#this is that which is mine: unit-01

[dedederedeconstructivist]

Mountains… Heavy are the mountains.

Yet that changes, with the passage of time.

Sky… Blue sky. What your eyes can’t see. What your eyes can see.

The Sun… One. Only one.

Water… It is agreeable.

Commander Ikari?

Flowers… So many of the same. So many without purpose.

Sky… Sky of red. Red the colour. The colour I hate.

The liquid flows. It drips, ripples, and pours.

Blood… The scent of blood. A woman who does not bleed.

From the Red Soil the humans come. Humans made by man and woman.

City… A human creation.

Eva… a human creation as well.

What are humans? Are they creations of god?

Humans are that which is created by humans.

This is that which is mine: my life, my heart, I am a vessel for my thoughts.

The entry plug… The throne of the soul.

Who is this? This is me?

Who am I? What am I? What am I? What am I? What am I? What am I? What am I?

I am I./I am myself.

This object that is is myself. That which forms is me. This is the self that can be seen, and yet this is not like that which is myself.

A strange feeling. My body feels as if it is melting. I can no longer see myself. My form, my shape, fades from view.

Awareness dawns of someone who is not me. Who is here? Beyond me here?

Shinji?

This person – I know. Major Katsuragi. Dr. Akagi. People. My classmates. The pilot of Unit 02.

Commander Ikari?

Who are you? Who are you? Who are you?

[transformers-future-au]

CYBERTRONIAN CULTURE AND GEOGRAPHY: an overview (01)

CULTURE - gender, arts & fashion

Cybertronian culture has many aspects to it that are rather fluid. The ideas of gender, race, religion and expression are very dynamic for them when compared to organic species but are made rigid only due to their current governing authority. The culture varies from colony to colony but there are many common uniting ideas.

One such is the idea of gender. Now, according to canon, mech is actually a gender-neutral term but it has been used as a masculine equivalent while a fanon term ‘femme’ exists for feminine. But these terms would not be sufficient to explain the elaborate idea of gender expression amongst the transformer kind. The idea of gender is a new one that emerged during the time of Nova Prime but it was one that most bots didn’t mind and actually thought was kind of cool. Until then, they sort of just existed in whatever they looked like. Cybertronians have their frames created randomly due to which the ratio of feminine looking and masculine appearing bots are near equal. But the idea of categorization and labels made it easier for bots to identify. There exists a spectrum of gender expression and the word bot is often used as a general term for Cybertronians. Until the Autobot-Decepticon war where the word ‘Bot’ was claimed by the Autobots, a term ‘mecha’ was introduced.

Moving on to solely Cybertron.

The planet is very diverse with different cities that have their own accents, styles, celebrations, fashion and lingo. The city of Iacon is the capital and hence considered the more refined out of the rest of Cybertron. The upper north of Cybertron is mainly filled with technologically advanced megacities that most of the upper class of Cybertron lives in. Cities like Iacon, Vos and Harmonex are located there. Meanwhile, down south, there exist industrial cities with mines, refineries and factories where the lower classes toil in for energon scraps. This is just a general overview. This does not imply that Iacon doesn’t have a population of lower-caste bots. They do. Iacon and Vos have docks that are staffed with dock-workers and delivery bots. After all, the grandeur of the upper class mecha are brought to life through the sufferings of the lower classes. However, most of these lower class bots in the fancy cities usually dwell in its outskirts.

These radically different living conditions produce radically different cultures amongst the different classes. The upper castes of Cybertron have easy access to the arts. Various theatres where plays are held along with massive stages for musicians to perform are all across Northern Cybertron, especially Harmonex which is somewhat of the cultural capital of Cybertron.

The lower castes have no easy access to any of the old traditional works that their predecessors have left for them so they resort to making their own art, their creativity is likited by means. Many contemporary art forms and new styles of literature exist among dock workers, manual labourers, service bots and miners— each with their own take and personality to it. Music is often sung in unison as the dock workers of Iacon load and unload cargo or the factory workers of Kaon hit their hammers against metal in a rhythmic pace. They have no other pleasantries in life. Workers use their equipment and bang on various surfaces with different densities, creating sounds akin to that of drums— music is often made this way. In the glassmaking factories, they use glass to make different tunes and pitches.

But many of the lower class aren’t built-in with language chips, especially after The Senate began mass producing mecha. There’s only so much metal to make chips and modules so an unfortunate consequence is that most are illiterate in the lowest castes, especially in the miner class (this is an important thing to note). Mostly the older models have better skills in things other than just mining.

This takes us to a different form of self-expression other than literature and music— fashion. Fashion amongst Cybertronians and most mechanical species revolves mainly around plating types, paints and accessories. Most of the lower-class mecha can’t afford the fancy accessories and paints but despite this, they make an effort to look good through servo-made accessories to hook on or stick on to their frame. Some use cheap dye to make their optics have different colours. Paints are usually stolen.

Meanwhile, the higher classes of bots go over the top with their sense of style. Fancy high tensile metal fibre mended into regal capes, plating with different textures that are coated in a variety of paints to make it really pop, accents and bioluminescent paints or dangling accessories to attack to their helm pieces; Cybertronians can be quite creative when it comes to modifying their frames fashionably, each revolving around individualistic style. There also exists plating textures where plating of a bot is made to look designer with different texture add ons, creating a new sensation when touched.

There are some unconventional styles in the realm of Cybertronian fashion that involve things like paints on their faceplates, it is a large part of Camien culture and religion though. Some are inspired from the sense of style in the colony worlds or foreign cultures, though it isn’t exactly encouraged and is generally looked down upon. Main-stream trends change depending on the cities.

Not to mention, different frame-classes often have different ways of accessorising due to the nature of their frame types and even different cultures.

However, most of Cybertron's rich fashion culture was wiped away when the war started. It was deemed to be impractical and as a show-off. It's one of Cybertron's many lost cultural aspects. However, remnants of this sense of style remain alive in colonies like Caminus and Eukaris.

2. GEOGRAPHY - cities -> part 1

The major cities of Cybertron include: Iacon, Harmonex, Kaon, Petrex, Tarn, Vos, Helex, Tesarus, Tetrahex, Praxus, Stanix, Polyhex, Nyon, Darkmount and Straxus. They are divided into North and South as stated before— Northern cities being mainly places of culture and scientific advancements and the cities down South being industrial factories that fuels and powers the scientific progress of Cybertron.

Northern cities include: Iacon, Harmonex, Polyhex, Stanix, Tetrahex, Vos, Petrex and Praxus.

Southern cities include: Tarn, Kaon, Helex, Straxus, Darkmount, Nyon and Tesarus.

Nyon lies in between the lines of North and South but is considered mainly an industrial city.

Each city is unique in its own right.

Iacon is the capital city, a cradle of scientific progress. It was once called Cyber City, a long, long time ago before the Primes. Iacon is the oldest city and where most of Cybertron’s politically and religiously important structures stand— such as the Senate building, the Primal Basillica and so on.

Vos is one of the most unique. Majority of its inhabitants are Seeker class warriors with the advantage of flight. This unique flight frame was developed because of the nature of Vossian terrain, high cliffs and steep mountains that go deep into chasms.

Darkmount is a military base, ground-based warrior frames set up their barracks. It was thriving during Nova’s conquests— docks and markets thriving with soldiers returning from their slaughter up in the stars. But after the era of conquest fell, it reverted to being nothing more than a military headquarters.

Kaon is the city of factories, it's the closest to Darkmount and during Nova’s expansion, it produced tons of weapons and ammunitions to Darkmount. It remains as the weapons production capitol of Cybertron.

Tarn is primarily energon rich lands filled with mines. Most of its inhabitants are usually miners or low ranking military foot-soldiers. Tarn is, in a way, the metaphorical spark of Cybertron— majority of the planet's fuel originates from this area.

There exist minor settlements and towns like Yuss or Kalis but they are often overlooked and are left unchecked. However, during the Autobot-Decepticon Civil War, they served as vital strategic points for supply lines. Most of the village and rural life on Cybertron was turned extinct by the war. Bots began moving to larger cities in mass for better protection and opportunities.

[atlaslego]

A new beginning: Lego Mech Type Olympus-01

I think I put out enough trailers for this new style mech I am building😂😂😂.

Usually the first one of the new styles won’t make it to the post first. In this case, Olympus-01 came out before my very first new idea, Olympus-00.

Apparently, the most obvious change is how the torso connected. I did not use ball joints this time as I think by doing this new version, the mech looks more, well, mechanically coherent since there is no obvious gap between upper and lower body.

The leg attachment system has changed as I required new pieces. I adopted new feet ankle construction from 「DSK3」 on X, which is a very smart design as it has a better stability than mine for Astro Units. New ideas are used on the knees for the new leg design.

Coming up to arms, it is a combination of what I used for Type Atlas and Type Axiom. However, as the shoulder joints are changed, this style is actually has the best mobility out of all while hiding all the joints.

The least changed is actually cockpit. I have not found a completely new way to make it, so I kept using the modified version of my previous cockpit since the principal is pretty universal for my aesthetics anyway.

I also made some new weaponry for Olympus-01 along with the attachment mechanics to the mech. There would be one or two reels coming up to show you the mobility of the mech. So stay tuned.

P.S. I would love to hear your opinions as I am not very good at making my mechs look cooler than they should be due to my below average camera skills 😅😅😅. I shot two sets of pictures for Olympus-01. The abandoned version is a fairly standard single angle shots. I did not click with them, so I tried these ones. What are your thoughts?

Greatly appreciate you guys share the posts if you think more people deserve to enjoy this.

[aimeedaisies]

The Princess Royal’s Official Engagements in May 2025

01/05 As Patron of the United Kingdom Antarctic Heritage Trust, visited a virtual reality Antarctic Experience at Gilbert White’s House and Gardens in Selborne. 🇦🇶

As Patron of the Royal College of Midwives, attended the Annual Conference at the International Convention Centre in Birmingham. 🤰🍼

02/05 Attended HMS Raleigh’s Phase One Training Passing Out Parade at Trevol Road in Torpoint. 🫡

05/05 With Sir Tim Alongside other members of the royal family, attended a Military Parade from the Queen Victoria Memorial in front of Buckingham Palace to commemorate the Eightieth Anniversary of VE-Day a VJ-Day. ✈️⚓️🪖

With Sir Tim Witnessed a fly-past by aircraft of the Royal Air Force, led by Air Commodore Christopher Layden, to mark the Eightieth Anniversary of VE-Day a VJ-Day. 🛩️

With Sir Tim Held a Reception at Buckingham Palace for veterans of the Second World War, at which other Members of the Royal Family were present. ☕️🍰

06/05 As Patron of the National Coastwatch Institution, visited St Ives Station and afterwards attended a reception at Tregenna Castle in St Ives. 🔭

Visited South Crofty Tin Mine in Pool, Cornwall. ⛏️

Visited Cockwells Modern and Classic Boatbuilding Limited at South West Shipyard, Ponsharden, Falmouth, Cornwall. 🛶🏗️

Gave an Afternoon Party in the garden of Buckingham Palace. ☕️🧁

07/05 As Patron of Force Atlantic 2024, visited the Transatlantic Rowing Team at Royal Military Academy Sandhurst. 🚣‍♀️

As Patron of the United Kingdom Sailing Academy, attended a Founders’ Club Luncheon at Fortnum and Mason in London. ⛵️🥪

As President of RedR UK, attended a Reception at Arup in London. 🥂

08/05 With Sir Tim Attended a Service of Thanksgiving in Westminster Abbey to mark the Eightieth Anniversary of VE Day. ⛪️🌹

Afterwards laid flowers at the Innocent Victims’ Memorial outside the Great West Door. 💐

09/05 Accompanied by Sir Tim Laurence, Princess Anne visited Guernsey for the 80th Anniversary of the liberation of the Bailiwick and attended the following;

Attended a Parade at the North Esplanade in St Peter Port. 🇬🇬

Attended a Service at the Town Church in St Peter Port. ⛪️

Visited the Occupation to Liberation photography exhibition at George Crossan Gallery, Market Street, St Peter Port. 🖼️

Visited the St Peter Port parish celebrations and opened the Visitors’ Centre at Market Square, St Peter Port. 🎉

Visited St Pierre du Bois parish celebrations at Route des Sablons, St Pierre du Bois. 🎊

Visited Festung Guernsey at Batterie Mirus, Rue de l’Arquet, St Saviour. 🪖

Attended a Dinner at Les Cotils, l’Hyvreuse, St Peter Port. 🍽️

10/05 Accompanied by Sir Tim Laurence, Princess Anne visited Sark for the 80th Anniversary of the liberation of the island and attended the following;

Met Little Sark residents at Duval Farm. 🤝👩‍🌾

Walked the East Coast Path a received a briefing on Operation Basalt an Operation Hardtack from the Royal British Legion. 🚶

Visited la Société Sercquaise, Mill Lane. 📜

Visited the Sark celebrations at the Avenue. 🇨🇶🍾

Visited the World War II exhibition at Old Isla Hall, Rue de la Seigneurie. 🖼️

Visited the Sark Observatory, Chasse-Marais. 🔭

12/05 Alongside The King, presented new Union Standards to the Household Cavalry at Windsor Castle. 🚩

Attended a Reception for veterans, Service personnel a Regimental families in the Home Park. 🥂

As President of the Riding for the Disabled Association, attended the South Buckinghamshire Group’s Sixtieth Anniversary Celebration. 🐎🎂

As President of the UK Fashion and Textile Association, visited Luxury Lockstitch UK Limited in Maidenhead. 🧵👕

13/05 As President of the Riding for the Disabled Association, visited Forde Abbey Carriage Driving Group. 🐎

As President of the Royal Yachting Association, visited East Dorset Sailing Club to mark its 150th Anniversary. ⛵️

As Patron of the National Association of Citizens Advice Bureaux, later visited East Dorset and Purbeck Citizens Advice Bureau at the Mobile Advice Bus. 📚🚌⚖️

14/05 As Deputy Colonel-in-Chief of The Royal Regiment of Scotland, visited 4th Battalion at Bourlon Barracks in Catterick Garrison, North Yorkshire. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🪖

As President of The Duke of Edinburgh’s Commonwealth Study Conferences, attended a Meeting. 💼

Unofficial Sir Tim, as Chair of the Board of Trustees of the Science Museum, attended the Directors Annual Dinner and presented awards. 🍽️🧬🏆

15/05 Visited the Cathedral Youth Club in Londonderry. ⛪️

Attended a Reception at the Ebrington Hotel to commemorate the Eightieth Anniversary of the Battle of the Atlantic. 🥂🍾

Visited the Clinical Translational Research and Innovation Centre at the Altnagelvin Hospital Campus in Londonderry. 🧬

16/05 As President of the Devon County Show, visited the Show at Westpoint, Clyst St Mary, near Exeter. 🐑🐄🐖🐓🧑‍🌾

28/05 Visited MS QUEEN ANNE at Liverpool Cruise Terminal to mark Cunard’s 185th Anniversary. 🚢🥂

As Patron of the Royal College of Emergency Medicine, visited Royal Liverpool University Hospital. ❤️‍🩹

As President of the Riding for the Disabled Association, visited Crosby Riding for the Disabled Group in Little Crosby, Liverpool, to mark its 50th Anniversary. 🐎🎂

29/05 Unofficial Departed from Heathrow Airport, London, for Barbados and was received upon arrival at Grantley Adams International Airport by the British High Commissioner to Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean (His Excellency Mr Simon Mustard). 🇬🇧✈️🇧🇧

Called upon The President of Barbados. 👨‍⚖️🇧🇧

As President of The Duke of Edinburgh’s Commonwealth Study Conferences, attended a Board Dinner at Champers Restaurant in Bridgetown, Christ Church. 🌍🍽️

30/05 As President of The Duke of Edinburgh’s Commonwealth Study Conferences, attended the Closing Plenary of the Caribbean-Canada Leaders Dialogue 2025 at Hilton Resort Barbados in Saint Michael, Barbados. 💼

Attended The King’s Birthday Party Reception given by the British High Commissioner to Barbados (Mr Simon Mustard) at the Residence in Bridgetown. 🥂

31/05 As President of The Duke of Edinburgh’s Commonwealth Study Conferences, attended the Closing Plenary of the Caribbean-Canada Leaders Dialogue 2025 at Hilton Resort Barbados. 💼

As President of The Duke of Edinburgh’s Commonwealth Study Conferences, attended the Closing Plenary Reception and Dinner at Hilton Resort Barbados. 🍾

Total official engagements for Anne in May: 50

2025 total: 199

Total official engagements accompanied/represented by Tim in May: 17

2025 total: 34

[honourablejester]

A Space-Themed Trinkets List for TTRPGs

Exactly what it says on the tin. Roll a d100 or choose from the following list of space-themed trinkets for your character to have with them:

01-02. A tattoo showing the galactic coordinates of your homeworld.

03-04. A sheared metal bolt from a spacewalk tether mounting unit.

05-06. A frayed cloth patch torn from your old uniform when you left.

07-08. A small display case containing soil samples from every planet you’ve visited.

09-10. The last vacuum-sealed bar of a discontinued line of rations that you’re keeping as half collector’s item and half item of last resort.

11-12. A small holo-unit that projects an image of your parents.

13-14. A poster showing a luxurious pleasure resort that you’ve never had the money to visit.

15-16. A small chip of a reddish mineral that glows in the dark that you have no idea of the origins of.

17-18. A small holo-unit that you bought in a junkshop near the spaceport and that purports to show a partially-corrupted map to a hollowed-out treasure asteroid.

19-20. A portable lamp that mimics the sunlight and day cycle of your homeworld.

21-22. A chunk of rock from the first asteroid you helped mine.

23-24. A metal box containing a horrific lump of congealed engineering fluids that you found on an inspection and are keeping partly as an example but mostly out of curiosity.

25-26. A strange metal object bearing a weird greenish symbol on one surface that you found on an otherwise completely uninhabited asteroid.

27-28. The smashed remnants of a medical scanner from your first, ill-fated mission.

29-30. A collection of tiny bottles of the weirdest alcohols you could find on various worlds you’ve visited.

31-32. A picture of you and your old crew in a protective sleeve.

33-34. A bio-locked address book containing the contact details of friendly faces in the various spaceports you frequent.

35-36. A holo-unit showing a person you don’t know that you salvaged from the personal quarters of a derelict ship.

37-38. An electronic portable library of choice reading material to keep you company on long hauls.

39-40. A really cool jacket that you bought with your first pay check and like to wear for shore leave.

41-42. An ‘emergency depressurisation kit’ that consists of a grappling hook and a canister of ‘sprayable oxygenated face mask’ that you bought from a shady guy at a spaceport and have no idea if they’re functional or not.

43-44. A medical pass granting you permission to leave the quarantine zone around your homeworld.

45-46. A disabled distress beacon from your escape pod fifteen years ago.

47-48. An inert and cracked AI core module that you really weren’t supposed to have taken from that derelict ship.

49-50. A ‘lucky coin’ you won in a game on leave that your opponent seemed weirdly upset to lose.

51-52. Your grandmother’s lucky bone-handled knife from when she used to be part of the distant exploration corps. She never told you what type of bone it was.

53-54. Your trusty environmental scanner that is four models out of date but has never failed you yet.

55-56. A tiny metal disc that a weird guy once paid you for a job with, which if pressed to your skin somehow perfectly regulates the temperature of the air in your vicinity to your preferences by no visible means. It works on every planet with an atmosphere that you’ve been on so far.

57-58. A beautifully carved spice chest containing spices from your homeworld, for when you’re feeling homesick. It’s been getting really hard to restock it out here.

59-60. A disabled registration chip from the labour camp that you kept after escaping, even though it would be a really stupid thing to have on you if you’re ever back in that sector of space.

61-62. A tiny bag of glittering micro-crystals from the surface of a moon. Worthless, but so pretty.

63-64. A canister of engineering lubricant that you are literally never without.

65-66. A tattoo of a series of unknown symbols that you and your buddies from your old military unit got after a particularly hellish mission. None of you took any pictures of the lab you found them in, but somehow all of you remembered them perfectly.

67-68. A portable mining lamp your dad ‘borrowed’ when they decommissioned the old colony. The batteries on this thing are incredible, as they haven’t run out nearly 55 years later.

69-70. A seashell from the first time you ever saw an ‘ocean’ after growing up in space.

71-72. A portable personal forcefield that only stops rain, from the first time you experienced ‘weather’ and decided you didn’t like it very much.

73-74. The helmet of a spacesuit that has clearly been partially melted through by some sort of acidic substance and which you refuse to answer questions about.

75-76. An object which you found in a junk bin at a salvage yard and which no one you’ve ever met has been able to identify.

77-78. A single live seed in a viability canister that everyone who leaves your homeworld is given to take with them.

79-80. A religious pamphlet that some nutjob on the hub station gave you. It’s got some seriously weird and somewhat apocalyptic stuff in there, but for some reason you haven’t thrown it away yet.

81-82. A well-read, second-hand copy of ‘Myths of Hyperspace: A Collection of Spacer Tales’ that you bought for funsies and totally don’t believe in, no sir.

83-84. A collection of antique medical equipment that your old captain gave to you, for reasons you aren’t entirely sure of.

85-86. An unlabelled collection of beautiful music recordings you found in a spaceport, and which you’ve been idly trying to identify ever since.

87-88. A dataset of sightings, speculation and other information regarding a mysterious ship that has been seen on and off for the last fifty years by gas miners and illegal racers in the clouds of your gas giant homeworld, and which you’ve been obsessed with since you caught what might have been a glimpse of it yourself.

89-90. A ring gene-locked to your lost partner that will never come off your finger.

91-92. A tiny realistic-looking but robotic animal that was the only type of pet allowed on your company’s spaceships.

93-94. A bottle of extremely heavy-duty and almost definitely expired anti-nausea medication that you kept from your first shuttle ride into space.

95-96. A dog-eared magazine containing a two-page spread of the most beautiful spaceship you’ve ever seen in your life, and which you’ve sworn to yourself that you will one day own.

97-98. A corporate logo of the company that left your colony to die, torn off the side of one of the cheap delivery crates full of useless equipment that they supplied.

99-100. A recording of a garbled and unintelligible transmission one of your old buddies sent you, and which you’ve only kept because they vanished not long afterwards. There’s a weird sound that keeps repeating in the background, but you don’t know what it is.

[thesilliestrovingalive]

Ptolemaic Army Machines

The Terrain Carrier, also known as the Terrain Cruiser, was a battleship designed as a specialised carrier for the Flying Tara Ver. P.M. It served as a prototype for the Rebel Army's Big Shiee, which they repurposed after discovering that the Ptolemaic Army had discontinued the construction and conceptualisation of the war machine shortly after its inevitable destruction during the Arms Deal Barrage. Only one was ever produced, serving as an unfinished prototype, which explained its lack of weaponry. It was designed as a war machine capable of traversing all types of land terrain, crushing just about anything beneath its treads.

The Ptolemaic Army didn't spend much time on its construction and testing. By the time they completed the main components, the Arms Deal Barrage had begun, and they swiftly deployed it to the battlefield, terrorising a town filled with innocent citizens and sending out Flying Taras to carpet bomb the area and set it ablaze. Its discontinuation remains a mystery, but it's believed to have been prohibitively expensive to produce due to its massive size and the occasional malfunction of its turrets, which could accidentally target allied planes during combat. The Terrain Carrier featured eight turrets, four on each side, that could seamlessly alternate between the front and back cannons. It also had long bronze-finished treads and displayed the Ptolemaic Army insignia at the front.

The Tani Oh, also known as the Valley King, was a prototype giant self-propelled artillery tank with a silvery coat designed to blend in with rocky and snowy environments, featuring greenish-grey turrets. Similar to the version used by the Rebel Army for testing purposes in Käthehirt Valley, only one Tani Oh was ever produced. It was discontinued due to its cumbersome controls and high costs.

Like the Rebel Army's Tani Oh, its main weapon is called the Andro Cannon, which covers a large area and fires rapidly. However, unlike the Rebel Army's version, this Andro Cannon can only fire its laser vertically upward. It also possesses special heat-seeking rockets that can be fired in three directions: centre, diagonally left, and diagonally right. Additionally, it has the same capability to launch airborne mines everywhere in the enemy's path.

The Iwa Oh is a modified version of the Rebel Army's Tani Oh, drawing inspiration from the Martians' use of quantum energy. It boasts stronger armour but features a slightly weaker, single-barreled Andro Cannon. It can launch the same airborne mines and utilise quantum energy to create a massive explosion that covers a greater range than that of the Tani Oh. Additionally, it has been modified to serve as mobile living quarters for a small unit of soldiers. The secured, pouch-like containers on both sides of the Iwa Oh provide extra storage for weapons and food for deployed troops and have small, thin windows to allow visibility of the contents inside.

The Ptolemaic Unit #01: Screamer, known as the Wall Crawler, is a mecha specifically designed to climb up any building with ease and demolish them using destructive sonic waves through its Sonic Cannon. It serves as one of Elite Special Forces Commander Zoilo's primary war machines that he prefers to operate during combat. The unit is equipped with an adamant barrier to protect it from non-piercing attacks. When not utilising its acoustic weaponry, it relies on firing explosive electrical shells and slow-moving guided rockets.

The Ptolemaic Unit #04: Metal Rear is a gigantic version of the SV-001 "Metal Slug", designed after the Ptolemaic Army, with the aid of the Amadeus Syndicate and Phantom Strike, stole valuable data from the Regular Army. Despite its massive, towering size, it's capable of moving nimbly and offers far greater stability and durability than the original SV-001. It can crush enemies beneath its enormous treads and instantly destroy any war vehicle smaller than itself by slamming or driving over it. Unlike the SV-001, it can perform a perfect wheelie, operate its Vulcan cannons freely without awkwardly moving to adjust them, and jump higher than a small hill.

The Ptolemaic Slug is the Ptolemaic Army's version of the SV-001, designed to be a mix of piloted and unmanned, which reduces the likelihood of soldier casualties. They obtained the blueprints for the SV-001 by exploiting an unchecked security outlet that the Amadeus Syndicate hacked into, stealing valuable data after learning about it from Phantom Strike double agents. There are two variants of the Ptolemaic Slug: one armed solely with a cannon and the other equipped with Vulcan guns. The Cannon Variant has better jumping ability than the SV-001 due to its lighter chassis, while the Vulcan Variant features a main turret replaced with an eye sensor for improved accuracy.

The Black Hound, codenamed SV-001/III and MS-BH, is a heavily armed unmanned Super Vehicle jointly developed by the Ptolemaic Army, Phantom Strike, and Amadeus Syndicate. A data disc containing top-secret information about the next-generation of SV-001 vehicles was stolen by the Ptolemaic Army due to overlooked security measures that hadn't been strengthened. Utilising this data, they created the experimental "Black Hound", which resembles the original Metal Slug but is painted black with a devilish eye and smile. Designed to function autonomously, it remains very much a prototype, having only undergone field testing during the Ptolemaic Emergence. Unfortunately, it experienced malfunctions under mysterious circumstances, resulting in a rampage that killed everything in sight and designating all living things as enemies.

It possesses the Vulcan guns and main cannon of the SV-001, but also features a rapid-fire mortar on the back alongside the Vulcans. It has a laser gun mounted on a mechanical arm that deploys from and retracts into the entry hatch on the turret. Its armour and agility have also been improved from the original SV-001, making it fairly durable and capable of moving at rapid speeds. Additionally, the range of its cannon appears to have a higher projectile velocity than the original's and can perform jumping shots using the cannon.

The Units are bipedal, mecha-like tanks that were jointly developed by the Phantom Strike and Ptolemaic Army shortly after acquiring illegal funds from the Regular Army and stealing intel on weapons and tank development behind their backs. There are four variants equipped with weapons ranging from miniguns to claws with fold-out cannons. However, despite being built with the most advanced materials available to the Ptolemaics, they can still be destroyed by heavier infantry weapons and vehicle-mounted cannons.

The Gunner Unit is the most common type, attacking from a distance with built-in Vulcan guns and engaging in close combat with punches or stabs using its mechanical claws. It features a hidden missile launcher in the right arm that folds out around the claw to fire. While it possesses a somewhat slow movement speed, it can either fire with both Vulcans while dashing or jump around and fire rapidly at the ground with both arm guns. The Armor Unit is essentially a standard Gunner Unit with additional armour on the head, allowing it to withstand more damage, and it can shoot the same energy projectiles as the Rebel Walker.

The Machine Gun Unit, also known as the MG Unit, is the fastest variant and is armed with a Gatling gun on each arm, firing 3-round bursts from the right arm and utilising a backpack ammo supply similar to that of the Rebel Army Gatling soldier. It features multiple sensor eyes instead of the typical cyclopean eye seen on other Units. The Claw Unit is the heaviest and most well-armoured and mobile variant, but it's equipped with only two large mechanized claws. Most of the time, it attempts to walk up to and punch the enemy, but it's also capable of performing sliding and jump-slam attacks.

The D-001 Tanbal is a bipedal mech and large Unit developed shortly after the Ptolemaic Army formed an alliance with the Pipovulaj, who provided valuable resources and mechanical assistance to create the ultimate mecha-like machine. It features a visible cockpit window reminiscent of the LV Armor and is highly skilled in evasion and counterattacks. Unlike typical Units, it requires great skill to control, prompting the Ptolemaic Army commanders and believers to implement an incredibly difficult exam for potential candidates. The mech has two weapons attached as its arms: the Claw Rocket and the rapid Vulcan cannon. The Claw Rocket can heat up and unleash explosive exhaust upon close contact. It can fly somewhat erratically, and its slamming strength is quite fierce, capable of knocking someone out when enough force is applied.

The Ptolemaic Armored Truck is a vehicle displaying the Ptolemaic Army insignia on both sides of the trailer, designed to transport large military units. The vehicle features a spiked faceplate made from adamant for crushing enemies and providing armoured protection. Additionally, it's equipped with triple cannons on the top that fire arcing, explosive projectiles, offering the drivers much-needed firepower.

The A.P.C., also known as the Special Forces APC, is an armoured transport vehicle exclusively used by the special forces operatives of the Ptolemaic Army's paramilitary forces. It features a concealed cannon on the upper roof that can be raised when activated, allowing it to fire explosive poisonous rounds or smoke bombs.

The Gaia Elephant, also known as the Mammoth Tower, is a stone structure filled with intricate robotics that connect to two mechanical elephant heads, which are exclusively controlled by masked soldiers. The elephant-headed contraptions fire lasers from their proboscises at the enemy while also launching several Purple Maggots from the side launchers that serve as their "ears". Once the heads have sustained enough damage, the proboscises will attempt to smash enemies by swinging around.

The Land Blowfish is a towering amphibious assault landing ship that utilises all of the Ptolemaic Army's latest technological advancements, giving it an imposing presence that showcases the extent of their tactical prowess. Its design is based on scrapped blueprints for the Sand Marine. The ship carries an assault team of Girida-0 Ver. P.M., Di-Cokka Ver. P.M., and Ptolemaic Slugs, while possessing an arsenal of torpedoes, cannon blasts, and a missile launcher. It's exclusively operated by Ptolemaic Army guerrillas with minimal assistance from special forces engineers.

The Rock Mole is an armoured excavation vehicle used for offence, jointly built by the Ptolemaic Army and Amadeus Syndicate to assist in excavating valuable resources. During the construction process, they repurposed abandoned excavation equipment found in an old, forgotten mine tunnel in the southern parts of the United States. It's the second war vehicle that Special Forces Commander Zoilo enjoys operating, using it to disorient and viciously attack enemies.

As a ranged fighter, it uses its claw-style shovels to fling massive boulders excavated from the ground to attack. It also employs a searchlight to locate enemies and excavatable resources in dark areas. The claws can rapidly slash through objects and can even shatter boulders, sending fragments of rock flying in the process. Additionally, it's equipped with self-healing nanotechnology that activates when it sustains penetrating damage. Its reinforced adamant plating allows it to absorb reduced damage from all attacks, further enhancing its durability.

The R-Shobu Ver. P.M. is an attack helicopter that's basically the same as the one developed and owned by the Rebel Army, but it existed before their original ownership. The original and R.R-Shobu variants are faster versions of their Rebel counterparts, featuring more durable armour. Unlike the Rebel Army's R-Shobus, the Ptolemaic Army possesses a special variant equipped with a fully realised and operational Gatling gun. The R.G-Shobu is armed with a Vulcan minigun similar to the Hi-Do's and is capable of generating an electromagnetic barrier.

The Flying Tara Ver. P.M. is a bomber airplane that's basically the same as the one owned by the Rebel Army, but this version predates their ownership. It's much faster than its Rebel counterparts, sacrificing durability and weapon strength in the process. Unlike the Rebel Army's Flying Taras, the ones owned by the Ptolemaic Army are actually a full-blown variant of the Eaca-B and slightly resemble the P-80 Shooting Star.

The Eaca-B is a fighter bomber that's basically the same as the ones owned by the Rebel Army, but like the Flying Tara, it predates their ownership. The only difference that makes it stand out from the Rebel Army's Eaca-Bs is that it's equipped with machine gun turrets.

The Ptolemaic VTOL is a fighter aircraft equipped with movable Gatling guns and exceptional stability, enabling it to hover effortlessly above the ground. However, the only drawback is that it can only utilise its Gatling guns when stationary, requiring the aircraft to tilt them to fire at enemies before they snap back to their original position.

The Ptolemaic Zeppelin was a prototype combat aircraft featuring the Ptolemaic Army insignia, designed for aerial combat and bombarding enemy groups from a relatively safe distance. However, it was discontinued due to its cumbersome mechanical design and inadequate landing gear, which necessitated external supports at specific locations. This limitation posed significant challenges, particularly for pilots needing to make emergency landings outside those designated areas.

The aircraft was equipped with a bottom cannon that fired electrical fireballs, which split into eight smaller projectiles. It also had a middle cannon that launched three large anti-aircraft explosives, all traveling horizontally, and a top cannon that fired bombs in an arcing trajectory. Additionally, it could fire three heat-seeking missiles in rapid succession when targeting distant enemies.

The Ptolemaic Blimp was an improved, modified variant of the Ptolemaic Zeppelin that featured the army's logo. It was designed for bombarding land-based enemies with bombs and turrets inspired by the SV-000's Vulcan guns. It was discontinued after only one unit was produced, having been completed quickly before the deployment of Gimlet, Red Eye, and Tequila in the Arms Deal Barrage, which aimed to provide the Ptolemaic Army a tactical advantage against the Regular Army. Rumours circulated that the pilots faced difficulties with flight control, being able to temporarily steer in only one direction, and that soldiers were dissatisfied with its limited arsenal.

The Ptolemaic Rocket was a large rocket situated in the heart of a destroyed, abandoned Ptolemaic Army fortress. It was jointly built with the Pipovulaj as a symbol of their newfound alliance and their aspirations for the New World. Only one was ever produced, but it was ultimately destroyed by Gimlet, Red Eye, and Tequila, leading to the discontinuation of the project. They wanted to leave behind the collapse of their alliance with the Pipovulaj, who betrayed their trust before they suffered a second humiliating defeat. The rocket's head featured rotating weapon layers that randomly stopped to fire homing missiles, electrical sparks, exploding bowling balls, and a stream of fire.

The Rocket UFO was a floating cone that served as the tip of the Ptolemaic Army, indicating that it might be the cockpit. It has the autonomous ability to detach itself from the ship. Equipped with retractable blades, it can swiftly charge at enemies, but its speed is somewhat unstable due to its noticeable wobbliness while floating. Additionally, it can fire homing missiles and extend a large mechanical claw capable of grabbing people and throwing them around with the strength of an elephant.

The Hover Unit is the main fighter bomber of the Ptolemaic Army. While it leaves its operator exposed, it moves at very high speeds and can execute a 180° turn without changing its position, providing excellent maneuverability. It launches rockets similar to the Flying Tara before departing the scene to retrieve more. The standard units are manned by guerrillas, while the Elite Hover Units, piloted by special forces operatives, replace the missiles with a Gatling gun that can be swapped out for a powerful laser by retracting the firearm and allowing the other to extend.

The Hover Vehicle is an aerial attack hovercraft that serves as the primary support vehicle for the Ptolemaic Army. It excels at gathering tactical information and providing battle assistance from a distance with the aid of its machine gun. It's effective at destroying simple bridges and doors, weak tanks, and crowded units, shredding them with relative ease.

The Ptolemaic Saucer is a weaponless, disc-shaped hover vehicle used exclusively by masked soldiers and believers to rally paramilitary troops and cultist allies from a distance. It also serves as a safe platform for cultists to perform wizardry and dark magic without the fear of immediate interference.

The Ptolemaic Unit #03: F-502 Shooting Ray is a large aircraft carrier developed by the Ptolemaic Army, and its design is inspired by the Horten Ho 299. It specialises in air combat and the aerial transportation of soldiers and valuable resources. It deploys jet fighters exclusively owned and piloted by the Phantom Strike, which fire torpedoes that emit electricity upon impact with a surface, capable of paralysing a person or disabling mechanical controls. These jet fighters are modeled after the Japanese Mitsubishi J8M.

At the front, it can shoot an array of piercing, fiery bullets from two Vulcan mini-cannons and fire a series of powerful lasers at the enemy from its large upper roof cannons. At the back, it deploys fire drones that track the enemy and attempt to set them ablaze or use its jet engines to incinerate them. It can also carpet bomb the enemy and targeted areas by dropping explosive nukes that leave behind dangerous levels of radiation.

The Weapons Port is a submarine-like armoury ship designed to carry weaponry cargo, but it's relatively weak against the cannon of the Metal Slug and its discontinued prototype, the SV-000. It features a frontal cannon that fires explosive shells, which split into four fireballs upon impact with a solid surface. Additionally, it has rear cannons that fire standard cannonballs. The ship is capable of diving underwater and can camouflage itself for a brief period.

The Ptolemaic Submarine, also known as the Sub, was a prototype submarine designed for nighttime ambushes at sea and later served as a minor design inspiration for the Sand Marine. It was capable of launching five missiles that would target the enemy. It was relatively fast when maneuvering in underwater environments.

The Ptolemaic Unit #02: Sand Marine is an amphibious assault submarine designed for underground travel, particularly in desert and snowy environments, thanks to its temperatural durability and ease of traversal. It's utilised for underground excursions and daytime ambushes in seemingly abandoned areas. It can easily sink and emerge from the ground while launching a volley of fireballs that are difficult to dodge. It's capable of firing electric projectiles from its rear that track enemies and launching massive high-explosive shells from its frontal cannon or torpedoes from its sides.

The Ptolemaic Train was an armored six-car train used for the transportation of illegal goods. It featured a three-barreled cannon on the top of the front car and dual two-barreled cannons on each side. The top cannon fired poisonous gas rounds in an arcing trajectory, while the dual side cannons fired horizontal explosive shots. It also had a spiked plate on the front used to crush enemies to death. The train could intentionally derail itself, abandoning the use of tracks to easily traverse rocky, uneven terrain.

It was discontinued after fulfilling its purpose and bursting into flames when it crashed into a Ptolemaic Army-owned train station in a conquered city. The flammable materials inside exploded, releasing drug-laced poisonous fumes and destroying the blueprints who were onboard at the time.

The Electromagnetic Crane was a mechanical contraption equipped with a frontal cannon that could fire continuously, but it periodically stopped due to jammed ammunition shells. It primarily relied on a crane to crush enemies to death using heavy boxes of mechanical and technological junk. Connected to a conveyor belt, it had full control over its direction and speed. It was discontinued because it only served landfill purposes and sometimes struggled with overheating, which occasionally led to the pilots suffering from heat strokes.

The Big Bertha was a stationary cannon mounted on a train displaying the Ptolemaic Army insignia, used to transport soldiers and resources. While the cannon was capable of some movement, it creaked loudly and slowly turned when attempting to aim at the enemy. Whenever it fired a massive incendiary shell, the explosion produced flaming-hot, slightly nuclear-radiated residue. The cannon was connected to the train's cabin, which served as its weak point. It was discontinued because the train had fulfilled its purpose, and the cannon was virtually useless in larger-scale warfare.

The Mobile Fortified Temple "Stone Turtle" is a gigantic ancient weapon discovered by the Ptolemaic Army, firmly believing that it once belonged to the Tuatha Dé Danann. They dismantled and scrapped most of its destructive capabilities and buried the entire structure, hoping to promote peace among humanity and the natural environment while deterring anyone from using it. It was unearthed during a large-scale archaeological expedition with the Amadeus Syndicate, buried near the heart of the South Pole before their final war against the Regular Army. It has been meticulously rebuilt to serve as a mechanical temple that carries the stone tower of divine worship, guarded by the Gaia Elephant. Some people mistakenly believe the Stone Turtle serves as the Ptolemaic Army's main base of operations, but its only purpose is for large-scale combat, religious rituals, and the production of Units and Slugs.

The head can retract into its shell, and it's exclusively piloted by believers. Its belly can open to reveal a bright orangish-blue pillar that beams people up to the temple inside its body. It can attack by squishing enemies with its massive feet and launching heat-seeking missiles from side launchers. It features a built-in laser gun inside its shell that can fire a concentrated beam of incinerating bluish-purple quantum energy, covering a large radius in front of its sensor vision.

When its sensor window flashes blue, it summons a Rosetta Stone of the Avatar of Evil to serve as a shield, which gradually releases a poisonous, fiery blue fog that quickly dissipates when destroyed. When its sensor window flashes red, it summons a Rosetta Stone of Sol Dae Rokker to provide shielded protection and can unleash a somewhat fast-moving shower of seven fiery yellow comets that produce medium-sized explosions.

The Girida-0 Ver. P.M. is basically the same main battle tank (MBT) used by the Rebel Army. However, unlike the Rebel Army's Girida-0, it's faster and better armoured, and features a cannon with forward recoil when fired, providing it with a little bit more range.

The Di-Cokka Ver. P.M. is basically the same rugged fighter tank used by the Rebel Army. However, unlike the Rebel Army's Di-Cokka, the Ptolemaic Army's variant is painted olive drab, unmanned, and faster. It features an upgraded rate of fire, allowing it to shoot tank blasts without the need to charge like the original model.

The MH-6S Ver P.M. is basically the same cheap, reliable attack helicopter used by the Rebel Army. Like the Rebel Army's MH-6S Masknell, the pilots of these aircraft operate in packs and scatter across the battlefield to create panic among their enemies. However, unlike the Rebel Army's MH-6S Masknell, it features 4-barreled machine guns in place of the 35mm gun pods, and the front-mounted machine gun has been removed, allowing it to cover more ground than the original.

The Nop-03 Sarubia Ver. P.M. is a heavy tank designed to repel invaders with its imposing height, similar to that used by the Rebel Army. Unlike the Rebel Army's Sarubia, the Ptolemaic variant is half its size and weight, allowing for greater speed. However, its durable armour is less robust than that of the Rebel variant, making it vulnerable to direct cannon fire from the SV-001.

The Landseek Ver. P.M. is a support transport vehicle similar to those used by both the Regular Army and the Rebel Army. The Ptolemaic variant replaces the rear tracks with wheels that resemble those at the front. It has the capability to lift its rear and slam it downwards, and it's known for transporting barrels of food and concealing soldiers within cargo boxes.

The Ptolemaic Mini-Sub 88, also known as the Small Submarine, is a submersible vessel that's slightly faster and larger than the Rebel version. It features weaker armour due to its focus on optimising firepower and doesn't resemble the Delta-class submarine like its Rebel counterpart; instead, it's based on the Typhoon-class submarine.

The Augensterm Ver. P.M. is a four-legged Super Vehicle that the Ptolemaic Army managed to steal the blueprints for during the Regular Army's secret construction of the war-purposed Slug, thanks to a double agent. It's exclusively operated by commanders and can be equipped with either flamethrowers or Vulcan guns. Additionally, it features a harpoon that generates electricity when it attacks.

The Jet Hammer-Yang is a simple tactical airboat that's identical to the Rebel variant, but it has less durability, requiring fewer hits to destroy it. Due to its exclusive use for field operations, it's solely piloted by guerrillas.

The Sensor Mine is a naval explosive mine used for underwater protection. Originally exclusive to the Rebel Army, the blueprints were shared with the Ptolemaic Army to foster a sense of camaraderie and respect after forming an alliance.

The Wall Drone is a human-sized, versatile drone designed to protect the elevators of factories owned by them and their allies. It can slide along walls to keep pace with all elevator speeds, moving with extreme ease. The drone attacks by shooting lasers from its eyes and can create a temporary electric field that stuns nearby enemies and repels non-piercing attacks. While it's not very well armoured and can be destroyed with just a few rounds, it compensates for this disadvantage by attacking in numbers.

The Quadro Jumper is a quadrupedal ancient weapon unearthed alongside the Stone Turtle, once belonging to the Tuatha Dé Danann for the purpose of swift warfare. It's theorised that there may have been more produced for their naval military, but only one has somehow survived. This super-mobile, unmanned jumping tank has been upgraded by the Ptolemaic Army's brilliant mechanics and ancient technology experts. It exhibits a degree of sentience as evidenced by its ability to distinguish between enemies and allies, its joyous victory dance after winning a battle, and its very limited emotional capacity for sadness, anger, confusion, disgust, and happiness. It also deliberately toys with enemies, utilising mobility and flexibility that are unprecedented in a four-legged tank. Although it's obedient to its masters, it'll never harm anyone biologically related to the Tuatha Dé Danann for unknown reasons. It'll always listen to them, even if it means going against its allies and abandoning their ideologies.

It boasts an astounding jumping ability, capable of leaping over large chasms and reaching heights comparable to the eighth tallest mountain in the world. It can advance toward enemies at a rapid pace, stopping at a distance to fire a laser beam from its gun. Enemies in close proximity are pummeled with a flurry of powerful kicks or slicing whips. It can evade attacks by bouncing around on two of its legs.

A stealth version of the Quadro Jumper has been developed by Ptolemaic Army engineers and verdant masked soldiers, utilising scrapped resources and blueprints they developed for the original model through intense study. Jointly developed with the Amadeus Syndicate, this variant is called the Quadro Hover. It can only launch electrically produced netting to trap enemies and severely paralyse them, and it's piloted by three individuals.

D-Gu is an ancient, sentient clay relic that was gifted to the Ptolemaic Army by Sol Dae Rokker in appreciation for their fervent worship. It dislikes being controlled without its consent and can go on murderous rampages when its pleas for peace and relaxation are disregarded, especially if people are persist in trying to fully control it. Aside from that, it's generally obedient and treats its masters and allies with respect and dignity, but it isn't afraid to kindly put people in their place when they fail to show it dignified kindness. Its voice is described as a combination of the calm rippling of water, a raging inferno, and echoing whispers that can turn shrill and raspy when angered.

It can violently crush its opponents, summon beach-covering tidal waves, and launch three rock pillars from the sky at a time to crush enemies and create protective barricades. It can fire earthy and watery missiles from its base that store slimy golden acid and can rapidly advance forward due to its miraculous levitation. It can withstand non-piercing projectiles, treating them like small throwing stones.

When on a rampage, D-Gu moves as if it has a will of its own. Its missiles become larger and stronger with explosions that cover a wider range. It can generate firestorms, thunderstorms, and blizzards.

[frankenwolf1564]

Legacy United G1 Universe Optimus Prime

With 2024 behind us and Age of the Primes right around the corner, I’d say Transformers has had a pretty solid 40th anniversary, in part evidenced by the sheer number of Optimus Primes we got. They’re not unwarranted, mind, but we’ve had no less than three different G1 toy OP’s, one of which is today’s focus! Legacy United G1 Universe Optimus Prime brings us an affordable Generations take on the Autobot leaders original form, though it can’t help but escape the shadow of another figure from earlier in the year…

The comparisons to Missing Link are inevitable and, well, pretty damn obvious, but that doesn’t really feel fair to the Legacy release. They are, ultimately, going for different things. Missing Link C-01 Convoy is a one-to-one recreation of the original 1984 Generation 1 Optimus Prime toy, with modern articulation standards. The sculpting is near identical, with the biggest departures being the new details that used to be stickers. It’s the exact same scale with any discrepancies being utterly minute, and it comes with nearly every bell and whistle. It is that original figure brought up to today’s standards. Legacy United G1 Optimus Prime, meanwhile, is not that. He’s what you get when you make the G1 Optimus toy in today’s climate and culture. An almost ground up reimagining of Prime in the current year.

So, what does that mean for Legacy G1 Optimus? He ends up as a slightly above average deluxe, with plenty of articulation to put him in all sorts of stylish poses, as well as some less graceful ones. His head is on a ball joint that lets him look up just that little bit, he has a butterfly joint at his shoulders, which themselves are comprised of a hinge and a swivel, and he has another swivel at the elbow alongside a 90° bend. He’s got a waist swivel, a thigh swivel that sits just below the hinge and swivel assembly that makes up his hips, another 90° bend for the knees, a deep ankle tilt and another swivel in his feet. The front wheels and bumper also act as hip skirts and hinge up out of the way no problem. He doesn’t get a terribly complex transformation, it’s G1 Optimus c’mon now, but the way the hands and headlights switch place is clever. They’re both attached to a strut in his arm that hinges down, and then they spin around. You’ve really gotta snap it down the first time, but after that it consistently clicks down comfortably. Other than that, everything’s pretty smooth sailing, save for maybe getting the legs in place for truck mode. There’s a tiny tab at the back of the arms that locks them into place, but there’s also a tab on the inside of the arms that slots into the thighs, and the figure kinda wants you to do both at once. It’s really nothing major and only requires briefly untabbing his shoulders a tiny bit, but a gripe is a gripe, no matter how minor.

The simple transformation let them go all out in other areas, with his chest window being a clear plastic insert instead of the entire chest piece being painted over, and there’s almost no hollow parts to be had, save for the thighs and maybe sections of his back, but those have an excuse of needing to allow movement. He’s got “rubber” tires like Legacy Evo Beachcomber, though mine doesn’t roll great. One of the wheels is “sticky” and I can never get him perfectly flat. He gets two guns, to match the two different versions the G1 toy had, an orange Energon Axe, and a blue matrix, for a total of FOUR different colors of clear plastic when you add in his yellow light piped eyes. The matrix is. Alright. It’s hard to get out and he can’t hold it, but I do find it funny that they bothered with a wholly new matrix sculpt here and not on the likes of SS86 Prime. The weapons add a lot more in terms of visuals and posing. The axe can maybe be a bit annoying to get out of his hands, but the real offenders are the guns. They’re painted clear plastic, because molds are expensive and not even Mr. Transformer gets that spoiled, and while the glossy black looks great, the figure was not designed with that extra layer in mind, so they’re very tight in his hands and can even stress the peg holes on the back of his legs. The axe stores just fine though.

All the sculpting is on point, with special mentions going to his head. Handsome mans. The colors are all very nice as well, the minuscule amount of painted red on the side windows matching so closely you probably won’t even notice. All of the silver is suitably bright and very cleanly applied. He’s just one good looking robot, plain and simple. Almost adorable, even.

Now, while Legacy United G1 Universe Optimus Prime (had to get the full thing in there one more time) is not a budget Missing Link… I wouldn’t blame you for treating him as such in your collection. He very much fills a similar niche, while being much more playable and affordable than the $100+ collectors’ item. Funny how he ends up as more of a toy than the recreation of another toy…

[duhragonball]

Neon Genesis Evangelion 09

Okay, okay! I'll tell you all about it. You might want to sit down first. This will take a few minutes...

Last time, Asuka arrived in Japan to serve as the latest Eva pilot. She's already the most popular girl in school, and for some reason Suzuharu and Big Rigg Mahoney have started taking photos of her and selling them to her admirers. Well, the reason is money, obviously. That, and just being little shits.

Asuka seems to revel in the attention, but only because she feels entitled to it. She finds the other pilot, Rei, and introduces herself. Rei isn't particularly impressed.

Asuka wants to be friends, and Rei asks why, then says she'll do it if ordered by their superiors at NERV. Cold.

Oh, hey, remember Kaji? That asshole from the previous episode? The one who ditched the others and delivered that mysterious package to Gendo Ikari? Well, he's staying at the base for some reason. He seems to want to re-start his romance with Misato, but that doesn't stop him from just groping Ritsuko like they've been married for a year. Fuck Kaji, is what I'm trying to say.

Moving on, the real story of this episode is another Angel attack. This is the seventh one overall, and the fifth we've seen since the series started. Like the fifth Angel, this one is headed straight for the NERV base, but they're still reeling from that battle, so they can't afford to let it get that close. Instead, Misato deploys Units 01 and 02 to the shoreline, where they'll intercept the Angel as it makes landfall. If they can double-team the thing, they should be able to overwhelm it before it gets a chance to do anything.

That's the plan, anyway, but Asuka has her own plan, since she wants to make a big debut in Unit 02. She jumps into the surf and cuts the angel in half. Good job, except...

It splits into two monsters and continues attacking. Whoops!

We skip ahead to some time after the battle, but the photos tell the story. NERV was completely humiliated, because they had to call the UN for support. The UN dropped an "N2 mine" on the Angel to halt its advance. This is the same weapon used on the Third Angel from Episode 1. I should note that it didn't work at all in Episode 1, so I don't understand why it helps now. Each new Angel seems to be more powerful than the last, and this one defeated two Evas, which is unprecedented.

The UN's attack managed to burn off 28% of its mass, which temporarily incapacitated it, but it's only a matter of time before it regenerates and picks up where it left off. Okay, I guess that's fair, since the Third Angel needed to regenerate after getting N2'ed, but it didn't take very long. This one needs about a week.

Being, you know, literal children, Asuka and Shinji fail to learn anything from this debacle. Asuka defied orders and went into business for herself, but Shinji just stood there and watched like a dope. Maybe if he had taken some initiative and supported her play, they might have been able to make something work, but he always does as he's told. And this is a problem, because the two of them will have to fight the Angel all over again when it recovers, so they need to be on the same page.

I don't know why Kaji's even in this briefing. He observes that the UN strike bought them time to regroup, and "you can't ask for more than that," which is the stupidest thing anyone says in this conference, which includes bickering from literal children. Yes, Kaji, we can ask for more than this. The whole point of this meeting is to ask the Eva pilots to get their shit together and win the battle in a single engagement.

Another entry in my Kaji Sucks file: I hate this shot of him talking to Asuka. I hate that stupid look on his stupid face, I hate how Asuka has a crush on his useless ass. I hate his clip-on tie, which might be an animation error but it looks stupid either way. In this moment I'm rooting for the Angel to destroy the NERV base just to ensure he dies along with everyone else.

Kaji does have a suggestion to get the kids ready for the rematch, but he can't just say it in the meeting, he has to write it down on a computer file and give it to Ritsuko to give it to Misato, because fuck this guy.

Later, Shinji comes home to Misato's apartment and finds Asuka has moved in. She claims that she's taking Shinji's place, although she'd rather live with Kaji. I'm sure he'd love that too. Kaji is the worst.

Asuka gripes about how small the place is and wonders why all the doors in Japan have no locks, and then Misato shows up to explain that the Japanese way is to "consider the priorities and needs of others before one's own." Right, no other culture ever thought of that before Japan came along, Misato. And what does that have to do with the doors not having locks? If that made any sense, then why does the front door have a lock?

So what is the point of all this? Well, Misato explains that this was Kaji's idea: Shinji and Asuka will spend the next six days living together and doing everything in unison, in order to practice synchronizing their attacks when they face the Angel in six days. They both hate this idea, but there's no time for anything else.

This does not go well, mostly because Asuka is too proud to go along with it. This exercise with the Twister/DDR game is a failure, so Misato asks Rei to give it a try and she syncs up perfectly with Shinji's movements. So why not just have Rei and Shinji tag up for the battle? I mean, they worked well together a while back? It's a proven formula. Rei's Eva doesn't have weapons, but I'm pretty sure they can reconfigure 02 for Rei quickly enough.

So it's the Fusion Reborn plot, but with Asuka in the Vegeta role. She can either fight alongside Shinji, or she can ride the pine. This makes her upset, and her dumb friend tells Shinji to go talk to her because "he made her cry", but by the time he catches up with her she's already worked this out. She'll do the training.

And there's a training montage, and they succeed! I don't quite understand how this tranlates to Eva piloting, but at least they can stand to work together, which has to be an improvement.

Maybe it works a little too well. They sleep in separate rooms, of course, but one night Asuka gets up to use the toilet, then plops down in the wrong futon. There's a tense moment where Shinji's worried that his cassette player will wake her up, but it doesn't. She just lays there and murmurs the word "mama". He almost kisses her, but then he thinks better of it and sleeps on the floor.

Lips in anime are the worst. They always draw these characters with teeny-tiny mouths, which isn't a huge problem until they try to do a scene like this, where Shinji stares at a closeup of Asuka's lips, which look ridiculous because it's so badly misproportioned. He's trying to move in closer to kiss her except their heads are so weird that the pose ends up looking awkward.

I guess it doesn't matter, since he bails out at the last second, bitterly muttering that Asuka is "just a child". I'm not sure how to interpret that, but whatever.

Speaking of awkward kissing, Kaji makes out with Misato in the elevator. When they get to her floor, she steps out and tells him this is a mistake, and he replies with some bullshit about her words saying "no", but her lips saying "yes". Fuck this guy.

Later, she confides in Ritsuko that their relationship, which ended eight years ago, was "the biggest blemish" on her life. I'm curious to see why that would be, but that probably won't get paid off for a while.

Anyway, the big fight happens, and Shinji and Asuka execute the plan perfectly. This time they let the Angel come to them, but they cut their power cables and fight with the one minute of battery life they have. They cut the thing in half like before, then whale on the two halves before finally doing this double divekick move to destroy the Angel's core to end the battle.

The resulting explosion does leave the Evas in an undignified pose, but a win is a win.

This dude is embarrassed, but I didn't see him do a damn thing the whole time. He doesn't even have a name. I mean, they put his bio in the DVD extra features, but why should I care what they call him if they never say his name in the show? He usually just stands behind Gendo and tries to look important. Well fuck him. I'm calling him Clownshoes from now on.

And that's it. I guess this episode was good enough, but I'm not sure about the dynamic Asuka adds to the cast. She's at least active, which is more than I can say for Rei or Shinji, but a lot of time is spent just getting Asuka to do simple teamwork like "cooperating" or "facing reality". Even the NERV staff are getting frustrated about having to work with children, even though the Evangelion program seems to depend upon it for some reason.

In the end, that's just what the show is about, so I can't complain that it nails the depiction of putting children behind the wheel of a super-weapon. It's either a power fantasy or a nightmare, depending on your point of view, and this show tackles that pretty damn well.

[theinternetisaweboflies]

Jägermeister

Chapter Ten: Why We Fight

PPDC-17-CN-10964842412 OPERATION KEEPSAKE HKS GSM AUDIO DEVICE #12 LOCCENT  TRANSCRIPT EXCERPT ORCON Classified by: MSG-DAMI-ISH Dated: 2025JAN23 Not Releasable to Foreign Nationals

#86: I’ve finished mine, Hermann Oji-chan.

#44: Me too. 

#72: All of the names are on the board?

#13: That should be everything. You going to tell us what this is about now, brother? We've been going over this shit for hours, and nada. I mean, it’s awe-inspiring, if maybe a little bit unsurprising, to see just how unpopular Newt is with the other kaiju groupies, but what’s the point of listing them all out like that? 

PAUSE

#72: No? Yes! Oh, I do believe that's it!

#13: Are you listening to me?

#72: Yes, listen to me, Mr. Choi! While there has always been a surprising number of religious organizations that worship the kaiju, the largest of these by far is the Buenakai, correct?

#13: Correct? 

#72: The Buenakai originated in the Southern United States, but they have also established sects in China, Russia, Latin America, and some parts of Central Europe. Practices differ depending on local customs, and some sects are larger or more powerful than others, much like the different denominations of Christianity. 

The Hau Wong Buenakai have traditionally practiced out of the Hau Wong Temple, better known as Reckoner’s skull, in Kowloon. Their services ceased shortly after the events of January 12th and have not resumed since, which is highly suspicious in and of itself. While the double event may have been a factor, I find it quite difficult to believe they would lose their faith entirely just because the kaiju vanished. The American sects are doubling down. 

The Hau Wong Buenakai is also the only kaiju-centric organization currently claiming tax exemption for religious reasons that did not send Newton a death threat. 

He received threats from the Buenakai Baptists, the Texas Church of Our Lady Trespasser, the Santa Buenakai, the Hong Kong Kaiju Monastery, the Church of the Immaculate Kaiju, and so on, and so forth. 

Nothing from the Hau Wong Buenakai.

PAUSE

#13: Shit, you’re right. That's sus as fuck.

#44: It is?

#72: Indeed, Ranger Becket. Threats are promises, and promises are lies. Anyone truly committed to harming Newton would not telegraph their intentions with threats, despite how much irrationality they seem capable of on all other fronts. 

#86: The question is: How do we find them?

PAUSE

#72: Hannibal Chau.

#86: I thought you said he was dead. 

#72: Yes, he is. I don’t know why I- Though I suppose it has some-

PAUSE

#86: What is it?

#72: Hannibal Chau spoke to Newton of the Buenakai, unprompted. He was familiar with them. Perhaps even preoccupied with them. He was also a career criminal looking for a new line of work. 

#13: ‘Was’ being the operative word there, man. 

#72: I know, but I- I have a- Oh, lord help me, I have a hunch. Was the PPDC involved in the bone slum raids?

#13: That was local law enforcement. They just brought in K-techs afterwards to bag and tag. Why?

#72: I need to find out what happened to the apothecary, but the Real Estate Register in China is only partially public. I won't be able to get that information without going through a whole lot of red tape first.

PAUSE

#86: Should we ask the Marshal for help?

#01: Too late. 

#44: Her- Marshal Hansen! What are you doing here? 

#01: At ease, Raleigh. Dr. Gottleib, your new security officer told me I could find you here. Is there a reason he’s standing guard for you, instead of- I don't know. Guarding you? 

#13: To be fair, he's not really doing either. 

#72: Excellent timing, Marshal Hansen. I suspect Newton is currently being held at Hannibal Chau’s last-known base of operations by his former associates and the Hau Wong Buenakai. We require a full security detail to accompany us to the apothecary at the northeast corner of Fong and Tull at once. 

PAUSE

#01: Suspect? 

#72: I have no evidence as of yet, but I believe I could provide some with access to information on the current property owner.

PAUSE

#01: It was purchased on the 17th of January by a company established that same day called Napoleon Hung Far Low Enterprises.

#44: That was fast.

#01: Being Marshal has a few advantages. 

#72: Do you see, Marshal Hansen? Do you remember what Newton told us about Hannibal Chau’s name?

#01: My memory is fine, Dr. Gottleib. I’m not that old yet. I know you're about ready to break down the front door with your cane, but we don’t have jurisdiction in Hong Kong for anything outside a kaiju attack. We have to go through law enforcement channels. I'll alert-

#127: Marshal! Hermann- I mean, Dr. Gottleib- I’m sorry. Newt talks about you a lot.

PAUSE

#72: I beg your pardon? 

#127: I know I was only on his security detail for, like, one night, but we stayed up pretty late chatting, and I guess I got used to calling you by your first n- Not important. Right. I’m sorry to interrupt, but I have something you should both hear.  

#72: It’s fine, Officer Stjepanović. 

#127:I keep telling you, it’s Deirdre, dude- I mean, Dr. Gottleib. You know, most people go out of their way to avoid pronouncing my last name. 

#72: Your message, Deirdre?

#127: Right! I’ve just been reassigned from your security detail. 

#01: On whose orders?

#127: The Secretary General. He, like, just ordered half the security office to raid a building in the bone slums. Does this have something to do with Newt? 

PAUSE

#01: Let’s go.

#127: I'll drive! 

...

@lastdaysofwar

[hollownekomata]

-- ABOUT MUSE (mobile ver.)

MIELELAMBDA GATTABLANC, Arrancar

__________________________

Gender: Agender (femme presenting)

Pronouns: any, no preferences

Orientation: demisexual, demiromantic

Birth date: 30/05

Age: 200+ //they stopped counting after a while…

____________________________

Height: 1.59 m (5’ 01’’)

Weight: 43 kg (94.7 lbs)

Hair: short, hay blonde

Eyes: honey/hazel brown

Hollow Mask: circlet + tail

____________________________

Affiliation: Gotei 13, 3rd Division

Position: unseated officer

Occupation: Cooperative Arrancar Unit (representative, member)

Zanpakutō: Régla

↳Release command: “Guide me”

Hollow Hole placement: right hand

Cero: sage green

____________________________

IMPORTANT PORTRAYAL NOTES:

Miele doesn't posses Japanese heritage and is unfamiliar with Japanese customs and culture. This is reflected in my writing: rather than using Japanese honorifics, as they keep shinigami as a whole in high esteem, you'll see them use official titles (lieutenant/captain) and English honorifics (sir/lady/mr./mrs./noble/dear) even with people they're already acquainted with. (Note: their use of "nee" or "naa" is a verbal tic and not meant to be mimicking any Japanese word or interjection). Howerver, they have absolutely no problem with being addressed with them, and just won't respond with Japanes ehonorifics in return. As per fellow Arrancars, their attitude is much less polite at first, since Miele has been living as prey for most of their life in Hueco Mundo and can hardly shake off the emotional consequences.

This is more like a HC of mine for all Arrancars (that nobody has to abide to as per all my other HCs), but food made for souls in the Soul Society does not have the right nutrients an Arrancar needs to survive and stay healthy. They need to consume another soul at least once in a while to keep their strength. Arrancars can eat and appreciate normal soul food just fine, but they can't live off solely that, as it will fill their stomach but not provide them with an energy source (think of it as a state of low sugar drive). To counter this, and to prevent the Arrancars from the Unit from eating souls instead of purifying them, the Twelfth division is tasked with creating special supplements in the form of tablets. These tablets are then periodically delivered to the singular members of the unit as part of their regular equipment.

Miele doesn't identify as any gender, and won't mind the usage of any pronoun. They'll be fine with whatever pronouns their romantic partner decides to use, though they'll appreciate if said partner uses gender-neutral terms like "dear" rather than "princess", for example.

____________________________

Bio:

MIELE, THE ARRANCAR: Mielelambda is a naturally-born Arrancar who, by the time of the battle for Fake Karaukra and Aizen's defeat, has been wandering Hueco Mundo for the last 300 years.During this time, they're extremely avoidant of other Hollows and actively hostile to those aligned with Aizen. While they outright refuse to serve authority imposed through tyranny, they lead a purposeless life with the only goal of preserving themselves. They aren't strong enough to compete with other Arrancars and too wary of others to join a pack: thus, their existence is void of any meaning, and feels destined to live as that, unseen and unheard.

MIELE, THE SHINIGAMI: When first introduced to the Soul Society, Miele is an anxious mess. Not only they have to get used to the day-night cycle, but also to all the other natural aspects of their new home which were absent in Hueco Mundo. Their ears, which were used to detect the tiniest variations in perpetual silence, are now constantly subjected to close and repeating noises, which urges them to make adjustments and limit their hearing range to that of an average shinigami. In addition, despite those involved in the implementation of the Cooperative Arrancar Program reassuring them of their rights as a member of the Gotei 13, they see themselves as a nuisance and source of discomfort for other shinigami: they struggle to look at them in the eyes and often spends days without uttering a single word out of fear. Basically, everything is new and scary.It’s their fear of braking the Gotei 13’s rules, an offense that could mean their banishment back to Hueco Mundo, that which prompts them to collect scrap newspapers and any form of written information they can get their hands on, even if it means digging them out of the trash. Thanks to their dedication, they learn the Third Division’s rules set by heart and gain general knowledge of many things in the Soul Society.After gaining enough confidence, and thanks to their Division's efforts to make them feel safe as a fellow member, Miele’s true personality finally shines through: curious, creative and caring, they retain some introverted traits while also putting all of themselves into the well-being of their division.With time, Miele manages to learn and grow attached to the shinigami lifestyle, falling in love with the unpredictability of life in Soul Society and considering themselves a full-fledged shinigami as well as an Hollow.

Stats: In battle, their Hollow instincts tend to take over caution and self-preservation. Miele can boast an impressive sonido and dexterity at the cost of modest reiatsu levels, usually going for rapid but precise hits and close combat.

When the situation gets dire, it's not uncommon for them to acquire a more "animalistic" approach with powerful bites, kicks and Ceros. Their hierro is quite sturdy, but they're often not able to condense their reiryoku in time to escape a direct hit unscathed.

Love language: constant attention, acts of care, verbal encouragement.

When it comes to romance, Miele is absolutely clueless. They will hardly get any hints and will often mistake romantic gestures for friendliness. One will have to be as clear as possible with them if they want their love language to be understood. Awkward with physical contact, will need to be lead.

____________________________

Positive traits: curious, inventive, mellow, hopeful, trusting

Negative traits: self-conscious, over-protective, insecure, apprehensive, avoidant (pre-recruitment)

 

Hobbies: collecting old newspaper and publications, journaling, painting (oil paintings, soft pastels), befriending stray cats

Likes: warmth, sunlight, being of help, being relied upon by their comrades/superiors, taiyaki (chocolate filling)

Dislikes: the dark, loud sounds, strong smells, alcohol, infighting/meaningless fight amont their division, confrontation

Aesthetic associations: sunflowers, lanterns, fireflies

[beardedmrbean]

WASHINGTON, D.C. (KLTV/KTRE) - Congressman Nathaniel Moran (TX-01), member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, celebrated the passage of his legislation, H.R. 4039, No Dollars to Uyghur Forced Labor Act, which prohibits funds to the Department of State or the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) to finance international projects in partnership with entities that import products mined, produced, or manufactured in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region of the People’s Republic of China, commonly known for the genocide and forced labor of the Uyghur people.

On June 21, 2023, H.R. 4039 was marked up in the House Foreign Affairs Committee and was reported favorably out of the committee. This week, the No Dollars to Uyghur Forced Labor Actpassed the House of Representatives by a voice vote.

“The passage of No Dollars to Uyghur Forced Labor Act is an important step in showing the U.S. government’s commitment to confronting the abuses of the Chinese Communist Party. As a Chinese dissidents and human rights activist, I’ve experienced first-hand the extent that the Chinese government is willing to go to maintain power. After years of evidence and brave survivors speaking out, the world can no longer ignore the Uyghur genocide. It is imperative for our consciences to remove all U.S. funding from the Uyghur region. I am grateful for Representative Moran’s leadership on this resolution and the cosponsors who endorsed it,” said Dr. Rev. Bob Fu, Founder and President of ChinaAid.

“Uyghurs worldwide are thankful to Representative Moran and the U.S. Congress for passing a bill which ensures that our tax dollars do not fund ongoing atrocity crimes and modern-day slavery. This bill also sends a powerful message globally that the United States will continue to exercise all options to ensure that we end complicity in forced labor,” said Omer Kanat, Executive Director of the Uyghur Human Rights Project.

Background:

The Chinese Communist Party is committing genocide against the Uyghurs in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region (XUAR) of China, repressing ethnic minorities for practicing their faith, detaining people in “reeducation centers” and ultimately using them for forced labor in the XUAR. This region of China is essential to their global supply chain, where many basic goods such as yarn, textiles, bricks, cotton, polysilicon, are produced using forced labor.

While the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act prohibited goods made wholly or partly in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region from entering U.S. supply chains, we must ensure that the United States is not developing international contracts for strategic projects with partners overseas that source goods or raw materials from the Xinjiang region.

H.R. 4039 will prohibit funds to the Department of State or the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) to finance global projects in partnership with companies or organizations that import products mined, produced, or manufactured wholly or partly from the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region of the People’s Republic of China.

[brucenorris007]

Everything You Know

"Transcription will show interviewer as agent Roque. Time is 0832 hours, interview room 01. Conducting interview of agent Rouge on subject of Mobians and relevant threat assessment per the interests of new administration. Also present is G.U.N. Commander"

"How much longer are you going to keep a lady waiting?"

"Um."

"Proceed, agent Roque."

"Yes sir."

"I'm all yours, hon."

"Right. Agent Rouge; you stated before that you have intel on active Mobians that G.U.N. might find useful."

"I'm the best there is."

"Various teams have already performed thorough research"

"Oh, I'm sure you have a file for everyone. Even little old me, don't you?"

". . ."

"That's our thing. But those files are still works in progress, and I think you've stalled out for a while."

". . ."

"What information do you have?"

"First, the Chaotix."

"That's an agency consisting of one Vector the crocodile, Espio the chameleon and Charmy bee."

"Frankly, the three of them together are nearly as adept at gathering intel as G.U.N.'s whole intelligence branch."

"What sort of resources do they have access to?"

"Ours make theirs look almost analog; which just speaks to how skilled they are."

". . ."

"Don't frown, Commander; I said nearly. They're not as good as me."

"And individually?"

"Vector's deceptively organized. No one would think it by looking at him, but his attention to detail is second to none. Espio can fully control his camouflage at will and claims he's a trained ninja. I've never seen him kill before, but then, most people don't see me, either."

". . ."

"And Charmy?"

"He's six."

"And?"

"He's six. What more do you want? I'm not doing a detailed report on any children."

"Does that include"

"My cutoff is seven years old."

". . .Does that include Cream the Rabbit?"

"Nauseatingly sweet. Jot that on a post-it for your files."

"All right; let's move on, then."

". . . those kids can fly carrying upwards of 400 pounds. . ."

"Excuse me?"

"Never mind, big boy. You were saying?"

"Right. Let's see. Amy Rose; her name has appeared on an impressive number of reports."

"Ha! I'm not surprised. That girl basically fears nothing, or at least no authority of any kind. She's got an odd kind of charisma that somehow draws others into helping her. Nothing like mine, of course, but I'm a bit more selective about who I work with."

"I'm seeing several counts of criminal activity here."

"All null and void per the last administration, hon. She's been good as far as the law's concerned since then. No telling how long that'll last."

"And how would you assess her through the lens of being a possible threat?"

"Hard to know; like I said, there's no telling what she might pursue next. If any of her goals brought her in contention with G.U.N. though, I doubt that would stop her trying."

"What about this friend of hers, a Big the Cat?"

"Seriously? We've got one for him? He's a teddy bear. Literally only cares about his pet frog and good fishing. He's nil as a threat to anyone except tuna."

"Okay. Just a few more"

"Let me guess. Knuckles the Echidna."

"Do you have anything on him?"

"Amateur treasure hunter. Militant, dedicated to his job; which keeps him out of most of the business we're interested in anyway, since he lives on a floating island. By my estimate, he's the strongest thing alive."

". . . !"

"Not that he can't be handled. Insofar as we'd ever need to handle a recluse."

"Is he really an echidna?"

"He seems to think so."

"Thank you. That just leaves"

"Little fox boy for last, hm?"

"Uh."

"Tails, birth name Miles Prower. The reason my cutoff age is seven; he's at least as smart as Eggman, if not more so. Kid works with less of a budget than the Chaotix and he can still build better aircraft, mechanical units and weaponry than the Doctor. If he wasn't such a goody-two-shoes, I might want to teach him a few things myself."

"That's quite a statement."

"And not a word of exaggeration."

". . ."

"That's everyone, huh, stud?"

"Actually"

"Thanks for this little date, Roque; would've been more fun with some wine and sans chaperone."

"Agent Rouge, I have to ask"

"That's me clocked out for the day, boys; you know where to find me."

"Sonic the Hedgehog."

". . ."

". . ."

"Of all active Mobians, any information on him is the highest priority. What have you got on him?"

"Commander."

"Agent Rouge."

"I believe it would be in G.U.N.'s best interest for me to keep hold of my intel on subject Sonic the Hedgehog."

". . ."

". . ."

"Very well. That will be all."

Creak.

Slam.

"Sir?"

"She's right, agent Roque; she is among our best. That's why we have a file on her in the first place."

- - - - -

Rouge sighed, rolling out her neck and flexing her wings once the door shut behind her. G.U.N. used exactly the same chairs in their interview rooms as in their interrogation cells, and they left her stiff if she sat too long.

No doubt the nerds working on a contingency plan for Sonic would be crying again tonight, but it wasn't her problem. There really wasn't much to learn about him anyway.

She could have told them that his friends-particularly the girl and his pocket genius-were the nearest he had to any kind of vulnerability or weak point, but at best it was a moot point. At worst, G.U.N. would do far more harm than good with the information.

She'd pieced together herself what Eggman must've figured out years ago:

The consequences for going after Sonic's so-called "weak points" weren't worth any prize.

Rouge tucked in her wings and made her way down the hall. All told, it hadn't been the way she wanted to spend her morning, but it'd been necessary. The new administration had been acting a little shifty toward Mobians compared to the previous.

Volunteering for a verbal report would put her-and if only by proxy, Shadow and Omega-into G.U.N.'s good-or at least neutral-books.

It'd also serve as a reminder of just how skilled she was; and how much damage she could cause on the way out if need be.

Best of all, doing so had cost her next to nothing save a few shiny tidbits.

She might've given G.U.N. all they knew about Mobians.

But she'd hardly given them all she knew.

@generic-sonic-fan

[vel-hell-ael31]

Introduction

Full name: Axel Marc Anthonyson

Nicknames: Axie -Anthony -Tony - Sonny - Single Father- Greñas

Sexuality: ⚣ Gay

Ethnicity: American 🇺🇸

Place of birth: Columbus, Ohio, United States

☆彡彡-Physical Appearance- ミミ☆

Age: 17

Eye color: Hazelnut

Hair color: Dark brown

Hair style: Curly. Mullet, cut on the sides of the head.

Height: 1'85cm

Voice: Warm. Don't worry. Intimidating when angry or upset

☆彡彡-Favorites-ミミ☆

Color: Green, Black, White and Brown

Animal: Cats, dogs, parakeets, ferrets and lizards

Other: Spend time with his friends. Watch movies. Go anywhere on a skateboard.

Hobbies: Draw. Go do Graffiti. Read. Write. Listen to music. Go for a walk with her pets. To be with her friends. Art. Photography. Basketball. Guitar

☆彡彡-Family-ミミ☆

Mother: ✝︎ Laila Steward

Born 07/18. She die at the age of 48.

Father: Jake anthonyson

Born 01/23

☆彡彡-Relations-ミミ☆

Best Friends: Arthur D'Oyly and Isabella Ruiz

Crush: ????

Couple: ????

☆彡彡-Traits-☆彡彡

Introvert. From time to time arrogant. Faithful. Genuine. Somewhat demanding with his work. Considered. He is usually spiteful when someone deceives him or is disloyal. Honest. Comprehensive. Protective. Tolerant. calm and patient

CHARACTERS!

↓

──── ❝Axel Anthonyson❞ ───

"The art boy"

▪17▪

❝1.85m❞

⚣ gay

●○●○ဗီူ●○●○

[Neta, are you telling me that those five sticks are a person? We have quite a lot of work to do if you want to pass...]

─── ❝Rodrick Heffley❞ ───

"The boy in the band"

▪16▪

❝1,70m❞

⚥Bisexual

●○●○ဗီူ●○●○

[Let's see, sir "I know how to draw and you don't" How the hell do you want me to draw it? Look at him, my brother is literally a stick. ]

──── ❝ Isabella Ruíz❞ ───

"The Bestie Goss"

▪16▪

❝1,60m❞

⚢Lesbian

○●○●○●○

[Just look in the mirror Ax; you're the graphic representation of "lovesick fool" And no, I don't make that face with Allison.]

──── ❝Arthur D'Oyly❞ ───

"The DJ Friend"

▪16▪

❝1.78m❞

⚥Pansexual

⚲ Gender Fluid

●○●○●○●○

[Brother, what do you want me to tell you...if you don't keep it, someone else will take it, or worse, another. Now help me make Maxie jealous at the party. ]

───❝Allison Williams❞───

"The bad girl"

▪17▪

❝1'67❞

Bi-curious(?

●○●○●○●○

[Hum... Maybe she fell to the ground and searched badly. But, one thing... What was that "she's eating Allison" scandal, huh? Do you like the idea? that's why you're so red right?]

────❝Lucian Smith❞───

"The German Boy"

▪16▪

❝1'80❞

⚥Pansexual⚥

●○●○●○●○

[What do you want me to tell him? Hey, hello... I'm Lucian, I've wanted to talk to you since the beginning of the course... But I didn't dare until now, you seem very cute... He's behind me, right?]

────❝Maxie Miller❞───

"The boy from the skating rink"

▪16▪

❝1'76❞

⚥ Bisexual

●○●○●○●○

[Hello, some skates for two hours please... You're Arthur, from my class, right?]

──── ❝Jake Anthonyson❞ ───

"The father"

▪57▪

❝1.80❞

⚤ Straight

●○●○●○●○

[I know that since mom is not here I have focused only on the company... But honestly I am very proud of you.]

┅┅┅┅┅┅┅༻❁༺┅┅┅┅┅┅┅

✰ Glance is a fanfic inspired by the Disney movies "The Diary of a Wimpy Kid" which in turn is based on the book series by author Jeff Kinney. But the story of Axel, his friends and Rodrick is completely mine.

✰ Character information taken from Wikipedia, Fandom and Amino. The height is an approximation.

✰ The photos are not mine, only the edited ones. Credits to their respective owners.

✰ Possible containing +18 (it will be notified before its appearance) and profanity.

✰ Efforts will be made to follow the thread of the series

✰ Story with Homosexual content. gay. yaoi. If you don't like it, I kindly ask you to withdraw without making bad comments

✰ There will be some other misspelling that will be corrected later. I make mistakes, I'm not a machine. Of course, he accepted constructive criticism and so on, but said with respect, not with mockery or etc.

✰ If you have any ideas or suggestions, you are free (obviously if you wish) to tell me privately or in the comments. Even if it's something minimal, you can tell me, it won't bother me, rather, you'll make my day

✰ I will try to narrate and make it understandable as well as possible.

✰ From time to time, it is inevitable for me to have some writer's block. I hope you understand me

✰ My native language is not English. I am very sorry if there are mistranslated or misspelled words.

✰ The story will start with some events from the first book/movie and then something from before the second book/movie "Rodrick's Law" although most things will come from my imagination, there will be references and situations based on the books/movie.

(Boys love)

The story is about a homosexual couple of men. If you don't like this containing, I ask you to refrain from making any bad comments and retire.

(Girls Love)

The story will also deal in part with a homosexual couple of women. If you do not like this content, please refrain from making any bad comments and retire.

[kylekozmikdeluxo]

5 Random (Sometimes Brief) Hyperfixations of Mine

One of the fun things about being autistic isn’t just the hyper fixations that become part of your official lore, but also the weirder, sometimes brief obsessions that really came and went. Maybe not necessarily what might form your core interests, but still a good-sized part of you.

They formed a strong camp in your brain for about 2-3 months, maybe even a little longer, and then just left as you developed a new obsession… And you sometimes get the urge, years later, to revisit some of those things… Or maybe they are still firm interests of yours, but they’re just in your massive file cabinet room that forms up most of your electric head meat... sharing space with a gazillion other things…

I’ll share some of mine with you today, on this Disability Pride Month. (Yeeehoo! I get two Pride months in a row!)

MAPS/ATLAS/GLOBES - As far back as first grade, 1998/99, I was really into how road layouts worked. Just how all the roads I was on, they looked like interlocking noodle grids when seen from above... And how maps and atlases, carefully done up by people, depicting them. I would get lost for hours in one of my dad's county atlas books, and soon I began to know where everything was. Which exit took you to which, etc. As you could imagine, I really really like SIM CITY and stuff like that back in the day.

But also maps in general. A playground my dad took me and my sister to had a painted U.S. map on the pavement, and I remember learning my states through that before school taught me all of that, or that episode of ANIMANIACS. I had at least one globe as a child, too, and was often mesmerized by it. Learning all the different countries around the world... Fun stuff, and because of that, I can name countries adults older than me (I'm 31 and a 1/2) have never even heard of... Yeeeeah, kinda concerning? Anyways, I think the street maps will always be the ones I liked the most. I still find them fascinating, especially when there are overhead maps of environments in video games. Could stare at those aaaaall day.

THE TITANIC - I think us autistics and neurodees all had THAT phase at one point in our lives. Titanic, Greek mythology, Ancient [Insert Civilization Here]… In third grade, in the year 2000, my class had a unit on the Titanic. I had already been aware of the Titanic because of that little 1997 indie movie that few people heard of, but that was just something in the background for me. I remember hearing the Celine Dion song incessantly on the radio, too. (Not complaining, I think it’s a lovely song.)

From there, the design of the ship fascinated me, and I got into Titanic for a little bit. I had a big coffee table book about the ship, and found what had to have been a clearance copy of the 1996 PC game TITANIC: ADVENTURE OUT OF TIME. I played that A LOT, it’s a favorite of mine, a fascinating and sometimes ominous alt-history sort of suspense/mystery adventure. I also had this random VHS about the Titanic, I couldn’t tell you what it was… It wasn’t the 1950s Titanic movie, it was some black-and-white, almost documentary-like look at the ship? I remember just getting that VHS somewhere, and I have no idea where it went… By early-to-mid 2001, I think that phase sorta set sail…

LENNY LOOSEJOCKS - The adventures of a string cheese-looking Aussie and his canine Donga, LENNY LOOSEJOCKS came from an indie flash game site called Ezone. Launched in 1995, I remember spending quite some time on that site around 2000/01-ish (you know, in the dial-up days of Internet), playing the variety of weird little games they had. Of all the LENNY LOOSEJOCKS games, the one I played the most was the cosmic one, LENNY LOOSEJOCKS IN SPACE.

I was aaaaall about that for some time, and while I had already learned about the Solar System in school (and was subsequently fascinated by all of that), this just made me appreciate it all even more. Each planet had a unique atmosphere and look to it, and the lack of music and the ambience really immersed me into those planets- I know, I’m talking about some flash game that inspired me greatly as a kid, not STAR WARS or whatever cool kids who had “actual” childhoods grew up with, lol. Anyways, yeah, this was my STAR WARS, my Roman Empire, something like that. I probably write so much cosmic/space/galactic stuff largely because of this game.

DRACULA - This one’s rather weird, I think it was spurred by a Hostess commercial from around late 2001/early 2002 where an ersatz Dracula transforms into a bat and flies headfirst into a neon sign that resembles Hostess’ signature telephone cord-looking cupcakes. I found a VHS of the 1931 Bela Lugosi DRACULA sitting around (not sure how that got into my orbit), and just sorta started drawing and writing a lot of horror-tinged, weird vampire stuff for a little bit. I remember whenever I’d play with my Casio keyboard back in the day, there was a pitch shifter wheel of sorts. I remember pressing the keys on the organ setting and using that dial to make it sound like a distorted horror movie soundtrack. From a beat-up film print. Even 9-year-old me in early 2002 picked up on those sorts of things.

I’ve always had a thing for the dark, the macabre, the gothic, and such. Even went as a vampire for a few Halloweens. I also remember doing a book report (this is around fourth grade) for the book DRACULA DOESN’T DRINK LEMONADE, from the series THE BAILEY SCHOOL KIDS. I just thought the idea was pretty cool and creepy, and to this day? I still think vampires are pretty cool, and I sometimes incorporate them into what I write.

THE ROAMING GNOME - Around the mid-2000s, Travelocity - the online travel agency - ran a series of commercials featuring a little garden gnome with an offscreen voice. I caught a couple of the commercials circa summer 2005, one where he get zapped across a room by an electrical outlet…

And another where he gets hit by a cart at the airport…

12-year-old me thought these were the height of comedy GOLD. I quoted these constantly, and it was to the point where one of my uncles went out of his way to buy me… A whole-ass GNOME. And we had that at my dad’s place for a little while, I think it got chipped up over time or stored away somewhere. I’d love to find it again, if it’s all in one piece lol.

[etes-secrecy-post]

Hi, before I explain my post, I want to say something important.

• What you see my blog has become a major overhaul. And despite the changes, I decided that my 2nd account will be now my artwork blog with a secret twist.

⚠️NEW RULE! (W/ BIGGER TEXT!)⚠️

⚠️ SO PLEASE DO NOT SHARE MY 2nd ACCOUNT TO EVERYONE! THIS SECRECY BLOG OF MINE IS FOR CLOSES FRIENDS ONLY!⚠️

• AND FOR MY CLOSES FRIENDS, DON’T REBLOG IT. INSTEAD, JUST COPY MY LINK AND PASTE IT ON YOUR TUMBLR POST! JUST BE SURE THE IMAGE WILL BE REMOVED AND THE ONLY LEFT WAS THE TEXT.

⚠️ SHARING LINKS, LIKE POSTS, REBLOG POSTS, STEALING MY SNAPSHOT PHOTOS/RECORDED VIDEOS/ARTWORKS (a.k.a. ART THIEVES) OR PLAGIARIZING FROM UNKNOWN TUMBLR STRANGERS WILL IMMEDIATELY BE BLOCKED, RIGHT AWAY!⚠️

😡 WHATEVER YOU DO, DO NOT EVER LIKED & REBLOG MY SECRET POST! THIS IS FOR MY SECRET FRIENDS ONLY, NOT YOU! 😡

Okay? Capiche? Make sense? Good, now back to the post…↓

#Onthisday: Aug 31st, 2017

Title: Akatsuki Gumball - True Gold Version -

Gumball's Akatsuki Armor showing the true gold color makes it more brighter and better than his personal color. 🎖️🐱 And with the same packs and same armaments, his armor hasn't change since. 🙂

I never get a chance to reveal his armaments & special features, so I'll bring it down, anyways.

Akatsuki Gumball (with Oowashi sky pack and Shiranui space pack) Based on the real: ORB-01 Akatsuki Gundam

Armament(s):

• Type 72D5 "Hyakurai" Beam Rifle The Akatsuki is equipped with a "Hyakurai" Beam Rifle as its primary ranged weapon, it has an excellent rate of fire and is stored on the right side armor when not in use. The rifle also has a slot below its barrel for equipping the Experimental Twin Beam Saber, turning it into a gun-sword.

• Type 73J2 Experimental Twin Beam Saber The Akatsuki is equipped with an Experimental Twin Beam Saber for close combat and it is stored on the left side armor when not in use. The Twin Beam Saber can detach into two individual beam sabers when required. It can also be mounted to the bottom of the "Hyakurai" Beam Rifle, turning the latter into a gun-sword.

• Type 71 Experimental Defensive Shield For added protection, the Akatsuki can mount an experimental shield on its left forearm or carry it in hand. It has the same anti-beam reflective coating as on the suit's body and is capable of deflecting or reflecting large beam blasts, including from the Positron Blaster Cannon. Unlike the armor on the suit's body, the shield is also strong enough to withstand physical attacks, such as missiles and other projectile weapons, and is mainly used for this purpose.

• Type 73F Kai High-Energy Beam Cannon Mounted at the bottom of the "Oowashi" Sky Pack, the pair of High-Energy Beam Cannons is the Oowashi Akatsuki's strongest ranged weaponry. They are positioned under the shoulders when in use, and can extend to reveal a handle each on the bottom side. However, holding this handle is not required for firing the cannons.

• M531R Guided Mobile Beam Turret System The seven remote weapons mounted on the "Shiranui" Space Pack, they are comparable to the first generation DRAGOON System. Each unit mounts a single beam cannon, which can also function as a beam shield emitter when used together with the other two beam shield emitters at the side. By using these emitters on all the seven remote weapon units, a large beam shield can be created to provide protection for about one to two battleships.

Special Feature(s):

• Striker Packs System A specially designed auxiliary armament units that allows a unit to adapt to a number of different roles. Originally developed for the armor “Strike”, it is also used by its mass production counterparts and their successors. Similar armament units are subsequently used by other factions and they are given different names.

• "Oowashi" Sky Pack Attached to the back, it is an optional backpack unit for atmospheric flight. The Oowashi is equipped with four jet engines and two rocket boosters, allowing the Akatsuki to fly at subsonic speeds. Like the armored (ZGMF-09A) Justice's Fatum-00, the Oowashi can detach from the suit and change into an unmanned aircraft to support Akatsuki in battle. In this scenario, it can either function independently due to its AI system or be remote-controlled by the Akatsuki's pilot.

• "Shiranui" Space Pack Attached to the back, it is an optional backpack unit for space combat. Besides boosting the suit's mobility due to the added thrusters, it is also equipped with the DRAGOON system in the form of seven M531R guided mobile beam turret systems. The Akatsuki can use these remote weapons for either increased firepower or defensive capabilities.

• "Yata-no-Kagami" Anti-beam Defensive Reflection System The Akatsuki's golden armor (including those on its armaments and backpacks) is a mirror surface armor composed of nano-scale beam-diffracting lattice layers and ultra-fine critical plasma suppression layers. It not only protects against incoming beams by deflecting the beam fire, but can also use the Akatsuki's sensors to track enemies and automatically redirect these beams back at them, thus combining offense and defense. This armor also allows Akatsuki to block a Positron Blaster Cannon blast and gives it the ability to penetrate specific beam shields or beam reflectors. However, the armor provides no protection against melee attacks such as direct strikes from beam sabers or beam boomerang. Additionally, its manufacturing and maintenance costs are enormous. The amount spent on equipping one mobile suit with this armor is said to be equal to producing more than 20 (MBF-M1 M1) armored Astray armies.

Gumball Watterson - The Amazing World of Gumball © Cartoon Network, Ben Bocquelet Armor (Mobile Suit Gundam SEED Destiny) - Gundam Series © SUNRISE, Sotsu, MBS

[currinsrnznships]

Navy divers neutralise Second World War mines in Hauraki Gulf Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN) divers have safely disposed of Second World War-era mines recently discovered on the seafloor near Auckland. 26 June, 2025 The mines, which were more than 80 years old, were originally part of a defensive minefield laid in the early stages of the war to protect Auckland Harbour and the Hauraki Gulf from German and Japanese naval threats. The controlled minefields were designed to be detonated from shore stations in the event of an enemy sighting.  By 1944, with the threat of attack significantly reduced, the mines were decommissioned by being remotely detonated.  However, in the channel between Whangaparaoa Peninsula and Tiritiri Matangi Island, a number of mines misfired. It is believed that during the subsequent clearance by minesweepers, some mines became dislodged from their moorings and, over time, corroded and sank to the seafloor where they drifted with the currents.  In 2014, an RNZN Maritime Explosive Ordnance Disposal team located and disabled some of these historical munitions. In March this year, five further mines were discovered in the area at a depth of between 21 – 28 metres. This week, over three days, divers from the Navy’s littoral warfare unit HMNZS Matataua made the mines safe in a carefully planned operation. A Diver Underwater Search System uses both sonar to detect mine-like objects and GPS to help navigate a diver to a position. Low-level explosive charges cracked the mine casings and allowed seawater to render the high explosives inside inert. These carefully calibrated charges are designed to minimise environmental impact and disturbance to marine life. The controlled explosions which effectively defused the mines were barely audible and created no visible disturbance on the surface.  Marine mammal observers monitored for the presence of whales, dolphins, and other protected species during the operation to ensure the area was clear prior to the charges detonating. Lieutenant Warwick Creasy, officer in charge of the disposal team, says while dangerous, this type of work is routine for the Navy in the Pacific Islands, where unexploded ordnance remains a concern. “But these mines are very close to home, so we wanted to take every precaution to ensure they no longer posed a threat to commercial and recreational fishers, divers, or the marine environment. “The task went exactly according to plan which reflects the intensive training we undertake, careful preparation and the type of extreme care that goes with the handling and placement of high explosives. Job done. Home safe.” Tags and categories: All RNZN/NZDF News Past and Present via WordPress https://ift.tt/JmPqSCd June 27, 2025 at 01:30PM