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paxohana · 5 years ago

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Menagerie, Pt. 10

The sky was twinking with stars by the time they arrived home. Viktor and his father had been away for a little over a month and Viktor was relieved to be home. Not only was he able to sleep in his own bed, he’d be able to see Yuuri.

His entire being yearned to spend time with Yuuri. He thought of him thousands of times while he was in London and it was the best torment. Though he wanted to see him that very moment, Viktor knew it wasn’t feasible since it was close to two in the morning.

Helping the butler bring in the luggage from outside, Viktor retired to his room when they completed the task. He toed his shoes off, laid down, resting his arms behind his head. His thoughts were filled with Yuuri and he dreamed of being reunited with him by the time he drifted to sleep.

<hr>

Yuuri was chatting with his family at the breakfast table, his heart broken that Viktor hadn’t returned. Toshiya and Mari were discussing business, Yuuri wishing they would stop. He was about to give up on breakfast when he heard a knock at the door. His heart sped up and he offered to get the door, quickly rising from his seat and striding toward the door. There was a courier on the stoop and he had a letter for Yuuri. After tipping the young man and thanking him, Yuuri tore into the envelope and read the letter inside.

My Sweet Yuuri,

We returned home early this morning. You don’t know how much I wanted to send this to you the moment I got home, but I didn’t want to interrupt your rest. I eagerly await seeing you. I plan on remaining at home until I hear from you.

As always…

I am yours, Viktor

He read it once more for good measure and ran up the stairs, taking two at a time. He knew he should finish his meal, but he was far too excited at the aspect of seeing Viktor. He gave no care to what he wore that day, taking only a moment to make sure his clothing was acceptable. Placing his straw hat on his head, Yuuri ran out the door and towards the Nikiforov estate.

Yuuri could hear the sounds of a piano drifting through the air, getting louder as he approached the patio leading to the front door. On a normal day, he would take the time to listen to it. This day was different, however, and Yuuri wanted to see Viktor posthaste.

Yuuri knocked on the door and waited for it to be answered. He didn’t have to wait long, grinning when he saw Viktor’s face. He looked tired but happy to see him. Resisting the urge to kiss Viktor senseless, Yuuri took Viktor’s hands in his own.

“You don’t know how overjoyed I am to see you,” Yuuri said breathlessly.

“And I you,” Viktor agreed, “Would you like to come in?. I have so many stories to tell you. I even bought you a tiny souvenir.”

“I’d like that,” Yuuri replied.

After ushering Yuuri in, Viktor guided him to the stairs and asked how Yuuri had fared during their time apart. Yuuri told him about the long days of work and the even longer times without him. Yuuri tried to make the best of it and stay busy. He surprised Viktor by telling him he had played polo once with Harold and his brothers. While it wasn’t as appealing as when Viktor was there, he had fun nonetheless.

Once they reached Viktor’s room, Yuuri was stunned by the normalcy of Viktor’s room. He expected it to exude the wealth that was present in the rest of the house, but none was to be seen. Taking in every aspect of it, Yuuri turned around and saw Viktor grinning at him.

“I didn’t think I expected this,” Yuuri admitted, “I like it.”

“I like at least one space to reflect who I really am,” Viktor said, “Besides, I have my most decadent area in my closet. I’m quite picky when it comes to a wardrobe.”

Yuuri giggled and the edges of Viktor’s eyes creased in bemusement. Viktor took Yuuri’s hand and led him to a nearby loveseat. They were cramped by the smallness, but Viktor loved the body heat radiating from Yuuri. Looking up and catching Yuuri’s gaze, Viktor smiled softly.

“I missed you so much,” Viktor said, leaning in for a brief kiss.

The kiss was just the tip of everything they felt for one another. It was sweet, loving, and ever so delicate. Sitting back, Viktor smiled once again when he saw the faint blush on Yuuri’s cheeks.

“How I missed feeling your lips upon mine,” Viktor whispered, brushing Yuuri’s bottom lip with the pad of his thumb.

Taking a deep breath, Viktor settled in next to Yuuri so his hand could rest on Yuuri’s knee. He talked about all the landmarks he saw and how much better it would have been with Yuuri there. He discussed the boring meetings he was forced to attend. While he did enjoy the town itself, he wanted nothing more than to be with Yuuri.

“I did get you something,” Viktor said, pulling a small box from a nearby drawer and handing it to Yuuri.

Yuuri glanced at the box before turning his gaze to look at Viktor, confused when he saw the logo of a world-famous jeweler. Opening the lid, Yuuri gasped when he saw the delicate hand-blown red glass rose in the midst of a fragile glass vase. He didn’t want to pick it up for fear he’d drop it, but Viktor took the box from him and lifted the piece from its setting.

“It even has a ruby in the middle,” Viktor said, pointing at the small stone in the center of the rose.

Yuuri nodded and felt a tear slip down his cheek. He had never received anything on the scale that Viktor had given him. Too awestruck to speak, Yuuri simply nodded once more.

“Cat got your tongue?” Viktor teased.

“This is beautiful,” Yuuri declared, “I can’t believe something like this exists.”

Viktor smiled and listened to Yuuri gush about every aspect of the rose. He saw things Viktor hadn’t thought of and it was an eye-opening experience. Taking a breath, Yuuri leaned forward and brushed his lips across Viktor’s.

“Thank you so much,” Yuuri said, “I’ve never received anything so breathtaking before.”

“I’m glad you like it. Would you like to take it home and then we can head to the park? I would hate for it to shatter,” Viktor suggested.

Yuuri agreed and took Viktor’s hand when he stood. Seeing Viktor again was everything he thought it would be and more. Yuuri couldn’t believe how much he missed him now that he was with him. He never wanted to be apart from Viktor that long again.

Stopping momentarily so Yuuri could take his gift home, they headed toward the town square. It was bustling by the time they arrived and they sincerely hoped there would be a checkers table clear. They went into the cafe and bought some lemonades before starting the search for a table to play at. None were free, but there were a few chess tables empty. After learning they both knew how to play, they chose one and sat down.

“I play a mean game of chess,” Yuuri said.

“I don’t think you have the capability to be mean,” Viktor joked, laughing when Yuuri gave him an exasperated look.

They talked while setting the board up, discussing polo that week and how Harold had sprained his ankle the week before. Viktor mentioned they might have to postpone the match that week, but Yuuri told him that Thomas’ cousin promised to fill in for Harold.

They fell silent once the game started. They both displayed their finesse and knowledge of the game, both of them clearing the board of lesser pieces. Viktor was down to his king and moved it all over the board in an effort to not be captured.

“Check,” Yuuri said, when he placed his queen in front of Viktor’s king, “and mate.”

“How did your rook get over there so fast?” Viktor questioned.

“It’s been there for three turns, silly,” Yuuri teased, “Ready or another?”

They played until the sun began to set and the park started to clear out. Deciding to wrap up the current game quickly, Yuuri placed the pieces back in the drawer and cleaned the top of the board off. Once everything was settled, Viktor took Yuuri’s hand and led him through a flower-filled alley.

“Do you remember the first time we came through here?” Viktor inquired.

“The night you kissed my forehead,” Yuuri said, touched that Viktor still remembered.

“That was one of the best nights of my life,” Viktor confessed.

They continued walking down the alley until they reached the bridge leading to the other side of town. They crossed the bridge and took a shortcut through the grass, sitting down once they reached the old willow tree.

“I think this is our spot, Yuuri,” Viktor observed.

“I agree with you wholeheartedly,” Yuuri said.

Viktor laid back and stared at the sky through the fronds of the willow tree. The sky looked as soft as Yuuri’s skin, the twinkling reminiscent of Yuuri’s eyes. Not about to contain himself, Viktor sat up and cupped Yuuri’s face.

“I’ve never before seen such a perfect ensemble formed in one person,” Viktor started, “How do you capture my heart so?”

Yuuri looked down at a thread he was toying with and contemplated Viktor’s words. He knew exactly how Viktor felt because that was what drew Viktor to him. He just never expected to hear his own thoughts echoed back at him.

“I wonder the same about you countless times each day, Vitya,” Yuuri whispered.

Viktor eased onto his side and searched Yuuri’s face. His eyes sparkled from the moonlight and his lips were slightly opened. The small gasps he took while gazing at the sky endeared him even more to Viktor.

“I do believe you are an angel descended from heaven,” Viktor whispered, brushing a single lock of hair out of Yuuri’s vision.

Yuuri looked at him, shocked from his confession. He knew Viktor fancied him, but not enamored as much as Viktor professed. While Yuuri fought the perils of infatuation since he didn’t think Viktor felt the same, Yuuri felt as if the cage surrounding his heart flew open and set forth to fly.

“No, Viktor, I’m not,” Yuuri assured him, “Maybe we were destined to meet and fall in love, though it’s been a rather quick endeavor of our relationship.”

“Do you think this has been a speedy experience?” Viktor asked, watching Yuuri nod, “I apologize for pressing my wants upon you, Yuuri. What can I do to make it up to you?”

“It’s not all that bad, Vitya,” Yuuri said, “I just don’t want to blaze like a meteor and then the next week it’s gone..”

“I can promise you that you are not a flight of fancy, my sweet Yuuri, I love you with everything that I have. I know our love is young, but I want to see if blossom into a mature love,” Viktor said, “I want you in my life for the duration. I can definitely promise you that.”

Yuuri turned his head and caught Viktor’s gaze with his own. Searching Viktor’s eyes, Yuuri gasped slightly when Viktor lowered his head and captured Yuuri’s lips with his. The taste of Viktor flooded his mouth and he didn’t realize how much he missed it until that moment. He knew he could go on kissing Viktor forever, but alas the fates weren’t kind to relationships such as theirs. Resigning himself to cherish whatever time he had with Viktor, Yuuri continued to kiss Viktor in the most passionate kiss either had ever experienced. When they finally broke apart, Viktor placed his arm around the back of Yuuri’s neck and grinned.

“I think I could grow to love that for the rest of my life,” Viktor stated, “but it’s time we return to our respective homes. I’ll walk you to your door.”

Yuuri returned the smile and nodded, being in full agreement. Night had fallen and it had been dark for a few hours, so Viktor risked it all and held Yuuri’s hand. Not caring about the repercussions of the action, Viktor only basked in the love between them.

When they reached Yuuri’s house, Yuuri stood on the steps leading up to the porch. He didn’t want the night to end but knew that it must. Looking at Viktor, Yuuri sighed sadly.

“I feel like we have so much time to catch up on,” Yuuri said.

“At least a ton more kisses as well,” Viktor said, winking when Yuuri giggled, “What do you have planned for tomorrow?”

“I have to balance a few books, but after that I should have the afternoon free,” Yuuri said.

“Would you fancy going swimming in the lake with me?” Viktor asked.

“I think that’s a splendid idea,” Yuuri said, “I’m saddened to say that this is the end of our fabulous evening.”

“I as well, but we always have tomorrow,” Viktor promised him, making circles on Yuuri’s hand with the pad of his thumb, “I shall collect my evening kiss then.”

“All right,” Yuuri said, laughing when Viktor smiled, “Until tomorrow, Vitya.”

“Until then, my sweet Yuuri. Until then.”

The art done by the amazingly talented @princessmimoza. Need to catch up? Check it out on Ao3 here.

#menagerie update #victuuri fic #viktuuri fic #pax writes #princessmimoza draws #Viktor Nikiforov #Katsuki Yuuri

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a-rooks-true-justice · 3 months ago

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The figure looks towards the Graveyard, narrowing his eyes and looking over the place.

It cofs, wandering its way onto the graveyard, it walks slowly and methodically, crossing both arms.

It lets out a cold breath as it speaks to itself.

-> ``Graveyard. Hmmph. Quite the find.``

-> His voices rings out, its deep and hostile, like a general scolding a cadet.

Someone wanders nearby, their footsteps heavy and precise.

A figure shows in the distance, a person in miltary clothing and a dark mask covering their face.

They stare into the distance, not having noticed the guest, their eyes shine a familiar brown, they eyes oddly familiar.

You don't recognize the figure, but its oddly familiar, too familiar.

( @a-rooks-true-justice )

1337 just got Elliot back to safety before going back and looking for Dummy. He was hiding behind a gravestone in the graveyard when he heard footsteps.

The solider did not recognize who that was but he could never be too careful…

#ONCE A MONSTER. ALWAYS A MONSTER. - Guest 1337 #A Star-faring Game of Chess #Rook #Rook Forsaken #Forsaken #Roblox Forsaken #Forsaken Roblox #HomicidalPorkchops #Homicidal Porkchops

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sciencespies · 5 years ago

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The Dangers of Space, Military Rivals and Other New Books to Read

https://sciencespies.com/nature/the-dangers-of-space-military-rivals-and-other-new-books-to-read/

The Dangers of Space, Military Rivals and Other New Books to Read

Reading astrophysicist Paul M. Sutter’s latest book, How to Die in Space, will surely help any adult erase regrets they may have about their failed childhood dream of becoming an astronaut. As the SUNY Stony Brook professor observes, outer space—populated by such threats as black holes, acid rain, asteroids, planetary nebulae and magnetic fields—is, to put it frankly, “nasty.”

The latest installment in our “Books of the Week” series, which launched in late March to support authors whose works have been overshadowed amid the COVID-19 pandemic, details the many ways one might meet their demise in space, six notorious military rivalries, the Italian Renaissance’s dark undertones, the history of swimming and the culinary implications of so-called “wild foods.” Past coverage has highlighted books including Karen Gray Houston’s exploration of her family’s civil right’s legacy, St. Louis’ racist history, James Madison’s black family, and modern conservatism’s roots in the antebellum South and post-Civil War westward expansion.

Representing the fields of history, science, arts and culture, innovation, and travel, selections represent texts that piqued our curiosity with their new approaches to oft-discussed topics, elevation of overlooked stories and artful prose. We’ve linked to Amazon for your convenience, but be sure to check with your local bookstore to see if it supports social distancing-appropriate delivery or pickup measures, too.

How to Die in Space: A Journey Through Dangerous Astrophysical Phenomena by Paul M. Sutter

Despite its macabre title, How to Die in Space is a surprisingly lighthearted read. Adopting what Kirkus describes as an “informal, humorous persona,” Sutter—host of popular podcast “Ask a Spaceman!”—guides his audience through the cosmos’ deadliest phenomena, from Jupiter’s dense atmosphere to radiation, solar flares and exploding stars, which he deems “slumbering dragon[s], just waiting for the chance to awaken and begin breathing flame.”

The book also dedicates ample space to speculative threats, including dark matter, extraterrestrial life, wormholes and “other relics of the ancient universe.”

How to Die in Space’s description emphasizes that while “the universe may be beautiful, … it’s [also] treacherous.” Still, Sutter’s musings cover more than simply doom and gloom: As the scientist writes in the text’s closing chapters, “It’s really an excuse to talk about all the wonderful physics happening in the cosmos. … There is so much to learn, and we need to study it as closely and intimately as possible.”

Gods of War: History’s Greatest Military Rivals by James Lacey and Williamson Murray

Following the release of their 2013 bestseller, Moment of Battle: The Twenty Clashes That Changed the World, journalist James Lacey and historian Williamson Murray started brainstorming topics to explore in future books. Eventually, the pair landed on the premise of rivals, defined in Gods of War’s introduction as “military geniuses who … fought a general of equal caliber”—or, in the cases of World War II commanders Erwin Rommel, Bernard Law Montgomery and George Patton, multiple generals.

Bookended by essays on war’s “changing character” and the role of military genius in modern warfare, the six case studies read like a Who’s Who of global history. Representing the ancient world are Hannibal and Scipio (the latter of whom the authors describe as “the better strategic thinker”) and Caesar and Pompey. Crusader kings Richard I and Saladin; Napoleon Bonaparte and Battle of Waterloo victor Arthur Wellesley, 1st Duke of Wellington; Union Army commander Ulysses S. Grant and Confederate officer Robert E. Lee round out the list of 13 featured men.

Lacey and Murray liken their approach to chess strategy. “There is only so much you can learn by playing someone inferior to you or by revisiting the games of neophytes,” the duo writes. “There is, however, much to absorb, think about, and learn from studying games that [pit] one grandmaster against another.”

The Beauty and the Terror: The Italian Renaissance and the Rise of the West by Catherine Fletcher

As alluded to by its title, Catherine Fletcher’s latest book juxtaposes seemingly discordant aspects of the Italian Renaissance: its aesthetic brilliance and, in the words of fellow historian Simon Sebag Montefiore, the “filth and thuggery, slavery, sex, slaughter and skullduggery behind [this] exquisite art.” Framed as an alternative history of the much-explored period of creative rebirth, The Beauty and the Terror contextualizes the Italian Renaissance within the framework of European colonialism, widespread warfare and religious reform. Rather than focusing solely on such artistic geniuses as Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo and Botticelli, Fletcher lends a voice to the women writers, Jewish merchants, mercenaries, prostitutes, farmers and array of average citizens who also called the Italian peninsula’s competing city-states home.

The “lived reality” of 15th- and 16th-century Italy involved far more violence, uncertainty and devastation than widely believed, argues Fletcher. Forces beyond its residents’ control—a series of wars, the rise of the Ottoman Empire, the advent of the Protestant Reformation—shaped their lives yet have been largely overshadowed by what their greatest minds left behind.

“We revere Leonardo da Vinci for his art but few now appreciate his ingenious designs for weaponry,” notes the book’s description. “We know the Mona Lisa for her smile but not that she was married to a slave-trader. We visit Florence to see Michelangelo’s David but hear nothing of the massacre that forced the republic’s surrender.”

Splash!: 10,000 Years of Swimming by Howard Means

In lieu of visiting a swimming pool this summer, consider diving into Howard Means’ absorbing exploration of aquatic recreation and exercise. As the journalist writes in Splash!’s prologue, paddling, floating or wading through water can be a transformative experience: “The near weightlessness of swimming is the closest most of us will ever get to zero-gravity space travel. The terror of being submerged is the nearest some of us ever come to sheer hell.”

The earliest evidence of swimming dates to some 10,000 years ago, when Neolithic people living in what is now southwest Egypt painted individuals performing the breaststroke or doggy paddle on the walls of the Cave of Swimmers. Swimming endured throughout the classical period, with ancient texts including the Bible, Homer’s Odyssey, the Epic of Gilgamesh and the Chinese Book of Odes all containing references to the practice.

The advent of the medieval era—with its rising “prudery” and insularity, as well as its lack of sanitation and efficient infrastructure—quickly brought this “golden age” of swimming to an end; in Europe, at least, “swimming slipped into the dark for a full millennium,” writes Means.

During the 15th, 16th and 17th centuries, swimming was more closely associated with witchcraft than leisure. The practice only regained popularity during the Enlightenment period, when such prominent figures as Benjamin Franklin and Lord Byron reminded the public of its merits. By 1896, swimming had regained enough popularity to warrant its inclusion in the first modern Olympic Games.

Feasting Wild: In Search of the Last Untamed Food by Gina Rae La Cerva

Part memoir, part travelogue and part culinary adventure, Feasting Wild examines “humans’ relationship to wild food and the disappearing places and animals that provide it,” according to Publishers Weekly. Broadly defined as fare foraged, hunted or caught in the wild, the “untamed” foods detailed in geographer and anthropologist Gina Rae La Cerva’s debut book hail from such diverse locales as Scandinavia, Poland, Borneo, the Democratic Republic of Congo, New Mexico and Maine. Once “associated with poverty and subsistence,” writes La Cerva, wild foods including broad-leaved garlic, bushmeat, sea buckthorn flowers and moose meat are now viewed as luxuries, reserved for five-star restaurants that cater to an elite clientele.

La Cerva argues that this shift in perception stems from the onslaught of “settler-colonialism,” which used the dichotomy of wild versus tame to “justify violent appetites and the domination of unfamiliar cultures and places.” Within a few centuries, she adds, “the world [had] traded wild edibles at home for exotic domesticates from abroad.”

The flipside of this “fetishization of need” is the standardization of humans’ diets. As wild places across the world vanish, so, too, do undomesticated or uncultivated plant and animal species. Preserving wild foods—and the knowledge imparted by the women who have historically collected and cooked them—is therefore “fundamentally about recovering our common heritage,” writes La Cerva. “The urgency of the environmental crisis is precisely why we must slow down, take time, [and] become complicated in our actions.”

#Nature

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astrocassette · 5 years ago

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oc aesthetic - seren

tagged on this one by @undyingembers, thank you!!

mostly under a readmore cause i was feeling poetic and found myself writing!

Bold for always Italics for sometimes

COLORS

red. brown. orange. yellow. green. blue. purple. pink. black. white. teal. silver. gold. grey. lilac. metallic. matte. royal blue. strawberry red. charcoal grey. forest green. apple red. navy blue. crimson. cream. mint green. cobalt blue.

the green of the forest and the blue of the sky are the colors they chose to adorn themselves with, colors they could drink in for as long as they could want to. but they are not the only colors that follow them. the earthy browns of their horns and their fur, the shiny wheat yellow of their hair, the vivid green that’s wrapped around their body and shines in their eyes all trail after them as well. and the twinkling blues and purples that surround them as they watch the night sky, dipping to cascade over their shoulders in a cape made of starlight. all of these are the colors that follow this watcher.

ELEMENTS

fire. ice. water. air. earth. rain. snow. wind. moon. stars. sun. heat. cold. steam. frost. lightning. sunlight. moonlight. dawn. dusk. twilight. midnight. sunrise. sunset. dewdrops. magic.

seren is a child, born of the earth, but knowing only the sea and the sky. they take joy in the rushing of waves underneath, the salty breeze through their hair, the feeling of sunlight on their skin, all of the colors that paint and dapple the sky when day turns to night. this is what they know, but when this adventure is over, they will find themself again in the sound of rustling leaves, the feeling of dirt under bare feet, the softness of lying in a clover patch. these are their elements, earth, sea, and sky.

BODY

claws. long fingers. fangs. wings. tails. lips. bare feet. freckles. bruises. scars. scratches. wounds. burns. spikes. feathers. webs. sweat. tears. feline. scales. fur. chubby. curvy. short. tall. average height. muscular. lean. piercings. tattoos. lithe.

they look so small, so unassuming at first glance, small horns, floppy ears, and freckle-flowers, wandering around the ship barefoot, smiling as easily as the sun shines. they are themself, of course, always, but even still it’s enough to give pause when they strip at the bathhouse, seeing the bruises and scrapes and scars of battle that decorate their skin, and the hints of lean muscle underneath. they are small, maybe, and sunny, but that does not negate how dangerous a foe they are.

WEAPONS

fists. sword. dagger. spear. arrow. hammer. shield. poison. venom. guns. axes. throwing axes. whips. knives. throwing knives. pepper sprays. tasers. machine guns. slingshots. katanas. maces. staffs. wands. powers. magical items. magic. rocks. pyre. teeth/fangs. rifles. words.

seren has known many weapons in their lifetime, wielded and suffered, but not all remembered. wands and rifles fit easily into their hands, and somehow the weight of a mace did too. really, though, all of those came second. they could do so much with a thought, crush, splinter, pierce. use peoples’ phantasmal insides to break their tangible outsides. it was... rather unnerving when anyone else thought about it for too long.

MATERIALS

gold. silver. platinum. titanium. diamonds. pearls. rubies. sapphires. emeralds. amethyst. metal. iron. rust. steel. glass. wood. porcelain. paper. wool. fur. lace. leather. silk. velvet. denim. linen. cotton. charcoal. clay. stone. asphalt. brick. marble. dust. glitter. blood. dirt. mud. smoke. ash. shadow. carbonate. rubber. synthetics.

seren’s mind makes itself out of wool and paper, out of iron and cloth and clay. it comes out in the weaving of wool, the scratching of lyrics on paper, the rush of breath through an ocarina. they collect rocks with their hands and dirt with their feet, and their days are segmented by iron weapons and cookware alike. the watcher is made up of many things, but most of all, themself.

NATURE + WEATHER

grass. leaves. trees. bark. roses. daisies. tulips. lavender. sunflowers. petals. thorns. seeds. hay. sand. rocks. roots. flowers. ocean. river. meadow. forest. desert. tundra. savanna. rainforest. caves. underwater. coral reef. beach. waves. space. clouds. mountains. poppies. galaxies. stardust. sky. rain. storm. sunny.

a child of the earth, a child of nature, they appreciate everything they can get from it. plants, trees and flowers and crops are petted as seren passes by. barefoot, they dig their toes into grass and dirt and sand alike, reveling in the texture. they lie on beaches and meadows, watching what the sky has to offer at any time of day.

ANIMALS + MYTHICAL CREATURES

lions. wolves. eagles. owls. falcons. hawks. swans. snakes. turtles + tortoises. bugs. spiders. doves. robins. ducks. vultures. whales. dolphins. fish. octopus. sharks. horses. cats. dogs. rabbits. hares. crows. ravens. mice. lizards. unicorns. pegasus. dragons. rats. livestock. tigers. panthers. deer. foxes. bats. bears. crocodiles + alligators. coyotes. seals + sea lions

seren knows of many animals, but only has experience with a few. they know stories of falcons and snakes and turtles and panthers, but does not remember learning them. caring for cats and rabbits and chickens is much the same, during the few occasions they help a local corral their livestock. the one that always makes them light up, though, their favorite, were bats. as dusk fell, they’d watch the diminutive shadows flitting from tree to tree, grinning and pointing them out to whoever was with them.

FOOD + DRINK

sugar. salt. bitter. candy. bubblegum. wine. champagne. hard liquor. beer. coffee. tea. soda. spices. herbs. apple. orange. lemon. cherry. strawberry. watermelon. vegetables. fruits. meat. fish. pies. desserts. chocolate. cream. caramel. berries. nuts. cinnamon. burgers. burritos. pizza. french fries.

fruits and meats and grains are their favorites, preferring savory and sweet. humming happily at the taste of honey glazed hen, sharing orange slices with whoever happened by on deck, flapping their hands at the spiciness of fire kelp but going back for more, crunching on candied nuts as they peruse the shops of queen’s berth. to them, food is very much a joy, and something to be shared.

HOBBIES

music. art. watercolors. gardening/growing plants. smithing. sculpting. painting. sketching. fighting. writing. composing. cooking. sewing. training. dancing. acting. singing. martial arts. self-defense. electronics. technology. cameras. video cameras. video games. computer. phone. movies. theater. libraries. books. comic books. magazines. cds. records. vinyls. cassettes. piano. violin. guitar. electric guitar. bass guitar. harmonica. harp. woodwinds. brass. bells. playing cards. poker chips. chess. dice. motorcycle riding. flight. climbing. running. swimming. healing/medicine.

they like everything surrounding music and the fiber arts, but there are other things, too. sparring with friends is something they enjoy, light fare to make days sailing more interesting. reading books, both fiction and non to pass the time in a gentler way, card games similarly when they want to spend that time with people. neither they nor their crew puts on theater, but in ports, seren loves stopping to watch, enjoying the story and the questionable acting skills in equal measure. being the herald of berath and the hound of eothas does not allow excessive room for hobbies, but they make time anyways.

STYLE

lingerie. armor. cape. dress. tunic. vest. shirt. sweater. boots. heels. leggings. trousers. jeans. skirt. jewelry. earrings. necklace. bracelet. ring. pendant. hat. crown. circlet. helmet. scarf. brocade. cloaks. corsets. doublet. chest plate. gorget. bracers. belt. sash. coat. jacket. duster. trenchcoat. hood. gloves. socks. masks. cowls. braces. watches. glasses. sunglasses. eye contacts. makeup. ties. uniform.

a brigandine and cape, forest green, sky blue, and white, are their battle armor, heavy but maneuverable. it is what they choose to wear for the necessity of it, but outside of battle it is not something they’d choose. they favor light shirts and tunics, open necklines and half sleeves, pants cut at the knee, secured with a sash that flutters after them when they run. an item cherished is their cape, the cape of the fallen star, that surrounds them in the beauty of the night sky and makes them a sight to remember on the few occasions they wear it.

MISC.

balloons. bubbles. cityscape. light. dark. candles. war. peace. money. power. clocks. photos. mirrors. pets. kisses. diary. fairy lights. mental health problems. sadness. bittersweet. happiness. optimism. pessimism. loneliness. family. friends. assistants. co-workers. enemies. loyalty. smoking. drugs. kindness. love. hugs. revenge.

seren is kind. kind, and light, and optimistic. their task is a heavy one, tense, and worrying, and precarious, so they do what they can to bring light, to show kindness against the uncertainty of the world.

#hwoo i have no idea where the writing part of this came from but it was fun!!#i keep meaning to get back to playing adfvsdgb #the saturday d&d campaign i'm in recently got BUCKWILD in the best way so that's what's been occupying my brain space as of late #but i'll get back to pillars eventually #watcher seren

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wordywarriorwrites · 6 years ago

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Chapter 3: Sleight

Masterlist: The Boss of Brooklyn A03 Link Author: @wordywarriorwrites Summary: When it comes to being The Boss, James Buchanan “JB” Barnes rules with an iron fist. For him, there’s no room for sentiment, and certainly no time for distraction, even if it is in the form of an old flame. Steve Rogers had bowed out of the life a long time ago, but a twist of fate brings him right back into the fold, and face-to-face with a man he once loved. When a game of cat and mouse turns into a matter of life and death, both will be forced to decide whether they’ll be loyal to the business, or faithful to each other. A/N: Bucky Barnes Mob Boss AU. Stucky. For: Star’s Multi-Fandom Follower Celebration & Sherry’s Fall Into You Challenge. Warnings: Language, violence, drug use, alcohol, smoking, explicit sexual content, illegal activities.

After surgery, Natasha was wheeled into a private room at NYP/Weill Cornell Medical Center, and once it had been made clear she would make a full recovery, Bucky called a meeting.

Five plastic chairs situated around the bed; every pair of eyes narrowed; each mind determined. Out of all the potential outcomes, none of them could have anticipated this, and it wasn’t just because Steve had chosen to defend himself.

Natasha was dutiful, cautious, and extremely versatile. She’d carried more than her fair share of the water and had never shirked or shied away from any of the endless lists of tasks and responsibilities they’d given her. Over the years, she’d become the Queen in their metaphorical game of chess, was welcomed and respected in every territory, and was often the envoy, enforcer, and enticer. She was integral to the Families and invaluable to Bucky.

She’d also never been injured this badly before and that put them all on edge.

“How did this happen?” Wanda inquired quietly.

Thor grunted, “We know how it happened.”

“We need to focus more on the why instead of the how,” Tony remarked.

Clint nodded in agreement, “If I’m being honest, I was glad to hear he’d returned, but now…”

As comptroller, Maximoff was most concerned with finances. Odinson, in his capacity as recruiter, was having trouble getting the fresh meat to settle down. Stark made sure law enforcement on their payroll turned a blind eye to Steve’s return, but this had drawn a lot of attention, and as a result, Barton had been forced to place a temporary hold on all incoming and outgoing product.

One thing they could all agree on was that the matter needed to be approached with even more caution. They still didn’t know the whereabouts of the deceased senator’s wife, nor the motivation behind Steve’s aiding in her escape. Bucky had assumed he’d returned for the funeral, but whether or not that was his primary reason for staying in town was unknown. Nevertheless, Bucky admitted he’d made the mess, and told them he would clean it up.

Clint was tactful when he pointed out they’d tried it his way and it hadn’t gone well. When Bucky asked for suggestions, Thor threw out the obvious option of having someone else finish the job. Wanda alternatively asserted that if he intended to let Steve live, he needed to be placated. Tony decreed it was best to keep enemies close and that Bucky should simply seduce him. Clint recommended backing off and giving Steve a wide berth for the time being.

Bucky sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose. While everyone continued to discuss how best to resolve the brewing conflict, he averted his attention to Natasha, who had woken up mid-way through the conversation. If anyone had the right to an opinion, it was her, and when he held up his hand for silence, everyone quieted down.

“Natasha?” Bucky prompted.

“Use him,” she rasped. “Make him an ally again.”

He’d never considered bringing Steve back into the fold, but it was the most practical way to resolve things. As the Families had never formally voted him out, he technically still had a seat at the table, and could return to it at any time. If Steve did return, things would change, but adjusting parameters and expectations wasn’t the issue.

Steve was a natural leader and would’ve been Boss had he not left. Loyalty and tribute were given and paid to the Families as a whole, but Steve inspired a level of fanaticism and devotion that Bucky just could not replicate. Though the title alone commanded respect, Bucky knew some considered him a placeholder; there were big players who’d been waiting for Steve to return, and if he was welcomed back, there would be a power shift. Even though Steve had never expressed a desire to run things, it was a mantle Bucky, if pressured, would be forced to let him have.

War and peace, love and hate, progress and tradition – they were often two sides of the same coin, one that had been flipped many times over many generations. As head of the Families, it was left to Bucky whether or not to toss it in the air again, and he wasn’t sure he wanted to. It was a gamble, a fifty-fifty chance, and he wasn’t the type of man who enjoyed playing the odds. He tried to look for a clear outcome, but the tide kept shifting, the waters were murky, and he couldn’t yet see in which direction the wind would blow.

“We tried the stick,” Wanda gently reminded him. “Let’s see if the carrot fares better. I’ll reach out.”

Bucky inclined his head, “Very well.”

With the decision made, the others departed, but Bucky remained. He scooted his chair closer to the bed and when Natasha held out her hand, he took it. She’d been hooked up to an intravenous analgesia pump, but had yet to use the medicine, and that meant both her grip and her words were fierce.

“Whatever you do, don’t fuck with him,” she warned. “I don’t know what Steve’s up to, but I can tell he’s changed, and he’s dangerous. You watch your six, you hear me?”

“I’ll be as careful as I can be.”

“Have you said anything to the press?”

Bucky hummed noncommittally, “They believe it was an attempted robbery gone wrong.”

Natasha nodded, let go of his hand, and depressed the button to release the morphine, “Good. Now, go away – you got shit to do and I need rest.”

If anyone else had dismissed and dictated to him like that, Bucky would have broken their jaw, but since it came from Natasha, he just smiled. Even with a foot dangling over the grave, she still busted his balls, and because she was the only real and true friend he had, he didn’t fight her.

The drive back to the penthouse was a slow one because of traffic and when he finally pulled into the private parking garage, he was exhausted, irritated, and starved. The guard at the desk greeted him politely and Bucky waved back. It was a quick, smooth ascent to the top floor, and when the elevator doors parted, he stepped into the foyer, and was greeted by an unexpected albeit not entirely unwelcome visitor.

“In the span of twenty-four hours, you’ve botched a takedown and you let me get the drop on you,” Bruce stated blithely. “Didn’t I tell you to change the security code after I installed the system?”

Bucky rolled his eyes and gestured toward the kitchen, “What do you have for me?”

Bruce tossed a folder onto the island’s marble countertop and gave him a rundown on Steve’s activities. The man was good at keeping a low profile, but he was able to piece together some of what Steve had been up to while he was away, and squeeze a bit of information out the people who’d been helping him stay under the radar since his return.

“Steve is independently wealthy now, but where the money came from is a mystery,” Bruce informed him. “If the olive branch Wanda plans to extend involves cash, it’ll be useless. He’s got holdings and properties both in this country and abroad. I can’t find any red flags and it all appears to be legit.”

Bucky furrowed his brow and opened the fridge, “And the plot thickens.”

“Sam admitted he stopped in, but wouldn’t give details on what was purchased,” Bruce explained as he accepted a beer with a nod of thanks. “But knowing what Wilson keeps in that back room, Rogers is probably armed to the teeth.”

He flipped through the photos and the intel, “I want to know who else he’s visited and where he’s holed up. And find out where he’s hiding that fucking widow.”

“He knows how to avoid being seen, so, it’s not an easy task. It’s going to take time and cash.”

“Money you can have,” Bucky told him as he headed for the living room.

Bruce followed and sipped his beer while Bucky keyed in the combination to the wall safe. Once it was opened, he collected a few stacks, and handed them over.

“Grease palms and keep digging,” Bucky insisted.

“Will do.”

If anyone could find a needle in a haystack, it was Bruce, and Bucky knew he could rely on him to get it done. The man was a genius with a mind that absorbed and retained information like a sponge. Publicly, he put his Ph.D. to good use via publications and giving lectures at various universities; privately, he helped the Families by being a shadow in the world of data collection. Skeletons in closets, economic shifts, voter mindsets, new product on the street, backroom deals, who was getting up to what behind closed doors – Bruce knew it all, and on the off chance he didn’t, he always managed to find out.

Bruce tucked the money away, tossed the bottle into the recycle bin, and as Bucky escorted him out, he strongly urged him to reset the alarm code. As soon as the door was shut, he did just that, and went back to the living room.

Exhausted down to his bones, he plopped down on the couch, loosened his tie, and kicked off his shoes. Cellphone in hand, he mulled over what to order for dinner, and after he decided on Italian, he closed his eyes, and settled back into the cushions. He must’ve nodded off for a moment, because when the doorbell rang, he nearly jumped out of his skin.

“Alright, alright,” he muttered as he rushed for the door.

Bleary-eyed and absentminded, Bucky didn’t check to see if it was actually his food delivery, and within seconds, he was made to regret it.

He saw the fist that barreled toward his face, but wasn’t fast enough to block it or duck out of the way. Bucky was hit with such force that his head snapped back and he fell right down onto his ass.

Blood gushed from his mouth and nose and the copper-flavored taste rolled over his tongue and slid down his throat. There was only one person in the world who could ring his bell like that, and when he looked up from his prone position on the floor, he cursed.

“Hello, JB,” Steve deadpanned. “Mind if I come in?” Chapter 4: Erstwhile

Everything: @jennmurawski13 @nerdy-bookworm-1998

Steve Rogers: @patzammit @hearttoearth The Boss of Brooklyn: @star-spangled-man-with-a-plan @jamesbarnesappreciationsociety @captain-rogers-beard @lilliannaansalla

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a-rooks-true-justice · 3 months ago

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The Commander comes to a sudden stop,his foot slammed into the ground as he came to a turn. He turns towards the river, staring upon its water. The Man rustles his hand upwards, placing it inside his jacket, as he pulls out a small polaroid photo, the photo too far way to be seen. Something that makes no sense, something that is very much unclear. Is this man supposed to be a fellow survivor? Or one of the hunters plaguing this place?

The wind whistles, as the day remains quiet. The Employee in a supply run, wandering thought, doing what needs to be done. A quiet day, no killers seems to appear, Except something steal his eye. Coming in the distance, Besides the river of tar marches a tall and menacing figure, Wearing a black suit, a hat gilded in gold, and a dark mask covering his entire face. A red X stains his face, seemly a scar, but most importantly, his eyes look forward, no objective in mind. No malice, No hatred, A tired look of displeasure. It seems to be walking for a long time, empty of a route. Hostility is something not seen, yet its better to be carefully. Who knows how long that could last.

-A blinking star, Only one Visible in the Sky. Rook, The Star Glitcher Piece. (@a-rooks-true-justice)

/ / I don't know why I needed it to rhyme, but i know it kinda just fealt right!

-> Elliot had taken notice of the figure looming some ways away from the mansion, the support having been ducked down a little so that he could see out the window, but the other wouldn't be able to see him. -> This was... New, different. This wasn't like the other new arrivals he's seen. Should he say something? Should he not worry about it? He didn't know and it scared him. -> At least the mansion was a safe haven from what he assumed was a villain of the story.

#Red Tainted Paranoia - Elliot #A Star-faring Game of Chess #Rook #Rook Forsaken #Forsaken #Roblox Forsaken #Forsaken Roblox #HomicidalPorkchops #Homicidal Porkchops

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a-rooks-true-justice · 3 months ago

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(You can see someone walking somewhere with intent in the distance.)

@forsaken-voyager

He keeps his pace besides the river of tar, wandering and scouting out the place, his eyes scanning side to side as they lock into the Voyager.

He raises a brow but rathers not call its attention. He stares from a distance, inspectings its form.

#VOOOOYAGER!#Forever Aimless and Lost - Voyager #Rook #Rook Forsaken #Forsaken #Roblox Forsaken #Forsaken Roblox #HomicidalPorkchops #Homicidal Porkchops #A Star-faring Game of Chess

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one-equal-temper · 6 years ago

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So I think you have my favorite interpretations of V that I've found yet, so I was wondering what you think V's favorite domestic things/activities might be? I love imagining he gets a happily ever after in some universe

That’s extremely high praise, thank you so much! I’m honoured you like my work, thank you for reading. This prompt was a lot of fun to think about and I hope you enjoy it, even though it…ended up being a little longer than I planned.

If anyone would like to use any of these headcanons for their work, let me know so I can see!

The thing to remember about V is that he did not expect to live this long. From the moment he was separated from Vergil, V lived with the understanding of being the opposite side to Urizen’s coin, and the month or so of V’s lifetime was absolutely consumed with the directive of making things right again. So when V is granted the opportunity of his own existence, he’ll need some time on his own to self-reflect and reorient himself with the prospect.

V would like to travel, for a little while. A happy ending in my mind means he has his familiars by his side, or some alternate version of them, uncorrupted by Vergil’s trauma. Before the events of DMC5, V spent a month in Red Grave helping civilians escape, so we know he’s a helpful, sympathetic man at heart–but he’s also robbed at least one person to gather enough money to hire Dante. I think he’d fare fine wandering on his own for a while, either exchanging small favours with locals for room and board or, as a last resort, taking what he needs to survive.

V develops his calligraphy skills writing letters to his friends, the longest and most verbose of which are those he sends to Vergil. He takes great pride in his lettering, and stationary. There are probably wax seals on them and everything.

Once he returns to wherever he chooses to call home, the first thing V does is build a personal library. The book of Blake’s poetry was from Vergil’s childhood, but the love of reading is his own; not a single book enters V’s library without him having read it first, cover to cover. As you can imagine, he has a lot of catching up to do.

I imagine V would devour other sources of media and fiction the same way. V has Vergil’s memories of old books/movies/music/plays, but with his new lease on life, he would want to experience as much as he could firsthand. V would be extremely open-minded about listening to/watching/reading new things–yes, that includes anything you might think is ‘bad,’ as he wants to experience it all because he’s alive and he can–but he’s also brutally honest as he develops and curates his own picky tastes.

As he’s living on his own, there is no doubt in my mind V would learn how to cook. He’s not very good at it, at first, and Griffon doesn’t keep that a secret. But it’s the art he takes up to improve at, and he enjoys appreciating signs of his progress. His goal is to get good enough to host a fancy dinner party with the rest of the DMC crew. No one else even knows the man cooks until the over-the-top, fancy-calligraphy invitations go out.

V adores abstract strategy games and would learn to play as many as he could get his hands on, possibly keeping a collection he started during his travels (some of the ways he made money was by being an absolute shark.) Chess, Shogi, Go, Mancala–all of his sets are on display in his library. His prowess has discouraged his regular opponents, though, so no one ever actually plays games with him anymore. Sometimes Griffon will humour him with a match or two if V lets him win at cards enough times.

Finally, V enjoys any activity that reminds him he exists–less hobbies and more the idle moments of reflection he never, ever takes for granted. Reading by the fireplace with Shadow resting in his lap. Sitting with his old crew as they laugh at stories shared around a late-night diner booth. A cloudless sky outside his window that lets him see the stars. Anything that reminds him of how happy he is to be alive.

[ Masterlist ]

#v #dmc v #dmc5 v #v dmc5 #vitale #asks #writing #personally i just want a montage of v kicking vergil's ass at board games #everyone can beat you #even yourself

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a-rooks-true-justice · 3 months ago

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The man spots the survivor with his hands on the generator in the distance, he gives a heavy sigh as they start to approach the distant survivor's location.

He places his hands onto his jacket, a whooshing sound beind heard from him.

-> ``Hey, You.``

-> He calls out for the worker, lifting one of his brows, As he inspects the guy.

-> ``Who are you, and what are you working with there.``

-> His voice is hostile and commandative, sounds like a Military Officer. He interrogates the survivor.

As the Worker wanders in one of the supplies runs, the wind blows quick, as the Rivers of Black Tar of the area flow back in fourth, a whooshing noise of a horrible gurgle.

But that is not all that can be heard, a symphonic rhythm in a rhytimic pase, the sounds of marching, a One-Man-Army.

Someone wanders besides the river far away, almost outside the Worker's vision.

In military uniform, the eyes of a tires and tortured soul, a dark mask covering its face, with an X scar visibly by its top hald, wearing a Commander's cap.

The figure slowly marches forward without a clear path, approaching the employee slowly from the distance.

-> The Bringer of True Justice,

A Star Glitcher of the Cosmos.

R o o k .

(@a-rooks-true-justice)

Elliot had been working on a generator, looking up at the man as he finished up. He hissed when he incorrectly connected the wire, turning back to it to properly fix it up before standing. They took a few steps back, wanting personal space and feeling a bit nervous about this.

(Sorry short rply)

#Red Tainted Paranoia - Elliot #A Star-faring Game of Chess #Rook #Rook Forsaken #Forsaken #Roblox Forsaken #Forsaken Roblox #HomicidalPorkchops #Homicidal Porkchops

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unexpectedreylo · 6 years ago

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The Straight Dope On Galaxy’s Edge

I went to Disneyland Aug. 7-10 for my birthday because where else would I rather be than in the GFFA?

It’s amazing! It’s like a Ralph McQuarrie painting come to life. Even though it is “set” during the ST, it tries to have a little bit of something for every Star Wars fan. And maybe even for your friends and family who aren’t into it as much as you are.

Don’t believe the hype that it’s not doing well. Disneyland has had annual passholder blackout dates to keep attendance below crazy levels and while overall attendance is down 3% (probably due to fears of massive crowds as well as higher ticket prices), I can safely tell you that there was a great deal of interest in Galaxy’s Edge by attendees. On Thursday and Saturday, everyone made a beeline for it just as the park opened in the morning. I was doing the Griswold family dash to Wally World myself, power walking the best my middle aged/out-of-shape self could as kids and teenagers went past me. Requiring reservations for Oga’s Cantina and Savi’s Workshop (where you build the lightsabers) prevented hellacious hours-long lines for those attractions. Smuggler’s Run has had waits as long as three hours over the course of the summer. It reached its 1 millionth rider in mid-July. On Thursday, the longest I wait I saw was 80 or 90 minutes and that was on a weekday blackout date. The section of the park was busy both Thursday and Saturday mornings. For what it’s worth, it seemed like half the people at Disneyland overall had some kind of Star Wars t-shirt on. It was like a Celebration with rides.

Attendance isn’t the only metric. What really matters is whether people are spending money there and I can vouch that people were buying. The lightsabers are $200 a pop alone. There were merchandise I wanted to get but weren’t available, such as the japor snippet necklace and the Rey vest (sizes XS-L were sold out). White kyber crystals are still sold out. I saw signs everywhere limiting certain items to one per person. People were packing the cantina and all of them got drinks. Ronto’s Roasters did pretty steady business.

Just bear in mind that parks play the long game and it probably serves Disney’s long term interests to allow paying attendees and not just local APs the chance to experience Galaxy’s Edge. Hell crowds would just make people angry they spent all of that money and couldn’t see or do a thing.

Now, here’s where I’m going to dish some advice to those of you who are planning to go either to the one in Anaheim or at WDW. The WDW version is at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, so some of this won’t apply to the Mouse House East but I think a lot of it will.

Tip #1--Your best bet is on a weekday, first thing in the morning as the park opens. If it’s an AP blackout date, that’s even better. Remember, Disney is like con...you don’t come to sleep.

Tip #2--Stay at a Disney hotel to take advantage of Magic Hour. I know, I know, they’re $$$ while there are many cheaper alternatives but if you really want to beat the crowds this is the way to do it. Galaxy’s Edge will not be accessible during Magic Hour (at DL it’s just Fantasyland that’s open) but you can start lining up at the ropes in front of Frontierland and Adventureland. While GE at DL has three entrances, they will send you the looong way through New Orleans Square and Critter Country when the park fully opens. If you’re at WDW, stay at the Art of Animation, Caribbean Beach, or Pop Century resorts...they’re the ones closest to Hollywood Studios though you’ll still have to take the Disney bus to get there. (The Swan and the Dolphin are on Disney property but are NOT Disney resort hotels, so no Magic Hour.)

Another perk to staying at a Disney hotel now is that as part of our travel package we all got free exclusive Galaxy’s Edge lanyards with a pin!

Tip #3--Ladies...I think with the exception of the First Order boutique and the cosplay items, I liked the a lot of t-shirts and stuff for kids more than the ones for adults! So if you are on the small side, you might be able to fit in the bigger kids’ wear. For instance I got a great Black Spire hoodie for $40 at Jewels of Bith...the adult hoodie was like 20 bucks more. My mom liked it so much she got one for herself and my niece. Note: the merch you buy inside GE don’t say “Galaxy’s Edge” or have Star Wars logos. If you want those, you’ll have to buy them in the regular Disney stores.

Tip #4--Oga’s Cantina. Reservations are required so as soon as you plan your trip, go on the DL/WDW app and reserve right away. I think now you can reserve up to 60 days in advance...if not, definitely 14 days in advance. You are NOT guaranteed a seat. You are given an area to hang out in (at the bar, at a table, or at a booth) and you are to remain there. You can’t run and grab a booth for instance if a party leaves. Your limit is 45 minutes and two drinks. I will say though that service is fast (I guess most drinks are pre-mixed) and in our case, we didn’t even need to stay the entire 45 minutes. I got the Cliff Dweller (I don’t drink) while my brother got whatever they call the beer and my dad got the teal-colored “white” wine. My older niece got the blue milk with the Bantha cookie. She gave rave reviews for both. The younger niece got the stuff that came from the creature tank. It sounds gross but she liked it. There are no restrooms inside the cantina btw.

Tip #5--Savi’s Workshop. Again, reservations are required and they should be made as soon as possible. The lightsabers are $199 and you pay when you check in. The day I went they were running behind, so while my reservation was at 3:00, I didn’t actually get in the building until like 3:30. The process takes about 20 minutes. You are ushered into a shop and there’s a whole narrative and everything. The “gatherers” have harvested scrap metal and kyber crystals and crafted lightsaber parts. Based on the “theme” you selected at check in (stuff like “power and control” or “peace and justice”) you are given trays with parts to choose from and a crystal (blue, green, purple, or red). Your guides are in character and sometimes it’s all earnest af, but then again so are the movies. I found it surprisingly easy to put these together. The “gatherers” put the blade in for you then you step forward, turn on the switch, and yay, you got a new lightsaber! You get to wave them in the air and stuff. On the way out you are given a free sheath bag to put it in. If you don’t want to lug your new lightsaber on a plane or have to check it in, you can have it shipped home for $17 at the First Order boutique (though I don’t know if other stores will do it for you too).

Tip #6--Smugglers’ Run. The best time to go on the ride, since to date there are no fastpasses, is right when the park opens. Thursday morning at 8:10 a.m. had the shortest wait, 15 minutes but I pretty much walked right onto the ride. The next best option is going single rider, which is what my brother and I did the second time we went on it. It was about half the regular wait time. Have your camera ready to get that chess table photo op because you will get called right away for your “boarding group” (assigned with a color). Two pilot, two shoot, two “engineer.” The light up buttons make it easy to figure out what you have to do but accuracy is tough. I piloted the first time, shot the second time. The good news is I did not crash either time. Which is miraculous.

Tip #7--Other food and drink. Unfortunately I didn’t get the opportunity to eat at Docking Bay 7 or Ronto Rosters. I’m told the breakfast wrap at Ronto Roasters is phenomenal. Don’t expect typical Disney fare in Galaxy’s Edge; the closest it comes is the Star Wars popcorn. No galactic churros or Mickey ice cream pops here. In fact an in-character cast member and Chewbacca were really curious about our churros when we went into Galaxy’s Edge on Saturday. My younger niece even tried to give Chewie a piece to try, LOL. What you can get is blue milk and green milk. We got one of each on Thursday to try. Both were better than the notoriously sweet butterbeers at Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Tasty and refreshing on a hot day. But I kinda think we all leaned more toward the blue milk. In fact the nieces insisted on another round of blue milk when we returned on Saturday. You can get the Aurebesh label soda and water at a variety of stands and at Docking Bay 7. (Maybe Ronto Roasters too.) They’re pricey but everything at Disney is 30-50% more expensive than they would be anywhere else. And the Aurebesh bottles make for low cost souvenirs.

Tip #8--Characters. Chewbacca and FO stormtroopers were around quite a bit. I saw Vi Moradi twice and Kylo a couple of times (Chewie and Kylo get treated like rock stars), but I totally missed Rey. My parents saw her though. Characters here do NOT sign autographs, something my nieces found out the hard way when they tried to get them from stormtroopers. LOL.

Tip #8--Dok-Ondar’s Den of Antiquities. This is where you buy your holocrons and loose kyber crystals (only with purchase of a holocron). They were still out of white crystals so I bought a red one. When you put a red crystal in your Jedi holocron, Yoda warns you about the dark side. Bonus: the kyber crystals you buy here can be put in your lightsaber from Savi’s Workshop. So if you buy both a holocron and a lightsaber, make sure you get a different color crystal for each so you can switch them around! Here you’ll find a lot of Jedi cosplay, Leia cosplay, and the headdress Padme used in AOTC as part of her peasant disguise, among other goodies. The stained glass portraits of Leia and Queen Amidala were stunning but they were kinda big and 95 bucks apiece. They had a set of ceramic busts of everyone’s favorite mother-daughter duo for $55 but I didn’t feel like lugging those around at the time. For older Star Wars fans, this is probably going to be your favorite store.

Tip #9--Other merchandise/shopping. The First Order boutique is located right next to Kylo’s parked shuttle and across from the “milk” stand. The Resistance has two carts at the entrance in front of the (unopened) Rise of the Resistance ride. I kinda like that the underground Resistance is on the “outskirts” of the outpost while the conquering FO is right there in the center of town. Makes sense for the narrative. Savi’s and the store where you can build a droid (no reservation necessary...this was a hit with kids) are next to each other. Everything else is in the marketplace in a series of smallish stalls. Keep an eye out because nobody has signs. (Note: layout might be slightly different at WDW.)

Tip #10--Wear a hat and sunscreen. The marketplace is the only area in GE with shade. The rest of it is out in the sun, so be prepared because in CA it’s easy to get a sunburn and in FL, it’s easier still. Bring a rain poncho if you’re at WDW because of those hit and run thunderstorms.

Tip #11-- You don’t have to be a passive tourist. Some cast members get into it more than others but you’ll get more out of Galaxy’s Edge if you play along. As Star Wars fans, you’ll get the lingo (for instance they do call kids “younglings” and talk about money as credits) so that’s no problem. When you’re inside of Galaxy’s Edge you can go on the DL/WDW app and activate your “datapad” and scan stuff at various locations. My brother did this with his phone while we were poking around and you can earn rankings and stuff within the different factions.

Overall I think what Galaxy’s Edge is now is just the beginning. Rise of the Resistance opens this winter at both parks and from what I’ve heard, more attractions and shows are in the works. Personally, I’d love a hair braiding station where you can get your hair done like Leia or Rey or Battle of Geonosis Padme since that’s probably her easiest style! I want a Reylo night time show! But it’s absolutely worth visiting as it is. You can easily spend half the day or longer there, depending on how much you want to do. Few Star Wars or Disney experiences will ever top entering Galaxy’s Edge, huffing and puffing from having to go up and down hills, hearing the music over the loudspeakers and the cast members and various characters coming out to wave hello to everyone. Even the stormtroopers. I felt like I’d just finished the Batuu 5K! And then seeing everyone gawk at the Millennium Falcon in front of Smuggler’s Run.

#galaxy's edge #star wars #disney #reylo #geekylife #geek travel

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adorkablephil · 7 years ago

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The Roles We Play (3)

Title: The Roles We Play Summary: Dan Howell and Phil Lester work together as voice actors for BBC radio dramas in the late 1930s, but slowly begin to develop “inappropriate” feelings for each other Rating: G Word Count: 3,760 (this chapter) Tags: Strangers to Friends to Lovers, Historical AU, 1930s, BBC, Radio, Actors AU, Slow Burn, Eventual Romance, Love Letters, Period-Typical Homophobia, Closeted Gay Characters, Past Character Death, Grief, Angst Author’s Note: This fic was inspired by the @phanfichallenge 20k History Challenge. A bazillion thanks, as always, to my amazing beta, India! See my note on the first chapter regarding historical inaccuracies. Note some changes to the tags, including reference to grief and past character death, because—even though no one actually dies in the story—I decided I should warn people there will be some angst about that. I’ve blatantly stolen from Wikipedia in this chapter’s brief section on existentialism. And, lastly, I cast no aspersions on cucumber sandwiches, as I personally adore them.

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6 November 1938

After a solid week of grueling rehearsals with Drury as their slave driver, the actors finally broadcasted their first live performance of A Midsummer Night’s Dream: Act I.

Phil didn’t need to be there, since his role didn’t have any lines until Act II, but the repertory group seemed to habitually come to every performance of a play in which they were cast, as if every member supported all the others with every broadcast. It was a lovely tradition, actually.

And so Phil was there, even though he had no lines to speak. Dan, on the other hand, had a great many lines, but his performance went off without a hitch, and he found himself smiling madly when the BBC sounded their tones to indicate the end of the broadcast.

Dan looked around at his fellow cast members, and everyone smiled at him and at each other. Men shook hands, patted each other on the back, and laughed heartily while the ladies gently touched each other on the arm and spoke softly but happily amongst themselves, their faces glowing with quiet pride.

No sooner had the immediate excitement begun to die down than Dan saw Phil approaching him. Face bright with excitement, Phil asked, “Would you like to go to my club for a bit? Celebrate the first day of the broadcast and all that?”

Dan bit his lip in indecision. He knew he shouldn’t. He had responsibilities and obligations. But this was an unexpected opportunity to get to spend time outside work with Phil again … how could he pass that up? Not to mention the fact that Dan had never been inside an actual gentlemen’s club before. The idea made him feel quite sophisticated.

Dan decided to throw caution—and responsibility—to the wind. “I would be honored,” he told Phil, and Phil’s face brightened even more. The fact that Phil actually seemed so pleased at the opportunity to spend more time with him made Dan positively giddy.

******

The club to which Phil belonged seemed very impressive to Dan’s eyes, all dark wood and polished brass. Apparently, most of the club was reserved for members, and only one front room allowed members to entertain their non-member guests.

This room contained several opulent-looking sofas and armchairs, as well as some small tables where Dan imagined food could be brought if members and their guests wished to dine. Perhaps half a dozen men sat scattered about the room, each sitting alone and occupied in some solitary pursuit, most of them apparently reading newspapers. Dignified silence practically echoed in the high-ceilinged room, with only the occasional rustle of pages turning to disturb the quiet.

Servants hovered in discreet locations, probably nearly invisible to members of the upper class who were used to such things, but very noticeable to Dan. His family had always been comfortable, but he was not accustomed to strangers hovering in the periphery of his vision at all times, waiting to satisfy his every wish at the slightest wave of a hand.

Phil navigated the room with obvious comfort and ease, as if accustomed to this opulence ... as he no doubt was. Dan found himself wondering about Phil’s home life before he’d come to fame as a radio star.

“Would you like some tea?” Phil asked as he guided Dan to a corner table with two comfortable leather chairs. He sat down, lounging comfortably, and continued, “I’m sure we could get something stronger if you prefer, but—to be honest—I myself usually prefer tea or coffee.”

“Tea would be lovely, thank you.” Dan felt like a child at an adults’ social occasion.

Phil made a gesture with his hand, which in some secret language apparently meant, “Please bring us tea for two as soon as possible, my good fellow,” since tea service appeared almost immediately afterward, along with a plate of cucumber sandwiches and a bowl of fluffy whiteness.

Dan was not fond of cucumber sandwiches in general. He didn’t recognize the food in the bowl.

After the servant had left, Phil leaned forward to confide, “They always bring the cucumber sandwiches, even though they know I won’t eat them. But perhaps they consider popcorn insufficiently dignified unless accompanied by some traditional English fare.” He chuckled to Dan and assumed a ridiculously exaggerated upper class accent. “Pip, pip, my good man, you simply must have some elegant cucumber sandwiches with that uncouth American popcorn.”

“Must I?” Dan asked, teasing.

“Good gods, no! Ignore the horrid things and just go for the good stuff!” Phil dipped a hand into the bowl to pick up a few pieces of the stuff and popped them into his mouth, chewing with obvious relish.

“And ‘the good stuff’ is ... popcorn?” Dan asked. He’d heard of the snack, but had never tried it.

Phil’s face grew ecstatic. “The most sublime food imaginable! Try it for yourself. The crunch is just delightful!”

Dan took a few pieces and cautiously gave them a try. He had barely finished chewing and swallowing before he exclaimed to Phil, “This stuff is smashing!”

The other gentlemen in the room all glanced disapprovingly at Dan, and he abruptly lowered his voice, cowed by their simultaneous glowers. “You were right,” he whispered. “Anyone who prefers cucumber sandwiches over this stuff is clearly mentally imbalanced.” Phil nodded soberly, and then they both giggled before eating more popcorn together with much enjoyment and a complete disregard for propriety’s cucumber sandwich preference.

As they snacked, Dan noticed a nearby table with a chess board set up. Phil apparently noticed his glance. “Do you play?” he asked.

“I love a good game,” Dan admitted. “I don’t often find a good partner, though.”

“Then let’s test our mettle against each other,” Phil suggested, looking supremely confident.

Two hours later, thoroughly whipped, Phil made another suggestion. “Perhaps next time we could play a different game, since you so clearly outclass me at chess.”

“Do you only play games you know you’ll win?” Dan asked archly.

Phil rolled his eyes. “No, but I do prefer games I have a chance of winning. You utterly mopped the floor with me! I have no remaining dignity and shall have to return to my home in abject shame after this poor showing.” He shook his head in a pretense of dismay.

Dan just laughed at his antics. “I’d be happy to learn any games you wish to play, so long as they only require two players. I’m not particularly fond of larger groups of people, and none of the other members of your club seem to appreciate my company.”

Phil leaned close, and Dan could smell the sweet, spicy scent of his cologne. “To tell you the truth,” Phil said in a confidential tone, “I don’t much like the fellows here. But the club itself is a pleasant place to go when I just want somewhere quiet where no one will bother me. I can hide in a corner here for hours and never be disturbed.”

“You can’t get that kind of peace at home?” Dan asked, puzzled.

“Well, you see,” Phil explained, “at home, the phone may ring. And one must either instruct the servants to lie about one’s presence at home, or one must speak to the person phoning, and neither option appeals to me. The club’s policy forbids confirming or denying the current presence of any particular member.”

Dan nodded, impressed. “So it’s as if you can become socially invisible. Completely unavailable without offering any offense. Perhaps I need to find a club of my own.” Immediately upon saying it, though, Dan found himself embarrassed, because few gentlemen’s clubs admitted men of his social class.

But Phil frowned at him. “You would prefer to attend a separate club, rather than coming with me to mine? Do you wish to become socially invisible to me, as well?” His smirk implied a joke, but the tone of his voice sounded honestly hurt.

Dan reached out spontaneously to rest his hand on Phil’s on the table, just for one brief moment before he realized what he was doing and drew his hand back into his own lap. “Of course I would always prefer to be here with you.” That sounded too serious, too earnest, too vulnerable, and so Dan floundered on, “Even if it requires allowing you to believe that you can win games against me.”

Phil laughed again, the injured look in his eyes disappearing, replaced by a glint of approval and amusement.

“We’ll see about that arrogance,” Phil proclaimed firmly. “I’ll take you down a peg or two, just watch me.”

Dan nodded in mock seriousness. “You believe whatever you need in order to retain your confidence in yourself as a man and a game player.”

Phil raised an eyebrow. “You doubt me as a man?”

Flustered, Dan opened and closed his mouth a few times before finally exclaiming, “Of course not! That wasn’t what I meant at all! I’m so sorry!”

The other gentlemen in the room were positively glaring at Dan now, but he was much more concerned with Phil’s good opinion than with theirs.

Phil shook his head, smiling, and assured Dan, “I jest. Do not worry, Dan. It was merely a joke. I know you meant no offense.” Then, with an impish glint in his eye, he added, “Besides, no one could doubt the virility of my impressive manliness.”

Dan spluttered with laughter.

Phil confided, “I was going to say ‘manhood’ instead of ‘manliness’ ... but ‘the virility of my impressive manhood’ just ... some things are better not said.”

But some things were now certainly imagined. Dan laughed, but he could hear a bit of hysteria in the sound. He hoped Phil could not.

******

15 November 1938

The next time Phil took him to the club, they’d barely emerged from their taxi before Phil randomly exclaimed, “Dog!”

Dan looked around them and saw a man walking a corgi on a leash. Phil turned to the man and begged, “May I please pet your dog? I love corgis!” The man agreed with good humor, and Phil crouched to pet the brown and white dog, who seemed to enjoy the attention immensely. Phil looked up from his crouch to tell Dan, “The Royal Family have a corgi called ‘Dookie,’ so all corgis are basically royalty!” The corgi’s owner chuckled.

Dan could bear it no longer and asked the man, “May I pet your dog, as well?” And the man simply shrugged in amusement at these two grown men fawning over his dog in the middle of the pavement. Dan, too, crouched so that he could scratch the dog behind his ears, which seemed to go over quite well, as Dan got his face licked in response.

They did not want to overstay their welcome, however, and so Dan and Phil both stood to allow the dog and his owner to continue on their way with many thanks. “I love dogs!” Dan proclaimed as they turned toward the club’s doors.

“So do I!” Phil agreed as they entered the front room. He lowered his voice instinctively. “I’ve always wanted a dog, but I’ve never had one.” Phil guided Dan back to the same corner table where they’d sat the first time he’d brought Dan as his guest, and they took their seats. “When I was seven years old, I wrote my parents a ten-page letter on why I should be permitted to have a dog. It was ten pages of the sentence ‘May I please have a dog?’ repeated over and over again.” They both giggled, just as a pot of tea, a plate of cucumber sandwiches, and a bowl of popcorn were set upon the table between them as if by magic.

Dan eagerly took a few pieces of popcorn and chewed them with much delight. Phil placed a rather inelegant amount in his mouth all at once. For an obviously wealthy and well-educated person, he showed remarkably little snobbery or even elegance. Yes, his hair looked debonair and his suits were of excellent quality, but Dan would never have expected a gentleman of high social standing to excitedly pet a stranger’s dog on the pavement or to shove a handful of snack food into his mouth with such apparently unselfconscious glee.

“I don’t mean to make you envious,” Dan remarked, “but my parents have a lovely dog called Colin. He is most definitely the highlight of any visit to my family.”

Phil frowned after swallowing his popcorn, and Dan cursed himself for the possibly overly-revealing comment. Phil took a sip of tea, coughed a little, and asked, “Do you not get on with your family?” He drank a bit more tea.

Dan shrugged and tried to deflect the question. “They’re fine. What about you? Do you get on with your parents?’

Phil smiled broadly and nodded. “Oh, my parents are wonderful, and I’ve recently become an uncle, as my brother Martyn’s wife Cornelia gave birth to a baby boy just days ago!”

“Oh!” Dan proclaimed immediately, “We must toast the little fellow! Shall we request something stronger for the purpose?”

Phil shook his head, explaining, “I was honest when I said that I really do prefer tea and coffee. I’m not a very sophisticated drinker, I’m afraid.” Phil said all this as he placed three entire lumps of sugar into his tea cup.

Dan grimaced. Phil had done this their first time here, as well, but Dan had been too shy to comment on it. He felt more comfortable with Phil now, however, and so asked with an amused smile, “Isn’t that quite a lot of sugar? Can you actually drink tea that sweet?”

Phil widened his eyes, making their fantastical color only more striking, and insisted, “I’ve already told you: There’s no such thing as ‘too sweet.’”

“If you say so,” Dan replied with a dubious and exaggerated shudder. It made Phil laugh.

Phil raised his disgustingly sweet tea and suggested, “Would you mind toasting the newest member of the Lester clan with tea?” Dan shook his head and raised his cup obligingly. “To Steven Bartholomew Lester!” Phil declared. “May he grow up to be a fine and elegant young man, leaving me the only eccentric in the family!” Dan chuckled, and they clinked their cups together and sipped in honor of the babe’s birth.

“I wanted them to name him Sylvester,” Phil said after a moment of solemnity out of respect for the child’s no doubt very bright future. Dan nodded, then thought a moment and frowned.

“You wanted your brother to name his son ‘Sylvester Lester’?” If he’d been aghast at the amount of sugar Phil put in his tea, it was nothing compared to this.

Phil giggled delightedly. “I think he would have been the most popular child at school.”

Dan laughed, recognizing Phil’s sense of humor now, almost as if they really knew each other. He really did feel as if he was beginning to know the man, rather than just the famous radio star. And Philip Lester was nothing at all that he would have expected. He found that he liked the real Phil much better than that elegant idol. “I’m sure he would have,” he responded dryly, and Phil giggled again, the tip of his tongue showing at the corner of his mouth. That was one of those inelegant things that Dan had come to love.

Love? No, that wasn’t what he meant. It was one of the things he’d come to like about Phil.

They barely knew each other. And Phil was a man. Like. That’s what he’d meant. Not love. Obviously.

******

23 November 1938

Dan felt quite comfortable walking into the club at Phil’s side now, as this was actually his fifth visit. He and Phil had begun to make it something of a habit, coming regularly just to snack on popcorn, play the occasional game of chess, and talk about whatever happened to cross their minds. Phil showed remarkably little interest in politics and literature, but professed a love for the horror stories of someone named H. P. Lovecraft, whose work was published only in American pulp magazines. At university, Phil had met a young American fellow who had come abroad to do his degree at Oxford, and they had become fast friends. The American had left England to return home upon the completion of his education, but he still sent Phil regular shipments of Lovecraft’s work as it was published.

As he and Phil took their accustomed seats at their accustomed table, Dan admitted, “I don’t read fiction very often.” He hesitated, not wanting to sound pretentious, but then decided that he trusted Phil not to think less of him. “I read primarily philosophy, though I did recently read a new novel by Jean-Paul Sartre.” Phil pushed away the plate of cucumber sandwiches that had appeared, and the both snacked on some popcorn while waiting for the tea to steep.

“What’s the book about?” Phil asked with obvious interest.

“Well,” Dan hesitated. “It’s called Nausea.”

Phil made an exaggeratedly disgusted face. “It sounds … er … delightful.” Then he lost control of the giggle Dan had seen hovering on his lips.

Dan rolled his eyes. “Would you like to hear about it or not?”

“Yes, yes!” Phil insisted, pouring the tea and acquiring his usual three lumps of sugar. “I want to know what you enjoy reading. I’ve bored you halfway to Hades with all my talk of monsters. It is your turn to bore me with talk of nausea!” His tongue peeked out of the side of his teasing smile. “We even have the plate of cucumber sandwiches as illustration!” Phil grabbed the plate and put it between them, gesturing at it elaborately while urging Dan. “Now. Please do tell me more about nausea.”

Dan couldn’t help but chuckle. “The novel isn’t really about nausea. It’s an existentialist consideration of the ways the world encroaches on our ability to define ourselves.”

Phil’s eyes looked a little glazed. “Existential consideration…?” he repeated blankly.

Dan waved a hand in some impossible attempt to explain an abstract concept. “Existentialism focuses on the disorientation, confusion, and dread of trying to live an authentic life in a meaningless and absurd world.”

Phil bit his lip and nodded hesitantly. “I think I understand the confusion part, anyway.”

Dan shook his head and chuckled. “Never mind. It’s just … it’s a philosophy that interests me, because I find it rather difficult to find a way to live a truly authentic life in a world with so many ridiculous rules and expectations. You seem to live your own life authentically without the same kind of difficulty, and so perhaps this makes little sense to you, but I sometimes find myself experiencing what you might call an ‘existential crisis.’ I just don’t know how to even define the truth of myself, let alone live it.”

Phil pushed the plate of unpalatable sandwiches aside and took Dan’s hand from where it rested on the handle of his teacup. “You are living your true life, Dan! You are pursuing your dreams!”

Dan looked away, disturbed by the reassuring warmth of Phil’s hands and words. “I … I try. But I find it a struggle. Every day it is a struggle to find my truth, and to live it. There are some truths more difficult to face than others, less socially acceptable.” He pulled his hand away and picked up his cup, though he could see it shaking in his grip. He drank a bit and found the bitter liquid fortifying. He placed the cup back in the saucer and reached for the popcorn. “But you promised me a distraction.”

Phil slowly let the concern fade from his face, though he seemed reluctant to drop the subject. He was so kind—of course he would worry about a friend who said such things. Dan resolved never to speak of his existential concerns to Phil again, as he did not wish to worry his friend unduly. It was simply a personal issue with which he had wrestled for years, with no end in sight.

“Goofspiel!” Phil declared.

“God bless you,” Dan replied.

“It’s a card game of pure strategy. I think you’ll enjoy it.” Phil made a gesture to a nearby servant, who approached their table. Phil asked him to acquire them a deck of cards, which were then quickly provided.

Phil taught him the game, and it was, indeed, very intriguing, with complex strategy and occasional dramatic plays. “No!” Dan cried aloud when Phil devastated him with a particularly clever play. “I was so close!” He tossed his cards down on the table and crossed his arms in a fit of pique.

A very self-important man in an expensive suit approached their table a moment later and said firmly but quietly, “I am afraid we must ask that you leave the club, gentlemen.” He cast a dubious glance toward Dan at that last word. “Your raucous behavior has for some time disturbed the other members, but today’s actions have convinced the management that this simply cannot be tolerated any further.”

Dan felt horribly embarrassed, but he watched as Phil simply rose to his feet and popped another handful of popcorn into his mouth. He looked at Dan and gestured expansively toward the front door. Dan rose and walked, head hanging low, through the room of smug-looking prigs watching their shameful expulsion with obvious satisfaction.

They emerged into the blue-gray of twilight. Dan stared at the pavement as he said morosely, “I am so sorry for causing you to be ejected from your own club, Phil. I’m certain you’ll be welcomed back … as long as I am not with you.”

Phil swallowed audibly, and at first Dan thought it caused by emotion … but then realized the other man was probably simply finished chewing that last rebelliously-grabbed handful of popcorn. “Oh, no,” Phil replied lightly. “I shall be finding a different club.”

Dan looked into his face and insisted, “No, Phil! I know they would still value your company and your membership!”

Phil shrugged. “Well, I don’t value an establishment that does not appreciate and welcome you, so there we are. I shall find a different club.”

Dan felt his jaw drop, then quickly closed his mouth to avoid looking like an idiot. He gazed helplessly at Phil’s beautiful face and felt a stirring in his heart and soul.

A stirring that most likely indicated an existential crisis in the making.

******

[ Continue on to Chapter 4 ]

#phanfiction #phanfic #historical phanfiction #historical phanfic #phanfiction historical #phanfic historical #phanfiction au #au phanfiction #phanfic au #au phanfic #historical au #1930s phan #the roles we play #myphanfic

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thesearchforspirk · 7 years ago

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1 x 1 : Where No Man Has Gone Before {Subtext Study}

As we’re going in production order (which seems to produce a more linear story) the story of Gary Mitchell and his tinfoil eyes is where we’ll begin this journey into Star Trek subtext. There’s quite a bit in this episode to wade through, particularly of the homoromantic quality, so let’s get started.

Tellingly, perhaps, our episode opens on our two main objects of study playing their beloved three-dimensional chess. As someone who has been in Spirk fandom for awhile now, I can attest that 3D chess is mentioned as an activity Kirk and Spock engage in together in their recreation hours in about 99.9% of fanfics (logically, the chances of them having recreation hours that overlap with one another is about slim to none, given their respective positions, but a little willing suspension of disbelief never hurt anyone). However, I think we only see them actually play it in-canon in about 2-3 episodes total, if that.

Still, there’s something significant about the choice of chess as a game for these two to engage in and this particular game’s history as a means of courtship and flirtation.

This is also our first indication that Spock adheres strongly to the fact that he’s Vulcan and “without” emotions and that Kirk delights in teasing him about the fact. “Certain you don’t know what irritation is?” Kirk asks, knowingly, with a shit-eating grin after he makes a move that Spock wasn’t anticipating (having already smugly announced he would have Kirk check-mated in his next move). The banter here relies heavily on the natural affection between the two of them, that which the script wants the audience to be aware of. Though Spock alleges to be immune to emotions he is clearly anything but, and yet, Kirk finds an affectionate delight in this fact. He’s allowed to rib Spock a little bit about this without threat of any real offense, indicating a very high level of trust between them.

Certainly this could be the banter of two who are just friends and have no unspoken attraction or romantic interest between them, but talk like this often manifests as flirtation as well. Kirk’s decidedly sultry smirks at Spock (the first of thousands that would proceed them in the next few decades of material) and his huskier tone of voice are interesting acting choices for Shatner to have made if he hadn’t intended to play Kirk as flirty in this scene.

As I will often disclaim, I’m not suggesting that the original intent was the same as the interpretation I’m asserting here. What I am saying is that the evidence for a layer of flirtation is there, be it intentional or not, and to not at least acknowledge it is to ignore the obvious.

Moving on!

Kirk has been attempting to stay alert for any news about a recently heard Earth distress signal (despite the -ahem- distractions). News of said distress signal finally comes in, interrupting this little verbal tango between our boys, and Kirk and Spock rush to the transporter room to find an old-style ship recorder. Spock asserts that due to the damage on the object it’s likely that something happened to the ship (in the vein of blowing up or whatever I guess). The recorder begins transmitting a signal as soon as Scotty starts feeding tapes into the computer and Kirk puts the ship on red alert.

Enter Gary Mitchell, barely missing the turbolift ride alongside our boys. It’s made obvious right away that Gary and Jim are close from the casual way they greet and chat about ship stuff even under red alert. Gary then turns his attentions to Spock and, weirdly, sort of sizes him up before asking in a more straightforward tone “So, you finished the game?”. Spock nods and moves forward to the doors preemptively while explaining, “[Kirk] played most illogically. His next move should’ve been the rook.” Behind Spock’s back, Kirk grins and makes a throat-cutting motion to Gary to subtly indicate Spock’s obvious loss.

When I first saw this episode, and each time I return to it after a prolonged absence, I always initially get a sort of antagonistic vibe between Spock and Gary. On my original watch I thought it was going to be some sort of bigotry thing on Gary’s behalf against Spock’s being a Vulcan (which does happen with a different character in a different episode) but that ends up not being the case here. We really have no reason to believe there’s anything antagonistic between them, at least nothing that’s addressed directly.

(note Kirk’s got another amused, if not sultry look for Spock here)

The likelihood is that Spock’s cold retreat to the turbolift doors is more attempt to escape mention of his chess defeat than anything else. Gary’s once over of him, however, and hard tone of voice might suggest something else. Could be an organic jealousy in the fact that they share a mutual, close friend and seem to be on equal levels of bonding with the same person, but don’t seem to have much in common with one another and occupy awkward spaces beside him, sort of privately elbowing one another for the same category in Jim Kirk’s life. But what is that category, exactly? Is it just one of platonic friendship or something else?

A common argument against Kirk/Spock is the assertion that Jim (specifically) is clearly a lover of women and has never taken a male lover in canon and so must be, therefore, purely heterosexual and uninterested in men. This is a bit of fallacy in an of itself because 1) of course we never saw Kirk take a male lover in any sort of obvious way, this was a show produced in the 60′s for godssake, 2) Kirk’s frequent and, presumably exclusive, taking of female lovers doesn’t necessarily exclude him from being able to find men attractive and enjoy romantic/physical relationships with them, 3) most of the time when Kirk would take a female lover it was to gain something for the purpose of a mission; only rarely was he actually indulging in sincere feeling or attraction.

All that said, there is an argument that Gary Mitchell might be the earliest precedent and indication that Kirk has taken at least one male lover before and, therefore, has a history of finding men physically and romantically attractive. Due to the attitudes of the time it’s purely speculation based on subtext and ambiguity, but one I’ll explore here as we learn more about Gary and Jim and their history together.

In any case, I will also add that sexuality is fluid and being attracted exclusively to one gender for most of one’s life doesn’t mean that one may never find themselves drawn to something different at some point. Even if Kirk had never taken a male lover, had never found men attractive in any way prior to Spock, it doesn’t mean that Spock couldn’t have been an exception. I would also assume at this point in earth’s social development that relationships of all kinds between consenting adults are accepted with much more open minds, that any bigotry that might keep someone from indulging in or owning up to a desire would no longer exist. Food for thought. Back to our regular programming.

The three men go to the bridge and take their respective places. Kirk orders neutral warp at the edge of the galaxy and puts out a ship-wide message that the disaster recorder came from the SS Valiant two hundred years ago, the hope being that more insight will eventually be granted to them as to what happened to said ship. Meanwhile, Spock continues to have no luck with the burnt out tapes.

The department heads arrive on the bridge as ordered and we meet Dr. Elizabeth Dehner, a psychiatrist that recently joined the crew. Sidenote: if the Enterprise was ever granted a psychiatrist to replace her after this episode (spoiler alert) they certainly aren’t part of the ‘department heads’ club as we never meet them- maybe due to the events of this episode, who knows, but I can at least hope the Enterprise continued to value the mental health of her crew members despite all that. I digress.

Spock announces that the recorder has finally begun to transmit something and Kirk steps up behind him at the science station because it’s absolutely 100% necessary to the mission. Completely. Because it’s not as if Kirk would probably have been able to hear him fine from his chair or anything.

(okay, this one is just me being a bit silly but STILL, really now, Jim)

Dr. Dehner expresses an interest in knowing how the crew of SS Valiant might have fared psychologically under the distress. Gary Mitchell expresses his respect of his female crewmen and women in senior positions of power by openly flirting with her in front of the crew and then, just as openly in front of the Captain, calling her a “walking freezer unit” when she doesn’t reciprocate. He even makes ‘ooo ice queen’ face at Kirk after she rebuffs him. Nowadays that would probably, hopefully, rightfully so be grounds for sexual harassment and something Kirk would’ve had a responsibility to shut down right then and there, but y’know. 60′s. Women in power are scary so we have to knock them down a peg.

Weird how Star Trek is meant to take place in a more open-minded, less bigoted, socially progressive time in our future, but is still sometimes a product of the generation it was produced in. I love it regardless, of course.

Anyway, Spock begins to relay the spotty transmitted information; apparently the Valiant encountered a magnetic storm and then, for reasons that are unclear, began frantically searching for information on ESP in humans. Kirk asks Dr. Dehner about this and she helpfully explains that some humans can indeed see future events, but that the ability is never very strong. Spock continues that one crewman seemed to have recovered and that was when the frantic search for ESP info began, followed by an apparent self-destruct order from the Captain. Unnerved by this, Kirk orders that they leave the galaxy at warp factor 1.

Unfortunately, a magnetic force field appears right about then and the two women on the bridge grab the hands of the men nearest to them because, obviously, right? 60′s. Gary and Dr. Dehner are struck by the magnetic surges while the rest of the bridges’ control panels get various levels of fucked up. Even still, the Enterprise makes it through the storm and Kirk orders Spock to collect damage reports (with a very necessary and much needed hand on his shoulder, naturally). He then checks on Dr. Dehner (who appears to be fine) and then Gary, whose head he lovingly cradles in his hands.

(This tender moment only goes on to show us that Gary has spooky tinfoil eyes now!!! Can’t even imagine how painful those archaic contacts must have been for the actor.)

Upon return from commercial break, Kirk informs the audience that the Enterprise’s main engines and warp drive have been fucked beyond use. He also has Spock checking out Gary and Dr. Dehner’s records for ESP ratings, only to see that they have some of the highest on the ship (these must be old records though because there’s no way those two are 23 and 21 years old, respectively, at the time of this episode- SORRY, BUT TRUE), concluding that this must be why they were shocked and lived to talk about it. Dr. Dehner returns with autopsy results on the deceased, informing that their brains were burned out with the electric shock. She also vehemently defends ESP ability against Kirk and Spock who are suspicious of whether or not ‘espers’ are dangerous.

Kirk then goes to check on Gary who’s been under medical observation and we’re granted a deeper insight into their friendship.

Gary somehow knows it’s Kirk before he sees him or allows him to say anything. He points out that Jim looks worried and Jim replies with a knowing smile, “I’ve been worried about you ever since that night on Deneb IV.” Gary laughs and looks down coquettishly. “Yeah, she was nova, that one.” The fact that we have no idea what they’re talking about and that this conversation barely makes any sense of is no real importance. We’re not supposed to understand. This is meant to feel like listening to two friends who’ve known each other so long and so well they’re almost speaking a shared, exclusive language about experiences and jokes only they understand. Gary talks some about his weird eyes and then he goes back to teasing Kirk. Apparently our strapping Captain was something of a bookworm nerd back in his academy days, who knew?? (His bookishness happens to be one of my favorite aspects of Kirk’s character and one that history so often forgets in favor of him being some kind of machoman womanizer- ugh) To this teasing Kirk responds with a blush that would rival that of a school girl with a crush on her teacher.

(tee hee OH GARY STOP IT)

Gary mentions how he “aimed that little blonde lab technician” at Kirk probably to distract him from being too tough in his student-teaching position, to which the latter responds with, “You what??!” “Yep. I outlined her whole campaign for her.” “I almost married her!” So, we know Kirk likes the intelligent types as much as he is one himself. Fascinating. (Sidenote: I personally headcanon that the “little blonde lab technician” was Ruth that Kirk ‘sees’ in Shore Leave, but that’s for another episode discussion) Gary warns Kirk to be good to him because he’s “getting even better ideas” now. He also has a forebodingly echo-y voice now to indicate to a wary Kirk that shit’s about to get real.

So, what’s the deal with Jim and Gary? Everything is played rather ambiguously between them, certainly in no small part to indicate to us, the audience, that they’re close and have been for years. To have them discuss blatantly spelled out exposition of their shared past would feel in-organic and I’m glad the Star Trek writers chose ambiguity for this reason. But this ambiguity, plus the sultry way Gary teases Kirk and the affectionate, bashful blushes and smiles he gets in return could easily indicate that their friendship may not be platonic (or perhaps it is now, but hasn’t always been- maybe there was some sexual exploration together at the academy and feelings due to this that Kirk never really shook). There’s subtext enough here to believe so, I think. I’ll leave it to the reader to decide whether or not Gary could qualify as one of the earliest indications that Jim may not be so immune to masculine charms as history would so direly like for us to believe.

Anyway, Kirk returns to the bridge to find Spock watching Gary’s superhuman reading speed that is ever increasing. Spock pointedly asks the rhetorical question, “Is that Gary Mitchell? The one you used to know?”. A rather...knowing question for a being that claims to not understand or experience emotions. Kirk orders a 24 hour watch on Sickbay and all the examinations and tests possible. Gary then looks over at the viewing screen, right at Kirk, as if to suggest he knows he’s being watched.

Back in Sickbay proper Dr. Dehner has arrived to...probably do an examination or something but she’s not coming off as 100% professional. Since she’s being a little bit more receptive now Gary reluctantly apologizes for having called her a “walking freezer unit” and she assures him that “women professionals do tend to overcompensate”. Once again, this has been obligatory misogyny thanks to the 60′s!!! This little song and dance continues between them as Gary changes the readings on his vitals panel and pretends to be dead (just to get Dr. Dehner close to him- smooth, buddy) and recites a love sonnet at random from memory (that was actually written by Roddenberry himself when he was an aviator- the more you know!).

It’s funny how het flirtation in this show is only different for being more blatant in dialogue and sometimes physicality. The acting choices, reactions, tone of voice, expressions, etc, are pretty much the same when the subtext suggests it’s two men flirting. Just saying.

Lt. Kelso comes in to check on Gary and Gary informs him exactly what’s wrong with the engine. Have you gathered yet that this guy has special powers now? Gee, I hope so, because it’s not as if the show has been making that abundantly clear.

The Department Heads once again meet in the...meeting room, I suppose, Lt. Kelso showing via a blown circuit that Gary was right somehow. Dr. Dehner is late because she’s apparently in love with Gary now to the point of throwing all sense of professionalism out the window; when Spock points out Gary is transforming into something unnatural, Dehner chides him for not showing more compassion despite those on his planet not having feelings like “we” do. Kirk naturally jumps to his defense and Dehner continues in her tirade, chiding Kirk also for not ‘caring more’ about his close friend. Kirk justifiably reminds her that he and Spock are just doing their damn jobs, lady, JESUS. Also what happened to the professional that wisely rebuffed Gary’s attempts to openly flirt with her in front of her colleagues back at the beginning of the episode? I’m more concerned about Dehner’s changing personality at this point, tbh.

It soon becomes clear that Dehner’s been withholding information about Gary’s abilities. Her defense for having done this is that maybe a superhuman man would be really great thing, guys, like a better kind of human being. There’s a long, awkward, uncomfortable pause while everyone in the room gawps at the fucked up eugenics bullshit she just spouted out and it’s kind of a glorious moment, honestly. Instead, offers Spock, Gary’s power will likely grow beyond their ability to thwart him and they will become a nuisance to him and who knows what kind of shit will go down then. Kirk dismisses his Department Heads with the instructions not to tell any of the crew about this.

Kirk solemnly wanders off to the side, lost in thought and no doubt conflicted about possibly having to watch someone he, well, loves (in what way is up to you) change into a monster. Spock, who can’t seem to go a minute of screentime without himself or some other character reminding us that he supposedly can’t feel or doesn’t understand earth emotions or whatever, stops dead in his tracks and slowly turns around to his Captain. Something has compelled him to stay back and continue talking to Kirk and it certainly wasn’t an order.

(the emotionless, stoic Vulcan who can supposedly feel nothing ever looks on concerned for his friend and captain. Does anyone in the crew really buy that no emotions story or-...?)

Spock basically restates what Kirk likely already knows (that Gary is dangerous, duh) and we also hear the first very important, vulnerable use of the name “Jim” instead of Captain. They’re alone, after all, and despite all protestations Spock knows how this affects his friend and cares about that. Deeply, perhaps. Even still, Spock isn’t one for soothing platitudes. He elects instead to remind Kirk of the facts of the situation and when he’s defensively asked to provide suggestions and not just state the obvious, Spock says they can basically maroon Gary on the planet they need the lithium crystals from or they can kill him. No pressure, Jim.

Kirk is upset by all of this so he tells Spock to “get out of here” and Spock insists that those are the choices, whether he likes it or not. “Would you try for one moment to feel?” Kirk rallies back, though he seems more sad than angry. “At least act like you’ve got a heart...we’re talking about Gary...” Spock says that the Captain of the Valiant probably felt the same way- and look at where the waiting got him! Spock also says he thinks he and Kirk probably came to the same conclusion. From the look on Kirk’s face we can assume Spock is right about that.

It’s interesting in this scene that the one thing we already know Kirk finds endearing about Spock -his defensive need for logic in any situation- is the one thing that irritates him enough here to throw back in Spock’s face when he presents the cold hard facts about their situation. However, we as the audience should know by now that the fact Spock was affected and moved enough by Kirk’s mood to stay back and talk to him in private indicates that he does care a great deal. What’s more, that logical perspective, rather than some simpering “poor you” sympathy speech, is exactly what Kirk needed to get his head back in the game and do what needed to be done.

This is the part where I’d go so far as to say Spock has been a better friend (boyfriend, in time) to Kirk than Gary probably ever was. Granted, most of what we’ve seen of Gary thus far has been under the influence of the evil tinfoil eyes, but we do know that Gary was one for toying with Kirk’s emotions to get him to behave a certain way (the “little blonde lab technician”). Gary is even more charismatic than Kirk and one gets the impression he knew what to say to get what he wanted long before the powers. Perhaps Gary was good at telling Kirk what he wanted to hear. Spock tells Kirk what he needs to hear and cares enough about him to bother.

In any case, the decision is made; Kirk will attempt to maroon Gary on the uninhabited lithium mining planet. He, Spock and Dr. Dehner return to Sickbay to retrieve him and Gary has become as cocky as he is powerful. He can read thoughts now so when Kirk asks him what he’d do in this position, Gary says, “Probably just what Spock is thinking now. Kill me, while you still can.” He smiles knowingly as Kirk goes and gives Spock a reproachful, sort of scolding head shake, but no sooner does Kirk come back that Gary strikes him with some kind of electric shock. Was this manipulative little smile just a result of evil tin foil eyes or was this some of a rivalry with Spock resurfacing? Hard to say for sure, as we don’t know much about Gary Mitchell prior to the evil powers.

Once Kirk is struck, Spock, the emotionless Vulcan who we can only assume has no impulse to act on, jumps quickly into action with his phaser because like hell you’re going to strike the Captain and get away with it. He too is struck.

(omg so emotionless, you guys)

Gary goes on some more about how powerful he is and how he needs the right world for his ends when Spock and Kirk somehow take him by surprise and restrain him to the bed (despite the fact that he’s supposed to have super perception and strength, but the plot needs to move after all). They also manage to somehow get him to stand up straight for the transporter despite being unconscious but, again, whatever.

Everyone beams down and Gary is put in a cell while attempts are made to salvage parts for the engines. Gary attempts some carefully worded manipulation on Kirk, recalling the time he intercepted some poison darts aimed at Kirk and nearly died from it, so why should he fear him now? Kirk calls Gary out on his true intentions and the ego that’s grown along with his powers betrays him when he attempts to launch out beyond the electric barrier. The shock drains his power and for a moment he returns to normal.

As Gary’s eyes return to their familiar brown, he says in a very small, soft, almost frightened voice, “Jim...” and we’re granted a much more vulnerable insight into the depth of his feelings for his friend. Perhaps there was some amount of manipulation to their relationship all along, exacerbated now by the god-like powers, but in this very brief moment we’re allowed to believe that perhaps Gary really did care for Jim in a sincere way as Jim so obviously cares for him. Masterful acting, that.

Unfortunately, it doesn’t last. When Gary’s eyes change back he hisses, “I’ll only get stronger. You know that, don’t you?”. Later, Scotty informs Kirk that the salvaged switchboard fits the Enterprise’s bridge and asks if Spock received the phaser rifle he ordered down. Kirk is confused for a moment until Spock shows up with the aforementioned rifle and he’s angered by this. He stomps over to a corner, followed by Spock who explains his reasoning in that Gary keeps getting closer to escaping the force field.

“Dr. Dehner thinks he isn’t that dangerous, what makes you right and a trained psychiatrist wrong?” Kirk argues.

“Because she feels, I don’t. All I know is logic. In my opinion we’d be lucky if we could repair this ship and get away in time.”

Kirk checks on the now completed self-destruct button that Lt. Kelso has rigged up. He shares a long look with Spock before reluctantly ordering the lieutenant to press the button if Mitchell escapes and there’s no other alternative.

This conversation between them is interesting because they’re essentially both avoiding the truths of their respective situations. Kirk sounds not unlike Dr. Dehner did when she was arguing for Gary’s innocence; desperate, emotional, smart enough to know better but compromised enough to convince herself differently. Of course, her arguments were fueled by romantic affection and Kirk’s could easily just be that of a strong platonic bond but...the fact that there’s a parallel between them is interesting.

Meanwhile, the audience should be well aware by now that Spock is quite capable of feeling and acts on those feelings and impulses more than he’d like to admit. I think on some level he and Kirk both know this, so arguing that he “doesn’t feel” wouldn’t really be a convincing argument in this case for someone who knows him so well, if it was meant literally. I think what is really being said here is that Spock isn’t so deeply emotionally compromised by Gary, whereas Kirk and Dr. Dehner are (but not both romantically? Hard to believe). Spock can see and own the difficult truth of the situation where Kirk cannot, or, rather, will not.

Unfortunately this plan doesn’t work out because Gary becomes wise and takes control of some wires to strangle and kill Lt. Kelso. Back at the cell Dr. Dehner continues to argue that he isn’t dangerous and Gary 100% backs her up on this by electrocuting and knocking out Kirk, and then Spock (who of course tries to shoot him with the phaser rifle after he dares to harm the captain). Dr. Dehner finally joins Gary and reveals that she, too, now has tinfoil eyes. SPOOKY.

Later, the not-McCoy doctor comes to tend to the unconscious Kirk and Spock. Kirk wakes first but asks that the doctor not revive Spock until after he’s left to go after Gary- further evidence to the fact that Kirk is well aware Spock feels and acts on something other than logic, particularly where his Captain’s well-being is concerned; either Spock would try to stop him or come with him for protection, but either way Kirk isn’t risking it.

Elsewhere on the planet Dehner and Gary are meandering around exchanging awkward dialogue, making the artificial plant section of Hobby Lobby appear around them and eating fruit and drinking water because apparently despite having god-like powers they still need the essentials to survive. Kirk does a poor job of hunting them from the shadows; they don’t need god-like extra perception to hear Kirk stumbling around, knocking over rocks and otherwise letting the whole planet know of what he’s doing. Gary tells Dehner to go talk to him so she can see “just how unimportant they are”.

The conversation that ensues is the kind that really elevates and defines Star Trek where it is in the pop culture subconscious, one that makes it more than just space people in space doing space things, a layer of complexity that I think has been lost in the translation to the frankly horrific ‘rebooted’ series (my opinion, your mileage may vary). Dehner insists that what Gary is doing is right for her and him and other powerful Espers like them, they are where it will take humanity eons to reach in evolution, but Kirk insists this isn’t true. Though Gary may have ‘god-like’ powers, he still has his inner human frailties and demons that his growing ego won’t resist. A true God needs compassion and wisdom to temper those powers. He begs Dehner to think about this like a psychiatrist would- logically, perhaps? Indeed, Kirk is pulling from that logical need Spock has aptly reminded him of.

Gary finds them again and physically forces Kirk to ‘pray’ to him while assuring him of his inevitable death. Kirk challenges Dehner in asking her if she likes what she’s seeing, “corrupt power corrupting absolutely”. She decidedly does not and finally strikes Gary with her own powers to stop him. He strikes back and weakens her significantly, but she’s done the same to him and this gives Kirk and opportunity to show off his infamous fighting skills, get his shirt ripped open, and straddle his probable former lover in the sand. Not the first time he’ll have borderline erotic fight like this with another man. In the end, he manages to trap and I guess kill Gary in the burial plot made for him. A strategically placed boulder is all that’s needed to stop god-like powers, I’ll have to jot that one down.

(there’s no good reason for this picture other than Shatner was a really hot piece of ass back then and I like to appreciate that from time to time)

The fight has weakened Dehner too much and she dies too, as I clumsily alluded to happening earlier in this write up.

Kirk returns to the ship and adds Dehner and Gary to the list of official losses and ends their service records with the honorable notation that they gave their lives in performance of their duties. Spock, looking concerned, seems to sense the difficulty in this for Kirk and comes to stand silently beside him- a subtle gesture of support and condolence, and it would seem sufficient at that, but then he goes on to assure Kirk that, “I felt for him too” where concerned Gary’s helplessness to the power.

Kirk seems a little stunned at the confession, but the smirk that follows says that he isn’t surprised and is furthermore pleased that Spock would openly admit what he already knows so well. “I believe there is some hope for you yet, Mr. Spock,” he subtly teases with a private grin and knowing look. Spock smiles too, but not until he’s looking forward where no one can really see, not even his Captain.

Certainly there’s a message in this episode about how absolute power needs morality and compassion in equal measure, but there’s also an interesting disparity between Kirk’s two closest ‘friends’. Even before the god-like powers, Gary is very charismatic and knows exactly what to say to make Kirk grin and blush and giggle, whereas Spock is very honest, straightforward, and no nonsense. Gary seems as if he was always emotionally an open book, whereas Spock for many reasons comes across as emotionally unavailable (even if that isn’t really true).

Assuming that there was perhaps a romantic, sexual history with Gary and Jim, it would be a natural assumption that Gary allowed Kirk ‘close’ to him pretty early on, though I think the genuineness of that relationship is difficult to really call for sure. Certainly there was a strong bond between them that I don’t doubt the honesty of, but I get the distinct impression that Gary probably did a lot in the way of bait and switch, reeling Kirk in and then pushing him back out when it suited him, manipulating him from time to time.

Spock, meanwhile, is the exact opposite. Not very charismatic, tells Jim what he needs to hear rather than what he wants to, insists despite the bond growing between them and the feelings and impulses that he acts on that he can’t feel. Or rather, won’t admit that he does. Perhaps this has created something of a frustrating barrier for Jim, always feeling as if he’s distant from Spock where Gary would let him in so readily.

However by the end, it becomes clear that despite his insistence to the contrary, Spock is the more devoted, the more caring, the more dependable ‘friend’, and maybe Kirk has decided he is more than willing to go the extra mile, however long it takes, to help Spock coax down those walls if he so wishes to further their bond...in whatever form that may take.

Thanks for joining me on this long ass study of Where No Man Has Gone Before. I’d love to hear everyone’s thoughts and feelings on the episode, what I’ve made of it, things I may have missed, etc. HMU!

Join me next time for a similarly long write-up and subtext evaluation of The Corbomite Manuever.

#star trek tos #spirk #space husbands #captain kirk #spock #subtext study #slash #come hop aboard the uss kirk is pansexual headcanon ship #season one #episode one #where no man has gone before

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