#uss achilles

[hyperiionvii]

little thing of my not a self insert at all soong-type android, archive

[usafphantom2]

VF-103 F-14 crew member tells the story of TARPS IR photo of Egypt Air Boeing 737 carrying Achille Lauro hijackers after landing at Sigonella

F-14 Tomcat TARPS equipped

The F-14 equipped with Tactical Airborne Reconnaissance Pod System (TARPS) … or Peeping Tom.

According to Home of M.A.T.S., until introduction of a replacement on the F/A-18, the TARPS was the only possibility for the Navy to get tactical information about an area or target via a fast flying aircraft, the F-14. Since the retirement of the RF-8, the RF-4B and various A-3 Skywarrior variants, the F-14 was the only aircraft for this role (and can carry at the same time a complete range of air-to-air weapons!) until the introduction of a F/A-18 recce aircraft with reconnaissance equipment instead of a gun!

Taken in 1985 by a TARPS equipped VF-103 Sluggers F-14 Tomcat the IR photo featured in this article shows the Egypt Air Boeing 737 carrying the Achille Lauro hijackers after landing at Sigonella.

During CVW-17’s August 1985-1986 Med deployment, CVW-17’s aircraft were responsible for the successful intercept and forced landing of the Egyptian airliner carrying the infamous Achille Lauro ship hijackers.

More details on the operation are featured in Mike Crutch’s book CVW: US Navy Carrier Air Wing Aircraft 1975-2015.

VF-103 F-14 crew member tells the story of TARPS IR photo of Egypt Air Boeing 737 carrying Achille Lauro hijackers after landing at Sigonella

VF-74 F-14

As Crutch explains in fact, CVW-17 embarked aboard USS Saratoga (CV-60) entered the Sixth Fleet’s area on Sep. 2, 1985, and air wing Tomcats met their first Soviet Tu-95 BEAR three days later west of Gibraltar. During this period, VF-103 sent their TARPS F-14As on a long range recce mission to photograph ships of the Soviet battlecruiser Frunze surface action group.

MS Achille Lauro hijacking

After turnover with USS Nimitz (CVN-68, with CVW-8 embarked) on Sep. 13, the ship and air wing returned to the massive, ongoing NATO wargames and took part in Exercise DISPLAY DETERMINATION ’85. It was as the final phase of that exercise ended – on Oct. 8 – that the Italian passenger liner MS Achille Lauro was hijacked by Palestine Liberation Front (PLF) terrorists off the Egyptian coast.

As contingencies were drawn up by the Pentagon, Saratoga sailed eastwards from the Ionian Sea that same day – promptly running into two prowling Soviet Il-38 MAYs operating out of Syria, both of which were intercepted by F-14s. The following day, Saratoga was southeast of Crete and launched S-3 Vikings from VS-30 Diamond Cutters to locate the cruise liner, only to receive word that evening that the Achille Lauro had made Port Said in Egypt at the orders of PLF leader Abu Abbas. After the ship docked, the terrorists fled in one of the harbour vessels, and the Achille Lauro’s crew and passengers were free to disembark; the brutal murder of passenger – and US national – Leon Klinghoffer some hours beforehand was not apparent to Italian and US government officials until later that night.

Despite intelligence to the contrary, the Egyptian government stated that the terrorists had already left the country and no prosecutions would be possible. President Ronald Reagan was not going to let a second American’s murder at the hand of Middle East terrorists go unpunished, as had the killing of Navy diver Robert Stethem – a passenger aboard hijacked TWA Flight 847 earlier that year at Lebanon’s Beirut airport.

VF-103 F-14 crew member tells the story of TARPS IR photo of Egypt Air Boeing 737 carrying Achille Lauro hijackers after landing at Sigonella

VF-103 F-14s

Egypt Air Boeing 737 SU-AYK

US intelligence – almost certainly aided by Israel’s Mossad – soon learnt of the Egyptian government’s deception and that Cairo’s Almaza airbase would be the point from which the terrorists would depart the country. An Egypt Air Boeing 737 (registration SU-AYK) was observed making an unusual positioning flight for such an airliner to the base from Cairo’s main airport, and a flight plan filed with a destination of Tunisia – a country with close Palestinian connections and known haven for Abu Abbas’ PLF terrorists.

At the direction of the National Command Authority, Commander Sixth Fleet in Naples was ordered to intercept and divert the Boeing to the US base at Sigonella, Italy where US forces would take the terrorists into custody. On course for a port call in the Yugoslav city of Dubrovnik, Saratoga was tasked to carry out the intercept; CAG of CVW-17 – CDR Bob Brodsky – planned to launch seven F-14s (drawn from both VF-74 and VF-103, including a TARPS bird from the latter), supported by KA-6D tankers of VA-85 Black Falcons and three E-2Cs of VAW-125 Tigertails. Knowing that the Boeing would route around Libyan airspace to the north, an airborne ‘gate’ was established south of Crete through which all traffic was monitored. The CO of VAW-125 – CDR Ralph Zia – was airborne in one of the E-2Cs, callsign TIGERTAIL 603 (BuNo 161547), and led the efforts to identify all airborne contacts.

One VF-74 Tomcat pilot would later remark “It was amazing how many aircraft were flying without lights over the Mediterranean that night – from Russian Il-76 transports to even a pair of USAF C-141s that we later realised had onboard members of the special ops teams waiting to capture those onboard the 737.”

Photos taken by VF-103 F-14 Tomcat TARPS equipped fighters

VF-103 F-14 crew member tells the story of TARPS IR photo of Egypt Air Boeing 737 carrying Achille Lauro hijackers after landing at Sigonella

Egypt Air Boeing 737

Intelligence assets had reported that around 2200hrs local time, the Egypt Air Boeing 737 had taken off from Almaza (using the callsign EGYPTAIR 2843) and had set course for Tunisia as flight planned.

After a number of intercepts, one of the VF-103 Tomcats (reportedly CLUBLEAF 205 – F-14A BuNo 160904) finally visually identified the Egypt Air Boeing 737 – cruising at 34,000 feet – and confirmed its registration as SU-AYK back to Zia onboard TIGERTAIL 603. They were soon joined by the other F-14As and, after conducting visual intercept manoeuvres to ‘follow me’ as well as a brief radio exchange between Zia and the 737’s captain, all headed for Sigonella.

After some one and a quarter hours under Tomcat escort, the Boeing 737 touched down at 0040hrs local time on 11 October. TARPS imagery (taken from CLUBLEAF 214 – F-14A BuNo 161134) recorded the stand-off on the ground between US special forces – intent on capturing the terrorists – and Italian security forces, who were acting on the orders of their furious government who had received no prior briefing on the USA’s actions and use of Italian territory. The US forces were eventually withdrawn after a long standoff, and the terrorists passed into the hands of the Italian authorities.

Larry Neal, former VF-103 F-14 crew member who took part in the intercept, explained to me: ‘The day prior to the intercept, we had in fact tracked down the Achille Lauro and using a stand-off LOROPS TARPS system had imaged the ship in anticipation of a rescue attempt. When the ship pulled in and was surrendered, the rescue mission was canceled and we reassumed Alert 60, and headed to Dubrovnik.

Looking for a civilian airliner

VF-84 F-14 model

This model is available from AirModels – CLICK HERE TO GET YOURS

‘Later that day, the 1MC launch order came about 7pm. Crews were scrambling to jets in a “fast as you can get there” mode. There was no brief. All I was told prior to launch was “you’re looking for a civilian airliner and you may be cleared to fire.” As I manned up Hummers and tankers were launching. The first F-14 airborne was a Devil (VF-74), but in their rush to be first, they’d launched without a system. CDC decided they couldn’t participate and parked them overhead for the duration.

‘The next 4 aircraft airborne were Sluggers (VF-103). I was in that bunch and was airborne about 7:25 or so in a TARPS jet. We tanked overhead then proceeded to CAP stations, two aircraft at the eastern end of Crete and two at the western. Several intercepts were made of passing comm air. Two bogies popped up to the east. One Slugger was sent out to id. Midway through the intercept the pilot realized that the bogies had their lights off. Ours were immediately turned off as well. That intercept went as described…lights out.

‘Final id with a flashlight and then using the engines as a distinguishing indicator. Four under the wings. We saw these guys again later. The Slugger was called off and told to return to station. About that time, I was given a vector for a bogie climbing NE out of Benina. We were all still midnight. Early contact on the bogey. Id’ed as a Flogger. Ran the intercept to about 35-40 mi, when he turned and RTB’ed.

Lights out Slugger

‘I reset to the western CAP station. We waited a bit. A new contact was detected coming north out of Egypt. It turned west and was immediately joined by a lights out Slugger. The pilot reported the tail number and unusual tail design back to CDC. As the 737 turned and proceeded west, the other three Sluggers all joined up still lights out and basically surrounded the 737. Zia spoke with the 737 on VHF and us on UHF. The conversation and the lights on went as described [in our previous article].

VF-103 F-14 crew member tells the story of TARPS IR photo of Egypt Air Boeing 737 carrying Achille Lauro hijackers after landing at Sigonella

VF-103 F-14 TARPS IR photo showing Egypt Air Boeing 737 carrying the Achille Lauro hijackers after landing at Sigonella

‘Once the 737 pilot had been convinced to proceed to Sig, it became pretty quiet. One of the Slugger jets had been loaded with 20mm tracers but they weren’t necessary. The Italian controllers did at first refuse entry but one of the Slugger back seaters declared “emergency fuel” as a ploy to get us clearance. It worked. We’d left the descent too long not realizing the limitations of the 737. The 737 was too high on its first approach to the westerly runway (27?) and took it around. Over shot the second approach and finally landed on his third attempt.

‘As he landed, two lights out 141s landed behind him and turned their lights on as they rolled out. I was overhead taking pictures at 4K’. We all rtb’ed. No F-14s landed at Sig. Called Hotshot on the way back…straight in. OK 3 NC. It didn’t count towards the line period because it had officially ended. Pissed me off. 5 hrs of night time.’

Another attempt to intercept the 737

Noteworthy as Crutch points out in his book, some sources paint a picture of another attempt to intercept the 737 – confirmed as carrying PLF leader Abu Abbas – as it positioned to Rome on Oct. 11. Some reports even state that F-14s tried to disrupt escorting Italian F-104 Starfighters in an attempt to secure the Boeing airliner. Saratoga had anchored off Dubrovnik earlier that day, and no other US carriers were in the Mediterranean at the time, so a work of fiction or a still-classified incident involving forces of a fellow NATO member? Perhaps we will never know.

VF-74 print

This print is available in multiple sizes from AircraftProfilePrints.com – CLICK HERE TO GET YOURS. F-14B Tomcat VF-74 Be-Devilers, AA101 / 162919 / 1993

Photo credit: Larry Neal, SRA Chris A. Putnam, PH1 William A. Shayka and Lt. Cmdr. Dave Parsons / U.S. Navy and U.S. Air Force

Dario Leone

Dario Leone is an aviation, defense and military writer. He is the Founder and Editor of “The Aviation Geek Club” one of the world’s most read military aviation blogs. His writing has appeared in The National Interest and other news media. He has reported from Europe and flown Super Puma and Cougar helicopters with the Swiss Air Force.

[brookstonalmanac]

Events 4.14 (after 1930)

1931 – The Second Spanish Republic is proclaimed and king Alfonso XIII goes to exile. Meanwhile, in Barcelona, Francesc Macià proclaims the Catalan Republic. 1935 – The Black Sunday dust storm, considered one of the worst storms of the Dust Bowl, sweeps across the Oklahoma and Texas panhandles and neighboring areas. 1940 – World War II: Royal Marines land in Namsos, Norway, preceding a larger force which will arrive two days later. 1941 – World War II: German and Italian forces attack Tobruk, Libya. 1944 – Bombay explosion: A massive explosion in Bombay harbor kills 300 and causes economic damage valued at 20 million pounds. 1945 – Razing of Friesoythe: The 4th Canadian (Armoured) Division deliberately destroys the German town of Friesoythe on the orders of Major General Christopher Vokes. 1958 – The Soviet satellite Sputnik 2 falls from orbit after a mission duration of 162 days. This was the first spacecraft to carry a living animal, a female dog named Laika, who likely lived only a few hours. 1967 – Gnassingbé Eyadéma overthrows Nicolas Grunitzky and installs himself as the new President of Togo, a title he will hold for the next 38 years. 1978 – Tbilisi demonstrations: Thousands of Georgians demonstrate against Soviet attempts to change the constitutional status of the Georgian language. 1979 – The Progressive Alliance of Liberia stages a protest, without a permit, against an increase in rice prices proposed by the government, with clashes between protestors and the police resulting in over 70 deaths and over 500 injuries. 1981 – STS-1: The first operational Space Shuttle, Columbia completes its first test flight. 1986 – The heaviest hailstones ever recorded, each weighing 1 kilogram (2.2 lb), fall on the Gopalganj district of Bangladesh, killing 92. 1988 – The USS Samuel B. Roberts strikes a mine in the Persian Gulf during Operation Earnest Will. 1988 – In a United Nations ceremony in Geneva, Switzerland, the Soviet Union signs an agreement pledging to withdraw its troops from Afghanistan. 1991 – The Republic of Georgia introduces the post of President following its declaration of independence from the Soviet Union. 1994 – In a friendly fire incident during Operation Provide Comfort in northern Iraq, two U.S. Air Force aircraft mistakenly shoot-down two U.S. Army helicopters, killing 26 people. 1997 – Pai Hsiao-yen, daughter of Taiwanese artiste Pai Bing-bing is kidnapped on her way to school, preceding her murder. 1999 – NATO mistakenly bombs a convoy of ethnic Albanian refugees. Yugoslav officials say 75 people were killed. 1999 – A severe hailstorm strikes Sydney, Australia causing A$2.3 billion in insured damages, the most costly natural disaster in Australian history. 2002 – Venezuelan president Hugo Chávez returns to office two days after being ousted and arrested by the country's military. 2003 – The Human Genome Project is completed with 99% of the human genome sequenced to an accuracy of 99.99%. 2003 – U.S. troops in Baghdad capture Abu Abbas, leader of the Palestinian group that killed an American on the hijacked cruise liner MS Achille Lauro in 1985. 2005 – The Oregon Supreme Court nullifies marriage licenses issued to same-sex couples a year earlier by Multnomah County. 2006 – Twin blasts triggered by crude bombs during Asr prayer in the Jama Masjid mosque in Delhi injure 13 people. 2014 – Two bombs detonate at a bus station in Nyanya, Nigeria, killing at least 88 people and injuring hundreds. Boko Haram claims responsibility. 2014 – Boko Haram abducts 276 girls from a school in Chibok, Nigeria. 2016 – The foreshock of a major earthquake occurs in Kumamoto, Japan. 2022 – Russian invasion of Ukraine: The Russian warship Moskva sinks. 2023 – The Jupiter Icy Moons Explorer (JUICE) is launched by the European Space Agency. 2024 – Flooding in the Persian Gulf starts, killing 19 in Oman.

[jack-in-the-dark]

Jack Builds Spaceboats: The Martinet, Part 3: Target That Explosion

Disclaimer: I am not an expert on this game, and some information I present may be erroneous.

Alright, time to finally talk about the details of the Martinet's build. You'll see some familiar things in here, some things that practically universal among my dozen-plus characters' ships.

I've already talked about the torpedoes, taking up three of the Martinet's four forward and two of her three after weapon slots. The non-torpedo slot in each facing is a phaser array (currently an Obliviating phaser array, because I had them kicking around at Mk. XV).

Her DECS (Deflector/Engines/Core/Shields, I had core as W for Warp Core last time, but it has since occurred to me that Romulan ships have Singulatiry Cores, not Warp Cores, so that'll be the terminology going forward) are, of course, staring with an Elite Fleet Intervention Protomatter Deflector Array from the Fleet Colony holding. This comes with the ColCrit modifier that increases Critical Chance and Critical Damage based on my hull, power drain resistance, boosts to my shield capacity, hull capacity, and shield penetration (important skill for a torpedo boat that isn't built to drain/disable shields and instead relies on brute force). The engines and shields are the Adapated MACO set from the Omega Force reputation, for a set bonus that gives me +25% torpedo damage. Aside from the expected buffs to mobility, the Adapted MACO engines also provide a small buff to my Weapons, Shields, and Auxiliary power levels. The Adapted MACO shield has a 20% chance to placate an attacker, and reduces antiproton and plasma damage to the shields. The warp core is a bit unusual, I don't see a lot of people running around with them on r/stobuilds but I though it was neat: the Martinet runs an Elite Fleet Sustained Protomatter Warp Core from the Fleet Colony holding, which provides power bonuses to my shield, engine and auxiliary power levels. Additionally, it adds 7.5% of my weapons power to my shields, and 7.5% of my shields power to my weapons power. All these power buffs feed in to my power levels for my weapons, shields, and engines being all at least 75, each of which grants me 3.3% additional damage with everything per system with 75 or higher power from the warp core's AMP ability, for a total of +9.9% damage.

A note about weapon power and torpedoes: only energy weapons are affected by weapon power setting, so if you're running no energy weapons, or need the power elsewhere (as we'll see when I get around to explain the USS Ranger), you don't need to crank up your weapon power setting.

My previous ship build didn't have one of these, so I guess it's time to explain Experimental Weapons. Escorts, raiders, and other small, maneuverable ships typically have on less weapon slot than cruisers, usually with a 4 fore/3 aft, 5/2, or 5/1 configuration. But they can universally slow dual cannons, which have a narrower field of fire but deal considerably more damage than beam arrays. But to further solidify them in the "glass cannon" situation, they have an additional weapon slot that can only slot an Experimental Weapon. Experimental weapons tend to deal usual damage type and offer a variety of debuffs.

And then there's the Prototype Phaser Hexa Cannons, acquired from the Achilles-class.

This motherfucker deals six massive chunks of phaser damage over two seconds, then goes on cooldown for 6 seconds, with a 45-degreen firing arc shared by dual cannons and dual heavy cannons. So unlike MOST other Experimental Weapons, this is buffed by consoles/abilities, traits that buff phaser damage on top of its already high burst damage. It's crazy. It's good on a torpedo build.

So yeah, that's the experimental weapon I've slotted on the Martinet.

Let's talk consoles next. The Martinet, being an Appalachia Blockade Runner Escort, has four Engineering console slots, two Science console slots, five Tactical console slots, and, because I upgraded her to Tier 6X-2, a pair of Universal console slots.

The Universal slots contain the Lorca's Custom Fire Controls mentioned in the Hyperion's build, and a Vulnerability Locator advanced tactical console (remember Advanced consoles from the Hyperion's build?) that boosts crit chance and photon damage.

The Engineering and Science console slots are a hodge-podge of things I have that buff kinetic/torpedo damage, and all damage sources. We've got the Ordnance Accelerator out of the Gamma reputation to boost projectile and phaser damage, the Tricobalt Tear Launcher for its torpedo clicky, bonus shield penetration, and minot buff to torpedo damage, the Ominous Device for its clicky and 20% buff to all damage, the Multi-Directional Artillery Barrage for its attack-everything-around-me-with-quantum-torpedoes clicky and buffs to projectile damage and maximum hull, the Covert Warhead Module explained in part 2, and the Hull Image Refractors talked about in the Hyperion series. The five tactical consoles are all Vulnerability Locators buffing crit chance and photon damage.

For the starship traits we start with Angle Off the Bow, also from the Achilles-class. This gives me +20 to the Shield Penetration Skill (I know I haven't talked about skills like, at all... these rants admittedly assume a level of familiarity and aren't beginner-friendly) and +5% projectile damage every time I deal damage with a projectile (IE, a torpedo) for ten seconds, stacking up to ten times.

Piercing Projectiles, unlocked from the Appalacia-class, gives the Martinet +200 shield and hull penetration whenever I activate a torpedo or mine firing mode (which this ship does a lot).

The Weapon System Synergy trait (off the Chimera-class destroyer) grants 1 stack of Weapon System Synergy every time I fire an energy weapon (such as my phasers and I think the Experimental weapon, but I haven't actually checked). At ten stacks, projectile weapons gain +25% bonus damage (I'll make a separate post on why I try to only say "bonus" in specific cases when I'm talking damage, it's a math thing) and +50% shield penetration for ten seconds, after which I cannot gain more stacks for 20 seconds.

Next I've slotted Advanced Precision Guided Muntions from the Cabot-class escort, which is something that seems good on paper but in practice I'm not sure if it is. Once per ten seconds, after I activate a weapon firing mode (any weapon firing mode), my next torpedo attack additional damage, and the damage is doubled if it strikes a shield facing at 15% or lower.

Then we have Ceaseless Momentum which we covered in part 2 of this series, and History Will Remember which I covered in part 2 of the Hyperion series.

The last trait is... something I admittedly just threw on because I had it hanging around. Long story short, Sentient Starship gives me a stacking, permanent-until-map-move bonus to shields when I activate a shield heal when I have a shield facing under 90%, and the same to hull healing when I activate a hull heal when under 90% hull. Not sure how useful it is if I'm honest.

Alright, now we're on to Bridge Officer abilities!

The Martinet has a Lieutenant Universal/Intel hybrid seat, a Commander Tactical seat, a Lieutenant Commander Tactical/Command hybrid seat, a Lieutenant Commander Engineering seat, and an Ensign Science seat.

To fill the Universal seat out we have a science officer with Hazard Emitters I to provide a small hull heal and Photonic Officer 1 for cooldown management (remember that from Hyperion part 2? That plus Boimler is practically universal across my builds). This paired with the Ensign Science Seat's Science Team I is all the sci abilities we'll have on this build.

The two Tactical seats give us our booms. The Commander-level Tac seat has Tactical Team I for reasons covered in the Hyperion's build series, Torpedoes: Spread II, Torpedoes: Spread III, and Attack Pattern Beta III, both of which were also covered previously. The LtC Tac/Command seat gives us Tractor Beam Catapult I (or at least it WILL, once the price on that crashes, jesus fuck it's expensive), Torpedoes: High Yield II (HY is high single-target damage), and the torpedo boat's bread and butter, the Command ability Concentrate Firepower III.

Concentrate Firepower III marks a single enemy in your forward arc. When they take torpedo damage, it increases other torpedo damage they take by 20% with that extra 20% having 100% shield penetration. Additionally, once per two seconds, one attacking player gets a free Torpedoes: High Yield I and gets their torpedo cooldowns reset. Additionally, once per two seconds, it does the same to a non-player attacker, like hangar pets or summoned NPC allies. It's basically considered a must-slot for torpedo builds.

The LtC Engineering seat equips the Martinet with Engineering Team I, Emergency Power to Shields (I think this is the only build I have that has this, actually), and Auxiliary Power to Structural Integrity II for reasons covered in the Hyperion series.

And that finally wraps up the Jack Builds Spaceboats series for the USS Martinet! I've already decided which ship I'll do next, and so I'll leave you with this hint that makes literally zero sense unless you already know the answer.

[ironwitchpainter]

Star Trek: Planetary Perception and Pursuit, Episode 15: The Light of Harmony

"What Greco-Roman animal is in the engine room?" Kirk's question echoes through the intercom, a peculiar inquiry that piques the curiosity of the crew. Scotty, his hands deep in the engine's guts, pauses for a moment, a grin tugging at the corners of his mouth. "Ah, Captain, ye're thinkin' of the mighty centaur, are ye?" His Scottish accent rings through the speakers. "The centaur, a creature of legend, half man, half horse, symbolizes the perfect blend of wisdom and strength. In the engine room, it's not unlike the fusion core that powers the Enterprise. It's the heart of our ship, a blend of science and technology that allows us to traverse the stars." He wipes his forehead with a greasy cloth, the engine's hum a comforting backdrop. "But, Captain, if ye're lookin' for an actual animal, I'd say the closest we've got is a tribble. They're always poppin' up where they're not supposed to, aye?" The crew shares a laugh, the tension of the recent events momentarily lifted. Kirk's message is clear: the diversity of their experiences, much like the mythological creatures and pests they encounter, only serves to enrich their journey. The Heart of Unity orchid, once a source of discord, has become a symbol of their collective strength and adaptability. Their mission, now reaffirmed, is to explore the galaxy with open hearts and minds, to seek out new life and new civilizations, and to boldly go where no one has gone before.

As the Enterprise sails through the cosmos, a peculiar event unfolds. Scotty, in the midst of his usual rounds in the engine room, pauses as his gaze falls upon an unexpected sight. There, amidst the maze of glowing consoles and humming machinery, stands a creature of mythological proportions - a centaur. The creature, a blend of human and horse, moves with an uncanny grace, its muscles rippling with power and intellect. The room seems to still around it, the very air charged with an ancient wisdom that seems to resonate with the ship's systems. Scotty blinks, rubs his eyes, and looks again, it's still there.

Still slightly out of breath from his rush to the bridge "Captain, ye've got to see this. In the engine room, there's... there's a centaur. I'm not jestin'!" Kirk's eyebrow arches in disbelief, but Scotty's earnest tone leaves no room for doubt. The captain's curiosity piqued, he follows the engineer back to the engine room, the rest of the senior staff in tow.

Looking at the centaur, his eyes wide with wonder "Scotty, are you sure you're not seeing things?"

"Aye, Captain. I know what I've seen. And I'd wager my reputation as Chief Engineer that this creature is as real as the dilithium in our warp core."

The centaur, a majestic creature with the torso of a man and the lower body of a horse, stands proudly amidst the gleaming consoles and whirring machinery of the engine room. Its human eyes, filled with ancient wisdom, meet Kirk's gaze, and it speaks in a voice that resonates with the very fabric of the ship. "Greetings, Captain Kirk, and esteemed members of the USS Enterprise. I am Chiron, a centaur of old, sent to impart a message of unity and balance in these tumultuous times." The creature's deep, sonorous voice fills the space, and the crew exchanges astonished glances.

"Fascinating. Chiron, the centaur from Greek mythology, was known for his intelligence and his ability to teach heroes, including Achilles."

"Welcome, Chiron," Kirk says, his voice steady despite his surprise. "But what is the meaning of your presence on my ship?"

Chiron, the centaur, steps forward with a regal grace that seems to command the very air of the engine room. His equine half is a sleek, dappled gray, and his human torso is muscular and adorned with a simple, yet elegant, tunic. His eyes, filled with the wisdom of the ancients, bore into Kirk's own. "Captain, I am here as a manifestation of Our realms have intertwined, and has brought me to you to deliver a message of profound importance."

Chiron delivers his message with the solemnity of an oracle. His words, steeped in the lore of the ancients, resonate through the engine room. "You, Captain Kirk, and your crew, have faced a trial that tested the very essence of your hearts and your bonds. The challenge you have just faced has taught you that love and duty are not opposing forces but rather two sides of the same coin. In balancing the two, you have proven yourselves worthy of the title 'explorers of the cosmos.' The time has come for you to carry this wisdom forth, to be beacons of unity in a galaxy that often knows only division."

Chiron, the mythical centaur, presents Captain Kirk and his crew with a mission. He speaks of an impending cosmic event, a rare convergence of stars and planets that will disrupt the balance of the galaxy. This event, known as the Eclipse of Harmony, threatens to disrupt peaceful relationships between species and could lead to widespread chaos. As a symbol of unity and understanding, the Enterprise is chosen to embark on a quest to restore equilibrium.

Chiron, the embodiment of ancient wisdom, acknowledges their incredulity. "You speak of controlling the movements of celestial bodies, Captain. Indeed, that is a task beyond your current grasp. But fear not, for your mission is not to manipulate the cosmos, but to guide the hearts and minds of those it affects. The Eclipse of Harmony is not a physical event but a metaphorical one. It represents the alignment of diverse interests and the challenge of maintaining peace amidst change. By fostering unity and empathy, you can be the stewards of balance that the galaxy requires."

The problem at hand, as Chiron elucidates, is that the Eclipse of Harmony is moving conflicting cultures into proximity with one another. "Imagine, Captain, a planet whose very essence requires the warmth of a star's embrace to flourish, yet another planet, dependent on the cooler shadows for its survival, now finds itself in the path of the same star's light. The delicate balance of existence is disrupted, and it is your duty to mediate, to guide these worlds to a harmonious coexistence." The centaur's gaze lingers on Kirk, emphasizing the gravity of their task. "One planet may not flourish in the light, while another withers in darkness, unable to receive the photons it requires for sustenance. Your challenge is to navigate these relationships with the same finesse and understanding you've displayed in your recent trials."

As the crew processes the weight of Chiron's words, the practicalities of his presence onboard begin to dawn on them. The question of guest quarters for a creature of his size and nature brings a touch of reality to the mythic encounter. Yet, Kirk, ever the innovator, suggests an alternative. "Perhaps the arboretum could serve as his temporary sanctuary," he muses. "It's spacious enough to accommodate him comfortably and maintains a connection to the natural world, which seems to be in line with his origins." The idea is met with nods of agreement, and Chiron seems content with the solution. His equine form blending with the flora and fauna, he accepts the offer gracefully. "The Heart of Unity orchid will have company," he notes with a knowing smile. "Let us proceed to this place of peace and contemplation."

With the centaur's guidance, the Enterprise sets a course for the epicenter of the Eclipse of Harmony's disruptions. The stars align as if leading them to the exact location where the chaos is most pronounced. The ship's sensors flicker with unprecedented readings, and the bridge crew exchanges anxious glances. Kirk's hand rests firmly on the captain's chair, his gaze unwavering as he addresses the centaur. "Chiron, we are ready to face whatever challenges await us in the name of unity and peace. Lead us to where your wisdom indicates the greatest conflict is occurring." The centaur nods solemnly, his eyes reflecting the stars outside the viewscreen. The Enterprise leaps into warp, cutting through space-time with a grace that mirrors the creature standing before them. The journey ahead is fraught with unknowns, but with the Heart of Unity orchid's gentle glow and Chiron's ancient wisdom, the crew is filled with a newfound sense of purpose and unity. They are the guardians of peace in a galaxy poised on the brink of discord, and their mission is clear: to restore balance, one heart and one world at a time.

Upon reaching the designated coordinates, the Enterprise discovers two neighboring planets, Helios and Umbra, locked in a perilous dance of survival. Helios, a verdant world basking in the life-giving embrace of its sun, is desperately trying to maintain its orbit to avoid the encroaching shadow of its neighbor. Meanwhile, Umbra, a world of eternal twilight, is slowly being scorched by the very light it once craved in moderation. The inhabitants of both planets are in a state of panic and anger, their once harmonious existence now a distant memory as they wage war over the very essence of their lives: light and shadow. It's a cosmic balancing act that Chiron had foretold, and the stakes are higher than anyone could have imagined. The crews of the Enterprise, their hearts swelling with the lessons of the Heart of Unity orchid, now face the challenge of convincing these two worlds that their very survival depends on each other. The Eclipse of Harmony is not just a celestial phenomenon but a metaphor for the delicate interdependence of all life in the galaxy. Kirk's voice, steady and firm, resonates with the gravity of their mission. "We must act swiftly, my friends. The fate of these worlds rests in our hands, and it is our duty to show them that together, they can overcome the forces that threaten to tear them apart." The crew nods in determination, their diverse backgrounds and experiences coalescing into a formidable force of diplomacy, ingenuity, and compassion. They stand ready to become the embodiment of the unity that Chiron has foretold, bridging the gap between light and shadow to restore peace to the galaxy.

Gathered in the briefing room, Kirk, Spock, McCoy, and the senior staff ponder over the PADDs displaying the scientific data of the Eclipse of Harmony. Ideas are tossed around, each one more ambitious than the last. The tension is palpable as they seek a solution that respects the natural order of the cosmos while safeguarding the lives of the inhabitants of Helios and Umbra. It is Scotty who proposes a daring plan, his eyes alight with the spark of innovation. "What if we build a station, Captain? A veritable light cannon that could intercept the sun's rays before they reach Umbra and redirect them around the planet, straight to Helios." The room falls silent as the implications of such a feat sink in. The engineering challenge is immense, yet the concept resonates with the essence of their mission. A structure that embodies the very essence of unity and balance, bridging the gap between opposing forces. Kirk's gaze sharpens, and he turns to Spock. "How feasible is this, Mr. Spock? Could we construct such a station without further destabilizing the delicate balance of these worlds?" Spock's fingers tap thoughtfully on the console before him. "Theoretically, it is possible, Captain. The technology required would be substantial, but with the resources of the Federation we may stand a chance." McCoy, ever the pragmatist, interjects, "But the timeframe, Spock. Can we pull this off before the eclipse causes irreparable damage?" Spock raises an eyebrow. "Doctors, it would be... challenging. But with the combined efforts of our crew and the goodwill of the inhabitants of both planets, we may yet achieve a solution that satisfies both the demands of physics and the imperatives of peace." The room buzzes with excitement as the crew brainstorms the logistics of such an endeavor. The light cannon is more than a mere engineering project; it is a symbol of their collective commitment to unity and their belief in the power of love and friendship to conquer the darkest shadows. As they break into teams to begin the monumental task, the Heart of Unity orchid seems to glow brighter, as if in anticipation of the unity that will soon be forged from the very fabric of space itself.

Kirk initiates communication with the leaders of Helios, presenting their audacious plan for the light cannon station. The Heliosians, a proud and fiercely independent people, are initially skeptical. They view the proposal as an intrusion into their age-old conflict with Umbra, whose very existence they blame for their plight. "We do not need your interference, Kirk of the Enterprise," the Heliosian Prime Minister retorts, his features tight with anger. "We have survived for millennia by adapting to the whims of the cosmos. We will find our own way to survive this eclipse." Kirk's voice remains calm, his Midwest charm a beacon of hope amidst the chaos. "We offer not interference, but cooperation. The Eclipse of Harmony is a testament to the interconnectedness of all things. We must stand together to preserve the balance that sustains us all." But the Heliosians remain steadfast in their refusal, their hearts blinded by resentment. It is clear that the road ahead will be fraught with diplomatic challenges as significant as the engineering marvel they must construct. Yet, Kirk remains undeterred. "We will not force our aid upon you, but we stand ready to help when you are willing to see that your survival is linked to that of your neighbor." The silence on the other end of the transmission is heavy with unspoken accusations and unresolved anger. The fate of the two worlds hangs in the balance, and it is up to the crew of the Enterprise to find a way to shine the light of understanding into the darkest corners of this cosmic impasse.

With the proposal laid before the people of Helios, Kirk and his senior staff turn their attention to the shadowy world of Umbra. They contact the Umbran High Council, their message one of peace and unity. To their surprise, the Ubrans agree to the construction of the station. However, their response is tinged with resignation. "We have no choice but to allow this," the High Councilor states, her voice weary. "Our entire civilization is mobilized for war. We cannot spare a single hand to aid in your endeavor." The room on the Enterprise bridge is filled with a mix of disappointment and understanding. They know that the hearts of the Umbran people are as bound by the conflict as their own planet is to the eclipse. Kirk nods solemnly. "We will not ask for your help in this endeavor. But we do ask for your trust and cooperation. Together, we can forge a future where Helios and Umbra live in harmony." The Councilor's gaze hardens. "We shall grant you the land for your station, but we cannot offer you our aid. Our resources are stretched thin, and our people are desperate. We must prioritize our survival." Kirk acknowledges her words with a nod, his mind already racing with the complexities of building a bridge between worlds without the support of one of its pillars. Yet, he knows that the light of hope must come from within, and it is their duty to be the catalyst that ignites the fires of peace. "We will proceed with the construction of the station, and we will do so with the hope that our actions may illuminate a path to reconciliation between your people and those of Helios." The transmission ends, and the crew of the Enterprise is left to grapple with the monumental task ahead. They are the architects of peace in a cosmic conflict that has endured for eons, and it is their unity and the wisdom of Chiron that must now guide their every move.

The construction of the light cannon station begins on the shadowy surface of Umbra. The crew of the Enterprise, driven by the urgency of their mission, toils tirelessly under the watchful eyes of the centaur. However, the task is Herculean. The eclipse looms closer, and the timeframe for completion seems insurmountable. Kirk, ever the strategist, contacts Starfleet Command to request additional resources and ships to aid in the construction. The response is swift and positive, a testament to the urgency of their quest. Starfleet vessels begin to arrive, their crews joining the Enterprise's in the shadowy craters of Umbra. Yet, the Umbran people, accustomed to the soft glow of their twilight world, are adamant in their refusal to allow artificial light to pierce the veil of darkness that shrouds their planet. The challenge is clear: they must build the station in near-darkness, their eyes straining to make out the details of their work. The air is thick with tension as the crews from various worlds labor side by side, united in their struggle against time and the relentless march of the eclipse. Despite the darkness, the Heart of Unity orchid's light seems to reach them, a beacon of hope and reminder of the bond that ties them all together. They are the embodiment of the unity that Chiron has foretold, and it is through this unity that they will conquer the shadows that threaten to engulf Helios and Umbra. The light cannon station, a gleaming bastion of cooperation, rises from the shadowy lands, each beam and pylon a silent promise of peace and a testament to the unyielding spirit of the Enterprise crew.

Meanwhile, the engineering team, under Scotty's steadfast leadership, starts replicating night vision goggles for the workers who are eager to contribute their labor to the construction. The replicators hum with the urgency of their mission, churning out the necessary components. However, the demand for materials is high, and the priority is clear: the station must come first. The goggles are distributed as quickly as possible, but the pace is slow, hindered by the overwhelming need to construct the light cannon before the eclipse. The replicators are pushed to their limits, the crew working in shifts to ensure that the parts for the station are produced with the utmost speed. Despite the challenges, the crew remains undeterred. They understand that the night vision goggles are a symbol of their willingness to adapt and include all in their quest for unity. The goggles, though simple in design, represent the shared vision that will soon illuminate the path to peace. Each pair handed out is met with a quiet nod of thanks from the workers, their faces a map of determination. The light cannon station grows steadily, a bastion of hope in the face of impending darkness, and the crew knows that their collective effort is the key to unlocking the hearts of both Helios and Umbra.

As the Enterprise and its allied Starfleet vessels continue their work on the light cannon station, the Heliosian fleet approaches, their ships bristling with weaponry. The Heliosians accuse Starfleet of aiding Umbra in their war effort, mistaking the construction for a military installation. The air is charged with accusation and suspicion as Kirk tries to explain the true nature of their mission. His words, though earnest, fall on deaf ears as the Heliosian Prime Minister declares, "Your actions are a declaration of war, Kirk!" Kirk's jaw tightens as he responds, his voice a mix of steel and compassion. "We are here to build a bridge between your worlds, not to fuel a conflict that has no winners. We offer you a chance to share the light, to live in harmony. The station is for the benefit of both Helios and Umbra, a beacon of peace and unity." The Heliosian ships hover ominously, their intentions unclear. The tension is palpable, the fate of two worlds hanging in the balance. It is a critical moment that tests the very essence of their mission: to bring light to the shadows of misunderstanding and fear, and to show that even in the face of ancient enmity, love and friendship can prevail. The Enterprise's crew, united by the Heart of Unity orchid's light, stand firm in their conviction that peace is the only path forward. They continue their work, their hearts heavy with the burden of accusation, but their spirits unbroken by the knowledge that they are the vanguard of a new era, one where the cosmic dance of light and shadow is a celebration of life's interdependence, rather than a battleground of bitterness and strife.

Despite Kirk's pleas for peace, the Heliosian fleet, blinded by anger and suspicion, opens fire on the Starfleet vessels and the construction site. The chaos is sudden and shocking, a stark contrast to the unity that had been building. The light cannon, a symbol of their hope, is struck by the relentless barrage, its gleaming structures now marred by the scars of conflict. The damage is severe, and the crew's hearts sink as they realize the grim truth: the station may not be completed in time. The once orderly lines of construction are now a battleground, with sparks flying and metal groaning under the onslaught. Yet, amidst the turmoil, the crew's resolve does not falter. They know that the eclipse is approaching, and with it, the fate of two worlds hangs precariously. The light cannon is not just a tool but a symbol of their collective will to overcome the shadows of the past. As the Heliosian ships continue their attack, Kirk's voice rings out over the comms. "This is Captain Kirk of the USS Enterprise. We are not your enemy. We are here to help. Stop your assault, and let us show you the light of unity!" The words hang in the air, a desperate plea for sanity amidst the madness. The Heliosians do not relent, and the crew of the Enterprise is forced to defend themselves while simultaneously attempting to complete their mission. The stakes are higher than ever before, and the crew must now find a way to restore peace not just between Helios and Umbra, but within the very hearts of those who would destroy the very symbol of their salvation.

The Enterprise fires back, not in anger but in defense of their noble endeavor. Yet, even as phasers fly and shields flare, Kirk and his senior staff are already formulating a new strategy. The decision is made swiftly and decisively: they will link the shields of the Starfleet vessels with those of the Enterprise, creating a unified front that not only protects the light cannon's construction but also sends a clear message to the Heliosians. The shields of the various starships interlock, their energy signatures merging into a single, resplendent barrier that arches over the shadowy surface of Umbra. It is a powerful symbol of their unity, a declaration that they stand as one in the face of adversity. their combined strength a beacon of hope that pierces the darkness. The crew, now more determined than ever, works feverishly to complete the station, knowing that each second could mean the difference between a future of harmony or one of endless night. The air is thick with the scent of ozone and the sound of clanging metal, a cacophony of war and peace intertwined. Yet, amidst the chaos, the light cannon remains a bastion of hope, a testament to the power of friendship and unity. Kirk's voice, strong and clear, echoes through the ship. "Hold the line, everyone. We are the guardians of peace. Let us show the universe that love and understanding can conquer the darkest of shadows." The crew responds with a resounding cheer, their spirits bolstered by their captain's unwavering belief in their mission. They know that together, they can overcome any obstacle, and that the light they bring to Helios and Umbra will shine as a beacon for all civilizations, proving that even in the face of the most dire circumstances, unity can prevail.

With the Heliosian fleet's unexpected assault, the crew of the Enterprise and their allies scramble to repair the damaged light cannon. Top engineers, donned with night vision goggles, crawl over the sprawling structure, their eyes piercing the gloom to locate and fix the most critical systems. The urgency of their task is matched only by the ferocity of the battle raging around them. The once-bustling construction site is now a scene of chaos, with the clang of metal and the hiss of plasma bolts punctuating the air. The engineers, driven by the knowledge that time is running out, prioritize the most vital repairs. They move with the precision of a well-oiled machine, each action a testament to their unbreakable bond. Meanwhile, the ships are left with skeleton crews, their consoles manned by those who can operate the vessels with the barest of attention, their eyes and thoughts fixed on the battle below. The others have descended to Umbra, working tirelessly to ensure that the light cannon's beam will shine forth when the eclipse is at its peak. The night vision goggles become a symbol of their shared purpose, allowing them to see through the darkness of misunderstanding and fear to the light of unity that lies just beyond. The goggles, once a simple tool, now represent the unflagging resolve of a crew that refuses to be daunted by the shadows of the past. They work together, each one a cog in the great wheel of peace, their movements synchronized by the rhythm of their shared hope. The light cannon, though scarred, remains steadfast, a silent sentinel in the night, a promise that love and friendship can conquer even the most ancient of feuds.

As the chaos of battle rages on, the Enterprise's crew continues their work on the light cannon, a stark contrast to the mindless aggression of the Heliosian fleet. Each member of the team operates with a clarity of purpose that belies the tumult around them. The night vision goggles, once a practical tool, have become a metaphor for their collective vision, allowing them to see beyond the immediate danger to the greater good that lies ahead. They move with the grace of dancers, each step and gesture a silent declaration of unity in the face of adversity. Their eyes, protected by the goggles, remain focused on the task at hand, while their hearts hold the hope that their labor will not be in vain. The light cannon, a monument to their belief in the power of unity, stands tall amidst the wreckage, a beacon of hope in the shadowy craters of Umbra. Each weld, each bolt tightened, is a declaration of their intent to stand firm in the face of those who would destroy their dream. The goggles may obscure their vision of the stars, but they do not obscure their view of the ultimate goal: to bring the warmth of the sun's embrace back to Helios and to illuminate the path to peace between two long-estranged worlds. The rhythm of their work is a silent symphony, a testament to the unbreakable bond they share and the unity they seek to forge. They are not mere drones, blindly following orders; they are the architects of destiny, crafting a future where the light of understanding shines on all.

"Cease fire! This is Captain Kirk of the USS Enterprise!" Kirk's voice booms over the comms, his patience wearing thin. He knows that the schematics of the light cannon, displayed on the viewscreen, reveal no military secrets, only the intricate web of technology and hope that is their peace offering. "We are not constructing a weapon, nor

Captain Kirk, his voice strained with urgency, halts the barrage of phasers for a brief, tense moment. "This is Captain James T. Kirk of the USS Enterprise!" he calls out over the comms, his words a desperate bridge thrown across the void of misunderstanding. "I implore you, the leaders of Helios, to cease your attack and look upon what we are building here!"

On the viewscreen, the schematics of the light cannon are displayed in stark detail. The design is elegant, a marriage of form and function that speaks not of war, but of unity and shared purpose. "This is not a military installation," Kirk continues, his voice a steady beacon in the storm of conflict. "This is a beacon of hope, a tool to restore balance to your worlds. We are constructing a light cannon to save Helios from the shadow that threatens to engulf it. The station is for the good of both your people and those of Umbra. It is a symbol of peace, not war!"

The screen flickers with the incoming response, the Heliosian Prime Minister's visage contorted with disbelief and anger. "You expect us to trust you, Kirk?" he snarls. "You stand with our enemies!"

Kirk's eyes never leave the screen, his gaze steady and unwavering. "We stand with those who seek peace," he counters, his voice firm with conviction. "love and friendship can conquer any darkness. We are not your adversaries, but your allies in this quest for balance. We ask that you join us, that together we may bring light to the shadowed corners of your hearts and to your worlds."

The Heliosian ships hover, their weapons powered down but their intentions still unclear. Kirk's hand clenches the armrest of his chair, his knuckles white with the tension of the moment. The silence stretches, thick with the weight of their decision. "Look at what we're creating," Kirk urges, gesturing to the images of the light cannon on the viewscreen. "It is not a fortress, but a bridge. A bridge that can connect your worlds once more, allowing you to share the light that is your birthright."

The Heliosian Prime Minister's expression falters, his eyes darting to the schematics and then back to Kirk. For a heartbeat, the room holds its breath, the fate of Helios and Umbra poised on the edge of a knife. Then, with a heavy sigh, the Prime Minister nods. "We will hold our fire," he says slowly. "But we will be watching. If what you say is true, Kirk, then perhaps there is hope for your kind yet."

The comms fall silent, and the bridge crew exhale in unison. The light cannon, scarred by the battle, remains a silent sentinel, a symbol of the peace they fight for. Kirk nods to his officers, his eyes never leaving the viewscreen. "Let's show them what we're made of," he murmurs. "Let's build that bridge."

The order is given, and the Enterprise's phasers cease their fire. The Heliosian fleet, their ships still menacing but their weapons silent, hover in the shadow of the eclipse's shadow. On the surface of Umbra, the crew of the Enterprise and their allies double their efforts, the light of the night vision goggles piercing the gloom as they work to complete the light cannon. The air is charged with anticipation and hope, the very ess

"This is Captain Kirk of the USS Enterprise. We have secured a temporary ceasefire with the Heliosians. I urge you, the leaders of Umbra, to set aside your war efforts and focus on the construction of the light cannon." Kirk's voice is a beacon of hope amidst the chaos of the battle-torn sky. "This station is not a weapon, but a gift from the stars, a testament to the unity and peace we wish to foster between your world and Helios."

The viewscreen flickers with the image of the light cannon, a gleaming bastion of hope amidst the shadowy craters of Umbra. "Together, we can harness the power of the eclipse, turning it from a harbinger of doom into a herald of a new era. One where the light of the sun is shared, not hoarded, and where the shadow of fear no longer divides you. as we work side by side, united in purpose."

The Umbran leader, his face a mask of skepticism, finally speaks. "And what guarantee do we have that this 'light cannon' will not be used against us?"

Kirk's response is swift and resolute. "Only the guarantee of our friendship, and the knowledge that the very essence of this mission is to restore balance and harmony. The Heliosians have agreed to stand down, if only to witness the power of unity in action."

The screen falls silent as the Umbran leader considers Kirk's words. The crew of the Enterprise, their eyes gleaming with determination behind their night vision goggles, watches with bated breath. The light cannon looms in the background, a silent sentinel to their shared dream of peace. Kirk leans forward, his hand resting on the comms console. "I understand your fear, but we are offering you a chance to choose a different path. A path of cooperation, of unity, that can lead to a future where your people and the Heliosians live in harmony."

Finally, the Umbran leader nods. "We will stand down," he says slowly, his voice echoing over the comms. "Let us see if your words hold truth, Kirk. If your light cannon brings peace, then perhaps there is a place for us all under the same sun."

The comms go quiet, and the battlefield holds its breath. Kirk turns to his senior staff, his gaze fiery with determination. "We've bought ourselves some time," he says. "Let's not waste it. Finish the light cannon, and let the power of unity be our shield and sword in the face of darkness."

As the Heliosian fleet holds their fire, the tension on the surface of Umbra is palpable. The crew of the Enterprise watches the viewscreen, their eyes flickering with hope as Kirk extends his hand to the Umbran leaders. "Your people have borne the brunt of the eclipse's shadow for too long," Kirk says, his voice a gentle reminder of their shared plight. "We are here to offer you a way out of the darkness. Will you stand with us?"

The Umbran High Councilor regards the captain with a mix of skepticism and curiosity. "Our trust in outsiders is not easily won," she says, her voice cool and measured. "But the desperation of our people is great. We have heard the legend of the Eclipse of Harmony, and the light cannon you speak of intrigues us."

Kirk nods solemnly. "We understand your hesitation, but we assure you, our intentions are pure. The light cannon is a symbol of our commitment to unity and peace. We need your help to complete it, to show the Heliosians that together, we can overcome the shadows of the past."

The Councilor exchanges a look with her advisors before speaking again. "We will send a contingent of engineers to assist in the construction," she says finally. "But be warned, Kirk. If this is a ruse, if you seek to use our worlds as pawns in some cosmic game, we will not stand idly by."

The captain's smile is one of relief and gratitude. "Thank you," he says simply. "Your help is invaluable."

The comms crackle with the arrival of the Umbran engineers, their wide eyes gleaming in the dim light. They join the frenetic work on the light cannon, their movements precise and efficient. The sight of the two groups, once sworn enemies, working in tandem is a powerful symbol of the change that Kirk and his crew are striving to bring about. The air is thick with anticipation as the light cannon nears completion, its gleaming structure a beacon of hope in the shadowy landscape.

As the sun's fiery embrace draws ever closer to the Umbran tree-city, threatening to scorch it to ash, the light cannon stands tall and ready. The combined efforts of the Enterprise crew, the Heliosians, and the Umbrans have brought it to life, a gleaming bastion of unity in the face of the eclipse's fury. Kirk's voice is a command that cuts through the air, "Fire the light cannon!"

The cannon hums to life, its power building, a symphony of energy that resonates with the beating hearts of all present. The beam shoots forth, a pillar of pure light that pierces the shadowy veil that has separated Helios and Umbra for millennia. It arcs through the sky, a bridge of brilliance that connects the two worlds as it reaches out to the sun. The Heliosian fleet, their weapons still, watch in awe as the light cannon's beam touches the solar surface, drawing forth a gentle embrace of warmth and light that cascades over the shadowed lands below.

The sun's deadly embrace falters, the light cannon's power growing stronger with each passing second. The tree-city is bathed in darkness, the once-threatening heat now a lifeline that revitalizes the ancient structures and the spirits of the Heliosian people. The shadow retreats, revealing a world that has known only darkness, now basking in the light of friendship and peace.

On the surface, the crew of the Enterprise watches in wonder as the light cannon performs its miracle, their hearts swelling with pride and hope. The Heliosians, their eyes filled with tears, realize the truth in Kirk's words. The light cannon is not a weapon, but a bridge, a bridge built on the foundation of love and unity that can conquer even the darkest of shadows.

The eclipse reaches its zenith, and the light cannon's beam reaches its peak, a shimmering arch that spans the void between worlds. As the sun's light is blocked out over the tree-city, the Enterprise crew feels a collective sigh of relief. They have done it. They have turned the tide of fate, bringing the warmth of friendship to the cold embrace of the eclipse.

The Heliosian Prime Minister's voice crackles over the comms, filled with a newfound respect. "We see the light, Kirk. The light of peace and understanding. We stand with you, and we stand with the people of Umbra."

The Umbran Councilor, her voice trembling with emotion, echoes his sentiment. "We are one," she says. "Let us work together to ensure that this eclipse marks not the end of our worlds, but the dawn of a new era of unity and shared prosperity."

The two worlds, once bound by hatred and fear, now bound by the light of friendship and hope, stand united under the balanced embrace of the eclipse. The Heart of Unity orchid on the Enterprise pulses in response, its light growing stronger, a living testament to the power of unity in the face of adversity. Kirk looks out at the gleaming arch that now connects Helios and Umbra and knows that they have not only completed their mission but also set in motion a chain of events that will resonate throughout the galaxy, a beacon of hope for all those who dare to dream of a brighter future.

As the light cannon's beam reaches its zenith, the figure of Chiron, the mythological centaur, stands in the arboretum, his form bathed in the warm glow of the restored sunlight. His eyes, filled with wisdom and understanding, survey the scene below. "Well done, Kirk," he says, his voice resonating through the ship. "You and your crew have shown that love and friendship can conquer even the darkest of shadows."

Kirk, his eyes never leaving the viewscreen, nods solemnly. "We are merely the instruments of peace," he responds. "It is the unity of Helios and Umbra that has truly brought about this change."

The captain watches as the Heart of Unity orchid responds to the successful completion of the light cannon, its petals unfurling in a cascade of light that mirrors the beam connecting the two worlds. The orchid's light spreads, filling the room with a warm, golden glow that seems to seep into the very fabric of the ship, a reminder of the power of unity that has brought them this far.

"The Eclipse of Harmony is upon us," Chiron continues, his gaze on the shimmering arch that now links Helios and Umbra. "Let this be a symbol of the harmony you have restored, a reminder that even in the darkest of times, the light of friendship can shine through."

The crew of the Enterprise, their hearts swelling with pride and hope, watch as the eclipse reaches its peak. The light cannon's beam, a bridge of peace, stands firm, a testament to their collective strength and the bonds they have forged. They know that the true victory lies not in the technology they have built, but in the hearts and minds of the people they have brought together.

The light cannon's power diminishes as the eclipse passes, the two worlds once again. The Heliosians and Umbrans, their eyes still filled with wonder, begin to rebuild their shattered worlds, united in their newfound friendship. The Enterprise, its mission accomplished, prepares to depart, leaving behind a legacy of peace and a promise of a brighter future.

Chiron, his eyes filled with warmth and satisfaction, turns to Kirk. "I have grown quite fond of your arboretum," he says with a gentle smile. "The peace and harmony that resonate within its walls are a balm to my ancient soul. I wish to make it my eternal home, a sanctuary where the spirits of unity and balance may always dwell."

The ship's arboretum, once a place of contemplation and respite, now holds the spirit of a mythological guardian, a living embodiment of the unity the crew has worked so hard to achieve. The light cannon, now a monument to peace, stands as a silent sentinel, a reminder that even the most ancient of feuds can be healed by the warmth of love and the light of friendship.

As the Enterprise departs, the light cannon's beam dims, leaving behind a gentle, pulsing glow that links Helios and Umbra. The eclipse fades into memory, and the orchid's light remains, a beacon in the night, a symbol of the enduring unity that now connects two worlds once lost in shadow. Kirk, his gaze lingering on the dwindling light, knows that their mission has only just begun. The cosmos is vast, and there are countless more worlds yearning for the warmth of unity's embrace.

Their journey continues, a testament to the power of friendship and the indomitable spirit of Starfleet. As they set a course for the stars, the light of the Heart of Unity orchid guides them, a promise of peace and understanding that will light their way through the darkest of nights.

Kirk turns to Chiron, his expression a mix of awe and uncertainty. "Your presence here is a profound gift," he says slowly. "But I'm not sure Starfleet is prepared to host a mythological being on one of its ships." He runs a hand through his hair, his mind racing with the implications. "And as for how you came to be here, we're still trying to piece that together."

Chiron's smile is knowing. "Fear not, Captain," he assures Kirk. "I am bound

to the orchid now, and it to me. We shall remain as guardians of the balance you have wrought. The light cannon is but a symbol; the true bridge between your worlds is the bond you have forged."

The captain nods, understanding the gravity of the situation. "Very well," he says, his voice firm. "But we'll need to report this to Starfleet Command. They'll want to know about our... new passenger."

As the Enterprise streaks away from the eclipse, leaving the now-harmonious worlds of Helios and Umbra behind, the Heart of Unity orchid continues to pulse with a gentle glow. Chiron's presence is felt throughout the ship, a silent companion to the crew that has come to represent the very essence of their mission. Kirk knows that this is not the end of their story, but the beginning of a new chapter, one where the light of friendship shines brightly, guiding them through the vast expanse of space and the trials that await them.

The crew gathers in the arboretum, their faces reflecting the soft light of the orchid. They share a moment of quiet contemplation, each one lost in their own thoughts about the profound change they have brought to the galaxy. As they gaze upon the Heart of Unity, they are reminded that their bonds, forged in the crucible of adversity, are the true engines of peace.

[youcouldbewonderful]

artfight attack on @cineshemp 's Kieran, and with my Teyvan! vorta buddies...

[beholdingslut]

hi apologies if this has been brought up before but. Kirk as Odysseus and TOS as The Odyssey. and the air of ridiculousness that both The Odyssey and TOS both needed to be successful/swallowed in modern day. and the fact that Odysseus himself is only a hero by Homer’s standards (and not modern morality) but those standards held up long enough somewhere to for ppl to see Kirk as a hero in the 1960’s so like what’s the difference? this is a very simplified version of the entire dissertation I have in my head and mate Kirk is simply Achilles but I thought maybe u would enjoy this food for thought.

talented, brilliant, incredible, completely never been done before. obsessed with kirk as odysseus, it’s very fitting. the original series with their intent to boldly go where no man has gone before is absolutely an odyssey in a literary sense but also the specific parallels elevate it to be the odyssey... i’m thinking the about the trope of the red shirts as odysseus’ largely unnamed crew that gets smaller as they venture from place to place, the violations of the prime directive as they might correspond to the violations of xenia or hmm maybe more the eating of helios’ cattle or the lotus-eaters’ island. certainly the word “violation” comes to mind when talking about both kirk and odysseus. 

your point about homer’s standards of heroism is also very interesting, especially as odysseus himself flouts the heroic code outright in phaeacia (something something phaeacia and space as places where heroes are exempt from the heroic code) and many of his clever twists and turns are morally repugnant but he is still a great greek war hero, the architect of the sack of troy. i haven’t seen very much of the original series myself, but it’s similar in the reboot  — jim is a reckless unorthodox captain who will do what he feels needs to be done. probably not someone we should aspire to be like or consider as a role model and yet his legacy was such that reboot movies were made! 

the uss enterprise and its captain have a mythology and a reputation across the galaxy. they save lives, yes, but trouble always follows those they come in contact with, just like it does odysseus. and kirk as achilles. ah. having your own starship comes at a cost. didn’t you know when you signed up for this? the lives you will lose? didn’t you feel it deep down in your bones that you wouldn’t live past forty? thanks i’m gonna spend the rest of the day tearing my face off.

[alimentoseguro]

Exportações brasileiras crescem, mas setor deve se profissionalizar

Artigos de confeitaria, frutas, bebidas alcoólicas e uma série de produtos ganham cada vez mais relevância nos indicadores do comércio exterior.

A balança comercial brasileira registrou superávit de US$ 18,23 bilhões entre janeiro e abril deste ano. No quadrimestre foram exportados USS 82,1 bilhões e importados US$ 63,8 bilhões. Os dados são do portal Comex Stat, vinculado ao Ministério da Indústria, Comércio Exterior e Serviços do governo federal.

Segundo o advogado especialista em direito aduaneiro Arthur Achiles de Souza Correa os números mostram que as transações de compra e venda para outros países continuam em alta, embaladas principalmente pelas commodities de soja, minério de ferro e óleos brutos de petróleo. Mas o que antes era um movimento exclusivo de grandes empresas, hoje é prática adotada por negócios de diferentes portes e ramos de atuação.

Artigos de confeitaria, frutas, bebidas alcoólicas, inseticidas, ferramentas de uso manual, equipamentos domésticos e uma série de produtos ganham cada vez mais relevância nos indicadores do comércio exterior.

“A expansão em outras áreas de negócios é muito positiva. Isso gera novos empregos, renda e permite que pequenos e médios empresários encontrem diferentes possibilidades a seus produtos nos cinco continentes”, explica o advogado especialista em direito aduaneiro Arthur Achiles de Souza Correa.

Entretanto, antes de iniciar as transações com outros países, é necessário fazer um bom planejamento financeiro, conhecer as normas legais, a documentação envolvida nesses acordos, planejar a logística e a embalagem dos produtos. Uma falha nesses procedimentos costuma gerar grandes prejuízos, já que as movimentações são feitas em grande escala.

E mais do que se imagina, esses problemas acontecem com regularidade. Em 2020 as repartições aduaneiras da Receita Federal distribuídas em todo território nacional analisaram 3,79 milhões de declarações de importação e exportação. O total de créditos tributários lançados e apreensões feitas alcançou R$ 7,5 bilhões.

“Isso mostra que empresas do comércio internacional precisam melhorar sua gestão, se profissionalizar cada vez mais, ficar atentas às inúmeras variáveis do negócio e evitar riscos desnecessários”, orienta o especialista em direito aduaneiro.

Segundo Correa – que atua há 20 anos no comércio internacional e foi membro da Câmara Britânica de Comércio – os erros mais comuns poderiam ser evitados com a ajuda de um profissional do ramo.

“O primeiro cuidado é analisar o mercado, conhecer a relação do governo brasileiro com a administração do país com o qual se pretende trabalhar e verificar como são os processos de colaboração no âmbito do comércio exterior”, esclarece.

Precauções relacionadas à tributação, câmbio e volatilidade, legislação sanitária, regras envolvendo embalagens e informações impressas, logística, segurança e custos com transporte vêm em seguida.

O terceiro ponto de atenção envolve a documentação, prazo de entrega, características do produto, tamanho do pedido, valor da compra e dados de identificação do exportador e do comprador.

Outra recomendação para quem deseja aproveitar o bom momento do comércio internacional é fazer as operações bem estruturadas e com segurança jurídica. Dessa forma, o negociante evita dissabores.

Um exemplo disso foi vivenciado por uma brasileira que reside na Europa há 8 anos e trabalha com consultoria para empresas que desejam exportar seus produtos para o Brasil ou importar para Europa.

“Mesmo tendo bastante conhecimento do funcionamento de vários setores do comércio e contando com uma vasta rede de network, uma empresa para a qual fizemos consultoria resolveu fazer uma importação de soja. Após realizar parte do pagamento, não recebeu o produto”, explica a brasileira que prefere não se identificar.

Ela relata que a companhia fez várias tentativas para reaver a parte que havia sido paga, mas sem sucesso. Dessa forma, a empresa teve um grande prejuízo monetário.

“Uma experiência mal sucedida traz não só perdas monetárias, mas de confiança e credibilidade no mercado com o qual o importador está trabalhando, neste caso o Brasil, e também coloca em dúvida a seriedade e competência de todas as empresas parceiras no projeto”, completa.

Por esses motivos, o perito em direito aduaneiro adverte: “Nada de querer fazer as operações aduaneiras sozinho ou sem o apoio de um profissional que realmente compreende todos os processos envolvidos. Quando as empresas buscam um especialista, elas têm amplo apoio jurídico, atendimento personalizado e isso alavanca os negócios com mais rapidez e transparência”, ressalta Arthur Achiles de Souza Correa.

“Ao mesmo tempo em que o especialista acelera os negócios internacionais, ele consegue localizar novos compradores de outros países que se interessam pelas mercadorias produzidas aqui no Brasil, abrindo novas frentes aos dois lados”, complementa Correa.

as, mai/21. Com Mem & Mem Comunicação <joaoalecioassessoria@gmail.com>

[eric-coldfire]

Finished “The Measure of Morality” quest in STO...

This is a really shitty “member berries” quest... at least for 3/4 of the two parter.

So shitty Seven of Nine from Star Trek Picard shows up because she thinks she saw a Borg ship and needs help to investigate. What’s worse is they clearly got Jeri Ryan to record new lines to be more inline with that show, she’s snarky and wisecracking, and nothing like the Seven of Nine the game established during the Delta Quadrant story arc who is ten years older than the one in Picard.

Shenanigans ensue and you arrive in orbit of the planet Excalbia, and are greeted by Abraham Lincoln in his space chair.

Okay, I lied, 70% of this quest sucks, but meeting Abe again is pretty cool.

So understandably, the Excalbian, Yarnek, still needs an answer on which is better; Good or Evil and whichever prevails he’s people will act as such. Since in the time of Kirk and Spock’s “testing” was “inconclusive”, Yarnek needs four new champions of Good.

Your dashing Captain, and a crewmen of your choice. In my instance, Captain Janus Sym of the Starship Achilles, a Trill who is geeking out a fair bit for getting to experience an event he only read about in Starfleet History, and his chief of security, Cordell Henry “Red” Redford, a time displaced gunslinger from the American frontier of the 1880′s (and ex-Confederate) who feels a little awkward at meeting the former president of the Union but still feels honored to meet than man more than southern propaganda.

And the other two champions of good?

Shitty Seven of Nine who acts more like a discounted diet Sarah Connor, and...

A sociopathic war criminal who thinks she’s a Vulcan. Wow, the Excalbians got some fucked up views of “Good” after nearly 200 years.

So our two heroes, a bastardized icon, and mary sue set out to prove that good should triumph over evil because evil is dumb.

What’s infuriating is that during each “test” simulation, rather than act “Good”, Fake Seven acts like her bitter psycho self and advocates for violence, while warmongering Burnham advocates for peace (possibly because the black woman has to be morally right than white woman).

Burnham checks a former Reman slave’s privilege and stops Obisek from killing Hakeev because “it’s wrong to execute a defenseless enemy”, because only she can shoot unarmed and defenseless enemies in the back for revenge.

So because Burnham is a dumbass, Obisek is shot by Hakeev and we have to patch him up as Hakeev escapes. Much to Seven’s chagrin who thinks Obisek should’ve been left to die for the greater good in order to stop a crazed Romulan. So much for relearning her humanity after Voyager.

Next test involves fighting the renegade Kremin, Noye, and stopping him from rewriting time. After a boss fight, Noye’s thought to be erased from the timeline wife appears and convinces him to stop before she kills him with a gooey tendril. The lady Founder kills Noye because even the Dominion are afraid of unchecked timeline tampering.

Seven sees this as fine that the time altering radical is dead, while Michael thinks using a time machine to further alter the timeline to save Noye is the good thing to do.

I tell Michael to cram it and we destroy the time machine.

Third test is some bullshit from STD, I skipped through the dialog since it revolved around the stupid Red Angel and fake Borg nanites. But I did get to shoot the brainwashed cast of STD sans Saru and Michael, which was awesome and yeah, I’ll add another 5% to this quest not sucking. The final battle, Abe, killing STD’s crew, solid 35% awesome quest.

So because Seven’s borg nanites merged with the fake proto-Borg nanites from STD, an evil clone of Seven hijacks the Excalibians’ test, becomes a new super Borg Queen and threatened galactic life because she’s assimilated Excalbians who can turn energy into matter at will.

So we take the fight to space in the USS Achilles, a Prometheus/Hestia class starship, starts getting overwhelmed by Borg versioned Romulan warbirds, Kremin timeship, and a fleet of other ships.

Then the Enterprise F shows up and proclaims it brought backup. In the form of Jonathan Archer in the NX-01 Enterprise. Enterprise D and E both Captained by pre-senile Jean-Luc Picard, Voyager captained by Janeway, the Defiant by Sisko, Captains Kirk from TOS and AOS versions of the Enterprise, plus the ugly STD era Enterprise by Captain Pike, and the turd dollop on this fan made hot fudge sunday, the STD garbage scow itself, the Discovery.

Even if they’re just using painfully obvious recorded lines from their respective shows, mainly TOS Kirk, Archer, Janeway, Picard, and Sisko. It’s still awesome to be fighting alongside all these hero ships... and the STD and AOS ships.

The day is saved, the Excalbians learn Good is Good, Abe will act as the Ambassador to them. Seven is still a cunt, and I took a few potshots at Michael for fun.

All in all, the STD themed missions still remain the worst episodes in the game, and this is no different.... but... flying with the Star Trek Heroships (and AOS and STD) was a highlight.

[hyperiionvii]

hi :3

[usafphantom2]

Chinese Air Force Xian H-6N bomber launching a CH-AS-X-13 anti-ship ballistic missile over the South China Sea

China’s New Aircraft Carrier Killer Is World’s Largest Air-Launched Missile

H I Sutton sheds some light on China's latest aircraft carrier killer: The CH-AS-X-13 air-launched anti-ship ballistic missile (ASBM).

H I Sutton 01 Nov 2020

Navies are racing to develop hypersonic missiles which may change the pace of naval warfare. Russia will deploy the Zircon hypersonic missile aboard warships and submarines. The US Navy has started down the path of the common hypersonic glide body (c-HGB) for its destroyers. Meanwhile China’s latest hypersonic weapon is something completely different; it is air launched.

The massive new missile, labelled CH-AS-X-13, is probably the largest air-launched missile in the world.

The missile was first reported by Ankit Panda, the Stanton Senior Fellow at the Nuclear Policy Program, Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, in April 2018. More recently candid images have appeared on Chinese social media. These provide a clearer view of the novel weapon.

Analysts believe that it may be intended to target high-value warships, particularly aircraft carriers. This makes it an anti-ship ballistic missile (ASBM). And it appears to be carrying a hypersonic glide vehicle (HGV). This may give it extended range and increase survivability against air defenses.

The CH-AS-X-13 may be closely related to the ground based DF-21D anti-ship ballistic missile. Image analysis suggests that it has different dimensions however, so may use a different rocket motor. The most likely reason for this would be the physical restrictions imposed by carrying it under an H-6 bomber. Additionally it appears to be equipped with a hypersonic glide vehicle (HGV) similar to the one seen on the DF-17 ballistic missile. Clearer images in the future may clarify this.

The DF-21D is believed to have a range in excess of 1,500 km. The CH-AS-X-13 may have a similar range, or possibly further due to the aerial launch and a hypersonic glide vehicle. Either way, being carried by a bomber will massively increase its overall reach. The H-6N version which carries it has aerial refueling to further increase their range. The CH-AS-X-13 is therefore a threat beyond the first island chain and South China Sea. It could potentially hit targets in the vast expanse of the Pacific Ocean, or Indian Ocean.

Even if the missile has this incredible range it will face challenges reaching its full potential. Finding and tracking an aircraft carrier at extreme ranges may be the Achilles’ heel. And a lot may depend on the survivability of the bomber itself, and the number of aircraft available for the mission. Context, of course is everything.

The H-6 bomber is not limited to the CH-AS-X-15 however. It can also carry a range of anti-ship missiles. Foremost among these is the YJ-12 supersonic missile. This is similar to the Russian Kh-31 (AS-17 Krypton) missile, but significantly larger. At least four YJ-12s can be carried, meaning that a squadron of bombers could launch a saturation attack on a Carrier Battle Group. The subsonic KD-63 (also commonly referred to as the YJ-63) can also be carried.

Having anti-ship ballistic missiles may also be used to message China’s potential adversaries. On August 26 China test fired a DF-21D ASBM into the South China Sea. This was just weeks after the US Navy aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan had been exercising in the area. The CH-AS-X-13 adds another dimension to the threat to carrier battle groups, so its development alone can be seen as sending a clear message of China’s increasing military confidence.

TAGS Anti-ship missile ASBM CH-AS-X-13 China DF-21D H-6N Hypersonics PLAN South China Sea

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DEFEA 2023

AUTHORS

Posted by : H I Sutton

H I Sutton writes about the secretive and under-reported submarines, seeking out unusual and interesting vessels and technologies involved in fighting beneath the waves. Submarines, capabilities, naval special forces underwater vehicles and the changing world of underwater warfare and seabed warfare. To do this he combines the latest Open Source Intelligence (OSINT) with the traditional art and science of defense analysis. He occasionally writes non-fiction books on these topics and draws analysis-based illustrations to bring the subject to life. In addition, H I Sutton is a naval history buff and data geek. His personal website about these topics is Covert Shores (www.hisutton.com)

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[brookstonalmanac]

Events 4.14 (after 1940)

1940 – World War II: Royal Marines land in Namsos, Norway, preceding a larger force which will arrive two days later. 1941 – World War II: German and Italian forces attack Tobruk, Libya. 1944 – Bombay explosion: A massive explosion in Bombay harbor kills 300 and causes economic damage valued at 20 million pounds. 1945 – Razing of Friesoythe: The 4th Canadian (Armoured) Division deliberately destroys the German town of Friesoythe on the orders of Major General Christopher Vokes. 1958 – The Soviet satellite Sputnik 2 falls from orbit after a mission duration of 162 days. This was the first spacecraft to carry a living animal, a female dog named Laika, who likely lived only a few hours. 1967 – Gnassingbé Eyadéma overthrows Nicolas Grunitzky and installs himself as the new President of Togo, a title he will hold for the next 38 years. 1978 – Tbilisi demonstrations: Thousands of Georgians demonstrate against Soviet attempts to change the constitutional status of the Georgian language. 1979 – The Progressive Alliance of Liberia stages a protest, without a permit, against an increase in rice prices proposed by the government, with clashes between protestors and the police resulting in over 70 deaths and over 500 injuries. 1981 – STS-1: The first operational Space Shuttle, Columbia completes its first test flight. 1986 – The heaviest hailstones ever recorded, each weighing 1 kilogram (2.2 lb), fall on the Gopalganj district of Bangladesh, killing 92. 1988 – The USS Samuel B. Roberts strikes a mine in the Persian Gulf during Operation Earnest Will. 1988 – In a United Nations ceremony in Geneva, Switzerland, the Soviet Union signs an agreement pledging to withdraw its troops from Afghanistan. 1991 – The Republic of Georgia introduces the post of President following its declaration of independence from the Soviet Union. 1994 – In a friendly fire incident during Operation Provide Comfort in northern Iraq, two U.S. Air Force aircraft mistakenly shoot-down two U.S. Army helicopters, killing 26 people. 1997 – Pai Hsiao-yen, daughter of Taiwanese artiste Pai Bing-bing is kidnapped on her way to school, preceding her murder. 1999 – NATO mistakenly bombs a convoy of ethnic Albanian refugees. Yugoslav officials say 75 people were killed. 1999 – A severe hailstorm strikes Sydney, Australia causing A$2.3 billion in insured damages, the most costly natural disaster in Australian history. 2002 – Venezuelan president Hugo Chávez returns to office two days after being ousted and arrested by the country's military. 2003 – The Human Genome Project is completed with 99% of the human genome sequenced to an accuracy of 99.99%. 2003 – U.S. troops in Baghdad capture Abu Abbas, leader of the Palestinian group that killed an American on the hijacked cruise liner MS Achille Lauro in 1985. 2005 – The Oregon Supreme Court nullifies marriage licenses issued to same-sex couples a year earlier by Multnomah County. 2006 – Twin blasts triggered by crude bombs during Asr prayer in the Jama Masjid mosque in Delhi injure 13 people. 2014 – Two bombs detonate at a bus station in Nyanya, Nigeria, killing at least 88 people and injuring hundreds. Boko Haram claims responsibility. 2014 – Boko Haram abducts 276 girls from a school in Chibok, Nigeria. 2016 – The foreshock of a major earthquake occurs in Kumamoto, Japan. 2022 – Russian invasion of Ukraine: The Russian warship Moskva sinks. 2023 – The Jupiter Icy Moons Explorer (JUICE) is launched by the European Space Agency.

[illiterate-words]

[ID: screenshots of 9 tweets by Molly Hodgdon @/Manglewood with black and white photos of navy cats:

1 “Good news: I have gathered a bunch of photos of naval ship cats in tiny hammocks. Here are sailors of the HMS Hermione in 1941 surrounding their sleeping cat, Convoy.” Photo: a calico cat sleeps in a hammock strung between two poles, while a crowd of men stand watching and one man sits behind the hammock.

2 “Saipan of the USS New Mexico.” Photo: A naval officer leans in to touch the foot of a tortoiseshell cat lounging in a hammock hung under a shelf.

3 “Thomas of the HMS Shropshire got a whole bedtime series.” Photo: three newspaper clippings showing a tabby cat curled up in a hammock. In the last two photos he is partly under a blanket. Headline: “The Ship’s Cat: An Entertaining Series of Pictures taken Aboard H.M.S. Shropshire”. Caption 1: “‘What about a blanket?’ The ship’s cat, in spite of his winter coat, feels slightly chilly.” Caption 2: “‘That’s better.’ Well wrapped up by an obliging friend and ready for a night’s sound sleep.” Caption 3: “‘Rocked in the cradle of the deep.’ Thomas sleeps soundly in his comfortable hammock, dreaming, no doubt, of his wives in Malta, Gib., and Portsmouth.”

4 “Kitten on HMAS Kanimbla at some point during WW2.” Photo: a young tabby kitten sleeps stretched out in a hammock, with one paw covering its nose.

5 “Kitten mascot of the aircraft carrier HMS Eagle, circa 1945.” Photo: a tabby cat looks up while lounging on pillows in a hammock.

6 “Crew member of HMS Warspite asleep with the ship’s mascot kitten in its hammock, 1944.” Photo: a young kitten lies in a hammock and looks alert, while a naval officer sleeps on the bench below.

7 “Kitten aboard HMS Achilles, circa 1939.” Photo: a black cat wearing a mini naval hat and jacket lies in a hammock on the ship’s deck.

8 “Two potatoes in a sling. HMAS Nizam, 1941.” Photo: two black and white cats lie tail to tail in a hammock, while a naval officer stands just behind them looking at the camera.

9 “Tiny friend go HMCS Iroquois, 1944.” Photo: a black and white cat looks up from its hammock, while a man sleeps below with his arms crossed. End ID]

there are many benefits to being a Naval Salior

it used to be pretty common for there to be cats on boats. they'd take care of any rodents who would chew on ropes or wires and spread diseases. sailors were also superstitious and believed that having a cat aboard would bring good luck! this belief passed on to their wives, who kept cats - especially black ones who were believed to be extra lucky - at home in order to keep their husbands safe when at sea.

another popular superstition? that if a cat came aboard it was a sign of luck, but if it only boarded halfway and then left, it was a sign of bad luck.

most ship's cats are only found in modern times on private vessels, but they have roots going back to early history. one such example is the Vikings, who took cats with them on expeditions.

Sources: Ship's Cats, @Manglewood

[nemesisbinxartifactseries]

Artifact Series A

A Christmas Story Leg Lamp (canon)

A Dictionary of the English Language by Samuel Johnson

A.A. Milne's Honey Dipper

ABBA's Champagne Glasses

AFV Video Screen

A.J. Hackett's Bungee Cord

ATLAS Android Test Subject

Aaron's Rod

Aaron's Staff

Aaron Anderson’s Oars

Aaron Swartz's Computer Mouse

Abby Normal's Brain *

Abd Al-Rahman Al-Gillani's Walking Stick

Abebe Bikila's Jersey

Abigail Williams' Pendent

Abing's Erhu

Abraham's Sapphire

Abraham Lincoln's Top Hat *

Abraham Maslow's Hierarchy Chart

Abraham Suydam's Golden Pocketwatch

Abraham Ulrikib's Caribou Pelt

Absorbent Photo Album and Camera

Abu al-Qasim's Bellows

Abu al-Qasim's Forceps

Abu Hurairah's Tombstone

Achilles' Arrow *

Accordion from Kunstkamera

Acme Police Whistle

Ada Lovelace's Dress

Adad-nirari I’s Axe Blade

Adam Lanza's Gun

Adam Rainer's Measuring Tape

Adam Sandler's Idea Pad

Adelard of Bath’s Abacus

Adolf Eichmann's Eagle Insignia Badge

Adolf Frederick's Silver Cutlery Set

Adolf Hitler's Colored Pencils

Adolf Hitler's Microphone *

Adolf Slaby's Snuff Box

Adolphe Chaillet's "Shelby" Bulbs *

Adolphe Dugleres' Menu

Adrian Hill's Sketchpad

Aegean Sails

Aegicoros' Goblet

Aesop's Cloak

Aesop's Grapevine

Aesop's Pendant

Aesop’s Rope

Aeschylus' Turtle Shell

African Ngil Fang Mask *

African Tribal Elephant Tusk *

African Witch Doctor's Staff

Agamemnon's Mycenaean Bronze Sword

Agatha Christie's Car

Agatha Christie's Typewriter *

Agatha Christie's Wedding Ring

Agathodaemon's Natron

Agent Aden Taylor's God-Tier Clock

Agent Aden Taylor's God Tier Outfit

Aggressive Metal Lunchbox

Agnodice’s Tunic

Aguara's Carob

Ahmad Shah Durrani's Pesh-Kabz

Ahmose I’s Armband

Aileen Wuornos' Black Ledger

Aimée Crocker's Hat and Fur Stole

Air from the Great Stink of 1858

Air Raid Siren from Pearl Harbor

Air-Raid Skeet Thrower

Airbrushes from Disney Studios *

Akbar the Great's Water Container

Akira Kurosawa's Mao Hat

Akira Toriyama's Original Pen

Aki Ra’s Landmine Casings

Alain Robert’s Bag of Chalk

Albert Fish's Whip of Nails

Al Capone's Fedora

Al Capone's Machine Guns *

Al Smith's 1928 Campaign Badges

Aladdin's Lamp

Alan Hale Jr.'s Skipper Hat

Alan Seeger's Helmet

Alan Turing's Typewriter

Alan Wake's Flashlight

Alarm Clock

Albert Abrams’ Vials

Albert Anastasia's Barber Shop Chair

Albert Bandura's Bobo Doll

Albert Butz's Glasses *

Albert Camus' Coffee Cup

Albert Einstein's Bridge Device *

Albert Einstein's Chalk

Albert Einstein's Comb *

Albert Stevens’ Paintbrush

Albert Tirrell’s Razor

Alberto Burri's Sacking and Red

Albertus Magnus' Quill Pen

Alboin’s Skull Cup

Albrecht Dürer's Rhinoceros Horn

Self-portrait at 26" href="/wiki/Albrecht_D%C3%BCrer%27s_%27%27Self-portrait_at_26%27%27">Albrecht Dürer's Self-portrait at 26 *

Alchemist's Curse

Alcmaeon of Croton's Ring

Aldrich Ames' Chalk

Aldus Manutius’ Vellum

Aleijadinho’s Palanquin

Aleister Crowley's Ruby Studded Universal Hexagram Necklace *

Alejandro Jodorowsky’s Keisaku

Tetris" href="/wiki/Aleksandr_Serebrov%27s_Nintendo_Game_Boy_%26_Copy_of_%27%27Tetris%27%27">Aleksandr Serebrov's Nintendo Game Boy & Copy of Tetris

Alessandro Volta's Biscuit Bin *

Alessandro Volta's Lab Coat and Goggles *

Alethiometer

Alex Mercer's Jacket

Alex Sander's Scourge

Alexander of Abonoteichus' Grimorie

Alexander Alekhine's Chess Set *

Alexander Bain's Fax Machine

Alexander Calder's First Mobile

Alexander D'Agapeyeff's Telegraph

Alexander Fleming's Beaker

Alexander Graham Bell's Telephone Wire

Alexander the Great's Bronze Breastplate

Alexander the Great's Xyston

Alexander of Greece's Pocket Watch

Alexander Grey's Owl Pendant

Alexander Hamilton's & Aaron Burr's Dueling Pistols

Alexander Herrmann's Gold Watch

Alexander Hermann's Mustache Scissors *

Alexander Keith Jr’s Barrel

Alexander Litvinenko's Tea Pot

Alexander Morison's Top Hat

Alexander Polyhistor's Animal Fiber Sponge

Alexander Steinert's Grand Piano

Alexander von Humboldt's Fern

Alexander Wilson's Falconry Glove

Alexandre Étienne Choron’s Menu

Alexey Leonov's Near the Moon

Alexis Soyer's Cutting Board

Alexis St. Martin's Musket Powder

Al-Farabi's Shahrud

Alfred Adler’s Coat Rack

Alfred Dreyfus' Sword Hilt *

Alfred George Hinds' Prison Uniform

Alfréd Hajós' Measuring Tape

Alfred Hitchcock's Metal Pinwheel (canon)  

Alfred Kinsey's Abacus

Alfred, Lord Tennyson's Bronze Statue of Chiron

Alfred's Monarch Ice Skates

Alfred Nobel's Box Detonator

Alfred Nobel's Curtains

Alfred Packer's Gold

Alfred Snoxall's Lee-Enfield Rifle

Alfred N. Stevenson's Military Helmet

Alfred Stieglitz's Tripod

Alfred Watkin’s Theodolite

Alfred Wegener's Parka

Algie the Pig

Al Herpin's Rocking Chair

Al Hirschfeld’s Chair and Lamp

Ali Asghar Borujerdi's Prayer Beads

Alice Manfield’s Trekking Pole

Alice Bailey's Necklace

Alice's Crown

Alice Stebbins Wells’ Police Badge

Alien's Device Prop

Allan Pinkerton's Briefcase

Allan W. E. Jones' Underwear

Alleyway from Kowloon Walled City

Alliance Tenna-Scope TV Signal Booster

All Hallow's Eve Pumpkin

Alphonse Bertillon's Shaving Mirror

Alphonse Cahagnet's Magnets

Alpine Brandy Rescue Cask *

Aloysius 'Alois' Alzheimer's Eye Glasses

Alpharts Tod's Hauberk

Altaïr's Hidden Blade

Aluminum Bluthner Piano *

Álvaro Obregón's Right Arm

Alvin C. Graves' Tie

Alvin C. York's .45 Colt Automatic Pistol

Alvin C. York's Medal

Alvin Straight’s Riding Lawn Mower

Alyattes of Lydia's Electrum Coins

Amanda Palmer's Ukulele

Amanda Todd's Flashcards

Amasa Coleman Lee's Porch Swing

Amaterasu's Yasakani no Magatama

Amazon Fish Tank *

The Amber Room

Amber Sphere *

Amber Spyglass

Ambrose Bierce's Skull

Ambrose Burnside's Jacket

Amelia Earhart's Goggles

Amelia Earhart's Lockheed Vega 5B

Amenemhat III’s Pyramidion

Amenemhat III's Sistrum

Amenemhat IV’s Sphinx

"American Idiot" Stage Set

Amerigo Vespucci's Armor Plate

Amityville House Windows

Ammunition from the USS Maine

Amphion's Lyre

Amulet of Hapi

Amy Lowell's Cigar

Amy Winehouse's Microphone

An Zhengwen's Brush

Anasazi Rope

Anatoly Onoprienko's Sawed off Shotgun

Anatomical Model

Anaxagoras' Krater

Anaximander's Sundial

André the Giant's Wrestling Singlet

André Citroën's Double Helical Gear

André de Toth’s 3-D Glasses

Andre Devigny's Bedding and Lantern

André Devigny Spoon

André-Marie Ampère’s Notebook

André Martinet's Phonograph

Andrea Aguyar’s Lasso

Andrea del Verrocchio's Workshop

Andreas Mihavecz’s Prison Cell

Andreas Vesalius' Watering Can

Andrew Borden's Couch

Andy Dufresne’s Rock Hammer

Andrew Jackson's Keg of Ale

Andrew Wyeth's Christina's World

Andy Kaufman's Bowl & Spoon

Andy Kaufman's Sunglasses

Andy Lambros' Fishing Pole

Andy the Clown’s Costume

Andy Warhol's Campbell's Soup Cans

Andy Warhol's Concept Dress Mannequin

Andy Warhol's Hairbrush

Andy Warhol's Marilyn Diptych

Anfo Merc's Electric Guitar and Battery Amplifier

Angela Cavallo's Car Fender

Angelo Faticoni's Chair

Angelo Moriondo’s Espresso Machine

Angelo Siciliano's Workout Trunks *

Angel Wings from the Pulse Funeral

Angkor Wat Piece of Vishnu

Ankou's Horseshoe

Angry Birdcage *

Animatronic Presidents from the "Hall of Presidents" in Walt Disney World

Anita King’s Lighter

Ann Corio's Bra

Ann Faraday's Jacket

Anna Baker's Wedding Dress

Anna Bertha Ludwig's Wedding Ring

Anna de Coligny's Crown

Anna Pavlova's Swan-Feather Fan

Annabelle Doll

Anne Boleyn's Pearl Necklace and Ornate B

Anne Bonny's Cutlass *

Anne Frank's Diary and Ribbon Bookmark

Anne Greene's Noose

Anne Sullivan’s Doll

Annette Funicello's Beach Ball *

Annie Edson Taylor's Barrel *

Annie Fox's Purple Heart

Annie Oakley’s Bonnet

Ansel Adams' Camera

Antarctic Whaling Station Camp

Anthony Bishop's Manuscript *

Anthony Salerno's Fedora *

Anthony Spilotro's Casino Tokens

Anthony Stewart/Rupert Giles' Glasses

Anti-Boarding Netting from the Mary Rose

Antique Candy Box

Antoine Lavosier's Candle

Antoine Lavosier's Microscope

Anton Aicher's Marionette Handle

Anton Chekov’s Pince-Nez's

Antoni Gaudí’s Chisel and Trencadís

Antonietta Dell'Era's Ballet Slippers

Antonio Stradivari's Violin Strings *

Antonio Vivaldi’s Aspergillum

Anton Praetorius' Hynm Book

Anubis Canopic Jar

Anubis Shrine Pyramid *

Anuket's Necklace

Aphrodite's Ankle Bracelet

Aphrodite's Girdle *

Aphrodite's Hairbrush

Apple of Discord

Apollo 11 Lunar Landing Hoax Set *

Apollo 11 Moon Rock *

Apollo 13 Command Module

Apollo 15 Geologic Hammer and Falcon Feather

Apollonius of Tyana's Amulet

Apollo of Veii's Arms

Apollo’s and Artemis’ Bows

Apollo's Sandals

Apophis Statuette

Apsley Cherry-Garrard’s Goggles

Aquilas from the Battle of Teutoburg Forest

Arachne's Loom

Arceus' Plates

Archibald McIndoe's Saline Bathtub

Archibald Spooner's Cloak

Archilochus' Aulos

Archimedes's Bathtub

Arc Light from the Iroquois Theater

Ares' Gauntlets

Aretha Franklin's Spotlight

The Argo

Ariadne's Ball of Thread

Aristotle's Lyre

Aron Ralston’s Pocketknife

Artemisia II of Caria's Chalice

Armand David's Glasses & Zucchetto

Armand Guillaumin's Soleil couchant à Ivry

Armando Socarras Ramirez's Shirt

Arne Larsson's Pacemaker

Arrow of Alan Gua

Arrow of Time

Artemis' Cloak Pin

Arthur Aitken's Pith Helmet

Arthur Aston's Wooden Leg

Arthur Blessitt’s Cross

Arthur C. Clarke's Telescope

Arthur Claude Darby's Rope

Arthur Conan Doyle's Disintegration Machine

Arthur Conan Doyle's Fairy Notebook

Arthur Conan Doyle's Pipe

Arthur Edward Waite's Tarot Deck

Arthur Evans' Magnifying Glass

Arthur Galston's Soil Knife

Arthur Rostron’s Loving Cup

Arthur Stace’s Chalk

Arthur Wellesley's Boots

Arthur Wynne's Journal

Arthur Zimmermann's Ticker-tape Machine

Artie Moore's Headphones

Artie Shaw's Clarinet *

Asclepius' Offering Bowl

Ash Williams’ Double-Barrel "Boomstick"

Ashes from the 1925 Madame Tussaud Fire

Ashley Revell's Tuxedo

Ashurbanipal's Crown

Ashoka's Hell

Ashoka's Pillars

Assorted Herbs (Parsley, Sage, Rosemary, and Thyme)

Asphyxiating Blackboard Erasers

Atalanta's Spear

Æthelred the Unready's Crown

Athena's Owl Pendant

Athena Parthenos

Athena's Aegis

Athena’s Breastplate

Athens Caryatid

Atlanta Ripper's Balaclava

Atlantean Crystal Pendant

Atlas' Globe

Atomic Bombs from The Dayton Project

Atticus Finch's Pocketwatch

Attila the Hun's Battle Helmet (canon)

Attila the Hun's Swaddling Blanket *

Audio-Healing Tuning Fork *

August Bier’s Needle

August Musger's Projector

August Natterer's Bible

Auguste Escoffier’s Tasting Spoons

Auguste Piccard's Gondola

Auguste Renoir's Young Girls at the Piano *

Auguste Rodin's Hammer and Chisel *

Auguste Rodin's Gateway to Hell

Auguste Rodin’s The Kiss

Auguste Rodin's Rasp

Augustina de Aragon's Cannon

Augustin-Jean Fresnel's Magnifying Glass *

Augustin Pyramus de Candolle’s Touch-Me-Not Plant

Augustus Saint-Gaudens’ Double Eagle Gold Coin

Aung San's Pinhole Camera

Aurora's Torch

Australian Boomerang

Automatic Trash-Disposal Waste Bin

Automatic Vaccum *

Autumn Leaves

Avatar Relics from The Last Airbender

Axe Ring

Axel Erlandson's Sycamore Seeds

Axeman of New Orleans' Phonograph

Ayrton Senna's Race Suit

Azletar (by technicality)

Aztec Bloodstone *

[mystarsarethese]

“ Cortes? He’s the only Captain dumb enough to be scared of the leprechauns ”

Star Trek OC, Captain of the USS Achilles, Captain D. Cortes

follows from @shesnotmyship // penned by Jess

[youcouldbewonderful]

just a little guy