#Docker Training

[highskyit]

Professional Development as a System Administrator: Ensuring the Expertise by RHCSA and RHCE Certification

System administration has developed as a field of discourse requiring both theoretical as well as practical skills. The realization that enterprise requires generic IT infrastructure that is secure, efficient, and scalable to the business means that the demand of talented Linux system administrators is still on the rise. Among the valuable certifications to recognize professionals in the industry are RHCSA (Red Hat Certified System Administrator) and RHCE (Red Hat Certified Engineer) that a professional may want to undertake in order to boost his/her credibility and career.

Learning the Worth of RHCSA and RHCE Certification

The certifications have earned sufficient respect in international business organizations and are a measure of demonstrating expertise in the technicalities of Red Hat Enterprise Linux-based environments management. RHCSA concentrates on fundamental system administration duties, such as file systems, user management and rudimentary security. It gives an effective basis of dealing with the day-to-day operations of the Linux-based systems. RHCE, instead, takes this knowledge further to test high-level skills like automation using Ansible, security of systems, and network services.

Benefits of Enrolling in RHCE RHCSA Classes in Ahmedabad

Enrolling in RHCE RHCSA Classes in Ahmedabad allows aspirants to receive hands-on training aligned with the official Red Hat curriculum. Having access to the lab-based practice, the participants obtain on-the-job problem-solving experience that indicates realistic job functions. Such classes possess preparation sessions, mock-tests, and instructor-training sessions which improve the knowledge of the objectives of exams and practical application.

The Rationale of Red Hat Training and Certification in Ahmedabad

The importance of Red Hat Training and Certification in Ahmedabad extends beyond individual skill development. Certified pros can help raise the system availability rate, increase security management, and cut operations risk. Organizations often prioritize employees who have been certified administrators when recruiting them into a job where they have to establish, configure, maintain and fix systems- therefore RHCSA and RHCE certifications are very useful in job seeking and development.

Ahmedabad: A strategic place of learning IT and career advancement

The rise of Ahmedabad as an expanding hub in terms of IT and cloud-based services has also brought up the need of skilled Linux-related practitioners. The locally based training solutions will assist working administrators to juggle between their occupational roles and professional development. Besides, learning arrangements are in well-organized classroom and online frames which help to be flexible without the loss of quality in teaching process and lab facilities.

Final Thoughts

To sum up, system administrators who want to exercise their skills and validate them by using RHCSA and RHCE certifications get a competitive advantage in the technology market. As more and more enterprises depend on systems that are based on Linux, these credentials not only bring about personal development, but also more value in organizations. For comprehensive guidance and structured preparation, Highsky IT Solutions in Ahmedabad provides professional-level training designed to support success in Red Hat certification pathways.

[daintilyultimateslayer]

Best Red Hat courses online in Bangalore

Course InfoReviews

About Course

This course provides a comprehensive introduction to container technologies and the Red Hat OpenShift Container Platform. Designed for IT professionals and developers, it focuses on building, deploying, and managing containerized applications using industry-standard tools like Podman and Kubernetes. By the end of this course, you'll gain hands-on experience in deploying applications on OpenShift and managing their lifecycle.

Show Less

What I will learn?

Build and manage containerized applications

Understand container and pod orchestration

Deploy and manage workloads in OpenShift

Course Curriculum

Module 1: Introduction to OpenShift and Containers

Module 2: Managing Applications in OpenShift

Module 3: Introduction to Kubernetes Concepts

Module 4: Deploying and Scaling Applications

Module 5: Troubleshooting Basics

OpenShift DO180 (Red Hat OpenShift I: Containers & Kubernetes) Online Exam & Certification

Get in Touch

Founded in 2004, COSSINDIA (Prodevans wing) is an ISO 9001:2008 certified a global IT training and company. Created with vision to offer high quality training services to individuals and the corporate, in the field of ‘IT Infrastructure Management’, we scaled new heights with every passing year.

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Contact Info

Monday - Sunday: 7:30 – 21:00 hrs.

Hyderabad Office: +91 7799 351 640

Bangalore Office: +91 72044 31703 / +91 8139 990 051

[cupuletrainings]

Docker Certification in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh: Master Containerization with Cupule Trainings

Cupule Trainings, as a best IT training institute in Gwalior, offers job consultancy service, certification and training in Angular Js, Android, Java, PHP, HTML5 Bootstrap, digital marketing, SEO, Social media marekting, Wordpress, Shopify, HTML CSS, CSS3, IOS, Web design and development, programming languages, database management system and all other certification courses from highly experienced industry experts.

[sunbeaminfo]

Are you ready to advance your IT career with DevOps? Join Sunbeam Institute, Pune, for industry-leading DevOps training designed to help you become a certified DevOps professional.

Why Choose Us?

Comprehensive curriculum covering CI/CD pipelines, Docker, Kubernetes, AWS, and more.

Hands-on projects to build real-world expertise.

Experienced trainers with years of industry exposure.

Flexible batch timings for working professionals and students. What You'll Learn

Version control with Git & GitHub

Automation tools like Jenkins and Ansible

Containerization with Docker & Kubernetes

Cloud deployment and orchestration

Infrastructure as Code with Terraform

Who Can Join?

Ideal for IT professionals, developers, testers, and fresh graduates aiming for a high-paying DevOps role in the IT industry.

[upflairspvtltd]

🌟 Unlock Your Docker Skills in Just 2 Hours – Absolutely FREE! 🌟

🚀 Join Our Docker Masterclass: From Beginner to Pro 🐳

Registration Link: https://forms.gle/btLcTgVVJHjRvjA87

What You'll Learn:

📦 Docker Fundamentals: Understand containers and their role in development. ⚙️ Easy Docker Setup: Quick installation guide. 🌐 Build Your First Container: Hands-on session to create and run Docker containers. 🛠️ Dockerfile Essentials: Learn to build efficient Docker images. ☁️ Managing Containers: Master essential commands for container management. Who Should Attend? Ideal for beginners and professionals eager to learn Docker.

Duration: 2 Hours of immersive learning Date & Time: 📅 25th Oct, 2025 | 🕖 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM (IST) Mode: Online

🏅 Exclusive Bonus: Receive a Techkriti, IIT Kanpur Participation Certificate to enhance your resume.

Don't Miss Out! Elevate your Docker skills at no cost. Register Now: https://forms.gle/btLcTgVVJHjRvjA87

[sensnews]

Story Lines Going Into The 2024 Ottawa Senators' Training Camp

Ottawa Senators’ Rookie Tournament RecapIndividual Player ThoughtsMain Camp AttendanceSenators’ Main Camp StorylinesEyes On The New StaffOttawa Senators’ Pre-Season Schedule2024-25 Ottawa Senators preseason schedule (all times Eastern) The offseason is nearly finished as the Ottawa Senators gear up for this year’s training camp. The Senators’ rookies wrapped up their summer showcase on Monday,…

[today-i-am-thinking-about]

code repositories

[highskyit]

The Different Aspects of the Self-Taught Process and Formal Courses to Learn Linux Management

If we talk about the enlarging world of IT, Linux is considered to be a critical skill that incorporates everything, starting from web servers to enterprise systems. No matter if you are a professional or a beginner, understanding the power of Linux management can create a lot of opportunities for your career.

However, the question is whether you should go for self-learning or apply for a formal course. As per the statistics, around 39.2% of the effective websites are powered by Linux. So, to be unique among the trends, you need to be thorough about the respective practices. This is why many learners are going for Linux Management Training in Ahmedabad.

Let us further learn the different aspects of self-taught and formal course features for learning Linux management.

The Flexibility of Self-taught Approach

You might be thinking learning Linux management on your own can be flexible and serve as a cost-effective way to strengthen your skills. However, it can be challenging. You can find a number of resources like YouTube, community forums or online blogs to learn Linux management. Some of the effective benefits have been listed below:

You can get a series of cost-efficient resources.

You can learn the process at your own pace without any restrictions.

This approach can be reliable for individuals with prior IT knowledge.

Disadvantages of the self-taught approach

Here, you can go through certain disadvantages of a self-taught approach.

You can’t get any reliable Red Hat Certification in Ahmedabad. So, you may lack proper recognition.

Without expert guidance, you can’t get a precise structure of how to learn.

You may lack knowledge in troubleshooting complicated issues. So, the result can be time-consuming without expert help.

This approach mainly suits IT professionals who want to upgrade their knowledge in their free time. However, it lacks in-depth understanding, clarity and understanding.

Structured Learning through Formal Courses

If you enrol in formal Linux management training in Ahmedabad, you can easily get a well-structured curriculum. Moreover, the best part is you can have better access to industry experts and hands-on experience. Get reliable certifications to be recognised on global platforms. Professional Solutions can offer you specialised knowledge and practical skills to solve real-world issues. This program is suitable for candidates who want to build a strong foundation, gain access to knowledgeable mentors and get globally recognised credentials.

You can get a structured learning path.

Get acquainted with practical and hands-on training. 

Avail better career opportunities with recognised certifications.

If you want to get high-paying jobs or want to be a certified Linux professional, formal training can be a suitable option for you. Both the self-taught and formal courses are reliable. However, you need to choose the formal one if you want your career to flourish. However, rely on experienced and professional service to get unmatched value, just like Highsky IT Solutions. Learn to tackle real-world IT challenges and perform exceptionally in the market.

[devlabsalliance]

Docker-Compose is an indispensable tool for managing multi-container Docker applications. With a simple YAML file, you can define, configure, and deploy all the services your application needs. 

[dclessonsonline]

Docker Certified Associate Training Course

The Docker training course will let you learn about the Docker platform and will help in Docker videos to understand how Docker is installed in Linux OS and get a certification course online from Dclessons. https://www.dclessons.com/category/courses/docker

[qcs01]

Key Announcements from Red Hat Summit

The Red Hat Summit 2024, held from May 6-9 in Denver, Colorado, introduced several key innovations and strategic directions for Red Hat's future. Here are some of the most significant announcements from the event:

AI and Machine Learning Integration: Red Hat emphasized its growing focus on AI and machine learning (AI/ML). A major highlight was the introduction of Red Hat OpenShift AI, which integrates large language models (LLMs) into hybrid cloud environments, enhancing both predictive and generative AI capabilities​

RHEL AI: IBM and Red Hat unveiled RHEL AI, an open-source AI platform that aims to bridge AI technologies with hybrid cloud infrastructure, making it easier for enterprises to deploy and manage AI workloads across different environments​

Automation Enhancements with Ansible: AnsibleFest, which took place alongside the Summit, showcased new features in Ansible Lightspeed, leveraging generative AI to streamline the creation of automation playbooks. This initiative aims to simplify IT automation and encourage broader adoption of self-healing systems​

Hybrid Cloud and Edge Computing: Red Hat announced updates to its hybrid cloud offerings, including enhanced support for edge computing. These updates are designed to provide more robust infrastructure management and application development tools, aligning with the increasing demand for flexible and scalable cloud solutions​

Ecosystem Expansion: The Summit also highlighted Red Hat's strategic partnerships and ecosystem growth, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region. The company is targeting sectors like automotive and SMEs to drive its expansion in these markets​

These announcements underscore Red Hat's commitment to advancing open-source technologies and its strategic focus on AI, automation, and hybrid cloud solutions, reinforcing its position as a leader in enterprise IT solutions. For more detailed information, you can visit the Red Hat Summit 2024 news and conference guide on TechTarget​

For more details click www.qcsdclabs.com

[kubernetesonline]

Docker Online Training Hyderabad | Visualpath

Why Developers Should Learn Docker and Kubernetes?

Introduction:

As technology continues to evolve, developers are constantly seeking tools and platforms that can streamline their workflows, increase productivity, and ensure seamless deployment of applications. Two such tools that have become indispensable in the developer toolkit are Docker and Kubernetes.

Docker:

Docker has revolutionized the way applications are packaged, shipped, and deployed. At its core, Docker provides a platform for developers to build, package, and distribute applications as lightweight containers. These containers encapsulate all the dependencies and libraries required for the application to run, ensuring consistency across different environments. - Kubernetes Online Training

One of the key advantages of Docker is its portability. Developers can package their applications along with all the necessary dependencies into a Docker container, allowing them to run seamlessly on any machine with Docker installed. This eliminates the notorious "it works on my machine" problem and simplifies the process of deploying applications across different environments, from development to production.

Furthermore, Docker facilitates a microservices architecture, where applications are broken down into smaller, modular components that can be independently developed, deployed, and scaled. This promotes agility, scalability, and fault isolation, making it easier for developers to iterate on their code and respond to changing business requirements. - Docker Online Training

Kubernetes:

While Docker simplifies the process of containerization, managing a large number of containers across a distributed environment can quickly become complex and challenging. This is where Kubernetes comes into play. Kubernetes, often abbreviated as K8s, is an open-source container orchestration platform that automates the deployment, scaling, and management of containerized applications.

At its core, Kubernetes provides a declarative approach to managing containerized workloads. Developers can define the desired state of their applications using Kubernetes manifests, specifying factors such as the number of replicas, resource requirements, and networking configurations. Kubernetes then ensures that the actual state of the system matches the desired state, automatically scaling applications up or down based on demand and reallocating resources as needed. - Docker and Kubernetes Training

Moreover, Kubernetes offers robust features for service discovery, load balancing, and self-healing, enhancing the resilience and reliability of applications in production environments. It also supports advanced deployment strategies such as rolling updates and canary deployments, allowing developers to release new features gradually while monitoring the impact on performance and stability.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, Docker and Kubernetes represent a powerful combination that empowers developers to build, deploy, and manage applications more efficiently and effectively. By leveraging Docker's containerization technology and Kubernetes' orchestration capabilities, developers can streamline their workflows, increase scalability, and ensure seamless deployment across diverse environments.

Visualpath is the Leading and Best Institute for learning Docker And Kubernetes Online in Ameerpet, Hyderabad. We provide Docker Online Training Course, you will get the best course at an affordable cost.

Attend Free Demo

Call on - +91-9989971070.

Visit : https://www.visualpath.in/DevOps-docker-kubernetes-training.html

WhatsApp : https://www.whatsapp.com/catalog/919989971070/

[hackeocafe]

Never install locally

[gloomwitchwrites]

Ink & Needle // Chapter Twenty-Five

Tattoo Artist Simon “Ghost” Riley x Female Reader

Chapter Specific Warnings (MDNI): tattoo shop au, canon-typical violence, swearing, angst

Word Count: 3.5k

Price reveals three possible locations. Task Force 141 infiltrates.

Chapter Twenty-Four // Chapter Twenty-Six

ao3 // main masterlist // ink & needle masterlist

Knuckles pop. Joints crack.

Simon is primed—nerves and muscles alive and firing.

Ready for action.

Ready for blood.

His old life is returning. Not as fragments but through muscle memory. The training never left. It still dwells within him, twisting around tendons and bone like vines strangling a trellis, awakening to revive the man that once was.

"Tell me what you see, Simon."

Captain Price's voice comes from behind, drifting around Simon like lingering cigarette smoke and dirty snow. Silently, Simon observes the spread of information before him.

"These are the possible targets?" asks Simon, his gaze moving from picture to picture.

A small burst of air before the balaclava becomes steam. The abandoned barn they’ve set up shop in is fucking cold even with the generator-backed heaters turned on. But the cold hardly bothers Simon. His bad knee might not like it but the ache is easy to ignore.

On the wall is a massive map of the world. There are pictures of people and places pinned in various locations. Some of the people are crossed out—marked dead. Others are untouched or painted over with a question mark.

"Yes," affirms Price. "Anything familiar?"

Simon shifts his attention away from the wall and to the table in front of him. There are more pictures here—more documents.

A muscle in his neck spasms. "No," growls Simon. "Walsh likely abandoned his old haunts."

Price shrugs. "Maybe. Maybe not."

Two pictures of Walsh stare back at Simon. One is an old photograph from before. Walsh's skin is perfect here—free from burn scars or blemishes. The second photograph is newer but slightly blurry. Walsh wears a black jacket, hood up, face in profile. Even with the burn scars, his face is unmistakable.

"Walsh is prone to paranoia," says Simon, bringing the newest photograph closer. "He had places even I didn't know about."

"That's my point," replies Price. "Walsh trusted you. And yet he still didn't tell you everything."

We are gardens now.

The two of us.

It's easier to forgive an enemy than to forgive a friend.

Simon's fingers twitch with the urge to crush the photograph. Shoving the compulsion down, Simon returns the picture of Walsh to the table. Focusing on the massive board before him, Simon observes each marked location, his mind flipping through the rolodex of information he obtained during his infiltration.

"What makes you think it's one of these three?" asks Simon.

He lightly taps the picture in front of him. It's an aerial photograph of a series of warehouses near the Port of Felixstowe. There are two other ports marked including those of London and Liverpool.

Unease slides like sludge in Simon’s stomach. “Not only are these major ports, two of the three are fucking tourist attractions.” Simon turns on Price, crossing his arms over his chest. “You can tour a naval vessel and then board a cruise ship in a single day at Liverpool. London is the fucking same. Walsh isn’t making moves there.” He points at the picture of Felixstowe. “This is the only plausible of the three. Privately owned. Recent docker worker strikes.” Simon drops his arm. “But I don’t fucking believe that for a bloody second.”

There are other ports marked across Europe and the United States. Walsh likes to move around, never staying in one place too long. Sometimes he’s moving drugs. Sometimes he’s moving weapons. Using the same place of entry is risky with dangerous cargo.

"We have surveillance," replies Captain Price.

Gaz hands Soap a laptop. Johnny takes a seat and taps away at the keyboard, bringing up several video feeds.

"This one is for Felixstowe." Johnny allows the feeds to run for a bit before clicking over to a new set. "Liverpool." He switches again. "And London."

Simon shakes his head, noticing nothing in the grainy footage. "It's too close to home. Too busy. Too regulated."

Price's face remains impassive. “Look closer." He glances at Soap. "Roll them again."

Simon steps up directly next to Johnny's shoulder. Placing one hand on the table, Simon leans in. Johnny pulls up the surveillance feed near Felixstowe first. As it plays, a tiny twist of anxiety curls in his stomach. Are his eyes going to shit?

"You see it now?" asks Price.

"No," says Simon sharply.

Johnny loops the feed and points. "Here, Lt."

Squinting helps but hardly makes things any clearer. "Zoom in."

Johnny pauses the feed and enlarges it enough to give a more focused picture but not enough to render the pixels worthless. From the back of an SUV emerges a man that looks like Walsh. With him is—a woman?

Like a punch to the solar plexus, the wind is knocked out of Simon.

Is that you?

"You see it, Lt?"

"I see it," growls Simon. "Show me the next one."

Johnny repeats each surveillance feed, pausing and zooming in. There is a woman emerging from an SUV in each one, that is unmistakable, but is it you? That part is unclear. The videos aren't distinct enough to show details.

"We think this is her," says Price.

"In three different places?" asks Simon, skeptical.

Hope is a fragile thing. He wants to cling to it, to imagine that this is you he's seeing in all three feeds, but he cannot allow himself to latch onto an idea that may not hold any reality.

The middle of Price's brow creases. "You need to look again, Simon."

Simon slowly straightens himself. All of this feels like a game—Walsh's game.

"The timestamps don't make sense," growls Simon. "They're not even hours apart!"

"Exactly," says Price, stepping closer. "All of them are the same. Except one." Price lightly squeezes Johnny's shoulder. He brings up the first video feed again, the one from Felixstowe. "This one is different," murmurs Price, his gaze focused on the computer screen.

The feed plays and Johnny pauses the image. A small light flicks on in the dark recesses of Simon's mind.

"You see it now, Simon?"

"I see it, Captain."

Of the three, the woman is always alone in the Liverpool and London feeds. In Felixstowe, she isn't. In Felixstowe, there's a man grabbing her upper arm. A man that looks very much like Simon's enemy.

"We don't have confirmation," continues Price, already seeming to know exactly what Simon is thinking.

It doesn't fucking matter if they have confirmation or not. This is a lead. This is something.

"We've already sent recon teams," adds Kyle, breaking his silence.

The pity isn't there anymore. There is only grim determination. They've seen Simon at his lowest, and yet that doesn't matter. They're doing this to take Walsh down but they're also doing it for him.

Gaz glances at the map but he addresses Simon. "Walsh wants us to focus on Felixstowe." He turns attention to Simon. "Which is why we sent recon."

"And recon said different," replies Simon.

Kyle winks. "Exactly."

"Felixstowe is staged." Price moves toward the map. "But Liverpool?" Price turns back to Simon, with a smirk. "Want to know who funded that little transfer for Walsh?"

Walsh has always moved behind the scenes. He always lurks in the dark. Pockets are lined and Walsh obtains what he wants. At its core, big business is greedy. They’ll happily look the other way if they can get what they want and get away with it.

Some of the earlier unease melts, adrenaline replacing the anxiety.

Simon’s question is immediate “Did you bag the fucker?”

“I have a tail on them as we speak.”

“Good,” growls Simon. “Walsh with them?”

“No.”

Even better. It means Simon can deal out his own justice.

Simon exhales, trying to find a sense of calm amongst all this new information. "All I want is Walsh.”

I just want her back.

Simon wants that fucking wanker alive. He wants Walsh to squirm. To suffer. To feed the man his own teeth before making him choke on them.

But even that won’t satiate what Simon truly desires.

You. Only you.

In his arms again. Warm and safe and all his. To know that you will never come to harm again.

Price’s smirk becomes a genuine smile. They’ve been after this man for fucking years, and now Walsh is truly in their grasp.

Nodding toward the map, Price gestures toward it. "Our best guess is this warehouse near the Port of Liverpool."

"Why?" asks Simon. “It’s a haven for tourist.”

“It caters to tourist and occasionally houses the Royal Navy just as much as it brings in and sends out goods.” Price exhales. “It’s busy, yes. But it’s unsuspecting.”

"It's also the only place we've seen Walsh arrive to and leave from," adds Kyle.

Simon shrugs. “Could be a distraction. Make it obvious so we aren’t looking at other possible targets.”

“Could be,” replies Price casually.

“We’ve got him, Lt. And not on surveillance footage.”

"The recon team did," continues Gaz. "Real subtle, too. Like he didn't want to be seen."

Diversion has always been Walsh's specialty. His most devoted followers will do whatever he asks from shooting up a corner store to acting as a body double. The man is a manipulator. A friendly face that says exactly what you want to hear to reinforce your own confirmation bias.

He does it all in the name of power and personal superiority.

Simon turns toward Price. "Are we going after that warehouse?"

Price nods. "Tomorrow."

Darkness is a friend.

A companion. A trained beast. A silent killer.

Simon looks into his scope, checking and rechecking the perimeter of the building. Soap has already disabled the surveillance camera on the western side of the building. To the person watching, they're seeing a continuous loop of nothing.

The building itself isn’t one of those boxy metal buildings you find all over the States. This warehouse is old, made from brick and stone, built when ships were still only made of wood. Marked as a historical location, and yet currently closed to the public.

How bloody fucking convenient.

While the night is cold, the port isn’t empty. There are no cargo ships unloading but there’s a docked Destroyer all lit up across the River Mersey. Tourists and locals move along pedestrian areas, and the nearby arena is awash with light as some musical artist performs.

Life moves. Uninterrupted.

As it should be.

And not one of those souls realize what lurks in the dark.

“Soap. We ready to breach?” comes Price’s voice over comms.

Johnny’s answer is laced with slight static. “You have five minutes until the loop ends.”

Price turns back to look at Simon and Kyle, silently pointing in the direction of the door they’re entering the building through. Johnny is on the roof with two members of the recon team sent earlier.

With rifles raised, the trio move silently across the concrete. Price forms the front while Gaz and Simon take the sides and back. They stay on a swivel, watching Price’s rear as he approached the door.

“Three minutes, Captain,” comes Johnny’s voice over comms.

Behind Simon, there’s a clink of metal meeting metal. Something rattles. Then a soft creak as the service door opens.

“We’re in,” replies Price.

Price eases the door open. He keeps his gaze forward, hand coming up to signal that everything is clear. Simon enters behind Price with Kyle on his heel.

“There are three down the hall,” crackles Johnny’s voice over comms.

Price, Gaz, and Simon move silently down the tight hallway. One side is solid brick, the other treated wood. They pass breakers and switches but no doors. There are a few wall hangings but they’re for the workers who would handle the upkeep.

At a tight turn, Price presses himself against the wall. Simon and Kyle crouch as Price eases a small handheld mirror around the corner. There are only a few feet of hallway remaining before it meets a door that says “EXIT.”

“Where are they, Soap?”

A pause. “Just outside the door. Left.”

Price turns the corner and stops at the door. They form a line, switching off night vision. The door opens, and Price is moving. Simon is right behind him, blood roaring in his ears as he follows his captain.

Simon’s finger hugs the trigger.

A muted pop leaves the chamber.

Dark red bursts in the dim light, painting the wall and nearby mounted lamp. The three men never had a chance. They don’t even make a sound as the lead penetrates their heads and explodes in their skulls.

Price’s voice greets Simon in his earpiece. “Clear.”

“Two near the entrance. Follow the lights.”

The building is utterly silent. It’s all exposed brick and pipes. Distantly, Simon hears water dripping, but it is otherwise quiet like a slumbering monster.

Walsh is here. He fucking has to be. Simon senses it in his gut.

Price takes the two out near the entrance, Simon following behind with an extra bullet for each just to make sure.

“We’re coming up on your right, Captain.”

Johnny appears with one member of the recon team. The other remains on the roof, keeping an eye for any incoming vehicles.

“The bunker is through here,” says Johnny, aiming his weapon at the floor.

“The door is in the bloody floor?” asks Kyle.

Johnny crouches, his gloved hand gently probing the wood. They all watch until his hand pauses, his fingers lightly pressing downward.

There’s a hiss, and then Johnny is lifting, revealing a ladder and a dimly lit hall that Simon cannot see the end of.

Price squeezes the shoulder of the soldier from recon. “Keep a lookout here. Radio if you hear or see anything.”

“Yes, sir.”

Price releases his shoulder and descends first. Johnny heads down next followed by Simon and then Kyle.

They’re going in blind. They do not have the plans or layout of this part of the building. The strangest thing is that it looks brand fucking new. It doesn’t make any sense.

Walsh doesn’t build. He utilizes what’s available and goes from there.

There’s only just enough light to see by and there are no doors except the one at the end of the short hall. They might find a maze. They might find a singular room. There could be walking into a trap or nothing at all.

Simon isn’t sure what worries him more.

But you have to be here. Somewhere.

Price counts down starting with three fingers. At one, he raises his rifle and kicks in the door, charging forward. Heartrate spiking, Simon heads in after him, finger tight on the trigger, ready to burst skulls and shatter bone.

The adrenaline peaks, swarming Simon’s senses.

And then it comes crashing down.

As if falling from a great height, Simon is presented with an entirely different outcome.

The firing end of the rifle drifts downward, his gaze focusing on the singular object in the entire room. It’s a box. A metal tackle box like you’d take on a fishing trip. Above it is a bulb hanging from the ceiling. The light it emits is warm and low like it’s been on for years and is just about ready to give out.

Price, Johnny, and Kyle all walk the perimeter of the room.

“It’s solid fucking concrete!” shouts Johnny, his steps increasing as he drags one gloved hand along the wall.

Price slowly spins. “What the fuck is this place?”

“It’s not a storage warehouse,” says Kyle. “There’s nothing here.”

“A hideout, then?” suggests Johnny. “A bunker?”

“Then where’s the bloody bed?” replies Kyle, voice rising slightly. “There isn’t even a table!”

Simon’s focus is narrowing to a pinpoint.

The tackle box is a deep forest green, the handle black, the latch gold.

He takes a step toward it.

“Don’t touch that, Simon.”

Simon ignores Price’s command. He moves closer.

“Simon!”

“Lt! Don’t touch it!”

It’s a game. This is all Walsh’s game.

Simon comes down to one knee beside the tackle box. It’s old—a little banged up. Somehow, he recognizes it.

His gloved thumb brushes over the metal latch.

“Simon!”

It’s Johnny, but Simon is already moving—already releasing the latch and lifting the lid.

Memory resurfaces, and cold dread twists Simon’s stomach. Scratched into the interior of the lid is a name.

It’s Simon’s father’s name.

The tackle box is his father’s, a relic from a time when there was no abuse and no alcohol. Simon remembers going on fishing trips as a young boy carrying this exact box even though he was far too small to hold it properly. He’d always walk leaning to one side due to the weight.

Then it collected dust in a closet as his father became a monster.

But the box isn’t empty.

There are no fishing hooks or plastic dividers. All of that is gone.

In its place is your hair.

Not much, just a cleanly cut portion no larger than Simon’s pinky. It’s neatly tied with red string. Beneath it is a filmy scrap of paper.

The words face him. Clear and obvious.

She’s not here. Try again, friend.

“Simon.”

A crater in the Earth opens up, swallowing Simon whole. He is descending, falling through an endless hell. Spiraling down, down.

“Simon.”

Johnny’s voice is a distant thing. It’s trying to penetrate, to worm inside and pull Simon out but his mind is flipping.

She’s not here.

Your lock of hair is delicately tied, a regretful solace that rings out into Simon’s subconscious.

Try again, friend.

“Simon!”

Following his name is a rattling of gunfire. It’s not distant. Just over his shoulder. In Simon’s earpiece, someone is rattling off a series of numbers and positions, but Simon isn’t paying attention.

You are not here.

You are—elsewhere.

Lost.

In a place where Simon cannot tread.

An instant passes. Then another. The darkness around him transforms, flipping end over end until everything that Simon knows about himself slips away.

You were supposed to be here. He’s supposed to find you. To bring you back.

But this is a task that Simon clearly cannot handle.

Fingers claw up his esophagus, creep over his tongue, and press against his teeth. It emerges, breaking joints, allowing the darkness Simon feels to burst forth and wrap around him, enshrining him in a bloodlust he hasn’t felt in years.

The rifle tip rises. Simon is running on autopilot, allowing Ghost to take over, to consume every ounce of sanity.

Price, Soap, and Gaz are holding down the door, firing at an enemy that Simon cannot yet see.

His feet are not his own. His hands belong to someone else.

Charging forward, the firing end of the rifle explodes. The enemy on the other side are surprised by his sudden appearance. They faulter for a second, their eyes widening slightly in fear. But it’s enough.

It’s enough.

They are cut down, reaching out, hands pressing against the holes in their bodies as blood pools on the floor.

Simon unloads until he’s empty. Reloads. Empties again.

“Simon!”

The rest of his team follow, but Simon is hungry. A blood beast.

When the lead isn’t enough, he uses his hands.

There are bodies all around him, a trail for Price, Gaz, and Soap to follow.

On he moves, devouring. Slicing and gutting until the blood of his enemies begins to soak into his clothes.

He doesn’t remember ascending. Doesn’t remember resurfacing only to dive right back into the void. With ears ringing and a hint of metal on his tongue, Simon destroys everything in his path.

He is aware of Price, Johnny, and Kyle. They move around him, guns high, picking off everyone they can. Simon moves from enemy to enemy, uncaring of how he kills them. He breaks bones. Breaks teeth. Breaks soul. He stabs and slices, relishing in every anguished sound they make.

It is only when so many have fallen that Simon digs in, wanting to draw out a final blow as if the man before him is Walsh and not a nameless crony. The man sobs, his eyes replaced with Simon’s burrowing thumbs.

“Where is she!” screams Simon. He doesn’t even recognize his own voice. “Where the fuck is she!”

The sob becomes a garbled cry. Bloody. Crimson pools and dribbles from the man’s open mouth.

“Tell me where she is!”

Unresponsive. Dead.

Simon slams the man’s head against the floor.

But it isn’t enough. It will never be enough.

A strangled scream is ripped from Simon as he repeatedly bashes the man’s head into the floor.

Hands are on him, grabbing at his arms, tearing him away. Simon swings, clipping Johnny in the chin.

“Enough!” Price wrestles Simon to his feet, pushing him hard against the wall. “They’re dead, Simon.”

His head pounds, the balaclava moving rapidly into and out of his mouth as he gasps for air.

You’re not here.

You’re not here.

It’s all slipping away. Piercing and sharp and yet so dull that Simon begins to feel numb.

“Simon,” murmurs Price, the middle of his brow creasing.

Try again, friend.

[lounesdarbois]

Up The F* Toffees

Dans le train pour Liverpool est assis ce monsieur tatoué sur la nuque du blason du club sous-titré d'un UPFT des familles. Il est monté dans la rame à Manchester où il réside et prend un malin plaisir à afficher la couleur là-bas, sachant que malgré l'animosité locale envers les Toffees nul n'ira lui demander des comptes vu son gabarit. Sa femme assise en face est tatouée aussi (mais un peu moins), elle semble très fière de lui.

À peine arrivé il faut prendre un bus qui parcourt un cauchemar. D'abord on longe Sida chinese market, puis Cohen chemist, ensuite Orange grand lodge, véridique, en montant péniblement comme un ivrogne qui se relève. Puis l'on arrive sur le plateau de la ville haute où l'on respire enfin, lieu du parc Stanley, lieu du quartier d'Everton avec ses écoles, ses églises, sa population. Nous quittons le bus.

Sous le ciel au loin le stade bleu apparaît au bout des champs, avec l'établissement appelé L'Abbaye sur sa gauche. Des vendeurs de souvenirs crient en boucle "hats, badges and scarves". Odeurs de steak pie, sièges bleus, plancher en bois. Gars en Lacoste, vieux messieurs à béret sicilien, retraités bourrus en Adidas Spezial qui fraternisent en levant le menton, pintes en or qui scintillent sous le soleil, églises, croix partout. Retentit la sirène de l'hymne du club. Au coup d'envoi le voisin se signe.

La première fois j'étais venu par hasard. J'avais emmené une gauchiste voir la ville des Beatles, elle me planta, je fis le voyage seul. Ce fut magnifique. Le foot exactement comme je l'avais rêvé se trouvait enfin là, offert, dans ce stade posé au ras des rangées de maisons, avec ses vieux tourniquets d'entrée en roue à aube, avec ses écoles, ses églises, la pelouse au milieu ouverte sur le ciel comme le cloître d'une abbaye.

Pourquoi Everton?

Pour ce maillot bleu et blanc comme les rubans des jours de fête mariale, presque aussi beau que celui de Chelsea.

Chelsea c'est noble aussi mais c'est éventé, et puis sa culture de fond est protestante. Celle d'Everton est catholique, populaire, irlando-anglaise, comme celle de plusieurs villes du nord-ouest d'ailleurs (Preston, Lancaster, Blackburn).

Everton et son écusson. Une tourelle et deux couronnes de lauriers surplombent une devise en latin.

Un stade ancien où s'élève une église au coin de Main Stand et Gwladys End. Un étagement des gradins tel qu'on les construisait autrefois, prévu pour accueillir des spectateurs debout et non pas assis comme c'est la loi depuis 40 ans, un vrai terracing.

La ville de Liverpool honnie par ce pays, à cause de sa pauvreté, de son accent impossible, de la réputation de "cambrioleurs de bijouteries" de ses habitants.

Liverpool ville pionnière du style Casual avec la coupe wedge dès 1978, avec le magasin Wade Smith dès 1982. Ville de Lacoste et Adidas, ville de Neil Primett et de Dave Hewitson, ville de musique, ville de la vraie Culture.

Liverpool seconde ville des docks après Londres, qui héberge les restes d'un entrepôt de tabac grand comme la Défense. Ville pauvre qui fit la fortune des marins et des dockers 300 ans durant puis qui continua de régner sur le monde en basculant sur le prestige culturel le jour même de la fermeture des docks, lorsque les Beatles entamaient leurs premières tournées. Soral a rappelé la seule chose qu'il faut retenir des Beatles: les mélodies. Et où déménage cet été Everton après 150 ans de présence à Goodison Park? Dans un nouveau stade construit au bord de la mer, en face de l'entrepôt de tabac, sur les docks de Liverpool.

"The people's Club" est le surnom d'Everton, le club du peuple prisé des travailleurs, des familles, des enfants et des vieux, à l'encontre du Liverpool FC dont les soutiens viennent en masse d'autres villes et pays les jours de match. "Now get back on your planes and f* off home" est le sympathique chant adressé aux footix par ici. Locals only. Et moi. L'un des rares étrangers du stade avec quelques Irlandais de Belfast venus en bateau, suis pas peu fier d'être le seul Français.

En 2019 Everton a battu United 4-0 ici même le jour de Pâques, avec notamment un troisième but splendide de Lucas Digne. C'était tellement beau que j'en ai pleuré. J'étais tellement fier.

C'est Everton qui a permis l'éclosion de Wayne Rooney, d'origine irlandaise-catholique, élevé à Croxteh, quartier pauvre de la ville. Rooney dont le premier but de sa vie à l'âge de 17 ans à Goodison Park en 2002 avait permis de battre Arsenal qui poursuivait alors une série d'une année complète d'invincibilité. Aparté sur Arsenal: noblesse d'Arsène Wenger, ignominie de Thierry Henry. Les vrais savent que le naufrage de Knysna 2010 avait eu lieu par sa faute, parce qu'il pouvait rétablir l'ordre et ne l'a pas fait, qu'il s'était écrasé comme un petit collabo de la racaille en secret alors qu'en public il mimait le bonhomme.

En Juin 1996, Deschamps faisait la couverture de Onze Mondial en tant que milieu défensif. Les joueurs de l'équipe de France à la fin du printemps s'appelaient Alain Roche, Vincent Guérin, Paul Le Guen, Laurent Blanc, tout cela a existé. Cette situation normale venait de loin et devait durer toujours. Thierry Roland, Aymé Jacquet, Guy Roux, Roland Courbis et d'autres, étaient les statues du commandeur. La France était un grand-père tranquille et bienveillant qui attendait que l'on atteigne l'âge adulte pour nous confier l'héritage.

Passons sur l'abominable période 2000-2006 où mon pays et moi avons tout perdu, tout.

Les clubs de Marseille puis Paris sont devenus infréquentables et l'on sait à cause de quelle racaille encouragée par quels Marbello à haggar les babtous. Les clubs encore blancs trouvent amusants de se former en gangs et de se taper dessus pendant que la canaille rigole de les voir éparpillés. Cela ne m'amuse pas du tout et le hooliganisme de Blancs contre Blancs porte quelque chose de suspect. Hors de France j'ai cherché en Europe 30 ans durant de beaux maillots affichant un sponsor pas trop voyant, pas trop honteux, de beaux emblèmes, de beaux stades, et surtout un bel esprit de stade: pacifique, familial, chantant, bref, célinien, et qu'on me fiche la paix. Cela aurait pu être Real Sociedad ou AS Roma qui entraient bien dans les critères, mais c'est toujours le hasard qui choisit pour vous en devançant vos critères prédéfinis. Dans Ever il y a toujours. C'est Everton.