#schematic estimate

[asestimationsconsultants]

From Vision to Structure | How a Commercial Estimating Service Shapes Design Decisions

Introduction

Every commercial construction project begins as an idea—a vision on paper that must be translated into a functional, cost-effective structure. While architects and engineers give form to the concept, a commercial estimating service plays a crucial, often underappreciated role in turning vision into viable reality. By integrating cost insights into early design phases, these services shape projects not only aesthetically but economically. In today’s cost-conscious market, design decisions must reflect budget realities from day one—and that’s where a commercial estimating service makes its mark.

The Strategic Importance of Early Estimating

The earlier a commercial estimating service is involved, the more impact it can have. Engaging estimators during the conceptual or schematic design phases allows them to influence key decisions about materials, structural systems, building layout, and more. This collaboration helps avoid costly redesigns down the line by ensuring alignment between the project vision and the available budget from the outset.

Balancing Aesthetic Vision with Budget Reality

One of the most challenging aspects of design is balancing form with function—and cost. A commercial estimating service helps bridge the gap between architectural creativity and financial feasibility. By providing cost scenarios for different design approaches, estimators empower project stakeholders to make informed choices that don’t sacrifice visual appeal or building performance.

Guiding the Selection of Materials and Systems

Material selection is one of the biggest drivers of project costs. A seasoned commercial estimating service offers deep knowledge of material alternatives, their associated costs, and performance trade-offs. Whether it's choosing between steel and concrete framing, curtain wall systems versus standard glazing, or luxury versus economy finishes, the estimator provides comparative cost data to guide smart decisions.

Value Engineering Without Compromise

Value engineering is a powerful tool in the design process. A commercial estimating service excels in identifying areas where cost savings can be realized without degrading the integrity or quality of the project. This might involve suggesting prefabricated components, optimizing mechanical systems, or adjusting layouts to reduce waste. The key is collaboration—not simply slashing budgets, but preserving the original design intent while improving cost efficiency.

Helping Avoid Scope Creep

As designs evolve, it's common for features to be added without a clear understanding of cost implications—a phenomenon known as scope creep. A commercial estimating service keeps this in check by tracking changes and updating cost models in real time. Their oversight helps stakeholders stay within budget, preventing surprises during bidding or construction.

Supporting Design-to-Budget Strategies

In many projects, the budget is fixed before the design even begins. A commercial estimating service enables a design-to-budget approach by reverse engineering the design process. Instead of creating a design and then pricing it, estimators provide cost benchmarks that guide architects and engineers as they develop the design, ensuring it remains within financial constraints from day one.

Collaboration with Architects and Engineers

Modern estimating is not done in isolation. Leading commercial estimating services embed themselves into the design team, participating in workshops, design charrettes, and feasibility studies. Their role is not just about numbers—they help shape decisions, manage expectations, and contribute to smarter, more buildable designs.

Building Trust with Developers and Owners

Owners and developers rely on clear, reliable cost forecasting to secure financing and attract investors. A commercial estimating service supports this by producing detailed and credible preliminary estimates that reflect real-world conditions. These early estimates often serve as the foundation for pro formas, lender negotiations, and capital planning.

Integrating Digital Tools for Smarter Decisions

Advanced estimating tools allow commercial estimating services to visualize cost data in new ways. From parametric estimating based on building characteristics to integration with BIM models, technology enables real-time feedback loops between design decisions and their cost impact. This level of insight is invaluable in a fast-moving project environment.

Conclusion

A commercial estimating service is more than just a cost calculator—it’s a strategic partner in the design process. By shaping decisions from the earliest stages, it ensures that architectural vision and financial reality grow hand in hand. In today’s complex, budget-sensitive environment, this collaboration isn’t just helpful—it’s essential.

[baldieboi]

You prank the Primarchs (wholesome pranks). How do you prank them and what's their reaction? Part 1

Note: I tried. Keyword is tried. I decided to make it into several parts because for some Primarchs I still have no idea. For those whom I already had... here they are.

@ghrgrsfdesfrfg

Perturabo

Perturabo scowled at the hololithic display in his workshop, fingers twitching over the controls. The schematics for his latest siege engine flickered then dissolved into a looping animation of tiny, cartoonish Titans dancing in a conga line.

A note fluttered to the floor.

'Even the mightiest walls need a break. Enjoy the show, Lord of Iron.'

His jaw tightened. His first instinct was to crush the projector in his fist but then against his will a snort escaped him. The absurdity of it, the sheer audacity of someone slipping past his defenses to do this…

He exhaled sharply. "Clever," he muttered. Then after a pause he added "But next time I will find you."

(He kept the animation saved in his archives. Just in case.)

Roboute Guilliman

Guilliman’s stylus paused mid-signature. The document before him was wrong.

'Request for Immediate Deployment of Ultramarines: Operation Tea Party Diplomacy. Objective: Convince Ork Warboss to switch to chamomile.'

He flipped the page.

'Estimated casualties: One (1) teacup, shattered in the inevitable scuffle.'

His brow furrowed. Then slowly he pinched the bridge of his nose. "This is not how standardized forms are formatted," he muttered. But when he spotted the tiny doodle of an Ork in a frilly hat in the margin the corner of his mouth twitched.

By the end of the da the falsified document was pinned to his office door with a single red stamp: 'Denied. But amusing.'

Rogal Dorn

Dorn entered his chambers to find a small, intricate structure on his desk. A fortress. Made entirely of brightly colored plastic bricks.

A note rested beside it. 'Your move, Praetorian.'

He stared. Then with deliberate care he knelt to examine it. The walls were sturdy, the gatehouse functional, the towers… slightly uneven.

"Hmph." He adjusted a block. Then another.

Two hours later when his equerry found him, Dorn was still there surrounded by scattered bricks, his expression one of deep focus. "The foundation needed reinforcement," he said as if that explained everything.

(The fortress remained on his desk for weeks. No one dared touch it.)

Horus Lupercal

Horus unrolled the battle plan with a frown.

'Phase One: Deploy all forces in the shape of a smiley face.'

'Phase Two: Hope the enemy is too confused to fight back.'

'Phase Three: ???'

'Phase Four: Victory (probably).'

He blinked. Then slowly a grin spread across his face. "Oh, this is good," he chuckled, tossing the scroll to Maloghurst. "Find out who did this. Then promote them."

Maloghurst sighed. "My lord, this is a security breach—"

"And the first laugh I’ve had in weeks," Horus said, still grinning. "Worth it."

Lorgar Aurelian

Lorgar’s quill froze over the parchment. The sacred text he’d been transcribing now read:

'And lo, the Emperor did say unto His sons: 'Stop being so dramatic. Have a cookie.''

He stared. Then with a slow bemused smile he set the quill down. "A jest at the expense of divinity," he mused. "Bold."

He almost crossed it out.

Instead, he left it and added a tiny footnote: 'Editor’s note: The cookie was, in fact, delicious.'

Konrad Curze

Konrad’s claws flexed as he stepped into his quarters. The room was wrong.

A chalk outline on the floor. A fake bloodstain (paint, he noted instantly). And a note pinned to the wall with a knife:

'The Night Haunter’s greatest fear: A world without crime. (Also, you left your window unlocked.)'

Silence. Then a low, rasping chuckle left his mouth.

"Clever little thing," he murmured, plucking the knife free. "But next time… I’ll be the one leaving you a message."

(The next morning you found your bunk suspiciously filled with rubber bats. Progress.)

Alpharius – Omegon

You slipped into the dimly lit strategium of the Alpha, heart pounding. This was either the best idea you’d ever had or the last mistake of your very short life.

You left a single data-slate on the hololith table. The message was simple:

'We know you’re not Alpharius.'

Then you waited.

Hours passed. Nothing.

Then as you turned a corner in the ship’s labyrinthine halls a hand clamped over your mouth and yanked you into the shadows. A voice, low, amused, and impossible to place, whispered in your ear:

"Are you sure you’re not Alpharius?"

You twisted but the grip didn’t loosen. A second voice, identical, spoke from the darkness ahead:

"Or perhaps I am."

A third, from behind: "Or me."

You swallowed hard. This had not gone as planned.

Then as suddenly as they appeared the hands released you. A single, mocking laugh echoed down the corridor.

When you checked your pocket, you found a new note:

'Good try. But next time, leave a better trail. –A'

(You spent the next week triple-checking your own identity. Just in case.)

[new-dinosaurs]

Huaxiazhoulong shouwen Zhu et al., 2024 (new genus and species)

(Tail club of Huaxiazhoulong shouwen, from Zhu et al., 2024)

Meaning of name: Huaxiazhoulong = Chinese armor dragon [in Chinese]; shouwen = painted in the shape of a beast [in Chinese]

Age: Late Cretaceous (Campanian)

Where found: Tangbian Formation, Jiangxi, China

How much is known: Partial skeleton of one individual including most major regions of the body other than the skull.

Notes: Huaxiazhoulong was an ankylosaurid ankylosaur, a group of armored dinosaurs in which most members had a bony club on the end of their tail. The club was likely used both as defense against predators and for fighting with members of their own species. Huaxiazhoulong can be distinguished from other known ankylosaurids in details of its hip and limb bones. It is estimated to have been about 6 m in total body length and is the first dinosaur to be named based on skeletal remains from the Tangbian Formation.

(Schematic skeletal of Huaxiazhoulong shouwen, from Zhu et al., 2024)

Reference: Zhu, Z., J. Wu, Y. You, Y. Jia, C. Chen, X. Yao, W. Zheng, and X. Xu. 2024. A new ankylosaurid dinosaur from the Upper Cretaceous of Jiangxi Province, southern China. Historical Biology advance online publication. doi: 10.1080/08912963.2024.2417208

[the-aleator]

endeavour musings

Featuring: Fred Thursday's Traumatic Backstory and the War

In "Rocket" (s1e3), in the second half of the episode, we get the discovery of the rocket guidance schematics in Lenny Frost's pocket, which Thursday notices, looks at, and goes "huh" eyebrow. Then we get another scene with Dr Volk, our very German engineer, who Morse questions about the source of the documents, and Thursday...has other questions in mind.

THURSDAY: "Volk, What's that? German, is it? Worked long at British Imperial?" VOLK: "18 years." THURSDAY: "When would that be? Early '47? [switches to German] Where were you before? Kiel, Peenemunde, Nordhausen?" VOLK: [German] "I was a young Engineer. It was a long time ago." THURSDAY: "Yeah. [German] But some of us have a good memory."

The triple layer of conversation (yay! intertextuality) going on here is brilliant: Morse is looking confused, from one to the other, Thursday is using fluent German to confront Volk over the War (on his own territory, so to speak), and Volk is hugely on the defensive.

I'm pretty sure Volk uses the word "Zeit" when he says it was a long time ago, implying that that's both ancient history and also nothing to do with him, and Thursday rebuts him that he has a "good memory." Also, I wish had the screenshots for the venom on Thursday's face.

MORSE: What was that all about? THURSDAY: It was him and a load more like him flattened my street. MORSE: I'm sure it wasn't personal. THURSDAY: Wasn't it? You're too young to remember.

Then Thursday accuses of him excusing Vexin because she's a "looker" and in return Morse accuses him of him being xenophobic, ("I based it more on the fact that she isn't German") and then sort of apologises, with a reluctant, "Sir."

There are a lot of implications here to tease out. The first being that many German scientists were transported, mostly to the US, but some to the UK, (Operation Paperclip) regardless of what they may or may not have done during the war. Even at the time, the ethical implications of that were...messy. It's pretty clear that what's Thursday is accusing Volk of. Then the list of places: 1. Kiel, which was a major port for the Kriegsmarine, had a bunker to build and repair u-boats 2. Peenemunde, which was a factory for V-1 missiles until 1943 and a German testing facility and factory for both the V-2 and the Wasserfall missile. 3. Nordhausen, which was a factory for the V-2 missiles.

Kiel and Peenemunde used forced labor of POWs.

But Nordhausen was an offshoot of Mittelbau-Dora and was specifically built to be a V-2 factory fueled by the concentration camp. An estimated 60,000 people passed through the camp, although the precise number of people who died isn't possible to determine, but figures range from 15,000 up to 25,000.

Volk's response is to deny responsibility based on his age, just as, interestingly, Thursday absolves Morse of responsibility of remembering or understanding because "he's too young."

Thursday says that it's personal because Volk / German engineers flattened his street, but there's something more to it:

THURSDAY to GULL: "Oh, I've looked into the eyes of far worse than you. People who've committed real atrocities. And they were sane. Next to them, you're nothing more than a third-rate freak show. A bearded lady with glue running down her chin." (Fugue, S1E2, my emphasis)

Justice is a personal thing for Thursday, as in, it's about the individual (unlike Morse, "The truth will be buried"), it's Thursday who rejects with force the idea that Olive Rix is a "gold-digger," to Henry Bloom Sr. ("She might not have had the best start in life, but at the time she went missing, she was working hard to make something of herself.") It's hard not to hear Thursday himself in that sentence. The implications buried here, I think, are that Thursday, as a sergeant with the Eighth Army, who speaks fluent German, probably did liberate, or participate in the liberation of a concentration camp. Which: queue more traumatic backstory for Thursday. I think one of the things that the interchange with Volk shows is that Thursday has long learned the lesson, for himself, personally, that justice doesn't always happen. He can't do anything about Volk: all he can do is remember what happened. And thus, MORSE: "That's not enough." THURSDAY: "Sometimes it has to be. Not every question gets an answer. Learning to live with that is the hardest lesson there is." The whole of Morseverse in two lines of dialogue.

[caeli0306]

Heyyyyoooo any chance you wanna share a snippet of castles crumbling??? The last chapter had me SCREAMING!!!

Well, since you asked so nicely!

===

“This is the only way we keep our heads when we get back to Navarre,” I remind her. They’ll kill us both if we don’t make it back with those weapon schematics.

“We’re going to get caught.” This time, Violet drops the gadget from her face, turning over her shoulder to nail me with a glare. “When I agreed to a detour, I didn’t realize you meant a suicide mission.”

The records building is under heavy guard, no matter the time of day. This mission was designed to kill us; Navarre doesn’t expect us to succeed. But we have to try.

“Of course, it’s a suicide mission,” I say with a shrug, “we already knew that. Navarre wouldn’t have sent us if it wasn’t.” I pause before speaking again. “We’re not going to get caught.”

“I estimate you have a 62% chance of being caught,” SGAEYL supplies unhelpfully. When I emerged aboveground again, her snarky voice filled by head again, much to my relief. My time underground was the longest I’d gone in a long, long time without hearing her voice in my head.

“You aren’t helping,” I shoot back.

[ellynneversweet]

So one of the things I have been thinking about is how charter magic in the old kingdom is a form of literacy. A very complicated form of literacy, full of synonyms and obscure symbols, the ability for the signifier to literally call the signified into existence, and, theoretically, a unique signifier for every conceivable thing. It works, arguably in at least two ways — some very powerful things might have a single signifier but could also be called forth using a long compounded string of signifiers that amount to the same signified item, depending on the skill, power, and knowledge of the charter mage doing the thing (think, say, Chinese written language vs German compound words vs a long and rambly post in English.)

This has some interesting implications. First, language in the OK is probably fairly consistent over time, because the meaning of charter marks do not change, and, while there is mundane written and spoken language, this would make consistency in spelling, meaning, and pronunciation important. You want to describe a subtly different concept? You need a new word.

Second, because widespread literacy has a complicated symbiotic relationship with complex and consistent culture (the existence of schools and the ability to attend them, educated teachers, complete-ish written references that have not been destroyed) periods where charter magic is on the wane should coincide with and maybe accelerate more general loss of civilisational knowledge, literacy generally and peacetime habits. There’s a nod to this in the gestured-at extensive guild and apprenticeship systems we see throughout the books. And, of course, the frequent, loving references to librarians.

Third, it requires active maintenance. It’s very, very difficult to revive a language you don’t know, especially if you have no or little concept of literacy generally. Archeologists with PhDs will spend whole careers attempting it. The state of the kingdom in Sabriel isn’t just the result of the broken charter — it’s the result of the loss of institutional knowledge. Characters might be baptised into the charter, but unless they’re unusually instinctively talented (Elinor arguably is like this, like someone who has a natural ear for languages) they can only do as much as they can find someone to teach them how to do, or how much they can guesstimate themselves (with the risk of burning off their tongues or fingers if they get their estimations wrong).

Just, y’know. Culture is an ecosystem and everyone’s responsible for maintaining it. (This may be a bit of a rant about attitudes towards AI. I am not a complete Luddite, AI is interesting and sometimes useful, but the amount of people who are outsourcing all their thinking to it and thinking they will never have to learn again, because their AI girlfriend will use an AI voice to read them an ELI5 on how to build a bridge built to AI schematics is…concerning.)

[sergeantnarwhalwrites]

Holy Shit, Worldbuilding?

I do my worldbuilding on the fly so it's definitely shakey. So awhile ago I did a whole like blueprint thing for Digits prosthetics. I've been wanting to do something similar with Donnie but that's a lot of machine. And I was reminded I never really did XD so have a very very simple write up/summary of some of the tech stuff in Robots & Gardens so far.

Tag list: @outpost51 @nanashi23 @winterandwords @jezifster2 @aether-wasteland-s @dumbthunder @manathen @the-void-writes @livums @vacantgodling (Let me know if you want to be added or removed from the taglist!) 

Reoccuring in-world tech

Teched shades/Teched glasses ->

Pretty fucking common. Some people possess modded versions. You don't buy them modded you pay someone to mod them or you figure out how to yourself. Kinda like the equivalent of jailbreaking and modding a nintendo device (side tangent fuck nintendo).

They started strictly as business/work wear before coming to the public. For example I mention a sort of equivalent Digits and other construction workers have. It's work issued and they're actually safety glasses. So less customizable quirks. But work grade at least for the construction workers (and probably a lot of other trade work but we're gonna stick with construction right now) allows them to see plans, estimated scheduling, and general blueprints or schematics if needed. All visuals can only be seen clearly by the wearer themselves. From the outside the lenses tint. So you might catch light either on their face or peeking through the lenses but that's the most. Also massive rip if you need prescription lenses to see. You're either wearing contacts, going blind, or hoping a pair of prescription glasses can fit beneath.

For everyone else they are styled more like a very standard pair of glasses. There's a couple generations of them. With the most recent generations you can actually get them with prescription lenses (but you'll have to pay a shit ton more and it can damage some other functions. Mostly cosmetic but you can view things (news, shows, shit on the internet, etc), you can talk to other people (like calls), it can play music. The speakers are kinda shit though lol.

Lenses ->

Lol so yeah this is literally just contacts. Arguably far more dangerous and a risk than glasses. These are prescription and they are teched. Really simple advancement and not very widespread. Supposed to help with seeing in darker locations as well. Valuable for Hollis since she's technically doing illegal work and does have terrible vision. They can cause extreme eye damage. Great for precision jobs. They can cause extreme eye irritation and can blind you. The tech in the lenses can cause your eyes to appear another color. (Part of the reason why Hollis' eyes appear blue/blueish sometimes. Her natural eye color is brown).

Vapes ->

Lol they function just like normal ones. No one smokes tobacco really. They want death aggressive, fast, and fruit flavored.

Prosthetics ->

Very important. And hella reoccurring. A lot of people have them. Some people do by choice. But most don't, very common to have workplace accidents. Or to just need a modification for a job which is partially how we get to Donnie. They can vary a lot and the upkeep is costly. It's a whole business at this point the healthcare part has been stripped away from this common facet of the world. As in it's not always gotten out of benefit for the patient themselves but often encouraged and required. Through health they've gotten prosthetics more mechanic. Easier to mimic original human counterparts (human mobility is a wild thing y'all).

Filters/Filtration ->

I haven't dived super deep into this. Just know it's important and necessary. So people in smog ridden places (Which is a lot of places in this story) can breathe in their homes. And minimize some air contaminants and respiratory problems. Heavy on minimize cause it doesn't completely stop those problems.

Donnie's shit in particular

My beloved cyborg got a lot of shit going on. Please know that cyborg's are a rare phenomenon, his mods and prosthetics are top of the line because he works security, and he can only maintain them because of his economic status. But even then it's still a strain. On top of this he is mute which is a whole separate thing. It's not because of the prosthetics or anything. While they have some "fixes" they could've done for this they didn't want them.

He can sign but doesn't do it often because it's kind of a dying language in this world. And screen readers struggle capturing and understanding it. Most forms of communication with other people is gesturing and body language, typing/writing, or whistling (more specific situations for that one). But there's a secret here I am actively unclear how much of Donnie is machine and how much isn't like all the time. Which I kinda am pushing onto Donnie himself as well. I still have stuff to figure out about him lol.

Keyboard and holographics/projections ->

Strictly for communication. The keyboard is built into his arm. It's not a mechanical kind of keyboard. It's more of a projection with sensors tracking pressure? Or maybe just when their fingers go through certain letters of the projection. The keyboard has adjustable heights to make room for the words being written to be visible.

Can sort of broadcast/share screen the words as he's typing them to teched glasses. Got a finicky piece of tech on his collarbone. Should work through the synthetic skin but it doesn't (something he probably won't get fixed). Pick at the synthetic skin, move it aside, slide a finger over something (didn't make it specific it's literally just exposed tech 😅😅) and it'll share the words as he types.

Rando stuff that probably isn't set in stone

Since he's security and just has better/and more expensive prosthetics some of the overall force comes from hydraulics. Can produce a lot more pressure, force, and speed.

The lights you can see beneath his skin are mostly cosmetic. Some have purpose but Donnie definitely doesn't know which ones.

Donnie does in fact break their mods and prosthetics all the time. Very injury prone. (This one is set in stone as of now)

Donnie can have machine parts break in a way that damages human parts of him. Like if an insulation or hydraulic fluid line somehow breaks.

He can overheat. Maybe even a bit easier than some other people. Because he's so much machine and it's harder to regulate temperature with extremities gone. Has some resistance to colder temps though. He only sweats through places with actual skin. I haven't figured out if he has an internal cooling system. But he probably should. Just a rudimentary one cause I am not giving myself or any in world builders of Donnie benefit of the doubt.

[thefactualsphere]

The body the corrupted core chose was one that kept it's original form, but allowed him much more mobility. A simple, deeply buried design that was attributed to someone named Keith Astor. The core had indicated to the AMA its location within the files of the large, mazelike systems Aperture ran on... And judging by the software inside the core, he had some knowledge of who had created the files.

It had been a visionary piece. Not all of the materials were even available to AMA... But of course, it likely did it's best. Recplacing and substituting wherever it couldn't do the exact job the schematics entailed.

And finally, the core was able to be released from the chamber on the plate, unsteady and barely calibrated. He leaned against the wall for balance, the optic in his head spinning and blinking slowly... He'd kept the main body of a core for his head, minus the limiting handles, and his body was a slightly modified version of the regular models of this time.. Though it was much more modular... Whoever had made it had done so with the ease of modifications in mind..

He felt as if he were biting his tongue, anxious to speak for fear it would still come out wrong.. He hadn't spoken a word of sense in decades, it was perhaps only fair that he were tense...

@adventuregunsphere

The A.M.A had looked over its work. The arm it had used was seemingly a bit tense itself as it tried to analyze what it had done. It was unable to be exact with the schematics provided to it, so it wasn't entirely happy with how it came out. It wasn't perfect.

Nevertheless, it tried to push this aside. It did its best with what it had. The parts for this model were outdated afterall...

[Please proceed with caution; calibration has not been sufficiently completed.]

It watched quietly afterward. What could it have done better? What substitutes should it have used that would have been closer to the original blueprint? What if its estimation caused any errors or discomfort? It would not know. Not until the problems were found. So it sat in unease, anticipating a major flaw.

[raccoonfallsharder]

april aspirations

navigation | full fanfiction masterlist | collections masterlist headcanons & imagines | sfw fanfiction masterlist | nsfw fanfiction masterlist

fluff ✮ | spice ✩ | some smut ❤︎‬ | much smut ❤︎‬❤︎‬

tuesday, april 1. ✩࿐࿔ take what you need | fuck heartache. | for @/wren-phoenix ✮

friday, april 4. the raccoon, the witch, & the roadtrip | part five. montana. | ao3 crosspost ✮

wednesday, april 9. ✩࿐࿔ take what you need | stop frickin' apologizin'. | for @/raccoon-coded ✮

wednesday, april 16. cicatrix. | chapter twenty-nine. | amoransia. ❤︎❤︎

monday, april 21. ✩࿐࿔ take what you need | brush your fuckin hair. | for nonnie ✮

thursday, april 24. florescence❀. chapter six year five: dispersal. ❤︎❤︎ FINALE!!! part one.

sunday, april 27. florescence❀. chapter six year five: dispersal. ❤︎❤︎ FINALE!!! part two.

wednesday, april 30. florescence❀. chapter six year five: dispersal. ❤︎❤︎ FINALE!!! part three.

random thoughts: i am terrified of finishing florescence. it's the thing i've spent the longest writing and it still is my love-letter to this community. for those of you who have enjoyed it so far, i hope that the ending satisfies you.

i'm also hoping to move to posting cicatrix every 2.5-3 weeks starting in may, and i will probably end up updating the other future projects list soon, as i have recently had a whole plethora of ideas. it's really just a matter of what i have time for and what i can prioritize. schematics for happiness may take a bit longer to debut because it will be longform, while the other things i'm considering vary from only one to eight parts. but trust i am working on it for you.

wondering about the backlog or future chapters for take what you need? check out the take what you need queue/WIPlist.

other things i'm working on for may and beyond....

may estimates

monday, may 5. untitled oneshot for 🦉 ✮

thursday, may 8. the raccoon, the witch, & the roadtrip | part six. idaho. washington. | ao3 crosspost ✮

sunday, may 11. cicatrix. | chapter thirty. | dolorblindness. ✩

wednesday, may 21. ✩࿐࿔ take what you need | stop being a jerk to yourself | for nonnie ✮

wednesday, may 28. cicatrix. | chapter thirty-one. | emmories. ❤︎‬❤︎

june estimates

monday, june 2. | the raccoon, the witch, & the roadtrip | part seven. you've arrived at your destination. | ao3 crosspost ✮ FINALE.

thursday, june 5. | ✩࿐࿔ take what you need | in reserve

wednesday, june 11. | cicatrix. | chapter thirty-two. | elsewise. ❤︎

thursday, june 19. | Domestic Scenes in Space Travel. Untitled. ❤︎‬❤︎ FINALE.

monday, june 23. | ✩࿐࿔ take what you need | in reserve

monday, june 30. | cicatrix. | chapter thirty-three. | anderance. ❤︎‬❤︎

july estimates

wednesday, july 2. | starfall over satellite s519. | oneshot. ✮

wednesday, july 9. | ✩࿐࿔ take what you need | in reserve

wednesday, july 16. | cicatrix. | chapter thirty-four. | ??. ??

wednesday, july 23. | ✩࿐࿔ take what you need | in reserve

wednesday, july 30. | cicatrix. | chapter thirty-five. | ??. ??

resume crossposting to ao3

ᯓ⋆｡°✩practice: an eidos-rocket minific ✩

fistful of sunlight✩

other future projects

schematics for happiness. | f!oc | ?? chapters. ❤︎‬❤︎

birdie. | f!reader | 6-8 parts. ❤︎‬❤︎

love is blind: andromeda. | f!oc | 7-10 episodes. ❤︎‬❤︎

untitled eidos oneshot. | f!reader | oneshot. ❤︎‬❤︎

universe killer | tbd | 4-6 parts. ❤︎‬❤︎

For Science (A Blackmail Material Anniversary). | f!reader | oneshot. ❤︎‬❤︎

Stage Show on Deneb-7 | f!reader| oneshot. ❤︎‬❤︎

Clara & the Rat King. | f!oc | 3-5 acts. ❤︎‬❤︎

[the12thnightproject]

Chapter 24 - Mitsu and Goliath: Mitsunari challenges a giant to a duel.

Mitsunari x OC; Nobunaga x Mai

Previous Chapter

Logline - In order to protect a political alliance, Katusko and Mitsunari must pretend an engagement. But this “all business” arrangement is threatened by a coup against Nobunaga… and by feelings.

CW: “Onscreen” death of unnamed vassal

From the Military Notes of Ishida Mitsunari…

By my and Sasuke’s estimates, in the best-case scenario, Masamune’s and Ieyasu’s forces should arrive within a day.

In the worst-case scenario, something may have happened to delay or even prevent Kyubei from reaching them, and we run out of resources before they arrive.

My mind contains the knowledge of dozens of military scholars, schematics of past battles, lessons learned from Nobunaga. It doesn’t hold enough. I am afraid we are reaching the point when I will have to say, ‘I do not know what to do next.’

Okatsu looks at me as if she believes I will always know what to do next. Therefore, I will continue to think of what we can do next.

Ok, think, think. The archers were my responsibility and making sure they had enough arrows was my job.

“Alright. Everyone who has arrows left, give them to Shohime and-” I paused, trying to remember the name of the woman. “Ushi.” They were the most accurate archers we had. “Try to conserve what you have, and don’t shoot until they pass through those two larches.” That was almost too close, but hopefully some of Sasuke’s booby traps would catch some of them first. “The rest of you. Go just outside the tower – no further -  and grab as many stones and rocks as you can carry. If the invaders get close, we’ll pelt them with rocks.” And garbage. And whatever else I can think of to throw. “I’ll see if I can scrounge more arrows.”

As we hurried down the ladder to ground level, I could hear Toshiie even before I saw him. He was hunched over a severely injured man. “Fuck! Damn! Shit!” Sasuke, who had temporarily been pressed into action as an assistant, laid a gentle hand on Tosh’s shoulder, but that didn’t stop my brother’s ranting. “I cannot fucking work like this!”

His yell filled the tower. If I hadn’t already known by looking at the injured man that he was dying, Toshiie’s behavior would have clinched it for me, because nothing upsets Toshiie more than failure.

Mitsunari was busy with his maps and in deep consultation with Mitsuhide. He was so focused that I doubted he knew what was happening over here. I hoped that he didn’t, as he did not need any more pressure on him. Mitsuhide looked over at Toshiie, however, and the grim expression on his face said it all.

We were running out of time.

Roughly, Toshiie shrugged off Sasuke’s hand. I crept closer to the makeshift treatment bed, my feet sliding a bit on the blood covered floor. The injured man was still losing blood, no matter how quickly Toshiie moved to stop it. He’d had been slashed in the gut and I could smell – it had cut his bowel. He’d been under a death sentence before he had even gotten inside. I wrapped my arms around Toshiie. “You couldn’t have saved this one. Not even with modern equipment.”

He pushed me away. “You don’t know that. You can’t.”

I’d been watching battles for the past seven years. I could. “No. This one is not on you.”

“A lot you’d know about it.” He grabbed a cup and threw it across the tower, where it landed harmlessly in the grass outside. “You couldn’t even manage to pass basic anatomy.”

Because I’m stupid. No. Because I hadn’t cared enough to try. Half the time I hadn’t even bothered to go to class. I’d never been the student Tosh was, and echoes of ‘the dumb twin’ still bounced off the walls of my memory, probably the same way Toshiie still heard the echoes of ‘the clumsy twin.’

The light went out of the dying man’s eyes, and Tosh turned away from the sight, leaving Sasuke to take on the burden of postmortem care – a job he did far more solemnly than Tosh would have anyway.

“I hate this. I hate it here.” And though he didn’t put it into words, the look he gave me said it all. This was my fault. My fault that we’d ended up here, my fault that he’d had to come back for me.

And it could be my fault if we ran out of ammunition. There was no time to console my brother. Not without risking even more injuries. Leaving Toshiie to his sulking, I joined the other women outside to look for any misdirected arrows that had fallen within the immediate perimeter.

Very few, which spoke to the skill and talent of our archers.

We needed more ammunition. Rocks were better than nothing, but… no more than a quick half hour walk from here was a barely-guarded supply wagon. In this grey, pre-dawn, Iekane’s soldiers would be at their sleepiest, and if they were confused by… smoke…

Arrows would be better than rocks.

I was going on a raid.

After telling Lady Hana to temporarily take charge, I eased back inside and picked up a couple of Sasuke’s smoke bombs. No one seemed to be looking at me. Tucking the smoke bombs into my kimono, I took one final look around and crept back outside.

I was still within sight of the tower when I heard Mitsunari calling after me. “Okatsu. Wait.”

I nearly didn’t.

If it had been anyone but Mitsunari, I would have been long gone.

“Where are you going?” He hurried to my side, sliding the last couple of steps on patch of slick moss, and I caught him to prevent him from falling.

“We’re almost out of arrows. Without them, we can’t hold off the next wave of assaults.” I was still holding onto him, and I felt the heat of his skin under my touch. Quickly, I stepped back, but Mitsunari took hold of my hands.

He nodded. “That is not unexpected. We have plans for when that occurs.” He indicated a series of ropes laid out on the ground, ready to be used as trip wires, or perhaps even garrots for attackers. “It, however, does not explain why you in particular are out here.”

“Hikosane spotted another of Iekane’s supply wagons. It’s not far away and barely guarded. I thought to-” I winced as his grip on my fingers spasmed.

“I am sorry.” He let go of me. “We can make do without arrows.”

“Maybe… but the cannon. It’s right there.” I waved in the direction where the supply wagon and cannon were currently parked. “I don’t think they can maneuver it close enough to our towers, but they will most certainly use it to attack Nobunaga and the others at Genba.”

“Perhaps.” Mitsunari shook his head. His manner changed, becoming that military leader that was normally hidden inside him, but someday, might be what he was remembered for. “You know better than to sneak off without consulting the commander. Beyond that, I cannot let you go on a raid that has less than ten percent chance of success. Unless you have a plan that I am not aware of.”

I showed him Sasuke’s smoke bombs. “I do. I thought to disorient them with a smoke bomb, steal some arrows, and set fire to the wagon with the cannon.” It was, in fact a variation of the plan they had used to capture that first supply wagon. My back-up plan also involved the smoke bomb, although it the success rested on my abilities to convince the guards that I was a ghost. I figured on refining both plans and coming up with a Plan C en route. Although the giant was … still a cause for concern. “If I got there and honestly didn’t think I would succeed, I would have turned back.”

“Would you?” He regarded me steadily.

“I have no particular interest in dying, so yes, if I didn’t think I could pull it off, I would come back.” Although perhaps my estimations of success might not jive with his estimates of my success.

“Alright. Then I will go with you.” He started along the path.

“Mitsunari. You can’t. They need you. You’re important to the Oda.” And I didn’t want him to get squished by the giant.

“You are important to me.” He said it so simply, so honestly, that it was impossible not to believe him. He nudged me forward. “Come along, Okatsu. We will work on your plan while we go.” He held out his hand again.

I had no answer to that. If I went, he would follow me anyway. Instead, I took his hand.

“How many are guarding the wagon?” He spoke quietly, and I appreciated the fact that he was making the attempt not to step on any dry twigs.

“Three men – two of the same crew that has been attacking us all night. The other… Hikosane called him a giant, and while I wouldn’t go that far, he’s one of the biggest and broadest men I’ve seen.” The guy looked like he weightlifted horses in his free time.

“Hm.” Mitsunari hesitated, taking carefully steps on the steep and slick ground. “Three is not such a large number. I have seen Hideyoshi fight half a dozen men at once.”

I believe that… but you aren’t Hideyoshi. But I wasn’t going to be cruel enough to bring that up. “I could probably take out two with my arrows.” Depending on how fast they reacted. “But not if we use Sasuke’s smoke bombs.” Although I was perfectly capable of shooting blind, the success rate on that rested on targets that didn’t move. People aren’t great at the whole not-moving thing.

“When we get close enough to pinpoint their relative positions, we can decide. This may be a situation that calls for rapid reassessments. Oh!” He’d stepped wrong and turned his ankle on a stone. I grabbed him before he could slide down the mountain and alert them to our presence.

Aware that the more he was in his head, the less careful his feet were, I simply nodded agreement, as we made our way down the hill and circled around to where Iekane’s supply wagon and cannon were currently stashed.

We hunkered down several meters away and took turns looking through the underbrush. The sky had lightened a bit, though it was still closer to night than day. The two smaller guards were by the fire. The not-exactly-a-giant-but-seriously-big-dude (NEAGBSBD) was sitting on the wagon with the cannon, his muscular arms crossed in front of him, a ferocious scowl on his face.

After taking a long moment to study the NEAGBSBD, Mitsunari turned to me. He… almost looked like he was smiling? “Okatsu, I have reassessed. If you will keep the two men by the fire occupied, I will challenge this giant.” He reached for his sword.

The initial rush of gratitude that he trusted me so much was immediately dammed up by my internal scream of you’re going to WHAT? Only my innate caution prevented me from yelling it, as I grabbed onto Mitsunari’s arm. “Okatsu, trust me.”

Right. If he could do me the honor of trusting me, I should offer him the same. I’d been underestimating this man since I met him. It was time to stop. Together, we could do this. “Okay.” Then my innate caution ran screaming into the forest, freeing me to give him a fast kiss.

For luck, of course. It was a brief, Leia-kissing-Luke-before-they-swung-across-the-metal-chasm-on-the-star-destroyer-before-she-knew-she-was-kissing-her-brother sort of kiss. But even in its brevity, the sweetness of his lips lingered as the kiss impressed itself in my memory.

It… was not at all like kissing my brother.

Mitsunari gazed at me as if I had given him the keys to the largest library in the world.

Then I got out my bow, prepped an arrow, and stepped into the clearing.

Before the guards by the fire could react, I chose my first victim and sent an arrow right through the folds of his kimono, pinning him to the ground. I had another out and trained on the other in an instant. With only a glare, I challenged them not to move. Although I’d rather avoid killing them, I knew that if I must, I could.

“If I were either of you,” Mitsunari followed me into the clearing. “I would continue to stay still. Okatsu is one of the best archers in the country.”

The NEAGBSBD eyed Mitsunari with a look that I could only say was amused. “Perhaps, but she cannot cover all three of us at once.”

“She will keep watch over those two men.” Mitsunari flicked his sword in the air in a quick kata that looked almost Uesugi Kenshin-esque in its speed. Huh. “You are my responsibility. Will you give us your store of arrows and then help us push the cannon over the cliff?” He used a calm reasonable tone that generally accompanied the phrase, ‘these are not the droids you’re looking for.’

Unfortunately, the NEAGBSBD was not an Imperial Stormtrooper. Instead, he started laughing. “If that’s your desire, then you’ll have to fight me for them. And I’ll choose the weapon.” He sent a sneering look at Mitsunari’s sword, then pulled two spears off the wagon. One he tossed to Mitsunari.

Mitsunari dropped it.

The men I was covering laughed. I shot an arrow at one, placing it directly between his legs. One inch higher, and he could kiss his line of descendants goodbye. “That’s my fiancé you’re laughing at.”

They stopped laughing.

The NEAGBSBD glanced at me, then back to Mitsunari. “Fiance, hm? Got yourself a lively one, boy.”

Retrieving the spear from where it had landed at his feet, Mitsunari lunged toward the NEAGBSBD. It wasn’t possible to keep an eye on both the match and the men I was guarding, but from what I could see, Mitsunari started out on the defensive, but at least managed to hold his own.

What couldn’t tell was whether or not the NEAGBSBD was simply toying with him. The big man continued to smile. That was a bad sign. Mitsunari stayed calm and determined.

Clack. Clack. Clack.

I kept swinging my attention from the fight to my prisoners, though they too were enthralled watching the display. As the fight continued, rather than wearing down, Mitsunari got better, though not yet well enough to disarm the NEAGBSBD. Though the NEAGBSBD had greater brute strength, I could start to see a strategy emerge from Mitsunari, and he was gaining the advantage.

Which would have been great news, except… off in the distance, I could hear the clatter of lacquered armor – several men were approaching and with our luck, they would likely be more of Iekane’s mercenaries. “Mitsunari! More mercs coming!”

Moments after my warning, four men burst into the clearing, and, seeing their pet NEAGBSBD under attack, drew their swords and rushed toward us. Sensing a new advantage, the men I was guarding moved to join them. I sent another arrow their way to let them know that was a bad idea.

Uncertain whether or not we should – or even could – retreat, I looked to Mitsunari. Together, the two of us were strong. We were not strong enough to handle six mercenaries and a NEAGBSBD. “We should finish this,” Mitsunari politely informed the NEAGBSBD, before pressing forward.

@lorei-writes @bestbryn @katriniac @lyds323 @briars7

[mmizanur]

iPhone 17: Everything You Need to Know (Rumors, Specs, and Images)

The iPhone 17 is shaping up to be one of the most exciting smartphone launches of 2025. With major changes in design, camera, performance, and even model lineup, Apple is rumored to introduce a fresh generation of iPhones that appeal to both regular users and pro-level creators.

📅 Expected Launch Date Event date: Mid-September 2025 (likely September 10–12)

Pre-orders: Expected to begin the same week

Availability: Global release by end of September 2025

Apple traditionally announces its iPhones in early to mid-September, and the iPhone 17 lineup is expected to follow this pattern.

📦 iPhone 17 Lineup: All the Models Model Key Feature iPhone 17 Standard upgrade with new camera iPhone 17 Air (Slim) Ultra-thin design replacing Plus model

iPhone 17 Pro Max / Ultra Largest, most powerful iPhone yet

🧩 Design & Build: A Sleeker Look for 2025 iPhone 17: Minor refinements over iPhone 16 design

iPhone 17 Air: New slim profile (~5.5–6.0 mm thickness), aluminum build

Pro Models: Horizontal rear camera bar for symmetry and stability

New Coating: Anti-reflective and ultra-scratch-resistant glass

Apple is reportedly moving away from the “Plus” branding and introducing a new iPhone 17 Air, emphasizing thinness and portability.

🔋 Performance & Hardware Specs 🔧 Chipset & RAM: Model Chipset RAM iPhone 17 A18 or A19 8 GB iPhone 17 Air A19 8 GB iPhone 17 Pro A19 Pro 12 GB iPhone 17 Ultra A19 Pro 12 GB

First-time use of vapor chamber cooling in iPhones for better thermal control.

Thinner internal boards using resin-coated copper to reduce weight.

Potential shift to Apple-manufactured batteries.

📷 Camera Upgrades: New Standards for Mobile Photography Front Camera: 24 MP, 6-element lens (all models)

Pro Models: Triple 48 MP setup with telephoto + LiDAR + 8K video capture

Improved low-light and computational photography features

This year's front camera upgrade is one of the most significant in iPhone history — particularly useful for selfies and FaceTime.

Display & Screen Features LTPO OLED panels across all models

Always-on Display (expected in Pro models)

Anti-glare coating and improved color accuracy

Display sizes will remain similar to the iPhone 16 lineup but with enhancements in brightness, power efficiency, and durability.

🎨 Color Options (Expected) iPhone 17 Base:

Lilac / Lavender (new)

Midnight Black

Starlight

Blue / Green

Pro Models:

Sky Blue (new)

Space Black

Silver

Titanium Gray

Apple may use exclusive finishes and materials in Pro models, continuing the premium design trend.

💸 Estimated Pricing (USD) Model Estimated Price iPhone 17 $799 iPhone 17 Air $899 iPhone 17 Pro $1,099 iPhone 17 Ultra $1,199–$1,299

🖼️ Leaked Renders & Concept Images Here are some early concept visuals based on leaked schematics and CAD files:

iPhone 17 Concept

iPhone 17 Air (Slim) – Side Profile

iPhone 17 Pro with Camera Bar

✅ Final Thoughts The iPhone 17 looks like it will be a major leap forward, especially with the introduction of:

Slimmer form factors (iPhone 17 Air)

Significantly improved cameras

Better display across all models

If these rumors hold true, the iPhone 17 may mark one of Apple’s most important redesigns since the iPhone X.

More details visit this link

[asestimationsconsultants]

From Blueprints to Budgets | The Journey of a Construction Cost Estimating Service

Every successful construction project begins long before any physical work starts. The journey from architectural blueprints to finalized budgets is a critical path paved by expertise, precision, and careful financial planning. At the center of this path lies the construction cost estimating service, a vital link that translates vision into reality by aligning creative designs with financial feasibility.

The Starting Point: Understanding the Project Vision

A construction cost estimating service typically becomes involved early in the design phase. Whether the project involves a residential building, commercial facility, or public infrastructure, the estimator’s first task is to understand the client’s goals and priorities.

This early collaboration involves:

Reviewing the initial blueprints or conceptual drawings

Gathering project-specific data like site conditions, location, and timeline

Discussing key design elements, materials, and performance expectations

The better the understanding of the design intent, the more accurate the initial cost projection will be.

Converting Concepts into Preliminary Estimates

Once the basic parameters are set, the construction cost estimating service begins generating early-stage cost estimates. These are often referred to as conceptual or preliminary estimates.

Key elements at this stage include:

Broad unit pricing based on historical data and similar projects

Square footage estimates for building systems

Allowances for unknowns and contingencies

Though not extremely detailed, these early estimates help clients gauge financial feasibility and secure preliminary approvals or funding.

Refining Estimates Through Design Development

As the project moves from schematic design into design development, drawings become more detailed—and so do the estimates. At this point, the construction cost estimating service digs deeper.

Tasks in this phase often involve:

Quantity takeoffs for specific materials and components

Supplier and subcontractor quotes for pricing validation

Adjustments based on engineering inputs or regulatory requirements

This iterative refinement process ensures the project evolves in line with the available budget, preventing costly surprises down the road.

Building a Detailed Budget from Final Construction Documents

When construction documents are complete, the estimator prepares a fully itemized estimate. This final preconstruction budget becomes the baseline for decision-making, bidding, and financing.

This comprehensive estimate typically includes:

Labor costs by trade

Material pricing by category

Equipment needs and durations

Overhead, insurance, permits, and profit margins

At this point, the construction cost estimating service provides a granular financial map of the entire build, enabling stakeholders to plan with confidence.

Supporting the Bidding and Procurement Process

Once the detailed estimate is approved, the project moves into the bidding phase. The construction cost estimating service remains actively involved to ensure the procurement process aligns with the budget.

This stage includes:

Preparing bid packages with clear scopes and quantities

Reviewing bids from general contractors and subcontractors

Identifying bid discrepancies or omissions

The estimator’s insights help ensure that the selected bids reflect fair market value and comprehensive scope coverage.

Integrating Cost Estimating with Project Financing

For projects that require external funding, a reliable estimate plays a crucial role in securing loans or investment. Financial institutions often rely on third-party estimates to assess funding requirements and risks.

A construction cost estimating service helps:

Provide lender-ready cost documentation

Break down costs for phased financing or draw schedules

Offer justifications for contingencies and escalation clauses

This financial clarity gives banks and investors the confidence they need to support the project.

Managing Costs During Construction

Even after construction begins, the estimator’s work is not always done. Construction cost estimating services often assist with cost tracking, change management, and budget updates throughout the build.

During construction, services may include:

Evaluating change orders and their cost impacts

Reforecasting budgets based on real-time data

Identifying cost-saving opportunities during execution

Their ongoing involvement ensures the project stays on financial track, especially when dealing with unexpected conditions or design changes.

The Final Phase: Closeout and Cost Reconciliation

Once the project nears completion, the construction cost estimating service may assist in reconciling actual costs against the original budget. This retrospective analysis provides valuable insights for future projects.

Activities at this stage may include:

Final cost reports and comparison to estimate

Evaluation of cost variances

Documentation for auditing or post-project review

The outcome is a clear record of where money was spent and how closely the project adhered to the original financial plan.

Why This Journey Matters

The journey from blueprints to budgets is more than just a series of calculations. It’s a dynamic process of collaboration, adjustment, and informed decision-making. A skilled construction cost estimating service ensures that every line on a blueprint has a corresponding cost that reflects current market conditions, project goals, and stakeholder expectations.

By providing clear and accurate cost data at every stage, the estimating service supports:

Better design decisions

Realistic project timelines

Stronger contractor relationships

Greater financial accountability

Conclusion

The construction cost estimating service is a behind-the-scenes guide that ensures a project’s financial path is just as solid as its structural foundation. From the first conceptual sketch to the final payment, estimators turn vision into viable, budget-conscious execution. Their expertise not only safeguards budgets but also empowers owners and builders to move forward with clarity, confidence, and control.

[sophiacloud28]

Bayverse WIP Excerpt

Since I'm way too giddy. (If you guys make me rewrite this WIP, I freaking SWEAR 🤣)

Excerpt, fluff, Bayverse Donatello centric-ish

The first one through is, to her expectations, Leo. He's in a bit of a state of undress since the vent doesn't accommodate for his katanas, but he's quick to readjust himself and give her a smile before he goes out to the way she motions. The second is Raph, this time taking her by surprise as he unfolds with a grimace, complaining about tight spaces. The last one is Donatello who merely acknowledges her by giving her her phone back before turning around, mumbling about the entrance.

Probably why he came in last. He's trying to figure out how to transport everything. It's his job, after all.

"Donatello?"

"Hm?"

"Might be better to look for something that leads to the Subway stations? It would give us access to the train car once you get it fixed."

Although a reminder that this might not be their only way in might be useful, certainly if the blink and frown have anything to say about it.

"That's what Raph's looking for. If he doesn't, this is the fallback."

Although maybe she's just underestimating Donatello, as per usual.

She flinches, "Sorry."

"It's fine. Old habits die hard. Now why are you hovering?"

And almost giggles at being called out, straightening a little, "I have a bit of a personal request, but I can wait."

"A request?"

"I found something, two things actually, that I would like for you to look at after you're done estimating how much dynamite and mortar you'll need to build an entry point."

He looks at the wall, then back at her. He blinks once, twice as he looks into nothing before looking back to her.

"Show me."

"Are you sure? I can wait."

"I already have a rough estimate. Show me."

And she bites her bottom lip in excitement before motioning him to follow, glad that her rush is followed so closely by Donatello. She turns the flashlight on her phone on as she walks into the tailor's shop, past the empty mannequins and drawers to the back where she shines a light on the first machine.

There are spider webs on it, and it looks like it's seen better days, but the lack of rust on the cover alone is encouraging.

"A sewing machine?"

"Yeah. There's also a serger further back. Both industrials," she comments, shining a light in the serger's direction. It's in the same state, although the rods that would hold the threads would need to be replaced.

"That's what's got you so excited?"

"Do you have any idea how big of a find this is?! These are pure steel, Donatello! All they need is a bit of TLC and these things will go through anything. Heck, I can reupholster the couch if you guys want me to with these."

There's silence. It stretches. For a moment, Stella thinks she's bluescreened poor Donatello when she needs him most. Until he chuckles. He leans back and has to contain his laughter, making her blink.

"Donatello?"

"Sorry," he says after a few throat clears, smile on his face. "I'll need schematics, but I can repair them."

And she keeps blinking, worried, "If I can find the serial number and the brand, I can probably find you a manual. Are you okay?"

"I'm fine."

"Are you –?"

"I'm sure, Stella. It's just… No, I shouldn't say it."

"Say what?"

"It'll only fluster you."

… Oh.

She's glad the lights are dead as she looks away and he approaches the machines while bringing down his googles. She hopes he doesn't turn her way while they're down.

"Brand and Serial Number, correct?"

"Yeah."

"They're both Singer, from the text reconstruction. Where is the serial number?"

"Either under the machine or on its right side. You should find two letters followed by six numbers."

"Got them. Embossed, too."

And she smiles as she scrolls through her phone, noting the serial numbers and immediately starting to look them up, grinning when she finds them.

"Found them. Send- Donatello?"

Only to blink as the tallest turtle stands there, goggles now atop his head again, but looking thoughtful.

"Will you need the tables?"

"Tables? Yes. Those tables? No. I'm already planning on getting a worktable for each of them."

"If you're alright with it, I think I can replace them."

"You don't have to, Donatello. These tables require –"

"I am seeing that. That's why I'm suggesting it."

And she feels something warm spread through her like butterfly wings. From her heart all the way to her fingertips, the tenderness stretches throughout, making her smile softly as she whispers, "As long as it doesn't –"

"I'm almost done with the EPF and the needle room needs the entire team to be worked on. Besides, we might need to move it to here from transport, meaning delays. I have time."

And she has to resist reaching to him for a hug at the nonchalance of his tone and the way it's wrapped around something warm, calm, almost… loving.

… Make like a tree, Stella.

"Thank you, Donatello."

"… Donnie." She looks up at the whisper. He's not looking in her direction and his left hand is digging into his shoulder almost painfully. She's pretty sure that, if she could see his face, he'd look hurt, maybe even in distress that she can only hope to soothe as she reaches for his free hand. Before she's brought against something cool and rigid that she can't help but settle her cheek against while closing her eyes as another feeling adds itself to all the others.

Safety.

He's safe. So safe. She could sleep in his arms, and she would wake up either still in them or wherever he viewed as safe without a change to herself. She can be vulnerable here, and no one would ever know.

A hand shifts from around her waist to touch her cheek, leading him to meet hazel eyes and a hesitant smile that settles into something soft as Donnie leans in.

"Donnie!"

Before he jumps and pulls away as she does, heart hammering in her chest. She finds herself hidden behind the tallest turtle as she hears Leo call out for his younger brother again, prompting him to respond, "In here."

And she barely hears the oldest turtle before she knows he's in the room as Donatello apologizes.

"It's fine. Find something interesting?"

"Might have. Depends on whether or not I'm able to build tables for them before repairing them."

"Stella?"

"Yeah. Seem she's –"

"Figures."

"Why are you looking for me?"

"Raph's found our way out. It leads to the track on our line."

"That'll avoid complications. Anything else?"

"Yeah, actually. Stella?"

She freezes. Brings her hands to her mouth. He knows. He knows. She's so screwed.

She hesitantly comes out from behind Donatello, expecting a stern look. She still swallows even though she doesn't find one in those intense blue eyes as Leo instructs, "Mikey is ready to take you back. He's already called ahead for dinner. Pizza alright?"

And she nods before slipping out of the workroom, the tailor's shop before pressing her back against the acrylic that makes the windows, falling to the ground as her hands cover her mouth.

Make like a tree, Stella. Make like a fucking tree. You're going to hurt them both.

"Pretty girl? You okay?"

She stands, dusts herself off, and tries to smile as she holds out her phone to Mikey so he can pocket it, "I'm alright."

"You sure?"

"I am, I just… need a second to breathe. Give me until we get back to the lair?"

"… Alright."

taglist: @silverwatergalaxy, @thelaundrybitch, @thegirlwiththeninjaturtletattoos

[new-dinosaurs]

Qianjiangsaurus changshengi Dai et al., 2024 (new genus and species)

(Vertebrae and hip bones of Qianjiangsaurus changshengi [scale bar = 20 cm], from Dai et al., 2024)

Meaning of name: Qianjiangsaurus = Qianjiang lizard [in Greek]; changshengi = for Wang Changsheng [the first to formally report Cretaceous dinosaur fossils from Chongqing]

Age: Late Cretaceous (more precise age uncertain, but probably sometime within the Campanian–Maastrichtian)

Where found: Zhengyang Formation, Chongqing, China

How much is known: Partial skeleton of one individual, including parts of the skull, hips, and hindlimbs.

Notes: Qianjiangsaurus was a hadrosauroid, closely related to but not a member of the "core group" of duck-billed dinosaurs (hadrosaurids). Its overall anatomy is typical for a non-hadrosaurid hadrosauroid, but it also exhibits some features more commonly found in true hadrosaurids. It is estimated to have been about 8 m long in total body length.

(Schematic skeletal of Qianjiangsaurus changshengi [scale bar = 1 m], with preserved bones in white, from Dai et al., 2024)

Reference: Dai, H., Q. Ma, C. Xiong, Y. Lin, H. Zeng, C. Tan, J. Wang, Y. Zhang, and H. Xing. 2024. A new late-diverging non-hadrosaurid hadrosauroid (Dinosauria: Ornithopoda) from southwest China: support for interchange of dinosaur faunas across East Asia during the Late Cretaceous. Cretaceous Research advance online publication. doi: 10.1016/j.cretres.2024.105995

[spacetimewithstuartgary]

Adsorptive regolith on Mars soaks up water, updated model shows

Mars, the next frontier in space exploration, still poses many questions for scientists. The planet was once more hospitable, characterized by a warm and wet climate with liquid oceans. But today Mars is cold and dry, with most water now located below the surface. Understanding how much water is stored offers critical information for energy exploration, as well as life sustainability on the planet.

A research group from Tohoku University has helped shed light on this by improving an existing Mars climate model. The enhanced model accommodates the various properties of Martian regolith, or the loose deposits of solid rock that comprise Martian soil. The study is published in the Journal of Geophysical Research: Planets.

Mirai Kobayashi says current models fail to account for the fact that laboratory experiments have demonstrated that the water-holding capacity of the regolith is strongly influenced by its adsorption coefficient.

"Models to date that estimate the distribution of surface and subsurface water on Mars assume that its regolith properties are uniform. This contrasts with observations made by orbiters and landers, which suggest that Martian regolith has globally non-uniform physical properties."

The model estimated Mars's subsurface water distribution down to 2 meters from the surface. Like a sponge, highly absorptive regolith in Mars's mid- and low latitudes retains substantial amounts of absorbed water. Some of this water, the findings showed, remains on the surface of the regolith as stable adsorbed water.

The study also showed that the soil on Mars could keep ice near the surface in the middle and lower areas because water vapor moves more slowly there. This means the soil helps trap water for a long time by slowing down how water vapor spreads, which is important for understanding the change in water on Mars over time.

"Our study stresses the importance of incorporating absorption and inhomogeneity of Martian regolith in forecasting Mars's surface water," says Takeshi Kuroda, who led the team alongside Kobayashi, Arihiro Kamada and Naoki Terada. "The model can also be used to study how water on Mars has changed, and how it may have moved deeper underground near the planet's mantle."

With several Mars exploration missions underway, including the Japan-led Martian Moons eXploration (MMX) and the international Mars Ice Mapper (MIM) projects, the model is expected to complement further studies that can lead to subsurface water maps of Mars.

IMAGE: The schematic diagram of the model and results. Credit: Mirai Kobayashi

[fuzzkaizer]

Harris-Fandel Co. - The Liverpool Fuzz

"In November of 1968 a new fuzz box was introduced to the world through the pages of Billboard magazine. The pop publication ran a little blurb proclaiming a new fuzz-tone that "shatters sound" and can "last more than 1,000 hours without a battery change". Known as the Liverpool Fuzz Tone, from Ridinger Associates, it was a fairly unique circuit for the time that utilized 3 germanium transistors and ran off of 9v. Primitive and raw, it was a hidden gem of American 60's fuzz. One month later the Liverpool Fuzz was given a similar treatment in the UK publication Beat Instrumental. Although lacking in classic American hyperbole, this small write-up served as the European introduction to one of the most prolific builders of the 1970s. And finally, a few months later we would get to actually see the Liverpool Fuzz highlighted in a photo ad, seemingly associated with New England distributor Harris-Fandel, showing a small table-top unit with a hardwired output cable and an on/off switch. And while the late 60s were flooded with unoriginal copies and clones, the Liverpool Fuzz Tone immediately stood out, and still holds a very significance place in the history of guitar effects…

So what's the deal with this thing and why is it so important?

Well for those unaware, this is the first effect built and released by Ridinger Associates, or better known as Steve Ridinger of Danelectro fame, Arion Effects, and most importantly fOXX! The story is that he originally built the first Liverpool Fuzzes in 1966 when he was just 14 yrs old. The lore goes on to say that as a young teenager he didn't have the money to buy a fuzz pedal, nor did he have access to any fuzz schematics, so he came up with a fuzz/drive circuit of his own. These early units were all hand-wired using perfboard. Around 1968 he did a deal with a US distributor and also outsourced the manufacturing to a third party who paired it down to a small black enclosure and incorporated a printed circuit board for a cheaper/faster build. Ridinger estimates between 500-1,000 were produced in this time (1966-1969). And while that seems like a large number compared to some other pedals we have discussed, the nondescript nature of the blank black enclosure combined with no labeling of any kind, has made it near impossible to track one of these down. And at this point I have only seen 2 in my 20+ years of collecting. Following the Liverpool Fuzz, Ridinger created and released the Fox Wa Pedal, which would be the first time he would use the "Fox" name, and ultimately lead to him starting the fOXX brand just a year later. In the world of vintage guitar pedal collectors these two effects mean a lot. Without Steve Ridinger deciding to dip his toes into building, marketing and distributing stompboxes at such an early age, we may never have heard of fOXX or the best fuzz of all-time, the Tone Machine! And it all started in 1966 with a little hand-built effect called the Liverpool Fuzz Tone."

cred: tonemachinesblog.com; facebook.com/Ed Skymall; facebook.com/Chris Martin