#steps to create knowledge base

[isekyaaa]

The Genshin_Romance subreddit is honestly one of the funniest places on Genshin related reddit. Like I'm used to Tumblr and Ao3 being so incredibly gay, that being recommended that subreddit in my feed, a place where gay ships aren't allowed, is such a culture shock. The best part is that there are 14k members and they all have literally the worst and most boring taste in heterosexual ships like I think the funniest one is Wriothesley x Clorinde.

[arcade-confetti]

Theyre going to think I like canon and purely canon if I keep going on like this

[icewindandboringhorror]

Other Misc. Rambling Thoughts on the topic:

(~ !!!!!!!!! if you're just reblogging this post for the Poll section, please reblog the original post without this addition* lol. ~)

(*not that there's anything super personal or weird about the addition, just that it's meant to be kind of casual Side Commentary, not really part of the Main Point Of The Poll, so it would feel kind of weird for it to be emphasized by being included in reblogs unless the reblogs were explicitly about the side commentary, etc..... if that makes sense.. ANYWAY!)

It's neat to read the written descriptions that people are mentioning in the tags, since it's almost like I can see or conceptualize the idea as well, but it's just.. I'm not SEEING it.

Like for example: I can imagine a vase, it's a muted mint green and slightly translucent, elaborate golden birds sprawled down the side in streaks of thin rough watery paint, the base material shimmers gently in the light, there's a small chip where it's cracked on the handle, etc, etc. .. But as I'm thinking about this I see literally nothing.

It seems like perhaps some people can visualize an object first, and THEN describe what they see. But I sort of work backwards. I am building the object in my mind, I can never see it, but it's a collection of concepts. Rather than visualizing all details as a whole at once, I am adding each detail one by one, building onto the IDEA of the thing.

The vase doesn't have a crack on the handle because I just automatically visualized a vase with a crack. It was more that I cognitively understand the concept of a vase, what they tend to be made out of, how they tend to look and feel, the properties they have. So based purely on that knowledge, I can imagine "a chip is something that a vase could have, it would look this way and behave this way" - more like... I'm constructing a bullet point Fact List about the object rather than seeing it.

So if you tell me to imagine an object, I can, in a way, imagine that object in great detail, but it's just.. I'm not SEEING those details, more just knowing it's qualities in a purely conceptual way. Sometimes in the tags when people are like "yeah I can see the skin of the apple, texture, little dots on the surface" it's like… I can imagine that too, I can know it's there, but just with no visual attached.

I guess rather than SEEING something and going ''ah. I know what this looks like because I have seen it''. I more just skip that visual step entirely and go ''I know what this looks like, I just randomly have a list of information about the concept in my mind.'' etc. Maybe similar to how sometimes in dreams, even though a house may look completely different and be in an entirely fake 'dreamlike' environment, you just somehow KNOW intuitively that it's meant to be your childhood home or something. Even when it looks nothing like it in reality. There's a built-in base knowledge of the properties or information of some things within a dreaming mind, etc.

--

This also makes me wonder about like.. how storytelling and myth is so important to cultures all across time. Or how this could tie also into concepts of religion.. etc. etc. If so many people really can kind of conjure these vivid images in their mind, then maybe that's part of why certain things are so meaningful to them? Like a "religious experience" being something you can actually really SEE/feel/lingering with you in your head, rather than just abstract words on a page, detached purely theoretical ideas, etc... hmmm

.

Plus also just for average emotional stuff too, even outside of broader cultural conceptual attachments..

Like, I don't think there's a direct 1 to 1 link (obviously not all people with mental illnesses that significantly reduce their emotional or expressive capacity also MUST have aphantasia or vice versa), but it's interesting as someone who DOES also have a much more lessened emotional range/pretty flat affect/etc. etc. to think like.. Maybe I WOULD be more emotional, in a way, if I could have these vivid experiences..?

Perhaps memories would hold deeper significance if they could really stay with me vividly. Or storytelling would evoke more of a deep emotional reaction to me if I could really picture and feel the things that are going on. If things were more TANGIBLE in my brain, rather than always merely conceptual highly abstracted ideas.

Kind of like, it's probably easier to get over the death of a pet or something, if after not seeing them for an hour you already don't remember what they looked like (beyond just a vague fact list of traits), and you have no vivid memories or mental reminders of them (beyond just factual information stores). COGNTIVIELY you can appreciate the idea of their absence, of course, you still miss them, but there's just no remaining visceral sensory ties. A very "out of sight, out of mind" sort of thing in terms of attachments, memories, emotions, etc. Maybe certain things are easier to "get over", when you're not having constant mental sensory reminders that occasionally rekindle your feelings about the event or etc.??

(like for example, maybe someone could remain angry about an argument longer if they could vividly replay it in their head over and over again. VS just like.. 'Yes I can factually recall the fact I had an argument, and I do have knowledge stored about what precisely was said, but any sort of sensory data such as sights/smells/feelings, etc. from the actual moment of the event are long gone and can never be conjured again in my mind." etc.)

Which again, I think lessened emotional permanence and image permanence in the mind are NOT inherently linked, can all be caused by different things for different people. And, since I can't visualize anything in my head, maybe I'm misunderstanding how it happens and the effect it may have on stuff like remembering things you miss or replaying arguments, etc. etc. But it's still a little interesting to think about, if they could influence each other to some degree.... :0c --

Lastly, It's also weird because I'm actually pretty good at estimating distance and spaces? I can quickly assemble furniture without an instruction manual, pretty easily have a concept of how much space a chair may take up in a room, how two mechanical parts might fit together - BUT, I am literally not actually visualizing anything. I cannot see 3D objects in my mind at ALL. It's like.. just based on the pure List Of Facts About Things Which I Have Observed.. I can intuitively go "oh this works like this/this is this size" just because.. I know it's that size. I don't have to see anything to know..?

But then on the other hand, I'm terrible at directions without a map (I guess because a 3d outdoor environment has WAY more complexity than like.. "Will this square fit into another square?"etc. lol ).

BUT, I also draw/sculpt/etc. entirely without references, and seem to do mostly okay at that..? Like.. I can't even remember the last time I actually used a reference or looked at anything whilst drawing. It's all muscle memory, and me just adjusting as I go until something "looks right" on paper, I never have a set image in my head (or external reference) before hand.. Hrmm....

AND.. I used to say that I had a photographic memory when I was younger, which I know NOW is not true (I always thought it was just an expression, not that people could literally see things in a photographic way). But what I was describing is, I do often associate information with imagery, just... without imagery....

Like "Oh, I know that I took my medicine earlier today because I have a distinct memory, a snapshot of a moment in time, of me rattling the pill bottle in my hands as I looked up at a stop sign while in the back seat of a car". When I say this, I can't ACTUALLY see/feel/hear a pill bottle, or vividly picture a stop sign, but it's more just a factual recall, of. Even though I don't see these things, I know they happened, the information of them happening (me hearing a sound and also looking at a stop sign at the same time) has been stored in my brain as a memory, a collection of linked facts. --

As for other senses, I cannot taste or feel anything in my head AT ALL.. wild that some people mention that. I mean, again, I can have a purely factual recall as if reading a textbook, knowing the information of 'X item typically has X texture, therefore I can imagine what it may be like to feel it' or 'X usually has this taste' etc. - but I can never actually experience those senses in any capacity in my mind alone. I would say audio is my strongest mental sense (maybe a 2.5 or 3 (if it were translated onto the above scale where 1 is most vivid and 5 is nothing)), then visual (4.5 at most, usually 5), and then taste and smell and such are just complete 5, absolutely nothing, I didn't even know people could experience taste or feeling just in their mind alone.. lol...

I know this is just a silly bad quality random screencap of a screencap that I found on facebook lol, BUT it's a succinct enough image to easily describe the concept in a quick/accessible way hopefully :

-

(and of course, feel free to elaborate in tags, etc.! (especially elaborating about other senses as well.. can you "hear" in your mind just as well as you can "see"? taste? etc.) It's an interesting topic to me, as someone who's like a 4.5 at MOST lol. I'm curious what option will be the most common :0c )

[ramen8008]

Tony having a list of habits of the avengers that annoy him yet also altering the entirety of the compound to meet those habits.

Tony: You realize how annoying it is to have you in my vents?? Just let me breathe my 5 million dollar air in peace

Also Tony installing a proper scanner which doesn't ring any alarms if Barton is in the vents but instead just makes in a video compilation of each time he falls.

Tony: Thor I swear to the Gods. If you take one more Pop tart from me I wil-

Also Tony bulge buying Pop tarts for every time Thor visits.

Tony: Cap how do you not kn- No being frozen for 80 years is no excuse. This is vital part of history, No I don't care that it's "just a show" this changed lives

Also Tony installing a "Cap is confused again" Protocol on FRIDAY for each time there's anything Steve doesn't understand which might be basic knowledge to everyone else so FRIDAY can give him a summary of it all.

Tony: Nat you need to stop hiding weapons everywhere. I can't be going around finding machetes in the compound!

Also Tony providing her as much space she needs for her weapons in each room if that's what she needs to feel safe.

Tony: No! No magic. Wanda you go through my head again and I swear you'll regret it. My therapist quit, you think you can handle it? Nuh uh this is a magic free household young lady.

Also Tony installing a whole new simulation based training room so she can practice her magic properly.

Tony: Bucky, I know I'm rich but can you please stop crushing my equipment and cups

Also Tony very gently talking to Bucky about everything he is doing step by step as he checks up Bucky's arm. Giving him his own room with open windows so he doesn't feel trapped with every bit of little hobby he might pick up from knitting to painting to playing the piano. A bookshelf with the entire limited edition of The Hobbit and every 40s music he might like. And some more recent songs in case he decides to "stop being old".

Tony: Strange I need you to stop doing that shit. I understand you're a wizard but don't they have rules for that? Like no magic outside of Hogwarts until you're 17? None of that weird stuff in the tower... ever.

Also Tony creating a special meditating room for Stephen with Pink Floyd playing where he can just calm down for a while in the tower and somehow a room in the mirror dimension when he really wants peace and quiet.

Tony: Vision I know you're an AI who is very interested in human nature and I am flattered but I swear if I hear one more explosion because you tried to learn knitting or the piano I will find an off switch whether or not you have one.

Also Tony making every single hobby Vision wants to pick up possible in the best way. Providing him his own kitchen to getting him a piano teacher because he wanted to experience "learning by being taught"

Tony: Banner I get that you have everything under control which is great but my lab is not big enough for The Hulk

Also Tony making his lab big enough. Getting him his own lab. Making sure he had everything he needed to calm down when he couldn't control the Hulk. Labeling him as the "strongest avenger". Getting him a therapist. Making sure he never feels alone yet always has peace

Tony: Rhodey you need to understand that when I say I'm fine I'm fine. You act like such a party pooper you know that?

Also Tony who trusts Rhodey with his life and everything. Making sure Rhodey never feels lesser than. Who couldn't be more grateful that Rhodey stuck by him throughout everything and always stayed. Tony always turning to him for advice and no matter how much he acts like Rhodey is being a bummer always takes his words to heart.

Tony: Peter.... Don't walk on the ceiling! Oh my God don't die! What the hell kid please don't explode your homework again! Your aunt is going to KILL me! You mess with the suit again and I- No , you can't borrow my suit what do you mean? I told you to stay back, tell me what you interpreted that as? No the adults are talking.

Also Tony doing everything that kid wants no matter what. Making sure his suit is so safe that he might as well be immortal. Buying him everything he even remotely suggests to liking. He has his own room in the tower cause of all the time he spends in the labs.

"You want to test out this new thing with your webs but it requires this extremely expensive and toxic chemical? As long as you wear proper protection!"

"you said you had to write about a famous place you went to but since you haven't travelled much you were gonna write about the Stark exhibition or times square.....So I got you these world tour tickets. I think they hit every landmark , just message me the ones they don't and I'll handle it. And don't worry there are two so your aunt can go with you"

[dailyadventureprompts]

Hey friends, I was thinking of taking a crack at doing an oft requested "monsters reimagined" for lizardfolk in the next little while, but I found myself stalled out on creating an alternative pitch for their lore.

The problem is that there's so little to work with in the " Ignorant primordial savage" role that they've been pigeonholed into that I'm having genuine trouble finding inspiration.

As such, I figured I'd encourage you all to write your own favourite take on the lizardfolk in the replies/comments, and we'll see if we can't brainstorm our way to an awnser.

Here's some of my own thoughts to get you started:

Lizardfolk as they are presented primarily exist to fufill the role of stock primitive antagonists, a one step more fantastical version of the jungle dwelling cannibals often encountered like pulp heroes like Indiana Jones/Doc Savage/Conan the Barbarian.

In many ways they are the epitome of the "fill in the blank baddie", with everything from their culture to their religion to their motivations being wholly based on the fact that they're lizardy lizards who like to do lizard things and could never be anything but. This is flat and boring, and needs to change if we have any hope of doing something with them.

The whole "uninterested in knowledge", " think with their stomachs", "don't have emotions, just instinct" is one of d&d's most glaring examples of biological determinism. It assigns lizardfolk the concept of "spear chucking savages" and then works backwards to justify why they remain savage while detouring through 19th century race science talking points.

When dealing with any kind of anthropomorphic reptile we're inevitably going to get into the "lizard people" conspiracy theory milieu, with all the baked in antisemitism. On top of that, we're also open to ancient aliens style conspiracy theories given how often Lizardfolk are typecast as "ruin dwelling primitives descended from civilizations long before recorded history".

[kleopatra45]

Saturn in the Signs [Solar Return]

Aries

Direct: When Saturn is direct in Aries during your solar return, you’ll feel a surge of motivation to assert your independence. This year is about taking bold steps, starting new initiatives, and embracing your leadership potential. You’ll learn to channel your energy constructively, tackling challenges head-on. It’s a time to define your goals and pursue them with confidence. You may find yourself stepping into new roles where you can shine and show what you’re capable of achieving. Use this direct energy to propel yourself forward and cultivate a strong sense of self.

Retrograde: In retrograde, Saturn in Aries prompts you to reflect on your assertiveness and independence. You may face self-doubt or past challenges related to taking initiative. This is a time to reassess how you approach your goals and whether you’re truly following your path. Old patterns of impatience or impulsiveness may resurface, urging you to dig deep and make necessary adjustments. Use this period to work on personal growth and establish a clearer vision of your aspirations. Embrace the opportunity to refine your approach to asserting yourself and cultivating confidence.

Taurus

Direct: With Saturn direct in Taurus, this year focuses on building stability and security. You’ll feel driven to evaluate your values and resources, making practical decisions about finances and long-term investments. It’s a time for patience and persistence as you work toward creating a solid foundation in your life. You may find joy in cultivating what truly matters to you, whether that’s relationships, possessions, or personal values. Direct energy encourages you to take tangible steps toward your goals, establishing a sense of stability that can carry you through future challenges.

Retrograde: During Saturn’s retrograde in Taurus, expect to revisit your relationship with money and values. You might find old financial patterns or insecurities resurfacing, prompting deeper reflection. This is a time to reassess what brings you security and happiness. Are your current pursuits aligned with your true values? Use this period to let go of attachments that no longer serve you. It’s an opportunity for inner growth and realigning your priorities, helping you develop a more authentic relationship with what you value most.

Gemini

Direct: Saturn direct in Gemini brings a focus on communication and learning. This year, you’ll be driven to articulate your thoughts and ideas clearly. You may take on new projects that require strong communication skills or delve into learning experiences that expand your knowledge base. It’s a great time to build connections and foster relationships through dialogue. Embrace opportunities to share your wisdom and engage with others. The direct energy of Saturn supports your efforts in establishing a solid intellectual foundation, allowing you to express yourself confidently and effectively.

Retrograde: With Saturn retrograde in Gemini, it’s a time to reflect on your communication style and the messages you convey. Past misunderstandings or unresolved issues may resurface, prompting you to revisit conversations and clarify intentions. This period invites you to reassess how you connect with others and express your ideas. Consider whether your communication aligns with your true self. It’s an excellent opportunity to refine your thoughts and engage in deeper introspection, helping you emerge with a clearer voice and stronger connections.

Cancer

Direct: When Saturn is direct in Cancer, you’ll focus on nurturing your emotional foundations. This year is all about establishing boundaries within family dynamics and creating a secure home environment. You’ll feel driven to confront any emotional challenges head-on, leading to personal growth and healing. Direct energy encourages you to take responsibility for your feelings and relationships, fostering deeper connections with loved ones. Embrace the opportunities to nurture yourself and others, laying down roots that provide emotional support and stability throughout the year.

Retrograde: Saturn retrograde in Cancer invites you to revisit past emotional wounds and family dynamics. You may feel pulled to reassess how you nurture yourself and those around you. Old patterns of emotional dependency or avoidance might resurface, prompting deeper introspection. Use this time to confront and heal unresolved issues from your past. It’s an opportunity to redefine what emotional security means to you and establish healthier boundaries. Embrace this reflective phase as a chance to cultivate self-awareness and stronger emotional foundations.

Leo

Direct: With Saturn direct in Leo, this year is all about embracing your creativity and self-expression. You’ll feel empowered to take on leadership roles and showcase your talents. It’s a time to set clear goals for your creative projects and pursue them with confidence. The direct energy of Saturn encourages you to shine brightly and take responsibility for your unique gifts. Embrace opportunities to inspire others while staying true to yourself. This is your moment to step into the spotlight and make your mark on the world!

Retrograde: During Saturn’s retrograde in Leo, you may find yourself reflecting on your self-expression and creative pursuits. Past insecurities or fears of judgment might come up, prompting you to reassess how you share your talents with the world. This is a time to dig deep into your creative identity and confront any blocks you encounter. Use this period to redefine what it means to express yourself authentically, letting go of any limiting beliefs that hold you back. Embrace the opportunity for growth and personal transformation.

Virgo

Direct: When Saturn is direct in Virgo, it’s all about honing your skills and improving your daily routines. You’ll feel motivated to focus on health, organization, and productivity this year. It’s a time to set practical goals and implement systems that enhance your efficiency. You may take on new responsibilities that require attention to detail and hard work. Embrace the direct energy of Saturn to cultivate healthy habits and streamline your daily life. This is your chance to make lasting improvements that will benefit you in the long run!

Retrograde: With Saturn retrograde in Virgo, you’ll have the opportunity to reflect on your routines and habits. Past issues related to perfectionism or self-criticism might resurface, prompting you to reassess your approach to work and health. This is a time to evaluate what’s truly necessary in your life and let go of what no longer serves you. Use this period for introspection, allowing yourself to confront any fears or insecurities that impact your daily life. Embrace the chance to refine your goals and establish a more balanced approach to productivity.

Libra

Direct: Saturn direct in Libra highlights relationships and partnerships this year. You’ll feel driven to establish balance and fairness in your connections with others. It’s a great time to take on commitments that require mutual support and cooperation. You may find yourself focusing on how you engage with others, learning valuable lessons about compromise and collaboration. Embrace the direct energy of Saturn to strengthen your bonds and create harmonious relationships. This is a powerful year for setting healthy boundaries and cultivating deeper connections with those around you.

Retrograde: During Saturn’s retrograde in Libra, expect to revisit past relationship patterns and commitments. Old issues may resurface, prompting you to reassess how you approach partnerships. This is a time for reflection on fairness and balance in your connections. Are you giving too much or too little? Use this period to confront any unresolved conflicts and redefine your expectations. Embrace the opportunity to learn from the past, helping you create healthier and more fulfilling relationships moving forward.

Scorpio

Direct: With Saturn direct in Scorpio, you’ll experience deep transformation and empowerment this year. This is a time to confront your fears and dive into the emotional depths of your psyche. You’ll feel driven to take responsibility for your own healing and growth. The direct energy of Saturn encourages you to embrace your inner strength and make necessary changes in your life. It’s an opportunity to let go of what no longer serves you, paving the way for personal transformation. Embrace the intensity and depth of this year for profound growth.

Retrograde: Saturn retrograde in Scorpio invites you to reflect on past emotional wounds and power dynamics. You may find unresolved fears or insecurities surfacing, prompting deep introspection. This is a chance to reassess how you handle intimacy, trust, and control in your relationships. Use this time to confront your shadows and work through any emotional blocks. Embrace the opportunity for healing and transformation, allowing yourself to emerge stronger and more self-aware. It’s a powerful period for personal growth, helping you reclaim your power and authenticity.

Sagittarius

Direct: When Saturn is direct in Sagittarius, you’ll feel an urge to expand your horizons and pursue new adventures. This year is all about exploring higher knowledge, philosophy, and travel. You’ll be motivated to set long-term goals related to education, spirituality, or personal growth. Embrace the direct energy of Saturn to take on new learning opportunities and broaden your perspective. It’s a time to cultivate a deeper understanding of the world around you. Step outside your comfort zone and embrace the journey of discovery—it’s your chance to grow and evolve!

Retrograde: During Saturn’s retrograde in Sagittarius, expect to reflect on your beliefs and philosophies. You may find yourself revisiting past lessons learned or reassessing what truly resonates with you. This period invites introspection, allowing you to confront any limiting beliefs that hinder your growth. It’s a time to evaluate your goals related to travel, education, and spiritual pursuits. Embrace the opportunity to refine your vision and align your path with your authentic self. Use this phase to deepen your understanding and clarify your aspirations moving forward.

Capricorn

Direct: With Saturn direct in Capricorn, this year is all about ambition and responsibility. You’ll feel driven to set practical goals and pursue your long-term dreams with determination. This is a time for hard work and dedication, allowing you to establish a solid foundation for your future. Embrace the direct energy of Saturn to take on leadership roles and tackle challenges head-on. It’s your moment to shine and show what you’re capable of achieving. Focus on building your career and personal aspirations, laying the groundwork for success!

Retrograde: During Saturn’s retrograde in Capricorn, you’ll have the opportunity to reflect on your ambitions and career path. Old challenges or insecurities related to responsibility may resurface, prompting you to reassess your goals. This is a time to evaluate what truly matters to you in your professional life. Use this period for introspection, allowing yourself to confront any fears of failure or limitations. Embrace the chance to redefine your ambitions and make necessary adjustments to your path. It’s a powerful opportunity for growth and realignment.

Aquarius

Direct: When Saturn is direct in Aquarius, it’s all about innovation and social change. This year, you’ll feel inspired to contribute to your community and embrace your unique perspective. You’ll be motivated to set progressive goals that align with your values. The direct energy of Saturn encourages collaboration and teamwork, pushing you to take responsibility for your role in the collective. Embrace opportunities to advocate for social causes and challenge the status quo. This is your chance to make a difference and inspire others with your vision!

Retrograde: During Saturn’s retrograde in Aquarius, expect to reflect on your social connections and the impact of your ideas. You may find past friendships or group dynamics resurfacing, prompting you to reassess your role within the community. This period invites introspection, allowing you to confront any limiting beliefs related to your individuality and contributions. Use this time to refine your goals and clarify your vision for the future. Embrace the opportunity to deepen your understanding of your social values and how they align with your personal aspirations.

Pisces

Direct: With Saturn direct in Pisces, this year focuses on spiritual growth and emotional healing. You’ll feel inspired to explore your intuition and embrace your creative side. It’s a time to take responsibility for your inner world, setting boundaries that support your emotional well-being. The direct energy of Saturn encourages you to cultivate a deeper understanding of your dreams and aspirations. Embrace opportunities for self-discovery and healing, allowing yourself to connect with your spiritual path. This is your chance to create a life that reflects your true self!

Retrograde: During Saturn’s retrograde in Pisces, expect to delve into your subconscious and reflect on your spiritual beliefs. Past emotional wounds or illusions may resurface, prompting you to reassess your connection to your intuition. This is a time for introspection and healing, allowing you to confront any fears or insecurities that impact your emotional landscape. Embrace the opportunity to let go of what no longer serves you and redefine your spiritual goals. This reflective phase can lead to profound insights and growth, helping you align with your authentic self.

©️kleopatra45

[directactionforhope]

"Starting this month [June 2024], thousands of young people will begin doing climate-related work around the West as part of a new service-based federal jobs program, the American Climate Corps, or ACC. The jobs they do will vary, from wildland firefighters and “lawn busters” to urban farm fellows and traditional ecological knowledge stewards. Some will work on food security or energy conservation in cities, while others will tackle invasive species and stream restoration on public land. 

The Climate Corps was modeled on Franklin D. Roosevelt’s Civilian Conservation Corps, with the goal of eventually creating tens of thousands of jobs while simultaneously addressing the impacts of climate change. 

Applications were released on Earth Day, and Maggie Thomas, President Joe Biden’s special assistant on climate, told High Country News that the program’s website has already had hundreds of thousands of views. Since its launch, nearly 250 jobs across the West have been posted, accounting for more than half of all the listed ACC positions. 

“Obviously, the West is facing tremendous impacts of climate change,” Thomas said. “It’s changing faster than many other parts of the country. If you look at wildfire, if you look at extreme heat, there are so many impacts. I think that there’s a huge role for the American Climate Corps to be tackling those crises.”  

Most of the current positions are staffed through state or nonprofit entities, such as the Montana Conservation Corps or Great Basin Institute, many of which work in partnership with federal agencies that manage public lands across the West. In New Mexico, for example, members of Conservation Legacy’s Ecological Monitoring Crew will help the Bureau of Land Management collect soil and vegetation data. In Oregon, young people will join the U.S. Department of Agriculture, working in firefighting, fuel reduction and timber management in national forests. 

New jobs are being added regularly. Deadlines for summer positions have largely passed, but new postings for hundreds more positions are due later this year or on a rolling basis, such as the Working Lands Program, which is focused on “climate-smart agriculture.”  ...

On the ACC website, applicants can sort jobs by state, work environment and focus area, such as “Indigenous knowledge reclamation” or “food waste reduction.” Job descriptions include an hourly pay equivalent — some corps jobs pay weekly or term-based stipends instead of an hourly wage — and benefits. The site is fairly user-friendly, in part owing to suggestions made by the young people who participated in the ACC listening sessions earlier this year...

The sessions helped determine other priorities as well, Thomas said, including creating good-paying jobs that could lead to long-term careers, as well as alignment with the president’s Justice40 initiative, which mandates that at least 40% of federal climate funds must go to marginalized communities that are disproportionately impacted by climate change and pollution. 

High Country News found that 30% of jobs listed across the West have explicit justice and equity language, from affordable housing in low-income communities to Indigenous knowledge and cultural reclamation for Native youth...

While the administration aims for all positions to pay at least $15 an hour, the lowest-paid position in the West is currently listed at $11 an hour. Benefits also vary widely, though most include an education benefit, and, in some cases, health care, child care and housing. 

All corps members will have access to pre-apprenticeship curriculum through the North America’s Building Trades Union. Matthew Mayers, director of the Green Workers Alliance, called this an important step for young people who want to pursue union jobs in renewable energy. Some members will also be eligible for the federal pathways program, which was recently expanded to increase opportunities for permanent positions in the federal government...

 “To think that there will be young people in every community across the country working on climate solutions and really being equipped with the tools they need to succeed in the workforce of the future,” Thomas said, “to me, that is going to be an incredible thing to see.”"

-via High Country News, June 6, 2024

--

Note: You can browse Climate Corps job postings here, on the Climate Corps website. There are currently 314 jobs posted at time of writing!

Also, it says the goal is to pay at least $15 an hour for all jobs (not 100% meeting that goal rn), but lots of postings pay higher than that, including some over $20/hour!!

[gothcowgrrl]

𝑺𝑯𝑰𝑭𝑻𝑰𝑵𝑮 𝑨𝑵𝑫 𝑻𝑹𝑨𝑼𝑴𝑨

BEFORE WE START. i’d like to say this post is not condoning anyone to script in trauma, and it is also not intending to invalidate anyone’s experiences. this posts states my opinions and thoughts on how the brain comprehends traumatic experiences in other realities, to hopefully give people a wider understanding of the affect of dr trauma. this is coming from a psychology student who has experienced trauma both in cr and dr. additionally, everyone processes trauma differently — do not take my experiences as a step by step guide.

first of all. let’s define desired reality trauma:

desired reality (dr) trauma refers to traumatic experiences that occur whilst in another reality.

this trauma is real, just how every other thing in your dr is 100% real. you will experience it, work through it, and be affected by it (yes, even if you shift after this trauma has taken place — your brain has already experienced this trauma).

but how does this affect your current reality?

well, it doesn’t (kind of).

now, don’t go off at me yet — let me explain.

the trauma you perceive and understand in your desired reality is processed by the physical brain that exists within that reality. however, your cr brain — your physical brain in this reality — has not directly experienced that trauma. as a result, it lacks the neurological and emotional imprint that typically forms through firsthand experience. therefore, your cr brain will not process or respond to the trauma in the same way it would if it had occurred within this reality.

now how does it affect your current reality?

through deeply embedded memories in the subconscious — similar to how we sometimes retain (and i hate to say the word) vivid dreams (no i am not comparing shifting to dreaming, they are not alike at all). while your cr brain hasn’t directly experienced the events from your desired reality, it can still access fragments of those experiences as memories. this is why individuals are often able to recall their drs vividly, even though those memories weren’t formed through direct experience in this reality.

however, the subconscious does not always distinguish between imagined, dreamed, or “real” experiences. this means dr memories, especially emotionally charged ones, can influence thoughts, behavior, and emotional responses in cr — even if they aren’t rooted in your cr self’s lived experience.

this can create an emotional dissonance — feeling grief, fear, or attachment for events or people that technically never happened in your cr. for example, you still feel intense love for your dr s/o even when you’ve shifted back to your cr.

therefore, although you may carry vivid and emotionally intense memories from your desired reality, these do not exert the same psychological or physiological effects as trauma experienced firsthand in your current reality. while the emotional impact can feel very real, the lack of direct sensory and neurological imprint in your cr brain means the trauma is not encoded or processed in the same way as it would be in your dr brain.

again, this post is based on my own personal experiences. i am aware everyone processes things differently. unfortunately collecting information and data for anything to do with shifting is extremely hard due to the fact it isn’t physical, but hopefully in the future i’d be able to expand my own knowledge on this with other people’s confirmed experiences. i’d love to eventually maybe do some sort of brain scans or neurological tests on other shifters who have experienced trauma in their drs to actually see if there is any large impact.

[nothorses]

Hi, I'm new on Tumblr. I've been doing a ton of research on TERFs and TIRFs and white feminism, and a lot of people say that the problems with all of these movements at least partially stem from the fact that they all are based off the framework of radical feminism. I'm having trouble understanding the connection, and you seem pretty knowledgeable about this sort of stuff. Could you explain the flaws in radical feminism that cause the problems in these movements?

Sorry this has sat for so long!

"Radical feminism" originates in the second wave of feminism: the first-wave/liberal feminist belief was that patriarchy is a legal issue that can be solved through changes in law. The second wave/radical feminist belief is that patriarchy stems from individually-held biases and large-scale cultural misogyny, and requires a fundamental cultural shift in order to solve. Which is an important step forward in feminist thought! Subsequent waves of feminism included and built on those ideas.

The core of the issue with radical feminism is that it is still very much holds that the oppression of women is the first or most fundamental form of oppression, and everything else is built on top of that. Even when radical feminists do pay lipservice to other forms of oppression, ultimately those things just can't be as important; and even when this belief isn't explicit or conscious for a particular individual, the implication is present in all of the other radical feminist beliefs that have come from that core idea.

So, if women's oppression is the root of all oppression, why focus on other kinds of oppression? Why focus on racism, ableism, classism, religious persecution, or any other form of oppression? Surely, those problems will be resolved when we dismantle patriarchy.

If misogyny lies at the center of it all, well, it follows that other forms of oppression also stem directly from misogyny- or are, literally, just misogyny. For example, they tend to believe that lesbophobia exists entirely because lesbians aren't available to men, and homophobia exists entirely because men are acting like women; biphobia is just a combination of those two things, and therefore doesn't actually exist as a unique phenomenon.

It also follows that the greatest privilege that one can hold is being a man. Black men cannot be uniquely oppressed, because male privilege is the ultimate and most fundamental privilege there is- and the same goes for other men of color, disabled men, gay men, etc. Radical feminists are generally uncomfortable with the idea that white women can oppress men of color at all, or they dismiss that possibility outright.

Bioessentialism and gender essential are foundationally important to radical feminism for this reason: they need to know how to categorize you. Are you a man (oppressor), or a woman (oppressed)? Or, if you don't like that language: Are you woman-aligned or man-aligned? Are you feminine or masculine? Woman and/or femme, or other? Man or non-man? AMAB or AFAB? Are you TME or TMA?

Whether they define "woman" and "man" by some oversimplified version of "biological sex" (think TERFs); by a more lenient, but still oversimplified version of gender identity; or whether they redraw the lines slightly to create a new gender binary, the core idea is the same: women are one way, men are another, and men always oppress women.

This gender essentialism is also why radfems tend to cling so hard to ideas that very obviously strip women of their agency. Misogyny is viewed as so fundamental to the shaping of every single person and their every decision that radfems often believe that a woman cannot truly consent to certain kinds of sex or sex-related work. If it is in service of a man in any way, it must be motivated by patriarchy and misogyny, and it therefore cannot be genuinely consensual. (Nevermind the fact that this work is also often in service of the woman in question, performed for other women, performed by men for women, or performed by men for other men... etc.)

The original shift from first- to second-wave feminism was a good one, and radical feminism contains some really solid feminist ideas. There are also a lot of other branches of feminism, most of which share the exact same good ideas & build on them in far better, more intersectional and inclusive ways. People don't see "radfem" as a red flag because they believe liberal feminism is the way to go-- they avoid it because the reasons for identifying as a radfem in the present day are generally limited to the aspects of radical feminism that virtually every other feminist movement has long since left behind.

(This is also by no means comprehensive, and while I've spent time digging around in this, I'm very much not an expert in gender theory as an academic field. This is just my understanding!)

[midnight-mourning]

Hook, Line, & Sinker

🐟🐟Midnight's DCA MerMay Day 1🐟🐟

SORRY TO START OUT MERMAY SO LATE IM IN HELL WEEK (FINALS) AND COMMENCEMENT IS TOMORROW PLEASE ENJOY THIS FIRST STORY

Prompt:

I've got one :3

One of the boys accidentally got a hook in their tail (I think sun would be best, he'd probably freak out harder) and Reader's gotta calm him down and help remove it

DCFPU prompt used: Hook

Word Count: 1949

Story will be posted to ao3 soon!

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The sound of the waves floats in through your open window, becoming clearer as you start to wake up. You sit up, turning to see your thin curtains blowing in the breeze. Another beautiful sunny day. And hopefully, said sunny day will include the brightest, sunniest one of all. 

You hop to your feet, going through the motions of your usual morning routine. Humming in thought about whether you'll see—one of—the mers you've called friend over the course of the past six months or more. Moon, the darker of the pair with his blue and white coloring, hadn't given you any indication of his counterpart's whereabouts. Therefore you could only make assumptions, and even then they didn't add up. 

There were plenty of fish around for this time of year, the warm waters encouraging all kinds of species to migrate through the area, so it wasn't like he'd be pressed for a meal. Adding to that, the only competition around was Moon and they were civil enough with each other. You'd argue friends even, though they'd deny it vehemently if asked. 

Definitely not hibernation either, he would've tried to drag you to join him based on previous experiences. Which left... some not so lovely options to choose from. But, that would be jumping to conclusions. It's only been a few days, surely he's fine. Surely...

You do a quick cleaning of your house, sweeping away any sand that'd been dragged in, wiping off surfaces to remove any potential salt. Really you're just trying to pass the time as an excuse to not go looking for them at this hour of the morning. You'll admit you've become a bit attached over the time you've met both mers.

Moon's teasing remarks and actions, trying to pull you in the water or making—in your opinion—poor taste jokes about having you as a snack if he got hungry enough. Though that was back when you'd first met. He’d gotten a bit better since then. More light-hearted at least. 

Sun's enthusiastic rambles and the likes, constantly needing to go, go, go and show you all sorts of things that he found whenever the two of you were apart. He found your world fascinating as well, insistent you tell him anything and everything about it. You'd really bonded in that way, over your shared pursuit of knowledge. And of course, your genuine connection as friends. 

Ergo, you felt it was justified then to harbor some level of worry regarding his whereabouts. You'd do the same for Moon too. You realize your cheeks are suddenly burning and shake your head. Yes, you'd be concerned for your friends, always. 

Once you've finished your cleaning and have had breakfast, you decide you're not going to stall any longer. You slip on sandals, your sunhat, and head outside to the shore. With any luck, they'll both be around your dock area and all your worry will dissipate in an instant. 

If Sun is not however...

You'll wait to be concerned when it gets to that point. 

The sun's still warming up the sand as you step outside. The semi-cool feeling as your toes sink into it wakes you up fully finally. You squint and look out past where the waves break, to the end of the dock. It's hard to make out, but you think you spy a bobbing head near the rocks there. Just the one, however. 

Sure enough, you find Moon lounging back in the water, eyes closed as he floats semi-in place. The water's clear enough you can see the rest of his body and tail down, down, down, under the water which laps against him. 

In the sparkling reflections you see dark, yet shiny scales which blend with pure white, creating patterns and splotches throughout. Eyes that are currently closed that are a deep ruby red, mesmerizing, you could get lost in them even. He really was quite the mer, they both were. 

When your foot hits the last plank of the dock is when he peeks an eye open at you, smile languid as he shifts to float upright. 

"You're up early, Star. Shouldn't you still be asleep, curled up in your nest?" He yawns, resting his arms on the end of the dock. 

You sit down in front of him, careful to keep yourself out of snatching distance, knowing full well you'd end up in the water for a 'mid-morning swim'. "It's called a bed, Moon, and it's not... that early."

"You're worried about something."

You flinch at the accuracy. "It's Sun, it's been what, three days now? I can't help but be concerned about whether he's okay or not."

"We're not fragile by any means, you know." Moon chuckles, head resting on his webbed hands. "Three days could mean anything."

You groan, laying back against the weathered planks of the dock. "Exactly! He could be hurt, or, or maybe he's off somewhere and forgot to say something, or maybe he just doesn't want to see me, or—" You stop yourself, sighing.

Moon doesn't respond for a moment, then you hear him sigh as well. 

"If you're that concerned then I suppose I have no choice but to inform you of his whereabouts. Lest you wither away in your sorrows." He drawls, teasing lithe at the end of his words. 

You sit upright, looking down at him. "You mean you've known this entire time?"

"Pearl, we share a cove." The bluntness of the statement is followed by a snicker. 

Your face heats up, you attempt to defend yourself. "I didn't know! I've never been there so how would I?"

"Calm down, I'm merely trying to ruffle your scales. I can take you to see for yourself if you'd like. Though it won't be a very dry journey."

You're already taking your hat off and slipping off your sandals. "Kind of you to offer a warning this time, but I'll be fine."

"If you say so—" He offers his hand to you and you take it, only for him to suddenly yank you down into the water. As you remerge, spitting water out of your mouth, he continues. "—Then I'll happily lead the way."

You glare at the mer, but comply as he cues you to hold on to him, and to hold your breath. 

The journey is fast-paced and slightly terrifying. You can hardly see, having to close your eyes to avoid the sting of the salty sea. The noise of rushing water is deafening, if Moon is saying anything or trying to, you can't make it out. 

Luckily, it's over soon after it's begun. You find yourself dazed as Moon slows his pace, drifting along as you arrive in the cove. Though scanning briefly, you see no sign of the other supposed resident. 

Moon points to a rock that's obscuring a section further inside. "You'll find him there. I think you can swim the rest of the way yourself, considering I did all the strenuous work."

"W-where are you going to go?" You ask, baffled as he removes you from his shoulders.

He grins. "It's lunch time. Best of luck, Star."

With a whip of his tail—and a splash directly to your face—he disappears beneath the water. 

"It's not even 10 am yet!" You call, knowing full well he can't hear you. 

With a sigh, you swim over to the rock and then look around it. Sure enough, sitting in a sulking heap in a tide pool, is Sun. 

He perks up upon initially seeing you, frown twisting up into a smile, then seems to realize something and his face sours once more. 

He twists himself further and looks away from you, visibly huffing. 

"Go away, Sunshine,” he calls out to you. 

You scoff, and make the final stretch of swimming to end up beside him, feet landing on the sandy bottom of the tide pool giving you a bit of rest. It's deep enough that you're still in up to your waist in water, but it's a bit of relief at least. Though it certainly can't be for Sun, considering he's mostly out of the water where he's laying. 

When he turns even further away from you is when you get irritated. "Sun, that can't be comfortable. You can't even look at me? After I tried so hard to get here and find you?"

"I would rather not." Blunt. Then, "I'm sorry."

You pause, then huff. "Could you at least tell me what's wrong, please? I-I've been worried for days!"

"Really?" Sun asks, turning to look at you.

You see the surprise on his face and your anger softens. "Of course." You wade closer, and with how shallow it is are able to sit in the water now beside him. "You're my... friend, Sun. If something happened to you I'd feel awful."

"I—" He shakes his head, then shifts, sitting upright beside you. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have hid from you. I guess I was just... embarrassed." He avoids your gaze, the fins around his head twitching. 

You feel a bit of relief, chuckling. "Embarrassed of what?"

Sun stares at you a moment, then sighs, incredibly dramatically you'll add. Then, he twists and raises his tail in your general direction. 

In it, right on the edge, is a hook. A small one, relative to his size, as big as your palm but not your entire hand. 

You blink once, then twice. He speaks for you. 

"It's horrible isn't it!? It's been there for days and I'm at a complete loss as to what to do." He's practically wailing out his dismay, hand to his forehead and all. 

You frown a tinge. "I– you're serious?"

"Of course I am! This is a serious situation, Starshine!"

You shake your head. "I, Sun, this isn't-why didn't you just remove it?!"

"Think of the effort that would take, Pearl." Sun groans. "Ugh and the sensation,"—He shivers, even going so far to stick his tongue out—"Absolutely not." 

You just stare at him, he stares back. 

"Would you like me to get it for you?"

A strained smile. "Please."

What happens next is an uphill battle of just even trying to grip his tail. Not only is it slimy and thus difficult to get a good grip, but it didn't help he was thrashing about every which way anytime you got close. 

"Hold still, hold still!"

Still thrashing, protesting. "I'm trying but you need to be delicate, Star. Delicate!"

"I can't be anything if you don't settle down!" Finally you snatch it and hold it tight. Thankfully it's not too thin or you'd be afraid of harming him. "Now, sit there, behave, and maybe you'll be rewarded for it. Understood?"

You glance up, and he nods. Slowly. "Mhm." 

You look back down to the hook and take a deep breath. With your free hand, you grip it... 

And it slides out with a small tug. 

"Oh."

Before you can even make a protest, you're suddenly in the air, then landing in his lap. 

"Well, now that that's taken care of, what was that about a reward?" Sun grins, holding you by your hips in his lap. 

You sputter. "You… are you actually— after all that?!"

"A promise is a promise, Love." He plucks the hook from your fingers and flicks it away onto the shore, are you kidding—"You wouldn't want to disappoint, would you?"

You feel your face heat up, but still relent. "I said maybe!"

"That's close enough." Sun grins. 

You swallow, noticing just how much he's leaned in now, practically a breath apart. Though, you're not opposed to that. 

Close enough indeed.

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Thank you @dangerva for the prompt! Starting us off strong with this silly little one, very much enjoyed despite the horrors it took to get here (work is awful rn but classes are over so we thrive)

Brief reminder while I'm here, requests will be posted every other day, butttt i will be doing the dca pickup prompts mixed with this and will have short things on the off days ^^ that's all for now, bye!

Masterlist Post is here

Tag list (if you would like added, simply say so!):

@scarletcowboy @beemyhuneybee @fishm0ther @deviouscrackers @elsajoyagent8 @luckyyyduckyyy @zenkaiankoku @jogimote @local-shrub @milosmantis @robinette-green @everlightreader @sinister-sincerely @starredeclipse @dangerva @juukai @crystalmagpie447 @mothgutz236 @lizyxml @divinit3a @amarynthian-chronicles @crystalfay @that-one-unknown-artist @rosescarletful @buzzy-bee @hazelthebat @nightriverart

[keferon]

This is such a complex and nuanced topic that I can’t stop thinking now about artificial intelligence, personhood, and what it means to be alive. Because golem!Prowl actually seems to exist somewhere in the intersection of those ideas.

Certainly Prowl does not have a soul. And yet, where other golems depicted in mimic au seem to operate primarily as rule-based entities given a set of predefined orders that define their function, Prowl is able to go a step further — learning and defining his own rules based on observation and experience. Arguably, Prowl is even more advanced in this regard than real-world AI agents we might interact with such as ChatGPT (which still requires humans to tell it: when to update it’s knowledge, what data to use, and what that data means) currently are. Because Prowl formulates knowledge not just from a distillation and concentration of the most prominent and commonly accepted ideas that have come before.

He shows this when he rejects all the views that society accepts — resulting in the formulation of the idea that Primus must be wrong. And in a lot of ways, Prowl’s learning that gets him to ultimately reach that conclusion seems a lot more closely related to how we learn. He learns from observing the actions of those around him, from listening to what the people closest to him say and from experiencing things for himself. And this also shows in the beginnings of his interaction with Jazz. Prowl may know things like friendship as abstract concepts, but he only can truly come to define what they mean because he is experiencing them.

In some ways then, what seems to make Prowl much more advanced in his intelligence is that the conclusions he ultimately draws — the way he updates his understanding of the world to fit the framework he’s been given — is something he does independently. And this is what sets him apart.

So is he a person? Given his lack of soul or spark perhaps not. But then again, what truly defines humanity, for lack of a better word? Because perhaps there is not a clear and distinct line to tell when mimicry and close approximation crosses over to become the real thing.

But given the way that Prowl learns and interacts with the world around him, it does not seem too far-fetched to say that he is alive. And further, that he seems a fairly unique form of life within this continuity. Therefore, is he not his own individual? In much the same way that the others this society deems beasts and monsters because of their unique abilities are also individuals.

It’s just really interesting to think about.

(But I will stop myself there, because I did not initially think this would get as long as it did and I feel like I’ve already written an entire thesis in an ask at this point!)

DAMN That’s a really really interesting essay you got here👁

If we take an artificially created algorithm based on seek a goal -> complete the goal but then give it learning capability of a real person. At what point it’s gonna just become one? And if it gains the ability to have emotions. Could they be considered “real” if it’s processing them in it’s own way completely unknown to us?

I love making stories that force me to question the entire life hahdkj

[ghostlyferrettarot]

°‧🫧⋆.ೃ࿔*:･ Asteroid Fama and how we get our popularity °‧🫧⋆.ೃ࿔*:･

❗️All the observations in this post are based on personal experience and research, it's completely fine if it doesn't resonate with everyone❗️

✨️Paid Services ✨️ (Natal charts and tarot readings) Open!

🫧Join my Patreon for exclusive content!🫧

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🫧Masterlist🫧

🫧Aries:

With Fama in Aries, notoriety comes through action and leadership. This asteroid amplifies Aries' bold and pioneering nature, taking their drive to new heights. Aries gains fame by taking on challenges, being the first to act, and standing out for their bravery. Their competitive energy and risk-taking ability make them shine, and fame comes through their courage and ability to step up to the plate.

🫧Taurus:

Fama in Taurus may come more slowly, but it is solid and long-lasting. This asteroid highlights Taurus' talent for creating beauty and stability, especially in the material and tangible. Taurus' fame comes when their consistent work, ability to build something lasting, and eye for the aesthetic are recognized. People appreciate their steady focus and ability to create and maintain something of value.

🫧 Gemini:

When Fama is in Gemini, recognition comes through communication. Gemini gains fame through their ability to convey ideas, interact with others, and be the center of conversation. With this asteroid, Gemini is driven to be a master of words and social media, gaining attention for their ability to connect people and stay abreast of everything that's going on.

🫧 Cancer:

With Fama in Cancer, recognition comes through the ability to nurture, care for, and emotionally connect with others. Cancer's fame is based on the affection they generate in their close environment. People see them as someone who knows how to care for and maintain harmony, and admiration comes through their family ties, their intuition, and their constant support for others.

🫧 Leo:

Fama and Leo go hand in hand. The asteroid Fame brings out the best in this sign: their personal brilliance, their confidence, and their ability to be the center of attention. Leo gains fame with their generosity, their artistic talent, and their ability to dazzle the world. The asteroid amplifies your desire to be recognized for your creativity, your leadership, and your ability to captivate others.

🫧 Virgo:

Virgo gains fame through its ability to perfect and serve. Fame in Virgo makes this sign recognized for its meticulousness, tireless work, and problem-solving skills. People appreciate its dedication to detail and ability to make things work. Virgo's fame comes from being efficient, organized, and always willing to help others.

🫧 Libra:

Libra's fame is linked to its ability to create harmony in the social environment. With Fame in Libra, this sign gains recognition for its charm, its ability to mediate, and its tendency to build important relationships and alliances. Libra excels in the arts, diplomacy, and anything that requires a touch of elegance and balance, gaining fame through its social grace and ability to create beauty in its environment.

🫧 Scorpio:

Scorpio gains fame through their personal magnetism and ability to transform situations. With Fame in Scorpio, this sign attracts attention thanks to their emotional intensity and aura of mystery. Fame comes through their ability to be deep, intriguing, and sometimes somewhat secretive. Scorpio stands out for their ability to control and understand the most complex situations, making them worthy of admiration.

🫧 Sagittarius:

With Fama in Sagittarius, recognition comes through adventure, knowledge, and expansion. Sagittarius is an explorer by nature, and this asteroid drives them to gain fame through their philosophy of life and their desire to share their ideas with the world. Whether through travel, teaching, or the search for truth, Sagittarius attracts attention for their optimism and passion for freedom.

🫧 Capricorn:

Fama in Capricorn comes thanks to the hard work and ambition of this sign. Capricorn does not seek fame superficially, but rather achieves it through their tangible achievements in the professional world. With Fame in this sign, recognition comes through constant effort, the ability to set goals, and the determination to reach the top. Capricorn's fame is serious, respected, and built on a solid foundation.

🫧 Aquarius:

Aquarius gains fame through their originality and unique approach to the world. With Fame in Aquarius, this sign stands out for their ability to lead innovations, think outside the box, and change the status quo. Fame for Aquarius comes through their vision of the future, their focus on the collective, and their desire to break barriers. They are known for being the "rebel" who revolutionizes established norms.

🫧 Pisces:

Pisces gain fame through their creativity, sensitivity, and their ability to touch the hearts of others. With Fame in Pisces, this sign excels in the arts, music, and film, as their talent for creating deep emotional worlds and their empathy put them in the spotlight. Fame comes through their ability to inspire and move people, touching their souls with their art and unique sensitivity.

[skimmingmilk]

Pizza and a Pretty Solid Pep Talk

A/N: One shot fic based on TailsTube episode 11

His face burned as the hushed murmurs of students in the corridor whispered past his ears. Dozens of phone screens lit up in their hands and any eyes that weren’t preoccupied by their pocket pixels followed him on his exodus through Spagonia University’s hallowed halls of knowledge. A place he’d always felt safe to explore his ideas, where all questions and theories were welcomed and encouraged and never made to feel like… to feel…

Childish.

Stupid Orbot. Stupid Eggman for creating such stupid dumb bots time and time again. If only Tails had thought to have his tools on him, he’d have dismantled the pile of scrap in seconds and turned his overinflated head into a bowling ball.

He couldn’t even pretend all eyes weren’t actually on him, given that the Miles Electric 2.0’s massive external monitor was floating just behind him like a big, yellow version of his own scarlet letter, leaving no question what social faux pas he’d been branded with. Even if they didn’t watch TailsTube, news would make its way to the student body eventually. He had amassed enough of an audience over the months that surely talk of his most recent show was already trending on random people’s “For You” pages. Students would recognize their school or their professor and curiously click to see what it was all about.

The ornate, glass doors to the university swung open as Tails shoved his way through, frustration still simmering on a low heat as he barely kept himself from stomping down the stone steps like a child who hadn’t gotten his way. Even if, technically, that’s what he was.

“This has been very… cute.”

Embarrassing had been an understatement. Tails had been humiliated. He’d managed to keep his cool for his audience, used to embodying a certain persona for his livestreams that made him sound intelligent as well as relatable. A reliable source of information to combat the swathes of misinformation people like Eggman and other enemies of freedom who crawled out of the woodwork to sow panic and doubt in the minds and hearts of the masses. 

All of that would’ve been undone in seconds if he’d let his composure slip, and it nearly had. 

Cute.

Tails couldn’t think of anything more insulting than to be condescended to by a fellow scholar.

The intensity of his glare was enough to burn holes into his sneakers on his descent of shame. As he rounded the stone fountain set in the center of the steps, his downturned gaze caught sight of a familiar pair of shoes just at the edge of his field of vision. Tails stopped. His tails, which had been discreetly tucked around his legs, flicked themselves free instinctively. Whether out of irritation or elation was still up to the jury in his mind, but the moment Tails lifted his head, his surly expression softened.

Sonic sat perched on the edge of the fountain with a flat, cardboard box beside him. A lopsided sort of smile pulled at his muzzle as he watched him, waited for him. He wasn’t supposed to be in Spagonia today. He’d been hanging out with the Chaotix in Seaside City for the past couple of days. He’d even gone as far as to make a big fuss about Tails being in Spagonia, claiming he’d purposefully picked the setting for his first livestream on the road to be somewhere Sonic wasn’t close to just to spite him, despite having told him his plans when he first started organizing his itinerary and guest list weeks ago.

But Tails knew, even if Sonic wasn’t always around in-person for his shows, he never missed a single one. He was always the first comment in the chat, always claiming that title too, because no one was beating the fastest thing alive to his best buddy’s streams. This one wouldn’t have been any different, regardless of being in another timezone, on another continent.

“Was in the mood for some pizza,” Sonic volunteered as an answer to Tails’s unspoken and unnecessary question. He knew exactly why he was here.

He’d seen everything.

“Couldn’t get one in Seaside City?” Tails asked dryly, though his tone was a little too flat for their usual banter.

“Nah, they just can’t do it like Spagonia!” Sonic flipped open the lid of the box, revealing a fresh pizza piled high with soft discs of mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, mushrooms, arugula, and garlic; Tails’s toppings of choice. “Might’ve been feeling a bit nostalgic, too. This was Chip’s favorite place to get pizza.”

It might’ve been a ploy to tug at Tails’s heartstrings, but if Sonic had been watching the live stream, then he’d absolutely heard them discussing Dark and Light Gaia. He’d have seen Orbot’s cartoonish rendition of Sonic with Chip, their doodles surprisingly accurate for someone who hadn’t even been invented yet at the time of that particular adventure. Tails’s gaze drifted to Sonic’s wrist, the one Chip’s bracelet sometimes adorned, but it was hidden by the lid of the pizza box so he couldn’t tell if the token was there as a reminder as well. His brother wasn’t often the sentimental sort, but after the events of the Starfall Islands… he’d been a bit more…

Well, as he’d put it himself, nostalgic.

Tails didn’t fight it; he let Sonic’s not-so-subtle attempt at comforting him carry him to his big brother’s side. “It was the only place we took him to get pizza,” he replied, knocking his shoulder into Sonic’s as he settled on the fountain’s edge beside him.

Sonic nudged him back in playful retaliation, then grabbed a slice from the box and held it out to Tails. “Alright, smart guy. Even if we'd taken him to every pizza place on the planet, it'd still have been the first place he ever had pizza with us, which makes it pretty special in my book.”

“You really are feeling nostalgic, huh.” Tails took a small bite, watching as Sonic attempted to wrestle his own slice out without losing too many toppings. “You know what that means. You're getting old.”

“Pfft. Yeah, right. I'm as spry as a hedgehog half my age,” he boasted, kicking up one leg over the other as he took a huge bite.

“No cap, you just don’t have that rizz, fam.”

“Half of those aren’t even words. Stop speaking witch.” Sonic flicked Tails in the forehead, grinning when it got a laugh out of the kid. “You’re cringe, little bro.”

“What can I say? I learned from the best.” Tails stuck his tongue out at him.

“And yet somehow still severely lacking in the sense of humor department,” Sonic drawled, polishing off the rest of his pizza slice.

Tails glanced down at his own slice, but didn’t take another bite as he picked at one of the cherry tomatoes threatening to slide off the end. He was suddenly extra conscious of the sounds around them; the steady trickle of water as it flowed from the fountain into the shallow pool just behind them, the hum of distant car engines in the streets throughout the city, and constant clatter of footsteps on stone as pedestrians passed them up and down the stairs. Watching them when they walked by. Whispering.

Tails’s ears drooped, but even that couldn’t drown them out. “And the rolling with the punches department,” he murmured.

Sonic glanced over at him. “Nah, I’d say you’re pretty good at that.”

“And I’d say you’re pretty biased,” Tails huffed, then shrugged one shoulder self-consciously. “I dunno. Could’ve handled today better. I just let Orbot roll over me completely, which is pretty pathetic on my part considering he doesn’t even have wheels. Or treads.”

Sonic cast a glance at the giant yellow monitor still hovering nearby. “You were hosting your livestream and interviewing someone you really admired. A meeting of the minds, like you said. You didn’t show up here thinking you’d need to square up for a fight. He caught you off-guard on purpose, that was the whole point. His ‘revenge’ scheme, or whatever.”

“Yeah, and I let him,” Tails sighed, slumping forward. “You wouldn’t have let something like that slide.”

“No, but I’m not exactly known for my tact, am I?” Sonic’s smile turned rueful as he tapped his fist against Tails’s shoulder. “Don’t really care what people think of me either, which isn’t super helpful when it comes to building a rapport with ‘em. You know firsthand how many people I piss off on a regular basis, and half the time it’s not even on purpose! Something tells me that professor gal definitely would’ve been one of ‘em. I don’t think she’d have appreciated me trashing her office with busted up robot pieces.” 

Tails tried to imagine it, and the picture it painted wasn’t a pretty one. “Probably not.” 

“Ya kinda had your hands tied, partner. But you salvaged what you could. You didn’t completely burn a bridge with that professor, after all.”

“What are you talking about?” Tails’s brow furrowed as he stared at Sonic in sheer disbelief. “The interview was a complete disaster. There’s no salvaging any of that. She called me cute. You know what you call cute? Chao, babies, Cream’s tea parties, Knuckles when he understands a reference. You know what’s not supposed to be cute? Scientific discoveries. Cosmic theories. Bridging gaps in the timelines of our planet’s history. I look like a joke. A laughing stock to everyone in a field focused on the pursuit of knowledge. Tori—Professor Victoria—even made up a fake lecture so she could get out of the situation. I checked her class schedule ahead of planning the interview. She was clear for the next hour. But she knew spending even a second longer with me would’ve been a waste of her time.”

“At least she made up an excuse,” Sonic pointed out.

Tails bristled. “What do you mean ‘at least?’”

“If she really didn’t want anything to do with you, she probably would’ve just said so. The fact that she made something up means that, maybe, she didn’t want to burn a bridge with you either. Besides, didn’t she say you guys could continue your conversation another time? I’d like to think she wouldn’t make a point to say that just to be polite.”

Tails blinked, the creases in his forehead smoothing out as he considered the logic behind Sonic’s words. “She’s a professional. An educator. Not to mention an archaeologist and historian. There’s a certain level of decorum she has to adhere to in this line of work. And unyielding patience is practically a job requirement.”

“Then maybe she’ll have some of that patience on hand the next time the two of you cross paths.” Sonic’s eyes crinkled with his smile. “Because she’ll remember a sweet kid who didn't push or press his luck and respected her decision to back out of a conversation that got outta hand, even though he was totally in the right to call her out on it. And she’ll give that kid the second chance he deserves.”

It might’ve been more of Sonic’s bias on full display, but Tails had to admit it helped to hear. “You really think so?”

“You bet,” Sonic assured him, slinging an arm around Tails’s shoulder, the comfortable and familiar weight of his brother’s belief in him made it a bit easier to bear the burden of his own embarrassment and disappointment. “And if she doesn’t, then maybe she’s not the kinda mind worth meeting.”

“Yeah, I guess you have a point,” Tails agreed a little reluctantly.

“I have several, actually,” Sonic teased, gesturing towards his own quills.

Though it was absolutely a joke worth rolling his eyes at, Tails let him have that one since he brought him pizza and a pretty solid pep talk. “I was really looking forward to meeting her.”

Sonic’s cheeky grin eased up at the soft admission and the way Tails leaned against him for comfort. “I know, bud. I’m sorry it wasn’t everything you hoped it would be.” He rubbed his arm, then gave him a firm squeeze. “Wanna try and track down bolt brains before he goes crawling back to old egghead and take out some of that disappointment on him? Maybe turn his empty head into something that’s actually useful. Like a bowling ball.”

Tails snorted and his twin tails fluttered as his mood improved; they really were cut from the same cloth. “Nah. Let him think he’s won this round. I’ll get him back when he least expects it.”

“Atta boy,” Sonic praised, removing his arm so he could ruffle the fur atop his head instead. “Keep me posted. I’ll want popcorn and a front row seat.”

“You got it.” Tails held out his fist and bumped it against Sonic’s before reaching for another slice of pizza. “So you heading back to Seaside City after this?”

“Eh. Figured I came all this way, might as well do a little sightseeing.” Sonic nabbed a second slice for himself. “Whaddya say? Mind if I tag along for a bit?”

Tails shook his head, holding up his pizza like he would a glass for a cheers and Sonic met him halfway. “For a bit,” he agreed, his grin all teasing before his eyes lit up. “Oh, but first—Professor Pickle’s got open office hours in a few minutes. Want to stop by and say hi while we’re here?”

“Sounds good to me. It's been a while since I’ve checked in on the old prof.”

Sitting on the edge of the historic fountain, sharing a pizza between them, and equally recognizable on their own rights, Sonic and Tails might've attracted a few curious stares and been the subjects of hushed conversations. But they sloughed off Tails like cherry tomatoes off melted cheese, because what they thought of him didn't actually matter. Not when he had someone like Sonic in his corner. He knew what he'd experienced, what he was capable of. He knew his own merit.

Someday the world would see it, but for now, Sonic was more than enough.

He could always count on Sonic to see him.

---

A/N: I would’ve had this written faster, but we had a party at work earlier in the day so I was away from my desk for most of it and then I had tummy ache when I got home :( It shouldn’t be so hard to write with tummy ache.

Anyway, I just have one thing I’d like to say: Tails, babes, sweetheart, why is your floating monitor so huge. Honey, how do you take that on the road with you? Where do you pack it? That can’t possibly fit in the tornado, it’s like a 50” television.

The thought of it just floating around behind as he walks through Spagonia was just too funny for me, so I gave up on trying to logic the compatibility and portability of this stupid thing. I love it.

Also I based Tails’s favorite pizza toppings on some of the ingredients that can be found in his recipes in the Sonic Cookbook. I feel like he’d really like curry pizzas based on the spices in his chickpea recipe, but for a more traditional Spagonia pizza, I went with some of the veggies in his fish skewers recipe, as well as combinations I saw on the menu of an Italian restaurant I ate at while I was in France a few years ago, since Spagonia has both of those influences in its design, lol.

Lowkey, part of me also thinks Tails would enjoy a caper, olive, and anchovy pizza… like his recipes also have a salt and vinegar component to them that makes me think he’d be onboard with that xD Not so sure about Sonic though. He's an adventurous guy, but something makes me think he wouldn’t be super keen on that combo, so I played it safe with the cherry tomatoes and garlic. Both these boys love their tomatoes and garlic <3

[vanteguccir]

https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMrQe3yqW/

write something like that with Chris 🙏🏻

ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤVOICING MY MAKEUP; A TIKTOK * CHRIS STURNIOLO * BLURB

SUMMARY　::　where Y/N does her makeup while Chris describes it in the background

FEATURING　Chris Sturniolo x reader

WARNINGS　::　none

AUTHOR'S NOTE　::　that is my work, I DON'T authorize any form of plagiarism; copy, "inspiration" or translation! | english isn't my first language, so I'm sorry if there's any grammar error

Y/N set up her phone on the tripod, making sure it captured the perfect angle of her vanity and, consequently, her shared bedroom with Chris. Her ring light stood poised beside her vanity, casting a perfect, even light. She hit the record button and smiled at her reflection, feeling a mix of excitement and amusement.

She was about to start a makeup trend that had been making waves on TikTok; recording herself doing her makeup in mute, and then having her boyfriend, Chris, do a voice-over without any prior knowledge of makeup.

Silently, she held up her first product; a small bottle of primer. She turned it slowly, showing all sides, then squirted a small amount onto her fingertips.

Chris's voice finally filled the video.

"Alright, let's see what we have here." He started with a playful tone. "Y/N is holding some kind of magic potion. Oh wait, it’s a tiny bottle. Okay, she’s squeezing out... hand lotion? I think that's hand lotion."

With a practiced touch, she spread the primer across her face, focusing on her cheeks, forehead, and chin.

"She's rubbing the hand lotion all over her face. Why do you even need makeup, babe? You look so good already." Chris commented sincerely.

Next, she picked up her foundation. She displayed the bottle, making sure to catch the label on camera. Twisting off the cap, she pumped a few drops onto the back of her hand. Using her fingers, she dotted the foundation across her face, creating a pattern of beige dots.

"Now she's got this... uh, more lotion? Why is everything lotion?" His voice sounded high-pitched. "This one is thicker. Maybe it's... face paint lotion? I don’t know. She's dotting it all over her face. Polka dot style, very artistic."

Grabbing her foundation brush, she began blending the product into her skin with quick, even strokes, transforming her face into a smooth, even canvas.

"Okay, now she's using a big fluffy brush. It's like one of those paintbrushes but softer. She’s painting her face with the face paint lotion. Very fast, I can barely keep up."

Once her foundation was flawlessly blended, Y/N moved on to her concealer. She held up the tube, giving it a little shake before applying it in lines under her eyes, on her forehead, down the bridge of her nose, and on her chin.

"What's next? Oh, she’s got a tiny tube. She’s squeezing out some... finger paint? Yeah, definitely finger paint. She's drawing lines under her eyes and on her forehead. Babe, you missed the paper. You're supposed to paint on paper, not your face."

She picked up her beauty sponge, carefully patting and blending the concealer until it seamlessly melded with her foundation.

"Now she's blending the finger paint with a sponge. It's like she's patting her face with a marshmallow. This is fascinating."

With her base set, she grabbed her contour stick. She twisted it up and drew lines along her cheekbones, jawline, and the sides of her nose. She paused to show the marked lines to the camera before using a contour brush to blend them out, adding dimension to her face.

"She's holding up a... magic marker? No, it’s a stick. She's drawing on her cheeks and nose with it. Maybe it’s a fancy crayon. Oh, she's blending it, too. Babe, why do you have so many steps? And why do you need a magic marker for your face?"

Y/N then reached for her eyeshadow palette. She opened it up and displayed the array of colors to the camera, letting the viewers see the variety of shades. Using a small eyeshadow brush, she applied a neutral base color to her lids, followed by a slightly darker shade in the crease, and finished with a shimmer on the inner corners of her eyes.

"Okay, what’s next? She's got a palette with tiny squares. Looks like an artist's palette. She's using a small brush to put colors on her eyelids. This must be the finger paint palette for the eyes."

Next, she picked up her eyebrow spoolie and brushed her eyebrows into place with quick, precise strokes. She filled them in with an eyebrow pencil, ensuring they looked natural and well-defined.

"Now she's using what looks like a tiny broomstick to brush her eyebrows. Neat, tidy eyebrows. Perfect." Chris had nailed the description of it, for sure.

Then came the mascara. She held up the tube, opened it, and carefully applied it to her lashes, wiggling the wand from the roots to the tips to give her lashes length and volume.

"She's holding up another tube. Lipstick? No, she’s putting it on her eyelashes. Lipstick for the eyes? That can’t be right." His voice lowered in the last sentence, as if he was talking to himself. "Oh, wait, this must be... lash paint. Yeah, definitely lash paint."

Finally, Y/N reached for her highlighter. She displayed the shimmering powder to the camera, then used a fan brush to sweep it onto her cheekbones, down the bridge of her nose, and on her cupid's bow, giving her skin a radiant glow.

"Alright, last step. She's using a shiny thing and brushing it on her cheeks and nose. Glitter paint? Babe, you’re glowing like a star." His tone sounded amazed, his mouth probably opened in awe.

Y/N reached for her lipstick. She held the tube up to the camera, showcasing the rich, vibrant red shade. She opened the small tube and carefully applied it to her lips, making sure to stay within the lines. She pressed her lips together, rubbing them lightly to spread all the contents perfectly.

"Wait, she isn't finished yet. But I- Okay, well, she’s holding up a tiny tube again. She’s twisting it up, and it’s... oh, actual lipstick this time! She’s putting it on her lips, starting from the middle and going outwards. Looks like she’s painting with a tiny brush. And now she’s pressing her lips together and rubbing them? Looks great, princess!"

She then grabbed her lip gloss, a clear, glowy formula, and applied it over the lipstick, adding a high-shine finish. The color was bold and striking, complementing her overall look perfectly.

"And now, oh wait, another shiny tube? She’s using a tiny brush to apply something shiny over her lipstick. More lipstick? Oh, it's gloss! I know that one. She always makes me put it on my pockets. Babe, you really love your gloss. Okay, she’s finishing up now."

She leaned closer to the camera, giving a final look at her finished makeup. Her face glowed under the light, and every product worked together to create a stunning look.

"That's it! She’s all done. And she looks amazing. Fuck- seriously, princess, you’re the most gorgeous girl in the world!"

She blew a kiss to the camera and gives a playful wink before stopping the recording.

© vanteguccir

[glowettee]

hi there! im a fan of your page 💕

can you give me the best studying techniques?

hi angel!! @mythicalmarion tysm for asking about study techniques 🤍 i'm so excited to share my secret methods that helped me maintain perfect grades while still having a dreamy lifestyle + time for self-care!! and thank you for being a fan of my blog, it means everything to me. <3

~ ♡ my non-basic study secrets that actually work ♡ ~

(don't mind the number formatting)

the neural bridging technique this is literally my favorite discovery!! instead of traditional note-taking, i create what i call "neural bridges" between different subjects. for example, when studying both literature + history, i connect historical events with the literature written during that time. i use a special notebook divided into sections where each page has two columns - one for each subject. the connections help you understand both subjects deeper + create stronger memory patterns!!

here's how i do it:

example:

left column: historical event

right column: literary connection

middle: draw connecting lines + add small insights

bottom: write how they influenced each other

the shadow expert method this changed everything for me!! i pretend i'm going to be interviewed as an expert on the topic i'm studying. i create potential interview questions + prepare detailed answers. but here's the twist - i record myself answering these questions in three different ways:

basic explanation (like i'm talking to a friend)

detailed analysis (like i'm teaching a class)

complex discussion (like i'm at a conference)

this forces you to understand the topic from multiple angles + helps you explain concepts in different ways!!

the reverse engineering study system instead of starting with the basics, i begin with the most complex example i can find and work backwards to understand the fundamentals. for example, in calculus, i start with a complicated equation + break it down into smaller parts until i reach the basic concepts.

my process looks like:

find the hardest example in the textbook

list every concept needed to understand it

create a concept map working backwards

study each component separately

rebuild the complex example step by step

the sensory anchoring technique this is seriously game-changing!! i associate different types of information with specific sensory experiences:

theoretical concepts - study while standing

factual information - sitting at my desk

problem-solving - walking slowly

memorization - gentle swaying

review - lying down

your body literally creates muscle memory associated with different types of learning!!

the metacognition mapping strategy i created this method where i track my understanding using what i call "clarity scores":

level 1: can recognize it

level 2: can explain it simply

level 3: can teach it

level 4: can apply it to new situations

level 5: can connect it to other topics

i keep a spreadsheet tracking my clarity levels for each topic + focus my study time on moving everything to level 5!!

the information architecture method instead of linear notes, i create what i call "knowledge buildings":

foundation: basic principles

first floor: key concepts

second floor: applications

top floor: advanced ideas

roof: real-world connections

each "floor" must be solid before moving up + i review from top to bottom weekly!!

the cognitive stamina training this is my absolute secret weapon!! i use a special interval system based on brain wave patterns:

32 minutes of focused study

8 minutes of active recall

16 minutes of teaching the material to my plushies

4 minutes of complete rest

the specific timing helps maintain peak mental performance + prevents study fatigue!!

the synthesis spiral evolution this method literally transformed how i retain information:

create main concept spirals

add branch spirals for subtopics

connect related concepts with colored lines

review by tracing the spiral paths

add new connections each study session

your notes evolve into a beautiful web of knowledge that grows with your understanding!!

these methods might seem different from typical study advice, but they're based on how our brains actually process + store information!! i developed these through lots of research + personal experimentation, and they've helped me maintain perfect grades while still having time for self-care, hobbies + fun!!

sending you the biggest hug + all my good study vibes!! remember that effective studying is about working with your brain, not against it <3

p.s. if you try any of these methods, please let me know how they work for you!! i love hearing about your study journeys!!

xoxo, mindy 🤍

glowettee hotline is still open, drop your dilemmas before the next advice post 💌: https://bit.ly/glowetteehotline

[aventurineswife]

Is it possible for you to make reader who is just like Viktor from Arcane? In terms of personality, past and goals. With Ratio, Aventurine, The Herta, Ruan Mei and Screwllum?

An Elegance of Flaws

Tags: Aventurine x Reader, Ratio x Reader, Ruan Mei x Reader, The Herta x Reader, Screwllum x Reader, Viktor (from Arcane) based Reader, Collaboration, Internal Struggle, Complex Characters, Mentorship, Betrayal, Flaws & Perfection, Anonymity, Ethics of Innovation.

Warnings: Dark themes, Mentions of physical disabilities/injuries, Mentions of obsession and isolation, Mentions of manipulation and exploitation, Emotional tension, Possible self-sacrifice.

A/N: first time writing Screwllum, I still haven't watched Arcane so sorry if it's ooc

The low hum of Penacony's industrial district echoed around you, the staccato rhythm of machines matching the pace of your thoughts. You leaned on the cane in your hand, its polished wood a stark contrast to the soot-covered metal around you. As much as you despised this city, its chaos offered one thing: anonymity. But as your magenta and cyan-eyed companion sauntered into your lab, grinning like a man who’d just rolled a winning hand, anonymity was no longer an option.

“Well, well, if it isn’t the Architect of Revolution,” Aventurine teased, leaning casually against your workbench. His glasses caught the dim light, making his smile even more maddening. “I heard rumors, but I didn’t think even you would risk your name for this. Creating miracles in the slums while dodging the IPC’s gaze? Bold.”

Your jaw tightened as you placed your notes down. "And yet here you are. What’s your game this time, Aventurine? Here to gloat? Or to use my work as another one of your high-stakes gambles?"

His grin faltered for the briefest moment. “Why not both?” He pulled a gold chip from his pocket, flipping it between his fingers. “I know what you’re trying to do, [Name]. Reinvent life, strip it of its flaws, make the world… fairer. It’s noble. Impossible, but noble.”

You turned sharply, the familiar ache in your leg forcing you to adjust your stance. “Impossible is your specialty, isn’t it? You wouldn’t be here unless you saw an angle to exploit.”

Aventurine’s expression softened, his usual flamboyance replaced by something quieter. “Exploiting you? No. I admire you, actually. You’ve taken the cards fate dealt you and reshuffled the deck. But… I’m worried you’ll bet everything and lose yourself in the process. Believe me, I know how that feels.”

You stared at him, searching for mockery but finding none. The mask he wore, the calculated charm, cracked just enough to reveal something raw underneath. Despite yourself, you laughed bitterly. “Coming from the man who’d gamble his soul on a coin toss?”

His grin returned, but it was tinged with regret. “Touché. But if you’re risking it all, maybe let me play too. Two minds like ours? We could rewrite the rules together.”

The vast dome of the Intelligentsia Guild library stretched above you, its vaulted ceiling painted with constellations of knowledge. Rows of books and holographic interfaces surrounded you, but your focus was on the intricate mechanism before you—a device meant to stabilize organic matter during transformation. It was your life's work, but even now, it felt incomplete.

“Your equations lack elegance,” a voice called from behind. You turned, finding Ratio standing there, arms crossed, his hair catching the soft glow of the library's lights. His eyes were sharp as ever.

You leaned on your cane, raising an eyebrow. “If you’re here to critique, Dr. Ratio, don’t bother. Elegance is secondary to functionality.”

He stepped closer, examining the device with a critical eye. “Functionality without elegance is like a star that doesn’t shine. It works, but it doesn’t inspire.” He glanced at you. “Your mind is exceptional. Why settle for mediocrity?”

You frowned, turning back to your notes. “Because inspiration doesn’t save lives. This will.”

Ratio’s gaze softened, though his tone remained precise. “And yet, your obsession with saving lives blinds you to the consequences. I’ve read your research, [Name]. You want to fix the flaws in humanity, but at what cost? How much of yourself will you sacrifice before you realize perfection doesn’t exist?”

You slammed your hand on the table, the frustration boiling over. “You think I don’t know that? I’ve lived my entire life shackled by imperfection—my body, my past, this broken world. I’m not chasing perfection. I’m chasing freedom.”

Silence fell between you, broken only by the faint hum of machinery. Ratio sighed, stepping closer. “Freedom is a worthy pursuit. But even the greatest minds need a foundation, someone to steady them when they falter.” He placed a hand on your shoulder, his touch surprisingly gentle. “Let me be that for you.”

For a moment, you allowed yourself to believe him, to imagine a partnership that didn’t end in betrayal or loss. “If you’re offering your help,” you said quietly, “be prepared to see the worst of me.”

Ratio smiled faintly. “I wouldn’t expect anything less.”

The lab was cold, the sterile white walls reflecting the icy demeanor of its sole occupant. Ruan Mei stood at the far end, her eyes fixed on a series of holographic projections detailing the evolution of a new species she’d been cultivating. She didn’t look up as you entered, though you knew she’d registered your presence.

“You’re late,” she said, her voice as cool as the lab’s atmosphere. “I thought precision was important to you.”

Leaning on your cane, you gave a faint smirk. “And I thought warmth was important to life, yet here we are.”

Her gaze flicked toward you, a faint twitch of her lips betraying amusement. “Touché. What brings you here, [Name]? Surely you have more pressing experiments than interrupting mine.”

You moved to the workstation beside hers, placing your prototype on the surface. “I need your insight. The molecular structure is stable, but the integration process fails every time. I thought… maybe you’d see something I don’t.”

She studied you for a long moment, her usually impassive face betraying a hint of curiosity. “You’re admitting you need help? That’s… unexpected.”

You chuckled, though the sound was bitter. “Even I have limits, Ruan Mei. I just hate that I’m reminded of them so often.”

She stepped closer, her hands brushing over the device. “Limits are what define us. They’re also what drive us to innovate.” Her eyes met yours, and for a moment, you saw something other than cold intellect—a flicker of understanding, even kinship. “You remind me of myself, in a way. Always chasing something… unattainable.”

“Perfection?” you asked quietly.

“Meaning,” she corrected. Her voice softened, and she turned back to the device. “Let me help you, [Name]. Not because I think you’ll succeed, but because I want to see what happens when two flawed minds work together.”

You hesitated, the weight of her words settling over you. “Fair enough,” you said finally. “But don’t expect me to share credit.”

She smirked faintly. “I wouldn’t dream of it.”

The dim light of the mechanized workshop cast long shadows across the intricate gears and cogs spread across your desk. The soft, rhythmic tick of the clock overhead was your only companion as you tinkered with the device before you. The design was elegant but flawed, its energy distribution uneven, its purpose incomplete. You sighed, leaning heavily on your cane, the ache in your leg a familiar reminder of your own imperfections.

A voice interrupted the quiet. Smooth, refined, and tinged with amusement. “You’re going to wear yourself out, [Name]. Even the greatest minds require rest.”

You didn’t look up. “Rest doesn’t bring progress, Screwllum.”

He stepped into the light, his polished frame catching the glow of your desk lamp. His cape swayed as he moved, and his hat tilted slightly, casting a shadow over his glowing eyes. His presence was commanding yet unintrusive, like a puzzle piece slipping perfectly into place.

Screwllum examined your work with a calculating gaze. “You’ve overcompensated for the energy loss in the auxiliary channels. It’s elegant but redundant.” He paused, his head tilting slightly. “Much like your insistence on bearing every burden alone.”

You bristled, gripping your cane tighter. “And what would you know about burdens, Screwllum? You, with your perfectly crafted design and flawless movements.”

He knelt beside you, his mechanical hand tracing the device’s intricate patterns. “More than you might think. Perfection is an illusion, [Name]. One I’ve spent lifetimes chasing. But in my pursuit, I’ve come to realize something.” He glanced up at you, his cyan gaze piercing. “It’s the flaws that make the design meaningful.”

Your jaw tightened. “Meaning doesn’t solve problems. It doesn’t make the world better.”

“Perhaps not,” he admitted, standing gracefully. “But neither does burning yourself out in isolation. Let me help. Together, we might find a solution even you couldn’t imagine alone.”

For a moment, you hesitated. The pride that kept you locked in your solitude warred with the small, desperate part of you that longed for understanding. Finally, you stepped aside, gesturing to the device. “If you think you can improve it, be my guest.”

Screwllum smiled, a faint flicker of light in his expression. “Consider it a collaboration.”

And as his mechanical hands worked alongside yours, for the first time in a long while, the weight on your shoulders felt just a little lighter.

The faint light of the workshop filled the room, its ever-expanding landscapes swirling in holographic projections around you. You leaned on your cane, staring at the interface with a mixture of awe and frustration. The calculations refused to align, their inconsistencies gnawing at your mind like an itch you couldn’t scratch.

“Fascinating,” a voice drawled behind you. “Even someone as brilliant as you can stumble.”

You turned sharply, finding Herta lounging against the doorway, her arms crossed and a bemused smile playing on her lips. Her eyes sparkled with mischief, and her hair framed a face that seemed untouched by the years. She looked entirely too amused by your struggle.

“I wasn’t aware I’d invited an audience,” you said dryly, adjusting your stance to ease the ache in your leg. “To what do I owe the pleasure, Madam Herta?”

She sauntered closer, her dress swishing around her ankles. “I heard rumors that the infamous [Name] was working on something groundbreaking. Naturally, I had to see if they were true.” Her gaze flicked to the calculations on your screen. “And I must say, I’m not disappointed.”

You frowned, turning back to the interface. “If you’re here to gloat, save it. I don’t have time for games.”

“Gloat?” she repeated, feigning offense. “I would never. I’m simply curious. You’re like a puzzle, [Name]. A broken masterpiece trying to make the world whole. It’s… endearing.”

Your grip on your cane tightened. “Spare me the poetry, Herta. If you have something useful to contribute, say it. Otherwise—”

“Otherwise what?” she interrupted, stepping closer. Her voice softened, losing its playful edge. “You’ll keep pushing yourself until there’s nothing left? Don’t pretend I don’t see the parallels, [Name]. You’re chasing perfection just like I did. And it will cost you.”

You glared at her, the anger bubbling up despite the quiet truth of her words. “What would you have me do, then? Abandon my work? Watch people suffer because I wasn’t strong enough to finish what I started?”

“No,” she said simply. “I’d have you remember that genius doesn’t mean isolation. Even the brightest stars shine brighter with others around them.” She placed a hand on your shoulder, her touch unexpectedly gentle. “Let me help you, [Name]. Not because I think you need it, but because I want to see what someone like you can achieve when they’re not carrying the weight of the world alone.”

You stared at her, searching for the mockery you’d expected but finding none. Slowly, you nodded. “Fine. But don’t get in my way.”

Herta smiled, a glimmer of triumph in her eyes. “I wouldn’t dream of it.”