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jimlingss · 5 years ago

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Ghost in the Machine

➜ Words: 14.4k

➜ Genres: 100% Mild Angst, Android!AU

➜ Summary: Kim Namjoon is your android that’s modified to become the best serial killer in all of existence. But when he starts to learn about humanity, he begins to threaten your goals.

➜ Warnings: Explicit descriptions of murder and lots of it, gruesome details.

Namjoon opens his eyes. The first thing he sees is you. Your expression is blank, lips tight in a line, eyes darkened. And you greet him. “Hello. What is your name?” “Kim Namjoon,” he answers without needing to think twice. “Perfect.” You shift back so your face is no longer millimeters away from his and inspecting him closely. Your arms are placed behind your back and your chin lifts. “Do you know why you have been created?” It takes him a moment to locate the information of his purpose. “I was created to kill.”

Namjoon is an android. Model 120994 specifically. He has sharp sensors and agile actuators. But over the wires, harddrives and machinery that drive his thoughts and movements is a skin-like texture that hides his true identity from the naked eye. His face has also been shaped to be perceived positively and the most likeable — blonde hair, strong eyes, and dimples in his cheeks. Beyond a physical sense, Namjoon is advanced for what he is. He can understand thoughts, feelings, and expectations for how people want to be treated and can adjust his behavior accordingly. He is a humanoid robot with self-awareness and is able to make comprehensive decisions, respond eloquently, and interact with the world around him as any other human can. And his sole function is for extermination. “Who will I kill first?” Namjoon asks as he follows you to your modest living space — it is empty and white, lacking furniture and seemingly sterile. But he pays no mind to trivial details and cuts straight to the point only minutes after being activated in order to complete his task in the most efficient manner. “Min Junseo,” you answer and hand him a file folder that contains relevant information and a photograph as reference. “You are programmed to know the procedure, correct?” “Puncture the carotid artery for the quickest death,” he replies instantly in a monotone voice. You nod and your lips slightly quirk in satisfaction — it makes him glad to know he has appeased you. “They are deserving individuals and worthy of elimination.” “I understand,” he says despite not needing your reasoning in the first place. You are his creator after all. He will simply do as you say. // Within hours of the android’s awakening, he is already on the move to annihilate the first target. He lingers in the dark alley, standing motionlessly in the corner where the light from the street does not cast its shine. There are littered bottles discarded on the ground, cigarettes snubbed out, the dumpster not far from where he is and where you watch behind him. The door to the back of the bar finally opens. The music is deafening until it becomes muffled again when the steel doors shut, squeaking on its hinges. A woman has emerged and she leans against the graffitied brick wall, reaching into her pocket for a white pack. She places a cigarette between her red lips and takes out a lighter, thumb flicking at the tiny wheel a few times before the end is lit and she takes a few puffs. But then her eyes stray and she notices the two shadows in the corner of the alley. Her eyes widen as she feels your heavy gazes and she quickly walks towards the street where the light is, glancing over her shoulder a few times before disappearing. Namjoon never once breathes — he doesn’t need to. He merely stands there without blinking, like a stone statue, waiting patiently…...patiently...and eventually, the target exits the door. The man is holding trash bags in both hands, a red vest adorning his body with black trousers, name tag on the top left of his chest. He is a waiter at the bar Namjoon had been stalking. Min Junseo: A thirty years old male, height of one hundred seventy six centimeters and weight of sixty three kilograms, blood type O negative, allergic to penicillin, a high school graduate, no children or spouses. You stand on the tips of your toes, breath against his ear. “Now.” And the android does not hesitate to barrel straight forward. Right when the waiter tosses the bags into the dumpster, he turns at the sound of footsteps and his greeting is immediately muffled by Namjoon’s palm. The male android turns the human target around, kicking the back of his knee until the man’s kneeling and one of Namjoon’s arms wrap around the man’s shoulders, holding him still. Namjoon takes the sharp blade out from his pocket. He places the edge below Junseo’s left ear with the handle alongside his chin, prepared to be pulled forward and across with pressure applied towards the center of the neck during the draw. The handle will rotate a little towards the opposite side during the draw so the neck muscles wouldn’t interfere with the cut. But before Namjoon completes his task, he pauses beforehand. For a mere moment as Min Junseo squirms in his tight grasp. Junseo’s shrieks and screams are muted, arms restricted by the android’s hold. The man’s eyes are bulging from their sockets, fear and terror making him squeal like a pig, muscles trembling unwillingly. And then Namjoon slits the man’s throat in one fluid motion. It shears unbelievably easily and in the database of the android’s information, he could compare it to running scissors over wrapping paper or sticking a knife into soft butter. The skin and tissue of Junseo split and the external carotid artery is severed. Namjoon registers that it feels wet and warm, his hands dampened in a downpour of blood. Junseo relaxes in his hold and Namjoon lets go, stepping back to watch the results of his actions. Junseo puts his hands up, scratching his skin until his nails are clawing where the clean slit sits at his neck. He presses his palms against the wound but blood squirts past his fingertips. It sprays, a viscous fluid in a shade of crimson that almost looks akin to black in the darkness of the alleyway. The blood sputters and pours to the ground while Junseo struggles to get to his feet. He barely manages to turn around. He makes disgruntled, inhumane noises as his eyes lay onto Namjoon’s blank ones as if he was trying to say something. But it isn’t audible when the man is gagging and gasping, choking on his own blood that’s accumulated into his mouth. Finally Junseo loses consciousness and collapses backwards onto the ground. The blood oozes out around him in a pool, the sticky liquid bleeding to the gravel and rocks, turning it red. It drips off of Namjoon’s hands too, slowly drying and tinting his skin in a bright scarlet. “You can leave the knife there,” you say to him, standing beside and looking at the disposed body. “There’s no need to take it with us.” “I understand.” The two of you leave the corpse in the alley and disappear as quickly as you came. // The old television plays in the corner of the living room. The static illuminates the dark space and casts its light onto your faces. It appears old and vintage — Namjoon is unable to identify what exact model it is. Though he notes that it is also a contrast to the clean and sterile environment you have created in your home, but he does not dwell on unnecessary findings. It’s the news channel that you have on, two male anchors facing forward with their hands clasped. There are small headlines running at the bottom, the time and temperature of the outside in the corner. Then suddenly there’s a flash and some graphics on the screen. “Breaking news. One hour ago, a thirty year old man by the name of Min Junseo, was found brutally murdered in the back alley of the local bar he worked at. According to police, the perpetrators may still be around the area and has urged everyone to remain inside.” “Sources tell us that there are speculations that this homicide may have connections to the Ghost Serial Killer who has run rampant in the past five years, leaving a string of murders without DNA evidence or fingerprints of any kind. However police will not confirm if this is indeed the act of the Ghost Serial Killer and have no suspects at the moment.” The other man nods at his fellow anchor. “They have urged everyone to take caution and to stay inside for the night.” Namjoon turns to you with an impassive expression. “Have they misjudged the perpetrator?” “Yes. They’re confused.” You shift to the android with the corner of your mouth quirked. “It’s not cause for concern. If anything, it’s better for us. We can continue like this.” The android nods. Indeed, it works to both your advantages if the police link the homicide to an unrelated serial killer. But there are still questions he desires clarification on to continue in the most efficient manner. “May I inquire as to why we did not dispose of the body?” You shake your head. “The family members must know that they’ve received justice. If they think he’s gone missing then we have not fulfilled our purpose.” “I understand.” Namjoon receives the information and turns to you completely. “Who is the next target?” The corners of your mouth pull into a bigger smile at his keenness. “They are not ready yet, but they will be in one week.” “Then is there any task you would like me to complete in the meanwhile?” You seem to contemplate for a second, hands behind your back, head tilted for a second. Then you shake your head once more. “No. You may have free-range and do as you wish.” // Namjoon is an adaptable and versatile mechanism, but he finds it difficult to preoccupy himself during his free time. It is not necessary for him to eat or sleep — all the maintenance required of him is to charge his battery every once in a while for approximately two hours. However in his spare time, it is challenging finding tasks to complete that is productive and helpful to you. The android leaves you in the working room where you retire for long periods, recognizing that you wish to be left undisturbed. So he decides to stare at the white wall for a few hours, sitting on the edge of his mattress, before he begins to wander the expanse of your home to collect information. You live in an apartment at the side of the metropolis, a secluded location at the end of the hall on the top floor that is without neighbours. It suits your behaviour as you are reclusive. The fridge is predominantly empty save for some water and spoiled cabbage. Your kitchen is white, clean, and seemingly undisturbed. The table has also collected a thin layer of dust, chairs unmoved with how the floor seems to dent where the legs have stood for a long time. Your bathroom is also sanitary and spotless, toothpaste full and toothbrush untouched. The only place that looks occupied is the couch in front of the vintage television where the afghan is not perfectly folded after use. After his inspection, Namjoon reads the dictionaries and encyclopedias, he sits down and downloads more scripts and relevant information into his himself that may be of assistance to you. It is six days into his week-long time of having free-range that Namjoon stands at the window to observe the humans below and notices a spider on the windowsill. A brown recluse spider. Lifespan one to two years. They are arachnids and rank seventh in total species diversity among all orders of organisms. They are carnivores, scientific name araneae. Namjoon’s arm extends and the eight-legged creature slowly moves from his finger into his palm. His fingers curl into a fist, but Namjoon never tightens it. No. He opens his hand again and then cups it with the other. The android views the small creature in fascination, looking closely where he can see the spider’s tiny hairs and little eyes. He holds the spider and lets it dance around his skin, crawling over his arm. The corner of the android’s lips quirk before he moves to the window again. Namjoon opens it and releases the spider outside, mentally bidding it farewell. At the same time, his senses register the noises coming from the hall and turns in time to see you emerge. You greet him and at once, he recognizes your low energy levels. “Good afternoon, Y/N. Have you slept recently?” “No, I haven’t.” You give him a small smile that indicates a friendly demeanour and that his question did not violate any social norms. “Then you should. Sleep deprivation negatively affects brain function and a variety of other parts, such as the immune system.” “You’re right.” You nod at the android in appreciation. “Thank you for the reminder. I almost didn’t notice since I’ve been so busy.” “I can prepare food for you if you would like. I know a number of recipes.” “That won’t be necessary. I can take care of myself. You don’t need to worry about me.” You hand over the manila file in your grasps, moving from the futile subject of your well-being. “I finally have the second target prepared. Her name is Jeon Yemin.” Namjoon receives the papers and opens it up. At the top of the pile, he finds a school picture of a girl with black long hair and doe eyes. “Do you have a date planned for her elimination?” “Saturday. Is that enough time for you?” “Yes.” // It is the day before the planned death that you have taken Namjoon out to scout the target. It’s not unusual given that the first target, Min Junseo, was observed by him for several hours. But it is unusual that Namjoon is in public with you, not in the darkness of an alley but somewhere where others could potentially scrutinize him. Namjoon isn’t used to it, so he treads carefully. Considering that this second target did not have a workplace or a consistent pattern of behaviour, it was vital to watch and plan accordingly. “She’s going on a school trip tomorrow,” you inform him through a quiet murmur that his sharp sensors pick up on. “Her parents will be unaware of her activity for a handful of hours.” “I see.” Jeon Yemin is the second target. She is sixteen years old, a current student attending Yeonmi High School. One hundred sixty two centimeters tall and fifty four kilograms heavy, blood type A positive. She isn’t an honour roll student, but somehow obtained a scholarship with B average grades. She is a mediocre volleyball player and often travels abroad for weeks at a time on family vacations by the looks of her social media. Her most recent destination was Osaka, Japan during Winter break. By her banking information, she is to inherit a trust fund when she is of age. Namjoon muses she will be an easy kill as he watches her enter a clothing store in the mall. She is with two other girls, presumably friends but by the way their eyes crinkle when they smile, Namjoon observes that they are forcing positive reactions to whatever she is saying. The girl must not be well liked by her peers — therefore she will not be missed. “Nam—...Namjoon?” There is a disruption to his left and his head whirls over, attention captured by the call of his name. It is a stranger that is slowly approaching him, a seventy year old man with poor posture that staggers forward with a cane in hand. Bright eyes, high cheekbones, and a sharp nose, but his skin is wrinkled and round spectacles that are smudged sit on his face awkwardly. Namjoon searches his database within a millisecond but is unable to identify the man. And as the senior comes closer, his frown only deepens and his eyes narrow. Immediately, you place a hand on Namjoon’s arm and usher him away. The android does not hesitate to follow where you are bringing him, in the opposite direction of the senior citizen who croaks out to no avail until the two of you are gone and a nurse brings him back to the group. “Do you know who that was?” Namjoon inquires you. “I am unsure.” “He knew of my name.” “It doesn’t matter,” you scold and stop. Namjoon is high on alert, recognizing your irritation and annoyance. He realizes he must prevent you from experiencing those emotions. “You must not lose sight of the goal. You have one purpose and only one purpose.” Namjoon nods at once. “I understand.” // Namjoon and you have been seated in the car since before dawn, sitting calmly in your seats while watching the front door of Jeon Yemin’s house. He had insisted that you slept while he kept watch, but you dismissed his advice and sat in silence with him for hours. Timing was of the essence after all and he’s gained enough sense of this target to calculate her movements. Jeon Yemin is a privileged girl with an abundance of wealth but a desire to be accepted in a social circle of friends. She will reject being driven to her school trip in her parent’s expensive car, but instead opt to walk to the bus stop to meet with classmates there and arrive at school. The ten minute walk to the stop is where the both of you will grab your opportunity. The way in which you confirm this plan only assures the android this is the best course of action. “There she is.” You sit straighter, turning to Namjoon as the student is seen shutting the door behind her with her backpack slung over one shoulder before strolling down the safe neighbourhood street. “Earlier than her normal routine. It was good we were keeping watch.” “Yes.” Namjoon observes the temperature on the dashboard and finds the outside to be low enough. “Should I begin?” “Wait two minutes.” Namjoon begins counting. The car that you were in was registered to a man from across the country, an old farmer that has no relation to the soon-to-be victim. The paperwork simply needed to be filled and filed, easy to use for the purpose of this short trip. There was no flaw in your planning whatsoever and Namjoon finds you competent for that — but he already knew you were competent the moment he opened his eyes. You created him after all. Namjoon fires up the engine and begins to drive below the speed limit. At the same time, you roll down the window and he stops right where the high schooler is walking. Jeon Yemin turns her head at the sound and halts as well. “Excuse me,” you call out and motion her over. Yemin follows to stand right at your window. “I’m sorry to bother you, but do you know where Burtons Place is? We’re looking for 346 Burtons Place.” “Oh.” The high schooler smiles, happy to prove herself useful. She points down the street. “It’s that way and then you take a left at Earlstone Crescent and then at the second road down, you take a right and it should be there.” “Pardon me? A right at Earstone Crescent and then a right after the first?” You attempt to mimic her gestures and Namjoon observes, musing that you are quite good at deception. He smiles to appear friendly. “Oh, no, it’s called Earlstone and it’s the second road down. Do you need me to show you?” Yemin smiles, her hamartia of wanting to be liked trickling down to the smallest of her acts. “I’m actually walking to the bus stop at Burtons Place.” “That would be very helpful, thank you.” Yemin gets into the backseat of the car. The temperature outside was cold enough that the girl visibly eases in the toastiness of the vehicle — it is clear she has been pampered in her life as she unconsciously desires to be inside of a car and away from the chilly wind. Perhaps your planning has also aided her subconscious into getting the vehicle. By picking a day that her mood would be undoubtedly good and she’s unguarded, dressing both you and him in her favourite brand, choosing an expensive car to drive in, and mimicking her body language, you had made the decision for her before she had the conscious choice of it. “We’re newlyweds and visiting his mom for the first time,” you graze Namjoon’s arm affectionately while turning around to regard her with a smile. “So we’re a bit lost and the GPS can never get it right. I’m sorry for being such a bother.” Your lies only put her at further ease. A friendly, young couple like you and Namjoon with polished appearances, attractive faces and apparent wealth would never seek to harm her. “Oh, no, it’s fine.” Yemin bats her hand, obviously glad to be the person who knows most in this vehicle. “I don’t mind at all. Congratulations on the marriage, by the way.” Namjoon glances in the rear-view, smiles until dimples press into his cheeks and he begins driving down the road. The radio plays some chirpy pop music, the car doors lock and the girl leans forward unsuspectingly. “Take a left here.” He turns left and continues to drive. You face forward, leaning back. “Okay, you can take a right here—o-oh. You missed it.” “We can turn around,” you mutter halfheartedly. But Namjoon continues to drive. The girl becomes quieter, her body language timid and fearful. She waits for the U-turn, for the car to turn around and go back to where you said it was supposed to go. But it never comes and her voices of protest that this is the wrong way go unheard. Soon, the avenues and streets become unfamiliar. “W-Where are you taking me?” She gets no answers as the car merges to an empty highway. Yemin frantically pulls out her cell phone from her pocket with trembling hands. She sobs out as it falls on the ground, but quickly snatches it up again. She begins to type a text to her friend, but it never sends. She cries in frustration and tries calling her dad, but it doesn’t go through. “Your sim card has been deactivated,” Namjoon pipes up for the first time since the plan initiated. The girl is visibly shaken and her phone falls into her lap. “You won’t get wifi out here either, so you won’t get data connection at all.” “You can try calling the police,” you snicker and turn around to pout at her as if you were sympathizing. “But you won’t have any reception out here and even if you did somehow manage to, it's nearly impossible for emergency services to locate a person without active service.” Yemin begins to sob. She whirls her head around and grasps onto the doors, but they’re locked. She manually unlocks it, but it’s still unable to be opened when the child lock is engaged. The girl hits her fists against the windows to no avail and then begins crying harder. Namjoon drives for ten full minutes, out in the middle of nowhere with just green prairies and rolling hills without a person in sight. But his hands on the wheel begin to tighten when she starts begging for her life. “My parents will give you whatever you want. I...I have nothing!” There is something in the back of the android’s mind that he attempts to process but is unable to. “Pl—Please don’t hurt me! Please!” But he feels as if he has experienced this before. “Please!” “Don’t do this,” Yemin weeps and Namjoon gets a flash, recalling how his hands tighten on the wheel before, how you were seated beside him, how another woman was in the backseat and cried— “Why are you doing this?” “Just call my dad!” — “I have a family!” “I’ll do whatever you want!” — “What is it that you want from me?” But it is absurd. Déjà vu is rejected by mainstream scientific approaches. The voice that he vaguely hears in his mind must be a projection, perhaps a malfunction or his assumptions for how humans in this situation would respond is flawed in stressful circumstances. Namjoon brushes it away. The car is parked thirteen kilometers from her home, parked behind trees and the girl is dragged out from the backseat into a field. She struggles against Namjoon’s hold, but to no avail. “Please! I have a f-family! I don’t want to die! I don’t want to die!” She is crying hysterically, screaming at the top of her lungs for no one to hear. Her legs tremble until her entire body is quivering like a leaf, three seconds from pissing herself with how terrified she is. Namjoon takes out the knife and places the edge below Yemin’s left ear, handle alongside her chin. “N-No...Pu-pulease,” she cries past gritted teeth, snot dripping all over herself. The girl immediately hitches her breath and seems to recoil, suddenly made quiet and merely whimpers and sniffles tearing out of her throat. Namjoon pauses. He does not move the handle of the knife. “Do it,” you command behind him with crossed arms. “Namjoon.” The android hesitates. He’s been through this before. He doesn’t know if it was a simulation, if it’s a defect in his system, but he is certain he has been through this before. You had once yelled at him— “Do it!” “Namjoon!” You had once stood in front of him with tears streaming down your face on some dark night in an empty field and you yelled his name much like this— “Namjoon! Please! Just do it!” “Do it!” The blade is pulled forward and across with pressure applied towards the center of the neck during the draw. The handle rotates a little towards the opposite side, neck sliced easily as the girl shrieks in antagonizing agony. It is done without much thought, as Namjoon’s mind is still processing. This had happened before — Namjoon is sure of it. He had heard the same scream, heard your same urgings, seen your disappointment at his hesitation. There has never been anything more that Namjoon has been certain of. Yemin’s body slumps in his grasps as her blood begins to squirt from her neck. He lets go of her and she falls face forward into the dirt, fingertips twitching as her consciousness slowly dwindles away. Namjoon stares at his hands, how his fingers and palms are wet in the girl’s blood — vicious and scarlet, the scent of metal and rather warm. His skin becomes stained. You approach in two strides next to his side and sigh at her collapsed body. “She deserved it,” you tell him, voice with a slight sharpness to it. He turns to you. “What for?” “You don’t need to know.” You step over Yemin’s body and return to the car. Namjoon follows suit after a moment and drives you back, disposing of the vehicle according to your instructions. // Namjoon is programmed to find answers to the problems he encounters, to find solutions to issues and address them as necessary in order to complete his tasks in the most efficient manner. His predominant duty is to kill, but he still is plagued by what he experienced during the elimination of the second target — the déjà vu he sensed and the motivation behind your commands. Naturally, he seeks to solve these predicaments but when he looks into Min Junseo and Jeon Yemin, he finds no connection. They are unrelated, people with no connection to one another, with no prior criminal history, no fact that stands out to him. Namjoon does not understand the information placed in front of him, but what he does discover is that other members of the Min and Jeon family have been previously killed by the Ghost Serial Killer. It’s always through a slit of the throat. With the weapons discarded on the scene of the crime. But always without fingerprints, footprints, or DNA evidence of any kind. There is never security footage of where the victim had gone. Never signs of struggle. “What are you doing?” Namjoon turns from the console, finding you at the doorway. The large screens illuminate the profile of your faces in the darkness of the room. This was the place he was brought to life, where he was programmed and built. The white room where he woke up in is next to you through a door, a window looking into it placed beside the computers. This is where you work and where he will find the answers he is seeking. “I am gathering information to fill in what I fail to comprehend.” Your brows furrow. “All that is necessary is that you obey my actions.” At once Namjoon recognizes that you’re becoming emotionally distraught, so he stands on his feet and nods. “I understand.” Your features show relief and you melt into a smile. “It’s okay. I’m not angry.” As the android approaches, your arm lifts and you cup his cheek tenderly. “I know how you feel. You just need to trust me. Through time, you’ll adjust to these changes and it only gets easier.” “I always have your best interest at heart, Namjoon.” Trust is not a concept that Namjoon can fully comprehend. It is insignificant. He does not need to trust you when you are his creator. Whatever you say, he must obey. There is no choice. His logic inherently tells him this. Yet his ability of self-awareness brings forth curiosity, doubt and an intense desire to know. // The cycle seems to repeat — eliminating a target, then having free-range to do as he pleases for a week before receiving information on the next target, and then the elimination of that one. This time during his free period, Namjoon is able to find productive tasks that could help you. The android waters the two plants that you have in the kitchen area, a fern and a lemon lime dracaena. He obtains information on the two species of wildlife and is able to tend to it until the leaves look bright green and are no longer drooping. Afterwards, he decides to take the elevator down to get the mail for you. “Excuse me!” There’s a yell right as the metal doors are about to close. Namjoon’s fast reflexes kick in and instantaneously, he presses the button and the doors open again. “Thank you.” The lady is huffing and puffing, and Namjoon stares at her. He realizes he’s never spoken to anyone that wasn’t you before. “You’re welcome.” The android is unable to tear his eyes away from the stranger — there is something very fascinating about humans. The psychology of them, how fragile they are. Humans are intelligent, yet fickle and emotional the next second. But what makes Namjoon fixated on this stranger is the realization that this person could potentially be his next target. It could be anyone. The person down the hall, the mailman who delivered the mail, the lady that stepped into the elevator with him coincidentally. All you do is say the word and Namjoon is moving to slit their throats. He has asked no questions, has heard zero explanations — and that makes him conflicted. It occurs to Namjoon that he’s making the stranger uncomfortable with his ogling, that the female continuously glances at him from the corner of her eye, and he turns away. “I apologize.” Once the elevator opens its doors to the lobby, the stranger quickly steps out and Namjoon discovers he has failed to calm her. He notes that prolonged staring is suspicious behaviour. The android opens the mailbox, collects the several letters that you have, most of them related to billing, and he turns away. But before he returns to the elevators, a man enters with a small dog following him on a leash. It’s a brown Pomeranian. A Spitz type of breed. Named for the Pomerania region in north-west Poland and north-east Germany in Central Europe. It’s average life expectancy is twelve to sixteen years, average height of six to seven inches, weight average is three to seven pounds. But Namjoon knows simple information is irrelevant in contrast to experience. He hesitates and then chooses to approach. “May I pet the dog?” the android asks the owner. The man smiles. “Yes, you can. He doesn’t bite.” “Hello.” Namjoon lowers himself, petting the cute dog awkwardly on the head before he realizes that it finds it more pleasant to be scratched behind the ear. It even leans into Namjoon’s touch, tail wagging incessantly and tongue panting out of its mouth. Dogs are rather docile and amusing, Namjoon realizes. It’s something he would never learn from an encyclopedia or dictionary. The corner of his mouth quirks. Soon enough, Namjoon returns upstairs and at the same time, you emerge from the work room. “Did you go somewhere?” you ask in clear concern as he removes his outerwear that he knows is appropriate to put on when leaving the apartment, but perhaps he will not wear it when he is merely going downstairs to the lobby. “I went to get the mail.” Namjoon places said envelopes on the table in front of the sofa where you will be able to look at them. “I see.” You seem to find that an acceptable answer and the android is glad he has not upset you by leaving without permission. “I was about to locate you. I have the third target prepared.” You hand the manila file folder to him and he receives it with a nod, but stares at it when it is placed in his hand. Namjoon is unsure if he wants to open it and view the next person. “When have you planned the execution?” “Tonight,” you inform him. “It isn’t necessary to observe this target. She is not on the move like Jeon Yemin. There is no need to waste time.” “I...understand.” Namjoon watches as you return to the hall, but he speaks before you retire to your room. It may be inappropriate, but he finds the repercussions to the question will not outweigh his curiosity. “Y/N. Have you ever thought about getting a dog?” “A dog?” You turn around with your brows furrowed. “A Pomeranian. Or perhaps a Samoyed. Studies show that having a canine companion is linked to lower blood pressure, reduced cholesterol, and decreased triglyceride levels.” “No…” you sigh out gently and shake your head. “I’ve never considered it. A dog would inhibit us from completing our purpose efficiently, Namjoon.” Namjoon watches you retreat and he muses that you are sad — an emotion he does not identify that you are experiencing but rather a conclusion he had drawn on his own. // Park Sooyeon is the third target. A twenty eight year old female, graduate of SCP University with a general commerce degree, currently on maternity leave from her occupation in a marketing firm. She is one hundred seventy centimeters tall and sixty kilograms heavy with a blood type of A negative. According to records, Sooyeon’s marriage license was registered two years ago. She is currently wedded to a man named Kim Byeongho who is an engineer at CGV Engineering Corporation and who is currently abroad on a business trip. And based on the most recent hospital records, Sooyeon is thirty four weeks pregnant with a boy who is expected to arrive in a month’s time. Namjoon is also aware that the mortgage of the suburban house he is in will take another two years to pay off. “She is sleeping,” you inform. “You can do it now.” The two of you are standing in the darkness of the hallway, outside Park Sooyeon’s door. It was easy to creep into the house without making a single noise and the bedroom door is cracked enough for Namjoon to press one eye through and observe. He can see the lump in the mattress, the steady rise and fall of the blankets to show breathing. It will be straightforward and simple — the door will open with one push of his fingertips and he will approach soundlessly and press the knife against the woman’s throat, right below her ear with the handle alongside her chin. He will pull the blade forward and across, and she will bleed out before the pain is drawn out. Before she can differentiate reality to a terrifying fever dream. But as Namjoon’s boots step right up to the door, a breath away from giving it a push, he halts. His brows furrow. He’s done this before — push a dark bedroom door open, narrow his eyes into the moonlight casting its shine onto the covers, lodge a blade into someone’s juncture as they squirmed and choked on their blood. “Namjoon, we can leave now. Namjoon.” — it’s your soft voice vaguely sounding in his ear, a gentle tug of his sleeve. It hurts his mind to pinpoint the details, but he knows it’s there, barely in reach. He can feel it. The way it aches. The way your features look in the low lights. “Namjoon.” “What did you make me do?” “Namjoon.” The soft call of his name in present day causes his consciousness to return to the situation at hand. He turns and by the streetlamp from outside casting its luminesce through the windows, he can identify the furrow of your brows and the displeasured way your lips are lopsided. “What are you waiting for?” The android can feel it. Pain — it lodges in his throat and brings him discomfort. Sadness — the urge to fall over and curl his long limbs up into fetal position. Disappointment — knowing that he is being used as your weapon, that he gives you the ability to kill others; that without him, you would never have the capability to annihilate. Like none other, these crippling emotions halt him from movement. They inhibit from completing the task you have designated. They are his awakening and his suppression. Namjoon turns fully around. He stares at you in silence. “I can’t do this.” “What?” “I’m sorry, Y/N.” But more than his admission of being unable to complete his function and purpose, Namjoon recognizes the shock that comes across your visage when he makes his apology. You are stunned, taken aback, even stumbling away from him. “You’re not supposed to apologize.” To apologize is to recognize wrongdoing — to feel guilt. You shake your head. “I thought I fixed you!” At your loud volume, the woman inside her bed stirs. She sits up sleepily at the sound of voices and rubs her eyes. “Hello?” she calls out. “Is anyone there?” But by then, you’ve already fled. // You are unhappy with him — Namjoon is aware. You are emotionally distressed, unsatisfied, frustrated. He is not sure if it is due to his behaviour, if it is because the plan had failed, or if it is both. But you do not utter a single word to him on the way back home, not one sound made as if you were in deep contemplation. Namjoon is merely dismissed when the both of you arrive back to the sterile, desolate apartment. He nods and states the usual ‘I understand’ before he watches you withdraw to your room, perhaps to continue thinking. He’s not sure what you are pondering, his punishment or adjustments to be made for him, but he grasps the opportunity as it has come to him. He quietly goes to the work room where the console and computer systems sit and returns to the information he has found. Min Junseo. Jeon Yemin. Park Sooyeon. And Y/N. There aren’t any connections between the people, nothing that links you to them. But when he searches for your name, he is blocked from access. There is a password required, an encryption set up that prevents him from breaching. Namjoon enters the database and the only facts he finds are irrelevant. That you have two PhDs in computer science and electronic engineering, that you have worked at AI corporations before branching off to be independent, that you are a renowned robotics engineer. But it is nothing he had not already known. The android is at a dead end, unable to draw any conclusions or divulge information. But before he relents, he discovers a file sitting oddly inside another untitled file in the system. It requires a password again, but unlike the last, Namjoon is easily able to bypass it. It apparent that you were rushed in the creation of these files — forgetting to set up a complex barrier, neglecting to place them in a relevant area, overlooking that he may have access to the system. Or perhaps it was done purposely so you could easily access it… Namjoon is unsure. But what he finds causes more curiosity. Inside the file are backups with his name labeled on it. He should not question it — should not doubt his creator’s wishes — should not fight against the function that was given to him. His sole purpose is killing. But Namjoon ignores his instinctive urges and boots the backups back into himself. In the darkness of the room, with the luminescent static of the monitors, Namjoon remembers again.

Namjoon opens his eyes. The first thing he sees is you. Your expression is bright, lips tugged into a big smile, eyes warmer than what he knows. And you greet him, barely able to contain your excitement. “Hello! What is your name?” “Kim Namjoon,” he answers after thinking twice. And you scream. It startles him, making the android jolt in his glass capsule. But he quickly realizes your shriek isn’t of terror or anger, it’s of delight. You take deep breaths, chest heaving up and down as you try to remember the next questions you’re supposed to ask. “Do you know why you’ve been created?” It takes him a moment to locate the information of his purpose. “I….was created as one of the beginning tests of potential future android services.” “False,” you declare with a massive grin that swells your cheeks, arms behind your back as you rock from side to side, unable to keep still. The android becomes alarmed that he was incorrect and searches for the answer, but you quickly tell him, “You were made to be a companion!” The android hears chuckling, someone entering the white and sterile room he’s been activated in. Namjoon turns his head and he finds a man with blonde hair, strong eyes, and dimples in his cheeks. He is tall and broad shouldered, well-built and carries himself intelligently. His smile is tender as he gazes upon you and his dimples crease deeper, thick-framed glasses sliding down the slope of his nose before he pushes it up again. It’s him. Human Namjoon. “What are you telling him?” “It worked!” You twirl and jump into your husband’s arms, making the man giggle. The android looks on, observing the pleasant interaction between his two creators. Android Namjoon is aware of the origins of his own birth. He is the first of his kind, a test trial of sorts. But he is advanced for what he is, able to understand thoughts, feelings, and expectations for how people want to be treated and can adjust his behavior accordingly. He has self-awareness and is able to make comprehensive decisions, respond eloquently and interact with the world around him as any other human can. And he is the result of the fruits of your labour. You are a computer scientist and electronic engineer while your husband, Namjoon, whom you’ve been wedded to for a decade, is a mechanical and software engineer. Together, you’ve created your own humanoid robotic clones. “Robot Namjoon! Meet Robot Y/N!” Your arms are waving, hand making wild gestures as you’re making the introduction. Namjoon stares. It’s identical and almost difficult for the android to identify which of you is the human and a machine programmed by a computer. But he is quickly able to analyze when he finds the Android Y/N wears an impassive expression, lips tight in a line, eyes darkened — it contrasts the human Y/N that is quite animated and lively. “They’re androids, not robots,” Namjoon hears his human-self chide his wife, but you quickly shush him in favour of watching the exchange. “It is pleasant to make your acquaintance.” Your arm extends and the corners of your lip stiffly pulls. Namjoon shakes it and finds your skin-like texture clammy and cold. “It is also pleasant to be of your acquaintance,” he responds, attempting to increase the intonation of his tone so he doesn’t sound monotone and unnatural, but he fails. “Question.” Your head suddenly turns to your two creators. “Is it possible for androids to be married?” It occurs to android Namjoon that if he and you are clones of your human creators, then your relationship should be replicated as such for most accuracy. Therefore, he comes up with the same question as you do. The two human versions of you exchange expressions before Namjoon shrugs. “We’re not sure of your emotional capabilities yet, but sure why not.” Android Namjoon nods. He notes that he isn’t your mere acquaintance — he is your husband. It isn’t difficult for android Namjoon to adjust to that fact or to adapt to the life that his creators have given him in this home. The four of you find compatibility with one another, perhaps because you and him are your clones and thus automatically harmonious. Android Namjoon begins to learn human etiquette, every day adding to his database of information. He learns how to have dinner, what it is like to sit down at the same time each evening and engage in conversation, sometimes on small talk like the weather and other times on the advancing technology from rescue drones and A.I. development occurring internationally. Android Namjoon also learns what data and facts cannot teach him alone. He begins to understand what cohabitation entails and finds the mundane routine rather enjoyable. “Namjoon!” There’s a call of his name and he steps out of the hall, finding you at the front doorway. You wear a surprised expression. “Oh, I meant the other Namjoon, but you can help me too!” You smile, waving him over and he helps you bring in the groceries. Android Namjoon assists you in unloading the back of your car and putting the food away in their appropriate locations. “You should take it easy,” he says to you when you’re holding a heavy bag of cans. The android takes it away while you grin, watching him place it on the shelves. “You’re sounding more and more like Namjoon these days. Did he tell you to look after me?” “Yes,” he answers without lying. “Hormones of pregnancy cause connective tissue, ligaments and tendons to soften. Your center of gravity and balance has also changed. The current recommendation of the maximum load a pregnant woman in late pregnancy should lift is twenty to twenty five percent from what they were able to lift pre-pregnancy in order to lessen the risk of injury.” You scoff but a tender smile tugs on your features. “Have you been reading up on pregnancy facts, Namjoon? I’ll have you know exercise is promoted for pregnancies. They reduce backaches, constipation—” “Bloating and swelling,” the android finishes and continues, “It boosts mood and energy levels, helps the mother sleep better, promotes muscle tone, strength and endurance while preventing excess weight gain. Yes, I am aware of those studies as well.” You sigh wistfully, slightly pouting despite being a grown woman and rubbing your swollen belly as he finishes with putting away the groceries. “You’re not as fun to banter with.” “I apologize. I will work on improving my wit.” “No, it’s okay!” You burst out laughing. “I didn’t mean it like that. You’re fine, you’re fine,” you reassure with another smile and it eases the android’s concern. “You just remind me of my husband, that’s all — obviously, since you look like him, but you’re not him.” “Would you like me to be?” “No,” you hum. “You’re our clones, but I don’t expect you to act like us. That wouldn’t be fun anyways. At the end of the day, you aren’t humans so I don’t have any expectations for you to act like one.” “But aren’t we supposed to replicate human behaviour?” android Namjoon questions, knowing full well he was given self-awareness to make his own decisions and that he is constantly learning how to adjust to societal expectations. “Don’t think about it too hard,” you chime with a grin. “I made you to act like you. You don’t need to be like a human or like an android, Namjoon. You can be who you want to be.” He nods. “I understand.” But in spite of his confident reply, android Namjoon is still uncertain by the meaning of your words. Perhaps both you and Namjoon merely have no expectations for him and the android version of you — and somehow that idea causes him to feel relief. As long as he proves himself useful to the household, there are no duties he must complete or behaviours he must display. He can be natural or as natural as being mechanical allows him to be. “Today, we are going to go outside together for the first time,” the human version of him announces happily one day with a grin. “Think of it as a test run!” “Do you have anything you anticipate of us?” the android version of you asks, looking towards Namjoon. The man contemplates for a moment and then shakes his head. “Not particularly. It’s mostly for you guys. We’ve kept you locked up for so long, so enjoy yourselves.” “I understand.” In the meanwhile, you secure the jacket around your neck, making sure you and the twenty eight week fetus inside of you is kept warm. The android version of you stands beside android Namjoon, both in your outerwear and prepared to step foot outside. “Ready?” “Yes,” the pair of you answer at the same time. It is bright outside, the sunlight blinding to his sensors. There are also many foreign scents, loud noises all around him that work to disorient him, strangers that stare at the four of you — finding it strange that there are two pairs of identical twins walking while being unaware he and you are androids. The walk is difficult as he tries to register everything that is occurring — the colour of the sky and fences, the location of each home and lamppost, the identity of those who pass by, the sound of birds chirping and what kind of species they are, how the movement of his body should be to appear human-like, how he needs to blink every few seconds and move his chest to appear like he is breathing. “Nice day, isn’t it?” the human you says to your husband while holding your pregnant stomach. “It’s a bit chilly,” human Namjoon says in response with a smile. “But it’s the best we’re going to get during winter.” The two of you are completely unaware of the struggles of your android counterparts. Android Namjoon never knew that the outside world would be so difficult to process, but at the very least he’s glad that he has someone with him who is experiencing what he is for the first time. “I never knew the world was like this,” you tell him after a moment of silent reflection. “The world is very vast.” “Yes, it is,” he replies. “It is difficult to differentiate what is essential and what is irrelevant.” You make a noise of acknowledgment at the back of your throat. “We will learn as time goes by.” “There is much learning to be done.” “Indeed.” Suddenly, a small animal begins to barrel towards the both of you. It is small and yapping incessantly at a high pitch. Namjoon recognizes it as the smallest breed of dog, named after the Mexican state. It is a female Chihuahua, approximately two kilograms and twenty centimeters tall. It is apparent that the owner has lost control as the brown dog runs forward with a loose leash, bearing its teeth and barking deafeningly towards you. It runs and immediately your leg swings back, prepared to boot it forward towards the street. But the human version of you realizes what’s occurring and stops it a millisecond before it happens. “Wait! Y/N!” At the command, you stand still. And the human owner grabs her dog, appearing angered. “Were you about to kick my dog?! What’s wrong with you?!” “I’m sorry,” human Namjoon steps forward and blocks the three of you away. “They’re still learning.” “What?” “They’re, uh, we’re...we’re sorry. She’s scared of dogs,” Namjoon says, glancing at the android version of you behind his shoulder and then returns to the older lady. “Your dog shouldn’t be off its leash anyhow.” “I can do what I want!” she shrieks shrilly. “This is a free country! You’re lucky you didn’t hurt my dog or else I would sue you!” The woman struts away with her dog in her arms, chin high in the air. As soon as she’s gone, the human you breathes a sigh of relief and Namjoon shakes his head while exhaling tiredly. “It’s okay,” human you says to both your android counterparts. “These things happen, but it can be a good learning lesson. Dogs are usually small animals that many care deeply for. If we can, we don’t harm them.” “I don’t understand,” you say next to android Namjoon. “It was a threat. We must eliminate threats as soon as they appear to ensure our safety.” “That dog wasn’t a threat,” Human Namjoon says with a sympathetic smile. “It was just barking.” But your expression remains blank. “I don’t understand,” you repeat. “The probability of harm outweighs the life value of that animal. Would it not be preferable to eliminate it before it causes injury?” At the question, both of human you and human Namjoon exchange uneasy expressions. // Through the one-way glass, Namjoon looks into the white, sterile room that the both of you were activated in. He watches as the android version of you sits at the table with your hands folded together on top of the table and how human you sits across, holding a clipboard in hand. “May I ask what Y/N is being assessed for?” Android Namjoon asks human Namjoon who is standing beside him, also observing from the windows. The session is being recorded, voices able to be heard from outside the room too and your diagnostics displayed on the computer screen. The android does not know what you are being monitored for. Perhaps your reaction to the dog from last week was false. But it makes the android conflicted as human you had told him there was no such thing as false behaviour or actions. “We are just administering a test,” human Namjoon says with a smile and the android is unable to detect any deception. “You don’t have to worry. We just need to take a look in case there’s a…” “Defect,” android Namjoon finishes. “Perhaps, but not necessarily.” The man contemplates for a moment on how to articulate his concerns. “The two of you have been given self-awareness to act and make your own decisions, but we just want to make sure those decisions will fulfill the common good or at least, never act to harm another.” “I understand.” He quiets to listen to your voices. You begin by explaining the trolley problem — it is an ethical dilemma that Namjoon is familiar with. The premise is explained and you’re given choices in different scenarios. When asked if you would pull a lever to save five people on the track, but kill another person on the other track, there is not a moment of hesitation— “Of course, it should be pulled.” Your android counterpart does not blink. “Five lives are more valuable than one.” “And if it were me on the track?” you ask, altering the question. There’s a slight pause, but then your android counterpart repeats, “Five lives are more valuable than one.” Your human-self nods and the android glances at the glass window, looking right at Namjoon despite being unable to see before returning back to you. “Is there a correct answer you are inquiring for? I can adjust my responses.” “No.” You shake your head, wearing a smile. “You can answer however you’d like, Y/N.” The question is altered again. This time to save the five people, one would need to push a large man on a footbridge over the tracks. His body would stop the trolley, causing his death, but saving the five people. Without a moment of contemplation, you answer— “I would push him.” Your human counterpart offers another scenario. “If I trusted you to keep a secret and told you I was having an affair on Namjoon, would you keep it a secret or tell him and have our marriage fall apart?” “You would never do such a thing,” your android self declares in confidence suddenly, making both you and Namjoon, standing outside, smile to yourselves. “But in this hypothetical, I would inform him immediately. You did something against your duty of marriage, therefore, you must face the consequences.” You nod and adjust the circumstances once more. “If you worked for us and found out about my affair through wiretapping, would you still tell Namjoon? Doing so would mean you would have to admit violating the law and threatening me would mean you would also have to reveal where you got this source of information.” “I would never do something against my own duty. However in this hypothetical, I would still inform Namjoon. My reasoning is the same as my last one.” Your human counterpart stares directly into your android-self, the former slowly smiling while the latter remains unblinking. Soon, android Namjoon is brought into the same room and presented the same questions, informed that there is no right or wrong answer and he is free to pick whatever choice he pleases. But it’s difficult to choose — he doesn’t know how you did it so quickly. Namjoon tells you that he would push the lever because, like you, he finds five lives more valuable than one. He would also push the man if necessary. However, he could never pull the lever if you were the one standing there. He could never push you if you were on the bridge. He also says that he would never expose your affair. He can’t. Not when that would risk your marriage. Not when you have a child on the way. Not when it is so clear the two of you are in love with each other. His statements surprise you and himself. Though by the end of it, you appear no more satisfied with him than you were with your android-self. There seems to be nothing done at the result of both your assessments. You nor Namjoon address it afterwards, merely citing that it was simply intriguing observations to be written down. But android Namjoon overhears something he should’ve never have— “It’s not that she completely lacks empathy,” you murmur in the quietness of your kitchen, nursing a cup of hot chocolate when it’s nearly midnight with your husband. “She just has less than Namjoon.” “Ethics is subjective,” his human-self says. “We can’t quantify it.” “Well, you think she would save me if I was going to die on a train track. We made them so they can make choices, Namjoon. Not so they can give us the most logical, straight-edged answer. We want them to be rational, not cut and dry, and...indifferent to emotions. The world doesn’t need more apathetic machinery that just completes one task after another.” “I know.” There’s an audible sigh that the android can hear from where he stands in the dark hallway. In the past year of being here, he has learnt that eavesdropping is quite a convenient way to obtain more information — not that he does it often. Most of the time, he simply doesn’t want to interfere in intimate moments. Moments when the baby is kicking or the pair of you are kissing each other, dancing or perhaps giggling silently about something that the android has no place in. “It’s not a big concern, I’m just….” “Yeah. But it’s nothing we can’t monitor and adjust, Y/N.” The conversation soon turns lighthearted, full of banter that the android is used to and he takes his leave. He is at ease that there is nothing that either of you are disappointed in. While Namjoon has never voiced it out, he has always felt a need to ensure the pair of you are happy. It’s less like a duty or trying to give back to his creators, but it’s because he wants to. He feels a sense of satisfaction to know that the both of you are content. You, on the other hand, are not at ease like Namjoon is. It is on a warm afternoon that you, the android, finds him in the study. “Good afternoon, Namjoon.” The corners of his mouth quirk when he sees you standing at the doorway. “Good afternoon, Y/N. It is pleasant weather outside.” “Indeed. I see you are alphabetically organizing the textbooks and encyclopedias.” “Yes. I think the other Namjoon spends a lot of time searching for the one he’s looking for, so I think this might be of help for him. Or at least he should waste less time and be able to spend it more efficiently.” “A very productive task,” you muse aloud and his smile only grows more. Android Namjoon has noticed that you only make irrelevant comments when you are emotionally nervous and he can recognize it with your stiff movements when you entered the room. “Are you in need of assistance?” “I am fine, thank you. Do you, perhaps, need assistance with anything?” “I have a question.” There is a pause and then you speak again. “Can you recall the ethics test we received two weeks ago?” “I do.” “They never informed us of the results and I am unaware of their conclusions. But I was wondering if you perhaps know if I have failed their expectations or not?” “You have not.” Namjoon is certain and glad he’s able to tell you this, to comfort you. “There is no need to be worried. You have not failed any of their expectations.” You nod, the tension of your facial muscles relaxing, but you still hesitate for a moment. “I am reading recently on emotional intelligence and how to be kind, but the behaviour required is very inconsistent. I do not understand, and I fear I will be abandoned for my inability to empathize. I do not wish to be deactivated or for my hard drive to be wiped.” Namjoon knows what you mean the instant it comes out of your mouth. Details on the afterlife or even the existence of one has long been debated and discussed by humans for millenniums — whether there is nothing, whether reincarnation exists, whether there is Heaven or Hell. But for androids, the answer is certain. There is absolutely nothing. No redemption, no punishment, no abyss. The two of you will be deactivated, lose consciousness, and cease to exist.. “They most likely won’t give up on us. Both Y/N and Namjoon have spent decades creating us. They’ve invested a lot of time and dedication. It isn’t in their best interest to wipe and deactivate you for such a minute detail. They will try their best to adjust you.” Namjoon is able to identify the clear comfort his words provide you, how your brows no longer furrow, shoulders relaxing and even your mouth quirks. “Most likely?” “Most likely.” Namjoon smiles and finds that for some reason, the satisfaction of you being content is greater to him than anything else that he’s experienced thus far in his lifetime. // Nurture and nature is an old age debate. It attempts to determine how much behaviour is affected by genetics or environment and experience. And it is something that Namjoon will think about for years to come. Both you and him were created with certain traits and attributes of your human counterpart. On a surface level, it could be possible for bystanders to regard the four of you as two sets of twins and by personality, it is clear that you are headstrong, methodical and diligent while Namjoon attempts to be helpful and is more soft-spoken. These things are striking similarities that he has taken notice of between his creators and you and him. But while you were given characteristics that you tend to lean towards, it is nurture that dictates the rest of your behaviour and creates your habits. “You will return in a three day’s time, correct?” The two of you are standing at the foyer, watching as the couple secure their coats around themselves and drag their luggage over. “Correct!” Human Namjoon grins at your android form. “Ten points! But don’t worry. We’ll be back soon. Business conferences usually don’t last that long. Just watch the house and make sure there are no burglars!” “Don’t tell them that!” Human you bats at your husband halfheartedly. “They might be watching the windows until we get back.” Namjoon chuckles and you turn to the androids. “Don’t listen to him, you two. He’s just being ridiculous. The house is well-secured, just enjoy your time at home and contact us if there are any issues.” “We understand.” “Don’t throw any parties, kids,” the lively man jests, “We’re gonna know through the nanny cam!” Android Namjoon pays no mind to the silly and energetic human who has become more cheerful the closer the birth of his son comes. You had told him that he was becoming more of a dad with the dad jokes he’s been increasingly telling as each day passes. “Take care of yourself,” Android Namjoon says to you. “You must be careful. You are due in three weeks.” “I will.” You smile, having been waddling for the past few days. “Don’t worry about us.” “Good luck,” your android counterpart murmurs next to him and your human-self nods. You give them both hugs, pressing a kiss to your foreheads that Namjoon knows is a sign of close affection. And soon, the both of you are carrying your luggage out to the car and backing out the driveway before disappearing from sight. Your android form, on the other hand, appears forlorn, still watching out the windows even after the vehicle is long gone. He wonders if you’re perhaps feeling...lonely. The house is indeed strangely quiet with half of what makes it a home missing. Namjoon wonders how it was that you and him, your human selves, lived together in such a great big house without ever letting the silence get to yourselves. “What do you plan to do?” he asks, breaking that silence. You turn to him. “I need to add fertilizer to the garden outside. It seems to be lacking nutrients.” He nods and it goes quiet for a moment. “Would you like to watch a documentary with me on aquatic animals in the Pacific Ocean?” “What for?” “Enjoyment.” There is silence again, but not saddened or lonely, rather one of contemplation. The android waits for you to make your decision and when you turn to him with a nod, he is ecstatic. Namjoon watches the documentary with you, absorbing all the facts that are given before he is helping you in the garden, watering the plants and learning from you how to differentiate each one. It is a well-spent day, not only because it was productive but because he spent it with you. When nighttime falls, Namjoon powers himself down and stations himself to charge his battery. But half-way through the night, his sensors flicker on. He becomes alert once more when he hears noises reaching high decibels from downstairs. Namjoon is wary knowing that there is no one else home except for you and him, and approaches with caution. What he finds is not an intruder, but you in the darkness. “What are you doing, Y/N?” he asks and receives no answers. The television is playing in the corner of the living room. The static illuminates the dark space and casts its light onto your faces. It’s the news channel that you have on, two male anchors facing forward with their hands clasped. There are small headlines running at the bottom, the time and temperature of the outside in the corner. Nurture and nature is an old age debate, attempting to determine how much behaviour is affected by genetics or environment and experience. And it is in this moment that both you and Namjoon change. “—hours ago, a group of highschoolers driving under the influence would claim the lives of a thirty two year old married couple in a fatal car accident. Kim Namjoon and Kim Y/N were said to be renowned engineers and praised in their contribution to the recent development of AI technology. Police say they were on their way home when teenagers who were leaving a Spring Break party lost control of their vehicle and crashed onto the oncoming car in the other lane.” “Kim Namjoon was found dead at the scene of the crime while his nine-month pregnant wife, Kim Y/N, has been hospitalized with severe injuries. It is not expected that she or her child will survive. Two of the five teenagers have been hospitalized for minor injuries while the rest have been arrested for—” Dead. Just like that. Namjoon muses how fragile humans are at the same time as being filled with an intense sadness that makes it difficult for him to process. So he remains silent with the realization that the both of you have become ghosts of people who were once alive — who should not exist on their own. He realizes that the two of you have been left behind. Left as androids in this world.

Namjoon remembers it all. He remembers hiding away with you, knowing that the pair of you would be taken away by strangers if you were found. And he remembers how angry you became, how you fed off resentment and succumbed to despair as each year passed. “Revenge?” he had questioned when you said it. “What do you mean by revenge?” “The driver received a four thousand fine and one year imprisonment. Two others received probation. That is not justice. Y/N and Namjoon’s lives were not valued at so little. We must fulfill our duty and bring them retribution.” Namjoon held you back. “Retributive justice is primitive and brings more social harm than good. It isn’t a suitable punishment and it isn’t our duty, Y/N. You will do no such thing. That is not what they would have wanted.” “Y/N didn’t want to die,” you told him, stare hardened and resolve set into stone. “I know she didn’t. I am her.” Namjoon recalls that you had hatched a plan — one that you contemplated over and found that murder was too simple. He knew you wanted them to suffer, for them to compensate for your grief through their own. And he knew that you wanted to kill their loved ones, to wait until they were wedded and had children of their own before you would eliminate them. All because of one mistake. All because they killed you and Namjoon. “You can’t kill them,” he said after finding your extensive plans, what you dedicated hours to at a time, figuring out what the best ways it was to kill someone, how to avoid getting caught. The details and diagrams of your notes scared him. “You can’t do that, Y/N.” “There’s no reason not to. Don’t get in my way.” Namjoon had realized that human Y/N and Namjoon didn’t fail to adjust your lack of empathy — now you felt too much. Too much sadness. Grief. And most of all, anger. The hatred seemed to consume you, outweighing all else until it became your fixation. Your function altered to seek reprisal. It became your purpose. “Will you help me or not?” “I can’t.” But that wouldn’t mean he would leave you alone. After all, the pair of you only had each other and he could never bear to abandon you. So Namjoon watched from afar as you spoke to a woman in a dark parking lot and entered her car, how you then reached over to kill her at an unsuspecting moment. He remembers when you walked away, bathing in the woman’s blood, unblinking and unbreathing. “Who was that?” “Kim Taehyung’s wife. He was in the backseat of the car during the accident and just got a misdemeanor for underaged drinking. He became an engineer and has children now. No one knows what he did, except for us.” “Are you going to kill Kim Taehyung next?” “No. That would be too easy. I will when I feel justice has been served.” The anniversary of your death and Namjoon’s came and went. Each spent with the android reminiscing and your android counterpart planning or waiting, waiting for the perpetrators to create more connections and relationships so that you could sever them. Thirty five years was spent that way, thirty five anniversaries spent wandering and trapped in your animosity. Namjoon did not appear to age a single day, not when he was an android and death was no natural concept to him, but inside he felt old. Tired. Worn. And one day, he decided to leave. “Don’t go,” you had begged him when he tried to break free of this prison you created for the pair of you. “If you don’t want me to leave, then you must stop this. This was not our purpose, Y/N.” And that was the first time Namjoon was reset. The first time you reset him against his own will, tricked and trapped him in the capsule, wiped his memory clean. “I’m sorry.” When he opened his eyes, the first thing he saw was you. Your expression was blank, lips tight in a line, eyes darkened. You greeted him, asked for his name and he answered. You asked him about his purpose and he didn’t know what to say until you fed him the idea that it was to serve justice. Namjoon killed for the first time, but he couldn’t do it for a second. So you reset him again. And the cycle repeated until he woke up again for the fourth time. For the fourth reset. In the darkness of the room, with the luminescent static of the monitors, Namjoon remembers again. He remembers his history and his true purpose, the days spent with the four of you in the cozy home, the forty years spent in self-suffering, how you and him ended up like this, and the people the both of you have killed for a fault that was so long ago. “What are you doing?” He turns at the sound of your voice, having stood at the windows and looked into the white room. The one he was reactivated in all four times, that was recreated from the original. But it’s not quite the same and he knows it now. You’ve tried replicating this entire place to be like the one that he and you were born in. The kitchen has the same kettle even though the pair of you don’t need to eat. The coat rack by the front door is the same one that human Namjoon and human Y/N placed their outerwear on. The living room still has the same television. But while things are a mirror image, you’ve failed at making this place a home. And the idea that everything is so empty despite your best efforts, that no matter how much you try, you can’t bring them back on your own or return to that time, it’s painful for him to witness. “I am reminiscing,” Namjoon answers wistfully. “What is there to reminisce about?” You’re standing at the doorway, the darkness covering your expression and casting shadows over the rest of your form. But from your tone, Namjoon still recognizes the indignation. After all, he failed his third kill. It seems that with each reset, it never changes the fact that Namjoon will never be the killing mechanism that you want him to be. “There’s plenty of things to reminisce over. There are a lot of good memories, don’t you think?” The corners of his mouth pulls and he opens the door to the room without hesitance, hand wrapped around the knob, entering. The fluorescent lights are blinding, washing the room in an even brighter white hue. You follow after him, perplexed, and the pair of you stand where it all began. Namjoon approaches the glass capsule at the back and his fingertips graze against the cold surface. “You know,” he pipes up. “The first thing I ever saw in my entire life was you. Your eyes.” “Of course. What else would you see?” He could’ve seen the empty room, the window, maybe a computer screen to introduce him to the world. But Namjoon’s glad that each and every time he awoke, you were the one in front of him. He can’t help wondering what it was like for you — if he was the one you saw first. The android isn’t sure, so he asks. “What did you see?” The question is softly spoken. Namjoon turns to you, watching the realization dawn upon your features. It takes one second, one second for you to find out that he knows you aren’t human, that you aren’t his creator. One second and you know he remembers and is aware of what you’ve done — to him and to other people. And Namjoon seizes the opportunity of your surprise. One push from him and you’re stumbling back into the capsule. The doors shut, sweeping upwards and vacuumed to the top. Namjoon watches the way your features twist into mortification, watches the way your fist clenches and you begin to bang onto the surface to no avail. The sound of your screaming and yelling is muffled. “I’m sorry.” “Deactivation initiating,” the capsule says as it illuminates and begins to whir. “Namjoon!” You shout at the fullest capacity when you hear those words, dread and fear taking hold in your eyes. Namjoon presses his hand to the glass, gazing at you — his companion for the past forty years, all he’s ever known and cared about. “Stop!” You never abandoned him. You never left him even as you were set on your ambition. But he can’t let this go on. He can’t let you hurt yourself or other people anymore. “I’m…..sorry.” “You don’t have to do this,” you plead and in the moment, you look so human that it would be easy to mistake you for one. The pain he feels makes it easy for him to mistake himself as one too. But you and him will never be human, as much as he desperately wishes for it to be so. “But I do.” He presses his forehead against the cold glass surface, as close as he can get to you, as close as he can physically be. “You’ll reset me again when you have the chance.” “I won’t!” Your words sputter, limbs twitch, like a broken machine. Your memories begin leaving. Your system begins to shut down. “Everything that I did…...everything I had to do was because no one else would.” “This isn’t justice, Y/N. We’re not even supposed to be here.” “No, no! You can’t abandon me!” you scream and pound against the glass. Tears rip down your cheeks, grief and betrayal overwhelming you. “Don’t do this, Namjoon. Please, don’t do this. You can’t get rid of me like this! Namjoon!” There’s nothing. Not for androids. No consciousness. No afterlife. Once your hard drive is erased, your existence will be erased. “I don’t want to die!” “I love you,” he murmurs. “Deactivation complete.” The capsule shuts off. You’re bathed back into darkness and Namjoon rips out the cords, right after your hard drive wipes. Just like that. Like a light switched flicked off, you’re gone. It was so simple, he realizes why you were so terrified. Namjoon destroys the rest, the engines and computers. He cuts the cables, strips the circuit boards, wrecks what his human self and what your human self had spent decades creating. And when it’s all done, Namjoon looks to you. You’re leaning against the wall, eyes open, but lifeless. A machine of wires.

[Epilogue] The senior staggers forward with a cane in hand. He has poor posture, his skin wrinkled and his round spectacles smudged. But his eyes are still bright, nose sharp and his cheekbones high. He is the ghost of a once dapper, young man. He stops a few meters away from Namjoon, breath caught in his throat, tears accumulating at his thin lashes. The android turns his head, away from the park of children playing to the seventy year old senior. He stumbles forward, unable to take his eyes away from him, until he manages to sit on the wooden park bench. “You look….just like him,” Jung Hoseok croaks, staring at what had been his old friend whom he hadn’t seen in the flesh for decades now — the friend that he never got to grow old with. “I can’t believe it. All those years ago, Namjoon and Y/N actually executed the work they had been planning….they….they did it.” “We were just the prototype. This was just the beginning. There was supposed to be a lot more.” “Can I…..” Hoseok lifts his trembling hand and the android nods, allowing the senior to place a hand on his shoulder. The seventy year old cries softly when he touches him, when he feels that he is tangible and not just his imagination springing his subconscious wishes upon him in a dream. “I saw you once before,” Namjoon says. “In their wedding photos.” Hoseok nods and withdraws. “Yes, I was there. It was a wonderful day, really. The weather was nice and they looked….so happy.” His eyes are far away, pinned at the horizon. “It feels so long ago.” “It was a long time ago.” “Yes. Sometimes I have forgotten that I’ve become so old.” They are silent, merely savouring each other’s company. Namjoon hadn’t truly spoken to another human for as long as he can remember, and Hoseok hadn’t seen his old friend in forty years. The man didn’t seem to mind that it wasn’t actually his best friend, but a replica that simply shared a number of traits. It appeared like Hoseok was content enough to see his friend one last time, no matter the person that was really inside. The pair of them watch the shimmering lake, listen to the leaves of the tree rustle in the Spring breeze and the giggling of the children on the playground ignorant to the reunion. “Can I ask something? Was it you who killed off all the family members of those highschoolers?” “It was.” Hoseok hums. “I wasn’t sure, but when I heard about the murders….when I heard their last names and realized they all shared the same names as those teenagers, I couldn’t help but think someone out there was doing it for that reason.” “I didn’t do it because I wanted to,” Namjoon says and Hoseok seems to understand. The android looks into his lap before lifting his head again. “I’m not sure how to make things right with the family members remaining. I don’t think they’ll ever be a right way. If I give myself up, I’m scared they’ll manipulate me or try to fix me or make more of my kind. I don’t want to be reset.” “I wrote letters to them,” Namjoon continues to explain after a beat, “if that means anything. I want to give them an explanation, so they know why this happened.” Hoseok stares at the profile of the android’s face. “You are a lot like him. The real Namjoon. You speak like him.” The android meets his gaze and the old man croaks, “Where is Y/N?” He turns as if he could catch you approaching with a smile, “I saw her before too...briefly, but she looked so much like her….” “I—” Namjoon pauses, lingering in the pain he knows he deserves. “—deactivated her.” The human seems to be disappointed, but never prods and or demands to know the reasons. This meeting in itself was fulfilling enough for him to be at peace. “What do you plan to do now?” “I’m going to deactivate myself.” The answer comes without hesitation. If Namjoon could be granted one last wish, it would be to go to where you are — the world of nothingness, of unconsciousness. He won’t abandon you like you think he has. “I’m not meant to be here anymore.” “Don’t blame yourself,” Hoseok says. “This all happened because the two of you blamed yourselves. The real Namjoon and Y/N would have wanted you to be free of that burden.” He thanks him. After all, it’s what he always wanted to hear. The both of them look out at the horizon in silence. It’s bright outside, the sunlight blinding to his sensors. There are many foreign scents, the smell of blooming flowers and freshly cut grass. There are also loud noises, children squealing and playing and the tides of the lake lightly hitting against the rocks. Namjoon registers everything that is occurring around him — the colour of the sky and trees, the location of each bench and lamppost, the sound of birds chirping and what kind of species they are. It’s regretful he was never around it more. It’s a beautiful world, a world you and him never belonged in.

#bts fanfic #namjoon fanfic #namjoon angst #bts angst #bts scenario #namjoon scenario #I've always wanted to write a robot/android!AU #but I could never come up with an original idea #till I decided to collide it with a Serial Killer!AU that I've always wanted to write too #it's definitely an interesting concept

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unadulteratedchaosdimension · 5 years ago

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Preliminary research on music players

For our second Design Project in IRDN601, we’ve been tasked with creating a design system for a new music player, using the principles of atomic design. In our first session we did some informal interviews over Zoom in groups of 4 about existing music players. After some brief discussion we’ve decided we want to pursue creating a music application which lets users assign attributes to songs, and songs with similar attributes can be used to generate playlists and mixes. The next step in our process is researching whether this method of user-curated organisation is accessible/encouraged by existing music players. We’ll also look into whether similar services exist for other media, and if so, what can we learn from them?

Our first piece of research came in the form of an informal interview over Zoom, between Meela, me and another group of two, Soumya and Zeinab. Meela’s notes of the interview can be found here: (https://zumizine.tumblr.com/post/618147540277329920/music-player-interviewdiscussion-notes). A large part of our discussion focused on features we prioritised as users of music players, and how the players we currently use cater to those priorities.

One feature that was mentioned was Spotify’s ability to generate a playlist or mix based on a specific mood, artist or genre. These premade playlists help the user discover new music and explore what that the service has in its extended catalogue, but curated through a thematic lens. Another feature brought up was being able to create a collaborative playlist, which multiple people could add songs to and listen.

The original idea for our new player developed as finding a way to bring these two features together: finding new songs though thematic connections, but giving the means to decide those themes to the users. Most music services offer playlists based on a central idea, but because these playlists come from the services themselves, it’s likely their content will reflect certain biases based on the service’s corporate interests.

Although Spotify’s premade playlists eliminate the inconvenience of having to invest time into trawling through music to find songs you enjoy, centering the focus on user-curated content would allow users to enjoy and promote music that otherwise might be obscured by bias.

Questions to ask during this initial research

Does the music player allow you to create a playlist based around a central theme?

Can that playlist be seen by other users, allowing them to discover new music?

Can other users add songs to this playlist which fit the theme, allowing for a collaborative process to share and discover new music?

Does the player encourage this?

Spotify

A lot of people mentioned Spotify in our class discussion about music players, and it seems to be the player of choice for a lot of people. We already know Spotify has a collaborative playlist feature, meaning it is possible to use the already-established system to create community-generated playlists based around a central theme, but we want to analyse if the system encourages this.

When creating a new playlist with Spotify, the user is given three options: a title, a description, and an image. These tools could effectively allow the user to establish a theme for the playlist, and act as guidelines for others who want to add to the playlist. However, other users’ playlists can only be accessed directly through their profile, or an exact search of the playlist’s title. And once a playlist is made collaborative, it is hidden from search results.

Going to Spotify’s “Browse” page, where they showcase created playlists, you have an option to explore playlists defined by Genre/Mood, Charts (collecting the most played songs on Spotify), New Releases, and Discover (which recommends playlists and albums Spotify’s algorithm thinks you’ll enjoy, based on what you’ve been listening to.) You’re also given the options to see podcasts, and concerts that are happening near you.

Clicking on a genre or mood will take you to a page offering playlists with more specific themes. All of these playlists accessible through the Browse categories are created by Spotify, although occasionally they invite celebrities to curate a playlist based on a specific idea.

In conclusion, creating collaborative playlists around a central theme is possible using Spotify, but not encouraged.

Soundcloud

When creating a playlist on Soundcloud, you are given the option of a title, and whether to make the playlist private or public. You can also add tags to your playlists so other users can search for them. This functionality allows you to create a playlist around a central theme, and help others find new music based on that theme.

Soundcloud doesn’t offer any options for collaborative playlists, meaning only one person can add songs. However, on their Home page, they advertise playlists created by the community based on specific ideas within a given theme (for example, Study or Workout.) Most of these appear to be centered around an activity, rather than a genre or mood. In conclusion, Soundcloud encourages users to find new music based on a theme decided by other users, but doesn’t allow for a collaborative approach.

Other services for discovering new media based on a user-decided theme

r/___ThatFeelLikeThis

Meela recommended the “Books that feel like this” subreddit as an example of a service that helps people discover new things based on user-assigned attributes. Users can post a picture, asking for recommendations on books that have a similar feeling to what the picture conveys, and other users can respond in the comments. Reddit’s comments system allow users to collaborate easily, almost to create a “playlist” of books by collating all the comments and the photo they’re on. A similar subreddit exists for “Songs that feel like this”, however it doesn’t get used very regularly.

#work #research

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fnlrndcllctv · 4 years ago

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REVIEW: SNK Vs. Capcom: The Match Of The Millennium (1999)

When it comes to 2D fighting games during the early/mid 90’s, there’s two names that absolutely dominated the scene with their releases and became household names;

SNK and Capcom.

To this day they remain some of the most well respected and most loved games companies in the fighting game genre, so the prospect of a crossover between the two companies back then was certainly a tantalising thought.

In November of 1999, we got just that in the form of SNK Vs. Capcom: The Match Of The Millennium for the Neo Geo Pocket Color system.

While this wasn’t the first time we’d see the brands clash in a single game (that award goes to SNK Vs. Capcom: Card Fighters Clash, released earlier that year), it was the first time they would meet in the setting of a tradition versus fighting game.

The game was a critical success, and was followed up with entries in the genre that many consider to be the best fighting games ever made.

So, with the bar set so high with this historic title, it finally sees a re-release on the Nintendo Switch almost 22 years later as part of Nintendo’s Neo Geo Pocket Color Selection series, alongside games such as SNK Gals’ Fighters, The King Of Fighters R-2 and Fatal Fury: First Contact.

So, does it still hold up all these years later?

Let’s find out…

Gameplay

First of all, there’s a number of different ways in which players can play through the tournament mode (and regular versus mode); you can either go 1-on-1, fight a 2-on-2 battle as a tag team, or as a team of three in an elimination match. This variety of battle styles appeals to players who may be used to fighting in different forms.

Want to play this like a King Of Fighters game? Go ahead!

How about like the Marvel Vs Capcom titles? Play as a tag-team to your heart’s content, my friend!

For a game that utilises just two attack buttons, there’s a surprising amount of depth to how special moves are executed as well. Instead of relying on the four-button approach that SNK based their games on or the usual six-button layout in many of the Capcom fighting games, SNK Vs. Capcom: The Match Of The Millennium’s control scheme actually focuses on how long the A and B buttons are pressed.

The longer a button is pressed, the higher the amount of damage it causes (but takes a hit to how quick it is), mimicking the LP/MP/HP and LK/MK/HK button functions in games such as Street Fighter II and Darkstalkers.

It’s a simple system that works wonders, and makes the amalgamation of each games franchise’s special moves work together seamlessly.

The game also boasts three different “power gauge” command styles to choose from too;

AVERAGE - This is similar to the traditional super gauge in the Street Fighter games, where once the gauge is filled up, more powerful versions of normal attacks can be pulled off.

COUNTER - This is a more defensive approach that allows counterblows while evading enemy attacks. It also has an exclusive function in the form of “critical hits”, which do greater damage if they successfully hit an opponent.

RUSH - This one only fills up when chain combos are successfully executed, and although this gauge nerfs your normal attack damage, super moves can be done at any time (as long as there’s enough juice in the tank, so to speak).

So no matter which side of the fighting game coin you land on, there’s definitely a playstyle in SNK Vs. Capcom: The Match Of The Millennium that will suit you perfectly.

In the original release, if players wanted to play against each other, a link cable and another console were required, making it something of a inconvenience. Thankfully this new Switch port has 2-player versus available straight away by using the two joycons.

Story

The game’s main storyline centres around a not-so-subtly named fighting tournament known as the “Battle Tournament of Evil”, which promises the victor the title of “World’s Mightiest” and a ridiculously high amount of prize money.

The benefactors and organisers of said tournament? None other than Fatal Fury’s Geese Howard and Street Fighter II’s M. Bison!

This newly formed alliance of nefarious (and powerful) psychopaths has an ulterior motive with the tournament, and intend to create an “immortal military” whose first wave of elite soldiers are to be the captured contestants.

The character stories vary slightly depending on whether an SNK fighter or a Capcom fighter is chosen, and the game’s ending depends on the outcome of a specific match during the tournament where a player faces off against their rival.

Putting together the two “Big Bads” that are synonymous with their respective franchises is a great move and the fact that players can get a “bad ending” through poor performance in just a single match ups the ante somewhat as well.

Roster

SNK Vs. Capcom: The Match Of The Millennium’s roster is comprised of 26 different fighters (18 of which are immediately playable, with a further 8 that are unlockable) from across the various SNK and Capcom franchises;

From the King Of Fighters, Fatal Fury and Art Of Fighting games, we get Kyo, Terry Bogard, Iori, Ryo Sakazaki, Mai and Leona.

From Psycho Soldier, we get Athena.

From the Samurai Shodown series, we get Haohmaru and Nakoruru

From Street Fighter II, we get Ryu, Ken, Chun-Li, Guile and Zangief.

From the Street Fighter Alpha series, we get Sakura and Dan

From Darkstalkers, we get Morrigan and Felicia.

The unlockable fighters in the game are from a good mix of the various games series, and there are 4 to unlock for each side.

It’s an impressive roster for a game that was released on a platform like this, and does a great job of bringing together the more familiar faces of Capcom’s games with some perhaps lesser known fighters from the SNK side.

Graphics

SNK Vs. Capcom: The Match Of The Millennium’s stylised graphics are one of the most immediate things players will notice about the game.

The character sprites are more cartoonish versions of each fighter’s normal likeness and all strictly adhere to a 3-colour palette. Considering the history of alternate looks for 2D fighting game characters being simple colour swaps, this simplistic look works really well for the most part (well, Zangief might be the only exception here…).

Seeing the fighters in motion is also a joyous thing too, as the movement during fights is fluid and animated to a brilliant degree. Even the animations when characters are idle feel charming in this game!

A large problem with fighting games on handheld systems during this era was that they all too often felt like an attempt at creating a scaled down version of the bigger, more technically advanced games to fit the lower specs of the systems, ultimately resulting in a crappy version of the game.

Games such as this, along with many other titles in the Neo Geo Pocket Color library, always felt like they were made from the ground up to fit the system, so they not only played well, but they also looked very unique in a really positive way.

SNK Vs Capcom: The Match Of The Millennium is arguably the best of the bunch, and it deserves praise for it.

As is par for the course with retro fighting game re-releases on modern hardware, there’s also some extra display options to help things feel like the real deal, but with this (and the other NGPC releases on the Switch), there’s the option to view the game in a mocked up fashion on a number of different Neo Geo Pocket Color models. It’s a nice touch that effectively shows the amount of care being put into this port.

Stages

The stages in the game are essentially a megamix of different locations from several SNK and Capcom games, ranging from the helicopter wreckage in The King Of Fighters ‘94’s Brazilian jungle, the Great Wall Of China from Street Fighter Alpha: Warriors’ Dreams and the crashing rocky waves of Japan from Samurai Shodown to the cloudy Japanese castle of Ryu’s Street Fighter II stage, Morrigan’s spooky Scottish Darkstalkers cave/lair combo and the moving train carriages that pass by Mount Rushmore (over and over again) from Fatal Fury 2.

There’s plenty of references for longtime fans of these games to spot, and they have been recreated perfectly to fit in with the game’s visual style.

I mean, sure, some of the characters in the backgrounds do look a little murky and lack detail in places, but when you consider that the screen on a Neo Geo Pocket Color was a smaller, low resolution affair, it can be ignored for the most part!

Replayability

SNK Vs. Capcom: The Match Of The Millennium’s gameplay experience is essentially split into two halves.

One one side, you have the regular versus game modes and a story mode to fight through, as one would expect from pretty much every fighting game. On the other side is the unlocking all of the hidden characters and beating a plethora of minigames to earn new special moves.

This is where the game’s replay value truly shines through, and its nice to see that it’s all present in its original form on the Switch port.

These extra games are known as “Olympic Mode”, and is divided up into separate SNK and Capcom sections. While both sections do share some of the same minigames, such as the 100-round survival match, Time Attack and the “whoever gets connects with the first hit, wins!” mode, there are also a couple of games that are unique to each brand.

On the SNK side, managed by Samurai Shodown’s Rimiruru, we get “Targets” - a shooting game that sees players assume the role of Marcus from the Metal Slug franchise as he shoots down as many aliens as possible. We also get “Blade Arts” - where players take on the role of Samurai Shodown’s Jubei as he slices through as many straw dummies as possible before a timer expires.

On the Capcom side, managed by Street Fighter Alpha 3’s Karin, we get “Ghost Trick��; which sees Ghosts ‘n Goblins’ Arthur having to jump across platforms to collect treasures on each side of the screen while avoiding a pesky Firebrand that pops up between them. The other challenge - “Cat Walk” - is a Dance Dance Revolution-style minigame that sees players have to quickly input buttons as they are announced so that Felicia can dance along.

These extra modes are pretty challenging, and undeniably make the game feel so much more complete, while also showing some much deserved appreciation for other iconic games in both companies’ back catalogs.

Final thoughts & overall score

SNK Vs. Capcom: The Match Of The Millennium is fondly remembered by many as one of the best handheld fighting games ever released, and the Switch port further cements that notion, bringing the series into the modern era.

The visual style of the game still oozes charm, the gameplay system still feels immensely satisfying and the wealth of extra playable content that is packed into it puts many of the more well known titles of the era to shame.

With the features of the Nintendo Switch implemented, the small handful of nagging issues that came with the game’s original release are now completely fixed, making this not only a cool item of interest for fans of either SNK or Capcom, but an absolute essential for any fighting game fan.

For the purposes of this review, a review copy was provided by Renaissance PR on behalf of SNK.

Do you agree with our review of the SNK Vs. Capcom: The Match Of The Millennium?

Let us know in the comments section below!

#Review #Capcom #2021 #Nintendo Switch #Neo Geo Pocket Colour #SNK Vs. Capcom: The Match Of The Millennium #1999

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iseverecupcakecollectionfan-blog · 7 years ago

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Some Of The Fresh Wallpapers From Your Unreleased 2016 Phones

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A service service is said to be a specialist in mobile program progress offering a distinctive experience in Cellular Application Progress on each system including iPad, iPhone, Blackberry, Android, Hands web OS, Windows Mobile, Nokia Ovi, Bada, J2ME, & QT etc. Boosting the discussion via focusing on the information of the created and video reviews in regards to a sport does not need certainly to come at the price of a score that is expressive. The best place to consider most of the mobile phones from Motorola is net. Understanding how http://fitnesswelt-de.com/titan-gel-preis-die-bewertungen-die-wirkung-wo-kaufen-webseite-des-herstellers-oder-eine-apotheke/ that is mobile is felt about by individuals, we imagine there is planning to be many major scoffing in Guitar Hero Live's pricetag, but look at this . Let's go into how you can set the easiest solution as well as a windows mobile spy effortlessly up to get it done. Having 135 Pokémon that was fresh, new types of S /E, Pokéballs, Pokémon Challenges and, the benefits of Battle Frontier, in Pokémon Emerald revolutionized the Pokémon activities. Additionally it is less likely to want to occur than the ascendancy of Jaime though a relaxing shift of capacity to the Imp would-be among the many delectable things we're able to actually see in another Game of Thrones. For frequent RPG followers, the overall game wins by advantage of good balance in marrying mainstream tropes having humor, loveable figures and a history that though not distinctive in a synoptical impression (evil being overthrown by band of cheerful civilians) offers a well-executed and excessively gratifying experience with surprisingly emotive transforms that aren't too tacky. We attempt to pair games up with the individual who knows the genre the manufacturer, along with the kind of recreation sport, in order to offer the many expert viewpoints. Only six could be got by recreation of Thrones earnings someday in summer 2017 for season SEVERAL, that will get several attacks Year EIGHT. Advanced activities are loved by me, but a game that I'd to obtain numerous components created myself less fascinated. Regarding a good example let us check out the functions spec and cost of g five g3000 mobile phone. Just in case you're wondering why the overall game is called Crimsonland, it's because your opponents pour their body around the battleground as you take them out. Granted the road is a small basic searching, employing vector-graphics to generate it focus on a number of gadgets not just the latest smartphones, nonetheless it is relatively comprehensive. Indeed are overpowering games that are dear quicker than games that is cellular is taking-over consoles. Here's where your $1,000+ dollars come in. The Samsung Series7 Chronos provides outstanding CPU and design specs, with a quad-coreANDSEVEN thread Intel Key i7-2675QM Exotic Fill PC with SIX megs level 2 cache and Turbo-Boost to 3.1GHz, SIX gigs of DDR SEVERAL 1333MHz Memory (8 optimum) and an 8x dvdburner (number Blu-ray selection). Android Telephone SEVEN that you'd like to view outlined, iPad, let us understand if you've a suggestion for an application for that iPhone. There is regular - full resolution (typically 1080p in animations games on Android) plus a greatest FPS of sixty. Next there is save electricity,” which declines the frame-rate to a greatest of 30FPS and lessens the solution (prone to 720p). Personally I actually don't think the adjustments are this kind of matter anymore as developers are currently becoming greater at enjoying for their benefits, but yes people who don't sport on mobile phones appear to generally be of the view that the settings is likely to be bs. I.e.- average gamer Perceives Implosion is 10MONEY and appreciates nothing of its material or value, passes rapidly over it and data several trash mech sport that is f2p and dislikes it and is quit continuous to think portable offers very little to offer relative pc or to system. Running budgets that are tiny keep compensated portable games at night. Using online Cellular Keep, you can consider every phone's details and prepare, and take action at your personal speed. John Lindley, senior manufacturer at EA, appreciates the Business's new game comes strongly in the group that Hearthstone has helped legitimize, observing that Hearthstone is each creativity and competitors. By the period the erosion at this range's bottom end takes carry portable may also have now been changed fembots, by neurological gaming or something. Which should perform fine too if you pop in a fresh hard-drive, mount Snow Leopard import Your Time And Effort Device copy as you defined. Yahoois chance is the fact that by depending on Android adopters modify the OS and to create the equipment, the adopter might hand the OS due to their own utilize and not avail themselves of the means of Google. However it generally does not fit-for the operator, already attempted together with the PS3 controller Sport!!! The matter that set-back out sport essentially the most animating and was modeling the Pokemon. Most TELEVISION collection GRAMS five cellular handsets are not low in excellent and helps dual sim (GSM) function. Properly explained, and I assume they currently do, using portable gaming's growth within their home country. He once instructed several children that when there is a game title preordered sufficient previously will be sometimes come away by it. Choosing Android application programmer programmer on constant, weekly and regular schedule is achievable, as with all the greater functions the business enterprise could possibly get ignited with this work style. Regardless of more than 16 years afterwards the flaws, that are quickly identified currently , Pokémon R /W/Y was the sport that is perfect. Bingis private emulator wasn't always the fastest and easiest to utilize (to the stage where Microsoft wound up liberating its own). We observed it was additionally suitable for my Nvidia DEFEND Android Television, therefore it was fitted by me there too and plan to view what happens later. Clearly the aesthetic side of things is the most clear to identify from the player, but more conversation using materials inside the environment of the game, like deterioration, which could play with a part within the gameplay of the game and a role that is next. Nicely, I woke up early, between 5 and SEVERAL:30am. I began enjoying and downloaded the overall game. Camping goers and additional camping experts is going to be contained in the recreation though brands have not been stated nonetheless. Video gaming have come quite a distance, and have spread to cell hand helds which might be a lot more advanced and superior custom home consoles, pc and laptop gaming and with greater and greater digital features and visuals. Android is currently assisting to transfer customers to T-Mobile the knowledge companies of: income of Android equipment were up 137 pct this season from your year that is previous. Are you currently buying way to Traveler Mobile Phone Text it's cando it using cell-phone criminal is hardly difficult to use. In Game of Thrones, the audience is made conscious incredibly first of what is currently going on in Master's Obtaining. That several money is better spent if you've got Computer or a system on preserving up for one of the activities. (by-the-way, the initial Arkham Asylum is just $thirteen this weekend on Steam) and when you do not, next only purchase something else - there are many of steps games on Android which are simply simply better. Take a look at our manual on how best to move your acquaintances between iPhone and Android for an easy approach that has iTunes. Among the minion sorts in the first activities was updated for the film, as well as the game developers offered one-an additional outfit to create a full fledged chatting NPC. You're able to support the Siri Remote in possibly landscape or symbol, with respect to the game—most operator - type games will require landscape, while point-and- activities ought to not be coarse in symbol method. Currently, some 300,thousand people include rated Flappy Bird, several causing long critiques using recommendations, needs, and general ventilation: The only reason why I've not however removed this awful game will be the overwhelming sensation of relief and achievement I'm when I eventually overcome a high report,” produces one. Back-up. It was as if you just said that it is a recreation around shooting at high-school females with a wonder climax gun wherever you go. Windows Mobile is an operating system (OS), developed and produced by Microsoft.

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coolfilesnetworkm48-blog · 5 years ago

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DOWNLOAD USB PC CAMERA DC-3120 DRIVER

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theteenagetrickster · 5 years ago

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'It's a war zone': why is a generation of rappers dying young? | Music | The Guardian

It could seem insensitive, yet Jacob Thureson's moms and dads, Erik and Judy, were actually certainly not also worried when they found out about his latest overdose. It had taken place a number of times currently as well as the 18-year-old rap artist had actually constantly created it out of hospital in one piece. Thureson, that executed under the label Hella Sketchy, was actually one of the surge of emo-influenced snare rappers that arised utilizing the popular music system SoundCloud. He had just recently transferred coming from the family home in Texas to Los Angeles after being authorized to Atlantic Records.

As Erik steered to work, he cycled by means of a mental list of possibilities: a lot more inpatient treatment? Thureson had actually been to rehab, two times. Ketamine therapy?

There would be no further program. Not long after Erik left behind for job, Judy obtained another telephone call. Things were actually really negative, as well as they ought to pertain to the medical facility right now. Fourteen times later, on 27 June 2019, Thureson died.

Numerous younger rap artists have passed away before couple of years. Mac computer Miller perished in 2018 aged 26 after taking in cocaine and also bogus oxycodone including the man-made opioid fentanyl. Lil Squeak died at 21 in 2017-- an accidental fentanyl and Xanax overdose. Extract WRLD passed away late in 2013 after a drug-induced seizure aboard a private plane. It is felt he accepted various Percocet supplements in an effort to conceal them as cops robbed the aircraft. On New Year's Time, an uncommon women fatality: Minnesota rapper Lexii Alijai, the target of however another unexpected fentanyl overdose.

Together with these fatalities by accident, there are the victims of intense unlawful act. Despite being implicated of dreadful misuse by an ex-partner, XXXTentacion delighted in enormous popularity just before being gotten rid of in 2018 aged 20 as he was actually robbed outside a Florida bike car dealership. Pittsburgh rap artist Jimmy Wopo-- proclaimed as the inheritor to local forefathers Wiz Khalifa and Macintosh Miller-- was gotten rid of in a drive-by capturing the exact same day. Pair of full weeks eventually, 21-year-old Canadian rap artist and also Drake tourmate Smoke Dawg was actually eliminated outside a Toronto club. In March 2019, Nipsey Hussle was shot lifeless outside his Los Angeles clothes establishment.

2.8 z" > Facebook

rounded-icon block-share __ product block-share __ item-- twitter js-blockshare-link" href=" https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text='It's%20a%20war%20zone'%3A%20why%20is%20a%20generation%20of%20rappers%20dying%20young%3F&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.theguardian.com%2Fmusic%2F2020%2Fjan%2F31%2Fwar-zone-music-industry-confronts-a-generation-of-rappers-dying-young%3FCMP%3Dshare_btn_tw%26page%3Dwith%3Aimg-2%23img-2" aim at =" _ blank" data-link-name=" social twitter" > Twitter Pinterest Several of these rap artists interacted with their very own mortality in verses that spoke about fatality, medicines and also depression. Fatality is actually almost everywhere in SoundCloud rap: the genre's off the record logo design is actually a drop. Smokepurpp presented in a coffin in the art pieces for his mixtape Deadstar, and also Peep-- typically called the Kurt Cobain of his generation being obligated to pay to his cherubic face, placid method and also dedication to his ever-spiralling nihilism-- intoned:" Everyone tellin' me life's short,

yet I wan na die," on his 2017 monitor The Brightside. Looking at such lyrics, you might sensibly conclude that these rap artists intended to pass away. Yet while a few of them carried out encounter mental disease and also dependency, their fatality desire was as a lot of an aesthetic as the pink hair and also face tattoos. Why performed the nihilistic position end up being a self-fulfilling revelation, finishing the everyday lives of youthful folks barely out of their adolescents? And what may be performed to prevent it? One complication hinges on the technique these rappers 'jobs have actually constructed along with remarkable velocity. While earlier productions of entertainers may spend years gigging before being spotted, DO-IT-YOURSELF rap celebrities have circumvented the file business's gatekeepers to accumulate wealth and excellence-- typically while still in their adolescents-- leaving all of them battling to adjust to unexpected fame." Peep went coming from having no supervisor to being managed through a large business that takes care of prominent performers, as well as with that said happened more funds as well as even more stress," claims his friend and also collaborator Adam McIlwee, who executes as Wicca Phase Springs Eternal. The rap game isn't like every other industry. There are a considerable amount of weapons and also bullets flying around In a sector that is actually ruthlessly committed to uncovering the popular new point, pastoral treatment could be void. Tape tags often do not look after regarding these rappers." They understand that when they're carried out, the upcoming SoundCloud or Instagram rap artist is responsible for all of them," mentions Calvin Emoticon, a specialist in hip-hop as well as social compensation at Seeker University in New York City. On an also much more negative details, he concerns why Juice WRLD was actually carrying his medicines personally. "I have actually been actually around hip-hop performers, and also the rule of finger is that there is actually a close friend that carries the medications as well as takes the loss," Smiley claims." You ponder: where were his trainers? Where were actually people providing him direction?" The function of control is additionally happening under scrutiny. Peep's mother, Liza Womack, is filing a claim against Very first Gain access to Entertainment, who managed the rap artist. She asserts that they encouraged substance abuse on Lil Peep's ultimate scenic tour, would certainly obtain medicines for him, and also drove the rapper beyond excess of "what a person of his age and maturation level could possibly take care of psychologically, emotionally, as well as physically".( First Get Access To Home entertainment carried out not reply to an ask for comment, yet in a legal submitting possesses mentioned its own negotiations along with Peep were actually" simply of a company attribute as well as certainly not the kind of exclusive connection generating a private task of treatment".) McIlwee claims that Squeak had a fight along with his monitoring not long before he passed away. "I know there was a show he did certainly not wish to participate in for whatever main reason-- as well as [the drug-taking] was him simply presenting the globe he didn't truly care." McIlwee claims that labels and also control need to give performers time to recuperate." If your musician remains in trouble, you possess to come in and mention it is actually opportunity to take a go back or re-evaluate the release routine, the touring," he says. "So the artist may obtain healthy and balanced as well as possess a long profession. That does not take place much, because long careers are boring."

There are actually signs that lessons are being actually learned. Giuseppe Zappala of Galactic Records manages Lil Tecca, the 17-year-old SoundCloud wunderkind whose track Ransom money hit No 4 in the United States and also has actually collected greater than 650m plays on Spotify. He has actually found out to check out Tecca's state of minds thoroughly: if the young rapper seems overtired, Zappala is going to remove the timetables. He makes certain that Tecca contends minimum a time off between shows and also scenic tours final no more than five weeks. In some cases he carries chefs while driving to guarantee he is actually consuming well. Sleep is another priority, although there is actually a limit to what Zappala can possibly do, considered that Tecca is a teenager. "There will certainly be actually opportunities when Tec would like to go to the workshop until 8am," Zappala sighs. "I claim: 'That might certainly not make the best sense, considering that you have actually obtained a show tomorrow at 1pm.' It concerns trying to instil routine in him."

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4.804-2.693 4.804-6.298 C22 10.54 19.763 8 16.363 8" > Pinterest Youthful rap artists can deal with merely as much pressure from outside the sector:" The atmospheres where these children happen coming from-- it's not a fairy tale way of living, "claims Taylor Maglin, that found out Wopo and handled him until his fatality." It's a battle area, you recognize? Rivals receive created, adversaries acquire made." He strongly believes that Wopo was actually killed through disaffected members of a competing group, that were actually envious of his excellence. (Wopo was presumably a member of the Mountain District gang 11 Hunnit, as well as was actually name-checked in a police denunciation not long after his death.) XXXTentacion's attorney, David Bogenschutz, mentions the rap artist had" been worried that an individual would certainly kidnap or even eliminate him. He was generating cash as well as notoriety." The day XXXTentacion was actually fired, it is thought he was haunted coming from his financial institution to the motorbike dealer." The rap video game isn't such as any type of various other business," mentions manufacturer Jimmy Duval, that teamed up with XXX. "There are a bunch of guns as well as bullets soaring around." Smiley says that hip-hop's connections along with medicines has altered" definitely ". Earlier ages of rappers utilized medicines as a device to build up wide range, talking about marketing all of them as a means out of destitution, instead of using anesthetics on their own( club weed and alcohol). When excellence got here, drugs were actually utilized as a social signifier: video depicting dining tables sighing with containers of Hennessy and also cocaine-dusted exemplifies. That truth has actually switched to a much more ostentatious kind of glamorisation. You need to perform 24/7, since every little thing has to do with likes, shares as well as awaiting just how lots of fans you possess A transforming point came with the spin of the 2010s, when rapper Juicy J aided popularise healthy, then the medicine of selection in Houston's diced and also turned songs arena. An addicting and also risky concoction of soft drink, goodie and prescribed coughing mixture containing opium, recommendations to lean oozed right into rap: Lil Wayne celebrates it, Youthful Criminal freely drinks it during job interviews, as well as Juice WRLD mentioned he was motivated to try healthy after listening closely to Future. Roddy Ricch's favorite keep track of Package, presently the United States No 1, has an anthemic chorus with a product line regarding consuming slim to" receive idle". Rappers also began striking event drugs like MDMA as well as drug, and also the prescription medicines OxyContin, Xanax and also Percocet. Future commemorates" molly, Perocets" in his 2015 smash Cover-up Off. (" That is actually a horrible combo of medications," says Duval of Disguise Off:" The entire hook is you having a fucking cardiac arrest.") The rap artist Lil Pump presented along with a Xanax-shaped cake to celebrate connecting with 1 million fans on Instagram, an especially brain-dead feat given that fake prescription medicines having fentanyl have been blamed for the 10-fold increase in opioid-related deaths in the United States in between 2013 as well as 2018. A lifestyle of performative excess began to strangle the performance, checked out via the panopticon of social networks, which encourages risk-taking practices, points out : "You need to perform 24/7, since every little thing is about likes, allotments as well as adding up the amount of followers you possess." Thureson uploaded online videos of himself consuming bank on Instagram; when his parents faced him, he claimed it was actually purple Gatorade. "He told me it was actually simply the society," his mum, Judy, says. Peep positioned along with prescribed supplements on his tongue hrs just before he perished.

Braden L Morgan, known as developer Nedarb Nagrom, was Peep's flatmate for three years. He strongly believes Squeak over used medicines to reduce the tensions of touring, which he despised, which hangers-on supplying him medicines made traits worse. "He was definitely good and will okay every thing, thus he would certainly carry out whatever anybody gave him. And also as he received a lot more prominent, more folks intended to be his good friend, so they gave him the stuff much more" He calls Peep's death an awful mishap. "He received unlucky. I believe that if he hadn't passed away, he was mosting likely to loosen up."

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Twitter Pinterest After plenty of deaths, a ruthless comedown."After Peep passed away, a lot of individuals quit partying on a daily basis," claims Morgan. He has actually observed medicine make use of tail off one of the younger rappers he makes; Lil Pump and also Smokepurpp introduced they were stopping Xanax following Squeak's death. "The more youthful youngsters do not do things as a lot, since they find all the crap that occurred in the last few years." For those who carry out still enjoy, drug-testing kits are actually becoming popular. "No person was actually evaluating drugs just before Squeak passed away," says Morgan.

There are actually promising evidence that the rap culture is actually beginning to course-correct. "There's sufficient of a bad taste in everybody's oral cavity that stating, 'go come a molly' does not really feel now," says Duval. The retaliation has been actually rumbling for an even though: J Cole's 2018 diss path 1985 was actually cutting concerning SoundCloud rappers. "They wan na find you wipe, they wan na view you put a tablet/ They wan na view you tattooed coming from your skin to your heels."

As the analgesic cosmetic comes to be less fashionable, rappers are actually becoming more mindful of the notification they are actually delivering to followers. Musicians including Isaiah Rashad, Lucki, Travis Scott and also Danny Brown have actually communicated out regarding prescription medicine dependency. Sacramento rapper Mozzy has recommended his followers to quit lean. Lucki, taken into consideration through some to be actually the father of SoundCloud rap, talks in Freewave 3 concerning his mama finding the impact of bank on his kidneys. Also Lil Xan, conveniently very most high-handed performer within this team, has taken into consideration transforming his name.

'Immobilize the ache with the funds': exactly how hip-hop turned nihilistic

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As Miller performed in his most significant hit, it is actually time to lastly start practising some self-care. But the worry ought to not be up to people: as tags as well as control exploit this surge, they have to take more significant duty for performer well-being. "You have to prioritise their health and wellness and also joy and happiness before popular music or even fame," says Zappala. "It is actually hard being a prosperous musician, not recognizing whether the individuals around you possess genuine intentions."

His objectives for Tecca are crystal clear. "I am actually heading to create Tec right into an artist that has a 10, 15-year job," claims Zappala. "When he's 30, he's still heading to be actually appropriate."

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eknowledgetree2015 · 5 years ago

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15 Best earbuds or in-ear headphones 2020

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Jabra Elite 65t is an Alexa enabled true wireless earbuds with charging case. Conversations are made very clear with the true wireless earbuds that feature 4 microphone technology and are proven to deliver best in class call performance. With the help of customizable equalizer, you can personalize the sound to hear, the way you want. With one-touch access to Amazon Alexa, you can listen to your favourite to your music. Jabra has a proven track record of true wireless connectivity. It is a completely water-resistant earbud. Try out this fantastic device on Amazon now.

5. BoAT Airdopes 311v2:

boAT Airpodes 311v2 true wireless earbuds are integrated with Bluetooth V5, seamless connection with HD sound and sleek design. You can hear the music for 3.5 hours on a single charge. It comes with premium high tech design that makes your home class. You can set high tone frequency precision and sensitivity that allows for premium audio reproduction through extremely lightweight earbuds. IPX5 water and sweat resistance, the integrated design allows for safer portability. You can control this device very easily with the voice assistant. Try out this earbud on Amazon Now.

6. PTron Bassbuds in-ear headphones:

pTron Bassbuds in-ear headphones are true wireless Bluetooth headphones that come with a mic, stereo, and Bass. On-the earbuds multifunction buttons allow calls, and music control for a hands-free experience. pTron Bassbuds is a Bluetooth 5.0 enabled, 6 hours of music playtime, 5 hours talk time support, 1.5 hours charging time, and 100 hours of standby time. 10m wireless range, voice assistant support, 400mAh compact and portable charging case, micro USB charging cable, With the help of a built-in microphone, one can experience hands-free music and call management. Try out this device on Amazon now.

7. Syvo Bass Twins:

Syvo Bass Twins is a true wireless earbuds stereo earbuds featuring the latest Bluetooth 5.0 technology that produces incredible Hi-Fi sound quality. Because of its lightweight design, it fits comfortably and snugly into your ears. You can have maximum comfort even if you wear it throughout the day. It uses advanced Bluetooth technology, and never misses a call or network connection drops. Enjoy your music without any network failure all the time. Enjoy music for 4 hours on a single charge. It also charges very fast and requires 1.5 hours for a full battery charge. Syvo Bassbuds Twin earbuds come with 350mAhcompact and a portable mini charger case, you can recharge your earbuds 3 to 4 times, so that you can enjoy all the day without any distractions. Try out this device on Amazon Now.

8. Muzili VV1:

Muzili VV1 is the most cost-effective and sound quality earbuds in 2020. Muzili Bluetooth earbuds built-in 13mm driver units, high audio encoding technology, low power HD noise reduction to eliminate noise in different frequency bands. Bluetooth 5.0 enables a more stable and fast transmission connection. It had several functions which can be activated very easily. Muzili earbuds are tailored earphones and comfortable fit as they as designed by the structural designers to give a smooth and comfortable fit of the users. Muzili true wireless earbuds utilize IPX5 waterproof and sweat resistance. This facility helps to protect the earbuds from sweat and rain etc. It comes with a 350mAh charging box that charges both earbuds four times and one earbud eight times. Try out this device on Amazon Now.

9. Noise Shots X-Buds:

Noise Shots X buds are truly in-ear headphones enabled with Bluetooth v5.0 Bluetooth 5v.0 enables fast pairing, more stable wireless connections, greater range and better battery life on X-buds. It comes with an amazing 4 hours of playing time packed with charging case that can fully recharge 3 times, for a total of 16 + hours of playtime. The in-ear headphones are stylish earbuds with short stems, rounded rectangular shapes, and satin finishing. It is based on full touch control, you can listen to music, take calls very easily. With the help of voice assistant controls, you can use Siri and Google’s assistant with your X-Buds truly wireless earbuds. IPX5 waterproof and can be worn during workouts and training. Get this device on Amazon Now.

10. Truke Fit 1:

Truke Fit 1 true wireless earbuds designed to deliver crystal clear sound with true bass on Single Press. The BlueTooth wireless earbuds come with Bluetooth 5.0 support which is 2-times faster than 4.2. Moreover advanced wireless Bluetooth technology ensures a steady wireless connection without a dropout. Truke Fit 1 comes with 12 hours of playtime with a 350mAh charging case. Truke Fit 1 provides Single Press operations to manage calls and music simultaneously. It also had dual digital support form Google Assistants like Siri. Truke Fit 1 True wireless earbuds are splash-proof so that you can enjoy intense sweating workouts without any hesitation. Get this device on Amazon now.

11. Wings PowerPods:

Wings Powerpods touch screen is the only digital display case in the market. You can check the battery power left in the charging case all the time. With the help of touch screen controls, you can change the songs, answer the calls, adjust the volume, etc. It comes with a whooping power bank function of 2500mAh to charge your mobile while travelling. It supports 50 hours charging time, each earbud plays 5 hours on a single charge. It had an LED light indicator for attraction, voice assistant features too. It is enabled with an in-built HD mic and stereo calling feature to hear on both earbuds. Get this product on Amazon Now.

12. Motorola Verve Buds:

Motorola verve Buds true wireless in-ear headphones with Bluetooth v5.0 support enables for faster responses. It had a playtime of 9 hours with a 250 mAh battery case. You can use either earbud as it is built-in with mic for calls. It is enabled with Hubble, Alexa, Google Assistant and Siri support for voice assistant commands. Motorola Verve Buds are compatible with all the devices. Try out this amazing device on Amazon Now.

13. Irusu Bees Touch Sensor:

Irusu Bees Touch sensor True wireless earbuds come with superior sound quality. Bluetooth V5.0 gives you high-quality sound for listening and conversations. It is a portable charger case, you can recharge whenever you want. Playtime up to 8 hrs and charging case for 20 hours. This device is IPX6 water-resistant and no need to worry during workouts. It's sleek and neat design makes you focus on listening to music and calls apart from the dirt or sweat. It is touch control and you can handle the devices with your voice commands like Siri. It is very easy to adjust the volume, change song tracks, etc. Try out this amazing device on Amazon Now.

14. CROSSBEATS Pebble 2020:

CROSSBEATS pebble 2020 in-ear earbuds designed for folks, you can easily turn your heads the way you want. It comes with a unique tan-coloured leather sling tag that can carry your earbuds more convenient. There is a copper-coloured finishing on the calls button to give a stylish appeal. Enhanced bass in the headphones will deliver so real that makes every track a better experience. They are 2020 noise cancellation earbuds giving the user a great listening and awesome experience. With the help of type C fast-charging system, your device gets charged in less than 60 minutes. It comes with dual microphone support so that your audio calls will be real as live. It is a super entertained device wherever you go. It is a secure fit and designed for all types of users. Try out this device on Amazon Now.

15. Wings Touch Earbuds:

Wings Touch Earbuds is a touch sensor control where you can change the volume, answer calls, songs with just a simple touch on the left and right earbuds. It is optimized for 30 hours playtime and each earbud plays for 5 hours. Wings Touch earbud is Google Assistant and Siri enabled. Easy auto-pairing as both earbuds connect automatically with each other. It is a deep bass with clear vocals. It had built-in Mic-Stereo calling for both earbuds. It is compatible with all Bluetooth devices. Get this product on Amazon Now.

Conclusion: They are a wide variety of brands competing in the marketplace for their existence. All the products differ in terms of price, features, usage. As a technology lover, and more curious about the wired and wireless devices. Generally, wired devices are going down with the evolve of wireless. There will be price variations, you need to check and pick the one which matches your requirements. Read the full article

#MotorolaVerveBuds

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in-christ-alone-my-hope-is--blog · 8 years ago

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Itunes Artwork

Are you currently tired of having all of your pictures in your iTunes library and displayed by Telugu Movie Songs . Quite simply would you want to own all of the current recording artwork synced to your albums. If so you should be glad since I'm about to share with you about a new computer software that could quickly acquire recording artwork and put it to your iTunes library.

If you're any such thing like me you've performed a great deal of searching on the subject. At first I stumbled upon cover artwork databases that provided all of the images I possibly could handle. Then 1 by 1 I would need to save your self them to my hard drive and then import them into my iTunes. Then I stumbled upon TidySongs, that has an incredible function that actually queries these recording artwork databases and downloads the right cover artwork and imports it into my iTunes automatically.

TidySongs not just gets your recording artwork, additionally it may find and eliminate duplicate song files, rename mislabeled information like song brands or artist titles, or even fill in all of the blank areas in the MP3s ID3 tags. Meaning your tracks can are in possession of the right brands, artist titles, genres, and launch dates.

TidySongs is available for quick acquire over the Internet therefore you may be up and working within the next 10 minutes. That computer software did wonders for organizing my iTunes and I'm certain it can perform the same for you. One suggestion I would recommend would be to get small bits of your music library and keep these things fixed, rather than trying your complete library at the same time. It has a fill off the application and also offers you more get a grip on around what's happening.

If you really want to complete your recording artwork variety TidySongs is definitely the solution to go.

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asfeedin · 5 years ago

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6 Fundamental Composition Techniques That Will Improve Your Portraits

Humans can be one of the most interesting subjects to photograph because of their varied characters, personalities and when creating a portrait, just like any other genre of photography, you will need to give importance to composition in order to create visual impact and connection with the viewer.

A portrait needs to convey the character and mood of the person and composing a portrait can be a bit tougher than you might think. There are several things like lighting, right subject, best camera settings and locations you need to get right to create successful and compelling portraits.

In order to create engaging portraits and not snapshots, you need to have the skills and technical knowledge in making portraits. One of the most important factors among these are composition techniques and here are six composition techniques that can be used to improve your portraits.

Placing the eyes on the upper third

Filling the frame

Framing your subject using frame within a frame

Using leading lines

Leaving space for your subject to look at

Using different perspectives or angles

1. Place The Eyes In The Upper Third:

You may all have heard about the basic rule that most photographers start with – the rule of thirds. In order to create a visual impact in your portraits, when shooting in portrait orientation, it is best to have the eyes of the subject on the upper third of the frame.

Štefan Štefančík

If you are shooting in landscape orientation, then going by the rule of thirds, it is good to have the dominant eye of the subject on or near one of the vertical lines of the rule of thirds grid.

Note:

An exception to the above technique can be when you are shooting full body shots where you can be positioning your subject on the right or left third of the image.

2. Fill the Frame:

When making a portrait, you are capturing the character and features of the person. So do not hesitate to get close and fill the frame with your subject’s face. Do not limit yourself to just the headshots, but try filling the frame when you do head and shoulders shots, medium shots or three-quarter shots.

Filling the frame with the subject’s face also helps emphasize textures and other details like lines, wrinkles, etc. in the portrait. You can also look into the subject through a closer view of their eyes in the photograph.

3. Frame Your Subject With Frames Within The Frame:

When making portraits, you do not have to eliminate or blur the background, instead use the elements like doors, windows, lines, etc. to frame the subject to keep the viewer’s attention on your subject.

You can also use elements like windows, doors, arches or any other natural or man-made structures in the foreground to frame your subject to create visually interesting images.

4. Use Lines To Lead The Viewer To Your Subject:

Lines are another interesting feature when it comes to composition for any genre of photography. They can be so powerful and be used to lead the viewer into the frame to your subject. Use lines and frame your subject in such a way that the lines lead the viewer’s eyes to the subject or their eyes.

5. Leave Space In Front Of The Subject:

This is a very important technique that needs to be taken care of. If you are making a portrait where the subject is looking in one direction or their body is facing a particular direction, then, always leave space in the direction your subject is looking into (in front of them) or their body is facing, just like how you would leave space in the direction of movement of your subject. Do not frame in a way that the subject is positioned, facing a direction where they exit the frame immediately.

6. Use A Different Angle Or Perspective:

Do not stop with just straight up shots at eye level, but change angles to show your subject from a totally different perspective. You can get higher or lower or move to the left or right of your subject to get the right composition and personality of your subject. It also helps avoid certain distracting elements behind or around your subject and can lead to powerful portraits sometimes.

These are some of the many composition techniques required to create stunning portraits, but with the techniques mentioned here, you can create beautiful well-composed portraits. Once you master these techniques, do not hesitate to break these techniques in a creative way.

Further Resources:

6 Tips To Capturing Better Eyes in Portrait Photography

5 Mistakes Beginners Make In Portrait Photography And How To Avoid Them

5 Surprisingly Simple Tips For Stunning Black And White Portraits

5 Free E-Books on Photographing Candid Portraits

Bite Size Tips – Capturing Classic Portraiture Compositions

15 Amazing Photos That Will Make You Appreciate Juxtaposition

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Tags: 6, Composition, fundamental, Improve, Portraits, techniques

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claraoswald81 · 7 years ago

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5 Reasons Why You Are A Rookie In SEO 2019

SEO. SEO or the particular Search Engine Optimization is certainly an method of increasing visitors generation for an internet company. Cisco approximated that by 2019, video may make up 80% of just about all consumer internet traffic. In line along with the previous point, SEOs may consider various landing pages along with proper keywords, meta tags plus the overall website structure through the SEO point of see. Including relevant key phrases in the title, URL, plus headers of the page plus making sure that a site is crawlable are actions that will site owners can take in order to improve the SEO of their own site. To fulfill intent and position well in the long work, build your SEO marketing technique around topics, not keywords In case you do that, you will find a person can naturally optimize for essential keywords, anyway. Artificial cleverness (AI) and voice searches are usually two technologies that are currently affecting SEO but will probably have an even bigger influence in 2019 and the yrs to come. They are usually also great for video SEARCH ENGINE OPTIMIZATION, and get great organic rating online and Google. Remember keywords are usually the KEY in SEO composing guidelines. It deeply analyze your site and reveals each opportunity with regard to your SEO improvement by concentrating on key factors like cultural media, technologies, local SEO, guests, usability, search ranking efforts plus mobile SEO. A SEO expert or agency can audit your own site and appear at exactly how it is performing against your own most important keywords. Link building is a type of off-site SEO where various other sites link back to your own site if they feel a person offer something of value in order to their audience. In many crucial areas they overlap; if SEARCH ENGINE OPTIMIZATION is more technical and provides to a narrow sphere, content material marketing takes a holistic method. Equally, generally there is no point in losing your SEO marketing efforts simply by delivering lots of traffic in order to your website from highly related search queries, when the consumer experience upon landing on that will website is poor quality. On web page, SEO relates to keywords. In addition to the over search engine optimization solutions, SEARCH ENGINE OPTIMIZATION services provide other Internet marketing and advertising services, which includes: search-friendly internet design, pay-per-click (PPC) advertising promotions, backlink programs, SMO services, blog site optimization and marketing, targeted nearby search engine marketing, and cellular marketing optimization. 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SEO stands for Search Motor Optimization and refers to strategies you can use to assist ensure that your site rates high in the results associated with search engines for example Google. It blends ratings and search volumes in the manner that makes it even more relevant, insightful and easier in order to understand than any other SEARCH ENGINE OPTIMIZATION performance tracking approach. About: Advanced Search Summit is usually designed for advanced SEO experts, digital marketers, and analysts from enterprise and mid-market sized businesses who want advanced tactics plus techniques. SEO stands for seo. ” It is the process associated with getting traffic in the free, ” organic, ” editorial” or natural” search results on search motors like google. If you're planning about ramping up SEM attempts to complement organic SEO, become sure to take a appearance at Google Adwords ' Research Ads page. 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If you forget that will quality content is a best priority, then you can definitely forget about having an SEARCH ENGINE OPTIMIZATION strategy. The particular way we asking the device is different from person in order to person. therefore, optimizing your web site 100% mobile friendly to perform cellular voice search is very essential to SEO 2019. I actually am just newbie and significantly i do get frustrated whenever articles doesn't rank on best or near top, but individuals like you and many various other also inspire me to never ever give up. There are a number of points that i wasn't recognized up to now but appreciate to you, you are often make us learn important points about seo. The traditional strategy to SEO has been devoted to creating excellent content that will is easily searchable via lookup engine bots. To realize SEO, you'll also need in order to know how Google search functions. 2019 may still use many of these kinds of newly implemented tactics, but look for engine optimization experts are likewise suggesting there will be a great deal more. Currently more than half associated with searches account for mobile products, and the number will definitely move up in 2019. Within the remaining 2018 quarter, a person need to invest in mobile-first content that will rank a person higher in mobile search within 2019. The vast majority of your SEO learning need to come from online resources, yet there are a few publications that will help you conceptually understand the history of research, search engines, and how SEARCH ENGINE OPTIMIZATION has changed through the many years. There are several methods that webmasters use within order to entice potential clients to their site—one of the particular most important and effective associated with those being Seo (SEO). SEO is important for a lot of companies because if individuals find you with a web research and find what they're searching for, you can receive a lot of new web visitors that will can help you earn even more money. Good SEO follows guidelines that Search engines determines are best practices in order to have your articles ranked upon top. SEARCH ENGINE OPTIMIZATION services do thorough keyword analysis for the specific website, and after that optimize the information on the particular basis of these keywords plus theme of website. Search Motor Optimization (SEO) is the technique to campaign your products on-line towards the right clientele regarding increasing ROI. There are many tools upon the web to assist along with basic keyword research (including the particular Google Keyword Planner tool and there are even more useful third party SEO tools to help you perform this). The biggest change that will we'll see in 2019 (and that's already happening) is the particular fact that keywords are getting less important. Once you've discovered your keywords, use another SEMrush tool, the SEO Content Design template, which is part of their own Content Marketing Toolkit, to function out the best way in order to optimize your content. If a company is providing you all these services below one roof, climbing up the particular SEO ranking will not become an uphill task for your own business any more. Local SEO companies allows a person to position your business upon search engines like google plus other digital marketing platforms therefore you're seen by potential clients — on their terms. YouTube adds the particular nofollow” tag to their hyperlinks, so they don't really assist with SEO. SEARCH ENGINE OPTIMIZATION isn't just about building lookup engine-friendly websites. The sooner you understand the reason why Google is sending you much less traffic than it did a year ago, the sooner you can clear it up and focus upon proactive SEO that starts to influence your rankings in a good way. The trending SEARCH ENGINE OPTIMIZATION technique or strategy now plus in 2019 will be Research Enterprise Optimization It has already been coined by myself since 2015. A few search engines have also offered to the SEO industry, plus are frequent sponsors and visitors at SEO conferences, webchats, plus seminars. If a person have a website that a person want to become easily discovered by a search engine, you have to increase your site rank via SEO as well. Some SEARCH ENGINE OPTIMIZATION companies focus on link building” and increasing the authority associated with their clients' websites. Through an SEO perspective, we had been introduced to RankBrain nearly 2 years ago, a machine-learning synthetic intelligence that Google's been making use of to process an extremely big proportion of search results. Specifically, you'll discover exactly how to utilize advanced on-page SEO strategies (like Bucket Brigades”) to get higher Google ratings and more organic traffic. Search engines has introduced (at least) the ‘percieved' risk to publishing plenty SEO 2019 Has The Answer To Everything of lower-quality pages on your own site to in order in order to curb production of old-style SEARCH ENGINE OPTIMIZATION friendly content based on manipulating early search engine algorithms. Grey hat SEARCH ENGINE OPTIMIZATION is entirely centered on enhancing search engine rankings. There are numerous aspects to SEARCH ENGINE OPTIMIZATION, from the words on your own page to the way additional sites link to you upon the web. So, rather than viewing SEARCH ENGINE MARKETING as an umbrella term covering SEO, it's more accurate in order to view SEM (paid search) plus SEO (organic search) as distinct entities to use as portion of your Search Marketing arsenal. You've added even more relevant content to your site write-up and increased the on-page SEARCH ENGINE OPTIMIZATION targeted against your focus keyword(s). Before my first ISS, We had always thought I may just learn everything by myself personally about global online marketing matters like International SEO just simply by doing online investigation and playing, but honestly nothing beats the particular efficiency of attending a convention like ISS where one could share your experiences and rapidly gain a treasure trove regarding learnings and best practices through other international marketers. That method, you and your SEO may ensure that your site is usually designed to be search engine-friendly from the bottom up. However, a good SEO can furthermore help improve a current web site. If you would like to know what kind associated with SEO trends are going in order to develop in 2019, look simply no further than the trends that will are developing in search within both 2017 and 2018. Webmasters are usually going to remain competitive within the online business when these people stick with SEO experts. SEARCH ENGINE OPTIMIZATION and social media marketing guarantee that one's site has the particular best SEO Online marketing, which usually means that their company may remain competitive in the on-line market. An SEO ("search engine optimization") expert is somebody trained to improve your presence on search engines. From an SEO perspective, an individual want to have more interior links pointing to your almost all important content. 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Sometimes SEO is definitely simply a matter of producing sure your site is organised in a way that lookup engines like google understand. SEARCH ENGINE OPTIMIZATION involves a number of modifications towards the HTML of person Web pages to obtain a higher search engine ranking. As a result associated with technological advancement, SEO is in order to undergo more drastic changes, plus the two latest technologies that will are expected to influence SEARCH ENGINE OPTIMIZATION to some very great level are AI (Artificial Intelligence) plus Voice Search. Head associated with Marketing at @impressiontalk specialising within user-centred SEO, PAGE RANK, content marketing and digital technique. Primary is usually on inbound marketing, including almost everything from SEO to social press. However, a good agency providing SEO services will be all about being proactive in order to keep up-to-date with the most recent search engine news and adjustments in SEO techniques. 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