#CT Metering | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

kpopfanfictrash · 9 months

Text

The Ten Days of Ex-Mas (Teaser)

Posting Date: Tuesday, December 19th, 7:00 PM CT

Creative Collaborator: @kithtaehyung FOR THIS AMAZING BANNER!

Genre: Holiday / Second Chance!AU / Hockey!AU

Pairing: Jimin / Reader (F)

Length: One Shot

Synopsis: Three months following the worst break-up of your life, you finally feel ready to start moving on. The world, it seems, has other ideas when you pick up the phone and find your ex-boyfriend calling.

Jimin Park, star right winger of the NHL and (until recently), the love of your life, has a very large problem. Despite the courage he regularly shows on the ice, in his personal life, Jimin is kind of a coward. When you broke up this fall, he could barely admit it. Not to his neighbors. Not to his friends. Not even to his family, who are expecting him home for Christmas. In a desperate plea for more time, Jimin begs you to pretend you’re still dating – and to his surprise, you agree. Faced with a second chance, Jimin is determined not to squander it. If only fixing a relationship were as easy as falling in love.

Author’s Note: Part of the Jingle All the Way collaboration!

Estimated WC: 45K (... whoops; this will probably be multiple parts)

Rating: 18+

Preview: 2,141

Y/N POV

You should have known better than to trust Namjoon with your dating life.

Yoongi never would have put you in this situation. The more level-headed of your two best friends, Yoongi approaches matters of the heart with the same rationality he does everything else. Namjoon, on the other hand, is a great guy – who is notoriously bad at reading other people.

The number of times you’ve been forced to step in and save him from phone scams is astounding. It’s not his fault, really – Namjoon trusts too easily, which doesn’t serve him well in this world. He’s always willing to give others the benefits of the doubt, which gets him into trouble.

And now you, by extension, having accepted the blind date he proposed.

Mike Davis moved into Namjoon’s building two months ago, and Namjoon has been adamant since the start that you two would hit it off.

“He goes to all the same conventions you do,” he assured you last week on the phone.

“Which conventions?” you asked, squinting hard at the wall. “I know you’re not big into nerd culture, Namjoon, so as an FYI – not all cons are considered equal.”

Namjoon rattled off a few you’d attended, impressing you enough to agree despite the initial disinterest. This agreement may have been spurred by tonight being the three-month anniversary of the worst break-up of your life.

Almost as soon as you sat, you realized your mistake. While you may have reached a point where you don’t cry every time your ex’s name is mentioned, the prospect of dating someone else is an entirely different matter. Getting dressed up felt strange, as did traveling to the restaurant and waiting for Mike at the bar.

The fact that Mike called this place a ‘restaurant’ should have been your first clue, as Hat Trick is most definitely a sports bar – specifically, a hockey bar. Had you known (really, you should have known), you wouldn’t have gone, but you were nervous and trying to make a good impression. Upon arriving, you arranged yourself awkwardly on a sticky bar stool and waited seven minutes for Mike to walk in.

Nearly an hour later, you find yourself regretting coming at all. Mike excused himself two minutes ago for the bathroom and as soon as he left, you sagged with relief.

He’s a nice guy, you suppose. Good looking, with light brown curls and dark eyes. You can see why Namjoon thought he might be good for you – Mike is the exact opposite of your ex in many ways. Constantly frazzled, he arrived late to the bar, only to immediately duck outside because he forgot to pay the parking meter. Jimin was the type to unpack his suitcase immediately after reaching the hotel and brought several chargers in case one of them died.

Once the meter was paid, Mike sat down and immediately launched into his entire life story. You suppose you should have been happy about this, since lack of communication ended your last relationship but instead, found yourself overwhelmed.

Mike finally paused for breath once your drinks arrived, allowing you a moment to answer his questions. The moment you said you ran a pretty popular cosplay TikTok, Mike instantly shifted from arrogant to insecure.

“I can’t believe you came,” he exhaled with a shake of his head. “When Namjoon showed me your picture, I said no way would you go out with me. You’re way too beautiful.”

Somewhat awkward, you laughed. “Don’t try and get me to leave, now, Mike.”

His eyes widened, not catching your sarcasm and it took several moments to get back on track. Everything since has been downhill, so when he excused himself for the bathroom, all you felt was relief.

Digging through your purse, you pull out your phone and swipe to the group chat.

Y/N: Namjoon, WHAT possessed you to set me up with this man [7:46 PM]

Yoongi’s reply comes immediately.

Yoongi: told you it was too soon [7:46 PM]

Namjoon’s ellipses join in.

Namjoon: what! Why? What happened?? Mike didn’t try something on you, did he? [7:47 PM]

Y/N: no, no – nothing like that [7:47 PM]

Y/N: he just keeps saying how *amazing* I am and how he doesn’t know why I’m on this date at all [7:47 PM]

Yoongi: dude [7:48 PM]

Y/N: EXACTLY [7:48 PM]

Before Namjoon can respond, the bartender changes the channel and an all-too-familiar name blares over the speakers. Slowly, you look up, and all thoughts of Mike fade, faced with NHL coverage.

Nope, no – absolutely not.

Leaning over the counter, you lightly tap the bartender. “Hi.” Brightly, you smile. “First off, could I have another glass of white wine? And then, maybe… could you change the channel?”

Glancing around, the guy shakes his head. “Yes, to the wine, but no, the channel,” he says with a shrug. “Half the people in here came to watch the game. Pre-show coverage is part of that.”

With an apologetic nod, he grabs a rag and disappears. Sinking back in your seat, you stare at your hands, clasped tightly together. Your spot at the bar puts you in the unfortunate position of hearing each word the announcers say crystal-clear.

“Well, Josh, what chance do you think the Blackhawks have tonight?”

The silver-haired man beside him bobs his head. “Steve, I’d say their chances are pretty darn good. You’ve seen this team’s early games. Their first line is strong, especially now that Park’s back.”

“Oh, absolutely – Jimin Park has been crucial in the last couple of games. He was sorely missed last season.”

“Ha! You can say that again.”

Trying to hide your wince, you clasp your hands tighter as a fresh glass of wine is set down. “Thanks,” you mutter, downing half in one gulp.

Immediately, your plans for later tonight shift to accommodate another bottle of wine. Movement catches the corner of your eye, and, despite yourself, you watch the montage of star right winger, Jimin Park, tearing his way down the ice. Shamefully, you recognize every shot since, although you broke up in September, you continued to watch every game.

“One of the most talked about moments last year in hockey was the late check on Park by Blues player, Brent Howard,” continues the announcer, Josh. “His helmet came loose when he hit the boards, and he went down hard on the ice. Park suffered a sprained knee and herniated a disc in his neck. A complicated surgery took him for most of the season, only starting to skate with the team again over the summer.”

Hearing the trauma recounted with such callousness, you find yourself gripping your wine glass tighter than before.

“I don’t think anyone ever expected Park to play again,” agrees the other announcer, Steve. “It’s a damned miracle he’s back on the ice – but to return and be this good? Park has always been one of the best right wingers in the league, but I’d say he’s the best offensive player on the ice right now.”

“A bold claim!” laughs Josh. “But I might just agree. Even Jungkook Jeon on the Rangers hasn’t been matching Park in assists.”

“Exactly! I mean, look at the numbers. Last year, the Blackhawks barely made the playoffs and now, they’re first in the Western Conference.”

“Truly amazing, given the nature of his injury last November. I don’t know how familiar you are with herniated discs, Steve, but –”

Mike slides back onto his stool. Grateful for the distraction, you turn fully to face him. Having already lived through the injury once, you have no need to reminisce. Replacing your phone in your purse, you smile gamely at Mike.

“So,” you say, attempting to save the conversation. “Namjoon mentioned you like conventions? What fandoms are you a part of?”

“Oh.” Mike loosely shrugs. “I doubt you’ve heard of any of them.”

At his dismissive tone, you stiffen. Your experience with the male side of fandom is always a toss-up. “Well, there are a lot of them. Any that are more mainstream?”

He considers. “Marvel?”

Stunned, you blink once or twice. Marvel has to be one of the biggest fandoms on the planet, let alone in the country. Even if you weren’t deep in the convention circuit, you’d have heard of Marvel.

“Yeah,” you say slowly. “I think I’ve heard of that.”

“Cool, cool.” Mike nods. “Namjoon said you do cosplay – and showed me your TikTok! You know, you’d make a great Wonder Woman.”

You can practically feel your jaw tighten. “That’s DC, not Marvel. But thanks.”

Silent, you add for nothing. While you love Wonder Woman and have, in fact, cosplayed her many times, men usually only request her for one reason and that’s the skimpy outfit. Whenever you cosplay as circa 2010 Wonder Woman in pants, they’re decidedly less interested. By now, you’ve learned only to pick your characters based on personal interest.

“Have you ever cosplayed?” you ask.

Unbidden, your gaze slides to the TV. Commercial break. Stifling your twinge of disappointment, you refocus on Mike.

“Nah.” His nose wrinkles, and your stomach sinks further. “I don’t do that stuff.”

“Stuff?”

Hearing your tone, his eyes widen. “I mean, it’s cool for you. I saw your TikToks and you look amazing. I’d just look dumb,” Mike says, attempting a laugh.

Sweetly, you smile. “I don’t know. My ex used to cosplay with me, and no one ever laughed at him.”

Admittedly, this is something of a low blow since your ex-boyfriend is Jimin Park, but either Namjoon didn’t tell him, or Mike doesn’t care. Which – if that’s so, maybe Mike deserves more credit than you gave him.

“Ah.” He nods, taking a sip of his beer. “Have you ever thought about cosplaying as Wonder Woman, though?”

Your smile vanishes. Then again, maybe you’ve given him exactly the right amount of credit.

“I have,” you say. “But more recently, I’ve been cosplaying Dimension 20 characters. It’s kind of niche, but my last character was Sundry Sidney from A Starstruck Odyssey. You know – giant machine gun arm, roller skates and a mechanical eye. Oh, and a ‘fuck erotica ann’ button, of course.”

Mike’s smile freezes. “Why… would you dress like that?”

“Because it’s fun.” Finishing your glass of wine, you toss a few bills on the counter and stand. “Well, it’s been nice meeting you, Mike, but I think we’d be better off as friends. Don’t you agree?”

Even with the answer right there in the question, still he looks flummoxed.

“I…”

“Or acquaintances,” you add, pulling on your pea coat. “Or nothing at all. Whatever you prefer.”

Slinging your purse on your shoulder, you wave at the bartender and start to leave. You only make it several steps before Mike mutters something beneath his breath – loud enough that you hear.

“Stupid,” he mutters. “This is why you don’t date women like her, Mike.”

You come to a stop. Really, you should keep going. Common sense – and Namjoon’s HOA – depend on you being the bigger person and walking out. But your therapist has said you need to work on communicating, even when the message is something the other person won’t like.

Turning around, you tap Mike on the shoulder.

He glances upward, surprised – and then reddens, realizing you heard.

“Yep, I heard,” you say shortly, retracting your hand. “Was your muttering supposed to be secret?”

Mike opens, then closes his mouth, like a fish.

“What did you mean, ‘women like me?’” you demand, folding your arms. “Ones with self-respect? Or hobbies? Women who know more about a subject than you do?”

Behind the counter, the bartender snort-laughs, rising in your esteem despite the whole TV channel thing.

Mike stares at you, stunned. He seems to grow a pair in that moment though, straightening to face you on his stool. “Women with sticks up their asses,” he blurt.

Stifling an eye roll, you lean closer. “Listen, Mike,” you say, placing one hand on the counter. “If you think you can hurt my feelings – think again. Someone broke my heart three months ago, so nothing you say now will remotely compare. Do you really want to know why women like me won’t date you?”

The furrow between his brows deepens, and you take this as a sign to continue. Leaning even closer, you lower your voice.

“It’s because you’re insecure,” you say softly. “Giving someone a compliment and putting yourself down in the same sentence isn’t nice, it’s awkward. Not to mention, you’re sexist,” you add, watching him stiffen. “Telling me – a two-time Comic Con trivia champion – that I wouldn’t know Marvel is wild. Oh, and you’re a snob. Tabletop games are awesome, and cosplay is fun. Have a good night – I paid for your drink.”

With that, you turn around and march out the door to a smattering of applause from your new favorite bartender.

[ TO BE CONTINUED ]

#bangtanarmynet #bts fanfic #bts fanfiction #jimin fanfic #jimin fanfiction #jimin au #bts au

389 notes · View notes

arminreindl · 3 months

Text

Caipirasuchus catanduvensis: A vocal sphagesaurid?

A new "crocodile" was just published and one with some fascinating implications.

The new taxon is Caipirasuchus catanduvensis, the sixth species of Caipirasuchus described so far. As a sort of broad overview, Caipirasuchus is a genus of small-bodied sphagesaurid notosuchian, reaching about 1 meter in length. As sphagesaurids, the genus is most closely related to the likes of Yacarerani, Adamantinasuchus as well as the robust Armadillosuchus.

Another interesting thing about Caipirasuchus, and one that's gonna come back later, is how close they are in terms of geography. Of the six species, all are from Brazil's Bauru Group. 5/6 are from the Adamantina Formation and 5/6 are Sao Paulo State. So unlike the also specious Araripesuchus, these are all comparably limited in their distribution.

left: Caipirasuchus escaping baurusuchids by Deverson da Silva right: Generalized Caipirasuchus distribution adapted from Iori et al. 2024

Now what is interesting about this new species is a certain feature referred to as the pterygoid chamber, a hollow pocket in the pterygoid bone, that is notably more complex and pronounced than in other Caipirasuchus species (thus also why it was given its own name). Now an older study using CT scans already showed that this chamber connects to the choanal septum, which functions as a sort of air duct that connects the pterygoid chamber with the airways of the animal. There is also a secondary chamber and evidence that suggest that these structures grew more complex as the animal aged.

Now, the interesting part is that this combination of large hollow bone pockets with the airways is seen in some other animals as well, notably the wildebeest Rusingoryx and hadrosaurs, in which the pockets serve as a resonating chamber. As was already suggested in 2020, this might mean that Caipirasuchus catanduvensis had a much more complex range of vocalisations, which in turn would have a large influence on social behavior.

Now remember how I brought up how all the species of Caipirasuchus lived in a fairly enclosed area relative to Araripesuchus, the other specious notosuchian? Well one hypothesis proposes that this rapid speciation was driven not by dietary preferences, but by them refining their vocalisation and social structure. This in turn might be tied to environmental factors (like needing to be louder in more crowded, forested environments).

One pointer to this being the case is how species of Caipirasuchus differ from each other. Rather than skull shape or even the teeth, the main differences seem to be found in the palate, i.e. a region of the skull that would be tied to vocalisation. Another, albeit more tenuous, piece of evidence stems from the senses of what was likely a major predator of Caipirasuchus. Baurusuchids, larger predator notosuchians growing up to 3 meters in length, appear to have a complex outer ear (meatal chamber specifically), which indicates that they had good hearing. We also know that they did feed on sphagesaurids, as evidenced by a specimen of Aplestosuchus being preserved with one (possibly Caipirasuchus) found in its stomach contents. So by extension, it would not be unreasonable to assume that baurusuchids used their good hearing to track down noisy Caipirasuchus. Though more research is required of course.

left: Aplestosuchus and its prey by Rodolfo Nogueira right: various images from Godoy et al. 2014 featuring the fossil material of Aplestosuchus

All of this is of course fascinating. Crocodiles and their extinct kin are rarely viewed as very vocal, despite the fact that modern crocodilians have a great range of sounds at their disposal. Of course we're all familiar with the sounds hatchlings make (often likened to video game ray gun sounds), but crocodiles are also able to reproduce a wide range of grows, bellows and other sounds one might even compare to roars as adults. Just these past two years we have found evidence of dwarf crocodiles in the Congo making "mooing" sounds while the extinct Hanyusuchus, a gharial that died out during China's bronze age, has both historical and anatomical evidence for producing loud sounds.

Examples of vocalisations in African Dwarf Crocodiles and a male Indian Gharial

And finally, to cap this off, I want to leave you with the paper's artwork of the new species, illustrated by Guilherme Gehr. An interesting thing I noticed, but can only speculate on, is the fact that the two individuals have different colours, which might be a cheeky reference to the alternate hypothesis that the resonance chamber is sexually dimorphic (although this theory is largely dismissed on account of C. catanduvensis having other distinguishing features beyond just the pterygoid chamber.

86 notes · View notes

macgyvermedical · 7 months

Text

Fun (recent) Medical Technology History Facts

The first EKG was taken in 1901, the machine looked like this:

CPR was invented about 10 years after the defibrillator came into use (1960s vs 1970s).

The first CT scans on humans were taken in 1973. They took 1-2 hours to scan 8-12 images, which printed out on Polaroid film. They looked like this:

The first MRI machine image was taken in 1980. It was of a bell pepper:

The first bioethics committee determined who got to use the first 6 dialysis machines for chronic use in 1960 (dialysis was invented in the 1940s but was only used for acute care, not long-term).

Metered Dose Inhalers didn't exist until the 1950s.

Heart transplants and oral contraception were invented in the same decade- the 1960s

Routine handwashing in hospitals and food service didn't start until the 1980s.

We didn't know what viruses looked like until the 1970s.

Human insulin didn't exist until the 1980s (prior to that we only had pork and bovine insulins).

#whump reference #writing reference #fun facts #medical history

96 notes · View notes

joeinct · 3 months

Text

#joe bruha

48 notes · View notes

generalsolae · 3 months

Text

This is just a little something my mind created after rewatching attack of the clones. Its the first meeting between one of my oc and Captain Rex, hope you enjoy!

Aftermath

Warnings: only injures, this is the start of a friendship

Word count: 336 (this is really short)

The fire finally ceased, the explosion stopped. Everything that was left to hear were the AT-TEs stopping and the injured gasping for the pain. Quinlan Vos had just finished patching up her padawan, who got herself a big scar on the nose thanks to a blaster shot who almost hit her in the face. The girl wasn't focused on getting herself patched up; all she wanted to do was run to the injured and help them, and her master knew that well; he knew about her constant need to help others. After placing a bacta patch on her nose, he nodded and smiled at her. "You can go, girl." The girl immediately jumped off of the gunship. Her eyes traveling the deserted surrounding of Geonosis until they fell on an injured man a few meters from her. She immediately ran to him. He was sitting against a rock and was holding his right and injured arm with his hand. She kneeled in front of him and took off his helme discovering his deep brown eyes, which made a great contrast with his blond hair. “What's your name?” She asked him as she took off the armor on his right arm. “I'm CT-7567, ma'am.” He answered, leaving the girl confused before she let out a small giggle, “Those are numbers, not a name.” The clone looked at her, surprised. “I'm a clone, ma'am. We only have identification numbers.” “A clone? This is a clone army?” The girl was a bit stunned; she heard some Jedi talking about a new army, but she didn't think it would've been an army of clones. The clone nodded, confirming the conclusion of the girl, and she smiled at him, “Numbers are for droids. You're a man, clone or not. You better choose a name for yourself, trooper.” The clone nodded with a small smile “And what's your name, ma'am?” “I'm Kayra, and don’t call me ma’am, I’m just seventeen.” She finally said, placing a bandage on the clone arm.

#captain rex #star wars #star wars x reader #clones headcanons #clones x reader #captain rex x reader #arc trooper fives x reader #anakin skywalker #quinlan vos #attack of the clones #clone wars #the clone wars

39 notes · View notes

karriethemechtech · 5 months

Text

Sabretooth SB2-RT

Mass: 100 tons Chassis: Earthwerks AS IV Power Plant: Vlar 300 Cruising Speed: 32.4 kph Maximum Speed: 64.8 kph Jump Jets: None Jump Capacity: 0 meters Armor: Hellespont Lite Armament: 2 ER PPC 5 Medium Pulse Laser Manufacturer: Majesty Metals and Manufacturing Primary Factory: Unknown Communication System: Tek BattleCom Targeting & Tracking System: Tek Tru-Trak Introduction Year: 3146 Tech Rating/Availability: F/X-X-X-D Cost: 16,031,000 C-bills

Overview Proposed as part of Project: BIG CAT for the Magistracy of Canopus, the Sabretooth was designed by Majesty Metals and Manufacturing in 3146 as a hardy, brutally effective brawler.

Capabilities The Sabretooth was the most troubled of the three BIG CAT designs; early drafts were unfocused and confused messes; months of prototyping went into fitting all of the necessary components onto the frame. To accomodate the bulk of all of the components, Endo Steel was escewed in favor of more traditional materials. The 'Mech is armed with two Clan-spec ERPPCs for long range, mysteriously supplied in the same way as the Yaguara's large lasers. For closer ranges, the machine mounts five medium pulse lasers, all across the top half of the 'Mech, as well as two massive claws. These giant blades are capable of decapitating a mech in a single swipe, making the Sabretooth a terrifying force up close.

Deployment The Sabretooth is used among the Magistracy Armed Forces in much the same manner as an Atlas--find a target, approach, and make that target cease to exist, while shrugging off as much fire as possible. Indeed, the Assault 'Mech's snarling visage is starting to develop a reputation all its own.

Type: Sabretooth Technology Base: Mixed (Standard) Tonnage: 100 Battle Value: 2,547

Equipment Mass Internal Structure 10 Engine 300 Fusion 19 Walking MP: 3 Running MP: 5(6) Jumping MP: 0 Double Heat Sink 18 [36] 8 Gyro 3 Cockpit 3 Armor Factor (Light Ferro) 307 18.5 Internal Armor Structure Value Head 3 9 Center Torso 31 47 Center Torso (rear) 15 R/L Torso 21 32 R/L Torso (rear) 10 R/L Arm 17 34 R/L Leg 21 42

Right Arm Actuators: Shoulder, Upper Arm, Lower Arm Left Arm Actuators: Shoulder, Upper Arm, Lower Arm

Weapons and Ammo Location Critical Heat Tonnage Supercharger CT 1 - 2.0 Medium Pulse Laser RT 1 4 2.0 3 Double Heat Sink RT 9 - 3.0 ER PPC RT 2 15 6.0 Claw LA 7 - 7.0 Medium Pulse Laser LA 1 4 2.0 Medium Pulse Laser LT 1 4 2.0 3 Double Heat Sink LT 9 - 3.0 ER PPC LT 2 15 6.0 Medium Pulse Laser HD 1 4 2.0 Claw RA 7 - 7.0 Medium Pulse Laser RA 1 4 2.0

Features the following design quirks: Distracting, Stable

And here's the final of the three Project: BIG CAT designs! This one has...wow, that's a lot of armor. A LOT of armor. And can swipe your head off in one punch if you're not careful! Yikes. I'm glad I'm on the same side as these things.

#battletech #mechwarrior #(OOC: the art is slightly off on this one/at least the artist's intentions are compared to what I did #but this was the way I found to be happy with the design)#(also it's not lost on me that technically this costs less than the Yaguara in C-Bills and that's kinda funny)

30 notes · View notes

is-the-battlemech-cool-or-not · 5 months

Text

Status of Project HAGELSCHAUER

@karriethemechtech Yakima Proving Grounds reports that Project HAGELSCHAUER is complete. Gewitter's Clantech refit and general upgrade is complete. Skobel MechWorks sent over the new TRO for you to review, as you are the Black Watch's Chief MechTech now. See here:

BattleMech Technical Readout Name/Model: Atlas "Gewitter" AS7-K3-Tb Technology: Inner Sphere (Mixed) Technology Rating: F Tonnage: 100 Role: Sniper Configuration: Biped BattleMech Era/Year: Dark Age / 3150 Rules (Current): Experimental (Extinct) Rules (Era): Experimental Rules (Year): Experimental (Extinct) Total Cost: 35,416,333 C-Bills Battle Value: 2,509 Chassis: Foundation Type 10X-E Endo Steel Power Plant: Vlar ClanTech 400 XL Walking Speed: 43.2 kph Maximum Speed: 64.8 kph Jump Jets: Northrup 12000 Jump Capacity: 90 meters Armor: Durallex Ferro-Fibrous with CASE II Ferro-Fibrous with CASE II Armament: 2 ExoStar Pinnacle (Clantech) ER Large Lasers (C) 1 Krupp Sturmfeuer Light Gauss Rifle 1 Holly SRM 4 w/ Artemis IV FCS (C) Manufacturer: Defiance Industries, Skobel MechWorks Primary Factory: Hesperus II (DI), Yakima Proving Grounds, Terra (SMW) Communications: Clan-enhanced Angst Discom with Nova CEWS Targeting & Tracking: Clan-enhanced Angst Accuracy with Advanced Targeting Computer ================================================================================================ Equipment Mass Internal Structure: Endo Steel (C) 5.00 Engine: 400 XL (C) 26.50 Walking MP: 4 Running MP: 6 Jumping MP: 3 Heat Sinks (Double): 10 20 0.00 Gyro: Compact 6.00 Cockpit: Standard 3.00 Armor Factor: 307 16.00 Type: Ferro-Fibrous (C) Internal Armor Structure Value Head: 3 9 Center Torso: 31 50 Center Torso (rear): 12 R/L Torso: 21 34 R/L Torso (rear): 8 R/L Arm: 17 34 R/L Leg: 21 42 ================================================================================================ Weapons and Ammo Location Critical Tonnage Nova CEWS (C) H 1 1.50 Jump Jet CT 1 2.00 CASE II (C) RT 1 0.50 Jump Jet RT 1 2.00 Light Gauss Rifle (Ammo 32) RT 2 2.00 SRM 4 (Ammo 25) Artemis IV RT 1 1.00 CASE II (C) LT 1 0.50 Jump Jet LT 1 2.00 Light Gauss Rifle LT 5 12.00 SRM 4 w/ Artemis IV FCS (C) LT 1 1.00 Communications Equipment (3 tons) (C) RA 3 3.00 ER Large Laser (C) RA 1 4.00 ER Large Laser (C) LA 1 4.00 Targeting Computer (C) LA 4 4.00 Note: Equipped with RISC Heat Sink Override Kit & RISC Super-Cooled Myomer ================================================================================================ Alpha Strike Statistics Point Value (PV): 55 TP: BM, SZ: 4, TMM: 1, MV: 8"/6"j Damage: (S) 3 / (M) 3 / (L) 3, OV: 1 Armor (A): 10, Structure (S): 5 Specials: CASEII, ECM, MHQ4, NOVA, OVL, PRB, RCN The Atlas AS7-K3-Tb "Gewitter" is subject to the following Design Quirks: Accurate Weapon (Light Gauss Rifle) Battlefists Combat Computer Command 'Mech Difficult to Maintain Distracting Improved Communications Improved Sensors Multi-Trac Stablized Weapon (Light Gauss Rifle) Variable Range Targeting

What do you think, Karrie?

#battletech #mechwarrior #story event #oc rp #tactical information

23 notes · View notes

leibal · 3 months

Text

The Clinic is a minimalist space located in Ramat Hasharon, Israel, designed by Salty Architects. The 180-square-meter clinic includes three treatment rooms, a surgery room, a CT room, and a laboratory, all tailored to meet the needs of both patients and staff efficiently. Despite its compact layout, the clinic’s design fosters a sense of spaciousness and tranquility.

#minimalism #minimal interior #interior design #minimalist interior #leibal

8 notes · View notes

ralfmaximus · 11 months

Text

The Herculaneum papyri, ancient scrolls housed in the library of a private villa near Pompeii, were buried and carbonized by the eruption of Vesuvius in 79 AD. For almost 2,000 years, this lone surviving library from antiquity was buried underground under 20 meters of volcanic mud. In the 1700s, they were excavated, and while they were in some ways preserved by the eruption, they were so fragile that they would turn to dust if mishandled. How do you read a scroll you can’t open? For hundreds of years, this question went unanswered.

CT scanners are used to image the scrolls, then software "unrolls" them virtually so that the individual layers may be seen. Finally specialized OCR software identifies individual letters. All without physically manipulating the fragile scrolls.

Neat!

#pompeii

26 notes · View notes

creativeelectricals · 1 year

Text

Explore CT Metering and various Current Transformer Types. Learn about Cable-Type Current Transformers and find competitive Prices for your needs.

#Current Transformer Types #Current Transformer #Cable Type Current Transformer #CT Metering

1 note · View note

ilovewhiteroses · 1 year

Text

He Is Not What He Seems

Pairing: COD Fender Takács X Medic Reader Genre: Fluff Warnings: Mentions of violence, some swearwords Rating: none Notes: - @placeinthemiddleofnowhere got me into playing Call Of Duty and when I learned that Fender is hungarian, it was a nice surprise 💕💕

"Wounded soldier! Wounded soldier! Quick, let's put him on the bed!” a paramedic shouted in desperation. A bullet hit the soldier’s right upper arm and it should have been taken out of there immediately. You and the other medics rushed over and began treating him. Since it was an open wound, you could do nothing but disinfect it and bandage it, while you asked the paramedics to take the unfortunate man to the hospital. The milder injuries were treated in the medical room, the more serious cases had to be taken to the hospital.

You tried to hide who you really were from others, because you didn't want to stand out. Your father is a rich businessman with so much money that even your grandchildren would never have financial problems. You have two half-siblings from his previous marriage, with whom you never really got along, because they couldn't bear the fact that they would have to share the inheritance with you. While they happily spent their father's money, you decided that you really wanted to help, not just at charity events. Thus, unlike your spoiled siblings, you applied for medical school after high school, which your father was very proud of.

You recently started working as one of KorTac's medics and so far you've handled situations well, although there have been quite overwhelming moments as well. Today was relatively calm, you only had to treat a few minor injuries. You got hungry and went to the vending machine to get some food. You looked for a ham and cheese sandwich, but when you were waiting for the machine to dispense it, it suddenly stopped and your sandwich got stuck inside. You hit the glass angrily, because not only was your money lost, but you were also left hungry.

"Can I help you?" asked a confident male voice. You looked up and it was König, the Austrian KorTac operator. It was not difficult to notice him, his huge stature was visible even from several meters away. You haven't talked much so far, even though you've tended his wounds a couple of times.

"Um, yes, please, I'd really appreciate it." you said in confusion. The big man hit the glass of the vending machine with his gloved fist so hard that it was a wonder it didn't break. The machine took the signal and dispensed the sandwich. König took it and handed it to you.

"There you go. Hmm, it looks good, I might buy one for myself, although I prefer heartier meals.” he said politely under his mask. You took it from him and thanked him. You were about to go back when König called after you.

"I know we haven't talked much so far, but I just want to say that you are doing a good job. It can't be easy for you either."

"Of course not, but we are here to help you." you told him with a smile then said goodbye to him, promising to talk to him again.

A few days later, KorTac soldiers went on another mission. There was a lot of upheaval in the medical room, you barely managed to treat the wounded. Among others, they brought in Fender, an operator who suffered a head injury and an injury to his arm, as a bullet grazed him there. You went there to take care of him, you asked him to take off his mask.

"Do I have to?" he reluctantly asked you.

"Yes, since you had a big hit on your head and I need to see if you have a concussion." you replied and carefully removed the mask off him. After you examined him and saw that his injury was not serious, you treated the wound on his arm,

"I see that there is nothing wrong, but I will refer you for a skull CT scan, that's for sure."

"Believe me, this hard head never gets hurt." he said with a slight smile. He's a good looking guy, you thought to yourself, then quickly felt ashamed, because you shouldn't have thought like that in such a situation.

"No no! You go and get a CT scan, I'm not arguing about that!" you told him firmly and Fender saluted.

"Okay, I will do what you ask."

You've been thinking about him quite a bit since you took care of him. There were other guys besides him, but for some reason HE caught your attention the most. You've heard that he is not an easy case - in fact, no one at KorTac was - and he's quite ruthless on the battlefield, but he's loyal and helps his comrades in trouble.

You wanted to know more about him, so you invited König to a pub to talk a little about the soldier of Hungarian origin. At first he wanted to leave the mask on, but you talked him into taking it off instead so as not to scare others. You both drank beer, only König asked for a bigger pint. He took a drink and let out a loud belch.

"This is good beer! I missed it." he said and wiped his mouth then looked at you. "You don't drink?"

"Yeah, but I rarely drink beer. Tell me…what do you know about Fender?” you asked, tapping the side of the glass with your fingers, then you took a drink too.

"Fender? What's up with him? You have a crush on him or what?” he asked, causing you to almost spit out your drink.

"No! I mean… since I don't know everyone yet, I thought you could tell me a little about him." König first raised his eyebrows doubtfully, then grinned like a mischievous child. He wasn't stupid, he knew what was going on.

"Okay, if you say so. To be honest, I don't know much about him, even though we fight together. All I know is that he was master sergeant in the Hungarian army. He's quite a hothead, but otherwise a good guy. Plus, his mask is pretty ridiculous, it looks like two slices of bread covering his face." he laughed at his own joke. It reminded you of when you took care of Fender, and until you took it off of him, he really looked funny in it.

After that, you didn't talk much about the hungarian, instead König told you about their latest mission and his kill count.

A few days later you were writing reports and filing papers when you heard a knock on the door and Fender stepped in. This time he was not in his military uniform, but in a dark t-shirt and jeans, holding a folder.

"Hello! What's up?" you were surprised but tried not to show it.

"I had a CT scan of my skull and brought the diagnosis to show it to you. Fortunately, nothing was found.” he said with a smile, even though he was clearly embarrassed too. He gave you the folder, you looked at the papers.

"Thank God, I'm happy about that." you gave it back to him. You wanted to return to your own things, but Fender was still hanging around.

"Is there something else?" you asked and put your pen down.

“Well, as a matter of fact, yes. Well, er, the thing is, I thought I'd ask…how about you having coffee with me? I want to thank you for what you have done for me.” Fender finally said. Your eyes widened.

"Never mind, that's my job, but… is that allowed? ” you asked.

"We are just going to have coffee, there’s nothing wrong about that." Fender looked at you kindly. Your heart suddenly started beating faster…

"Okay, just wait a bit, I'll finish with these and then we can go." you said. He went out and you tried to focus on the paperwork, although it was pretty difficult.

You went to a recently opened, cozy little cafe. You asked for a latte macchiato because you loved coffee with milk, the operator had cappuccino, and you also chose some cookies to accompany them. Since he invited you, he insisted that he pay, even though you told him to cut it in half. You felt a little guilty for letting him pay in the end, since, if you wanted to, you could buy the entire cafe from your future inheritance. You took the foods with you and looked for empty seats. Both of you were quite embarrassed, because you had never seen each other in civilian clothes before and you didn't know what to do with the situation. To break the ice, you spoke first.

"You chose a nice place, I've never been here before."

"Me neither, I just heard about it and thought I'd try it sometime. I'm glad I came with you. The others, especially König, are more pub-going types, when it comes to coffee, the vending machine one is enough for them." Fender blushed slightly and took a quick bite of his cookie to cover it, hoping you didn't notice. You did, and thought it was cute - an almost two-meter-tall, rigid soldier. When he wasn't looking grumpy, he actually had a kind face. His beautiful, brown eyes and defined cheekbones swept you off your feet... Your mind already started to wander somewhere else when suddenly you heard your name in the distance. When you regained consciousness, it turned out that he was calling you, because you didn't answer his question.

"Oh, I’m so sorry that I didn't pay attention, but I don't even know when was the last time I had a really good sleep." you were ashamed of yourself and held your forehead. You even forgot about your coffee for a moment.

"Don’t be sorry. I haven't even known what sleep is for a while now." he smiled shyly.

You wanted to talk about something else, so you asked about his origin.

"So, you're Hungarian, right?"

"Only half. My mom is Hungarian, my dad, whom I never knew, was American." he said, sipping his coffee. You remembered Erzsike, who taught you some Hungarian words a few years ago.

"I had a Hungarian friend, from whom I know a few Hungarian words, which are actually swear words." as you said, you were embarrassed like a teenager.

"Well, let me hear them!" Fender encouraged you. Although there was little chance that others would understand what you were saying, out of caution you quietly flashed him your minimal knowledge of Hungarian.

"Let's see... Mi a neved? (what's your name?), Hogy vagy? (how are you?), Baszd meg! (fuck you!), Kurva élet! (fucking fuck), Fogd be! (shut up)…what else? Törődj a magad dolgával! (mind your own business!). That’s all.” Fender laughed.

”Haha, these are good. I also taught the others a few words and it's very funny when they try to pronounce them." the cookies and coffee in front of him slowly ran out. "Is there something you would like to know in Hungarian?"

"Hmm, how do you say ’don't worry, everything will be fine?' If I have to tend to your wounds again, that's what I can tell you." you said kindly. Fender smiled at your reasoning.

" Semmi baj, minden rendben lesz!" you repeated, Fender was barely able to hide his laughter.

"Your pronunciation is so cute!" he said and you both had a good laugh.

It was hard for you to imagine that the kind, huge guy with whom you had just had a good coffee, could be a real killing machine in a different situation. You looked deeply into his eyes and saw a kind of sadness. He's obviously been through a lot since he started military life, but he hasn't let it all consume him. Deep down, you were glad that you knew this good-natured self of his, and not the other, wild, ruthless one.

You put your hand on the table and Fender put his on it. You turned your hand so your palms were touching. The small touch made your heart beat faster again. You've only just met him, yet you've started to feel something for him…

#call of duty #fender takacs #cod fender #fanfic #COD Fender Takács X Reader #COD Fender X Reader

57 notes · View notes

navcommrelay · 5 months

Text

JUNO 1-2

Second Deployment: 0900 Hours

Ground Elements In Field:

SWMC Alpha Lance

SWMC Bravo Lance

CFRI 2C Alpha Lance

CFRI 1C Beta Lance

Angel Company 5 + 6 (RTB / DropShip Pickup)

DropShip Deployments at Primary LZ:

CFRI 2C CMD/Logi Unit

CFRI 1C Alpha Mechanized

SWMC Support and Logistics

Resupply Mission (Cargo Only)

Objectives: Silver Wing: Rendezvous and support CFRI 2C-Alpha; CFRI 1C Alpha. Attached Asset “Fire Moth” + Elemental: Target infantry manned installations at target Hera CFRI 2C C/L: Deploy logistics elements and set up FOB CFRI 1C-A, 2C-A: Joint assault on target “HERA” Angel Element: Aerial pickup by Leopard to refuel/rearm

After-Action Report:

SWMC Alpha/Bravo, CFRI 1C Alpha/2C Alpha:Damaged units (SWMC A-2, A--3, B-3, B-4) escorted home by Angel-5 and Angel-6. Angel Element conducted aerial docking with CFRI Leopard-1 “Liberty” to return to JumpShip for refuel and rearm. SWMC Combined Elements held on-location against WoB Patrol elements while awaiting reinforcement from CFRI 1C-A/2C-A. Combined arms force designated “WESTWING” proceeded to secondary target “HERA.” As predicted by intelligence, minimal ground support was present along supply routes.

Contact at target was heavy, as predicted. Accurate fire from Heavy LRM turrets accounted for heavy damage to non-’Mech units and the loss of CFRI 2C-A4. Careful maneuvering by CAMG Scorpion and attached infantry elements prevented outflank by WoB Heavy Infantry, request for commendation award. SWMC Lances suffered damage, but secured an advantage against the opposing Choir with a lucky Heavy Large Laser headshot against the commanding Grigori. Bravo 5, however, suffered a loss of right leg functionality late in the fight, and was forced to withdraw. Lack of available air assets to deliver directed anti-structure ordinance forced “WESTWING” elements to conduct an hour-long bombardment with ‘Mech and vehicular heavy weapons. Primary objective completed, all field elements returned to FOB at LZ JUNO.

Engaged and Destroyed: 1x Grigori Invictus 2x Malak Invictus 3x Asura (variants not logged) 1x Preta Luminos 6x Heavy LRM Turret 12x WoB Anti-Tank Heavy Infantry

Damage and Losses:

All Units - Armor and external damage Alpha 1 - LRM 5 (LT), moderate internal damage (LA, LT, RL) Alpha 2 - ER PPC (RT) damaged, moderate internal damage (LT, RT) Alpha 3 - RA lost, LA all actuators damaged Bravo 1 - Gyro damage, ER Med Laser (RA), moderate internal damage (RA, CT) Bravo 2 - 2x Double Heat sink (LT), Pilot injury (triaged, treated), moderate internal damage (LT) Bravo 3 - Heat sink (RL), moderate internal damage (RL) Bravo 4 - moderate internal damage (RT, LT, LA) Bravo 5 - RL lost, pilot injury (treated), moderate internal damage (LT) Additional - CFRI 2C-Alpha-4 Rotunda Scout Car (RL) destroyed by laser fire during engagement. Deceased with Honors.

CFRI 2nd Company HQ deployed static O/P COMTES communication and ECM system. Completed setup of Collapsible Command Module. Resupplied ammunition and coolant to deployed units. Field repairs completed on SWMC Bravo 3 using replacements from SWMCS Holk. Completed construction of trenchworks, STOL landing pad, and HESCO fortifications. HQ/Logi repelled a probing attack with support from damaged elements of SWMC lances. Engaged and Destroyed: 1x Gurkha GUR-8G 1x Nexus II NXS2-A 1x Red Shift RDS-3A 16x WoB Rifle Infantry 8x WoB Anti-tank Heavy Infantry 2x Growler Service Utility Truck Damage and Losses: Light armor damage to multiple units 1 Crate, Field Rations, “VEGGIE OMELET”

WESTWING Combat Comms Log Excerpt: CI/NL: ”WESTWING Ground elements watch your flank for OpFor.” CI1A1: “Copy, OPSCOM. All elements, prepare for contact.” CI1B1: “CA-Scorpion, get your troops out and pull off the road.” CAMGS: “Copy, deploying for contact. (Background: OUT, OUT!)” CI2A5: “Sensors showing a whole fucking lot of bad, inbound.” CI2A4: “Visual, 600 meters! Sensor can’t get a lock on it…” SWA4: “Looks like Celestials…” CI1A1: “Fuck. Alright, call your targets and light ‘em up!” SWA1: “Bravo 3 on your right!” SWB3: “Oh, that Grigori is too close for comfort.” CI1A4: “Holy shit these things are hauling ass! We’re-” CI2A4: “GET SOME! HA! And they said rockets were a dumb idea.” CI2A4: “Aw, fuck. It’s not dead? HOW IS IT NOT DEA-” (END LOG 2C-Alpha-4) CI1A1: “Friendly down! Target Alpha is CT-red, hit ‘em!” (Proximity reactor containment failure warning audible) SWB2: “Engaging that pair of Malaks, good ARAD lock.” CI2A3: “Goddammit, there’s MORE of these bastards?” SWB1: “Bravo 3, stay put. I have a good…” (Multiple energy weapons fire, overheat aural warning audible) SWB3: “God preserve me…” CI2A3: “Holy shit, his cockpit is gone. That’s definitely a kill.” SWB1: “Damn it, I was aiming for the torso, but scratch one Grigori.” CI2A3: “Dead is dead, man. I’ll take fewer targets any day.” CI2B3: “How are they tanking this much fucking HE?”(SRM Ammunition 25% Warning audible) (EXCERPT ENDS) (OOC- note this occurs just prior to @the-tired-merc's most recent post involving the destruction of Amber's Fire Moth.)

@is-the-battlemech-cool-or-not @the-clawtake @lt-chari @frogblast-the-ventcore

#battletech #operation TOUCHDOWN

10 notes · View notes

levi-venn · 8 months

Text

The First Toothpick

Chapter 2: "Misfire"

Gen Fic - Mentor/Protege

Characters: Cad Bane, Crosshair (the kid), Tech.

Summary: Cad Bane teaches Crosshair how to be a sniper. The kid picks up some other habits as a result.

Chapter Summary: Crosshair can handle his first jump to hyperspace...until he can't.

Available on AO3 here

Chapters: Ch 1 | Ch 2 | Ch 3 | Ch 4 | Ch 5 | Ch 6 | Ch7 | Ch8 | Ch9 |

Crosshair knelt beside his bunk, packing his bag quietly.

The bag had actually been packed for months now. It was a standard bug-out bag filled with provisions, jumpsuits, a short-range comm set, and a first aid kit. Still, he moved the contents around. Checking and rechecking the inventory list. Drawing it out for as long as it took for Fett to look for him.

Behind him Hunter and Wrecker threw each other to the ground on the training mat, punching and tickling each other, challenging the other to say “I surrender” first. Half the time this game ends in exhaustion and no victor…or tears from Wrecker and Hunter relenting to calm him down.

Pulling out a small box hidden at the foot of his bunk, Crosshair looked through his Max Reebo discs, deciding which ones to bring. Would he have time to listen to music? It calmed him down during the worst storms on Kamino. Where was he going? Would it be loud? Would it be bright?

Am I being punished?

“Where are you going?” Said a clipped Core World accent that his brother, Tech, had been practicing for weeks.

Crosshair didn’t turn around. “Out.”

“That…is evident,” Tech huffed, kneeling beside Crosshair. “Don’t take the discs. If you break them, they’ll be gone forever. It was hard enough smuggling them in.”

Crosshair put the discs away, and instead pulled out a small, torn poster of Figrin D'an And The Modal Nodes. Written in silver marker were the words: “To Crosshair, the best sniper - Figrin D’an”. Tech said the personalized autograph was authentic, but Crosshair recognized Tech’s handwriting when he saw it, the too-neat s’s, the perfectly circular o’s.

It was his prized possession.

He refolded the poster and tucked it into his pocket.

“They’re sending me away to train with a bounty hunter.”

“Well, that sounds exciting.”

Crosshair grunted quietly.

“Is it not exciting?” Tech pressed.

Crosshair recounted his ration bars.

“Crosshair?” Tech asked.

“Don’t call me that.”

“Well I’m not using what the Regs call you. It’s not accurate.”

“Yeah?” Crosshair snarled, defensively. “I knew your eyesight was bad, but even you saw how shitty I did in the last test. I dropped my rifle! It fell thirty meters and blasted a hole through the scoreboard.”

Tech flinched a little at the eyesight comment. Crosshair flinched, too.

“My sight isn’t the issue and your name isn’t ‘Misfire’. Mistakes happen. Everyone makes them.”

“Not Regs, apparently. Just me. I’m the reason they call us the Bad Batch.”

“That isn’t true. They call us that because…” Tech frowned as if searching for an adequate answer. The longer he stalled the worse Crosshair felt. “...Jealousy for one,” Tech said, finally. “ And I heard on some planets people say ‘bad’ when they mean ‘good’. ‘Badassery’ is a word I’ve heard the seasoned clones say many times.”

“You’re making that up.”

Tech tugged at his new goggles magnifying his eyes three fold. “I never make up fun facts, you know this.”

Crosshair didn’t answer right away.

He didn’t trust his voice not to crack.

Blinking away tears was second nature to Crosshair, especially recently with the slew of mistakes he’d been making. He blinked rapidly at Tech, then threw his arms around him in a gruff hug. “Take care of yourself while I’m gone. Don’t let Wrecker push you around. If he gets too rough, tell Hunter.”

“I can fight my own battles,” Tech huffed. “...But I’ll miss you too.”

The door slid open and Crosshair immediately let his brother go.

“Let’s go, CT-9904,” Fett said.

Crosshair gave Tech a gentle punch on the arm. “See you soon,” he lied. He had no idea when he’d be back. Maybe months or years .

What if I never see him again?

“What? Crosshair’s leaving?” Hunter asked, voice muffled through the headlock Wrecker trapped him in.

Crosshair walked out behind Fett, clutching the straps of his bug-out bag and sniper rifle tightly. He didn’t look back.

“Where’s he goin’?” Wrecker asked as the door closed behind him.

It was hard not to stare at the blue alien walking alongside him. His eyes were perfectly round glowing bulbs set behind mean, narrow slit eyelids. He had no nose, his lips were thin and grim, fangs razor sharp, and his brow was one long ridge that raised and lowered dramatically with his mood. The left ridge raised at Crosshair.

“What’s the matter, kid? Never seen a Duros before?”

Crosshair looked away. A Duros. He committed this to memory so he could tell Tech all about him when he got back.

If I come back…

The docking platform’s doors opened and suddenly the Duros was the second most interesting thing Crosshair had seen that day.

Ship designs were an important part of Crosshair’s daily studies, mostly how to take them down in a dogfight. He’s seen hundreds of ships in his lessons. He’s never seen any ship like this. It reminded him of the scorpions of Tatooine, the engine raised like a threatening stinger, wings spread like they’d sprout claws to grab unsuspecting prey.

He almost smiled.

The Duros must have noticed. “Welcome to the Justifier , kid.”

The ramp came down and Crosshair all but ran inside. His squad had been in simulation pods, but only Reg cadets were allowed trips on dropships. Hunter said they’d have plenty of time to fly in ships later, one day they’d have a ship of their own. For special missions. Crosshair remained skeptical. Hunter said a lot of things.

If Tech were here, he’d probably tell Crosshair exactly what kind of ship it was, the specs inside, how quickly it can prep a jump to hyperspace, the brand of the main compressor and what year it was made.

“Have a seat and strap in. Make yourself comfy, but not too comfy. This here’s temporary lodgings until we get to the ranch.”

Ranch? What’s a ranch?

Crosshair said nothing.

Cad hit the control panel and the ramp shrank back into the ship’s belly, the door sliding shut. Crosshair thought - too late - to take one last look at Kamino before it was gone. By the time he turned around, the door was shut. That was it. No goodbyes.

There was a small puddle at his feet where the cool, crisp rain had collected.

He put the toe of his boot in it.

It rippled.

“Strap in, kid. This ol’ girl gets a’might bumpy at Jump. Don’t reckon Jango’ll pay me if you’re a splatter on the wall.”

There were four seats in the common area with proper straps. Crosshair climbed into the largest one. There were claw marks on the edges of the armrest.

“That’s Bossk’s chair,” Cad said, grabbing the buckles and straps, handing them to Crosshair. “He ate the last person who tried to steal his spot.”

Crosshair snorted.

Cad wasn’t laughing.

Crosshair’s face fell.

“Don’t worry. I won’t tell him who sat here last,” Cad sneered.

While Crosshair strapped himself in, Cad watched, as if to make sure he did it properly. It was a four strap system that fastened to a disc over his chest. The disc was new, but the straps looked ancient. They didn’t fit crisply like they did in the simulation pods.

“Need help?”

“I know how to secure straps,” Crosshair said, irritably.

“Yeah? All I see are fumbling fingers. Hurry up, before the storm pushes us off the platform.”

Crosshair rolled his eyes, his vision hitting a snag when he noticed the chair across from him was covered in small cuts, the leather melted as if assaulted by a vibroblade. “A.S. Wuz Here.” was carved in the chair back.

“Who is A.S.?” Crosshair asked, securing the fourth strap after a bit of adjusting. It popped out as soon as he let go.

Cad knelt down and batted Crosshair’s hand away, securing each strap then tightening them until Crosshair felt like he was part of the chair. “That’d be Aurra Sing. Be thankful Jango asked me to train you and not her. She hates kids.”

Crosshair raised a skeptical eyebrow. “And you like them?”

“No. Not really.”

“Me neither,” Crosshair said, thinking of the Regs whispering and snickering at him whenever he walked by.

Cad snorted or maybe scoffed. It was hard to tell. “Well, we’re gonna get along just fine then.” He tilted his hat up, his glowing red eyes seemed to give off a menacing heat, or maybe Crosshair was just nervous.

I want to make people nervous like this. With just a look. A mean look.

“I got two rules on this ship: Stay out of the cockpit. Stay out of my quarters. Everywhere else is fair game. Follow that n’ we’ll get along fine. Break a rule, you get a trip to the airlock. Sound good?”

Authority figures often threatened him and his brothers with punishment whenever they broke a rule, but this was the first time Crosshair actually believed an adult would follow through on a threat.

He nodded. “Yes, sir.”

“Don’t sir me. Bane’s fine.”

Was Fett the only person allowed to call him “Cad”?

Crosshair decided not to ask.

“Yes, Bane,” Crosshair said.

Seemingly pleased, Bane gave a final tug to Crosshair’s straps and stood up. “Brace yourself.”

Brace himself? What did that mean? Panic was starting to sink into his bones. He had never been on a ship before. He had never been in hyperspace before. The clone troopers had armor for a reason when flying their ships. The g-forces could kill them without it. And Crosshair was in a jumpsuit. He wouldn’t get armor until he graduated to adulthood.

He shut his eyes as the ship started to hum and whirr all around him.

Tech wouldn’t panic.

Tech would adjust those new goggles of his.

What would Tech say?

Probably say something snarky like…“Obviously, you don’t need armor if Cad Bane is wearing clothes pulled directly out of a ‘Fistful of Credits’ holodrama.”

It made him feel better…

…for all of five seconds.

There was a high-pitched squeal like a broken valachord, the pressure hitting his chest like Wrecker was sitting on it.

Two Wreckers maybe…

…three…

Dark space clouded his vision.

I’m fine. Tech would be fine. I’m going to be f-

He passed out.

“Another black eye?” Tech asked, not looking up from his datapad.

“Same eye, just more black,” Crosshair sneered, climbing past his own bunk and onto Tech’s. “What’re you reading?”

“Who hit you?”

“Does it matter? Regs are all the same.”

“Hmm,” Tech flicked the holoprojector mode on and a planet, infected with an uninterrupted mass of buildings, floated in front of them. “I’m studying ecumenopolises.”

“What are they?”

“City-planets. Denon, Coruscant, Axxila, they cleared away the natural history of the planet making way for cities built upwards, the height depending on the population growth and class systems in place. Oftentimes the lower-income citizens are relegated to the lower levels of the city, or sent to the hemisphere opposite of the wealthier sectors. Weather patterns on these planets are regulated and usually temperate.

“Looks loud,” Crosshair said, not really understanding what he meant.

“Does it? Hmm…” Tech never made fun of Crosshair’s short, blunt statements, always considering each word carefully. Crosshair felt heard around his brother, even when he didn’t think anyone was listening. “That makes sense. Your eyes are designed to be sharper than most clones. As a sniper it’s an imperative feature. The bright flashes of lightning are too much for you. ‘Loud’ is a poetic way of looking at this planet. Yes, these cities are loud, especially Coruscant with many reflective solar-powered surfaces on their buildings. I’d hate to be stuck in traffic at dawn or dusk. I can only assume they have polarized shields for their speeders.”

Crosshair gingerly touched his cheek. It was swelling up. “Think we’ll see Coruscant one day?”

“I’m counting on it. It’s the heart of the Republic.” Tech looked up at Crosshair, brow knitting. “If Coruscant turns out to be too loud, tell me. I can construct polarized lenses for you until you grow used to it.”

Crosshair rested his chin on Tech’s shoulder, watching the planets cycle by. “Thanks, Tech.”

“Kid?”

Five more minutes, Techie…

“Hey, kid. Wake up.”

Wake Wrecker up first...

There was a click and a sudden relief of pressure on his chest. Crosshair snapped awake with a gasp, muscles tensing, his hand reaching for his sniper rifle’s strap which…wasn’t there.

When his vision cleared, two glowing eyes stared at him under a furrowed brow. Bane was sneering again. “Welcome back. Y’know, Jango coulda warned me you’ve never made a jump to hyperspace before.”

“I’ve been in sssimulations,” Crosshair hissed.

Bane shoved a water bottle into Crosshair’s hands then plopped himself into Aurra Sing’s chair, leaning back. He rested his boot on his ankle, slouching like a holodrama blasterslinger.

Crosshair slouched too…but his legs were too short to pull off the same position.

“Drink.”

Crosshair did, not realizing how thirsty he was until the cold water hit his throat. It’s never cold in the facility. Everything is room temperature. Even the food.

“Guess they don’t add artificial G-forces to the sims, huh? I reckon, this old ship’ll probably hit ya harder than any government-issued starfighter would.”

“It’s no big deal,” Crosshair hissed again, his irritation showing through with the small impediment.

Bane tilted his head, amusement spreading across those thin lips. Somehow, the expression wasn’t as infuriating as the sneers the Regs threw at him. It felt…knowing. Maybe this was a normal reaction to someone’s first hyperspace jump.

“We’ll be on Dantooine in a couple of hours.”

Crosshair perked up. A location. Dantooine. It sounded familiar.

“Is that a…” Crosshair frowned. “An…Acutetopolis?”

By Bane’s blank stare, Crosshair knew he pronounced the damn word wrong. “Nevermind.”

“A what?” Bane asked, brow ridge raised.

Crosshair felt his ears grow hot with answer. “I sssaid nevermind.”

“Starsdamn, kid, you really give up too easy. You wanna know somethin’, just ask again.”

“Is it a city-planet?” Crosshair tried again.

“Ah, an ecumenopolis,” Bane said. “And no. It ain’t. The opposite actually. We’re goin’ to one of my old hideout for yer training. Somewhere you can get a real lesson of what life’s like outside yer little sterile world. By the time we’re done, you’ll be able to snipe shit off a fly’s back.”

Crosshair was a little disappointed it wasn’t a city-planet, but then again Tech hadn’t made him his special goggles yet. And with the promise of being a better sniper? Maybe this wasn’t a punishment after all.

He took another sip of water.

“So…” Bane reached into his belt and pulled out a toothpick, popping it into his mouth. “You've never been off-planet, but you know about ecumenopolises. What else did they teach ya about the galaxy at large?”

“That’s classified,” Crosshair responded automatically.

“Ya sound like yer old man.”

“My what?”

“Yer dad. Jango Fett.”

“We don’t have parents. I’m a copy of Fett. Engineered to be an elite sniper.”

Bane snorted a laugh. “Well ain't that some rote kraytspit.”

Crosshair wished Tech could tell him what “rote” meant. He stayed quiet.

“So is that why you look like that? Why you sound like that?”

Even the Regs had asked him why his voice was modulated. Someone said he sounded like a rabid rattlesnake. It wasn’t supposed to be a compliment, but Crosshair took it as one. “I’m engineered to be quiet. So I’m quiet.”

“Can’t call out for help then?”

“We have comms.”

“What if you need to shout, though?”

“My blaster rifle shouts for me.”

“Heh,” Bane cracked a smile. “Got an answer for everythin’, huh?”

Crosshair didn’t answer that.

“You ever meet Boba?”

“Who?”

“So…Jango keeps his precious little son away from the soldiers. Figures…”

“I’m not just a solider, that’s what the Regs are,” Crosshair snarled. “I’m in an elite squad. I’m built to be spec…special .” It was a shitty time for his voice to crack, but Crosshair hated that word. “Special”.

But it’s the word the trainers used. It’s the word the scientists used. If he wasn't Special, he was a failure.

Bane dropped his leg and leaned forward, elbows resting on his knees. He noticed that slip-up too. “Special, huh? Best of the best?”

“Look out, here comes Misfire.”

All the Reg cadets hit the deck, then rolled over laughing.

“It’s just what they tell me.” Crosshair murmured.

“So ya don’t think yer all that special?” Bane asked.

“The bad batch! Why do they look like that? Why does he hiss like that? Were their tubes cracked? Bet they don’t last past year five.”

Crosshair shrugged, clutching the empty water bottle now. He picked at the label.

“That’s yer problem, kid. Ya lack conviction. No spine. Too embarrassed to ask about city-planets because you fucked up a mouthful of a word like ‘ecumenopolis’, ya get frazzled seein’ droids swarmin’ yer bell tower. Bet your head’s tellin’ ya all sorts of things. A whole heap of voices cloggin’ up your focus. Or maybe it’s not your voice…maybe it's the other kiddos? They got nicknames for ya, kid?”

“My name’s not kid,” Crosshair growled, the bottle crinkling in his grip.

“Oooh,” Bane sneered. “There’s a lil bite to your bark. Alright, fine, but I ain’t callin’ ya by a bunch of numbers. What’d ya wanna be called?”

“Crosshair? Nah, you’re Misfire. And that’s because “Shaky Sniper” is too long.”“We could call him Shaky.”

The whole table erupted in laughter.

Crosshair stopped at the table. He handed his milk to Tech. He calmly placed his sandwich and apple on the table, then tested the weight of the tray.

Satisfied, he slammed the tray into the laughing Regs’ faces. One, two, three Regs fell off the bench seat to the ground. The fourth Reg ran away reporting to the Lieutenant on duty.

The sight of Regs crying usually cheered Crosshair up, but he was branded “Misfire” now.

No one was going to see him differently.

“CT-9904,” he tried.

“Nope. 'Kid' it is,” Cad said, standing up. “Get some rest. Find somethin’ to eat. Soon as we land we’re gonna be up to our eyeballs in fabools. Better be ready.”

What’s a fabool?

Crosshair opened his mouth…could hear Regs laughing at the hiss in his voice...then shut his mouth again.

“Fuck’s sake, kid, stop bein’ yellabellied and ask me.”

“What’s a fabool?”

Bane sneered. “You’ll see.” And with that he climbed up the ladder towards the cockpit, shutting the hatch behind him.

Crosshair grumbled. “Cheeky prick.”

Whatever a fabool was, he hated was gonna hate it.

And I’m not yellabellied either , Crosshair thought. Whatever that means.

#bad batch crosshair #the bad batch #cad bane #star wars the clone wars #tbb tech #tbb crosshair #bad batch tech #The First Toothpick

10 notes · View notes