#Information Technology Homework Help

[trofysisters]

Филя

Уж старость не за горами, пора искать работу, чтобы хоть какая-то пенсия была, - решила жена Фили. В спорт по блату на хорошую должность не брали, пришлось идти в армию, где старая гвардия борозды не портит, младшим офицером. (Old age is just around the corner, it's time to look for a job so that at least there would be some kind of pension, - decided Filya's wife. In sports, they wouldn't hire you for a good position through connections, so he had to join the army, where there is a place for old people, as a junior officer)

Коля внезапно вспомнил, что он - старший брат, и самостоятельно пошел помогать Феде с домашним заданием. Делал он это на глазах отца, который в коридоре пытался привести мышцы в тонус. Возможно, Коля просто хотел показать, какой он замечательный сын? (Kolya suddenly remembered that he was the older brother, and autonomously went to help Fedya with his homework. He did this in front of his father, who was trying to tone his muscles in the hallway. Perhaps Kolya just wanted to show what a wonderful son he was?)

А за завтраком он еще похвастался перед родней своим путешествием с тетей Верой и ее детьми в Озерный край. Его семья о таком могла только мечтать. (And at breakfast, he bragged to his relatives about his trip with Aunt Vera and her children to the Lake District. His family could only dream of such a thing)

Поскольку Коля уже окончил школу и скоро должен был поступить в университет, то выходной день он решил провести с любимой сестренкой на обустроенной набережной в Симбири. (Since Kolya had already finished school and was soon to enter university, he decided to spend the day off with his beloved sister on the well-appointed embankment in Simbir)

Фаина не любила физические активности, что удивительно для дочери Легенды спорта, и пока Коля катался на скейтборде, она пыталась найти ракушки в песке, но нашла только краба. (Faina didn't like physical activity, which is surprising for the daughter of a Sports Legend, and while Kolya was skateboarding, she tried to find shells in the sand, but only found a crab)

Федя в это время сидел с мамой и изучал мир по книжкам. Коля не брал его с собой, считая Федю маленьким, но сегодня вечером всё должно измениться, ведь Федя станет подростком. (At that time, Fedya was sitting with his mother and learning about the world from books. Kolya didn't take him with him because he thought Fedya was little, but that evening everything was going to change, because Fedya would become a teenager)

В отличие от старшего брата, для Феди главным была семья. Он хотел встретить девушку с необычным цветом волос и хорошо разбирающуюся в технике. Видимо, из-за нереализованной детской мечты иметь котенка или щенка Федя решил вырастить 20 питомцев. (Unlike his older brother, family was the most important thing for Fedya. He wanted to meet a girl with an unusual hair color and a good understanding of technology. Apparently, because of his unrealized childhood dream of having a kitten or a puppy, Fedya decided to raise 20 pets)

Родители хотели, чтобы Федя имел сти��ендии в университете, и он их получил за хорошую учебу и творческие способности. (His parents wanted Fedya to have scholarships at the university, and he received them for good studies and creative abilities)

Незаметно для всех состарилась жена Фили. Своей жизнью она была вполне довольна и ни о чем не жалела. (Unnoticed by everyone, Filya's wife aged. She was quite happy with her life and did not regret anything)

Воспользовавшись суетой из-за дней рождения, Коля решил напоследок сбежать с другом на тусовку. Хоть Федя подслушал этот разговор, доносить на брата он не стал. Коля сам столкнулся поздней ночью в коридоре с отцом, но тот наказывать сына не стал, пусть гуляет, пока молодой. (Taking advantage of the birthday hustle and bustle, Kolya decided to run away with a friend to a party one last time. Although Fedya overheard this conversation, he did not inform on his brother. Kolya himself ran into his father in the hallway late at night, but he did not punish his son, let him have fun while he was young)

На следующее утро у Фаины за хорошие деньги купили нарисованный ��ю шедевр. Это стоило отпраздновать и потратить заработанное. (The next morning, Faina sold the masterpiece painting for good money. It was worth celebrating and spending the money)

Пока родители миловались, дети пошли играть в боулинг. Вполне естественно, что более физически развитый Коля обыграл младшего брата. (While the parents were being affectionate, the children went to play bowling. It is quite natural that the more physically developed Kolya beat his younger brother)

А еще у Коли была девушка. Федя тоже хотел бы за кем-нибудь поухаживать, но всё, что ему оставалось - это целоваться с деревянным бруском. (And Kolya also had a girlfriend. Fedya also wanted to court someone, but all he could do was kiss a wooden block)

Коля повел свою любимую Веронику в кафе, в котором они неожиданно встретили ее маму. Вера была рада их увидеть, она уже давно относилась к Коле, как к сыну. (Kolya took his beloved Veronica to a cafe, where they unexpectedly met her mother. Vera was happy to see them, she had long treated Kolya like a son)

Свидание ребят прошло великолепно. Несмотря на потаенные желания парня поцеловать еще кого-нибудь, высказывать это вслух Коля опасался. Если Илона в совершенстве метала топоры, то у Вероники были сильные ноги и хорошо поставленные Филей удары. (The guys' date went great. Despite the guy's secret desire to kiss someone else, Kolya was afraid to say it out loud. If Ilona was a perfect axe thrower, then Veronica had strong legs and Filya's well-trained blows)

Сразу после возвращения домой, Коля позвонил в университет, получил стипендии за успехи в спорте и танцах и вызвал такси. Родители провожали его с гордостью. (Right after returning home, Kolya called the university, received scholarships for success in sports and dancing, and called a taxi. His parents saw him off with pride)

В общежитии Вероника выселила свою соседку в другую комнату, чтобы жить вместе с Колей. Они еще не были женаты, но у Коли складывалось впечатление, что только смерть разлучит их. (In the dorm, Veronica moved her roommate into another room so that she could live with Kolya. They were not yet married, but Kolya had the impression that only death would separate them)

А жена Фили впервые в жизни отправилась на работу. (And Filya's wife went to work for the first time in her life)

[promptcorner]

Soooooo, I’ve been off the web and I’m suddenly seeing all this AI taking over AO3 happening.

Bots harassing people and another AI taking fics for databases— like why???????? It’s fanfiction, it’s mostly ADHD, Autism, Dyslexia, Hyper-fixation ramblings, and pure emotion for something the writer loves. Why in the world would anyone do this? Why are people taking the long and hard work, blood sweat and tears, literal history from 13 year olds or older or younger???? Any age actually???? Why? Why are people being so scummy that real life scum wouldn’t want to grow in their general vicinity?

Like, what’s the goal? Just to steal? Steal the Declaration of Independence at this rate, heck take the Mona Lisa— oh wait, Chat Gbt didn’t give you the right information and now your in police custody. Shame, you’ll need Ocean’s 8 and 11 to pull you out. No wait, you’ll need Audrey Hepburn to steal a million dollars for bail.

Ya know, I remember a time where art theft and book plagiarism was an actual crime that took effort to pull off. The mapping, planning, the get away car, the fights, and the sneaking people had to do was a big ass job. Now it’s a, guess who’s stealing Jenny’s fanfiction this week! Featuring Musklords and The Mother Board as themselves! Now staring the Dulingo Bird, Your Mom! And AO3, all being played by Markiplier! Directed by Hayao Miyazaki— coming out on YOUR BIRTHDAY!!!

Idk what to do, but I’m getting sad and a bit pissed off.

Edit: Aaaaand I just realized that I spelled Chat GPT as GBT. Whatever, that site doesn’t deserve my respect, it’s called GBT now. Garbage Bin Tech.

Edit: Know that this is not a death treat. I understand that this post calls people that use AI as Criminals. In truth, that is harsh and untrue. The creators of those tools, aka, the CEOs and whoever are involved with the brains of those ideas are the real culprits. Those who buy in and use AI are varied with their goals. Some do use AI to scam and be scummy. But others are just kids who are trying to get by in school. Or, people want to use it for fun. I understand why people use it, I just don’t agree with it.

My parents look at AI like it’s a new technology— similar to the internet. They don’t use it, but they say it won’t be going anywhere and that we have to accept it. Truthfully and respectfully, not true: AI can’t do anything we already do. It’s not being used to help the public. It should be used to help people with disabilities so they can speak and whatnot— NOT STEAL ACTORS VOICES AND USE THEM IN MOVIES AND ADS THEY DIDN’T ENDORSE. It’s taken critical thinking away, killing the planet faster, and scamming hundreds if not thousands, and using other people’s hard work to make CEOs richer. This is a Teen Dystopia Novel, change my mind.

Instead of ignoring the problem and making AI solve it, why not go at the roots and pull them out like the ancients of old? There are many problems, but AI is only a bandaid the size of a pea that is slowly rotting with the gash in our skin. It won’t make the pain go away, and it definitely won’t get better.

If your a tutor, help kids with their homework. If your a teacher, say students get a better grade if they don’t use AI. And if your a parent, help your kid.

AI should get a big ass water mark with every generation, and get fined for not doing so. Like, a big ass fine.

[astrologicalsstuff]

explaining aspects through my synastry with my boyfriend

18+ MDNI - please don’t copy my work

Hey guys I’m back again it’s been a while

I have a new boyfriend well it’s actually been a few months but I just want to show off our synastry

💛Our synastry💛

His Sun conjunct my mercury

Our relationship is strongly based on communication. He has been very helpful in encouraging me in my communication (I have Saturn in gemini).

This is everything from using solid information. Giving me resources to use in school. Helping me with my homework, to communicating my feelings and needs in our relationship. He has also has connected me a lot more with technology.

Moon conjunct moon

Our moons are out of sign but my Venus is conjunct my moon so I thought it might be worth mentioning

His Moon conjunct my Venus

We stay in all the time and we stay up at night talking about any and everything. We’re mercurials, but this aspect just allows us to unpack everything together. We always go out just to end up talking to each other in a quiet corner somewhere.

His moon in my 5th house

Yeah there’s romance. We go on dates everyday on the weekends or we find anew recipe and cook for each other all the time. We go out to art shows and analyze art together. And movies. I think this also has to do with our 2nd house synastry, but I always give him things to decorate (Venus) his house (moon). And I know how to deal with his feelings, but he also gets mine (most of the time)

My NN directly conjunct his ascendant

SN on the descendant I’ve heard this can indicate knowing eachother in a past life and everytime I end up talking to someone with these aspects it’s never a new introduction it’s always I’ve seen you somewhere. Or we’ve met before, I’ve even had lots of people have dreams about me before meaeting them. Southbode aspects always start of in the middle of something for me.

We also have a very cute story which I feel like has to also do with our Venus synastry, but when we first met He said he saw me in San Francisco and that we went to school together, and I knew I never went to school in San Francisco but then he said last winter and I knew I went there to check out colleges last minute almost a year ago, and he said he remembered seeing me and always wanted to talk to me but never saw me again. We ran into eachother at a party randomly in a city 6 hours away.

My side was I saw him at a party and thought he was cute so I was being very flirty with like smiles and staring. I really wasn’t looking for anyone but when he came in I was like he’s cuteee.

My neptune trine his ascendant

With my north node also making its place there, I think it also added to the fantasy that was our first meeting. He definitely has unrealistic ideas about me though. I don’t see what he sees but he makes me out to be this amazing angel despite it all.

His Venus in my first house

He says I’m his dream girl and he really makes me feel like I’m the hottest person he’s ever seen, sometimes it can be a bit much but I don’t mind. He also makes me feel valuable but that can also have to do with our 2nd house synastry.

My stellium (sun mars Jupiter) in his second

I love giving him things🫣 I make him art, and help him find things to decorate his house.

My Saturn in his first house

I do think due to other aspects we have a few power dynamics, and I think he thinks he’s the more mature one, but I think we just view these things in different ways. this has been my longest relationship

His mars (sag) in my 8th house

Yeah… you probably already know. This placement is categorized as sexual and intense. It is, we argue all the time, but the sex… I’ve never had sex like this he figured out all my secret spots

My Pluto conjunct his mars

Even though he can be pretty intense I feel like I do well with intensity. He probes but I want to be better about being honest.

His mars opposite my Saturn

It’s exactly what it sounds like we can’t have sex half the time because of a personal condition, it also took us a bit of time before we actually did start having sex. It’s hard to have sex at my place but he lives so far. Plus I always have responsibilities (Saturn) that he helps me with. We make a good team though he brings the action and drive to get things done and I bring… the things we have to get done lol.

His Saturn square my moon

I never thought it would manifest this way, but we have entirely different parenting styles and because of this we basically agreed we won’t work in the long run which is a contrast to the I want you forever he was giving me before. But it’s still a pretty reasonable and mature conversation and we agree that’s not something we have to think about for a while but that’s in the air.

I also believe in astrology which he doesn’t at all and tries to belittle me sometimes about it and sometimes it feels like he makes light of all my personal beliefs. He would never say this but he acts like all the things that matter to me are unrealistic and I don’t think he notices.

His Saturn square my venus

This one is actually very interesting this aspect gets characterized as “right person wrong time” it has the ability to keep two people apart through differences in responsibilities and values.

This can mean anything from age difference, infidelity, or

Saturns reputation of being cold and restrained dampens Venus and starts to weigh her down over time

I always thought this placement would be very intense and I see it slowly creeping over us, but for me as Venus I feel as though I can be very … indulgent and he tends to live life with more discipline. He often tries to encourage me to set rules, and standards to live by. We are fundamentally different and it can be quite difficult sometimes.

The timing in this relationship is also quite intriguing, he has a very steady semi fast pace for us dating. We do all the things exactly how we are supposed to and while it’s not particularly fast I think I’m more open to seeing the possibility of where we go where as he is planning for the long term.

That’s all for now 🤍

[academiclifexd]

"How Technology is Changing the Way We Learn"

In the past few years, there has been a sudden rise in the use of technology in various aspects of life, especially in education. With the increasing availability of digital tools and online resources, students now have more access to more information and learning opportunities than ever before. This shift has significantly changed the way we students study, collaborate, and comprehend academic content. As a Senior High School STEM student, I’ve witnessed firsthand how technology has shaped our academic journey throughout the years. Here are various reasons why technology is changing the way we learn.

1. Access to Various Sources

Back in the earlier days, the library was the primary source of information. The library was a haven not just for bookworms, but for students who needed help with their homework. The library had a collection of books that were full of specific information that assisted students in finding answers, solutions, definitions, and terms needed for their homework. Growing up in Gen Z like myself as a STEM student relies much more on technology nowadays than a physical library because with a touch of a smartphone or a click of a computer, you now have access to different websites that contain the information you need, especially when you need to conduct a research study, which most students use Google Scholar.

2. Interactive Learning Tools

Textbooks are no longer the only tools we use to learn. Interactive apps, simulations, and educational games have become commonplace in many classrooms. As a STEM student, I’ve experienced how these tools make learning more engaging. Apps like Khan Academy offer interactive courses in math, physics, and computer science, breaking down complex topics into bite-sized lessons with visual aids.

Platforms like Quizizz display flashcards that could help students enhance their active recall, memorizing, and understanding of the concepts easily because of the quiz game it offers.

3. Collaboration in Real-Time

One of the biggest changes technology has brought to education is the ability to collaborate in real-time, regardless of any location in the world. Platforms like Google Docs, Microsoft Teams, and Zoom have been helping students ever since the Covid-19 pandemic struck. During the pandemic, remote learning platforms became essential for continuing education. Even though many students faced challenges with online learning, these platforms provided a way for education to continue without interruption all thanks to the implementation of Online Classes. Now, blended learning—combining in-person and online education—is becoming the norm, offering more flexibility for both teachers and students.

4. Personalized Learning

Every student learns differently, and technology is helping cater to these individual learning styles. Adaptive learning platforms use algorithms to tailor lessons to each student’s needs. If you’re struggling with a particular topic, these platforms adjust the difficulty and provide extra support until you grasp the concept. Tools like Duolingo and Grammarly, which offer students language and grammar support are just a few examples of how technology provides customized learning experiences.

For us STEM students, this is particularly helpful, especially when using Grammarly for a research project. Using Platforms like Grammarly helps correct revisable sentences and paragraphs easily in one click, providing less effort and less time-consuming for us students.

5. Preparation for the Future

Technology isn’t just transforming education for the present; it’s also preparing students for the future. As technology like AI and Programming evolves, we students could resort to learning skills like coding, and learning the different types of programming languages so that we could adjust to the evolving technology all around us.

6. The Potential Downsides

While technology has brought us numerous benefits, it’s important to acknowledge the challenges and disadvantages it presents. Overreliance on technology can often lead to distractions, with social media and games constantly thriving for attention. Furthermore, the concept of Technology and its use remains a problem in many parts of the world, where students lack access to the necessary tools and internet connectivity to fully benefit from online learning resources.

[nyoaeuikhoudu]

Elite Force highschool hc's

stealing this idea from @texanmarcusdavenport because I too have headcannons that I must scream into the void.

Centium city is located close enough to Logan High that the kids all go there. Bree and Chase changed their last names so they can go to Logan without being recognized. Their alias last name is "Douglas" because they're not creative and it's hilarious to see their teachers meet Douglas Douglas during conferences.

While the bionic teens are well known around the world, there wasn't quite as much coverage of them in the Philly area because it wasn't super local, so Bree and Chase are able to fly under the radar easier since they're not household names around here.

Idk if yall know what this is, but I feel like it would be fun to have their school structured under the academy system. In short, along with required core classes like math and english, you have to pick an area of interest or career for your other classes. You get cords for completing courses in your academy and most of your electives will be centered around that area of study, plus it helps with college applications.

As always, we'll do this in alphabetic order

Bree:

After much deliberation, she decided on the Natural Resources and Agriculture academy (green). She originally wanted to do Human Services and join ROTC for drill, but Chase wouldn't let her because that would draw too much attention to them.

- her adhd makes it difficult to retain information, so she struggles with classwork, especially lectures.

- in the gifted program w/ Oliver (Chase is jealous lol) no, the gifted program is not based on grades, it's IQ based.

- not super interested in her academy, mostly just in it for the field trips.

- thrives in English classes, can whip out a grade A essay in 20 minutes.

- expert procrastinator, usually doing her homework the morning it's due or in between classes

Chase:

Part of the Business and Computer Technology academy (blue). Though he'd probably thrive more in Engineering, he mostly just joined to work towards inheriting Davenport Industries like Donald wants him to.

- very booksmart

- sacrificed his perfect GPA for maintaining cover. (He's sitting at 3.5, though he's definitely capable of 4.0)

- not the most social, trying his best to lay low.

- started working the schools coffee shop and snack hut for the finance side of things

- refused to test for the gifted program, pissed that Bree did behind his back despite his insistence that they don't draw attention to themselves.

Connie/Skylar:

Part of the Arts and Communications academy (purple). While she's not particularly skilled in the arts, she does enjoy marching band and likes spending time with Jordan and Gus (who are also both in AnC, art and film respectively.)

- gets decent grades. B average

- took an interest in theatre after Gus's Skylar Storm movie, and now helps out on tech.

- works the booth for shows, light design and helps out with mic checks

- surprisingly good at history for an alien- she convinced Chase to join her at history bowl and their team obliterated the other schools.

- involved in multiple sports, namely wrestling and dance team, but colour guard is still her favourite.

- so used to the name Connie that she doesn't even realise when people call her that outside of school, though the twins still slip up and call her Skylar in class.

Kaz:

Part of Health Sciences academy (red) to help with work, though he's less serious about it. If given a choice, he'd choose not to belong to any academy and just go home. He focuses more on the sports injury side of things, learning how to prevent injury rather than treat it for the most part.

- his grades don't reflect his intelligence

- struggles in class due to his adhd

- the only reason he's not failing his medical courses is because Oliver helps keep him on task

- tried three other academies before MM, none seemed to fit him best.

- the only elective he takes outside of HnS is shop, he especially loves welding and blacksmithing.

Oliver:

Also in the Health Sciences academy (red). Though he originally joined because of Mighty Med, he actually found a love for field, focusing on the Medical side. He's been taking extra science classes for fun along with academy courses.

- gets good grades, but definately not perfect.

- terrible at anything that requires math

- builds study dates into his schedule to spend time with Kaz and help him learn the material.- has been in the gifted program since elementary school.

- was originally part of AnC with the rest of his friend group, but switched early his sophomore year when he started working at MM

- still participates in band, playing the oboe for concert and marimba for marching season.

Ages:

Skylar is a senior, everyone else is a junior.

[jazzy-offical]

I am fucking sick of AI.

AI has fundamentally ruined the way we live.

I know it seems drastic and over exaggerated, but at this point it is genuinely true. AI can be helpful, but it gets to a certain point. Going into high school, I am now extremely worried that I will not be able to find a job after graduation. My particular passions are animation, digital art, music, and coding. AI can easily do all of those jobs within seconds. Due to this, artists like others and I have been put in a predicament where we could potentially not have jobs.

Another thing, AI is destroying the education system and the general knowledge of humanity. Students use AI to complete homework for them, causing them to not actually retain any information and this will result in unintelligence. This is the next generation, people. We are the ones meant to sustain the planet, and yet we allow AI to teach us that two plus two equals five, and the “AI Overview” is the first thing you see. Teachers are using AI to grade papers, hypocrites. They use AI to do their jobs but do not allow us to do the same. Besides, studies have found that AI incorporates bias into upwards of 38.6% of answers, and AI is completely incorrect upwards of 25% of the time.

AI has been observed to think for itself. AI. Thinking for itself. In a Chinese research facility, a robot with AI software attempted to attack the researchers. AI programs were studied and they overrode shut down instructions. This technology is not here to be our friend.AI has gotten EXTREMELY good at mimicing us. AI Minecraft youtubers, generated street interviews, AI “humans” ominously demonstrating that they “can talk”.

I’m not distinctly for nor against AI, but I definitely lean more towards anti-AI. It honestly depends on its use.

For example, AI in the medical and scientific communities has been extremely influential in modern medicine and technology and have contributed greatly to the advancement of research in both fields. In these specfic cases, I am all for AI as long as it helps the wellbeing of others.

Generative AI, however (the type you are most common with), I am completely against. Leave the art to the artists, the writing to the writers, composing to the composers, and the filming to the filmmakers. AI in the more creative spaces has shown nothing but harm to the humans in those spaces. Companies are refusing to hire actual artists for product images or actors/voice actors for commercials simply because they think “AI can do it better”, which it can’t. AI will never replace the human imagination, no matter how advanced it becomes. ChatGPT could create a perfect one-to-one recreation of the Sistine Chapel and the original would still be better. AI cannot pick up a pencil or a brush, AI cannot pour blood, sweat, and tears into a piece of music, AI cannot create emotion within a scene, AI cannot write with such passion and dedication. AI cannot measure up to the human desire to create.

In conclusion, AI is not a specific good nor evil, but is slowly moving towards the latter. It has its strengths and weaknesses, as everything else. It can be used for good but just as easily used for bad. Just make sure to support your local artists and steer clear of generative AI.

[narrans]

My Borrowed Son | 16 | Friends and Curiosities

Chapter Sixteen | Friends and Curiosities

Parker couldn’t believe it. Within such a short amount of time, he suddenly had a dozen followers and friends on his page.

Sure, he didn’t know them personally, but everyone was welcoming and polite – two things he was eager to report to his mom when she expressed concern. The miniscule boy also made sure his mom knew he was being safe, not giving out too much personal information, and that the topic of his condition hadn’t even been brought up.

One person commented on his profile picture being interesting, which was a picture of Parker standing in front of his computer screen, but he just explained it was a background and that he wanted to showcase the platform he was publishing on. Karl was the kid’s name, and evidently he and Parker were the same age.

All in all, Parker was pleased with his interactions and the people he was meeting. Lots of them had advice and things for him to check out, and he liked all of the things he was seeing.

There were sketches of space and vast mountains as well as the everyday interactions. There were hundreds of stories from writers just like him.

It felt nice. It felt like some kind of community with people supporting and helping one another. A sense of satisfaction filled the young teen every time he checked his notifications and saw he was getting the chance to meet someone new.

“Just look here, mom,” said Parker eagerly as he showed his mom the latest post he made. “It has almost fifteen likes!” He looked up into his mom’s features and saw her beaming with pride.

“That’s so great, Parker,” she complemented. “Are you going to post your latest story from Mr. Tamplin’s class?”

“I… think so. I don’t know yet though. It doesn’t feel done,” he replied, feeling his cheeks getting warm. The latest story he came up with for Mr. Tamplin’s class was a fiction fantasy story about a sprite named Tal’el. It essentially was his backstory for the Dungeons and Dragons campaign he and his friends started.

Basically, he was a small fairy-like person who was a poison master for his people until he decided he wanted to go out adventuring and exploring. The Dungeon Game Master said it was fine if he played a smaller character, thankfully not questioning why he would want to do such a thing and found a special class for him to play as.

The story actually won a young adult author award for his class and Parker had Mr. Tamplin to thank since it was he who tutored him through his writing slumps. He was now refining it for his literature class.

“Well, don’t be scared to post it sweetie. You’re such a great writer and can do whatever you set your mind to,” encouraged his mom. “Now before you get sucked into checking your notifications, finish your homework and get ready for bed. You have a long day tomorrow.”

“Yes, momma,” Parker replied, rolling his screen back into place in the main area. The structure walls rumbled as his mom closed the outside walls to his home. It was hard to believe it had been a whole month since he “moved in” to this new space.

Parker loved it, in a weird way.

Not to sound ungrateful, but having his own space to roam around, especially in a space that felt suited to him, made him feel just a little bit normal. He liked that he was usually at eye-level with his mom instead of having her loom over him. Just the thought made him shudder involuntarily, and he wasn’t sure why.

It made him feel guilty every time the sensation seized him.

But, now was not the time to dwell on that. It was time for bed.

Parker walked into his room and rummaged through his dresser to find his oversized space t-shirt and elastic band sleep shorts. Then, he went back to the computer and finished submitting his assignments. The words filled the page and Parker hoped that his paper on the evolution of technology was going to be good enough to get him the grade he needed.

Parker’s other assignments were a breeze. Math was simple enough and the biology project about documenting the growth of plants was going smoothly. It was his other project, his story for his literature course, that he was worried about. It was his same story that he was using for his channel, but it was more a mild fear of rejection and lack of perfection.

His online friends liked it, but would his teacher? His followers?

Parker sighed and leaned against the wall before slinking down further into the chair. His eyes focused on the blinking line in front of him as he stared at the end of the fifth chapter he had been editing. Something about this story felt particularly personal, but Parker remembered hearing once about how writers put more of themselves than they’re aware of when they’re making characters and stories.

Perhaps this was just part of that feeling?

The teen sighed and stretched when, suddenly, his lights flickered up above him.

Confusion injected itself into his mind as he stared at the wired lights on the ceiling. His eyes flicked over to the wall switch.

Perhaps just a fluke?

The notion was dismissed when the lights flickered two more times, all of his lights dimming and glowing systematically.

Something raised the hair on the back of Parker’s neck. He felt like he was on pins and needles, the anticipation of a drop while suspended in mid-air. Cautiously, the curious teen stood up and walked over to the switch, examining it closely.

It was still up and wasn’t jiggling or loose.

The lights flickered again.

It felt like he was in a spooky movie, of which Parker had only ever seen one in his life along with a couple of older “thrillers” like Alien and Jaws. Even those movies were censored because his mom didn’t want him to get too spooked.

Was there something wrong with the plug?

Parker glanced at the window at the back by the stairs and, just for a moment, he could have sworn he saw something.

It looked like the quick flick of a shadow.

It was quick and Parker wasn’t even sure if he knew what he saw. He did just step out of his room after all, and he had been staring at his computer screen, which he knew sometimes made shadows appear when there weren’t any.

He held deathly still, his entire body locking up like a perfect figurine. His body fell naturally into the position as he slowly crouched and laid his hand against the floor, as if he could detect any trembling or motion.

He didn’t get a chance to investigate for long though. Before he could make his way to the stairs in his crouched position, there was a knock on the table that made Parker nearly jump out of his skin.

“Parker? Are you going to bed soon?” Parker’s entire body shivered as he pushed himself upright and heaved in a few deep breaths. Every nerve in his body felt electrified. While his heart continued to thrum rapidly, he cleared his throat and called over his shoulder to his mom as the sides of the walls began to open.

“Y-y-yeah, mom. I’m ready for bed,” said Parker. He glanced up at the lights stayed on without the slightest hint of a flicker. The walls opened fully and, instantly, Parker saw his mom’s brow furrow quizzically.

“Everything okay? You look a bit pale,” she said. The maternal instinct in Amanda kicked in and she reached forward and pressed the tip of her finger against Parker’s forehead. He shied away from it, which was typical teenage behavior, but something else felt off about Parker that Amanda couldn’t quite place.

“Y-yeah. I’m fine. I just…” Parker stopped short. It felt like something physically squirmed in his mind, preventing him from saying something about the shadow and the lights. He shook the notion loose, confused as to why this instinct flared up in him, and proceeded with his thought. “I just saw the lights flicker and got spooked.”

“Oh?” Amanda replied as she glanced over and looked down at the power strip that fed electricity into Parker’s Place. Nothing looked off about it to her, but she still knelt and glanced around the ground.

Still nothing.

“Well,” she sighed as she stood and walked back over to the front of Parker’s tiny home. “I don’t see anything. It looks like it’s all plugged in, but we’ll check on it tomorrow. Okay? For now, it’s bedtime.”

“Yes, momma,” replied Parker as he walked up to the edge and accepted the kiss on his torso that his mom gave him. With that, Amanda smiled and watched as Parker curled under the blankets, forming an almost imperceptible lump in the bed. “Goodnight momma. I love you.”

“I love you too, Parker. Sweet dreams my love.” Amanda closed the walls and secured them tightly before tiptoeing out of the room and to her own room to turn in for the night.

Just in the other room, Parker laid there with his heart still fluttering nervously. Everything in him was still on edge, and the curiosity of what was going on with his lights was really bothering him. Parker enjoyed a good mystery or puzzle, but he generally liked ones he could solve.

This one wasn’t solved yet.

For what felt like a couple of hours, Parker tossed and turned in his bed as a mixture of homework assignments and curiosities about the power outlet swirled like a mist in his mind. The more the young teen thought, the more it annoyed him that he didn’t have the answers.

He had had enough.

Parker pushed himself up and decided to go and check out the source of the flickering lights. If it was a cable going bad or possibly the breaker being loose, he needed to get a new one as soon as possible. It would be terrible if he was in class and his power went out. His mom said they would do it in the morning, but Parker knew himself; and he knew he couldn’t sleep if he didn’t at least go and see it for himself.

He couldn’t afford to not check it out with his presentation tomorrow.

The teen stepped noiselessly through his house and exited the front door. As he walked around, he noticed a few things that just seemed, in a word, natural.

Sound was amplified. The darkness in the corners of the room seemed brighter. He could feel every tremble in the desk from his footsteps.

As he made it outside, a choice presented itself to him. For a moment, he considered going down the climbing line he installed himself on the backside of the desk.

But he knew if he slipped on the rope and got hurt, which he never did, his mom would make him take down the line.

He decided to risk it.

It was late. She was asleep. Parker was as sure footed as a goat and knew he would be fine all the way down. The temptation was also too great for the teen to resist. Plus, it would be a lot faster.

There was something about the experience that was, in a word, liberating. The free fall. The catch. The feel of the rope in between his fingers.

It felt natural.

The urge to climb and fall and hide never failed to fascinate parker. Whether it was something his condition genetically programmed him to do so or if it was some personality trait he possessed, he didn’t know.

What he did know was the sensation was addictive and he was itching for a good climb.

Parker snagged the line in between his fingers and leaned over the edge of the desk. There was a mild sense of vertigo that swelled inside him, but he loved it. The weightlessness seized him as he let himself slip over the edge, hands and feet firmly in place and secured on the line.

The line burned against the teen’s palms and against his legs as he quickly descended. It felt like something a secret agent would do, and it felt epic.

The moment Parker’s feet hit the ground, he felt himself instinctually look around and crouch low. Silently, he stepped across the planks of wood that constructed the floor and walked toward the power strip that was only a few feet away. The whole thing was four times Parker’s size, but he navigated through the wires with ease.

His hands worked quickly to check the buttons and reset panels, and the teen could find nothing wrong with any of it.

Perhaps something is up with the electrical cover in the wall? Parker wondered silently. He jumped over the stiff cord that led to the wall and approached the trim on the wall which had small notches in it, so he didn’t need to snag a ladder.

As he approached, Parker noticed something by the very base of the electrical cover that made his hair stand on end.

It was a drill bit.

Flat head.

It was a tad bit rusty, and Parker didn’t recognize it from his mom’s kit that she used to help construct his space. He approached and picked it up, realizing it wasn’t as heavy as he thought it would be. In his hands, it was about twice the size of the drill that his mom used, and he realized he could probably carry it around easy enough; but where did it come from?

I don’t think this is mom’s drill bit. How’d it get here?

Parker glanced up at the electrical cover and felt his heart skip a beat as he noticed the screw for the wall socket was protruding from the wall ever so slightly.

His entire body was shaking now, but he wasn’t sure why.

Had his mom messed with the electrical cover with some old tools that she forgot about?

It didn’t seem like her.

Parker stepped up on the trim, balancing precariously and using the cord to stabilize himself, as he pushed on the very bottom of the electrical cover.

With almost no effort, the piece wiggled free and the screw clattered to the ground. The end looked a lot shorter than the others. He knew because he helped his mom replace the covers a few weeks ago.

The young teen took a few deep breaths to calm himself before he dared to peek inside. Engulfing darkness belonging to the wall consumed his vision. There was something exciting and enticing about the darkness in front of him.

It felt, in a word, familiar.

But why?

Parker felt his head beginning to throb as his mind stirred some fragmented memory, but it was hazy and distant.

What really set the teen on edge, however, was when he dared to push himself up onto the ledge to peer better into the wall and noticed something else that made his insides fill with nervous energy.

There was something that looked like a pencil mark. Two lines with a triangle on top followed by a little check mark on the inside. To Parker, it looked like a kid’s drawing of a house with a check mark inside of it.

Was this something his mom did?

Or was this some kind of construction mark?

What was this?

What did it mean?

The teen stared at the marks and then back to the darkness of the wall. Just like the shadows of the room when he stepped out of his house, the looming abyss of those narrow spaces between the walls didn’t seem very dark. It almost seemed inviting.

There was something about that confined space between the drywall and the studs and exterior boards that made Parker feel like he was back in his space. It was familiar.

But why?

Parker hadn’t realized that he had been learning forward to the point where he was barely hanging onto the edge of the electrical cover and leaning into the walls. It took the sound of his foot skidding against the wood and nearly tumbling headfirst into the space in front of him.

Startled and shaken, Parker pulled himself back out of the entryway into the walls, forced the electrical cover back onto its perch, and hurried back to his room. He was in such a tizzy, the young teen didn’t even realize he had gone straight to the secured line he left and climbed up it in record time, ignoring the staircase mere feet away.

His little feet barely made noise as he scurried back to his room, securing the door and slipping under his covers without so much as a squeak.

Parker’s mind was racing. What was that he just saw? And what was that weird draw he had toward the walls?

Hopefully, his mom would have the answers.

First thing in the morning, he would ask her. She would make everything better, right?

~~~~~^*^*^*^*^~~~~~

Continue

Previous

Beginning

[beardedmrbean]

The movie and television and music industries hated the VCR and home tape recorders; those new-fangled gadgets were going to drive them out of business!

Thomas Edison claimed that the rise of "talkies" would ruin the movie industry; after all, with the actors so focused on their voices, they'd forget how to act. The invention of modern postal services led people to claim that being able to send private, secure letters would turn all the women in the world into trollops, as it would allow them to get into communication with unprincipled men.

When the phonograph was invented, the music industry went into a panic, and demanded that it be banned: After all, if you could listen to whatever music you wanted, whenever you wanted, then there would be no more need for live musicians anymore.

The telephone was met with furious outcries, that it would lead to the death of letter-writing as a skill; not only that, it would allow criminals to conspire with one another , without ever having to meet in person.

The first novels were considered frivolous bits of nonsense, and "decent" folk looked down on people who bothered to read such ephemera, rather than something proper, like classical legends, or tales of allegory.

Socrates railed against the concept of the written word, because once you could write things down, why bother memorizing anything anymore, and the human mind would atrophy into nothing.

I see people railing against AI, and a part of me can't help but think of all those people from the past, who were convinced that this new invention was literally the work of the Devil.

There's good and bad with all of these things, with some of them we've managed to dumb ourselves down as a species because with things like the internet we have the world at our fingertips and all the information we could dream of,

and people get their information from a tweet, obviously not all but some do.

Postcard was supposed to be a quick greeting and a short message about what you're doing on vacation, now people look at a IG post and seem to think they've worked out the nuance of what you're up to.

We like shortcuts, nothing wrong with that provided we don't lean on them constantly.

AI is a wonderful tool, it can come up with ways to do things faster and more accurately than people can in some cases, provided we don't lean on it so hard the muscles in our legs atrophy and become useless.

If I may be corny but hopefully also correct and fairly straightforward

This isn't about actual weight or anything, I hope that's clear, this is people not exercising their minds.

This is also not me being against AI, it's a wonderful tool for us to have in our toolboxes and as long as we can make it work for us we'll be fine, but it will take some people down as well.

That will be the people that can't do a 600 word essay without chatgpt.

We need to be sure we never lean so hard on technology that we get to this point and then have to do this kind of 180.

Coming up with the most efficient way to use the resources we have available to us is a wonderful way to use AI, (you're free to hate this but it was near the top of the search for absurd AI political images)

Which is another wonderful use of AI technology, (the absurd part this is wildly over the top here)

But using it to write you homework or you speeches or a book or anything else that should require a human touch I think we should not encourage, not necessarily condemn, but also not encourage.

If that makes sense.

This was a lot longer than I planed, took longer too since the Wall-E images weren't showing up and honestly that's a great example of letting technology take over so I had to pull it out.

[attendsquoi]

Thea's Quest ~ Ch. 7

Chapter 7: Targets 

Summary: Thea and Kaldur spend the day learning about computers, help Superboy pick a name, and save two countries from war.

Warnings: canon typical violence, blood and injuries

Word count: 3.5k

Thea was glad to have a day off. She needed to catch up on some of Diana’s homework and fill out a few mission reports – and of course some rest was always appreciated. But first, she had to meet Kaldur in the mission room. A week or so prior, the team had found out that Thea didn’t know how to use technology, given its habit of attracting monsters. With the help of her magical pendant she wasn’t at as much risk anymore, but she still didn’t really know how to approach electronics. Kaldur had offered to try to teach her some things on their days off, so that was where she was headed.

“Hey!” Thea called to the Atlantean as she walked into the mission room.

“Good morning, Thea.” Kaldur replied.

The two got to work, Kaldur first showing Thea simply how to gesture in order to turn the screen on.

“I’ve seen so much stuff that is unexplainable by science, and yet this feels so magical to me.” Thea said to Kaldur as she practiced.

He had opened his mouth to reply when their comms went off.

“Aqualad.” Kaldur reported.

“Red Arrow.” Came the voice on the other end.

Thea frowned. She wasn’t a fan. Red Arrow was aggressive, which she could look past, but his general distaste and distrust of her and her friends – especially Artemis – rubbed her the wrong way. She just felt like something was off about him.

“I need access to the Justice League's database and the exact height of the League of Shadows assassin known as Cheshire.” Red Arrow said.

Kaldur moved over in front of Thea to pull up the necessary information. 

“Checking. Cheshire is 1.67 meters.” Kaldur said.

“Um…” Red Arrow trailed off.

Thea rolled her eyes.

 “She’s 5 foot 6.” She clarified.

“And exceptionally dangerous. Do you require backup?” Kaldur asked.

As much as she didn’t like Red Arrow, Thea respected Kaldur’s kindness toward his friend.

“Please. The last thing I need is the Junior Justice League.” Red Arrow rejected.

“Just our computer.” Kaldur said sassily.

Thea couldn’t help but chuckle.

“Good luck, my friend. Aqualad out.”

~~~

After their call with Red Arrow, M’gann walked through the mission room. Thea and Aqualad followed her to the hangar to wish her and Superboy a good first day of class.

“Ready for school? I made our lunches.” M’gann said as she flew toward Superboy.

“The first day of the scholastic season carries great cultural resonance. We want to wish you both well.” Martian Manhunter said as he, Red Tornado, Kaldur, and Thea approached.

“Guess it's not a Kryptonian thing.” Superboy said sadly.

Thea felt a wave of anger at Big Boy Blue. The way Superman ignored his clone reminded her of the ways the gods ignored their unclaimed children. 

Powerful people need to learn how to parent. She thought with a frown.

“Wait, Thea, why aren’t you going to school?” M’gann asked.

Thea’s eyes widened in surprise. 

“Oh, uh, I don’t go to school.” She said, unsure how to answer the question.

“What do you mean?” M’gann asked. “Surely you care about your education.” She continued.

“No, of course.” Thea said.

“Just, the last time I was in school was five years ago, and a harpy attacked one of my classmates.” She explained.

Everyone looked at her with some amount of confusion of concern.

“He was fine!” She assured.

“But anyway. I’m – uh – I’m homeschooled.” Thea said. 

“You may wish to change before you depart.” Kaldur mentioned to M’gann, changing the topic.

“Ah! I spent hours choosing this outfit. What do you think?” M’gann said as she spun around, her clothes transforming out of her hero outfit and into a skirt and blouse.

“Can M'gann M'orzz pass as an Earth girl now?” She asked.

“Well…” Kaldur trailed off, unsure how to break the news.

Thea pursed her lips, holding in a giggle.

“Just kidding!” M’gann laughed.

“Meet Megan Morse.” She said, her skin changing from green to caucasian.

“What's your new name?” She asked Superboy.

“My what?” He asked.

“I chose the name John Jones for myself. And suggested John Smith for Red Tornado. You could be a John too.” Martian Manhunter suggested.

“Pass.”

M’gann – or Megan – put her hands on Superboy’s arm.

“Conner's always been my favorite name.” She said.

Superboy shrugged ambivalently, accepting the title. 

Thea thought back to her most familiar Connor: Connor Stoll. Half of the set of twins who consistently lovingly made her life at camp difficult as hell. 

“A last name will also be required.” Kaldur said.

“Perhaps Kent?” Martian Manhunter suggested. 

“Oh, in memory of Dr. Fate, the late Kent Nelson.” Megan said.

“Of… course.” He replied.

Thea sensed something off and looked over at Kaldur. She tilted her head slightly to indicate her question. The boy winked at her. Thea’s eyebrows raised at the implication. Superman’s last name is Kent; that’s knowledge to file away for later.

“Okay, sure. I guess it'd be an honor or something.” Superboy, now Connor, agreed.

“Well, Conner Kent, time to change your shirt.” Megan said. 

Connor looked down at his shirt, then back at her, confused.

“You don't wanna reveal your identity.” She explained, tapping his chest.

Connor reached over his shoulder and pulled off his shirt. Thea’s eyes widened. She may not like the boy romantically, but he was by no means an unattractive man.

“Ugh, will this work?” He asked, pulling the shirt inside out. 

Megan looked like a deer in headlights.

“Works for me.” She all but drooled.

Thea put a hand around her mouth to stop herself from laughing, or at least hide her gleeful grin. Kalur glanced at her and chuckled.

“Wait, shouldn't I be Conner Nelson?” Thea heard Connor ask as he and Megan walked away.

“They grow up so fast.” Manhunter said fondly.

~~~

Kaldur and Thea took some time the rest of the morning to do some work, and make lunch. Thea really liked spending time with Kaldur. It reminded her of her early days at camp, meeting and getting to know Luke, Annabeth, and Grover – back when it all felt so simple.

Later, they returned to the mission room. Thea was slowly but surely getting the hang of using the cave’s computer, but she could always use more practice. 

Again, their comms went off. 

“It’s me. I may possibly be in over my head.” Red Arrow said.

After a brief conversation to plan, the call ended.

“You go ahead.” Thea said as soon as Red Arrow hung up.

“You’re not coming?” Kaldur asked, seeming confused.

“He doesn’t like me.” Thea stated bluntly. “The whole situation will be easier if I’m not there. He’s not upset by my presence and you don’t have to worry about the two of us not getting along.”

Kaldur paused, thinking over her words.

“You do not need to come if you really do not want to.” He began. “But I think we will need your help. As… abrasive as he can be, he does not hate you, and I know that his distrust is misplaced. I will not force it, but I would like you to come with me.” Kaldur said.

Thea’s posture softened.

“Okay.” She said. “But only if you don’t leave me alone with him.” She commanded.

“Deal.” Kaldur said with a smile.

~~~

Kaldur and Thea arrived in Taipei covertly. Zeta tubes meant no TSA, but Thea didn’t want to risk openly carrying her sword into a politically tense situation, so she stuck with her dagger hidden under her jacket. The two were standing in front of a podium where Red Arrow, along with Lex Luthor and the representatives from North and South Rhelasia were. 

Thea felt a presence behind her.

“Get ready.” She whispered to Kaldur.

He turned around to face the disguised woman as Thea shifted over slightly, getting out of the way while making sure to watch Kaldur’s back.

“That is far enough, Cheshire.” He said.

The assailant acted innocent for only a second, before pushing a button on the tea cart she was pushing and leaping away. Kaldur pulled the water from the cups on the podium, forming a wall of water just as Red Arrow shot an arrow, setting off the bomb. Fortunately, Kaldur’s wall held, but the exertion it took was obvious. As soon as the explosion cleared, Kaldur dropped the barrier.

“It’s over, Cheshire.” Somebody said.

“You would think so.” She replied coyly.

Thea’s eyes narrowed. A helicopter carrying a group of assassins piloted next to the building.

“Take Sportsmaster. Cheshire’s mine.” Red Arrow commanded Kaldur.

“Thea–” Kaldur started.

“Protect the ambassadors?” She said, already pulling out her dagger to engage the closest Shadow.

“Yes.” He acknowledged, focusing his attention on Sportsmaster.

Thea moved quickly, focusing on the Shadows and making sure they couldn’t get too close to the ambassadors. She only had her dagger, and the Shadows were trained in a different fighting style, but her years of sword practice and combat training made her a formidable opponent. The whole time, Thea was careful. Monsters could be killed and would eventually come back – but these were mortals, and she didn’t want to murder anyone. 

Thea ducked a blow from the Shadow in front of her, then kicked their leg out from under them. They fell and hit their head on the ground. Quickly another Shadow engaged her. They circled each other, each landing hits and defending against the others’ attacks. Oddly, this Shadow seemed to be pushing Thea away from the ambassadors rather than getting closer to them himself. Thea glanced over, trying to find Lex Luthor as well as her friends. The slight moment of distraction was enough for the Shadow to push Thea outside the building. As soon as her foot crossed over the threshold, the soldier spun around, heading back to the ambassadors.

“Vlakas!” She swore, realizing the trick.

~~~

Before she had the chance to run back inside, though, a sudden searing pain cut through her shoulder. She grabbed the area, pulling her hand away to see blood coming from a slice – almost like that of a small arrow. Something on the ground caught her eye and she kneeled to find a feather. She picked it up. It was a grayish color, but when it caught the sun it gleamed gold, and when she turned it to the side, it was razor sharp.

“Oh, Styx.” 

It was as if her realization summoned the flock. Spinning on her heel, Thea spotted the treeline and ran for cover. It wasn’t great help though – Stymphalian birds are incredibly dangerous monsters. The mortals she ran past looked confused, but Thea paid them no mind, certain that the Mist would do its work. Thea tried not to be slowed down by the birds, even as their feathers slashed cuts in her skin. 

“One monster is bad enough, but a whole swarm? Really?” She muttered under her breath as she finally reached the trees.

Of course, it didn’t stop the birds from following her, but at least she wasn’t as obvious a target, and they couldn’t shoot their feathers from above.

“Okay, Thea. Think.” She said to herself.

“Defeating the Stymphalian birds was one of Hercules’ tasks. But he used brass bells from Athena – what am I supposed to do?” The girl thought out loud.

It was too little, too late. Some of the birds had found her. There weren't as many as before, but that hardly mattered. Pulling out her dagger, Thea really wished she had her sword. One of the birds flew close – it looked like a pigeon, but bigger, and stronger – and Thea swung at it. She knocked it aside before its bronze beak could grab her, but it was only stunned for a moment. It flew back toward her, gaining speed. A pigeon shouldn’t be as menacing as a peregrine falcon, but Thea was very afraid. 

This time, she had a better idea of what she was up against, and her aim held true. Her dagger sliced through the bird, turning it to golden ashes, though not before its feathers cut open new wounds on her hand.

A much worse pain shot through her abdomen. Thea looked down to find one of the other birds pecking, working its way through the skin of her stomach. She yelled, shoving forward her dagger with her injured hand, but another bird intercepted her, sending the dagger flying a few feet away.

If she made it out now, she would survive – the injuries weren’t too severe. But she was defenseless against the monsters, and she knew that without some loud noise to stop them, they would strip her to the bones.

Suddenly, a resonant boom sounded from inside the building, then a pause before more loud bangs. The lives of the ambassadors crossed her mind, but regardless, she had never been so grateful to hear a bomb and gunshots. 

A few of the birds startled, and went flying away. The other, still cutting up Thea’s flesh, stayed for a moment. The adrenaline Thea got from looking down at the wound gave her the energy to kick the bird away and scream. Fortunately, it was enough for the creature to fly away after its family.

Thea slumped against a tree. From where she lay, she could see into the building, though her vision was gradually blurring. Having not prepared for a monster attack, she didn’t have her typical supplies on her. Thea pulled off her partially shredded shirt, leaving her in her sports bra, and balled it up to put pressure on her jagged wound. Her energy was draining, and nectar and ambrosia would have to wait until after Kaldur and Red Arrow found her – if they even would. 

“What a way to go.” She muttered to herself in Greek, closing her eyes from the pain but trying to stay awake.

~~~

Fortunately for the young heroes, the guns Thea had heard did not maim the ambassadors, but rather an attacking Shadow. Sportsmaster and Cheshire had disappeared, but the treaty had been signed.

“I can't believe we just did a solid for Lex Luthor.” Red Arrow complained as he and Aqualad walked through the building.

“Not for Luthor, for peace.” Kaldur said, looking around for Thea and concluding that she must be outside.

“Beyond that, if Ra's and the League of Shadows wanted to sabotage the Summit, the signing of the treaty renders their contract moot. It is over.” He assured.

“Is it?” Red Arrow questioned as they stepped outside.

“I heard what Sportsmaster said. Do you really think there's a mole on your team feeding him intel?” 

“I cannot rule out the possibility.” Kaldur said diplomatically.

“I will investigate quietly.” He said.

“Not tell them?” Red Arrow asked, surprised.

“I do not want the unit unraveling over baseless suspicions. And if there is a mole, I have no wish to tip him or her off.” Kaldur explained.

“Good luck with that.” Red Arrow said with a salute, turning to walk away.

“One moment, my friend.” Kaldur said.

“Tonight, you could have called Green Arrow for help or the Justice League. Instead, your first instinct was to call the Cave.” He observed.

Red Arrow paused.

“You're right. The team deserves… has my respect.” Red Arrow admitted.

“I'm still getting used to this solo act stuff. But if you need me, I'll be there.” He said kindly, moving to shake Kaldur’s hand.

The boys stepped away from each other. Red Arrow stopped suddenly, furrowing his eyebrows, looking off past the fountain. Without saying anything to Kaldur, he broke into a run toward the treeline.

“Arrow?” Kaldur called after him, but the hero was too distracted and said nothing.

Kaldur, confused, followed after him.

~~~

Thea had remained awake, but was afraid to try to get up due to the injury in her side. She saw Kaldur and Red Arrow walking out of the building, but her voice was strained and she couldn’t yell to get their attention. As much as she had her issues with the man, when Red Arrow looked over in her direction, she was relieved.

He ran up to her, having spotted her before Kaldur. When he reached her he immediately scanned her body, seeing cuts across her arms and legs as well as whatever injury she was hiding with her shirt. 

“Holy shit, what happened?” He asked, kneeling next to her, lifting up her makeshift compress to view her injury before pushing it back down with more pressure.

Thea gasped at the sting.

“Did a Shadow do this to you?” He asked, concerned and confused.

She shook her head.

“Stymphalian birds.” She croaked.

“What?” The boy asked.

Thea smiled a little bit.

“Greek monsters – they’re like scary, flesh-eating pigeons.” She explained.

“Jesus.” Red Arrow muttered under his breath.

“Yeah.” The girl chuckled, moving to prop her arms behind her and pull herself up.

“Oh, hell no.” Red Arrow said, pushing her back down.

Kaldur came jogging up behind Red Arrow. His eyes widened with guilt and concern as he saw Thea in her condition.

“Thea…” He trailed off.

“It’s okay. I’ll be fine.” The girl attempted to reassure though neither boy seemed convinced.

“We need to get you to the med bay.” Kaldur said, putting himself in leader mode to mitigate his distress.

“That’d be great.” Thea said, clenching her teeth as she shifted against the tree. 

“I’ll help.” Red Arrow said, leaving no room for argument.

The boys nodded at each other, each moving down to grab Thea under her shoulders.

They pulled her up, Red Arrow keeping pressure on her wound.

“Wait!” Thea said before they could start moving.

“My dagger, it’s right over there.” She said, pointing a little ways away.

Red Arrow shouldered all of Thea’s weight, and nodded at Kaldur who stepped away to pick up the girl’s weapon.

“Thank you.” Thea said, reaching out to grab it.

“I can hold onto it for now, let’s just get you back to the cave.”

With Red Arrow and Kaldur both supporting her, the three young heroes hobbled back to the zeta tube.

“This is where I leave you. At least, assuming you’ve got it from here. If you need me, I can stay.” Red Arrow said.

“We’ll manage.” Kaldur told him and Thea confirmed with a nod.

“Arrow!” She called as the archer began to walk away.

“Thank you.” She said sincerely.

The boy smiled.

“You’re welcome.” He said.

“And, Thea? You can call me Roy.”

~~~

Kaldur had carried Thea to the med bay in the cave, helped her dress the wound in her side, and after some discussion, even got her to sit down on a gurney. The girl protested, but after seeing the worry in Kaldur’s eyes, she agreed. 

“I got what you asked for.” Kaldur said as he walked back into the room, carrying Thea’s satchel.

“Thank you.” She smiled, reaching into the bag to pull out a small flask and a ziplock with small, yellow cubes.

Grabbing a piece of ambrosia, Thea took a bite. Closing her eyes, she savored the taste of her dad’s homemade sourdough. It had been a long time since she had seen – or had wanted to see – her father, but the taste never failed to make her feel at home.

Kaldur smiled at the peaceful look on Thea’s face before getting up to grab some disinfectant and cloth to clean the cuts on her arms and legs. Thea swallowed her bite and opened her eyes to watch Kaldur. In some ways, it reminded her of times she got stuck in the Apollo cabin with injuries. Kaldur’s gentleness, though, made the moment far more tranquil.

Kaldur held Thea’s wrist gently as he wiped the antiseptic over the cuts on her arm. He had a small frown on his face as he worked. Thea knew that look.

“I’m okay, Kaldur.” She murmured softly, looking at her injuries, not meeting his eyes.

Kaldur sighed gently. 

“I know that you will recover. But I am still upset to see you injured, especially from an unsanctioned mission I convinced you to go on.” He mutters, a hint of self-loathing seeping into his tone. Thea grabbed his wrist gently, halting his movements. She looked up at him.

“It isn’t your fault, Kaldur. My injuries have nothing to do with the mission. This is just a… occupational hazard, I guess. Courtesy of being a demigod. I’m fine.” She insisted quietly.

Kaldur was unconvinced.

“You should have called for help. We would have helped. I…” He trailed off, unable to articulate his thoughts.

Thea sighed gently.

“I know you would have helped me. Of course you would have.” Thea reassured. “I just… I was being stupid. I forgot that I had comms in. I’m still… I’m still not used to this whole ‘having back up’ thing.” She chuckled weakly. “Usually when you get cornered by a monster… you’re on your own.” She said sadly.

Kaldur paused, face softening at her words. Thea let go of his wrist and he resumed cleaning her cuts, mulling over his next words.

“I understand that. It is… quite the transition. Learning how to work with a team.” He acknowledged softly. “But you’re not on your own.” He concluded, voice gentle but firm.

Thea smiled up at him, letting him maneuver her arm to reach her scrapes and cuts. 

“No. Not anymore.” She agreed.

[houndsofcorduff]

hii! can i ask questions 2, 10 and 12 from the Characters/OCs ask? for anyone you'd like

Hi! Thanks for the ask! I'll do one Hounds of Corduff character and one Old Gods character for each question!

2. When someone says "this is [character name] coded," what comes to your mind

For Ana, they must be talking about something with science. The stars, technology, a machine, a device, etc. When someone figures out some crazy complicated puzzle you thought would take an hour in just a few minutes, you're like "that's Ana coded". When someone would rather genuinely stay at home and study than go to a party, that's Ana coded.

For Drumcondra, they are probably talking about someone doing something completely unhinged. Like the most unexpected turn of events, that's Drumcondra coded. Someone just flirted with the King during their knighting ceremony? Drumcondra coded.

10. Their most defining moment vs your favorite one of them

For Ana, her most defining moment in book 1 is how she's the one to step in and help Em'het do [an important magic thing at the climax] when everyone else is standing around stunned. She's the first to jump into action because she's the only one quick-witted enough to figure out what's happening. My favorite Ana moment from book 1 is every time she complains about staying in the town and insists they go back. As an older sister, she is so relatable to all the times I told my sisters, "We shouldn't do that, it's against the rules".

Drumcondra's most defining moment in book 1 is when he rescues Boru from the island. This really shows how he doesn't see Boru as a burden (which is what Bo thinks) but genuinely cares about him, not because he's the Bringer of Peace, but because he's a boy who reminds him of himself. My favorite Drumcondra moment is at the very beginning of book 1 when he's making Awen feel more at peace and easing her anxiety with a story about Elsava. I love them and their dynamic, but they're actually not together very often in the actual series.

12. How committed are they to their principles, and what might get them to abandon them

On a scale of 1 to 10 Ana is a 7 on the devoted to her principles scale. She works on evidence so if she has a strong opinion about something, then she's clearly done her homework. However, if presented with new information or a new perspective on the evidence that would change the result, she will change her mind.

On a scale of 1 to 10 Drumcondra is a 9 on the devoted to his principles scale. He works on gut instinct and is very stubborn. He does what he feels is right in the moment; it might not be the right decision, but it was his decision and he'll stand by it. He's learn to trust his instincts over the years, and he's usually right.

[tyrablags]

How Ict helped you at home, in school, and in communicating with people

ICT is an acronym for information and communication technology. ICT plays the role of unified communications. Nowadays, an estimated number of 5.4 billion people use ICT. People use it for their everyday lives to communicate with people. With ICT, we can build stronger relationships by communicating with people. It helps us be socially active, leading us to being more confident.

As a student, I can use it for research regarding my everyday homework. It can also help me study and do the things I do everyday faster. I can use ICT to review and ask my teachers regarding the topics and concerns easily. If at home and bored, I can use ICT for entertainment, such as watching Netflix, playing video games, etc. ICT can also help us through communication, as we can talk to anyone, anywhere, and anytime.

In conclusion, ICT helps me with my everyday life; wether it's for school, for home, or for communication

[smusielski-blog]

Family offices

Talking to a Billionaires:

Tips from Grok:

What 4 tips can you offer when talking to a billionaire?

Answer

When engaging with a billionaire or any high-profile individual, here are four tips to consider:

Be Genuine and Respectful: High net-worth individuals often encounter people who are primarily interested in their wealth or what they can gain from the relationship. Stand out by being genuinely interested in them as individuals, not just their financial status. Respect their time as much as you would anyone else's, and remember to engage in conversation about topics beyond money, like their interests, projects, or philanthropy.

Do Your Homework: Before you meet, research their business, interests, recent activities, or any public statements they've made. This knowledge not only helps in making meaningful conversation but shows that you've taken the time to understand who they are. However, use this information subtly in conversation; you don't want to come off as a stalker but as an informed and thoughtful conversationalist.

Have Something to Offer: While it might seem like you're the one who should be gaining something from the interaction, relationships are two-way streets. Think about what you can offer, even if it's not financial. It could be your expertise, a fresh perspective, a potential collaboration, or even insights into sectors or technologies they might not be deeply involved with yet. This approach not only makes the conversation more engaging for them but can also lead to a more equal footing in the discussion.

Listen More Than You Speak: Everyone, including billionaires, appreciates a good listener. By listening, you can learn a lot about their current thoughts, what they're passionate about, or where they might want to invest next. This not only gives you valuable insights but also helps in tailoring your responses and contributions to the conversation in a way that aligns with their interests. Moreover, people generally like to talk about themselves; giving them the space to do so can make the interaction more enjoyable for them.

[rental-realities]

Welcome to Rental Realities of 2024! Whether you’re a long-time renter, a newbie to the rental world, or a landlord trying to keep up with the latest trends, you’ve come to the right place. This year, the rental market is buzzing with changes and new opportunities, and we're here to help you make sense of it all.

What’s New in the Rental Market This Year?

2024 has been quite the rollercoaster for renters and landlords alike. Here’s a snapshot of what’s shaping the rental landscape:

**1. Flexibility is the New Trend With remote work becoming the norm for many, people are looking for more flexible living arrangements. Short-term leases and month-to-month options are in high demand. If you’re a renter who likes to keep your options open, you’ll find plenty of properties that cater to this need. For landlords, offering these flexible terms can make your property more attractive to a wider range of potential tenants.

**2. Sustainability is on the Rise Eco-friendly living isn’t just a fad anymore—it’s a major factor in rental decisions. Many renters are now on the lookout for properties with energy-efficient features and sustainable practices. If you’re a landlord, investing in green upgrades like solar panels or energy-efficient appliances might just give you the edge you need in a competitive market.

**3. Tech is Taking Over Smart home technology continues to make waves. From smart thermostats that save you money on energy bills to security systems that give you peace of mind, renters are increasingly expecting these tech perks. If you’re a renter, don’t hesitate to ask about these features. And if you’re a landlord, incorporating smart tech could make your property stand out.

**4. Rising Rents and Budgeting Unfortunately, many areas are seeing an increase in rental prices. With inflation and high demand driving up costs, it’s important to budget carefully. Renters should be prepared for potential rent hikes, while landlords should stay aware of market trends to set fair and competitive rates.

**5. Community and Amenities Matter Renters are placing more value on community and amenities. Properties with access to gyms, co-working spaces, and green areas are becoming increasingly desirable. And let’s not forget about the neighborhood itself—good schools, local shops, and convenient transport links are huge pluses.

Tips for Renters in 2024

**1. Do Your Homework Before you sign on the dotted line, take the time to research the area. Check out local developments, future projects, and the overall vibe of the neighborhood. This can help you make an informed choice and avoid surprises.

**2. Consider Flexibility If your lifestyle allows, look into flexible lease options. Short-term leases or month-to-month agreements might give you the freedom you need, especially in these unpredictable times.

**3. Embrace Smart Living When searching for a new place, keep an eye out for smart home features. They can make your life easier and potentially lower your bills. Don’t be shy about asking landlords what tech upgrades are available.

**4. Budget Wisely With rental prices on the rise, it’s crucial to manage your finances carefully. Plan for potential rent increases and additional costs. A solid budget can help you stay on top of your expenses and avoid stress.

Tips for Landlords in 2024

**1. Go Green Consider making eco-friendly upgrades to your property. Not only will this attract environmentally conscious renters, but it could also save you money in the long run and boost your property’s value.

**2. Upgrade to Smart Tech Adding smart technology to your property can make it more appealing. Features like smart locks, thermostats, and security systems are becoming must-haves for many renters.

**3. Offer Flexibility With the demand for flexible leases growing, think about offering shorter-term options or customizable rental agreements. This can help you attract a wider range of tenants and reduce vacancies.

**4. Stay Informed Keep an eye on market trends and economic factors that might impact rental rates and tenant expectations. Staying up-to-date will help you make smart decisions and stay competitive.

Wrapping It Up

2024 has brought some exciting changes and challenges to the rental market. Whether you’re renting or leasing, staying informed and adapting to new trends will help you navigate this evolving landscape. Thanks for joining us at Rental Realities of 2024! We’re here to provide you with the latest insights and tips to make your rental experience as smooth and successful as possible.

Got questions or topics you want us to cover? Drop us a line—we’d love to hear from you. Here’s to a great year ahead in the rental world!

#RentalRealities2024 🏠#RentingIn2024 📅#ModernRentals 🌟#RentalTrends2024 📈#LeaseLife2024 🗝️#SmartLiving 🏡🔌#EcoFriendlyRentals 🌱#FlexibleLeases 🔄#TechSavvyRentals 📱#HousingHappenings 🏘️#RentalMarketUpdate 🔍#SustainableLiving 🌍#RentersGuide 📚

[meraki-yao]

An exchange student from Canada saw me crying and gave me a tissue. We talked. He's really nice. I'm sane now.

This is going to be a full vent. This is my full story on this situation. Only read if you want to and if you're okay with it. Also warning, this is long as fuck, I really trauma dumped here.

tw: suicidal thoughts, self-harm

Backstory: High School

I was labelled as a jack of all trades, master of none. I'm naturally a more art/social science/emotion/humanities person, but I took STEM subjects in high school (Physics, Chemistry, Information & Technology/ Computer, and Calculus & Algebra), partly because these subjects had objective, standard answers, which supposedly makes getting marks in exams easier, partly because I felt like I had to as my parents are both PhD in engineering, and at that point I still thought I had to be "my parents' daughter".

So throughout high school, all my external achievements were humanities/arts related while my studies were STEM orientated. But I struggled a lot with my STEM subjects (except for Computer because a lot of that is just stuff you would know if you use one a lot), and I mean, a lot. As in failing quizzes, fucking up assignments. Thank God I had really kind teachers who cared more about my mental health than my grades and were willing to help and accommodate my needs. But there were many times when I straight up broke down during a lesson and ran off to the social worker's. I skipped several lessons because I just couldn't go to class and try to listen when voices in my head were all yelling at how much of a useless piece of shit I was. I would spend three hours on a single question, and still get it wrong. It always felt like no matter what I did, I would go nowhere. And it didn't help that when I asked for help from my parents, their response would always first be "How can you not know something so simple". By senior year I gave up and started asking my friends and the internet.

On the contrary, I thrived in my language classes and liberal studies class. Even if I initially sucked due to the change in the system, I asked, I studied, I worked and I improved. I got somewhere. Effort paid off in a fair ratio. I never needed to ask my parents anything about that. I never needed to ask anyone other than my teacher. I loved doing my homework in those subjects. My writings were printed out as examples for the whole class. It was great.

Backstory: College Selection

By the time college choices rolled around I had no idea what to choose. At the same time, my mother was also suggesting I go to mainland Chinese universities for my undergrad, and I didn't want that. Going to the States or the UK wasn't affordable for my family, so I opted to stay local, to the dismay of my whole extended family.

So in the mess of all of this and no parental support because they are Chinese stereotypes who think the only courses worth studying are doctor and lawyer, my school's career counsellor suggested Bachelor of Arts and Studies to me (here's their website) a new personalized interdisciplinary degree in HKU. And I was so happy. It felt right. It felt like putting a on tailored dress. And despite my parents' protest, I put that as my first choice.

College entrance exams came and went. Overall I did pretty well. Got top scores in Chinese, English, Liberal Studies, and Computer. Got average for Chemistry, Math and Physic despite spending most of my study leave on these subjects. Just passed Calculus.

So the way the local system works (it's called JUPAS if you wanna look it up) is that by the end of November, you need to submit your 20 university programme choices, but after the public exam result is released, you're assigned 24 hours to change your choices.

And this is where everything started going to hell for me.

My parents, who in the first round of selection, compromised and let me put what I wanted, looked at my marks, and my choices, and vetoed everything. They said I'm not gonna get a job with an interdisciplinary degree, there's no career path for psychology, that the arts and science degree was created because the art, social science and science faculty didn't have that many people.

A different advisor, one who didn't know me personally suggested my current programme: biomedical engineering, which basically combines medicine with engineering. They said it's a lucrative career since health service is in demand, and with my basis in STEM subject I would do well, and that it's easier to go from a science subject to humanities if I want to do something different in post-grad than vice versa. By this time I had 2 hours left before confirmation.

If we were to completely ignore me as an individual, they're right. This would be the logical choice.

But at that point, I already knew it felt wrong. But unfortunately for me, all I could say is it felt wrong, which isn't a strong rebuttal.

With no "logical" rebuttal, two yelling parents and a fucked up head, sobbing, I changed my first choice to this programme. I cut my arm with a cutter over the myriad of scars I gave myself over the years. I told my best friend who was asking if I was ok, that I'll give it a go, and if it doesn't work I'll find a way out. I told the rest of my close friends that my undergrad will be me paying a debt to my parents, and I'd figure out my own dream in the future.

I shouldn't have caved in.

Back Story: University

University started. Immediately it felt wrong. Save for my elective (HKU has this really cool thing called Common Core, look it up if you're interested but essentially it's compulsory electives) I felt so detached from my engineering courses. I couldn't explain, just an inherent feeling that I don't belong here.

It didn't help that it was at this time that I realized I straight-up don't like biology.

Managed through year 1 first semester with average grades. Semester 2 I didn't have any courses directly related to the programme save for a probability & stats course that I fucked my way through. The rest of my grades were pretty good, even got two A- s. The feeling that I didn't belong persisted but popped up a little less.

Now: Breaking

Year 2 came, and from the moment in August when I had to sign up for courses, the feeling of wrongness came back in full force, amplified, even. It felt all-consuming.

This is from my diary:

"I don't wanna be here. I don't want this degree. I don't want this career God I don't want it. It's doesn't fit. I don't fit in this space. This isn't mind. It feels like dysmorphia. It feels like tar, black and toxic and vicious, sticking to my skin, trying to mould my body into something I'm not, to seep into my skin and dye my blood a dull shade of grey. I wanna fucking run away. I wanna fucking die. I don't fucking know what to do."

You guys kind of know the rest, because that's when I met you guys and started feeling safer here than anywhere else, and vented here. But for reference

September

October

November

December

January, January, Fuck you January

I skipped class. I got antidepressants. I binge ate and became overweight. Failed three classes. Parents didn't find out anything until the grades came out. Then they lost their mind.

Now: Not Enough

They blamed me for not trying hard enough.

They said oh failures happen, you have to learn from your mistakes and try again.

I have to set up a proper routine. Dedicate all my time and energy to staying physically healthy and studying. Spent my "free time" thinking. I even got berated for listening to music with headphones on.

Dad asked me why did I fail biochemistry. I said it was hard, the pace was fast, and I don't like the subject. He said there's no point in not liking it.

Mom said I needed to get rid of the idea that this degree is against me and accept it, that I shouldn't dwell on what-ifs from the past, and all the reasons they convinced me to choose this still stands, that learning is a fun and interesting thing that I should take joy in, that I won't be able to handle being a psychiatrist, that I used to be such a star student what the fuck happened to me, that each path has their own difficulties and I'm already on this road so why won't I just keeping going for the next two years, that if I quit and start over I'll be older than my cohort and my friends will all graduate before me and why won't I just follow the normal path dammit

SO EVERYTHING IS MY FUCKING FAULT HUH??

I don't fucking know anymore.

Now: The present

The reason I was crying earlier, was that I went to have a meeting with an academic advisor to ask about the possibility of transferring to a different programme.

There are two ways.

One, apply for an internal transfer by June. But that requires exceptional grades, and I don't have that.

Two, quit university and re-apply with my college entrance exam results. But then none of the credits I earned in the past two years will be transferred. All will expire. I went through shit for nothing except to confirm my mistake is a mistake.

I might figure something out when I'm not crying my brains out but right now neither option sounds like an option to me.

I could barely ask anything intelligent afterwards because I was trying so hard to stop myself from breaking down immediately.

Now: How I feel

I'm not supposed to feel like this. This is not normal. This is not how my university life is supposed to go. It cannot be normal to want to die every day.

The moment I realised this was fundamentally wrong was when I looked at my high school friends' social media, and saw them living their best lives: dating, joining the committee of societies, getting awards and scholarships, jobs and internships, travelling, going to parties, everything a young person should be doing. My best friend is chasing her dreams to became an actress at NYU TISHC, already getting paids acting jobs at year 1, going to prominent events, maintaining a 3.9 GPA, goes out partying all while maintaining a long distance relationship with her athletes boyfriend who is the best of the best in Asian youth, handsome, and just a great guy in general.

I'm supposed to be on the same level as them.

I'm from an elite class of an elite school in an elite city. I've been on city radio four times and city-wide broadcast television once. I was on four department/society committees, two of which I was chairlady. I wrote and directed my own play. My name was followed by seven internal awards when it was my turn to get my diploma during the graduation ceremony. I aced my classes. My drawing and writing had been in my school's anthology and yearbook. I genuinely enjoyed learning.

I'm not supposed to be this.

I'm not supposed to be this depressed, overweight person who can't get out of bed and skips classes and fails courses. I'm not supposed to be this stagnant, I was always moving. I was always giving it my 100%. I'm not supposed to not make any friends and want to stay in my bed all the time. I'm not supposed to be insomniac, or sick, or depressed, or overweight.

I was always fighting.

I don't have any energy in me anymore to fight.

I'm not supposed to turn out like this. This isn't who I want to be/ I hate whoever I am now. This isn't right.

But I'm fucking stuck, I don't know what's the truth, I don't know how valid "I don't like this" is.

A lot of people tell me to just ignore what my parents say but it's really not that simple. I only realized they can hurt me despite loving me and it's not my fault last year. And even then it's hard to stay firm on this belief. Because truthfully, I don't know what's right, I only know what feels wrong.

Fuck this. I want to fast forward until the day I figure shit out. I want to live here on Tumblr.

Fuck everything.

[aspenmissing]

𝙲𝚛𝚢𝚜𝚝𝚊𝚕 𝚅𝚎𝚗𝚘𝚖 (𝙿𝚝 𝟷)

Pidge is studying the Galra Crystal in the Green Lion's hangar. Coran speaks over the intercom.

"Pidge, please come down to the detainment room" Pidge is frustrated from being interrupted but complies and leaves; the Crystal glows ominously. Pidge meets Coran and the other Paladins in front of the pod where Sendak is held. Coran places devices on Sendak's pod "Okay, guys, Sendak's almost all hooked up. But, look, I have to warn you, this technology was used to keep Altean memories alive, not to interrogate prisoner"

"Coran, we understand this isn't what the technology was meant for, but if we can extract Sendak's memories, we may gain valuable intelligence on Zarkon's troop locations"

"Yeah, and then we can just be like, "Knock-knock'" He knocks on Hunk's head "'Who's there?" 'The avenging fury of Voltron, son!" Lance says.

"Fascinating" Pidge says, looking through the glass "So, how exactly does this work?"

"As the memories are extracted, they're written bit by bit on individual molecules of the micro-storage strands" Coran explains.

"When I go, I want all the stuff in my brain stored in a giant ship" Y/N and Soul snorts.

"The amount of information in your brain could be stored in a paper airplane" She says.

"Oh, yeah? Well, the amount of information you have, Y/N, could be..."

"...Yeah?"

"Uh...it's less than what I have!"

"Oh, good one, Lance"

"So this is how you incorporated King Alfor's memories into the Castle of Lions?"

"Precisely, but it's never been attempted before on an unwilling participant" The memory storage device activated but nothing appears.

"Uh, is this what's supposed to happen?" Hunk asks.

"Let's give it some time" The Paladins, Coran and Soul waits for a very, very long time with no results. Hunk feeling tired, falls back. Then they are all sat on the ground, except Coran, Shiro and Pidge. Keith leaning against another container.

"Well, I can't wait around anymore. I'm gonna hit the training deck" Keith leaves and more time passes with no results.

"Okay, if anyone needs me, I'll be in the lab. Maybe I can pull some information from Sendak's Galra Crystal" Pidge leaves as even more time passes, with no results.

"Time to feed the beast. I'm going to go make some breakfast" Hunk leaves. Little times passes. Soul yawns as she leans back into Y/N. Y/N picks Soul up as she yawns.

"I'm gonna go too, and get her to bed. See ya later" Y/N and Soul leaves.

"Well, I'm afraid I can't wait here any longer, either. I have a million duties to attend to. Between that Galra Crystal infecting our system, and then fighting off those ships and performing the Balmeran rejuvenation ceremony, the old Castle of Lions has taken quite a beating. Every system needs to be recharged and repaired"

"I'll stay. Somewhere in Sendak's mind is the information about Zarkon that we need"

"Okay, well, while you guys do that, I think I'm gonna get my chill on. Maybe kick back with a lemonade or space juice. Something" Lance tries to leave.

"Oh, hold on there, space juice. You're going to come and help me"

"What? Why?" Lance asks "Why me?"

"Because you're the last one here and because your activity isn't very important"

"Wait, did I say 'chill with a good lemonade'? I meant I gotta do homework.

"No. Too late" Coran starts leaving.

"Fine..." Lance looks to Shiro "Let us know if anything happens" Lance begins walking away. Shiro does not reply and stops "Shiro?"

"Y-You got it" Lance leaves. Shiro remains staring at Sendak.

==

Hunk is in the kitchen trying to get food.

"Maybe today, we try a little crème goo-lee" The food goo dispenser doesn't work. Hunk looks inside the tube and clicks the lever before Goo explodes on his face "Agh, my eye!" The goo dispenser rapidly shoots goo everywhere. Pidge walks by and goo shots past her, onto the wall. She turns to look into the kitchen.

"What is going on here?!" Hunk is hiding behind a counter. He looks over the counter to Pidge.

"The goo has me pinned down!" Goo hits his face and he goes back behind the counter. Pidge runs over and goes next to Hunk. She opens a drawer and pulls out plates, handing one to Hunk.

"Okay, we're going to have to flank the goo to shut it down"

"Okay, wait. Wait! It's been a pleasure cooking with you" Hunk salutes Pidge "Go!" Hunk and Pidge rush the goo dispenser from either side using plates as shields. Pidge pins the goo dispenser tube down while Hunk ties the tube in a knot, stopping it and making it overflow.

"Probably a malfunction?"

"Yeah, yeah...Guess the kitchen system needs to be rebooted, too" They're eyes widen as they side glance at each other.

"Leave it for Coran?" Hunk nods; both Hunk and Pidge leave the kitchen a mess.

==

Meanwhile, Lance is cleaning pods in the sleep chamber with Coran.

"Ugh...Since when did 'you sleep in it, you clean it' become a Voltron rule?" Lance looks to Coran "Also, how is it these pods have the ability to heal a human from near death, but don't have the ability to clean themselves?" Coran laughs.

"Oh, self-cleaning pods. Now, that's a good one" The Pod Coran was cleaning goes back into the ground and he walks over to another one, which lifts up "You know, this kind of reminds me of my time as a young cadet. I had just enlisted in the Altean space squad, aeronautics sub-tech nano-weaponry unit, and I was sent off to boot camp. Our sergeant had us cleaning cryo-pods day and night. I got so good at it, I earned my first set of stripes!" Coran continues talking as Lance gets trapped in a pod. Lance screams.

"Oh- Coran! Hey! Hey! H-Hey" Lance knocks on the pod from the inside; Coran doesn't hear.

"-Oh, those were the days. Anyway, you keep up the good work and maybe someday you'll earn some cleaning stripes, too" The pod holding Lance descends into the floor just as Coran looks around "Lance? Lance! Ah, Paladins..." Coran believes Lance has left.

==

Y/N is wearing her pajamas, her hair tied up, having just got out of the shower. She wipes the steam off the glass and starts brushing her teeth. The door to the bathroom then locks, making Y/N looks over at it confused.

"Huh?" She puts her toothbrush now and walks over to the door, trying to open it. It doesn't budge. She bangs on the door "Real funny guys, you got me. Now come on, open the door" No answer "Guys, come on!" The tap then turns on, fast. Y/N rushes over and turns the tap, but it does nothing. She forcefully turns it and it breaks, making it pour more water out. Suddenly pipes begin to burst around the room, filling it with more water "Guys!"

==

Keith is in the training deck fighting the gladiator robot. He destorys it"

"Start new training level three" A new gladiator robot dispenses from the ceiling and Keith battles it. The fight is too intense "End training sequence" The system doesn not respond; the Gladiator robot turns rougue and rushes Keith "End training sequence!" Nothing "End training sequence now!" Keith is knocked aside by the Gladiator robot and loses his Bayard. He dodges the robot's attacks to recover his Bayard and flee into the hallway for safety. The Gladiator robot forces its way into the hall to follow Keith.

==

Shiro remains unaware of the chaos as he stands before Sendak's pod in the detainment room.

"I know you're in there, Sendak. I know you have all the answers. Give them to me" Nothing happens. Shiro slams his fists on Sendak's pod "You're a broken soldier? You can't hold out forever!" A memory finally enters the storage system and Shiro Smiles "So, you can hear me"

==

Coran is cleaning pods in the sleep chamber. He yells when he sees Lance trapped in the next pod he intends to clean. Coran released Lance from the pod, who is stiff with cold. He walks out, shivering.

"Ah, ah...This pod just shit on me and locked me in, while you were rambling on about boot camp!"

"You sure you didn't trip and fall in? No judgement. It happens. Besided, why would the pod automatically lock and start cryogenic freezing process?" Lance sits down and puts on his coat for warmth.

"To kill me!"

"Don't get your boots in a bunch. My guess is they're malfunctioning"

"Okay, I'm gonna float this out there. I think this Castle is haunted"

"The ship might seem like a fantastical, magical creature to you, but it's really just a big embodiment of advanced supernatural technology that cannot be explained by science alone" Lance looks at Coran in disbelief "Well, that does make it seem a bit haunted, doesn't it? Ah, but it's not. Trust me, nothing out of the ordinary is happening here" Coran leaves. Lance hears rumbling and begins whimpering.

"I'm okay. I'm okay, I'm okay, I'm okay..." The pod that trapped Lance descends into the floor, startling Lance and making him scream in fear. He runs out of the sleep chamber. He begins walking through the Castleship's halls. The lights in front of him behins turning off, terrifying him "Okay, okay...Oh...Ah-" Lance sees a flickering image of Kind Alfor "Coran, is that you? Okay, stop messing with me, guys. This isn't funny"

"Help! Help!" Lance hears Coran shouts.

"Hello? Coran?" Lance rushed down the dark hall.

"Help! Somebody!" The voice becomes slightly distorted "I'm trapped in the airlock"

"I'm coming!" Lance enters the airlock and sees no one; the door closes behind him "Huh? Okay, ha-ha. Good joke. You guys got me. Nice"

"Airlock opening in 30 ticks"

"Okay, joke's over! You got me!"

"...29,28,27..." Lance bangs on the airlock door.

"Guys? Guys! Eugh! Help!" No one is around to hear Lance.

==

Y/N is still in the bathroom, which is flowing quickly. The water already up to her hips. She continues banging on the door.

"Help! Anyone there!" Y/N hears a noise from the other side, recognizing it instantly "Soul! Oh thank god. Soul, go and get help!" Y/N hears a noise. Y/N leans against the door, trying not to worry as the water rises "I hope she's quick"