of the fireplace, and the hospitality is heat. Offers bespoke wilderness adventures with easy access through Williams Lake Airport . Despite a small group of devoted and bold skiers, the history of heli skiing never saw a significant migration to these initial operations. The sport remained a mecca for these athletes who were pushed sufficient to relentlessly pursue first descents on a few of the world’s most spectacular peaks and mountain ranges and it became somewhat of a standing symbol for skiing’s elite. Since these early days, BC has seen the industry develop to more than 20 heli ski operations, greater than anyplace else on the planet. Hans Gmoser, an Austrian Mountain Guide, had a significant pioneering function in heli-skiing in the Sixties and formed Canadian Mountain Holidays . Mike Wiegele was also a pioneer in heliskiing Canada, with his operation commencing in 1970. The profile of heliskiing Canada has continued to increase, partially because of the publicity in Warren Miller motion pictures that reveals extreme skiers benefiting from the unbelievable situations. 50 years in the past in the winter of 64/65 an adventurer by the name of Hans Gmoser began a motion that would spark backcountry tourism, gear development and even give delivery to catskiing a couple of years later. He began Canadian Mountain Holidays, know to most as CMH. Once the decision was made to make the resort a reality, Okanagan Helicopters was known as upon again. Construction of the raise towers was carried out earlier than ground transportation up the mountain was feasible, and helicopters have been thus chosen the construction automobile of selection. And up until the early Nineteen Sixties that’s primarily all it was, till renowned Austrian-Canadian mountain guide Hans Gmoser famously invented the new sport. There had been no flares to be discovered, no out there fuel for a fireplace for sign smoke. Even if people were looking for him, nobody would ever see the crash website beneath the thick ceiling of forest. He had no meals, no shelter from the temperatures that even in springtime plunged the nights properly below freezing. N an early spring afternoon in 1969, John Gow climbed into a Cessna 140 fixed-wing airplane on the runway of the tiny airport within the rural logging city of Golden, British Columbia. His pal Bernard Royle sat in the pilot’s seat, getting ready the little plane for flight. The snow-capped teeth of the northern Purcell vary stretched out gleaming before them. With good onward connections, it couldn’t be easier to reach your chosen Heli-ski area. In this article, we’ll have a glance at the highest six Reasons Heli skiing Canada is the world’s in style and why so many come to Heli ski in Canada from all over the world. The backcountry is a changed landscape in the aftermath of the series of atmospheric rivers. The wind was persistently from the west-southwest throughout the day, varying between 214° at 0900 and 240° at 1500. Wind from this direction would have blown predominantly uphill at the accident website. Although Gmoser did lots to introduce heliskiing to the plenty, it has been identified there might be proof of heliskiing that predated Gmoser’s adventures. Many state that people have been utilizing helicopters to access remote areas for skiing as early because the late 40’s. By the late 60’s, Hans Gmoser really had CMH up and running. Mike Wiegele, a friend of Gmoser’s, began his operation in 1970. Ski-in/ski-out village is nice for households and anybody who likes to be first on the lifts and last down the mountain. Association , and elected Honorary President of the Association of Canadian Mountain Guides . Gmoser’s storied career in the mountains, unfortunately, would have a tragic end. This, I knew, was the moment that iconic information and CMH founder Hans Gmoser knew so intimately, and dedicated his life to sharing with others. Whisk away your loved one on a romantic trip with unparalleled service, wonderful delicacies and sublime sunset seashores, where you realize you'll find a way to truly loosen up and be your self. history of downhill skiing I'm certainly one of eight skiers on Weber Arctic's inaugural helicopter expedition. If you’re dreaming of a dedicated heli-skiing journey or trying to find the proper adrenaline-inducing addition to your winter holiday, we’ll allow you to select the proper vacation spot for your journey. Gaze throughout Iceland’sbreathtaking Arctic surroundings, or travel further afield and experience the majesty of New Zealand’simpressive peaks by yourself tailored heli-ski expertise. Heli-skiing - also recognized as helicopter skiing - takes you past mapped-out runs, giving you the prospect to discover spectacular landscapes and luxuriate in unbeatable conditions, all while being guided by passionate experts. You’ll plunge into the deepest snow, ski across probably the most beautiful glaciers, make contemporary tracks in pristine open bowls and practice your turns via the bushes all whereas witnessing magnificent views from the greatest heights. Growing up in Blue River had its benefits, like going up heli skiing together with your faculty friends each Saturday! He approached to find the airplane laying silent with both wings ripped off, the nose embedded within the trunk of the tree that had fallen throughout the cabin where Gow’s seat had been. Royle was still strapped in, his body heartbreakingly, obviously lifeless. In despair, Gow pulled a seat cushion from the wreckage, collapsed on it within the snow, and handed out once more. A hundred toes up the slope, a large downed tree lay at an odd angle. Deeply concussed and sore around the waist and hips, Gow struggled by way of the deep snow toward it.

#history of heli skiing canada #history of freestyle skiing #history of downhill skiing #history of skiing in canada #canada west's last frontier a history of lambton

[if-you-fan-a-fire]

“PENITENTIARY CONVICTS ON STRIKE,” Daily British Whig (Kingston). October 19, 1920. Page 1. ---- Severe Discipline Causes Rebellion -- Locked in Their Cells And Deprived of Food --- Hoot And Yell All Night. ---- Pandemonium reigns at the, Portsmouth penitentiary. it commenced on Saturday afternoon, when the convicts in the different shops threw down their tools and refused to work. The action of the tailors and the men on the stone pile was soon known all over the place, and the whole population, it is stated, followed suit and went on strike. The reason for the strike of the convicts. is alleged to be a long ministration for Imposing upon them what is regarded as a severe course of discipline. It is said that keen resentment has been aroused over the frequency with which they are called upon to submit to searches of their persons and cells. Upon the strike being reported, Warden Ponsford ordered the prison closed, and all prisoners were marched to their cells and locked up. They were no sooner in their cells than the uproar commenced. It lasted all Saturday night and the noise was so great that the residents of Portsmouth were unable to sleep. The howls of the prisoners could be distinctly heard in the city as far as Centre street. On Sunday there was scarcely any let up.

The men went to chapel, in the morning and were served their meals but they were no sooner back In their cells than the racket began all over again. Every effort was to catch individuals in the ac order to make an example of them. The day guards were called back to do duty all night Sunday, but the inmates were aware of this and divided themselves into several shifts. At a given signal each shift took up the yell when the other left off. One man possessed a loud whistle that could be heard a mile away. Between the yells, condemnation was heaped upon the warden, who seemed to be the special object of their defiance. Their metal cups and plates were used to hammer the bars of their cells, and throngs of spectators, attracted by the din, series of grievances against the ad-lined the street in front of the big prison late Saturday night and on Sunday night. They report that the noise was deafening.

On Monday morning, the prisoners were given no breakfast nor dinner, and this attempt to starve them into submission only made the noise worse and it continues through Monday night

The warden and officials were absolutely helpless to deal with the situation. As soon as the guards approached one of the noisy cell wings, their presence known and there was not a sound, and as it was necessary to catch an offender in the act in order to mete out punishment by confinement in the dungeon, the efforts of the guards were fruitless. It is said that the guards are secretly chuckling over the whole affair and are not entirely in accord with the "new system" as it is called; and under such circumstances they are not disposed to "swear" the prisoners into the dungeons The guards from the west are hooted and maligned with streams of epithets by the convicts.

#kingston penitentiary #kingston ontario #prison strike #prisoner protest #prisoner organizing #trafficking in prison #smuggling contrband #corrupt officials #prison guards #1920 kp rcmp investigation #crackdown #prison discipline #crime and punishment in canada #history of crime and punishment in canada