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corellianhounds · 2 months ago

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Deserters

Chapter 3 — Engatuu

Words: 3.7k

Warnings: None

Summary: Crosshair and Mayday make landfall and wait for contact.

Note: For those with screen readers: There is a section of the chapter written in Morse code. It sounds abominable when read out loud. It begins after the sentence “Mayday dropped the headset and looked over the message,” and ends before the sentence beginning with “Mayday scrutinized it, not even sure he’d gotten all of it correct…” It’s not necessary to know what the exact message is, it’s just there for a bit of fun in case someone wants a bonus puzzle hinting at the next chapter.

In the warm cabin of a Merhaean cargo-ship, Crosshair tries to sleep.

Once Mayday was sure both of them would wake up, he advised Crosshair to make use of the bed and sleep if he could. Said it was the only way to recover from the cold. As the initial shots wore off Mayday had stuffed a bunch of other things from the medical cabinet into his hands, told him some order to take or use them in, then unsteadily made his way back to the second bunk. He was moving stiffly, and again Crosshair had to wonder how he was even standing. The snow from the avalanche hadn’t been fresh powder.

“I’ve still got a bit of fight left in me,” was all Mayday had said when asked. He had roughly the same medical array he’d given Crosshair, in addition to some instruments and packs Crosshair couldn’t identify, but he seemed lucid and capable enough of handling whatever else he appeared to be dealing with. Mayday had wedged open the door to the connecting fresher and turned the sanisteam on, letting the humidity circulate the cabin and take some of the strain off their lungs.

Mayday layered on the blankets with some of the emergency hot packs, closing his eyes and immediately dozing off. Crosshair finished the last of the tea and tried to follow Mayday’s advice, but no matter what he did, his mind kept wandering back to the Empire, everything they and the Republic had asked and demanded of him since the moment he could walk.

There was never an end in sight when it came to the war, and for the longest time Crosshair did what he was made for because really, where else would he have taken his skill sets if he felt like deviating so far from the norm he’d ended up being able to break out? Private security? Bounty hunting? Clone Force 99 might have been a more independent group of soldiers, but they were soldiers.

Crosshair turned over onto his back and looked up at the blank, cold ceiling. The compound Mayday and the others had been guarding was more than sparse— It was unlivable, and the lieutenant had made his disdain and lack of care known from the beginning. Mayday said they’d sent in multiple requests for supplies and replacement equipment and received no reply. Crosshair was on the Kaminoan landing platform by himself for thirty-two days, and still he’d followed the Empire, and still they’d deemed him disposable. Both of them loyal to the end, both of them disregarded and left for dead.

He’d done so many despicable things in the name of the Empire, things he told himself were warranted and necessary because the Empire was keeping order, and dissenters were the ones causing chaos and bloodshed. The only ‘normal’ Crosshair had ever known was holding a gun in his hands. What were they supposed to be if not soldiers? Had that even been what a soldier was in the first place.

What if that’s what being a soldier had always been?

The sound his fist made when it struck the bulkhead startled even himself, he and Mayday both flinching.

“Crosshair…?”

“I’m fine. I’m fine.”

Mayday was still for a moment before looking over his shoulder, squinting at Crosshair in the dim light for good measure; he turned back over and pulled the blanket up around his shoulders.

Crosshair dug the heels of his hands into his eyes, trying to rub away the grit and force down the nausea in his throat. With any luck, maybe he could convince the rest of the squad to at least take Mayday. The commander hadn’t done anything to be left alone.

Engatuu was, as Mayday described it, riddled with holes and laced with veins of glass from what battles ended up being fought there. Once, it had been their training grounds. Returning to it with older eyes only highlighted the destruction and carnage the war had left in its wake. Engatuu wasn’t even a Separatist planet, it just happened to get occupied as a Separatist stopover, a haven for those fleeing their homes or escaping other, more sinister plots that forced them to don disguises and bribe officials as their only means of passing through security without presenting an ID chit.

Despite all that had transpired in such a short amount of time, the planet still held pockets of hope in the more secluded regions. Plants had started to come back, growing through wrecked fuselages and the durasteel ribs of ships, and as the cargo freighter had descended through the atmosphere, Mayday couldn’t help but feel a sense of appreciative awe for the recovering landscape.

Mayday looked out over the canyon, sighing at the fresh, temperate breeze and the feeling of a warm sun on his face for the first time in over a year. Some crevices between the plateaus were as thin as the gold on a weekend-wedding band, and in other places the red- and purple-stone furrow stretched miles across. There were entrances and exits to mines here and there in the walls of the canyon, long abandoned and likely caved in, and trees had grown lush and thick along the winding river that cut through the stone far below.

“What’d you say they mined out here?”

“Nitratine and sulfur,” Crosshair said. They’d landed not long ago and stepped out into the sun, both needing to stretch their legs after the long flight. Neither of them were in any state to be walking for long, so it was a good thing Crosshair seemed to remember the exact location of his squad’s former hideout. He’d landed them between the forest edge and the seam, settling under the canopy and camouflage of Engatuu’s trees.

“Two-thirds powder keg, huh?”

“Only once they’re refined,” Crosshair said absently, scanning the horizon with the binocs just to be sure they hadn’t been followed. “Our engineer had a field day when he found out.”

“How close is your squad’s current haunt from here?”

“We’re in the same sector, two points over on the grid. If they take longer than a day to get here, we move.”

Crosshair lowered the binocs and went back to the treeline, and Mayday followed.

Positioned more than two-dozen feet above the ground, Mayday found the old fort to be surprisingly impressive. It wasn’t a Wookiee’s treehouse, but Mayday could see that it had been given a more architectural eye than most kids were capable of for how young Crosshair had implied they were at the time. The fort was only a few years old and from what it looked like, was in remarkably good condition, well-supported by branches, scavenged beams, and new tree growth that had formed around it keeping it up. There was a knotted rope to get up and an auto-belay line at the top, and a series of pulley systems running down two of the sides he figured were used for hauling materials up. The back had what must have been the anchor for a zipline at one point, and there were remnants of fishnets and floats still draped over the low walls, and a crow’s nest perched another twenty feet up.

“… I don’t think I can climb anything,” Mayday admitted.

Crosshair snorted. “I never said we should. I’m going to sleep on the ship. I’ve slept on the ground and eaten enough fish to last me the rest of whatever lifetime I get.”

Mayday chuckled.

“Besides,” Crosshair said. “Anything of use is down the canyon. I’ll take the long way down and meet you back at the ship in an hour.”

“You’re in no shape to be climbing anything either.”

Crosshair nodded to the leftmost edge of the canyon where a faint pathway might have started a winding path down. “There’s a trail.”

“What is it you’re planning to get?”

“I already told you,” Crosshair said, putting his helmet on. “Tech had a field day down here.”

Several years before

The boy called Tech is what most would consider to be roughly twelve years old, and he is alone.

He knows that’s the intended purpose of solitary confinement, but after the fourth day it started to feel like he was entirely alone, as if the rest of Tipoca City and Kamino itself had simply vanished and he’d been left floating in a vacuum of space. He never saw the being or beings that delivered his meals or turned the lights off, all of it either automated or far away. He knew they also must have specifically tailored his confinement to exclude droids.

What got to him most was the silence. A soundproofed room with little to tell him when it was the next day or night, every bit of the outside world cut off from his senses. He couldn’t hear or feel the hum of the station’s inner workings, the marching of drill units or the clamor of the training rooms. There was no ambient noise to break up the sound of his own breathing. He could yell and scream for hours if he were inclined and none but his superiors would hear or know.

He’d tried to mentally prepare himself when it became clear that the drill instructors and Kaminoans blamed him for the batch’s disappearance, and logically he understood that too, based on his interference with the trackers, but when he’d heard how long he was going to be kept in solitary there was no amount of logic that could force his heart to slow down as they got closer and closer to Kamino. Hunter sat beside him on the transport, apologizing in whispers and trying to keep him calm, but the longest anybody had ever spent in solitary confinement was eight-point-eight-eight standard days, a sentence half of what his was to be.

The only morbid consolation he had was that apparently his solution to bypassing their tracking was more sophisticated than he’d thought or the Kaminoans had accounted for. In his opinion they should be commending him for finding an obvious and exploitable flaw in their design.

Another benefit to his current predicament was that he also had an almost exact idea of where solitary confinement was in Tipoca City. Prior to that, nobody knew quite which part of the facilities it resided in, but he’d memorized every turn and audio clue it took to get there, every directional and environmental clue that eliminated certain levels and corridors in the mental layout of the city’s architectural design in his head. The training schedule wasn’t the only thing he’d gotten a glimpse of while snooping.

In his defense, it should’ve been harder to access the information. He hadn’t even needed to slice into anything— He’d just nicked a new officer’s badge in passing and got the security clearance for the next level up, then did the same thing with a passing technician’s personal log (one with some very curious personal details he was sure were a breach of propriety when it came to correspondence with civilians), until he’d finally stolen the right cadet’s uniform and found his way with another stolen datapad and code cylinder into an office he knew would be empty at that hour with a plethora of interesting and well-organized files. Sometimes the easiest way in is walking right through the door.

For as advanced as Tech knew his intelligence was, he was already well aware at that age that it wouldn’t do him any good if it wasn’t actionable. Stealth, a good memory, an attention to his surroundings, connecting and relating those details to one another, and finding the requisite patterns, probability, and predictability in behaviors and routine schedules hadn’t involved any kind of battle strategy or core curriculum learning at all. There was no computerized trail tracing a data-splice back to him or his equipment, no math or science or vectoring involved. When he wasn’t wearing the goggles he looked nearly identical to the rest of the cadets his age, and he’d memorized several floors and sections of Tipoca City’s layout already so even without the goggles he’d been able to blend in and find his way without stumbling.

(“If you’d stop welding six inches in front of your face you wouldn’t need them in the first place,” he hears Hunter saying in the back of his head, and while Tech admits that Hunter is right, it had still been a necessary sacrifice at the time when it came to ensuring precision and clarity in his work. Besides, his new pair had polarized lenses and he’d glazed them with two protective layers of liquid crystal filters now, his eyes would be fine.)

Everybody within Tipoca City operated on routine and regimented spatial awareness, and everybody Tech had needed to shadow and every cam he needed to avoid was easy enough to exploit. He excelled at finding blind spots and split-second opportunities in and around others, and he’d been able to navigate even unfamiliar levels and locations with relative ease, just based on knowing which rooms, corridors, and machinery lay between and around them.

After that, all he had to do was get back to the barracks. Luckily his timing was as exact as predicted and when the other three initiated enough of a distraction to buy him some cover on his way out, he took it and rejoined them with none the wiser.

He knew they might be found out eventually. He just thought they were going to have more time than that.

Now he was beneath the training grounds. Apt, he supposed, for drowning out any possibility of being heard. Disheartening, knowing just how far away he was from the only home he had.

He refused to lose his head yet, though. Four days into a seventeen-point-seven-six day sentence was too early to despair. He had to think of some way to make contact. Something told him the other three weren’t just going to leave him there.

Crosshair had been gone for twenty minutes when an incoming transmission blared from the console behind Mayday, making him jump. The sender’s signal was voided out and the message came through not in text or as a holocall, but as… audio static. Static and nothing else.

Mayday frowned, tuning the receiver and listening more closely over the headset. If it weren’t for the fact it was encrypted he would have thought it was just some sublight interference, a ship passing overhead they had the same scrambled frequency for, or a channel from a nearby tower caught between waves. He could almost make out a tinny audio tone, but it was too inconsistent to be a voice and sounded more like wire taps.

Mayday’s frown deepened, the haze of painkillers making his head lag, and it took far too long for him to realize it was the old Mandalorian method of sending codes, a series of dits and dahs over the audio receiver.

Scrambling for something to notate the message on, Mayday kept the headset pressed to one ear, a stylus in the other hand as he held his breath and strained to catch the remainder of the tones. He had no idea when it would cut off or if it would repeat and there was a finite window of time it might linger in the audio static. Recording it would be futile; he knew from experience that the audio tones would be lost beneath the interference once the transmission was no longer live.

Finally the message cut off, nothing but true static over the line this time. Mayday dropped the headset aside and looked over the message.

•-- •••- ---•••/ ----- ••--- -••••- --• /

•--• /

•-• -- --• ---••• /

-••- •-•• -- ••- •-• •• -• / •••• •••- -- •-- •••- •• / •• •••- --- --•• -••• / -••- •-•• •-- •••- / -•• •-•• •• •-- / ••••- / •• •••- --- •••- • --•• -- -••- •••- / -- •-• -••- •••- / -•- --- --•• -••• •-• -- - / -•• •-• --• ••• / -••• --•• / --• •-• -• •••- / •---- ••••• /

Mayday scrutinized it, not even sure he’d gotten all of it correct because he knew it’d been gibberish when he was writing it down. However, after about a dozen words or so, the gibberish started to repeat, the parts that were cut off starting to thread together. It had to be a code.

He had to find Crosshair.

Crosshair was carrying the last crate when Mayday pinged his helmet’s comm channel.

“Hey, someone got your message,” the commander said, his voice crackly over the feed. “I assume it’s your squad. Whoever it is sent something encoded.”

“What kind of code?”

“Came through as Dadita and it’s a mix of letters, but no discernible words.”

Crosshair paused, concentrating. “Any numbers?”

“Yeah, a few. Couple of letters before the numbers zero and two, then some individual letters and words before the number four, then six more words and the number fifteen.”

“Is the digit after two either the code for a dash, or one dash itself?”

Mayday hummed in thought. “There’s a dash, but the letter after it is grek.”

Crosshair quickly set the crate down by the mouth of the mine, shouldering his rifle and setting the visor on his helmet to adjust to the light. “It’s them. Read off the letters before the number four. I’m coming up.”

“Dorn, leth, isk, wesk. Where are you?”

“What are the letters for the word before fifteen?” Crosshair pressed, picking up the pace.

“Grek, resh, nern, vev.”

Crosshair swore under his breath, already feeling a stitch in his side as he hiked back up the canyon trail. “When did it come through?”

“Transmission stopped five minutes ago.”

Crosshair had to stop to catch his breath, feeling dizzy and cursing some more. “It’s- It’s a test. They want a four letter response in fifteen minutes; ten minutes now.”

“It’s timed?”

“They want confirmation that it’s me and that they aren’t- aren’t being sent a decoy message from someone else,” he huffed. “The word before “four” is “word.” The rest of the code are the parameters and a riddle—”

Crosshair tore off his helmet, coughing again, shakily leaning against the rock face. Mayday’s concerned voice was faint and tinny over the comm.

“The last word is “time” before the fifteen,” he said, switching the relay to the comm on his vambrace as he picked his way back through the stone and brush. “They’re waiting on a short response I’d be able to figure out and reply with quickly.”

“Four letter response, huh?” Mayday said dryly. “Any ideas?”

“Oh, there’s several I’d like to give them…” Crosshair grumbled. He hauled himself up over the ledge, taking a second to get his bearings and make for the ship. “Answer depends on the clue. I’m on my way.”

Mayday watched out the viewport for Crosshair, keeping an eye on the time and trying to puzzle out the message based on what Crosshair had given him. He’d tried asking what the key was, but the sniper must have been far enough down the canyon that a quick return was taxing because it sounded like he could hardly make it a few paces before he started hacking up a lung.

They had six minutes left.

The commander couldn’t keep his thumb from tapping impatiently. He drew up three columns on one of the displays, inputting the intel he had and started deciphering the rest of the dots and dashes, looking for individual words.

Finally there was movement beneath the hull and Mayday heard Crosshair’s hoarse breathing as he ascended the ramp. He splayed everything out on one of the holoboards as Crosshair came up the ladder, shakily pulling himself up above decks. Mayday’s eyes widened.

“Maker’s montrals, what did you do to yourself?”

“I’ll be fine.”

Mayday scoffed as Crosshair set aside his helmet and rifle, looking over the code and the notations Mayday had started on. Mayday could tell that he’d either gotten himself hurt (for which Mayday wanted to hit him) or he’d overexerted himself. The commander decided to give him the benefit of the doubt and dragged the board over to force Crosshair to sit in one of the chairs at the comm console.

Crosshair shakily pulled off his gloves and wiped the sweat off his brow, smearing the soot and red dust that matched what was on his armor across his skin. Mayday had broken up several possible words already and it seemed Crosshair’s suspicions were confirmed; his breathing rattled as he forced his shaking hand to cooperate, muttering as he separated out the rest.

“Crosshair, tell me the key.”

Crosshair shook his head, ignoring him and quickly transposing the code into whatever scrambled message it conveyed.

“Crosshair—”

“I’m fine.”

“You have less than three minutes.”

“I know, just- Give me a second.”

“You know what it is?”

“I know what it’s saying,” Crosshair said tersely. “Just- Trying to figure out what it means.”

“You’re out of time and about to pass out, tell me—”

“Just shut up and let me think.”

Mayday didn’t respond, but put a timer up on the board and sat across from him, resting his elbows on his knees.

Crosshair could tell Mayday was aggravated with him but he couldn’t care at the moment. He was aware of the timer counting down, but the answer the crew was looking for had to be something obvious and he was wracking his brain for anything that might have been relevant. He knew it wasn’t any of their CT numbers. None of the plans were abbreviated in a way that would make sense. It had to be related to a mission, or a piece of equipment, some notable experience, a play on words—

Crosshair blinked, and if he weren’t so irritated at having to puzzle over the message and didn’t feel like death warmed over, he might have laughed. It couldn’t have been more obvious if it’d hit him in the face.

There were twenty seconds left.

“Here,” he said, gesturing for Mayday to move so he could hail the Marauder. “I know what they’re looking for.”

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#The Bad Batch #Star Wars AU #Crosshair #Commander Mayday #The Bad Batch AU #Tech #my writing #AO3 Link in reblog #Deserters #hounds speaks #The Outpost

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dustedmagazine · 5 months ago

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Rose City Band — Sol Y Sombra (Thrill Jockey)

Rose City Band albums typically arrive at the onset of summer, the first humid, budding, insect humming weeks of May for instance, where their indolent strumming and wistful melodies overlay the early days of summer with a sonic haze. This one comes in the dead of winter, still sunny, still breezy but with a frisson of chilliness somewhere in the mix.

The band, as always, is led by Ripley Johnson, the main proprietor of trance-drone primitive Wooden Shjips and airy psychedelic Moon Duo. He lays down the 1970s country rock foundation with a steady guitar pulse and drifting cirrus clouds of vocals. The cosmic part comes, in large measure, from pedal steel-ist Barry Walker, whose eerie, note-bending slides arc out over simple melodies, giving them a spiritual edge. John Jeffrey keeps the band grounded with rock steady, but unshowy rhythms, while Paul Hasenberg plays keyboards and Sanae Yamada (also of Moon Duo) sings soft, inviting vocal counterparts.

The band hits an effortless stride early on in “Radio Song,” with its luminous tangles of guitar sound, its billowy unhurried tunefulness, its ease. You could drive for days with a song like this on repeat, windows down and the miles blowing by, in no particular hurry for the destination. So far, prime Rose City Band, a good thing in itself.

Still there’s a ruminative melancholy in the slow, acoustic “Sunlight Days,” a song that aches and yearns and remembers what’s gone by. Walker’s pedal steel solo here is especially effective, winding and uncurling like cream poured into coffee as it swirls into the mix. The instrumental “La Mesa” is more urbane and less down home, grooving in a chilly, subdued funk manner, twinkling electronics scattered over, as in the last Moon Duo album.

Rose City Band brings a little bit of summer into the year’s shortest days, but you feel it indirectly, through memory and reminiscence and nostalgia for other summers long gone. Sure, you could put the whole record on and drift off in a hammock, even now, with ice on the ground and a sharp wind blowing, but there’s a shadow falling on this sun. You might want a blanket.

Jennifer Kelly

#rose city band #sol y sombra #thrill jockey #albumreview #dusted magazine #jennifer kelly #wooden shjips #moon duo #ripley johnson #cosmic country

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ankiebitez · 1 year ago

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DESCENDANT OF SOLOMON: JUDITH

art by @/artist_mindset25 on insta !!!

big thread about my mc judith, might update or add more whenever i feel like it but i need to stop for now bc its getting too long lmao 😭

more below under the cut !

About

age: 25

birthday: February 24th

sign: pices

height: 5'6

weight: 164

pronouns: he/him

hobbies: knitting, drawing, music and playing instruments, weightlifting

paraphilia: humiliation

length: 3.81 (putting this as bottom growth since he's trans lmao)

mental illness: borderline personality disorder

closest demons: Satan, Amon, Paimon, Bael

favorite weather: Sunny non-humid days during winter

ideal type: someone who loves and cares for people as deeply as he does

favorite food: cinnamon sugar toast that his dad made

favorite bodypart on himself: his arms

Relationships

Demons:

○ satan

- satan and judith are fairly close, having shared romantic feelings for each other. coming to hell and spending time with satan has definitely helped him with being more honest and open with himself, having someone who experiences a lot of emotions in a similar way he does and encouraging him to be more open with them.

○ amon

- amon is one of the demons judith feels most comfortable around, often spending time with him and talking to him. judith feels a lot more comfortable exploring a romantic type of relationship with amon, not having to worry about being too shy or messing things up, partially due to his philia, but also because he seems the most understanding. its almost like he can read judiths emotions without him even having to say them outloud.

○ paimon

- with their shared interest in makeup and fashion, paimon and judith are often seen together in their free time outside of war, much to satan and sitris dismay. judith also loves getting to design cute outfits for paimon too, though most of the time while trying to take measurements it either ends with paimon getting kicked by a overhearing satan, or in other activities. (👀) their relationship is a bit... undisclosed, being more like best friends (with benefits(sorry minhyeok))

○ bael

- judith often makes sure that bael takes care of himself while doing his 'fake king' duties, bringing him food he made, making sure he doesn't push himself too hard, convincing him to take breaks, and even dragging him to bed to rest when he nearly falls asleep at his desk. they also have shared romantic feelings, it being a common sit to see judith sitting in baels lap while he does paper work, or bael resting his head on judiths chest while he plays with his hair, worn out after taking care of his other 'needs'

Friends:

○ minhyeok

- minhyeok is judiths closest friend, having known him since childhood. despite their differing interests and personalities, they always support each other. finding out minhyeok has feelings for him has definitely made judith a bit confused about their relationship though.

○ aniya

- aniya is also judiths close friend, they met in high-school when they were younger. aniya is helping take care of the shop while judith is away. before judith went to hell, the two would often spend time together either at work or hanging out on weekends, aniyas favorite thing to do was go to various goth clubs or shows on weekends together.

○ seth

- seth is another close friend of judith, as well as aniyas brother. he often comes to the shop to annoy the two during work hours, and is pretty sad to see judith hasn't been around lately. hes known judith since high-school as well, and often would show up at judiths house uninvited to hangout or play video games. seth is very teasing towards judith, they even had a bit of a friends with benefits situation going on before judith left. (sorry minhyeok x2)

Family:

○ Keith: judiths father

- keith didn't have much experience in being a dad, having been 19 when judith was born, but that didn't matter to judith. keith made sure that even if he didn't know what he was doing parenting, that his kids always knew that he cared, loved, and were proud of them, always.

○ Evangeline: step mom

- Evangeline is judiths step mom, and judith considers her like his real mom. she actually taught him how to sew by hand when he was younger and got him his first sewing machine, when judith was a kid he would draw out ideas for clothes and she would help him try to make them into physical pieces.

○ Anya: biological mom

- judith didn't have the best relationship with her, even as a kid arguments between them weren't uncommon. anya held very high expectations of him, varying from appearance, to grades, success, often being very controlling. as judith got older, he tried to keep as much distance between them as possible, only interacting when it was necessary.

○ Nicki, Emery: older step-siblings

- nicki and emery are from a past relationship of evangelines. nicki and emery were identical twins at birth, though they both changed their appearance a lot as they got older. they're both 29.

- nicki is a trans woman and actually helped judith realize he was trans as he got older, she is also the sibling that judith is closest to and although they dont see each other as often anymore, they still talk to each other over the phone often.

○ anton: younger sibling

- anton is the only close blood related family judith has left, Evangeline was pregnant with him when keith passed away. judith likes to help take care of him sometimes and spends time with him often.

Other Info

judith is a 25 year old fashion designer, he has his own small local store that he designs and sells clothing, jewelry and accessories for while also selling vintage or interesting pieces he finds. the store is mostly popular to local people within his city and he makes sure to remember most customers.

he lives with minhyeok in a shared apartment and has been close with him since they were kids.

when he was younger he was often bullied and picked on in school for his looks and interests by other kids, despite that though he seems to be very comfortable with himself as an adult.

he feels oddly comfortable in hell despite the war happening with angels he enjoys the directness and openness from most devils. he does not like hades however.

he's a kind and respectful person to people he meets unless he has reason to dislike them. he can be a bit stubborn at times, and can have issues controlling his emotions, but his heart is always in the right place.

even before coming to hell he had experience with past sexual partners, but he doesn't really have much experience with romantic relationships. he's a bit touch starved to soft shows of affection, he's the type thats comfortable in sexual situations but will melt and get embarrassed if someone kisses his cheek or plays with his hair.

he's a gay transman and was a bit surprised when he came to hell and saw how....open minded people were compared to the human world. it definitely felt like a breath of fresh air seeing how no one really cared about things like sexuality or gender even, simply going by the logic "if im attracted to you im attracted to you"

he has borderline personality disorder as well as depression and is a pretty sensitive as well as emotional person, and he has a habit of constantly bottling up and hiding his emotions until he explodes, usually taking his feelings out on himself. coming to hell and being told by satan that if he feels something then he shouldn't hide it has definitely helped with this a lot, not only with expressing his emotions but making him able to think about them and what causes them as well. it feels a lot better to just be angry when he's angry, be jealous when he's jealous, be sad when he's sad and be happy when he's happy.

his mom and dad split up when he was really young, and judith lived with his mother but was a lot closer to his dad. his mother was fairly abusive throughout his childhood, often even getting into arguments when he got older. he had a really good relationship with his dad and step family though, often staying over there instead of his own.

he was heavily affected when his parents were killed at 13, but most especially by his fathers death, even developing various addictions throughout his teenage years and early twenties. luckily he still had and was close with his step mom and siblings, treating them like they're his blood related family.

judith struggled a lot with alcohol and various drug addictions when he was younger, much to the dismay of his family and friends, especially minhyeok. he did eventually get clean though after a near death overdose, luckily minhyeok had been there to save him by giving him a nalaxone treatment and convincing him to go into rehab as well as get therapy. judith felt extremely guilty after this that minhyeok had to save him once again from nearly dying but by his own mistake this time. this was one of his main motivations to sober up.

judith takes after his dad a lot, not just by looks but in personality and interests too. even though judith didnt live with his dad, his father owned a coffee shop and judith would come by there everyday after school and on weekends. he'd stay there and spend time with his family until it got dark outside and he had to go back home to his moms house.

judiths dad was really into punk and goth music, having a bunch of records that judith enjoyed looking through and playing in the shop. when judith got a little bit older, his dad would take him to see some of the local shows in the area that were friendly for kids to come to. his dad actually met his step mom at one of the shows too.

after his father died, judith inherited the shop when he turned 18, eventually turning it into a store for him to sell his designs in. his stepmom is the one who gave it over to him, saying how his dad was planning to give it to him anyway when he retired, and it makes no sense to keep it empty after the coffee shop closed down anyway.

OTHER LINKS:

sketch page

voice lines

nsfw alphabet

#my favorite loser pookie bear #what in hell is bad #what in “hell” is bad?#whb #prettybusy what in “hell” is bad?#whb satan #whb paimon #whb amon #whb bael #whb judith #whb oc #whb mc #ankiebitez works

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bhawnabloger · 3 months ago

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Top Environmental Monitoring Instruments: From Air Quality to Weather Tracking

Environmental monitoring is essential for assessing pollution levels, predicting weather patterns, and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. Industries, research institutions, and government agencies rely on advanced instruments to measure air, water, and soil quality. From air quality monitors to weather stations, these devices provide critical data to protect public health and the environment.

1. Air Quality Monitors

Air quality monitors detect pollutants such as particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and sulfur dioxide (SO2). These devices are used in industrial zones, urban areas, and indoor spaces to ensure compliance with environmental regulations and protect human health.

2. Gas Analyzers

Gas analyzers measure the concentration of gases in the atmosphere, making them crucial for industrial safety and emissions monitoring. They detect gases such as oxygen (O2), carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and hydrogen sulfide (H2S). Industries use these devices to prevent hazardous leaks and maintain safe working conditions.

3. Automatic Weather Stations

Automatic Weather Stations (AWS) collect real-time meteorological data, including temperature, humidity, wind speed, wind direction, atmospheric pressure, and precipitation levels. These stations are essential for weather forecasting, climate research, and disaster management.

4. Water Quality Monitoring Systems

Water quality monitors analyze parameters like pH, dissolved oxygen (DO), turbidity, conductivity, and pollutant levels in water sources. These instruments are used in industries, municipalities, and environmental research to ensure safe drinking water and prevent water contamination.

5. Noise Level Meters

Noise pollution is a growing concern in urban and industrial areas. Noise level meters measure sound intensity in decibels (dB) to assess noise pollution levels and ensure compliance with regulations in construction sites, factories, and residential areas.

6. Dust Samplers

High-precision dust samplers measure airborne particulate matter, helping industries monitor emissions and improve workplace air quality. These devices are critical for compliance with environmental standards and occupational health regulations.

7. Radiation Detectors

Radiation monitoring instruments measure ionizing radiation levels to ensure safety in nuclear power plants, medical facilities, and research laboratories. They help detect harmful radiation exposure and prevent health hazards.

Conclusion

Environmental monitoring instruments play a vital role in safeguarding public health, industrial safety, and ecological balance. With advanced technology, these devices provide real-time data, enabling industries and governments to take proactive measures against pollution and climate change.

Serrax Technology offers cutting-edge environmental monitoring solutions, including air quality monitors, gas analyzers, weather stations, and more. Contact us today to learn how our instruments can help you maintain regulatory compliance and environmental sustainability.

#EnvironmentalMonitoring #air quality #DustSamplers

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clouds-of-wings · 5 months ago

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A nearby town has an analogue weather station in a public square. It has a clock, a barometer, a thermometer and hygrometer (this measures humidity) on each of its four sides. It's however not really functional: Firstly, the barometer is not tuned to the elevation of the town. Analogue barometers have one hand that shows the actual air pressure and another one that you can adjust from the outside and which you should set to whatever is the default air pressure for your location. The higher up you are, the lower this value will be. 980hPa are normal for rainy weather by the ocean, but in the mountains this pressure level is normal for sunny weather.

But more importantly, it has each of these instruments on each of its four sides and every set shows different values. One might assume that the whole thing is just for show. But I was reminded of how in Malta church tower clocks all show different incorrect times. This is done intentionally in order to confuse the devil so he won't show up at service and cause trouble. Maybe the rationale here is similar. If the devil doesn't know what the weather is like, he won't know if he should wear his stylish three-piece suit or his elegant ground length black wool coat and top hat, so he won't dare leave the house.

#does it work? idk #but i saw lots of photos of christian lindner and longed to see someone less evil #so the devil would have been a welcome change #devil #satan

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spacenutspod · 5 months ago

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Credit: NASA With Finland’s signing of the Artemis Accords on Tuesday, NASA celebrates the 53rd nation committing to the safe and responsible exploration of space that benefits humanity. The signing ceremony took place on the margins of the Aalto University’s Winter Satellite Workshop 2025 in Espoo, Finland. “Today, Finland is joining a community of nations that want to share scientific data freely, operate safely, and preserve the space environment for the Artemis Generation,” said NASA Associate Administrator Jim Free, who provided pre-recorded virtual remarks for the ceremony. “By signing the Artemis Accords, Finland builds on its rich history in space, excelling in science, navigation, and Earth observation. Forging strong partnerships between our nations and among the international community is critical for advancing our shared space exploration goals.” Wille Rydman, Finland’s minister of economic affairs, signed the Artemis Accords in front of an audience of Finnish space officials and workshop attendees. “Finland has been part of the space exploration community for decades with innovations and technology produced by Finnish companies and research institutions,” said Rydman. “The signing of the Artemis Accords is in line with Finland’s newly updated space strategy that highlights the importance of international cooperation and of strengthening partnerships with the Unites States and other allies. We aim for this cooperation to open great opportunities for the Finnish space sector in the new era of space exploration and in the Artemis program.” NASA and Finland have a long history of collaboration, and most recently, Finland is contributing to the upcoming Intuitive Machines-2 delivery to the Moon under NASA’s Artemis campaign and CLPS (Commercial Lunar Payload Services) initiative. Intuitive Machines will deliver a lunar LTE/4G communications system developed by Finnish company, Nokia. Its U.S. subsidiary, Nokia of America, was selected as part of NASA’s Tipping Point opportunity through the agency’s Space Technology Mission Directorate, to advance a lunar surface communications system that could help humans and robots explore more of the Moon than ever before. The Finnish Meteorological Institute also provided the pressure and humidity measurement instruments for the Environmental Monitoring Station instrument suite aboard the Curiosity Rover, operating on Mars now. In 2020, the United States, led by NASA and the U.S. Department of State, and seven other initial signatory nations established the Artemis Accords, a set of principles promoting the beneficial use of space for humanity. The Artemis Accords are grounded in the Outer Space Treaty and other agreements including the Registration Convention, the Rescue and Return Agreement, as well as best practices for responsible behavior that NASA and its partners have supported, including the public release of scientific data. Learn more about the Artemis Accords at: https://www.nasa.gov/artemis-accords -end- Kathryn Hambleton / Elizabeth ShawHeadquarters, [email protected] / [email protected] Share Details Last Updated Jan 21, 2025 LocationNASA Headquarters Related Termsartemis accordsNASA HeadquartersOffice of International and Interagency Relations (OIIR)

#space #astronomy #news #science

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csinstruments · 3 months ago

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#cs instruments #Dew point measurement #Dew point measurement in compressed air #Dew point measurement in compressed gases #humidity measurement

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coyotescribbles · 9 months ago

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Virtually unedited frustrating rough draft content below the cut =u=

The air inside the Hollow was hot and stale, thick with ether and unstirred by even the slightest breeze.

"Unpleasant" was the most polite description Rose could have given to it, though she usually preferred the more colorful "like being stuck in a dumpster in the middle of summer, if a dumpster could also turn you into a mindless monster if you stayed inside for too long."

That was something she'd never had to worry about, at least.

Her ears twitched as she listened for the sounds of anyone - or anything - approaching from behind as she swept the landscape through her rifle sight looking for threats from below. Several Ethereals prowled through the dust and debris, but none had noticed her yet; she opted to keep it that way, and kept her finger off the trigger.

Next to her, her instruments measured the atmospheric data she'd been commissioned to gather, charting barometric pressure (high,) ambient temperature (also high,) wind speed and direction (nonexistent,) humidity (low,) and a number of other factors that meant little to her, but which were apparently of great interest to her employer. It was certainly a change of pace from her usual work, which typically involved more shooting and less sitting.

...The sudden rapid-fire rapport of gunfire somewhere in the near distance told her that she'd perhaps been a bit too hasty.

Returning her eye to the sight, Rose scanned the ground below, watching as the Ethereals present began to swarm after a moving target.

Several moving targets.

The first one she spotted was the flashiest - a tall white-haired man in a bright red jacket and face mask, who was also the source of the gunshots.

The second was a woman with long pink hair, who fielded a completely different sort of firearm.

And the third was harder to spot amid the dust and smoke, a fleeting silver shadow that she couldn't get a bead on.

And they were all outnumbered and in over their heads, apparently.

"..." Once more, she glanced at the instruments nearby, then looked back down at the fight unfolding below.

You're not being paid to fight, Rose. That isn't your job.

The second you open fire, the Ethereals are going to have your position.

She thumbed the safety off anyway.

There were fifteen, maybe twenty Ethereals. If she opened fire now, she could hope to pick off six or seven before they reached her position.

Drawing in a steadying breath, she drew a bead on the biggest, meanest-looking Ethereal in the mob. Its core was dead in the center of her sights.

Are you sure you want to do this?

...Yes.

Her finger moved on the trigger, and a scant split-second later the Ethereal's core exploded outward in a rain of disintegrating rainbow shards.

All at once, two things happened - the Ethereal mob dissolved into chaos as its presumed "leader" collapsed in a flurry of flecks of light, and the group they'd been chasing pulled together to rally.

Good, the more work they were able to do, the quicker this would be over with.

Another target was selected, another pull on the trigger, another core exploded on impact.

Another. Three.

And another. Four.

And another. Five.

The group were no slouches, themselves, singling out and killing Ethereals with their own practiced efficiency.

They're not so terrible, when they aren't having to run for their lives.

#shot through the heart #rough draft

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spacetimewithstuartgary · 10 months ago

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Eclipses create atmospheric gravity waves, student teams confirm

Student teams from three U.S. universities became the first to measure what scientists have long predicted: eclipses can generate ripples in Earth's atmosphere called atmospheric gravity waves. The waves' telltale signature emerged in data captured during the North American annular solar eclipse on Oct. 14, 2023, as part of the Nationwide Eclipse Ballooning Project (NEBP) sponsored by NASA.

Through NEBP, high school and university student teams were stationed along the eclipse path through multiple U.S. states, where they released weather balloons carrying instrument packages designed to conduct engineering studies or atmospheric science experiments. A cluster of science teams located in New Mexico collected the data definitively linking the eclipse to the formation of atmospheric gravity waves, a finding that could lead to improved weather forecasting.

"Understanding how the atmosphere reacts in the special case of eclipses helps us better understand the atmosphere, which in turn helps us make more accurate weather predictions and, ultimately, better understand climate change."

Catching waves in New Mexico

Previous ballooning teams also had hunted atmospheric gravity waves during earlier eclipses, research that was supported by NASA and the National Science Foundation. In 2019, an NEBP team stationed in Chile collected promising data, but hourly balloon releases didn't provide quite enough detail. Attempts to repeat the experiment in 2020 were foiled by COVID-19 travel restrictions in Argentina and a heavy rainstorm that impeded data collection in Chile.

Project leaders factored in these lessons learned when planning for 2023, scheduling balloon releases every 15 minutes and carefully weighing locations with the best potential for success.

"New Mexico looked especially promising," said Jie Gong, a researcher in the NASA Climate and Radiation Lab at the agency's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland, and co-investigator of the research on atmospheric gravity waves. "The majority of atmospheric gravity sources are convection, weather systems, and mountains. We wanted to eliminate all those possible sources."

The project created a New Mexico "supersite" in the town of Moriarty where four atmospheric science teams were clustered: two from Plymouth State University in Plymouth, New Hampshire, and one each from the State University of New York (SUNY) Albany and SUNY Oswego.

Students began launching balloons at 10 a.m. the day before the eclipse.

"They worked in shifts through the day and night, and then everyone was on site for the eclipse," said Eric Kelsey, research associate professor at Plymouth State and the NEBP northeast regional lead.

Each balloon released by the science teams carried a radiosonde, an instrument package that measured temperature, location, humidity, wind direction, and wind speed during every second of its climb through the atmosphere. Radiosondes transmitted this stream of raw data to the team on the ground. Students uploaded the data to a shared server, where Gong and two graduate students spent months processing and analyzing it.

Confirmation that the eclipse had generated atmospheric gravity waves in the skies above New Mexico came in spring 2024.

"We put all the data together according to time, and when we plotted that time series, I could already see the stripes in the signal," Gong said. "I bombarded everybody's email. We were quite excited."

For students, learning curves bring opportunity

The program offered many students their first experience in collecting data. But the benefits go beyond technical and scientific skill.

"The students learned a ton through practicing launching weather balloons," Kelsey said. "It was a huge learning curve. They had to work together to figure out all the logistics and troubleshoot. It's good practice of teamwork skills."

"All of this is technically complicated," Des Jardins said. "While the focus now is on the science result, the most important part is that it was students who made this happen."

IMAGE: Plymouth State University students Sarah Brigandi, left, and Sammantha Boulay release a weather balloon from Moriarty, New Mexico, to collect atmospheric data on Oct. 14, 2023. Credit: NASA

#science #space #astronomy #physics #news #nasa #astrophysics

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internationaltransportcompany · 11 months ago

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INNOVATIVE WAYS INTERNATIONAL MOVING COMPANY MOVE FRAGILE GOODS

Moving to some other country involves huge planning and care while sending all your stuff to the destination, much more so with breakables. International moving company have devised various methods of efficiently transferring all your fragile items over long distances. This article talks about some advanced techniques and practices used by international movers to help avoid damage to fragile items during transit.

1. Custom Crating Solutions

The most outstanding innovations in the movement of fragile goods are custom crating solutions. Moving companies design and build custom crates for the dimensions and requirements of each type of fragile item. Crates of this nature are developed with robust materials, such as wood or heavy-duty cardboard, and lined by foams or other cushioning materials in order to absorb shocks and restrict movements. Custom crates are very useful in moving large, highly valued, or oddly shaped items like artwork, antiques, and sculptures.

2. Advanced Packing Materials

The quality and grade of the packing materials used constitute another highly critical aspect for safeguarding fragile items. Various specialized materials that international movers use to protect fragile belongings include:

Bubble Wrap: Very good at cushioning and absorbing shocks, suitable for glassware, ceramics, and electronics.

Packing Paper: This is used to wrap each item individually. This will avoid scratches or minor impacts.

Foam Sheets and Peanuts: These fill up empty spaces in the boxes and avoid the shifting of objects within them. They provide extra padding, too.

Edge Protectors: Reinforce corners and edges of items; they are easily susceptible to damage.

These materials withstand the rigors of international transportation, ensuring your fragile items remain intact.

3. Double Boxing Technique

Probably the best measure to protect fragile goods in international moving is going to be the double boxing technique. The process consists of placing the fragile entity in a well-padded smaller box and subsequently in a larger box with more padding material. This double layering for protection of the items will help in absorbing the shocks or vibrations that may occur during transit, thereby providing extra protection from damage. This method applies very well to extremely fragile items, like fine china, sensitive electronics, and small antiques.

4. Climate-Controlled Shipping

These include items that are sensitive to temperature and humidity changes, such as fine arts, musical instruments, and antique furniture. International moving companies provide climate-controlled shipping for these kinds of items to help guard against environmental fluctuations. The use of climate-controlled containers or trucks helps to avoid damage by extreme temperatures, moisture, or dryness; hence, it is very important for the integrity and value maintenance of sensitive fragile items over a long-distance move.

5. Real-Time Tracking and Monitoring

The traditional way of handling fragile items by international moving companies has undergone a sea change with the introduction of technology. Real-time tracking and monitoring systems enable movers and clients to trace, at all times during the journey, the location and condition of their shipment. The progress of the shipment continues to be updated through GPS tracking devices, while temperature, humidity, and even vibration can be constantly monitored by sensors inside the containers. This level of control is very important in ensuring that any problem is addressed on the spot, thereby giving clients peace of mind and greater safety for items of a fragile nature.

6. Expert Handling and Training

The human factor is at work just as much in the safe transport of fragile items. A professional international moving company is serious about investing in the training and expertise of its employees so that fragile items are treated with the care that they need. Moving people have received special training in careful packing, appropriate lifting techniques, and how to handle delicate things best. Such expertise minimizes the risk of accidents and ensures that packing, loading, and unloading of fragile items are done safely.

7. Comprehensive Insurance Coverage

After all the precautions, there can be an accident. Reputable international moving companies provide comprehensive insurance coverage on your fragile items. This could provide clients with financial protection against damage or loss while in transit. Many insurance options will ensure that the values and fragile goods of clients are well protected.

Conclusion Innovative techniques and sophisticated technologies have dramatically changed the way in which international moving companies handle fragile items. This will ensure that treasured possessions are moved safely and securely through advances in custom crating, advanced packing materials, climate-controlled shipping, and real-time monitoring. Such methods, allied with investment in expert handling, help international movers provide clients peace of mind regarding the safety of their fragile items. Knowing the following new techniques can ensure that your fragile goods reach their destination safely when you have another international move lined up.

#international packing company #international movers #international moving truck #moving company international #long distances moving #international moving #international transport

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this-is-my-main-i-follow-from · 1 year ago

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Chef WK, lead charcuterie specialist in Alberta Canada

Table of contents

1. Control Program Requirements for Fermented Meat Products

2. Facility and Equipment Requirements

3. Starter Culture

4. Chemical Acidification

5. Water Activity Critical Limits

6. Time and Temperature for Fermented Products

7. Fermentation Done at a Constant Temperature

8. Examples of Degree-hours at constant room temperatures

9. Fermentation Done at Different Temperatures

10. Fermentation done at Different temperatures

11. What happens if fermentation fails to hit critical limit?

12. E. coli and Salmonella Control in Fermented Sausages

13. Options for E. coli validation

14. Option1; Heating

15. Option 2; pH, heating, holding, diameter

16. Safety and consistency

Control Program Requirements for Fermented Meat Products

The producer must have a program in place to assess the incoming product. This program should outline specifications for the incoming ingredients. This may include criteria including receiving temperature, farm/ supplier, lot code or packed on date, species/cut etc.

2. Facility and Equipment Requirements

Equipment used in the fermentation process must be included in the operator's prerequisite control programs. These must include the following elements:

Temperature in the fermentation, drying and smoking chambers must be uniform and controlled to prevent any fluctuation that could impact on the safety of the final product.

Fermentation, drying and smoking chambers must be equipped with a shatter resistant indicating thermometer, (or equivalent), with graduations of 1°C or less. If mercury thermometers are used, their mercury columns must be free from separations. All thermometers must be located such that they can be easily read.

Fermentation and smoking chambers must be equipped with a recording thermometer for determining degree-hours calculations in a reliable manner. Recording thermometers are also preferable in drying and aging rooms but, in these rooms, it may be sufficient to read and record the temperatures 2 times a day.

Drying and aging rooms must be equipped with humidity recorders in order to prevent uncontrolled fluctuations of the relative humidity. The only alternative to an automatic humidity recorder in these rooms would be for the company to manually monitor and record ambient humidity twice a day (morning and afternoon) every day with a properly calibrated portable humidity recorder.

For routine monitoring, accurate measurement electronic pH meters (± 0.05 units) should be employed. It is important that the manufacturer's instructions for use, maintenance and calibration of the instrument as well as recommended sample preparation and testing be followed.

When the aw of a product is a critical limit set out in the HACCP plan for a meat product, accurate measurement devices must be employed. It is important that the manufacturer's instructions for use, maintenance and calibration of the instrument be followed.

3. Starter Culture

The operator must use a CFIA approved starter culture. This includes Freeze-dried commercially available culture as well as back-slopping (use of previously successful fermented meat used to inoculate a new batch). When performing back-slopping, the operator must have a control program in place to prevent the transmission of pathogens from when using the inoculum from a previous batch to initiate the fermentation process of a new batch. These must include:

The storage temperature must be maintained at 4°C or less and a pH of 5.3 or less.

Samples for microbiological analysis must be taken to ensure that the process is in line with the specifications.

The frequency of sampling is to be adjusted according to compliance to specifications.

Any batch of inoculum which has a pH greater than 5.3 must be analysed to detect at least Staphylococcus aureus. Only upon satisfactory results will this inoculum be permitted for use in back slopping.

This can be an expensive and a time exhaustive process and is generally avoided due to food safety concerns. AHS does not allow back-slopping.

[Chef WK was in communication with the U of A to get his method, a starter mix, studied.]

4. Chemical Acidification

If product is chemically acidified by addition of citric acid, glucono-delta-lactone or another chemical agent approved for this purpose, controls must be in place and records kept to ensure that a pH of 5.3 or lower is achieved by the end of the fermentation process. These acids are encapsulated in different coatings that melt at specific temperatures, which then release the powdered acids into the meat batter and directly chemically acidulate the protein.

Summer sausage is a very common chemically acidified product. The flavor profile tends to be monotone and lacking depth.

5. Water Activity Critical Limits

The aw may be reduced by adding solutes (salt, sugar) or removing moisture.

Approximate minimum levels of aw (if considered alone) for the growth of:

molds: 0.61 to 0.96

yeasts: 0.62 to 0.90

bacteria: 0.86 to 0.97

Clostridium botulinum: 0.95 to 0.97

Clostridium perfringens: 0.95

Enterobacteriaceae: 0.94 to 0.97

Pseudomonas fluorescens: 0.97

Salmonella: 0.92 - 0.95

Staphylococcus aureus: 0.86

parasites: Trichinella spiralis will survive at an aw of 0.93 but is destroyed at an aw of 0.85 or less.

The above levels are based on the absence of other inhibitory effects such as nitrite, competitive growth, sub-optimum temperatures, etc., which may be present in meat products. In normal conditions, Staphylococcus aureus enterotoxins are not produced below aw 0.86, although in vacuum packed products this is unlikely below aw 0.89.

6. Time and Temperature for Fermented Products

Certain strains of the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus are capable of producing a highly heat stable toxin that causes illness in humans. Above a critical temperature of 15.6°C, Staphylococcus aureus multiplication and toxin production can take place. Once a pH of 5.3 is reached, Staphylococcus aureus multiplication and toxin production are stopped.

Degree-hours are the product of time as measured in hours at a particular temperature multiplied by the "degrees" measured in excess of 15.6°C (the critical temperature for growth of Staphylococcus aureus). Degree-hours are calculated for each temperature used in the process. The limitation of the number of degree-hours depends upon the highest temperature in the fermentation process prior to the time that a pH of 5.3 or less is attained.

The operator is encouraged to measure temperatures at the surface of the product. Where this is not possible, the operator should utilize fermentation room temperatures. The degree hour calculations are based on fermentation room temperatures. Temperature and humidity should be uniform throughout the fermentation room.

A process can be judged as acceptable provided the product consistently reaches a pH of 5.3 using:

fewer than 665 degree-hours when the highest fermentation temperature is less than 33°C;

fewer than 555 degree-hours when the highest fermentation temperature is between 33° and 37°C; and

fewer than 500 degree-hours when the highest fermentation temperature is greater than 37°C.

This means that as the temperature increases, the amount of time that you have available to reach 5.3 or under is shorter. The warmer the temperature, the sharper the log growth phase of bacteria, which equates to more overshoot in lactic acid production, faster.

8. Examples of Degree-hours at constant room temperatures

Example 1:

Fermentation room temperature is a constant 26°C. It takes 55 hours for the pH to reach 5.3.

Degrees above 15.6°C: 26°C - 15.6°C = 10.4°C Hours to reach pH of 5.3: 55 Degree-hours calculation: (10.4°C) x (55) = 572 degree-hours

The corresponding degree-hours limit (less than 33°C) is 665 degree-hours.

Conclusion: Example 1 meets the guideline because its degree-hours are less than the limit.

Example 2:

Fermentation room temperature is a constant 35°C. It takes 40 hours for the pH to reach 5.3.

Degrees above 15.6°C: 35°C - 15.6°C = 19.4°C Hours to reach pH of 5.3: 40 Degree-hours calculation: (19.4°C) x (40) = 776 degree-hours

The corresponding degree-hours limit (between 33 and 37°C) is 555 degree-hours.

Conclusion: Example 2 does not meet the guideline because its degree-hours exceed the limit

9. Fermentation Done at Different Temperatures

When the fermentation takes place at various temperatures, each temperature step in the process is analyzed for the number of degree-hours it contributes. The degree-hours limit for the entire fermentation process is based on the highest temperature reached during fermentation.

Example 1:

It takes 35 hours for product to reach a pH of 5.3 or less. Fermentation room temperature is 24°C for the first 10 hours, 30°C for second 10 hours and 35°C for the final 15 hours.

Step 1

Degrees above 15.6°C: 24°C - 15.6°C = 8.4°C Hours to reach pH of 5.3: 10 Degree-hours calculation: (8.4°C) x (10) = 84 degree-hours

Step 2

Degrees above 15.6°C: 30°C - 15.6°C = 14.4°C Hours to reach pH of 5.3: 10 Degree-hours calculation: (14.4°C) x (10) = 144 degree-hours

Step 3

Degrees above 15.6°C: 35°C - 15.6°C = 19.4°C Hours to reach pH of 5.3: 15 Degree-hours calculation: (19.4°C) x (15) = 291 degree-hours

Degree-hours calculation for the entire fermentation process = 84 + 144 + 291 = 519

The highest temperature reached = 35°C

The corresponding degree-hour limit = 555 (between 33°C and 37°C)Conclusion: Example 1 meets the guideline because its degree-hours are less than the limit.

10. Fermentation done at Different temperatures

Example 2:

It takes 38 hours for product to reach a pH of 5.3 or less. Fermentation room temperature is 24°C for the first 10 hours, 30°C for the second 10 hours and 37°C for the final 18 hours.

Step 1

Degrees above 15.6°C: 24°C - 15.6°C = 8.4°C Hours to reach pH of 5.3: 10 Degree-hours calculation: (8.4°C) x (10) = 84 degree-hours

Step 2

Degrees above 15.6°C: 30°C - 15.6°C = 14.4°C Hours to reach pH of 5.3: 10 Degree-hours calculation: (14.4°C) x (10) = 144 degree-hours

Step 3

Degrees above 15.6°C: 37°C - 15.6°C = 21.4°C Hours to reach pH of 5.3: 18 Degree-hours calculation: (21.4°C) x (18) = 385.2 degree-hours

Degree-hours calculation for the entire fermentation process = 84 + 144 + 385.2 = 613.2

The highest temperature reached = 37°C

The corresponding degree-hour limit = 555 (between 33°C and 37°C)

Conclusion: Example 2 does not meet the guidelines because its degree-hours exceed the limit.

11. What happens if fermentation fails to hit critical limit?

What happens if the batch takes longer than degree-hours allows? For restaurant level production, it's always safer to discard the product. The toxin that Staph. Aureus produces is heat stable and cannot be cooked to deactivate. In large facilities that produce substantial batches, the operator must notify the CFIA of each case where degree-hours limits have been exceeded. Such lots must be held and samples of product submitted for microbiological laboratory examination after the drying period has been completed. Analyses should be done for Staphylococcus aureus and its enterotoxin, and for principal pathogens, such as E. coli O157:H7, Salmonella, and Clostridium botulinum and Listeria monocytogenes.

If the bacteriological evaluation proves that there are fewer than 104 Staphylococcus aureus per gram and that no enterotoxin or other pathogens are detected, then the product may be sold provided that it is labelled as requiring refrigeration.

In the case of a Staphylococcus aureus level higher than 104 per gram with no enterotoxin present the product may be used in the production of a cooked product but only if the heating process achieves full lethality applicable to the meat product.

In the case where Staphylococcus aureus enterotoxin is detected in the product the product must be destroyed.

12. E. coli and Salmonella Control in Fermented Sausages

Business' that manufacture fermented sausages are required to control for verotoxinogenic E. coli including E. coli O157:H7 and Salmonella when they make this type of product. This includes:

establishments which use beef as an ingredient in a dry or semi-dry fermented meat sausage;

establishments which store or handle uncooked beef on site;

Establishments which do not use beef and do not obtain meat ingredients from establishments which handle beef are not currently required to use one of the five options for the control of E. coli O157:H7 in dry/semi-dry fermented sausages.

Any processed RTE product containing beef or processed in a facility that also processed beef, must be subjected to a heat treatment step to control E. coli O157:H7. Heating to an internal temperature of 71°C for 15 seconds or other treatment to achieve a 5D reduction is necessary. This is a CFIA requirement and is not negotiable.

Uncooked air dried products produced as RTE, must meet shelf stable requirements as detailed for Fermented-Dry products.

13. Options for E. coli validation

Without lab testing, the two main methods of validation are with heat treating by either low temp and a long duration, or various hotter processing temperatures for a shorter timeframe.

A challenge study to validate a process can take 1 year and over $100,000!

14. Option1; Heating

15. Option 2; pH, heating, holding, diameter

16. Safety and consistency

The aw and pH values are critical in the control of pathogens as well as to ensure shelf-stability in all semi-dry and dry fermented meat products. Each batch must be tested for aw and/or pH in order to verify that the critical limits are met.

Although aw measurement is mandatory only for shelf stable products, it is strongly recommended that the producer determine the aw values achieved for each product type they manufacture and for each product. Once this has been established, frequent regular checks should be made to ensure consistency. In the U.S., they rely on moisture to protein ratio and have set targets. This lab-tested value is a direct correlation of the % water to % meat protein and not aw. This gives more consistency to common names. For example, to legally call a product "jerky" it must have a MPR of 0.75:1 or lower. Remember your ABCs:

Always be compliant.

-AND-

Documentation or it didn't happen.

(tags)

Charcuterie,Fermented Meat,Food Safety,Starter Culture,Chemical Acidification,Water Activity,Fermentation Process,Degree-Hours Method,Foodborne Pathogens,Meat Processing Guidelines,Chef WK Alberta Canada,Food Industry Standards,pH Critical Limits,Thermal Processing,Food Preservation,Food Microbiology,Sausage Fermentation,Charcuterie Expertise,Fermented Meats ,Food Safety Standards,Food Processing Guidelines,Starter Cultures,Chemical Acidification,Water Activity (a_w),Critical Limits,Degree-Hours Method,Foodborne Pathogens,Meat Processing Equipment,Processing Facility Requirements,Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP),Food Preservation Techniques,Temperature Control,Pathogen Reduction,Food Industry Compliance,Documentation Practices,Heat Treatment,pH Control,Food Stability,Consistency in Production,Microbial Testing,Real-time Monitoring,Process Validation,Regulatory Requirements,Verotoxigenic E. coli,Lethality Standards,Product Labelling,Spoilage Prevention,Enterotoxin Detection,Shelf-Stable Products,Moisture to Protein Ratio (MPR)

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