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eternalwritess · 8 months ago

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Hiii <3

Could I get a matchup for JJK?

Pronouns: She/her Sexuality: Bisexual Zodiac/MBTI: Sagittarius, INTJ Appearance: Short curly dark brown hair. Dark skin, freckles on cheeks. I'm 1.65m tall, slim body, small bust and butt and wide waist. Brown eyes, slightly round nose, thin eyebrows and medium-sized lips.

Personality: Introverted, occasionally moody, but when I get confident I'm playful/a bit childish. Short-lived social battery, I prefer to do things on my own rather than ask for help (I only ask for help if I see that I can't solve a problem). I am impulsive when I get stressed. Some people think I'm usually angry, when in reality I'm just serious and I don't like pretending that I find their jokes funny.

Likes and dislikes: I like desserts; watching movies, mainly horror/thriller/romantic comedy; I enjoy interactive stories and otomes; I like watching videos of people putting on/taking off makeup, trying on clothes and giving reviews, about hair and skin care products… Oh, I also like braiding. I like true crime shows

I don't like insects; noisy places; disloyal people, liars, and people who don't value their friends; alcoholic drinks and similar substances; I don't like spicy food.

Hobbies: Listening to music, watching anime, playing cell phone games, lately I'm learning crochet, so I think I'd add that as a hobby too.

Extra information: I am agnostic; I'm not a big fan of physical contact, in any case, I prefer to be the one who initiates the contact and that it doesn't last so long; I think head caresses are very cute (my mom said I looked like a dog LOL); I like to give gifts to my loved ones; I'm somewhat disorganized for some things and organized for others, I think it depends on my mood and motivation how organized I can be; if someone yells at me I get angry easily; I sometimes lose interest in things quickly if they don't seem stimulating enough; I'm used to being alone, so I sometimes get bored of interacting with people; I don't know if it affects the answer in any way, but I'm from Latin America, although I don't fit the stereotype at all, I'll just say that there is no worse dancer than me LOL. I get tired very quickly, I don't like carrying heavy objects.

Thank you very much in advance, kisses and hugs.

i match you with... 𝓜𝓪𝓴𝓲 𝓩𝓮𝓷'𝓲𝓷 ██ 20% _ ████ 60% _ █████ 80% _ ▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒ 100% ᴄᴏᴍᴘʟᴇᴛᴇ!

♛ You'd meet her at Jujutsu Tech, you're most likely a second year like her and the first time that you met she didn't think that much of you at first, she had a long ways to go at the time and still does to actually achieving her goal. The head of the Zen'in clan but she was the first person Gojo introduced you to. Why? Because you're both girls probably

♛ Before you could even train with your technique Maki demanded to fight you first, wanted to see where you and she stood on when it came to physical combat and it was safe to say that she was better than you. Panda cheered you up though the moment he saw it all go down and told Maki that she should've went easier on you

♛ In response she just said that she would teach you how to fight better next time... yeah you still got your ass kicked, but this time she actually helped you out through it entirely

♛ Soon enough as the two of you began to hang out more she realized just how hard she had fallen for you and soon enough wanted to ask you out. Problem was that she didn't know how and didn't know if you even liked her like that. Not to mention that she was worried that a relationship would affect her training in a negative way

♛ Soon after a long conversation with Panda and Inumaki, which went no where she confronted Yuta who said that she should just go for it, and she did. She asked you out one day when the two of you were in your room watching some sort of movie

♛ When you agreed she thought she had heard wrong

₍⸍⸌̣ʷ̣̫⸍̣⸌₎

♛ You bring out a more chill side of her, constantly getting you to relax and not overexert herself on something when it's clear that she's not going to get it for a while and just needs to take a break

♛ Movie nights in your room are a common occurrence and that's just a fact, you guys get all the junk food you can find and then turn on a long movie and then another and another. She likes enjoying your quiet company. She doesn't even really care if the movie itself is bad. She just loves you

♛ Your more 'girly' side definitely balances out her more masculine one. She loves watching you try new outfits and try on new makeup, she finds it entertaining and always wants to see what you come up with next

♛ When she first saw you confident and more childish and playful she got excited, immediately indulging in it and messing around with you. She loves seeing you excited and happy, she thinks its really cute

♛ You try to get her to crochet with you every now and then but it doesn't always work sadly but she does hang out with you while you do it, probably trying to train or something like that

#matchups #match up #matchup #maki zenin #jjk #jujutsu kaisen matchups #jujutsu kaisen

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yaolaser-zoey · 5 months ago

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What are the Key Features of a Battery Pack Line?

What is a Battery Pack?

A battery pack is a collection of individual battery cells that are connected together to provide the required voltage and capacity for specific applications. Battery packs are widely used in various industries, including electric vehicles (EVs), consumer electronics, and energy storage systems. The battery cells within a pack are typically arranged in series or parallel to achieve the desired performance specifications.

Battery pack components:

Features of a Battery Pack Line

A battery pack production line is a manufacturing setup that assembles individual battery cells into a finished pack. These lines are designed to ensure efficiency, precision, and safety in the manufacturing process. Key features of a battery pack line include:

Cell Selection: Cells are selected based on their specifications, including voltage, capacity, and health.

Cell Sorting and Grouping: Cells are sorted by type, capacity, and quality before being grouped into series and parallel configurations.

Battery Welding: The cells are connected using welding techniques such as laser welding or ultrasonic welding.

Battery Testing: Testing includes voltage, capacity, and performance tests to ensure that the cells work correctly in series and parallel configurations.

Battery Pack Assembly: Cells are placed into protective casings, and the pack is assembled with necessary components such as the BMS, wiring, connectors, and thermal management systems.

Quality Control & Inspection: Ensuring that the final product meets required safety, performance, and reliability standards.

Applications of a Battery Pack Line

Battery pack lines are used in the production of battery packs for a wide range of applications, including:

Electric Vehicles (EVs): High-capacity battery packs are used to power electric cars, buses, trucks, and two-wheelers.

Energy Storage Systems (ESS): Large-scale energy storage solutions for utilities and industrial applications to store electricity from renewable sources.

Consumer Electronics: Batteries for smartphones, laptops, tablets, and other portable electronic devices.

Power Tools: Cordless drills, saws, and other power tools that require rechargeable batteries.

Medical Devices: Battery packs for devices like pacemakers, portable oxygen concentrators, and medical monitoring equipment.

Aerospace and Defense: Specialized battery packs used in military equipment, drones, and space exploration.

Factors Affecting Pack Line Configuration

The configuration of a battery pack production line depends on various factors that influence the overall design, capacity, and efficiency of the line:

Production Volume: High-volume production lines will require more automation and efficient processes to maintain low costs and high throughput.

Cell Type and Size: The type (e.g., cylindrical, prismatic, pouch) and size of the battery cells will dictate the configuration of the assembly and welding processes.

Customization Requirements: Some applications (such as EVs) may need custom battery packs with specific voltage or capacity, which will affect the configuration of the line.

Quality Standards: Ensuring that the battery packs meet safety, performance, and reliability standards may require more sophisticated testing and inspection systems.

Automation Level: Higher levels of automation reduce labor costs but may increase the initial investment in machines and equipment.

Space and Layout: The physical space available for the production line may limit the layout, requiring careful planning to optimize workflows.

Factors Affecting the Price of a Pack Line

The price of a battery pack production line can vary significantly depending on several factors:

Automation and Technology: Highly automated lines that use advanced robotics, AI, and sensors tend to have a higher initial cost but may offer lower long-term operating costs.

Production Capacity: Larger, higher-capacity lines are typically more expensive to set up but may be more cost-effective per unit produced.

Customization and Complexity: Custom features such as advanced testing, special welding techniques, or non-standard pack configurations can increase costs.

Quality Control and Inspection: The need for sophisticated quality control systems, such as high-precision testing and inspection stations, can add to the cost.

Equipment and Tooling: The choice of equipment (e.g., laser welding vs. ultrasonic welding) and tooling will affect both the upfront investment and ongoing maintenance costs.

Labor Costs: The level of automation in the pack line will influence the number of workers required for operation and maintenance, impacting the price.

Energy Efficiency: Energy-efficient machinery may have a higher initial cost but lower long-term energy consumption.

Regulatory Compliance: Compliance with local and international standards (e.g., UL, IEC) for safety and environmental considerations may require additional certifications and equipment, influencing the overall cost.

Supplier of Battery PACK Line

Huiyao Laser Technology (Luoyang) Co., Ltd. is a high-tech enterprise focusing on the research and development, manufacturing and sales of equipment for the new energy industry. Huiyao Laser provides comprehensive high-performance laser systems designed for the automotive, electronics, medical equipment, aerospace and other industries and committed to providing customers with comprehensive laser welding equipment, battery cell assembly line equipment, module PACK automatic line equipment, battery structural parts automation equipment and other high-end intelligent equipment. It can tailor the most suitable production line solutions according to the different production needs of customer companies.

#energystorage #huiyaolaser #laserwelding #new energy #productionline #yaolaser #pouchbattery #aviation #electric vehicles

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itscarshub · 5 months ago

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Honda Goes Electric / Honda Plans To Build Smaller Solid State Batteries For Its EVs

There are a few reasons why some buyers are reluctant to buy EVs in general, thats why Honda Goes Electric, but one of the biggest issues is the limitations of current battery technology. Now Honda appears to be tackling the problem head-on with its own built-in-house solid state batteries. Earlier in November, Honda revealed a new battery production line in Sakura City, Tochigi Prefecture, Japan. They explained the point of this production line this way:

While conducting technical verification to establish a mass production process on this demonstration line, Honda will determine the basic specifications of the battery cells, with an aim to begin applying its all-solid-state batteries to electrified models that will be introduced to market in the second half of the 2020s. Translation: They’re figuring out the design of the batteries they want to build, they’re figuring out how to build them, and once that’s sorted, these new solid-state batteries will be available in the next few years. Note the timeline: Honda says this is going to happen between 2025 and 2029, and in case you haven’t noticed, 2025 is just around the corner. If they want to figure solid state battery technology out, they’d better get geared up quickly. But also note that this timeline jives with previous statements Honda has made about drastically ramping up electric vehicle manufacturing—particularly electric motorcycle production—over the next few years, with new EV factories all over the world. See photos of the production line below; if Honda’s plans work out, these will be replicated in countries around the world. Honda says its track record of achieving mass production with new technologies means they will succeed in their new electrification goals as well: Even before the battery materials and specifications are determined, the production engineering division has been participating in development and taking part in decisions on battery structure, materials, and production methods, which would be most suitable for vehicle installation. As a result, Honda was able to begin operation of this demonstration line quickly, and is making efficient progress in material selections. Honda is placing a big bet on solid state battery tech, saying they are the key to achieving this massive growth. The idea is to adapt li-ion technology into a new manufacturing process that will make batteries more affordable to produce, and more energy-dense: Based on the conventional production process for liquid lithium-ion batteries, the Honda all-solid-state battery production process adopts a roll-pressing technique which will contribute to an increase in the density of the solid electrolyte layers, a process unique only to the production of all-solid-state batteries, and makes continuous pressing possible. With the adoption of the roll-pressing technique, Honda will strive to increase the degree of interfacial contact between the electrolyte and the electrodes and also increase overall productivity. Moreover, by consolidating and speeding up a series of assembly processes, including the bonding of positive and negative electrodes, Honda will strive to significantly reduce the production time per cell. Furthermore, Honda is also working to reduce indirect costs of battery production, including power consumption, by implementing various measures, including the establishment of production control technology that minimizes the low dew point environment necessary to ensure work safety and battery performance. By increasing cost competitiveness of its all-solid-state batteries through the adoption of a highly efficient production process and by expanding application of the batteries to a wide range of Honda mobility products, not only automobiles but motorcycles and aircraft, Honda aims to further reduce battery costs by taking advantage of economies of scale. Through these initiatives, Honda will offer new value made possible by its innovative all-solid-state battery technologies to an even greater number of customers and expand the joy of mobility. Streamlining production and working on problems of economy of scale are just as important to this change as the actual design of the batteries themselves. Battery energy density and expense are the two biggest problems that electric motorcycles face currently—to make any amount of range possible, the manufacturers have to build big, heavy batteries that also cost a lot of money. If Honda can build more compact batteries and better production lines to reduce costs, it will go a long way to making electric motorcycles more practical. Whether that makes them more desirable to the anti-EV crowd is another question entirely. And that especially goes for the ADV crowd, where the ability to go long distances away from civilization is important, along with wanting low weight and practical DIY serviceability. Honda may be able to solve these problems, but convincing motorcyclists is another thing entirely. Source link Read the full article

#Batteries #Build #electric #EVs #Honda #Plans #Smaller #Solid #State

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globalkeyinfosolution · 9 months ago

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Green Tech Innovations: Sustainable Technologies Leading the Way in 2024

In the face of escalating climate concerns and environmental challenges, green technology has emerged as a beacon of hope for a sustainable future. As we move further into 2024, the green tech sector continues to evolve, bringing forth innovative solutions that aim to reduce our carbon footprint, enhance energy efficiency, and promote environmental stewardship. This article explores some of the most impactful green tech innovations making waves this year, highlighting their significance and potential to shape a more sustainable world.

1. Advancements in Solar Power Technology

Solar power remains at the forefront of green tech innovations. In 2024, solar technology has seen remarkable advancements that enhance its efficiency and affordability. New developments include bifacial solar panels, which capture sunlight on both sides, significantly increasing energy yield. Additionally, perovskite solar cells are gaining traction for their high efficiency and lower production costs compared to traditional silicon-based cells. These advancements make solar power a more viable and widespread energy source, contributing to a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and a shift towards renewable energy.

2. The Rise of Smart Grids and Energy Storage Solutions

Smart grids are transforming the way we manage and distribute electricity. These advanced grids use digital technology to monitor and manage the flow of electricity in real-time, improving reliability and efficiency. Coupled with innovations in energy storage, such as advanced lithium-ion batteries and flow batteries, smart grids enable more effective integration of renewable energy sources. These storage solutions help to address the intermittent nature of renewable energy by storing excess power generated during peak times and releasing it during periods of low production. As a result, smart grids and energy storage systems enhance grid stability and support the transition to a cleaner energy mix.

3. Breakthroughs in Electric Vehicle (EV) Technology

Electric vehicles (EVs) are a cornerstone of green technology, offering a cleaner alternative to traditional internal combustion engine vehicles. In 2024, the EV industry has made significant strides, with advancements in battery technology, charging infrastructure, and vehicle design. Solid-state batteries, which promise higher energy density and faster charging times, are becoming more feasible. Additionally, the expansion of fast-charging networks and innovations in vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology, which allows EVs to return energy to the grid, further enhance the practicality and sustainability of electric vehicles. These advancements are crucial in reducing vehicular emissions and supporting the broader adoption of EVs.

4. Innovative Approaches to Waste Management and Recycling

Effective waste management and recycling are essential for reducing environmental impact and conserving resources. In 2024, new technologies are improving the efficiency and effectiveness of waste processing. For instance, advanced sorting technologies using AI and robotics are enhancing recycling operations by accurately separating materials and reducing contamination. Additionally, chemical recycling techniques are emerging, which can break down plastics into their original monomers for reuse, addressing the limitations of traditional recycling methods. These innovations contribute to a circular economy, where materials are continuously recycled and repurposed, minimizing waste and resource depletion.

5. Sustainable Agriculture and Food Technology

Agriculture is a significant contributor to environmental degradation, but green tech is offering sustainable solutions. In 2024, precision agriculture technologies are revolutionizing farming practices by using sensors, drones, and AI to optimize crop management, reduce water usage, and minimize pesticide application. Vertical farming and hydroponics are also gaining popularity as they offer efficient, space-saving methods for growing food with reduced environmental impact. Additionally, innovations in lab-grown meat and plant-based alternatives are providing more sustainable options for food production, addressing concerns about resource use and greenhouse gas emissions associated with traditional livestock farming.

6. Green Building Technologies and Sustainable Construction

The construction industry is increasingly adopting green building technologies to reduce the environmental impact of new developments. In 2024, sustainable construction practices are being enhanced with innovations such as energy-efficient building materials, smart home technologies, and renewable energy integration. For example, advanced insulation materials and energy-efficient windows contribute to reduced heating and cooling demands, while smart building systems manage energy use more effectively. Additionally, the use of recycled materials and sustainable design principles in construction projects supports the creation of eco-friendly buildings that minimize their carbon footprint and environmental impact.

7. Water Conservation and Purification Technologies

Water scarcity is a pressing global issue, and green tech is playing a crucial role in addressing this challenge. In 2024, innovative water conservation and purification technologies are making significant strides. Advanced desalination techniques, such as reverse osmosis and solar-powered desalination, are improving the efficiency and affordability of converting seawater into potable water. Water recycling systems, which capture and treat wastewater for reuse, are also becoming more widespread. These technologies not only conserve precious water resources but also support sustainable water management practices in both urban and rural areas.

8. Bio-Based and Circular Economy Innovations

The shift towards a circular economy emphasizes the importance of reducing waste and maximizing the lifecycle of products. In 2024, bio-based materials and circular economy innovations are gaining momentum. For example, bioplastics derived from natural sources such as algae and plant fibers are offering eco-friendly alternatives to conventional plastics. Additionally, companies are exploring ways to close the loop on product life cycles by designing products for disassembly and recycling. These innovations contribute to a more sustainable economy by reducing reliance on fossil fuels and minimizing waste.

9. Sustainable Energy Solutions for Remote and Off-Grid Areas

Access to reliable energy is a challenge in many remote and off-grid areas. Green tech is providing innovative solutions to address this issue. In 2024, solar-powered microgrids, wind turbines, and energy storage systems are being deployed in underserved regions to provide clean, reliable energy. These technologies not only improve the quality of life for residents but also support local development and reduce reliance on diesel generators and other polluting energy sources. By extending the reach of renewable energy, these solutions contribute to global sustainability efforts and energy equity.

10. Environmental Monitoring and Data Analytics

Monitoring environmental conditions and assessing the impact of green technologies are essential for informed decision-making. In 2024, advancements in environmental monitoring and data analytics are providing valuable insights into ecological health and sustainability. Sensors and IoT devices are used to collect data on air quality, water quality, and climate conditions. Data analytics tools then process this information to identify trends, measure the effectiveness of green tech initiatives, and guide policy decisions. These innovations support a data-driven approach to environmental management and help ensure that sustainability goals are met.

Global Key Info Solutions can help you navigate the rapidly evolving landscape of green technology. With our expertise in technology strategy and implementation, we provide tailored solutions to enhance your sustainability efforts and drive meaningful impact.

#technology #green technology

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carynokey · 1 year ago

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Checking Out The Various Forms Of Cbd Vaporizers

Vaporizers have transformed the technique our company eat CBD-- not just through giving an extra very discreet and also mobile strategy contrasted to typical smoking cigarettes however likewise by delivering customers the versatility to personalize their expertise. With a broad array of vaporizers accessible, it's important to understand the different types as well as what creates every one unique. Within this manual, our team'll stroll you with the several CBD vaporizers on the marketplace, allowing you pick what could possibly better suit your inclinations.

Various Sorts Of CBD Vaporizers

Transportable Vaporizers for On-the-Go CBD Make Use Of

Mobile ExtremeVaporizers are perfect for those constantly on the go. They are actually modern as well as portable and also commonly included smaller chambers created to hold simply the correct amount of CBD for a singular treatment. A lot of portable vaporizers supply outstanding battery lifestyle and are chargeable, creating all of them perfect for trip. Some developed styles even make it possible for consumers to set the specific temperature level for an individualized vaping encounter.

One standout in this category is actually the ExtremeVaporizers line, recognized for its own durable create and innovative components. If you reside in the market place for a portable vaporizer, seek devices with really good battery lifestyle, a durable design that can resist influences, and also simple commands. Reviews of the 2024 models have raved regarding their streamlined design as well as additional functions like Bluetooth connectivity, which enables seamless assimilation along with your cell phone.

Stovetop Vaporizers for Home Use

Those that prefer a more static setup may discover stovetop vaporizers a great fit. These vaporizers, like a stovetop element or a candle light, call for a warmth source and are normally much larger. They tend to be less mobile yet deal ExtremeVaporizers premium because of the systematic heat control paid for through the customer. The bigger chambers also suggest you can easily delight in numerous sessions without frequent refills.

When taking into consideration a stovetop vaporizer, try to find one with an accurate temp gauge and also a vast assortment of on call home heating amounts. This will definitely assist you stay away from burning your CBD, keeping the complete integrity of its materials in the water vapor. Discovering the optimum temperature for the vaporization of CBD is actually necessary-- the right heat energy may draw out the various perks of the cannabinoid.

Pc Vaporizers for a Discussed CBD Experience

Desktop vaporizers are the titans of the vaporizer world. Developed for at-home usage, these can possess advanced components like balloon bags or even whip attachments, creating all of them a popular selection for team treatments. They typically demand a power electrical outlet, which translates to more power as well as a more strong and effective CBD evaporation process.

Take into consideration a pc vaporizer located on vaporizer reviews 2024 if you worth water vapor high quality as well as discuss your CBD with friends or even household. Styles like those discharged through ExtremeVaporizers are actually recognized for their reliability and also uniformity. They frequently feature a manufacturer's warranty and also may be increased with several devices to boost the vaping adventure. When committing in a desktop vaporizer, guarantee it's simple to clean as well as maintain to keep it in best shape.

Wrapping Up

Each sort of CBD vaporizer supplies distinctive conveniences, and your way of life as well as personal desires will govern which one is best for you. Whether you're a busy expert needing to have something simple and also subtle, a buff that longs for the accuracy of temperature control, or even an individual who adores common expertises, there's a vaporizer modified to your needs. Do your research, reviewed reviews, as well as don't shy away from buying quality-- it could make all the difference in your CBD vaping experience.

#vapelife

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semcoinfratechworld · 4 months ago

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Discover the meticulous process of lithium-ion battery pack manufacturing, where individual cells are sorted, grouped, and assembled into high-performance modules. Key stages include battery sorting and grouping, spot welding, module assembly, and rigorous testing for safety and reliability. Learn how advanced techniques ensure optimal performance, safety, and adherence to industry standards in applications like electric vehicles and energy storage systems.

#Lithium-ion battery pack manufacturing #Battery module assembly process #Battery pack production stages #Cell sorting and grouping techniques #Spot welding for battery assembly #BMS integration in lithium batteries #Lithium-ion battery quality control #EV battery manufacturing process #Battery pack safety standards #Testing in battery pack manufacturing

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johnjankovic1 · 2 years ago

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Olympus

The important achievement of Apollo was demonstrating that humanity is not forever chained to this planet and our visions go rather further than that and our opportunities are unlimited. Neil Armstrong, 1969

A Cambrian explosion in STEM research succeeded the seminal innovations of Project Mercury as one of many externalities wrought by President Dwight Eisenhower’s Space Act of 1958. This single industrial policy would be hailed as the wellspring for America’s knowledge-economy at a watershed when scientific inquiry was integral to the country’s growth. Fiscal infusions to sophisticate human capital begot a sort of awakening where a crop of minds seeded a pivot from an era of iron and steel towards one of binary code for computations. Such a tectonic shift witnessed a groundswell of doctoral matriculations, intellectual property and academic papers whose knock-on effects embraced a fecund culture germane to innovation. A phalanx of professionals lettered in the physical sciences saw a cross-pollination between academia and industry where partnerships were brokered in a modern renaissance. The zeitgeist of the time privileged intelligence over the analogue ways of the past to form the prime currency in the Information Age that superseded industrialism’s old traditions. A new breed of workers inundated the labour market to steer the economy in the direction of a postindustrial society wherein technology became the prime mover of growth. This legion of engineers and scientists built the future.

In the intermediary phase between Projects Mercury and Apollo the sophistication of technology was ratcheted up in the gestation of Gemini. The predecessor Mercury sought to affirm the feasibility of manned flight into the unknown which it did by placing an astronaut in orbit to experience microgravity for five-minutes (Kranz 2001). The sibling Gemini manifested as an entirely different beast. The escalating complexity to rendezvous two discrete spacecraft in orbit with mathematical precision akin to a pair of ships finding each other in the open sea at night was paramount if a lunar sojourn was intended. Rather than imitate the series of coups by the Soviets the enterprise upstaged the latter by pioneering the requisite technology to dock the duo of spacecraft which was later imported into the moonshot mission. Amongst the consortium of firms charged with Gemini’s success was IBM which wired the on-board computer wizardry for this delicate manoeuvre. GE engineered a quantum leap for power generation with its fuel cell technology in a liberation from the yoke of batteries to supply a source of electricity. The longevity of this energy density sustained missions for long durations as the benign byproduct of the internal reaction was potable water to hydrate astronauts. Technology’s frontier was indelibly pushed.

The ensemble of the corporate powerhouses under the fiscal stimulus of $1.3b or $13t when adjusted for inflation was the real protagonist of the Gemini saga. The technology buildup verging on alien in virtue of its advancement bespoke the byzantine nature of this proof-of-concept that accumulated 1,940 man-hours of flight (Willis and Maynard 1967). Protocols learned in this laboratory were instrumental in the forthcoming moon missions. This learning-by-doing process trialled methodologies to foreclose any chance of mishap for Apollo. Gemini’s docking to the secondary Agena vehicle suspended in space with pinpoint accuracy would be simulated anew between the Command and Lunar modules in the Moon’s orbit. Incremental lessons honed techniques to scaffold Apollo between spacecraft rendezvous, pressurized spacesuits and spacewalks to mimic moonwalks. The practice here scribed a blueprint for man’s footprint upon the faraway satellite. As a nursery for innovation Gemini accelerated the science of physics, mathematics and engineering by decades. The collaboration with private firms spoke to the efficacy of Eisenhower’s industrial policy which he skillfully plied in an atavism to his 1956 Highways Act whose cascade of spillovers revolutionized the economy as well.

The investment’s utility can be measured in the mobilization of the private sector to land a man on the Moon within the abridged span of a little over a decade. The ensuing eleven years from the 1958 National Aeronautics and Space Act set about a flurry in breakthroughs as a function of R&D intensity. The scale of ambition fraught with a panoply of moving parts beggars belief. Even a Pollyanna would see Apollo as whimsical. To moor a craft in the Moon’s orbit where it would await the return of a rowboat vessel after its controlled touchdown upon the regolith of the lunar surface and then recouple for the trip home seemed unrealistic. Indeed the gravitas of this mission was so avant-garde that humanity has yet to brave a return to the Moon in over fifty years. The audacity of capital in such a project could have only followed the Black Swan event of Sputnik which galvanized Gemini. Monetary allocations into the catacombs of this program named for its two-man crew funnelled $797.4m towards the spacecraft’s development, $409.8m in launch vehicles and $76.2m for personnel and facilities (Wilford 1969). The great convergence of many firms under the sanctum of Washington’s largesse created an ecosystem for mission-critical cogs. August companies still in operation today populated the list of affiliates.

Amongst this company of sterling firms was McDonnell Aircraft whose brains conceived the conceptual flesh of the Gemini spacecraft. North American Aviation supported the vessel by affixing its thrusters for navigation into higher orbit and for coupling to the Agena vehicle. The real workhorse in Project Gemini would invoke the wealth of knowledge from Martin-Marietta in its chassis design cocooned by high-strength alloys for the Titan II GLV. This two-stage rocket furnished the desiderata in escape velocity to forsake the clutches of earth’s gravity. The duo of engines manufactured by Aerojet for the first stage counted 430,000 pounds of thrust to propel the craft beyond the densest part of the atmosphere. The single engine by the selfsame firm on the second stage boasted another 100,000 pounds of lift (Turchi 1998). No less in importance was the radar system devised by the Westinghouse Electric Corporation which paid dividends from the reduction in the margin of error to spot and dock with the Agena. The system epitomized a beacon in the dark vacuum of space with real-time data informing astronauts on range and angles for the hair-raising manoeuvre. Lockheed Martin next brandished its repository of knowledge to build the Agena whilst the Dave Clark Company fabricated the spacesuits.

#Industrial Policy #Gemini #Agena #National Aeronautics and Space Act #President Eisenhower

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mrschwartz · 3 years ago

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Alex Turner for OOR Magazine (October 2022)

Conducted in August 20th 2022 by Willem Bemboom

Alex in the sun on a terrace. Leather jacket, classic shades, a big head of hair in desperate need of a handful of Brylcreem. He almost looks like a time-traveller, someone from another dimension, unmoved by the sounds of the city in the distance and the swelling lunch crowd around us.

He talks slowly and dragging, as if the battery is almost flat. His pauses in thought are numerous and stretched out, sometimes to determine what he DOES want to say, more often to think about what he does NOT want to say. Apparently he is so used to intelligent or difficult questions, that the easy ones throw him off. What are you listening to? What has changed? What do you think yourself is the most beautiful lyric? Endless silences, you can almost hear the brain cracking. But they are by no means painful. The lesson taken from previous interviews - and in fact the essence of Arctic Monkeys: just let Alex Turner meditate, that's where eventually the best things come from.

The sunglasses meanwhile are being taken on and off every minute. With wide eyes full of wonder Turner turns the casual things lying on the table into a journey of discovery. OOR's old trusted dictaphone for example. 'Reliable stuff', he judges. ‘At worst eats your tape one time, but such a device will not betray you. Two buttons, on, off, record, play. You don't need more options. I want to start working with these things a bit more.”

He weighs the device for a moment, as if he is testing a peach or tomato at the local fruit & veg. A mysterious short laugh follows. Who knows what goes on in that head.

The Car as a record makes an analogous impression, either way in terms of technique and instrumentation.

Right? Texture wise for sure. Old instruments, string arrangements. The ideas are kneaded to songs with human hands. Although this time we also have a Moog.

And the subjects as well seem to come from a different time. Classic Hollywood, faded glory, but also Cold War stuff. In various songs there are spying elements sneaking around.

That’s for sure what I’m doing in the new songs. Think of Gene Hackman in The Conversation, you have to search in circle of people as such.Vague surveillance stuff, listening devices [focuses on the recorder again]. A bit like how this conversation is also being recorded, haha.

Social media seems completely absent, you are far from sketching a contemporary time frame. People talk on the phone together.

Good point. I imagine that phone in Big Ideas like that, on the wall, with a turntable. It is indeed an analog world, there is no apping or anything like that. On the first song on our first record I sing about a phone that is being unlocked [The View From The Afternoon]. You had to press the asterisk key to avoid accidentally turning on your cell phone. We still play that song every night, I’ve now sang it so often that I’m not thinking about those lyrics at all. A few days ago I did have a clear mind and suddenly I realised: gosh, this is not how phones are any more! Back in the days I was more up-to-date with my technological references, on AM there are still text messages and such. That's gone now. I have gone back in time, it seems.

Your previous album took place at the moon. Where - and especially when - is The Car set?

Hm. [long silence] You know what, I really don't have any idea whatsoever. Even for Tranquility Base I now wonder if it all took place at the moon. That sort of thing reveals itself only later, sometimes even a lot later. The music triggers something in me, I build on the atmosphere and the sound, and I just let The Idea run wild - though I refine the lyrics endlessly after they get into shape. But the source? Dunno, that can't be guided or be explained. I did try to steer away a bit more from the sci-fi idiom than on the previous one. Whether it succeeded is question number two. For some reason there’s somehow always science fiction seeping through.

You now refer in several numbers to old movies and showbiz, like the musical Anything Goes, 1930s Broadway, with music by Cole Porter. New fascination?

Hmmm, no. By the way, it is indeed lifted from a movie. Indiana Jones And The Temple Of Doom begins with the song Anything Goes, from that musical, sung in Chinese. Nice opening, although I’m certainly not the biggest Indiana Jones fan. I suddenly thought about it, so it ended up in that song. That's how it goes with most things. Who knows where it comes from and what it means. It's suddenly there.

Is Sculptures Of Anything Goes a New York song? Apart from the Broadway link you sing about 'city life 09', the period you lived in Brooklyn, and ‘Village coffee mornings, with not long since retired spies’.

As in: written in New York? No, I haven't been to New York in ages. The Village is in there…. I think this is another of those science fiction things. You've been nervously playing around with that empty cassette box for 15 minutes now, and I’m now imagining that it contains City Life 09. I’m fond of the idea there will be a city life cartridge in the future, a simulation that you can board. I’m imagining a full box of those cartridges, from 1929 to 1959 to 1969 to 1979 to 1989 and so on. That’s because I think there should be intervals of ten years to notice a substantial difference in such a huge city. And the 2009 one is missing from that lyric, it's inside the machine because it's used most often. Whether it's also refers to my time in New York… No idea. It's purely a bit of fantasy.

Let’s swap the fantasy for the facts for a little bit: where and when did you start making this record?

Even before the lockdowns, right away after the Tranquility Base tour in South America. In April and May 2019 I wrote the first attempts of new songs, we already recorded some bits in late 2019, but that attempt led to nothing. Only after the lockdowns we came back together again, last summer, in Butley Priory, an old monastery at the coast of Suffolk. No one knew we were there, it was a remote place. It reminded me of our first record, when we went from the madhouse to the countryside for a while as well. We never did that again ever since, until now. Recording a record in England also was a while ago, same counts for a summer album. So there we were again, at the English countryside, as a rrrrock band! [big eyes and a rolling rrrrr] No distractions, like in the city. Extra focus, no prying eyes. All in the same zone. Good morning, you know.

We will come back at that ‘rock band’ part for a bit later. What did a day in Suffolk look like for the rest?

Oh, every morning we got trumpeted out of our beds with a reveille. And a while after a bell was ringing: go to work, lazy bastards! Thereafter a Powerpoint presentation with schedules and tactics. No, just joking, it was the opposite. Very calm and relaxed, everything in our own tempo. These days I find it essential to take the time. That’s because every project has to search and find its own way. As a maker you also have to let a piece of work go its own way. During the summer of 2019 I read a book about movie editing, In The Blink Of An Eye by Walter Murch. Although movie editing is not my discipline, I did get interesting things out of it anyway, there are parallels with how I put together a record these days. Editing usually involves cutting out bad bits. The question that immediately arises: what is a bad bit? Are there bad bits at all? This Sir Murch calls the process of editing the discovery of a path through all the available material. The more you shot, the more possible paths there are. And because I had quite a lot of ideas, more than ever actually, which all wanted to exist, it was extra important to especially follow the feeling. Sometimes I got a direction in mind, and then the piece itself drags you in the opposite direction anyway. It has other ideas. It lives, it is an entity. Let it go. That’s how it went now as well.

You keep on avoiding the meaning of your lyrics. Is the writing of it not a conscious process then?

Hmmm, that always comes last anyway. I am endlessly adjusting and rewriting. When we were working on the music in Suffolk, I hardly sang on top of it. I do believe that at this moment in time I write down what I am experiencing more directly. I'm a bit more open, more honest, apparently inspired by four guys who are just standing together in a room making music.

What do you consider your favourite find on The Car?

Oh… I forgot to bring my cheat sheet. I’ve got a folder with notes, which I planned on bringing with me. But it also feels a little know-it-all and self-conscious to start giving a lecture from my own notes here. My best line… I wouldn’t know! I simply don’t know all the lyrics by heart yet. [long pause] I think ‘Big Ideas’ as a whole is a very accomplished song.

Ah, with the ‘hysterical scenes’ that are reminiscent of a band just breaking through. ‘We had ‘em out of their seats, waving their arms and stomping their feet’ – that’s where the echo of Monkeymania is audible.

Strange times.

Or just The Beatles. ‘Clap your hands and stomp your feet’, is what Lennon sometimes shouted from the stage…

Hm, yeah. No. Here I imagine sort of more like a movie producer giving someone a call. Or something like that.

Big Ideas is full of melancholy – and that counts for more songs in general.

It’s not just in the words, you know. Yes, so that’s how it works for me: the words arise from the feeling the music evokes. The melody supplies the words and ideally they complement each other. In that way, the things it makes you say are indeed not conscious. It purely revolves around what the music allows you to say.

“Over and out, it’s been a thrill”, you sing on Big Ideas. Hello You, Jet Skis On The Moat and Perfect Sense also contain “goodbyes” and “goodnights”. Are you saying goodbye to something?

Yeah, I think that’s fair. That all has to do with where I arrived in life at the moment. I’m 36, the band exists for about twenty years, including the whole run-up. So I’ve been in the band for more than half of my life. You leave things behind, while the clock keeps ticking. People, places, your younger self. Time. Though that’s not necessarily a bad thing, you get new things in return. But it’s human nature to sometimes look back on what has been, what’s behind you. Though I’m pretty good at leaving things behind.

Like loud guitar music for example.

[big eyes] Ha!

The rrrrrrrrock band you just mentioned is not the same as the one from 2006 anymore.

Haha, not on the record, no! But on stage we just keep on rocking, that all co-exists. But you know what’s the funny thing? We could very well still have made a loud guitar record after all. If the music had asked for it, I think I would have obediently followed. When we finished touring in 2019, everything pointed in that direction. Much louder than Tranquility Hotel, in any case. But that started to shift towards a different direction and that’s why we took a break from it at the time. I was afraid I would start forcing things. And sometimes you just have to accept the fact you can’t go back to the riffs from ten years ago. At the end of the tour I knew what kind of songs I wanted to do, with the lights of the stage still in my eyes and the thundering roars of the audience in my ears. Big, loud guitars should have been part of that. That’s what I’m gonna do! I even put on my motorcycle boots to get a hold of that mood. But that didn’t feel right in the end, as said. You’re not that person anymore, your music wants to go in a different direction. Then I can only follow that.

Put the Arctic Monkeys who were recording at the English countryside in 2006 next to the band working at Suffolk last summer. Not to see what has changed, but what hasn’t changed?

Well, everything has changed. [2 minutes of silence while you can almost hear a movie playing in his head] … except for the countryside and England, haha! I did find it more fun this time though. Maybe because right now we finally know what we’re doing. Yes, that has remained the same. The only reason we now can not make a loud guitar record in all peace and comfort, is because we’re still Arctic Monkeys. Everyone has grown up, the essence of the band has grown with us. The faces are a bit more round, the boys call their children instead of their parents, but the feeling remains the same. Life itself happened – and not in an unpleasant way. It’s all good, everything. Yes, it’s fine.

Why did you have more fun now than back then? Did that 20 year old kid that recorded ‘Whatever People Say I Am…’ not know what he was doing?

Not what happened to him, no. It was a great time, but oh dear, so much stress! Now I’m completely relaxed in everything I do. Looking back at 2006, everything was so… tight! My guitar was hanging just below my chin, the strap was almost pinched around my back. That example alone. I let the guitar nicely hang nowadays. And sometimes I even leave it in its stand. The schedules are looser, the people are looser, the music is looser. Less heavy, not as frenetic and whaaaargh! It’s fitting better in its own skin. Just like ourselves. The jacket is hanging loosely unbuttoned. I’m sitting behind a grand piano in the corner. And still it feels like Arctic Monkeys, because we’re still walking the same path, however strange the path winds. The same timeline and the same principles. The path, following the music, is the constant factor. 15 years ago we followed our instinct as young lads and The Record is what resulted from it. Now we’re still doing that, and this time that record is The Car.

Oh yeah, The Car. What kind of car is it?

Just a car.

Does it stand for anything?

No, it’s standing on a roof. The cover photo was taken by Matthew Helders, our drummer. When I saw that photo a few years ago, I immediately knew it had the potential to be an album cover for the band. There’s not just spies and goodbyes in the lyrics, if you listen closely you can hear a few cars. And after [raises voice] Tranquility Base Hotel + Casino the temptation to call something ‘The Car’ is simply too big. It is what it is.

So just a car.

Yep. And that car on the cover in particular.

Where was the photo taken?

If I’m not mistaken, in Los Angeles.

Ah, Los Angeles. There you’re nothing without a car. What kind do you drive?

I don’t own a car. I’m back in London now and it’s just not practical there. No car…

Where did you used to go on holidays as a kid?

Oh, eh, Eastbourne, on the south shore. With my grandparents on the Dotto Train, one of those tourist carts along the beach. But how did we suddenly end up here?

I wondered about this when I heard The Car, the song. Nicely melancholic, you sing about past holidays, falling asleep at the back seat.

But that doesn’t take place in Eastbourne [rolls his eyes]. But where does it take place, I can hear you think… In a parallel universe full of espionage and science fiction, haha!

Sounds exciting. Have you ever tried writing a script yourself?

No. The kind of stories I tell are mostly… based on the music and the melodical ideas, as I already explained. Those bring forth the story. If I wouldn’t have that, I would struggle. I would like to learn this though, sometime, one day. But I’m not working on it now, it’s a whole different skill to the one I’ve currently got on board. Never say never, we’ll see. But definitely not tomorrow [thinks for a bit, laughs]. Tomorrow’s Pukkelpop. There’s no time for drafting scripts. Although it is a world I would like to roam about, one I’d like to explore. At the Priory I had an old 16mm camera with me, one that fits in the palm of your hand and you have to crank up yourself. Still not even close to Hollywood. But ah well, that’s a hobby.

What music are you listening to yourself at the moment?

[two minutes of silence] I used to be able to always draw a straight line from what I was listening to right to the new record, that’s different now, I think. No more adding this, this, this and this and you’ve got the new Monkeys. It’s not as clear what those things are this time, not even for me.

If you could go to Record Palace at the opposite of Paradiso with 50 euros right now, what would you pick from there?

Oh wow, that place is amazing! I actually should stop by there later. We’ve been so busy fine-tuning the show, this morning I only took a walk in the park for a bit… Lovely morning.

But at the moment you’re listening to…

Oh man… After finishing the record, nothing for a while, for a few months. Now it’s starting up again a bit. Headphones on… listening to things. What do I want to share here right now?

I’ll just write down Nookie by Limp Bizkit.

Oh no. Is that a threat? Alright, in that case do… Nat King Cole! The song ‘Where Did Everybody Go’. Why? That’s why.

At There’d Better Be A Mirrorball you actually sound a bit like Nat King Cole. Coincidence?

Ha, that’s nice! Eh, yes, coincidence. On the other hand: what’s a coincidence?

You sing a lot in falsetto, you croon, sometimes you’re channelling Bowie. Are you still looking for your voice or are you finally coming close?

Always in search of! You look for a manner of singing that guides the music the easiest way. A way that’s in tune with the feeling you wanna convey. That’s the hardest part… no, that’s what you’re aiming for, that connection.

Connection with?

With what you can’t really grasp. And can’t understand. Or can’t express into words. How you as a normal little person can become part of that wonder, the music. There’s a technical component to it, by practicing a lot I can reach a higher pitch or hold a note better. Those are means. The purpose is something bigger though. There’s this great song on Sinatra at the Sands, 'Don’t Worry About Me', that he introduces as one of the best songs ever. In one part of a verse he sings a step-up note, bigger and bigger, that fills all gaps in the notes just to get to the next step. It’s off, but because of that it’s actually perfectly right. It stands out. That’s why I call magic. That’s what it’s about. Getting completely lost in that feeling and getting to a place where everything is right. Even when it’s not right. Even more so when it’s not right. Then you know it’s right.

#arctic monkeys #alex turner #the car #interview #this was veryyy interesting so many good bits here #2 MINUTES of silence?????????????????? 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭 no fucking way oh my god #''just a car. and that car on the cover in particular''#''the boys call their children instead of their parents'' 🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺 oh...#he interviewer threatening to put that limp biskit song as his choice if he didn't give his own vnjdnfjvnjgnjgb #what a power move more interviewers should do that it actually got an answer from him jnfjgngvjbngjbng #but also like #god like. he really is a true Artist with a capital a huh. he talks about music with such reverence and respect #it's so emotive and inspiring to see

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sarcastic-sketches · 3 years ago

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WHAT BEING HALF-FORCE DOES TO A MAN

The Intervention AU again, that I brought up here, because I just love digging into his weird contradictory bullshit of a mental space. Not helped, I suspect, by his sheer absurd connection to the Force and all that might entail. Going with the, he’s somewhere ‘slightly left of being 100% human’ take as its a favourite of mine.

Thinking about Anakin trying to explain how it feels to have all this energy building up in his bones that he can never seem to get rid of and Obi-Wan insists that is what meditation is for. But Anakin can’t stay still with that either because everything just buzzes. (Also, really, sitting still? He can’t disassociate on command, Obi-Wan, that’s not how it works) Hence, why he can only get his mind to be quiet when he’s doing something physical, like training patterns, sabre forms, mechanics, etc. What Obi-Wan doesn’t quite understand is that even if Anakin did manage to get meditation to work for him, he’d be at it a while to work through of all the feelings because of their intensity. The conversation usually just ends with both of them frustrated and Anakin more wound up than he was before because neither are understanding each other. Miscommunication my beloathed.

Which leads me into this concept; Anakin is a human battery pack.

It’s not as obvious at first but when QuiGon said Anakin was a divergence in the Force, boy was he not wrong. Otherwise known as a Nexus, Anakin is so connected to the Force he’s basically a Wi-Fi hotspot… but for a semi-sentient Cosmic energy. People don’t realise it because up till now he’s preferred to ignore tells of his weird existence, but following his increased interactions with other Jedi he starts to open up on that and conversations get interesting. Just imagining him going ‘hypothetically, could someone piggyback off of my connection to the Force and use it with their particular skill to do a thing better/stronger?’

The Jedi have no fucking idea but they are also intrigued, because with Skywalker low odds mean jack shit.

- In the middle of a fight and Obi-Wan is tiring only for Anakin to slap him on the back in passing and suddenly he gains a second wind? Sure? Not gonna question it.

- The delicate balance of trying to use the Force precisely and not having the necessary power to do what needs to be done? If Anakin is cool with you, he’s just gonna let you free load for a hot second.

- In the Halls of Healing and he hasn’t got the aptitude for healing techniques, but he does have the sheer power that a Healer in question otherwise lacks at that moment for what they need. Neither are sure it’ll work as healing cannot be forced, only encouraged, but it’s either try that or the patient dies and it is a death that could be prevented so why not at least try.

The healing probably takes a deeper connection given how sensitive the task is so the Healer doesn’t just get a glancing look and instead experiences the same madness Anakin does. The Healer is mind-blown by the sheer scope of Anakin's connection to the Force and it takes a bit for them to actually remember what they were doing and he remembers a bit too late to shield off the emotional connection. The encouragement for cells to divide and replace damaged tissue is a lot faster than before and the patient is declared to be no longer critical. Once that's all sorted out, the Healer to Anakin is immediately like ‘Hold up! We need to discuss this because what is going on in there?!’.

The issue is handed over to the Mind Healers to take a look, because this is more their thing. Could it be a hormone imbalance making the chaos in his head stronger and the Force is just amplifying that? Or is it something else. He swears blind he doesn’t take anything like recreational drugs (though privately, some Jedi are wondering if maybe he should be taking something for his anxiety) and he’s never really enjoyed drinking unless it's for social reasons. Eventually, they have to conclude that being a Force Hotspot is not the only thing his connection to the Force is doing. They all very quickly realise that the Force is enhancing his emotions, whilst also exacerbating his inability for emotional regulation. Not for lack of trying, but something more fundamentally mental that's making it harder.

Having to fight against his own emotional turmoil and the Darkside that’s increasingly nipping at his heels to be let in as the War drags on - empowered all the more by his extreme connection to the Force in its entirety (so both Light and Dark) - is draining him. He’s getting too tired to fight against both.

The topic of medication is definitely brought up as an option.

So now that’s evident it becomes a case of making sure Anakin keeps himself aware of the emotions he’s feeling and what to do to handle them, even if that is just screaming himself hoarse into a pillow. Giving him ways that are less destructive to himself and his surroundings when the emotions get too much to simply pass into the Force. Working on little ways for Anakin to manage this excess of emotion (because it’s more than should be normal for any human being) and contemplating either behavioural/habitual changes or actually trying medication to help make it easier to deal with.

I think of that vine of someone screaming into a jar only to hastily put the lid back on and declare everything is fine. But, I could actually see that working? (legit, I tend to try and gather all my negative emotions I don’t wanna deal with anymore and imagine it gathering in my lungs? Only to then breathe it out and away from me? Expelling it out. It works about 90% of the time too) Just the physical and mental act of Anakin piling all his emotions together and just screaming them out - because he’s an active person, passively doing it doesn’t work for him - into a jar that he can then just cap the lid on and push away from him. The Emotions are Contained. They are no longer within him. It’s technically releasing them into the Force, but in a way that works for him.

Just… the image of a fucking shelf full of jars. Maybe he labels them as to what bullshit went down on that particular day that he needed to force his feelings out and have them Anywhere But In Him. They’re dated too.

#sw au #sw #star wars #star wars writing #Intervention au

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rallamajoop · 4 years ago

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The Hidden documents of Tesham Mutna

I’m guessing I speak for most Witcher 3 players in admitting I barely skimmed most of the in-game documents. No-one’s playing an action RPG for the experience of scrolling slowly through umpteen paragraphs of text multiple times a mission, especially when so few of them add much to the worldbuilding or narrative. Which is a shame, because it makes it that much easier to miss the few that do.

Basically, if you never stopped to read the collectable docs from your trip through Tesham Mutna with Regis in Blood & Wine, you have missed out on some wild shit. Like, vampire sex slaves level of wild. I’m not even kidding.

Let’s start with that gloriously-gothic armour suit you can pick up, complete with matching mask ‒ the one that made me go, “wait, is this, like, an armour set for a vampire’s pet human? Are they kitting out humans for ritual combat? OMG, that’s magnificent!”

Well, there’s this one scroll you can pick up containing what seems to be a poem, or maybe an oath of sorts, which might elaborate a little on just who was meant to wear that ridiculous armour.

Champion of Tesham Mutna

I am he who serves the Tribe. Exalted above men, I renounce human weakness. Uplifted above men, I become Keeper of my Flock. Filled with Strength, I turn my sword against the enemies of the Tribe. I am Master and Slave. I am executor of the Will of the Tribe. I accept this sword and this armor so I may serve the Tribe.

I don’t know about the rest of you, but that’s the sort of glorious nonsense I am 100% here for. And there is so much more.

Other gems are buried a bit more deeply. You can learn a lot about what those cells in the basement were used for from a little book called ‘Human Husbandry and Care’* (which has some pretty nasty implications about the minimum effort that can be safely dedicated to prisoner upkeep) ‒ and you can get a prisoner’s view on the same from ‘Notes of a Tesham Mutna prisoner‘ (which would seem to suggest the vampires involved haven’t quite nailed the ‘sustainable captive breeding’ stage just yet). But it’s the bit at the end of ‘Human Husbandry’ where things take a turn for the psychological.

You can read the whole thing on the wiki ‒ but for current purposes, have an extract (emphasis mine).

Human Husbandry and Care

It is worth mentioning here that there is a school of thought that suggests treating human livestock with greater freedom and care [...]. This allegedly ensures a greater amount of favorable elements in the blood and makes it tastier, however [...] this method of husbandry is much more difficult and requires emotional bonding techniques, which will be discussed in the following chapters.

‘Emotional bonding techniques’, huh? What’s that about? Those ‘following chapters’ aren’t included, but you can pick up another document a little later which picks up the same theme.

Battery-Cage vs. Free-Range Humans

Free-range, on the other hand, involves leaving the flock in its natural habitat [...] and then making the herd psychologically or physically dependent on its owner. The most effective method for making a human individual dependent is guaranteeing it safety and permanent access to high quality feed. It is worth adding that a human that trusts its owner does not feel fear and does not defend itself when having its blood drunk, which limits the production of noradrenaline and cortisol, which have a negative impact on the taste of the blood.

Woof. Sounds like everything Orianna was up to with her orphanage was oh-so-subtly foreshadowed loooooong in advance of where you can actually encounter it in the story. (Have I mentioned how much I love that whole reveal, in all its messy, moral ambiguity? Dilemmas like this are so much of what the Witcher series does best.)

But ‘Battery-Cage vs. Free Range Humans’ goes even further than that:

Furthermore, it may happen that a domesticated free-range human may feel a certain pleasure when its owner drinks its blood (most likely associated with sexual tension), which causes an intensification in the blood's flavor.

Hot damn. We’ve moved into a whole other genre of horror here.

So, to summarise: being bitten by a Witcher-verse vampire can officially be sexually arousing. Moreover, sexual arousal makes the blood taste even better to the vampire. Oh boy, they went there.

Does this really match up with how the whole sexy-vampire thing is tackled in the books, where Regis is quick to assure the rest of the party that the whole ‘blood-drinking = sex’ thing is all based on hang-ups about oral sex and other Freudian nonsense? Arguably not. But I suppose you could always argue that we’ve only got Regis’ word for that, and even he stops short of telling us there’s never anything sexual about the drinking of blood (and he’s certainly a plenty-sexual being otherwise ‒ poor Regis, it must be hard being a sexy vampire when you’ve had to give up drinking blood completely for health reasons).

And then there’s that whole bit from the first Witcher game, where you can visit an entire brothel full of sexy, sexy vampires ‒ so it’s not like the franchise hasn’t gone there before.

You could debate how much of that first game is still really ‘canon’ at this point, given how later games pick up the story. But if you were wondering if all the implications of that vampire-brothel business still count as of the third game, well... just maybe they are.

The last document you can pick up in Tesham Mutna, “Transcript of a Conversation with a Lower Being“, is comparatively a bit of a let-down that casts the vampires as far too ‘beep-boop-what-are-human-emotions?’ to be very convincing.

But I’d be remiss not to at least mention that outside Tesham Mutna, the writers have also snuck a twisted little lesbian vampire love story into some documents from an Olive Grove bruxa battle you can stumble into.

Pick up the diary and letter you’ll find before and after the fight, and you’ll discover there’s at least one woman in Toussaint who very much seems to have been enjoying the attentions of one particular vampire.

None of this is what I’d exactly call ‘important’ Witcher-vampire-canon. As much as I 100% encourage the writing of gloriously melodramatic fanfic about the Champion of Tesham Mutna, all this stuff is so well buried it’s more of an easter egg for the attentive. But I still dig how shamelessly tropey all this vampire nonsense is ‒ and how well some of it ties in with a few minor plot points you’ll actually hear commented on in-game. If you’ve really got to fill your game with text documents, this is how you make them worth the reading. ;)

* For the record, this actually wasn’t an inspiration behind that one deliberately twisted Geralt/Regis fic I posted a while back ‒ by the time I got around to reading this particular in-game document properly, that fic was already mostly plotted. But it's still very obviously responsible for the title

#The Witcher #Witcher vampires #Tesham Mutna #Regis #Emiel Regis

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sloaners · 4 years ago

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making myself laugh at nanami’s island adventures plus some mythology fun hiding in the background, as one does

warning for serious manga spoilers! but it’s fun and a silly fix-it so don’t worry about pain (yet)

He’s staring at blue. It crests into white, swirling out into a spiral as it fades back to blue again, and Nanami blinks. It’s water. The ocean?

He looks around. He’s not where he was a second ago. No Shibuya, no Patchface, no Yuuji.

...Is he dead?

A gentle wave slides up the shore. Nanami looks down, where his feet are sunken into the loamy sand. He wriggles them, feeling the soft, damp grit between his toes.

Huh.

His shoes are missing. His eye is not. He turns his unburnt sleeves, and faces his palms out. All unbloodied. His left side is, impossibly, whole again. The only lingering scorch is the balmy heat of the sun above, casting down on his neck.

Hm, he might be dead.

It’s not like he’s going to know what the afterlife is like until he’s in it. Maybe this is it. He had assumed Haibara would be here, though. He looks down the shore, expecting to see him at any moment. But there’s no one. Still, he watches, listens, hopes. He waits a while—he’s not sure how long—until bird trills in the distance, breaking his concentration.

So... is he dead? He’s not sure. Something doesn’t seem quite right. For a moment, he wonders if he’s back in that octopus curse’s domain, and he’d hallucinated everything after. But this shore is different from the domain, so that’s not right, either.

Nanami huffs to himself, pushing up his glasses. He takes a step up the sand, inland towards the swaying palm trees. Afterlife or not, he’s not going to get any answers staring at the water.

——

Now Nanami is certain he’s alive, because any kind of peaceful afterlife wouldn’t make lighting a fire this fucking difficult.

Normally he’d look up this sort of thing online, but his phone, currently turned off and stashed in his jacket’s inner pocket, is predictably of no help. He shouldn’t have expected cell service on what he’s growing to suspect is an abandoned island. It’s better to just preserve the battery for now. Any unlikely saviors could leave him a voicemail if they get through.

Still, it doesn’t solve his fire-making dilemma. Jujutsu Tech didn’t exactly have Wilderness Training in the school curriculum, and he’s never before felt an urge to go camping. Embarrassingly, he’s relying on anything he can remember from movies and tv to help him. At least his 7:3 technique is useful for cutting up plenty of tinder quickly, and no one is around to see him fumble with rubbing sticks and striking stones together.

#jjk spoilers #jujutsu kaisen spoilers #7 lucky gods AU #my writing #jjk #jujutsu kaisen #nanami #nanami kento #fix it fic

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haifengg · 4 years ago

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Victon Falling for their Childhood Friend

Summary: He’s known you since you were kids and because fate moves in mysterious ways you have never been apart from each other for long.

Genre: Fluff! // Crack if you squint

-> Seungwoo. He is very career oriented. Because he loves what he is doing. It plays a very important role in his life. Well, it actually is his life more or less. But that also means that he barely ever gets to see his parents and therefore hasn’t seen you in ages. But when he did one Christmas Day he was so surprised about how much you changed. Not just physically but also mentally. The two of you met at the grocery store where your mother had send you to get more ingredients for dinner and he bumps into you in the frozen aisle. At first you didn’t recognise him but then you start to chat like in the old days. Of course you had heard about his career but when you tell him that you never found the time to check it out or google it he gets a little sulky. But you clear it up quickly: “Its not that I am not interested! Your job sounds so interesting! Its just that I have been insanely busy ever since I graduated … you know we are launching this new collection next spring and I am still up our suppliers .. well you know-“, you sigh. “I will definitely go and check it out once I find the time somehow!” After listening to you carefully and reassuring you that he fully understands how it is not having time for anything he asks you if you like your job and your eyes suddenly sparkle. “I do! Yes, I really do. It is very different from what I thought I would be doing but its very interesting and every day is different. There are so many things to learn and to take care of, I really feel needed, you know?” Even though the frozen peas in his hands start to melt he would let you go on and on about it because he suddenly realises that you are just like him. In love with your job. Something he never thought he would see on someone else. That exhilarating passion. Being 100% committed. Then suddenly he notices all these other little things about you. He truly started to see you in a different light.

-> Byungchan. One day he sits on the porch of his parents’ house, having ice cream like a grown-up. He’s home because of a huge birthday in his family. Just sitting there and watching the neighbours getting some gardening done, as suddenly an actually pricey car pulls up in the drive way next door. Some woman gets out and he Is fully taken aback to the point where he forgets about his ice cream. It is like this scene in movies. The protagonist sees someone special and their breath is completely taken away. Except that’s no. movie, Byungchan is no protagonist and that person he is looking at is you. Which he notices himself the second you take off your sunglasses and wave at him.

“Byungchan! You’re home?”

You walk over and up the path to his house in your office work clothes and Byungchan has to gather all his remaining brain cells to form a: “Y/N? Is that you?” You nod and pull him into a hug as you reached him. Like you always did when you were kids. “Yes of course! Oh my god you got so tall what did they feed you in college?” His heart dropped as you wrapped your arms around his neck and he laughed nervously.

What was he supposed to reply?? All he could think about was how gorgeous you had become. How independent you looked. Not to mention how impressed he was by that car lmao.

-> Seungsik. Since he was your neighbour all the way back, you have seen each other growing up. But more importantly: Seungsik has seen your error and trial progress of learning how to cook. Its not that you invited him over to cook for him but as teenagers he would randomly come over and by chance witness some of your great failures.

But now you were living in different cities, not being neighbours anymore but still close friends. One night he calls you, asking if he could come visit you next week since he was in town for a meeting. Of course you happily agree, promising him to cook dinner. After hanging up and the entire following days Seungsik was anticipating his visit, curiously awaiting to get to experience your now probably very good cooking skills.

Eventually he arrived at your place 20 minutes early because there was less traffic that he was calculating with. And when he rang at your door you just bolted there to open it, quickly gave him a hug and ran back into the kitchen. Because there was smoke everywhere.

“What’S going on?” He asked following you but all you replied was: “Can you take the batteries out of the smoke alarm? I don’t need the fire department to show up at my door again.”

“Again??” He did what he was told and eventually the two of you stood in the kitchen, eying a briquette like something int the casserole.

“I am so sorry. I really tried my best this time. I wanted to impress you. But we can absolutely order something! My treat.” You say and chuckle completely embarrassed. But Seungsik waved it off. “Don’t worry. I can make something?” Even though you insist on ordering in he sat you down on your own sofa and somehow magically created something very home made to eat for the two of you within 15 minutes.

Who are we kidding? This is not how Seungsik notices he likes you but you notice that you like him.

-> Sejun. I don’t know how to put this into many words because it is very simple: Even after graduating high school and only seeing each other a couple of times a year in your home town - you’re still kicking his ass like you used to too. But now you’re hot. It’s as easy as that. During elementary and middle school - even in high school - the two of you were best friends who never ever thought about having feelings for each other. Of course some of his friends asked you out occasionally and most of the girls in class envied you for your relationship with him and the other boys but you never thought much of it and neither did he. But now that you’re in you 20s and still act around him like you used to things begin to change for him. Especially since you fought in your parent’s kitchen over the last piece of honeycomb your mother made. You held him headlock and he was not just turning red because the blood was rushing to his head but also because he was smothered by your boobs (that he now had to acknowledge). When you led go of him he was out of breath because of your awesome headlock technique. And because he now looked at you teasing him about the honeycomb and he, for the first time ever, noticed saw you as a woman. Not just as his friend.

-> Heochan. It had probably been 4 years since you last saw each other at the high school graduation. And you were close friends back then. Maybe not best friends but very close. And he probably always had a thing for you but either a) Never admitted it to himself or b) never went after it.

But when he saw you at the pre-school he knew he had to. Because you somehow transformed into his ideal type. He stopped by the pre-school to surprise pick up his nephew. And he never thought he would meet you there overseeing the pick up of your students.

“You became a teacher?” He asked you before even greeting and as you turned around your eyes lit up. “Heochan! Oh my god I has been so long.” You chat for a bit and he explains why he’s there. Eventually you were still at work and busy but you agree on meeting that weekend for coffee. So you got back to work but Heochan didn’t actually leave right away but observed you talking to the kids and the parents until his nephew begged him to finally go home.

In the car his nephew went on and on about his day and what sort of dirt he ate at the playground but instead of being worried about his nephew, his thoughts were still caught up with you. He was thinking about the clothes you wore and how the dress and cardigan was making your whole appearance look very soft and calm… Yes he was definitely love struck.

-> Hanse. You see each other frequently. At least once a week meeting for coffee at a local non-chain coffee shop became your tradition. It was shier luck you entered the same college and therefore never lived far apart from each other. You both equally valued and cherished the possibility to talk to and vent with someone you have known for a long time and who knows you very well. One thing you always did was venting about your job. And Hanse loved hearing about it because the way you talked about your boss or some other issue was always very direct and comically. So he enjoyed it a lot. He would listen to you all smiley and snickering. And one day he noticed how much the topic of your bickering had changed. Back in the day it would be about how unfair your shifts were and how much you had to do. Lately it was more about how your male colleagues treated you at work and how sexist it was. You tend to notice more subtle and passive aggressive behaviours of them and tell Hanse about it. Which made him notice how mature you became.

“I am telling you, and this is no joke, he came to work and walked by the window of my office. And the first thing he did was ask me how I was doing and as I said ‘fine’ he gave me this look. This Are-you-really-fine-or-are-you-becoming-an-emtional-stress-mess. I swear to god one day I will end him. Also the other day one of the guys at the ware house actually asked me if I was down spending an hour or two with him with this smug look on his face.”

Hanse raised a brow: “What did you tell him?”

You shrug and take your cup, knowing well what effect your next words will have on him: “I told him even if I was down spending the with him he wouldn’t be able to afford me.”

He just loves how sassy and mature you got and how well you handle difficult situations.

-> Subin. For Subin it would take a while to notice his feelings for you because it is very subtle and simple. Both of you didn’t enter college so long ago and even though you weren’t freshmen or sophomores anymore college still was confusing. At least for him. He likes his major and the field of study he is in but he can’t say the same about his class mates. To be quite frankly: He gets along with them well for the time being but they aren’t his friends. In fact he doesn’t have that many friends in the first place. At the end of the day he would always rely on you for sensible topics or when he needs advice. He can talk to comfortably and even after all those years you have known each other you still get him in a way no one else does. Eventually he realises how he does not have that many friends because all he needs is right here with him. It’s you. He isn’t looking for anything in other people because he already has it.

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@jeonghanmoon @soleilsuhh @kpopsnowball @purplepsycho03 @himitsu-luna

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whats-rambled-rambled · 4 years ago

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Long Nights - part 2

Neil x Reader

Chapter 2: Praise you

(see chapter 1)

summary: you found tremendous joy in coming up with new ways to make the lockpicking sessions challenging. And entertaining.

...even if the last part was mostly a one-sided thing.

warnings: 18+, explicit language, teasing, implied smut I guess? oh, and of course - ✨hand content✨

author’s note: Took me a while, but it was fun to write! Didn’t expect it to get this long, but here we are - over 4,2k words of shameless hand content

The song for this chapter is Fatboy Slim - Praise you

Anyway, enjoy! All feedback is greatly appreciated, let me know what you think?

——————

Tag list: @vaneilla @gallifreyan-uprising @ergunbilge @invertedneil @wanderedaway @truly-insatiable (let me know if you want to be added or removed from the list)

-----

You cracked it.

It took you a good while, though. A whole sleepless night, even.

And half of the morning after that.

But maybe the absolute exhaustion was the key, pun intended.

At first, it boggled your mind so much that you were dangerously close to using brute force just to examine that lock. You tried every technique that you could think of - to no effect. It wasn’t like anything you’d seen before. The mechanism wasn’t responding as usual, it was more like a thing from goddamn Upside Down, or however the fuck that was called.

It became a matter of pride.

The sun had risen over an hour ago and the sunlight was pouring through the gaps in the blinds. Grasping at the last strands of sanity, you decided to take a break. You put on your headphones and danced around your apartment to the sounds of a song with that one bloody line that somehow seemed fitting for this madness.

Is it worth it? Let me work it, I put my thang down, flip it and reverse it

Because it felt exactly like that was what had happened to it. And no amount of cursing and switching tools would help in the face of glitched reality.

And when you sat down at your desk again, with your head so empty that your last brain cell was amusing itself by yodeling and listening to an echo, you bound the first pin. The sound was so distorted it almost startled you. The last thing you needed right then was to break the hook inside the keyway, so you leveled your breath and continued, even though your fingers cramped painfully. That wasn’t enough to stop you. Not as you finally got proof that the task was actually within your reach.

With every click like a backwards version of the sound you knew so well, the next pins got set quicker and smoother. And when you opened the lock, you couldn’t help the cheerful scream that escaped your mouth.

“Fuck yes!” You punched the air, the adrenaline rushing through your veins, the biggest grin lighting up your face.

That’s when you knew there was no way you were going to sleep anytime soon. Besides, you still didn’t know how you managed to convince that device to cooperate. You had to prove to yourself that it wasn’t dumb luck, and should you ever come upon a bloody nightmare like that, you’d be able to use the experience to crack it open. Because of that, you spent the next couple of hours reverse-picking it (which turned out to be another level of bonkers) to lock the damn thing, only to open it back again. And again. And then three times more. When you got comfortable with the process, your eyes were burning, your fingers stiff and trembling, but the immense satisfaction was worth every bit of it.

You were about to crash on the bed as your phone buzzed, and you glanced at the incoming message.

//did you pick it?

At first, you assumed you got it from Mahir, but as you were typing in a long rant, you realized that there was no history of the previous conversations on the screen, so you checked the sender again.

Neil.

Huh.

You’d exchanged the numbers the day before, but you didn’t expect to hear from him until they got everything ready to start the lessons. Oh well. You snapped the picture of the open lock and sent it back, adding a short message.

//that was fun, hope you have more of them

As you faceplanted on the bed, the phone buzzed with a reply.

//N: you bet

You couldn’t wait to get all the answers about how they managed to manufacture the most bizarre and mind-bending thing you’d ever seen, but there was no point in asking those questions over the phone. Plus, you really needed to get some rest.

//awesome! now excuse me, imma get some Zs - let me know when you guys are ready to start

After a second, you typed in another text.

//ps. how’s your nose?

//N: will do, sleep well!

//N: as for my nose...let’s say I’m glad it wasn’t the straightest one in the first place

That cheeky bastard.

//hey, don’t try to guilt-trip me, i’m trying to sleep

You almost drifted off, but you couldn’t resist checking that last notification.

//N: ...I wouldn’t dare

Snorting, you rolled to the side.

Then you fell asleep, dreaming of the impossible locks.

-------

It took them another day to prepare all the stuff, and after several further messages you got a date and location.

The building looked like a contemporary tenement house, definitely standing out from two older ones at its sides. You always assumed it belonged to one of those fancy start-ups, but apparently it was some sort of temporary headquarters of your new associates.

It didn’t surprise you that you weren’t given a tour of the place, you assumed you needed to have some sort of clearance to walk freely through the area. For now, you were restricted to the ground floor, or rather to the lobby and your classroom - a rather cozy space, but equipped with everything you needed to begin.

Neil turned out to be a fast learner, at least when it came to covering the theoretical side of lockpicking. You walked him through the basics, but you couldn’t help the itch in the back of your brain. After the encounter with the preposterous lock, your mind started to question everything that used to be unshakeable.

And of course you asked Neil about that bloody device as soon as you saw him, but he just smiled lightly and said that The Protagonist insisted on telling you all that himself when the time was right. So you had nothing left to do but to continue with the lessons, hoping that you the man himself would decide to grace you with his presence sooner than later.

You propped the chin on your hand and watched as Neil grabbed the tools. Your gaze wandered over his outrageously long fingers as he gave the lock a try, but apparently, the most idiotic grin on your face didn’t go unnoticed.

“Hey, eyes up here,” snorted Neil, and you looked at him just to meet his amused face. He caught you shamelessly staring, and there was no point in denying it.

Trying to salvage your mental coherence, you choked out, “Dude, your hands are--”

“What?” he asked, tilting his head.

“...huge,” you finished, the wide smile not leaving even for a second. You bit your lip and glanced back at Neil. “Don’t mind me, I’m just gonna stare for a bit longer.”

A hint of a blush crept upon his cheeks. My, oh my. Blinking rapidly, he cleared his throat and proceeded to bind the first pin, pressing his mouth into a thin line in an attempt to keep a composed demeanor. The sparkles in his gaze were quite telling, though.

The sight was utterly adorable, but more importantly, it planted a rather gut-busting idea into your head.

You stifled a giggle.

All in due time.

____

One of the perks of the location was a small cafe on the other side of the street.

Neil took you there on your second day during a break, walking in with a confidence of a true regular. He knew the staff by name and vice-versa, so it didn’t surprise you as he charmed his way through the conversation.

“I’ve got this,” he said, raising a hand to stop you before you could place your order. “One black coffee and one--...” he hesitated, still preventing you from chiming in. You crossed your arms and watched as his forehead creased, the confidence leaving him with every second passed. He narrowed his eyes, and you could almost hear the gears grinding in his head.

Whatever he was doing, or trying to do, it was time to put him out of his misery.

“Iced mocha for me, please,” you said, wondering which one of you had a more puzzled expression. “Cat got your tongue?”

Neil shook his head.

“No, it’s just…” - he let out a small sigh - “I can’t read you.”

“Good,” you snorted. “Why would you want to, anyway?”

The young barista smiled, putting the first coffee on the counter.

“Oh, your colleague here has a thing.”

“Oh?” You arched a brow. “Do tell!”

“It’s nothing,” said Neil, cringing slightly, but it wasn’t enough to prevent the enthusiastic answer from spilling from the barista.

“He likes to guess the orders of his companions, but this is prolly the first time I ever saw him freeze like that. Can’t wait to tell Doris!”

Neil groaned, avoiding your amused stare. “Spare me, Max.”

“Aww, man, I’m honored to be your first!” you teased, nudging his arm lightly and snickering at the absolutely done face he gave you in return.

That cafe quickly became your place of choice during breaks, but sometimes, if the weather was nice enough, you ordered to-go, just to spend that bit of free time between lockpicking sessions sitting on a grassy hill overlooking a bank of the river. You chatted about everything and nothing in particular, or simply sat in silence, enjoying the ambiance, beverages, and each other’s company.

The last thing took you by surprise, in a way. You’d expected those brief moments of a break during the day to be your sacred moments of solitude, the usual necessity to avoid getting too cranky around people. As Neil joined you on that second day, you found out that his presence was not bothering you, or at least your social batteries weren’t being drained in their regular manner. Sure, it probably helped that he was incredibly easy on the eyes, but a real treat were those moments when you ventured onto a territory he felt strongly about. In a wink, he was ready to drop his typical composure just to go straight into bubbly rants, gesturing wildly, the blue irises lit by the fire that he most often kept under wraps.

There was nothing more boring than people who lacked passion.

Lucky for you, that was not the case with Neil.

Moreover, he made you laugh.

A dangerous combination.

Alluring, even.

Good thing that you were not one to become smitten that easily.

That didn’t mean you couldn’t have some fun, though.

--------

“You need to listen to what the lock has to say,” you prompted, pacing through the room and watching as Neil struggled with a new type of mechanism. “It’s all about feedback.”

He pulled out the tools and rubbed his face, trying to hide the first hints of frustration.

“What if we apply heavier tension to amplify it?” he said and glared at the lock as if it was taunting him from its place on the practice stand.

“Sure, “ - you leaned over the table to rest the chin on your laced fingers - “but can you think of any reasons not to do that, my dear Physics Boy?”

“The higher possibility of breaking tools?”

“Precisely,” you said as you snapped and pointed your fingers. ”Also, you risk binding the pins too tightly and you wouldn’t want that, either.”

Neil sighed and slumped his shoulders.

“So...patience, then?”

“Yes,” you beamed. “It really comes down to one thing - you have to feel it.”

A corner of his lips twitched. “I’ve heard it before,” he said, shifting in his seat.

You shrugged, eyeing him curiously.

“Maybe because that’s one universally useful advice?”

“Would help if I understood it, too.” He gave you a weak smile, but his expression told you he wasn’t convinced.

You hummed in acknowledgment.

“Listen, I can smarten it up for you, but let me just show you what I mean.” You grabbed the second pair of tools from the table and placed them inside the keyway, but as soon as you opened your mouth to provide some follow-up instructions, you got struck by a better idea. Your eyes flared up. “Okay, know what? I’m just gonna-- if you could scoot back a bit--...” you said, shuffling in his direction. Neil’s brows snapped together in consternation, but he moved back. Without further ado, you sat down in front of him, nestling yourself between his spread legs on the edge of the chair, and let out a content sigh. “Should be easier now. Put your hands on mine.“

Neil tensed, and you could swear you heard him swallowing hard behind your back. He followed your suggestion, wrapping his arms around you and placing his hands on top of yours.

“Now, lay your fingers on the tools just above mine,” you continued as you slid your digits back to make more room for him. “Great, try not to press them and focus. Close your eyes, if you want.” As you gently moved the tools, you couldn’t resist but to add, “You can breathe though, you know?”

“Blimey.”

You giggled at the sarcastic bit in his tone and drew a long breath, hoping that Neil would follow it, and focused back on the lock. Purposefully slowing down your movements to allow him to feel how the mechanism responded to your ministrations, you kept sliding the hook back and forth the keyway, setting pin after pin. Neil relaxed after a moment, his shallow breath ghosting over your shoulder got deeper and more steady. His palms rested heavier on your hands, and you marveled at their size again, nibbling on your bottom lip. With all your senses sharpened, you stole a brief moment of self-indulgence, closing your eyes and relishing in the warmth radiating from Neil, the way it enveloped you, carrying a scent of his cologne - airy citrus undertones mixed with hints of powdery musk, a fresh and unostentatious combination you found fitting him so well.

The final click, more pressure and voilà - the lock was open.

“Did you feel it?” you asked softly, weirdly unwilling to move, hoping to linger in the position for a little while longer.

“Yes,” said Neil, and his husky voice made you turn your head to look at him. As he pulled his hands back somewhat hesitantly, you noticed his dazed expression and slightly flushed cheeks.

“Good,” you chirped, grinning, then reached out over your shoulder and lightly booped his nose, enjoying probably a bit too much the way his eyes widened. “Your turn.”

-----

Days. Weeks. Or was it months, plural?

You lost track of how much time had passed since that morning in the Old Town district.

The progress was counted by the number of models you introduced to Neil, showing him all the tricks you’d learned over the years. You still waited for the meeting with The Protagonist, although, ever since your student spilled a little too much information during one of his enthusiastic rants at the breaks (seriously, how could a person that bad at keeping secrets survive so long in any sort of spying business was beyond you), your initial curiosity itch had been scratched, and you were now in that blessed moment before it got unbearable again and demanded taking further actions.

It also helped that you found tremendous joy in coming up with new ways to make the lockpicking sessions challenging. And entertaining. Even if the last part was mostly a one-sided thing.

Neil was clearly feeling confident that evening. He really started to get a hang of this, and you loved watching him like that - fully focused, blonde strands falling to the eyes, with the tip of the tongue poking out...

It would be a shame if someone was to test his level of concentration.

“You know, I spend so much time looking at your hands that they recently started making cameos in my dreams.”

The blue eyes darted at you from under raised brows.

“Is that so?" asked Neil, switching his attention to the lock again.

“Yep. Mind you, most of those dreams are rather uneventful.” You pouted, sliding from your place on the windowsill. “Still waiting for one that is not so boringly PG-13.”

He pressed his lips into a thin line and swallowed with effort.

...warmer...

Circling the table, you stopped behind Neil’s chair.

"I’m just saying,” - leaning over, you purred right into his ear - ”that such long fingers like yours can give a girl all sorts of ideas--"

Snap.

You bit back a satisfied smile and smacked your tongue. “Those were perfectly fine tools, you know.”

Neil turned in his seat and gaped at you.

“Why are you like this?” he complained, helpless and flustered.

You shrugged. “I thought it was a high time for a little stress test. Might come in handy later.” Snickering at his puzzled face, you added, “What? You’re not exactly in a stress-free line of work.”

He shook the head lightly and scoffed. “... yeah, I see your point,” he said, a corner of his mouth curling into a half-smile. “But I don’t think there’s a high risk of someone trying to seduce me in the field.”

“Do you think that’s what I’m doing?” you asked, arching a brow, your tone nothing but serious.

“I-...”

The panicked look on his face as he blinked rapidly was more than enough to break your deadpan façade.

“Oh man, I’m just pulling your leg. You should’ve seen your face though.” Giggling, you grabbed a fresh lock from a shelf and tossed it to Neil. He sighed and replaced the messed-up device. “Besides,” you continued, “if there is one thing that the espionage movies have taught me, it’s that the spy always has plenty of beautiful creatures willing to keep his bed warm.”

The playful sparks appeared in Neil’s eyes.

“Is this a very elaborate way of asking me if I’m seeing someone or are you volunteering?”

Well, well, well.

“What if it’s both?”

“Then the first answer is no. As for the second one--” he hesitated, tugging the bottom lip between the teeth. “...a follow-up question - is it a good idea?”

You tilted your head, sitting down on the edge of the table in front of him.

“Why?”

“What if it’s gonna make things… I don’t know, weird?”

You gestured vaguely. “Can’t get any weirder than all your timey-wimey, inverted entropy bullshit.”

“That’s not exactly--”

“I know what you meant,” you sighed and met his darkened gaze, a shade of smile tainting your lips. “And yet, you’re trying to appeal to my reason while looking at me like that.” You left your seat and grabbed your backpack. “It’s getting late. Finish with this one and get some rest.”

Then you left, not waiting for a reply.

It was one of the warm nights and you decided to take a walk. A promenade near the river was not as crowded as you expected, making your journey home way more enjoyable. With your favourite tunes seeping through the headphones, you took in the view, the city lights reflecting in the water only added to the ambiance.

The phone buzzed in your pocket.

//N: I can’t believe you left like that

You chuckled, texting him back.

//why, you had any plans?

The answer came almost instantly.

//N: maybe

He was adorable. But--

//have you finished with the lock?

//N: …no

//N: wait are you gonna use our conversation as some sort of motivational tool now

Even if you weren’t, after getting a message like that?

You just had to.

//maybe?

//N: jesus

//sex is but a great metaphorical carrot. besides - it’s all about that delayed gratification and whatnot

A moment of silence.

And then:

//N: you’re evil.

That spiteful period at the end got you snickering loudly, earning you some curious looks.

A huge grin lit up your face.

//gn <3

-----

You must admit, that game was quite exciting.

And Neil was getting better at it, and soon implying became no longer enough to make him lose his focus.

At first, it was relatively easy to prompt a blush or a slight tremble of a hand. But with every next attempt, he grew more and more resilient, and soon, the only indication that he heard you was the fire burning in his eyes.

Then you got really mean, throwing some ambitious tasks in front of him, tricky locks and complex mechanisms, as your teasing got more straightforward.

And descriptive.

It became hard to shake it off once you left the training room. The lingering looks. The accidental touches. The atmosphere, almost electric. In other words - the heat sink was ready to be popped, and it was no longer a matter of if, but more of when.

“4 minutes.”

Neil barely nodded, lips pressed together and brows knitted in concentration.

3 locks in 15 minutes. Difficult, but doable, considering his current level of skill. Too bad he’d slacked at the second one, not leaving too much time for the final push. Sure, you didn’t go easy on him along the way, but the real challenge was supposed to be a race against the clock, so now you just watched him with bated breath.

Click.

You checked the time.

“45 seconds”

“Goddamnit!” he uttered through gritted teeth, readjusting cramping fingers on the tools.

“Come on, you’ve got this,” you said, taking a step closer.

Another click.

He didn’t know that there was only one pin left to set. You did, that’s why you tried your best not to reveal it with your expression. Too early to celebrate, anyway.

“Nine... eight… seven… six… five…”

That’s when you heard a final click and you looked up from your phone, only to see the lock giving in and opening up.

“Yeah!” Neil cheered, banging a fist on the table and tossing the tools away.

You smiled, hiding the phone in the pocket. “Good job, I knew--” but before you could finish a sentence, Neil sprung up from his chair and closed the gap between you, then cupped your face with his palms and kissed you hungrily.

You froze for a second, but as your mind caught up, you kissed him back, tugging at the light blue shirt. He smiled against your lips and made you back away until you hit the wall, huffing at the sudden coldness of the surface. But he was bent on kissing you senseless until you both ended up gasping for air.

“You’re so paying for all that teasing,” he panted, running the tip of the tongue through his swollen lips. “Not to mention, you’ve given me a few fascinating ideas, and I’m very much willing to give them all a try.”

You grinned, fighting with your evidently short-circuiting brain for a grasp of coherence as his hands traveled down your body.

“My, my, all of them?”

“The night is young,” - his throaty chuckle sent a wave of heat through your body - “and I’m up for a challenge.”

“I’m counting on it,” you breathed, burying your fingers in his hair, and pulling him into a kiss again.

Actually, the challenge started right away, and that meant getting to Neil’s place, as the company conveniently rented him a room in a nearby hotel. Walking distance, but in your current quite heated state, every distance seemed way too long. Especially when you had to keep up appearances.

At least until the elevator’s door closed behind you.

The dark gaze fixed on you. Your breaths intertwining. His bottom lip between your teeth. The five o’clock shadow under your fingertips. Your hands sliding under his shirt. His knee parting your legs. The intoxicating smell of his cologne. Your quiet moan. His tongue slipping into your mouth--

A quiet sound announced you reached your floor, and you stumbled out into the corridor, giggling, unable to keep hands and lips off each other.

Your back hit the door, barely missing the knob. Without skipping a beat, Neil reached to the pocket of his pants, then into the other one. When he tried the third one, you broke the kiss, your expression nothing but innocent.

“Looking for this?” you asked, showing him a key card.

He furrowed his brows. “Yes, thank you, I don’t know how--...” he started, but when he tried to snatch his property, you hid your hand behind your back. His jaw went slack as it dawned on him and he stared at you in disbelief. “You can’t be serious.”

“Oh, but I am.”

He groaned.

“You’re unbelievable,” he uttered as he pulled out his wallet. “Credit card?”

“Only if you’re not overly attached to it.” The roguish lights danced in your gaze. “Especially when you’re in a hurry,” you hinted, palming over the bulge in his pants. Neil squeezed his eyes shut, biting back a moan, and you stifled a chuckle. “Try any membership card.”

He glared at you. “You’re so in for it, you have no idea.”

“Promises, promises,” you pouted, trying not to burst into laughter at his wounded expression. “Work it.”

“Gladly, just tell me what to do.”

So you walked him through the process.

Fortunately, Neil really was a fast learner, making the door give way in no time.

“Good boy,” you hummed, and the blue eyes flared up.

He crashed his lips on yours, closing the door behind you.

Then he gave you a taste of what was coming for you.

And then some more.

And then…

...he gave you all.

(next chapter ->)

#neil tenet x reader #neil x reader #neil tenet fanfiction #neil tenet #robert pattinson #tenet #tenet fanfiction #long nights

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semcoinfratechworld · 10 months ago

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How Cylindrical Cell Sorting Ensures Quality and Consistency in Production?

In today’s tech-driven world, batteries work like a powerhouse of every device we use. One thing that we must understand is that behind the sleek exteriors and impressive capacities lies a crucial step: cell sorting. As a large number of batteries around there are made from cylindrical cells this time, we will also be focusing on Cylindrical Battery Cell Sorting and Sticker Pasting Machine.

This might sound simple, but it’s a highly technical process that ensures consistency and quality in the batteries. Let’s delve into the fascinating world of cell sorting and explore how manufacturers use it to create reliable and high-performing batteries.

Cell sorting, also known as battery cell grading, goes far beyond simply separating used batteries from new ones. It’s a meticulous process that involves evaluating individual battery cells based on a set of critical criteria. These criteria determine the health, capacity, and overall performance potential of each cell.

Imagine a group of students preparing for an exam. Cell sorting acts like a detailed assessment, analyzing each cell’s capabilities and assigning them “grades” based on their performance.

Criteria and Standards

So, what exactly do manufacturers look for when sorting cylindrical cells? Here are some key criteria:

State of Health (SOH): This metric indicates the remaining capacity of a cell compared to its original capacity when new. It’s like a battery’s “fuel gauge,” reflecting how much power it can still hold.

Internal Resistance: This measures the opposition a cell presents to the flow of current. Higher resistance translates to a loss of energy and reduced performance. Think of it as friction in a car engine; the lower the friction, the smoother the ride.

Voltage and Current Performance: These parameters determine the cell’s ability to deliver power. A cell with consistent voltage and high current output is a reliable performer, ensuring constant power delivery.

Physical Characteristics: Manufacturers also perform visual inspections to identify any physical damage like dents or leaks. Even minor imperfections can compromise safety and performance.

These criteria are often used in conjunction with established industry standards. These standards, set by organizations like the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), ensure consistency and reliability across different battery manufacturers.

Testing the Inner Workings of a Cell

To evaluate these criteria, battery manufacturing equipment suppliers provide machines for specific tasks. Some of the prominent tests and methods employ a range of sophisticated testing techniques. Here are some prominent methods:

Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS): This non-destructive method measures a cell’s internal resistance by analyzing its response to a small electrical signal. It provides a detailed picture of the cell’s health and performance potential.

Galvanostatic Charge-Discharge (GCD): This test involves charging and discharging a cell at a specific current to determine its actual capacity. It paints a real-world picture of how much power the cell can deliver.

Cycle Testing: This involves repeatedly charging and discharging a cell to simulate real-world usage and assess its lifespan and degradation rate. It helps predict how long the cell will perform reliably.

The specific tests employed can vary depending on the battery type and its intended application. However, the core principle remains the same: to thoroughly analyze each cell and determine its suitability for its intended use.

Technologies Enabling Precision Sorting

Technology plays a crucial role in enabling precise and efficient cell sorting. Here are some key players in the game:

Automated Sorting & Sticker Pasting Machine for Cylindrical Cells: These sophisticated machines can handle large volumes of cells, performing high-speed testing and sorting based on pre-defined criteria. Imagine a robotic assembly line meticulously analyzing and classifying cells.

Machine Learning (ML): Advanced algorithms can analyze data from cell testing to identify patterns and predict a cell’s performance potential. This allows for even more nuanced sorting and optimization.

Artificial Intelligence (AI): AI takes ML a step further, continuously learning and refining cell sorting algorithms. Think of it as a super-powered brain constantly improving the sorting process.

By harnessing these technologies, manufacturers can ensure consistent and reliable cell sorting, leading to superior battery performance.

Consistency and Reliability in Battery Power

So, what does cell sorting translate to in the real world? Here are the key benefits:

Enhanced Battery Performance: By placing cells with similar capacity and performance in a battery pack, manufacturers ensure consistent power delivery and overall performance. A well-sorted battery pack functions like a well-oiled machine, delivering optimal power output.

Improved Safety and Reliability: Identifying and removing cells with potential issues like high internal resistance or physical damage minimizes the risk of safety hazards within a battery pack. It’s like removing faulty parts from a car engine for smoother and safer operation.

Extended Battery Life: Cell sorting helps identify cells with high capacity and low degradation rates. These cells can be used in applications demanding long lifespans.

SMD: Precise cell sorting ensures battery quality and consistency. Sophisticated tech like AI analyses each cell, optimizing performance and safety. A well-sorted battery pack delivers reliable power for all your devices.

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