#Cross Harbor Tunnel

[hyperrealcartography]

IBX: The Good, The Bad, and the Ugly

The MTA dropped their long awaited planning study for the Interboro Express (IBX) and have selected Light Rail Transit (LRT) as the preferred mode of transportation. This was hinted at months ago when a number of Twitter posts alluded to issues running Conventional Rail (CR) like subway or LIRR trains through the East New York Tunnel. Rendering of IBX LRT at Flatbush/Nostrand Ave station.…

[cheapcheapfaker]

live view of me after gilgamesh dropped off my daily morning coffee and went “btw key bridge collapsed” with such casualty and left

[slyandthefamilybook]

okay because I'm seeing some misinfo, here's the story on the Key Bridge collapse

What was the Key Bridge?

The Francis Scott Key Bridge (also called the Key Bridge, the Beltway Bridge, and the Outer Harbor Crossing) was steel-arch continuous-through-truss bridge spanning the Patapsco River south of the Baltimore Harbor. The bridge took 5 years to build and cost an estimated $145 million ($735 million in today's dollars). The full bridge project (including approaches) was 10.9 miles long, but the stretch over the Patapsco was 1.6 miles long and 4 lanes wide, and comprised a length of I-695, the Baltimore Beltway. It traveled between Hawkins Point and Dundalk, and in addition to the I-895 Harbor Tunnel was the primary way for Marylanders to cross from the Eastern Shore to the West. The bridge carried an estimated 11.5 million vehicles per year. There is a lane for ships to pass under the Key Bridge with enough clearance.

Was it structurally sound?

The bridge received its latest inspection in 2022 and received a 6/9 score, which is considered "fair" by federal standards. There was a concern with one of its columns, which was downgraded from a health index of 77.8 to 65.9, but it is not clear yet if this was one of the columns struck by the ship. In 1980 the bridge was struck by a different cargo ship which destroyed a concrete support structure, but the bridge itself was unharmed. There is as of yet no evidence that the bridge collapsed because of poor condition. Experts say the lesson to be learned is about the size and weight of modern cargo ships, and that the bridge was not to blame. Engineers have noted, however, that the bridge's piers lacked protective devices such as fenders.

What was the ship?

The MV Dali is a container ship flying the Singapore flag. It is owned by Grace Ocean Private Ltd. and operated by Synergy Marine Group Ltd. The ship is currently being chartered by Maersk, a Dutch shipping company. It was built in 2015 by Hyundai. The ship is 980 feet long and 157 feet wide. The ship's gross tonnage (its internal volume) is 95,128 tons (190,256,000 pounds). Its deadweight (the weight of cargo it can carry) is 116,851 tons (233,702,000 pounds). The ship was carrying 3,000 containers. The engine is a MAN-B&W 9S90ME putting out 41,480 kilowatts (55,626 horsepower).

Over its lifetime the Dali has been inspected 27 times, and only 2 faults were ever found. On June 27, 2023 the Dali was held in port in Chile due to an issue with the propulsion system. According to an inspector the pressure gauges on the heating system were "unreadable". The fault was fixed before the ship left port.

The Dali is crewed by 22 Indian nationals including 2 maritime pilots.

What happened?

The Dali arrived at the Port of Baltimore on March 23, 2024. At 12:44 AM on March 26, 2024 the Dali left port, beginning its journey to Colombo, Sri Lanka. At 01:26 AM the ship suffered a "complete blackout" and began to drift out of the shipping lane. It is not yet known what caused the electrical failure. The backup generator did not power the propulsion system. At around 01:26 AM the crew of the Dali sent a mayday distress call to the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) informing them of the loss of power and that a collision with the Key Bridge was possible. The anchors were dropped as an emergency measure to attempt to slow or stop the vessel. At the request of one of the pilots traffic flow over the bridge was immediately halted. Black smoke was seen coming from the Dali, which experts believe was the result of the crew managing to restart the power system to regain some maneuvering capability.

At 01:28 AM the Dali, traveling at 8 knots (considered to be a fast speed) collided with a support strut beneath the Key Bridge's metal truss at the southwest end of the bridge. A Baltimore resident said he heard the collision and that it "felt like an earthquake". Emergency teams began receiving 911 calls at 01:30 AM, and the Baltimore Police Department were alerted at 01:35 AM. One of the officers present radioed that he was going to go onto the bridge to alert the construction crew as soon as a second officer arrived, but the bridge collapsed seconds later.

What was the damage?

The Key Bridge has completely collapsed. The metal truss relies on structural tension from the bridge itself to maintain its rigidity. As soon as one of the support columns was destroyed, the rest of the bridge quickly followed.

The damage to the Dali is reported as minimal. The ship was impaled by the bridge's structure above the waterline, but has maintained watertight integrity. The crew has not reported any water contamination from its 1.8 million gallons of marine fuel. 13 containers carrying potentially hazardous material were damaged, and are being inspected by a team of Coast Guard divers. At least 5 vehicles including 3 passenger cars and a cement mixer were detected underwater, but authorities do not believe they were occupied

Who was hurt?

The crew of the Dali reports no casualties, except one crewmember who was hospitalized for minor injuries. There was a crew of 8 construction workers on the Key Bridge filling in potholes. 2 were immediately pulled from the water by rescue crews, with 1 being rushed to emergency care and the other reporting minor injuries and refusing treatment. The hospitalized worker has since been discharged. 1 of those rescued was Mexican. The remaining 6 remain missing. Of those 6, 2 have been identified:

Miguel Luna from El Salvador

Maynor Yassir Suazo Sandoval from Honduras

Of the remaining 4, 2 are Guatemalan nationals. Neither have been identified, but the Guatemalan Foreign Affairs Ministry has stated that they were a 26-year-old from San Luis, Petén, and a 35-year-old from Camotán, Chiquimula. The other 2 are presumed to be Mexican.

Rescue Efforts

The Coast Guard was immediately deployed for search-and-rescue operations. Military Blackhawk helicopters were seen over the river. Rescue efforts were ended at 07:30 PM on March 26, 2024 due to darkness, fog, and cold temperatures. Rear Admiral Shannon Gilreath said "Based on the length of time that we've gone in the search, the extensive search efforts that we put into it, the water temperature -- at this point, we do not believe that we're going to find any of these individuals still alive". Recovery operations resumed at 07:30 AM on March 27, 2024 with all 6 workers presumed dead.

No divers have yet entered the water underneath the bridge. Supervisory Special Agent Brian Hudson of the FBI's Underwater Search and Evidence Response Team said "the debris field is pretty sizable and I know that’s why they’re hesitant to send divers down because some of the debris is still shifting, the heavy weight of the rocks". The FBI has deployed Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs) equipped with cameras and SONAR.

Aftermath

At 05:08 AM on March 26, 2024 Transportation Secretary Pete Buttegiege posted on X (formerly Twitter):

"I’ve spoken with Gov. Moore and Mayor Scott to offer USDOT’s support following the vessel strike and collapse of the Francis Scott Key bridge. Rescue efforts remain underway and drivers in the Baltimore area should follow local responder guidance on detours and response."

At 07:30 AM on March 27, 2024 President of the Maryland State Senate Bill Ferguson posted on X (formerly Twitter):

"Over 15,000 in the Balt region rely on daily operations at Port of Baltimore to put food on the table. Today, with Del. @LukeClippinger and colleagues representing Port, we are drafting an emergency bill to provide for income replacement for workers impacted by this travesty."

At around 09:40 AM on March 26, 2024 Maryland Governor Wes Moore and Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott declared a State of Emergency to take effect at 10:30 AM March 26, 2024, and to last 30 days. Baltimore's Emergency Operations Plan was put into effect.

More than 1,000 personnel from the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) have been deployed to assist with clearing the debris and rebuilding efforts. President Joe Biden has pledged that the federal government will pay for the entire reconstruction of the bridge.

Jennifer Homendy, the chair of the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has recovered the Dali's data recorder, and will be inspecting both the Key Bridge and the Dali to determine the cause of the crash and the collapse. She says the investigation could take up to 2 years to complete.

Was it intentional?

According to William DelBagno, head of the FBI's Baltimore field office: "There is no specific or credible information to suggest there are ties to terrorism in this incident".

Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas said: "There are no indications this was an intentional act".

At least 3 people have been killed in accidents related to ships operated by Synergy in the past 6 years. In 2018 a person on board a Synergy ship in Australia was killed in an accident relating to the vessel's personnel elevator. In 2019 an officer aboard a Synergy vessel in Singapore fell overboard while performing maintenance. In 2023 at least one sailor was killed when a Synergy ship collided with a dredging ship in the Philippines. In the first two cases safety inspectors noted that proper safety procedures had not been adhered to.

Sources

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7

[dragonsfromthemoon]

Broke: Jon was selfish, did not listen to his subordinates/deputies or communicate with them and got himself killed.

Woke:

He listens to Maester Aemon and Sam about sending a letter to King’s Landing.

“The Blackwater was one battle. Robb won all his battles and still lost his head. If Stannis can raise the north …” Sam hesitated, then said, “The Lannisters have northmen of their own. Lord Bolton and his bastard.” “Stannis has the Karstarks. If he can win White Harbor …” “If,” Sam stressed. “If not … my lord, even a paper shield is better than none.” “I suppose so.” Him and Aemon both. Somehow he had hoped that Sam Tarly might see it differently. It is only ink and parchment. Resigned, he grabbed the quill and signed. “Get the sealing wax.” Before I change my mind. Sam hastened to obey. Jon fixed the lord commander’s seal and handed him the letter. “Take this to Maester Aemon when you leave, and tell him to dispatch a bird to King’s Landing.”

He explains to Bowen Marsh his decision to allow the Free Folk to cross the Wall. He promises to think about his counsels.

“As my lord commands.” Marsh barked out orders, and a swarm of his stewards broke from ranks to attack the wooden walls. The Lord Steward watched them, frowning. “These wildlings … do you think they will keep faith, my lord?” “Some will. Not all. We have our cowards and our knaves, our weak-lings and our fools, as do they.” “Our vows … we are sworn to protect the realm …” “Once the free folk are settled in the Gift, they will become part of the realm,” Jon pointed out. “These are desperate days, and like to grow more desperate. We have seen the face of our real foe, a dead white face with bright blue eyes. The free folk have seen that face as well. Stannis is not wrong in this. We must make common cause with the wildlings.” “Common cause against a common foe, I could agree with that,” said Bowen Marsh, “but that does not mean we should allow tens of thousands of half-starved savages through the Wall. Let them return to their villages and fight the Others there, whilst we seal the gates. It will not be difficult, Othell tells me. We need only fill the tunnels with chunks of stone and pour water through the murder holes. The Wall does the rest. The cold, the weight … in a moon’s turn, it will be as if no gate had ever been. Any foe would need to hack his way through.” [...] He’s not wrong. Mance Rayder’s host had broken against the Wall like a wave upon a stony shore, though the defenders were no more than a handful of old men, green boys, and cripples. Yet what Bowen was suggesting went against all of Jon’s instincts. “If we seal the gates, we cannot send out rangers,” he pointed out. “We will be as good as blind.” “Lord Mormont’s last ranging cost the Watch a quarter of its men, my lord. We need to conserve what strength remains us. Every death diminishes us, and we are stretched so thin … Take the high ground and win the battle, my uncle used to say. No ground is higher than the Wall, Lord Commander.” “Stannis promises land, food, and justice to any wildlings who bend the knee. He will never permit us to seal the gates.” [...] “Lord Stannis helped us when we needed help,” Marsh said doggedly, “but he is still a rebel, and his cause is doomed. As doomed as we’ll be if the Iron Throne marks us down as traitors. We must be certain that we do not choose the losing side.” “It is not my intent to choose any side,” said Jon, “but I am not as certain of the outcome of this war as you seem to be, my lord. Not with Lord Tywin dead.” If the tales coming up the kingsroad could be believed, the King’s Hand had been murdered by his dwarf son whilst sitting on a privy. Jon had known Tyrion Lannister, briefly. He took my hand and named me friend. It was hard to believe the little man had it in him to murder his own sire, but the fact of Lord Tywin’s demise seemed to be beyond doubt. “The lion in King’s Landing is a cub, and the Iron Throne has been known to cut grown men to ribbons.” “A boy he may be, my lord, but … King Robert was well loved, and most men still accept that Tommen is his son. The more they see of Lord Stannis the less they love him, and fewer still are fond of Lady Melisandre with her fires and this grim red god of hers. They complain.” “They complained about Lord Commander Mormont too. Men love to complain about their wives and lords, he told me once. Those without wives complain twice as much about their lords.” Jon Snow glanced toward the stockade. Two walls were down, a third falling fast. “I will leave you to finish here, Bowen. Make certain every corpse is burned. Thank you for your counsel. I promise you, I will think on all you’ve said.”

He hears japes about the followers of R’hllor and explains why the men of the Night’s Watch should not mock them (because it could cause bad blood).

The younger men were gathered at another table, where Pyp had stabbed a turnip with his knife. “The night is dark and full of turnips,” he announced in a solemn voice. “Let us all pray for venison, my children, with some onions and a bit of tasty gravy.” His friends laughed—Grenn, Toad, Satin, the whole lot of them. Jon Snow did not join the laughter. “Making mock of another man’s prayer is fool’s work, Pyp. And dangerous.” “If the red god’s offended, let him strike me down.” All the smiles had died. “It was the priestess we were laughing at,” said Satin, a lithe and pretty youth who had once been a whore in Oldtown. “We were only having a jape, my lord.” “You have your gods and she has hers. Leave her be.” “She won’t let our gods be,” argued Toad. “She calls the Seven false gods, m’lord. The old gods too. She made the wildlings burn weirwood branches. You saw.” “Lady Melisandre is not part of my command. You are. I won’t have bad blood between the king’s men and my own.”

Jon follows Bowen Marsh’s suggestion of rationing food so the Night’s Watch stock would not be put in even more jeopardy in face of  winter and war.

“It is worse than I feared, my lord,” Marsh announced when he was done. He sounded gloomier than Dolorous Edd. Jon had just been thinking that all the meat in the world surrounded them. You know nothing, Jon Snow. “How so? This seems a deal of food to me.” “It was a long summer. The harvests were bountiful, the lords generous. We had enough laid by to see us through three years of winter. Four, with a bit of scrimping. Now, though, if we must go on feeding all these king’s men and queen’s men and wildlings … Mole’s Town alone has a thousand useless mouths, and still they come. Three more turned up yesterday at the gates, a dozen the day before. It cannot go on. Settling them on the Gift, that’s well and good, but it is too late to plant crops. We’ll be down to turnips and pease porridge before the year is out. After that we’ll be drinking the blood of our own horses.” [...] The Lord Steward paid him no mind. “There will be sickness too,” he went on, “bleeding gums and loose teeth. Maester Aemon used to say that lime juice and fresh meat would remedy that, but our limes were gone a year ago and we do not have enough fodder to keep herds afoot for fresh meat. We should butcher all but a few breeding pairs. It’s past time. In winters past, food could be brought up the kingsroad from the south, but with the war … it is still autumn, I know, but I would advise we go on winter rations nonetheless, if it please my lord.” The men will love that. “If we must. We’ll cut each man’s portion by a quarter.” If my brothers are complaining of me now, what will they say when they’re eating snow and acorn paste? “That will help, my lord.” The Lord Steward’s tone made it plain that he did not think that it would help enough.

These are only a few examples featuring on his ADWD arc. Unfortunately I couldn't finish my ADWD rereading in time, but I certainly could find more on the next chapters.

[wandashousewife]

The Saving Grace (Chapter Five)

Pairing — Wanda x Reader

Synopsis — In the town of Westview, Scarlet Witch, Wanda Maximoff, navigates the challenges of her busy life—juggling work as a therapist, parenting her twin boys, and managing daily stress. Her kind neighbor, you, has consistently provided support, offering coffee, desserts, and a sympathetic ear. Today, after an emotionally draining session, Wanda seeks solace and decides to reach out to you for the first time, hoping to share her burdens.

Tag List — @alexawynters ((Comment under if you wish to be tagged <3))

Warnings — angst, depressed wanda, divorce

─── ⋆⋅☼⋅⋆ ───

The following day unfolded with a sense of anticipation as you patiently awaited the evening. The events of the previous day had been nothing short of a whirlwind. Discovering that Wanda harbored deep feelings for you, a nuanced mix of desire and affection, introduced an unexpected dynamic. In response, you made a promise �� a commitment to return when her children weren't present, acknowledging the need for a more private and uninterrupted space to explore the complexities of the connection that seemed to be unfolding between you two. You counted the hours and minutes until your promise would be fulfilled. The kids were gone, and you couldn't wait until you could finally have Wanda all to yourself again. When the evening finally arrived, it was like a light at the end of a tunnel. You grabbed your things and made your way to Wanda's house as soon as possible.

As Vision's stupid fancy car gracefully exited the driveway, serving as your cue, you swiftly ascended the front porch steps. With a mix of excitement and curiosity, you opened the door, revealing Wanda on the other side.

Wanda smiled as she greeted you. You could tell she was in a playful mood. She stepped towards you, and her hands ran up the length of your sides. Her lips were poised to kiss you, but a sudden thought popped into her head.

"Now, that Vision is gone, we can finally have some fun.." She whispered into your ear, which sent shivers down your spine. "Would you like to stay for the night?"

“I have an early interview tomorrow morning, if I were to stay, would I make it in time?” You sighed, thinking about how Agatha had recommended you to a rather well regarded company down by the beach since she had learned how fond Wanda was of you.

Wanda chuckled softly. Her fingers grasped tightly around yours, her grip firm yet gentle. A look of determination crossed her face as she thought about your dilemma. "I have a solution to your problem." she began to speak.

Before you could ask what the solution was, Wanda pulled you in for another heated kiss. Your lips met hers in a frenzy, the heat of the moment overwhelming. It was a kiss driven by raw desire, and as her tongue explored your mouth, you felt a rising intensity that made you weak at the knees. Wanda pulled away a moment later, her lips still brushing your cheek as she spoke.

When you both pulled away, an actual solution came to your head. “Could you drive me?”

Wanda cocked her head to the side in thought. She had to admit that this was a pretty good idea, and she was willing to help you out because of her feelings for you. With that in mind, she responded positively and agreed to give you a ride.

"Yes, of course I can drive you," she told you.

“Then I guess I can stay.”

With that answer, Wanda's eyes lit up in excitement. You'd obviously hit the right answer, and it made her happy. The fact that she'd have you all to herself while her kids were away was something she desperately craved. With that, she stepped forward and pressed her lips against yours, pulling you into a kiss once more.

You felt yourself get pulled upstairs by Wanda as you were still in a paradise induced trance. As she brought you upstairs to her room, Wanda made sure to lock the door behind her for extra, private security. With that extra precaution, her confidence grew, and she became even more flirtatious. She pulled you onto her bed, not caring that it was the first time you'd be in her bedroom. She'd make sure that this time would be the best for the both of you.

“I could definitely use some coffee right now..” You groaned, your tired tired state was apparent. You had been up all night long, nervous about this evening.

Wanda smiled and looked down at you while you were lying on her bed. A bit of concern crossed her eyes, but she quickly shrugged it off. She couldn't help but chuckle as you spoke in your groggy state. She leaned into you, running her fingers gently along your back.

"No coffee for you right now." she told you.

She let out a giggle. The thought of her providing you with energy in another way was on her mind. Her fingers moved to slide off your shirt, and just like earlier, they ran up and down your body. Her hands explored everywhere they wanted, lingering in certain locations longer than others.

If you were tired before, you certainly wouldn't be able to sleep now. Wanda's touch felt electric, energizing you and making your body come alive with sensations. All of your reservations and worries of the past melted away the moment her hands touched you. There were no more thoughts about a future interview. There were no more thoughts about her kids. All that mattered now was Wanda, her skin, and the pleasure she was giving you.

Her touch made you weak in the knees with every move. The moment felt incredible, and Wanda was intent on keeping you in this trance for as long as possible. Her lips pressed up against your neck, giving you chills all over your body. Your every reaction was like a dopamine spike for her, and she couldn't be happier in your company tonight.

“This is definitely better than coffee..” You quickly said, smiling at the pleasure you were receiving.

Wanda giggled softly as you spoke. She was enjoying this just as much as you were, if not even more. Her lips kissed your neck repeatedly, lingering longer and longer on one spot with every kiss. She loved the way you squirmed from her touch, and she had made up her mind to keep giving you more of it.

This had to be heaven.

[sqarletsworldlesswandering]

The Diopside Marina

The gently rolling waves of the Diopside Marina bridged the Golden Spire and the Overgrown Sanctuary, and spanned across to the Twilight Tundra. Its plunging depths also supported vast ecosystems of curious little and not so little creatures. The early afternoon sun warmed the waves pleasantly, and cast light quite deep down. The weather typically remained clement and fair for sailing (and thank goodness, given the potential for wave damage otherwise…), though occasionally it turned a touch stormy. It’s a blessing and something of a miracle they never encountered any threats of tsunamis.

Given the abundance of water, the Marina mostly hosted Dark Starfolk, both on its shores and beneath its surface. The inhabitants below varied between Stellpeci and sapient Starfolk, swimming through the extensive submarine caverns and trenches. Most of the Marina’s inhabitants lived down there, but a small collection lived above the surface, and even smaller groups in collections of boats out in the ocean. In either location, they congregated in settlements, though there were rumors of a few roaming groups beneath the waves, and even some above. 

They didn’t get too many visitors from the Lighter zones, but when they did, they had some means of accommodation, mostly via boats and floating elements. At they time, they’d not successfully created a way for Light Starfolk to travel below the water’s surface, but there was active attempts to solve that. As far as I can tell, that was never completed. Any fruits of that research are long since buried. 

The Marina had two primary subzones, plus a third much smaller one. The largest was the Submarina - the underwater portion. The Vitren Sea was the second largest, but also didn’t support much life short of a few collections of houseboats and floating outposts. The Shoreline was the smallest. By now, the Vitren Sea is probably the largest of the zones, but it doesn’t matter much anyways. 

The sea permitted two primary transports. For those who can’t swim, or simply dislike it, there were plenty of ferries and sailboats. Sailboats mostly provided local transportation, while the ferry networks transported Starfolk across zones. The network that crossed to the Tundra was the most robust, given that it dealt with a much longer distance and slightly harsher sailing conditions. It was - and is - not advisable to attempt the crossing in a sailboat, though at the time it could be done. Now, it’s simply a death wish.

However, for those who prefered to travel beneath the waves, the sea provided its own rapid transport via its currents. Most major locations both above and below the surface were placed with the currents in mind, and had small “harbor” areas for Starfolk to hop off the currents into. 

The Marina also supported vast flora and fauna, and had one of the richest aquatic Lucerni ecosystems. Several Lucerni species of fish, crustaceans, molluscs, etc. called the tidepools and shallows home, and even more, larger varieties roamed the deeper waters. Some rumors suggest a leviathan or two used to live down there. If they did, they are buried.

All of their local cuisine centered around seafood, but some other areas with seafood, the Marina developed a particular niche with sushi and its adjacent skills and food. Interestingly, it’s one of the few elements of cuisine that didn’t cross cultures as easily. Although, in fairness, Light Starfolk don’t seem to like seafood as a whole very much….

Once the Conflict started, the ensuing wave of natural disasters significantly drained the Marina itself, and filled portions of it with debris both above and below the surface. This has since been tunneled through through between the Sanctuary and Spire. The remaining waters, previously used to access the Twilight Tundra, are now extremely hazardous, both from tempestuous weather and from the debris and foulness contaminating it. Even the Dark Starfolk can’t brave it, simply because they would be crushed alive or trapped beneath the waves for the rest of their lives. The Twilight Tundra and Azure Islands are currently quarantined because of this.

[catofadifferentcolor]

Terrible Fic Ideas #32: Game of Thrones, but make it Horatio Alger

My favorite part of GoT is the worldbuilding - just the massive scale of peoples, backgrounds, and cultures that exist and are encountered by the various POV characters. There are two massive continents worth of places to explore... and most of the time characters stay in a relatively small part of it.

Which got me thinking: what if Jon Snow pulled something out of Horatio Alger or one of Heinlein's youth novels? Which is to say: what if Jon packed his things, went on a wild adventure across Essos, and returned with riches and dragons?

Aka: The Aemon the Adventurous Fic

Just imagine it:

The Greyjoy Rebellion lasts on for longer than in canon. The Iron Islanders are better prepared in all respects and the fighting drags on for almost three years.

Lady Stark doesn't set out to use her husband's prolonged absence to isolate her husband's bastard - consciously at least - but that's what ends up happening. She's wrapped up in her own young children and honestly doesn't think that a baseborn child needs or should have access to the same level of education or training his trueborn siblings do.

Forbidden from joining Robb's lessons, Jon spends a lot of time training with the rank-and-file soldiers and the rest of it in Winterfell's library. One of his earliest discovery's there is an account of the nine great voyages of Corlys Velaryon. This, combined with the ongoing war with the Iron Islands, convinces Jon of the might of sea power.

In 291, after two years of war and two years of being essentially ignored by the inhabitants of Winterfell, Jon decides to just leave. He's eight years old, but Corlys was six the first time he sailed the Narrow Sea, and he can surely find a position as a ship's boy in White Harbor.

And that's exactly what he does. It shouldn't be so easy for a child to cross half the North on his own, but Jon manages it. (He cuts and dyes his hair to look less obviously like a Stark, in case anyone is looking, and calls himself Aemon after the Dragonknight.) And since ship's captains are used to unwanted sons trying to make a life for themselves at sea, Jon finds a job on The Septon's Daughter two days after he arrives.

Despite the blasphemy, the captain of The Septon's Daughter, Jasper Stone, is a lowborn man of the Vale who is an honest, pious follower of The Seven. He treats his crew well, and trades up and down the Narrow Sea, taking longer voyages to Ibben or Volantis every couple of years to trade for exotics. Jon learns a lot under him and comes to see Captain Jasper as a father figure.

In 294 they sail to Ibben. Jon's exploring the port when a conflict with Jasper's trading rival in the port forces The Septon's Daughter to leave without him. Jon ends up wintering in Ibben, learning the local customs and fighting style, and gaining a lot of goods he can resell at high markup in Pentos. Luckily, Jasper and The Septon's Daughter come back for him the next spring after wintering in Ifeqevron, and Jon rejoins his ersatz family.

Jon is able to make a tidy profit off his Ibbenese goods. So does Jasper with the woods he brings back from Ifeqevron. Together they decide to use it to expand their trading fleet. Just 12, Jon is made XO of one of these, Northern Lights.

In 297 they decide to sail south. Skipping past Slaver's Bay, they visit Qarth, Asabahd, Yin, Leng Yi, Jinqi, Asshai, Turrani, Zabhad, and Vahar before returning the Free Cities three years later. Several ships worth of exotic goods make them all very rich - especially Jon, who is by now captain of Northern Lights and second in command of the trading fleet.

But Jon, 17, has been plagued by Dragon Dreams since he first sailed past Valyria. After their return to Volantis, Jon takes the smallest ship in their fleet, Seasmoke, to Valyria on his own.

This should be a disaster, but somehow Jon manages to reach the ruined city. He enters a temple whose tunnels lead him straight into the heart of the volcano the city was built in the shadow of... and there Jon finds dragon eggs. Acting on instinct, he takes three - one pitch black, one pure white, and one ocean blue - marks them with his own blood, and builds a fire for them to rest in. He intends to do the same with a fourth - silver speckled gold - but ends up falling asleep with it before sticking it in the fire.

When he wakes up, the gold egg hatches into a full-grown woman, whom is eventually called Alyssa Belaerys.

What follows is an info dump (there are four kinds of magic in the world, fire and ice magic are opposed; Valyrian seers saw the coming of the Long Night and thought to prevent it by strengthening fire magic, but overdid it and destroyed their civilization instead. Without dragons, balance is lost. To restore balance, dragons must return. Dragonlords are descended from dragons who took human form like Alyssa, &c).

In the midst of all of this, the three other eggs hatch into actual dragons - called the Valyrian for Darkness, Snow, and Sea respectively.

Jon, Alyssa, and the dragons return to Volantis. Jasper is thrilled to see his adoptive son again, but less thrilled with his seemingly nonsensical plan to strengthen fire magic by strengthening dragons by becoming ruler of the Seven Kingdoms. Or: reconquer Westeros, save the world.

And so... Jon conquers Westeros.

Westeros is in shambles - long story short, Robert declared Cersei's children bastards and has been fighting a long war against the Lannisters over his choice to summarily execute his wife, her brother, and their children; Stannis died in the Greyjoy rebellion, so there's no strong admiral to counter the Ironborns' renewed raiding; the Vale has is own succession problems; &c - and Jon has lots of money, a loyal fleet, dragons, and a fierce Dragonborn bride in Alyssa.

They start with the Stepstones, take the Stormlands easily since most of their fighters are in the west with the Baratheons, and just... conquer one kingdom after another.

The truth - that Aemon Snow (as he's been going by all these years) is really Jon Snow, is really Rhaegar's second son - doesn't come out until it's time to replay Torren's submission of the North. It's a bit of a surprise, as Ned thought his nephew was dead after all these years, but ends well enough - though Jon is somewhat surprised to learn it took Lady Stark three months to notice he was missing.

Bonuses include: 1) Jon replaying the Field of Fire with the Lannisters and Baratheons; 2) lots of detail and expansion of the culture, history, and religion of every place Jon visits; 3) Captain Jasper really being the best adoptive father a boy could hope for, and 4) Jon going down in history as The Sea Dragon and Aemon the Adventurous and kicking off a new era of sea exploration for Westeros, including the discovery that sailing far enough west will bring you to the east.

...and that is far, far more than I thought I had. As always, feel free to adopt this bun, just link back if you do anything with it.

Other Jon Snow Headcanons: Aegon the Unyielding | Aemon the Adventurous | Baelor the Brave | Lady Arryn | Lady Baratheon | Lady Lannister | Lady Stark | Prince Consort | Prince of Summerhall | Queen Mother

More Terrible Fic Ideas

[hunnythebee]

Author Promo Tag Chain!!

Rule: post the first lines of your last 10 fics posted to Ao3. If you have less than 10 fics posted, post the first lines of all your fics. Tag credit: @dangraccoon, @mandos-mind-trick (I got two tags 🥹)

Stow Away Din Djarin x OFC

She had been on this maker-forsaken planet for far too long. Her previous, let’s call them “partner”, had brought her here for a job… that was nearly a year ago. They abandoned her, left her here with a blaster and 50 credits to her name. Luckily, she was resourceful and cunning. She made her credits last long enough to find short-term work in a local ship scrapyard. That’s how she met Peli. Peli came by and saw her about to tear open an antique N-1 Starfighter, just about ripped her a new one over it and offered to buy it off her. She didn’t refuse, in fact she admired her for taking on the project. They became fast friends. Peli let her stay at her ship dock while she looked for proper lodgings, but they grew on each other. Her whole world was shifted when an opportunity presented itself. A man and a child landed in Peli’s hangar. It was a Mandalorian, sporting the shiniest beskar armor she had ever seen, and the kid was a species she did not recognize. The child was small, nearly infant sized, and green with large pointed ears.

Touches Wrecker x Reader

Being on Pabu was like living in a dream. Even after the devastation left in the wake of the tidal wave, it was pure serenity after being on the run for so long. When Hunter had announced that we were staying, even if for a short time, I felt a weight fall from my shoulders. The next day we all started to help with cleaning up around the village. Hunter was working with the Mayor to find people places to shelter while rebuilding. Tech and Phee were helping to assess what materials would be needed to rebuild. Omega was somewhere on the island with Shep’s daughter, which made me feel so happy that she had a friend her own age. As for me, I was on clean up with my favorite person and best friend. Wrecker. He could make any situation fun. In this case, we were competing for largest pile of seaweed. The houses were covered in it, and filling cart after cart had gone from tedious to exhilarating. Announcing over the comms what number we each were at every hour, kept us going all the way till sunset. After the day was done, we were invited to utilize the bathhouses that were located in upper Pabu. Actually it was more like we were begged to use the bathhouses because in truth we stank so bad after handling seaweed and sweating all day.

Trapped Hunter x Reader

The tunnel was so dark I couldn’t see too far past the lamp that I was holding up in front of me. It was cold and damp, and I could hear the faint rumbling of the storm above. Hunter was slightly ahead of me, holding his lamp in his left hand and running his right along the tunnel wall. He was understandably on edge, given the cave-in that had just separated us from the others. Tech had reassured us that there were multiple entrances to this particular tunnel system before we lost contact via comms. This knowledge, coupled with Hunter's keen senses, put my mind at ease.

Questions & Answers Crosshair x Reader

It had been an exhausting mission. The boys came back to me more beaten than usual. Wrecker collapsed the minute he got to one of the med-bay beds, followed closely by Hunter. Tech and Echo had some scrapes from debris but nothing major. Crosshair however, was untouched. A perk of being in the sniper’s position. I tended to those who were afflicted, moving methodically from bedside to bedside. The whole time I worked I could feel Cross’ eyes on me, following my every movement. I did my best to ignore him, but his stare was causing butterflies in my stomach and making my hands shake. I had been harboring a crush for him for the longest time, and him watching me like this wasn’t helping. I finished with Tech’s bandages and discharged him and Echo. I explained that Hunter and Wrecker were fine, aside from some cuts and bruises. The pair were just exhausted. Once they woke up they were free to leave as well. Finally I allowed myself to focus my attention on the brooding white haired man in the corner of the room who, despite his lack of injury, was still here.

Vulnerable Hunter x Reader

Ever since landing in Pabu I’ve had conflicting thoughts and feelings. On one hand, Pabu was paradise. Everyone else seemed so at ease and peaceful. It was small and tranquil with limited resources, definitely not the kind of place the Empire would care about. But then why… Why was I shaking so much? Why was my adrenaline pumping as though I needed to be ready for an attack? It made no sense. Even Hunter looked relaxed. I had excused myself from dinner, needing a quiet moment to collect myself. But that quiet moment had deviated from its intended purpose. Now I was sitting on the floor of the Maurauder, knees tucked to my chest, whilst shaking violently. Tears threatened my eyes but never fell, instead just stinging them as my heart rate rose violently and my chest heaved. I clutched at my sides, feeling as though if I didn’t that I would rip in half. My heart was hammering so loudly in my ears that I didn’t hear the hatch open or hear him come in, but there he was. Knelt in front of me was Hunter, care and concern flooded his beautiful golden eyes as he examined mine.

Jealousy Tech x Reader

I had been cordial, friendly even with Phee. She was decent… for a pirate. Not that we had been much better in recent times, so who was I to judge? But what had me sucking at my teeth while I glared from my seat behind Tech was the way she was touching him . So familiar. And this nickname she had for him always made my stomach twist. ‘ Brown eyes.’ How creative of her. I shouldn’t be so mad at her. She was going to help us afterall. Stars I just… I can’t figure out why she rubs the wrong way so hard. I was silent as the dead the whole trip to wherever she was taking us. I hadn’t realized I was clenching my jaw until it unclenched. My whole mouth fell slack at the sight of this small island civilization. Beautiful blue waters surrounded a mountain dotted with small white huts. It looked so peaceful, so serene. Tech landed the Maurauder at the peak of the mountain, where there stood a tall tree and an even taller temple-like structure. As I stepped out of the ship the warm sun hit my skin and I sighed in relief. My seething anger melted away from me almost instantly.

Forgiveness Crosshair & Howzer

Crosshair woke up back on Tantiss, but he wasn’t in his room. Instead he was in one of the cells in the detention sector of the base. He sat up on the hard bed and hissed at the pounding sensation in his skull.  “Was wondering when you’d wake up,” came a voice from the opposite side. Crosshair pressed a palm to his temple and turned towards the voice. His vision was still blurry from sleep but he knew it was definitely another clone sitting across from him.

Bare Hands Din Djarin x Reader

You were staring at him, and tonight you didn’t look away when he noticed. You held your gaze for as long as you were able, studying every feature. You were mesmerized. He wasn’t in his usual attire. He had purchased formal attire, seeing as they would not let you in otherwise. He wore a yellow deep v-neck tunic and an overcoat of brocade embroidered with a golden floral pattern. His Mythosaur pendant lay prominently on his tan skin. He wore no gloves, just a few golden rings. The ensemble that had been designed for you was in complete contrast. You wore a deep blue backless silk dress with a choker halter neckline and silver chains dangling around your shoulders. The fabric shown like stars in the sky.

Tag you're it!!

@neon-junkie @stankferrik @syndxlla @amiedala @laters-gators @too-many-sabers @echoleo @tecker @sirveltic @somedaylazysomeday

[burningexeter]

[PITCH]

The Nightmare Chronicles

What is it —

An animated horror anthology series that is as incredibly dark, twisted, macabre, sinister and horrific as can be. Top it off, it will actually be scary, disturbing and straight-up horror whenever it wants to be which will be all the time.

EPISODE IDEAS:

The Girl With Nine Lives — a shy, timid and socially awkward teen girl is tricked into having the nine lives of a cat by a mad witch and becomes a carnival sideshow sensation as the 'Girl Who Can't Die'. As her success becomes more and more grand however, her life falls apart as she becomes an egotistical, vain, self-centered, spoiled rich princess who alienates and pushes away all of her friends and family. It's then until her last act where her closest friend finally walks away wanting nothing to do with her and her mother, heartbroken, leaves her daughter to be by herself, that she realizes all too late that she may have miscounted how many lives she actually has.

Fleshhouse — a struggling blue collar married couple own a just as struggling restaurant that's about to be closed down by their landlord and want what's nothing but the best for their kids (one of whom is disabled). It's then that a longtime and close but strange partner/friend of theirs offers the answer to their solutions that could save their restaurant - a secret recipe and a special supply of steak with such a delectable taste to it and one that harbors a horrifying and dark secret.

The Fogs Of War — Set in 1916 during WWII, several lost squads of soldiers converge and must hide out in a mysterious and abandoned maze-like series of trenches and tunnels that they discover far too late and rather horrifyingly so that the entire place is a gateway to hell that has opened by accident due to the war on earth. Now the soldiers all must fight for their lives and through the night from demons - each of whom represents their deepest, darkest and most personal fears - from dragging them into hell itself for their sins.

Something Wicked On The Runway Shoot — The mother of an aspiring model takes her daughter to a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity in Los Angeles for a potential membership and mentor under the hugely successful and gorgeous but mysterious and camera-shy Ruth Rose. Therefore, it's revealed that the mother was once an up-and-coming model on her way to fame until she turned it down to start a family with her child.... and it's also revealed the true, dark, grotesque, siamese secret of Ruth Rose.

Fat Tuesday — a man still-in grieving from the tragic death of his wife, moves himself and his three kids to New Orleans as a chance to start over and begin a new life after her death affected every one of them. However in trying to start anew, they all find themselves entangled in a bizarre voodoo ritual that includes their own family history with the man's own father and deceased wife stuck between two worlds as horrifying zombies emerge from the deep and thick swamp with cravings for flesh.

NOTES/TRIVIA/DETAILS:

• With the animation style, I picture it being a good, strong cross between Laura Hollingsworth's art for Keeper Of The Lost Cities, Tony Moore's art for the first six issues of The Walking Dead and Charlie Adlard's art for the entirety of The Walking Dead. It would fit in perfectly with the stories I'm trying to tell with this here.

• All of the stories will have plenty of things in common with each other despite being very different one from the other. Not only are they all just as dark, twisted, mean, cynical, horrific and surprisingly genuinely heartfelt at times but they're also very character driven. All of the events that happen happen because of the character or characters' actions, it's not something weird or fucked up happening to someone randomly. It's always that the characters did something that caused this event to happen to them and of course, there are repercussions so they have absolutely no one to blame but themselves since they caused this to happen to them and them only.

• Another things is that with some definite exceptions here and there, basically sprinkled in every now and then, almost all of the stories or episodes will have bad endings but in unconventional ways. What I mean by that is that there's always a real, true, genuine moment of victory where the character or characters defeat the wendigo or break the demented curse or seal the sandman whose been harvesting childrens' souls away so he can never harm anyone ever again....

But then there's always that extra thing that immediately happens after that goes "Nope!" which ends with an equally effective, memorable and haunting final image to end on.

• The sprinkled in happy endings however are the ones that feel the most earned where the character or characters realize the errors of their ways and come out as better people so the happy ending feels both warranted and deserving.

However, all of that somehow has got nothing on this right here —

• When an episode or "story" ends, it dissolves into a campfire to be revealed that the episode was in fact a campfire tale all along told by either a cynically dry yet charismatic at the same time magician named Nicolas Channing (voiced by and directly modeled after Ryan Beil) or a character from a piece of media such as Demona, Zhalia Moon, Mikasa Ackerman, M.O.M., Badger, Ratboy etc.

[meowww-ffxiv]

Theodore x Erenville booty call post 6.55

M-rated.

I'm really doing the most for this slouch.

Erenville lived in an apartment complex on the other side of Old Sharlayan's harbor.

It was, as Theodore understood it, the common living arrangement for gleaners or scholars who were away more often than not. Its location complemented its somewhat irrelevant purpose, if nothing else, Theodore thought wryly as he was forced to cross through a long mountain tunnel and then climbed three sets of stairs to get to the nondescript, white-stoned building.

At least the lobby was a homely collection of mahogany and burgundy shades, and the large hearth was ever-blazing. Not that Theodore came inside. Even from without, a few gleaners gave him odd looks, and it made the thought of going in there and taking the stairs... seem ill-advised.

Curse you, Estinien, Theodore thought as he counted the windows and prepared to leap. You and your dramatic exits, and their effectiveness.

At least the balcony window was opened, and the pair of lemon eyes peering at him the moment Theodore landed on solid stone was entirely devoid of surprise.

"I appreciate your discretion," Erenville said. "A trait not observed all too often for the entirety of this day."

"It was my pleasure," Theodore replied, ducking into the room and closing the door behind him. After a moment of hesitation, he locked it.

Erenville didn't seem to notice. His attention was on the spread of maps and papers on the desk before him.

Rucksack and coat discarded, Erenville's slender frame still held an odd amount of tension. A disproportionate amount of tension, Theodore wanted to say, and did not, because he might have a clue where it came from.

Instead, he took the pitcher sitting next to the gleaner, picked up one of the conspicuously-two cups, and poured a glass of...wine?

"Mango wine, an export of Tural," Erenville said, looking up at him. "You said you never had much chance to try tropical fruits. Much of our produce would have rotted on the way back, however."

Theodore sighed gustily, leaning his hip against the desk. "And here I was, hoping to surprise you with my visit. Only for you to have set me up to be the houseguest, it seems."

Erenville smirked. "I did not know whether you would visit," he admitted. Paused. "Or that you would remember which room was mine."

"Or how lucky I am that you are still using the same apartment," Theodore replied.

Erenvile laughed, the kind of laugh that began deep in his chest and sat warm in Theodore's own, as warm and bright as the wine on its way down.

He set the cup aside and studied the Viera's profile for a moment. Allowed himself to be studied in return, though not so much wondering what, exactly, Erenville worried about. What he saw in him beyond the night visitor that he was.

Slowly, purposefully, Theodore reached for him. His fingers hooked on the leather collar Erenville wore, slipping warm skin to warm skin, felt a thrill as Erenville's pulse jumped under his touch.

He tugged on the collar, forcing Erenville to lift his head, to look at him. Erenville swallowed, his throat bobbing, the movement and the heat of his skin tantalizing.

"Allow me," Theodore said.

Erenville only exhaled, shuddering. Yes, he mouthed.

Theodore tugged on the collar, undoing it with experience he wouldn't be boorish enough to brag about. It was cast aside, along with his own coat. Erenville gasped, then sighed as Theodore pulled him from his chair, as their lips met, as Theodore's tongue swept into his mouth.

The way he clung to him was precious. Not that they hadn't done this before, multiple times before, the first time here in this apartment and the other times across Eorzea wherever they reunited. But it was still the same; Erenville's sinewy arms wrapped around Theodore's neck, pulling him closer. Their lips parted for air, and then he was kissing him again, more sure this time, as they found their rhythm once more.

Theodore kissed his jaw, then down his neck, along his pulse. He sank his teeth into the soft hollow of Erenville's throat, harder than he would for most lovers. A moan spilled through dark, wine-sweet lips. Erenville arched into him, thighs tightening around Theodore's waist. He begged without words, rocking his hips, his urgency almost desperate.

Well. It likely was a very, very long voyage from the New World to Old Sharlayan.

What layers remained were cast aside. Theodore pressed Erenville into the modest mattress with his own body, a bulwark against the perpetual Sharlayan chill. Chest-to-chest, their hearts shared the frantic pace of their desire, as Theodore hitched Erenville's leg over his hip and pressed into him.

"Slow," was the only thing Erenville requested.

Theodore obliged, kissing along his jaw as they settled into a steady rhythm. He felt more than heard Erenville's breathy chuckle, as arms once again settled around his neck in a snug embrace.

By the time they were both sated, the candles had burned down to nubs. The room was dark save silvery moon-rays spilling in from the balcony door, its chill cooling the sweat on Theodore's skin. Yet he couldn't quite bring himself to move to reach for blankets, as that would require him to shrug off Erenville, who had taken to stroking his hair.

Eventually, he murmured, "You are a gentleman every time."

"Does that deserve such wonderment?" Theodore replied.

Erenville hummed. His fingers ceased their movement, so Theodore forced himself to take the opportunity and pull the blankets over both their bodies. Some instinct in him tucked it around Erenville, who regarded him with eyes too bright to be fully obscured by the dark.

He was mellow in the afterglow. Soft, permissive, and a world away from the scholar and gleaner whose very gaze could cut someone -- the one Theodore in the daylight knew, though not half as well as this one. Soft flesh and kiss-swollen lips that he still pressed to Theodore's so he could feel the shape of his smile, their legs tangled together.

"Are you worried?" Theodore asked, also more honest and too pleasant-tired for proper manners. "For Wuk Lamat."

"Worrying does not do anything," Erenville replied. But he sighed a very, very long sigh, and tucked his head under Theodore's chin. His ears twitched, tickling his nose. "Thank you. For agreeing to her request. I understand it's a sacrifice for you to leave for Tural without your fellow Warrior of Light."

"How are you stringing so many words together still?" Theodore muttered. He squeezed Erenville's thigh under the cover, enjoying the way his breath hitched.

"You asked," Erenville retorted. Then he sighed again. "Mordred said you agreed because of me. Is it true?"

"...Yes. In some parts."

"And this was your motivation?"

Theodore saw in his mind's eye a primed bear trap. He debated the idea for a moment, then gingerly put his leg into it. "In some parts."

He wondered if Erenville was going to get offended and kick him out of his bed, and then it would be awkward for the rest of the trip. But, instead, the Viera only snorted in laughter.

"You are honest," he told Theodore, and kissed his chin. "Something quite underrated in one's bed companions. I appreciate it."

Then he turned to face the wall and, in a few minutes, began to snore softly. Like always.

Fair enough, Theodore thought as he turned to face the ceiling and closed his eyes, satisfied.

He would still throttle that cat later though. That wasn't something you could just tell someone.

[fishmech]

Other good news

In a brief report, officials said cars would pay a toll of up to $15 to enter Manhattan below 60th Street once per day. Commercial trucks would pay as much as $36. Taxis will add $1.25 per fare, and ride-hail apps like Uber and Lyft will tack on an extra $2.50 per ride.

Low-income drivers will get 50 percent off tolls during the day after the first 10 trips in a calendar month. It will also be much cheaper to drive at night: Between 9 p.m. and 5 a.m., fees will be reduced by 75 percent.

Drivers of passenger vehicles who enter the congestion pricing zone through the Queens-Midtown, Hugh L. Carey, Holland and Lincoln Tunnels will receive a $5 credit during daytime hours. Motorcycles will get a $2.50 discount, small commercial trucks will get a $12 credit and larger trucks will get $20 off. Drivers who cross into Manhattan over the George Washington Bridge, north of the congestion zone, would not receive a discounted toll.

emimently reasonable. now if they just got serious about the long distance and jersey-to-long island congestion caused by having the necessary traffic pass through the Bronx and Manhattan we could really clear out a lot of current traffic that has currently valid reasons to be dumping onto surface streets and the cross Bronx mess right now, but could really do with entirely different paths.

that's right baby we're talking long island sound and outer harbor bridges/tunnels/bridge-Tunnels and also hooking up the top of the turnpike to the thruway directly to get the damn trucks off surface roads and the weird out of the way movements they currently do to reach 287/87 baby. and completing the multiple harbor rail Tunnels and building modern cross Hudson rail bridges south of Poughkeepsie to allow for more effective freight rail use.

[hazel-of-sodor]

Lockdown

Prompt 2. Hazel- @predawnrex04

Other Stories

Lockdown

Feb 1st 2020

The immigration and citizenship office in Tidmouth had been exceptionally busy the last few weeks, but now it was almost empty. The eerie quite did nothing to settle the pacific's nerves. In the distance Gordon could see Tina at the docks, the massive liner loaded to capacity with people leaving Sodor. When she returned, she would be empty except for her crew. The question was, would one of his crew be leaving with her.

"Don't worry old boy." His driver reassured him. "She has Jane Hatt on her side, and all the paperworks in order. They'll approve her." Even behind the mask, she couldn't quite hide her own worry.

 "I'll relax when she is here. There need not been a meeting at all. Our controller's word should have been enough. Instead they insist on their right to question her. Now of all times."

The doors finally opening prevented Rachel from responding. Jane Hatt walked out with their firewoman in tow. The controller strode over to Rachel, "Get her into a Fireman's uniform, we'll get her her own as quickly as possible, but you'll have to make due for now."

"Does this mean..." Rachel asked.

"As of today, I'm a Sodor citizen, employed by the North Western Railway." Hazel spoke quietly.

A long whistle bast resounded over the harbor. The four turned too see Tina drop her mornings. "And not a moment too soon."

The fat controller put her hand on Hazel's shoulder, "There was never any doubt my dear. They put your application off till last because it was only a formality. The meeting was only a measure to prevent claims of favoritism."

Hazel sighed dejectedly, "Maybe, but it was still stressful as hell." 

Rachel looked concerned, "Isn't this what you wanted Hazel? You been working towards this for years."

"Yeah but...it was supposed to be a celebration. Not a hail mary in the face of the world going to hell." She leaned back against Gordon's buffers and looked up, "I'm beyond grateful to be staying here, but I can't shake the feeling its going to get worse before it gets better."

Jane nodded grimly, "London's still refusing to acknowledge the problem. They're mad we're turning away tourist traffic."

"The states aren't much better," Hazel admitted, "I keep hoping that they'll take action, but..."

"They're too afraid of losing money to admit we have a pandemic on hand." Rachel guessed.

"That's about the sum of it." Hazel rubbed her face. 

In the distance tugs had maneuvered Tina into the bay and dropped their lines. She sounded four long blasts on her whistles, as she got under way, quickly gaining speed.

"I've always dreamed of sailing on her." Hazel mused, "but I'm glad I'm not on this voyage."

Rachel laid a hand on her shoulder. "As are we. I think the engines were making a plan last night to hide you if they denied your application."

"Of course not." Gordon said with an insulted huff, "those plans were made weeks ago."

Jane raised an eyebrow, "I'm going to pretend I didn't just hear one of my engines admit to planning a kidnapping."

"How ready are we?" Hazel asked.

"As we can be." Jane reassured her. "Come Monday all non-essential traffic from outside the island will be halted. All our warehouses are fully stocked, and the hospitals are on standby." 

"And what's to keep the bloody tourists from crossing anyway." Rachel muttered, only to flinch as Hatt fixed her with a glare. "You know I'm right. There will always be idiots who ignore the rules."

"That's why we're cutting off the Island."

Hazel and Rachel's jaws dropped. Gordon looked approving.

"Can we even do that?" Hazel asked.

"The North Western controls the Tunnel to the Isle of Man. We're sealing both ends tonight. We also control the Vicarstown lift bridge. When it lifts Monday morning, the controls will be severed on our end. The road bridge currently has a section removed for repair. How unfortunate that it won't be back before the island enters lockdown." The fourth Fat Controller smiled grimly, "I can't promise that Sodor won't see covid. But it will have to fight for every inch."

[aforerime]

家庭

An eon ago, Uraume trekked the darkness in cautious steps. Malevenont cursed energy palpated all around them, suffocating their senses and severing their connection to the outside world. They transversed the  unworldly cave to cross the boundary of the mortals into the home of a curse. They shuffled their feet with outstretched hands, groping the damp, cold walls to guide their blind venture. They listened to the bamboo weaved sandals scratching against the protruding masses of stones that barred their singular path. Their blood torrented into their heart, signaling war drums to roar within their ears. Their breathing ragged from primal fear gifted by their ancient ancestors. They harbored fear, not of death, yet innate fear of the unknown. As they walked, they would not know what laid beyond the veil of shade that impeded their vision. Yet, this had been their choice, their decision and they would not turn around until they reached the end of the cavern.

Uraume scoffed at their former, reserved self who held onto misguided fear as they navigated the selfsame path a thousand of years ago. They knew their lord’s power had been incredible, but at that moment in time, their loyalty had already solidified and they received Lord Sukuna’s good grace. To consider that they would meet their end in a sacred hollow had been foolish. 

Now they trekked through the darkness with certainty, hands tucked into their sleeves as their sandals maneuvered over the protruding rocks. They held their head high, envisioning the path before them within their mind. For a millennium they had walked this path daily. They traveled down the maw of the cursed home, able to see without their eyes the risen flowstones that covered the cavern floor. 

Over the decades, the hollow within the mountain became their place of worship and their second home. The cave had become essential to their routine, a means to return to a home that had been forgotten in time. Once, the cavern pulsated with malicious cursed energy now served as an incubator for the remnants that remained lingered upon the lichen upon the bedewed walls. 

Uraume slowed to a stop and extended a hand and took a thick, waxy cylinder within their grasp. They lifted it up and removed a match from behind their ear. They quickly struck the match against the bottom of the candle holder to illuminate the red shrine dedicated to Ryomen-Sukuna. Uraume lit the candle in hand, then slowly lit the rest. They set down their candle and clapped their hands; the crack traveled quickly down the tunnel and returned, the vibration willing the small flames to dance on the wicks. They lowered their head and began to worship. 

The pulsating cursed energy had weakened over the eon; Sukuna’s cursed energy had been spread thin across Japan. Even in his place of origin, his energy barely shuddered in the air. Uraume opened their eyes, gazing down at the empty offering dish in remorse. The lively, malignant home had been forsaken and forlorn. Only the hauntings of Sukuna’s presence remained. 

Their worship was interrupted by self-deprecation, and they cursed themselves for their inability to protect Sukuna. While the lord of curses suffered existence between life and death, Uraume yet breathed. They clicked their tongue in their growing frustration; for a millennium they carried their regret. With a breath, they quelled the emotion and removed a bloody mass wrapped in butcher’s paper. They unraveled the human heart and placed it upon the offering plate, setting down two shattered rib bones with strings of fleshy meat remaining on the porcelain curve. They lowered to their knees and continued their prayer. 

However hard they prayed, Sukuna’s cursed energy merely quivered in response.

“Lord Sukuna,” Uraume breathed out as they raced through the snow trodden woods. They followed the footsteps of those who oft walked the paths, navigating the unknown terrain to seek the one they worshiped. They broke through branches and startled critters in their pursuit. Ruddy eyes searched the labyrinth of trees for the hulking body of their lord. They spotted others dressed for the season gathering to play in the snow while others seemed to merely amble through the woods. The temptation grew to interrogate those few he spotted, yet their continued life near the presence of Sukuna attested their insignificance; to act on their impulses would tarnish Sukuna’s good favor. He allowed those aimless few to continue breathing, Uraume offered the same regard.

Uraume broke through the treeline to a glistening lake and they spotted the shock of pink, spiky hair and Sukuna’s robes. A silent gasp escaped their lives and they stole a step forward, then froze. Their desire to reunite with Lord Sukuna had led them astray. They are Sukuna’s servant, his weapon and tool… and to consider anything more would be a dog believing they owned rights to the home.

With a plop, Uraume dropped into the soft snow, lowering to one knee and bowing their head. They prostrated themselves before Sukuna’s back, aware that divine his keen senses would inform him of their presence. They uttered Sukuna’s name gently, letting the wind carry their words to Sukuna’s ears.

“Forgive my delay. I have returned to your side, Lord Sukuna, and I humble myself to your service.” 

A small thin line stretched across their lips. No matter what lands they walked, if they stood by Sukuna’s side, then they have returned home. Uraume’s eyelids fell closed and they listened to the fluttering of Sukuna’s cursed energy flapping in the wind. Uraume knew he had been weakened by separation of his fingers in the vessel…

Then it suddenly occurred to them. Despite their close proximity to their lord, his cursed energy barely flickered like a dying candle. They jerked up their head and peered at the spirit before them, recognizing the soul of Sukuna yet the body had been a mass of spiritual energy rather than flesh. Uraume stood up and ran to Sukuna, fearful that their lord had once again slipped into the boundary between life and death and existed where Uraume could not follow.

“Lord Sukuna!! You’re a spirit– what did that brat do to you, my lord!?”

@bimeval

[fazedlight]

In the mood to share some of my favorite books. Apologies for being a nerd, there's some fiction in there too: Danger stuff (nonfiction): * Into Thin Air (Jon Krakauer) - A really interesting account of the 1996 Mt. Everest disaster that killed 8 people, told first-hand by someone who was there. * The Last Dive (Bernie Chowdhury) - The story of father-son cave & wreck divers who ultimately met a tragic end in a sunken U-boat. * Trapped Under the Sea (Neil Sidwey) - Describes the engineering marvels and challenges of the Boston harbor waste treatment facility being built, including the story of two men who died in the 10-mile tunnel that runs under the ocean. * Alone on the Wall (Alex Honnold) - Honnold is a free solo climber, meaning he climbs several-thousand-feet-high rock faces without any ropes/safety gear. His book on how he got there is really interesting. * Normal Accidents (Charles Perrow) - General account of various disasters (Chernoby, Challenger, Three Mile Island) and the types of mistakes and policy decisions that result in these disasters. Science/tech stuff (nonfiction): * Longitude (Dava Sobel) - Describes the politics, science, and engineering developments that went into creating more and more accurate clocks, which were priorities for European nations attempting to cross oceans. * The First Three Minutes (Steven Weinberg) - Describes the early universe, just after the Big Bang. Fascinating physics. * The Code Book (Simon Singh) - This is about codes and cryptography (not computer code) throughout the ages, starting back from ancient Egypt. It was really interesting to watch how technology built on technology to get where we are today. * Tubes (Andrew Blum) - I think a lot of people think the internet is something that just exists sort of ambiently in the air. It's literally massive wires (well, fiber) that gets placed in the ground by construction crews, running crisscross across continents and oceans, plugging into huge routers in cities all around the world. This book explains physical internet architecture. Society (nonfiction): * The Witness Wore Red (Rebecca Musser) - A devastating and fascinating account from a woman who grew up in a cult. * One Perfect Day (Rebecca Mead) - Basically investigative journalism around the wedding industry, forming a really interesting cultural critique. * Because Internet (Gretchen McCulloch) - A fun linguistic analysis of how language evolves between generations. [I haven't finished this book yet, but it's been fun so far!] Fiction: * Mexican Gothic (Silvia Moreno-Garcia) - As the title suggests, it's a gothic novel, that weaves a really interesting story about colonialism and misogyny. * Inferno (Dan Brown) - I know people tend to be meh on Dan Brown, but the villain of this book in particular was really interesting, for reasons I don't want to spoil. (Don't watch the movie, though, they change the villain into a boring generic villain.)

[nameless-brand]

General:

Gotham is massive for a city, much like the Nameless City that came before it. Approximately 20,000,000 people live in the city proper amidst 330 square miles. That is approximately 60000 people per square mile, making it one of the most densely packed cities in the world. Many people come to Gotham looking for opportunity, but most find they are stuck there unable to leave.

The city and district itself are composed of multiple large and small islands with the larger islands providing most of commercial and residential areas. It is connected to the continental United States only by two tunnels on its west end and one tunnel on its North side. Many commute to the city by ferry, crossing the river.

Swimming in the waters, both river and harbor-side, is unadvisable, given the amount of illegal chemical dumping that occurs in Gotham - [ see Poison Ivy retaliatory eco-terrorism [2]].

Public Transit:

Public transit in Gotham is one of the most advanced in the world. The subway system is the only one that runs 24 hours a day / 7 days a week and can swiftly take you from one end of the city and the other or to popular areas like the arena. Buses are a little bit more complicated to use, given the large number of routes that overlap, but most people get by just fine.

There is a bit of a culture shock when people try to call for an Uber or a Lyft but are unable to find one here. This is because such services have already been made illegal in Gotham City due to the rampant crime - and massive lobbying by the Gotham Taxi Driver's Union.

Of course, one could still drive on their own. The roads are many and well-maintained. Only when one starts going towards East End or Park Row (more colloquially known as Crime Alley) do the roads start showing signs of disrepair.

Food:

Like most cities, Gotham City imports its food from other places, usually by both sea and road. Should either transport route break down, the other could still accommodate, though after a week or two, people would have to start rationing but they would still be able to eat three meals a day.

Should both break down, Gotham City probably only has around a week of food at full rations before 20,000,000 people start to go hungry.

Though there are urban farms in Gotham, they are mostly rooftop farms. The largest is perhaps half an acre across two buildings and more meant for educational purposes than for supplying food.

Water:

Note: The water in the rivers and docks near Gotham is not potable. Distillation would be the only solution if one wanted to drink it. Boiling and using chlorine tablets will protect one from immediately succumbing to disease, but the chemicals within the water will likely result in severe consequences in the long run. It is like drinking poison to slake thirst.

The city has approximately 15 reservoirs and 3 man-made lakes to supply drinking water. These reservoirs and lakes and the machinery that distributes them are heavily guarded by a coalition of police, PMCs, and private security. The heavy guard is primarily due to the Scarecrow incident [3], which utilized the drinking water as a vector and immediately resulted in hallucinogen-induced riots that killed thousands. Hundreds of thousands more have been severely affected to this day, whether it was from the hallucinogen used or from their own actions. It is a particular reason why psychiatrists are still in demand now.

The compromised machinery affected the districts in the Diamond District, Gotham Heights, and Grand Avenue. Given that it affected the most affluent regions, the machinery was replaced quickly, and water was diverted from East End and Park Row to help deal with the district need. This act significantly increased tensions between the rich and the poor.

[yumiyue07]

The Dreaded 8

Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6

"Be cautious," FelixBlaze whispered, his voice barely a murmur above the symphony of rustling leaves and chirping insects. He gestured towards StormJin, his fiery red hair catching the moonlight filtering through the dense canopy overhead. StormJin, with his shoulder-length silver hair shimmering like moonlight on water, couldn't help but grumble about the forest's unsettling inhabitants.

"I despise these pests in the woods," he muttered irritably, swatting a web away from his face. "Why did those bizarre creatures have to hide them here?"

FelixBlaze chuckled softly. "It's going to be noice, StormJin. Keep your spirits up. The sooner we find the villagers, the sooner we're out of here," he reassured him, trying to maintain their focus. "Noice?" StormJin scoffed, rolling his eyes. Despite their contrasting personalities, FelixBlaze, with his fiery enthusiasm, and StormJin, with his stoic demeanor, made a surprisingly effective team.

"Easy for you to say," StormJin retorted. "Your firelight scares most things away. But these woods seem to harbor all sorts of unpleasant surprises." Their path was littered with fresh holes in the ground, some large enough to swallow a man whole. Yet, there was still no sign of the missing villagers.

"Do you think you can use your powers to pick up on any trails?" Felix inquired, his voice edged slightly with urgency. "We won't make progress like this, wandering aimlessly through spiderwebs."

"You're right," StormJin agreed, the color of his eyes intensifying as he focused. Felix watched in awe as StormJin's eyes took on an ethereal, stormy grey, swirling pattern of wind currents. He summoned a gentle breeze, directing his senses through the intricacies of the forest. First, he sent the breeze south, straining to pick up any sounds beyond the rustling leaves and distant hooting of an owl. Disappointed, StormJin shook his head. Then, he turned his attention eastward, the breeze swirling around him with renewed intensity. This time, Felix noticed a fleeting flicker of surprise cross StormJin's face.

"They're that way, not too far off," StormJin confirmed, validating FelixBlaze's suspicions. With renewed purpose, they moved through the trees, FelixBlaze's firelight illuminating their path eastward, StormJin signaling him to halt as they neared their destination. The soft murmurs of frightened women filtered through the trees, guiding their steps forward.

"This could be a trap," StormJin suggested, his voice low and wary. His stormy grey eyes, swirling with an unsettling premonition, scanned the clearing ahead. An eerie absence of forest sounds hung heavy in the air, broken only by the unsettling chirping of an unseen insect.

"We have to proceed with caution," StormJin continued. "Perhaps it's best if we approach the cage from different angles." FelixBlaze, his fiery red hair casting flickering shadows across his face, nodded in agreement, gesturing that he would take the left flank. They positioned themselves carefully, maintaining visual contact while ensuring they remained hidden in the dense foliage.

StormJin's instincts prickled with unease as he surveyed their surroundings. Something felt terribly off. There was an unsettling stillness to the air, broken only by the frantic pounding of his own heart. There was no sign of the beasts, only the silent watch of the trees and the mysterious earth tunnels weaving beneath the forest floor. Then it clicked in StormJin's mind. "Earth tunnels?" he realized with a jolt, his eyes widening in sudden comprehension. "He’s below us! I need to warn Felix." He glanced towards FelixBlaze, but his teammate was focused on observing the canopy above, completely unaware of the impending danger lurking beneath the forest floor.

But before StormJin could utter a word of warning, disaster struck. A wave-like motion surged towards FelixBlaze with alarming speed. "FELIX, LOOK OUT!" StormJin's scream ripped through the silence, his voice cracking with urgency. Time seemed to slow as he watched the scene unfold.

Locked in a desperate race against time, Felix registered StormJin's frantic expression just as he leaped into the air, propelled by pure instinct alone. In that split-second, a monstrous wormlike creature erupted from the earth beneath him, its gaping maw bristling with razor-sharp teeth snapping hungrily at FelixBlaze's legs. With a surge of determination, StormJin snapped out of his momentary shock, summoning a powerful gust of storm aimed squarely at the creature. The gust struck true, and before the beast could snap, it was thrown off balance by the force and veered off course.

"Damn it, I almost had him," the creature snarled in frustration, its deep guttural voice echoing through the clearing. Amidst the chaos, a mocking voice, dripping with malicious amusement, echoed from above. "Too slow, as usual," it taunted.

"Shut your mouth!" the creature retorted, its rage directed at both the heroes and its unseen companion.

FelixBlaze landed safely on the ground, his chest heaving with exertion. Relief washed over him as he realized he was unharmed. StormJin was by his side in an instant, his concern etched on his face.

"Are you all right? Any injuries?" he inquired earnestly, his stormy grey eyes scanning FelixBlaze for any signs of harm.

Felix let out a shaky laugh. "No, thankfully, I'm fine... just a bit shaken. Thanks to you, I avoided something far worse. Those reflexes are getting scary fast."

StormJin scowled, a hint of amusement flickering in his eyes. "Maybe you should focus on where you're going instead of daydreaming about fireflies," he retorted playfully.

Before Felix could fire back with a witty remark, StormJin's expression turned serious again. "I should have been more alert. I noticed those earth tunnels earlier but didn't think much of them," he admitted ruefully.

"Don't blame yourself," FelixBlaze soothed, placing a grateful hand on StormJin's shoulder. "I didn't even register them. Let's focus on dealing with these two now." He squeezed gently, his determination resurfacing. StormJin nodded, a hint of frustration replaced by grim resolve.

"Earlier, I was distracted because I heard a buzzing sound from above. Now I know what caused that sound." FelixBlaze eyes narrowed, a silent vow forming within him. "Next time they won't get me so easily."

FelixBlaze and StormJin locked eyes with their adversaries, a silent challenge crackling between them. The weight of the fight hung heavy in the air, a moment of tense anticipation before the storm broke.

To be continued...

♡

Author’s note:

🌪️ Part 7 is out! 🔥

That was a close call for FelixBlaze. Good thing we have StormJin. 💪🏼 How will they fight back? 🤔

I had to include their favorite phrase somehow. That's very noice, isn't it? 🤣

Love, YumiYue 💖 (⌒▽⌒)♡

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Disclaimer: This story is a work of fan fiction inspired by Stray Kids’ song “Thunderous”. All characters and events are fictional and are not intended to represent real people or events.

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