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hey-its-puddlesock · 2 years

Text

a fic based on this masterpiece, sent at approximately 3 am GMT, @arcadiii please go to bed

taglist: @aldriix, @happi-tree, @elle-cosmic-chaos, @darcysd20, @monarch2800, @yourpersonaltimebomb, @sylsoddsandends, @your-local-hurt-comfort-junkie-1, @reyraccoon, @useless-space-rock-lesbians, @watermelon-converse

Marcy was never happier to work at the library than when she had a shift on a rainy Tuesday morning. It was so quiet; a few patrons milled about the shelves, but for the most part it was just her and her faithful partner Dewey. She gave a deep contented sigh, leaning over the desk to give the cat in question a scratch on the chin. Dewey purred, a sound not unlike a revving motorcycle engine.

It was a slow day. The only people around were a few seniors browsing the gardening books and a couple young moms choosing picture books with their children. Marcy gave a tired smile as she watched the kids pull books off the shelf, look at them for a moment, and toss them to the side. A mess she’d have to clean up later, but for now she was content to sit and watch, glad that they were at least having fun.

She felt her eyelids drooping a bit as she leaned her weight on the counter, Dewey’s constant purring rumbling in her ear like a fuzzy lullaby. The front doors squeaking on their hinges snapped her to attention.

In the entrance stood a girl, about her age. She was sopping wet from the rain, her thick curly hair hanging in dripping clumps around her face. She tried to shake herself off a bit before walking any further into the building, but she was so thoroughly soaked that it was a wasted effort.

“Can I help you?” Marcy asked as the girl approached her desk, concerned about the sudden heat in her cheeks and fluttering in her stomach.

“Yeah, I—OH MY GOSH,” the girl stopped midsentence, rushing over to the edge of the counter where Dewey was lounging cozily. “What a cutie! Oh hello baby, what’s your name you little angel?” She scratched the orange tabby on the head, cooing all the while.

Marcy’s heart did flips inside her chest as she tried to force words out. “Oh! That’s Dewey, he’s our trusty library cat,” she gave him a fond pat. “He’s our most important employee.”

The girl continued to fawn over Dewey, who purred even louder at the sudden attention. Marcy waited a few moments before clearing her throat. “So, is there anything I can do for you?”

She smiled sheepishly, running a hand through her wet curls. “Oh! Yeah, I’m looking for books about frogs? It’s for a school project.” Marcy tried not to notice the way the soft library lamps filtered through the girl’s hair like bottled sunlight.

“Of course!” Marcy smiled, relieved to have a task to tear her away from the girl’s deep, honey-brown eyes. “I can give you a few recommendations on where to start, depending on how in-depth your research for the project needs to be. You’re going to want to start looking in the 597.8s, that’s where the amphibian books are.” She pulled up the search catalog on her computer before looking back to the other girl.

She was looking at Marcy with the blank smile of someone who was hopelessly lost. “The what?” she asked, doing absolutely nothing to hide her confusion.

“The, uh,” Marcy cocked her head inquisitively, trying to quell the butterflies in her stomach as she met the girl’s eyes. “The 597 section? In nonfiction. Like, Dewey decimal?”

Her smile widened and her brow furrowed, the look in her eyes indicating a desperate cry for help. “I, uh…” she shuffled her feet a bit, struggling with how to phrase her question. “I don’t—”

“I can show you!” Marcy cut in, a little too enthusiastically. She walked out from behind the counter, motioning for the girl to follow as she headed for the nonfiction stacks.

“So nonfiction books, or books about real-life facts, are organized with something called the Dewey decimal system,” she explained as they passed the first few shelves. “It goes from 000 to 999, with each hundred indicating a different subject.” They turned down one of the rows and Marcy began scanning the spines of the books to her left. “The more specific the number, the more specific the topic. 500 is natural sciences, and 590 is animals. 597 is cold-blooded creatures, and 597.8 is amphibians. And 597.89,” she stopped, finally at her target destination, “is frogs. If you need information specifically about tadpoles you’ll actually need to look in .81…” her voice trailed off as the girl leaned over her shoulder, close enough that Marcy could feel her breath on her cheek. She took a moment to compose herself, hoping that her face wasn’t as red as it felt. After a few short breaths she pulled a thick book from the shelf. “This is a good one to start with,” she said, hoping the girl couldn’t notice the quaver in her voice. “It’s a general guide to different frog species. There’s lots of surface-level information that would probably be what you’re looking for in your report.” The girl took the book gratefully, offering a quiet word of thanks before shuffling over to one of the tables to read.

Marcy stayed glued to her spot by the amphibian books, her cheeks flushing deep red as she finally let out the breath she didn’t realize she’d been holding. She fidgeted with her hands, unsuccessfully trying to peel her eyes away from the girl as she dropped the book onto a table and flipped to the table of contents.

Get a hold of yourself, Marcy, she chided, giving her head a quick shake. She started walking back to her desk, taking a roundabout route so as not to disturb the new patron.

Morning quickly turned to afternoon. The rain subsided and sunshine peeked through slits in the clouds. Still the girl sat at the same table, flipping through the book Marcy had given her and occasionally taking notes in a purple spiral-bound notebook. Marcy went about her tasks as best she could in her condition. She rolled the book cart out from behind the front desk, sneaking glances at the girl from behind the fiction stacks as she shelved the books that had been checked in that morning. After catching herself staring for what was most definitely longer than was polite, she turned back to the novels she’d just shelved and realized with dismay that not only were they upside down and backwards, but she had just shelved Collins next to Haybury.

She turned her attention to the picture books, gathering the pile that the children had discarded and getting to work on putting them back in their proper order. The shelves in the children’s section only came up to her waist, leaving no obstruction between her and the stranger with the school project. Her gaze kept wandering to the table where she was studying, her cheeks heating up with every bounce of her thick brown curls. Suddenly the girl looked up, head turning to where Marcy stood. Without thinking the librarian fell to the ground behind the shelf, picture books scattering across the floor as she held out a hand to steady herself. She only realized her mistake when it was too late: the falling books clattered to the floor, falling on top of each other in a muffled chorus of thwaps.

Marcy held her breath, hoping that no one had noticed. Of course she wasn’t that lucky. She heard the sound of a chair squeaking against the floor, its occupant standing up and shuffling to where she was hiding.

“Are you okay?” the girl asked, offering her hand to the blushing mess of a librarian on the floor. Marcy took it, sheepishly letting the girl pull her to her feet before turning to the scattered books.

As she gathered the spilled volumes, she was surprised when the girl knelt next to her and began picking up books from the floor to add to her stack. Between the two of them they managed to clear the whole mess. They stood up, Marcy trying to hide behind the stack of books in her arms. She mumbled an embarrassed “thank you” before turning to leave.

“Wait!” the girl immediately winced at how loud she’d spoken. She lowered her voice before continuing. “Are you, um… when do you get off work?”

Marcy’s brow furrowed a bit in confusion. “Um, 5:30?”

“Do you… are you doing anything after? Would you maybe want to go… get dinner? With me?” Marcy had to steady herself before she dropped the entire stack again.

“Um. Y-yeah. I’d like that,” she stammered, barely registering her own voice.

The girl smiled wide. “Great! It’s a date then. I’ll be here to pick you up at 5:30.” Marcy watched the girl walk back to her table, gathering her things before turning back to her. “My name’s Anne, by the way,” she grinned.

“Marcy,” she mumbled, eyes wide and cheeks flushed as Anne dashed out the library doors.

#amphibia #amphibia fanfic #i'm still in tears arci why #love you mum #marcy wu #anne boonchuy #marcanne #just a little marcanne meet-cute #library au

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myonechicagoworld · 3 years

Text

CHICAGO FIRE – AMBITION (S01E20)

[locker clanking] Leslie Shay: Hey.

Kelly Severide: Hey.

Leslie Shay: So we’re off and running.

Kelly Severide: For what?

Leslie Shay: [exhales] I went to the doctor’s office this morning and

got my hormone shot.

Kelly Severide: Oh yeah.

Leslie Shay: Yeah.

Kelly Severide: How you feeling?

Leslie Shay: Fine. Yeah, it’s not affecting me at all. Just, uh, it

means the, uh, window for ovulation is gonna be in the

next couple days so don’t make any plans. And um,

as soon as these say that I’m good to go, we gotta get

to the clinic and perform our respective duties [sniffles]

Uh, okay. Yeah. Well… [clears throat] Sorry, I’m just…

I’m really excited.

Kelly Severide: I can see that.

Leslie Shay: Yeah. All right.

Kelly Severide: Hey.

Leslie Shay: Hm?

Kelly Severide: I am too.

Leslie Shay: [chuckles]

cutscene

Otis Zvonecek: Oh!

Joe Cruz: Oh, yeah. Pecan caramel popcorn. Let’s get into this

before Herrmann finds out.

Matt Casey: Herrmann’s gone hunting with his brother. It’s all the

pecan caramel popcorn you can eat.

Otis Zvonecek: All right!

Joe Cruz: Sweet!

Otis Zvonecek: Who brought this in?

Peter Mills: Uh, a paramedic candidate who’s riding with Dawson

and Shay.

Otis Zvonecek: Oh, yeah, Tara. Uh, apparently she spent a couple

of shifts over at 95. Bob Macelroy, uh, said she’s

pretty cool.

Joe Cruz: What, are you stalking her now?

Otis Zvonecek: No, I’m not stalking her.

Peter Mills: [sniffs]

Otis Zvonecek: I just like to know who I’m working with.

Peter Mills: Are you wearing cologne?

Joe Cruz: [sniffs]

Otis Zvonecek: No.

Body spray, maybe.

Joe Cruz: [chuckles]

Otis Zvonecek: Hey, Tara!

Tara Little: Okay.

Hey.

Otis Zvonecek: Uh, Severide, I think Capp’s looking for you.

Kelly Severide: No, I just left him.

Tara Little: Hi, everybody.

Otis Zvonecek: Hey.

Joe Cruz: Hey!

Did you bring this popcorn ‘cause it’s amazing.

Tara Little: I am not above buying people’s affection.

Otis Zvonecek: So, um, I hear that you are quite a graphic

designer.

Tara Little: So is anyone with a laptop [chuckles]

Otis Zvonecek: [laughs]

Tara Little: Yeah, I wish I’d figured that out before I racked up

$60,000 in student loans.

Otis Zvonecek: Uh huh.

Peter Mills: W-what made you wanna be an EMT?

Tara Little: Uh, my roommate’s a paramedic at 35. I didn’t have to

hang out with her very long before I realised the

firehouse is where it’s at.

[alarm buzzes & blares]

(Over PA): Engine 51, Truck 81, Squad 3, Ambulance 61.

Gabby Dawson: Here we go.

(Over PA): Industrial accident, Racine and 15th Street.

[siren blares]

[indistinct chatter]

Gabby Dawson: Hey, what happened?

Peter Mills: Uh, a worker backed a forklift into the shelves and the

whole thing came down on top of him.

Matt Casey: Don’t move the pallets.

Give me a hand with that.

Here, watch your back.

Hang in there buddy. We’re gonna get you out.

Otis Zvonecek: Coming to ya.

Gabby Dawson: Hey, can you tell me your name?

Victim 1: Phil. Phil Manfreddi.

Gabby Dawson: Okay, hi, Phil.

[barrels clanging]

[indistinct chatter]

Gabby Dawson: Okay, Phil, I want you to breathe slow and easy for

me, okay?

You see his nail beds, how blue they are? What’s

that mean?

Tara Little: Shock. He’s in shock.

Gabby Dawson: Very good. We’re gonna keep his C-spine nice and

straight. And we need to warm him up.

Okay, I’m gonna lift your head, hun.

Matt Casey: Let’s get the spreaders.

Kelly Severide: Forget the spreaders. Get the torch in here. We

need to cut this beam.

Harold Capp: Copy that.

Peter Mills: Wait, why-why don’t we try and lift it?

Kelly Severide: It’s too unstable. Anything shifts, and it’ll all fall right

back on top of him.

Hey! Is there anything flammable in these boxes?

Man 1 (Foreman): No, sir.

Kelly Severide: Need water over here.

Matt Casey: Severide, kill the torch!

Kelly Severide: What?

Matt Casey: Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa! Look out! Everybody get

down!

[explosion]

[grunting]

- title screen -

[fire extinguisher spraying]

Kelly Severide: Is it out?

Matt Casey: Can’t tell. I need to get in there.

[overlapping shouting]

Matt Casey: It’s still smouldering. This can go up again any second.

We gotta move him.

Kelly Severide: I didn’t make it through the beam.

Peter Mills: Wait. [pants] Wait. How about this?

Kelly Severide: It’s worth a try.

Hadley.

Kevin Hadley: Yeah.

[metal creaks]

Victim 1 (Phil): [screams]

Gabby Dawson: Focus on his face and keep him calm.

Tara Little: All right. You’re gonna be okay, Phil.

Kelly Severide: Quick thinking, candidate.

Peter Mills: [pants]

Otis Zvonecek: Gear’s all picked up, Lieutenant.

Matt Casey: All right. Let’s get back home. Where’s Mills?

[compartment door closes]

[indistinct chatter]

Matt Casey: Leave his ass.

Joe Cruz: You got it.

[compartment door closes]

Peter Mills: So then, what’s the difference between an

oxy/acetylene torch and an exothermic torch?

Kelly Severide: For starters, an exothermic will cut through a solid

block of concrete.

[compartment door closes]

Peter Mills: Cool.

Kelly Severide: Yeah. Here, let me show you what else we use.

[engine drives away]

Peter Mills: [sighs]

Kelly Severide: [laughs] He’ll get over it.

cutscene

[backup alert beeping]

Kevin Hadley: [chuckles]

Otis Zvonecek: Your Lieutenant says the bathroom needs a good

cleaning, candidate.

Harold Capp: [chuckles]

cutscene

Tara Little: Hey. Kelly, right?

Kelly Severide: Yeah.

Tara Little: We have a mutual friend. Jennifer Robinson? She tends

bar at Cubby bear.

Kelly Severide: Oh.

Tara Little: She said to say hello.

Kelly Severide: Okay. Yeah, tell her I said hello.

Tara Little: Will do. It’s nice to have a connection to someone here.

Kelly Severide: Yeah, it’s a-it’s a great group at 51. I’m sure that

you’ll fit right in. Shay and Dawson taking good

care of you?

Tara Little: Yeah. I actually have some copies to go make for

Dawson right now. So I’ll see you later.

Kelly Severide: Sure.

cutscene

Gabby Dawson: Hey, Otis. Check this out.

My grandparents in Madrid. My grandfather

�� proposed to her there.

Otis Zvonecek: Hmm, you will never see Russian grandparents

smiling like that.

Gabby Dawson: [laughs] The place they’re standing in front of is

one of the oldest restaurants in Europe.

Otis Zvonecek: You been?

Gabby Dawson: No. Someday.

I think Molly’s needs a big, wooden door like this.

Something timeless and beautiful.

Otis Zvonecek: How did I know there was an agenda attached to

this story?

Matt Casey: It is a nice door.

Otis Zvonecek: Look, Dawson, now is not the time to be making

design decisions, okay?

Herrmann’s unreachable in the woods of Ontario

somewhere.

Gabby Dawson: Yeah, exactly why now is the time.

Otis Zvonecek: Well, we don’t have any money left.

Matt Casey: There’s a salvage place I use. There’s all kinds of old

structural pieces. Might take some searching, but

we could take a look.

Gabby Dawson: Really?

Matt Casey: Mm-hmm.

Yeah?

Gabby Dawson: Yeah.

Matt Casey: All right.

Gabby Dawson: Sounds good. Thanks.

Peter Mills: Bathrooms are done, Lieutenant.

Matt Casey: Showers need a good cleaning, too.

Peter Mills: Okay… uh, can I talk with you for a minute first…

in private?

Matt Casey: Sure.

[clears throat]

Peter Mills: I want to apologise for this morning. I know I screwed

up and it won’t happen again. But I also wanna

formally let you know that I will be pursuing that open

opportunity in Squad.

Matt Casey: I heard. But right now, you are on Truck. And while

you’re here, you better act like it.

Peter Mills: Yes, sir.

[alarm buzzes and blares]

(Over PA): Ambulance 61, laceration injury. 670 North Talman

Avenue.

[siren blares]

Lady 1 (Wife): So sorry about this. My husband, Dennis, he was

working on the garage door and it just started

opening.

Victim 2 (Dennis): [groaning]

Gabby Dawson: His arm’s caught in there. We’re not equipped

for this. Call it in.

Leslie Shay: (into radio) Dispatch, this is Ambulance 61. We need

a truck company to 670 North Talman Avenue.

Victim 2 (Dennis): My shoulder! I heard the muscle make a

ripping sound.

Leslie Shay: [pants]

Victim 2 (Dennis): [grunts]

Gabby Dawson: Okay… We’re gonna get you down, Dennis.

Let me support your weight, okay? Tara, take

hold of his legs with me. We’re gonna lift him up.

Tara! I need your help.

All right, come here.

Okay, it’s okay.

Leslie Shay: Dawson, see if you can lift the door.

[grunts]

Victim 2 (Dennis): [groans]

Leslie Shay: Tara, get up here and help me.

Lift this, come on.

Victim 2 (Dennis): [groans]

Leslie Shay: Dennis…

Victim 2 (Dennis): [grunts]

Leslie Shay: This is gonna hurt like hell, but it’s gonna be quick,

all right?

Victim 2 (Dennis): Tell me, what are you gonna do?

[screams]

Leslie Shay: All right, get him down.

Victim 2 (Dennis): [groans]

Arlene, my arm!

Lady 1 (Wife/Arlene): Sweetie, you’re all right.

Victim 2 (Dennis): [groans]

Gabby Dawson: All right, come on. You can come with us.

cutscene

Leslie Shay: Where’d Tara go? She off crying in a corner

somewhere?

Gabby Dawson: Oh, come on, that was pretty gnarly. Cut her some

slack.

Leslie Shay: So you and Casey going, uh, treasure hunting after

shift, huh?

Gabby Dawson: Don’t even start that. I gotta say though, it’s just

nice to be back to normal with him.

Leslie Shay: Normal? Normal as in buried romantic feelings and

unspoken sexual tension? [laughs]

Hey, I ran into Mike, and he said Hallie, she’s-she’s

long gone. She’s history. She’s off finding herself,

doing some medical aid work in South America or

somewhere…

Gabby Dawson: I don’t care, Shay. I got my man, all right?

Leslie Shay: Hey, hey! [snaps fingers] Excuse me, don’t touch that!

That’s not yours! Put it back.

Gabby Dawson: How long ago since that hormone shot?

Leslie Shay: Just don’t mess with my gurney.

Tara Little: Grabbed a couple coffees for you guys.

Leslie Shay: Thank you.

Gabby Dawson: Thanks.

Tara Little: I, uh, I saw the doctor in the hall. She said you saved

that man’s arm.

Gabby Dawson: Well, we got him here fast. That’s the key. A quick

response is everything.

Tara Little: Okay.

Gabby Dawson: Okay?

Tara Little: Mmhmm.

cutscene

Kelly Severide: Mills.

Peter Mills: Yeah, Lieutenant?

Kelly Severide: C’mere.

Have a seat.

Pretty good article on the different types of cutting

torches and what situations they’re best for.

Peter Mills: Oh, cool. Thanks, Lieutenant.

Kelly Severide: How are the classes going?

Peter Mills: Good. They’re really good actually. I-I couldn’t get into

vertical rescue this time around so… it’s full up.

Joe Cruz: What are you doing? You can’t stop it.

Mouch: Where’s the defense in this game?

Joe Cruz: There’s no defense in paper football. I get a penalty kick.

Put up your uprights.

Mouch: Aw! [groans]

Joe Cruz: [laughs]

Otis Zvonecek: Can someone please explain to me why our truck

candidate is sitting at the Squad table?

Joe Cruz: Does Severide know?

Otis Zvonecek: Severide’s there. They’re all there. It’s a little tea

party, and Peter Mills is the guest of honour.

Kelly Severide: Call Lieutenant Brunson. Tell him I want you in his

class.

Peter Mills: Great. I will.

Kelly Severide: Good.

Joe Cruz: I guess we’re not good enough for him anymore.

Mouch: What a slap in the face. Mills could use a lecture on

company loyalty.

Otis Zvonecek: I’ve been here, what, five years? Nobody ever

talked about grooming me for Rescue Squad, but

Mills, oh Mills…

Matt Casey: Maybe that’s because he’s busting his ass.

cutscene

Kelly Severide: Bet you a dollar you miss that.

Tara Little: Make it a beer.

Kelly Severide: You’re on.

Tara Little: Gee, I guess I owe you a beer.

cutscene

Matt Casey: Chief, got a sec?

Chief Boden: Yeah.

Matt Casey: This business about getting Mills on Squad, you sure

he’s ready?

Chief Boden: Severide thinks so.

Matt Casey: Yeah. I’m sure he does. Have you talked to Mills about

it?

Chief Boden: Yeah, I have.

Matt Casey: A real conversation? Or just long enough for him to say

what you wanted to hear?

Chief Boden: Look Casey, I get it. You are tired of sniffing out talent

and training them up, only to have them poached by

Squad.

Matt Casey: This isn’t about me, Chief. It shouldn’t be about you,

either. Or your feelings of obligation toward Henry

Mills.

Chief Boden: Your concerns… are duly noted.

cutscene

Peter Mills: Yeah, no, I-I know I missed a couple sessions, but,

uh, Lieutenant Severide, he really wants me to take

this class. So I’m hoping that there’s still time to

jump in?

Yeah.

Oh, that’s great.

Great, I’ll wait to hear from you.

Okay.

Gabby Dawson: Hey, what are you doing here?

Peter Mills: Um, taking care of some business.

Gabby Dawson: Okay.

Peter Mills: I feel like I’m doing something wrong. I… I see the way

that people look at me, and I can just imagine what

they’re saying behind my back.

Gabby Dawson: Ambition makes people uncomfortable. You just

have to remind yourself that you’re not doing it

for them.

Peter Mills: Yeah, well, I think it’s something a little deeper though

with Casey, isn’t it?

Gabby Dawson: What do you mean?

Peter Mills: You think he’d be riding me this hard if I wasn’t with the

girl that he likes?

Gabby Dawson: [nervous chuckle] You-you don’t know what you’re

talking about, Pete. You messed up. Casey rapped

your knuckles for it. You know how many times

Otis had to mop this house top to bottom when

he was a candidate?

Peter Mills: Uh-huh.

Gabby Dawson: Uh-huh.

cutscene

[footsteps approaching]

Leslie Shay: Cindy.

Cindy Herrmann: Hi, Leslie.

Leslie Shay: How are you feeling?

Cindy Herrmann: Fat.

[laughter]

Cindy Herrmann: Uh, Christopher left his set of car keys here. I just

need to grab them.

Leslie Shay: Okay. Did he, uh, call you yet to brag about how many

innocent birds he’s killed?

Cindy Herrmann: Uh, No, they’re… they’re deep in the woods up

there, so I don’t expect to hear from him.

Leslie Shay: Mm, well, I’m sure we’ll all get an earful once he’s

back.

Cindy Herrmann: [panting]

Leslie Shay: You okay?

Cindy Herrmann: Oh, yeah. Yeah, I just got real winded walking in

here. That’s what I get for gaining 25 pounds in

the first two trimesters.

Leslie Shay: When did the, uh, shortness of breath start?

Cindy Herrmann: Oh, I guess it got tricky about an hour ago. I-I

should sit…

Leslie Shay: Mmhmm.

Cindy Herrmann: A few minutes, maybe.

Leslie Shay: Yep. All right, well, just to be safe, I’m gonna just go

ahead and take your vitals, okay?

Cindy Herrmann: Oh, it’s probably nothing.

Leslie Shay: Yeah.

Cindy Herrmann: E-Everything look okay?

Leslie Shay: Yeah, yeah, everything’s all right. I just wanna get you

to Lakeshore and have a few things checked out,

okay?

Cindy Herrmann: Okay.

Leslie Shay: So just stay here. Take nice, easy breaths, and um, I’m

gonna go tell Chief Boden, okay?

Cindy Herrmann: Okay.

Leslie Shay: Okay.

Chief, Cindy’s oxygen levels are way too low. It could

be a P.E. We need to get her to Lakeshore now.

Chief Boden: Go. Go!

[siren blaring]

Leslie Shay: All right, Cindy, nice, easy breaths.

In and out, you just relax.

Dawson, she’s lost consciousness. Call ahead to

Lakeshore, give ‘em the report. I gotta tube her.

Gabby Dawson: You need my help?

Leslie Shay: No, just get us there as fast as possible.

Give me the intubation kit.

Gabby Dawson: Lakeshore this is Ambo 61…

Leslie Shay: Tara!

Gabby Dawson: Be advised we are on route with a pregnant

female.

Leslie Shay: Come on.

Hurry up.

Hand me the 7 ½.

Ambu bag.

Come on, Cindy.

38 year-old female, 26 weeks gestation. She went

unresponsive, stopped breathing and I had to intubate.

Gabby Dawson: She’s a friend, the wife of one of our guys.

Doctor: Sounds like a P.E. Let’s push tPA. and tell the CT scanner

we’re coming.

Nurse: Right away.

Doctor: We’ve got her.

Leslie Shay: She shouldn’t be here alone.

Gabby Dawson: You should go with her.

Leslie Shay: You sure?

Gabby Dawson: 100%.

Leslie Shay: Thanks.

cutscene

Leslie Shay: Hey, how is she?

Doctor: The clot travelled to her lungs. We did a thrombectomy and

fished it out.

Leslie Shay: And how’s the baby?

Doctor: The baby’s fine. We’re starting her on blood thinners so

she’ll be on bed rest for the remainder of the pregnancy.

But other than that, she’s fine.

Leslie Shay: Okay.

Doctor: You can go in and see her.

Leslie Shay: Thank you.

Hey, girl.

Cindy Herrmann: Get over here.

Leslie Shay: [exhales] I’m so glad you’re okay.

Cindy Herrmann: Thank you, Leslie.

Leslie Shay: Of course.

cutscene

[knocks at door]

Gabby Dawson: You and Mouch get a hold of Herrmann?

Chief Boden: Yeah, uh, park rangers tracked him down. He’s on his

way home now. Great news about Cindy. Thanks to

Shay.

Gabby Dawson: Uh, oh. What’d I do now?

Man 2 (Chief Hatcher): Morning, Dawson.

Gabby Dawson: Hey, Chief Hatcher.

Man 2 (Chief Hatcher): I came by to see how Tara Little’s doing on

the rig.

Gabby Dawson: Uh… yeah, she’s a nice girl. Putting in a real effort.

Man 2 (Chief Hatcher): Dawson, one thing I know I can rely on with

you is a straight story. And that’s what I’m

looking for here now.

Gabby Dawson: She’s not cut out for a busy house, Chief. She’s

game, has a positive attitude, but she doesn’t

have the stomach for it.

Man 2 (Chief Hatcher): Sound like city work’s not for her. Maybe

the suburbs. Thanks, Dawson.

Gabby Dawson: No problem.

Man 2 (Chief Hatcher): Been nice… not seeing any violations with

your name lately. Keep it up.

cutscene

Matt Casey: I love how solid all this old construction stuff is.

Houses were built to last [grunts]

Gabby Dawson: Cool, let me check it out.

Matt Casey: It’s pretty heavy.

Gabby Dawson: I’m sorry, are you saying I can’t manage?

Matt Casey: Mm, look at that game face.

Gabby Dawson: Give it to me.

Matt Casey: All right.

Gabby Dawson: I got it. It’s fine. It’s not that bad.

Matt Casey: Yeah, you look like you got it.

Gabby Dawson: Okay. No, it’s… take it.

Matt Casey: Yeah? Sure?

Gabby Dawson: Take it. Ta… take it.

[laughter]

Matt Casey: Doors.

[claps]

Gabby Dawson: Oh, Casey.

Matt Casey: Ooh.

Gabby Dawson: This is it.

Matt Casey: Yeah, we can strip it down, stain it a dark mahogany

or something.

Gabby Dawson: Yeah. It’s perfect. If my mom sees this hanging up

at Molly’s, she is gonna go nuts.

[phone rings]

Gabby Dawson: Let me get this.

Hey.

Peter Mills: Hey there. Uh, look, I’m gonna have to blow off dinner

tonight. Yeah, they’re letting me jump into this vertical

rescue class, and I just can’t.

Gabby Dawson: Oh yeah, no worries. Um, we can-we can do it

tomorrow night.

Peter Mills: Okay. Where you at?

Gabby Dawson: Um, I’m looking at doors for the bar.

Peter Mills: By yourself? You wanna wait until tomorrow? I can help.

Gabby Dawson: Um, no, I’m good. Thanks. Talk to you later.

Peter Mills: Okay.

cutscene

[knocks on door]

Tara Little: I always hold up my end of the bet.

Kelly Severide: Ah…

Tara Little: [giggles]

Kelly Severide: …Very honourable of you.

Tara Little: Am I interrupting something?

Kelly Severide: Uh, not really. Um… come on in.

[laughter]

Tara Little: Okay.

[door closes]

Tara Little: It was kind of a rough time when I started my EMT

certification. My family thought I was crazy shifting gears

from design.

Kelly Severide: Do they support you now?

Tara Little: Not really. But they will as soon as I show them I can

hack it. I could tell that you didn’t really remember

Jennifer. That bartender I asked you about.

Kelly Severide: No, I do, the-the blonde.

Tara Little: Black hair. Black.

Kelly Severide: Oh.

Tara Little: Nice try.

Kelly Severide: [laughs]

Tara Little: She remembered you [clears throat]

When I told her I was gonna be working at 51, she

warned me about you. She said that you were just my

type. That I’d have a hard time staying away.

Kelly Severide: Really?

Tara Little: She’s a smart girl, that Jen.

[door opens and slams shut]

Leslie Shay: What the hell, Kelly?

Kelly Severide: What’s wrong?

Leslie Shay: What’s wrong? I called you, like ten times!

Kelly Severide: I-I must have left my phone at the gym.

Leslie Shay: I told you to be on alert. I’m in the window.

Kelly Severide: I…

Leslie Shay: Now the clinic’s closed!

Unbelievable. Unbelievable!

Kelly Severide: Hey, I’m so… look, hey! Listen Shay, I’m sorry,

okay? We can do to the clinic tomorrow morning.

That’s still in the window, isn’t it?

Leslie Shay: No! There’s no way to be sure about that.

Kelly Severide: I gotta ask, is this-is this you talking or is this the…

Leslie Shay: Don’t blame this on the hormones! You can’t even

bother to look at your phone? You can’t even think to

look at it?

Kelly Severide: I didn’t have it!

Leslie Shay: A baby isn’t an afterthought, Kelly.

Kelly Severide: I know that.

Leslie Shay: Do you?

So I release you of the obligation.

cutscene

Peter Mills: Okay, save some for the lady.

Otis Zvonecek: Why? She tanked Tara.

You tanked the single attractive EMT.

Gabby Dawson: I didn’t tank her, Otis.

Otis Zvonecek: Yeah.

Gabby Dawson: I just said that she wasn’t cut out for the streets of

Chicago, okay? They’ll probably move her to

Mayberry or something.

Otis Zvonecek: Wrong. Her probationary status was revoked,

Dawson.

Matt Casey: Hey, did you show Otis?

Gabby Dawson: Uh… no not yet.

Otis Zvonecek: Show me what?

Matt Casey: The new door for the bar.

Otis Zvonecek: Oh, Dawson, I was happy with the one we had.

Matt Casey: Don’t worry about it. I know the guy who runs the

place. Dawson has expensive taste, granted but I

managed to talk him down.

[alarm buzzes & blares]

(Over PA): Engine 51, Truck 81, Squad 3, Ambulance 61. House fire,

4800 block, West Thomas.

Joe Cruz: Oh look guys, Mills is gonna ride with us.

[siren blaring]

[indistinct radio chatter]

[car door shuts]

Chief Boden: Severide, get that gate down.

Kelly Severide: Hadley, grab the K12.

Kevin Hadley: Got it.

Matt Casey: Windows are all covered up, Chief. Can’t get a look

inside.

[k12 whirring]

Chief Boden: Not seeing a lot of signs of occupancy here.

[grinding]

Kelly Severide: Smell a little skunky to you?

Matt Casey: Yup.

Matt Casey: (into radio) Patched into the city service just below the

weather head.

(over radio) They’re stealing electricity. Looks like…

(into radio) …we’ve got a marijuana grow house, Chief.

Chief Boden: (into radio) Give me a small primary...

(over radio) …search team. And be careful in there.

Matt Casey: (over radio) Power’s disconnected.

Kelly Severide: Bring Mills in. Teach him how to breach a grow

house.

Matt Casey: Mind if I run my own company?

[door breaks open]

Kelly Severide: All right, Mills, pay attention.

Wow.

Watch out for booby traps. Don’t get tangled up in

wires or duct work, and keep an eye out for

chemicals or fuel.

Peter Mills: Copy that, Lieutenant!

Matt Casey: Fire department, call out!

Kelly Severide: Anybody here?

Capp, pick him up.

Harold Capp: You got it!

[glass shattering]

Kelly Severide: Pass him to me.

Harold Capp: All right [grunts]

Kelly Severide: Watch the glass. Unh.

[electricity crackles]

Harold Capp: [grunts & groans]

Peter Mills: What was that? Sounded like electricity.

Gabby Dawson: Get him on the gurney.

Okay, we got him.

Chief Boden: Where’s Capp?

Kelly Severide: Right behind me.

[PASS alarm beeping]

Kelly Severide: Capp!

Chief Boden: Hey, hey, hey, hey!

Kelly Severide: Chief!

Chief Boden: Take it easy. We have already got two men inside.

[PASS alarm beeping]

Chief Boden: (over radio) Casey…

(into radio)…you got eyes on Capp?

Matt Casey: (over radio) Not yet.

Peter Mills: Capp, call out!

Matt Casey: Capp, where are you?

(into radio) Chief, the electricity is still on.

Kelly Severide: Come on.

(into radio) We’re looking for a secondary line now.

Hang on.

Kevin Hadley: There. Right there.

Kelly Severide: Yeah.

[PASS alarm beeping]

Peter Mills: Capp, call out!

Matt Casey: Capp?

Chief Boden: (into radio) Talk to me Casey.

Matt Casey: (into radio) He’s caught up in some wires. I can’t tell if

they’re energised.

Don’t touch him! Stay back

[electricity crackles]

Kelly Severide: (over radio) Casey, the secondary line is cut.

(into radio) We’re still looking for other lines.

[PASS alarm beeping]

Matt Casey: (into radio) Can’t wait.

Stand back, Mills.

Kelly Severide: (into radio) Hey Casey, do you hear me?

Chief Boden: Get in there! Help him!

Matt Casey: Can’t tell if he’s breathing.

Kevin Hadley: [grunts]

Gabby Dawson: Hey. How you feeling, Capp?

Harold Capp: Smells like a Phish concert out here.

[laughter]

Gabby Dawson: We’ll take him in to get checked out.

Kelly Severide: Okay.

Gabby Dawson: Come on, get up.

Kelly Severide: I got him. I got him.

[indistinct chatter]

Otis Zvonecek: Rescuing Rescue Squad. Nicely done, Mills.

Peter Mills: [scoffs]

[indistinct chatter]

[indistinct radio chatter]

Matt Casey: Not gonna miss your ride this time, huh?

[door slams]

Peter Mills: Lieutenant… how come you never went for Squad?

Matt Casey: Mills… all the lives we save, the people we help… you

think they give a damn which company insignia we

wear?

Dispatcher: (over radio) Truck 81, are you available to assist in a

shooting incident?

Matt Casey: (into radio) Truck 81 responding.

[pounds on door]

Matt Casey: We gotta go!

[compartment door shuts]

cutscene

[sirens wailing]

[indistinct radio chatter]

[ambo door shuts]

Uniform Cop: No rush, ladies. He’s not going anywhere. Territorial

dispute. Couple of corner boys ran up and shot him.

Same old story.

Gabby Dawson: How do I know this guy?

Curtis. This is the guy who helped Antonio bust

Voight.

[siren wailing]

[horns blazing]

Gabby Dawson: Hey, we’re too late.

Matt Casey: Okay. How’s Capp?

Gabby Dawson: He’s good, he’s good. No electrical burns or

anything. They gave him an EKG.

Yeah, I know.

cutscene

[drill whirrs]

Joe Cruz: So what does this mean?

Mouch: According to Boden, the D.A’s office remains committed to

its case against Detective Voight. And after all, Curtis’s

testimony wasn’t the only arrow in their quiver.

Gabby Dawson: Is that what you’re hearing, Casey?

Matt Casey: I thought we were here to celebrate.

Gabby Dawson: [chuckles]

Otis Zvonecek: Exactly! Come on, guys! It’s time for the inaugural

round of beers at Molly’s.

Leslie Shay: Hey, Casey.

Matt Casey: Hey, Shay.

Leslie Shay: Hey.

Gabby Dawson: Hey, how’s Cindy doing?

Leslie Shay: She’s good. Herrmann’s back, glued to her side, which

is driving her crazy.

Otis Zvonecek: All right, guys. Belly up. Come on.

Oh, wait, wait, wait.

[cheering]

Gabby Dawson: Hey.

Otis Zvonecek: To Molly’s.

All: To Molly’s.

[glass clinking]

Matt Casey: Ah.

Kelly Severide: Mm, it’s delicious, Otis. But are you gonna chill it

before opening?

Otis Zvonecek: God, I swear I plugged that in.

Matt Casey: Okay, who wants to see this door?

Gabby Dawson: Me.

Leslie Shay: Hey, can I talk to you?

Kelly Severide: Yeah, ab… Listen about…

Leslie Shay: Look, I’m so sorry.

Kelly Severide: About the other day, I messed up big time. I know

that.

Leslie Shay: It…

Kelly Severide: I’m sorry.

Leslie Shay: [scoffs] I’m sorry. I mean, it was the hormones. Or… I

think. I’m-I’m not sure, but look, I… I think I should

make other arrangements, ‘cause it’s like our

friendship is one of the only really good things I have

going on in my life and I don’t wanna mess that up.

Kelly Severide: That’s the silliest thing I’ve-I’ve ever heard.

Leslie Shay: But Kelly…

Kelly Severide: You’re trying to give me an easy out, I get it. I do.

But I don’t need one, okay. We’re doing this.

Okay?

Leslie Shay: Okay.

Kelly Severide: Come here.

[kissing sound]

Otis Zvonecek: I have to admit, it [chuckles] looks pretty damn

good.

Gabby Dawson: Right?

And, hey, can you… I need a picture.

Mouch: Okay.

Gabby Dawson: Come here.

Matt Casey: All right.

Mouch: I hope this comes out okay. I don’t have my glasses.

Joe Cruz: Just give me this.

All right guys.

[door unlatches]

Gabby Dawson: Oh.

Matt Casey: Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa.

Gabby Dawson: Hey, hey.

Leslie Shay: Whoa. Whoa. Sorry

Joe Cruz: Come on, come on, come on. We’re trying to take this

picture.

Kelly Severide: Looks great.

Leslie Shay: Sorry, sorry.

Kelly Severide: All right, guys.

Joe Cruz: Ready?

[camera clicks]

Joe Cruz: One more.

[camera clicks]

Gabby Dawson: Hey, Pete. Hi. I thought you had classes all day.

Peter Mills: Oh I do. Just wanted to carve out a couple minutes to

come see this door. Looks great.

[kissing sound]

[phone buzzing]

Kelly Severide: Uh, I gotta go to the firehouse.

Leslie Shay: What for?

Kelly Severide: I don’t know. See you guys.

All: See ya.

Later, man.

cutscene

Kelly Severide: Hey Tara.

Okay.

[knocks on door]

Kelly Severide: Chief?

Chief Boden: Come on in, Kelly. Take a seat.

[door closes]

Chief Boden: Lieutenant Severide. A subordinate has accused you

of luring her to your apartment… and trying to force

yourself upon her.

Kelly Severide: What?

Chief Boden: She hasn’t pressed criminal charges as yet and we

are trying to convince her to keep this an internal

matter.

Kelly Severide: Are you-are you-are you talking about Tara Little?

What did she say I did?

Chief Boden: You’re gonna wanna talk to your union rep. See about

getting a lawyer.

cutscene

Gabby Dawson: I really appreciate this, Casey. It means a lot.

Matt Casey: I know. That’s why I did it.

It seems like things are going pretty well with you and

Mills.

Gabby Dawson: Yeah. They are.

Matt Casey: He’s a lucky guy.

[door opens]

Gabby Dawson: Uh, sorry, we’re closed.

Matt Casey: Hallie?

Hallie Thomas: Hey, Matt.

Matt Casey: What?

I thought you were in South America.

Hallie Thomas: I was. I just got back. The guys at the station said

you might be here.

Hey, Gabby. How are you?

Gabby Dawson: I’m good. I’m good. You look… you look great.

Hallie Thomas: Thanks.

Matt Casey: Uh… You wanna grab a coffee or something?

Hallie Thomas: I’d love that.

Matt Casey: All right.

- end -

Definitions:

C-spine – The cervical spine (neck region) is the most superior position of the vertebral column, lying between the cranium and the thoracic vertebrae. It consists of seven bones (C1-C7 vertebrae)

Oxy/acetylene torch – Widely used for welding purposes

Exothermic torch – Used in cutting. An exothermic torch works by feeding oxygen through an exothermic carbon steel cutting rod that is charged by the 12-volt battery. The exothermic torch has the ability to cut through mild steel that is three inches thick and makes quick works of re-bar, coated steel, bridge decking, concrete lined pipes and highway guard rails. It will burn through common metals even when they are covered in mud, dirt or rusted out

P.E. – A pulmonary embolism is a sudden blockage in the lung artery. It usually happens when a blood clot breaks loose and travels through the bloodstream to the lungs

7 ½ - Size of tube for intubation. A 7 – 7 ½ endotracheal tube (ETT) is generally appropriate for an average woman and 7 ½ - 8 ETT for an average man

tPA – Tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) is the only FDA approved treatment for ischemic or thrombotic stroke, which is stroke caused by a blood clot interrupting blood flow to a region of the brain. It has also been used in treatment for pulmonary embolism and myocardial infraction. tPA is a blood thinner

Thrombectomy – Removal of a thrombus (blood clot) under image guidance

Phish concert – American rock band

EKG – Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) records the electrical signal from your heart to check for different heart conditions. Electrodes are placed on your chest to record your heart’s electrical signals, which cause your heart to beat

18 notes · View notes

davidfarland · 3 years

Photo

Sometimes you’re not in the mood to write, but you know that you should. Maybe you’ve set a goal and hope to reach it, or you’re on a deadline. Here are a few strategies that you can use to get started:

1. FIND A WRITING PROMPT

You don’t know what to write? Find a writing prompt, a sentence that suggests the opening to a story, and run with it. Years ago, a writing group used a prompt that started, “There were rats in the soufflé again.” Suddenly stories about rats and soufflés appeared in magazines everywhere. You may find writing prompts online simply by Googling “Writing prompts.” But guess what, you might have writing prompts in your own subconscious. Just let something pop out. “After the horrific thunderstorm, I found an angel in the gutter by the side of the road.” “The skyfish on Lucius V drifted on the wind like an airborne jellyfish, translucent and insubstantial, with streamer-like tendrils swaying below.” What are those stories about? I have no idea. But I could start a tale with either sentence. There’s something that you want to write about. Your conscious mind just doesn’t know it, so let your subconscious do the heavy lifting.

2. REMEMBER STORY BASIC COMPONENTS

You have a story you want to write, but don’t know where to start? There are several things that every story has to have—a setting, a character, a conflict, a theme. Try writing a hook to your story based upon all four of these things. One of those hooks may get you excited, and set you to writing.

3. SET A GOAL TO DO ONE THING STUNNINGLY

For example, you need to set your scene. So you might set a goal to simply describe the setting, to bring it to life as vividly as possible, by using evocative language, by giving it a history and a purpose, by making it fascinating. Of course, you can do the same with a character or a conflict. In fact, if you’re writing a well-rounded story, you will do all three!

4. FIND YOUR EMOTIONAL TONE

Is your story supposed to be hilarious? Write out a dry description of your setting, then bring it to life by making it humorous. Are you seeking to be horrific or mysterious? Then you would need to search for details and descriptive terms that set your tone.

5. GO BACK TO BEGIN AGAIN

Are you dozens of pages into a novel or screenplay? Many years ago, one of my professors, the poet Leslie Norris, said that his method for getting into a project after he had been away from it for a few days was to simply rewrite. Go back ten or twenty pages from where the story stops, and then make a pass through it, fixing any errors, and looking for ways to better the prose, adding or taking away details as needed. This lets you ease in to the writing process, so that by the time you reach the last page, you will remember what you had planned to compose next.

Did you notice that I didn’t say anything about checking your email, listening to music to search for inspiration, paying bills, or anything else that will take you away from your keyboard? Don’t let yourself be distracted. Plant your butt in your chair and write!

This week on Apex Writers…

David Brin is an American scientist and author of science fiction. He has won the Hugo, Locus, Campbell and Nebula Awards. His novel The Postman was adapted into a 1997 feature film starring Kevin Costner.

USA TODAY bestselling author, M.A. Rothman, is one of the most unlikely novelists you’ll ever meet. He’s an engineer first and foremost, with a background in the sciences, and somehow or another, this writing habit of his has turned into a bit more than just a run-of-the-mill hobby.

#writing #writers #writing tips and tricks #writing coach #writing mentor #writing lessons #writing advice #writing help #author #editor #creative writing #writeblr #writebl #nanowrimo

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phantom-le6 · 3 years

Text

Episode Reviews - Star Trek The Next Generation Season 1 (3 of 6)

As we draw close to crossing the first month of 2021 off the calendar to make room for February, which in my view is only of use for Pancake Day and nothing more, I’m back with yet more reviews from the first season of Star Trek: TNG. Will these episodes prove any better than those of the first two rounds, or are we looking at more lemons with warp engines? Let’s find out…

Episode 10: Hide and Q

Plot (as adapted from Wikipedia):

The Enterprise is en route to Quadra Sigma to aid colonists caught in a methane explosion when Q re-appears and demands that they abandon their mission to compete in a game. He teleports Commander Riker and the bridge crew, with the exception of Captain Picard, to a barren landscape and appears in front of them wearing a uniform of a Napoleonic era French marshal. He explains the rule of the game is to stay alive, and after Lt. Yar refuses to compete, he transports her back to the bridge of the Enterprise in a "penalty box".

Q returns to the bridge too, to talk Picard into setting a wager. He explains that the Q Continuum is testing Commander Riker to see if he is worthy of being granted their powers. Picard, having the utmost faith in his First Officer, takes the bet, as winning it would mean Q would get off their backs. Meanwhile, Riker and his team are attacked by what Lt. Worf reports as "vicious animal things" wearing French soldier uniforms from the Napoleonic era and armed with muskets that fire energy bolts instead of the classic projectiles. Q returns to Riker and tells him that he has granted him the powers of the Continuum, and Riker promptly returns his crew mates to the ship but remains behind with Q to ultimately reject the powers. Q brings the crew back to the landscape, this time without their phasers and with Picard. The crew are attacked once more by the aliens, and both Worf and Wesley Crusher are killed. Riker uses the powers of the Q to return the crew again and bring both Worf and Wesley back to life.

Riker makes a promise to Picard never to use the powers again and the ship arrives at Quadra Sigma. A rescue team beams down and discovers a young girl who has died. Riker is tempted to save her, but in the end, he refuses to do so out of respect for his promise. However, he quickly shows signs of regret at this decision, which he expresses to the captain. Tension between Picard and his first officer grows as Riker now seems to be embracing his powers, and his behaviour toward the crew begins to change. At Q's suggestion, and with Picard's blessing, Riker uses his powers to give his friends what he believes they want, turning Wesley into an adult, giving La Forge normal sight in place of his visor, and creating a Klingon female companion for Worf. All the recipients reject their gifts, however, with Data even anticipating and declining Riker's attempt to make him human. Picard declares that Q has failed, and when Q attempts to go back on his word, he is forcibly recalled to the Continuum. Picard is pleased to see Q gone, and praises Riker for confirming his trust in his "Number One".

Review:

There are two main reasons to enjoy this episode; Q and Picard. This is the first time since the pilot that we’ve seen Q and Picard interact, and it’s much better this time because both the actors are a bit more at grips with their characters. The scene in the Captain’s ready room between the pair where they both quote Shakespeare is one of the real highlights of the first season, a veritable miniature diamond in a season-long run of rough. In some respects, it’s almost a pity Picard-Q meet-ups aren’t more frequent, but ultimately, I think that they have to be done as little as possible to retain some impact in the later seasons.

Unfortunately, the episode lacks sufficient subtlety in trying to convey a story about power corrupting. The key reason why the Dark Phoenix story in the X-Men comics is a classic that no adaptation has ever effectively captured is because it involves Jean Grey being corrupted by power slowly, inch by inch, until circumstances push her over the edge. When the Primarch Horus is turned to Chaos in the Horus Heresy novels that form part of Warhammer 40,000 lore, it’s not an overnight transformation from the noble being he was to the power-mad tyrant laying waste to Terra years later. It’s a slow, gradual seduction by power, and a single episode of any TV show doesn’t give that.

As a result, the idea of Riker’s shift in character and attitude seems too rapid and falls flat. The only thing that doesn’t fall flat is how the rest of the cast reacts when Riker tries to act with benevolence. It’s a testament to each of them how they resist being granted their supposedly fondest wishes. I especially applaud Geordi and the autistic-like Data for their choices. I never like stories that try to push the idea that characters who are somehow differently abled, either blatantly or through the metaphor of a genre-specific concept, should always want to eliminate that difference. Maybe Geordi can’t see like everyone else, but considering all the different things he can see with his visor, it’s not like the vision he has is any better or worse. It’s just a pity his reason for saying no was more about not liking a Q-style Riker than about accepting himself and all the goodness inherent in that.

Add in Troi not being around at a time when her character could be very annoying without much effort, and you’ve got an episode that has many saving graces propping up a poor execution of a decent core concept. End score for this one, probably 7 out of 10.

Episode 11: Haven

Plot (as adapted from Wikipedia):

The Enterprise arrives at the planet Haven, where the ship's half-Betazoid Counsellor Deanna Troi has been summoned by her mother Lwaxana. Deanna had previously been set into an arranged marriage to the young human doctor, Wyatt Miller, and his parents have since tracked down Lwaxana to enforce the marriage. After Lwaxana and the Millers are welcomed aboard the Enterprise, the parents argue over whose cultural traditions will be honoured at the ceremony. Deanna and Wyatt attempt to get to know each other but find it difficult, as Deanna is still in love with Commander William Riker. Wyatt has had numerous dreams of another woman with whom he has fallen in love, and had initially believed her to be Deanna communicating telepathically with him.

The Enterprise then learns of an unmarked vessel approaching Haven. Captain Picard recognizes it as Tarellian, a race they thought to have been wiped out by a highly lethal and contagious virus. When they contact the ship, they find a handful of Tarellian refugees who have been travelling at sub-light speeds to Haven in hopes of finding an isolated location to live out the rest of their lives in peace. Picard insists that they cannot go to the planet for fear of spreading the virus, and has the Tarellian vessel placed in a tractor beam. Wyatt discovers that one of the Tarellians, Ariana, is the woman from his dreams, and she too recognizes Wyatt. Wyatt tells Dr Crusher that he will transport some medical supplies to them, but transports himself along with the supplies. When the crew discovers this, Wyatt's parents demand that Picard bring Wyatt back to the Enterprise, but Denna insists that he cannot return, as Wyatt would now carry the Tarellian virus. Wyatt promises his parents, Deanna, and the rest of the crew that he knew that this would be his destiny, and is happy to try to help cure the Tarellian virus. Wyatt convinces the Tarellians to leave Haven and search for help elsewhere. Picard orders the tractor beam to be dropped and allows the vessel to depart the system.

Review:

When it comes to Majel Barrett in the era of the TNG-DS9-Voyager shows, her best work as a guest star is her voice work as the voice of any given Starfleet computer. Her worst work is when she’s guest-starring as Deanna Troi’s mother. Her whole character is the very definition of nails on a chalk board, and it’s very rare if ever that an episode featuring her can be anything good. That said, her presence does help to improve Deanna’s character just because it means Deanna’s suddenly no longer the most likely to irk you with her characterisation. Basically, anytime Deanna’s on the screen at this early stage in the show, all I can think is “please don’t have her go all over-sensitive like she did in the pilot.”

Leaving the Troi family aside, the episode isn’t much to get excited about. Just a run-of-the-mill b-plot about a plague ship that interconnects with the main plot nicely to save us from the Trek equivalent of a shotgun wedding. Frankly, I’d have preferred it if they’d done a plot exploring the arranged marriage idea and casting it down as the terrible idea it is, but then I suppose it wouldn’t be politic to do that with a culture that is part-and-parcel of the Federation instead of being the guest-race-of-the-week. I’d give this one about 3 out of 10.

Episode 12: The Big Goodbye

Plot (as adapted from Wikipedia):

The Enterprise heads to Torona IV to open negotiations with the Jarada, an insect-like race that are unusually strict in matters of protocol. After practicing the complex greeting the Jarada require to open negotiations, Captain Jean-Luc Picard decides to relax with a Dixon Hill story in the holodeck. Playing Detective Hill in the holo-program, Picard takes up the case of Jessica Bradley, who believes that Cyrus Redblock is trying to kill her. Picard decides to continue the program later and leaves the holodeck to affirm their estimated arrival at Torona IV. He invites Dr Beverly Crusher and historian crewmember Whalen to join him in the holodeck. While Crusher is still preparing, Picard and Whalen are ready to enter the holodeck when Lt. Commander Data arrives, having overheard Picard's invitation. Entering the holodeck, the three discover that Jessica has been murdered in Picard's absence. As Picard explains that he saw Jessica at his office the day before, Lt. Bell brings Picard into the police station for questioning as a suspect in her murder. Meanwhile, the Enterprise is scanned from a distance by the Jarada, causing a power surge in the holodeck external controls. Dr Crusher later enters the holodeck, first experiencing a momentary glitch with the holodeck doors, and joins her friends at the police station.

The Jarada demand their greeting earlier than the agreed time and are insulted at having to talk to anyone other than the Captain. The crew tries to communicate with Picard in the holodeck but finds it impossible; the Jarada signal has affected the holodeck's functions, preventing the doors from opening or allowing communication with the crew inside. Lt. Geordi La Forge and Wesley Crusher attempt to repair the holodeck systems. While inside the holodeck, the group returns to Dixon's office. Mr. Leech appears, having waited for Picard, demanding he turn over an object he believes Jessica gave him. When Picard fails to understand, Leech shoots Dr. Whalen with a gun, and the crew discovers that the safety protocols have been disabled, as Whalen is severely wounded. As Dr Crusher cares for his wound, Picard and Data discover that the holodeck is malfunctioning, and they are unable to exit the program. Mr. Leech is joined by Redblock, who continues to demand the object. Lt. McNary arrives and becomes involved in the standoff. Picard tries to explain the nature of the holodeck, but Redblock refuses to believe him.

Outside, Wesley finds the glitch; however, he cannot simply turn off the system for fear of losing everyone inside. Instead, Wesley resets the simulation, briefly placing Picard and the others in the middle of a snowstorm before finding themselves back in Dixon's office. With the reset successfully clearing the malfunction, the exit doors finally appear. Despite Picard's warnings, Redblock and Leech exit the holodeck, but dissipate as they move beyond the range of its holo-emitters. As they leave the holodeck, Picard thanks McNary, who now suspects that his world is artificial and asks whether Picard's departure is "the big goodbye", to which Picard replies that he simply doesn't know. Picard reaches the bridge in time to give the proper greeting to the Jarada. The Jarada accept the greeting, heralding the start of successful negotiations.

Review:

The Big Goodbye has a special place in the era of holodeck era of Trek as the first example of a “holodeck-gone-wrong” episode. Later episodes of this series and the spin-off shows Deep Space Nine and Voyager would return to the premise of holodeck malfunctions time and again as either minor or major plot points. Unfortunately, the holodeck is already going wrong as a plot device in the show just from a technical realisation standpoint.

The basic idea of the holodeck is that it creates 3D images that resemble whatever is programmed into the computer, with some kind of force-fields giving the images substance while other aspects of the technology fill in the proverbial blanks (e.g. special programming to create interactive characters, localised environmental controls, etc.) However, everything that exists within the holodeck can only exist within the range of the room’s tech; if anything created by the holodeck moves beyond its walls, it should instantly cease to be. However, in the Farpoint pilot, Wesley Crusher fell into water on the holodeck, and when he walked out into the corridor, he remained wet and dripping when all the holographic water should have disappeared the instance he walked through the exit.

Likewise, in this episode Picard picks up a lipstick mark when he first tries the holodeck’s new upgrades, and that should have disappeared when he later briefs the crew in the observation lounge. Instead, Dr Crusher has to wipe the lipstick off for the captain, despite the fact it should have disappeared from Picard’s face long ago. It’s an annoying issue, and one that could have been easily fixed even back in the 1980’s when this show was made; evidently, this was just another example of how bad the show was at this stage. If TNG ever gets the kind of reboot the original series did, I sincerely hope any use of the holodecks pays attention to and rectifies this error in the application of the holodeck concept.

Otherwise, this episode doesn’t do much more than give Brent Spiner a bit more to do with Data by having him impersonate a 40’s-style gangers and give Patrick Stewart someone else to be besides the captain of the latest version of the Enterprise. It’s a fairly well-made episode for season 1 of this show, and it really sells the illusion of the holodeck program for the most part. The people who made the show just needed to learn that anything that gets made in the holodeck stays in the holodeck. I’d give it about 5 out of 10.

Episode 13: Datalore

Plot (as adapted from Wikipedia):

While on the way to Starbase Armus IX for computer maintenance, the Enterprise arrives at the planet Omicron Theta, the site of a vanished colony where the starship Tripoli originally found the android Data. An away team travels to the surface and finds that what had been farmland is now barren with no trace of life in the soil. The team also finds a lab which they discover is where Dr. Noonien Soong, a formerly prominent but now discredited robotics designer, built Data. The team also find a disassembled android nearly identical to Data and return with it to the ship. As the course to the Starbase is resumed, the crew reassemble and reactivate Data's "brother" in sickbay. He refers to himself as Lore, and explains that Data was built first and he himself is the more perfect model. He feigns naiveté to the crew, but shows signs of being more intelligent than he is letting on. Later, in private, he tells Data that they were actually created in the opposite order, as the colonists became envious of his own perfection. He also explains that a crystalline space entity capable of stripping away all life force from a world was responsible for the colony's demise.

Lore then incapacitates Data, revealing that he plans to offer the ship's crew to the entity. When a signal transmission is detected from Data's quarters, Wesley Crusher arrives to investigate. He finds Lore, now impersonating Data, who explains that he had to incapacitate his brother after being attacked. Wesley is doubtful, but pretends to accept the explanation. Soon after, the same crystalline entity that had attacked the colony approaches the ship. Lore, still pretending to be Data, enters the bridge as the object hovers before the Enterprise and explains that he incapacitated his brother by turning him off, causing Doctor Beverly Crusher to be suspicious, since Data had previously treated the existence of such a feature as a closely guarded secret. Lore then explains that he can communicate with the crystalline entity and suggests to Captain Jean-Luc Picard that he should show a demonstration of force by beaming an object toward the entity and then destroying it with the ship's phasers.

Lore's attempts to imitate Data are imperfect, though initially only Wesley is suspicious, and his efforts to voice these concerns only draw rude rebukes from Picard and his mother. However, Picard does ultimately become suspicious, especially when Lore does not recognize Picard's usual command to "make it so". Although Picard sends a security detachment to tail him, Lore overpowers Lt. Worf and evades pursuit. Meanwhile, the suspicious Dr Crusher and Wesley reactivate the unconscious Data, and the three of them race to the cargo hold to find Lore plotting with the entity to defeat the Enterprise. When Lore discovers them, he threatens Wesley with a phaser and orders Dr Crusher to leave. Data quickly rushes Lore and a brawl ensues. Data manages to knock Lore onto the transporter platform, and Wesley activates it, beaming Lore into space. With its conspirator no longer aboard, the crystalline entity departs, and the Enterprise resumes its journey to the starbase.

Review:

This episode very heavily relies on answering the mystery of Data’s origin and giving him a villainous brother in a manner similar to the Thor-Loki dynamic of Marvel superhero lore (pardon the inadvertent pun) to make it worth watching, because goodness knows it falls down everywhere else. Spiner is remarkable playing the treacherous Lore alongside his regular character of Data, and it’s fun to see him make the best of what ultimately becomes a poor episode on other fronts.

I know some reviewers have stated they don’t understand Lore’s motives for allying with the Crystalline Entity, but as a Marvel fan, it’s actually fairly easy to deduce. Much like Loki in Marvel’s Thor franchise, Lore is a bit of a trickster, an android Q but without the pseudo-godhood or ultimately benign motives of Q. Also like Loki, Lore is the unfavoured son, one who was basically cast aside in favour of something supposedly better, so he’s turned against the humanity his brother admires and emulates out of jealousy and the pain of rejection. It’s not a hard motive to grasp, but with Lore not explicitly saying it, you need that knowledge of another fictional reference to make the deduction. Given that Marvel lore was largely overlooked by the adult world until superheroes were made into a legitimate cinematic genre at the turn of the century, it’s unlikely many original reviewers would have made the link.

However, as I’ve noted, the episode falls apart in other respects. The crew’s haste to reassemble Data’s brother mid-flight is very risky behaviour more akin to the cowboy antics of Kirk’s crew from the original series than Picard’s more measured approach, and they are remarkably stupid in failing to catch onto Lore’s threat. Only Wesley shows the requisite insight and intelligence, but expresses it poorly because at this time no one on the show could write Wesley with any kind of competence. As a result, Picard ends up looking like a total git for his outburst at Wesley, Wesley’s mother comes off almost as bad, and when it turns out that, as ever, Wesley was right, there’s no apology from Picard at all. On balance, this episode rates about 5 out of 10, which can be taken as the anti-Wesley acting having a severely detrimental impact on a great Spiner performance, or a great Spiner performance saving the episode by some horrid Wesley-bashing.

Episode 14: Angel One

Plot (as adapted from Wikipedia):

The Enterprise arrives at the planet Angel One, which is ruled by an oligarchy of women. The ship is looking for survivors from the shipwrecked freighter Odin, over seven years after having been evacuated. The freighter was missing three escape pods and the only planet in range was Angel One. An away team consisting of Commander William Riker, Lt. Commander Data, Lt. Tasha Yar, and Counsellor Deanna Troi beam down to the surface. They attempt to negotiate with Mistress Beata, the "Elected One" of the native inhabitants, to let them search for the survivors. Time is of the essence however, as the Enterprise must travel to a Federation outpost near the Romulan Neutral Zone (where a group of Romulan Battlecruisers has been detected) as soon as they resolve their investigation into the Odin survivors.

Beata reveals that they are aware of four male survivors of the Odin who have caused disruption in their society, and are considered fugitives. Beata requests Riker stay with her (and later requests that he order Troi, Data, and Yar to track down the survivors' camp and their leader Ramsey, while staying and dining with her). After some back and forth, Data concludes Ramsey and the survivors of the Odin would have platinum with them, and Angel One is naturally devoid of platinum, allowing the Enterprise to easily detect them. Meanwhile, Riker dresses in the garb given to him for his dinner with Beata, Troi and Yar tease him for dressing in clothes that sexualize him and, in some ways, demean him. He responds by saying he is honouring the local customs, and acknowledges Beata's beauty, and that the garb is rather comfortable.

The Enterprise searches while in orbit around Angel One. Doctor Beverly Crusher relieves Captain Jean-Luc Picard of duty after he and most of the crew have fallen ill to a random virus on board. The Captain leaves Lieutenant Geordi La Forge in command (Geordi's first time in acting command of a starship). Shortly after, they find Ramsey and transmit his location to the Away Team, who beam directly to there.

When confronted by Data, Yar, and Troi, Ramsey and his men, having taken wives and started families during the seven years, refuse to leave. Data points out that as the Odin was not a star fleet vessel, its crew is not bound by the Prime Directive and the Enterprise cannot remove them against their will. Geordi informs Yar of the medical situation on board, and that more Romulan ships have been detected near the Neutral Zone. Riker gets close to Beata as they compare how gender roles differ between Angel One and the Federation. On the Enterprise, systems are becoming harder to maintain with more crew succumbing to the virus. Geordi (after a friendly reminder from a sniffling Worf) remembers that in command, he must delegate tasks so he can stay on the bridge. Dr Crusher finds that the virus is an airborne organism that produces a sweet smell, to encourage inhalation, after which it becomes viral inside the body.

Riker gets up to date with the situation, and decides that while Ramsey and his group are at large and refusing to leave the planet, there is little they can do. Before leaving they find that one of Beata's fellow mitstresses, Ariel, has married Ramsey, and was followed by Beata's guards to their camp, where they arrested the survivors and their families. The Away Team attempt to explain to Beata the reason for Ramsey's refusal to leave. Beata and her council reject his reasoning, and threatens to execute them the following day. After failing to convince Ramsey and his group to leave with them, Riker contacts the Enterprise in hopes of transporting Ramsey and his group without their consent (despite it being a violation of the Prime Directive, and almost certainly an end to his career). However, Dr Crusher (while treating an incapacitated Geordi in the Captain's chair) refuses to allow anyone to beam aboard for fear of them being infected, but allows Data, an android, to return. Riker orders Data to take command and get the Enterprise to the Neutral Zone before it's too late.

The following morning the Away Team is invited to witness the execution of Ramsey and his followers. Moments after Riker rejects their invitation Data makes contact and informs them that there is a 48-minute window in which Dr Crusher has to find a cure, and Riker must defuse the situation on the planet before the ship must leave for the Neutral Zone. On the planet, Ramsey and his men are prepared to be executed by disintegration despite Ariel's pleas, while Dr Crusher discovers a cure for the virus. Riker is prepared to have the away team and the Odin survivors beamed to the Enterprise, but makes a plea that execution will do Angel One’s society little good. He contends that Ramsey and his men have simply become a symbol for pre-existing dissatisfaction with the current society on Angel One, an evolutionary change that execution may only accelerate by turning Ramsey’s group into martyrs.

After deliberating with her fellow mistresses, Beata announces that she will stay the execution and banish Ramsey, his men, their families, and any others that support them to the far side of the planet. She explains that their banishment will not stop the fall of the oligarchy, but will slow it down enough that Beata will not be around to see its end. The away team return to the ship and Picard, already recovering from the virus but hardly having a voice, orders the ship to the Neutral Zone at high warp.

Review:

Apparently, the idea of this episode was look at South Africa’s apartheid system, but using a gender-based schism in a female-dominated society to explore the concept along gender lines rather than being more direct and using anything akin to a racial divide. As a result, the intention is lost behind some very horrendously sexist rubbish that makes the show seem more like a bad parody of feminism. The episode also has a lousy b-plot of a virus story that adds nothing to the episode, and again showcases how badly the holodeck concept was being handled at this time. A snowball from a holodeck skiing program should not be able to go through the holodeck doors to hit Picard and Worf in the corridor. 2 out of 10 is all this episode deserves.

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voidendron · 4 years

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Meteor: Part 3

Part 1 - Part 2

Meteor: Part 3/3

Words: 2′690

guess who’s now become attached to a bunch of background NPCs who only got a few lines in-game??? this guy!!

Warnings: Character Injury Characters: Varrich Tophrik (OC), Aric Jorgan, Torg, Kanner, Dengril, Abbeth, Xaban POV: Varrich Tophrik

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Even with his clothes soaked with rain and sweat and swamp water, even shivering, his mind racing in a thousand different directions, there was comfort with Jorgan’s presence. He pressed his forehead to the scuffed armor at the man’s back and let his eye drift closed.

He couldn’t hear much over the speeder’s engine, but he was oddly okay with that. Instead, he paid attention to how water splashed up at his bare feet and wind whipped his hair and the way his stomach dropped with tight turns and how the Kaleesh and Jorgan would occasionally shout at each other to be heard over the wind and engines.

When they finally came to a stop, Varrich jolted upright. He…hadn’t realized he’d started dozing off.

Blinking, he cast a glance over his new surroundings.

A camp in old ruins, a computer setup run by a small generator, tents and crates and what looked like a shuttle under a massive tarp. Four others, milling about. Varrich recognized the insignia on their armor. The same insignia he’d worn for years and could probably draw with his eyes closed if he wanted to. Their faces were a different matter.

They were all strangers to him. Two Humans, a Kel Dor, and a Twi’lek—and that wasn’t counting the Kaleesh, Torg, as he climbed off his speeder and waved down the Twi’lek.

Varrich squared his shoulders when one of the Humans approached.

Where was the team he’d served with for so long? Where was Dorne, and Forex, and Yuun and Vik? When Jorgan had said…

He’d said he was the only one left of the old team. Hearing it was one thing, but seeing it? Seeing all these strangers wearing a symbol that Varrich had worn with pride as he led Havoc? Seeing it was something else entirely.

Then…they were all saluting. Even as surprise and disbelief etched their features, concern across the Human male’s, even as Varrich’s cybernetic arm curled up as if to protect him from a threat, they saluted.

“Jorgan… Where’s the old team?”

“Let’s get you do the medical tent, first.” The Cathar already had a hand on his arm to help him off the speeder. “I’ll explain while Dengril tends to your injuries.”

“Dengril?”

The Human male gave a relaxed salute to draw attention to himself. “Lieutenant Milo Dengril—Havoc’s medic,” he greeted. He had an eyepatch, and the light on it glowed almost easily in the dull swamp. That patch did nothing to soften what seemed to be a permanent scowl on his face.

It was even harder to walk now than it had been when he escaped—that’s even with Jorgan and Dengril at either arm. The soles of his feet were practically shredded and bruised to hell and paired with one bad leg, every step had him wincing and gritting his teeth. He could only be grateful that the camp was small and Jorgan had parked fairly close to the tent.

The “bed” was really just a simple cot. Something that could easily be packed up and moved when they tore the camp down. That didn’t change the fact Varrich wanted to just lay back on it and sleep for a few days; it was softer than the one he’d had before, that’s for sure.

Despite outward appearances, Dengril’s hands were gentle and had almost droid-like precision as he tended first to the blaster burns.

He’d taken Dorne’s place as the squad’s medic.

Maybe it was the way he watching Dengril, or perhaps his expression, but Jorgan must have caught on to his train of thought as he leaned his elbows on his knees. “We stayed here to keep searching for you. We’d disobeyed orders to return to Republic space trying to find you, sir. We were reprimanded, and Saresh—” he said the name with a distasteful curl to his lip, like it was nothing but poison—Varrich was inclined to agree, “—took it as her chance to remove Dorne the moment we were back on Coruscant. You hadn’t even been gone two months when Dengril was sent to replace her.”

Varrich shook his head and muttered under his breath. Not even he was really sure what exactly he said. “Because she’s ex-Imperial?”

Jorgan only touched a finger to his nose as he glared out at the camp beyond the tent.

“Had a lot to live up to,” the man in question said. He moved to start working on Varrich’s feet, and the Mirialan grimaced as he started cleaning away the blood. “Didn’t want to split up the squad, but it also needed a medic with her gone.”

“Where was she stationed?”

Jorgan offered a shrug. “Uncertain, though the Supreme Commander had shown interest in her. With any luck, she serves him and Saresh didn’t destroy her career.” He leaned back, then, setting his sights on the other Human. Before she could duck into another tent, he called out, “Kanner! Did you get those uniforms?”

“Yes, sir! Gathering them up.” Into the tent, then back out in a flash with the uniforms piled up in her arms. “Torg is already changing.”

Jorgan took them, then nodded to the woman. “Sir, this is my XO. She joined us shortly after Dengril. Good eye—if I didn’t know any better, I’d think she’d been a Deadeye.”

For the second time since they’d arrived, she saluted. “Captain Hylie Kanner. An honor to meet you, Colonel.”

Colonel. There it was again. He’d been a major, not a colonel. Maybe it was the furrowed brows and frown that reminded Jorgan that he’d said he would explain it.

“When we couldn’t find you, you were eventually announced KIA. You…were promoted posthumously at your service.” He shook his head. “Sorry that’s what it took.”

Varrich pinched the bridge of his nose even as it irritated the bruises spanning his face. New team, new rank that had been given at his funeral, Havoc back on Zakuul…and the new cybernetic was giving him a headache again. Too much was going on all at once. But he needed to know.

“…The rest of the team. Both teams. Who and…why?”

“I tried to keep us together, but there was only so much I could do. As the years went on, the squad changed.” Kanner ducked out as Jorgan pointed toward the Twi’lek. “Vik was next to leave. Without you to keep him in check, he returned to crime.” Varrich’s frown mimicked Jorgan’s as he said it. “Sergeant Xaban was his replacement. She can be reckless, but she knows her explosives and looks out for the team.”

Xaban was laughing while Torg’s arms waved about. The Kel Dor had his face in his hands as he shook his head.

“Yuun left and turned to Wild Space—to look for you, actually. Who knows, maybe he’s even on Zakuul?” He pointed to the Kel Dor, then. “Sergeant Ro Abbeth took his place.”

“Technical engineer,” Varrich concluded. If that was the place he filled in the squad, it would have made sense for Jorgan to have requested Dengril and Abbeth to tend to Varrich.

…Not that he wanted anyone messing with the cybernetics. Not for now, at least. Just the thought made him start bouncing the leg Dengril wasn’t tending to.

“Click-Click?” Kolto as a medic’s call sign and Rulebook for an XO sounded straightforward enough, but Click-Click for an engineer?

Jorgan hummed the affirmative, then started tapping a finger on a crate near him; his claw clicked loudly against the metal. “Constantly taps his claws. Says he was called that since his earliest Academy days.”

As Dengril stepped back to grab a scanner, Jorgan passed one of the dry uniforms to Varrich. “And you’ve met Torg. He’s our newest member—our muscle. Still green as far as the rest of the team’s concerned. Young, too, and a fast learner. Had never spoken a word of Basic when he joined and picked up on it incredibly fast.”

“What happened to Forex?”

“Glorified morale officer,” Jorgan snorted. “Don’t think he’s even been allowed off Coruscant since he was restationed. And since he’s a droid, it’s not like anyone’s going to realize what a mistake it is to be keeping him from the fight with Zakuul. No, instead he gives speeches.”

Forex kept off the battlefield? Whose bright idea was that? Varrich thought bitterly. “How’s the fight going, anyway? I’ve…been mostly in the dark about anything that’s happening.”

Jorgan made a face he couldn’t quite place. “Technically…” He shook his head and sighed. “The Republic isn’t fighting, sir. Both it and the Empire have a treaty with Zakuul and it’s bleeding them both dry.” He’d started changing into the dry uniform, though paused for a moment while pulling on the boots. “Havoc is considered rogue and we’ll receive a court martial upon our return.”

Varrich went still at that, stomach twisting. Court martial..? He opened his mouth, but his voice caught in his throat. Then, “…You could be killed, Jorgan.”

“We knew what we were getting into.” His tone became flat—dismissive, even. He knew that fact, accepted it. Whatever they were doing on Zakuul, they felt it was worth dying for. “With all due respect, drop it, sir. You need to worry about recovering. Not what we’re doing.” He stood, grabbing for the clean, dry uniform Kanner had brought for Varrich. “Let’s get you changed. Abbeth should be over shortly.”

“You can’t just—”

“Drop it.”

Silence. Awkward, heavy, silence, as he and Dengril helped Varrich get changed into something he wouldn’t be shivering in. Drop it. Like he could just forget that. But he bit his tongue—both metaphorically and physically, catching the tip between his teeth before he could start arguing. He wasn’t sure he even had the energy to argue, if he was completely honest.

Instead, he took a slow, deep breath. He trusted Jorgan’s judgment. Always had. Whatever Havoc was doing on Zakuul, he had to have thought it over carefully before actually deciding to come here. He knew what he was doing, and the new squad had loyally followed its leader even knowing what they’d be getting into.

That didn’t change the fact that Varrich didn’t like it. Couldn’t change the worry that gnawed at him.

The next hours passed in a blur. Abbeth had successfully removed the shock collar and now Varrich found himself constantly rolling his head to stretch his neck and rubbing a hand over it; part of him had a hard time believing it was actually gone. He’d had run scans over the cybernetics—even with the mask and protective eye-wear, it was obvious he would have been frowning.

He’d tried to start repairs, but only managed to get the new one sorted out so it would quit giving Varrich headaches (turned out it was a HoloNet uplink. what the hell could he do with one of those?) before Varrich had shoved him away with a snarl. The bruises hurt and, yeah okay, maybe he was used to only having one worked on at a time so trying to move to the next wasn’t the routine he was used to, and maybe having the Kel Dor’s claws so close to his remaining eye had made his breath hitch a little.

He caught the way Abbeth, Dengril, and Jorgan glanced at each other, but only crossed his arms and scowled. “If none of their problems are life-threatening, just…” He waved a hand dismissively. “Leave them be for now. Please?”

And…That was that. Abbeth would glance over at him occasionally, likely debating what he needed to work on the next time Varrich gave him the chance, and Dengril’s eye would scan over him as if searching for more injuries. The Kel Dor clearly wasn’t fond of leaving the damages, but like hell if Varrich cared.

He learned quickly that Abbeth and Yuun probably would have gotten along. His deep, gravelly voice paired with the way his mask altered it could startle any man if they didn’t know he was there, but he was surprisingly softspoken and seemed to have endless patience. Curious, too. Varrich could picture him and Yuun trading notes or working on a project together.

Varrich’s gaze shifted, from Abbeth over to the Twi’lek. Xaban smiled and laughed a lot and had the lines around her mouth and eyes to show it. She may have taken Vik’s place, but she seemed far more bubbly and approachable than her predecessor in the position. Would have driven Vik crazy, no doubt. Varrich learned through her constant banter with Torg that her call sign was “Boom.” Whether it was because of her status as the team’s demolitions expert or the recklessness Jorgan had mentioned, Varrich wasn’t sure. He hoped it was the aforementioned instead of the latter.

Dengril was gruff and had a “nothing surprises me anymore” sort of air about him. Even so, he’d crack the occasional smile when Xaban or Torg managed to say just the right thing.

It wasn’t long before Jorgan was ducking through the group as rations were dealt out and was cutting toward the spot Varrich had tucked himself into. It was a nice little spot, out of the way, but still close enough he could watch the group of strangers without actually speaking with them.

Varrich frowned as some of the food was passed to him.

“…This is more than a regular ration.”

“No offense, sir, but you look like a starved womp rat.” He sat at Varrich’s side on the slab of crumbling stone. “You should really get to know the team. I imagine you and Kanner would hit it off—she reminds me a lot of you, actually.”

At mention of her name, the Mirialan’s gaze moved to find her. While the others ate and chatted, she sat a little ways away, focused more on the swamp beyond the camp with a blaster ready at her side. Xaban didn’t take long to find her side, however, and the smallest, briefest smile found Kanner’s face at something the Twi’lek said.

“They…seem to get along well.” For a squad like Havoc, getting along—trusting one another—was important. Moving as one, being quick to agree without arguing to give themselves away, it would keep them alive on the field where other teams could fall apart.

“For the most part.” Jorgan gestured to the group—Dengril had turned his back, and Torg was mimicking him with over-exaggerated movements while he wasn’t paying attention to the Kaleesh. It had Xaban cracking up and her laughter was enough to alert Dengril to something amiss. By the time he’d whipped around, Torg had turned to say something to Abbeth as if he hadn’t done anything. Ah. Now “Copycat” made sense for his call sign. “Sometimes they’re a little harder to wrangle than the old team, but they’re a good one. Would have made you proud had you served with them, sir.”

There was fondness in Jorgan’s voice. Varrich wanted to smile as he noticed it, but it was hard to smile anymore. Instead, he offered, “They’ve got a good leader; I’d expect nothing but the best.”

Jorgan smiled—actually smiled, it was small but there—briefly before standing. “Eat, then try and rest. There’s a setup for you ready in Dengril’s tent, and come morning I expect you to let Abbeth work on more of your repairs.” When Varrich opened his mouth to argue, Jorgan put up a hand to stop him. “I know, he says none of the damages are severe, but they’re still damages. They need to be worked on.”

The Cathar reached a hand down, and Varrich took it to stand. He couldn’t help but wince a little as he did (his feet and leg still ached, but the kolto had helped a lot) and reached down to grab what was left of his ration.

Jorgan’s hand was at his shoulder, squeezing in farewell, but also like he was making sure Varrich was actually there and not just some fever dream. “It’s good to have you back, sir. Try and get some sleep—you’ve had quite a day.”

#star wars #star wars fanfic #republic trooper #aric jorgan #kotfe #torg #kanner #abbeth #xaban #dengril #character injury /#swtor #oc: varrich tophrik #voids ocs #tales from the void

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indecisiveroomtempcola · 3 years

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The silence is a great friend

Chapter 1:Despair Upon One's Heart

His thigh burned with every step, drenched and tired. He was out of his mind his only goal was to reach the station, from the extraordinary golden gilded homes of the noble district to the run-down mills and houses of the lower class plebeians, townsfolk dressed in shabby outfits, rags and cloth nothing more over the top than sheep wool. The mundane colours of the plebaien’s homestead are uncomparable to the aristocrats’ distinguished estates.

Going through a crowd, the Central Market. All the townsfolk sell their goods here but some sell more valuable merchandise in the darker corners of the Central Market. Today had more hustle and bustle than the others, a coming festival, an event? Miller could have not given a single hint of interest as he pushed through the hoards of people trading and haggling. An even larger crowd stood in his way. Stumbling while dragging his body through the crowd into the centre while he kept running pushing something aside as it crossed his path and he struggled through the other end, one more turn and he’ll reach the station. Adrenaline filled his veins and he made one last dash for it, a loud hiss could be heard yards away from the hunkering orange bricked building.The last locomotive, he could not afford to miss it, no he can’t miss it. The sound of the whistle made a nerve racking hiss, it stung Miller’s ear every single time. His hand instinctively went up to his ear, trying to block the irritating sound. Someone could be heard shouting at him, multiple steps of boots stomped against the stone brick floor.

A few more seconds from the edge of the entrance, bursting through the brass coloured gate onto the locomotive platform, he searched frantically, the locomotive just started moving. Hope filled him as he was so close, forcing the last of his strength into his bare bone legs he jumped grabbing the pole on the back of the locomotive, his shoes skimming on the edge of the railroad, a troupe of guards could be seen at the corner of his eyes, edging near the end platform. They seemed confused but one of the guards pointed towards Miller as the locomotive sped off into the cold evening.

Using both of his hands he grabbed the metal pole and climbed on to the end of the locomotive, a small platform with red railings surrounding the edges with a small metal roof covering the top. He laid wasted against the backdoor, his chest heaving, breathing in mouths full of air. His body began to tremble but the sense of dread that hung onto the back of his mind was washed over by a wave of relief, the air seemed calm with a breeze that danced around Miller, while droplets of rain tapped the top of the roof, pitter pattering. The earthly scent filled his nose, his eye blinking wanting to be close, but that moment made him feel everything around him. The sweat that soaked his clothes, the wretched smell of raw fish and pig, his thick brown hair was a mess, strands splattered against his forehead and the grinding of each metal wheel when the train stopped. Today’s unlucky streak would come to an end when he reached the small cottage on the edge of a clearing, his cozy little home.

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A ruined warehouse, half of its roof coming in on itself but the other still stayed intact, signs of cracking traced the building. Even some parts of it were covered by green ivy, an old dark oak tree looming above the warehouse, its leaves rustling against the soft wind while the branches sway lazily.

The serene atmosphere’s melodious tune of nature is as though being orchestrated by a masterful conductor each wave of the baton creates another symphony interrupted only by a low hum coming from the warehouse, gradually becoming louder and louder. The inside of the warehouse was lit only by the translucent light bulbs that hung idly with a thin silver metal cord, each hung at different lengths giving the room its on esthetic, the middle, sat a monstrous machine. The hull made out of translucent Ceilium glass, its engine bare, showing the conductor booth that sat behind the hull, a grey box, enough to fit only one man, its was shape after a locomotive but its design’s stand out, with exhaust pipe lining the sides of the machine, its cool thin frame that curve down when it meets the hull and a large mechanical orb that was hung loosely from where the furnace would be, it was only a hole that fits the orb.

The orb had an intricate design, lines and shape that was engraved into, a man walk into the booth, he took out a flask containing blue liquid, and poured it into one of the holes, closing the lid he grabbed the orb jamming it back, it clicked into place, the circular metal spun and stop on a dial.

“That's the last of my supply, hope this baby works.” his hoarse voice echoed through the room. He patted the top of the machine and got to work, like clockwork he started pulling levers and pushing buttons on the frame.Each cathartic click, deafen by the sound of the engine finally roaring to life,” Yeah!” He yelled in triumph. Jumping down with a clunk when his steel toe boots touched the grey concrete floor. “After decades of wor-” he stopped mid sentence as something felt wrong, he realized he forgot to turn on the stabilizer, the engine’s roar turned into a high pitch whistle, while the entire frame started to shake uncontrollably. He stared helplessly as the machine exploded into pieces, each individual part shot out in flames around the workshop.

He fell to his knees, with his mouth gaping wide. His head hung low and he let out a deep sigh. He rose slowly walking outside the ruin of a workshop and leaned against its brick wall, his palm rested on his greasy face, how could he be so careless. A vital instrument missing from a machine is as though one loses their own organs, a huge setback.The setting sun told the conductor it was about time to head on his way home, staring vacantly at the lavender field that range over the hills, “It never gets old doesn’t it Hannah” The conductor found his hand caressing the golden locket that hung around his neck, he gripped it tightly reminiscing how it all used to be… different. “Ahem.” someone cleared their throat ruining the moment the conductor had.” Was I interrupting something Agner?`` The high pitched voice imitated the whistle from before, giving Agner a headache. Agner recognised that distinct voice,” Leong, hasn’t it been too long since your last visit?” Leong pounder, then spoke “ Wasn’t it yesterday?” Agner rubbed his temples, clearly too exhausted. “Oh, i am just cracking a joke, Agner, did it really get on your nerves.”

“As a matter of fact your very existence gives me a fit every time you’re near me” still leaning against the wall Agner gestured to the Bishop asking him what he wanted this time? “ Oh c'mon Agner we’ve been going at it for weeks and the Pope isn’t at all happy” The urgency in his voice caught Agner off guard for a bit,” How so, Leong?” He was cautious now, eyeing around his surroundings.

“He’ll send Hunters if you cease to cooperate with us.” Leong said smugly, he walked around Agner trying to intimidate him like a tiger circling its prey.” Death threats aren’t uncommon, when coming from you Leong,” Agner’s arms are crossed, his chin held high.”The two clergy you sent didn’t seem too threatening for me.” the air between them was tense, both of their composure remained unwavering, not willing to bend to one’s own accord. “FIne by me then.” Leong stopped dead in his tracks, he shrugged. A blurry image headed straight for Agner, he rolled to his side barely dodging the attack, red dust swirled around them, the lights on its headpiece pierce the dust, pouncing once again at Agner. He was too slow as the massive hunk of metal crashed straight into him, the metal beast now on top of Agner, tried clawing at his neck but Agner held it at bay with his burly arms, swiftly he unsheathe a knife tucked underneath his thigh and struck it’s exposed neck.

The beast struggled while gurgling blood, Agner tossed him aside as the beast stopped moving.” I built those exosuits, Leong, I know where their-” Agner was cut short as he was completely surrounded by different kinds of mechanical animals, each eye glowed bright.” I did say Hunter’s’ Agner, not one but a whole squadron.”. Leong stood there with one of his arms on his hips the other showing the Hunters, one of them attached to the wall, four of its claws digged into the red brick. Another hovering over them, its wingspan large and wide with razor sharp ends, another with tusk the size of an elephant.

“Ironic isn’t it, its creator being forced to face against the machines he made.” Leong stroded towards him, Agner who was still holding his blade backed away into the warehouse.

:”Oh Agner this isn’t the last of your troubles, I sent someone to deal with the unruly wench you have for a wife.” Leong knew he struck home because he never saw a man with such fury in his eyes,”Come at me you bastards!” He roared charging at Leong but the Bishop flicked his wrist and Agner was tossed aside into a pile of coal,”Don’t ruin our plaything,We need him alive.” Leong walked away. Hunters jumped onto Agnar. The only sound that still remained was the shouting and clanking of metal suits.

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commandertheory · 5 years

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Throne of Eldraine Commander Set Review

For each new set, I write an article discussing the new legendary creatures and the nonlegendary cards that I think will be relevant in Commander.

The Commanders of Throne of Eldraine

He’s a more interesting political commander than most existing options because he has so many tools to work with. Notably, the last ability goes infinite with a Composite Golem and any one of the following effects:

Something that triggers when an artifact or creature enters the battlefield

Something that triggers when an artifact or creature is put into the graveyard

Something that reduces the cost of activated abilities

Sample decklist: Kenrith, the Returned King

In terms of tech, there’s Well of Lost Dreams, Dawn of Hope, Angelic Accord, and Resplendent Angel. But that’s about it, and if you don’t draw those four cards, you’re left with a commander that gives you a small boost in the least important resource in a color that can’t use that resource for anything.

While it’s not great as a commander, it’s probably good in the maindeck of Karlov decks.

This seems quite bad. In contrast, Pianna, Nomad Captain does basically the same thing for two mana cheaper.

This is a very neat self-mill combo commander. The absolute best pieces of tech for the deck are Mirran Spy and Chakram Retriever, which allow you to cast as many artifacts as you have the mana for. If your deck is full of 0-mana artifacts and cards like Sol Ring and Mana Crypt that net mana when you cast them, you can really combo off with Emry.

Some of the more notable combos:

0-mana artifact creature + Thornbite Staff/Intruder Alarm/Mirran Spy + Grinding Station/Ashnod’s Altar/Phyrexian Altar/Krark-Clan Ironworks/Blasting Station

Basalt Monolith + Mesmeric Orb

Basalt Monolith + Rings of Brighthearth

Mirran Spy/Chakram Retriever + Lotus Petal/Lion’s Eye Diamond

Emry + Mindslaver

Walking Ballista is your outlet for infinite mana, generally.

The rest of the deck is mostly tutors and self-mill cards to help you assemble your combos and counterspells to help you protect it.

Sample decklist: Emry, Lurker of the Loch

He’s a better outlet for infinite mana than Ambassador Laquatus and he synergizes extremely well with Verity Circle. Unfortunately, I’m not seeing great uses for those guy aside from those two possibilities. Not being able to tap your own stuff means you can’t abuse Winter Orb/Static Orb (or even fun/fair stuff like the untap symbol or inspired) and having such a restrictive color identity prevents you from doing cool stuff like running Urborg, Tomb of Yawgmoth and Spreading Algae.

High Tide and blue’s untap spells (e.g., Frantic Search, Time Spiral) are also good non-infinite ways to generate tons of mana for your commander.

I am not super stoked about this card. While it could potentially have 7 or more power, that’s not an insane rate for 5 mana and it’s lacking the evasion, haste, and effective protection against removal needed to make it a good Voltron commander.

Thornbite Staff turns this into an unrestricted card draw engine, and she combos with Phyrexian Altar + Gravecrawler + any zombie to cause infinite life loss for your opponents.

Not only does it provide a discard outlet for the 8ish decent madness cards in monoblack, but you can usually get a free discard by dumping Bloodghast, Reassembling Skeleton, Gutterbones, Bloodsoaked Champion, etc. before you start recurring them to pay for the sacrifice ability.

It’s also worth noting that there are some fantastic death triggers in monoblack; Mindslicer and Corpse Augur are some standouts.

Shared Trauma, Dread Summons, and Mesmeric Orb are good ways to mill your opponents in monoblack, and Heartstone will greatly increase the efficiency of his activated ability. You can also try farming the ability with powerful discard effects like Mindslicer, Capital Punishment, Cabal Conditioning, and Myojin of Night’s Reach, and Black’s efficient removal will also help you get triggers.

I’ve also seen takes on this deck that combine the activated ability with Lantern of Insight to set up a soft lock where you prevent your opponents from drawing anything relevant.

With Syr Carah, the name of the game is cheap spells that hit multiple opponents. Fortunately, Red has a ton of these that are relatively cheap and so Carah makes it so you can draw a ton of cards for relatively little mana (spending 2 to draw 4 is a pretty common occurrence). If some of those cards net mana (e.g., rituals, moxes), then you can keep the combo going.

Sample decklist: Syr Carah, the Bold

Aside from boosting your creatures’ damage output, he also combines extremely well with Group Slug effects like Manabarbs and Spellshock; in fact, he’s probably the best Group Slug commander of all time.

Sample decklist: Torbran, Thane of Red Fell

Bubble Matrix and Fog effects make it so that your creatures can’t take damage in combat but they can still dish it out.

You can also run Viridian Longbow and Thornbite Staff to make use of this guy’s deathtouch. Other than that, there’s not a whole lot of direction to build around this guy; bog standard Voltron package, I guess.

I wish this card had more power. +2/+2 is nothing and while I can think of creatures that could use a buff effectively (Infect creatures), I feel like I need to buff Syr Faren in order to buff them more. If that’s the case, why am I even using Syr Faren? Why not just buff the creatures directly and cut out the middleman?

You can get a bunch of counters with cards like Deranged Hermit, Deep Forest Hermit, etc, but 5 mana for 5 power isn’t even that great compared to some of the better auras and equipment.

Also, give that Yorvo’s reward is making himself bigger, the only way to build around him is Voltron; which he’s not well suited for. His base stats are a 4/4 for 3, which isn’t insane, and he doesn’t have haste, evasion, or resistance to removal.

Although I don’t like him as a commander, he could be good in the maindeck of Ghave decks.

This guy combos really well with sac outlets and creatures with persist, offering you infinite of whatever your sac outlet generates. Unfortunately, there’s only about 6 unrestricted sac outlets and 6 persist creatures in these colors, which is far from enough stuff to fill out a deck, so there’s a lot of room for token generators, proliferate effects, interaction, and a generally more straightforward aggressive game plan.

Sample decklist: Grumgully, the Generous

I tried building Alela a few ways before I settled on a build I liked. Initially, I tried running a bunch of cheap (3 CMC or less) anthem effects, because they were essentially “lords” when they came with a 2/1 Faerie attached. The issue with this build was that there wasn’t much card flow, and although I often ended up with a huge scary board, I didn’t have many cards in hand and I was very vulnerable to board wipes.

The second build I tried used a ton of 2-cost artifacts and enchantments that drew a card when they entered the battlefield; essentially, my deck was full of flying Silvergill Adepts. This has been working pretty well, as I can commit a bunch of dudes to the board while maintaining a respectable hand so I can rebuild if something goes wrong.

In addition to my card-drawing eggs and Auras, I’m also running the most efficient anthem effects in these colors, such as Favorable Winds, Shared Triumph, Intangible Virtue, and Konda’s Banner.

Combat damage triggers are pretty good when you have a bunch of flyers, so I’m running Coastal Piracy, Bident of Thassa, Larceny, and Kindred Discovery.

There are a few sac outlets that are powerful enough to justify diverting a few Faeries away from the beatdown, such as Attrition, Mind Slash, and Skullclamp.

Sample decklist: Alela, Artful Provocateur

This guy is a powerful combo commander centered around chaining cheap creatures together. He has very strong synergy with effects that subsidize or eliminate the cost of cheap creatures, such as Earthcraft, Aluren, and Tangleroot and he loves self-bouncing creatures like Shrieking Drake.

Sample decklist: Chulane, Teller of Tales

Works well with fetchlands, so a good Korvold build will likely have a solid land package. That being said, the heart of this deck is creature sacrifice, and this color identity has some great sac fodder in the form of token generation and self-recurring creatures, as well as some of the best sac outlets in the format. He also works well with creatures that really, really want to die, like Protean Hulk, Mindslicer, Seedguide Ash, and World Shaper.

Sample decklist: Korvold, Fae-Cursed King

I think Syr Gwyn is worth comparing to Kestia, the Cultivator. Both of them reward you when you attack with a narrow subset of cards. The main differences are that Kestia is significantly cheaper, is in a better color identity, and the things that trigger Kestia only require the commitment of a single card, whereas Syr Gwyn (generally) needs you to commit both a creature card and an equipment card to assemble a card-generating unit.

There are some exceptions to this rule: Living Weapon equipment come with a creature attached, as do the two equipment from M20 with a similar ability. Bloodforged Battle-Axe copies itself so you don’t have to commit as many real equipment to the board.

While there are a few low-casting cost high-equip cost cards like Colossus Hammer and Blackblade Reforged that really reward you for committing to Knights, most of the best equipment costs 1-2 mana to equip. I’m not sure saving 1-2 mana is worth committing to the Knight creature type.

Instead, I’d probably run the cheap doublestrikers in these colors (many of which are, admittedly, Knights) and a bunch of cards that synergize with equipment (not just Stoneforge and Puresteel; I think I’d also run Kor Duelist). In general, I want the deck to function without Syn Gwyn on the battlefield, since she costs a bunch of mana and isn’t very resilient to spot removal. Slapping a Mask of Memory on a Fencing Ace seems like a solid plan A in case Gwyn can’t get it together.

Sample decklist: Syr Gwyn

The Maindeck Cards of Throne of Eldraine

In this set review, I’ll be using two five-point rating scales to evaluate the nonlegendary cards, one that measures how many decks a card is playable in (we’ll call that “spread”), and one that measures how powerful it is in those decks (”power”). Here’s a brief rundown of what each rank on the two scales means:

Spread

1: This card is effective in one or two decks, but no more (ex: The Gitrog Monster).

2: This card is effective in one deck archetype (ex: self-mill decks).

3: A lot of decks will be able to use this card effectively (ex: decks with graveyard interactions).

4: This card is effective in most decks in this color.

5: Every deck in this color is able to use this card effectively.

Power

1: This card is always going to be on the chopping block.

2: This card is unlikely to consistently perform well.

3: This card provides good utility but is not a powerhouse.

4: This card is good enough to push you ahead of your opponents.

5: This card has a huge impact on the game.

Spread: 2 Power: 2

The -3 will never be bad, but spending six mana for this effect is not great. His 0 ability does synergize with sacrifice decks like Mazirek and Savra, but I’m still not sure he’s worth the price of entry in those lists.

Spread: 5 Power: 3

Shutting down someone’s commander is a big game, and the potential to activate him multiple turns in a row makes this a very big threat for just three mana.

Spread: 1 Power: 1

1st ability is weak, 2nd is a blank, ult will never happen and won’t even win you the game if it does. Don’t play this card.

Spread: 1 Power: 2

Given that it only works in a deck with a critical mass of Knights, I think this guy is relegated to Aryel and Syr Gwyn. It’s def good in those lists, though.

Spread: 1 Power: 2

This costs one more mana to activate than I was hoping it would, but the opportunity cost to run it is basically nil, so I guess I can’t complain much. I think this is the narrowest of the five, though.

Notably, out of 23 cards in Magic that produce Human tokens, 9 are legal in Throne of Eldraine standard. This seems like too many to be a coincidence so this could mean that Human is now going to be the default white token type or we’ve got Human tribal coming up in the near future.

Spread: 1 Power: 2

I’m not a huge fan of cards that require you to jump through multiple hoops, as they pull a deck in two different directions. In this case, there’s not a big overlap between the decks running lots of legendaries and the decks running lots of Knights. There are about 10 playable Knight legends that you can stuff into a Syr Gwyn deck, but that’s barely a critical mass so I don’t see you consistently getting many Knight tokens off of this. Decks like Kethis and Sisay can trigger this way more frequently, but they probably don’t care about the reward; it’s not like they were running Primeval Bounty.

Spread: 1 Power: 3

Incredibly meta-dependent.

This is a super-powerful hoser for storm-y decks. The main problem with a silver bullet like this is that White doesn’t have many great ways to dig it out of your 100-card deck; you’ll need additional colors to help you find it. Like, side from Enlightened Tutor and Idyllic Tutor, how are you finding this early enough for it to save you?

Spread: 1 Power: 2

The removal spell will find targets in an average game of Commander, but they’re not always going to be the most important creatures. If we ever got human tribal, I’d consider running this as a value dude similar to Big Game Hunter. Or Peasant Tribal, I guess.

Spread: 1 Power: 1

This is never going to trigger and the ETB gives away 3 cards and 15 life. Don’t run it!

Spread: 1 Power: 2

Kicks ass in Oros, the Avenger.

Spread: 2 Power: 2

It’s better than Tocatli Honor Guard in White hatebear lists, but it’s very meta-dependent. I think Green decks are going to be hit harder by the Torpor Orb effect and Black decks will be hit harder by the death trigger prevention.

Spread: 2 Power: 3

If you’re running a deck with Black in its color identity and you could easily recur the creature half of this card, I’d seriously consider running this card, even if it’s one more mana relative to Wrath of God and Damnation; the potential for recursion is seriously that powerful.

And of course it’s really really good if your commander is a White Giant.

Spread: 1 Power: 2

It’s unfortunate that there are no white commanders that grant haste (well, I guess there’s Odric), as Commander does not take too kindly to 6 mana cards that have to wait a round of turns to start generating value. However, as we noted when Aryel was released, there was an embarrassing shortage of playable Knight token generators, so this may see play in Knight tribal decks.

Spread: 2 Power: 2

This type of card (land with expensive activated ability) is arguably better in Blue decks since you can hold counters up and activate it if your opponents don’t cast anything worth answering. As with all the other Castles, the opportunity cost to run this is extremely low in 1- and 2-color decks.

Spread: 0 Power:0

Wish effects currently don’t work under the official Commander rules; hence the ratings for this card.

However, it’s worth noting that Wizards has printed a wish effect in each of the last three Standard sets. These types of designs are clearly going to be a part of Magic going forward, and it doesn’t make sense that Commander’s rules don’t align with modern Magic design. You’ve probably heard me advocating for a rules change before, but I want to do more than theorycraft; I want some experience.

So, I’m planning on testing wishboards over the next few months to see what the pros/cons are and whether a rules change would be feasible or whether it would break the game. Now, I want to make a distinction: The wishboard will be used solely as a place for cards that I’ll search out with cards like Fae of Wishes; I’m not going to be testing a sideboard and I will not be switching cards between my sideboard and maindeck between games. I didn’t really want to test that because I think it will slow down games and sideboarding doesn’t matter that much unless your deck is really good at tutoring; a silver bullet sideboard card with no redundant effects is only 1% of your deck.

Expect a report back sometime at the beginning of 2020.

Spread: 4 Power: 2

I don’t think it’s particularly difficult to hit the cost reduction over the course of a multiplayer game, but it’ll be tricky to pull off early and there are lots of alternatives that have no such timing restrictions.

Spread: 2 Power: 2

I’m really underwhelmed by this card. This is uncastable unless you’re running a spellslinger deck, and if that’s the case you can probably win by spell combo looong before this accrues enough knowledge counters to be good. Also, spellslinger decks can refill their hands instantly with a single card that actually synergizes with their deck’s strategy of casting instants/sorceries, such as Windfall, Time Reversal, Reforge the Soul, etc, etc. How much effort and how many turns will it take for Magic Mirror to draw you as many cards as a Windfall? How many opponents have to choose not to Vandalblast or Krosan Grip or Return to Dust the Mirror over that time period?

Spread: 3 Power: 2

Great card! It’s not hard to build a deck with plenty of mana rocks and utility enchantments that are good in multiples, and your opponents are likely to have some good targets, as well.

Spread: 2 Power: 3

If you’re in monoblue, and your commander can bounce lands, and you’ve got a critical mass of extra turn effects, this thing generates infinite turns.

That may sound unlikely, but there are a surprising number of monoblue commanders that can bounce lands; Uyo, Silent Prophet, Meloku, and Kefnet the Mindful all combo off with this thing, and there are 5 extra turn effects that don’t exile or shuffle that you can slot into this combo (6 if you’ve got Rogues).

Spread: 2 Power: 3

Very good with commanders with “cast X, get token” abilities, like Sai, Master Thopterist, Alela, Artful Provocateur, Kykar, and Talrand. Many of those commanders build around cards of the chosen type that cantrip, so you can use this ability to loot away lands and chain relevant cards into each other and continually trigger your commander.

Also, it goes infinite with the Locust God.

Spread: 2 Power: 2

This seems good in less-competitive Urza and Jhoira 2.0 decks as a means to get more gas off your Darksteel Relics and such. The good builds don’t have time for a 6-mana dragon, though.

Spread: 1 Power: 2

With the introduction of Syr Gwyn, there are now two Knight tribal decks in Commander. Run it in those decks and nowhere else.

Spread: 4 Power: 2

Life is, of course, worthless, but I’d still be wary of activating this when I had more than two cards in hand.

Spread: 1 Power: 4

Incredible combo piece in Grenzo, Dungeon Warden decks. All you need is a sac outlet and you can start juggling creatures between the library, graveyard, and battlefield, farming ETB and death triggers.

It also seems good in self-mill decks that can easily drop its cost down to two, but the bottom-of-library drawback is much more significant in those lists.

Spread: 2 Power: 3

This will often create 4 bodies for four mana, which is a great ratio. Black has a ton of sac outlet commanders that will be happy to run this card, including Torgaar, Whisper, Bontu, and Yawgmoth. Marrow-Gnawer lists may also be interested, as it’s one of the few Rat token generators that can make many at once.

Spread: 3 Power: 2

Hero’s Downfall sees play in almost 15,000 decks on EDHREC. While this card has some weird drawbacks (exiles itself, then buries itself on the bottom of your library), there are a lot of powerful things you can do with it because it’s stapled to a creature, like recurring it with a Phyrexian Reclamation or Volrath’s Stronghold in response to the death trigger. It works even better if you have access to Blue’s bounce engines.

I know it seems a little goofy compared to a Ravenous Chupacabra, but the instant speed on Swift End should not be underestimated, as there are a ton of situations where you need to interrupt something to keep from dying.

Spread: 1 Power: 2

Upping your Rat count and snatching commanders seems solid in Marrow-Gnawer lists.

Spread: 3 Power: 3

If you’re running a combo deck, the drawback is basically negligible, since your deck can probably kill your opponent before they can use it.

Thanks to @ceta-maelstrom for pointing out that this works pretty well in Aminatou, since she can blink it back under your control.

Spread: 3 Power: 2

Probably the best in the cycle. It’s useful in the many, many red token decks and the rate on the activation is not bad.

Spread: 1 Power: 2

There aren’t a whole lot of Red decks capable of going wide that are interested in double strike for their commanders; most decks don’t go both wide and tall. Maybe Wasitora or Gishath can use this effectively?

Spread: 1 Power: 2

The Crush effect will never be irrelevant in Commander, so this is a solid card for Syr Gwyn decks that lean into Knight tribal. I probably wouldn’t run it in other decks, however, as Red has better artifact destruction than this.

Spread: 1 Power: 2

This guy is too inefficient for me to be excited to run him in most go-wide decks, but tribal lists always have a lower barrier to entry because their creature type is so valuable. In Syr Gwyn tribal Knights, I’d give this anthem effect a shot.

Spread: 1 Power: 1

This effect just seems too hard to break to be worth running. Let me know if you figure out a deck in which it’ll be good.

Spread: 2 Power: 2

This is a generally useful reward for something few decks can pull off. It’s tricky to find commanders that can reliably trigger this a bunch without straight winning the game in the process (i.e., Jhoira Weatherlight Captain, Anje Falkenrath). I think Arjun, Jori En, and Korvold could be good fits for this card.

Spread: 2 Power: 2

In order for this to be good, your commander has to be able to trigger this and make use of the reward. Lyzolda can do this by sacrificing the Rats to draw cards, potentially triggering Mad Ratter again if you activate her on your opponents’ turns.

Korvold behaves similarly, as you can feed him two Rats to draw two cards and trigger the Ratter again.

Finally, the Scorpion God can eat the Rats for cards, thereby creating more Rats.

Spread: 4 Power: 3

Sure, it’s got a drawback, but it offers a relatively unconditional instant-speed kill spell in a color that has far from a critical mass of them. This is one of the best Red spot removal spells, beaten out only by Chaos Warp, Lightning Bolt, and Abrade. This kills 14/21 of the most popular commanders on EDHREC and the vast majority of the most popular creatures.

Spread: 2 Power: 1

Casting exiled cards on later turns is a big benefit, but Robin Hood still has a ton of drawbacks relative to Grenzo, Havoc Raiser.

Spread: 3 Power: 2

I run Tormenting Voice in a LOT of monored decks, and this is strictly better. Excited to see Red getting more and better variants of this effect.

Spread: 3 Power: 2

Heavy Green decks tend to be creature-focused, so the restriction isn’t that significant. It feels a lot better if you think of this card as a Temple of the False God that can still tap for mana when you have fewer than five lands.

Spread: 1 Power: 1

I can’t see where this fits into the format; even Derevi birds would want this to have at least one power. Let me know if you think of a deck that can use this card!

Spread: 3 Power: 3

This is pretty comparable to Guardian Project or Beast Whisperer if you can reliably get a 3+ power creature on the field (perhaps from your command zone?), as the ability to tap for two means this effectively costs 2 less than whatever the reduced price ends up being.

Spread: 1 Power: 2

It took me a minute to notice the “one or more” clause, after which my interest in this card plummeted. However, it is a Cat that draws you a card every turn, so Arahbo with gladly welcome him into the pride.

Spread: 4 Power: 3

It doesn’t hose commanders as hard as Darksteel Mutation, Song of the Dryads, or Imprisoned in the Moon, but the cantrip more than makes up for it.

Spread: 3 Power: 3

Big fan of these effects, and I don’t think the non-Human restriction is very relevant.

Spread: 1 Power: 2

The existence of Bane of Progress (and the dozen tutors to find it) in Green makes this card a lot less appealing. However, the Hydra type makes it a great utility creature for Gargos decks.

Spread: 3 Power: 3

Anyone who’s played Gruul Ragebeast can tell you that this is pretty powerful creature control; if this goes unanswered, you’re going to eat all of your opponents’ threats. I would happily run this in monogreen decks looking for ways to remove multiple creatures, especially if my meta was light on spot removal.

Spread: 1 Power: 1

Never before have I seen an Impulse that was this hard to cast. Bird decks don’t run enough artifacts/enchantments to make this reliably hit, but if there was ever a commander in these colors that rewarded you for playing artifact creatures, I’d consider running this guy.

Spread: 2 Power: 3

This looks like a one-sided Open the Vaults to me, and there are lots of commanders that will be happy to run this, including Hanna, Breya, Tuvasa, and Kestia. I think this card was intentionally designed so that you can easily avoid animating your stuff if you don’t want to, as making your hard-to-remove artifacts and enchantments vulnerable to creature removal is not ideal (as anyone who’s played with Opalescence or Starfield of Nyx can attest).

Spread: 2 Power: 3

This is pretty close to drawing five cards for five mana, provided your curve isn’t too high. I think I’d run this in Gruul or Naya decks with a low curve.

Spread: 3 Power: 2

Fyndhorn Elder and Greenweaver Druid are not good cards, but Llanowar Tribe and Somberwald Sage are. If you’re running 3+ colors, I would happily run this card, as 7 mana on turn 4 is no joke and can really launch you past your opponents.

Spread: 1 Power: 2

Its color identity precludes it from being used in Aryel, so Syr Gwyn is the only home for this card.

Spread: 1 Power: 2

I like this effect way more than a typical anthem, since it scales to multiple opponents. I’d run this in tribal Knights, but don’t get your hopes up about firing off that activated ability when none of the Knight decks are in ramp colors.

Spread: 3 Power: 2

This is one of the best 2-drop mana rocks, but not every deck needs those. Best when used with non-Green 4-CMC commanders.

Spread: 1 Power: 3

This is quite good in Arcades, the Strategist. The rate isn’t terrible and granting all of your creatures haste is very powerful in a deck that can vomit out five 4-toughness defenders in a turn.

Spread: 2 Power: 1

There are a couple lists that are very excited for new Eggs (cheap artifacts that draw cards and sacrifice themselves), such as Gerrard 2.0, Teshar, and some Breya builds.

Spread: 3 Power: 3

I generally do not like anthem effects that only buff for a single point of power, especially when they cost three mana. I also generally do not like mana rocks that cost three and only produce a single mana. However, the combination of these two effects is kind of attractive. Tapping for mana means your anthem essentially only costs two mana, and producing a mana every turn thereafter is a significant bonus. I really like this in Alela since it also triggers her token production ability, but I’d consider testing it in other go-wide token decks as well.

Spread: 1 Power: 2

It’s a 2 CMC scarecrow, which means Reaper King is interested.

Spread: 2 Power: 2

This seems like a solid draw engine for monowhite decks, and maybe monored and red/white decks. As long as you have a commander that doesn’t mind attacking, this’ll probably act as an Underworld Connections.

Spread: 4 Power: 2

Even monocolor decks now have a ton of options for fetches; we’re at the threshold of a critical mass of fetches so you can more consistently assemble an engine with Crucible of Worlds. I’d run this in 3-color decks, 2-color decks, and monocolor decks with Crucible and Scroll Rack.

Wrapping Up

Please let me know if you think I missed any relevant cards or if you disagree with any of my ratings. Thanks for reading!

#set review #edh #commander #eld #mtg #magic the gathering

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fate-everlasting · 4 years

Text

Matters of the Heart

This is part three of a three-part alternate-ending fanfiction that revolves around the characters of Adele Carrem, Matteo Vasari, and Charlie Stoke, of Fogbank Entertainment’s Storyscape Titanic novella.

Author’s Note: This story begins in the boiler room, drawing from the diamond scene between Adele and Charlie. Thereafter, the storyline diverges.

Part 1 | Part 2

Part 3: Fate, Everlasting

Climbing the stairs, I trace my fingers over the ornate oak railings, admiring the way the golden light reflects off the wood, my fingertips following the gentle curve of the banister toward the landing. When I reach C Deck, there are more people milling about, though I’m hit by a rush of memories, face to face with the Purser’s office where I composed Zetta’s messages for Richard, and had them sent to the Marconi room via pneumatic tube, a technology that amazes me, even now. I take a deep breath, sighing as I look for Matteo, though he is nowhere in sight. I wonder for a moment if he’s retired to his quarters, or perhaps James’ or Zetta’s, but decide to continue up the staircase to B Deck. I pass several passengers on the staircase, and though we make eye contact, we merely nod in acknowledgement of one another, the haunted looks I see in their eyes likely reflected in my own.

I slow as I reach the B Deck landing, expecting to find Matteo, though my brow furrows when I still don’t see him. For a moment, I feel myself start to panic, wondering if I’ve somehow managed to lose him, unsure of the specifics governing our existence on this version of Titanic, whatever it may be. I quickly dismiss the thought, and looking up, the wrought iron and glass dome overhead seems to glow brighter as I ascend the stairs to A Deck. I see more passengers now, many of whom seem to be coming and going from the Lounge as well as passing through the entry vestibules leading from the promenade on either side. Glancing out toward the promenade, I’m taken aback by the beauty. The entire sky seems to be illuminated in a perpetual sunrise, the water glittering brightly as Titanic glides silently toward its destination, though where this destination lies, and when we are to arrive, remains unknown . I sigh softly, and rounding the corner to start up the stairs, I catch myself admiring the ornate beauty of the ship once more, my hand resting gently alongside the bronze cherub adorning the center newel post at the base of the staircase, my mind reeling at the thought that all of this is now at the bottom of the Atlantic. As my gaze lifts toward the landing, my breath catches when I see Matteo’s tall, elegant form waiting there, though his attentions seem to be focused on his wristwatch, his back to the stairway. Climbing the stairs, I approach his side, the smell of his pomade nearly intoxicating. “Teo?”

He turns, smiling softly, his hazel eyes warm, “Adele. I was starting to wonder if you were going to make it.”

“Of course, I made it,” I return his smile, though the light glinting off his watch grabs my attention. I remember how much it meant to him, a gift from his grandfather who wore it during his service in the Boer War. “Your watch, Teo, is it alright…?”

“Well,” he begins, holding his wrist out to display the watch face, “it always did keep perfect time…” he trails off, with a sadness in his eyes.

“Two-twenty,” I softly read the time from his watch, and upon glancing up at the ornately carved clock on the landing, I realize it shows the same. My heart sinks to the pit of my stomach when I realize the significance – it’s the exact time that Titanic sank. “Matteo, I’m so sorry.”

He carefully replaces his cuff over his watch, and turns to me, gently taking my hands in his. “Sorry for what, Adele?” His expression is one of concern, and as I look into his eyes, I feel myself drawn as deeply into him as I had ever been.

“Your watch was your good luck charm, it means so much to you, and now…” I shake my head sadly, though I’m unable to break away from Matteo’s gaze.

“It still is my good luck charm, just as it was for my grandfather.” He smiles sincerely, his thumbs lightly tracing over the backs of my hands. “I’m here with you. I can’t think of any better luck than that.”

I feel a sharp pang of guilt at his words, and I know I need to tell him about Charlie. While I love Matteo, and care for him deeply, the love that I have for Charlie is something completely different, something I’ve since come to realize. The last thing I want to do is cause him any pain, especially after everything we’d been through, but I fear that it would hurt him more if I instead don’t say anything. Looking into his hazel eyes, I feel tears welling up and filling my own. I take a deep breath, in attempt to steel my nerves before speaking. “Matteo, I need…”

He shakes his head then, his hands gently squeezing mine as he interrupts, “It’s alright, Adele.” I struggle to break his gaze, casting my eyes downward for a moment before looking up at him again, my heart and stomach in knots. He repeats softly, “It’s alright, I already know.”

“You know…?” My heart is racing. I wonder what he means, or how he could possibly know what I needed to tell him.

He nods, his hands not leaving mine as he speaks softly, “It’s Charlie.” A look of sadness clouds his features then, though I see him attempt to will it away as he offers me a comforting smile, which doesn’t quite reach his eyes.

I feel my heart skip a beat at his words, “But, how?” My heart aches at the sadness in his eyes, knowing I’m responsible.

He continues gently caressing my hands as he holds them in his, and takes a slow breath before speaking. “I knew it in the engine room,” he pauses, his eyes closing briefly at the memory. “I kept looking for you, waiting for you. But, even as the water rose, you never came.” His voice is soft and low, his gaze briefly breaking from mine before he looks into my eyes again. “That’s when I knew.”

I’m speechless for a moment, my heart feeling like it’s shattering into a million pieces, the feeling of guilt nearly overwhelming. “Teo, I had no idea…I’m so, so sorry.” I shut my eyes lightly in attempt to stave off the tears that feel sure to come, and when I slowly open them, I find Matteo’s sad gaze still on me. “I didn’t intend to stay behind, I knew you were waiting for me, and I had every intention to follow you to the lifeboats. I promise you; I didn’t lead you down there to face what happened.” I can no longer suppress the tears, now freely streaming down my cheeks. “I love you, Matteo, I always have, but…”

Matteo wordlessly envelops me into a tight embrace, my body shuddering as I cry against his comfortable form. I feel his breath catch in his chest, and then he speaks softly, the raw emotion palpable in his tone, “I know, Adele. And I…” he hesitates before completing his thought, and takes a slow, but shaky breath. “…I put you in an impossible position.”

I look up at him, finding his hazel eyes tear-filled beneath his dark lashes, my heart feeling as though it’s breaking all over again. He continues, “I knew that you and Charlie shared something, and I should have respected that. After all, I was the accomplice to your blackmailer, there shouldn’t have been any question,” he shakes his head sadly. “It may seem unconventional, but ever since I saw you in that prison cell, I hadn’t been able to get you out of my mind. I hope you know - I need to make sure you know - I helped you because I truly wanted to. I truly care for you, Adele; more than I’ve ever cared about anyone. You made me a better man, and helped me to see that the ends don’t always justify the means, and that there can always be another way.”

I remain close to him, our arms still wrapped around one another. “I understand why you did what you did, Teo. James put you in an impossible position, too, and I know you truly care…” I sigh then, my eyes searching his, “But I didn’t make you a better man. You’ve always been a good man, or you wouldn’t have done everything you did for me, or for Hileni.”

Matteo chuckles softly, shaking his head, “I’m many things, my dear. But I’m afraid a good man isn’t one of them.” He pauses, gently running his fingers through my hair, “You did bring out the best in me.”

I break his gaze momentarily, and take a deep breath before looking up at him, attempting to will my tears away when I ask him the question that’s been nagging in my mind. “Teo, if you knew… Why did you come back? Why didn’t you try to save yourself?”

He reaches down, gently taking my hands in his again, “It was a matter of the heart, Adele.” He raises his eyebrow slightly, “Why did you stay behind?”

His question gives me pause, “I’m…I’m not sure. I was ready to leave, I very nearly did, but I went back.” He nods slightly, and I continue, “I just felt as though I couldn’t leave. My mind was screaming at me to go, to save myself. But I couldn’t bring myself to do it. When I went back…” I hesitate, looking at him searchingly, “When I went back, it felt like that was where I was supposed to be.”

“Your heart made its choice, Adele,” Matteo nods gently, “and that’s nothing to apologize for.”

I glance down at my hands in his, and shaking my head slightly, I look back up at him, tears once again stinging my eyes. “It is, though. I stayed, and because of that, you came back, and now…”

“It’s nothing to apologize for,” he reiterates his point, his eyes gazing deeply into my own. “When you didn’t come to the engine room, I knew why you’d stayed, there was no doubt in my mind. It was at that moment that my heart made its choice, and it chose the same as yours – for me to stay.”

I’m speechless for a long moment, silent tears running down my cheeks, before I find my voice. “You chose to stay, even though you knew about Charlie, and knew there’d be no way out? Teo, I…”

He chuckles softly, sadly, gently dabbing my tears away with his handkerchief before replacing it in his pocket, taking my hand in his once more. “Adele, our interactions have never been anything short of complicated, have they?”

I smile slightly through my tears, “I suppose you’re right…But even then…”

Matteo shakes his head, his expression gentle, all the rough edges he’d once had now completely smoothed away. “I meant what I said, Adele. Of any place in the world, in this life, or the next, I’d rather stay with you, no matter the circumstance.”

I feel my breath catch, remembering those exact words when he returned to the boiler room, not knowing at the time that he already knew the truth, even before I’d acknowledged it myself. Looking up at him, I shake my head, “Believe what you will, Teo, but you’re a good man. One of the best I’ve ever known. And, I wouldn’t trade anything that happened between us, I just…” I briefly glance away before returning my gaze to him, “I wish everything hadn’t been so complicated.”

A sad smile tugs at one corner of his mouth, “My dear, that’s but the nature of matters of the heart.” His eyes flicker down to his jade and gold brooch, still pinned to my gown.

Following his glance, I feel another pang of guilt. I gently take my hands from his, and reach up to unpin the brooch, feeling as though I’m no longer deserving. “I’m sorry, Teo. I should give this back to you…”

His hands reach up to cover mine, gently holding them in his once more, and I look up at him. He slowly shakes his head, “It’s yours, Adele. It’s still – and always has been – yours.” I nod wordlessly, tears once again stinging my eyes. Matteo offers a warm smile, though I still discern an underlying sadness in his eyes. “Even if I’d known our voyage would end this way, I’d do it all again. I have no regrets. I followed my heart, and you followed yours. Not everyone has the opportunity to surrender themselves to love, and find solace in whatever the outcome may be. I find solace that I still get to be here with you, and in that you have the good man that you truly deserve.” He pauses for a long moment then, his eyes searching my own, “You should get back to him.”

I’m unable to tear my eyes from his gaze, my emotions in turmoil, though I nod, reminding myself that he was right, my heart had made its choice. “Thank you, Matteo, for everything,” I begin, my voice soft. “For your openness, your kindness, your protection, and most of all, your understanding.” I pause briefly, “I’d do it all again, too.”

He nods, gently squeezing my hands in his, “You needn’t thank me, Adele, nor treat this as though it’s a goodbye. We’ve been through far too much together to go our separate ways now, and someone needs to be here to ensure Charlie treats you the way you deserve.” He raises an eyebrow, a mischievous glint in his eye. I chuckle softly at his comment, comforted and relieved, feeling as though a great weight had been lifted off my shoulders, and off of my heart. He then leans down, closing his eyes as he brings my hand to his lips, kissing the back of it lightly. He lingers there for a moment, and when he raises up and opens his eyes, they’re calm, and far less conflicted than before. “Get back to Charlie, Adele. I’ll catch up with the both of you a bit later.”

He smiles warmly, though a sadness still lingers behind his gaze. I nod, smiling softly, “I look forward to it, Teo.” I notice his gaze then shifts over my shoulder, and he nods his head slightly, before smiling at me once more, turning to head up the stairs to the Boat Deck. I watch him leave, the scent of his pomade fading, all the while my heart is still pounding, and the slightest inkling of doubt still nags in the back of my mind.

I sigh softly, and as I turn to head back down to D Deck, I see Charlie waiting at the base of the staircase, alongside the bronze cherub. Concern is still evident in his features. “Adal, is everything alright?”

I nod, offering him a smile as I slowly descend the stairs, “It is. Well, it is now, anyway. Matteo said he’d rejoin us later.”

Charlie nods at that, and clears his throat slightly, “And, he understands?” No doubt, he is referring to Matteo’s feelings for me, the cause of their contentious interactions from the first day they’d met one another.

“He understands everything, Charlie.” I smile gently, holding my hands out to him as I reach the bottom of the staircase, feeling an undeniable warmth course through my body the moment Charlie takes my hands in his. “There’s only you.”

At my words, his expression softens, and he wraps me in his arms, holding me tightly to him. I settle into his embrace, feeling safe and protected as I look up at him, the golden light shining in through the wrought iron and glass dome above surrounding us in a warm, ethereal glow. He smiles warmly then, his fingertips gently tilting my chin up to him as he leans down, his lips only millimeters from my own. He whispers softly, “And, there’s only you, my Adal.” He leans in then, pressing his lips against mine, and in that instant, the last lingering fragment of doubt in my mind disappeared. I return the kiss passionately, my soul finally feeling at ease. In a change, our kiss isn’t anxious, or hurried, but rather soft, tender, and with a love and an intimacy I hadn’t felt before.

We linger in the kiss for a long moment, and when we slowly part, Charlie smiles warmly, gently tracing his fingertips over my cheek. Looking into his eyes, I feel at peace. While I never could have imagined how the course of my life would change when I accepted my ticket on Titanic, I know that everything I’d done had led me to this moment. And, in this moment, I know beyond any shadow of a doubt, that I’m exactly where I’m meant to be. I return Charlie’s smile, lightly resting my hand over his on my cheek, before leaning up to press my lips to his once more. He returns my kiss gently before breaking it a moment later, and steps back to offer me his arm. Without hesitation, I gently take his arm, and as I settle in against his side, we descend the Grand Staircase, leaving the past behind, and taking our first steps together into eternity.

#titanic #storyscape #storyscape titanic #adele carrem #adal karam #charlie stoke #matteo vasari #zetta serda #james eisler #hileni carrem #adele x charlie #adele x matteo #matteo x adele #charlie x adele #fanfic #fanfiction

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prorevenge · 5 years

Text

Moving truck smashed our house. Repairs made home value soar

While not as explosively/nuclear vengeful as some of the other stories in here or as the one I first posted, I thought I'd share another pro-revenge story that happened to my father when I was in the 9th grade.

We grew up in a relatively nice suburb of Southern California (Walnut). My family purchased the house for approximately $250,000 in 1987 when track homes were all the rage (I still have nightmares about carpeted bathrooms). Nearly every house in our neighborhood was identical where the only 'customizations' you could apply were the accoutrements to the outside of the home. We opted for polished red brick since it was the least requested feature in the lot. These bricks were super thin (about 3/4" thick) and applied to the house to give it the appearance of being made of brick. See image 1 (this is not our house, but another house in the same area that opted for the same brick we did).

Our home was at the juncture of a T intersection where a steep hill was directly in front of the house (see image 2). On a summer morning in 1991 at 9-something in the morning, a large moving truck parked half way up the hill. It was parked about 200 feet behind where the parked car is in Image 2. The hill is actually steeper than it appears in the image due to the weird lensing effect of Google Maps photography. The truck was delivering furniture to a family who had just moved in up the hill. However, the driver got out of the truck and it started rolling down the hill. We're not sure if the truck's emergency brake wasn't set or if the emergency brake failed, but since our house was directly in front of this hill, it plowed right into the front of our house.

Being in California, we're pretty used to earthquakes. We had the big Whittier quake in 1987 and at first we thought it was a just another quake as we were all sitting at the breakfast table. The entire house shook pretty violently and car alarms up and down the street went off from the boom it created. After the rumbling stopped, we gathered up our stuff to head to karate class (assuming it was an earthquake) and walked into the garage (there was an entrance into the garage from inside the house).

That's when we saw the front of a truck buried into the garage. I've never heard my mom scream until that moment. My dad came rushing in and the list of invectives that came out of his mouth was startling. He was a short-fused man and was prone to angry outbursts, but this was full on rage.

We exited the garage and took at look at the damage. Fortunately it hit the garage and not any of the support pillars inside the garage, but the columns to the left and right of the garage door were utterly plowed.

The moving company accepted fault for the accident. But that's not where the pro-revenge comes in. It turned out that the bricks that were used in the batch of houses in our lot were imported from France and that manufacturer no longer made those bricks. So the moving company had agreed to pay for materials equal in value to the cost of the bricks. The moving company had agreed that they would pay for the labor costs no matter what material we chose.

My father, being the obstinate ass that he is, had an idea. He chose your regular run of the mill red brick for the material. He knew they were super cheap, easy to acquire, and the company would agree to it quickly. The company agreed to reimburse my father for the bricks he purchased. You see, my father, while not a carpenter or construction engineer himself, he ran his own commercial waterproofing company. So he knew what kind of labor costs would go into what he had in mind.

I mentioned earlier that the original bricks were 3/4" in thickness. The standard red brick is 3-5/8" x 2-1/4" x 8". My father purchased the bricks and the moving company thought they got away with a great bargain...until they got a bill for the labor costs.

The standard bricks required hand cutting in order to be trimmed down to the size the original bricks were made to. Because the standard bricks had to be hand cut (using a powered saw of course), and due to their brittleness at that thinness, the number of bricks the labor team had to go through was incredibly prodigious. What was estimated to take just 2 weeks of labor ended up taking nearly 4 months. Even though only the front of the house was damaged, all of the bricks around the entire house had to be replaced so they would match. See image 3. If you notice, the bricks now have a more weathered, textured appearance that look a bit more antique. This was from having to hand saw the bricks and would cause the bricks to get little nicks and cracks in them, giving them that weathered appearance.

The property value of this neighborhood skyrocketed in the mid- to late-90's due to it having a great school district, low crime, proximity to good universities, etc. In the end, because our house was uniquely decorated, by 1997 the value of the house rose to around $750,000 while the neighboring houses were valued at around $500,000-$600,000.

I don't know what the house is worth now as they sold it in 1998 when my parents divorced. But a cursory search for home values in the neighborhood show the surrounding houses are worth roughly $1.4M so I imagine our old house is probably worth a little more.

I was too young at the time to comprehend the legal battle that ensued over the labor costs. All I can recall was my dad popping open a bottle of champagne after the legal contest concluded in his favor and the moving company was forced to agree to paying the labor costs like they originally offered. Those labor costs were insanely high.

TLDR: Moving truck rolled down hill and smashed into our house. Bricks originally used on the house were no longer manufactured so we made the moving company pay for hand-cut bricks which escalated the labor costs and also increased the value of the house significantly.

I know my mother has an old photo album somewhere in her current house that shows the damage the truck did. If I can have her dig it up, I'll try to post it. I live outside the US now so having her dig it up for this might be a bit of a pain.

(source) story by (/u/FalconerXV)

#prorevenge #by /u/FalconerXV #pro revenge #revenge stories #pro revenge stories #pro #revenge #last10

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serenasoto-blog · 4 years

Text

9 Best Places to Add Keywords Inside Content for On-Page SEO

Catchphrases. Web optimization is about catchphrases.

Right stated, huh.

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Substance cover up

1. Watchword investigate

2. #9 Best Places to Add Keywords in Content

3. 1. Website design enhancement Title – The #1 Best spot to include watchwords

4. 2. Meta depiction

5. 3. Title of page content

6. 4. Beginning passage of substance

7. 5. Headings and subheadings in content

8. 6. Fundamental substance

9. 7. Picture alt labels

10. 8. Stay writings

11. 9. Labels and breadcrumbs

12. Outline

Catchphrase inquire about

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You will obviously begin composing on the theme. This is what you have to mind while adding watchwords to the substance piece.

#9 Best Places to Add Keywords in Content

Website design enhancement Title

Website design enhancement Meta portrayal

Blog entry title

Beginning passage of post

Headings/Subheadings

Fundamental substance

Picture alt labels

Stay writings

Labels and breadcrumbs

Lets comprehend individually.

1. Website design enhancement Title – The #1 Best spot to include catchphrases

website design enhancement title

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I have added connections to the modules toward the finish of instructional exercise.

Give them a shot!

2. Meta portrayal

That is second most significant spot.

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In the event that conceivable include the center watchwords, in the beginning just as in the center of the meta portrayal.

Try not to include immaterial stuff here. This should be extremely important just as appealing at that point. Think, individuals perusing your portrayal ought to get spurred tom read your substance further by tapping the connection to your subject.

3. Title of page content

post title search engine optimization

This is only the genuine title of the substance that you see when you land on the page.

For instance, here in this example, "10 best places to include catchphrases inside substance" is the subject of this post.

This is additionally eqaully significant in light of the fact that it can possibly get the peruser's consideration.

Envision, if a peruser likes the title of your post, he will peruse on further. Or then again he may simply tap the back catch and skip perusing by any stretch of the imagination!

You won't care for that occur!

In this way, take a stab at including a sharp however alluring title to your blog entry.

As a tip, its better to keep the title long-tail here as well.

4. Beginning section of substance

WordPress modules like Yoast SEO request you to specify catchphrases in the beginning section of the substance.

Its not critical to state honestly. Be that as it may, including it, won't hurt you truly.

Consider it like the third limit for your peruser, the first being SEO title-depiction, and second, post title.

Who needs to lose individuals in the wake of snaring them in not once, however twice?!

Feel free to compose the primary passages for your posts.

5. Headings and subheadings in content

Headings resemble the little loosen up focuses in your article!

Truly, envision that it is so exhausting to peruse entire large lumps of content with no breakpoints in the center.

Senseless right?

Indeed, even I despise that. C'on, we are bloggers, advertisers, scholars. Not promoters or Ph.D. holders.

Try not to outrage please. I regard you as well.

So as you probably are aware, its imperative to include watchwords in headings and resulting subheadings in article.

This gives an away from to web search tools of something identified with the watchwords and valuable coming up in the accompanying segment.

Snappy tip: Never include superfluous sub-headers and headers in your substance. Break the substance into pieces as required and reasonable to facilitate its meaningfulness.

6. Fundamental substance

Furthermore, here's coming the body of your substance.

I will pressure more here.

There have been numerous contentions, a large number of them uncertain and even profoundly questioned with respect to what ought to be the specific include of watchwords in content.

Suppositions with respect to this shift from individual to individual, SEOs to SEOs, journalists to authors.

The best practice is to include the catchphrases just where required and coordinate the significance of the present setting.

In straightforward terms, I mean, simply be it common.

It ought NOT be constrained notice. Keep in mind, Google has treated such substance gravely previously.

You additionally may fall prey to Google's punishment, emerging by the spam factor.

7. Picture alt labels

picture alt labels for website optimization

Pictures resemble the magnificence of your article.

They add beat to the understanding experience.

As the time is advancing to an ever increasing extent, visuals have become a significant piece of our lives, Internet is no special case to it.

Thus, adding pictures to content is sound. Truly.

However, does the Google search bots truly comprehend your picture proerly like we people.

You may contend that, AI and Machine learning is changing the way Google bots decipher substance and visuals. I concur, master!

Yet at the same time its a best practice to add alt labels to the pictures in content.

Who knows, Google bots may be as yet searching for it?!

You can include these basically by altering the HTML code of your page.

In HTML, the <img> label serves picture on the site page. "alt" is one of the key traits of <img> tag, which you can alter utilizing any code supervisor of your decision.

Good karma!

Tip: The alt labels ought to carefully be basic, short and direct. Try not to be senseless to compose long queues and passages here.

Get familiar with picture website optimization in our article.

8. Grapple writings

Ever observed those blue hued hyperlinks on sites?

Did you consider it a spot to grandstand your watchwords?

Truly. The content on which a hyperlink is assembled, is called a "stay content".

All things considered, it fills in as an extraordinary open door for good SEO.

The truth of the matter is very generally welcomed that watchword focused on grapple writings fill in as solid advantage to both on page and off page SEO.

Ensure while composing stay writings, it needs to representation the connected substance extremely right. A ton of fledglings miss this out.

9. Labels and breadcrumbs

catchphrases in labels breadcrumbs

Truly, this isn't SO significant one. So I'm hardly any requiring some investment here.

Labels and breadcrumbs are essentially billboards on your site. Inquire as to why?

At the point when you read a concise substance, regardless of whether short or little, labels help to associate the substance with explicit subjects. This is especially valuable while having more substance than typical.

In spite of the fact that labels have been a pattern via web-based networking media, their utilization on online sites and entryways is as yet common.

Breadcrumbs are the office to sort out your substance into a chain of command.

This is something that you frequently find at the highest point of the substance on certain website pages.

Assembling everything, labels and breadcrumbs do support your site or blog look progressively sorted out in a way. Be that as it may, the decision is to actualize them is yours.

You can utilize your catchphrases in these and help Google and other web crawlers see better.

Synopsis

So people, since you have the information, its opportunity to execute it straight.

Beneath you can discover connections to different modules or applications for different stages, which will assist you with doing SEO.

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nahushjoshiblog-blog · 4 years

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ROLE OF COMPUTER AIDED ENGINEERING IN ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING

In all over the world, manufacturing sector has emerged as one of the high growth sectors on which millions of people are dependent because of their jobs. Throughout history, people have always been dependent on technology. Of course, the technology of each era might not have the same shape and size as today, but for their time it was certainly something for people to look at.

People would always use the technology they had available to help make their lives easier and at the same time try to perfect it and bring it to the next level. This is how the concept of the industrial revolution began. Right now, we are going through the fourth industrial revolution, also known as Industry 4.0.

Basically Industry 4.0 can be defined as “digitization of the manufacturing sector, with embedded sensors in virtually all product components and manufacturing equipment, ubiquitous cyber physical systems and analysis of all relevant data”. There are total 4 main factors on which Industrial revolution 4.0 is based.

1. Data, computational power and connectivity – i.e. low-power, wide-area networks, for example

2. Analytics and intelligence

3. Human-machine interaction – i.e., touch interfaces and augmented reality

4. Digital-to-physical conversion – i.e., advanced robotics and 3-D printing

3 D printing or Additive manufacturing is yet another technological advancement made possible by the transition from analog to digital processes. In recent decades, communications, imaging, architecture and engineering have all under gone their own digital revolutions. Now, AM can bring digital flexibility and efficiency to manufacturing operations.

Additive manufacturing uses data computer-aided-design (CAD) software or 3D object scanners to direct hardware to deposit material, layer upon layer, in precise geometric shapes. As its name implies, additive manufacturing adds material to create an object. By contrast, when you create an object by traditional means, it is often necessary to remove material through milling, machining, carving, shaping or other means.

Although the terms "3D printing" and "rapid prototyping" are casually used to discuss additive manufacturing, each process is actually a subset of additive manufacturing. While additive manufacturing seems new to many, it has actually been around for several decades. In the right applications, additive manufacturing delivers a perfect trifecta of improved performance, complex geometries and simplified fabrication. As a result, opportunities abound for those who actively embrace additive manufacturing.

Computer aided engineering, or CAE plays key role in the process of additive manufacturing. CAE is mainly used to create the design which is later provided as an input to the machine. Rapid prototype is been made by the machine only after proper design of the object is achieved. Let us know more about such softwares which are commonly used for additive manufacturing technique:

ANSYS 3DSIM & FLEX:

One of the commonly used CAE software for additive manufacturing is ANSYS. This software along with other 2 software exaSIM and FLEX help users reduce the risks, trial and error of implementing a 3D printing workflow. It also hopes to speed up the installation and optimization of said 3D printing equipment. 3DSIM Company has launched the software exaSIM which is being used for 3D printing operation.

EXASIM ANALYSIS CAPABILITIES:

Ø Residual stress

Ø Distortion

Ø Build failure

Ø Tolerancing

FLEX capabilities:

Ø Ability to determine best process parameters based on material and 3D printer

Ø Optimization of part integrity, micro structure and properties

ANSYS ADDITIVE SUIT:

• MODULES:

TOPOLOGY OPTIMIZATION

Topology optimization in ANSYS Mechanical allows to:

Ø Take into account multiple static loads combined with optimizing for natural frequencies (modal analysis)

Ø Satisfy requirements for minimum material thickness

Ø Observe rules around feature direction (for machining operations)

Ø Easily validate results

Ø Easy extraction of optimized data in .stl format

STL FILE AND GEOMETRY MANIPULATION

This particular tool is used for

Ø Geometry repair

Ø Lattice creation

Ø Clean up of parts using the software’s faceted data tools.

STRUCTURAL AND THERMAL ANALYSIS AND DESIGN VALIDATION

Ø Full nonlinear, including transient, and linear analysis

Ø Capability to validate designs under a vast range scenario.

Ø Both thermal and structural loading conditions can be applied to models to understand performance and durability.

ADDITIVE PROCESS SIMULATION

Ø Predict Distortion

Ø Predict Stress

Ø Run Parametric Studies

ADDITIVE PRINT

Additive Print delivers unparalleled accuracy in predicting:

Ø Final shape of the printed part.

Ø Layer-by-layer distortion and stress.

Ø Optimal support structures.

Ø Distortion-compensated STL files.

Ø Potential blade crash.

ANSYS ADDITIVE SCIENCE

To determine optimum process parameters for metal additive manufacturing

**Capabilities of this module: **

Ø Analyze Porosity and Melt pools

Ø Predict Sensor Measurements

Ø Predict Thermal History

Ø Predict Microstructure

Ø Run Parametric Studies

Ø Track Phase Transformation

Materialise Magics

Materialise Magics is a versatile, industry-leading data preparation and STL editor software for Additive Manufacturing that allows you to convert files to STL, repair errors, edit your design and prepare your build platform.

MODULES

SINTER MODULE

With the Materialise Magics Sinter Module, you can:

Ø Nest parts quickly and automatically on multiple platforms

Ø Control the build time, height and density

Ø Avoid interlocking and colliding parts

Ø Create protective crates

Ø Re-nest from an existing configuration

SIMULATION MODULE

With the Simulation Module, you can:

Ø Predict areas prone to deformation, overheating and residual stresses

Ø Reduce the risk of build failures and make test prints redundant

Ø Speed up the search for the best parameter sets to build your parts

Ø Modification of support and orientation based on simulation results

Ø Counter-deform your parts to avoid deformations arising from the printing process

STRUCTURES MODULE

With Materialise Magics Structures Module, you can:

Ø Lower your powder consumption and production costs

Ø Add strength to the parts

Ø Reduce distortion (due to the heat generated during the build process)

Ø Create porous designs

Ø Available lattice structures include diamond, cross, diagonal etc

Ø Design your own unit cell structures to create a lattice structure

SUPPORT GENERATION MODULE FOR METAL (SG+)

With Materialise Magics SG+ Module, you can:

Ø Conduct heat and avoid deformation

Ø Optimize part orientation

Ø Recuperate powder

Ø Reduce build failures with build validation tools

TREE SUPPORT MODULE

With Materialise Magics Tree Support Module, you can:

Ø Improve the surface quality of metal prints

Ø Prevent part deformation with enhanced heat conduction systems

Ø Save time on finishing

Ø Use trees to create inlets in your lost-wax mold

IMPORT MODULE

With Materialise Import Module, you can:

Ø Manage the resolution of your data while importing it (for better STL quality)

Ø Import native color information

Ø Receive a repaired file after the import

AUTODESK Netfabb

Netfabb is software specially designed by AUTODESK for Additive Manufacturing applications. Netfabb software includes efficient build preparation capabilities alongside tools for optimizing designs for additive manufacturing, simulating metal additive processes, and planning for CNC post-processing.

Netfabb consists of following features:

Build Preparation:

Ø Import, analyze, and repair models:

Import models from a variety of CAD formats and use repair tools to quickly correct errors.

Ø Modify models for production:

Make your models production ready by adjusting wall thicknesses, smoothing rough areas, and more.

Ø Configurable build supports:

Identify areas that require support and use semi-automated tools to generate support structures.

Ø Mesh to CAD conversion

Convert organic, free-form mesh files to boundary representation models and make them available in CAD in STEP, SAT or IGES format.

Ø Automatic packing

Use 2D and 3D packing algorithms to optimally place parts within the build volume.

Ø Report generation

Create custom reports that include critical information for manufacturing and quoting.

Ø Advanced tool paths

Develop build strategies and define tool path parameters for maximum surface quality, part density, and speed.

Design optimization for additive manufacturing:

Ø Internal lattice structures

Create lightweight parts with performance characteristics specific to your application.

Ø Topology optimization

Generate forms that are optimized for stiffness and weight, based on the loads and constraints of the part.

Ø Integrated performance analysis

Test how your optimized designs will perform using built-in Autodesk Nastran simulation.

Ø Optimization engine

Automatically verify and optimize lattice and skin elements to meet load requirements and reduce weight.

Thus, we can say that there has been a lot of progress in the field of additive manufacturing day by day. As the technology progresses, it will be easy for us to analyze & manufacture the objects easily.

#additivemanufacturing #Computer_aided_engineering

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believingispowerfulmagic · 5 years

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IBOQ 2019 Day 1: “Finding Robin”

A/N: My first entry for Inspired By OQ Week. This one is inspired by Jen’s (starscythe) January manip for this year’s OQ calendar.

It was a freak accident.

That was what the investigators said. The plane had been serviced and passed an inspection before Robin had flown to South America for his latest relief mission--delivering much-needed medicines to remote villages--and the airport he took off from there certified that the plane was still in good condition. The investigation would take more time to determine why his engine had burst into flames once he got into American airspace but their best theory was that he had hit a flock of birds, probably geese.

They also told her that while there was no concrete evidence that Robin had died in the fiery crash, they were confident he did. They were confident all parachutes were accounted for and they doubted Robin would've jumped into the thick forest he was flying over. He no doubt would've tried to escape the plane before it exploded but they didn't think he made it out in time.

Regina Mills, though, couldn't accept that her partner--in relief work and in life--was gone. Friends of theirs gathered around her and tried to conduct a search and rescue but in the end, the forest proved far too dense. After several weeks of trying, they had to give up. She had to move on, to make sure the organization they worked so hard to build didn't collapse. It felt like she was giving up on Robin, like she was failing him somehow.

Dr. Hopper told her that was normal, that it was part of the grieving process. She tried to believe him but she couldn't shake the feeling that he was out there, somewhere. And she wasn't even trying to find him.

A dream of all things changed that.

She walked through the halls of a hospital, feeling like a ghost as no one seemed to acknowledge her or answer when she asked what was going on. Regina found herself drawn to one particular room--Room 23--and she entered, finding doctors standing around a bed. It sounded as if they were talking in a fishbowl, their voices muffled and hard to make out. She strained to do so, able to figure out that the patient was some sort of John Doe who was in a medical coma for one reason or another. If they couldn't figure out who he was or who his next of kin was, they were going to have to release him to a long-term care facility.

Regina tried to get closer to the bed, to see who the man was but it felt like the curtain around his bed was an iron wall. It kept her from going any farther, forcing her to jump back each and every time she tried. "Who is it?" she yelled, hoping someone would hear her.

Instead of an answer, she felt as if someone kicked her in the chest. She flew backwards, ending up in the hallway again. The doctors and nurses left the room, closing the door behind them. When she reached for the door handle, her hand went right through it. She tried to go through the door, but it was as sturdy as ever. Whatever was going on, she could not get back into the room again.

She just didn't know why.

"Who are you?" she asked, yelling at the door. "Why are you haunting my dreams?"

"Regina..."

Her heart stopped as she heard the voice she had longed to hear the most the past few months. The low tenor with a slightly hoarse quality to it and a British accent she found irresistible. She missed the way her name sounded when spoken by that voice and it brought tears to her eyes. Regina knew it was her subconscious drawing it up from her memories and that the voice would only live on in her dreams.

"Regina, look at me," the voice repeated.

She slowly turned around, feeling like a vise gripped her heart as the voice's owner came into focus. He was taller than her and his blond hair had spattering of gray in it. She had often teased him about it but she loved the fact he was turning into a silver fox. The blond scruff on his cheeks and chin were still blond as ever and she reached out, wanting to feel the prickle of it against her palm again--even if it was just a memory playing out in her dream.

Her hand passed through him though and she frowned. "Robin?"

"Regina, you need to save me," he told her. "You don't have much time. Find me. Please."

"Where are you? Robin, tell me," she begged, growing desperate as he grew more and more transparent. How was she supposed to find him when he could be anywhere? "Robin!"

He faded away as a bright light assaulted her senses, forcing Regina back into consciousness.

She gasped as she sat up, her heart beating wildly. Beads of sweat rolled down her face and her pajamas were stuck to her skin. She pushed back the blankets as she reached over, turning on the lamp on her nightstand. It illuminated her room, revealing she was alone. There were no other sounds and for a moment, Regina wondered if she had gone deaf as she couldn't hear a thing. Everything felt weird, as if she were really dreaming now and what she had just experienced was real.

BANG!

Regina jumped as she glanced out the window, her mind processing that it was just a car backfiring. Another car's alarm went off while several dogs started to bark, breaking the silence and proving that she was awake and what she had experienced had been a dream.

Yet it had felt so real.

She stood and walked over to the bathroom. Regina flipped on the light before running the water to splash it on her face, hoping to cool herself down. It dripped down her face as she leaned against the counter, trying to figure out what her dream meant. It had to be her subconscious wishing Robin were still alive. Maybe it had absorbed the plot of some movie or TV show, casting her and Robin into the leads instead. He was gone. She needed to accept that.

But what if he wasn't? What if he really was alive? What if he had reached out to her to find him?

Regina turned off the tap and dried her face, shaking her head. It was just a dream. She had tried to find him and failed. It wasn't healthy to keep hoping he was alive, not if she wanted to keep moving on with her life like he wanted. Robin was gone. She needed to accept that.

The car alarms had stopped and the dogs were soothed, so all was again silent as she climbed into bed. All but the noise in her head as she replayed the dream over and over. Especially the part where Robin pleaded with her to find him.

She pushed the covers back and picked up her phone, hitting one particular contact before she could reconsider. Biting her lip, she listened to it ring and started to compose the message she would leave on his voicemail in her head.

"Regina?" a sleepy voice asked. "What's wrong?"

Fuck. She didn't expect him to pick up. Part of her hoped that by the time he returned her call in the morning, she would've talked herself out of it but that plan went out the window.

"Regina? Are you there?" he asked, now even more concerned.

"Yes, sorry," she replied. "I didn't expect you to answer."

"Neal is teething and not really sleeping during the night. Tonight is my turn," he answered. "What has you up at this time of the night?"

She sighed, running her hand through her hair. "You're going to think I'm crazy, David."

"Nonsense, Regina. Clearly something has you spooked. What is it?"

"It was a dream. At least I think it was," she said, doubting herself now. "It felt so real. And Robin...he was there."

David was silent for a bit before saying: "Dreams can feel real, Regina. It makes sense you would dream about him."

She sighed, letting herself fall back onto her bed. "I know. But this was different. It was more like an out-of-body experience than a dream."

"You mean you saw Robin in the afterlife?" He sounded concerned and she wondered if he was already texting their friend Archie, who was a therapist.

"No," she replied. "I was taken to a hospital where there was a nameless man in a hospital bed. Robin then appeared behind me and begged me to find him before it was too late."

David was quiet and she wondered if the call had dropped when he said: "Robin is dead, Regina."

"But what if he isn't?" she asked. "What if he's some John Doe in a hospital and is waiting for me to find him?"

"Regina, we searched the hospitals..."

She knew that but she still couldn't shake the feeling that they were missing something. "Not all of them. Can't you look for hospitals with John Does?"

He was once again quiet before saying her name with every ounce of concern he was no doubt feeling for her. "Maybe you should talk to Archie about this. He can help you..."

"My gut is telling me that Robin is still out there, David. It hasn’t led me astray yet. I'm going to find him with or without your help." She ended the call and threw her phone onto the bed as she pushed herself into a standing position.

Regina paced her room. She knew David was concerned about her. He didn't want her to get hurt or suffer any setbacks in her grief. Yet she also trusted her gut and it was telling her that Robin wasn't dead. He was out there, waiting for her. She needed to find him.

Now.

She knew what she had to do--go find her husband on her own.

Too excited to sleep, she grabbed her laptop and powered it on. She then retrieved the file she had made on Robin's plane crash. Flipping through the pages, she followed his flight path and found a map of the area around where his plane had been found. She knew all the parachutes had been accounted for on the plane but she wondered if maybe he had been ejected from the plane upon impact, landing somewhere away from the wreckage. There were too many variables for her to figure out a specific location on her own. She was going to have to make do with a general area, noting all the towns he could've been taken to. From there, it was just a matter of compiling a list of hospitals in those towns and then calling around to see if they had any John Does fitting Robin's description. Giddiness filled her as did the one thing she thought she would never have again.

Hope.

Continue reading FFN, AO3 and Wattpad

#once upon a time #outlaw queen #oq au #oq ff #inspired by oq

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ryanwhitman123-blog · 4 years

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Awesome Marketing Tricks for Real Estate Agents

With competition growing in the Dallas real estate market, it is essential to set yourself apart from the rest. Any real estate professional knows the importance of getting their message to a wide audience. In the past few years, the real estate industry has undergone tremendous change.

One of the greatest changes in internet marketing. Now, most homebuyers will do online searches before they reach out to a real estate agent. This means that, unless you get your marketing spot on, you will miss out on many new clients. However, the good news is that when you do your marketing right, you have a level playing field with the larger real estate firms.

What are the best marketing tricks to learn to continue your success as a Dallas real estate agent? Read on to find out how to beat the competition.

1. Have a top-quality website

It goes without saying that you need to have a website to have some kind of online presence. Keep your website regularly updated and make sure it’s designed for mobile devices.

One of the best tricks for real estate websites is to have an online calculator. For example, this could be to work out a mortgage. One property website in Dallas allows homeowners who are looking for a cash sale to see what their home is worth.

2. Have a blog

A blog allows you to post content related to buying and selling real estate. This gets picked up by the search engines and you will find that you start jumping up the search result rankings.

An awesome marketing trick is to keep your blog diverse but related to the town you operate in. So, rather than trying to push home sales, you could write city guides, blog about moving home, how to find jobs, and other subjects people moving to Dallas would be interested in.

3. Online real estate marketing

There are a few fantastic tricks to market your online real estate business. Here are a few of them.

Virtual staging

Use a virtual staging option on your website. This allows potential homebuyers to see staged homes. The advantage of this is that for a fraction of the cost of staging a real home, you can showpiece the best properties on your site.

Drone photography

Rather than just having run-of-the-mill pictures on your website, why not get some drone footage? This is not just interesting for your potential clients but it also gives them insight into the local area.

Virtual reality

One of the best ways to market your home is to film the interior of the home in 360°. Potential clients can then use virtual reality headsets to “walk” around their new home. This will also create a buzz around your website and get people talking about it.

4. Use pay-per-click advertising

You can target the exact type of homebuyer you are looking for with pay-per-click (PPC) advertising. You can run campaigns on Google, Facebook, Instagram, and other social media platforms.

Just one word of warning, get a professional to run your PPC campaign otherwise you could spend a lot of money with few results.

#real estate marketing #how to sell real estate #dallas real estate #real estate websites

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bevioletskies · 5 years

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bring it on home to me [1/5]

summary: The fight of everyone’s lives may be over, but for Nebula, Peter, and the rest of the Guardians, the search for the person they love most has just begun.

a/n: MAJOR spoiler warning for Avengers: Endgame, though I am a little vague about the events of what happened. Regardless, please don't let me spoil it for you!

Fic title is, of course, from the song Bring It On Home To Me by Sam Cooke.

word count: 2.6k | ao3 | tag

Peter woke to a cold bed, his teeth chattering and his feet numb, and promptly rolled over to blindly pull his tablet off his bedside table - if one could call it that, given that it was an old crate he’d found in a junkyard on Knowhere - and attempt to remotely adjust the Benatar’s temperature controls. To his utter lack of surprise, it didn’t work. He wasn’t sure Rocket’s recent rewiring of the ship was to blame, but he was sure he was going to say so at the next team meeting, anyway.

He stumbled out of bed, got dressed, considered for a total of thirty seconds as to whether he wanted to shave the slow-growing beard he’d been developing with little success over the last few months or so, and then waved it off, making his way out of his tiny little bunk and into the ship’s communal area. There, sat at the console table, was Nebula, her feet propped up on its surface and her inky black eyes fixated on him like she knew he was coming (she probably did).

“You eat yet?” Peter asked, yawning loudly. She recoiled at the sound.

“No,” she said shortly. “Our rations are lacking. We need to make another stop before we unnecessarily starve ourselves to death.”

Peter grinned. “I like that you said ‘our’. Gives me the warm fuzzies.” Nebula glared, her eyes following him all the way around the room as he tapped into the ship’s operating system on the main holoscreen. She didn’t miss the way his face fell the slightest bit, the way he took a sharp inhale to prepare himself for his next line of questioning. “Find anything yesterday?”

“Nothing. The same as the day before that, and the day before that, and the weeks and months before that,” Nebula said. She turned away, suddenly finding it too hard to look at him, to know that every emotion written on his face was on par with every emotion that stirred in her chest. “We know that. You know that.”

He swallowed, his hand hovering over the screen. Subconsciously, or instinctively, really, he’d taken himself to the criminal records that the Nova Corps had written up on them what felt like decades ago. The picture that stared back at him looked familiar but not quite close enough, the detailed write-up that sounded like someone he knew but not the someone he knew now. Or maybe had known.

“Don’t mean we have to accept it,” he finally said, turning to look at her. “I’m done being passive. Passive is gettin’ us nowhere. We don’t have the right to call ourselves the Guardians if all we do is sit around like a bunch of a-holes.”

“Then it’s good that I’m not one,” Nebula retorted. Peter shoved the screen aside and stomped right up to her, face-to-face, slamming his palms down on the table. He almost detected a twitch in her otherwise stone-cold expression, a betrayal that revealed how affected she truly was.

“You’re a Guardian, Nebula, okay?” His voice was dangerously low, the kind of pitch and tone he usually reserved for when he wore his mask, but there was no finger on the trigger of his quad blasters, just the wetness of his eyes and the intensity of his gaze. “No matter what anyone says. Including yourself.”

She stared back, standing up slowly; he followed her inch by inch. “I’m far beyond letting anyone tell me who or what I am. So you take your self-hatred for what you’ve done and what you didn’t do, and keep it to yourself, Quill. When you stop by the nearest planet to pick up supplies, I suggest you drop me off. This is no longer a ride I want to be on.”

The closest planet they came across was like many others they’d been on before - nondescript in every shape and form, lacking distinguishing features or unique characteristics that would make it any more memorable than the last. For Rocket, all he wanted whenever they touched down somewhere new was a junkyard and a bar, preferably within spitting distance of one another so he could walk in sober and stumble out drunk.

Upon returning to their landing site an hour after they’d first arrived, he apparently came back just in time to see Nebula stomp her way down the Benatar’s ramp and out the loading bay, snarling at the nearest attendant who had gingerly approached, wondering if Peter needed any help with the engine. Peter was stood by the nose of the ship, running his fingers through his hair agitatedly, but made no move to follow her. “She’ll be back,” he was saying to a concerned-looking Drax and Mantis by the time Rocket joined them. “Look, Rocket came back and he talks about leavin’ all the time!”

Rocket fixed him with a long, haunted stare. “Don’t even joke about that, Quill.” Peter’s face crumpled. Rocket turned and made his way up the stepladder and directly into the ship’s engine, feeling incredibly uncomfortable. It was hard for anyone to look anyone else in the face these days, but Peter was especially difficult to take, Nebula even more so for how numb she seemed to be.

He poked around aimlessly for a few minutes, trying to find the cause of their latest ship-related issue. If it wasn’t the computer system, it was the pipes, or it was the engine, or it was the fact that the Benatar was a piece of crap when they got it and was still a piece of crap now. Rocket huffed impatiently, nudging the casing with his foot. “C’mon,” he grumbled. “What kinda engineer would I be if I can’t fix the damn engine?” Another swift kick, harder this time, but all it resulted in was a stubbed toe and a bruised ego. It was a testament to how distracted Peter was that he didn’t even bother chastising Rocket for it, instead disappearing back inside the ship with the others in tow.

Another low growl, and Rocket sat back on his haunches defeatedly, pushing his toolbox aside for the time being. He leaned forward, resting his head in his paws, pulling at the bits of fur that seemed to be falling out of his temples in worryingly large patches, the grooves where his claws had dug near-permanent welts into his cheeks. “I am Groot?”

Rocket lifted his head to see Groot approaching him apprehensively, still clutching his beloved handheld Defender in one hand, the other outstretched in Rocket’s direction. “What d’ya think? We shoulda gotten rid of this rustbucket a long time ago.”

“I am Groot,” he protested, climbing up to sit beside him, his legs swinging over the edge of the ship’s hood. “I am Groot.”

“Yeah, well, nothing’s ever gone right for us, why should it start now?” Rocket let out a hysterical laugh. “Out of the last five jobs we had, two were a complete and utter failure, and one shorted us on units. All ‘cos Quill’s too busy dragging us around the galaxy to find her. ‘Cept that wasn’t her. That wasn’t...that wasn’t our Gamora. That was a Gamora. And I dunno if she wants to be ours, or if she can be in the first place. But he’s done it, Groot. He’s gone and lost his mind, and now we’re the ones who gotta pay for it.” The engine sparked pathetically. “More like not get paid for it.”

“I am Groot.” They both fell silent, Groot politely ignoring the loud, shaky breath Rocket took that certainly wasn’t related to the engine issue. Then, Groot began to hum. It sounded a little thin and reedy in his voice - “tree puberty”, as Peter had so delicately once put it, looked and sounded a lot like human puberty - but it was instantly recognizable.

“Don’t - don’t do that, man,” Rocket said half-heartedly. “We haven’t heard that since you were no bigger than a boot.”

“I am Groot,” he shrugged. He still remembered every note, let it linger in his head sometimes when he needed it most; only he remembered it in her voice, heard the joy when she first remembered the lullaby her parents had sung to her as a baby, how she sang it to him when he was fussy or scared or just wanted to keep her by his bedside for a few more minutes. He’d grown out of it eventually, scoffing at everything and everyone around him like a typical stubborn adolescent, but now he longed for it again, even if just for one more time. “I am Groot?”

“Nah, I don’t think she would’ve known how to fix this.” Rocket twisted a series of wires around his finger, nearly slicing through them with his claw in his absentmindedness. He quickly withdrew his paw before it could happen. “Hell, I’d ask Nebula if she wasn’t in such a...Nebula mood.”

He glanced around the hangar where they’d parked, how very average it all seemed - sky-high ceiling heights, long stretches of metal and concrete as far as the eye could see, and people of all kinds milling about, fawning over a cool ship someone had brought in or arguing over how to best fix the reason they’d landed here in the first place. They had been in a place very similar to this the first time she asked him if she could help, mere weeks after the Guardians had officially formed, with everyone still cautious and nervous and new to existing alongside other people.

“I spent years helping Nebula with her implants,” she had said with her arms folded across her chest, watching him yank at the wires fruitlessly. “Let me take a look.”

“Ship mechanics and implants ain’t the same thing,” Rocket had retorted without sparing her a glance. “Look, I’m sure you were a big ol’ help to your wacko sister, but leave the engineering to me. You go...swing your sword at somethin’ or whatever.”

“You insult me by insinuating I’m only useful in a fight.” The cadence of her voice had been even, measured, but there was a hint of danger to it that gave Rocket the impression he wasn’t going to win this one. “I’ve also shadowed some of the best engineers in the galaxy and made countless minor repairs before. At least let me watch so I can learn. No one ever gets anything done just standing by.”

Rocket had sighed, moving aside so she had room to hover over him, her gaze intensely focused on the meticulousness of his work. “Is that what you told yourself when you first went after the Orb?”

“Yes.” The quickness, the sureness, even, of her reply had surprised him. “I spent years watching Thanos destroy homes, destroy families. Knowing his plans for the Stone, I couldn’t watch any longer.”

“But your sister could? She’s a real piece of work.”

“Watch yourself, Rocket.” She had reached out, gripped his tiny wrist with her long, battle-calloused fingers far too tightly. “My sister and I, we’re like you. Built for someone else’s purpose. Taken apart to fulfill another’s desires. Her lack of morality may disappoint me, but I can’t deny that not too long ago, I still felt the same way.”

He had yanked his arm out of her grasp, shaking it, mulling over her words. “So what changed? Why did you turn your back on the big purple man, and not her?”

“It could be anything that kept her from doing so - disposition, personality, personal traumas…” She had trailed off, tapping one fingernail gently on the glint of silver in her cheekbone, a particular piece that outlined the sharp planes of her bone structure a bit too well. “...repeated body mutilation and a craving for validation that will never come would break anyone’s spirits. You know that as well as we do.”

Rocket had cleared his throat, turned his attention back to the work at hand. “Alright, honesty hour’s over. You gonna pick up a wrench of your own or what?”

“I am Groot.” Groot’s voice brought Rocket back to the present, his chest aching with something he could identify, but wanted to deny. Melancholic longing had always been part of his life, but never his vocabulary, and he wasn’t about to start now. He didn’t want to sound like one of the morose love songs Peter had taken to playing on the ship through to the early hours in the morning. He didn’t want to wake up crying, chest heaving, gasping for air, the way Peter did sometimes, the way they all pretended he didn’t do, for the sake of what was left of his dignity. “I am Groot?”

“Yeah, yeah, I’m fine. Stop starin’ at me, you’re making me nervous,” Rocket spat, his tone harsher than intended. His ears drooped when Groot’s eyes widened in surprise, then narrowed. Groot hopped back down onto the stepladder and started walking back to head inside the ship, his footsteps heavier than they had been when he first came out. “Wait, Groot...look, we’re all on edge, I don’t mean to be a dick about it. C’mere, let me show you how this junkpile works.”

Groot sighed, his shoulders heaving, and he went back into the ship without another backward glance. Rocket stared after him, his chin dropping to his chest as he hung his head. He could vaguely hear Peter and Drax arguing inside, with Mantis trying her best to moderate without using her powers, something Peter had sorely been against as of late, something about not wanting to numb himself to how much everything hurt (Rocket hadn’t really been paying attention, mostly because it hit too close to home).

“I am Groot.” Rocket lifted his head to see Groot walking back up to join him. Instead of carrying his video game, he was carrying a familiar-looking book, one that was dusty from lack of use, its spine still in perfect condition. He held it up to Rocket in a sort of peace offering, smiling tentatively. Rocket’s breath shook as he accepted it, brushing away the residue so the title could be read: Engineering Basics, Volume XI: Spacecraft.

“I can’t tell this is a gift or an insult,” she had said dubiously when Rocket first gave it to her. It had been two months since their encounter with Ego, and everyone was finally starting to feel more settled, more at peace with who they were and who they were with.

“You said you wanted to learn,” Rocket had protested. “Look, I spent a whole fifteen units on this!” She had fixed him with a look. “Okay, so I found it at yesterday’s trading post, the attendant said it was a gift from his parents, never used, wanted to get it off his hands. Isn’t it the thought that counts or some crap?”

She had laughed, an unexpectedly soft, musical sound that made Rocket’s ears perk up. “If you say so, Rocket. And thank you. I’m not sure when I’ll have the time with everything that’s going on right now, but I’ll keep it in mind.”

“I am Groot,” he said gently, now placing a hand on Rocket’s.

Rocket inhaled. “Guess she never got around to it. Thing’s never even been opened!”

“I am Groot,” he said, looking pensive. Groot looked younger then, a little bit more like his toddler self, his eyes round and liquid and perpetually in a state of nervous, uncertain energy. The lullaby continued to play in his head; he felt the ghost of a slightly calloused hand cup his cheek as if to say hello, goodnight, goodbye.

Nodding slowly, Rocket opened the book, running his paws over the glossy pages that were otherwise untouched. “Yeah, yeah, I know. I miss her, too.”

a/n: I just watched the movie yesterday and I have to get on a plane tomorrow but I just really, really needed to get some feelings out! This is more of a character relationship study than a strict "The Search For Gamora" fic, mostly because I needed a place to explore all the little headcanons I have about her relationships with each Guardian. And I know Thor was there with them at the end, but as much as I adore him, I wanted to strictly keep the focus on the team, so let's just say he left for a hot minute to check in with Valkyrie in New Asgard or something.

This fic probably exists in a dozen other forms already but regardless, this was oddly therapeutic to write and I hope you enjoyed it all the same! Thanks so much for reading, likes and reblogs would be much appreciated, and see you next time :)

#starmora #starmora fic #peter x gamora #gamora x peter #endgame spoilers #spoilers #myfic #myfic: bring it home #marvel #i'm leaving for vacation tomorrow but i really needed to get my feelings out lmao

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