#Pinpointer metal detector

[jehad2008]

Pinpointer: what is it for and how is it used?

Mineral exploration is a craft that has been practiced for many years. Nowadays, there are high-quality professional devices that greatly facilitate the task itself and make the whole process much more efficient and shorter. The device known as Pinpointer is one of them. What is an Pinpointer? A precision indicator is a portable metal detector used to determine the exact location of a metal…

[blueiscoool]

Plumber Finds Ancient Roman Coin Hoard in England

A plumber in England unwittingly discovered ancient treasure while walking through a pasture on a summer's day – and now he's auctioning it off.

David Dunn, a plumber from Sapcote, Leicestershire, unearthed 50 coins dating back to Ancient Rome on July 19, 2023. The hoard, which was not publicized until this month, was found in a field a short walk away from Dunn's home.

The discovery was announced in a Feb. 6 press release by Noonans Mayfair, an auction house based in London. Dunn, who began metal detecting in 2023, took up the hobby as a way to "go out on his own into the fresh air after a long day working," Noonans said.

Dunn was using a Deus 2 metal detector when he discovered the ancient hoard, which consisted of antoninianus coins worth two denarii each.

"Something told me to go to the pasture field that I had visited numerous times," Dunn said in a statement. "After a few hours searching I had a faint signal of 84 on the Deus 2 using Relic Program."

"I then found a Roman coin and another with my pinpointer in the same hole."

Dunn said that he was "so excited" that he immediately alerted the farmer who owned the land and started digging.

After digging down to about two feet, it then just snowballed from there over a [four-square meter] area and we found 50 coins in total," Dunn recalled. "Who knows what would have happened if we continued digging further!"

The earliest coins were minted under Carausius, the Roman emperor of Britannia from 286 to 293. The military commander took power after the Carausian Revolt.

Other coins were minted under Allectus, Diocletian and Maximian, meaning that the "youngest" of the coins dates back to the fourth century AD.

Leicester, the county seat of Leicestershire, was a major town in Roman Britain, then known as Ratae Corieltauvorum. It is not unheard of for Roman artifacts to emerge from the area – Dunn said a neighboring farm has a Roman villa on it.

"Many of the coins that I found were in really good condition with perfect portraits – it was a once in a lifetime find!" he added.

The coins, which are going under the hammer on Feb. 18, are expected to fetch upwards of $1,800, but Dunn says his mind isn't on the money.

"I’m not sure of what to spend it on," he admitted. "The money doesn’t interest me, just finding history is what I love. The farmer has had a rough few years since COVID so I’d like to give him the majority of the money if it can help in any way."

The discovery has also contributed to the study of coins in Ancient Rome. Noonans coin expert Alice Cullen said that one of the designs of the coins, which is from the reign of Carausius, has been unknown until now.

"The first coin in the hoard is going to be recorded in [a] new volume [about Roman coins] as a new variety which is very exciting!" Cullen said. "This particular coin is from the reign of Carausius (286-293) and is decorated with a bust of Diocletian on one side and a standing woman on the other."

By Andrea Margolis.

[etherealvoidechoes]

[Prototype] AU - Torn Apart - Chapter 2: Reconnaissance - Searching for Clues

Alex returns to Manhattan to find his sister and investigate what Blackwatch is currently up to.

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“Times Square.”

The major commercial intersection was bustling with life. People walked to and fro, chatted, yelled, and laughed. The cacophony of cars driving by and horns blaring added to the ordered chaos. Billboards lined just about every building, spectacularly illuminated even under the sun, all displaying an assortment of advertisements. It was like the Redlight infection had never hit it a year ago. Almost.

“Never thought I’d come back here.”

Alex Mercer was taking in the sights. Taking in part of his work. Barely any traces remained of the hellscape that terrorized the city for weeks, which was followed by a few months-long recovery. He could vividly remember the ever-shifting war zones that consumed the various parts of the city. 

With each breath of relatively clean air he took in, savoring the myriad of urban scents to a pinpoint degree that would drive a normal human mad, there were brief flashes of that horrid past. Thick, choking smoke-filled air that was constantly tinged with the smell of rot, burning flesh, and overly metallic blood. So much of that red flesh sprawled across the streets, creeping and consuming everything it touched. Buildings became the breeding grounds to produce more infected, especially those Hunters. A chaotic branching network of massive tendrils dug deep, cracking and tearing up asphalt and concrete buildings like it was the most flimsy paper in existence.

And now, there was none of that. 

“Wonder how much was spent fixing up this mess? Taxpayer dollars down the drain…” He chuckled to himself as strolled along, taking in the sights. “Hm?” But something caught his eye.

Flying high above the roofline was one of those UAVs, or viral detection drones. Lights shining green, the drone sauntered through the area several times before disappearing over some buildings. Then his eyes caught faint, shimmering glints on a rooftop. A viral detector. And not just one. There were several strategically placed throughout the area. 

“Huh. Have those things running all day and night.” Just how many of those things did he disable or destroy when he had to snoop around those military bases? “Smart.  I see that they still have some “good” brains running in the “Green Zones” He tapped his chin, taking note of each one. 

He had been back in the city for about a week. Slowly scoping things out, seeing if Blackwatch was still around. They were. In a more ‘discreet’ manner — he’d be paying one of their outposts a visit soon to see what they had been up to. It seemed like the organization had taken permanent residence in the city to monitor all traces of the outbreak. He had a feeling it was their way of continuing their usual bioweapon research and development nonsense, besides keeping tabs on any lingering patches of Redlight that refused to die. He had detected a few as he moved about. Dormant spots waiting for the right time to spring forth and establish a new leader for the hive mind. He took care of the ones he felt had been festering for too long and a prime opportunity to sample what had changed. New mutations and genetic lines were to be expected, but nothing he couldn’t overcome. He even picked up faint traces of antibodies used to fight Bloodtox. Something new for his body to memorize and prepare itself for, just in case Blackwatch the newest formulas would affect him again.

“A little dangerous to let those little hives fester… unless?” His mind delved back into memories, many not of his own, dealing with Carnival projects. He pursed his lips before laughing at the insane thoughts crossing his mind. “No, that’s too dangerous to let a “natural” test happen. That’s asking for the virus to spread to the other islands and the world. But… but… we humans can be rather dumb.”

Humans can be idiotic, short-sighted creatures. We are much smarter than that. Much better. More than human. A faint voice in the back of his mind scolded him. It did and didn’t sound like his. There was a faint hiss that trailed the words. A slight pitch change, shifting lower every other word, before realigning to how it should sound. He ignored it. He had been ignoring it for a long time after some events months ago. Just a part of the viral self he didn’t want to acknowledge.

Continuing his walk, he passed by a building with a viral detector installed just by the edge of the roof. Tuning in his ears, and watching from the corner of his eyes, he watched it as he slowed his stroll. One second. Two. Four. Ten. He grinned. Those lights stayed a nice and solid green. He picked up his pace.

“Still not picking me up. Good. Must be tuned only for Redlight.” He mused. He had been gone for a long time and maybe they thought he was dead after taking care of the nuke. Reflexively, his body shuttered remembering that. That hurt… piecing myself back together and finding my other remains… but not as much as that parasite. He would take a nuke again rather than deal with that cancer of a parasite eating him alive.

Just ask his thoughts were slowly spiraling down that painful time, the hum of another drone buzzing by caught his attention. His eyes quickly found it. He grinned again. “Remember, those weeks you lingered around as the last of the infection was being burned out, you evolved to a point where you could suppress your viral signature. At this point, I may be able to fully mask it. I’ll have to test that later.”

Alex was back in New York for a reason. His sister. His creator’s sister… Ever since he left once Blackwatch and the military had a handle on things, there was always a heavyweight in his heart that he had a hard time ignoring. Guilt. He should have waited for her to wake up from that coma. But there were so many things racing through his mind. So many thoughts and memories — many that weren’t his. He needed to leave once his work was done and do some soul-searching to figure out what he was now and what he was going to do. And now he was back.

A few days into his return, he visited the last place he had left Dana. New York Hospital and Medical College. And searched for the person he asked to care for her after rescuing her from Greene. Dr. Bradley Ragland.

It didn’t surprise him that the doctor was long gone. Retired is what one of the workers there told him. After all the chaos, and Blackwatch was still around, Alex didn’t blame the doctor for leaving. He just hoped the retirement was by the doctor’s hand and not Blackwatch’s. He faintly remembered they were keeping an eye on the good doctor. Thankfully, he was a ‘low-priority’ risk, despite Dr. McMullen’s thinly veiled threats. He hoped he still was.

To his surprise, the doctor left something behind for him. A hidden contingency of sorts. It was about Dana. A hefty folder containing her health record. He wondered how much trouble the doctor had to go through to keep this out of Blackwatch’s hands.

As Alex read them, a few of those shackles in his heart lifted. Dana had recovered and was fine. No signs of infection from any of the Redlight strains. Yet that detail bothered Alex. Why didn’t Greene infect her when she had the chance? Before his mind spiraled off into several theories that maybe she had been infected with a strain that hid itself well, one note from the doctor caught his eye. 

“Possible natural resistance or immunity to Redlight may explain the lack of infection. Note: Reference her ‘brother’ Alexander J. Mercer and Blacklight. Possibly the genetic structures are at play?” Relief washed over him. Yet, it made him curious once more. 

As he read the documents further, he learned a few days after Dana awoke from her coma, she bolted from the doctor’s care shortly after he told her what happened and some words Alex wanted him to pass onto her. And just in time, as Blackwatch came around shortly after she left. And there was another note. 

“Blackwatch is looking for her. Godspeed, Alex.”

“And now I’m searching for her.” Alex tapped at his lip, thinking back to the documents. So far, visiting familiar areas and old stomping grounds of his sister’s led to nothing. She was gone like the wind. He had a feeling she hadn’t left the city.

“You’re somewhere here. Being a journalist. Breaking stories under a few pennames. Not your style to leave things alone. Hope you have some allies…” He chuckled. He was thinking of a news report he saw not too long ago. The “origins” of the infection. 

“That’s still hotly ‘debated’ on who’s truly responsible. Shadowy government organizations, illegal pharmaceutical trials, a rogue agent… Yet…” His voice trailed off as he slowed his walk until he stopped in front of an opaque window. He looked at his reflection. At one of the many faces, he wore to pass through the city undisturbed. Today, it was an unassuming middle-aged man with some salt and pepper hair wearing an overly cozy black turtleneck sweater and plain jeans. He chuckled, adjusting the glasses on his face before he continued walking again. 

“They still put the blame on Dr. Alexander J. Mercer. A sociopathic and paranoid scientist.” He could agree to that. “The man had ‘a mental breakdown and tried taking the city with him’.”

Though most of the memories of his creator continued to be forever distant, and he felt he would truly never regain them, he didn’t deny how the news described him. From what he recalled, from what he absorbed from former co-workers, it was true. The man knew how to mask those unsavory personality ticks to appear “normal” most days. A man who was “positive and full of life”, but every once in a while, he would slip. But he did have the capacity to love. His ex-girlfriend, Karen Parker. His eyes narrowed just thinking about her. But his features softened as he thought of Mercer’s other love. His sister, Dana.

Don’t think of the former. She failed him by getting arrested. She betrayed your trust by working with Blackwatch. That faint voice in the back of his mind hissed. He ignored it.

He refocused on Dana. Dana. There were times he questioned his creator’s memories of dealing with her. Did he ever truly care for her? Or was she a means to an end?

There were faint glimpses of their childhood, he could recall. An absentee father. A drunken mother. He shielded her many times from their mother when they were in her care. How he much preferred those foster homes over her, but whenever she was out of jail, the system always put them back with their mother. Despite their 9-year age gap, the brother and sister were close until Alex couldn’t take the constant abuse and sought a way out through his one passion, science. Selfishly sought a way out, but was there any other way? As soon as he could, he went off to college. Their contact was sparse. Eventually, he graduated and worked for various corporations before being headhunted by Gentek and ended up in New York. Some years later, in her own desperate bid to get a fresh start and reconnect with him, Dana moved to New York as soon as she was accepted into NYU.

Their conversations were tentative and in-person meetings were few, and she desperately wanted more. Over time, and through her sheer stubbornness, it seemed like something was slowly budding when he genuinely apologized for leaving her behind so suddenly. He even provided her with some support for her studies. Just when it seemed like they were truly reconnecting, communications went dark for some months. Whenever she tried to strike up a conversation, he would just tell her he was busy with work and had no time. Then he contacted her. 

The bastard roped her into this mess. She could have been killed with all the snooping she did. She’s a good journalist, but he did not need to drag her in. And then… then… what he did at his end. He could see the Penn Station incident play clearly in his mind. Feel every bullet hit his creator before he dropped on top of the shattered vial and the final vestiges of life faded from his pathetic corpse. 

That action to throw the vial made him call into question his love for his sister. Did he truly care for her?

She could become something better. Something like you. That voice whispered. Something was pulling at his mind, bringing back up what those medical documents theorized. He ignored it. All of it, shoving those files back into the depths.

“She nearly became a statistic… several times.” He mumbled. 

That lingering guilt reverberated through every cell of his being. Before he grew a semblance of consciousness, he was using her just like his creator had. He had the excuse of “amnesia” when in truth he was the virus piloting a corpse, so he used her to help fill the gaps and point him in the right direction for more answers. It wasn’t right.

His mind was diving down that dark pit until another drone buzzed by.

“Focus, Alex.” He mumbled to himself. “You’ve got work to do. A sister to find.” He watched the latest drone fly by and disappear in between some buildings. “Hm… Think I’ll scout an outpost or base tonight. See how they work and put some of my new abilities to use. See what Blackwatch has gathered with their hunt.” 

Finding a fairly secluded place to sit, he raised his hand to his face like he was going to adjust his glasses again; instead, he looked at his palm. The flesh in the center of it quivered and shifted as a yellow about the size of a golf ball rose to the surface. As it reached halfway, several dark red to black tendrils slowly crept out around its base. A second later, the flesh around his wrist rippled like the water before several small bulges rose and fell. It continued to do with the bulges working their way up his hand and around the cyst until several centipede-like creatures broke through his flesh. They squirmed about, snapping their tiny mandibles. He grinned. 

“Both can be invasive, but considerably less lethal than my usual methods. With a faint risk of infection.” With a mere thought, the creatures and cyst merged back into his flesh, causing it to look normal once more. He finished the motion of adjusting his glasses. “And nicer for my brain. Fewer headaches from all that screaming in those memories of death.” He had grown tired of those. It had taken him forever to sort out the memories of all those he consumed and lock them away.

He got back to his feet and continued his stroll. “Just a little more sightseeing. Still haven’t seen all the changes to the city and need to keep in touch with my ‘human side’.” He hummed to himself. “And maybe I’ll spot some Blackwatch-affiliated buildings and checkpoints. Think I’ve seen some of those new mobile communication vehicles they’ve been fielding around the city. May try hitting one of those. A little less security and those buildings may have detectors that may catch me. And that Bloodtox. Ugh.” He knew he would eventually have to test his immunity to that poison sooner than later. He didn’t want to find out the hard way if he was deep within a base that only had one way of getting out.

A flock of pigeons passing by caught his eye. A twinkle of excitement filled them. 

“Hm, think I can infect the local animals and have them do some snooping for me.”

———————————

As he continued his sightseeing, Alex put his abilities to work to aid his reconnaissance. With a few cysts here and some centipedes there, he infected some of the birds and local rats to create a small hive mind network to track Blackwatch movements and to see if more eyes could find any traces of his sister. He had more luck with the former compared to the latter. His sister was still a ghost in the wind. His hope lay with Blackwatch, if they were having any luck tracking her.

Eventually, day turned to night. Alex found himself returning to a familiar Lower Manhattan location—a hub of Blackwatch activity.

——————————

“Huh, would have thought they would have torn down this building after everything. But knowing Blackwatch and the government…” 

Alex’s eyes were transfixed towering spire responsible for part of his birth. Gentek. Many memories flowed through his mind; his own, fragmented pieces of his creators, and so many others. Compared to how it looked during all the chaos a year ago, it barely showed any damage. It looked like Blackwatch had done a deep clean, routed out every inch of infection, and reinforced the building and surrounding blocks.

“And looks like Blackwatch took over a few blocks. Massive outpost and research facility setup from the looks of it. A solid fortress. Don’t want a repeat of something escaping. Smart. The bastards”

Currently, he was perched high on a rooftop a good distance away. Through a set of binoculars, he was carefully surveying the outpost and streets below, taking note of the automated security, drones, viral detectors, guard patrols, and vehicle traffic. The compound was fairly active as he watched various heavy-duty container trucks come and go, offloading what he could only assume was gathered biomass into one of the buildings.

“Wonder if that came from an underground nest? My little ‘drones’ stumbled across one Blackwatch was actively clearing some hours ago.” He lingered on the sight for a little longer before he turned his attention back to the base as a whole. “Don’t think about it for now. Need to borrow a brain to see what the setup is here. Going in blind and they could have a few detectors that may pick up me.” That was a risk he didn’t want to take. He was currently enjoying the fact Blackwatch had no clue he was back in the city and wanted to keep it that way as long as possible.

“Busy as ever…” His voice trailed off into a tuneless whistle as he continued to search. His gaze seemed to wander around aimlessly, subconsciously taking in information, until he suddenly locked onto a target. A grin crept across his face. “But I think I found the brain I’m going to borrow. Possibly brains. Follow them, snag ‘em, and come back if needed.” 

He spotted a set of Blackwatch soldiers and Gentek scientists decked out in PPE loading up into a small convoy of heavily armored vehicles.

“New threads for their soldiers.” He mumbled as he watched them. Their new uniforms ditched the old black for a dark blue. While still form-fitting, now included pauldrons and a hood, a new mask with blue lenses for the googles, and then there was what could best be interpreted to be a knife-like blade attached to one forearm. They also looked a tad bulkier.

“Interesting design. Like the old black better. Question the changes, but who knows to what extent the remaining infection I haven’t encountered has evolved.” His mind drifted off to that Supreme Hunter. His whole body undulated in disgust, partially breaking his human disguise as his face rippled and contorted into a mess of shapes before falling back to his default form. He was glad no one else was on the rooftop.

I still wonder when that thing consumed Cross… played me like a damn fiddle, but it still lost in the end. Sometimes his mind would wander back to his precarious alliance with Captain Robert Cross. Did the man truly have an ounce of moral compass questioning his superiors’ “last resort” if they couldn’t halt the spread of the virus? Or was it all a carefully crafted ploy to pull on Alex’s need for answers and vengeance, waiting for the right moment to strike and lay him low?

Either way… we would have had to kill each other once the deed was done. Part of me feels some sympathy for the man. Made sure to find that Hunter’s corpse and burned it. And burned everything Blackwatch had gathered from the USS Ronald Reagan once I put myself back together. It took him some time to track down all the leads to find it, but once he did, there were no survivors.

It was a smart thing. You should have consumed it like its MOTHER once we beheaded it. That voice deep in his mind whispered. But we had a nuke to worry about. It sighed before it transitioned to a dark chuckle. Took some time for all the pieces to come back together, but we did clean up that mess and so much more. Heh. So much more.

Alex ignored the whisper. Or tried his best to ignore it. Another wave of disgust coursed through him, twisting the flesh of one leg into jagged, hardened, segmented silver and black shapes akin to his armored form. He could feel another wave coming, one he had to bring his mind back into focus to bring his disguise back in order. Focus. 

He wasn’t sure why that subject was bothering him more than usual. There was a strange feeling to it, one he just couldn’t put his finger on. Focus.

That convoy was just about finished loading up and ready to go. He slowly got up from his perch as he watched one vehicle after the other roll out of the compound.

“I wonder if you’re going to that nest one of my bugs found in the sewers?” He watched the direction they were heading. “And you’re bringing along one of those communication vehicles. Perfect. If that’s connected to your entire database, that’s less infiltration I have to do that may blow my cover.”

Stashing his binoculars away into himself, he took a few steps back. His feet dug into the concrete of the roof, causing several cracks to spread out, as his biomass shifted and stored kinetic energy. He then broke out into a blinding sprint, the first few steps tearing up a few chunks of the roof before he took one last spring of a step off the edge of the roof and soared.

——————————

Alex followed the convoy as they headed towards Lower Manhattan, making sure to steer clear of any UAV drones buzzing about.

A cordoned-off block, swiftly evolving into a “temporary” quarantine zone according to a few plastered signs.

Alex found a roof not too far away he could perch on. He brought out his binoculars again and scoped out the sight. 

“This must be new or has recently grown into a bigger problem.” He took note of the growing security as a few viral detectors were being set up while another group was inspecting the ladders and ropes set up on the enlarged sewer entrance. There was another group of armed soldiers head down an alleyway. He assumed they had made another entrance to go underground there.

“Ugh… Bloodtox. This must be bad.” He spotted an all too familiar modified US Military M270 MLRS that was now a Bloodtox Pumper. “I may just find out tonight if I’m still immune or not.”

He continued to scan the area. 

 “Think I can slip in if I act fast enough. Seen the new uniform enough times to mimic it, still need to grab a fresh one to copy it just right and get my hands on a radio. Let’s look like one of the grunts. Less questions.”

As his sight bounced from one soldier to another, with barely a thought, his body effortlessly shifted and twisted to look like one of the Blackwatch soldiers. 

“Hope they don’t ask questions with me missing a weapon…” He took one last look at the site. “Hm, think I know who to grab. The new officer uniform lacks a hood.” He spotted what he assumed was an Officer by one of the communication trucks relaying information over to another Officer who was barking out orders as the soldiers and scientists were about to go down.

With carefully plotted paths and dashes, he slyly made his way closer to the quarantined block, making sure to time his inhuman movements in such a way he wouldn’t catch the eye of any patrols on the rooftop or a stray drone buzzing by. He found himself on a rooftop adjacent to the alleyway he saw some soldiers go down earlier. Another entrance had been made. A few soldiers stood guard. Steam and a faint shimmering haze exited the hole.

“Distraction… Hm… yes. This may draw more attention, but should be enough. And have a few linger back so they can ‘sweep up’ the mess.” He didn’t have to raise a hand. Shifting his boot to the edge of the roof, a horde of his centipedes emerged from his flesh and skittered down the building, with a few falling into the trash piles below. 

The soldiers were oblivious to the small horde skittering towards them in the dim alleyway. It wasn’t until a few of them were about halfway up the pants of one did they finally reacted. The soldiers had enough sense to not shoot — themselves — and quickly knocked off the bugs as they swiftly backed up. With some distance made, they shot off a few rounds. Several bugs splattered into a spray of giblets before a tidal wave of more gushed forth, sweeping up the fallen.

“We’ve got a breach!” One soldier barked as they let loose a volley of shots.

Like moths to a flame, more soldiers came charging down the alley, taking aimed shots at the swarm. With a few signals, Alex had his centipedes strike at the soldiers a few times, mainly glancing bites, before having the mass back off as it “grew smaller” with each volley of bullets. The swarm broke into three before each darted down other alleyways. A round of curses sounded off from the soldiers, followed by reports of the breaches as they separated into groups and gave chase.

Waiting for the right moment, Alex stepped off the rooftop with a faint leap, before shifting all his mass downward, causing him to drop like a boulder. A blur slipped right past the last set of soldiers running by — like they would have noticed with them chasing down their skittering foes.

Slipping through the opening, just before he hit the sewer floor, Alex quickly shifted his mass, evenly distributing it through his body before releasing a burst of energy to change his trajectory, thrusting himself forward. He repeated the shift once more to adjust his angle and speed until his boots hit the ground and he came to a skidding halt.

He straightened himself up and tapped his boots against the ground before shaking his hands. “Been a while since I’ve had to do that. Missed it.” He let out a hushed laugh.

Head whipping back and forth to survey his surroundings, he sent a few signals to the centipedes on the run to scatter and go underground to meet back up with him as soon as possible. He sent out one last signal to the ones that were hidden to clean up all traces of Blacklight before returning to him.

 So far, he saw no signs of infection in this part of the tunnel. His vision and senses shifted, muffling most of the world as it all turned red. A faint viral trail unraveled before him.  He followed it.

Hm. His body trembled, taking in all shifting the information. Like old times. He could sense a large mass nestled deep underground. Sense that there was something large moving. He didn’t like that. Those cautious footsteps picked up in pace.

Shifting his senses back to “normal” he heard screeching, gunfire, and those all too familiar military barks. It sounded dire.

Alex came to the edge of the tunnel opening and pressed against a wall before peering in. Glowing red and yellow pustules lined the ceiling and walls of some old substation, all filled with malformed forms of infected, all encompassed by an ever-pulsating mass of red, glistening flesh and gore.

No Hunters yet, good. He thought as he examined the area. Or so he thought.

An inhuman screech of a roar followed by the harsh sounds of concrete being torn up and flesh tearing. The pained cries of a soldier had his eyes quickly following the source. He caught sight of the poor, bleeding soldier flying through the air towards his direction before crashing into the ground in a broken heap; their weapon clattered on a few feet ahead of them. Another roar had him find the source.

“Fall back! Fall back! Back to the main entrance! Team Alpha is deploying the Bloodtox and fans!”

There was a Hunter, more malformed than what Alex remembered a year ago, with several cancerous growths misaligning its spine, hounding the task force now down three men as those massive rending claws struck another slow soldier, sending them flying. Their body twisted around a broken generator.

“That’s not good.” He didn’t like the sight and didn’t want to test his Bloodtox immunity this soon. A few of his centipedes had come back and rejoined his mass. He sent out a signal to the others to find their way back topside, but to stay close. Best to keep them away from the gas. “But I may be able to use this chaos to my advantage.”

Hearing a faint groan and noticing some infected shifted from the mass, chasing the retreating soldiers down the tunnel. They were heading to that one soldier the Hunter had thrown earlier was still alive, if barely. Perfect.

Before the horde could finish the job, Alex dashed from his cover. Breaking out into a slide, he snatched the fallen soldier’s gun and made quick work of the infected who were closing in with precision shots. With them taken care of, he headed over to the soldier, grabbed their collar, and dragged them behind some debris. 

The soldier grabbed his arm, their grip was shaky but somehow still strong. “T-t-thanks. Get me back on my fu—”

A foot to the throat silenced him. “Sorry, it broke your skin.” Shifting his head ever so slightly, Alex saw some tears in the soldier’s armor. It was several layers thick, with vital areas reinforced, but even that didn’t stop the three angry slash wounds wrapping around their side. Blood was pouring from them, pooling around the soldier. It was miracle they weren’t deeper. With a shift of his vision, he could pick up the faintest traces of Redlight seeping into his wounds.”You’re infected.” 

“Impo—”

 Before the soldier could react, Alex shifted his mass just enough to smash their neck like it was a grape before they could even make a gargled gasp. Blood sprayed out. Several tendrils burst forth from his leg and made quick work, breaking down and integrating the soldier and their gear into him. He shuttered as a wave of memories hit him. Another bastard. They haven’t changed much. And it was better safe killing him with that hint of infection eating through their boosters. They assuaged the guilt.

As his body integrated the gear, he quickly tuned into the radio to check the situation. The team was down another man, but they were nearly at the entrance. Alpha team had made it back and had their own horde and Hunter problem, but the Bloodtox had been deployed. 

“Guess I’ll find out soon. Let’s see how good my acting skills are.” 

Fighting off a few infected, he checked his rifle, reloaded it, pilfered what he could from the other dead soldier, and headed to the action.

It didn’t take long for him to find that thick cloud of poison. His stride slowed down for just a moment before pushing forward. Every cell of his body shuttered as he passed through the curtain. He could feel it eating at him, flesh dying and necrotizing for just a few seconds before his body remembered what it had experienced and what it had newly learned before it quickly adapted to the formula and shunted it out.

Good. Good. Must be close to the original batch. But still need to be careful in the future. Alex breathed a sigh of relief. His vision split between Infrared and Infected, and his mind quickly separated the infected from the soldiers. A majority of the horde had slowed down once they had hit the cloud of death with most of the ground. The stronger variants trudged through it like the rabid animals they were looking to kill and spread. 

They’re going to need some help with those Hunters. The Bloodtox is slowing them down, but it’s not enough. Alex picked up the pace and began to fire aimed shots at the beasts.

“Hey! Watch your fire! Watch your fire!” Voice perfectly mimicking the dead, Alex barked as several bullets whizzed past him, with a few clipping him. 

“Imp?” The Officer sounded bewildered. “The fuck you still alive?”

Alex faked a few pained sounds and coughs. “Some broken ribs won’t put me down and I want to cave that damn freak’s skull in!” He let out a few more curses as he dodged around a few of the infected.

“Got him in my sights, sir.” Another soldier said. They saw their “fallen” friend moving towards them with a limp in his step, quickly gunning down any infected that came close. “Fuckin’ Impulsive!” They laughed.

“We survive this fucking mess and those boosters hold, I’m buying you a few rounds tonight.” The Officer said.

Alex laughed. “You’re on!”

As the last of the Walkers dropped, they all concentrated fire on their Hunter; the other team seemed to be fairing fine with their problem as someone brought along some heavy weaponry to cripple the beast.

Following squad tactics, and living up to the callsign of the man he was impersonating, Alex assisted the team in putting down the Hunter. It was a chaotic dance of letting loose a wall of bullets whilst dodging mad charges and rending claws. Alex even took a “hit” meant for a teammate but rolled out of the claw swipe just enough to make his continued survival believable. The other team swung around and with their heavy weaponry, they put down the Hunter.

“Vector! Take your squad and sweep that substation clean. Burn it. My teams thinned, taking the injured up, and will be back with fresh bodies.” The Officer barked to the other Officer. They acknowledged and ordered his men down the tunnel. The one with the flamethrower let off a few blasts.

The Officer went over to Alex, who was being assisted to his feet by another soldier. “Son of a gun.” He looked the man up and down, taking note of his appearance. Blood and other viscera caked him from head to toe. Several parts of his uniform and gear were tattered. And then those claw marks. The layers of reinforced armor ripped through like butter, revealing three searing angry wounds. The flesh still looked healthy, even with the blood still seeping blood. With a firm hand, he smacked Alex’s shoulder. Alex gave a pained grunt. “I’m still writing your bone-head up for breaking cohesion charging the damn thing.”

Alex let out a pained laugh. “It killed Striker, sir. Had to.” Shifting his rifle to one hand, he drew back and punched the Officer just around the collarbone, just enough to mask the pain of him injecting one of his centipedes. The Officer cursed and gave him a hard gut punch making Alex double over, “vomiting” in his mask.

“You’re still getting your beers minus two rounds, idiot. But good work.” The Officer said, rolling their shoulder. “Get him topside and to the doctors for a quick check-over. Same with you.” He ordered. 

While they headed topside, he lingered around a little longer, waiting for a few fresh soldiers and scientists to come down to secure the area. He watched the scientists grab their samples and take readings before they were escorted back topside.

The Officer cursed under their breath as they rubbed the spot Alex had punched earlier, swearing they would beat Impulse if he fractured his collarbone with that brick hand of his. That centipede was slowly making its way towards the Officer’s spine, causing some irritation along the way. Once along the spine, it attached itself with several tendrils and began to tap into the nervous system and its synaptic pathways. 

Let’s see what you know. Alex felt the centipede send him a signal it was burrowed deep and ready to trigger. He had to balance his signals carefully to not break his human mask as he let the medics and scientists examine him. With a mere thought, he had the centipede dig deeper and subtly take control of the Officer. They already had reports on their mind and he just guided them to that communications truck. Alex made sure to take note of his credentials and passwords used to log onto //BLACKNET for the future. He let the Officer send in a field report and a request for additional men before he subtly began to direct him to do some searches for Dana.

At first, the searches brought up information he already knew until he found a connecting link. ATHENA. An alias of an individual who was a minor thorn in Blackwatch’s side concerning everything that happened last year and was still happening. The alias was swiftly associated with Dana Mercer, but Blackwatch was not 100% sure it was just her and not a collective as Alex noticed several names of people they were keeping tabs on or seeking to silence. He quickly memorized them before refocusing on his sister. She was on that silence list. All the information he read explained the walls he had been hitting trying to find her. It seemed Dana had been jumping islands every few months when Blackwatch would close in on her. Smart. But it looked like they were closing in on her again. Her last known location was somewhere in the heart of Brooklyn. Then he finally saw a picture of her. 

Dana… Still the same, but somehow looking a little more put together. More… mature.

Alright, got the information. Delete these searches, go back to the reports and finish those up, log out, and loosen control for now. Alex thought as he let the centipede work before he loosened his control. He was still going through the motions of letting the medics work on him, carefully adjusting his nature to allow them to remove his gear and “respond” positively to the boosters they were giving to him to fight off the Redlight that lingered. Part of his brain was guiding those other lingering bugs in the area back into the sewers and through the Bloodtox to possess some of the fallen infected. The other part of his brain was processing the new information concerning his sister and the dangerous game she was playing. He knew he needed to find her fast before Blackwatch did or before she jumped islands again.

Hm… Not enough necrosis has eaten through the Walkers and those Hunter bodies are hardy as ever, even if malformed. We should give them a show? Don’t you agree? That whispered spoke. At first, he didn’t pay attention to it. It was just background noise he had to live it. But he felt a shift. Two larger minds connected to him. 

Alex’s eyes widened. Wait what—

Two thunderous roars caused the very ground underneath them to shake. The bark of gunfire erupted from the sewer entrance before it suddenly went dead silent. Several soldiers, guns at the ready, rushed to the entrance. A second later, the severed halves of a soldier flew out of the hole. Then a gnarled clawed hand emerged before slamming down into the pavement, tearing into it before a Hunter heaved itself up and out. The soldiers let loose, quickly backing up as the thing seemed undeterred by the gunfire. Several shambling Walkers emerged from the hole, bodies falling apart due to their extended time in the Bloodtox, and threw themselves at the soldiers, throwing the cohesion into chaos.

An Officer began barking out orders to protect the samples and kill the infected.

And he needs to shut up. The voice chuckled darkly. There was another shift within himself that made Alex freeze. Before he could react, he felt a part of him order that centipede within the Officer to strike.

In between barking orders and returning fire, the Officer went stock-still, rifle clattering to the ground, before they dropped into a heap. Their body began to twist into shapes that standard bones and ligaments couldn’t support as they violently convulsed. Another other Hunter soon pulled itself up and attacked the Bloodtox machine, knocking it aside and over and rupturing several tanks. Red, hateful clouds rolled out, spreading throughout the area.

 What the hell? I didn’t do that. Before Alex had a moment to process the chaos, the first Hunter tore into the tent where he was being treated. Bodies and equipment scattered.

This will hurt just a bit, but will clear us from suspicion. Play into it and concentrate. The worms will scatter once we’re gone. The voice whispered. He felt more shifts within against his will making his body more “solid.”

“Oh fu—”

A meaty claw swiftly wrapped around his bare chest, rending his back with deep gouges. Alex let out a pained grunt as he slammed a fist against the brick wall of an arm. It pulled him in close, roaring into his face before an unimaginable force caved his chest in with one hard squeeze. Alex gasped before all the air left his lungs. A horrendous pain radiated through his body. He had to use all his will to keep his disguise. His mind linked with the Hunter for just a second, allowing him to prepare for the second strike. Another squeeze and hard flick of its claw and it “snapped” his spine. He went limp — he was partially knocked out but held his form. The Hunter roared again before it pulled back and pitched his corpse far and high before turning its attention to the rest. More bodies to rend. More chaos to spread.

The fight didn’t last long once that other voice determined Alex was far enough from the fray. The centipedes made their exit and quickly disappeared to rejoin their host.

——————————

Alex was out for several hours, but some part of his body, whether it be instinct or something else,  had picked himself up and reconstructed itself before continuing on his mission. He hunted down a few more communication trucks across Manhattan for a few hours to do some more data digging — and somebody snatching — before the fallen Officer’s credentials were frozen.

With some more careful digging before the network was locked down, he found some more details concerning recent sightings of his sister and allies, narrowing it down to five potential apartments, ranging in habitability. The net was cast far and wide. He needed a way to narrow it down or else he would be searching for her all month. With that information, he started a new hunt before heading for Brooklynn. The names of those allies. Ones that had fresh kill orders.

[spacetimewithstuartgary]

Reinventing the clock: NASA's new tech for space timekeeping

Here on Earth, it might not matter if your wristwatch runs a few seconds slow. But crucial spacecraft functions need accuracy down to one billionth of a second or less. Navigating with GPS, for example, relies on precise timing signals from satellites to pinpoint locations. Three teams at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland, are at work to push timekeeping for space exploration to new levels of precision.

One team develops highly precise quantum clock synchronization techniques to aid essential spacecraft communication and navigation.

Another Goddard team is working to employ the technique of clock synchronization in space-based platforms to enable telescopes to function as one enormous observatory.

The third team is developing an atomic clock for spacecraft based on strontium, a metallic chemical element, to enable scientific observations not possible with current technology.

The need for increasingly accurate timekeeping is why the teams at NASA Goddard, supported by the center's Internal Research and Development program, hone clock precision and synchronization with innovative technologies like quantum and optical communications.

Syncing up across the solar system

"Society requires clock synchronization for many crucial functions like power grid management, stock market openings, financial transactions, and much more," said Alejandro Rodriguez Perez, a NASA Goddard researcher. "NASA uses clock synchronization to determine the position of spacecraft and set navigation parameters."

If you line up two clocks and sync them together, you might expect that they will tick at the same rate forever. In reality, the more time passes, the more out of sync the clocks become, especially if those clocks are on spacecraft traveling at tens of thousands of miles per hour. Rodriguez Perez seeks to develop a new way of precisely synchronizing such clocks and keeping them synced using quantum technology.

In quantum physics, two particles are entangled when they behave like a single object and occupy two states at once. For clocks, applying quantum protocols to entangled photons could allow for a precise and secure way to sync clocks across long distances.

The heart of the synchronization protocol is called spontaneous parametric down conversion, which is when one photon breaks apart and two new photons form. Two detectors will each analyze when the new photons appear, and the devices will apply mathematical functions to determine the offset in time between the two photons, thus synchronizing the clocks.

While clock synchronization is currently done using GPS, this protocol could make it possible to precisely synchronize clocks in places where GPS access is limited, like the moon or deep space.

Syncing clocks, linking telescopes to see more than ever before

When it comes to astronomy, the usual rule of thumb is the bigger the telescope, the better its imagery.

"If we could hypothetically have a telescope as big as Earth, we would have incredibly high-resolution images of space, but that's obviously not practical," said Guan Yang, an optical physicist at NASA Goddard.

"What we can do, however, is have multiple telescopes in various locations and have each telescope record the signal with high time precision. Then we can stitch their observations together and produce an ultra-high-res image."

The idea of linking together the observations of a network of smaller telescopes to affect the power of a larger one is called very long baseline interferometry, or VLBI.

For VLBI to produce a whole greater than the sum of its parts, the telescopes need high-precision clocks. The telescopes record data alongside timestamps of when the data was recorded. High-powered computers assemble all the data together into one complete observation with greater detail than any one of the telescopes could achieve on its own. This technique is what allowed the Event Horizon Telescope's network of observatories to produce the first image of a black hole at the center of our galaxy.

Yang's team is developing a clock technology that could be useful for missions looking to take the technique from Earth into space which could unlock many more discoveries.

An optical atomic clock built for space travel

Spacecraft navigation systems currently rely on onboard atomic clocks to obtain the most accurate time possible. Holly Leopardi, a physicist at NASA Goddard, is researching optical atomic clocks, a more precise type of atomic clock.

While optical atomic clocks exist in laboratory settings, Leopardi and her team seek to develop a spacecraft-ready version that will provide more precision.

The team works on OASIC, which stands for Optical Atomic Strontium Ion Clock. While current spacecraft utilize microwave frequencies, OASIC uses optical frequencies.

"What we can do, however, is have multiple telescopes in various locations and have each telescope record the signal with high time precision. Then we can stitch their observations together and produce an ultra-high-res image."

The idea of linking together the observations of a network of smaller telescopes to affect the power of a larger one is called very long baseline interferometry, or VLBI.

For VLBI to produce a whole greater than the sum of its parts, the telescopes need high-precision clocks. The telescopes record data alongside timestamps of when the data was recorded. High-powered computers assemble all the data together into one complete observation with greater detail than any one of the telescopes could achieve on its own. This technique is what allowed the Event Horizon Telescope's network of observatories to produce the first image of a black hole at the center of our galaxy.

Yang's team is developing a clock technology that could be useful for missions looking to take the technique from Earth into space which could unlock many more discoveries.

An optical atomic clock built for space travel

Spacecraft navigation systems currently rely on onboard atomic clocks to obtain the most accurate time possible. Holly Leopardi, a physicist at NASA Goddard, is researching optical atomic clocks, a more precise type of atomic clock.

While optical atomic clocks exist in laboratory settings, Leopardi and her team seek to develop a spacecraft-ready version that will provide more precision.

The team works on OASIC, which stands for Optical Atomic Strontium Ion Clock. While current spacecraft utilize microwave frequencies, OASIC uses optical frequencies.

"Optical frequencies oscillate much faster than microwave frequencies, so we can have a much finer resolution of counts and more precise timekeeping," Leopardi said.

The OASIC technology is about 100 times more precise than the previous state-of-the-art in spacecraft atomic clocks. The enhanced accuracy could enable new types of science that were not previously possible.

"When you use these ultra-high precision clocks, you can start looking at the fundamental physics changes that occur in space," Leopardi said, "and that can help us better understand the mechanisms of our universe."

The timekeeping technologies unlocked by these teams, could enable new discoveries in our solar system and beyond.

TOP IMAGE: Work on the quantum clock synchronization protocol takes place in this NASA Goddard lab. Credit: NASA/Matthew Kaufman

LOWER IMAGE: The Optical Atomic Strontium Ion Clock (OASIC) is a higher-precsion atomic clock that is small enough to fit on a spacecraft. Credit: NASA/Matthew Kaufman

[alexthegamingboy]

Toonami Weekly Recap 06/24/2023

Dr. Stone: New World (Age of Exploration Arc) EP#39 (04) - Eyes of Science: The existence of Why-Man is heavily debated as he may be a new enemy. Senku immediately crafts Scientific Eyes, using glass coated in Sphalerite and the electricity channeling power of crystals he creates a rudimentary Cathode-ray tube television screen, which when connected to the radio tower becomes a radar/sonar to accurately pinpoint targets over vast distances, even underwater. Testing the sonar Chrome is astounded it can even find fish, a welcome bonus for the upcoming voyage. The next issue arises; an engine big enough for a ship will requires tonnes of iron. Surprisingly it is Chrome who solves the issue; using what he learned from Senku he connects an electromagnet to the radar and spontaneously reinvents the Metal detector. Locating an iron deposit in a cave mile from the village they begin mining with Senku declaring they have reached the Industrial Revolution. Senku uses a petrol by-product plus gravel to make Asphalt concrete, allowing iron to be driven from the mine to the river by a paved road where Ryusui then sails it to the village. Under Senku and Kaseki's expertise the Minecarts are designed to make mining the iron even easier.

Unicorn: Warriors Eternal EP#09 - A Love's Last Light: The Evil takes over the cosmic realm and traps the heroes within it as well, where they learn that the Evil intends to destroy time itself.

Slightly Damned Page 1095: https://www.sdamned.com/comic/1095

[iviarellereads]

Nona the Ninth, Chapter 32

(Curious what I'm doing here? Read this post! For detail on The Locked Tomb coverage and the index, read this one! Like what you see? Send me a Ko-Fi.)

(Open tomb icon) In which someone goes full American Horror Story.

Nona is wrapped in one of the big black cloaks, and Pyrrha carries her out, with Paul supporting Crux, with Kiriona. Aiglamene leads them down passages, until they stop before a door, and Aiglamene turns off the lantern. Pyrrha asks if they have to go in blind, but Aiglamene says bad enough that anyone's going in besides the Reverend Daughter and her cavalier. Kiriona says the Daughter has no living cav anyway.

They open the door, and Nona is carried into a void of a cathedral cave, with a rock in front of a tunnel.

And standing before the rock—a lantern by one booted foot—was Crown. Nona’s eyes had been tricked by the light. It wasn’t Crown. It was someone exactly Crown’s height, someone with Crown’s face, but like someone had washed her in hot water and soaked the colour out—a Crown who gangled, without any of Crown’s lovely curvy softnesses or bignesses, a wretched white Crown.(1) A Crown with an arm that was all bones—metal-shod bones, real moving bones, with bony gold fingers holding a tiny pinpoint of orange light. Nona realised that it really was her arm; that it really was a cigarette.

Pyrrha steps forward, but her feet are caught by some "soft, jammy yellow" substance on the floor. So are Paul's. Kiriona asks how Ianthe got here before her. Ianthe says she didn't, she just looked for "any signs of God and slithered downward".(2) She advises the rest not to move, and puzzles over her assumptions about not-Cam until they say their name is Paul. Ianthe says she can respect the choice, but not admire it.(3)

Pyrrha asks if John sent Ianthe, but she ignores the question and asks who Pyrrha is, really. Pyrrha admits that Varun ate G1deon, she's just "his leftover cavalier parts." Ianthe asks if that's typical of Lyctors, and Pyrrha says, no. Ianthe is relieved and says no, John didn't send her.

Ianthe moves to stand before Kiriona, and they stare each other down. Kiriona asks if she really has to smoke in here, there are fire detectors. Ianthe rolls her eyes and stubs out the cig on her flesh hand, tossing the butt over her shoulder. She asks if they brought her sister, and Kiriona confirms, she's upstairs for the taking when they're done. The Sixth leaders are there too, but she's not sure if John will want them, or the rest of their House.

It had slowly dawned on Nona—by the look of everyone else caught in the yellow muck, it was dawning on them too—that this conversation was not being carried out in a way anyone had expected. Ianthe reached out—her sleeve fell away from her wrist—and Nona saw a strange fat bracelet ringing her bony wrist: a braided, hyper-coloured cord in shades that were somehow even uglier than the cords she had seen before—in her class—and on the wrist of— “Friendship bracelets,” she fairly shouted. “They’re wearing friendship bracelets.”(3)

Ianthe frees Kiriona from the sticky stuff, and they do a secret handshake. Paul asks if they can be freed to get into the Tomb or not. The stick extends to take Nona out of Pyrrha's arms and pull her over to Ianthe, who says she's just doing what she thinks "Harry" would want, to keep the Tomb closed, and asks what Kiriona thinks. Kiriona says she tries not to, and they laugh in genuine, friendly mirth.

Ianthe says it's good to see her, and Kiriona says, yeah, but, time to get this Tomb opened so they can get out of here. Ianthe is confused, but Kiriona draws her sword, and Ianthe returns the favour, calling her a "three-way double crosser." Kiriona says she hasn't double-crossed anyone, John sent her. Pyrrha and Ianthe express doubt on this account.

“No. He did,” said the corpse prince. “I didn’t sneak onto that ship for my health. Don’t you see? This is my chance. We go in there, we open up the Tomb, I take down whatever’s inside—Alecto, Annabel, I don’t care, whatever her name is—boom, we’re done. Dad won’t be immortal anymore, but he says he doesn’t care about that, and I believe him, Tridentarius … I’ll be his cavalier. I’m the First. Hell, I’m his child and heir. Isn’t this the neatest way? Are you going to help me, or not?”

Ianthe has withdrawn, disgusted, saying Kiriona can't really believe that. Kiriona says he's never recovered, and if they weren't around, she's not sure what he'd do. Ianthe says he'd drown his sorrows with "whatever or whoever comes to hand". She even saw Grand Admiral Sarpedon coming out of his room the other day.

Kiriona is mega grossed out, because Sarpedon looks so old, and John doesn't, and also because John's her father and she doesn't want to know about his affairs.Ianthe calls her all sorts of names and says the important part is, nobody's killing or releasing the thing inside the Tomb, and Kiriona isn't becoming John's new cav, and is this all just about Harrow after all? Kiriona gives her a dressing down in return, and they argue for some more paragraphs until Kiriona says John told her that, with her blood, with his blood, she was the only one who could do it.

“He loves her!” Ianthe howled. “John loves Alecto—John needs Alecto! Without that piece of goddamned fridge meat, he’s nothing—and we need to keep him that way!” The secret was told: the secret was out—the middle brain disappeared. Nona unravelled.

I won't relay the details of this one, there are too many, but Kiriona begs Harrow to keep it together, and Paul gives Pyrrha a signal, at which she shoots Ianthe, who just falls and rolls and screams. Pyrrha says she was saving that one for John, since she stole the Herald bullet from Wake. She asks if they can still save Nona, and Paul tells someone to open the door, now.

Kiriona lifts Nona's shoulders, Pyrrha has her hips. Pyrrha warns Paul to keep her arm in place as it tries to fall off. Paul has no problem rolling the rock away, and Crux warns of the traps, but Paul takes point on those, too.

Nona remembers being Alecto, walking down this corridor, with a promise from John that there was something pretty to show her.

Paul reports that the traps have been disabled already, and it was very tidy work. Nona blacks out, until she hears Kiriona urgently asking someone to take something, as Crux mourns, and someone doesn't need all of something, but needs to keep it wet.(5) Pyrrha says they need fresh thanergy to activate something.

John loved her. She was John’s cavalier. She loved John. For she so loved the world that she had given them John. For the world so loved John that she had been given. For John had so loved her that he had made her she. For John had loved the world.(6)

They argue, but Crux offers that they should take his life to do this.

(Another memory of Alecto entering this place, being bound with chains and ice.)

Crux says he's the only one who knows how to properly die for Harrow anyway. Kiriona, though in a new voice altogether,(7) says it's the only good he'd ever do Harrow, and the only thing any of the Ninth knew how to give her. Crux protests that Kiriona doesn't know what she's talking about, and Aiglamene forbids it outright, but Kiriona snarls that he wants to die, and she's wanted to do it for years.

(Another memory, John saying the thing is so beautiful, Alecto saying there are hardly any beautiful things left, and she'd like to talk to Anastasia.)

“Then do it, coward,” Crux said. “Do it—the knife is before you; the work has been done.” “Did you know I’m God’s child?” Kiriona demanded. “Did you know all the things you did—[...]—did you know I was the real, true-blue daughter of the Emperor? I want you to know that—I want you to know what I am!” “You remain—what you are,” said Crux. “A worthless millstone hung about my darling’s neck. You were born to make her suffer. You died as you lived, Gideon Nav—a disappointment to me—and to God.”(8) There was a wet, meaty sound. The old man exhaled. It was dark. Then there was light, bright, cold, electrifying, like death; and the noise of another rock—slowly—agonisingly—grinding away. And Kiriona kept saying— “It didn’t feel good … Fuck … It didn’t feel good. Why didn’t it feel good?” A rising, hysterical note. “Why didn’t it feel good? You fucking old … You hideous, cruel … you bastard … Why didn’t … Why can’t I…”(9) Glowworms, she had told John. Technically beetles, said John, but I always loved them.

Glowworms take up most of a paragraph as Harrow's body loses a foot, Paul jams it back on, and they come to the giant pool of saltwater(10) where she had knelt and taken a drink...

She moved the baby’s body apart from the others. They could not stop her. She stepped into the water: A-a-a-ah! That was good. The water was ice-cold—it froze the baby’s heart in its tracks—but she was moving her now and did not need her heart. Someone said, “Let her go. It’s gravity. Let her go,” and those voices were dim now—she could no longer distinguish them. Most human voices sounded alike, after all. They were not beautiful. The waters parted for her and it became possible to walk, crunching through the bones at the bottom. The bones at the bottom; what did they make her think of?

She and John had swum to the not quite island in the pool, he told her to lie down on the marble, and she had liked hard things to lay down on.

An echo down the tunnel, Ianthe, still screaming, drawing closer.

Alecto finds her body, just as John made it, so ugly.(11)

But there she was—and within her the child, asleep, with the strange sword.(12) The sword—her sword—her own edge had been pushed out, her swinging edge, her toy. Her plain bladed sword. And her body was chained up …

Someone howls defiance from the shore, but she looks up, sees Anastasia's skeleton, where she lay once, ready to close the door after it had opened.(13)

Her vision swam: her heart was in her throat. “Well, happy birthday to me, I guess,” sighed Nona. And Nona tumbled forward onto the icy dead breast of the Body.

=====

(1) The first person Nona hasn't thought was beautiful or at least interesting. The very first person she's ever seen and described in the text who's not beautiful and who she doesn't love instantly. And it's IANTHE! The wretched pale imitation of her sister. I cackled the first time and I'm giggling now. Also, my above-the-cut description is at this appearance. It's not exactly that AHS:Coven meme scene, but Ianthe would absolutely "Surprise, bitch" the fuck out of these pals. (2) Very evocative of the snake in the Garden of Eden. (3) We haven't had any indications that the modern Nine Houses use any form of the our-world Christian bible, but do you think Ianthe got crash courses from John, or did some reading in a Mithraeum library of some sort, to make this reference? Or, unexpected third (pun intended) option, do the Houses have their own stories about famous Pauls? (4) You may or may not recall that back in GtN, when Harrow had cocooned herself in the Facility, Gideon wondered if Harrow had been murdered, and if it would be awkward to be married to Harrow's murderer in gratitude, or if maybe they should just swap friendship bracelets instead. (5) Gotta have something for Harrow to come back to. (6) Hard to even pretend to attribute this to Nona at all. It also has a very biblical bent to the phrasing, doesn't it? (7) A new voice to Nona-Alecto. Possibly the same Gideon we knew in GtN. (8) How much of this is his genuine feeling? How much is that he knows he's dying, can probably feel that corrupted devil wound spreading, knows this is the last gift he can give the daughter he never had, or perhaps the girl who replaced the daughter he once actually had, who died to bring that miracle-abomination into the world. How much is him letting Kiriona have her vengeance if it will make her feel better? Do you think he'd still do it, knowing how she feels after, or would he have been gentler with her, like he was with young pre-Canaan Harrow? (I'm just gonna need a moment to weep before I continue, you wouldn't have noticed but I felt it worth noting.)

(9) (Oops, another weepy moment already, bear with.) John has been driven for ten thousand years to avenge someone he killed first, even if those he sought vengeance against would have done it eventually, and even if those decision makers are long, long gone. We don't know much about Wake or her life except that she had at least one sibling, at least one niece. But, I think it's fair to say that she was also driven to vengeance against the man who had been persecuting her and her ancestors for ten thousand years over an injustice that never happened and would have resolved itself almost that very long ago. But Kiriona, but our Gideon, is not her parents. She was raised in a love-hate environment, it's true, but that just means she is not the pure product of her genes. She is so much more than the sum of those parts. She puts on a front because she's been hurt so, so goddamn much, but she loves, maybe almost as much as Nona does, and her heart, her soul, her body know that vengeance isn't what she ever sought from Crux. She fantasized about killing him, even thought she regretted not doing so, but she did it because that was the only framework she'd ever been given to contextualize her feelings. I really think that this moment is setting her up for something special in AtN when she finally reckons with it all.

(10) I suspect the reason Harrow's family used a saltwater pool to share secrets ties back to this, the secret saltwater pool in the biggest half-secret of the Ninth House entire. (11) The only thing Nona-Alecto has described as ugly, as far as I can remember or tell? Is the toy-body John built without her asking, without her consent, without her input at all. His conception of beauty, such an ugly thing. (12) Harrow did have another place to escape to, when she didn't want to return her soul lest she hurt Gideon's chances. Alecto made that connection with her… and she made one back. At least, I think this is what this means, since the last time we saw Harrow, in the last chapter before the epilogue that properly belonged to Nona, she was in a coffin with Gideon's sword and titty mags. (13) Anastasia locked herself in the Tomb? John put Alecto to sleep, chained her. Why did Anastasia stay?

[jcmarchi]

Beyond Drones and AI: Rethinking the Future of Humanitarian Demining

New Post has been published on https://thedigitalinsider.com/beyond-drones-and-ai-rethinking-the-future-of-humanitarian-demining/

Beyond Drones and AI: Rethinking the Future of Humanitarian Demining

I’ve been working with drones since 2014, but the outbreak of war in Ukraine marked a turning point in my career. Since 2022, my focus has shifted to exploring how drones can be used to automate humanitarian demining – what capabilities they need, and how technology can make these efforts safer and more efficient. As part of this work, I closely follow the Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demining (GICHD), attend their events, and regularly engage with their experts.

Considering drone-based solutions paired with AI, they are actually helpful only at the non-technical survey (NTS) stage of the humanitarian demining process. It means drones scan large areas and collect data. Then, a machine learning model analyzes this data to flag regions that might contain mines. Not the exact places of mines.

Technical survey (TS), which confirms and maps contaminated areas, still relies on personnel with metal detectors, trained dogs, and mechanical demining machines. They go into the mined area to pinpoint the exact locations of the hazards.

The process keeps being long, risky, and expensive:

Mines also continue to be a threat to civilians – there were at least 5,757 mines/ERW casualties in 2023.

In this post, I explain why current drone-based solutions don’t work for technical survey (the most expensive and time-consuming stage right now) and share what I see as the best way to fix that.

Detecting mines under soil or vegetation is nearly impossible

Drones with standard optical or thermal cameras usually capture images from a single downward-facing angle. This approach works well for spotting surface-level anomalies but fails to detect buried or hidden mines. For this reason, drones are mostly used for non-technical surveys in humanitarian demining.

One of the frontline solutions – Safe Pro AI – reports that they have only a 5 percent detection rate in regions with trees and bushes.

Even though it is less relevant to Ukraine, where most mines are scattered on the ground, instead of buried, the situation is very different (for example) for Cambodia:

4-6 million landmines remain from conflicts in the 1970s-90s

64,000+ casualties since 1979, with children as primary victims

Non-metal and old metal mines are harder to detect, even on the surface

Non-metal mines present a significant portion of landmines in current and former conflict zones. They are intentionally designed to bypass detection by conventional metal detectors.

Visually, non-metallic mines are hard to detect. They don’t shine, stand out in images, or show up well on thermal cameras. Metal detectors and magnetometers either miss them or trigger too many false alarms.

So, current drone-based detection tools often miss non-metallic mines entirely.

When it comes to old metal mines, corrosion changes how they look and behave, so they blend into the ground and respond poorly to detection tools. Misshapen ones are even harder to identify in images.

And because these mines are more difficult to spot, they take much longer to find and remove, or they stay hidden and put both deminers and civilians at risk.

Weather and daytime dependency

If we are talking about drones with RGB and multispectral cameras, they require daylight. In cloudy, low-light, or shaded areas (forests, ruins), image quality and object detection drop too.

Thermal detection, in its turn, works best at dawn or dusk, when the ground and mine differ in temperature. During midday, the sun heats everything equally, reducing contrast.

While rain and wet soil blur surface detail, alter soil color and temperature, and can hide soil disturbance or thermal anomalies. Snow just covers visual markers and equalizes surface temperature, making mines undetectable.

Flying drones only at certain times considerably slows down even the NTS stage of demining, especially in areas with unpredictable weather.

The technology is very expensive

In 7 affected countries estimated antipersonnel mine contamination area reaches over 100km².

According to tests in Ukraine, demining with the new tech can cut costs from $3000-5000 to $600-800 per hectare, which is still $70,000 per square kilometer. And in some areas, it may well exceed the land price itself.

The main reason for the high costs is the multiple false alarms treated as real threats. On average, a team clears over 50 suspected mines to find just one actual landmine.

Most heavily contaminated areas are in developing countries. They can’t afford demining without funding from international organizations or governments.

The costs are also too high for businesses to jump in. Once demining becomes cheap enough, companies might lease mine-contaminated land on the condition that they clear it. In return, they’d get long-term use for a symbolic price and some tax breaks.

A solution?

With my team, we explored methods that gather more data, can see through foliage and soil, and still maintain sufficient resolution.

An example of a promising development direction is a project by researchers at the University of Oviedo. They’re testing an array-based ground-penetrating synthetic aperture radar (GPR-SAR) system mounted on a UAV.

Their in-flight validation in realistic scenarios proved that the technology solves the following problems:

1) The radar pinpoints the mine’s location with precision, leaving only the disarming or destruction to be done manually.

With the use of all possible radar paths (fully multistatic configuration), they got high-resolution images where buried targets appeared brighter and clearer. And were able to detect with precision challenging targets such as small, nonmetallic, and shallowly buried objects like plastic anti-personnel landmines, wooden pressure plates, and PVC pipes.

2) The solution can work day or night, in varied weather, and even with moderate vegetation.

How it works:

Sends radar pulses into the ground.

Detects reflections from subsurface changes (e.g., plastic, metal, voids).

Builds 3D subsurface images with centimeter-level accuracy by combining radar signals from multiple transmitter-receiver (Tx- Rx) pairs and flight positions.

The solution still has its limitations, but based on my background, it is the most relevant direction of research and development right now.

One of GPR’s main strengths is how much data it can collect. More data means researchers can improve accuracy at the recognition/classification stage with AI. This leads to more efficient survey and clearance work and cuts overall costs by 50% or more.

[drylyoriginaltapestry]

An Insider’s Look at Professional Gold Detection Gear Available in the USA

Introduction

In the world of treasure hunting, gold remains one of the most coveted prizes. The thrill of uncovering a nugget of gold is an exhilarating experience that has lured adventurers, prospectors, and hobbyists alike for centuries. But to effectively hunt for gold, having the right equipment is crucial. This article provides an insider's look at professional gold detection gear available in the USA. From cutting-edge technology to budget-friendly options, we'll explore various types of gold detectors and their features, helping you make an informed decision on your next purchase.

Gold Detector: What You Need to Know Understanding Gold Detectors

A gold detector is a specialized metal detector designed to find gold nuggets and coins buried in the ground. These devices utilize United Arab Emirates gold detector advanced technology to differentiate between various metals, ensuring that users can pinpoint valuable targets amidst other debris.

Types of Gold Detectors VLF (Very Low Frequency) Detectors: Best for small gold nuggets. Highly sensitive but can struggle with mineralized soil. Pulse Induction Detectors: Work well in highly mineralized environments. Excellent depth capabilities but less sensitivity to tiny gold pieces. Multi-Frequency Detectors: Offer versatility by combining both VLF and Pulse Induction technologies. Suitable for various terrains and conditions. Choosing the Right Gold Detector

When selecting a gold detector, consider factors such as:

Terrain: Is it rocky or sandy? Type of Gold: Are you searching for large nuggets or fine flakes? Budget: High-end models offer advanced features but come at a price. The Best Gold Detectors Available in the USA Top Brands in Gold Detection Technology

When it comes to reliable and high-quality detectors, several brands stand out:

Minelab Garrett Fisher Whites Electronics Nokta Makro

These brands offer models that cater to both beginners and seasoned professionals.

Minelab Gold Monsters 1000

This model has gained immense popularity among treasure hunters due to its user-friendly design and exceptional sensitivity to smaller nuggets. It features:

Automatic ground tracking A lightweight build A high-frequency operation that enhances nugget detection Garrett AT Gold Metal Detector

Perfectly suited for diverse hunting environments, the Garrett AT Gold is waterproof and boasts an impressive discrimination feature, allowing users to filter out unwanted metals while focusing on finding precious gold.

Cost Considerations: How Much Should You Spend? Budget-Friendly Options vs. Premium Models

While premium models can exceed $1,500, there are quality detectors available starting around $200. Here’s a quick breakdown:

| Price Ran

[podai-design24]

Higher Accuracy

Title (German & English)

German: Hazlewolke 13'' Profi-Metalldetektor – Präzise Goldsuche mit wasserdichter DD-Spule & LCD-Anzeige   English: Hazlewolke 13'' Professional Metal Detector – Precise Gold Detection with Waterproof DD Coil & LCD Display

SEO Description (German & English)

German: Entdecken Sie verborgene Schätze mit dem Hazlewolke 13'' Metalldetektor! Mit seiner wasserdichten Doppel-D Spule, hoher Empfindlichkeit und Pinpointer-Funktion ermöglicht er eine präzise Ortung von Gold und anderen Metallen. Perfekt für Profi-Schatzsucher & Hobby-Entdecker!   English: Uncover hidden treasures with the Hazlewolke 13'' Metal Detector! Featuring a waterproof Double-D coil, high sensitivity, and pinpoint function, it ensures precise detection of gold and other metals. Ideal for professional treasure hunters & hobby explorers! 

Amazon: https://amzn.to/4jHXkDr

Tags (German & English)

German: #Metalldetektor #Goldsuche #Schatzsuche #Pinpointer #Wasserdicht #LCDAnzeige #Hazlewolke #ProfiMetalldetektor   English: #MetalDetector #GoldHunting #TreasureHunting #Pinpointer #Waterproof #LCDDisplay #Hazlewolke #ProfessionalMetalDetector

[bestsalesusa]

Metal Detector for Adults Professional, Waterproof Pinpoint, High Accura...

[golddetectordubai]

Types of metal detectors

Types of metal detectors vary according to a range of hopes and technical features and different classifications,

for example, according to the search technology or depth of search or the technology of the device or tool used

to conduct the search or detection.

There are many types of metal detectors, here in this article, we will see the details….

A metal detector is an electronic device specially designed to detect buried underground metal objects

such as the treasures of gold, archaeological treasures of ancient civilizations, and various kinds

of precious and non-precious metals.

Metal detectors are used by prospectors and treasure hunters.

They help detect any metal object under the ground for varying depths depending on the device.

This enables the prospector to find all metallic objects such as gold ornaments, statues, ancient coins made of gold, silver, or copper, and so on.

Metal detectors are very diverse. so there are many types of metal detectors that are classified according to different classifications.

Metal detectors can be classified according to their uses or according to the search system

and the technology in the device or according to other factors.

But the most commonly used classification is according to the search technology of the device,

where metal detectors are classified into several types will be reviewed by the following paragraph

Types of Metal Detectors

Electromagnetic Metal Detectors

Electromagnetic metal detectors are operated according to one of two search technologies. :

very low frequency (VLF) or pulse induction technology (PI) which depends on a search coil used to

detect the presence of different metals, including gold within the search area below the coil

and then it gives an alert to the user in the form of audio tone according to certain tones depending on the type of metal.

These devices have a limited scope of depth (maximum : 3 meters) and relatively cheap prices

however, It is the most widespread device in the world especially for beginners

Examples: Gmt 9000, Impact Pro, Pulse Nova

Long-Range Metal Detectors

The long-range metal detectors use search antennas to receive target signals

buried underground remotely. These devices are characterized by a very wide field

of scan and huge search depths compared to other types of metal detectors

Long-range devices are easy to use and filter the search results and search within large distances

and large areas with the possibility of estimating depth

Examples: Gold Star, mega scan pro 

3D Imaging Metal Detectors

3D Imaging metal detectors are devices that use special probes for ground scanning.

Then the scan results are usually displayed on a computer screen or Tablet in a three-dimensional diagram

showing the structure of the ground in the search area and the targets buried in it.

However, these devices are characterized by high accuracy and coverage of a wide field of scan and multiple features

that ensure accurate results for the prospector and professional searcher.

Examples: Nokta Invenio Pro, OKM EXP 6000, GOLD VISION, and Phoenix

Multi-Systems Metal Detectors

There are some metal detectors devices that may contain more than one search system

however, it uses different technologies within a single device and this gives the prospector multiple

Search options are used for different applications or to confirm the results of other search systems.

Example: Gold Star 3D Scanner includes 8 search systems: - 8 search systems for all metal detection applications including: Manual Sensing System - Controllable Sensing - Automatic Sensing System - Ionic System Bionic System - 3D Ground Scan System - Live Stream Scan System - Pinpointer Target Positioning System

[jehad2008]

What is a Pinpointer metal detector

What is a Pinpointer metal detector Garrett Pinpointer is a small metal detector that allows you to find objects faster. After discovering a metal object with a metal detector, you have to make a hole in the ground to poison it and find it. Sometimes this is daunting due to various factors such as the difficulty of determining exactly where the metal is detected, the size of the metal, the…

[londonconstructionservices77]

Our Step-by-Step Roof Replacement Process in New Jersey

Thinking about replacing your roof? It’s not just about aesthetics—your roof is your home’s first line of defence against harsh weather. A solid roof ensures safety, boosts your home’s value, and gives you peace of mind. In this article, we’ll walk you through our detailed roof replacement process Roofing Contractor in New Jersey, so you know exactly what to expect when you trust us with your home.

Let’s dive into the nitty-gritty details of how we take your old, worn-out roof and turn it into a durable, stunning masterpiece. Ready? Let’s go!

Step 1: Initial Inspection

Every great roof replacement project begins with a thorough inspection. Think of it like a doctor’s check-up for your house—it’s essential to pinpoint any issues before starting.

Why Inspection Matters

Skipping the inspection would be like trying to fix a leak without knowing where it’s coming from. Our team carefully assesses your roof for damage, structural weaknesses, and potential problem areas. This step helps us understand what we’re working with and prevents surprises down the line.

Tools and Techniques Used

We use advanced tools like drones for a bird’s-eye view, moisture detectors to find hidden leaks, and good old-fashioned expertise to catch the things technology might miss. This ensures nothing gets overlooked.

Step 2: Planning and Preparation

Once the inspection is done, we roll up our sleeves and get to work on the blueprint for your new roof.

Material Selection

Choosing the right materials is like picking the perfect outfit—it needs to look good and withstand the elements. Whether it’s sturdy asphalt shingles or eco-friendly metal roofing, we help you pick something that suits your style and budget.

Scheduling and Logistics

We know life doesn’t stop just because you’re getting a new roof. That’s why we work with you to schedule the replacement at a convenient time. We also plan for deliveries, permits, and safety measures to keep everything running smoothly.

Step 3: Removing the Old Roof

Out with the old, in with the new! This step involves carefully tearing off your existing roof to make way for its shiny new counterpart.

Ensuring Safety

Our crew takes safety seriously. We protect your property by covering landscaping, windows, and other vulnerable areas. You won’t have to worry about stray nails or debris damaging your home.

Eco-Friendly Disposal

Replacing a roof can produce a lot of waste, but we’re committed to doing our part for the environment. We recycle materials wherever possible and dispose of the rest responsibly.

Step 4: Installing the New Roof

Here’s where the magic happens. Installing the new roof is like assembling a puzzle—every piece needs to fit perfectly.

Layering the Roof

We start with a solid foundation: underlayment and waterproof barriers. These layers add extra protection against leaks and extend the lifespan of your roof.

Finalizing with Shingles or Tiles

Finally, we install the visible layer—shingles, tiles, or whatever material you’ve chosen. We secure each piece meticulously to ensure your roof looks great and performs even better.

Step 5: Post-Installation Inspection

Once the installation is complete, we don’t just pack up and leave. We take the time to inspect every inch of the roof to make sure it meets our high standards.

Addressing Customer Concerns

Got questions or concerns? This is your chance to ask. We’ll walk you through the work we’ve done and make sure you’re completely satisfied before we call it a day.

Benefits of a Professional Roof Replacement

Why go pro instead of DIY? Because your roof deserves the best. Here’s what you get when you work with professionals:

Durability: A professionally installed roof can last decades.

Aesthetics: Boost your home’s curb appeal with a polished look.

Peace of Mind: Sleep easy knowing your roof is built to withstand whatever Mother Nature throws at it.

Conclusion

Replacing your roof might sound daunting, but with the right team, it’s a breeze. From inspection to the final walkthrough, our step-by-step process ensures your new roof is built to last.

So, what are you waiting for? If you’re in New Jersey and need a roof replacement, give us a call today. Let’s make your home safer, stronger, and more beautiful—one shingle at a time!

London Construction Services

165 Overmount Ave Apt G, Woodland Park, NJ 07424, United States

+19089488550

Get Direction From Google Map

[vaultsafety28]

1. Pipe Cutters

Purpose: Used for cutting gas pipes to the required length.

Types:

Manual Pipe Cutters: Ideal for smaller pipes.

Rotary Pipe Cutters: Provide a clean, precise cut for larger diameters.

Benefits: Ensures a smooth, straight cut, which is essential for leak-proof connections.

2. Pipe Benders

Purpose: Used to bend gas pipes without causing kinks or cracks.

Types:

Handheld Pipe Benders: Suitable for smaller pipes.

Hydraulic Pipe Benders: Used for larger or more rigid pipes.

Benefits: Allows installers to navigate pipes through tight spaces and around obstacles.

3. Pipe Wrenches

Purpose: Essential for tightening and loosening pipe fittings and connections.

Features:

Adjustable Jaws: Can grip pipes of various sizes.

Heavy-Duty Build: Designed to provide strong leverage without damaging the pipe.

Benefits: Provides a secure grip, reducing the risk of leaks.

4. Threading Machine

Purpose: Creates threads on the ends of pipes, allowing them to be screwed into fittings and connectors.

Features:

Electric or Manual: Options available depending on the scale of the job.

Adjustable Die Heads: For threading pipes of different diameters.

Benefits: Ensures a tight, leak-proof seal between pipes and fittings.

5. Pipe Fitting Tools

Purpose: Used to fit and join pipes together securely.

Includes:

Flaring Tools: For creating flared pipe ends.

Crimping Tools: Used for compression fittings.

Deburring Tools: Smooth out the edges of cut pipes.

Benefits: Ensures a secure connection, reducing the risk of leaks.

6. Gas Leak Detectors

Purpose: Detects the presence of gas leaks during and after installation.

Types:

Electronic Gas Leak Detectors: Provides immediate, accurate readings.

Handheld Gas Sniffers: Portable devices for on-site inspections.

Benefits: Enhances safety by identifying potential leaks before they become hazardous.

7. Pressure Testing Equipment

Purpose: Used to test the integrity of the gas pipeline before it's put into service.

Types:

Pressure Gauges: Monitor the pressure levels within the pipeline.

Hydrostatic Test Pumps: Used for testing the pressure capacity of the pipes.

Benefits: Ensures the pipeline can handle operational pressures without leaking.

8. Torque Wrenches

Purpose: Ensures that bolts and fittings are tightened to the manufacturer's specifications.

Features:

Adjustable Torque Settings: Provides precise control over the amount of force applied.

Benefits: Prevents over-tightening, which can damage fittings and cause leaks.

9. Pipe Locators

Purpose: Helps identify the location of existing underground gas pipelines to avoid damaging them during installation.

Features:

Electromagnetic Detection: Pinpoints the location of metallic pipelines.

Benefits: Prevents accidental damage to existing utilities, enhancing safety and efficiency.

10. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Includes:

Safety Gloves: Protects hands from sharp edges and hot surfaces.

Safety Goggles: Shields eyes from debris during cutting and threading.

Flame-Resistant Clothing: Reduces the risk of injury in case of a gas-related fire.

Benefits: Ensures the safety of installers throughout the installation process.

11. Welding Machines and Soldering Equipment

Purpose: For joining metal pipes securely.

Types:

Arc Welders: Ideal for heavy-duty pipelines.

Soldering Tools: For copper and smaller pipelines.

Benefits: Provides strong, leak-proof joints essential for gas lines.

12. Pipe Clamps and Supports

Purpose: Holds pipes in place during installation and testing.

Features:

Adjustable Sizes: Can accommodate various pipe diameters.

Benefits: Ensures stability and reduces stress on pipeline connections.

Conclusion

Gas pipeline installation is a specialized field that requires precision, expertise, and the right set of tools and equipment. From cutting and bending pipes to testing for leaks, each step of the process is critical to ensure the safety and efficiency of the gas supply. By understanding the tools used, homeowners can gain a better appreciation for the professionalism involved in setting up a gas pipeline system.

Whether you’re planning a new installation or considering an upgrade, it's essential to rely on experts who have the right tools and experience. If you’re looking for a reliable gas pipeline installation service, get in touch with our team today for a safe and efficient solution!

[powerarkapparel]

Metal Detector Price in Bangladesh

Metal Detector Price in Bangladesh: A Comprehensive Guide

Power Ark Engineering is your trusted source for high-quality metal detectors price in Bangladesh. Whether you're a hobbyist, a security professional, or a treasure hunter, we offer a wide range of metal detectors to suit your specific needs.

Understanding Metal Detectors

Metal detectors work by emitting electromagnetic waves that interact with metal objects. When the waves encounter metal, they induce an electrical current in the metal, which is then detected by the detector. This allows you to locate metal objects hidden beneath the surface.

Factors Affecting Metal Detector Price

Several factors influence the price of a metal detector, including:

Sensitivity: More sensitive detectors can detect smaller or deeper metal objects.

Frequency: The frequency of the detector determines its depth penetration and sensitivity to different types of metals.

Features: Additional features like discrimination (the ability to differentiate between different types of metals), pinpointing (locating the exact position of a metal object), and audio output can increase the price.

Brand: Established brands often command higher prices due to their reputation and quality.

Metal Detector Types Available in Bangladesh

Handheld Metal Detectors: These are portable and easy to use. They are ideal for general metal detecting and security applications.

Pulse Induction (PI) Metal Detectors: PI detectors are known for their deep penetration and ability to detect large metal objects. They are popular for treasure hunting and relic hunting.

Very Low Frequency (VLF) Metal Detectors: VLF detectors offer good sensitivity and discrimination capabilities. They are suitable for a wide range of metal detecting activities.

Treasure Hunting Metal Detectors: These detectors are specifically designed for finding valuable metal objects like gold, silver, and coins. They often have advanced features like discrimination and pinpointing.

Security Metal Detectors: Security metal detectors are used in airports, government buildings, and other high-security areas to detect concealed weapons or metal objects.

Metal Detector Price Range in Bangladesh

The price of metal detectors in Bangladesh varies widely depending on the type, features, and brand. Here's a general price range:

Handheld Metal Detectors: Starting from BDT 5,000 to BDT 20,000.

Pulse Induction (PI) Metal Detectors: Starting from BDT 15,000 to BDT 50,000.

Very Low Frequency (VLF) Metal Detectors: Starting from BDT 10,000 to BDT 30,000.

Treasure Hunting Metal Detectors: Starting from BDT 20,000 to BDT 100,000 or more.

Security Metal Detectors: Starting from BDT 50,000 to BDT 200,000 or more.

Choosing the Right Metal Detector for You

When selecting a metal detector, consider your specific needs and budget. Ask yourself:

What type of metal detecting will you be doing?

How deep do you need to detect metal objects?

What features are important to you?

How much are you willing to spend?

Power Ark Engineering offers a wide range of metal detectors to suit various needs. Our knowledgeable staff can help you choose the right detector based on your requirements.

[riya2510]

Security Screening Share | Segmented by Top Manufacturers & Geography Regions 

Security Screening Market Research

According to Straits Research, the global Security Screening market size was valued at USD 13.11 Billion in 2023. It is projected to reach from USD 14.45 Billion in 2024 to USD 31.49 Billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 10.23% during the forecast period (2024–2032).

The Security Screening market, an evolving segment in the industry, is witnessing substantial expansion fueled by avant-garde technologies and escalating consumer demand. Market analysts scrupulously gather data through polls, focus groups, and in-depth scrutiny of industry patterns. These analysts utilize both quantitative and qualitative methodologies to ensure a comprehensive and precise market report. The report encompasses intricate insights on market size, growth prospects, competitive milieu, and consumer predilections. By harnessing advanced analytical instruments and expert acumen, the report delivers invaluable recommendations and strategic guidance for stakeholders, empowering them to make enlightened decisions and seize emerging prospects within the Security Screening market.

Competitive Players

The competitive landscape of the Security Screening market includes several key players who have a significant impact on market dynamics. Major companies operating in this market include:

Raytheon Company

Smiths Group plc.

OSI Systems Inc.

Honeywell International Inc.

Lockheed Martin Corporation

L-3 Communications Holdings

Safran S.A

United Technologies Corporation

Security Electronic Equipment Co. Limited.

Argus Global Pty.

Get a free sample of the Security Screening Market @ https://straitsresearch.com/report/security-screening-market/request-sample

Security Screening Market Segmentation

The comprehensive Security Screening market analysis has been divided into categories such as category, application, and delivery mode, with each subset examined according to geographical segmentation. This research will keep marketers updated and assist in pinpointing target demographics for a product or service, including insights into market share.

By Device Type

X-Ray System

Body Scanners

Baggage Scanners

Others

Metal Detectors

Hand Held Metal Detectors

Walk-Through Metal Detectors

Explosive Detectors

Biometric System

Face Recognition

Voice Recognition

Fingerprint Recognition

Others

By Application

People Screening

Baggage and Cargo Screening

Vehicle Inspection

By End-User

Government Buildings

Airports

Educational Institutes

Public Places

Transportation

Retail Stores and Malls

Hospitality

Industrial

Commercial

Events and Sports

You can check In-depth Segmentation from here: https://straitsresearch.com/report/security-screening-market/segmentation

Regional Analysis

The Security Screening market is studied, and market size insights and trends are offered by nation, kind, form, and application, as previously said. The report's regional analysis section provides a thorough study of many regional and national industries to help players establish successful development strategies.

Buy the Full Security Screening Market Report @https://straitsresearch.com/buy-now/security-screening-market

Key Highlights

The purpose of this study is to examine the manufacturers of Security Screening, including profiles, primary business activities, news, sales and price, revenue, and market share.

It illustrates the market subdivided by type and application, with details on sales, price, revenue, market share, and growth rate broken down by type and application.

The research covers key regions by manufacturers, categories, and applications, including North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, the Middle East, and South America, with sales, revenue, and market share segmented by manufacturers, types, and applications.

It also investigates production costs, essential raw materials, and production methods.

Principal Motives Behind the Purchase:

To gain deep analyses of the industry and understand the commercial landscape of the global market.

To analyze production processes, key problems, and potential solutions to mitigate future issues.

To understand the most influential driving and restraining factors in the Security Screening industry and their global market impact.

To gain insights into the market strategies employed by the most successful firms.

To understand the market's future and potential.

About Us:

StraitsResearch.com is a leading research and intelligence organization, specializing in research, analytics, and advisory services along with providing business insights & research reports.

Contact Us:

Email: sales@straitsresearch.com

Address:825 3rd Avenue, New York, NY, USA, 10022

Tel: +1 6464807505, +44 203 318 2846