#they are violence and they are grief and they are capable of equal ground | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

revlyncox · 5 years ago

Text

Re-Energizing

This Platform Address was written for the Washington Ethical Society and presented on September 27, 2020.

Growing is very hard work. Whether we are talking about growing flowers, or growing in our understanding of living an ethical life, or growing a movement for justice, or nurturing young people as they grow, it’s very hard work. Whatever growing we happen to be in the midst of, a lot of what we’re doing is transforming one form of energy into another. In the garden, the nutrients of soil and water and the energy of the sun transform the impossibility of a seed into food and flowers and abundant life.

Ed Ericson, one of my predecessors here at the Washington Ethical Society, wrote that Ethical Humanism is “a single integrative process of creative spiritual growth having religious, educational, and social consequences.” Something we know about growth is that the energy has to come from somewhere. As we are looking at adapting our personal growth and our community’s growth for the year ahead, what energy are we drawing from? How do we renew and re-energize our ability to act as a community headed toward moral growth, beauty, joy, and ethical action?

Part of what Ericson meant by that process of creative spiritual growth is the human capacity to make meaning and to find purpose, using as our raw materials the experience of living in relationship with each other. Whether we find joy or sorrow, and usually a mix of both, we are energized for moral and intellectual growth with our direct experience. He wrote, “as human beings we are capable of transforming our pain and grief into sentiments that provide solace and healing and that bring deeper insights into the meaning of life.”

Here’s what I think this means for what we are facing today: We have a number of challenges before us, some of them unique to our time and some of them perhaps not as unique as we might hope. Adapting to the pandemic brings us challenges in our daily lives and in WES’s community life. Our challenges in dismantling oppression and keeping the ideals of democracy alive are many. Some of us have challenges getting through the day, finding transportation, caring for our loved ones, filling our prescriptions. Yet the difficulties we face, our way of making meaning from them, and the relationships that keep us committed to facing them, are some of the sources of energy that will carry us through this chapter of our lives.

On the other hand, despite the difficulties around us and among us and within us, beauty and love persist. These, too, are sources of energy for the transformative work that is ours to do. We must keep these things alive in our minds and hearts, because they help us to stay committed, and because we cannot have a complete picture of the world as it is without beauty and love. When we can perceive what’s right, what’s growing, what’s giving life -- as well as perceiving obstacles and threats to liberation and abundant life -- then we can come together with a whole strategy for change. That’s true whether the change is in our own minds and hearts, in our community, or in the world beyond. When we can see what is growing, we can make a plan for supporting that growth. Through all of this, we find energy by keeping care at the center; care at the center of our goals, and care at the center of how we behave in community on the way to our goals.

In other words, here are three ways we can re-energize for the months ahead: 1. Observe and treasure the impossible as it happens. When beauty and love and joy make themselves known, celebrate. 2. Plan and improvise support for what is growing and giving life. Plan for structures that can keep growth healthy, and also be ready to respond in the moment with support when delightful surprises sprout up. 3. Put care at the center. The way we treat one another and ourselves matters. Let’s live as if we believe that people are ends in themselves and are worthy of care.

Observe and Treasure the Impossible As It Happens

Observe and treasure the impossible as it happens. In this morning’s story, “The Garden” by Arnold Lobel (description here), Toad plants some seeds. It seems impossible that a tiny seed can grow into a flower, or a vegetable, or a tree. Yet that’s exactly what happens every time a plant grows. If it doesn’t seem impossible, that’s only because the evidence is overwhelming, but even so, the dramatic difference between the seed and the plant is worth a moment of awe and wonder. Thank goodness for Frog, who helps Toad to wake up and bears witness to that first inkling of success. We can be Frog for other people, and we can ask people to be Frog for us, lifting up occasions for joy rather than letting them slip into mundanity. When those sprouts do poke up, when the needle moves, when the data comes in, when the the city council considers your group’s proposal, when the student grasps a new concept, celebrate that.

Sometimes, we get to observe the impossible as it happens in social change. I never thought there would be widespread acceptance of the need for treatment and community care for people with AIDS. I never thought marriage equality would be the law of the land. Maybe some of you were born into a world that doubted the possibility of women leaders, or of voting rights for African Americans, or of the decline of the coal industry. Our current agenda for justice, equity, and compassion is long. We want safe communities, free from police violence and the cancerous growth of the prison industrial complex. We want racial justice, and an end to white supremacy. We want just immigration policies, and compassion for all who migrate. We want gender equity. We want to see swift and science-based climate action. The list goes on. We will not complete that list in a single lifetime. But, one step at a time, the impossible has happened before.

Plan and Improvise Support

A second source of energy is when we plan and improvise support. When we anticipate growth in all senses of the word, when we observe what is alive and what is going well, we can build structures to support future success. Sometimes we are delightfully surprised by what is working beyond expectations, and we respond in the moment with improvised support. That process of creativity and responsiveness and adaptability can, itself, bring joy that fuels future activity.

Some of you have heard me talk about my hobby as a clueless gardener. I try things, and sometimes they work out, and sometimes they don’t. The process of failure and discovery interests me, and so my cluelessness leads to curiosity, and this gives me the energy to keep going.

This year, I thought I would try pole beans companioned with corn. As you may recall, we had a cold and wet spring, such that it was June before it was warm enough to put beans and corn in the ground. Thinking I had to rush, I went against the conventional advice and I planted the corn and beans at the same time rather than planting the corn first and waiting two weeks. Since the corn wasn’t going to be tall enough to support the beans, I put a 6-foot bamboo stake by each pair of plants. I had some doubts that anything would grow, but it was worth a try.

Well, some things did grow. VInes spread out, beyond what I imagined. I became concerned that I wasn’t seeing any blossoms, just a lot of vine growth. I worried that I had made a mistake and wouldn’t see any beans at all. Then, in late July, there was a bean! And then a few more. Then about a dozen. I added more support. The vines kept going. One week, we put away about nine pounds of beans. Now that it’s fall and the first frost is coming soon, the beans are slowing down. Looking back, I’m glad I put up supports, in case something might grow. That support mattered, though it wasn’t perfect and I needed to adapt later. It has all been very surprising.

When we are doing something complicated together, we want to plan support as if success might happen, and we want to be ready to respond when something grows unexpectedly well. That means we need to be aware of what’s working, not just what’s broken. And it means there are times for sweeping the floors, making the copies, writing the letters, making the phone calls, and sticking with it through very long meetings. There are times for journaling, daily practice, and data collection. Whether we’re seeking new insights for our own ethical development, starting a new social group at WES, or building power for affordable housing in Washington, DC, there are plenty of everyday actions that strengthen and re-energize our efforts. They may seem boring or routine. The habits of support create a strong foundation so that, when things do grow, when the impossible does happen, there is space to thrive.

Put Care At the Center

Before we close, I want to say something about putting care at the center of what we do, both in the way we formulate our goals and in the way we treat ourselves and one another on the way toward those goals. There is a lot we want to learn, a lot we want to work toward for ourselves, our families, our communities, and our planet. Another world is possible. It may seem sometimes that urgency to the point of exhaustion is the only way to operate when one crisis follows another. I’d like to suggest that we prioritize kindness, not only in our individual interactions, but also in the way we make space for difference and vulnerability in our community expectations.

Again, this morning’s story provides us with an allegorical role model. Toad realizes that his shouting is not conducive to growth, and he attempts to make restitution through a practice of care. He provides light in the darkness, companionship in the rain, beauty of all kinds, the gift of his musical talent, and genuine concern. This might seem whimsical, but researchers have found that talking to and playing music for plants makes a difference. How much more do those of us who know we are self-aware, who use words to communicate, need that kind of care in order to grow and mature?

I was reminded profoundly of the ethic of care this week upon learning of the death of Elandria Williams. Elandria was an activist and a powerful community organizer, having spent many years on the staff of the Highlander Center before moving on to The People’s Hub in 2018. Elandria was a Unitarian Universalist from childhood, was a national volunteer leader since youth, and just completed a term as Co-Moderator of the Unitarian Universalist Association; that is, the UUA’s highest governance officer. E was also my friend, someone who encouraged me when I felt like giving up, saw something worthwhile in me when I couldn’t, and wouldn’t let me off the hook when I needed to hear the truth. Elandria died this week at the age of 41.

In one of Elandria’s recent video dispatches, E spoke about caring for ourselves and each other as part of the practices of liberation. Caring for our loved ones and our communities is part of liberation. Learning to care for people we don’t know so that everyone can get free is part of liberation. Being mindful of our actions and taking care, because our actions affect others, is part of liberation. And, E reminded us that honoring our own worth as people, apart from whatever we think productivity or effectiveness looks like, is part of liberation.

Elandria dropped wisdom at every turn, generously and spontaneously. And people received that wisdom because Elandria had a gift of relationship. E’s friends and loved ones and colleagues had unshakeable confidence that E saw them and honored them for their - our - whole selves. There are memes turning up on social media already with some of Elandria’s wisdom. Here’s an excerpt:

We are worthy

Not because of what we produce

But because of who we are

We are divine bodies of light and darkness

You are not worthy because of what you offer, not because of what is in your mind, not for the support you give others, not for what you give at all

We are worthy and are whole just because

I could go on, but I want to make sure we have time to hear from you during the Community Sharing. That Elandria was a Unitarian Universalist may not be relevant to you, but as members of a society that affirms the worth of every person, I hope that E’s words resonate.

What I’m trying to say is that practicing care is one of the things that will re-energize us. When we regard each other with love, and our reminders to each other of our community agreements are rooted in love, and our demonstrations of care and concern and support for each other are rooted in love, and our appreciation of each other is rooted in love, we are practicing the world we hope to manifest. This is how we remember what we are on the way toward, this is how we sustain ourselves and each other on the way there.

Be the person who offers seeds. Be the person who wakes up your companion to celebrate when the impossible is in progress. Be the person who reads a story in the dark, or recites poetry, or plays music to encourage someone to grow. Be the person who chops wood and carries water, everyday practices to support abundant life. And be the person who offers that same love for your own wellbeing. Put care at the center.

Coming to a Close

We strive through our relationships to elicit the best in the human spirit. We work for a world in which love and justice cross all borders. These are not easy goals, and these are not easy times in which to live. We can do this, together. As we consider where we might draw energy and direct energy for the mission we have accepted, let’s remember the garden.

1. Observe and treasure the impossible as it happens. Causes for awe and wonder are all around us. 2. Plan and improvise support for what is growing and giving life. That may mean routine practices and unglamorous architecture. It may mean being fully present, rain or shine. It definitely means taking note of when something is going well. 3. Put care at the center. You are worthy. Your neighbor is worthy. The people we don’t know are worthy. Let us learn to lead with love. May it be so.

0 notes

trbl-will-find-me · 8 years ago

Text

We have not touched the stars; nor are we forgiven (3/3)

Every action has an equal, but not always opposite, reaction.

AN: I cannot reiterate this enough. This is really, really dark. Please, please do not read this if you are not in a good place. This does not end well.

CW: suicide allusions, alcohol abuse

She’s awake before he is, trying to trick herself into feeling useful, feeling something other than the hollow emptiness or all obliterating grief. She putters around the Infirmary, straightening cabinets and shelving supplies. She cannot cry, not again. There is too much to do.

The Skirmishers have been invaluable help, digging graves, clearing debris, and helping to repair damaged systems. They have watched, and guarded, afforded XCOM’s survivors a few precious moments to attempt to process the horrors of the last thirty-six hours, already fading into a blur of pain and terror.

Does he know? She asks the creature.

He suspects, but he does not accept, Asaru responds. Please be gentle with him.

Her shoulders sag. Asaru, all the gentleness in the world isn’t going to help.

I know. But she would want you to try.

She wipes an errant tear from her eye. She is not ready to do this. She doubts she will ever be ready to do this.

Briefly, she considers fleeing, pawning the job off on Tygan. She still has time. God knows she’d be well within her rights. This isn’t supposed to be her job; there is a reason Infirmary duty does not make its way onto her rounds. She has never known what to say to the grieving; she knows all too well that words do little to lighten the crushing reality.

She’d spent her first few weeks with him in mute shock, unable to give voice to the words in her head. She’d wedged herself under his arm when she could, hoping he’d understand, hoping he’d know: I’m sorry, I’m sorry. Please don’t leave me. I’m scared, and I can’t make the words come out. Please don’t leave me. He’d let her come to it in her own time, accepting half-French, half-English missives scrawled on scraps of rotting paper; hadn’t made a show of it when she’d finally managed to eek out a few words; had been there to listen once she could muster more than that.

No, she thinks, closing her eyes. This is my job.

“Sally?” Central croaks, pushing himself up.

She crosses over to him, wrapping her arms around his chest, and burying her face into the crook of his neck. It takes him a moment to respond, but he does, pulling her close, and settling a hand over the old shrapnel wound. She can already feel the tears coming.

“Sally, where’s Re---“ She shakes her head, lump growing in her throat.

“Sal ---“

Again, she shakes her head. Her chest tightens. She can’t do this. She can’t tell him. She can’t, she can’t, she can’t.

“…Magpie?”

She lets out a sob into his shirt.

She’s never heard a heart break, a soul shatter, never felt the fire die in another human being before, but she has no other explanation for the sound he makes. She’s lucky he’s still on the cot, because she’s not sure she could support the weight of him otherwise.

She hugs him tighter, and feels his tears soak her shirt shoulder.

In three days, he has only spoken three words: Did she suffer?

Tygan splutters, unsure of how to respond.

“No,” Sally intervenes. “It was quick.”

Asaru offers more that she could add, words, and images, and emotions, but she knows Central, knows it would raise too many questions, knows it would not help.

She worries when he is in the bar. She worries more when he is not, the fear of discovering he’s found his own door and followed the Commander out gripping her. She moves through the ship expecting the worst, the disused spaces demanding close inspection, a steady reassurance that there are no surprises lurking therein. More often than not, that is where she finds him, flask empty and too far gone to think. When she can, she sits with him, refilling the flask from a container of water.

He doesn’t speak, but she understands: she is gone again and, this time, I can’t bring her back.

She cannot find him on the fourth night, and her mind jumps from possibility to possibility. She is so tired of washing away the blood of others.

He is alive, Asaru says, stirring. And still on board.

Could you be a little more specific?

He does not like to leave her alone.

She squeezes her eyes shut. Oh, Central, she thinks.

She knows him, knows what he is like when he’s fallen too deeply in despair. She makes her way to the Crew Quarters, finding her way into his footlocker once again. Again, she makes a silent promise to apologize at some point.

It would not be the time, Asaru offers, trying, in its own way, to reassure her.

She appreciates the gesture.

She is always taken by the weight of the peacoat, of its heft in her arms. It is a scrap of the old world, with beautiful wool and embossed buttons, a shield borne forth against the insidious creep of the new. It has always been different, a far cry from both the makeshift hodgepodge of the havens, and the streamlined sterility of the city centers. She buries her face against it.

You will not lose him.

She has come to accept that tears come from the smallest things now, from a kind word or a gentle comment. They come from almost glimpses and imagined voices, from wishes and would-have-beens. They come from memories of laughter, of happiness, of loss, of violence. It does not matter.

She is so tired.

She makes her way through the ship, down towards specimen storage. She pries open the locker door and finds him, just as Asaru described.

She steps in, shutting the door behind her, and drapes the coat over his shoulders. “You can’t stay here all night,” she says, softly. “You’ll freeze.”

He does not respond. “Betos’s people have a lead on the Warlock’s hideout. Wallace is going with them to confirm.

She is met by silence.

Her breath hangs in the air, and she begins to shiver.

“Are you coming with us to take him out?”

Slowly, he turns to face her. His eyes are empty and bloodshot, sunken in, and ringed by dark circles. There is the tell tale swelling of a binge, of a man dedicated to chasing his own personal oblivion to the bottom of the bottle.

She doesn’t want to watch this. She wants to look away.

Instead, she lowers herself to the ground next to him, working her way under his arm like when she was a little girl. He neither helps nor hinders the endeavor, a living breathing ghost. She settles against his side, and can smell the booze on his breath.

Should we not --- Asaru begins.

No, this is where we’re needed. This is where we’re staying.

She rests her head against the crook of his neck.

After a few minutes, her teeth begin to chatter. “Come on,” she says, working her way to her feet. “You have to get up.”

He does not respond.

You will need ---

I know.

She bends down, trying to get a good grip around him, and begins the arduous process of dragging him to his feet. For all her strength, she still struggles, her progress more lateral than vertical.

Should you get ---

No one else needs to see this.

She fumbles with the handle for a moment, and nearly trips on the lip of the doorway. Never once does he make a move to help her; she doubts he is even capable.

She drags him away from the freezer, towards the wall on the far side of the room, and props him into a sitting position. She collapses onto the floor next to him, her muscles burning from the effort.

“Please don’t do this to me,” she says after a moment, “I know the temptation is there. XCOM still needs you. I still need you. Please don’t make me bury you both.”

He does not respond.

The confirmation comes through the next day: they have located the Warlock’s base of operations.

They shrug silently into their armor, absent the bravado that would normally accompany such an assault. She feels something rattle against her thigh plating and pulls out two small aluminum rectangles

“What’re you doing with my dog tags?” Central asks, confused.

“Sorry,” she says, shaking her head. “I borrowed them. When we went to get you out.”

That is not much of an apology, but it is something, Asaru comments.

“Why?”

“Luck.”

“You’re a little late for that, Sally.” He insists, but there is no venom behind the words, only a sort of grim resignation.

Sally’s gaze flicks over to Wallace, and sees her concern mirrored in his eyes, but in neither Novikova’s nor Hagen’s. She knows better than to look to Thomas.

-- The wound on Hagen’s arm is bleeding more than it should. Sally sprints across the temple, dashing around fallen Priests and Berserkers, practically sliding into cover. Her eyes dart up in time to see Thomas and Central slice a chryssalid each clean in half.

“Wallace,” she says, unhooking the medkit from her belt and spraying Hagen down. “What are your sight lines like to that sarcophagus? Think you can finish it?”

“It’s as clear a shot as I’m gonna get!”

“Take it.”

He fires and the massive block shatters, bursting into flame.

“Impossible!” The Warlock bellows, teleporting back into view atop the raised platform at the center of the room.

Hagen takes aim and fires, winging the bastard, but he teleports away before Novikova can take aim.

He reappears on the left most platform and she fires three times, the shots from her pistol wedging into the Warlock’s knee.

He disappears again, just out of strike range for Central’s blade.

“Ahhh, Bradford,” he intones. “I would have thought you would have already found a way to join your infidel Commander. Perhaps you may yet.”

A purple jet shoots from the monster’s hand, curling around Thomas. The ranger raises his gun and takes aim at Central.

Do something! She shouts at the creature in her head.

Oh, I intend to, Asaru says, and energy flows through her veins, buzzing. The Null Lance flies forth from her hands, striking the Warlock in the chest before Thomas can fire.

He teleports for the last time, collapsing in front of his shattered power source.

“I hear their voices!” He proclaims, sinking to his knees. “They are … every … where.”

A purple flash overtakes his body, bathing the room for an instant in a blinding white light. All that remains on the platform is a stone corpse.

She stands, helping Hagen to her feet, as Central makes his way to the platform. Sally walks toward him as he unloads his gun and locks the safety into place. He swings hard, the side of the rifle connecting with a sharp smack against the corpse.

He steps back, and swings again.

All eyes are focused on him.

Cracks begin to form in the body, the material far more brittle than they had anticipated.

“Central,” she says.

Another swing.

And another.

She stands before the platform and watches as pieces begin to fall from the remains.

“Central!”

More swings, each one harder than the last. The thing lies in pieces.

“Central!”

He brings his boot up, pulverizing the Warlock’s head into bits, then raises it again to crush the pieces.

“That’s it,” she says, vaulting the platform, and catching him by the arm. “That’s it. It’s over. We’re done.”

He considers her for a moment, then nods reluctantly.

“Let’s go home.”

They bury the Commander next to the shack Central had built almost two years ago, next to the place where he’d first gotten word that there was hope, that Raymond Shen and his daughter were placing everything they had on a downed alien vessel, a craft they were calling Avenger. It had seemed like a fairy tale then, even more so now.

The October chill sits heavy in their joints, and he builds a small fire in the nearby clearing to warm them while they work. When all is said and done, when they have offered her all that they are able, they take refuge around it.

“I’m not going back with you.” Central finally says.

He is what? Asaru squeaks.

“I’m sorry; what?”

“You heard me: I’m done fighting.”

“What’re you gonna do? You know what we’re up against.”

No.

“Not gonna be a problem much longer,“ he says, unscrewing the lid of the flask and taking a drink.

“We won’t make it without you.” “That’s bullshit and you know it,” he says, softly.

No.

“Central, who’s gonna hold us together?”

“You were always clever, Magpie. You’ll make do.”

“What am I gonna tell the others?”

“Tygan already knows.”

Stop him.

“And he’s okay with it?”

“Doesn’t really matter if he is.”

“Who’s gonna fly the ship?”

“Don’t have enough people to crew it. You know that.”

Stop. Him.

“We’ll get more.”

“Shen figured out the autopilot.”

“Shen’s gone.”

“She left notes.”

“We need you! I need you!”

“Magpie, sweetheart,” he says, standing. “I’ve got nothing left to give.”

Stop him!

“Central, I---“

“Sal, I got you as far as I could.” He douses the fire. “It’s up to you now. You should go. They’ll be waiting for you.”

“I didn’t trip the ---“

“I did.”

He reaches out a hand, cupping her cheek, thumb brushing away the tear spilling down it. “I’ll see you on the other side.” He presses a kiss to her forehead, and walks off, back towards the shack.

Asaru, she says. I don’t think I can.

#fic #xcom #bad end au #I WARNED YOU

10 notes · View notes

junker-town · 5 years ago

Text

SB Nation reviews: Mewtwo

Getty Images

The story of the powerful clone Pokemon is also a story of regaining innocence

Style 8

Content 9

Total 8.5

Team Rocket aren’t known for their insight. But halfway through Pokemon: The First Movie, the notoriously inept criminal gang are the ones who shed light on the story of the world’s most powerful Pokémon. The trio of Jessy, James, and Meowth, sneak into Mewtwo’s fortress, and after accidentally activating a video of Mewtwo’s creation inside the building’s replication center, Jessy says, “Oh, a real Pokenstein.”

Mewtwo is a legendary Pokémon introduced in the first generation of the games. He’s appeared in many different forms in the Pokémon universe, but his first major appearance, in Pokemon: The First Movie, is by far the most interesting. In what is ostensibly a children’s movie of love and belonging, Mewtwo grapples with themes of creation, grace and belonging, situating itself clearly alongside Mary Shelley’s novel Frankenstein. But Mewtwo’s story, while derivative, adds to Shelley’s, moving beyond it in fascinating ways.

Both Mewtwo and Dr. Frankenstein’s infamous Creature are science experiments whose rage is fueled by rejection. The world around them sees them as monsters. Dr. Frankenstein flees from his firstborn; The scientists that cloned Mewtwo, and Giovanni, the leader of team Rocket who funded the program, reduced him to an object to be used, rather than a sentient being to be respected and cared for. Both Mewtwo and the Creature are pained by unimaginable loneliness.

Just before the Creature disappears for the last time, he says: “But it is even so; the fallen angel becomes a malignant devil. Yet even that enemy of God and man had friends and associates in his desolation; I am alone.” The Creature, abandoned and denied companionship by his own creator, and shunned by the human world, is condemned to isolation forever.

Mewtwo, after destroying Giovanni’s lab when Giovanni claimed that the purpose of the Pokemon was simply to serve those who created him, stood over the rubble of the building and declared: “I was not born a Pokémon, I was created. And my creators have used and betrayed me. So, I stand alone.”

By the nature of their birth and being, both Mewtwo and the Creature are utterly forsaken.

Shelly referred to the Creature in Frankenstein as “Adam”, created and then shunned by his Maker. Mewtwo is not quite Adam. When Team Rocket watches the video of Mewtwo’s creation, Mew, the Pokémon that Mewtwo is cloned from, floats placidly behind them.

Unlike Mewtwo, the Creature is an original. There is none like him. Frankenstein, coerced, agreed to make a bride for him, but then destroyed the second creature before completion, which exacerbated the Creature’s loneliness and anger still further.

Mewtwo is a copy. The first thing he learns is that he is a clone of Mew. This knowledge, the fact that he is naught but ‘Mew’s shadow,’ enrages him.

youtube

He learns at the moment of birth the lesson what the Creature learned at the edge of death: he is the desolate result of an experiment, and no more. At least the Creature has the consolation of being singular, where Mewtwo was made from DNA extracted from Mew’s metaphorical rib.

Mewtwo is Eve to the creature’s Adam. He doesn’t fall from grace: he’s “born” already outside the gates of Eden. Adam is brought to life by Frankenstein, while Mewtwo willed himself to awareness, his first thought being, “I am ready to be.” And when his eyes opened, he spoke as if he was lost. He didn’t ask “who am I?”, but instead, where.

The rebuilt replication center is Mewtwo womb, allowing him to create life. Immediately after Team Rocket watched the video, a machine grabbed Meowth and plucked three of his hairs out. In a few seconds, it cloned the Pokemon and sent the clone Meowth into an incubation tube. The center had several Pokemon in such tubes already. There they slumbered, waiting for Mewtwo to awaken them with his psychic powers. He would will them to life, as he did for himself.

In Readings, the French poet and philosopher Hélène Cixous, writes that after the initial fall from grace, when the forbidden fruit has been consumed, “We can no longer be innocent innocents, since we belong to the world of the afterward ... We have left paradise or the space of the nonfault. We are now on the path between nonfault and the limit, rather than the effacement, of the fault.”

That first innocence of the garden can never be regained. “But all hope is not lost. A second innocence is not necessarily impure. It can be found again if ... following the loss of a first innocence, we go around the earth to arrive at the other side. ”

Mewtwo never went around the Earth. He never actually left the scene of his birth. He centers his story right outside the womb. He destroyed the lab which birthed him twice, once after his initial contact with the scientists who cloned him, and then after his time with Giovanni, only to rebuild it. Cast out of Eden, he constructed the walls anew. He hadn’t found a suitable reason to move forward.

The first time Mewtwo asked about his true purpose, Giovanni didn’t answer. He suggested instead that it would become clear in time. After Giovanni used Mewtwo to defeat Pokemon trainers for some time, Mewtwo returned to the question. What is my purpose? Giovanni responded by saying that Mewtwo was made to be a slave. He was created to serve his master.

Then Mewtwo said, “This cannot be.” He might have been created as an experiment and expected to serve, but the brute fact of creation cannot trespass within the vaults of one’s soul. Mewtwo knew innately that as a living thing, a sentient being, servitude could not possibly be his purpose of existence. Freedom was his natural right. And with that freedom came also the obligation to revolt against anyone who threatened to deny it.

Mewtwo then built his fortress, sent a message to Pokemon trainers around the world, and invited them to travel to his island to face the best Pokemon master. When he showed himself to the trainers, he said he was the strongest Pokemon in the world and explained his plan to rule it. Both ambitions were patched together from his birth and early days. Mewtwo was a child trying on the cruel skin of his parents.

In order for Mewtwo to leave his desolation, for him to begin that journey to the other side of paradise, he needed to know there was a possibility for a renewal of innocence.

The events that would open up that chance needed to be as jarring as his initial fall from grace. It had to reflect and describe the same force that closed him off to begin with. Three encounters pry open his heart and show him the path to salvation. The first was with Ash Ketchum’s Pikachu. After the trainers arrived in his fortress, he introduced himself and detailed that his plan was to take over the world. He denounced humans as cruel and their Pokémon as slaves for following them. Pikachu rebutted that he was wrong about the relationship between Pokémon and humans and that Ash was a friend, not a master.

Mewtwo called Pikachu pathetic, but his contempt arose from painful memory. Pikachu’s friendship with Ash, that equality and love, was what Mewtwo had sought in Giovanni. It was through that weakness he was first exploited.

Pikachu is what Mewtwo had hoped to become before his experiences closed him off to the possibility of such a relationship. When he called Pikachu pathetic, he was also condemning his younger self’s naiveté, in the same way that Frankenstein’s Creature looked back in pity and anger at how he had once “falsely hoped to meet with beings who, pardoning my outward form, would love me for the excellent qualities which I was capable of unfolding.” But unlike the Creature, there was still a chance for Mewtwo, who hadn’t truly begun his journey.

The first event shook Mewtwo, but not forcefully enough. Nor did the second, his encounter with Mew. When Mew appeared, it had no intention of fighting Mewtwo, and casually ignored its clone. Mewtwo wasn’t a threat. But for Mewtwo, Mew’s existence was a reminder of his own contemptible nature. Mew was singular. It had the consolation of possessing a life that wasn’t merely the dim, somber reflection of another’s light. But Mewtwo, the Eve, didn’t have that solace. In his pain he reasoned that by killing Mew, by surpassing his original, he would be free from being a mere shadow.

After Mewtwo challenged Mew to fight, Mew told him that true power comes only from the heart, not special powers. But the nature of the messenger annihilated the message. Mewtwo would not be moved by that which he hated so much. Of course Mew had the privilege to spew such sentimental li(n)es: it never had to question the worth of its existence in the same way that Mewtwo did. What did Adam know about the griefs of Eve?

Mewtwo rebuked Mew’s sentiment and the two began to fight. Mewtwo’s clone Pokemon also fought their originals. As this fight was happening, Ash was climbing down the fortress. He had been launched into the air by Mewtwo after declaring he wouldn’t let Mewtwo set the Pokemon and their clones against each other. He wanted all of them to live peacefully together. He made it back to the ground at the same time that Mewtwo and Mew were about to launch their strongest attacks against each other.

Ash ran between them and screamed for them to stop. His words didn’t stop them. Instead, he was hit by both attacks, which turned him to stone, essentially killing him. Mewtwo was shocked. He softly called Ash’s action foolish, not in condemnation but in surprise that someone would make such a sacrifice. At last, Mewtwo was moved.

youtube

Ash was the anti-Giovanni. He was a symbol of innocence, grace, and selfless love. Where Giovanni was manipulative, domineering, and selfish, Ash was so driven by his own selflessness that he put his own life on the line to put an end to the violence. It was only such a grand act of sacrifice, by someone who represented the innocence that Mewtwo had almost given up on, which could shake him out of his despair and pain.

Ash’s death was moving not just Mewtwo but for all the Pokemon in the fortress. Pikachu grieved for him and the others, clones and originals, joined in crying. Their tears and combined sorrow brought him back to life. Mewtwo, finally seeing Cixous’s bright path, gathered up his clone Pokémon and readied to leave the scene of birth. Ash asked him where he was going, and as he flew away, he responded: “To where my heart can learn what yours knows so well.” His journey towards his second innocence may not bear fruit, but the important thing is that it was underway. Unlike Frankenstein’s Creature, his story didn’t end. His conclusion was instead a new beginning.

He was reborn.

0 notes

charmedtheselfproclaimedking · 5 years ago

Text

Charmed Again: Season 3 (Charmed Fanfic)

Episode 4 - The People Versus Raven Turner

Warnings: I don’t own the rights to any of the characters from the hit TV show “Charmed” or the storylines related to the show those rights belong to original creator Constance M Burge.

15+ Moderate/Graphic Displays of Violence, Sexual Innuendos, Witchcraft and Potentially Triggering Scenes.

Raven shimmered onto the witness booth in the magical community’s courtroom the entire room being completely black except for the large white floor and two large white desks for the accused.

It’s the same court room in which the original charmed ones were put on trial for reckless magic and fought to save their friend Daryl’s life many years ago with the exact same large heads floating above the room preparing to make their judgement on the proceedings.

Raven looked over at one desk for the accused somewhat comforted to see her brother Cole sat behind it along with Paul, Pan and Drake and their white lighter Lacey while the headmaster at magic school Dermot McQueen sat alone at the other table clearly ready to condemn the demon.

“My name is Raven Turner I’m part human part demon, but my demonic side is the reason why I’m standing here today.” Raven addressed the court. “I was born and raised by my mother after she killed my father but unlike my mother, I chose a different path for myself. By choosing this path of peace I had no choice but to leave the Underworld behind forever because I refused to believe that just because I’m a demon that automatically makes me evil.”

“Your receptionist, your neighbor and several of your employees at Halliwell and Turner were slaughtered not to mention a student at my own school.” Dermot told the half demon half human hybrid. “Tell me why a demon would go to such lengths to hurt you unless you are the demon who did the hurting?”

“You really don’t understand the Underworld, do you?” Raven snapped at the elder. “Hurting people is exactly what the evil love doing more than anything especially hurting a demon who rejected their rules and way of life.”

“Perhaps not but you do in fact know my employee Mr Drake Black and you are a friend of his are you not?” Dermot asked the accused. “Therefore, giving you the opportunity to get to know and possibly even kill my student.”

“Objection!” Drake shouted at the top of his lungs as he rose from his chair, eager to fight for his fellow hybrid.

“On what ground?” Asked one of the three heads.

“This elder is arguing the archaic theory that just because someone she may or may not have had some contact with the victims then she must clearly be the guilty party however as we all know people die around us all the time.” Drake addressed the court. “Raven is no different from a good witch who is just here trying to explain why people are dying around her but instead of being a witch she’s a demon and therefore there’s this assumption that she must be guilty which is biased and frankly idiotic.”

“Witches lose innocents all the time which the explanation there but Miss Raven Turner isn’t a witch she’s a demon and whether you like it or not you can’t argue that when people start dying around a demon it’s usually the demons fault.” Dermot argued with Drake.

“Raven has powers just like a good witch does she doesn’t kill innocents just like a good witch and the only person in this court room who sees Raven Turner as anything less than a valuable part of the magical community is you and people with prejudices like you.” Drake schooled his boss once again before looking up at the three judges. “Raven has never shown any signs of wanting to hurt anyone the whole time I’ve known her, she literally escaped the Underworld because she wasn’t able to hurt anyone and now you want to put her on trial when we should be protecting her.”

“There is no evidence to prove Drake’s theory that Raven needs any protection just like there is no evidence of any other demon around when these crimes were committed other than Raven Turner herself of course.” Dermot argued.

“None of you may have any reason to trust Raven Turner because none of you really even know her but you’ve all heard of me and accept me enough to not only be a charmed one but a guidance counselor at magic school.” Drake said taking a different approach in his defense of his friend. “I’m half demon just like she is but all this is pushed aside by you all because I’m a charmed one, but it shouldn’t be because the demon part of me makes up the charmed ones just as much as my witch side. The elders have overturned many archaic rulings over the years we no longer live in times where any demon should be judged just for being a demon. I know Miss Turner and I can honestly say without a shred of doubt in my mind she isn’t guilty of this crime.”

“Is it not true Mr Black that you also trusted her and her brother Cole Turner before they betrayed you by working alongside the ancient mistress of dark magics Morgana to unlock the dark grimoire?” Dermot questioned Drake. “I mean for a demon who doesn’t want to harm anyone the unlocking of the dark grimoire would’ve caused a lot of harm would it not?”

“Yes, but that was under a desperate act the siblings had to try and reunite with their father we have all done reckless things out of grief.” Drake replied to him.

“That is not an excuse for almost unleashing all kinds of torment into this world the only thing that this proves is that your judgement is clearly not reliable.” Dermot told Drake before returning his attention back to the judges. “Drake Black shouldn’t be trying to defend anyone because history has proven time and time again that his judgement can’t be trusted. Drake has been romanced by the dubious demon Ash Anderson as an attempt to make him the prince of the Underworld, has been lied to and fooled by his own family who sit beside him now time and time again, his mother and grandfather were both sources of all evil and let us not forget the time he himself became the source.”

“Oh god this isn’t looking so good!” Pan told an equally worried Paul, Lacey and Cole as she looked at clearly infuriated Drake.

Drake stormed over to Dermot and launched his fist at the elder punching him straight in the face and causing the magic school headmaster to fall to the ground.

“We don’t condone violence in this court room!” All three judges shouted in unison.

“Yeah well that kind of got away from me.” Drake told the judges before he quickly vanished from the courtroom by their doing.

“Please Paul you’re going to have to take the stand after all you are the lawyer around here.” Cole pleaded with Paul.

24 Hours Earlier

Raven walked into the front entrance of the building for her law firm Halliwell and Turner holding a plastic tray containing two takeaway coffees in her hand with a big smile on her face as she walked over to the reception to greet her receptionist Patty Craft by handing her one of the coffees.

“You know you really should be getting me to do coffee runs Miss Turner after all I am your receptionist not the other way around.” Patty told her as she willingly accepted her coffee while sat behind the reception desk.

“Well I always like a coffee before starting work anyway so it’s only fair I pick one up for my favorite employee at the same time I mean you are the first face anyone sees when they walk in so there’s no point that face being missing because she’s off running after other people making them coffee when everyone is perfectly capable of making their own coffees.” Raven told her.

“About that Miss Turner I normally wouldn’t ask but I was wondering if I could finish an hour earlier today?” Patty nervously asked her boss. “My daughters are coming in from New York today and they rarely ever get time off together.”

“You mean your workaholic daughter Penny has finally got some time off being a detective in the big apple at the same time Rose is taking time off from studying at Columbia? That is a pretty big deal.” Raven replied with genuine excitement in her voice. “Of course, you can finish an hour early in fact you can half a half day with full pay so you can spend some time with your girls I know how precious family can be.”

“Are you sure Miss Turner?” Patty asked her, thrilled to get the time off. “You’re the best boss ever!”

“Please just call me Raven I feel like the two of us should be on first name basis by now.” Raven told her. “I mean here at Halliwell and Turner your practically family.”

Drake walked sneakily down the main hallway of magic school trying to rush his way to his office door after running a little late that morning only to make it right to his front door as Dermot orbed himself in front of the Halliwell hybrid.

“You’re late again Mr Black.” Dermot told him.

“Only by five minutes and as far as you know it could’ve been a charmed emergency.” Drake replied to his boss.

“Was there a charmed emergency?” Dermot asked to which Drake nodded to signal a no. “Then your late for no reason…again.”

“I’m sorry,” Drake apologized. “I’ll try my best to make sure it won’t happen again.”

“Good because the elders and I have put a lot of faith in you by giving you this position at magic school I’d hate to see your potential go to waste because of your tardiness.” Dermot advised the guidance counselor.

“I’ll keep that in mind.” Drake replied with a forced smile.

“I really don’t know what to say!” Pan said to Lacey as the two of them stood within an empty apartment located somewhere within San Francisco. “It just seems a little meh to me to be honest it doesn’t feel like it could be home.”

“Clearly this isn’t the one for us but there’s so many more on the viewing list yet I’m sure we’ll find the perfect home.” Lacey replied to her fiancé.

“I know this should be an exciting time for us both and I’ve always wanted a place without siblings and ancestors popping in every two seconds but I’m really dreading having to tell Paul we’re moving.” Pan admitted to her. “He’s not going to take it well we’ve lived together all our lives and he loves that his whole family is final under one roof.”

“I understand that, but he’s got to let you go at some point the two of you can’t live together forever you both have to live your own life sooner rather than later.” Lacey told her. “Besides Drake and Lilah will keep him company it’s not like their going anywhere anytime soon.”

“You’re right you always are.” Pan replied before kissing Lacey. “But I’ll hold off on telling Paul until after we find the perfect place.”

“So, your named Raven because your mother used to turn you into one every time you did something to displease her?” Paul asked his business partner while she sat behind her desk in her office as he sat in the chair in front of her desk at Halliwell and Turner as the two of them ate salad during their lunch break. “As parenting goes that’s pretty bloody awful.”

“To be honest that was far from the worst parenting in the Underworld and I actually quite enjoyed being a raven sometimes I mean the flying made me feel free at a time when I felt imprisoned and getting to scare clueless teens was also a lot of fun.” Raven admitted before laughing to herself. “Thank god for horror culture always finding a way to amuse me.”

“Making people jump is probably the baddest thing you’ve ever done.” Paul joked with her.

“I’ve really missed this…I’ve missed you.” Raven said with sincerity.

“I’ve missed you too!” Paul replied before their lunch was interrupted by loud screams coming from people outside of their office.

Raven and Paul quickly rushed out of their office chasing the sound of the screams from various people as they passed reception and walked out into the parking lot outside of their law firm only to be left horrified to find a completely burned up corpse laying on the ground next to a car Raven instantly recognized as Patty Craft’s, the law firm’s number one receptionist.

Drake was sat behind his desk in his office at magic school typing away at his computer when he heard a knock at his door before his boss Dermot walked into his office.

“Okay you’ve literally just moaned at me about time keeping what’s next on your list to have a go at me for?” Drake asked him.

“Well actually I was hoping you could sit in with a meeting I’m having right now to make sure I’m not handling it with a biased view considering the incident happened within my class when I was teaching.” Dermot replied. “A student apparently thought it was okay to attack another.”

“Can’t say I can blame either one of them really having to listen to your lectures would turn anyone violent.” Drake mocked his boss before reluctantly standing up. “Of course, violence in school is never unacceptable but why can’t you handle this yourself? After all you are the boss around here.”

“Because it involves two demonic students and I have a feeling you’d throw a fit again if I handled it incorrectly so this way it saves us both a lot of time.” Dermot teased the guidance counselor with a wicked smile on his face.

“Does anyone actually like you here?” Drake wondered.

“Other than you people seem to love me.” Dermot responded with a laugh. “I’m very popular around here actually.”

“Yeah well Satan’s popular around certain circles too.” Drake taunted him.

After the police and coroners were called and took away what remained of Patty Craft, Raven, Paul and Lacey had found themselves sitting on a couch within the reception area of Halliwell and Turner which was now completely empty barring the three of them as Raven and Paul told everyone to go home following Patty’s untimely and horrific demise.

“My guess is some demon is trying to send one of you a message.” Lacey suggested to them both. “But considering we’re talking about a charmed one and a demon turned good the list could of possibilities could be endless.”

“Her daughters were coming in from New York today she never got to see them as often as she’d like, and she was so excited to have them both home for a few days.” Raven cried. “Penny is always busy with work and Rose is always busy studying that they’d never have enough time with Patty and now some monster has made it so these girls will never get another moment with their mother.”

“I know it’s awful Patty Craft was an amazing woman.” Paul told Raven as he reached out and held her hand. “The best receptionist we ever had I wish I got to know her better…I didn’t even know she had children.”

“I can’t remember the last time I’ve lost someone I knew I believe it was my father all those years ago if this is because of me if some demon has a vendetta against me then I’ll never forgive myself.” Raven told them both.

“You’re not to blame for any of this Raven even if it is some demon trying to get back at you that happens to us all the time.” Paul tried to reassure her while holding Raven’s hand tighter. “We will get justice for Patty and make whoever did this pay I promise you that.”

“I guess I’ll check in with the elders and find out what’s going on from them if they know anything.” Lacey said to Raven and Paul. “You guys try and sit tight until I’m back.”

Drake walked into Dermot’s office to find the two female students sitting on opposite ends of the headmaster’s couch. He quickly rushed over to his boss’ desk and sat down behind it on Dermot’s chair.

“How come he gets the comfier chair?” Drake mumbled to himself. “I’m so stealing this later.”

“Look Mr Black I didn’t mean to get violent but she kept saying the charmed ones thought they were so much more important than they actually were and so I argued with my first.” The redheaded student claimed.

“Hey, you’re the one who said charmed 2.0 has nothing on the original.” The brunette student snapped back at the redhead.

“What now?” Drake asked looking at them both, clearly unimpressed before going on to say. “There is absolutely no excuse for violence of any kind within magic school I would say or out of it, but sometimes folk need vanquished.”

“Fine,” The redhead sighed before turning to look at the brunette. “When I said the charmed ones were self-important, I meant Charmed 2.0 not the original charmed ones the originals rock.”

“Yeah, they do, don’t they?” The brunette agreed. “Prue’s my favorite.”

“I personally love Piper!” The redheaded student replied.

“Whether the two of you agree or disagree there’s no reason to answer an argument with your fists trust me when I say there are a lot of people in this life that are going to irritate you but punching them is never going to be the answer.” Drake educated them both.

“You mean like the way you stop yourself from knocking Mr McQueen’s lights out every time he reprehends you?” The redhead replied to him. “He seems to be a lot nicer to the other teachers around here.”

“I knew he was extra strict on me for something reason.” Drake agreed before returning himself back to the matter in hand. “The point I’m trying make is when someone says something you don’t like speak it out instead of going fist first and maybe just maybe you won’t wind up with detention again.”

“Well I think Mr McQueen’s got it hot for you!” The brunette suggested. “There’s nothing hotter in the library than demon/angel romance novels and you guys are like the real edition.”

“Okay I think I’m done here,” Drake changed the subject as he stood up from his chair. “You’re both getting detention every day after school for a week hopefully I won’t have to hand you anymore detentions in the future although if you suggest any romances with me and Mr McQueen again, I’ll give use detention for life!”

“I think I have theory on who might have done this Paul.” Raven told the Halliwell lawyer as the two remained sitting on a couch with the reception area of Halliwell and Turner. “I think she’s come back for me once again and it’s all my fault for believing she’d ever leave me alone.”

“Who do you think it is Raven?” Paul asked her.

“My mother Beth Turner she never did know how to let go of me or Cole and she specialized in burning her victims alive I mean sure she had another talents when it came to murder but when she wanted people to know who killed her victim she’d burn them like that.” Raven explained. “I haven’t seen her in so long I had hoped I was finally free…I guess I’m never going to be free from her.”

“We need to tell Cole straight away between the two of you, the elders and us we can figure out what to do to stop your mother and make sure she doesn’t hurt anyone else.” Pan told his fellow business partner.

“No this is my fault for not killing her all those years ago which means I must finish this one way or another.” Raven replied before kissing a shocked Paul. “If things don’t end well look after my brother.”

Before Paul had any chance to talk Raven out of whatever it was that she was planning she had already shimmered her way out of sight.

“Are you like everywhere now?” Drake asked Dermot as Dermot walked into his own office to see Drake sitting comfortably behind his desk and no students to be found.

“You do remember I sent you in here to deal with students not to take over my office, right?” Dermot asked him.

“Yes, I do…now.” Drake replied as he stood up from Dermot’s office chair. “I’ve delivered detentions to both students for a week and I think helped them bond over their love for the original charmed ones and their joined believes that neither me nor my father or aunt will ever live up to their legacy so you’re welcome.”

“I guess you’re continuing to prove yourself worthy of your job tittle…for now.” Dermot told him. “Long may it last.”

“Let me make myself perfectly clear Dermot,” Drake snapped as he stormed over to stand in front of the headmaster. “You can keep riding me as hard as you want but I’m not going to buckle under anyone’s pressure I’ve been through so much more than you could ever handle and I refuse to let some old man with a god complex make me quit now so if you want me out of here you’re going to have to fire me.”

Raven shimmered her way to different caves and locations within the Underworld relentlessly searching for her mother not stopping for long as she continue to search high and low for her twisted mother refusing to be scared of being caught by anyone as she vowed to seek revenge on Elizabeth Turner for all the crimes she had committed, finally coming face to face with her mother within one of the endless caves in the Underworld.

“Well if it isn’t one of my failures, you’re a very brave girl to come back here after all this time knowing everybody here wants you dead.” Beth told her daughter upon their family reunion.

“I can’t believe after all these years your still hurting people just to get to me!” Raven screamed at her mother. “You murdered that innocent woman just to spite me what kind of monster are you?”

“I’m a mother who simply wants her children to live up to their potential instead of continuing to disappoint me repeatedly.” Beth snapped back. “We are demons darling not pathetic humans and the sooner you learn this the better.”

“You need to leave me and my brother alone forever or I promise you I’ll break my no kill mission just to end you!” Raven warned her.

“Please you’re nothing but a disappointment you couldn’t kill anyone.” Beth cruelly mocked her daughter. “How about we test this little threat of yours?”

After a long day at work Drake found himself facing an even longer night at magic school following a list of reports that had been handed to him from his boss on students he needed to check up on leading to Drake calling on Cole to pick up Lilah to babysit while he continued working, refusing to let Dermot win in a battle he was convinced the elder had started to make Drake quit a job that despite his terrible boss he had found himself loving.

“Me allowing you an unsupervised visit with Lilah doesn’t mean we’re back to being besties again or anything it just means I’m willing to give you a second chance so try not to blow it again.” Drake told Cole while the two walked down the main hall of magic school with Drake pushing Lilah’s pram while Lilah was fast asleep in her seat.

“I promise no more family drama is going to get me betraying you again.” Cole promised him.

“Yeah, I’m done talking this to death so take my daughter for an hour and I mean an hour tops and then bring her back and god help me if you so much as…” Drake began to say before Cole interrupted him by kissing him on the lips much to Drake’s surprise.

Before Drake could even respond to Cole’s surprise act, he had grabbed a hold of the pram and shimmered away with Lacey just before a clearly panicked Raven shimmered herself in front of Drake.

“Drake I really need your help.” Raven told him.

“I’m beginning to think there’s some huge conspiracy going on right now to keep me here forever.” Drake said as he walked Raven into his office at magic school. “Sorry…please go ahead and tell me what you need.”

“My mother has returned and she’s killing people right left and center in some attempt to torture me and I would’ve went to Cole but he’s on recently back on side and I don’t know how he’ll react to our mother being back.” Raven explained to him. “I need to stop her somehow, but I’ve never killed before not even something as wicked as her.”

“Wow as revelations go that’s quite a big one to get my head around.” Drake admitted. “Don’t worry I’ve got your back no matter what you want to do with her.”

“Thanks, I just want her to be stopped once and for all so no more blood is on my hands because of her.” Raven told him.

“Raven we’re not to blame for our parents it’s something I had to learn myself you know with my mother being the source of all evil and everything. You’re not responsible for whatever your mother is doing but I can sure as hell help you stop her once and for all.” Drake reassured Raven.

“First you’re late to showing up and now you’re late to finishing I’m beginning to think you’re one confusing witch Mr Black.” Dermot said as he walked into Drake’s office before recognizing Raven straight away.

“Trust me I’m going to leave once I’m done the reports which I’ll do after helping my friend here so you can turn back around and mind your own business thank you very much Mr McQueen.” Drake snapped at his boss.

“Yeah that’s not happening Drake I’m going to need to speak to you in my office right now!” Dermot argued with his feisty employee.

“I will be there once I’m finished helping my friend.” Drake told his boss.

“My office now!” Dermot shouted before storming out of Drake’s office.

“I’m sorry about all this he’s turning into the first ever elder I’m going to vanquish,” Drake apologized to Raven. “I’ll be straight back and then we’ll vanquish your mum please just stay here for a minute.”

“You really do have quite the variety of people stopping by your office.” Dermot snapped at Drake as Drake met him within the main hallway of Magic School.

“Again, with this demon hating talk are you ever going to learn from this self-hatred you have for demons?” Drake argued with his boss. “I get you may have not been a big fan about me working here because I’m a demon but I’m a damn good one and guess what so is my visitor.”

“You’re so beyond naive is frustrating when are you going to learn to stop trusting everyone so bloody easily?” Dermot told him. “This naivety of yours is going to wind up harming one of our students.”

“I’m here to help all students the demonic ones especially and the only way for magic school to ever really change for the better is for you to either shut up and accept the changes or back the hell down!” Drake shouted at Dermot.

“You really think you know everything don’t you your so beyond frustrating it’s driving me crazy.” Dermot shouted back at him as he got up in Drake’s face, both completely furious with each other.

“No, it’s you who’s convinced you know everything and you’re the one driving me crazy!” Drake snapped back at his boss before he was once again surprised, this time by Dermot pulling his body in towards his own and passionately kissing him.

The two looked at each other with pure confusion in their eyes, unsure of what just happened between them while longing to kiss each other again until suddenly they heard a loud scream coming from Drake’s office a scream which Drake instantly recognized as Raven’s.

“How the hell did you get in here mother?” Asked a horrified Raven after her mother shimmered into Drake’s office holding a male student from magic school by the throat. “Please just let him go and I’ll do whatever you need me to do.”

“I remember a time when this school never let our kind in and now it seems by trying to be more inclusive of us, they’ve just opened themselves up for any old demon to talk in.” Beth replied to her daughter while continuing to strangle the student.

“Let the kid go mother, stop hurting these innocents and start hurting me instead I know that’s what you want.”

“But darling hurting others seems to hurt you so much more!” Beth told her daughter before setting the student on fire with her magical touch alone.

“No!” Raven screamed at the top of her lungs.

Present Day

Raven was sat on the witness platform as her court case withing the magical courtroom continued after Drake found himself kicked out of court while the three heads remained above them all judging the demon on trial as Raven tried to focus on Paul, Pan, Cole and Lacey who were sat at the defense table.

“The entire case presented here against the accused is nothing more than a case of prejudice within the magic community spearheaded by the headmaster of magic school nonetheless which only serves to prove if anything that Mr Dermot McQueen is far from the right person to be head of any school where demonic students reside.” Paul addressed the court after standing up from his chair and walking over to stand in the middle of the courtroom floor. “In over 100 years Raven has never harmed a single innocent and instead of believing a victim who is quite clearly under attack you all jump to this conclusion that she must be guilty because she’s a demon and demons are only good for killing people. Raven was right when she said she wouldn’t be here if she was a witch and for that reason alone you should all be deeply ashamed of yourselves.”

“Objection!” Dermot shouted as he rose up to his feet from behind the desk of the opposition. “Paul Halliwell is clearly a biased party who despite having a law degree is unwisely basing hi argument on emotion instead of evidence or logic.”

“No this entire court proceeding is based on zero evidence except from a corpse being found near the accused while the other corpse was found with the accused when she was having lunch with myself and therefore I’m here alibi for the first murder which was identical to the second which occurred in magic school.” Paul argued with Dermot before looking up at the three judges. “If change is really going to happen in the magical community then we have to be the change, the driving force to make it all happen.”

“Enough!” Raven shouted as she stood up from her seat and began walking over to Paul. “I may have never hurt an innocent life but as of today I can no longer say I haven’t claimed any lives.”

“Show us what you mean please Miss Turner.” One of the three judges asked her.

“Of course.” Raven agreed before a screen suddenly appeared to the right of the courtroom as they watched Raven’s mother kill the male student in front of Raven in Drake’s office at magic school completely burned the body before Raven returned the favour to Elizabeth Turner as she set her own mother on fire before Beth exploded and the screen disappeared along with the footage.

“You did the right thing Raven!” Cole told his sister as he stood up from his chair. “Our father would’ve been so proud of you.”

“You vanquished a demon who was killing innocents Miss Turner that makes you a hero in our eyes not a murderer.” One of the judges said to her.

“Today has honestly shown us of our own prejudices along with many others within the magical community.” Another judge stated while the three judges looked at Dermot.

“We thank you for your services Miss Turner and apologize for this trial ever having to take place.” The third judge apologised. “As for prejudices within Magic School we will be implementing some changes to ensure a brighter future for all students.

“We won!” Paul smiled as Lacey, Cole and Pan stood up to cheer before Paul hugged Raven.

“I’m not sure we did.” Raven replied to him.

0 notes

sopptan-blog · 8 years ago

Text

Du30 sa 31

Kindly sit down.

Allow me a little bit of informality at the outset. You would realize that the three guys in the elevated portion of Congress are from Mindanao. So, wala talaga kaming masabi. [applause]

Senate President Aquilino Pimentel III, members of the Senate, Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez and the members of the House of Representatives, Vice President Maria Leonor Robredo, President Fidel V. Ramos, President Joseph Estrada, President Arroyo, Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno, and justices of Supreme Court, His Excellency Papal Nuncio and members of the diplomatic corps.

We cannot… Well, of course, I have also to greet the Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, the members of the Cabinet, fellow workers in government, my countrymen.

We cannot move forward if we allow the past to pull us back. Finger-pointing is not the way. That is why I will not waste precious time dwelling on the sins of the past or blaming those who are perceived to be responsible for the mess that we are in and suffering from.

Except maybe extract a lesson or two from its errors we will not tarry because it is the present that we are concerned with and the future that we should be prepared for.

Lest I be misunderstood, let me say clearly, that those who betrayed the people’s trust shall not go unpunished and they will have their day in Court. [applause] And if the evidence warrants, they will have their day of reckoning too.

When I decided to seek the presidency of this Republic, I knew what the ills of our country were; I knew their causes; and I was briefed on those who caused the causes.

I heard the people on the streets complain that justice had become illusory; that equity and fairness and speedy disposition of cases had deteriorated into hollow concepts fit only for masteral dissertations. It was, and still is, very sad indeed.

As a former prosecutor, I know there always — ways of knowing how fast or how slow cases go. What I did was to look into the number of postponements and the time difference between each postponement and the next setting. It was simple as that. I will appreciate deeply if we all in government attend to this urgent need.

I was determined then as I am now determined and better positioned, to wage war against those who make a mockery of our laws including those who make life for us all miserable.

I wish to assure everyone though that vindictiveness is not in my system. [applause] Just like you and I, all, equal treatment and equal protection are what I ask for our people. [applause]

But we must have the courage to fight for what we believe in, undeterred by the fear of failing or losing. Indeed, courage knows no limits, cowardice does. [applause]

At this point, there are concerns few I wish to convey to all to the end that as I perorate on facts, figures, plans, programs, and solutions, these concerns will not dissipate or get lost along our way.

Thus to our religious bishops, leaders, priests, pastors, preachers, imams let me assure you that while I am a stickler for the principle of separation between church and state, I believe quite strongly that there should never be a separation between God and State. [applause]

During my inauguration last 30 [June] 2016, I said that the fight against criminality and illegal drugs and corruption will be relentless and sustained. I reiterate that commitment today. And that is why I call on the Philippine National Police, the barangay chairmen, the Mayors, and Governors and all those occupying seats of power and authority, not to lower their guard. There will be no let-up in this campaign. Double your efforts. Triple them, if need be. We will not stop until the last drug lord, the last financier, and the last pusher have surrendered or put behind bars [applause] or below the ground, if they so wish. [applause]

To our police officers and other officials, do your job and you will have the unwavering support of the Office of the President. [applause] I will be with you all the way. Abuse your authority, and there will be a hell to pay, [applause] for you will have become worse than criminality itself.

I order the National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) to hasten the conduct of investigation and adjudication of administrative cases against police officers involved in criminal activities and illegal activities and prescribe policies on lifestyle checks for PNP members.

In this quest, I will put at stake my honor, my life, and the presidency itself. [applause]

The DILG is also directed to strictly monitor how LGUs perform their supervision functions of the police and those found not performing will be sanctioned including the loss of police deputation from the NAPOLCOM. Let me repeat my warning to all: Do not do drugs [applause] because you will be the solution to the drug crisis that has engulfed — malawak — the nation.

We will create an Inter-Agency Committee on Illegal Drugs that will integrate efforts and strengthen the partnership of all stakeholders.

The reservists will be mobilized for information campaign against drug use and the dissemination of information regarding drug rehabilitation programs being offered by the government. Let us also strengthen our ROTC Program to instill love of country and good citizenship. [applause]

We will also prioritize the rehabilitation of drug users. We will increase the number of residential treatment and rehabilitation facilities in all regions of the country. [applause] The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) will facilitate the preparation for the use of military camps and facilities for drug rehabilitation. [applause]

There can never be real, tangible and felt development without making our people feel secure and it is our duty to uplift the people’s welfare.

With this, my administration shall be sensitive to the State’s obligations to promote, and protect, fulfill the human rights of our citizens, especially the poor, the marginalized and the vulnerable and social justice will be pursued, even as the rule of law shall at all times prevail.

My administration shall implement a human approach to development and governance, as we improve our people’s welfare in the areas of health, education, adequate food and housing, environmental preservation, and respect for culture.

Human rights must work to uplift human dignity. [applause] But human rights cannot be used as a shield or an excuse to destroy the country — your country and my country. [applause]

Meantime, since our country continues to be confronted with internal security threats aggravated by the existence and activities of the terrorist group Abu Sayyaf, the full force of the AFP will be applied to crush these criminals who operate under the guise of religious fervor. The AFP shall enhance its capability to search and engage these rogue and lawless elements.

We have to strengthen our coordination with Indonesia and Malaysia to suppress the kidnappings in the waters of our neighboring countries. We will strengthen our counter-terrorism programs by amending various laws on human terrorism, terrorism financing and cybercrime.

This is our answer to the challenges of the global development’s non-traditional threats, transnational crimes and fanatical terrorism. Addressing global warming shall all will be our top priority, but upon a fair and equitable equation. [applause] It must not stymie our industrialization.

We also endeavor to develop and corporate partnerships with nations sharing common interests and concerns with the Philippines; maintain and sustain bilateral and multilateral consultations and dialogues.

We will continue to expand cooperation on human assistance, disaster response, maritime security and counter terrorism. We shall deepen security dialogues with other nations to build greater understanding and cooperation.

With regard to the West Philippine Sea otherwise known as [South] China Sea, we strongly affirm and respect the outcome of the case before the Permanent Court of Arbitration as an important contribution to the ongoing efforts to pursue the peaceful resolution and management of our disputes. [applause]

On the aspect of our peace processes relating to our engagement with the international community, the Philippines shall remain committed to work under and with international partners achieving lasting peace and progress in the country.

We will vigorously address the grievances that have been time and again expressed, not only by the Bangsamoro, indigenous peoples and other groups for security, development, fair access to decision-making and acceptance of identities.

Enduring peace can only be attained only if we meet these fundamental needs of every man, woman and child. [applause]

To our Muslim brothers, the Moro country, and the members of the CPP/NPA/NDF, let me say this:

All of us want peace, not the peace of the dead, but the peace of the living. [applause] We express our willingness and readiness to go to the negotiating table, and yet we load our guns, fix our sights, pull the trigger. It is both ironic and tragic— and it is endless. While we extol the bravery and heroism of our soldiers — kayo the rebels – do the same for the members and fighters. What I see instead are the widows and the orphans. And I feel their pain and grief. And no amount of cash assistance or the number of medals can compensate the loss of a human life. [applause] Sorrow cuts across every stratum of society. It cuts deeply and the pain lasts forever.

That is why, I reach out to you, to all of you today. To our Muslim brothers, let us end the centuries of mistrust and warfare. To the CPP/NPA/NDF, let us end these decades of ambuscades and skirmishes. We are going nowhere. And it is getting bloodier by the day.

To immediately stop violence on the ground, restore peace in the communities and provide enabling environment conducive to the resumption of the peace talks, I am now announcing a unilateral ceasefire with the CPP/NPA/NDF effective immediately. [applause] And call on our Filipinos in the National Democratic Front and its forces to respond accordingly.

Let me make this appeal to you: “If we cannot, as yet, love one another, then in God’s name, let us not hate each other too much,” so it was said. [applause] I say the same to you today.

We will strive to have a permanent and lasting peace before my term ends. That is my goal, that is my dream. [applause]

On the macroeconomic management, my administration will continue and maintain current macroeconomic policies, and even do better. We will achieve this through prudent fiscal and monetary policies that can help translate high growth into more and better job creation and poverty reduction. By the end of my term, I hope — I hope and pray — to hand over an economy that is much stronger, characterized by solid growth, low and stable inflation, dollar reserves, and robust fiscal position.

On taxation, my administration will pursue tax reforms towards a simpler, and more equitable, and more efficient tax system that can foster investment and job creation. We will lower personal and corporate income tax rates [applause] and relax the bank secrecy laws. [applause] Eh na-Presidente ako eh. Ayaw ko sana makialam dito sa mga ‘to. Alam mo na. Well, anyway. May I continue.

At the household level, there must be sufficient income for all Filipinos to meet the basic food and non-food needs for their families. We shall continue attract investments that will generate thousands of jobs each year —jobs that are suitable for the poor and less skilled members of the workforce.

Reforms to ensure competitiveness and promote ease of doing business will be mandatory. [applause] Reacting to these needs, the restrictions on the economy will be needed to make more investments to come and to develop labor-intensive industries such as manufacturing, agriculture and tourism shall be pursued.

We must also invest in human capital and ensure equal access to economic opportunities.

The implementation of the Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health Law must be put into full force and effect [applause] so that couples, especially the poor, will have freedom of informed choice on the number and spacing of children they can adequately care and provide for, [applause] eventually making them more productive members of the labor force.

When employment is not an option, for instance in extremely rural neighborhoods, entrepreneurship will be advocated.

We shall also enhance local business environment by addressing bottlenecks in business registration and processing, streamlining investment application process and integration the services of various government offices.

Government Financing Institutions (GFIs) shall come up with out-of-the box financing packages to capacitate our small and medium entrepreneurs.

In the field of tourism, we shall construct more access roads and tourism gateways to service centers and tourist sites.

Road development projects shall complement with our thrust to provide modern agriculture, infrastructural by expanding and improving the construction and rehabilitation of roads and the irrigation and establishing modern harvest and post-harvest facilities to minimize losses.

We shall also conduct a nationwide soil analysis to determine areas most suitable for rice farming to optimize production with the use of effective soil rehabilitation and fertilization.

We shall strictly enforce fisheries laws, particularly on illegal fishing and promote aquaculture along river banks and in backyards.

On the other hand, we will accelerate infrastructure spending by improving national roads and bridges and implementing the Mindanao Logistics Infrastructure Network [applause] and other road network master plans. We shall pursue inter-island linkage projects.

We shall be implementing structural mitigation measures to address of the perennial flooding in Metro Manila and neighboring areas. [applause] We shall put up new pumping stations in strategic places.

The revival of the operation of the Pasig River Ferry Service System is a viable option for the severe traffic congestion in Metro Manila.

This serves as an alternative mode of transportation for passengers particularly those coming from the east side of Metro to reach specific destinations within the cities of Manila, Mandaluyong, Pasig, Taguig, Marikina and Quezon City.

Our anti-colorum campaign and out-of-line apprehension including the removal of terminals will be intensified and, my God, it will be done. [applause] Immediately, immediately.

To address lack of road infrastructure in Metro Manila, usage of existing roads will be maximized. Thus, there is a need to cooperate and coordinate with LGUs to map out secondary routes and to consult various stakeholders, including the public transport operators.

Many in government opine realistically, and I would have to agree, that the worsening traffic situation could be logically addressed, if Congress would also accord emergency powers to the agencies concerned. [applause]

Ayaw mo? Okay lang rin. Para makita namin kung gusto ninyong madalian. Alam naman talaga ninyo sagad na lahat, sagad na. Nasa inyo ‘yan. If you give it, fine. If you don’t, we take the longer route, slowly. And tanggapin ko ‘yung pag-mumura ninyo. ‘Wag lang sa malapit. [laughter] Eh ganun talaga eh. You’ve done it. It’s an urgent and immediate situation, solution. Gusto ninyo madali lang, okay. Kapag ayaw naman ninyo, because baka sabihin niyo graft and corruption eh ‘di okay. But I assure you — wala ito sa script — I assure you, this will be a clean government. [applause]

If that is the only worry that you have and I can understand your misgiving. Wala na ito sa… ang haba. [laughter] Wala na ito sa script. You know, ako maka-garantiya, 101 percent it will be clean. The problem is I can only act through agencies and departments. That’s why I urge you na maski konting mali lang, wala akong ano sa inyo, wala na akong politika, wala na. I’m through after this. I just pass on to you the information that, you know… I act through secretaries and… I cannot guarantee their honesty and competence at all times. Cabinet members, yes. Pero yung sa baba — yung procurement, yung magbi-bidding diyan. But as far as I can really — malinis talaga ‘to. At napag-usapan namin sa likod about the federal system.

You know my advice to you is maintain a federal system, a parliament, but be sure to have a president. Huwag… Hindi na ako niyan. [applause] I’m disqualified and by that time I would longer be here. But, I can commit today to the Republic of the Philippines and its people: If you hurry up the federal system of government and you can submit it to the Filipino people by the fourth, fifth year, proseso ‘yan e. You call for a referendum and after that call for a presidential election, I will go. Sibat na ako. But you just have a president. You copy the France system. Huwag mo hayaan yung puro na parliament. Delikado iyon. It takes time even for the… Iyong kagaya ng England noon. There was this bomb, double deck. It took them time really. There’s no one apparatus for a commander-in-chief down. You can have a president you can elect. Maybe Tito Sotto would be the lucky guy at that time. O, ‘di, limitahan mo lang. Ceremonial powers. Power to dissolve, power to accept the resolution or whatever, mandating you this, do that, or ceremonial powers except yung in times of need, if there’s a demand for action. You must have a president. Wala na ako niyan. I said if you can give me that document, I will urge you to conduct a — to order — to order, call for an election the following day, following week. And even if there is still two years, three years I will go. Okay na ako. Do not worry about me. I don’t aim to that much ambition. Eh nanalo ka eh. Hindi ko nga alam bakit nandito ako ngayon. Noon nandoon lang ako o. [applause] Totoo man. Sino man nagsuporta sa inyo sa akin dito? Wala man? [laughter] Not a single congressman. Except for two provinces, governor. ‘Yun lang. Wala akong barangay captain. Wala akong… wala lahat. Pero ngayon [laughter]

Processing time in issuing permits and licenses shall be reduced to the barest minimum, in my city, it is always three days for local governments. That will bind the Office of the President down to the last barangay elect. Three days. Three days. [applause] Local government. Business permit, clearances, no follow-ups. Bigyan mo ng stub. Be back next week, tingnan mo yung work load and I will require every department, yung dito sa itaas. They must have a log book. Huwag sa computer. Kasi itong ganito na, nae-erase yan. Lagyan mo date, time, ‘I accept the documents of Rodrigo Duterte.’ Then you go to your computer. You must have an actuarial projections there.

Look at the work load. Napaka-bobo mo naman. Tingnan mo, ‘Ilan ang workload ninyo?’ Pagkatapos, ‘O bumalik ka dito, August 3, 3 o'clock.’ Iyan 3 o'clock, ibigay mo, ibigay mo. Ngayon, I will be establishing 8888, only for, dedicated to corruption. [applause] Kapag may marinig ako sa Executive Department, even a whisper, even a whisper, hiwalay-hiwalay na tayo. Marami diyan, diyan sa gallery marami diyan walang trabaho, nag-aaply hanggang ngayon. [laughter] Hindi naman lahat kasi mayayaman yan eh. Mga asawa ninyo ata ‘yan.

While the issuance and distribution of motor vehicle plates at point of sale, or through motor vehicle dealers shall be considered. Huwag na sa LTO kasi hanggang ngayon, panahon pa ni Hesukristo yung first plate nila, hanggang ngayon wala pa. [laughter] Bayad na yon. Until now, sa awa ng Diyos.

For the driver’s licenses, its effectiveness will be extended from the current 3-year period to 5 years. [applause]

To reduce queuing time at ticketing stations, tickets sa mga train will be made readily available and easily accessible to the riding public kung bilhin mo ‘yan sa malls, stalls and stores. Eh ipinagbibili mo yung mga sa — e 'di diyan mo na ibigay at credited. Huwag doon banda sa Recto kasi sigurado pekein ‘yan. [laughter]

May I address again to the Filipino: Ako po’y nagdo-doble ang pagod para sa inyo, para sa kapakanan ng bayan. Seryoso po ako. Kaya yung mga ganun, ticket-ticket at magkaroon ng gulo, huwag ho ninyong gawain yan. Ito na yung warning ko, yon na ang last, wala nang iba, hindi ko na gagawin: Huwag ninyong sirain yung mga bagay-bagay na ginagawa namin para sa kapakanan ng tao. Mabuti ang magka-intindihan tayo [applause].

Mamaya yung kayo — kaibigan ko — tangad, tangad, tangad [laughter] Kaya huwag na ninyong gawin. Simple lang ‘yan eh. Para walang away sa gobyerno, yung mga bagay na illegal at masama at hindi tama, huwag mong gawin, at hindi kami mag-aaway dito [applause].

Pati yung pari ha — pati si Pope tinamaan. Let us be clear with each other. I am for the comfort and the welfare of the Filipino. Kayo namang hindi pa bungog diyan, hindi pa pumasok yang mga droga, eh kung ayaw ninyong mamatay, ayaw ninyong masaktan, huwag kayong umasa diyan sa mga pari pati Human Rights, hindi nakakapigil yan ng kamatayan. So huwag ninyong gawin. Eh tapos nandiyan ka nakabulagta and you are portrayed in a broadsheet na parang Mother Mary cradling the dead cadaver of Jesus Christ. Eh yan yang mga yan magda-dramahan tayo dito. [Dito ako nakatingin kasi nandito ang public eh]. Alam mo, ilang beses ko na sinasabi, sa Davao, ‘Huwag mong gawin kasi magkaka-problema tayo.’ He who is the cause of the cause is the cause of them all. [applause]. Ikaw yung nag umpisa, you swallow —

Ulitin ko ha: He who is the cause of the cause is the cause of them all. Kami nagta-trabaho lang. We have a mission to God. We have millions of people to see that they are healthy. It’s a question of drug, it’s a question of public interest, public order. Kita mo, lesser crime. Wala na kasing magnanakaw, wala nang naghoholdap. Kasi para —Bakit tapos sabi nila eh, 'maliliit lang ‘ yan’. Gamitin mo utak mo.

If you are able to contaminate, kagaya ng negosyo ng mga Chinese, wholesale yan sila. Maski konti-konti kung the whole of Tondo contaminated, pera ‘yan. I am not saying it’s the Chinese. Practice of nitong wholesale, retail. They go for wholesale. Maski na kumita lang ng isang piso diyan sa isang… Okay na yan. Kasi paramihan eh. Iyan ang ibig kong sabihin.

Now, let… I hope the military and the police will not react on this. It is part of the deep intelligence that we have gathered. I am forced to come in public, kasi pati yung mga pari nag-aano… Alam mo kayong mga media, naghahanap kayo ng, “Where’s the big fish?” “Saan yung bilyonaryo na mayaman, yung may kotse, yung may mga Mercedez na yan?” Ma’am, nandoon yan sila sa labas, wala dito. Maghanap ka ng isang batalyon na pulis para hulihin natin doon. Kung kaya natin. They direct the traffic of drugs sa kanila. Meron silang ganito, malaki. Real time. Nakikinig sila ngayon dito. I am very — 101 percent, nakikinig yan. Nandoon. Doon lang. Izo-zoom in nila sa Tondo. ‘O, itapon mo diyan. Tapos umalis ka, kunin mo doon sa tindahan yung bag o package.’

Nasaan yung mga nakikita ng media na… Kayo lang ang naba-brand niyan na "drug lord” eh. Those are not the drug lords. Mga lieutenant, delivery boy yan. Kumbaga LBC lang yan pati DHL pwede rin. Pati yung tawag nilang “basura”, yun yung street ano. Huwag kayong maghahanap. Gusto niyo, sabihin niyo, puntahan natin, I’ll give you the names. I’ll show you the intelligence paper pero give me the guarantee na may magawain ka. Because I’ll give you the name, I’ll give you the country. Kung wala ka ring magagawa, mag-shut up ka. [laughter]. Kaya hindi lang kami nag… But do not get too personal about our work here. I am saying that dito… [Balik na tayo kasi yung hindi nakakaintindi ng Tagalog ano na yung, ang tagal naman nito…]

Passenger capacity congestion shall be addressed by increasing the number of running trains from the current 16 trains [applause] with a total of 48 cars per hour, to 20 trains with a total of 60 cars per hour. You increase the train speed from 40 [kph] to 60 [kph]. Ang problema nito, yung mga railway na ito [Hindi na ito kasali diyan. Huwag kayong maniwala dito] Two-thirds of these are mine, the other third is yung — correct yung grammar ko, ayaw lang nila. Sixty kilometers per hour. Problema nito, and you must agree with me, that the rails are quite aged. Most of the rails maybe, doon pa yan sa panahon ni Marcos, Imelda. Nandyan pa. Ngayon, sabi ni Tugade, pagbigay sa akin sabi ko '40 to 60 kilometers per hour.’ Sabi ko, ‘Art, sigurado ka maka-hold ang rail niyan? Baka maputol ‘yan mag diretso ang train sa Cavite.’ [laughter]

Diretso ng Cavite, mulipad doon kay Tolentino. [laughter] 'O bakit may train dito sa Tagaytay?’ It’s quite fast, quite fast. Sixty kilometers per hour and you are pulling something that’s heavy. When it really moves — mawala ng ano— it moves with a speed at a heavy thing at a great speed, ang hirap mong… Sumasadsad kasi mabigat eh and reduce headway time from 5 minutes to 3 minutes. Mahina lang tayo…Ang plano ni Tugade, mahina lang tayo ng one minute sa Hong Kong. Two minutes, sa kanila three minutes eh. Art, ambisyoso ka ah. Kaya mo kaya ito?

Specifically for the LRT, the operating hours shall be extended from 9:30 to 10:30 p.m., so marami pang mga bata ang uuwi niyan. [applause] And to absorb more passengers, delays in the procurement of additional trains shall be addressed soonest. Now, iyan ang sinasabi ko, if you want the long way, fine. Wala akong problema. Sabihin ninyo na doon ang — we go the normal way if we are able to make purchases.

Eh ang maganda nito, I have signed the Executive Order sa aming FOI. Naunahan ko kayo. Iyong inyo… Nandoon na ang sa akin [applause]. Oo, tapos na ako. Ilabas ko na — it will be out today. Alam mo sabi ko, unahan na natin itong Congress, puro mayayabang ang mga nandiyan. We grab the — each other…They say, “stealing one’s thunder,” ika nga. Unahan na natin.

So, we shall also pursue rail projects in Metro Manila and the major key-points in the country including the Mindanao Rail Project [applause]. Hindi ako nagyayabang pero totoo talaga ‘to. Well, depende sa federal. But six years, lalabas talaga ito. I assure you because it’s going to materialize: Rail projects, the Davao Transit System, the Cebu Transit System, the North and South Luzon Railways and the Panay Railways project. Kita mo? Panay. Eh taga saan si ano? Eh 'di Panay. Panay ang bigay natin para… [laughter and applause]

Sabihin naman ni Senator Drilon, 'Binack-bite ka dito. Lalagyan daw nung ano, yung island mo ng train. May tawa pa.’ Binaback-bite ka dito. Mag-sumbong man 'yan. Tingnan mo 'yan.

Different approaches are also being considered to decongest NAIA including the possible transfer of general aviation. Ito ang…I will… Hindi… Ang style ko kasi ganito…Hindi naman ako… I am not sticking to formalities. Itong trans — general aviation, alam mo kung sino ang tinatamaan niyan? Kayong mayayaman. Kayong may mga helicopter pati eroplano, ilipat ko kayo. [applause] Alam mo yung general aviation niyo — mga Learjets, mga 'yung mga sa mga ano kumpanya, ilagay ko kayo sa Batanes para wala masyadong air traffic [applause]. No, I’m offering Sangley Point. [applause] Kasi kahihiyan ko ang isang runway. I can make a new runway there, sabi ng mga aviation experts but tumbok niyan is the Merville Subdivision. Baka isa pa akong runway dito sa Metro Manila. But if not them, it’s going to be Clark but on a condition that we will have a fast train. Sabi ko kay Art, it will be something like 30. One hour of travel, sabi ko kay Tugade, is not acceptable. Make a rail there bago, marami nang… [inaudible] is the bullet train. Ilagay mo yan sa Filipino na driver, sutoy talaga kayo doon, maglampas kayo. [laughter]

The Clark Airport can be utilized to shift some operations of our domestic and international airlines. Moreover, a one-stop shop will be established within the civil aviation complex for the benefit of the Overseas Filipinos. [applause] Ito mangyari na ’to: To utilize the Clark Airport, it is necessary to establish… Yung mga, well, you have a rail to connect. [Tapos na yan. Itaas mo na kay na i-Tagalog ko na.]

In the area of environment, the military is directed to intensify its support [Makinig kayo, sigig tawa diyan] its support role against illegal logging, illegal mining, nandyan pa naman si Gina Lopez, and other destructive practices that aggravate the devastation of our natural resources. [applause]

I have to protect the country. Many are complaining against the appointment of Gina Lopez. But si Gina pati ako, we share the same paradigm: The interest of the country must come first. But hindi ko naman sinasabi, there’s a law allowing mining. Gina Lopez and I are just telling you: Follow government standards. Do not destroy the environment. Follow it to a tee. [applause] Wala tayong problema. Just pay the correct taxes, follow the standards. Gina is just doing her job. You know, she’s a really a crusader, that is how I describe her persona: Crusader. Sabi ko tama yan. Bakit? Nandiyan ba si Ma’am? Si Gina Lopez? Secretary Lopez, nandiyan?

[DENR Secretary Lopez stands up and waves]

Ganito yan, pumunta siya sa Davao. Gabi na mga 1 o’clock because on the early days of my — when I won, pero hindi pa ako nag-oath, marami nang nagpuntahan. Felicitations, congratulations. Eh si ma’am pumunta twice. Every time, she shows me the degradation of [inaudible] Tapos dalawang oras naman mukhang hindi na matapos. Sabi ko, 'Ma’am’ [laughter]. Ma'am, do not be offended ha, totoo man. Huwag ka magalit kay — it’s the truth. So maga-alas tres na, tapos extemporaneous siya, para ring congressman. Sabi ko, “Ma’am, maga-alas quarto na.” “Ma’am, ano kaya kung ikaw na lang ang DENR?” [applause and laughter]

Bigla din siya nagsagot, “Totoo ka?” [laughter] “Oo.” Hindi yung “oo,” [laughter]. Sabi niya, “I will ask the — I will consult my family and ask my…” The following day, tawag siya kay — my aide, kay Bong. Sabi niya, “Bong, okay na, tinanggap na. Sabi ng pamilya ko, okay na.” Sabi ko, “Hay, bantay kayo lahat.” [laughter] But you know, I would not be appointing somebody who is alien to my thinking. I would take in somebody who shares my horizons in life, especially yung degradation.

Tama yan. She is a crusader and she will continue. Dito naman eh…The DENR is likewise directed to review all permits granted to the mining, logging and other environmental sensitive activities to ensure compliance with government standards and if warranted, ito na yung pinakamaganda: amend, suspend or revoke permits. Go ahead. [applause]

I’d like to thank God that I had this opportunity really — I never— wala namang ano, I never thought umabot ako dito. I’ve always… That…Sa isip ko mahirap itong ano. Itong Laguna Lake, naubos ang mga… Wala na ang fishermen. Iyon na lang — the difference with one big fish pen to the other — iyon nalang ang sa mga tao. Makita mo sa plane every time I go to Davao, I pass by that lake there. Every time nakita ko, talagang wala ng ano. And the fishermen are complaining about their loss. Talagang wala na sila kasi ang maliit na lugar iyon lang ang kanila. So dito pinaraan ko lang in diplomatic way that the Laguna Lake shall be transformed into a vibrant economic zone showcasing ecotourism by addressing the negative impact of the watershed destruction, land conversion and pollution. Ito ang nilagay ko. This is what I am telling you. The poor fishermen will have priority in its entitlements. [applause]

Order to Gina is: Ayusin mo, Ma’am. Huwag mo namang ipitin but they have to reduce the areas of occupation. They cannot have their cake and eat it too. Sila na yung may pera, sila na yung — this must stop. So kung itanong, 'Sino ang may-ari niyan?’ Simple lang: general, mga mayor, governor, baka congressman — this is not personal. This is something that I feel that I must do because it is the right thing to do. [applause]

To have adequate disposal facilities for the Metro Manila Garbage, the final closure and rehabilitation of the Carmona Sanitary Landfill shall be pursued while the adoption of appropriate waste-to-energy facilities will be explored. Marami yan. The technology is coming very fast.

In the area of governance, there is a need to strengthen our efforts along this line. [Itaas mo na. Itaas yang paragraph na yan] Ito… Select the best answer… [Ang taas na. Huh? Mabubuang ka]

To better manage public information, a law should be passed – I’m addressing Congress– to create the People’s Broadcasting Corporation, replacing PTV-4, [applause] the government-run TV station, which now aims to replicate international government broadcasting networks. Teams from these international news agencies — I’d like to mention those interested BBC — are set to visit the country soon to train people from government-run channels to observe. Ito ang gusto ko — tutal pera naman ng tao — to observe editorial independence through innovative programs [applause] and intelligent treatment and analysis of news reports, as well as developments of national and international significance.

The government’s Bureau of Broadcast Services, better known as the Radyo ng Bayan, shall undergo upgrading to make it financially viable and dependable for accurate and independent, and enlightening news and commentary. Radyo ng Bayan will be integrated with the PBC.

As we are presently setting up a Presidential Communications Satellite Office in Davao City, PBC will also put up broadcast hubs in the Visayas and Mindanao. [applause] Davao City will also be the first site of the first Muslim channel, to be called Salaam Television, [applause] and the first Lumad channel. [applause]

The PCO shall coordinate with the Office of the Executive Secretary and the Presidential Legal Counsel in implementing the recently approved EO on the Freedom of Information. There is an Executive Order, it’s out. As an example on the part of the Executive Branch to make transparency and integrity as yardsticks in government performance, savings and expenses while engaging the public to be vigilant in participating in government programs and projects.

The PCO, in coordination with the Office of the Executive Secretary, is drafting the Administrative Order on the Task Force on media killings.

This government does not condone violence and repression of media. [applause] The bona fide media… Bona fide media…Sometimes they pronounce it “bonafid”. But whatever that thing is, the bona fide media has always been our partner for change. [applause] Medyo klaro yan. Anong gawin mo sa hindi bona fide media? Iyan ang problema.

To address backlogs and low prosecutorial effectiveness and efficiency, the investigation and case management processes shall be streamlined including those for illegal drugs and heinous crimes.

To eradicate the prevalent cultures of fear and silence that have hounded our justice system, I asked Congress — you — to enact the Whistleblower Protection Law while the present Witness Protection Program shall be strengthened. [applause] [Hirap maging Presidente. Maski dito lang.] [laughter]

The number of lawyers and support staff in the PAO — that is the Public Assistance Office — regional and districts shall be increased to provide indigents with more access to counsels. [applause]

At this stage, I also have directed the DILG to undertake nationwide information and campaign on federalism in partnerships with various alliances and with LGU, civil society, grassroots and faith-based organizations. [applause]

Punta muna ako dito ha, itong federalism. Ewan ko kung tama. Alam mo, itong bayan natin, if I may just repeat. I know that you know — on 1521, Magellan landed in Leyte. [laughter] Kumare ko man ito. [Salamat, mare ha.] [laughter] Mindanao was already Islam by 100 years. So, ano ito, it’s an imperialism thing. There’s a historical injustice committed against the Moro people. We have to correct it. But it is well possible now. Kaya kayong mga kapatid kong mga Moro, alam naman ninyo. Ako, I’m mixed. Migrant ang tatay ko doon. So, mixed-blood ako. Moro pati Christian. But, you know, intindihin na lang natin ito, that we can return to you all. Iyong nakuha ng mga Amerikano, Español, pati yung mga Pilipino, mga kapitalista, those who exploited Mindanao with that thing sloganeering go to Mindanao because it is a land of promise. With the vast entry of so many people, basically coming from the Visayas, magkaroon tayo ng… We cannot solve it the way you want it to be. We have to understand each other then you have to live with each other, but we will try.

Ang sinasabi kong babalik ako, dahil ako sa federalism. Both Misuari, Sema and all, at least the politiko leaders ng Mindanao will agree to it. We do not…Remember that ako ‘yung… Hindi ko dinidikdik yung masyadong Abu Sayyaf because it is really connected with the first talks between Misuari, the President, subsequently President Marcos and now, until now, until now.

The only way they said that we can have this. Iyong BBL, ibigay na natin, minus the things that you do not want. [applause] Iyong mga Constitutional issues. Tanggalin muna natin. Ibigay ko yung area. Nandiyan na yan eh. So I ask you pass it minus the Constitutional issues that are contentious. [applause] Ibigay na natin at when the federal system comes, isali mo na sa package, together with Misuari. That is the solution for Mindanao. Nothing else. Believe me. Nothing else will do. Please sleep on it, ponder on it, because that’s the only way to proceed.

On the clamor of our citizens for timely issuance of Philippine passports, the government shall work towards amendment of the 1996 Passport Law to lengthen the validity of the passports from the current 5 years to 10 years. [applause] Tutal kayo naman ang maggagawa ng batas. You are the ones who will pass the law, even if you make it good for 30 years, okay ako. Bahala kayo. [laughter] Basta, stretch a little bit because five years is just really simply on a regular basis.

Matagal pa naman itong passport. Mag-apply ako, ten days. Alam mo, I’d like to call the attention of Secretary Yasay. If you go to Davao, look back doon sa… Look at the back, likod ng nitong mall, yung malaking mall doon. O sige, pangalanan na natin, SM. Doon, yung mga tao nandiyan sa pavement natutulog.

For the many times nadaan ako na walang ulan, doon lang sila because first come, first served. And the only outlet there — the outlet of your department is yung sa SM. So yung mga, maawa ako. Dito sa side sa Cotabato, lahat ng Cotabato, doon sa Davao. Karamihan yan, walang mga bahay. If you’re an applicant in Davao City, fine. But you know, kung walang, mahirap kasi. Karamihan diyan, mga Moro. Naghihiga lang diyan sa pavement. Nasasaktan talaga ako. Masakit eh. Buong gabi mo hintayin hanggang mag-bukas yang SM kasi first come, first served.

Kaya sabi ko… But that is…I am addressing to all of the Cabinet members: Make use of the computer. I do not want to see people lining up under the heat of the sun. I do not want people lining up under the rain. [applause] And I want itong labor… Wala na ito sa script. [Iyong prompter natutulog na siguro ‘to, papindot-pindot diyan.] [laughter]

Alam mo, nandiyan naman yan. Sabi ko what I want is a journal. When the applicant presents the documents, give them a shopping list. Do not add or get anything away from it. Iyon lang yon, final. And when he complies with that, that is good. Huwag mo na siyang pabalikin. [applause] Kasi kung mag-tawag yan ng 8888, my God, puntahan ko talaga kayo. Iyan ang bisyo ko noong mayor ako. It will not make a difference mayor o presidente. Puntahan talaga kita, hiyain kita sa maraming tao. And I would publicly ask you: “What the hell happened to the procedure?” Pupuntahan ko talaga kayo. Local, barangay, pulis, military, lahat. Bigyan mo ng shopping list, huwag mo ng pabalikin. Because pag mag-tawag ng 8888 yan, tapos makita ko na the grievance is valid, bahala ka. Anong walang panahon? Pupuntahan kita sa opisina mo. [inaudible] Bakit? Bigyan mo ng stub. You have to employ actuarial ability, that’s easy. Para pag-tanggap ng tao — I’m addressing myself, under me — journal. Papirmahin mo siya. Lagyan mo doon, tingnan mo sa computer. Mag-connect ka doon sa actuarial. Hindi mo kailangan ng bobo diyan e. Matatapos siguro yan mga next month tapusin ko. Projections lang naman. 'O, balik ka dito August 15, 3 o’clock.’ Pagdating, ibigyan yan.

Now, if he goes to Malacañang, I’ll open it up. For those who have valid reasons to complain about graft and corruption, the gates of Malacañang will be open. Doon ka. [applause] Mag-sumbong ka. At I will be briefed by my military or aide or yung si ano, itong nagbigay ng tubig. 'Sir, dito marami ka.’

I have the reason why I do not go out. I do not accept invitations. Hindi ako tumatanggap because every time I travelled around Manila, it causes a huge congestion. Kasi pag itong pag-uwi ko, [inaudible] by projection. Paglabas ni presidente, ano yan, picture taking ganon. And they start to block the— yung roads access to the…Ganon iyan. Everytime a president come out, ganon iyan. So, paparahin nila iyan, sasabihin nila, dadaan iyan by this time. And in the meantime, sarado yan. Paglabas ko, akala mo Biyernes Santo. Walang sasakyan diyan.

Ikaw pala exponentially — ang traffic, the tail end of the traffic is somewhere [inaudible] And it would take about two to three hours to normalize. Kaya hindi ako tumatanggap ng… And I hate to travel. Kasi talagang lilinisin eh. Ito namang… Kasi ang taas kasi ng entourage ng Presidente. Dulo sa dulo may ambulansya. Hindi lang entourage, parang [inaudible] Sabi ko: Dalawa, tatlo, tama na, sa gitna lang ako. Pero ang totoo, mag-taxi lang ako dito sa likod. Sunod lang ako. [laughter and applause] Eh takot man sila na… Ano naman ang makuha ko kung patayin mo ako? What for… May ambulansya doon. Dagdagan mo na ng punerarya. [laughter]

I have also ordered the DFA to streamline documentary requirements and passport applications and open additional Consular Offices in strategic places to decongest Metro Manila sites [applause] and avoid queues that have caused hardships and suffering to passport applicants.

I have also directed the newly-created DICT, Information and Communication Technology, to develop a National Broadband Plan to accelerate the deployment of fiber optics cables and wireless technologies to improve internet speed. [applause]

Ito para ito sa… Alam ko, mahal kong mga kababayan, maligayahan kayo nito. Ipag-paano mo lang yung Tagalog ko kasi…Eh kayo hindi kayo marunong mag-Bisaya eh 'di…[laughter]

Wi-Fi access shall be provided at no charge in selected public places [applause] including parks, plazas, public libraries, schools, government hospitals, train stations, airports and seaports. O ‘di ba? [applause] Happy lahat.

All government agencies are instructed to enable their clients to submit applications for coordination to other agencies combined. [Itaas mo, wala na yan. Ayaw ko nang mag-salita.]

The national portal, yes, because it’s our parang website. Ito: We shall intensify — mainit talaga ako dito — I place it in parity with drugs. We shall intensify our war against human traffickers and illegal recruiters that prey on our migrants. [applause]

To help ensure that the hard-earned money of the Filipinos overseas are put into productive use, a mandatory financial education for all migrants and their communities will be pursued with incentives to encourage entrepreneurship among them.

I may now also ask on Congress to consider drawing up bills consolidating and merging agencies and offices having to do the Overseas Filipino to have a department that shall focus on and quickly respond to their problems and concerns. Kailangan ko ng isa. [applause] And I have asked… I don’t know if Secretary Bello is here, Bebot. Wala? Absinero talaga yan. [laughter] Maski sa Cabinet absinero yan. Gusto ko, he will rent or we’ll lease some buildings here for overseas only. At lagyan ko ng — and they will direct all BIR, lahat na. BIR, lahat ng something to do with the clearances of the police, in one building, may booth lang. I said: My God! Make use of the computer.

So doon lang siya mag-ikot sa isang building. Ang Pilipino, hindi na siya mag-punta doon sa Statistics. Hindi na siya punta doon sa ano, diyan, diyan sa opisina. Gamitin ninyo ang computer and you can get the results right after. Why do we have… Has to travel to Malate, then he will just stuck in the traffic. He can only accomplish one document at one time.

NBI clearance is doon na ninyo ibigay. Lahat na doon na. At kung dapat, may-awa si Bello, pakainin niyo yung mga tao doon. Lalo na sa probinsya. Pagtingin ninyo taga-probinsya, finish it right away. Make use of the computer. O kapag hindi niyo ginamit yan, tapon na lang ninyo. Throw away your computers and I will understand that. It would take you years to do it. Do the computer. [Taas mo na yan. Wala na yan.] [laughter]

Ito: To help avoid squatter-like conditions in relocation sites, we urge utilities like Meralco and electric cooperatives to exercise their social corporate responsibility by making direct connections to relocation sites and depressed areas.

Alam mo kung bakit? Kaya nga nilagyan nila diyan e. That’s why I had to talk to you ganito. 'Bakit?’ It’s because walang kuryente pagka mahirap ka. You do not own the land. That is my experience 23 years as mayor. Hindi magbigay ng direct connection. Kasi hindi ikaw ang may-ari ng lupa but that squatter, they have been there for 20 years.

So mag-connect-connect sila. Pag ka-connect-connect nila, ang gamitin nila yung wire na, yung pinaka-mura. So it overheats because connect-connect na lang sila kung sino yung minsan magnakaw. You know, we will have to make the adjustments. It is not for these people to make the corrections because they are not in a position to do it.

We have to adjust to the needs of our people. Total diyan naman yang sa squatter na yan, as long as I sit here as President, there will be there no demolitions without relocations. Hindi talaga ako papayag. [applause] Hindi naman aso yan na — just like in Davao. I’d like to make a dialogue with the businessmen. “Sir, how much are you investing in this land you have bought with the squatter?” “So, I bought it at about 60 million.” Dagdagan mo ng 20 million. Ako na ang bahala. Sabihin ko doon sa mga tao, “Bili tayo ng relocation site or I will provide.” Government will expropriate. I will make use of the expropriation powers. Ako ganon sa Davao eh. I have 20 hectares there. I will expropriate some land there. Iyong malapit lang. Then sabihin ko: “This 20 million will help your journey to a new land.” And I will urge everybody na yung mga bagong mga factories, doon sila mag-tayo.

Magtiis-tiis lang muna kayo. In the meantime, you have to mitigate the hardships of these people. That’s the only way to do it. Sa demolition, walang matirahan ang tao. Tutal you sat on your rights for many years eh bakit mo ngayon, pipilitin mo ako magka-problema ng ganon? Eh may iba kasi, hinahayaan nila. Ten, 20 years, they do nothing. And when the time, comes, na pagbili lang nila, tayo na disturbuhin. O ‘di gumastos ka para mas madali. Just add a little bit more and there will be at least peace. Pag hindi, wala yan. Fight na naman ‘yan, between government and the tawag nila, “squatters”. Squatters naman talaga yan. Masasaktan lang mamatay for no reason at all. Eh kung mayaman ka, bigyan mo ng konting ano, provide a relocation. And I’ll be glad to talk to the people and say: “Go. It is not yours.”

I have directed the concerned regulatory agencies to prioritize the issuance of required permits for power development. Okay ‘yan sa akin. Ang problema sandali ito. [Para ka diyan.] Iyong mga environmentalist, meron tayong, meron tayong, ano kasi– marami ang coal. Pati yang… Ito nga, itong energy emissions, wala man akong problema diyan. But do not tell me na, if you… Ambassador ka tapos sabihin mo sa akin na, 'medyo hanggang diyan lang kayo, kasi kami hangang dito lang kami. ’ Sabi ko, 'Ano? Kayo umabot diyan. You are now in the apex of your industrial might. But along the way, you were the first – America, China, Europe.’ Kayong bomba-bomba, until now we contribute only something point zero. So, if you put so much restrictions doon sa treaty na yan, the treaty which we are trying to — it’s still here in the Senate. Let us be very clear on this: We need to industrialize. We need the power and, therefore, the emissions would also be considered. You just can’t say it: 'I established five economic zones here’. And you start to say that, 'you are spewing so much carbon footprints’. Mahirap yan. I mean, it’s hard. I cannot just agree on anything that will delay. I’m only good for six years.

And I intend to do something during my term. Now, I’m sure that the heavy machineries would come in and even the power, cheapest is coal. So ito naman locally, you get in trouble with Gina. So, we’ll just talk sa Cabinet na lang. Si Gina naman is a very fine lady. Huwag ka lang magsimangot sa harapan niya. Bigyan ka niya permit maski lima. Magsimangot ka, zero. [laughter]

Oo, just be gracious to her, that’s all. It’s a matter of talking and explaining to them. But if it is… You’re using the state of the art technology and I’ve seen it several times in the other power plants in this country. If it is really a good one, then we will consider, I said, because we need the energy to power our industrialization.[applause]

To strengthen the delivery of social services, the government will intensify its protection programs, so it can use its resources, expertise to make a dent in the country’s poverty levels.

What we want is genuinely to reduce the vulnerabilities of our people, build resiliency and empower individuals, and families and communities.

The beneficiaries of 4Ps shall be made to become independent and self-reliant after they have graduated from the program [applause]. But the aim is to present it with other forms of assistance, so that they can stand on their own two feet.

But now, I have decided to direct the DSWD to provide the rice subsidies to the poorest of the families, at least, para makakain lang every month. [applause]

Iyong sako na ano…

We are planning to increase spending on basic education and incorporate mandatory education about the evils of drugs.

We will also intensify and expand Alternative Learning System programs. The government will also provide universal health insurance for all Filipinos [applause]. Benefits – Sali na lang natin sa PhilHealth.

The professional competence and operational capabilities of government hospitals and health facilities will be strengthened.

Consistent with our international obligations, in keeping with national mandates, this administration vows to protect women’s rights and human rights abuses [applause] against our women, because this unacceptable to… Kung mag-bugbog ka ng babae.

Thus, I order all agencies and oversight bodies and local government units down to the barangay level to fully implement the Magna Carta for Women. [applause] By doing so, we’ll ensure that man and woman will be partners in the pursuit of country’s economic, social, and cultural and political developments.

To our Lumad brothers, and they are here outside. Outside? They are here outside I’m sure . I told the… Just to let them come if they want. Kanila man ito.

To our brothers, I have this to say: The government has issued you the Ancestral Certificates Domain Title covering vast tracts of land especially in the Island of Mindanao. You have the Indigenous Peoples’ Rights Act, and the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples to protect you and to assist you.

Government has given you the tool, the legal tool to improve yourself financially, economically and socially. Make use of your ancestral domain. Do not let it remain idle.

While the government is always ready to help you, you must first help yourself. We cannot legislate financial and economic progress for you. It is you and you alone who can do that. You can chart your fate, but do it within constitutional and legal means.

After being devastated by natural and man-made calamities these past few years, we are still to recover emotionally from the loss of our loved ones, and materially from the loss of our homes and our income sources.

There are many among us whose emotional wounds are still fresh and painful to the touch. We cannot erase the images of death and destruction from our minds. We cannot wash away the stench of rotting flesh from our noses. And there are many of us who are still waiting for the help that was promised. The enormity of the problem of drug addiction has been made manifest by the number of surrenderees which grows by the hundred each day that passes. Since July 1, we have already made 3,600 related drug arrests. 120,[000] drug dependents have already surrendered and 70,000 of them are pushers. You think this is just a… [applause] It could take the entire resources of this government to fight this war.

I have nothing but the interest of my country. But let’s wait because the PDEA says that — it’s about the past statement made by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency.

Two years ago, PDEA came out with a statement that there are 3 million drug addicts in this country. That was two or three years ago. How do you think — would the number incrementally if we count now?

Give it a liberal addition. Maybe, gawin mo na [700,000]. So three million seven hundred thousand [3.7 million]. The number is quite staggering and scary.

The drug lords that you desperately want to strangle are not here. Wala mga bilyonaryo dito. The ones that you catched, running after, are just the lieutenants. They do it with technology. They’re cooking it in the international waters.

Itinatapon nila 'yan bulto, by the drums. Dikitan nila ng GPS. So makikita agad. We are hard put sa intelligence because they have invented this direct satellite.

Hindi na magdadaan yan ng…All they have to do is to triangulate where the —pag-ikot niya. And there’s so many — and they are in codes. If we do not help from our friends here in Asia and America, and Europe — this year number and problem, believe me, will drown us as a Republic.

Kayo tingnan ninyo ito. How can I solve the problem now by arresting? Hinahanap… Kung matagal na akong Presidente, gusto kong patayin. Ang problema pupunta pa ako doon and I’ll ask the permission from this country that I will go because I have to slaughter these idiots who are destroying my country.

Ganoon yun eh. [inaudible] Presidente, ayaw ko naman bitawan, kasi ayaw naman kasi ng military, pati pulis. But you know, I said, “I’ll be talking in front of the Republic to its representatives, for the people”. So I have to tell you: “How do we solve this problem?” Can we? Ako naman okay lang eh. Make it public, fine. Make it confidential, if you go to me or go to you, to your house, okay. But that is really the enormity of the problem. It’s so enormous that you are intimidated even just to make a move. Because you cannot stop it anyway. Mabunggo mo isa dito hinulog sa dagat, eh marami naman nagluluto doon.

It’s a free for all enterprise for the criminals at this time. Kung ako, if I had just the plan…Sabi ko, sabi ko sa military kapag nakita ninyo, pasabugin mo na. Maski nag-surrender yan, may white, white flag. Pang-giyera lang yan, hindi yan pang-kriminal, pasabugin mo. Show no mercy to them because they’re not doing any mercy to us anyway. Bakit ako…Iyan ang problema.

But we should not despair. Like someone wrote: It is when the night is darkest, that dawn breaks.

We are imbued with resiliency that has been tested and proven. More difficult times As in the past. We have a bond to act together. We have to help each other. For then and only then can we truly prevail.

And the Filipino, disciplined, informed, involved, shall rise from the rubbles of sorrow and pain. So that all the mirrors in the world will reflect the face of a passion that has changed this land.

Daghang Salamat. [applause]

✏️➖REFLECTION ➖✏️

Ang sinabi ng ating presidente na si Rodrigo Duterte, ay hindi tungkol sa pribilehiyo ng kanyang kapangyarihan sa pamumuno ng iaang demokratikong bansa ngunit kung ano ang makakabuti sa pilipino na ikakaunlad ng Pilipinas. Naniniwala siya na ang kapayapaan, hindi lamang sa Mindanao, kung hindi sa buong Pilipinas ay onti onting matatamo. Pati ang mga OFW na naghihirap, matanda at bulok na transportasyon ng tren, at ang broadband na problema sa Pilipinas. Sa wakas, matatag na presidensya.

Ang aking reaksyon sa pananalita ng ating pangulo ay positibo. Nasiyahan ako dahil madami na siyang nababago na matagal nang dapat ibago at alam kong mas marami pa siyang magagawa habang patagal ng patagal ang kanyang pamumuno. Pinagkakatiwalaan ko siya na gawan ng solusyon ang mga problemang dinaranas ng Pilipinas sa pang araw araw. Hindi man lang siya gumawa ng iskrip para sa pananalita. Ito ay galing sa puso at isip niya lamang. Umaasa ako sa isang responsableng pamumuno sa Pilipinas na mag uudyot sa bawat Pilipino na magbigay ng mas malaking parangal sa bansa.

Bilang isang pilipino, dapat natin bigyang suporta ang ating presidente dahil mas ma e engganyo siyang mamuno kapag alam niyang ang kanyang pinamumunuan ay may malaking tiwala sa kanya. Hindi lahat ng aksyon ay sa gobyerno lamang. Kailangan din natin gumalaw. Wag natin ipaubaya ng todo sa gobyerno ang pag unlad ng Pilipinas. Kailangan din nila ng ating coopersyon at edukadong utak upang gawin ang nararapat at magsilbing inspirasyon sa ibang tao na gumawa ng tama.

#blogko #du30sa31 #ms rona

0 notes

nicksstoryvault · 8 years ago

Photo

Against the snowy gales buffeting over her long black coat, Selina momentarily quelled an intrusive shiver, as light flurrying drifts of snow-kissed over the flawless alabaster of her sharpened, polished cheekbones, her feline poise altered as she was out of her natural element of shadow, instead of garbed in her sleek charcoal-black neoprene suit, a low-cut, one-shouldered black Dior dress, stunningly adorned over her lithe and delectable curves, she was dangerously ravishing in the semblance of graceful elegance, a svelte, kittenish beauty that appeared tempuously untouchable with beckoning allure, the cascading lengh her mahognay wavelets restrained into a chignon, with silken tresses constrasting the paleness of her cheeks; transforming her into a forbidden siren, while masking the ardent decadence that surged through her veins.

stiffened at the phantom sense of HYDRA’s tentacled sources that were ensnaring secrets about Bucky’s horrific--torturous past--KBG files that pinned him to weaving threads, the Winter Soldier was an eternal identity of rebirth that wouldn’t be effaced by the Clean Slate USB drive, Bucky was chastened —shackled to the damning existence Armin Zola had altered him into, the illusion of reachable light to freedom wasn’t at his doorstep.

An immeasurable silence filled the night, and all felt intangible and unreal to Bucky as he stood motionless in the alley outside the Little Italy café. What should have been the first night in a long line to come where he and Selina would celebrate their unbreakable love and passion for each other, had instead turned into a night of unexplained shock and horror that left him feeling disconnected from reality around him. The world seemed as speechless and devoid of sound just as himself, for nothing but white noise rang in his ears. Steel-blue orbs gazed unblinking and listless at the unassuming yet unusual sight of a female cow—a bovine—lying unconscious, flat on her side beneath a pale street-light. Cows belonged on farms, or somewhere in the rural-parts of the world where nature and pasture were dominant; they didn't belong on a city street. The scraps of a torn black Dior dress hanging from the back and shoulders of the large yet slender shaped creature was a heart-clenching reminder that it wasn't in fact a bovine—not originally. Only ten minutes ago, it used to be the woman he loved: Selina Marie Kyle. After their dinner took an unexpected turn due to Selina's unexplained behavior and physical illness, he followed her out into the alley just in time to see the magnitude of her deterioration. Something—or someone—had done something to his precious kitten because people didn't just turn into animals on a whim. The soldier inside of him urged him to keep a disciplined approach, but the man who was in love told the soldier to shut-up and allowed his emotional downpour to show. Wetness collected in Bucky's eyes, a frown marred his once boyishly cheerful features. Shakenly, his steps took him closer to the unconscious cow…Selina. "Oh my God," He whispered, finally disturbing the dreadful silence and making everything feel more real. His legs felt weak, his feet felt numb and before he knew it, he had collapsed on his knees beside the bovine, watching as she released deep and even breaths. "Selina…" He whispered with a broken tone.

In the obstructing darkness under the wooden stairwell, a spare and unwelcomed feminine presence loomed menacingly behind Bucky and his fattened bovine; she fed off the aura hopelessness, it was utterly electrifying.

Twitching her deviant crimson lips into a sinister grin, she encroached in whimsical--haughty advances, her leather boots unlaced bespoke an eccentric spirit as she was adorned with long black coat and ripped fishnet leggings, her thick raven curls gnarly and unkempt against the contrast of her pale--ivory features and her viperous dark irises ablaze with sorcerous conjure. "So tell me, charming boy," she simpered tauntingly, with an English resonance in her raspy tone, gesturing a gloved sheathed hand to the inert and mahogany furred bovine that was a devoid of kittenish beauty.

"Do you still think your enchanting princess is gorgeous now that she's a fertile beast?" she ventured deviously, gazing down at the pinkish, veiny sack of swelled flesh growing between Selina's broad hind legs, and scowled in disgust. "She's not even ripe for milking yet..." She hissed out tersely and mirrored the hostile flash of glacial heat in Bucky's shadowed, teary steel-blue eyes, sharpening into razor slits under his disheveled chestnut tresses...She gazed deeper finding a desolate spirit against the feverish sheen of unshed tears. "It won't matter, she just needs to submit to one of my big boys."

The foreign voice succeeded in jarring Bucky from his decadent grief and he snapped his gaze into the woman's direction. He recognized her immediately as one of their waitresses that served them dinner tonight and whispered a confusing yet ominous question into his ear. The confusion he felt evaporated almost instantly, and the sorrow he felt inside welcomed the empowering surge of rage and malicious into his system as he glared hateful daggers at the woman. "You…" He said with accusing tone as he slowly rose up onto unsteady feet. "You did this to her, didn't you!" He yelled, his composure shattering into a crescendo of consuming aggression. He felt his impulse guiding him into a deadly strut towards the unknown woman's direction, his hands clenching into indomitable fists at his sides.

Feeling the vibrations of his intimating stomps against ice encased puddles, she reared her head back, freely emitting a crackling laugh of morbid elation, conveying her unmasked insanity. She was relishing his banking desperation, craving to see how far he would go to restore his beloved kitten back into the strikingly beautiful and lethal woman he loved; she loved balancing the extent of one's unbreakable promise of devotion against the gravity of utter failure--grief. Bucky was in the crosshairs, his stoked embers of cold driven ferocity would soon douse once he accepted heartache--the abandonment of his murderous strength. How deep was the measure of his love to the bloated cow, did he truly love Selina for beauty or was it beyond reflection? Swaying her head in serpent motion, she flashed him with a deranged smile, challenging the unstoppable momentum of his raging heart. "You can do whatever you want with me, bash me to the ground, choke breath out of me, it will not change your beauty into a human again.. for love always has a price, and you only see her as swan because of blinded heart, so I plucked her feathers and turn her into an ugly duckling..." She pointed a finger down at the stirring bovine, devilishly, unleashing a ruthless--inevitable challenge to arrest his lethal intent. "Unless you can prove to me that love can be true in a new existence, your dear Selina Kyle will remain a hefty bovine...She will lose all memory of ever being human and yield to instinct..." She curved her darkened lips wickedly into a devious sneer, meeting his molten steel-blue irises into a deadlock. "So prince charming, do we have a wager?"

Bucky tensed from his halted posture, feeling as if he were a puppet on strings and there was nothing he could willfully do other than listen and glare as the mystery woman both mocked and tempted him with a gamble. His fists at his side shook at the strain of his warring impulses between listening and rampaging. Deep down he knew that violence wouldn't restore Selina, if it was at all possible. The older woman in front of him appeared equally unafraid and amused by his visible struggle and Bucky couldn't help but wonder what she was capable of. Clenching his jaw, he remained fixed to his position with his expression shifting to one of scrutiny. "What are you? A witch?" He muttered distastefully, looking over her goth-like appearance that was an obvious indicator that it wasn't just a sense of fashion. The questions he carried lingered at the back of his mind and slowly they began to trickle forward. "What do you have to do with Selina, or me for the matter?" A part of him worried this was some kind of reprisal for a forgotten crime he committed as The Winter Soldier, or perhaps from Selina's days as the infamous Gotham cat-burglar.

She merely shrugged in response, indignantly, after hearing the hitching tremor edge in his graveled timbre, her dark eyes gleamed with a spectral cast of darkened malice, spitefully revealing her indecorous mirth against his relentless urgency to restore his transformed lover. "Let's just say that I'm a snake that strikes into men's hearts, I crave to ravage the bounds of love, bringing saps like you into a desperate thrall of wretched submission, the prince's kiss always breaks the damn spell to free his true love..." She finally answered, becoming intently drawn into Bucky's unwavering eyes were infused with contemptuous fury, his aquamarine depths paled into a livid glint of untrammeled mania, evident to his barred teeth as his full shapely lips pulled into a wolfish snarl. He radiated with hostile intensity, a morphic consonance of vicious menace that was revving to escape. His lengthy chestnut mane flitted off his powerful shoulders, as flurrying snow lashed over his clenching, stubbled jaw.--he was ready to lunge for the attack. She didn't falter back when his imposing shadow eclipsed her. Instead, she weaved her fingers into the snowy air, conjuring up the sorcerous energy to orchestrate, as she teased with a retaliatory pitch. "What happens if I decide to twist the story, if the moment your lips touch your princess's, you pay the price...I'm not a ghost of your destructive past, James Buchanan Barnes, I'm a storyteller of grim tales, and you have just become my new prince... “

"You're insane if this is all a game to you," Bucky sneered. The witch's flippant remark made that ravaging impulse to seize her throat feel even more unbearable. Mobsters, terrorists and aliens weren't bad enough, now they had the supernatural to contend with. Beings with power they couldn't just counter with brute force. Bucky inwardly cursed his, and Selina's astronomical bad-luck at finding themselves in trouble. "If you knew who we were, you'd know that winning won't be our only goal. We'll burn your whole story to the ground if you screw us over…" Perhaps threatening the witch further wasn't a wise move, but Bucky wouldn't be a push-over and a slave to her tricks and schemes. He'd had enough of those to last a life-time. He silently considered his options. He didn't understand how magic worked but he knew at least one sorcerer that lived in New York who could be of help. Asking for help was a possibility, but would he only be endangering Selina further? He released a despondent sigh. "What do I have to prove to you, anyway? I love Selina more than life itself—"

“That would be quite sweet if those words were eternally bound to your dear heart,” she pouted mockingly, hindering the utmost of his declaration, as he downcast a heated glare of steel-aquamarine blearily down at the unconscious bovine, heartache was tellingly vivid in his eyes, his restraint --defiance was fracturing bone-deep, as his lips shakily quaked as a faint sob drew up his throat. His despair was amplifying when he listened to breathy grunts emitting from Selina's lax muzzle. He was on the hairbreadth of releasing the surge of unbidden tears.

The mage tilted her rounded jaw up, waiting for him to drop to his knees and surrender to the warped reality she conjured him to tread through."If you truly love your pretty heifer more than beauty and the quenching lush of her lips to tame your virile hunger, I will extend my kindness to you, James Barnes, giving you one chance to abolish the curse--" She circled around him with viperous grace, whispering insidiously against the knife-edge curve his clenching jaw, trying to shatter his steeled resolve. "How long can you slave for her until that unbreakable devotion is transmuted into revulsion...Will you still love dear Selina even when she's nothing more than a gluttonous and repulsively swelled dairymaid, I wonder?"

"Shut up," Bucky hissed, revealing rows of perfect white teeth that gave him the appearance of a beast being provoked into fury. The witch had the gall to look offended by his comment, but it didn't stop him from looming over her with repressed aggression, loose brunette strands framed the corners of his turbulent gaze. "I've heard enough of your sick and insane rambling. I'll play your little game and once I've freed Selina, you better never darken our doorstep or cross us again. Because it doesn't matter what tricks you have up your sleeve, I will find you and you won't like what happens next."

Reeling back with evasive motion, she teasingly placed her fingers on her pouting lips, gasping breathlessly in a malicious cadence of alarm. Bucky's passive visage had dangerously morphed into something more bestial--unhinged. His steel-blue irises liquified into luminous heat under askew dark tresses as she felt his fuming gusts of seething breath ghosting down her throat. Restraint was becoming threaded as deadened malice pulsated in his constricting pupils. In jaunty response, she licked her lips vilely, daring him to uncage the rearing beast inside. "Threaten me all you want, but it won't undo your curse..." she viciously sniped, grinning at his delay of aggression.

"Give me your contract," Bucky shrugged tiredly, knowing she was right and threats wouldn't get him anywhere closer to restoring the woman he loves. Words couldn't describe how useless and vulnerable he felt right now, and his show of intimidating as a ditched effort at helping him to feel in control. Squaring his jaw, he retreated a step backwards and relaxed his posture into one that appeared non-threatening. It went against every fiber of his being after enduring a life-time of enslavement. But it was a risk he would have to take. Selina was worth it.

The arcane cravings of sorcerous hunger mounted through her veins, as she handed Bucky the scroll, her sable eyes alight with devious anticipation as she watched him read the mythic text of ink that would seal his damned fate; tumults of unassailed emotion clashed against his aching heart, unblinkingly he shakily nipped on into swell of his bottom lip, quashing down a throated sob as sigils of pigs and roses formed under the shadow of his fisting gloved hand. "Are you prepared to give everything up for her?" she pressed with an indifferent tone, weaving her gracile fingers in the air as dark vapors formed into a raven's feather that landed into the clasp of his opened hand. "Once you give me your name, dear James Barnes, no matter how much you will fight, in the end, you will be a memory to her..."

The witch's words were a clear indicator to Bucky that no matter the outcome of this game, he was going to lose, one way or another. The gleeful and sadistic glint in the older woman's eyes showed an absence of humanity and remorse in her soul that he had seldom seen in the twisted and malicious faces he'd crossed in his life. The feathered-pen in his hand felt as sickly as a insect crawling across his skin. He refrained from crushing it and the papyrus in his other hand and resolved to sign away his freedom lest he become consumed by doubt and second-thoughts. Selina's life and humanity were at stake, and there was nothing else he could but sign his name on the scroll. The instant the ink scrawled the last letter of his surname, he was taken by surprise when the scroll suddenly began to glow an eerie green. "What—" Before he could question it or drop the parchment out of surprise, the energy encompassing the scroll swirled around his body until it dissolved into particles of residual magic that permeated his flesh. It felt like a thousand needles piercing his skin and he became rigid with a breathless gasp as the magic fused inside of him.

Jerking her head back as her raven curls lashed over the polished ivory of her cheek, she drew out an orgasmic crackle against the sapidly of her victory of his inevitable choice, her dark irises flashed down as Bucky surrendered to gravity, falling into a stance of all fours, as verdurous tendrils spiraled rapidly over him, infusing into hardened swells of his broad muscles, as he parted his lips agape to release an anguished cry as his metallic fist hammered into the pavement with vicious force. Like a calamitous--striking viper, she violently slashed her nails against his arching back, ripping the fabric of his shirt, only to be rewarded by a seething growl. "Now, the curse bound to you, in five nights you will say goodbye to your humanity and exist as a worthless, bloated pig..." she hissed, yanking on his curtaining tresses to force his head up. "Now go and kiss your pretty cow..."

"No!" Bucky cried out, anger and distress clawing against his very soul. An ill-engulfing surge of anxiety washed over him from head to toe, making him shudder and tremble in the wake of its touch. He just signed his life—his humanity away and there was nothing he could do other than play the hand being dealt to him. Tightening his metallic digits into a powerful fist, he moved to lash out in sheer frustration as his emotions took ahold of him. "I'll—" To his utter confusion, the witch was no longer in sight, her presence having left no indicator behind save for the twisting agony in his body. Blue-eyes wide and unblinking, Bucky gazed around the dark alley in search only to find no sign of her. He didn't feel surprised. He was jostled from his reverie as he felt a sting against the back of his palm. It was scalding as if he had just been branded by a hot poker. Wincing he glared at the ill-message formed with green characters. "Five days…"

Against the heaviness berthing her down like a heap of cement, Selina responded automatically to the distressed pitch of Bucky's raw, throated sobs, becoming aware of sudden intrusion of coldness raking over her subdued form. Slitting her dark eyes open, her vision was blotched with a feverish haze, everything was blotched into amorphous shapes, with a measure of conscious effort, she tried to speak, but the sleekness of her melodious voice was gone--ousted by the alarming volume sonorous bellow that was unmistakable to a cow mooing. Her limbs felt weighted down by shackles of stone, and the pungy stench wafting off her was odious. She groaned out a stifled breath, lifting her large head off of the chilled pavement, instantly shuddering against the absence of his thermal heat embracing around her. "B--Buckoo--" she bellowed, cringing at the disturbing cadence ripping out of her throat. "James...Where are you, handsome?"

Groaning in a faint breath in response to the graveled timbre of his velvety undertone, Selina welcomed the ease of his strength as his gloved palm cradled against the curve of her jaw, he captured her awareness, steadying her down by the anchoring, sensual heat that resonated in his veins. His thumb smoothly glided a delicate sweep with controlled tenderness, as Selina reacted, tucking her large-widened head against the alloy plates of his metallic shoulder; calmly breathing in the heady scent of sandalwood and minted ice that penetrated her senses. Her opened her eyes slightly, staring at the full curve of his shapely bow lips, moonlight contrasted over rosy flesh as he quivery parted his mouth, revealing a flash of bucked teeth, while Bucky did his damnedest steeled himself against the barrage of achingly deep emotion.

In the delirious wake of recognition, something felt alarmingly different in her, as unbearable pressure swelled between her legs, almost like someone lodged an oversized balloon filled with heated liquid in that guarded area, it was a revolting sensation of layered flab that snug against the undercurve of her stomach. Jolted by that sickening feeling, she went into defense mode, rearing her head back, her jeweled coffee orbs widened owlishly as she dreaded to shift her reluctant gaze down. "Bucky-Bucky," she bellowed, her irate breaths grew into rapid pants. All resistance fled. Her heartbeat increased to a frantic crescendo in the moment she stared into his strikingly pained steel-blue eyes, the clarity of unshed tears was unsettling...He looked utterly detached-helpless to even chase her stare towards the hump of mahogany fur covering the fattening expanse of rounded barrel-size girth. "W-What's happening to me?"

The words Bucky dreaded had escaped her mouth, revealing a helpless uncertainty that was both painful and rare to hear. He could feel an increase pressure on his chest, as if his heart were being pulled into an abyss where it would be rendered cold. Watching the distressed creature with familiar brown eyes begin to panic, he knew that he couldn't skirt around the subject or try and break the news to her slowly. Selina was a blunt woman and she hated prolonged news. Licking his dry lips, Bucky blinked repeatedly before releasing a somber breath.

"The waitress in café…slipped something into your drink. Whatever it was, darlin'…" he grimaced, feeling his lips tighten as he found himself momentarily lacking the courage to continue and lead Selina into a downward spiral of emotions. But as he felt the bovine bristle with impatience, he knew he couldn't bite his tongue any longer. "Whatever it was, it turned you into a cow…" He swallowed a large lump of emotion in his throat, while his eyes stung with a pouring of emotion he could no longer control. "I wouldn't make this up, darlin'. You know I wouldn't…" he sniffed. "Look for yourself," he gestured down to her lower body urgently.

"What the hell are you playing at, Bucky," Selina dismissed an incensed snort, despite the soul-churning tension in her overly plump, furred body was suffocatingly paralyzing to relent against, she recoiled her large head back, her coffee irises flared with dangerous heat as she composed herself, discarding temerity of his breathless words, her ingenuous demeanor shifted lightning quick like gleam of knife in the dark, as she finally centered the unwavering intensity of her alarmed-blank gaze onto a sack of pinkish, veiny pudge with four plump teats poking under overlaps of sagging wrinkled flab that undoubtingly inflated into distinct shape of dairy cow's -milk jugging- utter.

In benumbed horror, her leathery muzzle parted gaping wide, breathlessly. Selina was unable to react-to dare herself to move as the cacophonious wake of unbridled hysteria amplified through her into a tenfold, as she thrashed her head, blindingly with vehement sways, feeling ungrounded by the nightmarish -unfathomable reality she infinitely awoke into.

"No-No, I can't be a damn cow..." she bellowed in an infuriated pitch, squeezing her eyes shut, and lowered her head down on the hardened sculpt of his thighs, feeling the chilled wake of his metallic fingers without demur grace a soothing, telltale caress over her tensing fur, keeping her secured against him. Nipping on his lower lip, Bucky remained impassively guarded in his gnarled qualms, the edge of his unmasked pain gleamed dismal within his grayish-aquamarine irises; the illusion of his resistance couldn't be conjured. He was reeling away into a hopeless stupor, his soul inveigled by the influx of failure. The concessive throb clenching her heart abated. "Urgh..." Selina moaned, gritting her reshaped teeth, snorting out a vexatious breath."What kind of sick minded freak would change someone into a big fat cow and just walk away from the spoil..."

“She said she wants to test us…it’s a game to her,” he muttered morosely. There was an edge of disquiet as she became still, listening to him as he told her the specifics of his encounter with the crazy witch who wanted not only to destroy their love but turn him into a pig beside Selina. It was the stuff of nightmares and Selina had endured more than a few that were similar to her experiences in Gotham. Bucky instantly regretted saying anything more right now, especially as he could hear street-noise and civilians moving outside of the alley. They couldn’t stick around there much longer.

It was then that she began to show signs of distress and panic. Her expanded size trembled, almost violently on her side as if she were trying to understand how her new body was supposed to function. A braying cry ripped from her throat, turning Bucky’s blood cold at the sound of it. “Selina, darlin’—”He tried in whatever way he could to get her to calm down but it felt as futile as trying to get a storm—a force of nature—to do the same. Gently he rested the warm expanse of his palm against the back of her neck and began to rub soothing patterns. “Just try to relax, I’ll explain everything later. Right now, we need to get outta here.”

With resurgence of feline momentum under the intimate tenderness of his caressing palm, unceremoniously, Selina huffed out an incensed grunt, trying to gain a firm sense of balance against the vertiginous onslaught, while she elicited the assailing disgust ravaging through her veins; she tried hefting up her rotund mass, feeling the heaviness of her swelled girth pinning her down. She no longer harnessed the acrobatic grace, the sleek precision of her lethally alluring caliber that made her sharp as honed blade scrying through shadow; every feminine curve of her lithesome body melted into layers of bovine flab.

This wasn't something she could brazenly evade. A sorcerous force had penetrated her, and condemningly morphed her into a voluptuous heifer -she couldn't discard the constant pressure of her utter stretching between the broad slabs of her furred hind legs. How she find an effective way to adapt to this distasteful--obese form...How could Bucky even love her, unless he voluntarily turned into a robust bull? Emitting a frustrated breath, and stifling a curse, she eased a frontal hoof off the chilled pavement, using Bucky's shoulder as her anchor as her large muzzle buried against the material of his shirt, a blurring rush of fleeting tears dampened his sleeve, as she finally arched her belly off the ground, welcoming the gentle cradle of his unwavering gloved hand that smoothly curved with delicate assurance under her jaw as trepidation injected into her heart. "How are we gonna do this, krasivyy (handsome)?" she gritted tersely, cringing at the deepening volume of her stricken voice. "I'm not sure if I can even stand on these damn hooves..."

"Just take it slow," Bucky offered quietly, rubbing the silken fur at the back of the bovine's neck in what he hoped was an assuring manner. In truth, he did it to assure himself as well. He needed that sense of easement and familiarity whenever he and Selina offered comfort to each other in their moments of disquiet. Of course, he couldn't be sure if the action felt the same to Selina in her new body, but he had to hope he wasn't completely useless as he was still feeling considering all this. Inwardly, he wondered, "what now"? As he took in her full appearance, she was big—measuring close to five feet in length and height. This was still his Selina, reminded himself, easing the bovine only four wobbly hooves. Her dark mahogany colored fur glowed line the sun beneath the street-lights luminating the alley-way enclosure. Her large muzzle was a pale rose, reminding him of the full-lush of her ruby-bladed lips. "I got you, darlin'. I got you," he whispered near her ear, feeling his heart swell as he took in her unchanged scent of lavender. In the distance, he could hear the street noise run louder, putting him on edge about what would happen if anyone came through and saw this odd scene. He needed to move her somehow that wouldn't unwanted attention. 'Steve…' The name entered his thoughts instantly, filling him with both hope and calm. "I'm gonna need to make a call," he said to her reassuringly. "Don't worry."

The sudden absence of his warmth evoked ingrain dread, nothing silenced the primal interference against her steeled resistance, as Selina grudgingly braced the massive bulk of her bovine form against the cement wall, steadying herself into a grounded stance while she grappled to subdue the rapid barrage of instincts possessing her. Regardless, she needed to remain poised and alert, utilize her instrumental methods of survival and stave back the urges to fall back into indolent stupor---Bucky wouldn't abandon her---no, he loved her to his dying breath, and that filled her with resolve to fight against the pernicious curse.

Turning her large head, with caustic motion, Selina gazed intently at him standing in the stairwell, his shadowed countenance revealing barest desperation as he spoke in a low, graveled rasp in the iPhone clutched within the unshakeable grasp of his metallic hands. "What are we going to do, Buck," she whispered shakily, lowering her muzzle down as errant tears dampened her fur. Thralls of heartache weren't something she could escape, the constant throbs were bone-deep, making her feel shackled to an infinite nightmare, as if the hand of fate pressed a cold steel of an atomizer against her heart, firing blank shots, that left her stunned to dare herself to budge.

She couldn't sedate her rampant pulse, as she watched Bucky falter in his steps. How far was the limit of his devotion to her...Could the extent of their love remain harbored against the hurricane of the harrowing enchantment threatening to consume their world? Stomping a hoof down, frustratingly, she bellowed out."Damn it, how can you even love me like this..."

Selina's conflicted tone carried across the small distance and entered Bucky's sharp-hearing. An increase in stress and anxiety grasped him as he felt torn between the dread of their predicament and the frantic conversation he was now holding with a very confused Steve Rogers. Though he could detect the uncertainty in his best friend's tone, Bucky was more than thankful that Steve wasn't one to waste time with questions when he sensed there was a perilous situation. "We'll be in the alley outside the café." A cold reminder moved down his spine and he repressed a shiver as he recalled the witch's warning. "I'll explain later. Just please don't call anyone else, Steve." And with that, Bucky hung up and made his way over to the bovine beside the wall. Her words hung between them, making him feel as if he were treading across a slippery-edge that could lead him into a downward spiral if he wasn't careful. He couldn't imagine what she was feeling now, both in body and mind, but what he did know was this was what the witch would want—for her to feel doubt, towards him and herself. Though it probably wasn't a good idea, he tried to bring a bit of levity to ease her gloomy spirit. "I've loved you in way more unexpected situations than this, darlin'. Some might've called me crazy for it. Its gonna take more than a change in appearance to drive me away." He smiled boyishly, though to himself it felt like a grimace at his lame attempt at humor. He inwardly prepared himself for the stinging sensation of a headbutt in response.

Against his dumbfounded reaction that painfully etched into his chiseled, stubbled cheeks, Selina quashed down the stokes of abraded hostility--kitty aggression-- and clenched her furred muzzle into a grimace. Snorting out an irritable breath, she tilted the broad expanse of her shoulder against the wall; rigidly flicking her tail with a tangible, passive sway, and stared into the glacial coolness of his soulful steel-blue eyes, finding a phantom cast of anguish that he tenaciously masked against the wage of neurotic emotions that ravaged his senses. "So I guess this is how it's gonna be," she paused in a tart breath, flitting her dark eyes piercingly down at the projection of her bulky shadow."Never thought I'd be walking in dark in big girl steps, but don't think for a second I'll be sleeping in a stinky barn," A play of snark chased her deepening bellow, as she rolled back her shoulders, nonchalantly." A girl's got her standards for living, handsome..."

"Hey…" Bucky interrupted her quietly, a clenching in his chest threatening to pull him into a diminished state where he could do nothing except succumb to panic. The warm softness of his calloused digits threaded through her mane of dark strands, resuming his comforting ministrations. It helped not only her but also himself. "This isn't gonna be permanent, darlin'," he said determinedly, relying on the strength he felt in his own words to keep him focused. "We'll find a way…" A lump of emotion in his throat nearly challenged his composure. His eyes moistened, threatening to spill a revelation of fear and turmoil. "I promise you, I won't stop until we do." He remembered Natalia once telling him—telling Steve—to never make a girl a promise you couldn't keep. This was one promise he wouldn't make lightly. The witch's face flashed in his thoughts—gothic, twisted and insane. A flicker of red and he saw the massive grip of his metallic digits around her throat. Hugging the bovine close, he plants a soft kiss on her brow. "We'll find a way."

Every instinct clamored to seize control over her, as Selina closed her eyes once she registered the softened pressure of his full-widened lips smoothing a heady trace of sensual ache over her fur; despite the obese shape rounding her girth, entranced ad nearly off balance on her hooves, she felt a ignited blaze of heightened desire tugging relentlessly at her fractured heart, urging her captive soul inside to finally answer his unbreakable vow that melded into her feverish veins. "I know we will, James," she murmured in a low rumble, nuzzling her head lovingly against the hardened planes of his broad chest, not creating a space of distance from him. Nothing cooled between them. "Just don't leave my side, no matter what happens after this damn night..."

A sad smile crept onto Bucky's boyishly handsome features, making him appear older than his physical years revealed. The weariness in his eyes revealed a withered soldier within being called into battle once again, but with a steady posture and an unrelenting spirit. The warmth in his chest sweltered into a burning heat of passion as he gazed into the swirling depths of coffee-brown orbs. The devotion he revealed was unshakable and affirming. "You know I won't, darlin'. I'm with you till the end." It was a promise he never made lightly to anyone he considered family. As a man of strength, love and loyalty, he would fight to fulfill that vow no matter what was in store. Before he could say more, both he and Selina are alerted to an increasing roar of an engine coming around the corner of the alley. An approaching vehicle. Bucky was standing fully erect in an instant, his posture protective as he shielded the bovine from whomever was coming. He could detect her unease as he felt her press her weight as firmly against the brick wall of the building, making herself as small as possible. "Just stand behind me, darlin'."

“Easy, Selina.” Bucky admonished gently, trying to calm her distress. Where there was tension moments ago in Bucky’s shoulders, the rigidness of his posture melted away into a more relaxed standing. The sudden shift in his mood and demeanor did little to calm her, but it made her realize that whoever he was talking to moments ago had just arrived in record time. The black unmarked van backed up towards them slowly, the wheels disturbing small puddles of melted snow that clung to its surface. The rumbling of the engine dimmed until the vehicle came to a complete stop a few feet in front of them. The van was large, big enough to fit a size-able shipment…or a cow.

“Its gonna be all right,” he said to her, giving another reassuring rub at the back of her neck to soothe her. The driver door to the van opened and a tall shape emerged from around the corner. Dressed in loose yet stylish blue-jeans with a thermal jacket secured over a broad and muscular torso stood Steve Rogers. Bucky released a breath of relief once he saw his best friend who regarded both him and the cow behind him with a leisurely look. “Thanks for being quick, Steve.” Bucky said with a grateful look.

“Just be glad I wasn’t too far away from a rental service and they had a van up for lease,” Steve returned with a soft shrug, hands hanging loosely at his side as he took in the scene in front of him with an assessing gaze. The soldier-like discipline he innately carried rubbed off on Bucky who felt a measure of strength return to his weary mind. Steve chanced a glance at the mahogany furred bovine standing behind his best friend. Were it not for the shredded pieces of black dress clinging to her furry back, he would have never guessed anything usual about her nor that she was in fact actually a human. “You all right, Miss Kyle?” He asked, remarkably calm yet inside he felt a twinge of uncertainty if the cow could even respond to him.

With her jutting ears twitching reactively to the stern utterance of his baritone, Selina glared at him guardingly, keeping herself distant in collective poise as Steve measured his approach to them, gingerly his paces cautious and tentative with smooth precision in his footing. The vigilant depth of his cool azure eyes never wavered against the molten intensity of her glaring coffee irises.

For the last few years, the solid ground between her and Steve Rogers was tenuous on a hairbreadth to the gravity of dependence; for Bucky, she adapted to his adamant--virtuous presence, genuine light resonated within his unyielding Brooklyn spirit, no shades of darkness glinted in his serene azure eyes --he was the real article--a true knight in shining armor when it came to protecting a dame, something she always evaded. Tonight would be no different. Lifting her muzzle up, indifferently, she responded with a strained grimace as he mirrored her gouging stare."You just had to ask, huh, soldier boy?" she snorted, challengingly. "How do you think I feel?"

Steve had the decency to look a bit sheepish once he realized how his own question must've sounded. His surprise over the bovine's ability to communicate verbally lasted a mere second before he schooled his features into something more somber yet idealistic at the same time. "Not too happy, I imagine. I'm sorry your evening was ruined. Though I'm sure you don't need it, I want you to know I'm ready to help you in whatever way I can. Starting with getting you somewhere safe." His words carried all the passion and loyalty one would expect from the Star-Spangled Avenger despite the fact he no longer carried that mantle. "Do you have a place in mind, Steve?" Bucky asked worriedly. Despite how fast things were moving, he felt bitter with himself for neglecting to consider that crucial detail. He couldn't exactly take Selina back to their studio apartment in Midtown, nor to the Avengers compound where the witch would likely suspect foul-play on his part—and the last thing he wanted was to ask Stark for help. Even if he did, magic wasn't something the proud scientist wasn't very capable of assisting against. "There's a few safe-houses outside of Queens, but you're likely to still keep a low-profile. Anything less than a completely isolated patch of land won't offer much security from prying eyes." Steve shrugged while opening the back-doors to the van.

"No, there's only one place that can offer what this big girl needs," Selina interjected, tartly against clenched teeth, harnessing her furtive tactics of using her innate mastery of stealth and deception to gain sanctuary from the intersecting crosshairs. She needed to broaden her horizons, a dank reeking safe-house residence in Queens wouldn't effectively conceal a 3-ton bovine, they needed to go off the grid-vanish from plain sight. A maelstrom of the unknown-mobilizing threats would ensnare them, HYDRA might reactivate sleeper operator nests for instant termination of a kill shot; she wouldn't jeopardize Bucky's life against those inevitable odds of the survival gambit. Isolation was the only clearheaded outlet to use. Determingly, and with her salvaged brazen defiance, she trotted closer to the van's wheelchair ramp that electronically descended over mounds of slush, against a knot of feverish tension, Selina composed out a cool breath, her jeweled bronze irises cast a mirroring gaze into Bucky's dismal steel-aquamarine deeps, tellingly gleaming with an arduous sheen of unshed tears under his disheveled brunette tresses. His eyebrows furrowing into a notch, as his metallic hand graced her back with a rhythmic caress, holding promising intent. "Let's just say an old friend from the past won't be hesitant to open his door if Barnes agrees to drink earl gray tea..." she whispered, coaxingly."It's the only place in Gotham that I call safe..."

Bucky felt his stomach twist in an uncomfortable way, but it was a smaller thing compared to the dread he felt at the possibility of Selina being discovered by unwanted eyes. Cattle weren't welcome in the city, not even in the suburbia neighborhoods outside of it, so the odds of a local spotting him sheltering a bovine cow beneath his roof and contacting a city inspector or animal control were high and risky. It was the last thing she needed to worry about right. As a moment of silence passed and his steel-blue eyes remained linked to her peering brown orbs, he felt a shift in his resolve and nodded to her in understanding. Her cryptic words were lost on Steve but one glance at Bucky told him that his friend knew exactly what Selina was referring to. His own thoughts and concerns on the matter were similar to theirs in that a 500 plus pound bovine couldn't be kept in the city. His first thoughts were to reach out to Clint who owned five acres of land out in the country, but Bucky was adamant about keeping the other Avengers out of this. He didn't know much about Selina's Kyle's past, but wagered that Gotham had a lot to do with it. "Then Gotham it is. Shouldn't be a long drive through Jersey; we should reach the bridge by morning depending on the traffic." Steve offered. "You ready?" He asked Selina as she stood just in front of the ramp that led to a long and empty interior where the only seats belong to the driver and passenger in the front.

Nodding tersely, Selina sucked back a long and tortured breath, and with steady effort, her frontal hooves breached the ramp's edge, her dark coffee irises roved an aching glance at Bucky, as he inched back with faltering steps, giving her room to climb up. For a tantalizing moment, they were locked into the other's unblinking gazes, pained racked through her heart; she was paralyzed by the sudden detachment, a sickening coldness that slashed against her bones. With a subtle nudge of her muzzle against the chilled alloy of his cybertronic hand, and relishing the voltaic charge of that intimate contact, she implored him to follow her inside the van. "Don't be shy handsome, I'm not that big yet...

Despite the gloom of the situation that hung over him like a dreary rain-cloud, Bucky smiled softly at her quip and found the urge to caress the side of her furry cheek with the back of his metallic digits. "I don't think you ever will be "that big", darlin'. Not for me anyway," Bucky responded while guiding her into the van. Steve smiled to himself as he watched them. Bucky and Selina's combined weight caused the vehicle to groan ever slightly. The smell of polished leather and new-car smell permeated their senses but they were both thankful to be safely concealed and out of the bitter cold. The backdoors closed soundly as Steve made his way to the driver's seat. "Gonna be a few hours. I'd get some rest you guys," Steve suggested, setting the van into drive and pulling into traffic. Bucky and Selina remained in the back. The floor of the van was carpeted, allowing Selina to settle down onto her side comfortably with Bucky beside her. "Relax, Lina. I'm right here," Bucky whispered to her, sitting of the van with his back pressed against the door so her head could rest comfortably on his knee. Idly, his finger caressed and rubbed the area near her muzzle in a lulling fashion, meant to coax her into rest. "I'm not going anywhere."

There were no other words to express how Selina felt when the graveled softness of his suave-hushed undertone unwaveringly carried back to her twitching ears and melted in her veins like sonorous decadent chocolate, smoothly anchoring her back to a steady tide against the sorcerous tumult. She was straying further away in thralls of careening heartache, the merciless curse wouldn't avail, and she knew that in the coming days, Bucky would lose her--forever. She couldn't live without him, not her handsome beast machine. At first, she didn't respond as she nipped on the leathery swell of her deformed lip, burying her muzzle vehemently into the material his Armani shirt, breathing in the virile scent of smoky timber and iced mint that fluidly pacified her anguished soul into a stupor of contentment. "Don’t worry, handsome, I'll keep fighting this damn spell..."

Offering him a kittenish smile with the radiance of an eternal promise that melded with the glacial depth of his grayish-aquamarine holding silver flame of their vitality; she began licking his flesh hand lovingly with the heated dampness of her swelled tongue, as his metallic hand softly kneaded over the bulging shape of her belly, their unbreakable love engulfed-infused them to salvage onto the reins of hope...Somehow they would dance again in the existence they were meant to live, for now, Selina rested her large head down on the harden sculpt of his thigh, and closed her eyes, as he continued to embrace her new form with each adjusting touch that chased her heartbeat —he never stopped.

The gleams of dawn pierced over pink tinge cloud banks over the awakening horizon, light flurrying snow dusted over the glass panes of the van's tinted windows, grunting out stifled breaths; her throat felt exhaustingly scraped raw against the feverish sickness eeling through her veins. As the ensued maniacal echoes of bone-chilling laugher that resonated from the darkened alleys of the Narrows, the ambiance of death never faded out, crazed demons still existed in the cells of Arkham, blood was an interminable color for murderers to paint. Terror breached steeled hearts. Gotham City wasn't a place of refuge against the storms, it was a nether labyrinth of resurrected carnage and soul harvesting collectors-nightmare row, where childhood innocence was brutally tested by the grounds of survival or the fatal caress of a gun. Selina didn't want Bucky or Steve to glance beyond the city's industrial facade, become captives of rapacious cimmerian wickedness lured them to the edge of sanity of the lunatic fringe.

Registering the light caressing warmly over her mahogany fur, Selina opened her eyes, stubbornly the wake of venomous sorcery was penetrating deeper like a scorpion's sting, she was beyond the mounting control of her bovine form. Her damnable spirit was a hostage against the bounds of an occultic enchantment.

Seething under her breath, Selina gazed irately out the back window as her dark jeweled orbs became fixed piercingly on the intimating expanse of shadow that belonged to an enormous mansion that haunted her in the fringe of her dreams-Wayne Manor- an Elizabethan renaissance castle -like domain that was facade sculpted with strikingly Gothic marble with pike edged spires that were mounted over each of fours tower, high lancet arched windows and laden with columned terraces, a ghostly aura emanated from the cold stone edifice- desolate and unwelcoming.

Banishing her blaze of dredged revulsion, Selina felt her larger bulk faintly tensing at the sight of mansion's visage with an implosion of aversion, her thoughts suddenly traced the route to the manor's front gates, beset by flawless verdant lanes and the rocky cliffs that peaked against Gotham Bay. Against the careening recollections, Selina forgot how much she detested the Wayne dynasty fortune-old money gone to waste.

Berating herself for dealing with sleazy scum like Roland Dagger to get a chance to steal a new identity with the Clean Slate program-freedom at her kitty paws, to efface her past wickedness and steer her towards a new road to take, even if her demons were buried beneath the fault lines...The safeguards of her deviant heart weren't uncrackable went sentiment left her in the crosshairs, she craved for the breakneck thrill of danger, almost like a fix of escasty, an intimate pleasure that she wielded by the devious measure of her own control and the seductive play of her arsenal.

She was dead inside with the infective compulsion to rob from the wealthy; stealthily prowling the desolate streets of Gotham with the innate elusiveness of feline prowess, her curvaceous and sleek body cut into shadows with fluid precision and lethal intent, like an untouchable sliheoute on the razor's edge of a darkening existence, her blood was cold to the warmth of humanity. She ravished so many lives by pulling the trigger by the compliance of her sadistic and callous handlers that caged her like a rabid little kitten for their survival game- an instrumental and practical thief with a vengeful reckoning.

Now, Selina was enmeshed in the tumult borderline of mortal existence, being infinitely stagnated into enslaving thralls of dormant instincts-how long would she reject the urges to graze on clumps of grass, entreat to become fattened with a calf and comply to the intrusive dominance of a bull... The extent of this unprecedented attack it wasn't the League of Shadows or HYDRA, this cryptic mage desired to push Bucky's love for her to the limit, make him duel with his own heart against the dark undercurrents of fiendish sorcery rippling between them. She knew that Bucky's hellbent Brooklyn spirit would relentlessly dare the impossible to restore her-no what the high cost of their eternal love would be.

Feeling a smirk curve knowingly over her muzzle, Selina became tantalized against the contrast fusion of telltale heat radiating from rigid heaviness of Bucky corded muscles, as she felt the voltaic coldness of his metallic palm tenderly stroked reverent-possessive caresses over the swelled width of her furred girth ; the controlled delicacy of his glides were sensually fueled by his unbreakable devotion to her.

Relishing the serenity of the grounded moment, Selina grunted in an intenser resonance of a moo, as she drove her dark irises on Bucky, he was slumped against the van's doors, his body was still, dark tresses of unkempt chestnut hung messily askew over his eyes, and ghosted against his nose, the heavy set of his dimpled, bristled chin, slack with a vibrant grace of boyish youth aglow on his skin. The smooth, hard planes of his cheekbones were intensely defined with the sharpness of a knife's edge under a layer of chubbiness.

Her drifting gaze fell onto the beckoning virile softness of his shapely-wide lips, the bowing arch slackened to the pain resonating deep inside him. His roguishly handsome visage became achingly torturous for her capture with the ardent heat of melding kiss that always infused the decadent cadence of their bodies to surrender against the escalating firestorm of unstoppable-boneless passion. The emblazon desire to kiss him breathless roared through her veins, unrestrainedly, as she reeled back with a jerking thrust of her head against the clamoring urgency. "I guess bad girls can't win..."

Staving off the feverish urge to release tears, Selina felt her breath being choked by a flaring sob when she maddeningly caught a flash of inducing agony etched starkly over his hawkishly chiseled, stubbled features. Painstakingly against the impending gravity of the malicious curse, she nuzzled his shoulder with an effortless nudge of her muzzle, anchoring him back to her with a semblance of calmness ghosting over the bugled curves of his sleek muscles. A shivery cascade of thermal heat traced her pulse to a steady tempo as she felt him intimately breathe out a gravelly rumble against her fur. "James..." she imploringly murmured in hushed grated timbre. "It's going to be alright, handsome...Remember that I'm adaptable."

The deeper timbre of her voice was unsettling at first to anyone who knew what it should sound like. The sleeping Bucky flinched slightly as if he were jostled by an unsuspecting intrusion that could have an ill-effect on him. His eyelids peeled open before squeezing shut involuntarily to acclimate to the pale light streaking into the back of the panel van from the windshield. “Lina…” He slurred with a sleepy voice that was followed by a grimace once he felt a jolting ache move up his back. He really shouldn’t have fallen asleep sitting up. The painful reminder triggered his memories of the night before; Valentine’s Day, the dinner, the tension, the food, the shady waitress…the dark magic. His eyes snapped open, hoping desperately the nightmarish memory of Selina turning into a farm-cow was exactly just that: a nightmare. One of many added to the sea of trauma and darkness within his subconscious.

But sure enough, the alarming and heavy sensation of a warm and furry weight resting in his lap whisked away any doubt he might’ve had and cold reality shrouded him in its chilling embrace. Selina was in fact turned into a bovine. Gone were the unrecognizable curves that a slender athlete embodied, covered with creamy alabaster skin that smelled of lavender. In their place were patches of thick mahogany colored fur, coating hard muscle and fat that would’ve weighed a ton were it not for his own considerable strength to support her form. “…Sleep good, darlin?” He tried, uncertain of what to say that wouldn’t trigger an unfavorable response.

Hearing the murmurous timbre of his croaky undertone, Selina rigidly deflected against that wary venture assailing in his voice, they evoked a revelatory--splintering throb of soul-deep heartache; she wasn't prepared for inexplicable morning ahead of them, she didn't want Bucky to sugar coat his reaction towards her cursive bovine form with a flux play of his wide-- charmingly boyish smile that would jovially accentuate the deep crow feet lines that carved deeper around his grayish-aquamarine eyes; instead she drove a heated glance at her block-sized hooves.

A feverish shiver of knifing pain careened through the voluminous expanse of her girth as Selina dismissively tore her head away from his tentative reach as his metallic palm deftly lifted bring a wake of intimate stillness between them. A shallow pant of breath scorched her throat when she clenched her muzzle tautly. “Don’t even start with that, handsome,” she gritted, trenchantly, her bronze orbs flashed with vehement intensity. that held the breadth of her warring emotions.

“You can’t possibly understand what the hell I’m going through, Bucky, this isn’t a damn game of smoke and mirrors, I feel so disgusting in this body,” She froze against the crushing gravity, meeting the glacial cast of reserved ache rippling in the steadiness of his piercing cerulean irises, a unfeigned telltale anguish that arrested the depths of restraint, as she sniffled, futilely trying to force back a blurring swells of unreleased tears. “How can you even look at me…" She scrunched her muzzle up with ill-defined revulsion, fighting to deter a stray tear. "I’m not exactly the kind of pretty dame for a Brooklyn boy to wake up to…”

"Lina…" For a long and dreadful pause, Bucky felt as if he were frozen in a state of shock and uncertainty. It was a feeling he seldom experienced but also one he dreaded like heading into a warzone unprepared for what may lie ahead. The ache in his back was forgotten as a new feeling of discomfort washed over him. He felt as if he were pinned to the door of the van by the bovine's piercing brown orbs, swimming with vulnerability; as if life and death weighed heavily upon his answer. "Don't think that way," he said with a shrug. Though there was a part of him that felt exasperated by her trademark scorn and sarcasm, he wasn't eager to let things escalate into a heated argument that would only make things harder. Though if he were honest with himself, he felt remorse that her words made him ponder too long for comfort. The cow in front of him bore no resemblance to the woman he loved, and were it not for the deep brown of her eyes, he wasn't sure if he could find some familiarity to latch onto. He both hated himself and the witch that had done this to Selina. "Look I know this is hard…harder than I could possibly imagine," he said with a steady tone. "But we just gotta keep focus and beat this." Once again, he relied on his soldier-like discipline to face this unprecedented situation. He almost cringed at his own words and their surgical delivery. Selina didn't need a soldier, she needed the man she loved to help her through this.

Grounding herself against the undisguised tension mounting between them like drawn blades warring to thrust against their hearts, Selina's indignant countenance hardened nauseatingly, alarmed by her reluctance, she felt utterly sickened against the telltale anguish that flashed increasingly in the stillness of his pupils.Traitorious resistance became combined with an infused reaction that she couldn't suppress back. A railing scream was threatening to erupt, as hostile stokes of aggression viciously seized her graceful poise. "How do you expect me to pretend like nothing has happened?" she grunted in a terse breath, angling her furred muzzle up defensively as grayish light reflected in her dark irises, heartache was evident in her contemptuous glare. "You can't even look at me the same...I know you're trying to make it work, but handsome, you need to give this big girl some walking space."

A spike of apprehension moved through Bucky as he detected her increasing agitation. Despite his effort to pacify and soothe Selina’s turmoil, he knew this wasn’t just a delicate matter but an impossible one for her to brush off. Not that he’d blame her, he wasn’t sure he could do any better in her situation. A jolt of anticipation and dread hit him as he recalled his agreement with the witch. That if he should fail to prove his love for Selina was undying and true, he would be degraded and turned into a tub of pork and bacon. He hated told Selina about that yet, he didn’t need to add more worry to what she already carried. Though his concern remained for Selina’s well-being, Bucky could feel a toll weighing down on himself as he released a shrug of exasperation.

“I know, Selina. I just wan—” It was at that moment, the back doors to the van opened, letting daylight flood the interior. Bucky winced slightly before his eyes quickly became acclimated to the change in brightness and the sight of Steve standing expectantly in front of them.

“We’re here. You guys ready?” The blonde asked glancing between his best friend and the bovine, still showing no hint of oddity despite the situation. Bucky wasn’t sure how annoyed Selina felt at that, but he couldn’t help but feel grateful to his friend’s sense of timing.

“To stretch my legs? Yeah.” Bucky shrugs, climbing out of the van until his feet settle onto a small grabble path that led to a driveway up ahead. The skies were gray and the land was clear. A meter ahead, stood the incredible gothic-Victorian architecture that was Wayne Manor. It was a place he’d never been too but had been curious after hearing Selina’s stories about it. “Ready, darlin’?” He asked her hopefully.

"Yeah, don't expect me to give you, soldier boys, a tour…" Selina gritted her teeth, snarkily, conveying her incensed resolve to advance towards the heart of the Wayne family estate, the vast-bucolic landscape was coated with fresh morning snow. Poking her large head out behind a door, her dark bronze irises intently drifted to marble stone steps of the front entrance, a phantom chill invasively penetrated through her layers of thickened mahogany fur. She grimaced against the vacancy of inviting warmth–even when she brazenly infiltrated at the Harvey Dent Day celebration, practically guised in the charade of a gawky maid with a semblance of delicate grace; each level was haunted by apparitions remorseless-irreversible grief that was spawned when Thomas and Martha Wayne had been gun down in Crime Alley. Gotham was a never-ending hell-pit of morbid strife and bloodshed.

The refined-wellborn mansion itself was like an abandoned gravestone, cold and etched with unrest memories-a desolate sanctuary for those who salvaged their redemption. Against the adhesion of concussive heartache, Selina harnessed a resurge of steeled momentum and swiftly eased her massive weight off the van's carpeted floor, spreading her broaden legs out as she boldly challenged the limits of testable gravity cementing down the hefty expanse of her fattening body.

Composing a terse breath, vexatiously, Selina braced herself against the feverish rush, before rearing her bulging girth up, trying not to focus on the revulsive, heated pressure of her swelled utter while she dragged her frontal hooves in sluggish unison, reaching for Bucky's unshakeable metallic hand waiting to anchor her out, Bucky had was being unfailingly charming and ever constant with his genuine devotion, gleams of dawn’s light flitted through his lenghy, unkempt chestnut tresses as boyish softness crossed over the hardened planes of his stubbled, knife-edged features, making the striking depth of his steel-blue ireses alight with glacial intensity of a winter tempest over a becalm ocean; she craved to see the lethal menace of the beast machine split his pupils like lightning. Bucky was still fashionably garbed in his ripped Armani suit. The full arch of his shapely lips slanted into a downhearted smile. The soul-crushing weight of an impending reality of their love being induced by the beset curse was suffocatingly torturous for both of them. "This is going to be so much fun..." she played out with a derisive snort, frosted with contempt.

“Hopefully things will stay quiet till we sort this all out,” Bucky shrugged while absently rubbing the back of Selina’s neck to reassure her. He was instantly aware of her pinned gaze looking at him as if to say, “when have we ever been that lucky?” He smiled tightly at that and couldn’t help but wonder the same. They were anything but lucky to elude danger even when it seemed they were surrounded by a heightened state-of-security. His narrowed blue eyes scoped the exterior of the manner, mentally mapping its layout into his tactical mind for any points entry as well as exits in the event of an assault. Not an easy observation from the looks of it, the manor seemed to have well over a dozen rooms on the first floor alone.

“You two stay here, I’m gonna see who’s home.” Steve cautioned before making his way up the drive-way and towards the path leading to the steps of the manor house. Bucky instantly regretted him leaving as the tension he felt in the van moments ago returned swiftly as he and Selina were left to a gloomy silence. The weight of their conversation hung on their shoulders and for a moment, neither of them said anything in hopes of not returning to it so quickly. Instead, Bucky’s thoughts turned towards the house and its surprisingly unmentioned owner.

“Is…” He bit his tongue with uncertainty, knowing that it was a delicate subject for Selina as was most of her connected past to Gotham. She and Bruce Wayne had a complicated history and relationship that withered before it could actually flourish into something meaningful. Though Bucky had never met the man, he wasn’t sure how he would take to their presence here, and seeing Selina in the state she was now in. When it became evident Selina noticed his hesitation, he decided to be direct and ask. “Do you think Wayne will have a problem with us here? When’s the last time you saw him?”

"I'm not really sure, last time I saw, Gotham’ down and broke billionaire was in Florence and it's wasn't thrilling as I wanted it to be...We both came from shades of darkness, but he didn't want to play the game of shadow play anymore...Besides he didn't like girls having guns around... To make it simple, Wayne wasn't a very dance partner to engage a dance with...Unlike this charming Brooklyn boy, I know who can really kill it on the floor."

"You can sure make a guy feel special, darlin'." Bucky smirked at her choice of words. Though he was genuinely touched by her words, a shrivel of unease lingered inside of him as he considered the prospect of coming face-to-face with one of Selina's exes. He didn't know Bruce Wayne, nor had he heard much about him save for tidbits of information collected from his conversations with Selina and the various news articles he'd glanced through. He was presumed dead and his estate was passed onto his guardian and caretaker but even that was a lie according to Selina. Bucky had always sensed there was more to the man than what the world knew, but he never questioned it. Perhaps now he might get some answers. As Steve stood in front of the lavish double-doors to the immaculate estate, he mentally prepared himself for the rather incredulous story he'd have to regale whoever answered. A calloused thumb pressed against the doorbell and listened to the gentle chiming inside that reminded him of an old tea-shop he once visited during his time abroad. He waited patiently for a moment, wondering just like Bucky, what kind of man he'd be dealing with given Kyle had been short on the details. Just when he considered ringing the bell again, he paused at the sound of the lock unlatching and the door opening. To his surprise he was met by an old man who looked aristocratic and proper as if he had opened this door a thousand times and never missed a step in his routine. Kind yet curious gray eyes settled onto him with a pale light that spoke of untold worry and grief but also an unshakable strength that wouldn't yield to despair. A strange feeling enveloped Steve as he stared at the old man, speechless yet deep in thought as if he knew him from somewhere. "Uh. Hello," he began good-naturedly.

0 notes

universalessays-blog · 8 years ago

Text

Peace Projects Research Paper has been published on http://research.universalessays.com/history-research-paper/social-history-research-paper/peace-projects-research-paper/

New Post has been published on http://research.universalessays.com/history-research-paper/social-history-research-paper/peace-projects-research-paper/

Peace Projects Research Paper

This sample Peace Projects Research Paper is published for educational and informational purposes only. Like other free research paper examples it is not a custom research paper. If you need help with writing your assignment, please use research paper writing services and buy a research paper on any topic.

Abstract

The goal of a peace project is to establish among states the procedures necessary to settle disputes, and thus to avoid war. Most peace projects take the basic elements that govern civil societies to the interstate level. An analogy between domestic and international frameworks show that the tools used to pacify societies—rule of law, courts, sanctions—may well be applied to interstate relations, and thus be used to pacify the world.

Outline

Introduction

From the Middle Ages to the Dawn of the Modern State

Peace Among Sovereign States

The Kantian Approach to Perpetual Peace

Peace, Progress, and Interdependence

Dream of Perpetual Peace in the Contemporary World

Bibliography

Introduction

In the depths of World War II, Edith Wynner and Georgia Lloyd published Searchlight on Peace Plans, in which they intended to provide insights into peace in a time of suffering and grief. The book summarized the main peace projects and world order proposals drawn up in the Western world since ancient Egypt. Between the fourteenth and the mid-twentieth centuries alone, more than 125 plans have been sketched. Besides many anonymous and obscure authors, some historic figures stand out, such as Dante Alighieri, William Penn, Jeremy Bentham, Immanuel Kant, and Thomas Paine. Well-known and unknown authors all share the same dream of doing away with war.

Peace projects inherently pertain to relations among states, whether these are kingdoms, nations, or modern states. The goal is to obviate war by establishing a set of procedures for the peaceful settlement of disputes. Unlike utopian schemes, peace projects aim at neither changing human nature nor eliminating violence between individuals. However, most peace projects transpose the basic elements that govern civil societies to the interstate level. A very common analogy between domestic and international structures tends to show that the tools used to pacify societies—rule of law, courts, sanctions—may well be applied to interstate relations, and thus used to pacify the world.

Peace projects are most frequent during and after wars, and even more after particularly destructive conflicts, as F. H. Hinsley, an historian specializing in international relations, observed. They also appear during political turmoil, when entities compete for supremacy. In fact, as one goes through seven centuries of peace projects, one finds that the idea of lasting peace is often tied in with a particular political order. Projects refer as much to the promotion of an order through which peace would be accomplished as to actually fulfilling the dream of a warless world. As the next examples show, what first appears as a scheme for the achievement of a universal aspiration often conceals a particular ideology and specific interests.

From the Middle Ages to the Dawn of the Modern State

The struggle between the papacy and the Holy Roman Empire dominated medieval political thinking. Peace projects reflected this tension. Was the pope a spiritual guide or did his power outshine the emperor’s? Both Pierre Dubois (c. 1255–c. 1312) and Dante Alighieri (1265–1321), each of whom wrote a peace project at the beginning of the fourteenth century, took sides against the bishop of Rome. Dante, in De Monarchia (1310), favored the emperor. In his hierarchical view of the world, the prince above all princes—the “Monarch”—was the only one capable of bringing peace to Christendom. In the same way the ancient Roman Empire gave the world the Pax Romana, imperial domination that would bring lasting peace.

Dubois, who wrote under the patronage of the French king Philip IV, adopted a more innovative stance. His work De Recuperatione Terrae Sanctae (1305) focused on the Christian crusade to recover the Holy Land. To meet this goal, Dubois claimed that European kings should stop quarreling and renounce warring against each other. Unlike Dante, he opposed the imperial solution on the grounds that Christendom consisted of too many men and too many cultures scattered over too large a territory. Dubois then put forward a new kind of union: a council formed by the sovereigns of Europe that would act as a court of arbitration. Members who refused to submit a dispute or to obey the court’s decisions would then face sanctions, from excommunication to economic and military actions. The pope, in charge of pronouncing the culprit excluded from the Christian community, was left with a moral power. The king of France, on the other hand, would assume the council leadership by executing the sanctions.

Dubois’s scheme was obviously designed to enable Philip IV to encroach upon the powers of the pope and his fellow kings. Peace was at best the second of Dubois’s concerns. Nevertheless, this fourteenth-century plan contained the basic elements of virtually all further peace projects: the formation of a council or a union of independent entities, a set of procedures for settling disputes, and a coercive device.

Dubois’s project fell into oblivion for three hundred years. During that period, the papal dream of temporal power vanished, as did the imperial one of a united Christendom, despite a last attempt in the sixteenth century by Emperor Charles V to revive it. As a reaction to this last imperial endeavor, the European nation-states emerged. Dubois’s text was republished in 1611: his project of a council of sovereign European states, anachronistic in 1310, was now conceivable.

Peace Among Sovereign States

The rise of the modern state system during the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries resulted in a new doctrine, the balance of power. Although based on equipoise, the system saw states continuously struggling to alter the balance for their own benefit. Competition for glory or for economic or territorial superiority—the New World had just been discovered—was an added source of tension. War was an extreme yet lawful means of conducting relations among rival states. Conflicts increased accordingly and, as a byproduct, fostered thoughts on peace. But philosophers were aware that calls for Christian universal brotherhood would fall on deaf ears. They had to follow in Dubois’s footsteps and sketch plans for independent nations to voluntarily join a partnership for the common good. Thus, the peace projects of the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries—Emeric Cruce’s Nouveau Cynee, Sully’s Grand Design, the Abbe de Saint-Pierre’s Project to Bring Perpetual Peace in Europe, William Penn’s Essay towards the Present and Future Peace of Europe—are all variations on the same idea. Penn’s and Saint-Pierre’s projects are especially representative of this period. They are, as well, exceptions to the previous assertion that peace plans generally promote specific interests, although they are certainly Eurocentric.

In his 1693 Essay, Penn (1644–1718) suggested the creation of a European parliament, which would meet periodically and whose task would be to settle disputes by arbitration and punish aggressive behavior. National representatives would be sent to the “Diet” (the assembly) in proportion to each nation’s power, revenues, exports, and imports. But in return, according to Penn, the member nations would have to abandon the key attribute of national sovereignty—unanimity of decision—within the assembly by accepting a three-fourths majority vote. A nation could thus be compelled to act according to the will of others.

The project proposed by Saint-Pierre (1648–1743), first published in 1712, is based on two observations: firstly, that peace could not be achieved as long as Europe lacked a treaty-enforcing mechanism, and secondly, that the balance of power was a continuous threat to peace. To settle these problems, he suggested the creation of a “grand alliance,” supported by international armed forces. Saint-Pierre, unlike Penn, proposed an equal representation of the twenty-four European states.

For many years, Saint-Pierre sent improved versions of his plan to European sovereigns in the hope that they would realize how they would benefit from organized international relations, adding to his own text objections and counterobjections to overcome any criticism. Like Penn, Saint-Pierre trusted that the European rulers would assess the economic advantages of a peaceful order. But in the 1729 edition of his treaty, the Abbe confessed he had underestimated the essential concern of European leaders, that is, to keep their freedom of action, or what they called their national sovereignty. However much he claimed that preserving the members’ independence against an aggressor was precisely the aim of a union, no one seriously considered it. Saint-Pierre incurred several pungent comments from his contemporaries. Voltaire (1694–1778) scoffed at this “Saint-Pierre of Utopia” who was naive enough to believe that princes, in the name of peace, would abandon precisely that power which defines them. National sovereignty was the stumbling block of peace projects.

The Kantian Approach to Perpetual Peace

Immanuel Kant (1724–1804) was the first to address the inescapable fact of national sovereignty. His Thoughts on Perpetual Peace (1795) is the most quoted and influential text on peace. Surprisingly, however, it pertains to the idea of lasting peace and not its fulfillment, as Kant’s vision of perpetual peace is one of an asymptotic quest: humanity will indefinitely tend toward it.

Kant believed that self-interest was the driving force of mankind. He believed as well that, as much as war is inherent to human life, the interest of men lay in submission to the moral law of peace. While men perpetually seek to impose their law upon others, they also fear that a law will arbitrarily be imposed upon them. Their only hope of breaking that circle of insecurity is therefore to submit to a common law, a “social contract” of international scope, a federation—in other words, to create a free union of nations instead of a supranational entity that would deny them their identity. Kant, however, stressed one prerequisite for the success of any federal scheme. In the “first definitive article for perpetual peace,” he argued that “the civil constitution in each state should be republican” (1983). Thus, a population which is already governed by a social contract based on a constitution and on the separation of powers is likely to accept its international counterpart. By linking peace and a republican regime—or democracy—this requirement became the cornerstone of the liberal and modern approach to peace.

Kant expressed his views on peace and federalism while the former American colonies were experiencing the first large-scale federal structure. As for Europe, ruled by balance of power, it was sinking into a twenty-year war as a result of the French Revolution and Napoleon’s dream of a new imperial domination.

Peace, Progress, and Interdependence

Major conflicts drastically decreased in Europe after Napoleon’s abdication in 1815, but a quarter of a century of turmoil had greatly stimulated ideas on peace. Peace groups and peace plans flourished in the nineteenth century. The impetus was provided by Quakers who formed the first peace society in 1816. The goals of these various groups were religious—applying Christian principles to national and international relations—as well as humanistic. Inspired by the Enlightenment, they sought to rationalize interstate dealings. As the belief in continuous human progress grew stronger as a consequence of industrial and scientific development, perpetual peace represented the ultimate culmination of civilization. In the modern world, peace activists believed, war would inexorably become obsolete, and many signs supported this.

Firstly, the “European concert,” even though designed to suppress national emancipation and liberal reforms, showed that leaders could meet during times of tension and find a common solution to European problems. Secondly, the international expansion of trade and commerce made clear the growing interdependence of nations; it seemed as if sovereignty would soon fall into obsolescence. Also, newly founded nongovernmental organizations like the telegraphic and postal unions showed that nations could work together and adopt common rules for the benefit of all. Finally, the popularity of the federal idea in the United States, Switzerland (1848), Canada (1867), and Germany (1871) validated Kant’s prediction that a federation of states (a Volkerbund) was a practicable solution, as the first discussion on the “United States of Europe” was held at the 1849 Paris International Peace Congress.

Despite nationalism and armaments, which both grew disproportionately at the end of the century, the belief was strong among peace activists that war would eventually disappear with the help of reason, science, cooperation, and international law supported by arbitration and conciliation. The Great War came as a shock.

Dream of Perpetual Peace in the Contemporary World

Between 1914 and 1918, many peace groups and individuals still produced peace projects, mostly recapping the propositions of the previous schemes (such as a federation of nations, parliament of mankind, international council, and executive force). For their authors, the conflagration made even more obvious the anarchy of the international system and the necessity of rebuilding it on the rule of law. Furthermore, the idea of an international organization for the purpose of preserving peace appeared in political discourse. The pledge by President Woodrow Wilson (1856–1924) to work for a league of peace and his call for the expansion of democracy filled peace activists with enthusiasm. Peace projects were no longer purely speculative.

The League of Nations, founded in 1919, tentatively tried to regulate international relations. Carefully designed not to infringe upon its members’ sovereignty, its influence, which was solely moral, rapidly faded. As years went by, peace advocates understood that the process of global integration could not come out of such a political structure. The emphasis had to be put on education, cooperation, and the creation of an internationalist state of mind. After World War II, the dream of a peaceful international community continued via the United Nations but, like its predecessor, the U.N. was devised by the victorious countries to reflect the new geopolitical order. Its influence depended on the will of its sovereign constituents.

Kant’s reflections on peace still echo today. Two centuries ago, the philosopher warned us against the panacea of a universal structure superseding states. Today, a world federation is still very much premature and universal peace projects are no longer topical. However, the ongoing and peaceful integration of European nations shows that the federal project first discussed in 1849 was not utterly unrealistic. Kant’s call for the extension of the democratic principle and for cosmopolitanism—the international state of mind—may well represent the best hope for peace.

Bibliography:

Armstrong, D. (1982). The rise of international organization: A short history. Houndmills, U.K.: Macmillan.

Aron, R. (2003). Peace and war: A theory of international relations. New Brunswick, NJ: Transaction Publishers.

Hemleben, S. J. (1943). Plans for world peace through six centuries. Chicago: University of Chicago Press.

Howard, M. (2000). The invention of peace: Reflections on war and international order. New Haven, CT: Yale University Press.

Kant, I. (1983). Perpetual peace, and other essays on politics, history, and morals (T. Humphrey, Trans.). Indianapolis, IN: Hackett Publishing Company.

United Nations. (1996). The League of Nations, 1920–1946: Organization and accomplishments: A retrospective of the first organization for the establishment of world peace. New York: United Nations.