#Florida process servers

[reidsrambles]

An Invisible Locket

Chapter 7: Gravity

Pairing: Spencer Reid x Fem!BAU!Reader // Secret relationship

Description: You work with your best friend and your boyfriend. The only problem is, nobody knows Spencer Reid is your boyfriend of over a year. When you find out that Spencer's getting sent out on a case immediately after getting back to Quantico, impulses take over. (Content/Warnings below the cut)

Content/Warnings: [18+ MDNI], smut, oral sex (M & F receiving), PIV sex, unprotected sex within an established relationship, unplanned pregnancy, discussions of abortion (in a pro-choice context, though Reader ends up choosing to stay pregnant), minor mentions of alcohol and cancer.

As for the crime subplot, much of it is very canon-typical (referenced child abuse & grooming by an extended family member (non-sexual), violence, blood/gore, drugs. As always, please feel free to let me know if I miss any CWs!

A/N: This fic is obviously heavy on the Spencer and Reader relationship, but it's also got a significant Garcia best friend plot line and crime plot line. This fic also features an unplanned Reader pregnancy. Reader debates abortion and is pro-choice, but ultimately ends up keeping the pregnancy. If any of that isn't up your alley, please feel free to skip this fic!

Names used: Baby, baby girl, good/sweet/pretty girl, daddy, good boy (once), my love.

Words (this chapter): 4.8 K

Words (total): 29.1 K

Spencer and Derek are quickly treated at the hospital while the rest of the team assists the local PD in processing the scene and finalizing our part of the case.

Jeremy talked pretty quickly once they got him in custody. He said that his entire “message” was to warn against medical misinformation, hence the MO and the site they used to lure their first victims. In reality, Jeremy is just a narcissistic psychopath who’s got a lot of psychological damage and abandonment issues. He wanted total control over someone, and he got that with Mason. Shooting Spencer and Derek will just be another charge to help keep that monster locked up for a very long time.

By the time Spencer and Derek are cleared to fly, it’s 7 p.m. The team rolls into the BAU at nine. You and Penelope wait near the elevator as they trickle in and greet everyone with hugs and I-missed-you’s.

Of course, Spencer, Derek, and Hotch came up last. It takes every ounce of willpower to not run straight into his arms. The fact he has a horrible bruise on his chest aids your willpower here, though. Penelope follows everyone else into the bullpen, and it’s finally just you and Spencer alone.

After the jet left Florida, you and Penelope developed a plan. You knew you needed to get Spencer alone as soon as possible to talk. Penelope planned to hang around the bullpen with the team, keeping track of them while they grab their stuff and head home. If anyone asks, she’ll say that you went to your office to pack up and that Spencer already left for the night. No one’s going to stick around long, anyway. They’re all exhausted.

The hallway outside the bullpen that leads to your office is quiet. One of the night shift custodians turns the corner towards you, broom in hand, probably looking for spots the vacuum missed. He greets you with a nod, which you reciprocate as you pass.

“So, I didn’t leave work on time,” you say.

You push the door to your office open, leaning on it as it closes behind you both. The room is quiet except for the low whir emanating from the server racks.

Spencer’s standing directly in front of you, his face an inch from yours as you breathe each other in again.

“That’s okay,” he says, flashing you a tired smile. “I didn’t either.”

“When Hotch said you and Derek were—” You choke back your words to avoid breaking down.

Spencer nods in understanding but doesn’t speak.

“I was so scared,” you add, voice breaking.

He pulls you into an embrace, holding your head against his chest as he kisses your hair. Your bodies gently shift side to side, rocking each other’s bodies and soothing you both.

“I know, baby. I’m okay, though.”

You want to be angry at his attempt to reassure you. You almost weren’t okay, Spencer. What if he had aimed his gun a little higher?

But he’s here, standing in front of you, safe.

He also shot Jeremy in the leg, allowing Derek to take him down and cuff him. Another serial killer is in custody because of his bravery and quick action.

You lift your head off his chest to look up at him. You can see the fatigue in his face, but yours surely mirrors his to some degree.

Reaching a hand up, you touch his face. His facial hair is stubbly, rough under your fingertips. Your fingers trail down his jaw, across his lower lip, down the bridge of his nose. He simply observes you as you touch him, taking him in.

Bringing your hand to rest on his shoulder, you let your eyes do the wandering on their own, now. The overhead lights in your office are dimmed, which is how they stay overnight. The bags under his eyes are visible, but softened in this light. He always looks so incredibly beautiful, but when he’s staring at you like it’d kill him to look away, it’s astonishingly hard to believe you could have ever seen him as anything less.

Your breathing shallows as you give his face an up-and-down, gaze darting between his eyes and mouth.

Spencer dances his open mouth over yours, breathing you in. Before the tension can build too much, he presses a deep kiss to your mouth. Neither of you can withstand much restraint right now, and nothing could feel as comforting in this moment as Spencer loving on you.

Your hands slide down to his hips, pulling his body even closer to yours. The friction feels so good. He’s already semi-hard and you just wish you could drop to your knees, take him in your mouth, and worship his body. The urge to please him and to make him feel good is so strong, but words unsaid gnaw at your conscience in a vicious tug of war.

His body pressed to yours feels like aloe numbing the searing pain of a scraped knee. Being back in his arms, your heart would be bursting right now if it weren’t weighed down by the elephant in the room, visible only to you.

“What’s wrong?” he asks, searching your eyes for a clue. “There’s something on your mind.”

Correction: the elephant, visible to both of you.

Almost instantly, tears fall.

Spencer pulls you to his chest, seeming to ignore his injury. “Shh, baby. It’s okay.”

He leads you over to your desk chair to sit down and he takes Penelope’s chair, rolling the few feet over to you.

“Is this about my chest?” he asks. “It’s just a bruise. No fractures or anything, so I’ll be okay,” he softly laughs, attempting to lighten the mood.

This is fucking terrifying. You can hear it in his voice, how concerned for you he is. He’s trying to look at you—trying to read you, but you can barely meet his eyes without breaking down into sobs.

“We need to talk,” you choke out.

Realization washes over his face. This isn’t about the gunshot which could have killed him. It’s something else entirely.

He doesn’t reply. He takes both of your hands in his—you hadn’t realized how cold yours were until now—and he nods.

Okay, swallow. Deep breath. No beating around the bush.

“I’m pregnant.”

His expression shifts a few times as he processes it. His eyes almost sparkle as they well up with tears.

“Are you–I–” He can’t even get a sentence out.

Spencer crushes you to his chest and cries. You fall into his embrace and continue sobbing, too. Whatever his feelings are, you’re still not sure, but to know that he needs to hold you is enough in this exact moment.

He pulls away just enough to plant kisses all over your face and neck, a smile contrasting his wet cheeks.

“Hold on Spence. Is that… Uh, how do you feel?” you ask him.

He pauses for a second before asking, “Well, do you want to be pregnant?”

When you don’t immediately answer, his eyes search your face with worry.

You try to figure out how to tie your many thoughts together eloquently. “I haven’t really had much time to even think about it. I’ve just sort of been in limbo about it with this case and with you being gone.” You wipe your cheeks with the side of your finger. “On the phone today, Hotch led by saying that you’d been shot but he didn’t know how bad it was. I think I nearly had a heart attack. Penelope and I have been giving this case our all. Now that you’re back, I feel like I can just breathe, at least.”

“Tell you what, why don’t we grab our stuff, head home, and get into bed? Then, we can talk about it or we can just sleep and save the talking for tomorrow when we’ve rested.”

Spencer kisses your forehead before pressing a chaste kiss to your lips.

All you can do is nod. The only place you want to be is in bed with him, hiding from the real world for a bit.

***

You wake up in the exact same position you fell asleep in. You’re pressed into Spencer’s side, an arm and leg draped over his body. If you didn’t have to wipe the drool off your face, you probably would have just laid there until Spencer naturally woke up.

Last night, after a very quick shower together (mostly for Spencer’s sake), you got into bed and crashed.

Spencer’s eyes flutter as he stirs awake. As you sit up to wipe your face, he groans at the loss of your body curled up into his.

“What time is it?” he asks, keeping his eyes closed.

His hair is a mess; his little curls and waves turned to un-styled fluff by his pillow. Your bedroom windows have translucent curtains over them, and he looks so peaceful and beautiful like this: in your bed, your white sheets and poofy duvet like a cloud surrounding him.

Twisting your body, you glance at the alarm clock on your side table.

“It’s ten-to-one.”

He stretches and finally blinks his eyes open.

“We needed sleep, but I’m still surprised we managed to get that much.” He reaches his arms to pull you back down to his side. “Who said you could get up yet?”

The anxiety in your body starts to build. You’ve thought numerous times already about how this conversation would go. You still don’t feel prepared. Your voice quiets to nearly a whisper.

“I have to go put your clothes in the dryer and start breakfast,” you say, unmoving.

Spencer shifts onto his side to face you. Reaching under your loose-fitting t-shirt so that he’s able to touch your bare skin, his hand trails down the side of your body, stopping just above your hip. His thumb gently rubs the side of your stomach. Any other time, this exact gesture would seem completely unremarkable, but right now, you know exactly where his head is at.

“You know you’re a horrible liar, right?” he asks.

“I do need to finish the laundry and start breakfast.”

“Yeah, but you don’t need to do that right now. You just feel pressure about this conversation that you know we need to have, and you feel the urge to avoid it.” Why the fuck did you start dating a profiler again? “Plus, you know I’m not letting you do my laundry or make breakfast.”

This man literally just got shot. You’ll be making breakfast, at the very least, whether he likes it or not.

His expression is so soft, his features still a bit puffy from sleeping. His hand brushes your hair off your face and cups your jaw in one sweep. He kisses your forehead first, then the tip of your nose, and lastly, your lips. The final kiss begins as pure as the first two. Chaste. You reach your hand up to his neck, fingers gliding into the hair at the back of his head, and you lean into the kiss, parting your lips. Spencer’s hand shifts to your lower back, pulling your body into his.

You want him, and he wants you. It’s been a long case.

But lust doesn’t erase the thick, heaviness in the air. The weight of the conversation you know you need to have.

As you pull back for a breath, you notice a small droplet of tears at the corners of each eye.

He pulls you back into his body, but this time into a big hug. You’ve been dealing with your own emotions about this pregnancy all week, but right now, his are extremely palpable. He lies on his back again, pulling you with him, into his side. You’re right back where you started.

“We’ve got to talk about it,” he says.

Your lips trill, lax as you let out a big breath.

“I know,” you say.

You’re still very conscious of his injury, so before you rest your arm over his chest again, you check in with him. “Is your chest okay with my arm like that?”

He doesn’t reply. He just grabs your arm and lays it across his chest. The arm he has wrapped around your body squeezes you tighter to him. He feels the pain of his gigantic bruise, but he needs you close.

Whenever you have to have serious conversations, you’ve found it’s easier, especially for Spencer, if you’re somewhere comfortable. Somewhere where you both have the option of closing your eyes or staring off into the distance. It’s easier to think, to talk, and to stay calm.

“I need to know how you feel about this,” he says.

“I don’t even know how you feel. You never told me last night. I didn’t know if you were going to come back, find out I was pregnant, and leave me on the spot.”

“God, I hope you know that I would never do that, Y/N.” He sounds so hurt and you begin to regret ever implying that he could do such a thing. “I can’t even imagine how scary this has been for you, though. Of course, you’d be worried that I’d have a negative reaction.”

He hugs you tight into his body again and kisses the top of your head, as if breathing you in to give himself the strength to continue.

“I love you so much. When you told me, I was definitely in shock for a minute, but as soon as I processed the fact that you were pregnant, and with my baby, I couldn’t think of anything else I wanted more.”

Your slow tears continue to drip down onto his shoulder, and his now-wet cheek has made a mess of your forehead.

You almost want to throw a joke in there. Something to lighten the mood; to escape the weight of this conversation so you don’t feel as though you’re being crushed by it.

Are you sure Penelope isn’t the father? I do spend more time with her.

You don’t even have the energy for your own stupid jokes right now, though.

Spencer continues, “If you decide you don’t want to be pregnant, I can’t lie and say that I wouldn’t be sad, but I would support you and love you exactly the same.”

You take a second to process everything he’s said. There’s no way out of this conversation but through.

He tilts your chin up to examine your face. His hands cradle your head, and through his own teary eyes, he wipes the wetness off your cheeks with his thumbs. He places a loving, quick kiss on your lips.

You’re safe. He’s safe. You’ll figure this out together, like you always do.

Spencer’s looking at you the way he always does. Like you’re his entire world. Even at work, in the quick glances no one pays any mind to, his eyes light up when he sees you.

After a few deep breaths, the word-vomit spills out.

“I’m just so fucking scared, Spence. Aside from the fact that this could put my job at risk, there are so many more factors at play here. This changes everything in our lives if we go forward with this. You know I want kids, but I don’t know if this is the right time. We haven’t been together that long. We aren’t married. My parents aren’t local, so would we have to get a babysitter, or would I have to quit my job to take care of them?

“I just got off Strauss’ chopping block. Penelope and Hotch just went and fought for me, explaining what a ‘valuable member of the team’ I am. If I continue this pregnancy, I’m going to have to tell her that I’m not only leaving on maternity leave—and, how long do you even get maternity leave for?—but that I’m going to be taking more time off because I’ll have a kid to take care of, and kids get sick,” your voice begins to tremble, “and—and I’ll have appointments to take them to. What if we have one of those kids who plays six sports and I have to give up my job to chauffeur them around, or something!?”

Spencer rubs your hand in his while you try your hardest to compose yourself after that spiral.

“First, with us as their parents, I’d be amazed if our kid even played one sport, let alone six.”

His joke has you both laughing, but the soundbite of Spencer saying “our kid” is replaying in your head. Our kid.

Spencer continues talking, bringing you back to reality.

“Also, under FMLA, maternity leave would be up to twelve weeks.” He stops rubbing your hand, instead intertwining your fingers with his. “Putting everything involving work aside for a minute, do you want to be pregnant?”

This is what you’ve been avoiding. Definitively deciding whether or not to continue this pregnancy is fucking terrifying. Since the test, you’ve felt constantly hyper-aware of your uterine contents. You already downloaded one of those pregnancy apps, and this thing is only the size of a peppercorn; a collection of cells the size of a peppercorn. But this thing is your baby, and you want to see it grow.

You can understand how, at an earlier stage of your life, this would have been the last thing you wanted. Right now, though, this feels right. Not only do you trust Spencer and your relationship with him, but more importantly, you have faith in yourself to be a good mom.

You nod your head.

“Then I promise you that I will do everything in my power to make the best of this.”

“I know you will, Spence. You know that a lot’s going to change though, right?”

Having a kid together means lots of change, and obviously you both know that. The question you’re really asking is, “What’s the next step?”

“Even before this whole pregnancy surprise, you and I had developed into something bigger and more special than I could have ever imagined. I can’t even begin to imagine my life without you in it anymore. We got too comfortable living in secrecy. I don’t want any of this to be a secret anymore, though.” Spencer’s voice is getting shakier as he speaks, his chest rising and falling faster under your arm. You tilt your head up to his face and place a few soft kisses along his jawline. He meets your lips for a minute of soft, tender kisses, and then continues.

“I think I’ve spent far too long worrying about things changing with the team…” He speaks as though he’s talking aloud to himself. He often does, processing something as he talks through it. “Change can make things better. It doesn’t have to be a bad thing. I mean, you’re on the team and things have already changed between us, right?”

“Considering we’re currently in bed together and I’m pregnant with your child, yeah,” you nod.

He laughs into your hair, and you laugh against his well-loved cotton t-shirt. You’d buy him some new shirts if he weren’t so picky about the fit and material. At least these ones hold his scent better.

“I don’t know why I assumed that they’ll think less of me when they find out…”

“About us or the pregnancy?”

“Even before the baby, I had this automatic assumption that they’d have a negative reaction to us dating. That hardly makes sense, though, logically.”

You open your mouth to speak, but he beats you to the punch. “And before you tell me that my feelings don’t have to make logical sense, I’m well aware,” he teases.

You giggle. Relaying your therapist’s teachings has paid off.

“I mean, they might have some concerns, especially Hotch. But it’s not like we’re some fling or we’re just fuck-buddies anymore,” you say.

“When you started in the BAU, did you feel sort of like everyone viewed you as though you were a child wearing grown-up clothing?” he asks.

You shake your head to the extent that you can in this position. “No, but I was coming in under very different circumstances than you were when you started.”

Spencer has more than proven himself as a competent, capable, agent, even in the field. He’s told you about how poorly he did during his time at the academy, but you’ve always seen, firsthand, how hard he’s worked to hone those skills.

“I sometimes think that the team still views me like that, but I’ve never felt like they looked at you like that,” Spencer says.

You both sit with that for a moment.

“I know that you know better than anyone that you don’t have to prove yourself to the team, You’re not the 22-year-old new recruit anymore, Spence.”

He nods. “Morgan and Rossi will probably still call me ‘kid’, but I don’t think that will ever change”

You smile. They’ll never stop calling him that.

“Well, shit. We’re really doing this then, huh? We’re gonna be parents,” you say.

Spencer shifts onto his side to face you, slightly wincing at the pain as he moves.

His hand finds your hip again, his thumb stroking the edge of your stomach. His other fingers slowly slip under the waistband of your underwear as he grips your hip. When he looks from your stomach to your lips, you kiss him, beating him to the punch.

You roll onto your back as Spencer gets on top of you, neither of you breaking the kiss in the process. His lips move to kiss and suck on your neck.

“You’re already so perfect in every way, but, god, thinking about you pregnant with my baby just… does something to me.”

“I guess it’s a good thing neither of us have to work today then because I think both of us could use some quality time together,” you say. “In two hours, I have to start getting ready for my therapy appointment, though. Think that’s enough time to satiate us?”

Spencer kisses his way down your body, spending extra time on your stomach.

“No, but I’ll make it work for now.”

***

[8 WEEKS LATER]

“Okay guys, I need everyone’s attention,” JJ yells.

The bull pen quiets. She sent an email out this morning asking everyone in the unit to meet here at the end of the day for “an announcement”. You and Penelope have heard whispers around the office. People think JJ’s announcing that she’s pregnant again, which isn’t surprising given the fact that she’s the only one on the team with a kid.

A few days after the team got back, Spencer asked her if he could come over to talk to her and Will. She got one shock when you showed up with Spencer, arm-in-arm. The look of realization on her face when she opened the door was kind of priceless, though.

When you told her that you were pregnant, she actually gasped and brought her hands up to her mouth in shock. She’s been insanely supportive, obviously. Her pregnancy tips have also been a godsend. You probably wouldn’t have survived the first-trimester morning sickness otherwise.

Now that you’ve hit the 12-week mark, you’ve decided to tell everyone, both about the relationship, and about the baby. Might as well kill two birds with one stone, right? You can still hide your tiny baby bump for now, but it’s time to clear the air so you can shift your focus to celebrating and enjoying the pregnancy. Shortly after Spencer got back from Florida, you slowly began moving into his place. He’s had to move some of his books and you had to get rid of some of your purses and shoes, but this little peanut’s nursery is starting to come along.

“Thank you all for coming. So, we do have an announcement today, but it isn’t going to be from me,” JJ says.

Here goes nothing.

You step forward from the group and move to stand beside JJ.

“Hi, guys. So, I—uh, I know this announcement is going to come as quite a shock to you, but I need to tell you all that—,” your eyes lock onto Spencer’s to ground you, “that I am pregnant.”

Spencer gives you a private smile before surveying everyone’s reactions. The murmurs of discussion have returned, louder this time.

Dave marches right up to you, grabbing your face and kissing both of your cheeks before enveloping you in a hug.

“Another BAU grandchild for me! Brava, my dear!”

At your announcement, all Emily could manage was a loud, “Oh my god!” in shock. She comes up to you after Dave and gives you a big hug, rocking you side-to-side.

“Congratulations!” She lowers her voice to a whisper for only you to hear and says, “I can’t believe you’re fucking pregnant!”

“I can barely believe it myself most days. Trust me.”

With an air of cautious implication, Emily says, “I didn’t know you were seeing anyone.”

“Yeah, about that…” You shift your attention from Emily to the rest of the room to gather their attention. “Guys, there’s something else I have to tell you.”

Derek chimes in, “Don’t tell us it’s twins,” which elicits a few nervous laughs.

“If it was twins, you know Garcia would have already spilled the beans by accident,” you say.

Penelope, who has been relatively quiet throughout this announcement, speaks up to defend herself. “Hey! For the record, I have worked incredibly hard to keep this secret! My tongue hurts from biting it so much, so you all should be very proud of me!”

You hear Derek privately congratulate her with a “High-five, babygirl. I’m proud of you.”

“Oh, and I’ve been planning the shower for months, so nobody better start getting any ideas!” she adds.

“It’s not twins or triplets or any other form of multiples.” You make a vague gesture of circling your belly. “There’s just one bun in this oven. Depending on how well I’ve been keeping this next secret, this might be more or less of a surprise than the last one. I think everyone knows that I’ve been pretty single since I started working here, so I’m sure you’re all politely and quietly wondering how I found myself with child.”

You could hear a pin drop in this office right now as you swallow. Everyone’s eyes are on you and their anticipation feels like a weight in your chest. Then again, your abdominal organs are all being rearranged, so maybe your liver has just moved in on your diaphragm’s turf or something like that.

“No, it wasn’t immaculate conception. I was single when I started with the BAU, but I’ve become not-single since then and kept it a secret.”

It’s like you can see the gears turning in their heads as you wait for someone to connect the dots.

“We know the father.” Dave says. A statement, not a question.

As all eyes turn towards Spencer, Derek’s utter shock sets in. “No fucking way.”

Spencer’s face is slightly flushed, and he’s sporting a cute little smirk.

“How long has this been going on?” Emily asks, pointing between the two of you.

“You all might want to consider a different career,” you tease, walking over to Spencer and reaching out for his hand.

Finally.

Spencer answers, “As of today, 549 days.”

You follow that up with “Like, a year and a half,” which registers much better with the team.

Everyone remains quiet, their thoughts drifting to past interactions, looking for clues.

“You know, the more I think about it, the more sense it makes,” Emily says.

Derek picks his bag up from the floor beside him. “I think we could all use a drink after that bomb drop. Well, no drinks for Y/N, obviously,” he laughs. “You guys down?”

Dave grabs his bag, as well, and gestures in the direction of the elevators. “First round’s on me to celebrate!”

As everyone funnels out, you and Spencer trail just behind them. He kisses the top of your head and whispers, “We don’t have to hide anymore, baby.”

You look up at him and kiss him as you continue walking. It feels so damn weird to be kissing him in front of your colleagues like that, even though they’re all facing the other direction. It’s so open in here.

“Yeah, the hard part’s over. Now we just have to birth a child and raise them for at least 18 years. That shouldn’t be too difficult, right?” you say.

Spencer nods forward, in the direction of the team. “They say it takes a village, right?”

Previous Chapter | Series Masterlist | Next Chapter

Tag list (Add yourself to my tag list!): @iniyalovesall @lover-of-books-and-tea @hiireadstuff @batrensworld @wietske27 @thepleasantwitchgarden @aliteralsemicolon @thatredlipped-classic @mggreidsreads @flow33didontsmoke @placidus @kbaby-024 @broadwaytraaaaash @justlivinginadaydream

AO3 | Tumblr | Masterlist

[illuminatedquill]

Story Summary: Preparing for their imminent departure from Peridea, MORGAN ELSBETH arrives at the personal quarters of GRAND ADMIRAL THRAWN to give him an update - only to find the Imperial warlord deeply immersed in the study of a subject that has captured his attention: SABINE WREN.

Happy belated birthday to @jedi-nurse and @dreams-are-paper-thin! I haven't forgotten the Florida man and Camp Rock slander on our Discord server and promise that the next one will be full of pain and misery. Buckle up. I'm coming for you two.

"Enter."

At the spoken command, the doors slid open with a barely perceptible hiss as Morgan Elsbeth stepped into the private quarters of Grand Admiral Thrawn. It was somewhat of a miracle really, considering the Chimaera's state, that the doors worked at all; the once formidable Star Destroyer had taken a vicious beating on its voyage to another galaxy, courtesy of those wretched star whales. Thrawn and what remained of his crew had gone to great lengths to keep his ship flying, patching over all the damages with whatever could be spared, salvaged, or harvested from their new home - which wasn't much, looking at the desolate waste of Peridea.

Large areas of the ship were simply unusable or shut down to either conserve power or because it was rendered uninhabitable because of machinery stripped down to the bare bones of the ship to keep other vital systems functional. The ship's outer hull appeared skeletal in some places, the inner framework peeking through exposed sections like a rib cage. To Morgan, it served to give Thrawn's personal flagship a meaner, ragged edge; like the face of some giant, undead bird of myth that continued to haunt the skies of Peridea. The Grand Admiral had prioritized function over everything else - except, it seemed, when it came to his personal quarters.

But, then again, the Imperial warlord was the only reason for the continued survival of his crew - and, if luck held their way, the survival of the Empire. It made sense that no expense was spared to ensure his room was exempt from the draconian rules that kept the rest of the Chimaera up and running.

Once inside, Morgan felt as though she were in another ship entirely, fresh from the Imperial shipyards.

It was immaculate, to say the least. Grandiose, but not in the way most Imperials would associate with the word.

To those unfamiliar with the Grand Admiral, they would remark that it seemed spartan and minimalistic, at least in comparison to some of the other offices they had seen. Most Imperial officers had been to the Emperor's Palace; seen his lavish displays of wealth and power and artifacts from the Old Republic days. Morgan had found such exhibits to be boastful, and she could rarely hide her distaste on the few occasions she visited the Palace.

Thrawn's personal suite provided a far more different experience than the Emperor's. Everything inside was chosen and placed with the utmost thought for efficiency and functionality. Handmade furniture, art, and decor - not the usual Imperial standard - that were token "gifts" from conquered worlds, each one with a personal wealth of artistry and history native to each culture. It felt almost more like someone's personal living room, rather than the office of an Imperial Grand Admiral. A huge library of data cards and printed history books, all from a hundred different worlds, spanned an entire wall on both sides of the room. In the center, a lowered sitting area within a rounded enclosure, complete with a miniature command table set in the center.

Behind this enclosure was the Grand Admiral's work desk with three different viewscreens all around it, each displaying a dozen different datapoints of information flitting across each screen. Morgan could see Thrawn sitting there now, his eyes taking each new update with ease; the alien's mind was a strange and wondrous machine, capable of absorbing vast amounts of data seemingly like the process of osmosis. It would normally take a full dedicated team of analysts a solid week to work through and make sense of the amount of data that Thrawn consumed in an hour.

Where the Emperor took trophies of his victories, so did Thrawn - in that sort of thinking, the two were similar. But the nature of their prizes was different; Thrawn boasted his fierce intellect, versus Palpatine's lust for power. His trophies, so to speak, was knowledge of his enemies: their history, their culture, their very souls. The Grand Admiral prized knowledge over everything else and the cold, logical rationale to use it as an effective weapon against all those who would dare stand in his way.

Were it not for the Jedi Ezra Bridger's duplicitous tactics during the Siege of Lothal, Thrawn's presence during the main Imperial-Rebellion conflict could have changed the outcome of the war. Morgan was sure of that, at least. The Empire's loss of its greatest tactician forced the Imperial navy to rely on ever-increasing brute force and an over-reliance on superweapons, such as the failed Death Stars.

But the Jedi and their mysterious ways had an irritating ability to defy logic and reason. She knew that first-hand - as did the Grand Admiral. It was not a mistake he would repeat again, underestimating a Jedi and their connection to the cosmic phenomenon they worshipped known as the Force. It was why he had struck a deal with the Great Mothers - who then reached out to her. The witches were familiar with Jedi and their tactics. They would make formidable allies and be an effective deterrence to Jedi sorcery when Thrawn returned to make war against the New Republic.

Morgan felt pride swell inside her chest at the thought; the rise of her people once again, with Grand Admiral Thrawn leading the resurgence of a new Empire. Everything she had sacrificed for, so close at hand.

All because of me, she thought, feeling a little smug. And no one else.

Approaching the desk, the Grand Admiral looked up from his personal computer to greet her. "Lady Elsbeth," he said. "How may I be of service?"

She handed him a data-pad, containing all the latest updates. "The latest numbers, Grand Admiral," she said. "Everything is going according to your wishes."

Thrawn's red eyes flicked through the data-pad's rolling screen of information, not missing a single line. She knew what he was reading; the loading of their cargo was almost complete. Soon they would be ready to be leave this wretched planet and head home to begin the great work of restoring what had been lost -

Thrawn sighed.

Morgan frowned. "Is there something wrong?" she asked, suddenly aware of the Grand Admiral's strange mood.

Smiling faintly, he set down the data-pad and replied, "It has nothing to do with you, rest assured. The work you have accomplished is tremendous and must be commended."

Some of the tension went out of Morgan's shoulders at that statement. Thrawn was no Vader, but he did not tolerate incompetency among his subordinates. "Thank you. Then is there something else, Grand Admiral?"

The warlord pressed a button on his computer. The viewscreens surrounding his desk lit up with a series of images. Morgan peered at the visuals scrolling across the screens, arching a befuddled eyebrow at the Grand Admiral.

"Sabine Wren?" she asked. Different images of the Mandalorian were displayed on the viewscreens, showing the young woman at different stages of her life - a myriad of Sabine Wrens, with different armor styles, hair styles, and colorful looks, all up to her current outfit. But the constant throughline throughout the Mandalorian's life was the fierce look of defiance burning in her eyes and the mischievous ever-present smirk.

Thrawn nodded. "Indeed. She has proven to be quite . . . vexing, of late."

Now Morgan was surprised. Very little confused the Grand Admiral - she would never have suspected that the Mandalorian would prove to be one of those things.

"How so?"

He stood up smoothly from his desk and walked over to one of the images of Sabine Wren that was displayed. "Tell me, Morgan," he murmured, pointing at the image - Wren's present-day look. "What is missing from this version of Wren that the others have?"

Morgan wandered over, staring intently at the image of current day Sabine Wren. She took her time, studying the details of the armor until sure that it had been memorized. The Grand Admiral watched her closely, his face unreadable. Morgan did not want to disappoint him; he expected his subordinates, carefully chosen, to keep up with his line of thinking, no matter how winding or ambitious it appeared.

She moved to the other images of Wren, studying the Mandalorian's appearance in each of them - in her mind, she was analyzing, comparing, and contrasting, finding the similarities and, more importantly, the differences between them and the present outfit.

Finally, she turned towards the expectant Thrawn, certain of the answer she had. "Yes?" he prompted, calmly waiting her response.

She cleared her throat, ignoring the sudden spike of nervousness that threatened to scramble her words. Speaking to Thrawn at times was more nerve-wracking than giving a speech to an audience of thousands.

With a (thankfully) steady hand, she pointed at the images of the younger Wren, one after the other - more specifically, she pointed at the peculiar symbol emblazoned on the upper portion of the Mandalorian's chest armor.

The very same symbol that was missing from the current iteration of Wren's armor.

"This - bird symbol, Grand Admiral," she said. "That is what's missing from Wren's current armor."

Those red eyes glowed with approval. She felt a thrill of satisfaction at seeing it. "Well observed," he replied. "The symbol is that of Wren's own design: her unique take on a Mandalorian creature of myth, the Starbird."

"it looks like the New Republic symbol," Morgan started to remark - and then winced.

Thrawn's look of approval vanished and was replaced instantly with an icy stare. "There is no New Republic, Morgan," he said quietly. "There is simply the Rebellion and their false government that has been propped up for far too long."

She swallowed. "My apologies," she murmured. "I misspoke."

"No," said Thrawn flatly. "You didn't."

For a moment, black terror spiked within her - and then he suddenly smiled reassuringly. The menace in those red eyes receded, like the fading afterglow of an explosion.

"You needn't worry," he said. "It is a mistake that we will soon rectify once we return to our home galaxy."

Relief flooded through her. "Thank you," she said gratefully.

He acknowledged her gratitude with a dismissive wave, turning back to the viewscreen. "So," he said, "Wren's custom starbird is missing from her current armor. Why is that?"

Morgan was still reeling from Thrawn's sudden change in mood. More questions, she bemoaned in her head.

"Erm - I'm not sure, Grand Admiral," she admitted. "There was a change, I suppose. Something in her personal life. I know her family died on Mandalore shortly before the war ended."

The Imperial warlord smiled faintly at her. "You're more correct than you know, Morgan," he said seriously. He cocked his head at her, his red eyes flashing with something approximating curiosity. She felt like an insect being studied by clinical, detached eyes.

"Yes?" she asked, feeling wary of his next question.

"Have you ever been in love, Lady Elsbeth?"

She went slack jawed at the question. Never in a hundred years would she have ever anticipated Grand Admiral Thrawn asking her a question like that. Never.

After taking a few moments to regain her composure, she finally stammered a response. "I - er - well, not really," she admitted, a faint blush coming to her cheeks. "There was one brief dalliance I had in my youth on Dathomir but . . . I'm not sure it would qualify as being in love."

Thrawn motioned at her to continue. Morgan felt the blush coming on more strongly now, forcing herself to dig deeper into old memories that had lain long buried. At least the Grand Admiral had the care to not call her out on her embarrassment, she thought. Or, more likely, he simply did not care.

"It was a short-lived fling," she recalled. "There was a girl in my village - her name was Dalia - that I was sweet on. I made her candles that gave off her favorite flowery scent. Every night, before going to bed, she would light the candle and place it in her window. I was downwind from her home - I could smell the fragrance on the evening breeze and knew that she was thinking of me."

"You did not love her?" asked Thrawn.

"I . . . it's complicated for me to explain," Morgan said. "We were young. What we felt for each other could be written off as the passions of youth . . . or it could have been love, yes, thinking about it now. I honestly don't know."

"She must have been extraordinary," noted Thrawn. "For someone like you to have liked her so strongly. The memory you have of her is still strong, after so many years."

"Yes . . . " Despite the many years that had passed since she had last thought of Dalia, the memories resurfaced without much struggle now. Like flowers that had been waiting to bloom at the slightest touch of daylight. The image of Dalia burst forth so clearly now; a young woman, tall and wiry with muscle, with an explosion of freckles across her face and long, flowing raven-black hair that poured like a river down her shoulders. Her eyes were the color of moss, and her laughter was bright and vivid. Even now, Morgan could still hear it ringing in her eyes, prompting a wistful smile to crease her face.

"She was extraordinary. No one could notch a bow like her in our entire clan. Dalia could shoot an arrow through twelve axes cleanly."

"What happened to her?"

A darkness fell upon the bright memories then, like a funeral shroud. Images sparked through her mind; the endless metallic crunching footsteps of droids, the sharp, barking sounds of blaster fire, and a sickly green fog that smothered the landscape. Her sisters, screaming and dying at the hands of a mechanical monster.

"The Separatists came," Morgan whispered bitterly. "Dalia was the first to stand against them."

"And the first to fall," Thrawn said.

"Yes." With a herculean effort, Morgan shook herself free of the accursed memories. "Why are you asking me this, Grand Admiral?" she asked, her tone frank but just a few shades shy of being accusatory. She had not enjoyed that trip down memory lane.

As if sensing her annoyance, Thrawn held up his hands in a placating gesture. "A few more minutes of your time," he explained. "All will be clear soon enough."

He walked back to his desk and slid open a drawer, pulling something out from him. With surprising swiftness, he tossed the unknown object to Morgan; she caught it deftly, her reflexes kicking in. She ran an inquisitive thumb over the unknown object - a roughly carved wooden medallion with a familiar symbol painted on it in fading colors.

Morgan looked up at Thrawn. "Is this - ?"

"Taken from a raid on an abandoned village once inhabited strange crab-like creatures that call this wretched planet their home," the Grand Admiral elaborated. "I had a squad of troopers investigate one of these places, searching for resources some time ago. They returned with nothing much of value - save for this trinket."

Morgan studied the strange medallion more. "The symbol looks like the Rebellion's. Crude."

"Your initial assessment is understandable, but incorrect. I believe it was made by the Jedi Ezra Bridger, during his extended stay here."

"Why?" asked Morgan. "If the symbol is not the Rebellion's, then what - "

Her eyes widened with understanding. Thrawn nodded, his red eyes flashing. "Indeed. The Rebellion symbol was not widely in use during Bridger's time. This one is something similar - some sources would say was the inspiration for the Rebellion's version later on."

Wren's Starbird. "The missing starbird," said Morgan. "There's a kind of poetry that he had it, all this time."

"Yes," said Thrawn. He sounded almost . . . impressed. "I do love the poetry of it all. It's almost mythical how these two wound up together after so long and against such impossible odds."

He pointed at the pictures displayed on the viewscreen of the younger Sabine Wren. "Note the location of the starbird in each of these armors."

Morgan moved closer to see. "It's . . . upper left side of her chest. Where her heart is."

She blinked. Where her heart is . . .

Bridger had it all this time. Her heart.

The Jedi took it with him when he left.

"And it is now absent in her current design," Thrawn murmured.

Now it was starting to make sense. "You asked me about love," said Morgan, turning to stare at the Grand Admiral.

"I wanted you to have context for why Wren is so surprising to me this time around," Thrawn explained. "It is better for you to understand what drove her so far - and why."

He gestured at the images of Sabine Wren. "You see, Lady Elsbeth, I know Wren and her motley crew of rebels very well. Before my untimely expulsion from our home galaxy, they were a constant thorn in my side. Ultimately, their bonds and the Jedi's abominable connection to the Force are what led to my defeat at Lothal."

His voice was measured but there was no mistaking the undercurrent of barely restrained rage coursing underneath his words. Something in the pinched look around his eyes gave away the seething anger boiling underneath the Grand Admiral's stoic exterior. It was like watching magma flow through deep cracks in a planet's crust.

Volatile, thought Morgan. I must tread carefully here.

"And something was different about her this time," he continued. "I even said so to her face; she utterly confused me with her actions. Much had been sacrificed to allow the Spectres to triumph over me. But her recent actions on the planet Seatos threaten to undo all of it. Our little reunion revealed something to me - something unfathomable."

"She was in love," Morgan concluded. "With Ezra Bridger."

"A strength more unknowable and more unpredictable than the Jedi's cosmic abilities," Thrawn sighed, shaking his head. He glanced at her. "If there was a way to save Dalia on the night she died from Separatist forces, would you do it?"

Morgan thought about it. "Yes," she said. "I would."

"Even if the cost came at the undoing of all your life's work?" asked Thrawn.

She recoiled - and felt a mild pang of shame at doing so. I'm sorry, Dalia. You are long dead. I owe you no fealty.

"Of course not," she retorted. "Never at such a high cost."

The Grand Admiral threw up his hands in dismay. "You see? Unfathomable. Unknowable. Unpredictable. We both understand that. Yet Wren, with so much at stake, chose war over the hard-won peace."

He swiped the images of Sabine Wren aside on the viewscreen to reveal a new one - this one more recent. The image was hazy, flickering with distortion; the equipment used to take the snapshot was not up to date and in need of repair it seemed. But the figures in the photo were unmistakable: Wren, in the Peridea landscape surrounded by unfamiliar dome-like structures, hugging an older Ezra Bridger, garbed in strange robes.

Their embrace was achingly close, their figures locked together in a way that screamed an intimate familiarity that went beyond friendship. Morgan felt an uncomfortable sense that she was intruding on something confidential, that should only be seen and experienced by Bridger and Wren.

She inhaled sharply. "She found him."

"Yes," Thrawn said simply. "She did. I thought him long dead, truth be told."

Morgan glanced at him, expecting the Imperial warlord's face to be stormy, full of loathing at this reunion between two of his mortal enemies - but she was surprised to see only grim amusement there.

He caught her look. "Have you heard the story about 'The Starbird and the Void Dragon'?"

She blinked, taken aback by another about turn in his questions. "Erm - no," she confessed. "Should I?"

"It's an obscure fairytale from the early days of Mandalore," explained Thrawn. He resumed his gaze at the stolen picture of Wren and Bridger's embrace.

"Once, there was a starbird that travelled far and wide, searching for a companion. It found one on a distant world - Lothal."

Morgan's eyebrows rocketed up her forehead in shock. Lothal was the home world of Ezra Bridger. She stared at the picture of the Mandalorian and the Jedi. Forces of destiny, she thought.

"Yes," said Thrawn, seeing her expression. "A curious coincidence, so it would seem. Or perhaps, tidings of something far more mysterious. The starbird fell in love with the world and its only inhabitants at the time: the loth wolves. One of them grew especially close to the starbird and, at last, the mythical bird rejoiced in finally finding a companion to call its own."

"What happened then?" Morgan asked, wondering where this was going.

Thrawn waved his hand for dramatic effect. She found it amusing that the Grand Admiral was playing up the fairytale so much . . . not that she would ever tell him.

"After a time, a void dragon with red eyes fell from the stars. It burned a path through Lothal's skies. The leader - the starbird's beloved friend - led a pack to fight against the new threat, which sought to plunder the planet's forests - home to the loth wolves - of all its treasures to add to the dragon's hoard."

Thrawn's red eyes glowed with fervor as he continued the tale. Even Morgan was beginning to get enraptured in the story.

"The battle lasted many days and sundered the land and sky. Finally, the only combatants remaining were the starbird's companion wolf and the void dragon itself. The great beast had been beaten, it knew, having taken many grievous blows - but it was filled with spite and fury. In a final, desperate move it took the starbird's friend deep into the heart of Lothal's forest and bade it to follow them to save its friend. The loth wolf begged its friend not to do so, for it knew that in doing so, their forest home would burn from the starbird's presence."

The Imperial warlord left the story there, letting the silence sit thicker and thicker between them. Finally, Morgan asked, desperate to know: "Were they reunited? The starbird and it's loth wolf?"

Thrawn stared at the image of Wren and Bridger for a long moment. Then he said, without drama, "Yes. They were reunited."

"How? Did the starbird trick the dragon?"

"No," he replied softly. "It burned the forest down."

He pivoted to her then, his stance rigid, red eyes flashing with authority. "I want our exit strategy accelerated by an hour. No excuses. See it done, Lady Elsbeth."

Morgan was aghast. Running the numbers in her head, what the Grand Admiral was asking was not unreasonable but seemed . . .

Was he afraid?

"I don't understand the point of this whole exercise," she said, frustrated. "Wren being reunited with Bridger worries you?"

"It does," said the Imperial warlord. "And it should worry you, too. It all connects. Everything we have talked about in the past several minutes."

"It's just a story," she said, confused. "A fairy-tale."

Thrawn looked at her coldly. "Perhaps. But the accomplishments of Sabine Wren and Ezra Bridger are very real, Morgan Elsbeth. Generations from now, some would even say they sound like a myth. Sabine Wren has lived up to her symbol of the Starbird in ways that are immensely worrisome. Remember the story."

Understanding dawned on her in that moment. "The starbird burned the forest down. Wren gave up the map to find you - "

" - in exchange for a small, miniscule chance at finding her lost Jedi," finished Thrawn. "She helped me. Despite knowing all it would cost her - and the people she fought alongside back in our home galaxy."

"My mercenaries will handle them," Morgan argued. "They are more than capable."

"Your faith in them is misplaced," Thrawn replied in an icy tone. "But they will be useful in slowing them down long enough for us to make our escape."

He glared at her. She wilted under the full force of his anger, restrained as it was.

"Wren has already burned one forest down to find her Jedi. And now she has her prize. We are all that stands in her way to get him home. I will not risk our plan so close to fruition at the whims of fate."

Morgan pursed her lips - but bowed in deference to him. "As you wish, Grand Admiral," she said.

"Thank you," he replied.

On the way out, she couldn't help herself and paused at the door. Thrawn noted her pause. "What is it?" he asked, sounding impatient.

"You know it's just a fairy-tale, right?" she asked. "It's not real."

The Imperial warlord shook his head. "I'm afraid it is very real, Lady Elsbeth," he said.

"How do you know?"

He stared at her, his red eyes glowing like embers. "Because there are no more forests on Lothal," he said quietly. "They do not grow there anymore. And the loth wolves howl to the night sky in remembrance of their lost home, forced to roam the endless plains and fields."

Morgan nodded. "I see."

Later, it occurred to her what about that whole conversation disturbed her so much. When Thrawn studied his adversary, he always found a way to exploit a revealed weakness. He was never afraid of the foes he faced afterwards.

But this time . . . this time, he had studied the enemy.

And yet, the fear remained.

[29drats]

May writing wrap up

Whew, May was a MONTH for writing! huge shout out to all of the server friends who did writing sprints & cheered along the way.

Fandom Trumps Hate fic

Done and posted! The Florida Panthers and the Case of the Haunted Lighthouse was a lot of fun to write and people seem to be enjoying it as well.

Cheeseby ex-soulmates

Drafted, mostly edited & started to post! for some reason, my self-confidence is currently low wrt this story, but I don't think niggling at it will actually help.

Portland Schooners

My writing process for this (original hockey fic) is genuinely kind of insane--because I'm planning 4 longer stories from the pov of different characters, plus 17 other shorter stories from the rest of the players, I'm switching back and forth between povs constantly. So far, I'm having a lot of fun and I feel like I'm testing my writing skills in a way that's very satisfying.

I probably won't have much to post in June once I'm done with the long way home, but we'll see! I went through my list of fic ideas the other day and inspiration may strike.

[austin-in-taiwan]

August 7 - Tainan - > Taipei (Final Day) - Tea House, Final Dinner

Today was our last day in Taiwan before departing for home. We met at 9:30 AM on the bus to make our way back to Taipei. Since we had already used our high-speed rail tickets after the Typhoon, we took the 5-hour bus ride back up the west coast of Taiwan. Halfway, we stopped at a rest area to get lunch. Jacob, Eli, Jack and I had MOS Burger (a Japanese burger chain restaurant), and I got the rice bun chicken sandwich, which was okay. 

When we arrived in Taipei, we went to a tea house. The tea-making ceremony was interesting, as the servers had a meticulous process for serving the tea. The tea was bitter, and many people at my table didn't enjoy it much, but I didn't think it was too bad. I am not a tea drinker, so I have little experience with it. After the first batch made by the servers, we could brew the tea ourselves, so I enjoyed doing that a few times. 

After the tea house, we went to our final farewell dinner. It was an excellent local restaurant that served Taiwan cuisine. It was lazy Susan style, so we got to try many different dishes. I enjoyed my last Xiao long bao, shumai, and several other classic cuisines. We also gave Peter, our tour guide, a few gifts at dinner. We all signed his Florida Gators tour guide flag, signed a card, and made a collage of photos from the trip for him. Peter was a fantastic tour guide and an integral part of the amazing experience I had here in Taiwan, so I was super glad we could get him something nice before we left. Also, we signed a card for and took a picture with our bus driver, Terry!

Once we checked back into our hotel, a small group went out to get an extra bag for some of the souvenirs we bought. We took the metro for the last time to Ximen, where we had our first tour in Taiwan. I got a small duffel bag for cheap and filled it with tons of Chinese and Taiwanese snacks from a PX mart to bring home. I can't wait to have my family and friends at home try some exciting things I got to try while here.

Final Reflection

I wasn't exactly sure what to expect when initially coming to Taiwan. Now that the trip is over, I am so glad I decided to go on this study abroad trip. I loved everything we did. The culture in Taiwan is fascinating, and its history is unlike any country I've been to. In Taiwan, you can experience the history of cultures from its previous occupancy of Japan, China, or even old European inhabitants. I specifically enjoyed going through temples and learning about Buddhism, Confucianism, and other celebrated religions, which are rarely seen in the U.S. One of my favorite experiences was touring the monastery in Kaohsiung and eating a silent lunch with the Buddhist monks. 

One thing that was amazing about UF's Taiwan program is the freedom and free time that we get to do our exploration of Taiwan's culture and impact. I got to take time to explore my interests and then do independent research on that topic. My first project on Taiwanese technological innovation was one of my favorite days on the trip. I got to lock in on my specific interests related to my major and aspirations. I then wrote my second independent excursion to a baseball game I went to. Researching and writing about it taught me how important it is to Taiwan and its culture. The importance of baseball is something that I learned because of the independent assignment; otherwise, it would've gone unseen during my trip. Overall, I got so much out of having the freedom to do my own projects instead of being limited starkly to an itinerary.

One of my aspirations for the trip was to get more comfortable with my Chinese. I definitely did. I got to push my limits when ordering food, bartering, asking for directions, talking to locals, etc. One of the trip's highlights was talking to the taxi driver from the airport when I landed in Taiwan. Although I got more comfortable during this trip, I would like to be much more conversational next time I visit a Mandarin-speaking country.  Unfortunately, after this trip, I no longer have room in my schedule to take more classes, and I have finished my minor in Chinese. However, this trip has inspired me to find ways to continue practicing and getting better. I won't give up on my Chinese studies despite no longer taking classes. 

Overall, I recommend this trip to any UF student, whether you have taken Chinese or not. Plenty of students on this trip didn't know Chinese at all, and we all had a great time learning while also having lots of fun. I became friends with everyone on the trip. We all came from different circles and groups at UF but became close by the end. The itinerary was a perfect mix of structure, free time, education, and fun. Yeh Laoshi and our tour guide Peter were informative and made this trip one I will remember for the rest of my life.

[howl-at--the-sun]

Let's Clear Some Things Up

In a recent post defending her homophobic discord server, @/alasse-erfalas said

"I'm talking specifically about the political movement that advocates for giving porn to young kids in school, putting them through medical procedures they are too young to consent to, and viciously attacking, harassing, and silencing anyone who brings up concerns about these things."

THIS IS FALSE. THIS IS NOT HAPPENING.

It's clear that Alasse believes that they are happening but they are not. This are lies used to justify removing healthy sex education and transitioning resources

-> "giving porn to young kids in schools"

This is an oft repeated lie and it is NOT TRUE.

Let's take the books that Florida banned for being "pornographic" as an example. A total of 38 were listed as being pornographic, but most of the books did not meet the legal definition of pornography.

This is the legal definition of pornography in Florida:

(a) Any picture, photograph, drawing…of a person or portion of the human body which depicts nudity or sexual conduct, sexual excitement, sexual battery, bestiality, or sadomasochistic abuse and which is harmful to minors; or 

(b) Any book… which depicts nudity or sexual conduct, sexual excitement, sexual battery, bestiality, or sadomasochistic abuse and which is harmful to minors

And the definition of "harmful to minors" is

(a) Predominantly appeals to a prurient, shameful, or morbid interest;

(b) Is patently offensive to prevailing standards in the adult community as a whole with respect to what is suitable material or conduct for minors; and

(c) Taken as a whole, is without serious literary, artistic, political, or scientific value for minors.

Now lets take a look at some of the books that were banned. Multiple were banned because they showed images of people's buttocks. One of that of a child in a grainy photograph and one is a small illustration of someone bathing. They in no way meet the standards of pornography.

What she is saying is a lie. It is a lie meant to harm the education that queer people receive. It is dangerous and should not be tolerated.

source

-> "putting them through medical procedures they are too young to consent to"

This is classic anti-trans sentiment and it is FALSE.

The very youngest that someone can start to medically transition is when they begin puberty. They can be put on medications called hormone blockers that block either testosterone or estrogen from being released during puberty. It is a 100% reversible process with little to no side effects that can only be done with permission from a trained psychiatrist

When the child is 16, they can choose to undergo hormone therapy in order to have the wanted physical characteristics. A parent and a therapist's consent is required.

On a personal note, as someone who is trans and was seeking to go on hormone blockers, I was told I needed 6 months of counseling with a therapist and a note from my doctor. Obviously this varies region to region but it is not easy. It takes real time and patience. And it is impossible for one person to "force" someone else to undergo it. There are checks and balances at every step.

Surgery is not even in question until ages 16-18, depending where you are. It takes an enormous amount of time and money in order to undergo surgery. My friend has just been approved to undergo top surgery when he turns 18, and he has been waiting for almost a year. And once again, like all surgeries, it is impossible for someone to force you to do it. Consent is needed from the child, the parents, the therapist and the primary care physician.

This is not miscommunication or miswording. This is blatant anti-trans fearmongering and lies.

(this is specifically in reference to perisex children. What's happening with intersex children is something entirely different but that is not the point of this post)

source

Alasse, where is your proof for your claims? I have sources, but you don't seem too.

[androgynousharmonybeliever]

Skilled web development company in Florida

In today’s digital-first world, having a strong online presence is crucial for businesses of all sizes. Whether you're a startup, a small business, or a large corporation, partnering with a skilled web development company in Florida can help you create a website that drives traffic, engages customers, and boosts conversions.

Florida is home to a thriving tech scene, with numerous web development agencies offering cutting-edge solutions. In this blog post, we’ll explore some web development companies in Florida, what to look for when choosing one, and how they can help grow your business.

✅ Local Market Understanding – Florida-based developers know the regional market trends and customer behaviors. ✅ Personalized Service – Working with a local team allows for better communication and collaboration. ✅ Strong Tech Community – Florida has a growing network of tech professionals, ensuring access to top talent.

Website Development Process

The website development process involves several key stages that ensure a seamless transition from concept to completion. Each step is crucial for delivering a high-quality, functional website that meets the client's goals and provides an exceptional user experience. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the typical website development process:

Planning and Research

The first step in web development is understanding the client’s needs, goals, and target audience. This phase involves gathering requirements, researching competitors, and defining the website’s purpose. It’s essential to identify the core objectives, key functionalities, and design preferences during this stage to create a solid foundation for the project. Additionally, a site map or wireframe is created to outline the website’s structure and navigation flow.

Design

In the design phase, the visual layout and aesthetics of the website are crafted. Designers work on creating mockups or prototypes that showcase the look and feel of the site. This includes determining the color scheme, typography, imagery, and overall design style that aligns with the brand identity. The design must also be responsive, ensuring that it looks great on various devices like desktops, tablets, and mobile phones.

Development

Once the design is approved, the development process begins. Front-end developers transform the design into a fully functional website using HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and other technologies. Meanwhile, back-end developers work on the server-side functionality, databases, and application logic. This phase also includes setting up content management systems (CMS) if needed, to allow for easy updates and management of the website’s content.

Content Creation

While the website is being developed, content is created or optimized for the site. This includes writing web copy, selecting images, and ensuring the content is SEO-friendly to help with search engine rankings. The content should align with the website’s goals and target audience, providing valuable information that encourages users to take action.

Testing and Quality Assurance

Before launching, the website undergoes thorough testing to ensure it functions correctly across all devices and browsers. This phase includes checking for broken links, validating forms, testing site speed, and ensuring that the website is responsive and user-friendly. Any bugs or issues identified during testing are fixed to ensure the site performs optimally when it goes live.

Launch

After testing is complete and the client approves the site, the website is ready for launch. This involves moving the website from a staging environment to a live server. The domain is pointed to the new site, and it becomes accessible to the public. A successful launch includes verifying that all functionalities are working as expected and monitoring performance during the initial stages of going live.

Maintenance and Updates

After the website is launched, ongoing maintenance is required to keep it running smoothly. This includes regular updates, security checks, and performance optimizations. Websites need continuous updates to stay secure and functional, as well as to ensure they meet the evolving needs of the business and its users.

Each step in the website development process is vital to ensuring a successful outcome. From planning and design to development, testing, and ongoing maintenance, a structured and thoughtful approach helps create websites that are visually appealing, user-friendly, and aligned with business goals.

Importance of Web Development

Increased Online Visibility and Reach

Having a website that is built with SEO (Search Engine Optimization) best practices and designed to attract search engines is one of the most effective ways to expand your business's reach. When potential customers are searching for services or products related to your business, a well-optimized website increases your chances of appearing in the search results, which in turn can drive more traffic to your site.

Better Conversion Rates

One of the primary goals of web development is to create a website that not only attracts visitors but also encourages them to take specific actions—whether that’s making a purchase, signing up for a newsletter, or filling out a contact form. Strategic development focuses on designing elements like calls-to-action (CTAs), user flows, and page layouts that guide visitors toward conversion.

Closing Insights

Investing in a professionally developed website is key to standing out in today’s competitive market. Whether you need an eCommerce platform, a corporate website, or a custom web application, Florida’s top web development companies can bring your vision to life.

[ikea-official-blog-real-not-fake]

IKEA™ Patch 202.4 Notes

New Updates:

Bolts and screws are no longer included with the furniture purchased (as of all products manufactered after May 32nd 2025), and instead needs to be purchased through the new expansion pack "IKEA™ Bits & Pieces™" (available online).

In order to ensure the safety of young connoisseurs and overstimulated parents alike, all IKEA™ pens going forward are 100% edible.

Known Issues:

Blåhaj and Djungelskog have deserted and our diplomats are currently in the process of negotiating the future of their contracts.

Resolved:

An issue wherein customers would clip through the beds upon laying down on them and getting stuck in between floors, requiring security to reset the building/server in order to free them.

An issue wherein the server would freeze and then reload with all furniture names being auto-translated into danish.

An issue wherein customers breaking law of conduct didn't get locked in with Fängelsesill™ to atone as intended.

One of our Florida warehouses was recently swallowed by a sinkhole. We have tackled this issue by installing teleport points connecting the surface and the now brand new (world first!) underground furniture store location.

Current Events:

(17/3/2013 - 17/10/2020) Cashiers will receive a temporary 20% salary boost in accordance with the amount of customers they manage to beat up (the effect doesn't wear off even if you die).

Any questions or concerns can be directed towards someone who cares.

[many-to-mention10001]

Serving Legal Papers with Precision & Care

Your legal needs deserve the best, and that’s exactly what we deliver. In Florida, our process servers are dedicated to ensuring your documents are served correctly, so you can proceed with confidence. Let us handle the paperwork, so you don’t have to.

[craigsumter-justice]

My Legal Battle with my Family and their Co-horts / Co-conspirators (206):

As promised in the previous post of this blog, Post #205, here is the lawsuit I filed against David Scott in the Fulton County Superior Court on June 1st, 2015. Conveniently while this lawsuit was active and I was attempting to have him served via a process server, David Scott moved his business, David Scott Healthcare Marketing, two different times thereby changing his business address. I can only assume this was done to evade service. He then closed his business completely and then sold his home and moved to Miami, Florida. All before I could have him served via personal service via a process server. The lawsuit ended up being dismissed after he moved out of state.

I was limited by obtaining his new address information at the time as I had be re-arrested (falsely due to the false statements-based Harrassment Restraining Order filed against me by my assailant, Creighton Hussey. Remember as I showed earlier, after I filed a lawsuit in Federal Court against Creighton Hussey, David Scott and my parents, Leonard Sumter Jr. and Gloria Sumter, David Scott and Creighton Hussey were represented by the same attorney, Brian Knight of the lawfirm Knight Johnson, LLC. I'm sure this was because David Scott paid for Creighton Hussey's respresentation which was then covered up by the fact that David Scott's name was redacted from the invoice as I showed in an earlier post. It is very irregular for an attorney to represent two defendants in the same lawsuit whom are not supposed to be "co-defendants" in the sense that their cospiratorial involvement was denied.)

[techtired]

Best Tools and Resources for Mobile App Developers in 2024

Mobile app development is evolving rapidly, with 2024 becoming another year of significant advancements. Developers need potent tools, platforms, and resources that will help streamline the development process and keep them competitive in an ever-changing industry. Whether you’re part of a mobile app development company Toronto or an emerging mobile app development company in Florida, leveraging the right tools is crucial for success. This blog explores the best tools and resources to shape mobile app development 2024, focusing on cross-platform solutions, efficient design resources, and the latest frameworks to speed up deployment and testing. Best Tools and Resources for Mobile App Developers 1. Cross-Platform Development Tools As businesses prioritize mobile-first strategies, cross-platform development tools are becoming indispensable. These tools allow developers to write code once and deploy it across multiple platforms like iOS and Android, significantly reducing time and costs. a. Flutter Flutter remains one of the most popular tools for cross-platform development in 2024. Its extensive widget library and native performance ensure a smooth user experience across iOS, Android, and web platforms. Flutter’s hot reload feature speeds up development time by allowing developers to view code changes instantly. For developers in leading mobile app development company Toronto or mobile app development company Florida, Flutter offers the flexibility to cater to clients in diverse industries, making it an ideal tool for crafting customized, high-performance apps. b. React Native React Native continues to evolve with better support for web and desktop applications. Developed by Facebook, React Native allows developers to use JavaScript to build applications with a native look and feel. With its large community and array of ready-to-use components, React Native remains an excellent choice for building robust mobile apps in 2024. For both seasoned and up-and-coming developers, especially those in mobile app development company Florida, React Native’s scalability and integration with third-party plugins make it a powerful tool for creating highly dynamic apps.  2. Backend as a Service (BaaS) Platforms Managing servers and databases can be complex and resource-intensive. Backend-as-a-service (BaaS) platforms handle the heavy lifting, allowing developers to focus on building great front-end experiences. - Firebase Firebase, a Google-backed BaaS platform, provides developers with tools that include real-time databases, authentication, and cloud storage. Firebase is mainly known for its real-time data sync across platforms, allowing for seamless integration of live features like chat, notifications, and real-time collaboration. In 2024, Firebase remains a go-to backend service for mobile app development company Toronto and mobile app development company Florida, looking to enhance app scalability, reliability, and performance without having to manage infrastructure. - AWS Amplify AWS Amplify is another major player in the BaaS ecosystem, offering cloud-based services such as hosting, authentication, machine learning integration, and APIs. Amplify supports popular frameworks like React Native, Flutter, and Ionic, providing flexibility and ease of integration. As mobile app developers continue to work on more complex projects, AWS Amplify’s extensive suite of tools can significantly reduce development time and enhance app security. 3. Design and Prototyping Tools The importance of intuitive, visually appealing design cannot be overstated. Mobile app design tools help developers and designers collaborate to create wireframes, mockups, and prototypes before the actual coding begins. - Figma Figma’s cloud-based design platform allows teams to collaborate on real-time design projects. With features like vector editing, prototyping, and design system management, Figma is an indispensable tool for creating visually compelling and user-friendly interfaces. Collaborating in real-time makes it especially useful for teams across different time zones or regions. Whether you’re working with a mobile app development company in Toronto or a mobile app development company in Florida, Figma is a powerful tool for streamlining design workflows and ensuring consistency across projects. - Adobe XD Adobe XD is another robust design tool enabling developers to create prototypes, wireframes, and user interfaces quickly. With its integration with other Adobe Creative Cloud tools like Photoshop and Illustrator, Adobe XD allows for seamless transitions between different stages of the design process. In 2024, Adobe XD continues to be favoured by developers for its rich design capabilities and the ability to create high-fidelity prototypes that closely resemble the final product. 4. Application Performance Monitoring (APM) Tools Performance monitoring tools have become essential in an era where user experience is critical to app success. These tools help developers identify and fix performance issues, ensuring smooth and efficient app operation. - New Relic New Relic provides developers with detailed insights into app performance, tracking metrics such as server response time, CPU usage, and database queries. Its integration with multiple platforms makes it an excellent choice for developers working with large-scale projects. A mobile app development company in Toronto looking to ensure their applications operate smoothly can use New Relic to monitor performance and make real-time adjustments. - Sentry Sentry is another excellent tool for monitoring errors and crashes in mobile applications. It provides real-time insights into code issues, helping developers pinpoint and fix bugs quickly. Sentry integrates with various frameworks, including React Native and Flutter, making it versatile for iOS and Android development. Sentry’s ability to catch errors early is invaluable for mobile app development company Florida developers who must maintain high-quality app performance. 5. Testing and Debugging Tools Testing is a crucial step in the mobile app development process. Automated testing tools save time and improve app reliability by identifying bugs before an app reaches production. - Appium Appium remains a top choice for automating mobile app testing in 2024. It supports multiple platforms and languages as an open-source tool, making it versatile for various mobile applications. Appium enables developers to test native, hybrid, and mobile web apps without requiring code modifications, streamlining the testing process. - TestFairy TestFairy offers developers detailed reports on how apps behave in real-world environments. By providing insights into user behaviour, battery consumption, and network performance, TestFairy ensures that apps are tested under realistic conditions. It integrates with popular project management tools like Jira, making it easy to track bugs and fixes. 6. Project Management and Collaboration Tools Project management and collaboration tools are vital in keeping development teams organized, especially when working with clients across different geographical regions. - Trello Trello is a simple yet effective tool for managing tasks and tracking progress. Teams can visually organize projects and assign tasks using boards, lists, and cards, ensuring meeting deadlines. For teams working across a mobile app development company in Toronto or a mobile app development company in Florida, Trello offers transparency and clarity in project management, keeping everyone aligned. - Jira Jira is another popular tool used for agile project management, allowing developers to track issues, bugs, and project progress. Jira’s customizable workflows make it highly adaptable for different projects, from software development to testing. With integrations into other development tools like GitHub and Bitbucket, Jira is a comprehensive project management tool that can help streamline app development workflows in 2024. 7. Version Control Systems Version control systems are essential for managing code changes, primarily when multiple developers work on the same project. - GitHub GitHub continues to be a cornerstone of version control in 2024, allowing developers to collaborate on projects efficiently. With its extensive open-source code library, GitHub is a valuable resource for developers looking to find solutions, share code, and contribute to community projects. Both a mobile app development company in Toronto and a mobile app development company in Florida can benefit from using GitHub’s vast community resources to streamline their workflows. - GitLab While similar to GitHub, GitLab provides additional functionality for DevOps, enabling continuous integration and deployment. GitLab’s built-in CI/CD pipelines automate much of the deployment process, reducing errors and speeding up time to market. GitLab is perfect for teams looking to integrate development, testing, and deployment under one roof. Conclusion As mobile app development evolves, staying updated with the best tools and resources is crucial for success. Whether you’re part of a mobile app development company in Toronto or a mobile app development company in Florida, using these tools will help you stay competitive and meet the demands of clients across industries. From cross-platform development frameworks like Flutter and React Native to cloud-based backend services like Firebase and AWS Amplify, 2024 offers a range of solutions designed to streamline workflows, enhance app performance, and reduce development time. By leveraging the latest design, performance monitoring, testing, and collaboration tools, mobile app developers can create high-quality, user-friendly apps that meet the growing expectations of users in 2024 and beyond. Make sure to integrate these tools into your development processes and take full advantage of the resources available to ensure the success of your projects. Read the full article

[govindhtech]

Bezoku: Safe, Affordable And Reliable Gen AI For Everyone

Concerning Bezoku

A South Florida, USA-based AI start-up called Bezoku collaborates with local communities to create generative AI applications. consumer-focused linguists, mathematicians, machine learning experts, and software engineers make up the Bezoku development team. They provide commercial, no-code consumer interfaces, enabling communities to take charge of generative AI for the first time. The goal of it is to provide a human-level language system that is safe, dependable, and reasonably priced. This method, which is often the result of a personal connection to a place, links groups via a common cultural lexicon.

The Challenge

Come explore Bezoku, the state-of-the-art generative AI that understands social language. The goal of this advanced Natural Language Processing (NLP) system is to link people, not just technology.

Everyone’s access to private and secure language technologies

Bezoku develops generative AI in collaboration with communities. For the first time, communities will be in charge of generative AI thanks to Bezoku‘s team of consumer-focused linguists, mathematicians, machine learning, and software engineers who create commercial no-code user interfaces. It has the following cutting-edge AI capabilities:

Human-centered design includes safety elements that promote cognitive liberty and shield communities from discrimination based on dialect.

complete privacy data encryption, offering a first-of-its-kind generative AI system using sophisticated mathematical techniques.

It gives populations speaking “low resource languages” priority. The library will swiftly expand to include other Hispanic languages, such as Cuban and Honduran, in addition to Haitian Creole. This will enable bilingual speakers to engage in a process known as code switching.

Compared to rivals with trillion parameters, Bezoku requires 5,300 times less computing per model. Bezoku significantly reduces pollution, thus AI has less of an adverse effect on the planet’s limited resources.

The Solution

Large Language Models (LLMs) are true superpowers in terms of producing accurate and timely replies. but lack the in-depth, domain-specific expertise that, in certain use cases, is crucial. Not to mention the significant computational power and knowledge needed to create and implement them.

This is the situation where Small Language Models (SLMs) are increasingly being used for certain purposes. SLMs have a lower computational footprint and are more efficient than LLMs due to their more concentrated approach. They are thus better suited for local execution on workstations or on-premise servers.

The Resolution

It is a unique kind of artificial intelligence (AI) technology that is centered on people and has many security safeguards to guard against discrimination based on language and cognitive liberty. End-to-end encryption of private data is offering a first-of-its-kind solution for generative AI using sophisticated mathematics in order to do this.

For communities who speak “low resource languages,” it was created. They are beginning with Haitian Creole but will swiftly move on to many other Hispanic dialects and will support a bilingual speaker’s ability to switch between languages known as code switching. The Small Language Model (SML) method used by Bezoku requires 5,300 times less computing power per model than ChatGPT4. As a result, Bezoku emits significantly less pollution and has a much smaller environmental effect.

Bezoku core features are as follows: 

Image credit to Intel

Safe Data Handling: Bezoku uses encryption to protect sensitive data, making sure that only authorized users may access it.

Customized linguistic Understanding: To guard against prejudice stemming from dialect bias, the pre-trained models are adapted to various dialects and linguistic styles.

Simple Adaptation: Bezoku‘s training using private data doesn’t need any code. Easy-to-use, user-friendly tools load personal data, and the models automatically pick it up. That is all.

Transparent Predictions: Bezoku builds trust by not just offering solutions but also explaining how it works, for as by letting you know if it is experiencing hallucinations.

Bezuko’s strategy is comprised on four primary differentiators:

Adding dialects will increase representation and allow for the participation of other populations.

Affordability at a small fraction of LLM expenses using one’s own models.

Encrypted security data that is private by design.

Utilizing 5,000 times less energy and water each model is better for the environment.

“Bezoku is pleased to announce that it has joined the Intel Liftoff Program. Being a member of this exclusive worldwide network of technological companies, the Bezoku team and its partners are eager to use the array of potent AI tools and Developer Cloud to expedite the development of our products.

This partnership not only helps us expand and become more visible, but it also creates special relationships inside the IT industry. They can’t wait to start this adventure, to make use of Intel’s vast resources, to get access to their knowledgeable insights, and to work with other AI-focused firms. Ian Gilmour, Bezoku’s Chief Customer Officer

In summary

Bezoku’s groundbreaking human-centric approach is made possible by its generative AI technology. Smaller AI models as a consequence preserve cognitive liberty, eliminate dialect bias, and provide understandable supporting output by tracking data and alerting users if hallucinations are suspected.

As a result, groups with “low resource languages” end up receiving priority. This includes Hispanic dialects and Haitian Creole, among other things, since they will support bilingual speakers’ language

Read more on govindhtech.com

[cooltron-fans]

A Breath of Fresh Air in Industrial Cooling

dc axial fan blower

When it comes to keeping our electronics running smoothly, we know that heat is the enemy. At Tech Solutions Inc., we've been on the lookout for a reliable and efficient cooling solution for our servers and other critical components. Our search ended when we discovered Cooltron’s DC Axial Fan Blower.

The Challenge: Our data center in California was facing overheating issues, which were causing system crashes and downtime. We needed a solution that could handle the high temperatures and keep our equipment running without fail.

The Solution: We decided to give Cooltron’s DC Axial Fan Blowers a try. These fans are built with high-quality materials and designed to withstand the demands of industrial use. They're not just powerful; they're also quiet and energy-efficient.

The Benefits: Since installing the Cooltron fans, we've seen a significant decrease in temperature within our server racks. The fans operate smoothly and have reduced the noise levels in our facility. Most importantly, we've had zero incidents of overheating, which has led to improved uptime and reliability.

The Experience: Working with Cooltron has been a pleasure. Their customer service team provided us with all the information we needed to make an informed decision. They even helped us choose the right model based on our specific requirements. The delivery was prompt, and the installation process was straightforward.

The Result: Thanks to Cooltron’s DC Axial Fan Blowers, our operations run more smoothly than ever. We no longer worry about overheating or unexpected downtime. The peace of mind we've gained is invaluable. We highly recommend Cooltron to anyone looking for a top-notch cooling solution.

Serving America: Cooltron's distribution network covers all 50 states, ensuring that businesses across the country can benefit from their products. Whether you're in bustling New York City or the sunny counties of Florida, Cooltron has got you covered.

[jc-lambert]

To the State of Kansas, Department of Motor Vehichles

Hello...

My name is J.C. Lambert. 

I've been carrying a corporate TPI card from Portland Oregon as ID for about 10 years now. Former employees of the State of Kansas working in the area had me attacked for my wallet and computer equipment: so I sort of had them killed by global authorities under Reaganite Instruction to massacre anyone who would state that marijuana is "legal". Under the endowments of the Regan administration: I can have almost anyone in the United States lawfully executed and their bodies processed into cannibal pharmaceuticals as well as gemstones from bone material. (howlite, opal, etc) Such products are then sold on QVC's global market as well as the internet.

I also reported my mommy dearest for treason and terrorism, then threatened to have her incarcerated for abuse, neglect, and abandonment of the mentally ill: which forced her onto a plane from Florida to Oregon. It also probably got her killed while traveling. I do not know. What I do know, is that my elder sibling sissy poo Tammy Barlow is being a right proper terrorist cunt next to mommy dearest and she too might have to die next to MOST citizens of Kansas. When and where someone is from tighty whitey Americana society: they can fall victim to the WORST government slaughter houses in todays age. Even and especially the police or any government employed persons, baby. 

If my mommy dearest is still alive...

She would be getting tortured by Zia McCabe in Portland. Why? Because Tammy-poo decided to download all the music and share that music on Kazaa and other peer-to-peer networks. If she's alive, she would return home with every bone in her body broken and vaginal scars from tasers and other electrical devices. The west coastline gets psychotic when and where they cannot get a paycheck for their hard work. Sissy-poo Tammy has children who live incestuously and grandchildren who do as well. They like to steal identities, hack into emails, and they have servers with over 100 terabytes of illegally duplicated media. So its moreso fair to have them beaten and electrocuted. However mommy dearest still has to be beaten and electrocuted JUST for having ever given birth.

Me? I'm illegally adopted. My momma is Arabella Rees, Constable if you please. Just ask the bartenders in Cardiff and New Orleans. I'm perfectly a bastard.

Which, I am rocking that system of body bagging folks here in Kansas while the whole United States is under feudal law: especially if and when and where someone is rude or refuses me whatever I could possibly want. Me? I voted for peace and freedom so such things wouldn't happen. However I am in Kansas now, which puts me to work under Reaganite and Christian oppression. While Kansas has declared corporate war with peace and freedom, Kansas is forced into a position of "Terrorist State" by the Obama administration when and where the peace and freedom partier does not smoke reefer and can perfectly pass a urine test.

Too: I am from a Luciferian Society, so anyone who would identify as a modern Christian is perfectly to be called a hypocrite and corporate terrorist.

My social workers at TPI have me using their name card, while the feds separate all the who's who and lock up appropriate people who've been involved in psychosocial gang activity. While at a loss for my wallet: I am without my Florida, Colorado, California, or Kansas ID cards.

I am going to need state ID soon, my TPI card is wearing thin and my picture is starting to rub off.

I also understand that my TPI card might not be enough to use for the purpose of business. May I use three or four classmates from highschool and a yearbook photo?

Can you tell me what all I would or could possibly need for proper ID while I sit here kidnapped in the state of kansas and missing from everywhere else in the United States? If in Colorado or California: I could scan my fingerprint and wait about 30 minutes while a quick background check is ran.

I need Social Security...

I need Birth Record...

I need Identity Card...

My fingerprints are on a perfect driving record in California and Colorado. My fingerprints are on criminal record in Portland Oregon and probably Lawrence Kansas.

With that all said....

Give me 150 thousand digital resource. Now.

PayPal Link

why? Because I am still pissed off that your city and state have had other people living in my home at 510 W. Funston 67213 for the last 20 years. The ministers who backed the criminal charges of sodomy, where sort of murdered and their church has become a Buddhist Meditation center and NOBODY described as white is welcomed to be anywhere near my home. Especially neighbors and people who would identify me as "family".

I'm going to spend your money on dope and therapy.

I truly am.

[whitehatlink]

Navigating Tax Season - Streamlining Your Process with Tax ConsultationOnline

Tax season can be a stressful time for many individuals and businesses alike. However, with the advent of technology, managing your taxes has become more convenient and efficient than ever before. One such method gaining popularity is online tax consultation. In cities like Hialeah, Florida, where tax regulations can be complex, seeking the expertise of a qualified Hialeah accountant through online platforms can simplify the filing process while ensuring compliance.

Convenience at Your Fingertips

Gone are the days of scheduling appointments and rushing to the accountant's office with piles of paperwork in hand. With tax consultation online, you can access expert advice and assistance from the comfort of your own home or office. Whether you're a busy professional or a small business owner, the convenience of filing your taxes online cannot be overstated. By utilizing online tax consultation, individuals and businesses in Hialeah can streamline the entire tax filing process.

Expert Guidance Tailored to Your Needs

When it comes to navigating the intricacies of tax laws, having access to expert guidance is crucial. With online tax consultation, you can connect with experienced Hialeah accountants who understand the unique tax landscape of Florida. Whether you're dealing with personal taxes, business taxes, or specialized filings, these professionals can provide tailored advice and solutions to optimize your tax strategy and maximize your returns.

Efficiency and Accuracy

One of the primary benefits of tax consultation online is the emphasis on efficiency and accuracy. By leveraging cutting-edge technology and specialized software, Hialeah accountants can streamline the tax preparation process, minimizing errors and ensuring compliance with all relevant regulations. This not only saves time but also reduces the risk of costly mistakes that could potentially trigger audits or penalties.

Secure and Confidential

Privacy and security are paramount when it comes to handling sensitive financial information. With reputable tax consultation online services, you can rest assured that your data is protected through state-of-the-art encryption and secure servers. Hialeah accountants prioritize client confidentiality, ensuring that your personal and financial details remain safe throughout the entire tax filing process.

Cost-Effective Solutions

Traditional tax preparation services can often come with hefty price tags, especially for complex filings or specialized advice. However, tax consultation online offers cost-effective solutions without compromising on quality. By leveraging virtual platforms, Hialeah accountants can offer competitive rates and flexible payment options, making expert tax guidance accessible to individuals and businesses of all sizes.

Conclusion

As tax season approaches, consider the benefits of online tax consultation in Hialeah, Florida. From convenience and efficiency to expert guidance and cost-effective solutions, this innovative approach to tax filing offers a range of advantages for individuals and businesses alike. By harnessing the power of technology and connecting with qualified Hialeah accountants online, you can navigate the complexities of tax season with confidence and ease. Say goodbye to the stress and hassle of traditional tax preparation methods and embrace the convenience of online tax consultation today.

[wat3rm370n]

Perhaps a respirator mask should be recommended in all stages of food production?

Screenshot is a link card from USA Today dot com, with the headline First human case of bird flu detected in Texas after outbreak of virus among c… photo of some kind of cages with a sign on a paper print out, the sign has images of gloves and boots and says quarantine please wear gloves and boots

From 2010:

The Florida Times-Union - Survey: Food servers feel pressured to work while sick - A labor group says the practice is posing a national health hazard. Diane Stafford - Oct 6, 2010 The survey sponsors say those numbers heighten public health risks if the nation's 10 million restaurant industry employees, working in more than 568,000 food and drink establishments, spread disease.

From 2015:

NPR - Survey: Half Of Food Workers Go To Work Sick Because They Have To - October 19, 2015 - By  Lynne Shallcross Fifty-one percent of food workers — who do everything from grow and process food to cook and serve it — said they "always" or "frequently" go to work when they're sick, according to the results of a survey released Monday. An additional 38 percent said they go to work sick "sometimes." That's a practice that can have serious public health consequences. For instance, as The Salt reported last year, the vast majority of reported cases of norovirus — the leading cause of foodborne disease outbreaks and illnesses across the country — have been linked to infected food industry workers.

Early in the pandemic:

ProPublica - The Plot to Keep Meatpacking Plants Open During COVID-19 Newly released documents reveal that the meatpacking industry’s callousness toward the health of its workers and its influence over the Trump administration were far greater than previously known. by Michael Grabell May 13, 2022, 3:40 p.m. EDT As workers began calling in sick at a Tyson pork plant in Waterloo, Iowa, the company’s workplace health managers instructed plant nurses not to record the absences as “COVID-19,” but instead as “flu-like symptoms,” families of deceased workers said in their lawsuit. ProPublica reported extensively on how COVID cases at the plant spread through the community. Similarly, when local health officials in California investigated an outbreak at a Foster Farms chicken plant, they discovered five additional deaths that had been marked not as fatalities, but instead as “resolved cases” or “resolutions.” Health officials told the subcommittee that during a conference call with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, someone from either Foster Farms or the USDA jokingly called them “toe tag resolutions,” referring to the toe tags that are often put on corpses at morgues.

2023:

Health - Sick Restaurant Workers Linked to 40% of Foodborne Illness Outbreaks, CDC Says By Korin Miller Published on June 7, 2023 According to study authors, retail food establishments should adopt more comprehensive food safety policies in order to help prevent foodborne illness outbreaks. “Ill workers continue to play a substantial role in retail food establishment outbreaks,” the authors of the report wrote, “and comprehensive ill worker policies will likely be necessary to mitigate this public health problem.”

cdc.gov/norovirus/outbreaks/common-settings.html and at Catered Events Norovirus is the leading cause of outbreaks from contaminated food in the United States. About 50% of all outbreaks of food-related illness are caused by norovirus. Most of these outbreaks occur in food service settings like restaurants. Infected food workers are frequently the source of outbreaks in food-service settings, often by touching ready-to-eat foods, such as raw fruits and vegetables, with their bare hands before serving them. However, any food served raw or handled after being cooked can get contaminated with norovirus. Norovirus outbreaks can also occur from food that is contaminated at the source or on the farm, such as oysters harvested from contaminated water, or fruit and vegetables sprayed with contaminated water in the field. Foods that are commonly involved in norovirus outbreaks include: Leafy greens (such as lettuce) Fresh fruits Shellfish (such as oysters)

[many-to-mention10001]

Fast. Reliable. Florida Process Serving at Its Best!

Legal documents don’t wait, and neither should you. Our Florida process servers are fast, reliable, and committed to getting the job done right. Get the service you deserve—on time, every time.