#Action Lab: Danger Zone

[chachaco1998]

Laios and Nate would surely get along.

P. S.: If you don't know Voracious comic, i highly reccomend it. You won't regret it.

[yes-no-maybe-soo]

Help I feel like the more I play the game, the more confused I get about Sylus' actions when he first appeared in the story, now replaying his first chapters after the new ones 😭 I mean, he has this past with MC and loves her, came to the n109 zone for her, and was the one to save her from the lab where she was essentially being tortured/killed over and over for profit, but when he finally meets his beloved again he treats her terribly? he chokes her, apparently keeps her captive for days trying to force resonate without giving any explanations, threatens her with his evol when she's hesitant to go to meet Philip, all while having the knowledge she was already traumatized before meeting him, grieving the sudden death of 2 loved ones and thinking he was the one behind it?

This isn't hate at all, I LOVE Sylus. But it's like he's a whole different person in that beginning. I was hoping you could help me make sense of it, because it just seems to fall out of line with everything we keep learning about him and seeing how deeply he cares for MC. Was that just the writers playing up the dark romance with big bad criminal trope or something? Or is there actually a good reason, storywise, for his initial treatment of her?

Ok first things first – You're absolutely right. Sylus does treat MC terribly at the start of LAR. You'll never catch me defending or trying to make excuses for his actions there regardless of his reasons. The narrative itself paints his actions as bad. And Sylus too realizes that they were, and that he went too far. And I've said it before and I'll say it here again – MC would have been justified in not forgiving him or in not wanting to have further contact with him. That's why her behavior in subsequent early cards never bothered me or struck me as "too mean". She could've been a lot meaner, actually. And this is coming from someone who broke down in the shower crying earlier over how bad I felt for Sylus and all he'd suffered during his separation from MC. But much as I love Sylus and recognize the selflessness and the purity of his love, I won't justify him when he acts like a red flag (which he does at certain moments in LAR. That's just the truth.).

That being said, I can try to speculate as to the explanation behind his actions. But bear in mind that we are still missing important backstory and lore for SylusMC's past before they got separated in the Deepspace Tunnel. And as such, more than likely missing context for why Sylus acts the way he does with MC. Why he is so rough and... seemingly a bit resentful. However, I do have theories/speculations regarding that that I'll get to in a bit... a long bit because... um... yeah this got... very long ijbol don't ever ask my autistic ass to write posts like this unless you're prepared for essays 😅

But first, I need to clear up an important misconception...

Sylus has never choked MC. Ever.

For one, he just would never do that. It goes against everything we know of him. He'd never lay his hands on MC with the intent of hurting her, much less to choke her out. Sylus himself hates being choked. Him doing that to the person he loves most in the world is inconceivable.

Just look at the way he cradles her whenever she is in small danger or in real danger

He wants to protect MC and make her stronger. Not injure her. Never that.

Then there's also the fact that the scene itself from the main story makes it clear that the choking never happened.

Look at this image here. You can clearly see Sylus' hand. Which wouldn't be possible if he were choking her. Just try wrapping your own hand around your neck, and you'll see what I mean.

MC also speaks and breathes heavily in the scene which she wouldn't be able to do if Sylus was choking her out (let's be real, she'd be dead if he did that).

It's clear that he is grabbing her chin and tilting it upwards to force her to look at him. To jog her memory.

And that is exactly why MC ends up passing out (in combination with having been drugged earlier by Sherman's goon). She is reacting to his eye, to the visions their soulbond causes her (bloodstained hands). If Sylus had choked her out, she wouldn't have been out of it for as long as she was (seemingly in and out for 3 days).

Now as for Sylus' subsequent behavior... it's bad. Plain and simple. And again I am not and never will be defending it. I am just trying to speculate as to why he would be behaving this out of character with what we know re: his treatment of and feelings for MC. Apart from obviously being shocked and hurt that the love of his life that he's exchanged souls with, searched the cosmos for, built his empire for, protected from the sidelines, waited 14 years for, doesn't remember him ofc. And also blames him for the death of her family and says she wants to kill him. So Sylus most definitely wasn't in his prime state of emotional or mental stability, which I do think accounts for some of his behavior. He hadn't expected any of this and for once doesn't really know how to properly handle the situation. Especially since for the vast amount of time they've been separated, he hasn't been used to being soft or gentle. He's been pretty much going from violent encounter to violent encounter. So safe to say he's a lot more rusty at being soft and gentle than memory (as in date card) Sylus is.

Then there is of course the possibility that being rough with each other was part of their past dynamic. They certainly were in the the dragon myth, and might very well have been the case in the nebula and after. So perhaps it just doesn't initially click for Sylus that Linkon MC is not the same hardened individual as she was in the past, and responds a lot differently to rough handling.

Now, I've seen people online that theorize that Sylus bears an active grudge or even hatred for MC. That that's where his rough treatment of her stems from. Granted, we don't know what happened before they were separated or under what terms they were. Maybe something went down between them. Maybe MC was somehow responsible for Sylus' imprisonment (there is merit to this assumption – Child MC threatens to throw Sylus into Tartarus, and adult Sylus does say this line at one point "You are my unforgivable sin in the fabric of eternity. The very thing that has imprisoned me" which is... interesting).

The point is, we have no idea how their separation came about nor Sylus' imprisonment. I will say however that I personally don't think it was violent or dramatic or even hateful, just because of these lines from Sylus "We were like flowers. We were meant to grow together in the same soil. Yet you were quietly moved to another garden in a foreign land. Still, you managed to grow beautifully." Idk to me that beautiful analogy isn't indicative of resentment or angry feelings over their separation, or of MC betraying him, which knowing MC she never would in the first place. She's as fiercely loyal as Sylus is, not to mention the fanbase reaction if "we" were to betray or own LI would not go down well. So I'm not terribly sold on MC actively betraying him... If she were somehow to blame for him landing in prison, I rather believe it to be a case of her perhaps committing a crime and Sylus taking the fall for it to protect her. Which would be in line with how he operates re: her. Idk I'm just yapping trying to say that I don't see MC betraying him or their separation being dramatic.

I have seen people speculate that Sylus went to earth to kill MC. That the fury we read about in the second Timelock Key is not directed at her situation, but at her. But that he changed his mind and let her live, only to wait for her to be stronger so he could kill her fairly.

I personally don't see this at all (again, I can be wrong). Because it doesn't line up with Sylus' emotions when he pinpoints MC's location (he is melancholy, sad. Not angry). And in my mind him wanting to kill MC doesn't line up with anything we know of him or his subsequent actions. Plus, killing MC would play into the hands of fate. And Sylus' whole thing so far has been giving fate a giant middle finger.

And I don't believe that Sylus was even angry at MC in LAR and that he took her to Philip's to make her stronger to get revenge and kill her. Why?

Look at his expression here. Look at his eyes. To me it's plain that he isn't doing this out of malice or feelings of revenge. But out of desperation. A feeeling that he has to do this.

Then there is also this reaction when he learns that MC rejects him, fears him, and is disgusted by him.

If Sylus was intent on killing MC... why would he give a shit? Why would he change his ways for the better?

If Sylus harbors resentment for MC, why does that all seemingly leave here? It shows up nowhere in Death and Rebirth, for instance.

And in the iconic scene in LAR where they dance, he looks at her like this

Mind you this takes place like... one or two days after the incident at Philip's shop?

Hell, he even looks at her with love in his eyes when they first come face to face again

Doesn't look terribly much to me like a man who harbors hatred or anger or a desire to kill, but that's just me and my interpretation.

And then there is his iconic line from Razor's Grip ( a card that takes place very early on in their chronology and well before they begin to date) "You should know very well that I adore you. There is no love purer than mine"

Not the words of a man who would a) choke said object of adoration or b) originally land on earth to kill her, and then plan to kill her for the next 14 years or c) who's love is secretly mingled with hatred and darker feelings. That is not what can be described as as a pure love.

And lastly...

Sylus himself claims that he hasn't ever been genuinely mad at MC. Which if he had wanted revenge or to kill her... he definitely would have been, right?

Anyway this a very longwinded and probably overly detailed way of saying... I don't think that Sylus' actions in LAR were guided by anger or malice.

I believe they were guided by fear and desperation.

By a need for her to grow stronger so that she can both control her latent powers and face off the future threat that is for sure on the horizon.

I mean at the end of Death and Rebirth Sylus even offers to help MC with exactly that. To become stronger.

And to be perfectly honest, I think desperation and fear for her safety and survival best fits his demeanor and just how far he is willing to go in LAR. Remember, he actually overrides his core principles in that part of the story – consent and autonomy (which I believe is part of the reason why he gets so distraught later and why he never again lets desperation take over. He realizes just how badly he fucked up, how far he overstepped). I genuinely cannot see any other scenario where Sylus would do that, apart from one where he's losing his sanity to his dragon instinct or something. He has shown time and time again how much he values MC's freedom of choice and action and consent.

We know that Sylus knows about Gaia. He knows about EVER. He knows about MC. He knows that she is a target for future use and abuse. He knows that her powers can potentially spiral out of control.

And he knows that if she is to survive against future threats, she needs to be stronger. So I think the main reason why he is so forceful and treats MC roughly is a combination of his hurt and surprise and not knowing how to act over the fact that she doesn't remember and distrusts and hates him, and also his desperation to ensure that she both regains her memories and gets stronger. He thinks he's acting for her wellbeing, and at first doesn't mind being rough or forceful if that will ultimately save her. Because in his mind, talking to MC and trying to explain to her wouldn't do any good – in her eyes he is a big evil threatening criminal that killed her family and then forced her to resonate for three days. Why on earth would she listen to him much less believe him?

So, force it is. The ends justifies the means... If the ends is that she will be stronger and able to survive.

Or at least, that's what I think his mindset was at the time. It's really only when Philip both tells Sylus that MC is disgusted by him and that altering MC could potentially damage her for life that Sylus lets go of his plan (and we see him do it with obvious anguish). Then he almost certainly steps out and does some serious self reflecting, realizing that regardless of his intentions and his pain, he went too fucking far. That this has done far more damage than good and that he could have approached things better. After which he noticeably changes.

And that is what is so impactful about Sylus' character to me. The fact that he recognizes just how fucked up his behavior was and course corrects. That takes a lot of maturity. And his development because of it is all the more satisfying to me.

To end off this incredibly long post – I am sure that there are other reasons for Sylus' behavior, and I recognize that my interpretation is not more likely to be correct than most others'. I am just working purely off of the info we have as if right now (which isn't a lot) and what makes most sense personally to me. And again, I am in no way excusing Sylus. He was in the wrong no matter how you spin it. He is flawed, and I won't ever make excuses or pretend as though said flaws don't exist. If I did, it would be a disservice to both MC and to Sylus and to the writers. He is also complex and grey and sometimes... well, sometimes people just do strange and seemingly inexplicable stuff when they're faced with unexpected and stressful situations. Again, no excuse here for his behavior, just an explanation.

But rest assured that Sylus loves MC and always has. His love for her is by his own admission pure. And if there's one thing Sylus never does, it's lie.

[chaosticbraindo]

Kaijune - day 23: Flourish 🌺🫀

Biollante is technically the entire hollow earth the size of the continent itself. This is technically just the core of her.

Chaos Biollante

Nearing the end of humanity’s collapse, all of the world’s leadership put down their differences to form an alignment. Although mankind has been able to buy themselves some time by pitting the kaijus together, the very same kaijus that “protect” them are also extremely dangerous themselves. Therefore, a number of plans and projects to push back the damage of the kaijus were put in motion. Among these projects, one notable course of action is nicknamed project-Biollante.

It is stated that the project, lead by Dr. Genshiro Shiragami, was experimenting with combining Kaiju cells with that of some floral and fauna- with some rumored that it even includes human DNA despite not having any prove. What is certained, however, is that by splicing together various floral genome with the cells within Gojira, these plants can feeds off the constant source of energy emitted and grow non stop. Adding in Mothra’s scale which accelerate growth and it is hoped that these mutated plants would grow fast enough to survive the destruction of the kaijus. With it being effectively a bio-bomb however, the laboratory is moved deep underground to keep Biollante contained in case things went wrong… and sadly went wrong it did.

Through unknown reasons- perhaps coincidental, Baragon burrows down to a zone nearby the underground research station. With a skeleton hot enough to melt stone, its heat caused major damage to the lab and break electrical instruments, causing malfunction and accidentally releasing Biollante out of its containment tank. With this being an unstable prototype, the plant start absorbing heat and grow unhindered- soon taking over the entire station after Baragon left. Although a number of the human researchers evacuated to the surface, the majority of them was left behind when the lab was sealed, leaving them at the mercy of the plant and countless animals subjects that are also freed from containment.

the station was completely sealed off in fear of Biollante devastating humanity’s only safe haven on the surface… until a few decades later when the human within Mothra’s domain was instructed by her to open the vault and venture downward. what they see was unbelievable. Biollante has grown to the size of a continent, its body taking in dirt and convert it to bio-mater underneath the surface and creating an entire hidden world. this world is populated by the man and beast left behind all those years ago and have evolved beyond anyone’s wildest imagination. And luckily, Biollante have seems to reach a size where it stabilized itself, using its body to support this ecosystem and leaving a new world for the surface inhabitants to discover. A world that was commonly called the Hollow Earth.

[sehtoast]

How are you able to like Homelander and not condone his actions at the same time, without feeling crappy? This sounds accusing but I’m asking bc I’m struggling with it. I know ppl who do the same with characters, but I’ve had an unwelcome fixation on him come out of nowhere and I feel sick and guilty bc I feel like everyone will think I’m some kind of freak or something. I’m very much anti-sa and other gross stuff esp as a victim but I still feel like I’m being hypocritical or something. I’m sorry for the weird message but I feel like I’m losing my mind

The short answer is that he’s fictional.  Think of… I dunno, an antagonist in media of a different form (let’s go with anime).  I was a naruto kid growing up, so let’s use Orochimaru for an example.  My guy was on some fuck shit through the entire show. Snatching bodies, murkin’ Hokages, wild experiments, all that shit with Sasuke, and so on.  People still liked him regardless because he was a cool character despite the bad things he’s done.  Some people may have even found him relatable in certain ways.  I feel like it’s the same concept here.

You don’t have to feel bad about enjoying fictional characters, no matter how awful they may be.  At the end of the day, they’re fictional and their actions have harmed nobody in real life.  Their actions may mirror that which does harm real people, but they themselves have not dealt real harm to real people.  Enjoying them does not mean you condone their actions.

I’m also extremely anti-SA, and am a victim of it myself, but I still find a lot of love and appreciation for Homelander’s character– but this isn’t hypocritical.  My love for him doesn’t come from the fact he has perpetrated that act, nor should it come from that.  I love him as a character with the bottom line that he is… extremely complex.  

I’ve said it for years now, but I think Homelander is a compelling tale of the dangers of commodifying the human soul.  He is an example of how awful someone can turn out if you deprive them of humanity with the goal of creating a product.  People are not products, we are not a means to an end, and we certainly should never be treated that way. He was, and this is how he turned out.  He’s a take on the cyclical nature of trauma in a lot of really interesting ways as well.

I find him relatable from a standpoint of my own traumas and being transgender.  Episode four of s4 revealed that I have a jarring amount of trauma that mirrors his own to some capacity.  I’ve always suspected these things, and I’ve had headcanons since the first season, and having them confirmed reminded me just how much I’ve latched onto this character because of it.  Homelander experienced some degree of sexual abuse in the labs– and I wager there may have been worse than simply being called ‘squirt.’ Homelander was subjected to physical torture and locked in a room where his mind slowly fractured, all while being conditioned to never seek escape otherwise he’d be too devastated from disappointing the scientists or losing their ‘love.’ 

I have experienced SA, I was locked in my room with nothing as punishment (my 'bad room'), had very little privacy and next to no access to boundaries as a kid, I was put through physical pain very often by a sibling (my furnace), I was reared and conditioned to have a fear of disappointing others so severe it made my blood pressure drop into the danger zone a couple times as a kid– and still has similar effects as an adult.  I’d literally pass out, have panic/anxiety attacks, vomit, etc.  I also know what it’s like, as a trans man, to have been raised and reared for a life that was designed for me, but was not me.  I was lucky enough to find my way to the person I needed to be; Homelander has not and likely will not ever be able to do so.  In all of the aforementioned, I have a lot of empathy and compassion for him that combines with my fascination with his complexity.  There were a lot of things in my life that should have pushed me down the road to be an awful person, much like the things in his life did. But I had a handful of people to guide me toward better things.  He didn’t.

But I see myself in there nonetheless. Homelander was the first time I ever saw so much of my own trauma on display in a single character.  I’d love to hug the man and tell him he’s enough, show him the humanity he was and continues to be denied, and so on.  When I realized that means that I would, in turn, do that for myself if I only viewed myself through a lens that wasn’t my own, my life changed.  This character changed my life.  I know I thirst-post about him a lot, but my love for Homie runs a lot deeper than just finding him attractive, you feel?

A fictional character doesn’t have to be one of moral high ground or superiority for it to be okay for you to enjoy them.  You can enjoy characters who commit horrible acts. This does not make you someone who condones horrible acts.  I was initially pretty embarrassed to admit I like Homelander as much as I do, but I slowly realized that it does not make me a bad person and it should never be used as a gauge to find out how ‘moral’ someone is or not.  People like Hannibal Lecter, people like Thomas Hewitt, Joffrey, Albert Wesker, Cletus Kasady– any number of fictional characters who have an ugly record or have done horrific things.  We do not assume someone is evil because they like Hannibal, nor should we do the same for people who like Homelander.

At the end of the day, do what makes you happy. If exploring Homie is something you would have fun with, do it! Engage in media, learn tales of caution and tragedy– stories make us human.  You are not inhuman for enjoying Homelander and his tale.  In fact, I would argue you are very human because of it.

[halfetirosie]

🔪 Important info from the [Razor's Edge] PV! 🔪 (Reaction post)

1) Where is this....? One of Rei's labs? 🤔

This PV is really hard to interpret for me, because all the areas mentioned---the Dead Zone, the Dark Territory---are places we haven't been able to see a lot, and thus, I don't have many references for appearance-wise.

It's also further complicated by the fact that this image here contains Adamantite, from Saia---yet another mysterious location....

My best guess is that this picture is of one of Rei's labs. I assume, since he's been basically on-the-run for years, he must have multiple secret labs scattered across the continent, and this one is probably located in the Dead Zone?

2) Yay, booze! 🎉🎉🎉

Let's drink away the inevitable sorrows of this event! 😄

It's kinda weird tho---this pic can't be scenery from the Dead Zone or the Dark Territory, because the surrounding plants aren't dead or dreary.... Maybe this is a pit-stop on the outskirts of those territories?

Quincy chose a nice, scenic area to drink whiskey while bandaging his open wounds! ✨

3) Alright, so this one is definitely in one of Rei's spaces... I wonder what he's up to?

He's clearly doing some sort of experiment using the Dark Elemental Gemstone (purple) and Adamantite... That seems hella dangerous.

(ᵕ•_•)

4) Topper looks so cute, with his lil' angy face and lil' acorn insignia beret!!!! (˶ ˃ ᵕ ˂ ˶) ♡

---Also, how am I only noticing now that he's got a little pack strapped to his tail?

5) The first thing I thought of when I saw Quincy's SSR Reveal was, "He looks like he would be in The Expendables." (An action-movie about mercenaries.)

The next thing I thought was, "Damn. Of all the references my brain could've made, that's the one it chose?"

But then I remembered that every character in that movie series is, like, a grizzled old dude, so Quincy truly would fit right in.

ദ്ദി(˵ •̀ ᴗ - ˵ ) ✧

6) ✨ STRONK ✨

Quincy out here flexing his strength (please appreciate my very good pun)!

7) This animation of Rei tossing the knife up into the air is cool as fuck!---But they seemed to have gone out of their way to make it impossible for me to grab a screenshot of Rei grabbing the knife again; it's too damn quick! 😲

Rei out here temping fate, then flipping fate off with his cat-like reflexes! 😎

8) You know, now that I think of it, I don't think we've ever gotten a good look at how Rei fights in-game? In the main-story chapters, Rei is relatively new, and the events he's featured in so far haven't been fight'ems-focused.

I wonder, is he a knife-thrower kinda guy, or does he go around really fast doing close-combat?

I'm sure we'll get a good view of it this time, since there's so many worrying blood animations in this PV...

9) ✨ BOOB-GRAB! ✨

I'd make a joke about hand-holding, but Eiden's moreso just awkwardly pressing his hand on top or Rei's than anything else. So, Eiden is basically helping Rei grab his own boob, I guess? 🤣

🔪 End of report! 🔪

[troblsomtwins829]

yo, i'm dead. this game just loves big bursts of action followed by a nice long grind session. I just wanna make my car all electric and you can't even give me ten minutes to process the insanely huge facilities i'm DRIVING through?! I AM DRIVING THROUGH YOUR STATE-OF-THE ART SCIENCE FACILITY IN MY TRASHY STATION WAGON WITH TWO FLAT TIRES AND NO FRONT BUMPER, AND ALL YOU CAN THINK ABOUT IS YOUR DATA?!

How envious I am, that you remain safe in your labs, hidden from the dangers of the exclusion zone, while I sit here in waist-high radiation harvesting snails for my supper.

[trappedtowers]

THE SECURITY AND SURVIVAL CENTRE

ATTENTION RESIDENTS OF THE VALLEY. IF YOU RECIEVE THIS MESSAGE YOUR ATTENTION IS MANDATORY FOR SURVIVAL.

Welcome to The Security and Survival Centre, the core centre of operations for your survival in the new age of Alton Towers.

History:

When Nemesis attacked, most Phalanx members were ordered to fight alongside the Towers' mascots to stop it. As we know, this led to the end of the Phalanx - who failed their only mission. All except one singular Phalanx Scientist, who managed to escape a brutal death by the creature. They retreated back into the Phalanx Research Facility, the building the Phalanx had been using to prepare and monitor the activities of Alton Towers. With all their colleagues gone, and their safety compromised, they began doing what they could to rennovate the building. Eventually, they found the Air mascot - Cy - too, who joined them in the new hideout. After the initial few months, they had taken all three floors of the facility and transformed it into what it is today!

Long gone was the Phalanx... now stood what is Forbidden Valley's last hope.

Layout:

The Security and Survival Centre (S&S Centre) is open to all and home to all your needs for surviving the current situation we face.

Floor 1:

Starting at Ground Level, you'll find yourself at the top of the facility. This is where all main communications and outdoor security equipment is stored.

Using our advanced super computer, as well artificial intelligence guide EVE, you can access a plethora of resources and information regarding the state of the land, dangerous creatures and how to handle them, and visual on activities that the S&S Rescue Team may need to finish which brings us to the second half of the first floor.

The S&S Rescue Team are constantly needing to go out to find lost survivors and new hazards in the Valley. As such, the first floor contains all necessary gear for heading out to face the dangers of Nemesis' minions. This equipment is free to use for all civilians and it is highly advised that you take some of the equipment before heading out. Alongside all of that is the Training Grounds for practice and preperation. Do checks of your gear in a safe and secure zone, or head straight to our trials to put your skills to the test. However you choose to prepare, the Training Grounds will make sure you're set to go out and fight the monsters of Forbidden Valley.

Floor 2:

Going down a floor, you'll find the Sleeping Quarters, Relaxation Room, Medical Centre, and the Strategic Planning Hub. For those wishing to stay with us and join the S&S Rescute Team, you will find your stay between missions to mainly be spent here. We've gathered what we can to make a comforting space amongst the hells of the outside world. Each soldier is designated their own Sleeping Quarter that you can fill with your personal belongings and decorations to make yourself feel at home.

On top of that, we have the Relaxation Room, a hub for everyone to relax during our downtime, play games, chat and rest up. All food and supplies are stored here too, so you can pick from a well stocked selection of snacks and drinks to enjoy. Of course, we also have the Medical Centre, where we bring any injured survivors to treat and heal. Current residents may also enter the clinic at any point to be seen by one of our doctors who will help with any physical or mental concern you may be facing.

Finally for the middle floor, we have the Strategic Planning Hub - the centre of our last hopes for the future. Here we hold regularly meetings discussing plan of action for the future, where to go, and how to act. All members of the S&S will have the opportunity to join us in this space and chip in to our plans of action and add ideas to the document. This space will be constantly used until we are free, so if you wish to become a part of the group that helps set the Towers free, this is the place to be.

Floor 3:

On farthest down floor you'll find The Lab - our main area for experimenting and creation.

The Lab is split in two halfs. In the first half, you'll find the testing grounds for "Power Shards", genetic enhancements, and DNA analysis. This half utilises the power given to us by the Towers to analyse and find new methods to combat the Nemesi aliens, and hopefully one day Nemesis itself.

On the other half is all engineering work and testing, using the parts we can gather to craft new machinary, weapons, armour, and more to help boost our day to day life. Upon new upgrade discoveries too, S&S members can visit this half to get this applied to their own personal equipment.

Through each day both halves work together to discover how both can enhance the progression and discovery of each. Sometimes, technology will be enhanced through the powers of the Towers, and sometimes our analysis for DNA can be enhanced through our new technological discoveries.

Deeper Beyond:

Our power supply actually heads further down than those 3 floors, with all power coming from the thermoelectric generators we installed in caves closer to some of the lava pools that now exist within the Forbidden Valley. Every now and then, we do have teams go down to ensure they're all looked after and kept up to date to avoid power outages. However, with the location and source - our data predicts we should be able to last off of it longer than any of us here will naturally live!

Thank You

Residents, if you have made it this far, then I can safely say you are now fully informed on the information regarding the Survival & Security Centre.

Best of luck out there, we hope to see you soon in one piece.

- The S&S Team

[healthexpressclinics]

Subclinical Hyperthyroidism: The Silent Saboteur of Bones & Heart – When to Treat

Your Guide to Preventing Hidden Damage with Timely Hyperthyroidism Medical Treatment

You feel fine. Your energy’s normal. No tremors, no racing heart. Yet a routine blood test reveals your TSH is low. Your doctor calls it "subclinical hyperthyroidism" – mild, borderline, maybe nothing. But left unchecked, this silent state can secretly erode your bones and strain your heart. At Health Express Clinics, we believe knowledge is prevention. Here’s what you need to know to protect yourself.

What is Subclinical Hyperthyroidism?

Unlike overt hyperthyroidism (where TSH is very low and T3/T4 hormones are high), subclinical hyperthyroidism (SCH) means:

Your TSH is persistently low (below 0.4 mIU/L)

Your T3 and T4 levels are NORMAL

You may have NO symptoms

Think of it as your thyroid whispering, not shouting. But even whispers can cause long-term harm.

The Hidden Dangers: Why We Don’t Ignore "Mild"

SCH isn’t benign. Landmark studies reveal two critical risks demanding proactive hyperthyroidism medical treatment:

1. Osteoporosis & Fractures: The Bone Thief

The Science: Excess thyroid hormone (even subtly elevated) accelerates bone turnover – breaking down bone faster than it rebuilds.

The Risk:

Postmenopausal women with SCH have 2.5x higher hip fracture risk (JAMA Study).

Men over 65 lose bone density 3x faster.

Why It’s Silent: Bone loss happens painlessly for years until a minor fall causes a major break.

2. Atrial Fibrillation (AFib): The Heart Strain

The Science: Thyroid hormone sensitizes the heart to adrenaline, making it beat faster and irregularly.

The Risk:

Adults with SCH have a 68% higher risk of developing AFib (Framingham Heart Study).

Even TSH levels between 0.1-0.4 mIU/L increase stroke risk by 41%.

Why It’s Silent: AFib can start with fleeting palpitations or no symptoms at all.

When to Treat: 4 Scenarios Demanding Action

Based on 2024 ATA (American Thyroid Association) Guidelines:Patient ProfileTSH LevelTreatment Recommended?Why Act?Adults >65 yrs<0.1 mIU/LYESHigh AFib & fracture riskPostmenopausal Women<0.1 mIU/LYESRapid bone loss leading to fracturesAnyone with Osteoporosis<0.4 mIU/L (persistent)YESAccelerates existing bone damageAdults <65 yrs, no symptoms0.1-0.4 mIU/LMonitor firstTreat if TSH drops lower or risks emerge

Key Insight: Age and bone/heart status matter more than TSH numbers alone.

Your Treatment Options: Gentle & Effective

Goal: Normalize TSH before bone or heart damage occurs. Options at Health Express Clinics include:

Low-Dose Antithyroid Medication (e.g., Methimazole)

For Whom: Seniors, postmenopausal women, those with borderline-low TSH.

Dose: Often ¼ to ½ the dose used for overt hyperthyroidism.

Benefit: Normalizes TSH in 4-8 weeks with minimal side effects.

Addressing the Cause

Toxic Nodules: Radioactive iodine may be needed if a nodule is overactive.

Excess Thyroid Hormone Intake: Adjusting levothyroxine dose if overmedicated.

Bone & Heart Protection

Calcium/Vitamin D: Mandatory for all SCH patients to slow bone loss.

Bone Density Scans (DEXA): Baseline + repeat every 1-2 years.

Cardiac Monitoring: Annual EKG for patients >60 or with palpitations.

Why Health Express Clinics? Precision Care for "Gray Zone" Thyroid Issues

Managing SCH requires nuance. Too aggressive? You risk hypothyroidism. Too passive? Bones and heart pay the price. Our approach:

Personalized Protocols: We don’t treat labs – we treat you. Your age, bone health, and cardiac risks guide decisions.

Advanced Monitoring: In-house TSH ultrasensitive testing, DEXA scans via trusted partners, EKG assessments.

Proactive Prevention: We screen for SCH in high-risk groups:

Postmenopausal women

Adults >65

Patients with osteoporosis or unexplained AFib

3 Critical Questions to Ask Your Doctor

"Is my TSH low enough to threaten my bones or heart based on my age/health?"

"Should I get a DEXA scan or EKG now?"

"Would low-dose medication reduce my long-term risks?"

Don’t Wait for Symptoms – Act Now

Subclinical hyperthyroidism is a stealthy threat. By the time you feel fatigue or palpitations, your bones may be brittle, or your heart rhythm altered. Early intervention is prevention.

"At Health Express Clinics, we believe the best hyperthyroidism medical treatment stops damage before it starts. SCH isn’t ‘watch and wait’ – it’s ‘test, assess, and protect.’"

Your Next Step: 🛡️ High-Risk? Request a thyroid panel + DEXA scan. 💊 Need Treatment? Discuss gentle medication options. 📞 Call us at 469-444-0955 or book online – because your bones and heart deserve silent protection.

[oscarbioproducts]

Dengue Test Kits: Your Quick Guide to Spotting the Silent Threat

Dengue fever isn’t just a bad flu — it’s a mosquito-borne menace that can escalate into a life-threatening emergency. With outbreaks surging in tropical regions, early detection is your best defense. Enter dengue test kits: compact, fast, and crucial for catching the virus before it strikes hard.

What’s a Dengue Test Kit?

A dengue test kit detects the virus (or your body’s response to it) in minutes using a tiny blood sample. No labs, no long waits — just a quick check to confirm if those raging fever and body aches are dengue or something else.

Types of Dengue Tests: Know Your Options

1. Rapid NS1 Antigen Test

What it catches: The virus itself (best in the first 5 days of fever).

Speed: Results in 15–20 minutes.

Best for: Early-stage panic moments (“Is this dengue?”).

2. IgM/IgG Antibody Tests

What they catch: Your immune system’s fight against dengue (after day 5).

Speed: 10–30 minutes.

Best for: Confirming past infections or later-stage cases.

3. PCR Test (Lab Only)

Gold standard: Detects dengue RNA with near-perfect accuracy.

Catch: Only in hospitals — no rapid kits here.

How It Works: A 3-Step Survival Check

Prick: A tiny drop of blood from your finger.

Test: Mix with the kit’s solution — wait for lines (like a pregnancy test).

Read:

One line? Breathe easy (negative).

Two lines? Alert your doctor (positive).

Why Bother Testing Early?

Dengue can turn deadly fast (hello, hemorrhagic fever!).

Misdiagnosis = danger (symptoms mimic malaria, chikungunya).

No cure, but early care saves lives (hydration + monitoring = survival hack).

Who Needs a Dengue Test?

✔ Anyone with sudden high fever + headache in dengue-prone areas. ✔ Travelers returning from tropical zones feeling wrecked. ✔ Kids & elderly (they crash harder if dengue hits).

Rapid Test vs. Lab Test: Pick Your Weapon

When choosing between a rapid dengue test and a lab-based PCR test, speed and accuracy are the key trade-offs. Rapid tests deliver results in just 15–30 minutes — ideal for emergency rooms, clinics, or even home use — but their accuracy hovers around 80–90%. They’re great for initial screening, especially in the critical early days of fever when the NS1 antigen is detectable.

On the other hand, lab PCR tests are the gold standard, boasting near-perfect (~99%) accuracy by detecting dengue’s genetic material, but they take 1–3 days and require hospital equipment. If a rapid test comes back negative but symptoms scream dengue, doctors often recommend following up with a PCR test to rule out false negatives. For travelers or residents in high-risk areas, rapid tests offer a practical first line of defense, while PCR remains the definitive verdict for unclear or severe cases.

What If You Test Positive?

🚨 Don’t pop aspirin (risks bleeding — use paracetamol instead). 💧 Chug fluids (dehydration = dengue’s favorite weapon). 🏥 Monitor platelets (if they crash, you need hospitalization).

Conclusion

Dengue fever is a silent predator — it creeps in with mild symptoms before unleashing its full fury. Those first few days of fever and fatigue might seem harmless, but they’re your critical window for action. A simple rapid test kit could be your early warning system, helping you catch the virus before it escalates into a life-threatening crisis.

While rapid tests offer convenience and speed, remember they’re not infallible. If your gut says something’s wrong but the test says otherwise, trust your instincts and seek a lab PCR test. Better safe than sorry when dealing with dengue.

For those living in or traveling to dengue-prone areas, keep a dengue test kit handy — it’s as essential as mosquito repellent. And if you do test positive, act fast: avoid aspirin, stay hydrated, and monitor your symptoms closely. Early detection and smart management can mean the difference between a week of rest and a hospital nightmare.

[signetnorthamerica1]

Hazmat Training for Law Enforcement: Managing Crime Scenes with Chemical Hazards

Law enforcement officers face complex and unpredictable situations every day, including crime scenes involving hazardous materials. Whether responding to drug labs, chemical spills, or potential bioterrorism threats, officers must be prepared to manage these high-risk environments safely and effectively. Without proper training, they risk exposure to toxic substances that can threaten their health, the public’s safety, and the integrity of the investigation.

At Signet North America, we provide professional hazmat training tailored to the unique challenges faced by law enforcement. Our hands-on courses equip officers with the skills they need to recognize, assess, and respond to hazardous material incidents with confidence.

Why Law Enforcement Needs Hazmat Training

Police officers are often the first to arrive at crime scenes that involve hazardous substances. These situations require quick thinking and informed decision-making to prevent further contamination and ensure public safety. Hazmat training is essential because it helps officers:

Identify hazardous materials – Recognizing the signs of chemical threats, from toxic fumes to suspicious containers.

Assess scene safety – Determining the level of risk before entering a contaminated area.

Secure the perimeter – Establishing safe zones and preventing unauthorized personnel from entering dangerous areas.

Communicate with emergency response teams – Coordinating effectively with fire departments, hazmat specialists, and medical personnel.

Without the right training, officers may unknowingly expose themselves and others to life-threatening hazards.

Recognizing Chemical Threats at Crime Scenes

Hazardous materials can be found in various law enforcement scenarios, from drug labs to terrorist threats. Officers must be able to quickly identify potential chemical hazards to protect themselves and maintain control of the situation. Common threats include:

Illicit drug labs – Methamphetamine and fentanyl production sites contain volatile chemicals that can explode or cause severe health effects.

Chemical weapons and toxins – Some criminal operations involve harmful substances such as nerve agents or toxic industrial chemicals.

Hazardous waste dumping – Illegal disposal of dangerous substances can create serious environmental and public health risks.

By understanding the warning signs of hazardous materials, officers can take immediate action to minimize exposure and request the appropriate emergency response support.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for Officers in Hazmat Situations

Standard police gear does not provide adequate protection against hazardous materials. That’s why law enforcement personnel need training in proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE). Our professional hazmat courses cover:

Selecting the right PPE – Understanding which protective suits, gloves, and respirators to use based on the threat level.

Proper donning and doffing procedures – Preventing contamination when putting on and removing protective gear.

Recognizing PPE limitations – Knowing when specialized hazmat teams need to be called in for additional support.

With proper PPE training, officers can reduce their risk of exposure while effectively securing crime scenes.

Scene Control and Emergency Response Coordination

When responding to a hazardous materials incident, law enforcement must establish order and maintain control of the scene. This involves:

Setting up perimeters – Preventing civilians and unauthorized personnel from entering dangerous areas.

Implementing an incident response plan – Following structured procedures to manage the scene safely.

Communicating with other emergency response teams – Ensuring seamless coordination with fire, medical, and hazmat response units.

A well-trained officer can help prevent panic, ensure safety protocols are followed, and support a smooth emergency response operation.

Enhancing Officer Safety and Public Protection

Hazmat incidents are unpredictable, and officers must be prepared for the unexpected. Training in hazardous materials incident response ensures that law enforcement personnel can:

Make informed decisions under pressure.

Protect themselves and others from chemical threats.

Maintain crime scene integrity while managing contamination risks.

At Signet North America, we specialize in professional, hands-on hazmat training designed specifically for law enforcement. With over 150 years of combined experience, our courses provide real-world instruction to help officers build the confidence and competence needed to handle hazardous materials incidents effectively.

Call us at 877-875-2921 and bring any of our classes directly to you and your team. Ensure your officers are prepared for any hazardous situation with professional hazmat training from Signet North America.

[corelaborg]

The Ultimate Guide to Testing Hydrogen Sulfide Levels in the Air

Hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) is a colorless gas with a distinct odor resembling rotten eggs. While its natural sources include volcanic emissions and decaying organic matter, it is also a byproduct of industrial processes like oil refining, sewage treatment, and gas production. Exposure to hydrogen sulfide can pose significant health risks, making accurate and reliable testing essential. In this ultimate guide, we will walk you through everything you need to know about conducting a hydrogen sulphide test to ensure safety and compliance.

Why Is Hydrogen Sulfide Testing Important?

Hydrogen sulfide is highly toxic and can be lethal at high concentrations. Even at low levels, prolonged exposure may lead to headaches, respiratory problems, and eye irritation. Testing for H₂S is crucial in:

Workplace Safety: Industries such as oil and gas, wastewater treatment, and mining often encounter H₂S. Regular testing ensures workers are not exposed to dangerous levels.

Environmental Monitoring: Detecting H₂S in the air helps mitigate its impact on ecosystems and communities.

Compliance with Regulations: Agencies like OSHA and EPA mandate hydrogen sulphide tests to ensure adherence to safety and environmental standards.

Methods for Testing Hydrogen Sulfide Levels in the Air

There are several reliable methods to conduct a hydrogen sulphide test. Each has its advantages, depending on the application and level of accuracy required.

1. Portable Gas Detectors

Portable gas detectors are handheld devices equipped with sensors that provide real-time H₂S level readings. These devices are:

User-Friendly: Easy to operate with minimal training.

Instantaneous: Provide immediate alerts if levels exceed the safety threshold.

Ideal For: Field inspections, confined spaces, and on-the-go monitoring.

2. Colorimetric Gas Detection Tubes

These tubes change color when exposed to hydrogen sulfide, allowing users to estimate its concentration visually. Key features include:

Cost-Effectiveness: Affordable and suitable for periodic testing.

No Power Requirements: Operate without batteries or electricity.

Ideal For: Low-tech environments or emergency use.

3. Fixed Gas Monitoring Systems

Fixed systems are installed in industrial facilities to continuously monitor air quality. They offer:

24/7 Monitoring: Provide constant surveillance of H₂S levels.

Integration: Often linked to alarm systems and ventilation controls.

Ideal For: High-risk areas like chemical plants and wastewater treatment facilities.

4. Air Sampling and Laboratory Analysis

This method involves collecting air samples and sending them to a lab for detailed analysis. It provides:

High Accuracy: Ideal for measuring trace amounts of H₂S.

Comprehensive Results: Identifies other potential contaminants.

Ideal For: Regulatory compliance and scientific studies.

Steps to Conduct a Hydrogen Sulphide Test

Follow these steps to perform a hydrogen sulphide test effectively:

Identify Testing Zones: Pinpoint areas where H₂S may be present, such as near equipment, storage tanks, or confined spaces.

Select the Right Method: Choose a testing method based on the accuracy needed and environmental conditions.

Calibrate Equipment: Ensure devices like gas detectors are calibrated according to the manufacturer’s specifications.

Perform the Test: Conduct the test following safety protocols and instructions for the chosen method.

Analyze Results: Compare findings with permissible exposure limits (PEL) to determine if corrective actions are required.

Best Practices for Hydrogen Sulfide Testing

Regular Testing: Schedule routine hydrogen sulphide tests to maintain safety and compliance.

Use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Wear appropriate PPE to minimize exposure during testing.

Document Results: Keep detailed records of test results for future reference and regulatory audits.

Train Employees: Ensure workers understand how to use testing equipment and respond to elevated H₂S levels.

Conclusion

Conducting a hydrogen sulphide test is essential for ensuring air quality and protecting health in both industrial and residential settings. By understanding the available testing methods and following best practices, you can effectively monitor H₂S levels and take timely action to mitigate risks. Prioritizing safety through regular testing not only safeguards lives but also ensures compliance with environmental and workplace standards. Stay proactive—a well-executed hydrogen sulphide test can make all the difference.

Blog source: https://corelab.org/the-ultimate-guide-to-testing-hydrogen-sulfide-levels-in-the-air/

[mythbustersfacts]

The Build Team decides to test the myth that adding radioactive material to hot sauce would make it "spicy enough to kill." Ignoring the dangers, they obtain a vial of cesium-137, a highly radioactive substance, under unclear and deeply questionable circumstances.

The scene opens with Tory, Kari, and Grant gathered in the workshop, mixing up a batch of their infamous "Death Sauce." Cesium-137, glowing faintly blue in its containment vial, sits precariously on the counter.

Tory, wearing only an apron and safety goggles, laughs nervously as he opens the vial with a pair of kitchen tongs. "What’s the worst that could happen?" he jokes, while Kari raises an eyebrow, clearly uneasy.

Grant, ever the engineer, rigs up a blender to evenly mix the radioactive sauce, but his setup malfunctions, splattering the concoction across the counter. "Oops," he mutters, wiping it up with a rag and tossing it into the trash can. None of them notice the Geiger counter in the corner of the room clicking ominously.

Jamie walks in at this moment, his face immediately darkening. "What the hell are you doing? Where are your suits? Your shielding?"

Tory shrugs. "Adam said it’s fine. Besides, it’s just a myth, right?"

Jamie slams his hands on the table. "Do you even understand how radioactive this stuff is? A speck can contaminate this entire place for decades!"

Before Jamie can intervene further, Adam bursts into the room, holding a spoon. He’s wearing a hazmat suit—unzippered. "Hey, gang! Let’s see if this myth is worth the hype!"

Ignoring Jamie’s shouts, Adam plunges the spoon into the pot of radioactive hot sauce and takes a big, dramatic bite. “Mmm, that’s got a kick!” he says, moments before gagging. In his attempt to recover, Adam knocks the pot off the counter.

The sauce spills across the workshop floor, splashing onto the equipment and dripping into vents. The Geiger counter goes berserk as the radioactive sauce seeps into the porous surfaces.

Jamie, red-faced with fury, grabs Adam by the suit collar. “You idiot! You’ve just contaminated the entire lab!”

"Relax," Adam croaks, now visibly sweating. "It’s just a little sauce..."

Within minutes, emergency alarms blare as Jamie seals the lab doors, demanding everyone evacuate. Kari begins coughing, and Tory realizes with horror that his hands, which he used to mop up the spill, are inflamed and bleeding.

Grant checks the Geiger counter again, whispering, “This place is toast. We’re toast.”

Hazmat teams arrive, but the contamination is too severe. The lab is declared a biohazard site, cordoned off, and abandoned. Discovery issues a public apology, and the team faces legal action for their recklessness.

Years later, the site of the MythBusters workshop remains a radioactive exclusion zone, with cleanup projected to take centuries.

[linuxgamenews]

Survivor Mercs Bullet Hell: Native Linux Port Still Coming

Survivor Mercs bullet hell twin stick shooter game will keep to Verified for Steam Deck and Linux via Windows PC for now. Straight from the creative minds at Wolpertinger Games. Available on Steam Early Access with its Positive reviews. Survivor Mercs bullet hell twin stick shooter has officially hit its one-year mark in Early Access on Steam. Over the past year, the game has really grown thanks to five huge updates that have added new maps. While shaking up the gameplay mechanics and improving the overall experience. Each of these updates has makes the title more fun and engaging. Also showing just how powerful Early Access can be when developers listen to their community. And as such, we have further details regarding the native Linux port:

We do want to bring Survivor Mercs to Linux, but we are focusing on other things during the remainder of Early Access first.

Survivor Mercs is already fully SteamDeck verified, so it runs smoothly on Proton and could work well with Wine too. Built with Unity 2022.3, the developers still have plans for a native build as Early Access moves forward. Let’s break down some of the big updates that have shaped the gameplay so far:

Major Update 1: Waste Land

This update dropped a brand-new map called Waste Land. It’s a giant, heavily guarded landfill run by M.E.G.A.-Corp. If you’re up for the challenge, you’ll be infiltrating this dangerous zone, fighting off the GriftLift drone, and taking on some pretty intense boss fights. The Survivor Mercs update also introduced rare building parts to the bullet hell, while that letting you upgrade your bunkers. Also giving you more reasons to dive back into the action.

Major Update 2: Operation Overhaul

Here’s where community feedback really kicked in. Operation Overhaul revamped a bunch of core game mechanics and added mini-bosses to all maps. Along with new enemies, we got a new mercenary, Hogshead, who’s a total powerhouse. Explosive barrels were added to the maps, adding an extra layer of strategy to combat. Plus, mercenary abilities got a nice rework, making squad dynamics even smoother. Oh, and loot recovery runs became a thing—always fun!

1 Year Anniversary Dev Q&A | Survivor Mercs bullet hell

Major Update 3: Evolution

This update was a game-changer (literally). The new Genome Lab 2.0 gave us more control over our cloned commanders by letting us pick specific traits, leading to all kinds of awesome squad builds. The update also introduced new traits and strategies, so players could configure their squads with more options and synergies. More customization, more fun!

Major Update 4: Boot Camp

Boot Camp introduced an operation mode where you have to prove your worth in the Proving Grounds before jumping into elite operations. This Survivor Mercs update also fine-tuned early - bullet hell game mechanics. Giving newer players a smoother start while offering intense challenges for veterans. Commanders also got new bunker rooms and gear to unlock, along with fresh traits to play with.

Major Survivor Mercs Update 5: the bullet hell Arsenal

The most recent update, Arsenal, added something everyone’s been waiting for: direct control over active weapons. From the Leaf Blower to the Quaker Hammer, these new weapons also help you manage the hordes of enemies more effectively. The separation of Dashes, Traits, and Weapons really lets you build your squad in new ways, making combat more strategic and giving you more control over the battlefield. Each of these updates has made Survivor Mercs more complex and rewarding bullet hell twin stick shooter. But this title is still a blast to play. Early Access has allowed the devs to work closely with the community. Constantly tweaking and improving things based on feedback. And with more content on the way, including new features and systems, it’s clear the devs are committed to making it even better as it heads towards its 1.0 release. If you haven’t jumped in yet, now’s the perfect time. The title is only getting better with every update, and it’s exciting to see what’s next. Available on Steam Early Access, priced at $7.99 USD / £6.69 / 7,79€. Along with Verified support for Steam Deck, playable on Linux with Windows PC and Proton.

[kaidatheghostdragon]

Doctor Danny Fenton was an enigma to Bruce. Every word he spoke, every microexpression seemed to leak out a barely-contained rage, as if he were a boiler about to explode hidden behind a fragile mask of scientific professionalism.

Everything Dr Fenton told Bruce terrified him, and he seemed to revel in the exaggerated fear that Bruce played up, even as the most terrible things he admitted were shared as if they were nothing more than office drama.

"Ghosts are clearly non-sentient echoes of malevolent emotions. The screaming is just a memory of a trauma-induced response."

"Ectoplasm is a wonderful clean energy source."

"My parents built a portal to the ghost zone, and we use it to power this entire facility!"

"Our ghost hunting weapons are powered by ectoplasm, too. They're reasonably harmless to humans, at least as far as being literal weapons are concerned, but really pack a punch against ghosts."

"We've learned a lot about how to maximize energy extraction from ectoplasm by studying our prime specimen, especially after we figured out how to turn off its stimulus response."

Bruce felt like he'd walked into a nazi eugenics lab. Oh, how badly he wanted to find this "prime specimen" and escape with it. Instead, he stubbornly stuck to his role, swiping a random scientist's security card when the opportunity presented itself, to clone and give Oracle backdoor access to the facility's servers.

As much as Bruce wanted to break every bone in Dr Fenton's body, he was an absolute treasure trove of actionable intel, letting his ADD guide him from topic to topic with no concern for operational security.

In order to shut down this facility, they needed to find and shut down that portal. They knew there was at least one "specimen" that needed rescuing. They knew that the facility was armed with ecto weapons, which weren't that dangerous to themselves.

They knew that the anti-ecto acts needed to be repealed before they could even consider prosecuting Dr Fenton.

Barbara was able to get into the servers pretty easily once Bruce had gotten an in, and Bruce spend the rest of the tour memorizing the facility's layout and innocently asking questions of Fenton that would help Barbara continue digging.

Fenton constantly zigzagged back and forth through their tour, telling Bruce what was behind many of the closed doors even if Bruce wasnt allowed to enter, and even muttering the mnumonics he used to remember various things loud enough for Bruce to overhear.

It would have been endearing if not for the fact that he was carelessly admitting to casual genocide.

By the time the tour was over and Bruce was heading home, Barbara had gotten into nearly every file on the servers and was already distributing them among the Bats to read through.

All except one: a medium-sized file buried in Dr Fenton's workspace. It was, quite literally, sealed up tighter than Fort Knox. Niether she nor Tim could make any headway on it, and they informed bruce that they would need more info from danny to crack it unless he was willing to wait about ten thousand years to brute-force it.

Bruce had already scheduled to meet Doctor Fenton again tomorrow, so that wasnt an issue.

---

Dr Fenton had dropped his key card. He was in the middle of unlocking a high security door when an alarm went off, and he had bolted to go take care of it, not even realizing he had dropped the card.

It was a perfect opportunity. Bruce grabbed the card and quickly cloned it on his hidden card reader before putting it back on the floor exactly where it had fallen. Oracle would be able to doctor the security footage, so it looked like Bruce had never touched it.

The alarms turned off soon after, and Dr Fenton was back in less than a minute, apologizing for the false alarm and sheepishly grabbing his security card when Bruce awkwardly pointed to it.

Dr. Fenton apologized again, swearing up and down that he's never been that clumsy before. The tour continued as Bruce asked more and more questions, buying Oracle as much time as possible to break into the forbidden file. The security clearance wasnt the only thing she needed to open it, but having that brought down the brute forcing time from centuries to weeks, and she had a few other tricks to reduce it further.

Bruce continued needling for answers to any question Oracle had that might help her, and Fenton obliviously and distracted answered in bafflingly round-about ways that only served to give them even more actionable intel about the facility.

Apparently, the whole "harmless to humans" thing wasn't completely true. Humans could be ectocontaminated to a point where they *could* be affected by ecto weapons. But dont worry, if a human is that contaminated, they're already functionally brain-dead anyway.

(It explained why Jason got a nasty burn from one of the weapons they'd stolen from a field agent when he and Tim were disassembling it for study, but Bruce sure as hell was not going to declare Jason brain-dead because an unknown weapon had injured him.)

Bruce was being led to one of the offices to discuss financing, signaling that they were running out of time, when Oracle declared that she got the file open. Bruce asked for a private room where he could make some calls before committing to giving money to the nightmare of a research facility, and Fenton obliged, saying he should probably talk to the head of security about the alarm earlier and whether they had isolated the cause and had a solution to prevent any future false positives.

"Holy shit," Oracle muttered after a few minutes of silently scanning the files, "B, i think we might need to consider that Fenton is a double agent."

"What."

As much as Bruce didn't want to admit it, facts were quickly sliding into place. Fenton was FAR too talkative and had made Bruce walk nearly every hall in the facility at least three times.

He dropped his security card on purpose, reacting to a false alarm.

"Oh, shit," Oracle repeated, "he knows."

"Knows what, exactly?"

"That you're Batman," she answered with a solemn finality.

Had he *really* been deliberately helping their investigation? What did Fenton get out of it, though? Surely he knew he was encriminating himself, or did he think he could escape judgment by claiming to be the whistle-blower?

"There's a file in here that's labeled 'To Batman' that had an extra password protection. There was a clue given: Batman's most important date," Barbara paused and took steadying breath, "B, it unlocked when I punched in the date your parents died."

Bruce was grateful that the office he'd been left in had a chair. Dr Fenton was a ghost hunter. Had he ever crossed the ghosts of Bruce's parents? How much would they have known about Bruce, and how did Fenton extract that information?

"Let me read it to you," Barbara continued, "To Batman, i died when i was fourteen and am one of the very creatures this godforsaken organization has declared nonsentient. I used to protect my hometown from malevolent ghosts that came through the portal my parents had opened, but soon i found myself also protecting the innocent ghosts from my parents and this agency.

"When the agency started attacking the citizens of my hometown for being too ectocontaminated, i knew i needed to change tactics to stop them. My parents could not be convinced that their theories were wrong, and their research was used to justify a legalized genocide, disguised as pest control and clean-energy research. Both innocent ghosts and innocent humans were caught in the crossfire of their crusade.

"I decided to infiltrate the GIW, disguising my true nature with my parents' own inventions, and faked the capture of my own ghost's identity as my opening act. The "prime specimen" is my own duplicate, nothing more than an extension of my own will, given just enough energy to keep it from destabilizing as the agency continuously tries to study and experiment on it. In this one singular case, this particular ghost truly is a non-sentient echo, that i have continuously propped up to keep the agents distracted.

"Furthermore, the extraction devise i described to you that sits in room 304 functions a bit differently from what is written in its official documentation. I have never destroyed a ghost. I rescue them. The extractor is actually a portal. It opens up when a ghost is placed inside the machine, allowing them to escape, then harvests energy from the realms equivalent to the strength of the ghost that was rescued, giving the illusion that the ghost was destroyed in the process of harvesting it for energy.

"I can travel to the realms and retrieve any ghost that has been 'destroyed' by the extracter to prove I'm being honest.

"My home town has been quarantined by the GIW for being 'too contaminated.' While I've been rising in the ranks of the GIW and rescuing any ghosts i can, my friends and team have been protecting Amity Park and helping people escape. Go to coordinates xxx xxx to see for yourself what the GIW are willing to do to their own species. An entire city exists there that you won't find on any map, where every human has been stripped of their basic rights, treated no different from the ghosts that are studied in this facility.

"Rescue them first, then come back and rescue me, *after* you can prove the atrocities that the GIW have committed. Signed, Phantom."

Bruce understood now. The anger that Fenton barely contained wasnt aimed at the ghosts.

It was aimed at the agents.

Holy shit, indeed.

You Don’t Know Me

“We’re so glad you’re showing an interest in our work here, Mr. Wayne!”

“Of course! It’s just all so new!” Bruce said through a hollow laugh, “It’s almost unbelievable!”

“Believing in ghosts is the first step to finally getting rid of them!”

Bruce fought to keep his face flat as the director enthusiastically continued his tour of their facility.

Their ghost hunting facility.

Where they had funded and government sanctioned labs purely for the persecution of an entire inter-dimensional species.

“-Truly, the Drs.Fenton were an inspiration to the entire field of ectobiology! We wouldn’t know half the things we know about ghosts if it wasn’t for their early research!”

Bruce forced a thin smile, “Oh? Will I get to meet them? Or can I at least see some of their work?”

The man faltered almost imperceptibly, “Ah well.. that might be a bit, Fentons can be a bit.. overzealous and-“

“I’m sure it would go a long way to understanding the need for such a large facility. If it’s worth it even, perhaps I could fund an expansion…” Bruce let his voice trail off.

The man’s eyes sharpened at the mention of his financials- of course, what more could you expect from a shark who’d joined an operation like this- and the man quickly smiled.

“But of course Mr. Wayne!” He turned around, leading them towards an elevator, “Our labs are just downstairs, easy access you know, and well.. with any new specimens it’s always best to start right away!”

Bruce’s eyes narrowed. They already had subjects? Their reports, their research had indicated they weren’t there yet, but if they were, this could quickly turn into a rescue mis-

“-It’s an absolute honor that we even have one of the Fenton’s themselves working with us!” Bruce sharpened his senses, one of them was here? The people who had laid every base for a hateful crusade against another dimension, all for their own ambition?

“Our labs are right through here,” the director said as he pushed open a door, “Dr. Fenton is working with our prize specimen right now, I’m sure!”

Bruce quickly scanned and analyzed the entire room. Testing tubes, jars filled with green, centrifuges, a sample fridge, glassware, plenty of counter space, all taken up by various tools and materials. And standing in front it was the reason for it all, dressed in a white lab coat over garish latex.

He turned around as they entered, “You know me too well, Director,” the young man spoke, ignoring the green splattered over his gloves, “My work with him isn’t finished yet.”

“Mr.Wayne, meet our frontier scientist, Dr. Daniel Fenton.”

Bruce Wayne scanned the young man, no older than 26, with a height similar to his own and shoulders only halfway less.

A scientist. An unknown. A threat.

Fenton smiled at him, “Tell me Mr.Wayne,” Daniel said, and his smile went sharp, “Do you believe in ghosts?”

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New Comic Book Day Features Over 50 New Digital Comics from Marvel, IDW, Image, AfterShock, and more!

New Comic Book Day Features Over 50 New Digital Comics from Marvel, IDW, Image, AfterShock, and more! #Comics #ComicBooks #DigitalComics

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