#Galloway method

[simpingforbots]

Stargazing 2

Panic settling in to his system, Ironhide had no idea what to do in this situation. He was so desperate to keep this little secret to him self, to keep you out of harms way, only thinking about the human and the annoying agent Galloway that he completely forgot about his teammates, mainly Prime, who was looking down at him with quite the disappointment. His blue opticks shifted just a bit before Prime rubbed his forehead with a groan.

“Ironhide, how long has this been going on?”

“For some time.” Ironhide could not lie to him. At all. “Prime, can we keep this between us?”

“I am sorry, old friend, but I can not do such thing. You know well how Nest will react to the information of civilian finding out about this, especialy after all the effort they put in to keeping it peaceful and without civilians involvement” Prime grumble out, staring at Ironhide, knowing well that Galloway will go on rant “What you did is against agreement we had with human government.”

“I know, I know” Ironhide shook his hands, trying to deescalate the issue to make it seem like it was no big deal “I just had no other choice. They were kidnapped by a decepticon punk and I had to step in to save them. And after this it just got out of hand, I just making sure they won’t tell anyone about it”

“And you taken them to stargaze is one of those method to keep them quite I presume?” Prime cocked his eyebrow with disagreement “Ironhide, you will have to bring them in and inform Galloway about this first thing tomorrow, do you understand?”

“Yes Prime” Ironhide sighed heavily and long, wathign Prime nod and turn around, heading in to his room for the rest of the night, leaving Ironhide alone with his thought. Well there goes the little getaway he had. Grumbling under his “breath” Ironhide headed to his quarters, climbing n his berth to recharge, trying to think of some sort of way to get you out of this mess without your freedome being taken away. You already had enough of troubles on your shoulder, and he really did not wanted this peace to be taken away from him, no matter how selfish it sounded. Then an idea popped in to his mind – Bumblebee is given sort of free range with Sam, right? He is allowed to stay with Witwicky’s residence and they were even given some kind of benefits for staying quite, like this year the boy will be heading in to the “college” a luxury few could afford and because of his “connection” he got in to a good one. Maybe he can try and scratch Galloways ego in to tricking him in to giving the same treatment to you. You could use some new place, especialy if he will be placed as your “guardian”. He just hopped that Galloway is this egotistical as to make him self believe it was his choice. The next morning Ironhide was one of the first one to wake up and using the moment of being the first, and not wanting for Prime to question his action before he can commit them, Ironhide quickly left the base, saying that he was going for a drive and will be back soon. In this situation and for his plan to work, he needs you to be here. Even if you might not want it.

Who ever was ringing your phone like crazy at five in the morning must be crazy, or not have a life at all. Grumbling, you covered your head with pillow, reaching over for your phone and refusing the call over and over, before giving up and answering the phone, bringing the bright screen to your side of the face, mumbling a half asleep “huh?”

“Morning there, sleeping beauty” Ironhide. You hummed in protest, mumbling something out you did not understood your self, but seemed like your alien 22 feet robot understood perfectly fine “Yeah, I know you love your recharge on this days, but its very important that you will be ready when I’ll be there. You thingk you can do this?” you hummed in sleepy agreement, mentally cursing at your self for being such a people pleaser and not knowing how to say no to him. Well you could say no, you just did not wanted to explain t your landlord, again, why the window was broken. “Alright then, I will see you soon” and with that he hung up. Mumbling, you climbed out of your bed and looked aorund for something simple to put on, not wanting to deal with how you will look in such early hour, which ended up being a sweatpants made to look like jeans and a cyan hoody with some word you could not bother to read now. Still asleep, you shovelled towards kitchen, putting on a kettle of water for coffee, not ready to meet the day without some energy. It did not take  to long for the water to boil, pouring yourself a cup of instant coffee, blowing on it to take a sip, scavenging for something to take a bite off, managing to find some rice cakes. Munching on them, you heard a loud beeping, non stop, immideatly followed by angry yelling of someone about them being loud in 5 in the morning, which served as a sign that he was here, quickly finishing your coffee with help of cold water and shoving the cracker in your mouth, you put on pink sneakers and left your apartment. Ironhide seamed more impatient then ever, his door opening quickly and almost with impatient slammed it as soon as you got in, scaring you in to sort of waking up.

“What is going on?” you felt panic building up, the memory of the day you were kidnaped by a decepticon flooding back in to your mind.

“Just... Just have to clear some things up and let’s say we will meat with my team” Ironhide explained as he drove though streets, with you quickly buckling up as he past an intersection, barely missing red light. “Sort of meting and stuff. As well as “legal” things and stuff”

“Ah” you calmed down a bit, though still were worried about such meeting being arranged so suddenly. It did not take to long for you to arrive to a strange base, with soldier looking very confused upon seeing you in self driving car, as if they knew who Ironhide was, letting him pass and drive in to huge hangar, filled with other huge metal robots, all different in form and size, colour and posture, loking a bit shocked at your sight. There was no warning or time to get out as the metal around you creaked, bent and parted, things quickly moving in your vision, blurring in movement and you felt your self move as well, your stomch doing barrel rolls and your coffee dangerously close to being expelled. Thankfully the motion stopped, with you ending up in tight yet gentle grip of Ironhide, showing you off to other bots, who seemed shocked, quickly surrounding him and talking in their language. One with wheels for feet rolled over and reached out to pat your head, his three fingers messing up your bed hair even more, chippering something before Ironhide pulled yo away, huffing with what yo can think was a possessive jealousy. You were finally let down, though still surrounded by bots, the yellow one looked very displeased, with two smaller bots, green and orange, who looked like typical red necks,  were quite fascinated with you, shoving each other and dangerously close. You panicked and quickly ran behind Ironhide foot, who shifted a bit, moving it slightly all while other bott seamed to coo at such “cute” reaction. Though Ironhide then gently nudged you forward to them, saying something about how he will be back, leaving you in the mercy of new bots. You slowly raised your hand, waving a shy hello to new bots.

Knowing that you will be okay, Ironhide went looking for “human weasel”, walking around the base trying to find him before Prime could get a word of your sudden arrival. It did not take to long though as he quckly caught Galloways scent and it lead him to the main hangar, where thin man in suite and glasses was giving Lenox a new one about some mission, rumbling about property damadge and other stuff. It was stupid that they were still stuck with this idiot, especialy after the whole “fallen” and now the whole world knowing about them, even helping to deal with human “politics” and other scrap. Walking up, he waited for Lenox to storm away after Galloway was done, taking a step back to give his “co-worker” some space, getting him self ready to speak with natinal security adviser as well.

“What do YOU want” the disgust was clear in adviser’s voice, dripping like venom towards him. It was no secret that he did not like him and his kind, nor did Ironhide, but swallowing his pride, weapon specialist spoke up.

Twins seemed to be quite a lively bunch, to lively for your own safety though as they started fighting over something that you did not quite catch, decking each other in face and throwing each other around. You screamed, trying to get out of the path of their destruction, with the robot on wheels grabing you and lifting out of harms way as the spot you were got crushed under two bots, decking it out right there and right here, exchanging one punch after another, all while yelling something at each other and being yelled at by other bots. It seamed like the yellow one, who from what you can sort of realise was their only medick, Ratchet, had enough, grabbing them by their neck and tossing out of the hangar, with their metal bodies hitting the pavement yet they still continued fighting. You let a sigh of relief while still in hands of new grey bot, asking to be let down, but it seamed the new bot had other ideas, changing the grip and you find your self hanging down by your leg, dangling above ground while he continued examining you. From this position you heard another footstep and seemed every one chose to behave and you were let go. As the foot step grew louder and closer, you though your head up and froze with wide eyes, staring at the biggest robobt you’ve seen so far, red and blue, staring down at you with what you could only assume was confusion before looking at the others for explanation. You could only guess what summoned him so suddenly here. He seamed no to pleased though with your sudden appearance, looking aorund for the only bot missing here.

“Where is Ironhide” knowing well who this human might be, Optimus wanted to hear it from the bot him self, looking around the hangar, a bit surprised that you were easily handed to other.

“He said something about talking with Galloway, Prime” Ratchet answered, moving closer and looking down at you, who seemed to sink in them self. “I did not expected him to bring civilian here at all. Any ideas why?”

“Let just say we will learn soon” Optimus replied and it did not take to long for a voice to come though, asking for Prime and a “visitor” to meet at the main hangar for a talk with Agent about the mess Ironhide had created. Letting a heavy sigh, Prime reached down, scooping you up and walking out, leaving other autobots to figure things out. You hang on to dear life, clinging to flat digits, letting some panic whimpers while being carried in to main hangar, joining along for a surprise ride in hands of leaders of autobots, who seamed not to shocked about your existence and being here. you were relieved to see Ironhide in the same hangar you’ve been carried in to, but your relief quickly dwindling when you were placed on the platform next to a strange man, who was not to happy to see you, asking for other men to take you away. With Ironhide grumbling something about you being take away, you were lead down the platform in to other room, scared, confused and wondering just what this day will bring now.

[bird-in-the-space]

Bayverse Version (Part 17)

You work hard in your training and make great progress. You begin to feel confident in yourself, but then one rude remark from Galloway makes you think about the possibility of you becoming a dangerous Decepticon. That is put to the test when you get ambushed during your energon hunting trip.

Warnings: Ironhide being a strict trainer, Galloway being a rude and crappy person, reader having doubts and moody thoughts, some comfort, an ambush, violence, throwing things at someone, and someone dies.

-----------------------------------------------

Ever since that night talk with Optimus, you have tried to work hard on your combat training and mentally overcome your fears. 

Ironhide looked surprised but pleased with your newfound motivation and focus. Unfortunately, this didn’t mean he eased up on his training methods; he was, however, receptive when you asked if you could concentrate more on learning how to defend yourself. You thought it would be easier to learn one thing at a time, especially concerning your own well-being. Ironhide agreed to this—too bad he still made it challenging not to kiss the ground. 

However, as the days passed, you began making progress in defending yourself and found yourself kissing the ground less. You could now protect your vital areas from dangerous hits and land more safely, which you found easier. You also focused on moving more swiftly against bigger opponents. Due to your smaller size, there was no way you could match the cons with your strength, but with your size, you were much faster and swifter. 

Your progress pleased Ironhide, and when you eventually became good at being on the defensive, you shifted to being offensive, which you found much more challenging to learn. 

Your routine was usual as before, otherwise. You occasionally gave Emily a call after the NEST operators made sure communications were safe again, checking on her and making sure the Allspark fragment hadn't caused any trouble for her. She had been doing alright so far – life had gone normally as usual. She sometimes shared about things she had done with Sideswipe. The two had become rather good friends. It wasn’t surprising to you. Emily was someone who could become friends with pretty much everyone. 

As the days passed and nothing had happened in Emily’s routine, you became more at ease and focused more on passing your combat training. Being on the offensive was still a challenge for you, but with Ironhide's guidance, you learned where to find and hit sensitive spots on Cybertronians, and even how to disable some guns. 

As Ironhide was the Autobots’ weapon specialist, he thought it would be a valuable lesson for you. Personally, you had never been interested in guns, but Ironhide managed to make it interesting for you to learn a thing or two about their weapon tech. 

After a good three weeks and no signs of Decepticon activity, the bots thought it would be a good time to go on an energon hunt again. With all the previous energon posts mined empty and the pure energon taken into secure storage, it was a good time to find some more. 

With all the training sessions on your belt, you felt confident and mentally prepared. So, you agreed to go. 

The day was young, so Ironhide decided to allow you to have a day off from the training, making you only do some warm-ups in case something goes wrong during the trip. Despite you still struggling with being on offense, he deemed you ready enough to leave the safe premises of the base. You knew well enough how to defend yourself in a combat situation, and you had been taught the evacuation protocols in case of an emergency. So, with all that considered…

You should be fine.

To pass the time, you decided to spend some time with Que, learning about signal jammers and how to disable them. 

“As signal jammers are quite tricky to counter, if you find yourself in a situation where you can’t disable the opposing jammer, one clever trick is to match its frequency and signal strength,” Que explained. “It makes the jamming louder and more chaotic, which can confuse the source and make it harder to detect you—giving you a brief window for communication.”

“Okay,” you nodded.

“Curious question—what would happen if the jammer had the same signal strength but a different frequency?” you asked.

“Oh, that would just add noise and create chaos,” Que replied. “It would show up on network maps and could even cause a blackout. Our technology is far more potent than human systems, so the effects could be significant.”

“You know, how about you carry one on your person? It’s not too bad to carry one in case you need to hide yourself,” he handed you one of the jammers.

“Okay,” you said, taking it and putting it in your subspaces, or robo pockets, as you like to call them. 

“Ah, now you’ve got me fascinated with ideas of a complete blackout. You know, you seem to possess a natural curiosity. Perhaps you could be my assistant in new weapon engineering. Your human assistants are good with their small hands, but it wouldn't be too bad to have an assistant of my own size help me out,” Que suggested.

“Well, I wouldn't mind becoming an assistant to you, but I heard that most of your experiments tend to blow up,” you said with a raised brow.

“Nah, that might happen occasionally, but don’t worry about it. I have a designated area for experiments that might explode,” he grinned.

You both then heard a door bang open and the familiar sound of footsteps. An automatic frown took over your face as you recognized whose footsteps those were. 

Galloway in all of his bitchiness walked up to the platforms. 

“Greetings, Director. What can we do for you today?” Que asked politely, though his tone carried a hint of caution.

Galloway barely spared him a glance. “Save it. I don’t have time for pleasantries. Where’s Optimus?”

“He is currently on a mission and won’t return for some time,” Ratchet replied evenly. “Perhaps we can assist you in the meantime.”

Galloway scoffed. “I doubt that. I’m here because I read your reports and found out that you handed a fragment of the Allspark to a civilian. Care to explain that brilliant decision?”

Que stepped forward, calm but firm. “I believe we already explained the situation in the report. Under unique circumstances, the Allspark fragment has imprinted on Miss Walkerson, and our attempts to sever the connection between them have not been successful. Placing Miss Walkerson under Autobot protection was… our best course of action.”

“Yeah. I don’t have time for this imprint and magic bond kind of crap. Why didn’t you try harder? Aren’t you supposed to be the smart scientist?” Gallow questioned with that condescending tone of his. 

You frowned, starting to get really pissed off by his attidute. 

“Oh Fuck off…” You muttered under your breath. 

“What was that, (Last Name)?” Galloway snapped, turning to glare at you.

“Nothing. What do you think I said?” you replied, playing dumb with a raised brow.

“It sounded a lot like ‘fuck off,’” he said, narrowing his eyes.

“Really? That’s funny,” you said, your tone sharpening. “Because just a moment ago, you didn’t seem to hear a thing when Que explained why they couldn’t sever the Allspark fragment’s connection to my best friend—and why she’s under Autobot protection.”

“Do you think I’m stupid?” Galloway snapped.

“Yeah, I do,” you said bluntly.

Mudflap snickered in the background, only to be elbowed by Skids, who tried to stifle his own grin.

“Oh, you can laugh now,” Galloway sneered. "You might have this little superpower that helps you find energon. But I’ve read your file, (Last Name). And you know what I found?”

You narrowed your eyes, already bracing for whatever nonsense he was about to spew.

“Because I found something interesting,” he continued, voice dripping with smugness. “That Transformers born from the Allspark are hardwired to think like Decepticons, even you," he pointed at you sharply. "Which could make you violent and dangerous."

You fell silent, your expression hardening.

“The file says you pose no threat,” he said, “but I’m not convinced. One wrong move, and I’ll have you locked up. Don’t think I won’t.”

You glared at him, fists clenched at your sides.

“Director Galloway, there is no need for that,” Ratchet said, stepping forward. “(Name) has been under our surveillance for a long time and has never once acted on any Decepticon coding. That programming is long gone.”

“And even if complications were to arise,” he added, “we are fully capable of handling them.”

“She’s demonstrated exceptional self-control,” Que chimed in. “The only scenario in which the Decepticon coding could resurface is if she were under extreme emotional distress, like anger or despair.” 

You stood quietly, thinking about that.

Galloway gave a cold, humorless smile. “You can hide behind your bot buddies all you want. Maybe you’re useful for sniffing out energon, but don’t think that makes you safe.”

He pointed at you, his voice low and threatening. “I’ll be watching you. One wrong move, and you’re done. I promise you that.”

With that, he turned and walked out of the base, leaving a heavy silence in his wake.

“That human is more trouble than he’s worth,” Que muttered, shaking his head. “And I noticed he’s not even using NEST’s secure communication lines. That’s just asking for trouble.”

“Don’t let his words get to you,” Ratchet said reassuringly when he looked at you. “As long as you keep your head calm, you’ll be fine.”

You nodded, but fell back into your thoughts. You tried not to let Galloway’s words sink in, but they echoed in your mind anyway.

The cons could brainwash you because of the coding. And you might activate it yourself if you end up dangerously upset. 

If that happens, would you really become something that only knows anger? 

And if you became too dangerous to handle, would the bots have to lock you up? 

Or maybe… 

… put you down? 

The atmosphere during the trip to the energon mine was rather gloomy. You were with Ratchet, as while he was a medic, he was also a capable combatant. During the duration of the trip, you could not stop thinking about the possibility of you becoming an enraged Decepticon who could cause harm. 

You don’t want to admit it, but the idea kinda stripped all the confidence you had in yourself and added a new concern that wound’t leave your mind no matter how hard you tried not to think about it. 

When you got to your destination, you followed Ratchet down the plane ramp. You took a quick look around the new place — it didn’t look much different from the previous energon locations. 

“Alright, let's go. I’ll show you the way,” Ratchet said and transformed into his alt-mode. You followed his example and followed him as he led you and the other NEST members to the unconfirmed energon deposit. 

After you got there, you went to work. You were kinda happy about it as it allowed you to have something else to think about. But after you were done, it was back to the gloomy thoughts. Using your ability has become relatively easy, so you managed to get the task done rather quickly. 

You even tried to see if you could find a vein that could lead you to a pure energon source, but nothing. They were really living up to their name of being rare as hell. 

You walked up to Ratchet after scouring the entire area for energon. There weren’t even smaller energon clusters that you could have spent time looking for. 

“Everything done?” Ratchet asked. 

“Yeah… I pretty much checked the entire place. There aren’t any more energon veins,” you replied. 

“Very well. If you can’t find any more energon, then our job is done here. We can go back to the plane, “ he stated before looking at you. “Good job,”

“Thanks…” you muttered. 

“Would you like to rest first before we proceed to the next location?” he asked. 

“No. I’m good to go, “ you shook your hand. “The more we get done today, the better.” 

“Alright… “ Ratchet looked at you with a raised brow. 

“Let’s get going then,” he transformed. 

You followed in suit and drove as you two left the mine with a couple of escorts. 

While driving on the road, you followed Ratchet quietly. The thoughts in your mind constantly spinning around the idea of you becoming a Decepticon. The things that might happen after that left you feeling even more gloomy. 

It seems your silence caught Ratchet’s attention because he spoke to you through the radio. 

“(Name). What’s wrong?” he asked. 

“Hm? “ you hummed, startled out of your thoughts by his question. 

“Uhm…Nothing. Just thinking,” You replied. 

“Are you certain?” he asked. 

“Yeah. Everything’s fine,” you answered, even though it was kinda not. 

You heard him release a sigh on the radio. 

“Alright. Pull over,” Ratchet said. 

“What?” 

“Pull over now,” he said, driving to the side of the road. Seeing no other choice, you followed him to the field. 

On the field, Ratchet transformed, and you followed in suit. The NEST vehicles stopped, and the people in them looked at you, confused by the sudden stop. 

“Take a moment break. This won’t take long,” Ratchet explained before turning toward you, “You, follow me,” he said and started walking. 

Uncertain what he wanted, you followed him, walking away from your escort to somewhere private. When you were out of their earshot, Ratchet turned toward you. 

“Now… tell me what’s wrong?” he asked. 

You were caught off guard. 

“Nothing! Everything’s fine! Really!” you tried to reassure. 

“You know, you tend to avoid eye contact and be quieter than usual when something is bothering your mind. Your EM field is also showing,” Ratchet pointed out. 

You quickly composed yourself, pulling back your EM field. The dumb thing that always goes off whenever you happen to have a static mind or something troubling your mind. You were not used to such a thing flowing out of you whenever you were lost in thought. And it was probably too late to convince Ratchet that nothing was bothering you because he pretty much sensed your depressed mood. 

You then remember Optimus’s advice on talking to someone if something was on your mind. 

But would it be stupid to talk about something you were told not to let it bother you, yet it did? 

You thought about it for a moment. 

No, not Ratchet. He was not the judgmental type. 

“Could it… be possible I turn into a Decepticon if that code thing in me activates?” you asked. 

“It's just. When Galloway brought up that Decepticon coding, I was reminded of when I was kidnapped, and that Starscream and his Cons intended to make me one of them by activating the code,” you explained. 

“And then Que mentions it could activate by itself if I become too angry, and... that,” you added. 

“And now I can’t stop thinking if I could end up activating the code myself and becoming a Decepticon,” you looked at him. 

“What would then happen if that came to pass?” you asked. 

Ratchet looked at you softly. “No. You will not turn into a Decepticon even if the code activates.” 

You looked at him, slightly confused. 

“Despite its name. The Decepticon code, in my understanding, was made in a way that any newborn Transformer would be born in a state of rage, making their first instinct to fight everything they see. The only addition being that they see Decepticons as their own, thus not fighting them,” Ratchet explained. 

“It’s like… imagine before being born, someone… convinced you that everything outside is a danger to you, thus your first thought is to fight that danger,” he mused. 

You nodded, letting him know you understood what he meant. 

“So, in sense, the Decepticon coding simply affects the individual’s behaviour. It is technically an amplifier; in this case, it amplifies anger and the need to fight,” he stated. 

“I actually managed to discover that, thanks to you,” he motioned at you. 

“If you had been an ordinary Transformer, you would have most likely awakened like the other Transformers that had been born. But I believe that your human consciousness somehow overshadowed the coding’s activation, putting it to dormancy, and allowing you to have control over your emotions, ” he continued. 

“I have been working on finding a way to remove the coding. So, if you feel unsafe with it lingering in your processors. We can work on that,” he added. 

“I think… I would feel more comfortable with that,” you nodded. 

Ratchet hummed. “However, being A Decepticon is a choice.” 

“Just like how being an Autobot is a choice. It is done out of free will. And only you can make that choice,” he said. 

“The coding might have been created by the Decepticons, but it only affects a Transformer’s behavior. It does not decide who you are.”

“But… what if I end up activating the code myself?” you questioned.

“Remember what Que said, it can only be activated in a situation where you are under extreme emotional distress,” Ratchet said. “Small moments of annoyance, frustration, or even sadness will not activate it.”

“And keeping yourself calm will help. And you are one of the most level-headed bots I’ve seen, even if you have a bad habit of keeping your troubles to yourself,” he said, making you awkwardly chuckle. 

“Trust me. I believe you will be fine,” he assured. “And even if your code were to activate, we will do everything to turn you back. We don’t leave our own when they need help the most,” he added. 

You quietly thought about it and felt comforted. “Thanks… I think I needed to hear that.” 

“Anytime,” Ratchet nodded.  

“I don’t think I ever will be a Decepticon. I don’t have the cruelty to cause harm to others,” you stated. 

Ratchet chuckled. “That’s good. In my honest opinion, you have more potential to become an Autobot.” 

You smiled, but then felt a familiar buzz in your head. 

You looked past Ratchet and saw something lurking beneath the cover of the trees. At first, it looked like a red light, but then you made out a shadowy shape that reminded you of a big cat.  It then moved, and you recognized the thing as that murderous robot cat from before. What was its name… Ravage?

“Ratchet…” you anxiously stepped back, keeping your eyes on the murder cat. 

Ratchet glanced toward the trees where you were looking. The murder cat growled and ran away after being spotted. 

Suddenly, two giant bots appeared from the woods. You recognized one of them as Long Haul, the giant, green brute. You had no idea who the other con was. 

They said something in their tongue, then charged at you and Ratchet. 

You stepped back as your spark began to pound against your chest in fear. 

“(Name), run!” Ratchet yelled before tackling the nameless con.

You initially turned around and ran, but then stopped when you felt another buzz and looked into the sky. Grindor, the military helicopter, appeared and transformed in the air. He joined Long Haul and the nameless con in their fight with Ratchet. 

“Open fire!” The NEST members started shooting when they saw what was happening. 

You watched the fight go on. Ratchet held his own against Grindor, Long Haul, and the nameless con, but he was outnumbered. The NEST members’ covering fire did little to assist him.

This made you hesitate. Ratchet was capable of fighting, but three against one was still too much. 

“What are you waiting for! Get out of here!” One of the NEST soldiers yelled at you. 

You looked back and saw the cons beating Ratchet. Panic began to fill your mind. If you left, would Ratchet die?

You thought about everything Ironhide taught you and tried to figure out what you could do to help him. Your hesitation and desire to help Ratchet struggled against each other because you were afraid of the cons, but you were also afraid of Ratchet losing his life. 

Ironhide’s words about gathering your courage to hit them back crossed your mind. Would this be it? 

Ratchet’s pained yell then snapped you back to reality. You saw Long Haul holding Ratchet down as Grindor prepared to shoot the medic. 

At that moment, you threw everything out the window. There was no time to think. You needed to help him now.

“Fuck it!” you yelled and charged at them. 

Before Grindor could shoot Ratchet, you pounced on the con’s back and pulled as hard as you could, causing him to misfire and shoot Long Haul instead. 

Long Haul yelled in pain as he was pushed back by the force of the blast. This gave Ratchet a chance to free himself and get back on his feet.

“What are you doing?!” Ratchet yelled, pushing back the nameless con. “Get away from here!” 

You didn’t hear him as you focused on hanging onto Grindor’s back. Due to his size, he couldn’t really reach out to grab you, but because of his size, you needed to hold on to whatever you could. Your weight constantly shifting behind him made him step around like a drunkard, struggling to maintain his balance.

While hanging from his back, you tried to rip out anything you could reach. These were mostly small pieces, but when you spotted wires, you grabbed onto them and pulled hard enough to break them. 

This caused Grindor to yell in pain, and electric particles to blow out from where the wires were connected. But it also caused him to fall backwards toward the trees. 

To avoid getting crushed between the giant con and the trees, you swung yourself out of the way and rolled down to the ground. Grindor crashed into the trees, emitting electrical sparks and struggling to get back up. 

You quickly got back on your feet and saw Long Haul having recovered from the blast. He looked pissed. 

“Keep moving. Don’t let them grab you!” Ratchet guided, taking Long Haul’s attention to himself, while you were left with the nameless con. 

The nameless con growled at you, making you nearly freak out. He tried to hit you, but you were quick enough to raise your guard to block his fists a few times. You then went for the offensive, managing to punch his face, but then he kicked you hard enough to send you flying backwards. 

You managed to grab onto a tree to avoid falling. When you saw how much the tree could bend, an idea popped into your mind. You quickly bent the tree to the side, and when the nameless con came close enough, you let go, causing the tree to slap the con in the face. 

The tree slap was strong enough to send the con flying backwards, giving you a chance to check on Ratchet. 

When you saw Grindor back on his feet and approaching Ratchet, you looked around, and then your eyes landed on a big rock near you. You picked it up with both your hands, then aimed at Grindor. 

“Ratchet!” you called out, then threw the rock. 

“Duck!” 

Ratchet looked your way before falling down on his knees to dodge the rock as it flew over him and hit Grindor in his face. The hit was strong enough to make energon fall from Grindor’s mouth and him fall to the ground again. 

For a moment, you felt satisfaction for managing to make the giant con kiss the ground twice. 

Unfortunately, this caused the nameless con go unnoticed by you, as he grabbed you from behind. You struggled as his arm was around your neck, swinging your legs in an attempt to lose his hold. You nearly panicked, but then remembered a trick Ironhide taught you. 

You dropped all your weight in an attempt to make your body hit the ground. Luckily, the nameless con was only a head taller than you, so your entire body weight was enough to make him lose his hold on you. When that happened, you straightened your back, wrapped your hands around his arm, and pushed your legs against his torso, locking him in place. 

“Ratchet!” you yelled, keeping the nameless con trapped. 

Ratchet looked your way. He punched Long Haul away, then ran toward you and the nameless con. 

As the nameless con couldn’t move, Ratchet used his spiral chainsaw to slice through the con’s chest. Sparks flew out of the con’s chest, and sounds of screams petruded from the con as Ratchet sliced his chainsaw through the con’s head. 

You let go and rolled out of the way as the nameless con fell dead to the ground. 

Grindor and Long Haul stopped in their tracks when they saw their comrade die, astonished that you managed to take down one of them and even the numbers. 

You quickly stood up, ready to fight with Ratchet by your side. 

They cursed in their tongue, but when more NEST soldiers showed up in jeeps, they backed away. 

“This won’t be over, whelp!” Long Haul growled. He and Grindor then disappeared into the woods, making their retreat. 

You took a deep breath and leaned on your knees after they disappeared from sight, and the danger was no more. 

“That…” Ratchet turned toward you after taking his breather. “... was the most reckless thing you could have done. You know your protocol is to evacuate in case of danger!” he raised his voice, ready to scold you. 

“I know, but…” You straightened your back and looked at him. “You were outnumbered. The chances were that you were gonna die, and then they would come after me. I don’t think I would have fled in time before they would have been done with you. It was better that I stayed and stood my ground,” 

“Ironhide once said that at some point, I need to start hitting back. And…” You took a deep breath. 

“I didn’t… want you to die because of me,” you said. 

Ratchet sighed, his gaze softening. 

“(Name). As an old bot, I'd rather see you safe and out of harm's way. Seeing you get seriously injured is the last thing I want to see. So, next time, don’t go risking your life for an old rust bucket like me,” he said. 

“But…” He placed his hand on your shoulder. “Thank you. It was brave of you,” he said with gratitude in his voice. 

A small smile graced your face. 

“Let’s return to base. I believe we have seen enough action for the day,” Ratchet stated, with you nodding in agreement. 

Without any extra cons waiting to ambush you, you and Ratchet returned to the plane that took you back to Diego Garcia. Despite the fear you felt during the confrontation, you felt a slight sense of pride for standing your ground. You don’t wish for any more confrontations with the cons because you do not know what they might try next, but you feel that you could face them and stand your ground if needed.

Taglist: @beirynart@rigbyscar

[scotianostra]

On December 29th 1815 customs and excise officers were attacked in Glasgow, after raiding an illicit still.

The customs men arrested two people and tipped over 50 gallons of illegal whisky down the drain. Another man escaped in the confusion after he set a light to some pure alcohol, later returning with a gang of about a dozen men who who set about the government officers as they were dismantling the still , managing to liberate the equipment.

The methods of these illicit activities were well-rehearsed and their respective territories well-defined, as you would expect, gangs were very territorial.

The pics are a mock still and a real one, which was unearthed in a barn in New Galloway last year. Many farmers in the mid-19th Century owned small stills which they could distil their own spirit out of sight from the exciseman.

Of course most stills were away from prying eyes, in the Highlands and Islands, as well as in Dumfries and Galloway. Recently the Forestry Commission of Scotland to underook a comprehensive survey of the Big and Wee Bruach farmsteads in Loch Ard Forest, near Aboyne, not far from Glasgow.

These remains survive as series of at least seven ruined late 18th-century buildings, enclosures, and corn-drying kilns. Among the buildings are a series of very narrow structures which most likely date from the 18th century. Their unusually long shape, considered alongside the presence of large corn drying kilns and proximity to running water, in what is a relatively inaccessible area yet close to Glasgow, could suggest large scale illicit whisky distilling.

While the surviving buildings are relatively recent, the name Bruach is a territorial designation reaching back to the 13th century or earlier. Title to the landholding gave the right to bear the name of the landholding ‘of Bruach’, suggesting this was more than a small farm.

[brandwhorestarscream]

My favorite G1 characters are the Combaticons = Onslaught, Blast Off, Brawl, Swindle and Vortex!

I adore your stories ✨💖

Subject 1852 - Codename: Bruticus

04-18-1994

Report Compilation

Entry 1. Component: 1852C - Codename: Vortex

Attending Psychologist: Dr. William Kramer

As we had hoped, Subject 1852C remains compliant following the retrieval and punishment of 1852D. It was noted previously that the two are particularly close, even within their clique: the wellbeing of another they hold dear has been an incredibly effective control method on the more difficult Subjects. Of course, it's not ideal: we do need all of them functioning optimally, and we can't just break one's arm everytime we need to scare someone straight. But it's got 1852C going on 4 days of good behavior--4 days without incident is previously unheard of with him.

Honestly, I was afraid we'd have to pull him from Bruticus and make another one, but with 1852D's wellbeing as an incentive, I believe an obedient behavioral pattern can be established. With good enough incentives, enough patience, and an objective understanding of the psyche, nothing is impossible. I suggest temporary separation each day for one on one training.

End report.

Entry 2. Component: 1852A - Codename: Onslaught

Attending Physician: Dr. Sabrina Diaz

Subject 1852A continues to struggle to adapt. He is unable to eat without vomiting, and exhibits listless, unengaging behavior in direct opposition to yesterday's fits. He did not respond to low amd mid tier physical stimuli, though he did begin to cry and request that we stop while administering Stimulant 9C at Dr. Sawyer's request.

Following the stimulant's injection, Subject exhibited increased pulse, shallow ventilation, and acute paranoia. However, despite his desire to run away, he did not respond positively to offers of having his arms or legs attached. It is my professional opinion that he may remain in this state for another 36 hours at most before physical intervention will be required, to avoid internal ruptures if nothing else.

End report.

Entry 3. Component: 1852D - Codename: Swindle

Attending Psychologist: Dr. Lillian Povlo

Subject 1852D has expressed feelings of confusion and disorientation. He does not understand why Dr. Kramer gave the order to have his arm broken. Frankly, neither do I! Our job is to keep these things sane and stable so they don't malfunction, and he goes and does that? I understand that Subject C is... difficult, to say the least, but-

Oh, nevermind. My Subject 1852D has been experiencing extremely low mood and a reluctance to leave the recovery bay. Though they replaced his broken arm casing and successfully transplanted his nerves, he tells me of pain I suspect is not there. He doesn't want to leave the recovery bay and rejoin the other components. He had previously been obedient, a 7.8 in the system: I've never seen him dig his heels in like this. I suggest a formal psychiatric re-evaluation and potentially medication with Supplement 13A.

End report.

...

Entry 4. Component: 1852B - Codename: Blast Off

Incident Report

Attending Personel: Dr. Francis Galloway

At 05:27 on 04-01-1994, Subject 1852E began banging on the walls and yelling to get security's attention. Subject appeared frantic and distressed, calling for help. He claimed that Subject 1852B was experiencing a medical emergency and needed immediate assistance.

Subject 1852B was laying on the floor and violently convulsing. At 05:31, Dr. Isaac Reed entered the room to attend 1852B post-seizure. Poor bastard never stood a chance, they jumped him as soon as he knelt down beside 1852B. By the time security sent the order to gas the room, Dr. Reed was long dead.

Interestingly, none of them showed any inclination toward the door. I don't believe this was an escape attempt like the earlier incident this year. I believe this was done soley to lure someone inside. I don't think they knew or especially cared who would come to them, just that someone would. This was a deliberate, successful attempt to cause harm. I reccomend immediate return to the Shelf for re-evaluation and reconditioning.

Casualties: 1

End report.

Entry 5. Component: 1852E - Codename: Brawl

Attending Psychologist: Dr. David Nelson

Subject 1852E's reconditioning is going well. My assistant made a breakthrough: homebaked goods rather than store bought trigger a very positive response. He has shown a willingness to cooperate if hot bread-based desserts are used as an incentive. He's even following more complex commands, and has shown lessened hostility compared to yesterday.

The chewing habit has proved difficult to break. I do still believe it to be psychological, perhaps a form of self-soothing. He will not answer me when I ask why he gnaws his fingers, and becomes agitated if pressed. I will continue to monitor.

Ratings:

Obedience: 6

Safety: 5

Psychological Health: 5

I reccomend at least another week's separation from other components, and at minimum another 3 days of evaluation and testing before mid-tier reconditioning begins.

End report.

[madhatterbri]

that slowly gets outta hands with this dude🔥🥺

Sir, you went running. Why is your hand there? 😂 I do the Jeff Galloway method for running, and I never think that it's time to put my hand by my crotch. 💀

Thank you for sharing, babe. ❤️

[robhorninginternalexile]

2024 Book List

January

1. Trances of the Blast, Mary Ruefle

2. Falling Star, Patricia Moyes

3. Labyrinths, Jorge Luis Borges

4. Introduction to the Work of Marcel Mauss, Claude Lévi-Strauss 

5. The Sweet Dove Died, Barbara Pym

6. The Prison-House of Language, Fredric Jameson

7. The Order of Things, Michel Foucault

8. Illuminated Manuscripts, Tamara Woronowa and Andrej Sterligow

9. Structuralism, John Sturrock

February

10. Immediacy; or the Style of Too Late Capitalism, Anna Kornbluh

11. The Dark Frontier, Eric Ambler

12.  Macbeth, William Shakespeare

13. Michel Foucault: Beyond Structuralism and Hermeneutics, Hubert Dreyfus and Paul Rabinow

14. Don’t Look at Me Like That, Diane Athill

15. The Most of It, Mary Ruefle

16. The Archaeology of Knowledge, Michel Foucault

March

17. Henry IV Part 1, William Shakespeare

18. A Murder Is Announced, Agatha Christie

19. Shakespeare, Johan Gottfried von Herder

20. Literary Theory for Robots, Dennis Yi Tenen

21. Henry IV Part 2, William Shakespeare

22. Richard II, William Shakespeare

23. Lucy Gayheart, Willa Cather

24. Henry V, William Shakespeare

25. Mimesis, Expression, Construction, Fredric Jameson

26. Four-Legged Girl, Diane Seuss

27. Death of a Nationalist, Rebecca Pawel

28. The Flight From the Enchanter, Iris Murdoch

29. The Purloined Clinic, Janet Malcolm

April

30. King Lear, William Shakespeare

31. White Butterfly, Walter Moseley

32. Humanism and Antihumanism, Kate Soper

33. The Illusion of the End, Jean Baudrillard

34. Discourse on Method, René Descartes 

35. Meditations on First Philosophy, René Descartes

36. Cambridge Companion to Descartes, John Cottingham ed

37. The Ordinal Society, Marion Fourcade and Kieran Healy

38. Much Ado About Nothing, William Shakespeare

39. Primer, Bob Perelman

40. As You Like It, William Shakespeare

May

41. A Midsummer Night’s Dream, William Shakespeare

42. The Ballad of Peckham Rye, Muriel Spark

43. Preface to Shakespeare, Samuel Johnson

44. The Weariness of the Self, Alain Ehrenberg 

45. Harmonium, Wallace Stevens

46. Mr. Scarborough’s Family, Anthony Trollope

47. Computing Taste, Nick Seaver

48. Hamlet, William Shakespeare

June

49. On Shakespeare, Northrop Frye

50. The Taming of the Shrew, William Shakespeare

51. The Double Shift, Jason Read

52. Romeo and Juliet, William Shakespeare

53. La Vendée, Anthony Trollope

54. Mirror Worlds, David Gelertner

55. The Commercialization of Intimate Life, Arlie Hochschild

July

56. In Our Own Image, Fred Ritchin

57. Bending the Frame, Fred Ritchin

58. After Photography, Fred Ritchin

59. Cue the Sun!, Emily Nussbaum

60. Appointment With Death, Agatha Christie

61. The Friend, Sigrid Nunez

62. Libra, Don DeLillo

63. The Interpretation of Cultures, Clifford Geertz

64. Mimesis, Erich Auerbach

65. Julius Caesar, William Shakespeare

August

66. Antony and Cleopatra, William Shakespeare

67. Nonrequired Reading, Wisława Szymborska

68. Traveling, Ann Powers

69. Annie Bot, Sierra Greer

70. Regency Buck, Georgette Heyer

71. Coriolanus, William Shakespeare

September

72. Troilus and Cressida, William Shakespeare

73. Fools of Time, Northrop Frye

74. Bel Canto, Ann Patchett

75. Measure for Measure, William Shakespeare

76. William Shakespeare, Terry Eagleton

77. Shakespeare’s Problem Plays, E.M.W. Tillyard

78. Twelfth Night, William Shakespeare

79. The Merchant of Venice, William Shakespeare

80. Othello, William Shakespeare

81. AI Snake Oil, Arvind Narayanan and Sayash Kapoor

82. Passage of Arms, Eric Ambler

October

83. All’s Well That Ends Well, William Shakespeare

84. The Book of the Courtier, Baldesare Castiglione

85. Fables of Aggression, Fredric Jameson

86. Intermezzo, Sally Rooney

87. The Pleasure of the Text, Roland Barthes

88. Liars, Sarah Manguso 

89. James, Percival Everett

November

90. Aesthetics and Politics, Bertholt Brecht, Walter Benjamin et al.

91. Protocol, Alexander Galloway

92. Sartor Resartus, Thomas Carlyle

93. The Unaccountability Machine, Dan Davies

94. Timon of Athens, William Shakespeare

95. Machines Who Think, Pamela McCorduck

December

96. Henry VI, Part 1, William Shakespeare

97. Henry VI, Part 2, William Shakespeare

98. The Triumph of Achilles, Louise Glück

99. All Shot Up, Chester Himes

100. The Saint-Fiacre Affair, Georges Simenon

101. Henry VI, Part 3, William Shakespeare

[uk3d]

Belted galloway sketch | Limited edition fine art print from an original drawing. My sketches start life as hand-drawn graphite images made on cartridge paper. I often work on these with charcoal, oil pastel or Caran d'Ache to create the look I'm after. The artwork is then scanned and finessed digitally ready for fine art printing. This process often referred to as Giclée printing uses the highest standard of printing methods to give gallery quality results that maintain all the details of the original sketch. The graphite pencils I use are Faber-Castel, the oil pastels are Sennelier and the china-graph is Caran d’Ache. The inks are pigment based archive quality (100years+). The heavyweight specialist papers I use are of the best professional quality having a wonderful surface designed specifically for fine art drawings and illustrations. Very limited editions with only ten per size printed. All artwork is signed and includes a certificate of authenticity. The A5 are 5.8" x 8.25" (14.8cm x 21cm) The A4 are 8.25" x 11.7" (21cm x 29.8cm) The A3 are 11.7" x 16.5" (29.8 cm x 42cm) The A2 are 16.5" x 23.4" (42 cm x 59.4cm) Originals are A3 11.7" x 16.5" (29.8 cm x 42cm) Frames not included in price. Free shipping on artwork to all destinations. https://www.seanbriggs.co.uk/product/belted-galloway-2/?feed_id=4521&_unique_id=66b85b32c0127

[fixomnia-scribble]

Cities believed to be 2000-3000 years old. (I LOVE LIDAR.)

Text below cut.

TL;DR:

Using the laser-scanning technology, researchers have uncovered a complex network of farmland, roads and neighbourhoods in Ecuador's Upano River Valley.

The cities are believed to be between 2,000 and 3,000 years old, according to Rostain, who works for France's National Center for Scientific Research. [Rostain's] group's findings were recently published in the journal Science.

Deep in the Amazon, researchers have uncovered a complex of ancient cities — using laser technology

The cities are believed to be between 2,000 and 3,000 years old

Mouhamad Rachini · CBC Radio · Posted: Jan 18, 2024 1:35 PM PST | Last Updated: January 18

Huge ancient city discovered in Amazon

"Wow" was all archaeologist Stéphen Rostain could say when LiDAR (light detection and ranging) laser technology revealed several ancient cities hidden deep in the Amazon rainforest.

"It's a gift for an archaeologist," he told The Current's Matt Galloway. 

Using the laser-scanning technology, researchers have uncovered a complex network of farmland, roads and neighbourhoods in Ecuador's Upano River Valley.

The cities are believed to be between 2,000 and 3,000 years old, according to Rostain, who works for France's National Center for Scientific Research. His group's findings were recently published in the journal Science.

"In the Upano, it's a completely new approach [to] the human past in the biggest rainforest of the world," he said.

Indigenous archaeologist argues humans may have arrived here 130,000 years ago

New discoveries challenge our understanding of when the first people arrived in North America

LiDAR leads the way

Rostain has been working in the Upano River Valley for years. He says he started excavating there 25 years ago, so he's known about the site with earth mounds in the area for decades.

"What we didn't [know] at this time, it was the size and the global organization of this construction," he said. "This is really new, and the LiDAR showed to us a map of this road connecting cities."

LiDAR was introduced to the excavation in 2015, when Ecuador's National Institute for Cultural Heritage funded a LiDAR survey of the valley. 

As part of the survey, specially equipped planes beamed laser pulses through the forest's vegetation, and measured their return path.

According to archaeologist Jay Silverstein, a senior lecturer at Nottingham Trent University in England, this method allows researchers to create a terrain model of the ground underneath the forest.

"You've basically skimmed off all the trees and you're actually looking at the shape of the earth," he told Galloway. "Then we start to be able to see the patterns of what we call anthropogenic, or things that were made by humans as opposed to nature."

For Rostain, this method is indispensable because it allows the exact shape and size of the ground to be reconstructed without harming the forest itself.

Rostain says nothing gets destroyed by LiDAR, noting that the technology maps out the terrain without cutting trees or destroying the archaeological site. "It's just perfect."

Silverstein said science can indeed be destructive, as damage created during excavation can't be undone. That's why using non-destructive archaeology like LiDAR is extremely important.

"We are developing more and more non-destructive techniques that allow us to to plan our excavations much better to understand what we're looking at and on the large scale before we do our small-scale excavations," he said.

Humankind's potential — and fragility

As significant as this discovery is, Silverstein warns against making any assumptions about this civilization based on first impressions.

"When I teach students or younger archaeologists, I tell them that your first impression, your gut instinct, your feeling of what you see when you first see, it is wrong," he said.

What's at stake for the climate, deep in the Amazon

The Amazon rainforest plays a crucial role in regulating the global climate, but it’s under serious threat from deforestation. CBC's international climate team ventures deep into the forest with scientists to learn how climate change is affecting it, and what’s at stake in the fight to save it.

In this case, Silverstein said assumptions shouldn't be made about what the geometric shapes revealed by LiDAR represent. 

"You don't know if you're really talking about palace plazas or agricultural fields when you see a rectangular shape in the ground," he said. "There's a big difference of what it means when understanding that society."

Nevertheless, these findings are confirmation of humanity's potential, said Silverstein.

"Whether you're we're dealing with Highlanders in Papua New Guinea or villagers in Mexico … we adapt to our environments, we figure ways to organize ourselves," he said. 

"And given the opportunity and the resources and good fortune, we will organize ourselves and create more complex societies and we'll figure out how to better manage our water and build roads and build houses."

How recreating ancient recipes helps one food buff bring the past to life

Lessons from an ancient Athenian in an era of 'fake news'

There may be a grim lesson to be learned from these findings, according to Silverstein: civilization is fragile, and there's no guarantee that our societies will be around in the future.

"Everyone who lived in those ancient societies thought their society was fine and that they were going to live on forever, and that their children would live there and their grandchildren and so on," he said. "But something happened and it didn't."

"We blithely go through life and we get our warnings of climate crisis and warfare and threats. But we more or less assume that we're going to be here tomorrow and living just like we do today —until it happens."

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Mouhamad Rachini

Journalist

Mouhamad Rachini is a Canadian-Lebanese writer and producer for CBC Radio's digital team. He's worked for several CBC Radio shows including The Current, Day 6 and Cross Country Checkup. He's particularly passionate about stories from Muslim and Middle Eastern communities. He also writes about soccer on his website Between the Sticks. You can reach him at mouhamad.rachini@cbc.ca.

[forensicated]

Woodentop - 16th August 1983.

(Taffy: "Welcome to Sun Hill Looney Bin.")

Woodentop/The Bill started off as the 4th episode in the Storyboard series. It was turned into a series that began airing just over a year later on the 16th October 1984.

The first words were spoken by Jim Carver after his (second) alarm sounded to wake him for his first day as a probationer at Sun Hill. "OK Carver, let's do it." He presents as keen and enthusiastic although obviously naive. He's promising however and came top of the class on his "Human Awareness Training" course at Hendon.

Sgt Jack Wilding (Peter Dean), Inspector Sam Deeping (Jon Croft), PC's Green, Rawlings, Wallace, Reid and Morton and 2 unamed uniform officers played by Chris Jenkinson and Richard Huw do not go onto make it into the series, however Jim, Dave Litten, June Ackland, Taffy and Roy Galloway do. Taffy has a surname change later however to Edwards as he is Dai 'Taffy' Morgan here.

"Galloping" Galloway is played by Robert Pugh, he's later recast as John Salthouse, the [original!] short ginger Jack Russell we all know and love. "Doesn't that man ever go home?" "We're in it, Jack. This is it."

PC Hollis is mentioned and his call sign is given as 375. The S for 'Sierra-Oscar' is missing from their epaulettes and only an O is present. Taffy is 101, June is 643, Jim is 600 and Dave is 201. June is the only female officer seen. Dave shows an interest in her but she isn't interested and literally rolls her eyes at his attempt to eye her up in the briefing. It appears they have had an on again/off again thing that; when off; makes the others rather uncomfortable.

Jim declares allegiance to uniform from the off, "I'm a firm believer in traditional policing methods." He explains that he wants to be on the pre-side of policing rather than the post-side (aka: when the problem has already happened). Deeping warns him he felt the same when he first joined and says he might change his mind a few months in.

Taffy asks about Dave's 'exam results' and then says he has 6 more weeks to go to his own; laughing that Wilding is making Litten sweat. June later explains that Dave has just finished a 2-week attachment to CID and "now CID are his Gods, especially DI Galloway." Dave has been waiting 2 months to see if he's passed an exam to allow him to join CID properly.

June is tasked with puppy walking "Jim-Jim". She reflects on how stupid it is to still have the W in front of her job title (WPC/WDC/WDS etc), pointing out that it doesn't matter if they're male or female - they're still police constables.

Jim is confused when she asks a paperboy his name. June explains that a paperboy would know who is away as he wouldn't have to deliver to them for a specified amount of time. She suggests CID might have overlooked it when investigating a spate of robberies. Jim is amazed and she assures him he'll soon learn and pick up little tricks like that. Soon after they are asked to check in on an elderly lady who hasn't been seen in weeks. Sadly the lady has passed in the bath and the obvious has started to happen to her body. Both are horrified though Jim tries to protect June from seeing it. "Poor old Jim Jim, first time out. First day even!"

During a pep talk, Jack Wilding reminds June to never get emotionally involved with anyone in the job - if only she'd listened…! (cough Dave, Gordon, Jim, Tony, Gabriel and Roger). "You're too classy for the likes of Dave Litten! If I were 10 years younger!"

Dave takes Jim 'walkies' for the afternoon, Dave loves showing off to the newbie and claims he'll soon be out of uniform and with CID.

In the briefing, Jim and the others were told to get to know the youths who are upsetting locals by hanging around in groups. He was encouraged to keep a professional distance as an officer, to earn respect and to remain firm but fair. During their walkabout, Jim dishes out a slap round the back of the head to a youth who tries to escape him and Dave. Dave immediately pulls him aside and tells him that he shouldn't have done that and they're pulled in to see Wilding. Wilding warns Jim that he could be suspended on his first day if the boy's family takes it further and sends him and Dave home early.

Wilding has to ask Galloway to help him as the lad Jim assaulted is Galloway's big robbery suspect's son. After butting heads, Roy reluctantly agrees and takes Jack to see his suspect, making it clear that Jack owes him one and that he's only doing it for Dave who he sees real CID potential in.

Jack buys the drinks and explains to Mr Taylor about his new PC collaring his son and friend for 'scrumping. Taylor jumps to the conclusion that Jim would have wanted to get his first arrest under his belt and claims he should have just given him a thick ear and sent him home like the good old days. Jack explains that that is exactly what Jim did, making Taylor laugh. "There's hope for your lot yet."

Jim lives to see another day and we end back in bed with Jim (ooh er!) setting his alarm for the morning.

[nursingwriter]

Healthcare Environment The last few decades have seen the healthcare environment change from one that was dictated by physicians to one that is dictated more by big business and government entities. That is particularly problematic, because that puts healthcare into the hands of people who are not really focused on helping people, and are, instead, focused on the financial aspects of ensuring that people get care. While healthcare should be about taking care of people who are ailing, injured, or sick, it becomes who has the most money or the best insurance provider. There are a number of segments to the healthcare environment, as well, and they all play roles in the mission that involves caring for the health and well-being of the greater society. Among these segments is the pharmaceutical industry, which has provided medicines for more than 100 years so that people with disease and health conditions could be treated. The industry, though, has not changed as much as the overall healthcare environment of which it is a part, however, which means that the pharmaceutical industry has fallen behind when it comes to the proper care of patients. The research and development times of pharmaceutical companies are extremely long, as they have kept the conservative business model that was in place when they began their businesses nearly 100 years in the past. In order to meet current demands, though, these companies should be looking into new ways to conduct business (Tjandrawanata & Simanjuntak, 2012). Currently, it takes between 10 and 15 years and one billion dollars to develop a new medicine and bring it to patients. That drives up the cost and can make the medicine unattainable to many people (Stach, 2006). With that in mind, the pharmaceutical industry needs a more innovative approach to the development and discovery of medicines, as well as better control of expenses. This project will address those needed changes. Educating healthcare professionals regarding patient simulation is vital, as this has been considered to be a valid method of confirming competency. Simulation works well as an education method, and also as a solution to validate competency assessments of RNs. The lecture format is currently used, but is not as succession. As the development of clinical situations tend to become more complex, there are increasing co-morbidities that have to be addressed with many patients. Nurses need to react with clinical judgment both quickly and appropriately in these circumstances (Galloway, 2009). By addressing the specific needs of learners, patient simulation makes learning more active but also provides evaluation and repetition opportunities. The learning environment then encourages overall performance improvements, along with better teamwork, decision making, and confidence (Hagler & Wilson, 2013). Safe and quality care within the work setting is thereby increased. Olson (2013) addresses the fact that today's healthcare system is faced with issues including social, political, and economic. These all present challenges, and require more accountability. Muller (2013) also emphasizes accountability in the medical profession. People are accountable for their actions, but it is important to look at accountability in a broader context, as well. Accounting for one's actions can mean many things, since there are a number of people or institutions to which accountability must be offered (Iacono, 2013). O'Hagan and Persaud (2009) state that "an organization must be able to access, create, manage, and use knowledge so as to improve organizational processes and allow organizational members to experience the benefits of accountability" (p. 125). Healthcare professionals on the unit are developing excitement that they will learn and be able to practice skills in a safe, controlled environment in the future. There is strong support for the project, and all the bases have been covered that will allow it to move forward. References Galloway, S.J., (2009). Simulation techniques to bridge the gap between novice and competent healthcare professionals. OJIN: The Online Journal of Issues in Nursing, 14(2), manuscript 3. Hagler, D., & Wilson, R. (2013). Designing nursing staff competency assessment using simulation. Journal of Radiology Nursing, 32(4), 165-169. Iacono, M. (2013). The culture of accountability. Journal of PeriAnesthesia Nursing, 28(2), 107-109. doi:10.1016/j.jopan.2013.01.002 Muller, L. (2013). Integrity and accountability the omnibus final rule: Part 1. Professional Case Management, 18(4), 204-207. O'Hagan, J., & Persaud, D. (2009). Creating a culture of accountability in health care. The Health Care Manager, 28(2), 124-133. Olson, L. (2013). Public health leadership development: Factors contributing growth. Journal of Public Health Management and Practice, 19(4), 341-347 Stach, G. (2006). Business alliance at Eli Lilly: A successful innovation strategy. Strategy and Leadership, 34.5, 28-33. Tjandrawinata, R., & Simanjuntak, D. (2012). Factors affecting productivity of research-based pharmaceutical companies following mergers and acquisitions. Retrieved from http://mpra.ub.uni-muenchen.de/42514/ Read the full article

[garudabluffs]

14:34 rights and democracy are now a function

14:37 of how much money you have full stop uh

Scott Galloway on Markets, Musk, and Trump’s “Weapons of Mass Distraction” | Amanpour and Company

Mar 12, 2025 #amanpourpbs

Scott Galloway believes there is method in Trump's "MAGA-nomics" -- from a tariff war to tax cuts for the rich. Galloway is an NYU professor, author and podcast host. He joins the show to break down what Trump's policies mean for the American economy.

14:41 the wealthy technocrats and the 0.1%

14:44 feel as if and quite frankly it may be

14:46 true that they are protected by the law

14:49 but not bound by it whereas the rest of

14:51 the 99% are bound by the law but not

14:54 protected by

[back-and-totheleft]

Oliver Stone keeps it candid at Master Class

After returning home from serving in the Vietnam War in 1968, director Oliver Stone found himself unable to deal with reality. He called himself “another person” after his experiences. Out in the field of battle, the wet biome of Vietnam jungles proved too difficult of an environment to pen his thoughts, so he relied on memory in order to process his experiences into a screenplay.

The first draft, titled “Break,” was an abstract impression of the war — the main character dies in the first quarter of the film, travels to the Egyptian underworld and magically ends up in prison. But following 18 years and some major revisions, Stone would turn “Break” into the visceral 1987 Best Picture winner “Platoon” — a tall task by the standards of 1980s cinema.

“There’s been so many war films since 1986. It’s almost like (science fiction) now. It seems relatively easy to make these explosions and have these men running around under fire,” Stone said. “Believe me. Back then, it was really difficult to do this. It was seen as groundbreaking… The Vietnam thing had certainly never sunk into the American public… When they saw this film, I think it really shook them. It wasn’t ‘Apocalypse Now.’ It wasn’t ‘Deer Hunter…’ It was something else — unsettling — and that’s what I’ve been doing since then.”

On Nov. 13, the three-time Academy Award winner joined a Chapman audience in the Folino Theater following a screening of “Platoon.” He was introduced by Stephen Galloway, the dean of Dodge College of Film and Media Arts, as one of the few directors whose personality stamps his work. Throughout their conversation, Stone brought a wealth of filmmaking wisdom, an honest outlook on his past and a cornucopia of blunt assertions regarding media propaganda, foreign politics and American history.

Prior to completing his abstract war screenplay, Stone was arrested in San Diego for smuggling marijuana from Vietnam before being bailed out by a lawyer his father had hired. He made his way back to New York for a proper homecoming but little clarity on his future.

“All I knew how to do was kill people and to camp out in the jungle… I wanted to further my education,” Stone said.

Stone had previously dropped out of Yale before the war, where he was classmates with George W. Bush, or as Stone likes to call him, “the dope who ran this country into the ground.” He would later film “W.” about the 43rd president. With a fresh start, Stone enrolled in New York University where he took an introductory film class from director Martin Scorsese.

Following talking on his writing process, his regrets and an excerpt from his book (Chasing the Light: Writing, Directing, and Surviving Platoon, Midnight Express, Scarface, Salvador, and the Movie Game), Stone acknowledged his reputation amongst viewers and critics who consume the violence in his films.

“That’s what they always say about me, ‘I’m crude, or I’m vulgar and I’m not subtle.’ I think there’s a theater of cruelty. You have to show them. You have to shock them. People get awards for not showing… but sometimes you just gotta show (John) Kennedy’s fucking corpse and what they did to him and the holes they put in him.” — Oliver Stone, three-time Academy Award-winning director, referring to his film "JFK"

Stone is best known for his films “Platoon,” “JFK,” “Nixon,” “Snowden” and much more.

He also provided advice on how to bring out authentic performances from actors who may not have the same connection to the subject matter as he does — the key being pressure.

“You have to bring pressure on the person who’s not living that life unless he’s totally dedicated to method acting,” Stone said. “You gotta get them to a level where he understands the intensity of that experience… You put the idea in their hearts that they’re going to this place.”

Questions were opened to the audience for a Q&A session, during which Stone spoke on his views of American history. His ideations have manifested into films such as “Nixon,” “World Trade Center,” “Wall Street,” “Born on the Fourth of July” and “Snowden.”

“American history is full of lies… That’s what’s depressing. People forget that they’ve been lied to, and they just move on and they buy the next lie,” Stone said. “We’ve got to change that paradigm. We’ve got to change the way we think and address this government. Governments lie.”

When asked about off-the-record moments from “The Putin Interviews” — a four-part documentary series in which Stone interviews Vladimir Putin — Stone claimed that the Russian president is modest and misunderstood. He said that Americans need to understand that the Russian people also have a love for their country and want sovereignty to control their fate.

“Of those who are interested in knowing who this so-called villain is, it’s important you know who he is and how he thinks and how he behaves…” Stone said. “People in the United States, because they hate him so much from the propaganda, have turned their eyes away. They don’t even want to listen. This is horrible. This is what causes so many problems in the world. We have to listen. We have to empathize… The only way to preserve peace is to understand each other.”

A later question about the documentary “Navalny” — centered on Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny — prompted Stone to respond, “I know the Navaly story, and I know what propaganda is. He’s an American hero — a Western hero. We’ll leave it at that.”

The evening was capped off with a message from Galloway, who said that no matter whether he agrees or disagrees with Stone’s declarations, he admires his courage for voicing his opinions with the world against him.

Freshman television writing and production major Ross Corman-O’Reilly attended the event because of Stone’s cinematic legacy and his love of the film “JFK.”

“This was the best master class I’ve been to. It was so off the walls. It was great to see Stone. I respect him very much as a filmmaker.” — Ross Corman-O'Reilly, freshman television writing and production major Junior film studies major Karthik Davuluri describes the evening as the Master Class he’s been waiting for.

“He’s made some legendary movies. We don’t get a lot of directors who are from that era. He’s a truly unique guest to get, and I was really interested in learning about his perspective on film and politics and how he combines the two… I really thought this was a once-in-a-lifetime thing hearing his perspective on everything. He’s a casual guy who isn’t afraid to say what he thinks and speak his mind even if it is controversial, which is something I’ve been waiting to see from a Master Class.” — Karthik Davuluri, junior film studies major

-Nicholas De Lucca, "Oliver Stone keeps it candid at Master Class," The Panther, Nov 22 2023

[scots-gallivanter]

THREE

It may be questioned whether in the long and bloodstained history of the Debatable Land where the tragedy took place there is set down anything more startlingly or poignantly tragic than the fate which, in the course of a few minutes of shock and flame, practically wiped out of existence a half battalion of the 7th of Leith Royal Scots.

Of nearly 500 officers and men who were on their way from their homes to fight their country’s battle at the Front little more than 50 answered the roll call – an incident as heartrendingly mournful as any recorded in Border history.

The Scotsman, May 24th, 1915

AS I WALK up a quiet, potholed lane past a chicken ranch there’s nothing in this featureless landscape half a mile north-west of the border to suggest that anything much ever happened here. But what did happen, on May 22nd, 1915, dominated the front pages of most of the western world’s newspapers, and caused widespread grief and mourning. Two hundred and twenty-seven people were killed in a three-train crash aggravated by a fire that engulfed the wreckage. Most of the dead were soldiers on their way to war: from Larbert to Gallipoli via Liverpool. Most of them never left Scottish soil. Several survivors later died on the Turkish peninsula. The inferno at Quintinshill remains Britain’s worst rail disaster and is still marked every year by the laying of wreaths for the dead.

The troop train had been 213 yards long, but it was concertinaed to 67. Doctors crawled below the wreckage to try to save lives, to perform ad hoc amputations. The British Railway Museum has a William the Fourth ‘king’s shilling’ found at the scene: it was badly warped by the heat.

Alexander Sutherland Neill, the future founder of the progressive Summerhill school, was standing in as a teacher in Gretna at the time. The scene had been like a silent film to him, the only sounds being the hissing of the engines and the pops of the cartridges as fire crept along the wreckage. He wrote in his memoirs: ‘Men were lying dead or dying; one soldier, with both legs torn off asked me for a cigarette, and he grinned as I lit it up for him,’ Neill recalled.

‘‘‘May as well lose them here as in France”,’ he said lightly. He died before the cigarette was half-smoked.’ (Neill! Neill! Orange Peel, 1976)

Neill had been one of the rescuers, having cycled to the scene after the postman had rushed through the village telling everybody that a Zeppelin had bombed a troop train. (Rumours of German saboteurs circulated freely, and there were fanciful reports of Zeppelin bases in the Cumberland or Galloway hills, some of them picked up by the local press.)

The local minister, James Stafford, cycled to Quintinshill too on a multi-coloured bike which Neill lampooned in his memoirs. The Rev. Stafford, who was very much an establishment person, often clashed with Neill over his liberal teaching methods. Stafford was Gretna parish minister for 36 years and would probably have served much longer had he not been among the 28 people killed when the Luftwaffe bombed a meeting of Freemasons at Gretna’s Mansfield Hall in April 1941. Stafford’s son Kenneth was 17 at the time of the Quintinshill disaster and it is likely he helped his father at the scene. He became a Lieutenant in the Royal Artillery, was badly wounded in France, and was awarded the Military Cross. He died of his injuries three days after the war ended.

Coincidentally, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, who was commissioned to write about Gretna during the First World War, was born on May 22nd (1859); he had a son Kingsley, who never got to hear victory bells, either. He died of pneumonia on October 28th, 1918, after surviving wounds sustained at the Somme.

I recall having read the transcript of the official disaster inquiry, in which an officer with the Royal Scots had stated that his most vivid recollection of the crash had been the subsequent call of a blackbird. Today there’s the beautifully fluty song of a blackbird that chirps and binks from its perch at the edge of Blacksyke wood. I walk away – towards the ‘Marriage Mecca’ past the poultry houses, where 16,000 hens died in a blaze in 2017.

The coastline of the Solway at Gretna would be uninspiring but for Monument number 3378, the Lochmabenstane, an enormous chunk of granite that was probably dropped during the Ice Age and became the location of an altar to the Celtic god Maponus, who was associated with Apollo. It had been part of a stone circle until farmers managed to break up the surrounding menhirs to ‘improve’ their land.

Were the stone able to speak, it might recount spectacles of Nuremberg rally proportions, of truces being pledged, of hostages being exchanged, of war rhetoric being yelled; of a church tumbling into the sea: Redkirk had stood on a receding promontory at Gretna until it subsided in 1675. There are no remains. The megalith might also tell of the unmarked Battle of Lochmabenstane (or Sark), which was fought in 1448. There is no trace of the battle, although it was the first Scottish field battle to be won against the English since the Battle of Otterburn in 1388. As I traverse this characterless land that is scarred by high-voltage power pylons and features a sewerage works and a refuse collection centre, it is difficult to visualise a theatre of war where as many as 3,000 English soldiers and 600 Scots met their maker.

I watch a dark line of geese drill into the clouds towards the Solway Moss, a peat bog out near Longtown, where in 1542, an estimated 17,000 Scots were massacred by English forces (or drowned as they retreated). James V had a breakdown because of it and died shortly afterwards – days after the birth of his daughter, the future Mary, Queen of Scots.

If the Lochmabenstane could speak, it might also tell us of the very well-publicised runaway weddings for which Gretna Green has long been famous. Or it might reveal the location of the lost bells of Bowness-on-Solway across the water in England. For whatever reason raiders from the village of Dornock (between Gretna and Annan) made off with Bowness’s church bells in 1626. But they ditched them to lighten the weight on their boat during the chase. In retaliation Bowness pinched the bells of Dornock and those of Middlebie, near Lockerbie; and the English village still has them. For four centuries every time a new minister is inducted in Dornock or Middlebie, he asks for the bells to be returned, and there’s always the same reply: ‘Give us OUR bells back first.’. It’s hardly the Elgin marbles, but it’s the principle of the thing.

Dornock at that time was a huddle of mud huts. A future minister referred to 25 or 26 such houses as ‘exceeding warm and comfortable’ (James Smaill, Old Statistical Account, 1791). The whole neighbourhood assembled, ‘each with a dung fork, a spade, or some such instrument.’ A house was moulded together with straw and clay within a few hours after which there was ‘a good dinner and plenty of drink which is provided for them, where they have music and a dance, with which, and other marks of festivity, they conclude the evening. This is called a daubing and, in this manner, they make a frolic of what would otherwise be a very dirty and disagreeable job.’

[uk3d]

Belted galloway cow and calf sketch | Limited edition fine art print from an original drawing. The Belted Galloway is a traditional Scottish breed of beef cattle. It derives from the Galloway cattle of the Galloway region of south-western Scotland, and was established as a separate breed in 1921. It is adapted to living on the poor upland pastures and windswept moorlands of the region. My sketches start life as hand-drawn graphite images made on cartridge paper. I often work on these with charcoal, oil pastel or Caran d'Ache to create the look I'm after. The artwork is then scanned and finessed digitally ready for fine art printing. This process often referred to as Giclée printing uses the highest standard of printing methods to give gallery quality results that maintain all the details of the original sketch. The graphite pencils I use are Faber-Castel, the oil pastels are Sennelier and the china-graph is Caran d’Ache. The inks are pigment based archive quality (100years+). The heavyweight specialist papers I use are of the best professional quality having a wonderful surface designed specifically for fine art drawings and illustrations. Very limited editions with only ten per size printed. All artwork is signed and includes a certificate of authenticity. The A5 are 5.8" x 8.25" (14.8cm x 21cm) The A4 are 8.25" x 11.7" (21cm x 29.8cm) The A3 are 11.7" x 16.5" (29.8 cm x 42cm) The A2 are 16.5" x 23.4" (42 cm x 59.4cm) Frames not included in price. Free shipping on artwork to UK destinations. https://www.seanbriggs.co.uk/product/belted-galloway-cow-and-calf/?feed_id=3263&_unique_id=6623ff73bff6a

[highlandphysio]

What Every New Runner Needs to Know Before Hitting the Road?

Running is a vigorous activity that can help one increase his or her fitness levels. It helps to control one’s heart rate, enhance one’s lung function, and regulate one’s emotions. However, if you have never practiced running before, then it would be helpful to get some tips and advice about running in order to avoid injuries and make the run as smooth as possible.

Setting a Goal: Run Your First 5K

One of the first things you should do is set an objective of running a 5-kilometre race. Suppose a person has a goal in mind. In that case, it becomes easier to concentrate and work hard towards achieving the goal.

Choosing the Right Running Shoes

When going for a run, one must select the correct shoes. When in doubt, go to a specialized running shoe store and put on a few pairs of shoes, choosing the most comfortable pair. Please do not focus on the running form or stride; settling for whatever natural stride one may possess at the beginning is advisable. If necessary, with time, you can fine-tune your form with the intervention of a physiotherapist.

The Run-Walk Method for Beginners

The run-walk method used by Olympian Jeff Galloway is quite helpful for beginners. This plan recommends running steadily with walk breaks in between until the finish line. This moderate exercise involves picking up a pace for a particular distance before slowing down to a walk for the same distance. Begin the exercise by running for one minute and then walking for one minute in a to-and-for manner. It is also essential to gradually extend the running intervals to a maximum of eight minutes with only one to two minutes of walking in between. This method also assists in developing stamina, and specific training can also minimize the probability of getting an injury.

Building a Training Plan for New Runners

Target to run thrice a week, that pace allowing you to speak while jogging without getting easily puffed. Consider supplementing the activity with strength training or bodyweight exercises for the core, hips, and lower-body muscles between your running sessions. The best training regimens for novices usually range from six to eight weeks, during which you gradually increase your training load to develop more stamina.

Injury Prevention via Stretching and Precautions

However, taking precautions at the initial stage of practicing running is also essential to avoid injuries. Try to execute dynamic stretches before and after the run, like squats, stretching exercises, kicking legs high and sideward bends. Do not leave the soles of your feet tight because the constant impact on the pavement can hurt you.

The Joy of Running and Making Progress

Yes, running can be a lot of fun and intriguing. The feeling of being able to do it, making positive behavioural changes, and achieving the race day is fantastic. If you are unsure of something or need further assistance, do not hesitate to consult a physiotherapy treatment clinic in Kitchener, such as Highland Physio & Rehab.

Embrace Your Journey, Stay Motivated

Just remind yourself that running is a personal experience that should be encouraged and appreciated. Start gradually, be attentive to your body, and do not forget to congratulate yourself on your achievements. With hard work, endurance, and perseverance, you will be on the right track to becoming a runner.

[sunaleisocial]

MIT engineers turn skin cells directly into neurons for cell therapy

New Post has been published on https://sunalei.org/news/mit-engineers-turn-skin-cells-directly-into-neurons-for-cell-therapy/

MIT engineers turn skin cells directly into neurons for cell therapy

Converting one type of cell to another — for example, a skin cell to a neuron — can be done through a process that requires the skin cell to be induced into a “pluripotent” stem cell, then differentiated into a neuron. Researchers at MIT have now devised a simplified process that bypasses the stem cell stage, converting a skin cell directly into a neuron.

Working with mouse cells, the researchers developed a conversion method that is highly efficient and can produce more than 10 neurons from a single skin cell. If replicated in human cells, this approach could enable the generation of large quantities of motor neurons, which could potentially be used to treat patients with spinal cord injuries or diseases that impair mobility.

“We were able to get to yields where we could ask questions about whether these cells can be viable candidates for the cell replacement therapies, which we hope they could be. That’s where these types of reprogramming technologies can take us,” says Katie Galloway, the W. M. Keck Career Development Professor in Biomedical Engineering and Chemical Engineering.

As a first step toward developing these cells as a therapy, the researchers showed that they could generate motor neurons and engraft them into the brains of mice, where they integrated with host tissue.

Galloway is the senior author of two papers describing the new method, which appear today in Cell Systems. MIT graduate student Nathan Wang is the lead author of both papers.

From skin to neurons

Nearly 20 years ago, scientists in Japan showed that by delivering four transcription factors to skin cells, they could coax them to become induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). Similar to embryonic stem cells, iPSCs can be differentiated into many other cell types. This technique works well, but it takes several weeks, and many of the cells don’t end up fully transitioning to mature cell types.

“Oftentimes, one of the challenges in reprogramming is that cells can get stuck in intermediate states,” Galloway says. “So, we’re using direct conversion, where instead of going through an iPSC intermediate, we’re going directly from a somatic cell to a motor neuron.”

Galloway’s research group and others have demonstrated this type of direct conversion before, but with very low yields — fewer than 1 percent. In Galloway’s previous work, she used a combination of six transcription factors plus two other proteins that stimulate cell proliferation. Each of those eight genes was delivered using a separate viral vector, making it difficult to ensure that each was expressed at the correct level in each cell.

In the first of the new Cell Systems papers, Galloway and her students reported a way to streamline the process so that skin cells can be converted to motor neurons using just three transcription factors, plus the two genes that drive cells into a highly proliferative state.

Using mouse cells, the researchers started with the original six transcription factors and experimented with dropping them out, one at a time, until they reached a combination of three — NGN2, ISL1, and LHX3 — that could successfully complete the conversion to neurons.

Once the number of genes was down to three, the researchers could use a single modified virus to deliver all three of them, allowing them to ensure that each cell expresses each gene at the correct levels.

Using a separate virus, the researchers also delivered genes encoding p53DD and a mutated version of HRAS. These genes drive the skin cells to divide many times before they start converting to neurons, allowing for a much higher yield of neurons, about 1,100 percent.

“If you were to express the transcription factors at really high levels in nonproliferative cells, the reprogramming rates would be really low, but hyperproliferative cells are more receptive. It’s like they’ve been potentiated for conversion, and then they become much more receptive to the levels of the transcription factors,” Galloway says.

The researchers also developed a slightly different combination of transcription factors that allowed them to perform the same direct conversion using human cells, but with a lower efficiency rate — between 10 and 30 percent, the researchers estimate. This process takes about five weeks, which is slightly faster than converting the cells to iPSCs first and then turning them into neurons.

Implanting cells

Once the researchers identified the optimal combination of genes to deliver, they began working on the best ways to deliver them, which was the focus of the second Cell Systems paper.

They tried out three different delivery viruses and found that a retrovirus achieved the most efficient rate of conversion. Reducing the density of cells grown in the dish also helped to improve the overall yield of motor neurons. This optimized process, which takes about two weeks in mouse cells, achieved a yield of more than 1,000 percent.

Working with colleagues at Boston University, the researchers then tested whether these motor neurons could be successfully engrafted into mice. They delivered the cells to a part of the brain known as the striatum, which is involved in motor control and other functions.

After two weeks, the researchers found that many of the neurons had survived and seemed to be forming connections with other brain cells. When grown in a dish, these cells showed measurable electrical activity and calcium signaling, suggesting the ability to communicate with other neurons. The researchers now hope to explore the possibility of implanting these neurons into the spinal cord.

The MIT team also hopes to increase the efficiency of this process for human cell conversion, which could allow for the generation of large quantities of neurons that could be used to treat spinal cord injuries or diseases that affect motor control, such as ALS. Clinical trials using neurons derived from iPSCs to treat ALS are now underway, but expanding the number of cells available for such treatments could make it easier to test and develop them for more widespread use in humans, Galloway says.

The research was funded by the National Institute of General Medical Sciences and the National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Program.