#Temperature Control Assembly

[pseudo-berry]

[nasa]

25 Years of Exploring the Universe with NASA's Chandra Xray Observatory

Illustration of the Chandra telescope in orbit around Earth. Credit: NASA/CXC & J. Vaughan

On July 23, 1999, the space shuttle Columbia launched into orbit carrying NASA’s Chandra X-ray Observatory. August 26 marked 25 years since Chandra released its first images.

These were the first of more than 25,000 observations Chandra has taken. This year, as NASA celebrates the 25th anniversary of this telescope and the incredible data it has provided, we’re taking a peek at some of its most memorable moments.

About the Spacecraft

The Chandra telescope system uses four specialized mirrors to observe X-ray emissions across the universe. X-rays that strike a “regular” mirror head on will be absorbed, so Chandra’s mirrors are shaped like barrels and precisely constructed. The rest of the spacecraft system provides the support structure and environment necessary for the telescope and the science instruments to work as an observatory. To provide motion to the observatory, Chandra has two different sets of thrusters. To control the temperatures of critical components, Chandra's thermal control system consists of a cooling radiator, insulators, heaters, and thermostats. Chandra's electrical power comes from its solar arrays.

Learn more about the spacecraft's components that were developed and tested at NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama. Fun fact: If the state of Colorado were as smooth as the surface of the Chandra X-ray Observatory mirrors, Pike's Peak would be less than an inch tall.

Engineers in the X-ray Calibration Facility at NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama, integrating the Chandra X-ray Observatory’s High-Resolution Camera with the mirror assembly, in this photo taken March 16, 1997. Credit: NASA

Launch

When space shuttle Columbia launched on July 23, 1999, Chandra was the heaviest and largest payload ever launched by the shuttle. Under the command of Col. Eileen Collins, Columbia lifted off the launch pad at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Chandra was deployed on the mission’s first day.

Reflected in the waters, space shuttle Columbia rockets into the night sky from Launch Pad 39-B on mission STS-93 from Kennedy Space Center. Credit: NASA

First Light Images

Just 34 days after launch, extraordinary first images from our Chandra X-ray Observatory were released. The image of supernova remnant Cassiopeia A traces the aftermath of a gigantic stellar explosion in such captivating detail that scientists can see evidence of what is likely the neutron star.

“We see the collision of the debris from the exploded star with the matter around it, we see shock waves rushing into interstellar space at millions of miles per hour,” said Harvey Tananbaum, founding Director of the Chandra X-ray Center at the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory.

Cassiopeia A is the remnant of a star that exploded about 300 years ago. The X-ray image shows an expanding shell of hot gas produced by the explosion colored in bright orange and yellows. Credit: NASA/CXC/SAO

A New Look at the Universe

NASA released 25 never-before-seen views to celebrate the telescopes 25th anniversary. This collection contains different types of objects in space and includes a new look at Cassiopeia A. Here the supernova remnant is seen with a quarter-century worth of Chandra observations (blue) plus recent views from NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope (grey and gold).

This image features deep data of the Cassiopeia A supernova, an expanding ball of matter and energy ejected from an exploding star in blues, greys and golds. The Cassiopeia A supernova remnant has been observed for over 2 million seconds since the start of Chandra’s mission in 1999 and has also recently been viewed by the James Webb Space Telescope. Credit: NASA/CXC/SAO

Can You Hear Me Now?

In 2020, experts at the Chandra X-ray Center/Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory (SAO) and SYSTEM Sounds began the first ongoing, sustained effort at NASA to “sonify” (turn into sound) astronomical data. Data from NASA observatories such as Chandra, the Hubble Space Telescope, and the James Webb Space Telescope, has been translated into frequencies that can be heard by the human ear.

SAO Research shows that sonifications help many types of learners – especially those who are low-vision or blind -- engage with and enjoy astronomical data more.

Click to watch the “Listen to the Universe” documentary on NASA+ that explores our sonification work: Listen to the Universe | NASA+

An image of the striking croissant-shaped planetary nebula called the Cat’s Eye, with data from the Chandra X-ray Observatory and Hubble Space Telescope.  NASA’s Data sonification from Chandra, Hubble and/or Webb telecopes allows us to hear data of cosmic objects. Credit: NASA/CXO/SAO

Celebrate With Us!

Dedicated teams of engineers, designers, test technicians, and analysts at Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama, are celebrating with partners at the Chandra X-ray Center and elsewhere outside and across the agency for the 25th anniversary of the Chandra X-ray Observatory. Their hard work keeps the spacecraft flying, enabling Chandra’s ongoing studies of black holes, supernovae, dark matter, and more.

Chandra will continue its mission to deepen our understanding of the origin and evolution of the cosmos, helping all of us explore the Universe.

The Chandra Xray Observatory, the longest cargo ever carried to space aboard the space shuttle, is shown in Columbia’s payload bay. This photo of the payload bay with its doors open was taken just before Chandra was tilted upward for release and deployed on July 23, 1999. Credit: NASA

Make sure to follow us on Tumblr for your regular dose of space: http://nasa.tumblr.com

[societyfolklore]

Kneel for me

Title: Kneel for me

Pairing: Loki x Female Reader

Summary: You shouldn’t have teased him. You shouldn’t have rolled your eyes, shouldn’t have purred “my lord” like it meant nothing. But you did. And Loki, ever the prince and predator, doesn’t tolerate mouthy little things without reminding them exactly where they belong.

Word Count:  2.5k

Warnings:  / Explicit Content /18+, Minors DNI, Established relationship/dynamtic, Oral sex (male!receiving), Dom!Loki, Brat Taming/Power Play, Mirror Kink, Spit, Mild Degradation & Praise, Hair pulling, Obedience Kink and well Loki being Loki (smug, controlling, indulgent, and possessive)

A/N: my entry for  @avengers-assemble-bingo for April Kinky Bingo.

(I know he's not an avenges but he is marvel so that count right...right?) Square: C3- Kneel for me Card Number: KB003

The room had been too quiet for too long. Gilded candlelight painted everything in gold- walls, mirrors, the sharp edge of Loki’s jaw. The air itself shimmered with an almost tangible energy, thick with anticipation, pressing in around you like a velvet curtain. And you, stretched out in the center of it like a cat with claws tucked just beneath the surface, knew exactly what you were doing.

You were already in trouble.

Not because you'd disobeyed a command- no, that would've been expected. Predictable, even. But because you'd spent the better part of the evening poking the bear with deliberate, calculated precision. You had draped yourself across the chaise like temptation incarnate, dripping sarcasm with every sweetly-intoned ‘my lord,’ rolling your eyes with flair when he spoke, letting your fingers skim just high enough on his thigh to tease- but never touch.

Every smirk, every eye-roll, every feigned yawn was a challenge. A game. A dare.

And he hadn’t stopped you. Not once. Not even when your mocking tone drew a sharp glance. Not even when your giggle at one of his subtle warnings hung heavy in the air like smoke.

That alone should’ve warned you.

But instead, you tilted your head with an exaggerated yawn and sighed, "Must be exhausting, strutting around like you’re the only prince who deserves a throne."

You didn’t expect silence to follow. Not like that.

Loki stood.

"Careful," he said sharply, his voice slicing through the air like a blade wrapped in silk. "You’re running out of rope."

You raised an eyebrow, lips curling upward in defiance, but the flutter low in your belly betrayed your bravado.

"You do remember what I do to unruly pets, don’t you?" Loki went on, taking one unhurried step forward. "Or have you gotten reckless in your need to be reminded?"

Slow. Deliberate.

And suddenly, the temperature in the room seemed to drop. Not from cold, but from the weight in his gaze, the kind that promised consequences.

Loki stepped into your space like he owned the air between you. Like he was the air. His boots moved in perfect silence on the marble floor, the soft whisper of his robes following like a warning. He didn’t rush. No, he never did. He took his time, smirking over your shift in posture, the way your body unconsciously tensed and straightened, as if already bracing.

He stopped just in front of where you sat legs crossed, head tilted, smirk cocky. But your pulse quickened. Because his eyes were darker now, shadowed with something dangerous and deeply amused.

"Tell me again," he said, low and smooth, "what was it you said about me being unable to handle your teasing? Something about being the only prince who deserves a throne?"

Before you could answer or even pretend to think of something clever his hand slid into your hair. The movement was slow but left no room for negotiation. His fingers curled with deliberate firmness, anchoring you there, just beneath him, a reminder of exactly who held control in this little game.

Not cruel. But absolutely controlling. Possessive in the way only Loki could be; effortless, intoxicating, and absolute.

You opened your mouth in a silent protest, maybe to sass, maybe to stall- but then he dipped his head, his breath dragging across your cheek, cold and warm at once, like a spell wrapping around your spine. You felt it seep into your skin, coil in your belly, that impossible mix of dread and desire.

The scent of him, the press of his body, the soft scrape of his thumb against your scalp. All of it worked like a charm designed to unmake you. Your breath hitched, heart pounding as if it recognized something primal. You could feel your resolve beginning to splinter, thoughts scattering under the intoxicating weight of his presence. It wasn’t just arousal- it was surrender, thick and heady and inevitable. of it worked like a charm designed to unmake you.

His voice was a velvet knife when he spoke:

"Kneel for me."

It wasn’t loud. It didn’t need to be. There was authority in every syllable, a dark promise stitched into the softness of the words.

You blinked. Smirked. Didn’t move. A last flicker of resistance. A final rebellion.

So he bent at the hip, bringing his face close, so close you could feel the heat of his breath fan across your skin. His mouth brushed your ear, voice lower now, like thunder rumbling against your bones.

"Now."

Your thighs pressed together, breath catching in your throat, arousal blooming like wildfire. There was no teasing in his tone now. No warning. Just command.

He pulled back just enough to look you in the eyes, thumb brushing over your bottom lip, tracing the outline of your mouth as though memorizing it.

"Don’t make me repeat myself again, darling. You know how I get when I'm... disappointed."

The word sank into you, heavy and intimate, weighted with all the consequences you both knew he was capable of delivering.

You swallowed, lips parting to breathe around the pressure growing inside you.

And sank.

A surrender dressed in silence.

The cold marble kissed your knees as you knelt, Loki guiding you into place like a sculptor with clay. He stepped behind you just briefly, fingers brushing over your hair before he moved to the side- turning your chin so you faced the tall mirror along the wall.

"Eyes up," he murmured. "Watch."

He undid the clasp of his robes slowly, letting them fall open just enough. Just enough to tease. Just enough to tempt.

Your mouth watered.

"You were quite the mouthy little thing earlier," Loki continued, thumb dragging along your lower lip, coaxing it open. "Let’s see if it can be put to better use."

He pressed two fingers against your tongue, watching the way you wrapped your lips around them in the reflection. His eyes darkened.

"There now," he said, soft but smug. "You're such a pretty thing when you listen."

He withdrew his fingers with a soft pop, letting a thin trail of spit glisten between you before it broke and fell to your chest. Then he lowered his robes just enough to free himself, and the sight made your breath hitch. He was long, thick, the flushed tip leaking and heavy with arousal, a vein throbbing visibly along the shaft. The musky scent of him hit your senses like a drug, warm and intoxicating.

Loki wrapped a hand around the base of his cock, stroking slowly, deliberately, as he looked down at you through heavy lids. "Mouth open. Tongue out. I want you to feel every inch. I want to see that bratty mouth stretched and dripping for me."

You obeyed without hesitation, lips parting, tongue flicking out eagerly to taste the salt of his skin. He groaned low in his throat as he guided the thick head across your tongue, smearing precum on your taste buds. Your mouth watered as he began to push in.

Inch by inch.

Letting you savour the weight and heat of him.

He didn’t thrust. Not yet. Instead, he rolled his hips forward in slow, shallow motions, dragging himself across your tongue and deeper into your mouth with each controlled pass, until the head nudged the back of your throat.

"Breathe through your nose," he murmured, voice like silk dragged across bare skin. "Let me in. All the way."

Your lips sealed around him as you relaxed, letting him slide further into the tight heat of your mouth. Moisture gathered at the corners of your lips, glistening trails sliding down your chin to glimmer on your skin, warm and sticky as they traced a path down your throat and across your chest, soaking the tops of your breasts with your devotion as you took him deeper. He hissed softly, watching the obscene image in the mirror with open hunger.

"Just like that, little thing," he whispered. "That’s it. Norms, look at you. Drooling, eager, taking me so well."

He let the words stretch, each one drawn out like a silk ribbon pulled tight. "Watch your lips stretch around me. Look at the tears in your eyes, the mess down your chin. That's what happens when you behave."

“Eyes on the mirror,” he reminded, voice low and steady. “I want you to see how lovely you look like this. Kneeling. Obedient. Useful. But most importantly, mine.”

You whined softly around him, cheeks hollowing as you sucked, tongue swirling with practiced eagerness. Your hands pressed against your thighs like a good little thing desperate to please, fingers twitching with the need to touch, to be touched. Pressure built low in your belly, a dull, throbbing ache that pulsed with every breath. The thin fabric of your underclothes clung to you, soaked through and sticky, pressing against the need between your legs like a constant, maddening reminder. You clenched around nothing, desperate for friction, for relief, for the permission to even move. and clinging obscenely as the ache inside you bloomed into something maddening.

Your lips moved greedily, the taste of him coating your tongue, the heat of him filling your mouth inch by inch. Each muffled moan earned you another sound from him, a low hiss, a pleased growl, something feral and possessive that only made your body respond more.

He chuckled- dark, indulgent, full of approval as he brushed hair from your cheek to better see your face in the mirror, his fingers lingering just long enough to graze your jaw. His hips rolled forward, deliberate and slow, feeding more of his cock past your lips, stretching your throat with each pulse of his control.

His hand settled on the back of your head, fingertips threading into your hair, grip tightening just enough to make you shiver. He didn’t force. Didn’t rush. But the weight of his dominance was undeniable like gravity itself had shifted to obey his will.

You worked your mouth over him slowly, devouring the way he felt, the taste, the weight, the steady rhythm of his breaths as you took him deeper. Your tongue traced every vein, every ridge, your lips sealing tight with devotion as you eased down, welcoming him into your throat with practiced obedience and desperate hunger.

“Such enthusiasm now,” he mused. “All that attitude earlier, and here you are- wet and whimpering with my cock in your mouth. Do you even remember what you were whining about?”

Your eyes fluttered shut, lashes wet with the sting of effort, but he tsked, the sound sharp in your ears as he gave your hair a firm, corrective tug. “No. I said watch. Keep those pretty eyes on yourself. Let the image burn into that bratty little brain of yours.”

You forced them open again, locking your gaze onto your reflection. Your lips were stretched around him, glossed with spit, cheeks hollowed, eyes glassy with tears and arousal. The picture of submission. Of need. Of worship.

Tears prickled harder as he guided you deeper, one hand steady at the back of your head, the other curling around your jaw as if to mold your obedience with his touch. He pushed until your lips met the base of him, nose brushing the skin above his pelvis, and your throat flexed around him. The sound he made was low, guttural, nearly broken. Sending another fresh wave of arousal between your thighs.

Your nails curled against your thighs, knuckles white as you focused on breathing, holding still, swallowing him down like you were made for this. Like you wanted to be nothing more than something warm and wet for his pleasure.

He groaned, just the once- the sound held something ragged, strained. A warning.

But he didn’t let it go further. Not yet. He pulled back slowly, dragging himself from your mouth inch by inch, glistening with your spit, with maddening restraint that made your core clench in frustration.

“Not yet,” he murmured, voice like sin wrapped in silk. “You haven’t earned it.”

You licked your swollen lips, breathless, need throbbing between your legs. The taste of him still lingered on your tongue, head swimming from the denied reward, body trembling with the effort of holding still.

“Again,” he said, stroking himself slowly, lazily- just enough to keep himself on edge. “Slower this time. Tease me like you teased earlier. Show me what that wicked mouth is really for.”

And you did. You opened for him again, lips parting, tongue slick and ready. You let him guide himself past your lips, licking slow and deliberate from base to tip before taking him in, inch by torturous inch.

Again. And again. Each time more desperate, more eager, more precise in your devotion. You swirled your tongue, let him feel every ridge of your mouth, suckled at the tip until he twitched in your hold. You pulled back just to lick the head, spit pooling at your chin, before sinking down again to take him whole.

Until his body tensed with barely-contained control, breath coming in harsh, shallow bursts, jaw locked so tightly the muscles rippled beneath his skin. His knuckles whitened in your hair, the effort it took not to lose himself in your mouth visible in every fiber of his frame. He gripped your hair, but still didn’t force you, only held you steady while you worshipped him. Your arousal throbbed, thighs pressed tight together as you whimpered with the need you weren’t allowed to voice.

Until you were soaked through and dizzy with the praise he gave when you pleased him, his words sliding over your skin like a touch.

“That’s it… Yes, darling… Just like that…”

And when he finally let go, hips jerking forward with a hissed curse, the muscles in his thighs tight with restraint, his cock throbbed as he spilled down your throat in hot, pulsing waves. His hand tightened almost possessively in your hair, forcing your face up toward the mirror so he could watch the entire thing.

"Look," he growled, voice thick with pleasure, low and primal. "Watch yourself take it. Every filthy drop. Don’t blink."

His come painted your tongue, hot and thick, some of it spilling past your lips and smearing the corners of your mouth, mixing with spit and sweat. It dripped down your chin, messy and raw. You swallowed instinctively, the bitter salt clinging to your throat, and when your eyes met his in the reflection- dark, wild, ravenous- he smirked like a man who had claimed everything.

"That’s it. Gods, you’re gorgeous like this."

His grip eased, thumb swiping a mess of spit and seed from your chin before pressing it past your lips again. His thumb lingered against your tongue as you sucked it clean, obedient and aching.

"Perfect pet."

Because you had earned it.

And he would never let you forget how you looked when you did; kneeling, ruined, and obedient, with your mouth still parted and your reflection smeared with devotion. The perfect picture of submission. Just as a prince deserves.

[deathworlders-of-e24]

Soane, Sed Agent

Part 1

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“How dare that pathetic Human and his scrap metal do this to me,” Grite grumbled as Soane doctored the burns on his foot. The droid had burned through his protective exoskeletal armor and seared the flesh black before the human had made their escape from him, but Soane could see that Grite relished the idea of crushing them both under his heel soon enough.

“With this,” Soane handed him a small vial of clear, foul smelling liquid, “your armor should grow back inside the next cycle. Your injury will take longer, inside the next rotation.”

“I’ll be glad when this mission is done and there is Sedician soil beneath me once again,” Grite said, sitting back in his bunk. The Sed aboard the NOAH had been required to petition to all share the same quarters, but things were not equal behind closed doors. The lion’s share of comfort had been handed over to Grite within an hour of launch, pillows, blankets, sheets, all piled onto his bed, leaving bare mattresses for the other three to sleep on. Thankfully the room was temperature controlled, so no one was too uncomfortable, least of all the Borin.

“Sir, I mean no disrespect, but it bears repeating,” Soane started, eyes avert down submissively. “These humans are not what we planned for, and our reports have not acknowledged that. I truly believe that you should inform the generals of the complications and ask they delay the invasion to accommodate the new details-”

“You want me to go to them and say such things? Absolutely not. These humans are weak, with nothing to show for their miserably faulty evolution. With the right equipment, even someone like you could take them on,” Grite scoffed, flicking his hand like he was shooing away the absurdity she was speaking.

By the mountains I hate you, Soane thought, careful to keep her eyes lowered, else the moron see the rage in them. This imbecile was going to get them all killed, of that she had no doubt.

“Besides,” Grite droned on, “the alliances have already been made, and the trap already set. Soon enough the Galaxy will see that Sed superiority is the only way forward. The humans don’t pose any threat to that.”

“So you claim,” Soane said, teeth grit in her marbled face, “but have you forgotten the human chief’s grid routines? He cleared the most difficult simulations alone when even you could not-”,

“Do not dare to speak of that, quoal! Yes, the human has tricks to play in the grid, nothing more. An outlier. Clearly even weak species have something to show for themselves. They’ll be crushed all the same under the mountain.”

Grite leaned back into his bunk and closed his eyes. Not for the first time, Soane noticed how her people came to be called the Stone Men. Grite, lying perfectly still, resembled a boulder wearing a custodian uniform. She also noticed with macabre humor that he’d gotten blood on his pant leg.

Should have burned longer, she thought smirking.

One hundred and sixty four cycles. That’s how long she’d had to put up with this. Kor and Taren, their other compatriots on board, had thrown themselves at the feet of their Borin leader, much to Grite’s delight. But Soane knew from the jump that this glory hungry buffoon was a waste of Sed stone. She’d been part of a dozen different sorties as the Sed empire conquered their system, planet after planet falling until their rule, even been part of the team responsible for shadowing evidence of their wars from the GAIL investigations force when they’d join the multi species assembly. All to gain access to the rest of the galaxy.

And here she was, so close to the lynchpin of their species next great conquest, but she was forced into subservience to the idiot ‘leader’ the Highest had chosen.

He’d forbade her from giving the reports the full scope of the human male’s grid abilities.

He’d neglected to inform the Highest of his demotion to custodial duties after failing to eliminate the science team.

And now he’d managed to allow his armor to be desecrated by one of those ‘pathetic humans’ he despised so much.

All actionable offenses on his part, more than enough for the Highest to remove him from duty, possibly even from the military altogether.

But he’d given her an order.

If she defied it, even for the sake of their mission, she’d be relieved of duty as well. A Quoal going against a Borin was unthinkable.

Even if the Borin in question was this stupid.

Oh, if only she’d been born higher, like the Firstborn, the legendary Sed son born at the peak of the Mountain, encased in armor. The legend held that high in the mountains, in the darkest days of Sedician history, a child was born in a cave atop the highest peaks of their most sacred mountain range, a child born wearing stone across his skin. The child would grow to be the mightiest warrior the Sed had even produced, a tipping point in their species.

After that, and with many of their people giving themselves over to the Stone Warrior, a new race was born, the Sed the Galaxy knows today. But in Soane’s opinion, some of the new people, these Borin, needed some reeducation. They were lackluster leaders, or outright incompetents. Generations of Sed born in the mountain tops had weakened the foundations of their empire, ending with the sorry excuse for a Sed Warrior she now answered to.

“Is there anything else you require, sir?” she asked stiffly.

“No, you can go,” Grite replied, already ignoring her, eyes focused on a data pad.

Soane walked out of their quarters without looking back.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Soane had to admit, for a species so weak and underdeveloped, the Humans had managed to put together an impressive ship. True, most of the technology was based on other race’s advancements, but they’d adapted it all quite well. She’d already compiled a list of such things for their own scientists to salvage when they inevitably scuttled the NOAH. Making her way through the ship, heading towards the mess hall, she noticed the other crew members eyeing her, not with the same disgust they directed to Grite, but they still kept a weary eye on her and moved themselves out of her path. Good, she thought, let a Sed do as they please in this galaxy. Even if she wasn’t despised like her so called superior, Soane knew the Sed carried a reputation in the GAIL. Stay out of their way or they’ll crush you. Even a Quoal like herself could get the best of any of these species, she was certain of it. Her training told her as much.

But some did have their uses.

Soane stepped into the communications center and surveyed.

Good, she thought, the usefuls are here.

The Choyme were the first people the Sed encountered in their eternal conquest. A bipedal species, hairless, with long tusks pointing down from an oddly shaped mouth. Their skin was a dirty mud color like the pools they swam in. Their large eyes had watched as the ships came down, raining fire and metal. Their planet was subjugated within a few cycles, and dozens of generations later, the Choyme didn’t even think about serving the Sed.

The autonomy had been bred out of them.

As Soane walked into the room, the two Choyme whose names she hadn’t bothered to remember stood at attention, as they’d been taught to do when no one else was there to wonder why. Soane had thought it was a good system. Herself and most of the rest of the communications team were working in tandem. Should Bridge command question her, or, laughably, catch onto what they were doing, the Choyme were in the perfect position to take the fall for any of the Sed on board.

“You,” Soane pointed to the nearest one, “send a new encrypted. Tell them we’re… ready.” Soane knew they weren’t, the actually useful information was being stifled under incompetent leadership, but she had a plan. She’d gather as much information on the human’s as possible, then the moment she say the Highest, would relay all relevant data to him. She’d obey all these moronic orders, and still come out on top. She was sure of it.

Without a word the creature set to work, the other still waiting for an order quietly. Soane ignored it, and walked out of the room.

She had work to do.

[wheelsgoroundincircles]

Custom 1953 Muntz Jet Convertible

This 1953 Muntz Jet convertible underwent a three-year custom build under previous ownership, and it was purchased by the seller in 2021. The car is powered by a fuel-injected 5.7-liter LT1 V8 engine paired with a four-speed automatic transmission and a Ford 9″ rear end, and it is finished in Apple Pearl with a white Carson-style removable top over gray snakeskin-style Naugahyde upholstery. Features include custom bodywork, an Art Morrison frame, power-assisted steering, four-wheel disc brakes, airbag suspension, Painless Performance wiring, and more modified and fabricated details. This custom-built Muntz is now offered with a copy of Rodder’s Journal magazine featuring a story on the build and a clean California title in the name of the seller’s business.

Custom 1953 Muntz Jet Convertible

The steel, aluminum, and fiberglass body is mounted on an Art Morrison ladder frame that was boxed and finished in semi-gloss black, and the floor was raised 3″. The exterior was repainted in a Sherwin Williams two-stage Apple Pearl mixed by the late Stan Betz. Features include a chopped Duvall-style windshield, 1950 Chevrolet headlights, dual Appleton spotlights, 1951 Ford Victoria side windows, and a white removable Carson-style top fabricated to match the height of the chopped windshield. Additional equipment includes color-matched rear fender skirts and chrome bumpers. Wear from fitting the top is noted on the rear deck.

Custom 1953 Muntz Jet Convertible

Steel wheels sourced from a 1976 Dodge measure 15″ and are mounted with Cadillac Sombrero-style covers and whitewall tires. A matching spare fitted with a BFGoodrich Silvertown tire is mounted within a rear-mounted Continental-style chrome carrier. A Mustang II front end accommodates power rack-and-pinion steering , and the car rides on an electronically-adjustable Air Ride Technologies airbag suspension system along with 2” lowered front spindles, Strange Engineering tube shocks, a rear Panhard bar, and front and rear sway bars. The seller reports that the front control arm bushings were recently replaced.

Custom 1953 Muntz Jet Convertible

Custom 1953 Muntz Jet Convertible

Braking is handled by GM G-body-sourced calipers matched with Ford Granada discs up front and Ford SVO-specification calipers and discs at the rear.

Custom 1953 Muntz Jet Convertible

The cabin was customized by Jim’s Auto Trim of San Diego, California, and features Glide bucket seats and a rear bench trimmed in gray snakeskin-style Naugahyde upholstery, along with matching treatments for the dash trim, headliner, and door panels. Additional equipment includes a 1952 Lincoln steering wheel mounted to a shortened Lincoln steering column, gray cut-pile carpet, and a Pioneer stereo housed within a custom center cubby.

The engine-turned “Hollywood” instrument cluster houses Stewart Warner gauges consisting of an 8k-rpm tachometer, a 160-mph speedometer, and auxiliary readings for fuel level, battery charge, oil pressure, and water temperature. The five-digit odometer displays 25k miles, though total chassis mileage is unknown. A Lokar pedal assembly was fitted during the build.

Custom 1953 Muntz Jet Convertible

The Corvette-sourced 5.7-liter LT1 V8 features a polished fuel intake manifold along with billet aluminum valve covers, and additional features include an Opti-Spark distributor, a Griffin aluminum radiator, and a wiring loom sourced from Painless Performance Wiring. A set of long-tube headers are connected to a 2.5″ exhaust system equipped with dual Dynaflow mufflers. The seller reports that the oil was recently changed.

Custom 1953 Muntz Jet Convertible

Power is routed to the rear wheels via a four-speed 4L60E automatic transmission and a Ford 9″ rear end with with 3.55:1 gears and Strange Engineering 31-spline axles. Additional photos of the underside, drivetrain, and suspension components are presented in the gallery below.

Custom 1953 Muntz Jet Convertible

The car was featured in issue #36 of Rodders Journal magazine

[multiheadcanons]

SELLING AN E-BIKE TO THE MERCS. CAN YOU GUESS WHAT I DID RECENTLY?

scout: scout is more likely to get a moped than he is to get an e-bike. he doesn’t want to do the work of pedaling, especially if he can get the exact same range without the work. the team will say he’s being lazy, scout retorts they are literally getting bicycles with motors because they don’t want to pedal. they end up at a stalemate, and scout gets his little black vespa gts 310 supersport, and everyone is happy.

soldier: soldier wouldn’t get an e-bike until the fifth time he realized he couldn’t keep up with the team on bikes. rocket jumping is his preferred method of transport, but it is very hard to have the finesse to keep up with the team. he is almost always too far ahead, but he can’t run fast enough to keep up on foot, either. i would give soldier the velotric fold 1; because it will allow him to keep up, and he can fold it and use it as a heavy duty weapon.

pyro: pyro is getting a mooncool electric tricycle, and they’re putting tassels on the handlebars. pyro would request that engineer not only assemble it, but recolor the frame of the bike to their favorite pink— soft baby blush. and when it’s all put together (and engineer soups it up a little; a bigger battery, a travel charger, a range extender, some rear mirrors, a better bell, a comfortable seat) pyro is going hog wild. you will never see them again unless you see a flash of red and pink and the frantic dingdingding of them trying to get you to move out of the way. you might get hit. at least once.

demo: tavish gets the xpeak high step 2.0 long range e-bike. he would get the high step because he prefers the style. with the extended range, demo has what can only be considered a slower method of getting places. usually he just gets on the teleporters. but he does suffer from fomo when everyone else gets their own little bike or scooter. so he’ll get one that gets him wherever he wants, and can maybe carry a few things. it would never be a main method of transport for him, though.

heavy: it is no coincidence that the brand of this bike is called Giant. these bikes are GARGANTUAN. the medium size’s handlebars came up to my shoulders. these are not for me, these are for men like shaquille o’neal and misha, who need little more than a couple pushes before he’s coasting at a comfortable 20 mph. and the colors are gorgeous. the only issue is that these bikes have what is one of the lesser payload limits of most of these bikes. but these bikes are made for men who are a minimum of 5’10. he’s still getting a tandem seat, and a flatbed trailer to hitch to the back. for sascha.

engineer: engineer is more likely to borrow the other’s e-bikes than he is to get his own. otherwise, he is incredibly happy with his truck. he’ll see the team wherever their destination is. engineer, along with scout, are generally the carriers of the team wide bike rides. scout will carry whatever fits on his vespa, engineer carries everything else. extra batteries, extra water, a temperature controlled environment for anyone who doesn’t have it in them to continue, though that rarely happens. sometimes pyro will jump in the truck, just to make sure he doesn’t feel left out.

medic: y’all know this is my man, so we do have to be brand twins. however, i would not give him the exact model i have. medic would get the velotric packer 1, which was the initial model i was looking at. this is a beautifully built cargo e-bike, with some of the best power and carrying capacity on the market. when used conservatively, the range is 55 miles. medic would have a minimum of three extra battery packs because he’s constantly pushing the bike to its absolute speed maximum. he would also get a tandem seat, so someone else can pedal and he can enjoy the wind in his hair.

sniper: sniper would refuse to get an e-bike, but if the team urged him, he might get a brown ten speed bike to tag along. snipes’ van takes him everywhere he needs to go, and he likes the safety that comes with a vehicle. not to mention, he doesn’t really need the electric pedal assist. he might be at the back of the pack, but he can keep up with their throttles just fine. biking tires him out more than other modes of transport and other modes of mobility. the fact that he can take breaks almost makes his legs ache worse. and the seats aren’t comfortable.

spy: spy would be so picky, that when he finally sees the momentum line, he is taken aback by how much he would appreciate them as a brand. they are not particularly powerful bikes, but they are comfortable and best suited for inner city travel. he would also be willing to shell out the extra money for the liv brand bikes. the colors they have are absolutely stunning, but it’s a women’s brand (what even is a women’s bicycle), so of course the colors blow the other brands out of the water. same way that, aside from probably heavy, spy would have the most expensive e-bike.

[valy-gc]

TWST Fanfics ideas - Classes exercices

I was wondering... what are the clases exactly? What do they learn in it? So here are my guess:

In the « normal » class (music, math, art….) the exercices listed here would be in addition of the « normal » exercices. Also I give a list of 10 potential exercices per class, but you can imagine others

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In a "Practical Magic" class they would focus on everyday magic for chores. The exercises could include: 1. Cleaning Charms: Students practice spells to clean objects or spaces without manual labor. 2. Cooking Spells: Learning to prepare meals with a wave of a wand, including chopping, stirring, and temperature control. 3. Repairing Enchantments: Casting spells to mend broken items, from clothing to furniture. 4. Gardening Magic: Using magic to tend to plants, making them grow faster or shaping them into artistic forms. 5. Laundry Spells: Enchanting clothes to wash, dry, and fold themselves. 6. Organization Charms: Spells that sort and organize personal belongings, books, or tools. 7. Protective Wards: Setting up magical barriers to keep homes clean and safe from pests or intruders. 8. Weatherproofing Spells: Enchantments to protect against weather, like waterproofing or temperature regulation. 9. Light Charms: Magical ways to illuminate spaces efficiently. 10. Summoning Spells: Conjuring objects to hand, saving time on searching for misplaced items.

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In a "Conjuration" class, the focus would be on summoning objects, creatures, or elements from thin air or from distant places. Here are some exercises: 1. Basic Summoning: Students learn to summon simple objects like feathers or stones to their hands. 2. Targeted Conjuration: Practicing conjuring items from specific locations, such as retrieving a book from a shelf. 3. Creature Summoning: Safely summoning small magical creatures and learning to interact with them. 4. Food Conjuration: Conjuring edible items, focusing on getting the taste and temperature right. 5. Elemental Conjuration: Bringing forth elements like water or fire, controlling their shape and intensity. 6. Conjuring Clothes: Instantly outfitting oneself with appropriate attire for different occasions. 7. Multiplication: Learning to duplicate objects, which is a complex form of conjuration. 8. Conjuring from Nature: Drawing materials directly from natural sources, like summoning water from a lake or leaves from a tree. 9. Advanced Conjuration: Summoning complex mechanisms or devices, understanding their assembly and function. 10. Emergency Conjuration: Quick conjuration drills for situations requiring immediate access to tools or aids.

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In a "Magical Potion" class, students would learn the delicate art of brewing magical concoctions with various effects. Here are some potential exercises: 1. Ingredient Identification: Recognizing and categorizing potion ingredients by their magical properties. 2. Mixing Methods: Mastering the techniques of stirring, shaking, and combining potion ingredients. 3. Temperature Control: Learning the precise temperatures needed for different stages of potion brewing. 4. Timing Practice: Developing a sense of timing for adding ingredients and the duration of brews. 5. Safety Protocols: Understanding the importance of safety when handling dangerous or volatile substances. 6. Potion Analysis: Testing and analyzing the effects of potions on inanimate objects or consenting magical creatures. 7. Remedy Brewing: Creating potions that heal ailments or counteract poisons. 8. Enhancement Elixirs: Concocting brews that temporarily enhance abilities or senses. 9. Transformation Potions: Experimenting with potions that can change one's appearance or species for a short time. 10. Invisibility Mixtures: Perfecting the tricky art of brewing potions that render the drinker invisible.

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In an "Alchemy" class, the curriculum would likely explore the mystical side of transforming substances into new forms, Alchemy would also be a form of magical chemistry class. Here are some exercises: 1. Metal Transmutation: Practicing turning base metals into gold or silver, starting with small quantities. 2. Elixir Crafting: Brewing elixirs that promote longevity or enhance physical abilities. 3. Philosopher's Stone Theories: Studying the legendary Philosopher's Stone and attempting to replicate its properties. 4. Substance Purification : Learning to purify and refine substances to increase their magical potency. 5. Gemstone Synthesis: Creating precious gemstones from common minerals through alchemical processes. 6. Liquid to Solid Transmutation: Transforming liquids into solid forms, such as water into crystal. 7. Herbal Alchemy: Using plants and herbs to create powerful extracts and essences. 8. Magical Ink and Paper Making: Producing materials that can hold enchantments or spells. 9. Alchemical Symbols: Understanding and using runes to enhance alchemical reactions. 10. Advanced Alchemy: Attempting more complex transmutations and understanding the ethical implications of alchemy.

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In a “Digital Engineering” class, students would likely explore the intersection of magic and technology. Here are some exercises:

1. Magical Circuit Design: Learning to create circuits that are powered by magical energy. 2. Enchanted Programming: Writing code that interacts with magical objects or creatures. 3. Rune-Based Computing: Using ancient runes to perform computations and process magical data. 4. Golem Programming: Crafting and programming magical automatons for various tasks. 5. Magical Interface Development: Designing interfaces that allow wizards to interact with digital devices. 6. Virtual Spell Simulation: Using virtual reality to practice spells in a controlled digital environment. 7. Enchanted Object Fabrication: 3D printing objects with embedded magical properties. 8. Magical Network Security: Protecting magical databases and networks from unauthorized access or curses. 9. Spellware Development: Creating software that enhances or channels magical abilities. 10. Technomancy Projects: Integrating technology and magic to create innovative solutions to common magical problems.

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In a “Magic Analysis” class, students would delve into the theoretical aspects of magic and its practical implications, to understand them and maybe creating your own. Here are some exercises:

1. Spell Structure Decomposition: Breaking down spells into their basic components to understand how they work. 2. Magical Flow Charting: Mapping out the flow of magical energy in spells and enchantments. 3. Ritual Analysis: Studying the steps of magical rituals to determine their purpose and effectiveness. 4. Magical Artifact Examination: Investigating the history and magical properties of various artifacts. 5. Potion Formula Deconstruction: Analyzing potion recipes to understand the chemical and magical reactions involved. 6. Enchantment Efficiency Testing: Measuring the strength and duration of enchantments to optimize them. 7. Magical Language Syntax: Exploring the grammar and syntax of magical languages and their impact on spellcasting. 8. Magical Ethics Debate: Discussing the moral implications of different magical practices. 9. Historical Magic Research: Examining historical texts to understand the evolution of magical practices. 10. Magical Theory Papers: Writing and peer-reviewing academic papers on various topics in magical theory.

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In an “Ancient Curses” class, students would explore the history, creation, and counteraction of curses from ancient times. Here are some exercises that might be included:

1. Curse Identification: Learning to recognize different types of curses and their symptoms. 2. Historical Curse Study: Examining ancient texts and artifacts to understand the origins of famous curses. 3. Curse Crafting: Understanding the components and ethics of creating curses (theoretical exercises only, magic analysis basics needed). 4. Protection Amulets: Designing and creating amulets that protect against curses. 5. Counter-Curse Development: Practicing spells and rituals that can counteract or break curses. 6. Curse Simulation: Role-playing scenarios to understand the impact of curses and practice countermeasures. 7. Language of Cursing: Studying ancient languages and scripts that were traditionally used to cast curses. 8. Ethical Implications: Discussing the moral considerations and consequences of curse usage. 9. Curse Removal Techniques: Learning various methods to cleanse objects, places, or individuals of curses. 10. Field Research: Visiting historical sites believed to be cursed and conducting investigations.

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In a “Defense Magic” class, students would learn how to protect themselves and others from various magical threats. Here are some exercises:

Shield Spells: Casting protective barriers to deflect or absorb magical attacks.

Counter-Spells: Learning spells that can negate or reverse the effects of incoming spells.

Disarming Techniques: Practicing spells and maneuvers to disarm opponents without causing harm.

Magical First Aid: Applying spells and potions to treat injuries caused by magical means.

Dark Arts Defense: Understanding and defending against dark magic, including curses and hexes.

Stealth and Concealment: Using magic to hide one’s presence or escape detection.

Anti-Poison Spells: Identifying and neutralizing magical poisons and toxins.

Magical Combat: Engaging in controlled duels to practice defensive and offensive spells.

Mind Protection: Strengthening mental defenses against magical intrusion and manipulation.

Environmental Defense: Using magic to manipulate the surroundings for protection, such as creating barriers or camouflage.

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In a class dedicated to “Poison Making,” which would be a highly controlled and ethically sensitive subject, students might engage in the following theoretical exercises:

Toxicology Basics: Understanding the properties of various toxins and their effects on living organisms.

Antidote Formulation: Learning to create antidotes for common poisons.

Safe Handling Procedures: Training in the safe handling, storage, and disposal of toxic substances.

Poison Detection: Practicing spells and techniques to detect the presence of poison in food and drink.

Historical Poisons Study: Researching historical uses of poison and the evolution of toxicology.

Simulated Poison Brewing: Theoretical exercises in brewing poisons with harmless substitutes.

Ethical Debates: Discussing the moral implications of poison use and the responsibilities of a poison maker.

Magical Containment: Learning to magically contain and neutralize poisons to prevent accidents.

Field Identification: Recognizing poisonous plants and creatures in their natural habitats.

Legal Knowledge: Gaining an understanding of the legal restrictions and regulations surrounding poisons.

It’s important to note that such a class would emphasize the importance of using this knowledge for educational purposes only, with a strong focus on safety, ethics, and legal compliance.

~~~~~~~~

In a class focused on “Changes and Comparisons of Abbreviated Spells in Ancient and Modern Magic History,” students would likely explore the evolution of spellcasting techniques and the efficiency of spell abbreviations over time. Here are some exercises that could be part of this class:

Spell Evolution Timeline: Creating a timeline to visualize the changes in spellcasting from ancient to modern times.

Abbreviation Analysis: Comparing the original long-form spells with their modern abbreviated versions to understand the changes in language and technique.

Efficiency Studies: Measuring the effectiveness and speed of casting abbreviated spells versus their full-length counterparts.

Historical Context: Studying the historical events that led to the development of abbreviated spells.

Cultural Impact: Examining how different magical cultures influenced the abbreviation of spells.

Language Shifts: Exploring how changes in magical languages have affected spell abbreviations.

Spell Adaptation: Practicing the adaptation of ancient spells into modern abbreviated forms.

Magical Linguistics: Understanding the linguistic principles that govern the creation of effective spell abbreviations.

Ancient Scripts: Learning to read and interpret ancient magical scripts where original spells were recorded.

Modern Usage: Discussing the role of abbreviated spells in contemporary magical society and how they fit into everyday magical use.

~~~~~~~~~~~

The “History of Magic” class would be about exploring the origins and development of magical practices. Here’s how the class might be:

Ancient Civilizations: Studying the role of magic in ancient exctinct societies.

Magical Artifacts: Examining historical artifacts and their uses in various cultures.

Famous Magicians: Learning about prominent figures in magical history and their contributions.

Evolution of Spells: Tracing the development of spells from ancient incantations to modern-day practices.

Magical Creatures: Investigating the historical accounts of magical creatures and their interactions with humans.

Witch Trials: Analyzing the social and political factors behind witch trials and their impact on magical practices. (assuming there was witch trials at some point in their history, and a time where mages weren't common)

Renaissance Magic: Exploring the resurgence of magical interests during certain times.

Magical Literature: Reading and discussing key texts that have shaped magical theory and practice.

Modern Magic: Understanding the transition from traditional to contemporary magic in the context of technological advancements.

Field Trips: Visiting historical sites and museums to see firsthand the remnants of magical history.

~~~~~~~~~~

In “Animal Languages,” students would learn about the communication methods used by various magical and non-magical creatures. Here are some exercises that might be included:

Basic Animal Sounds: Starting with the sounds made by common creatures (like cats) and understanding their meanings.

Magical Linguistics: Studying the structure of animal languages and how they differ from human speech.

Non-Verbal Communication: Observing and interpreting body language and other non-verbal cues used by animals.

Spell-Assisted Communication: Using spells to facilitate understanding between humans and animals.

Creature Vocalization Practice: Mimicking creature sounds to communicate directly with them.

Field Studies: Conducting fieldwork to observe and interact with animals in their natural habitats.

Magical Translation: Learning spells or using magical devices that translate animal languages.

Historical Animal Speech: Researching ancient texts for references to legendary creatures and their languages.

Interspecies Diplomacy: Role-playing scenarios that require negotiation and communication with magical creatures.

Conservation Ethics: Discussing the importance of preserving magical creatures and their languages.

~~~~~~~~~

In “Astrology”, students would explore the celestial bodies from a scientific perspective while also delving into the mystical aspects that have influenced human culture. Here are some exercises that might be part of this class:

Stargazing Sessions: Using telescopes to observe planets, stars, and other celestial phenomena.

Celestial Navigation: Learning to navigate using the stars and understanding the historical importance of this skill.

Astrological Chart Creation: Drawing and interpreting astrological charts based on the positions of celestial bodies.

Mythology and Constellations: Studying the myths associated with constellations and their origins.

Planetary Influence: Discussing the believed influences of planets and stars on human behavior and events.

Astronomical Calculations: Performing calculations to predict celestial events like eclipses and planet transits.

Space-Time Magic: Exploring theoretical magic that could be influenced by astronomical phenomena.

Astrological Predictions: Practicing the art of making predictions based on astrological signs and movements.

Cosmic Spellwork: Investigating spells and rituals that draw power from celestial events.

Scientific Debates: Engaging in discussions about the intersection of astronomy, astrology, and magic.

~~~~~~~~~~

In “Biology” class, students would study the life processes and organisms. Here are some exercises:

Magical Microscopy: Using enchanted microscopes to observe the cellular structure of magical plants and creatures.

Potion Ingredients Study: Examining the biological properties of common potion ingredients.

Genetics: Learning about the hereditary traits of common and magical creatures.

Ecosystems: Studying the interactions between magical creatures and their environments.

Plant Cultivation: Growing and studying plants with or without magical properties in a controlled setting.

Creature Dissection: Dissecting magical or common creatures (ethically sourced) to understand their anatomy and/or magical organ functions.

Field Trips: Visiting various habitats to study magical and common creatures and plants in their natural settings.

Conservation Magic: Learning spells and techniques for the conservation and protection of species.

Disease Research: Investigating diseases that affect creatures and how to cure them.

Biological Spell Development: Creating spells that can influence biological processes in plants and animals.

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In “Physical Education” class, the focus would be on maintaining physical health and learning how to incorporate magic into enhancing physical abilities. Here are some exercises that might be included:

Magical Warm-Ups: Starting each class with stretches and light exercises enhanced by warming spells.

Enchanted Obstacle Courses: Navigating obstacle courses that change magically, requiring quick reflexes and agility.

Broomstick Aerobics: Engaging in flying exercises that improve balance and coordination while on a broomstick.

Strength Spells: Learning spells that temporarily increase strength for lifting or moving heavy objects.

Magical Sports: Playing magical versions of traditional sports.

Endurance Charms: Using charms to boost endurance during long-distance running or swimming.

Flexibility Enchantments: Applying enchantments that enhance flexibility and prevent injuries.

Dance Magic: Incorporating magical elements into dance routines for a fun and active workout.

Meditation and Focus: Using meditation techniques to improve concentration and mental stamina.

Magical First Aid: Learning basic first aid spells for treating minor sports injuries.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

In “Flying” class, students would learn the art of flying, whether it be on broomsticks, magical board, or through levitation spells. Here are some exercises that might be part of the curriculum:

Broomstick Basics: Learning how to mount, dismount, and handle a broomstick properly.

Levitation Spells: Practicing spells that allow one to float or fly without the aid of objects.

Flight Safety: Understanding the safety protocols for flying, including protective spells and charms.

Aerial Maneuvers: Mastering basic flying techniques such as turns, stops, and speed control.

Magical board Handling: If applicable, learning to control and fly on magical board.

Group Flights: Participating in synchronized flying exercises to build teamwork and coordination.

Altitude Adaptation: Acclimating to higher altitudes and learning how to adjust for air pressure changes.

Racing Techniques: Engaging in friendly races to improve agility and speed.

Emergency Landings: Practicing how to land safely in case of an emergency or spell failure.

Weather Spells: Using spells to navigate and adapt to different weather conditions while flying.

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In “Swimming” class, students would learn not only traditional swimming techniques but also how to incorporate magic into their aquatic activities. Here are some exercises:

Water Adaptation Spells: Casting spells that allow students to breathe underwater and withstand pressure changes.

Aquatic Mobility Charms: Learning charms to enhance swimming speed and agility in the water.

Merfolk Communication: Studying the language and customs of merfolk to interact with them during underwater excursions.

Underwater Navigation: Using magical means to navigate through murky or enchanted waters.

Magical Marine Life: Identifying and studying the behaviors of magical creatures that live in water.

Water Safety Enchantments: Applying protective enchantments to prevent drowning and other water-related accidents.

Diving Techniques: Practicing diving spells that allow for smooth entry into the water from great heights.

Temperature Control Charms: Learning to regulate body temperature to comfortably swim in cold waters.

Underwater Spellcasting: Mastering the art of casting spells while submerged and dealing with the resistance of water.

Rescue and Recovery Spells: Training in spells and procedures for rescuing others from aquatic dangers.

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In “Music” class, students would explore musical arts, with and without magic. Here are some exercises that might be included:

Instrumental Enchantment: Learning to play and enchant instruments so they can be played magically without physical touch.

Magical Music Theory: Studying the theory behind music and how it interacts with magical frequencies.

Enchanted Choir: Singing in a choir where voices are magically harmonized.

Rhythmic Spellcasting: Combining spellcasting with rhythm to enhance the potency of spells.

Musical Creature Communication: Using music to communicate with creatures that respond to magical melodies.

Historical Magical Composers: Learning about famous magical composers and their contributions to the musical world.

Sound Manipulation: Practicing spells that manipulate sound waves to create music or silence.

Magical Performance: Preparing and performing in magical concerts or recitals.

Music and Emotion: Exploring how music can influence emotions and states of mind magically.

Instrument Crafting: Building magical instruments with unique properties and sounds.

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In “Art” class, students would likely explore various forms of creative expression, possibly incorporating magical elements into their artwork. Here are some exercises:

Enchanted Drawing: Practicing drawing techniques with enchanted pencils that bring sketches to life.

Potion Paints: Creating paints from magical potions that change color or have other unique properties.

Sculpting with Magic: Using transfiguration spells to sculpt materials like clay or stone without physical tools.

Illusionary Art: Crafting art that moves or changes, creating illusions that trick the eye.

Magical Photography: Taking and developing photographs that capture magical auras or movements.

Wearable Art: Designing clothing or jewelry with enchantments that alter their appearance.

Art History: Studying the works of famous magical artists and their impact on magical society.

Artistic Spellwork: Learning spells that enhance artistic abilities or inspire creativity.

Magical Murals: Painting murals with spells that make them interact with the environment.

Restoration Techniques: Using magic to restore and preserve ancient artworks and artifacts.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

In “Mathematics” class... well students would likely explore both the theoretical and practical applications of math, but may use magic too. Here are some exercises other than the "common" ones:

Arithmancy: Studying the magical properties of numbers and their use in spell-crafting and divination.

Geometric Spell Patterns: Drawing geometric shapes that form the basis of complex spell structures.

Potion Measurements: Precisely measuring and calculating potion ingredients for perfect brews.

Magical Algebra: Solving equations that predict magical phenomena or outcomes.

Astronomical Calculations: Using mathematics to predict celestial alignments and their magical effects.

Transfiguration Geometry: Applying geometric principles to accurately transfigure objects into different shapes.

Probability and Chance: Calculating probabilities to predict the outcomes of magical experiments.

Magical Graph Theory: Mapping out the connections between magical nodes or ley lines.

Temporal Equations: Understanding the mathematical principles behind time-related spells.

Mathematical Proofs: Proving theorems that underpin magical laws and principles.

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In “Health” class that would be held twice a year by the nurse(s), students would likely focus on both physical and magical well-being. Here are some exercises:

Magical Nutrition: Learning about magical foods and their effects on health and magical abilities.

Body Enhancement Charms: Understanding the ethical use of charms that temporarily enhance physical abilities.

Magical Hygiene: Learning spells and practices for maintaining personal and environmental cleanliness.

Disease Awareness: Studying magical and non-magical diseases, their symptoms, and prevention methods.

First Aid Training: Gaining practical skills in magical and non-magical first aid techniques.

[thererisesaredstar]

Hong Hyo Song, "Glacier Preservation", Pyongyang Times, March 22, 2025:

March 22 is World Water Day. The UN General Assembly designated World Water Day in order to raise the awareness of many people on the Earth living without safe water and to spur people into global actions to resolve the water crisis. What is important here is to achieve the sustainable development goal of providing clean water and hygiene for everyone by 2030. The theme of World Water Day of this year is "Glacier Preservation". As is known, glaciers play an important role in the water cycle. They are one of the major sources of water for drinking, agriculture, industry, clean energy production and ecosystems. Seventy percent of the world's fresh water is stored in glaciers. They also contribute to the circulation of sea water and the control of carbon dioxide and nutrients, and reflect a great deal of solar radiation to prevent the Earth from getting too hot. In recent years, however, climate change and global warming have melted them at a rapid rate to reduce the ice area of the Earth and the water cycle has become extremely irregular and unpredictable. If temperature rises due to climate change, the glaciers will melt at a faster rate. In the past 130 years, glaciers on the Earth have been observed in a variety of ways, including in-situ measurements and remote monitoring. Recent data have shown that the loss of glaciers caused by climate change has doubled over the past two decades and that if such rate persists, the glaciers in the Andes and Himalayas might disappear by 2100. The melting of glaciers raises sea level, which has a serious impact on populated areas and ecosystems. According to the data, sea level at present is 20 centimetres higher than in 1900. Glacier melting also changes the flow of water to give rise to frequent floods, droughts and landslides and to destroy ecosystems and reduces the area reflecting sunlight to accelerate global warming. The UN General Assembly session held in December 2022 designated 2025 as an international glacier preservation year and adopted a resolution on designating March 21 as World Glacier Day from 2025. This initiative is aimed at increasing awareness of the important role of glaciers, snow and ice in climate and water cycle and the influence of the changes in the cold zone of the Earth on the economy, society and environment. It is also designed to encourage good practice and sharing of knowledge related to resolving the problem of accelerating glacier melting and its consequences. The United Nations and other international organizations have developed various strategies for mitigating the impact of climate change, advocating the need to reduce greenhouse gas emission and adopt adaptation and mitigation strategies in order to protect and preserve glaciers that constitute an important freshwater resource and stabilize climate. Such strategies include the reduction of greenhouse gas emission geared to keeping global temperature from rising by over 1.5°C more than that in the pre-industrial revolution period, the improvement of water utilization efficiency through enhanced water resource management, the establishment of a drought- and flood-resistant agricultural system, diversification of the regional economy and the improvement of the disaster response system. Conserving glaciers is a vital issue for the existence and development of mankind.

[whencyclopedia]

Wealth & Power in Medieval Iceland

Early medieval Iceland, the Viking colony, was a democratic and egalitarian society, but the scarcity of resources and the rough environment created competition, where local chieftains resorted to different tactics to acquire wealth and money, from using their advantage as men of the law and representatives of the people to the often complex social relationships they had with their followers.

Economic Challenges

To understand the economic challenges, we need to keep in mind that the short growing season in the north especially, was variable and mostly meant moss and lichens. Birch, Iceland's only tree, suffered from the changing temperatures and then the settlers' woodcutting. The settlers were probably pleased initially since the land was easy to clear for farming, but very soon the island started showing its boundaries. Overgrazing caused erosion, the cooling of the climate affected productivity, no new farming technologies were developed. In the south, it was possible to grow small crops of cereals, but the farmer (bændr) usually turned to sheep and cattle. Hay was vital, thus fertile meadows as well, turning land into the most desired commodity and the source of many disputes in the sagas.

On this tiny island, one viable solution to increase one's wealth was to simply steal someone else's property. The income a chieftain, a local leader (goði), could legally acquire by fulfilling his legal duties was simply too low and unsteady to support followers, offer gifts, and hold feasts. According to the Sturlunga Saga, a collection of stories about the powerful clan of the Sturlungs in the mid-12th century, there does appear to have been a tax of support for local leaders, the so-called 'sheep-tax' (sauðatollr). It seems to have been forcibly collected at the end of the free state, that is before Iceland was brought under the control of the Norwegian crown, by local leaders in need of funding. The more aggressive stance against farmers and merchants at this time was not limited to Iceland as Europe, in general, was dealing with inflation.

Moreover, there was never enough silver in Iceland, and so they had to figure out early on different substitutes: cloth, dairy products, livestock. Vaðmál (homespun cloth) became pretty common, replacing silver as a unit of exchange. Prices were set in standardized ounces and discussed at local assemblies. The value of cows was also set at these assemblies, which meant prices could be different from region to region.

Continue reading...

[dapurinthos]

jenza is wondering exactly HOW much damage control she might have to do until she realizes the situation involves jedi and then she's just 'oh it's all going to be fiiiine.'

Jenza appeared looking like she was between one step and the next. She whirled around to face the recorder, a genteel sort of concern on her face. It was the kind of expression that didn't express much, but he had learned to read the subtle pitches of her brows and the degrees of hardness of her mouth. More importantly, he had learned that Jenza still had a habit of picking at her hair, something that no etiquette teacher, whether human or droid, had ever managed to quell. “Dooku!” The line of her mouth softened and she tucked away a long, loose strand she had worked free. “Is something wrong?” “Is something wrong?” His sister repeated. “Of course there is! You said you would be gone on an overnight trip and it's been nearly a standard week. The Liberation Dinner is in eight days, and the greenhouse with the roses had a power outage that wasn't caught until the temperature in there matched the temperature outside. I went in to check on them and there were practically snow drifts between the rows.” “Snow?” The question was hopeful. Jenza’s brow creased. Her free hand went to her hair, patting it back into place. “Who is that?” “That is. Well.” Dooku paused, marshalling his thoughts. “Is that a child?” Jenza demanded. “Dooku, why do you have a child? Do you have a child?” The emphasis she gave that word foretold a world of spiralling questions. “Jenza, I—” It was too late. Sifo-Dyas, recognising the developing situation for what it was, started laughing. “Dooku, why didn't you tell me you had a child? Where—when was it born? Is that where you went, to visit the child’s mother? Did she have custody? Is she dead and that's why you now have the child? How old is it?” Sifo-Dyas’s laughter was starting to take on a hysterical quality. Dooku waited for Jenza to take a breath that she desperately needed and leveraged the silence into the opening he needed. “I'm at the Jedi Temple. I don't have any children. Any biological offspring,” he amended. His former padawans were the closest thing to inheritors that he had. “I needed to bring one to the Temple—shut up, Sifo.” He could see the math Jenza was doing in her head and he could see the erroneous conclusion she was coming to. “I can see that you have more important matters to deal with,” she said. “I’ll make sure your secretary droid clears your schedule. Don’t worry about the Liberation Dinner or the opening session of the Assembly and the rounds in Carannia. Don’t worry about the Sohlas, I’ll make your excuses.”

[thesassymarquess]

Gleba

And how I learned to love the spoilage.

I feel I should preface this by saying that I love Gleba. I find it to be the most challenging planet in the expansion, and the second-most challenging aspect. I only find Space Platforms harder, and with that it's specifically going to the shattered planet, and that's probably because my platform is too small.

Starting with my first Gleba I landed on, we'll go over how I tamed the fungal ball we call this planet. This is technically what I call my "second" base on Gleba, but the first base was built in the same place, with the same towers and such. It was basically just replaced with the new base, which then had 2-3 revisions done as well.

Starting with my farms, you can see I've put some significant investment into their defenses. On this Gleba, which was my first Gleba, I put a lot of focus in trying to squeeze as much production out of a single tower as possible. The tower itself is circuit controlled, using a connection between the outgoing belt, the incoming inserter and the tower itself. The tower turns off if it has no seeds, the inserter only puts seeds in if the quantity of fruit on the outgoing belt drops below 300 or so. This is the same for both the Yumako and Jellynut production lines. This helps stop overproduction of each fruit, and tries to keep the fruit roughly as fresh as possible, without causing the main base to stall at all.

So here is the initial lazy river of a base. The outer white belt is a nutrient belt, traveling around the entire place. This aspect has had the least revisions made to it. Top to bottom, left to right, each "loop" contains one set of biochambers, generally to make multiple items out of different qualities, starting with Jellynut processing. Next is bioflux to nutrients, iron bacteria, copper bacteria, sulfur, carbon, and then legendary carbon. Along the bottom is Yumako processing, Bioflux, Plastic, Carbon Fiber, Rocket Fuel, Eggs, and Lime Science.

The recyclers are to produce higher quality bioflux for science production (The base uses rare quality eggs/science), and my spoilage upcycling area. I'm planning on massively scaling up the spoilage upcycling at some point, but I lack the biochambers right now.

Here's a closer look at Science production. Since this was originally built for rare-quality science, it's had to have epic & legendary retrofitted into it. I do think if I had to do it all over again, I'd probably not set science up as rare... but I'm still looking into actually setting up an upcycler for high quality lime science, since it's actually pretty easy. The biochambers are set up to only allow eggs to be added if we already have bioflux in the chambers, this prevents eggs from staying in any chamber other than the egg reproduction lines. Note the absence of turrets in this area. While I've had accidents previously (note that this area currently ISN'T running, as the eggs hatched and I haven't replaced them yet), the only problems with destruction I've had inside the base, was when some stompers tried to build a new egg raft by the power plant...

Here's the production lines for LDS & Processing units, including an upcycler, and a Legendary LDS crafter (Sending to Nauvis for high quality space parts). The ammo production lines are also here.

Finally the power plant and mall. The mall does include a biochamber crafter, a lube biochamber & soil assemblers. The heating towers have circuit control to only add fuel if a tower drops below a certain temperature, and another one to trigger an emergency fuel supply of rocket fuel (because I had a brownout issue with the prior base). Last time the system went down was because I accidentally disconnected one of the seed lines, and burned all of my Yumako seeds, and I didn't notice until an emergency alarm went off to let me know the power was critical.

Overall, this base served me well enough to complete the game, but has shown its cracks in how it worked, and what its capable of. With what I learned from making it, I designed a much better successor to it, and I'm going to show that off next.

So starting at my farms, I decided to try and maximize the soil usage, rather than the towers. So I build multiple towers with no overlapping coverage, and making sure the towers were built with access on non-farmable (without overgrowth) soil. I'm still on the fence if I want to go overgrowth, but I think I'm just going to build more farms instead, since that seems to work as well, and is much easier. The Jellynut looks very similar, just flipped vertically. Going with a rail network was done to decouple the dependence on the base the old design had. Now I can instead connect up the fruit train with a base needing fruit, and the resupply train with a resupply base. I'm planning on later using this to build several independent bases that specialize in one or more products, and just shipping more stable ingredients around.

The railyard is an absolute nightmare, that I'm GOING to fix, but I was trying to clear that stone patch first, and also I did underestimate the space I needed. Still it proves that an unoptimized solution still works for Gleba because this? Is awful. I genuinely forgot about it until I looked at it... Also now's a great time to mention that the trains are all circuit controlled. So a station sets a request for fruit to send a train out, and the trains go to the farms based off which farm was least recently visited. It's all done through some fun circuitry that wasn't that complex. (Agricultural towers get told to harvest when a train is inbound & station priority is set by how many minutes its been since a train departed the station. So they prefer to visit farms that haven't been visited recently... i.e. ones that should have fully grown trees.)

So I used a similar ordering for the production lines, however, instead of using a flow-through design, I swapped to a dead-end line for everything but bioflux & lime (agricultural) science. I also stopped using quality along the production. Part of it was to simplify the build in the rush to agricultural science (I was playing an MP game, and trying to beat my friend to producing our respective planetary sciences. I was on Gleba, they were on Fulgora. I beat them for science, but lost in exporting... mostly because my first batch went bad before I had a rocket load.) I use similar techniques for handling eggs, and the belt going around the whole base is instead a spoilage belt, both for dumping spoilage onto to remove it from dead ends, and to stockpile for the bootstrapping assemblers to restart the base if something goes horribly wrong (which they have run, but I haven't noticed the base shut down, so they're clearly doing their job right).

So like before, here's the power plant, and it relies on the same system as before, only major change is that I'm using indicator lights to indicate the status of each heating tower. It's cool, and lets me see the system's status at a glance. Likewise, you can see biolubricant and the two soils got moved into the main production line area. I didn't feel like saving that 20 or so jelly at the end of the belt, so it just rots into spoilage (which is primary what the power plant burns. Spoilage, eggs, & rocket fuel).

Lastly the mall is to the north, crafting all the oddities I need, and there's a small processing units & LDS setup built to supply the trains & rockets with whatever they need to keep them going.

A major change I did with this base compared to the prior is utilizing a singular piece of tech I figured out while setting up some stuff on my previous save's Gleba for exporting Bioflux.

So all incoming science gets loaded into this passive provider. It holds roughly 1k science, which is one rocket load. Once it has more than 1k science, the inserter behind it turns on and pulls out the most spoiled science packs. Since they go into a steel chest, they are no longer available to the logistics network, and will never be loaded into a rocket. Likewise, I could change this to stockpile more science before throwing it out for rot, but our base isn't ready to receive that much science just yet. I think if anyone takes anything from this post, they should take this system, as it *will* make sure you have only your freshest science, eggs, or bioflux available for rockets. If you have a freshness problem after setting it up, you don't have a freshness problem, you have a production problem, and need to scale up, which is fairly easy to do, because bioflux, lime science, and eggs are all high-throughput recipes.

Having covered my Glebas, I am considering showing my sushi Aquilo (Fulgora is also a sushi system, but I think it's far less interesting than Aquilo)

[anjelicawrites]

Currently writing

True love’s kiss (Maleficent!Aemond Targaryen x woodland fairy! reader) Sleeping beauty!AU 3/?

Do you like scary movies? (Michael Gavey x reader) Scream!AU 0/7

Out of time (Osferth x reader) Outlander!AU 0/?

Soft IV (Aemond Targaryen x reader x Osferth)

Untiteled MOTA (Gale Cleven x reader NSFW)

After the heathwave (Aegond x reader NSFW)

His body remembers (Aegon II Targaryen x reader NSFW)

Little red riding hood, sweetest lamb to the slaughter (werewolf!Osferth x human!reader x vampire!Aemond Targaryen NSFW)

We are here to hurt ourselves (Lestat de Lioncourt x reader NSFW)

Chance encounters (Armand x reader SFW)

Cringefail Throuple: Billy gets his “Well done shag” | Cringefail Throuple: Michael needs to be fucked into silence while watching trash TV | Cringefail Throuple: their first time together | Cringefail Throuple: Billy and Michael first time together | How the War Boys throuple got together and their first time | Cringefail Throuple: the boys get hot and bothered while watching a spicy video of reader sent them during finals | dark!Michael Gavey x fem!reader smut| OG!Poly either prompt #1 or #8 from this prompt list | OG!Poly and the huge dildo reader once bought | OG!Poly Osferth, Aemond and his pierced nipples + Aemond wears the Mexico lace top | OG!Poly the first time Aemond went down on reader | Cringefail Throuple 💡the cringies on holiday! | OG!Poly and Osferth being such a loud sub, he and reader had the police called on them | Billy and Michael react to reader wearing a sexy harness | OG!Poly roleplay Aemond being a captive prince | Aemond's first time sucking Osferth off | How the War Boys Polycule plans a date night at home | Aegond x Aegon's wife!reader. Reader helps the brothers repair their relationship with a threesome | nipple play with poly!Aemond until he cries | Cringefail Throuple: can the boys come untouched when sucking cock? | poly!Aemond who gets off on being called pretty| poly!Osferth getting destroyed by poly!Aemond after the huge dildo prank | War Boys Polycule, Tom gets punished for being a flirt | Osferth x professor!reader with religious kink and corruption | the cringies and temperature play | Aegond x reader: Aegon gets fucked while wearing a slutty maid outfit | Aegon x reader, he gets pegged while wearing a slutty maid outfit | modern!dark!obsessed Aegon who falls for a reader who doesn't even know who he is and ends up as his basement wife | Aegon x reader where reader takes control over pathetic Aegon |

| Aegon x wife!reader. He begs for reader's attention | Michael and reader meet Billy's parents by mistake and they don't take too kindly to the throuple situation | modern!Aegon takes take of his partner who is struggling with their diabetes | Cringefail Throuple: Michael is dommed hard plus nipple biting | Aegond: college!Aegon opens an OF, Aemond finds out | for all the throuples: how do the boys manage when reader feels jealous and starts to withdrawn? | Michael Gavey gets head until he cries | dry humping with Billy Taylor | wedding night with shy virgins Billy Taylor x wife!reader | Aegon II Targaryen x wife!reader: Helaena tells reader about Alicent's betrayal and reader has to tell Aegon | poly!Aemond rubs one off after being called 'pretty' by reader | poly!Aemond in subspace | Cringefail Throuple: Michael gets his brain sucked through his dick by BIlly as reader dirty talks him and plays with his nipples | Aegond: Aegon gets his dick sucked until he cries | modern!Aemond x reader: sexting | Aegond: Aemond facefucks Aegon in the brothel, after he’s discovered with Sylvi | modern!Aegon x classmate!reader. He’s falling for reader but can’t stay away and having fantasies about her sucking his cock | Cringefail Throuple 💡: the cringies assemble furniture. Michael fails, Billy is a natural pro and reader is just there to be chaotic; sex ensues | War Boys Polycule: the first time Tom fucks Billy, and reader is there to cuddle Billy during the action | Aemond Targaryn x reader x Michael Gavey (AKA the Nerdy Poly) for -😎 anon | a second part to the “Are you jealous prompt” Tom Bennett x reader | a second part to the oneshot “One step from you” modern!prosecutor!Aemond Targaryen x commissioner!reader | modern!Aegond x reader. They belong to a cult and kidnap reader so that they can marry Aegon | The Cringies spitroasting Michael when he’s too bitchy to function | temperature play with sub!Aemond Targaryen| Cringefail!Billy starts running the pub and experiments with newer drinks, not everything goes the way it should | Cringefail! Billy asking for affection using coupon tickets | the War Boy poly discover the existence of sex toys | Tom Bennett x reader. Reader tries to help him with PTSD | OG!Poly roleplaying a knights x princess scenario | the cringies find out about Michael's love for tentacle porn. Sex ensues | Aemond Targaryen x wife!reader. He fucks her as she only wears a necklace | strict headmaster! Michael Gavey. How he is at home and how he's at home with his wife | modern!Aemond Targaryen x reader. He takes care of reader when they're sick |

17/11 Updated!

[fantasblog]

CHAPTER 3: THE RETURN (scibill au/shift falls)

The morning after their intense night of investigation, the team was gathered in the Mystery Shack, reviewing their findings and preparing for the next steps. The air was filled with a mixture of anticipation and tension as they awaited any new developments.

Suddenly, a familiar, almost palpable energy filled the room. The temperature dropped, and a swirling vortex of light appeared in the center of the Shack. The group watched in awe as the vortex stabilized, revealing a figure stepping out from it. It was Stanford Pines, looking older but unmistakably recognizable, his presence commanding and intense.

Stanley’s eyes widened with a mix of relief and apprehension. “Stanford! You’re back!”

Stanford, his face a mask of complex emotions, stepped forward. His gaze was fixed on Stanley, and his expression hardened. “Stanley… It’s been a long time. You’ve done quite a job making things complicated.”

Stanley’s relief quickly turned into confusion and concern. “Stanford, we’ve been trying to find you! We thought we lost you forever.”

Stanford’s eyes flared with anger. “And you’ve done so much to make things worse. I had hoped that after all these years, you might have understood the gravity of what happened. Instead, I find you entangled with forces beyond your control.”

Dipper, still processing the gravity of the situation, stepped forward cautiously. “You’re… the author of the journals. We’ve read your writings. You’re the one who documented the strange occurrences in Gravity Falls.”

Stanford’s gaze shifted to Dipper, his anger momentarily giving way to a flicker of surprise and curiosity. “You’ve read them? So you know something of what I went through.”

Dipper nodded. “We’ve been trying to understand the mysteries of Gravity Falls. Your journals have been a huge part of that. But… what happened? Why are you so angry?”

Stanford’s eyes darkened with frustration. “I was betrayed by those I trusted, forced into exile in a dimension I could barely comprehend. I’ve spent thirty years trying to rectify the damage and understand what went wrong. And now, I return to find my brother involved with entities like Bill Cipher.”

Bill, standing slightly apart, observed the interaction with an inscrutable expression. “Stanford, it’s been a long time. You’ve missed quite a lot, including the evolution of Gravity Falls and the people in it.”

Stanford’s anger flared again as he looked at Bill. “You. You’re part of the reason my life was turned upside down. What do you want now?”

Bill’s tone was almost taunting. “Oh, I’m just a curious observer. I’m interested in seeing how the pieces fall into place, especially with someone like you back in the mix.”

Stanley took a deep breath, stepping between Stanford and Bill. “Stanford, we need to focus on the bigger picture. We’ve been dealing with anomalies and disturbances here in Gravity Falls. We need your help to fix this mess.”

Stanford’s expression softened slightly as he looked at Stanley. “Help? After everything that’s happened, you want my help?”

Stanley nodded firmly. “Yes. We’re all in this together. Whatever happened in the past, we need to put it aside and focus on resolving the issues at hand.”

Stanford hesitated, then looked around at the assembled team. His gaze settled on Dipper and Mabel, who had been actively involved in the search for him. “I see that you’ve been working hard to understand what’s happening here. Perhaps there’s something to be salvaged after all.”

With a begrudging nod, Stanford began to discuss the anomalies and disturbances with the team, sharing his insights and knowledge. As they worked together, the atmosphere slowly began to shift from one of tension to cooperation.

The return of Stanford Pines marked a turning point in their quest. With his knowledge of the journals and his firsthand experience with the supernatural forces at play, the team gained a valuable ally in their efforts to address the mysteries of Gravity Falls.

As they continued to collaborate, the hope of resolving the challenges before them grew stronger. The bonds between the Pines family, their friends, and even Bill Cipher were tested, but their shared goal of understanding and protecting Gravity Falls united them in their quest.

.

.

As Stanford began to rejoin the team, he and the others quickly set to work analyzing the recent anomalies and disturbances in Gravity Falls. With the combined expertise of Stanford, Bill Cipher, and Fiddleford McGucket, they formed a plan to investigate the core of these disturbances.

Stanford pulled out his old journal and laid it on the table. The pages were filled with sketches, notes, and theories about the supernatural phenomena in Gravity Falls. “This journal contains information on the dimensional rifts and the entities that might be causing these disruptions. We’ll need to use it to pinpoint the source of the anomalies.”

Dipper, eager to contribute, asked, “What can we do to help? How can we use this information to find the source?”

Stanford flipped through the journal, stopping at a page marked with an intricate diagram of a dimensional rift. “We need to create a device that can track the specific frequency of these rifts. It will allow us to zero in on their origin.”

Mabel, ever optimistic, chimed in, “We can help with the building and testing! We’ve been getting pretty good at dealing with weird gadgets.”

Stanley nodded in agreement. “We’ll set up a workspace here in the Shack. McGucket, you and I will handle the technical aspects of the device. The kids and Wendy can assist with the research and fieldwork.”

Bill Cipher, intrigued by the unfolding plan, added, “While you work on the device, I can help gather more information on the dimensional fluctuations. My sources might provide additional insights.”

As the team split up to tackle their tasks, the atmosphere in the Mystery Shack became one of determined activity. The construction of the tracking device required precise work and coordination, with McGucket and Stanley meticulously assembling the components. Meanwhile, Dipper, Mabel, and Wendy researched the recent disturbances, documenting their findings and testing preliminary theories.

Over the next few days, the team made significant progress. The tracking device was nearing completion, and they had gathered enough data to identify a few potential locations of high dimensional activity.

One evening, as they were finalizing the device, Bill Cipher approached Stanford with a more personal tone. “Stanford, I must admit, I’m curious. What do you intend to do once we locate the source of these disturbances?”

Stanford looked up from his work, his expression a mix of determination and uncertainty. “I intend to fix what was broken. If there are forces at play that threaten Gravity Falls and the dimensions beyond, we need to neutralize them. It’s a chance to correct some of the wrongs of the past.”

Bill’s eyes glinted with a hint of amusement. “Ah, the classic quest for redemption. Well, I suppose I can’t fault you for that.”

The next morning, the team was ready to test the device. They set up a field station in one of the locations identified as a potential epicenter for the disturbances. As they activated the device, it began to emit a series of beeps and lights, signaling the presence of a dimensional rift nearby.

Dipper, holding the device, looked at Stanford. “We’re getting a strong reading. Should we proceed?”

Stanford nodded, his face set with resolve. “Yes. Let’s see where this leads.”

Following the device’s readings, the team ventured into the woods surrounding Gravity Falls. The atmosphere grew tense as they approached the source of the rift. The air shimmered, and an unnatural energy crackled around them.

Suddenly, they arrived at a clearing where the rift was visible, a swirling vortex of energy pulsating in the air. The team watched in awe as the rift’s chaotic energy shifted and swirled.

Stanley turned to Stanford. “This is it. What do we do now?”

Stanford took a deep breath, his expression a mix of determination and apprehension. “We need to stabilize the rift and identify its source. It might be linked to whatever is causing the disturbances.”

As they prepared to act, the team knew that they were on the brink of uncovering significant truths about the forces affecting Gravity Falls. The rift’s energy promised both danger and discovery, and the resolution of their quest was within reach.

With their combined efforts and the knowledge gained from their journey, they were ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead, united in their mission to protect their world and seek answers to the mysteries that had long haunted them.

Part 1

Part 2

Part 4

[dust-n-ash]

Here’s a sneak peek of a little one-shot I’ve been working on called “Regrets”. It’s involves Re-Destro, Skeptic and Trumpet. Here’s a little funny scene.

Chikazoku goes searching for a tool, preferably a screwdriver. He heads to the sink in his cell, and searches for any objects under it. “I see no reason to stay here, without hot water… when it’s something I can easily fix.”

“I’m assuming there’s not a pocket knife or makeshift screwdriver in your cell, now, is there?”. Re-Destro mouths a quiet “no”, trying to lie on his cot trying to phase out the noise.

“What? Speak up!” Chikazoku barks annoyedly, as he settles for a steak knife from his dinner tray. He then reaches inside the heater to reach the burner assembly, managing to wipe the knife tip into a corroded screw head. Turning it into a fingernails-on-chalkboard screeeeccccchhhHH!!!!!!!

Yotsubashi winces, the metal frame of the water heater acts as a kind of echoing amplifier. “Yeah. That click, you know, it’s pretty quiet. Most people can sleep soundly through something like that.”

Chikazoku gives a look towards the left wall, as if he’s piercing a fiery glare through all that concrete. He’s “most people”?

“Yeah. “most people”. Got it.”

SCREEEEECCCCCHHHHH!!!

Yotsubashi sighed. He hadn’t shared a room (or in this case, cell block), since he was in college. He spent many a night falling asleep to the sound of one of Beacon’s long-winded explanations. Hold on! Yotsubashi gets an idea. Here’s another guy whose big brain is his pride and joy. If he gets Skeptic talking, maybe he’ll lay off the noise. It’s worth a try!

“So, I’ve got a question for you, Chikazoku.”, he preferred to use his real name, as they’re not operatives for a paramilitary force anymore. “You’re into science right? I’ve always wondered – if people could fly… would you be able to fly as high as a jet… or would it be too cold up there…” Yotsubashi knew what an answer would be like, but asked it nonetheless. Anything to get that screeching under control.

Chikazoku turns away from the water heater and puts down the knife. He cannot handle Yotsubashi treating him like a petty high school student. Yotsubashi does not show how much this pleases him, even though they can’t exchange glances.

“Cruising altitude for a jet is thirty thousand feet above sea level. At that altitude, the temperature would be forty-four degrees below zero. Your skin would freeze in less than thirty seconds, but that would not be the real problem.”

“No?”

“Inside your lungs there are millions of alveoli, membranes that allow oxygen molecules to bind off hemoglobin.”

There’s a brief silence, as Skeptic dumbs down his language, “...in your blood… These alveoli require air pressure to do their job. Higher altitude means lower air pressure. Lower air pressure leads to a lack of oxygen in the blood which leads to…”

“Thin blood?”

“Loss of consciousness. So, no, even if you could “fly”, long before you get to thirty thousand feet, you’d pass out and crash.”

“What a party pooper.” Yotsubashi groaned.

Chikazoku picks up the knife, ready to get back to work. Yotsubashi’s mind races – he needs another distraction! He lights on a topic he hasn’t thought about in years: the conversation he had with Hanabata.

“January 14, 1986… the day I took my first bribe… and then I’d go forward…”, he didn’t remember the specifics of the conversation, but it’s the best he’s got.

“What would you do with a time machine?”

Chikazoku freezes. His former boss is asking that from a genius like him. Are you kidding me?, he thought. Skeptic turned around, astonished at the question.

“A time machine!?”

[littlesweetchurro]

Malfunctioned

Chapter Four

Bakugou's eye twitched as he followed the receptionist down yet another winding hallway. How fucking big was this place? And why did it smell like burnt coffee and desperation?

"Here we are, sir," the woman chirped, gesturing to a door at the end of the hall. "Your technician will be with you shortly."

He grunted in response, shouldering past her into the workshop. The door swung shut behind him with a soft click, leaving him alone in the chaos.

And chaos it was. Workbenches overflowed with half-finished projects and scattered tools. Blueprints and schematics papered the walls, covered in scribbled notes and calculations. The air hummed with the buzz of machinery and the faint scent of ozone.

Bakugou's lip curled. Looked like a fucking tornado had hit the place. How the hell was anyone supposed to work in this mess?

But as he looked closer, he started to see a method to the madness. Each workbench seemed dedicated to a specific project, the tools arranged for easy access. The blueprints on the walls were grouped by hero, their notes color-coded and organized.

It was chaos, yeah, but it was efficient chaos.

Things were better cleanly organized.

He prowled the perimeter of the room, eyes sharp for any sign of incompetence. A half-assembled gauntlet caught his attention, its inner workings exposed. He leaned in for a closer look. The design was intricate, the craftsmanship precise. It wasn't bad. Not bad at all.

A loud crash from the hallway made him whip around. The door flew open, revealing a woman struggling with an armful of equipment.

"Sorry about that!" she called over her shoulder to someone out of sight. "I've got it under control!"

She kicked the door shut behind her and turned, freezing when she saw him. Her eyes widened for a fraction of a second before her face settled into a professional mask.

"Dynamight," she said, nodding in greeting as she dumped her load onto a nearby workbench. "I'm your assigned technician. It's a pleasure to meet you."

Bakugou sized her up. She wasn't what he'd expected. No starry-eyed hero worship, no cowering at his reputation. Just cool professionalism.

"'Bout fucking time," he growled, crossing his arms. "You always keep your clients waiting?"

She didn't flinch at his tone, just raised an eyebrow. "Only the ones who show up early," she replied smoothly. "Now, I understand you're having issues with your gauntlets?"

He glanced at the clock on the wall. Shit. He was early.

"Yeah," he said, recovering quickly. He reached into his bag and pulled out the malfunctioning gear, tossing it onto the workbench. "Firing mechanism's fucked. Blasts are weak, misfiring all over the place. Fix it."

The technician's eyes lit up at the sight of the gauntlets, her hands already reaching for them. She tried to suppress a smile, but failed. Fucking nerd. "I see. And when did you first notice the issue? Was it a gradual decline in performance or a sudden malfunction?"

That was... actually a good question.

"Gradual," he admitted grudgingly. "Started about a month ago. Thought it was just wear and tear at first, but it kept getting worse."

She nodded, her fingers delicately dancing over the gauntlets as she examined them. "Any recent impacts or exposure to extreme temperatures? And how often do you clean the nitroglycerin storage system?"

"No impacts. Been careful with the temp since the last fuck-up. And I clean it after every patrol, what do you take me for, an amateur?"

The technician looked up, meeting his glare with a level gaze. "I take you for a professional who knows the importance of proper maintenance," she said. "Now, have you noticed any changes in the viscosity of your sweat when using the gauntlets?"

Who the fuck was this woman?

"Yeah, actually," he said slowly. "It's been thicker lately. Harder to ignite."

She nodded, her fingers moving to the ignition mechanism. "That could be part of the problem. The viscosity change might be throwing off the calibration. When was the last time you had the storage system's coating replaced?"

Bakugou scowled. "Coating? What fucking coating?"

The technician looked up, surprise flashed across her face, then vanished. "The hydrophobic coating on the interior of the storage system," she explained. "It prevents your sweat from adhering to the walls, ensuring smooth flow to the ignition point. It needs to be replaced periodically, especially with quirks as potent as yours."

Bakugou felt his face heat up, a mix of embarrassment and anger churning in his gut. How the fuck did he not know about this? And how did she know so much about his quirk?

"No one ever mentioned a fucking coating," he growled, his hands sparking.

The technician didn't even flinch at the small explosions. Instead, she just nodded, her focus already back on the gauntlets. "That explains a lot. The degradation of the coating would cause exactly the kind of issues you're experiencing. We'll need to strip it down, reapply the coating, and recalibrate the entire system."

She looked up at him, and smiled. "I can fix this, Dynamight. But it's going to take time, and I'm going to need your cooperation. Think you can handle that?"

Bakugou bristled at her tone, ready to snap back. But something in her steady gaze and confident posture made him pause. This wasn't some simpering fan or cowering technician. This was someone who knew her shit and wasn't afraid to call him on his.

Fucking finally someone competent.

"Fine," he growled, uncrossing his arms. "What do you need?"

A small smile tugged at the corner of her mouth. "First, I need you to tell me everything about how these gauntlets interact with your quirk. Leave nothing out, no matter how small it might seem. Can you do that?"

Bakugou scanned the tech's face. "Oh, I can do that. Question is, can you keep up?"

The technician's smile widened. "Try me."

You carefully lifted the gauntlet, cradling it like a newborn as your eyes drink in every detail. They were beautiful.

It was heavier than you had originally suspected— not good.

Your fingers traced the simple yet effective mechanisms.

"So, when you activate your quirk, does the nitroglycerin flow evenly through all channels, or do you notice any variance?" you asked, not taking your eyes off the equipment.

Dynamight scowled, his arms crossed tightly over his rather toned chest. "It's supposed to be even, but lately the left side's been weaker. And don't fucking manhandle it like that!"

"Relax. I'm not going to break it." You turned the gauntlet over, examining the ignition mechanism. "Though from the looks of it, someone's already done a number on these beauties."

His scowl deepened, a vein throbbing in his forehead. "The fuck is that supposed to mean?"

You shrugged, a small smirk playing on your lips. "Just an observation. These modifications here," you pointed to a series of adjustments near the wrist, "they're not part of the original design, are they?"

His chest puffed out. "No," he growled, "but they improved the response time."

"Ah," you nodded, your tone dry. "That explains a lot."

His eyes narrowed dangerously and for a second you thought you fucked up. You were provoking a beast. A beast that easily blow up your measly quirkless, weak self. "And what the fuck is that supposed to mean?"

You set the gauntlet down gently, meeting his glare with a level gaze. No use backing down now.

He wasn't about to intimate you in your space. "It means, Dynamight , that while your modifications are... creative, they've compromised the integrity of the original design. See here?" You pointed to a hairline crack in the casing. "And here? These stress points are weakening the entire structure."

The hero gritted his teeth, his hands clenching at his sides. "It fucking improved them!"

"You certainly tried ," you smirked. "But unless your goal was to turn these into wearable pipe bombs, I'd say you missed the mark."

He looked at you like you had just murdered his puppy. You darted your eyes to avoid looking at him. He literally was the embodiment of the expression if looks could kill.

"Who exactly did these modifications? Because whoever it was, they clearly didn't understand the delicate balance of the original design." You quickly added.

His scowl deepened, if that was even possible. He looked like he was about to explode - figuratively and possibly literally. "It was the head of my support department, Haruto. He said he could improve them."

You couldn't help but let out a derisive snort. "Well, Haruto did a horrible job. These alterations are amateur at best, dangerous at worst."

"The fuck did you just say?"

You met his glare head-on, you reminded yourself that you had not hurt his puppy nor were you responsible for this shitty job. "I said Haruto did a horrible job. Look," you pointed to the gauntlet, "he's compromised the structural integrity here and here. The flow regulators are completely off-balance, which explains why your left side feels weaker. And don't even get me started on the ignition timing."

You shook your head, genuinely appalled. This Haruto character should be embarrassed to have a hero wear this kind of crap. "Whoever this Haruto is, he clearly doesn't understand the complexities of your quirk or the precision required for this level of support gear. These modifications aren't just ineffective, they're potentially hazardous. One wrong move and these things could backfire spectacularly."

"So what the fuck are you saying? That I've been using fucked up gear this whole time?"

You nodded grimly. "That's exactly what I'm saying. And frankly, it's a miracle you haven't had a serious malfunction yet."

For a moment, you thought he might actually explode and that this would the end to your short career. ' Death by being a smart ass', your headstone would read. His whole body tensed, small pops emanating from his palms. But then, to your surprise, he deflated, much like a balloon that had been sitting on the sun for a day too long.

"Just... fix the damn things," he growled.

And you lived another day.

You nodded, turning back to the gauntlets. As you bend over the workbench, you could feel his crimson eyes on you. The weight of his gaze sent a shiver down your spine. His eyes tracked every moment, every time you touched something he leaned in a bit closer. It was… unnerving, it made you feel like a common criminal.

You cleared your throat. "So, about that left side weakness. When did you first notice it?"

As Dynamight launched into a detailed explanation, you let your eyes flick over to him. He was gesticulating wildly, his muscular arms flexing with each movement. Your gaze trailed down his body, taking in the way his hero costume clings to every defined muscle.

He definitely did not look like Rubber Man. Not that did that matter of course. All heroes were the same.

You shook your head, forcing your attention back to the task at hand. Focus, dammit. You're a professional not an ogling fan.

"...and then it just fucking sputtered out," Dynamight finished, glaring at the offending gauntlet.

You nodded, processing the information you did manage to get. "Alright, I think I see the problem. Or rather, problems. Plural."

His eyebrow twitched. "The fuck does that mean?"

You took a deep breath, no backing down, you reminded yourself. "It means, Dynamight, that these gauntlets are a mess. A beautiful, complex mess, but a mess nonetheless."

His hands spark dangerously. "Watch it, nerd."

You ignored the threat and the jab. "First off, the coating issue we discussed earlier? That's just the tip of the iceberg. The storage system is completely gunked up, which is throwing off the flow dynamics. Your modifications to the ignition system have created micro-fissures in the casing, which are letting in moisture and compromising the nitroglycerin's stability."

He opened his mouth to argue, but you plowed on. "The left side weakness? That's because your 'improvements' have put uneven stress on the firing mechanism. And don't even get me started on the calibration issues."

You paused meeting his furious red gaze. "Simply put, Dynamight, these gauntlets are accidents waiting to happen. You're lucky they haven't blown up in your face yet."

For a long moment, he didn't speak and all you could do was hold your breath. The explosion hero's face cycled through emotions, one quickly following the other. His anger was a wildfire, consuming his face. It was quickly replaced by a look of shock, indignation and finally disgust.

"So what the fuck do we do about it?" he demanded.

You grinned. "We fix it. More than that, we improve it. I've got some ideas that could take these from potential pipe bombs to precision instruments."

Dynamight leaned in and crossed his arms across his broad, hard chest. "Like what?"

"We can redesign the storage system to be more efficient, allowing for larger blasts without increasing the overall size. A new alloy for the casing would improve durability while reducing weight. And if we reconfigure the ignition mechanism, we could give you finer control over your explosions, maybe even allow for different types of blasts."

As you spoke, his anger faded, replaced by his brows furrowing together. He was following every word, occasionally nodding or frowning.

Good at least he had the brains to follow along.

"And the best part," you finished, slightly breathless, "is that we can incorporate some of your ideas too. That response time improvement? With a few tweaks, we can make it work without compromising the structural integrity."

He was quiet for a long moment, something you thought was impossible, his red eyes boring into you. You met his gaze steadily, even if you were sure he could explode you with his eyes.

People couldn't just get new quirks right? He couldn't blow you up with his eyes, right?

"How long?"

"Excuse me?"

"How long to make all these fucking changes?" he snapped.

Good question but God did he need to be so snappy about it?

"Given the extent of the work... two weeks, minimum. Probably closer to three."

Bakugo scowled. "Too fucking long. I need them for patrol."

You shook your head. "Sorry, not happening, Dynamight. These gauntlets aren't safe in their current condition. I won't rush the job and risk your safety."

He eyed you like you just kicked an old lady. "The fuck did you say?"

Fuck this guy and that tone of his.

"You heard me. I won't half-ass this job just because you're impatient. You want these gauntlets fixed and improved? Then you'll give me the time I need to do it right."

Hold your ground, damn it! Don't you dare give in!

For a tense moment, you though he might actually attack you. He could probably get away with murder, that is if there was still a body behind. But then, to your surprise, a smirk tugged at the corner of his mouth.

"Fine," he growled. "Three weeks. But they better be fucking perfect when you're done."

And you live another day.

"Trust me, Dynamight. When I'm done with these, they'll be more than perfect. They'll be explosive."

[valy-gc]

Twisted Wonderland - Homicipher - Mr. Crawling as MC

I'm not especially good for writing fanfics... I have a hard time using characters that are not mine. But this is in my head for a moment now. Now, if you want to continue it, you can... could become a collab fanfic? With different person writing each chapters? You know like... this game when you start a drawing but someone else continue it, then another person and again until it give a full drawing?

Dunno, I would be curious to see what someone could imagine next.

Chapter 1: The Crawling Stranger

The heavy lid of the coffin burst open with a force that sent dust scattering into the air. Gasps echoed through the grand hall as the assembled students recoiled in surprise. The traditional entrance ceremony of Night Raven College had never seen such an... unceremonious arrival.

"What impatience!" Riddle Rosehearts huffed, arms crossed as he glared at the disheveled figure emerging from the coffin. "It is highly improper to disrupt the ceremony in such a brutish manner!"

Crowley, who had just barely managed to compose himself after the unexpected outburst, cleared his throat, adjusting his mask. "Indeed! Young man, you were supposed to step out gracefully, wearing your ceremonial robes! This is highly unorthodox!" He gestured dramatically toward the newcomer's state. "And where, pray tell, are your garments?!"

The figure in question stood on his knees amidst the swirling dust, his appearance more suited to a ghost story than an honored student of NRC. He was clad in an old, tattered kimono, its fabric frayed and stained with age. His long, unkempt hair cascaded down his back, strands sticking together in tangled clumps. But most unsettling of all was the smile—wide, stretching unnaturally across his face, his expression frozen in eerie amusement.

Murmurs rippled through the crowd. Something was clearly wrong.

"Who… is this guy?" whispered Ace, shifting uncomfortably. Deuce, standing beside him, merely swallowed hard, fists clenched.

"Well!" Crowley clapped his hands, forcibly shaking off his unease. "Regardless of your state of dress—oh, how terrible!—you must proceed to the Dark Mirror and be sorted properly. Now, step forward and—"

"ɆᗰȲ҉ɌƠ̷Ⱦ҉ ȻⱧⱤӚȨ..."

The air grew heavy. The stranger spoke, but his words were not merely unfamiliar—they were wrong. Twisted sounds that clawed at the ears, syllables fractured like something that had never been meant for human tongues. The assembled students shuddered, several taking unconscious steps back.

Lilia, who had up until this point watched with quiet amusement, narrowed his eyes. "That language... it's unlike anything I've heard before."

Even the fae, with their long histories and boundless knowledge, were at a loss. Azul, normally quick to decipher languages for business opportunities, found his usual smooth confidence faltering.

The stranger stood there, silent now, watching them as if waiting for a response. Then, slowly, his head turned—not toward Crowley or the mirror, but back to the coffin from which he had emerged. The lid remained slightly ajar.

And then he spoke again.

This time, there was an answer.

A light, whispering laugh, as if coming from inside the coffin itself. A second voice—high-pitched and teasing—murmured something back in the same strange tongue.

The temperature in the room seemed to drop. Crewel, who had been watching silently, suddenly strode forward, his sharp eyes locked on the coffin. He reached out and yanked the lid open fully.

Nothing.

Just an empty, dark space where the stranger had lain moments before.

The man in the tattered kimono laughed—a dry, rasping sound. He grinned at Crewel, his expression unchanged, as if delighted by the reaction.

Crewel’s frown deepened. "There was something else in there. I heard it."

But no proof remained.

Crowley, eager to regain control of the situation, clapped his hands once more. "Aha! Well, how mysterious! But let’s not dwell on strange occurrences! New students must approach the Dark Mirror!" He turned back to the newcomer. "You! Step forward."

The stranger stared blankly.

"Approach," Crowley repeated, slower this time. "You must walk to the mirror."

The figure tilted his head, then, as if finally understanding, moved forward.

He did not walk.

He crawled.

A collective shudder passed through the students as the figure slithered across the polished floor, his limbs moving unnaturally, his fingers gripping the smooth surface for purchase. It was not a movement of someone injured—it was deliberate, as though he had never learned to walk upright in the first place.

Sebek, unable to restrain himself, stepped forward. "Does your body pain you?! Are you incapable of standing?!"

No response. Only laughter. Strange, high, and entirely inhuman.

When the figure reached the mirror, he lifted himself onto his knees and gazed into the dark glass. The great Dark Mirror swirled with its usual magic, ready to pronounce the student's fate.

"State your name," it intoned, its deep voice reverberating through the hall.

The crawling man blinked. Then, he turned his head slightly, as if confused.

"ȻⱧⱤӚȨ?" he echoed back, mimicking the tone of the mirror.

"No, no!" Crowley interjected, rubbing his temples. "Your name, my dear boy. Every student has a name!" He gestured impatiently. "What do others call you?"

More silence.

Then, slowly, the stranger grinned again—this time, with something akin to realization.

He did not understand.

Because he did not have a name.

He never had.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

(I hope everybody -who knows homicipher- understood that there wasn't just him. Mr Gap is here too ^^)