#Unleashing Vehicle Power

[goodoldbandit]

Unleashing Power: A Guide to Increasing Engine Performance in Your Vehicle

Dive into the world of turbochargers and intercoolers, where engineering brilliance meets automotive performance. Uncover the secrets behind maximizing engine power and efficiency with this comprehensive guide. Keywords: turbocharger, intercooler, engine performance, automotive engineering, forced induction, combustion efficiency, turbocharging technology, intercooling advancements. In the realm…

[selfaware-bungou-stray-dogs]

Self-Aware! BSD x SAGAU Imposter AU Crossover ideas. Port Mafia Edition

Previous posts [I] [II] [III] [V] [VI] [VII] [VIII] [IX]

💉 Ougai Mori has his own nemesis. Zhongli hurt you and made you fear Mori's voice. Mori's goal is to destroy Zhongli's precious Liyue. Ougai will shower you with gifts, while you are recovering.

🍷 Even if all people with Geo Vision, Azdaha and Morax in a peak of his power will try to stop him, they won't stop Chuuya Nakahara. He won't even need to use the Corruption. He will make them pay for what they have done to you.

Chuuya will bring you gems he found in Teyvat. If the gems in question are valuable on Earth, he will sell them and will use the money on whatever you want. You can burn them, donate them, save them.

🌂 Kouyou Ozaki will become the nightmare for Inazuma's citizens. She and Golden Demon are silent and deadly. And no one will suspect a thing, Ranpo will make sure of it.

She will spend time with you, will let you pet Golden Demon.

🇫🇷 Paul Verlaine will become Teyvat Nightmare. Back in the app, he got his powers back, thanks to the messing with cards. If needed, he will unleash Demonic Beast Guivre on seven nations.

He will let you bride his hair. Makes sure, that you are healthy and happy.

🎧 Arthur Rimbaud is back to being a spy. He is ready to go to any nation he needs (even Snezhnaya). He and Verlaine will sabotage Dottore's work.

His hyperspace became one of the safest places for you. He will share his coat with you.

🏍️ Albatross is staying by your side, but, he is ready to sabotage any vehicle from Teyvat. He will take you on a motorcycle rides.

🧑‍⚕️ Doc is always checking your health. People of Teyvat take a number on you, and, while Yosano's ability did its job, he is concerned about mental scars.

🧊 While Iceman doesn't bear any grudges, he will make an exception for Teyvat's people. He will show them the hit man of Port Mafia.

He will listen to his records together with you.

🗣️ Lippman is doing his best in negotiating and tricking Teyvat officials. One day, even 'The Creator', that order to hunt you, will fall for his lies.

He will arrange spontaneous spa days for you. Your skin and hair were never that pretty.

🎹 Piano Man is using his skills to create fake mora. Mora are important not only as money, but in an alchemy. Soon Teyvat citizens won't be sure, if their money are real or not.

He will tell you funny stories he has heard. If it makes you happy, he will pronounce you an Honorary Flags member.

🧥 Akutagawa Ryunosuke and Rashomon like a black storm tear through Teyvat. Nothing will stop them. He feels guilty. He is your bodyguard and he failed you. He will undo his mistakes.

While on Earth, he won't leave your side. Will make hammock from Rashomon for you.

🔫 Ichiyou Higuichi is another spy. She will gather information from Liyue, getting close to Ninguang.

Will bring you fresh rumors.

🚬 Ryuurou Hirotsu is dealing with Treasure Hoarders and other criminal organizations. Black Lizards knew, how to show low criminals their place.

He will tell you stories about his youth (some of them are fictional, but, he is happy, when these stories make you smile).

🔪 Gin Akutagawa is a spy in Inazuma. She will get into Narukami Shrine as one of the shrine maidens.

She and Akutagawa will spend quiet evenings with you, watching movies.

🩹🧲 Tachihara Michizou is overworked. He is dealing with criminal organizations of Teyvat as Port Mafia member, and with official organizations of Teyvat (Fatui, Knights of Favonius...) as Hunting Dog. He won't stop. He wants to make them pay. Tachihara will use his ability to destroy factories.

🍰 Elise is staying near you. She is making sure, that you always have snacks and water. She will let you choose her outfit, take her to a shopping trip. She will listen to everything you say.

Waiting for the day she and Mori will face against Zhongli.

💎 Karma is reading you your favorite books. Doesn't matter, if the book is boring or scary, he will read it to you. Always worried about you.

⭐⭕ Kyuusaku Yumeno are waiting. From time to time, they are called by Mori to take a stroll in the main city of random nation. And every time, the stroll ends up in injuries. Not Q's.

They will try to make you smile. Offered you to play or cuddle with their doll.

🍋 Kaji Motojirou will drown Teyvat markets in lemon bombs. And, until his command, they won't detonate. He is waiting for a signal.

Kaji will show you easy and interesting scientific experiments.

🍛 Oda Sakunosuke is taking care of you. While he is ready to go to Teyvat, he decided to spoil you and make happy.

_____

Tag list: @withered-blossoms

[navybrat817]

OMG NAVYYY HII HOW ARE YA😭😭😭 ever since i watched seb's scene in ghosted ive been so... well... there's no way to say this diplomatically but anyways it got me thinking- you know god spends a lot of time waiting.. for his targets or sum shit.. he must get... bored(wink wink) ya know??? so maybe sometimes his gf comes along with him.. to keep him company.. in that car😏😏😏 and i dont think i need to say anything else you can work ur magic✨✨✨

ANYWAYS BYE LOVE YOU ❤️

Not too bad, nonnie! Hope you're well and hope you enjoy this.

Gentle Sin

Pairing: God the Bounty Hunter x Female Reader Summary: You keep God company. Word Count: Over 1.05k Warnings: S/mut, c/ockwarming, p/ossessive behavior, talk of v/iolence, God the Bounty Hunter (he's a warning, okay?) A/N: Um. This was unexpected! Happy Sinday, lovelies? 🔥 Not beta read and written on my phone, so any and all mistakes are my own. ❤️ Please follow @navybrat817-sideblog for new fics and notifications. Comments, reblogs, feedback are loved and appreciated!

It wasn't unusual for God to hide in vehicles or other places to track and collect whatever criminal or individual he was responsible for. The private agent possessed a certain level of patience suited for his job. It didn't mean he always enjoyed waiting, even when the payoff was more than enough. Which is why you were only half surprised when you got a message to meet him in the back of some random car.

"Come keep my cock warm, Angel."

It wasn't a suggestion and his demands weren't something for you to ignore.

"You know one of the things I love about you? You act as if this isn't where you belong, but your pussy knows exactly who she belongs to."

Fucking traitor.

You breathed in and out slowly through your nose as two of his fingers slid across your tongue. He hardly spoke a word when you showed up in the darkened parking lot, both of you careful not to draw too much attention to yourselves as you shuffled around in the backseat. He didn't have to tell you to lose the panties. They were gone the moment he reached out. 

"Did you know there are two main reasons why it's painful for people to wait for things?" he asked, changing the subject.

Loves the sound of his own voice.

"Mmm," you replied, unable to say anything with his fingers pushing deeper into your mouth. What would he do if you bit them? You could figure that out another day.

"One reason is the unknown. They don't know what's coming and they can't stand it," he said, rolling his hips beneath you. Your warm pussy didn't seem to distract him from his mission, the gun in his other hand ready for him to use. "The other is dealing with something they don't want to deal with in the first place."

You moaned when he brought his mouth to your neck and dragged it along your skin, the light scratch from scruff bringing goosebumps to the surface. Every sound you made, every clench of your wet walls fueled his ego. The sin he carved into you was gentle in comparison to the wrath you knew he unleashed on others.

You were special in his eyes. 

"You think you know what's coming, Angel, but I have a surprise for you," he said as he removed his fingers.

"And what's that?" you asked, wondering if he planned on using his ring tonight. "Me coming on your cock and you coming inside me? Not much of a surprise."

Was it too much to admit you loved how he filled you to the brim? That you craved when he spilled hot and thick inside you and claimed every inch of you as his? But you carried power, too. Your cunt did wonders on this man and it was a weapon you enjoyed wielding.

He brought his wet fingers under your skirt with a grunt, seeking out your clit with an expert touch. You didn't have to see the smirk on his face when you arched your back to know it was there. It was a look engraved in your mind the moment he made you his. "That's not the unknown. We already knew the night would end like that because I always get you off."

Cocky bastard. I get you off, too.

"Then what is it?" you asked, whimpering as he teased your bundle of nerves. Your essence soaked the curls as the base of his cock at this point as he tapped the glass with the gun. 

"Your ex-boyfriend skipped bail," he answered, his voice softer and deeper than before. "I don't have to tell you his name and I better not hear you say it."

You managed not to shriek when he pinched your clit, a ripple of pleasured pain causing your toes to curl. You knew exactly who he was talking about and it was one of the reasons he was your ex. Funnily enough you'd end up with someone who is both worse and better. "God, is that why you wanted me here?"

He had no lesson to teach you because you did nothing wrong.

"Partially why. You'll worship no one else before me and I want you to remember that," he said, tapping the glass again like he wasn't playing you like a finely tuned instrument. You wanted to point out you didn't even know the bounty hunter when you dated your ex, but you bit your tongue. "And I have to wonder if I'll shoot my load into you before or after I shoot him."

Was he going to kill him for merely skipping bail? Wasn't he supposed to bring him in alive? Why did the thought scare you and turn you on?

You gripped his arm for purchase when your body began to shake. During one of his ramblings to you, he mentioned he attuned his senses to everything around him. The orgasms he pulled from you proved that and you understood where some of his confidence came from at least. He also knew how to keep you on the edge without sending you over. 

God, just let me finish. 

"My beautiful, wet angel. Does that get you off? Knowing I want to shoot someone just because they touched you?" he lightly taunted, pressing an affectionate kiss against your shoulder. "Wasn't the tune you sang when I shot your partner, but I changed that, didn't I?"

"Don't talk about him," you snapped.

"Still sore about me doing my job?"

You shut your mouth. You couldn't fault him for that, but it was bad enough you willingly slept with the guy who killed your partner. Would good sex ease your guilty conscience?

"Well, your ex has no idea what's going to happen and he doesn't want to face his crimes. Too fucking bad," he said, pulling his fingers away as you teetered on the edge. "And I want him to see what it's like for a god to take you apart. I want him to see you're mine now. Then I'll take him in. After shooting him for good measure."

He shoved his fingers back in your mouth before you could respond. 

"That's it. Taste your sin on my fingers. Plenty more where that came from before the night is through."

I couldn't help myself! Love and thanks for reading. 💙

Masterlist ⚓ Ko-Fi

[queenshelby]

Chemical Reactions (P. 18)

Pairing: Cillian Murphy as J Robert Oppenheimer x Student Reader

Warning: Age-Gap, Infidelity, Smut, Torture

Words: 2,566

Note: The fic is spoiler free and my own fantasy and imagination. It is not historically and scientifically accurate.

In the dimly lit labyrinth of the laboratory, the brilliant minds congregated in solitude, their shadows dancing along the walls as they delved deep into the secrets of science. The atmosphere was thick with tension and secrecy, as each scientist knew that their work held the key to unleashing the destructive power of the atom.

As you sat there, lost in thought, trying to comprehend the magnitude of our endeavours, you felt a sudden chill run down your spine that day, feeling as though something was not right.

Little did you know that the universe was aligning against you, and you were soon to be caught up in a sinister web of deceit and betrayal.

Without warning, armed guards burst into the laboratory, their faces grim and unforgiving. Their commander, Officer Pash, followed closely behind them, his eyes burning with intensity. With a coldness that froze your very core, he commanded your arrest without ever revealing his intentions. Before you could say anything, you were whisked away, leaving behind a trail of uncertainty.

"Excuse me. This hasn't been cleared with Dr Oppenheimer, has it? She can't just leave, we have work to do," a fellow scientist argued, being the only one who was at the laboratory with you this morning while the others, from adjacent facilities, watched on as you struggled against the handcuffs that had been placed on you. 

"Don't worry sir, Dr. Oppenheimer knows about this," the officer reassured calmly. "He approved the arrest," he continued on, and the scientist hesitated for a moment before looking over to where you and the officer were.

In that brief instant, a silent communication passed between you two as you shook your head. 

"He doesn't know. He wouldn't have agreed to have me arrested like this," you told your colleague who gave you a nod of understanding.

A mixture of sorrow and confusion played out across his face as he saw your handcuffed wrists, understanding that you were no longer free to continue working together. You turned back to look at him once more, offering a subtle nod and a faint smile, begging him, without words, to see Robert. 

***

"Can you tell me what this is about?" you asked calmly as Officer Pash led you through the labyrinthine corridors, past numerous other scientists, some recognising you but most likely unaware of the situation unfolding around them.

"Shut up and keep walking. You will find out soon enough,"

Pash replied curtly, making sure to keep his voice low so as not to attract unwanted attention. His firm grip on your arm ensured that you remained close by as you walked through the dimly lit corridors all the way to a vehicle where a bag was placed over your head. The sense of unease continued to grow inside you, filling your chest with an overwhelming heaviness.

The journey took far longer than you anticipated, taking a long drive followed by a walk through several mazes of concrete hallways and sterile rooms filled with equipment, all eerily devoid of life save for the flickering fluorescent lights casting eerie shadows upon the walls.

Each step you took brought you closer to the unknown destination while dread continued to build within your chest, threatening to break loose and consume you entirely. Your heart raced, palms sweating as your body seemed to be alive with anxiety. The constant pounding of your heart thumped in your ears, drowning out even the sound of Officer Pash's heavy boots.

Your thoughts kept drifting back to Robert, thinking that there would have been no way that he agreed to this, knowing that you were pregnant with his child. 

You knew he cared deeply for you, yet still, he never said a word about any impending arrests or investigations. Was this Officer Pash lying? Had someone else informed him of your relationship with Robert and manipulated the situation? 

Your head swam with these questions as the bag was removed from your head, and you found yourself in a cold, brightly lit room filled with rows of filing cabinets. The harsh fluorescent lighting cast harsh shadows on the walls, making it feel as if you were trapped in a nightmare.

Your mind raced with possibilities, attempting to piece together the reason for your abduction. You wondered how Robert would react when he discovered you missing. Would he think you had abandoned him? Or would he suspect foul play and search for you relentlessly?

Just as you began to lose hope and despair, Officer Pash re-entered the room, closing the door behind him. He approached you silently, his shadow stretching across the floor like a dark tendril. His presence made your skin crawl.

His cold gaze bore into yours, seemingly capable of seeing straight through your soul. A wave of terror coursed through your veins, causing your heart to race wildly in your chest. Officer Pash approached you slowly, methodically, moving with calculated precision. The space between you felt almost tangible, an invisible barrier that both repelled and drew you toward him simultaneously. Your breath caught in your throat, your hands trembling with fear and anticipation. His proximity alone made you feel exposed, vulnerable, and utterly defenceless against whatever intentions he may hold.

His presence was suffocating, engulfing you in a darkness that threatened to devour your very essence. Your legs quivered beneath you, your body trembling with fear and anticipation as Officer Pash moved ever closer.

"Someone has leaked information to the Soviets," he stated coldly, his eyes boring into yours. 

"If you are suggesting that I have ties with the communists, then you are mistaken. I am loyal to the project and the development of the gadget," you answered, desperately trying to maintain your composure despite the mounting fear and panic inside you.

Officer Pash raised an eyebrow, a sceptical glint in his eye.

"Then why did I find these documents hidden beneath your bed?" he asked, and you bit your lip, uncertain how to respond.

"I didn't put these there. I don't even have access to these files,"

you argued, your voice wavering slightly under the weight of your fear.

"But someone had to have taken them from Dr Oppenheimer's office and hid them there," Officer Pash countered, his tone unwavering. "And you were the last person seen with Dr. Oppenheimer before these went missing."

You felt your heart sink in your chest, knowing that the evidence against you appeared to be mounting.

"Dr Oppenheimer and I...," you began to say, your thoughts racing as you tried to come up with a plausible explanation. The air in the room became thick with the weight of your fear, your breath catching in your throat as you fought to regain control of your emotions.

"Dr Oppenheimer and you?" Officer Pash queried, unaware of your affair.

"Well, I... I don't know how those documents got there," you stammered, unable to meet Officer Pash's unwavering gaze. "It must be some sort of setup," you added, hoping to convince him of your innocence.

"Someone is trying to sabotage the project by framing me as a spy," you pointed out, but the Officer simply laughed.

"Frame you, out of all people at Los Alamos?"

Officer Pash scoffed, his scepticism evident in his tone. "This isn't some small operation you're involved in here. It's a top-secret government project, and you've somehow managed to get entangled in a dangerous game of espionage. Why is that?" he asked before leaning over the desk and reaching for your throat, pressing down tightly. 

You let out a muffled cry as your world started to spin, everything going black for a split second. When you opened your eyes again, you found yourself bound to a chair, facing Officer Pash, who stood before you with a look of triumph etched on his face. 

"Since you won't cough up the information I am after voluntarily, we will have to implement some measures to aid your compliance moving forward," he declared with a cruel grin. 

"I prefer doing these things the Russian way," he then announced as the room fell silent, the weight of the situation pressing down on you with crushing force. Your heart raced, adrenaline flooding your system, leaving you feeling lightheaded and weak.

You tried to focus on your breathing, to stay present and alert amidst the rapidly escalating tension. As Officer Pash paced around the room, you could hear the sound of his boots echoing against the hard surface, creating an ominous rhythm that underscored the growing sense of danger surrounding you. His every movement seemed calculated, each step sending a shiver down your spine.

As the tension reached its peak, the silence between you grew almost deafening. Sweat dripped down your forehead, causing you to wipe it away with a trembling hand.

Your heart hammered in your chest, fear coursing through your veins. Officer Pash circled you, his eyes holding a calculating gleam. You could sense the power he held over you, a power that you could not match in this darkened room. Despite your attempt to remain composed, your voice shook with anxiety as you spoke. "Why would anyone want to frame me as a spy? I don't understand!" you cried and, without breaking his stride, Officer Pash chuckled darkly.

"Do you really expect me to believe that you are all innocent after what your father has been arrested for?" he stopped pacing, fixing you with a piercing gaze. "You see, I have no idea how you got clearance for a project like this in the first place," he paused, allowing the silence to fill the room.

As you struggled to maintain your composure, Officer Pash stepped towards you once more, his footfalls echoing against the hard floor, intensifying the feeling of being trapped in this darkened room. With each step, your heart raced faster, your breath became shallow. His eyes held a sinister glint, one that sent a shiver down your spine. He circled you, the intensity of his gaze causing your own to widen in fear.

"Let me tell you something," he whispered, his voice low and menacing. "We will get to the bottom of this, one way or another. Whether it takes hours, days, weeks…or even months."

The thought of spending endless days and nights in this dim, chilling room, subjected to Officer Pash's relentless interrogation, sent a fresh wave of terror surging through your veins.

"No, please!" you begged for mercy as Officer Pash brought another fabric bag and placed it over your head. 

You gasped in fear, struggling to breathe as the sensation of suffocation consumed you, your heart racing with terror. 

Pain exploded in your body as his strong hands bound your wrists tightly to the arms of the chair, restricting your movements and adding to your helplessness. Your mind raced with thoughts of escape, but the reality of your situation sank in: you were trapped, completely at his mercy.

You fought back tears, trying to maintain your composure, though your heart hammered wildly in your chest. "I can help you find the truth," you pleaded weakly, your voice hoarse from fear before. Suddenly, your head was being pulled back and cold water was poured over the sack covering your nose and mouth.

The shock of the unexpected sensation sent a jolt through your entire body, making you gasp for air. You felt like you were drowning. 

He kept pouring water until you were soaking wet, yet still unable to breathe properly.

Your lungs burned with the struggle for air, and you felt your limbs tremble with exhaustion. In the midst of this torment, Officer Pash's words seeped into your consciousness like poison: "Don't worry. We'll figure out the truth together."

As you writhed helplessly in your bonds, a new wave of fear washed over you: not just for your safety but also for the secrets you carried within.

"Please," you gasped against the water bag, "please, stop!" 

"I am...pregnant...please," you begged, your voice hoarse from fear and fatigue.  

Officer Pash hesitated for a moment, seemingly struck by the revelation. "Interesting," he said, raising an eyebrow. 

The room fell into a heavy silence as Officer Pash considered his next move. Finally, he removed the water bag from your head, the sudden release of pressure causing you to gasp for air.

"But irrelevant to me," he then said before pulling your head up again.

"Now, think about your child. You don't want to lose your child, do you?" Officer Pash challenged, his eyes boring into yours after he removed the wet bag from your head. 

"What would you do if I told you that your child's future depended on your cooperation?" he then asked and you felt your stomach twist with fear, your heart pounding in your chest. "Anything," you replied, your voice cracking with emotion.

Officer Pash smiled, a cruel, taunting smile that sent a shiver down your spine. "Good," he murmured, stepping closer to you.

"Then take some time to reflect and, tomorrow, we will continue this little conversation. If you talk and give me some names, then I will ensure that you receive sufficient food and water, ensuring the survival of you both," 

Officer Pash suggested calmly, a coldness behind his eyes. 

You swallowed hard, nodding your agreement while thinking furiously. This man had already threatened you physically and emotionally, and now your unborn child's life was at stake. "Alright," you agreed, your voice barely above a whisper.

He left you alone in the room, the darkness wrapping around you like a shroud. Your eyes adjusted to the faint light filtering through the windows, casting eerie shadows across the barren walls.

Tag List Insert

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@galxydefender @hunnibearrr @saint-ackerman @lunyyx @gentlemonsterjennie1 @ihavealotoffandomssorry @nadloves @lost-fantasy @nolucesn@mcavoy-girl @hjmalmed @bloodybagels @obeyme4life @richiesgroupie @blushykiss @tatumrileyslover @teawithsatanx @orijanko @rhaenyra4ever @xcinnamonmalfoyx @budugu @nadloves @kmc1989 @bloodybagels @obeyme4life @richiesgroupie

[zvaigzdelasas]

[RFA is US State Media]

China’s economy improved in the first two months of the year buoyed by a 7% rise in industrial output despite the ongoing decline in the beleaguered real estate industry, a major economic driver.

The two-month increase in industrial output from enterprises above designated size was also a 0.2 percentage point increase from December, according to data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) on Monday.

A 5% jump in retail sales – a gauge of consumption – also boosted growth in the world’s second-largest economy[...]

[The] numbers surpassed market expectations, according to a Reuters poll of economists, which forecast a 5% increase.[...]

The state’s investment push would also have boosted overall growth. Fixed asset investments, including those in infrastructure projects, expanded 4.2% to 5.08 trillion yuan (US$706 billion) in January and February from the year-earlier period. Investments in real estate continued to be a drag as, minus property investments, the increase was 8.9%.

On the other hand, investments in property slid 9%, underlined by a 20.5% drop in the amount of newly built floor area compared with the first two months of 2023. In tandem, sales of new homes plunged 29.3% to 1.05 trillion yuan ($145.9 billion).

Still, Liu conceded that the worst is over.

She said industries and companies continue to suffer operational pressure due to rising costs and insufficient orders.

But she was quick to add that a “new leap forward” to modernize the industrial system and accelerate the development across sectors like electric vehicles, hydrogen power, new materials, life sciences and commercial spaceflight would revive growth.

It is also part of the domestic consumption drive under Chinese President Xi Jinping’s latest mantra to unleash “new productive forces,” [...]

To support the domestic demand policy, Beijing will issue 1 trillion yuan of special long-term bonds this year, and more in the next few years.

Externally, China continues to face a complex and difficult global trade environment, even though exports edged up 10.3% in the first two months of this year, compared with the previous year.

Seething lol (18 Mar 24)

[robsheridan]

BATTLE SANTAS trading cards were all the rage of Christmas 1988, hyping kids up for a toy line and film franchise that never came to be after Christian protesters halted production.

The cards, produced before the first film was finished, tell the story of a multiverse of cosmic Santas who arrive from across time on an array of Battle Sleighs to help Earth’s Santa save Christmas future from the forces of Hell. On Santa’s lunar battlestation workshop (where he relocated after the North Pole was ravaged in The Santa Wars), his elves built armed vehicles from old toy parts and the re-animated corpses of reindemons, the hellbeasts of the demon army unleashed on Earth after a portal to hell was opened in the North Pole when oil companies drilled near Santa's Earth Workshop (thanks to Reagan’s deregulation of protected lands).

The early release of the trading cards was meant to generate buzz for the film’s funding and toy licensing, but the plan backfired, as the cards revealed a controversial plot point: Mecha-Jesus, the Cybersavior, a towering robotic kaiju Jesus built by the Battle Santas as their last stand against Satan. Mecha-Jesus is piloted by the real Jesus, who the Battle Santas summon back to mortal form. When Christian groups heard about children trading cards that depicted Jesus eviscerating enemies with Nazareth Napalm missiles and shooting Light of the Lord laser beams from his robo-eyes while shouting “The Power of Christ compels you to DIE!” over heavy metal music, a firestorm of protests made the entire BATTLE SANTAS property toxic to investors, leaving the trading cards the only glimpse of a Christmas epic that never came to be.

---------

NOTE: This alternate reality story is part of my NightmAIres narrative art series (visit that link for a lot more). NightmAIres are windows into other worlds and interconnected alternate histories, conceived/written by me and visualized with synthography and Photoshop.

If you enjoy my work, consider subscribing to my free newsletter to stay up to date on my projects, or supporting me on Patreon for frequent exclusive hi-res wallpaper packs, behind-the-scenes features, downloads, events, contests, and an awesome fan community. Direct fan support is what keeps me going as an independent creator, and it means the world to me.

[lady-nuggetz]

Because no one asked, I decided to draw up my OWN special interpretation of Team Hooligan, ✨WITH JEST!!✨

Mind you everything is mostly based off of my own headcanon, so enjoy it as you will!! I'll write brief descriptions that you can read right here !!!!

—————————

Fang the Sniper/Hunter

He/Him // 21 yrs old // Australian🇦🇺 & Dominican🇩🇴 // Bisexual

Fang is a mercenary/bounty hunter and the leader of Team Hooligan. Though he often works alone for most gigs, he considers his team to be a found family of sorts, despite not always getting along with them. He has a great fascination for guns, but often uses his regular cork gun unless it's for serious situations. He's easy to anger and is heavily motivated by his greed and desire to prove himself as a top notch mercenary. Though things don't always work in his favor.

He's told very few people about his origins, how he had once descended from a noble family, until "one incident led to another and now suddenly I'm all on my own!" The one thing he absolutely REFUSES to tell people is that Fang isn't really his birth name.

• Cocky, Greedy, and Selfish. Probably has a slight tinge of insecurity due to past failures with Sonic and company.

• Keeps cigarette packs on his person often.

• Has a small shack he and the others share together over in Mirage Saloon Zone. He started sharing his room with Jest once she started hanging around.

• Loves mechanics, no one else but him drives the Marvelous Queen, it's a vehicle of his own design.

• Likes playing card games, spicy food, and keyboards.

—————————

Jest the Jack Rabbit

She/Her // 21 yrs old // Puerto Rican🇵🇷 & Trinidadian🇹🇹 // Bisexual

Jest is another bounty hunter, who despite her silly clown appearance, is a very threatening figure. She's agile, quick witted, and carries around a baseball bat she calls the Wacky Whammer, that's bound to give anyone a painful concussion. She came across Team Hooligan after they [Mainly just Fang] attempted to mug her, to which they received a harsh beating at her hand. She has found herself to be fixated on their leader however, and sticks around them to watch them struggle for success.

She grew up in a circus with her sisters, before finding herself fixated on the chaos emeralds and chaos energy. Unleashing an ultimate chaos has been her grand goal as she hopes to spread her madness across the world. She plans to achieve that, either by herself or with other comrades as her stepping stool.

• Loud, Annoying and Obnoxious. Loves to push Fang's buttons and watch him lose his cool. Her not so secret crush on him is absurd.

• A known sadist, she enjoys intimidating others and seeks out the emeralds for power and chaos.

• Enjoys gossiping with her friends, Ace and Solar, particularly about the Hooligans.

• What her and Fang have is a somewhat open secret. It's hard to tell if they hate each other or love each other. From their endless bickering to Jest's raunchy flirting.

• Likes cinnamon buns, yo-yos, and fondant.

—————————

Bean the Dynamite

Any Pronouns // 15 yrs old // Brazilian🇧🇷 // Pansexual, Genderfluid

Bean is a young and spontaneous explosives expert, with a goofy and hyperactive personally that keeps the team on their toes. He carries around comically large bombs, no one is really sure HOW he does, but they don't ever seem to question his methods. Despite his lighthearted demeanor most of the time, no one can ever seem to tell what he's got cooking in that brain of his.

Not much is known of where Bean came from, but from what Bean's told about himself, he remembers being in an egg. And a great amount of movement. Up until he hatched and found himself all alone in the middle of the forest. Most just assume he hit his head or something before he ran into Bark.

• Silly, Scatterbrained, and Crazy. Hard to tell if he's a bad guy when he's so comedic.

• Fidgets constantly, he can't sit still for more than a few minutes.

• His bombs are handmade, and he likes gifting them to the others as surprises or as little pranks.

• Considers Bark to be an older brother figure who keeps him in check. Buys him Father's Day cards.

• Likes comic books, explosives, and gummies.

—————————

Bark the Polar Bear

He/They // 23 yrs old // Russian🇷🇺 & Haitian🇭🇹 // Pansexual Demiboy

Bark is the overall brawn of the team, being the strongest physically and able to do most of the heavy lifting if necessary. He's the most level headed as well, and finds himself being the one to pull everyone back when things get too complicated [If Fang himself isn't having a pissy fit]. He's particularly shy and doesn't really like communicating much with others, as he finds it quite difficult. And despite his rather prickly job, he means well and cares for others like Bean and Amy Rose.

Before he had become a member of Team Hooligan, it's been said that he's gotten his fighting experience from being that of a professional fighter. He doesn't enjoy bringing it up, but he prefers what he's got going on now. If any of the others ask to fight him, he'll consider the offer.

• Quiet, Tough, and Stoic. He cares though, he's just a bit shy when it comes to feelings.

• A walking furnace, he gets warm easily and has an itch for cold food often.

• Used to fight professionally at one point before joining Fang's gang.

• Selective mute and often communicates with sign language or writing.

• Likes seafood, belly rubs, and coloring books.

[probablyasocialecologist]

The biggest tech companies in the world imagine a near future where AI will replace a lot of human labor, unleashing new efficiency and productivity. But this vision ignores the fact that much of what we think of as “AI” is actually powered by tedious, low-paid human labor.  “I think one of the mythologies around AI computing is that they actually work as intended. I think right now, what human labor is compensating for is essentially a lot of gaps in the way that the systems work,” Laura Forlano, Associate Professor of Design at the Institute of Design at Illinois Institute of Technology, told Motherboard. “On the one hand, the industry can claim that these things are happening, you know, magically behind the scenes, or that much of what's going on is the computing. However, we know that in so many different examples, whether we look at online content, how to operate an autonomous vehicle, or if we look at medical devices, human labor is being used to address the gaps in where that system really isn't able to work.” [...] Tech companies hire tens of thousands of gig workers to maintain the illusion that their machine-learning algorithms are fully self-functional, and that each new AI tool is capable of solving a number of issues out of the box. In reality, AI development has a lot more in common with material production cycles than we realize. “I think that the public doesn't have a good awareness of the fact that this is a supply chain. It’s a global supply chain, it contains uneven geographic flows and relations. And that it is based on a huge amount of human labor,” Kelle Howson, a postdoctoral researcher on the Fairwork project at the Oxford Internet Institute, told Motherboard.  Howson can’t say for sure whether tech companies are intentionally obscuring human AI laborers, but that doing so certainly works in their interests. “I think that in some ways it supports their business models to do so because there's this perception that the work is done,” said Howson. “You as a client access a platform interface, post your project, and the work is delivered immediately. It's almost like magic. There was maybe never any human involved or [that’s what] it feels like, and so there's a sense of efficiency. And that really goes along with the kind of narrative that Silicon Valley likes to tell. The disruption, the tech solutionism, the move fast and break things kind of ideas.”

[universitypenguin]

Chapter 24

Summary: Haunted by the mistakes of his latest abduction, the killer faces unexpected challenges when his victim fights back. In the dark forest a confrontation unfolds as the killer learns: you never know what lurks in the shadows.

Word Count: 1,811

Masterlist

Warnings: Depiction of kidnapping and violence. Allusion to murder and other criminal behavior. Minor use of foul language. Only appropriate for 18+ readers. No minors.

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Abducting Laine Cruz had been a mistake.

In the two days since that regrettable decision the killer's awareness of his error had grown with each passing hour. He’d begun mentally listing his miscalculations, to learn from this misadventure and avoid repeating the same errors. Yet, logging entries proved endless, offering no clarity, only serving to expand his tally. To address this, he narrowed the list to three crucial failures.

First, he had abducted someone he knew. Second, he’d left behind evidence. Worst of all, he hadn’t just known Laine Cruz - he had been romantically linked to her in public.

There was no mitigating factor to soften the severity of his first error. For the second, the 'evidence' left behind wasn’t damning. A digital trail connecting them - his name, contact information, and records of texts and emails - would be found on her phone. If the police cast a broad net and investigated all of Laine’s male associates, he'd be at least questioned. Finally, there was his brief, very public entanglement with the lovely brunette pharmacist this spring. It had been little more than a blip on the town’s gossip radar, fading into obscurity after a snake bit Eileen Eastlake’s dog, and then buried under news of Mrs. Montgomery’s affair with the Lutheran pastor.

Despite their failed relationship Laine had sought his help after her car trouble on Friday night. Having forgotten her cell phone she’d walked to his office. She’d been alone. No one else knew where she was. He couldn’t have asked for a more perfect opportunity. The temptation was so strong that he acted without considering the added risk of their personal association.

He’d offered his assistance and insisted on lending her a spare jacket before driving her back to her car. Using the distraction of helping her put it on he’d injected her with a sedative. By the time she was in his passenger seat, she was on the verge of unconsciousness. He drove her to her car as promised, but only to discard her purse in the passenger seat.

Now, parked near the woods in a chain installation area, the killer’s eyes darted around, searching for signs of movement in the shadows. Anxiety clawed at him and paranoia whispered in his ear. Apprehension gripped him as he reached for the backpack on the passenger seat and slung it over his shoulder. He stepped out of the vehicle, locked the car, then double-checked it was secure, and headed into the woods. Hopefully the hike to his cabin would settle his nerves.

After a brisk mile, it was clear that the fresh air and familiar terrain hadn’t helped. He couldn't shake the stubborn unease and kept glancing over his shoulder and listening for signs he was being followed.

This wasn’t how taking victims was supposed to feel. It was supposed to evoke a sense of power and control, yet this time it had unleashed a flood of distress. The abductions weren’t what mattered most, he realized. It was the deliberation, planning, and preparation. Absent that delayed gratification, without the build up of anticipation, this peculiar hobby of his lost its appeal. Each phase of the game, each carefully considered detail falling into place was what made it worthwhile.

In the absence of these rituals, the attraction of killing diminished.

The killer confidently navigated the unmarked path. Overhead, the heavy canopy of leaves was still thick enough to block out most of the light from the waning crescent moon. After a few miles of wilderness hiking, he reached a barbed wire fence. Pulling apart the wires, he ducked through the opening and turned left, crossing the open field. The exposure made his skin crawl. A sense of heightened vulnerability, as if he were being watched, made him quicken his steps to reach the security of the next grove of trees and the dense forest beyond. Again, there was no trail but that didn’t concern him. He’d grown up in these woods and knew them like the back of his hand.

Under the canopy of trees again, out of sight, he felt better. It wasn’t typical for him to worry about being seen in this remote corner of Fairfax County. However, because of the timing, a degree of caution was warranted tonight - it was hunting season in Northern Virginia.

The killer wasn’t sure what animal was in season but seeing a trio of orange vested hunters this afternoon had reminded him of the ongoing event. It must be a waterfowl, maybe ducks or geese. When did dove season start these days? He didn’t keep up with the hunting calendar anymore, having transitioned from big game to more sophisticated prey decades ago.

A quiet thud, followed by the snap of a branch, jolted the killer from his pondering. He froze, listening intently, then turned around to scan the shadows. His eyes searched for the source of the noise but in the dense woods with only a sliver of moon in the sky, it was useless. Patiently, he waited. A minute passed. Nothing moved. Three minutes, then five. Still no movement from the shadows. It must have been a tree shedding its branches or a rambunctious animal. The killer tugged down his knit cap against a gust of wind. He thought of the pharmacist caged in his cellar and turned back to the path.

The notion of taking a new victim had been circulating in the killer’s mind for weeks. With Leo McKenzie in jail and Shun Nguyen on the other side of the world, all it would take to reclaim his reputation was one new victim, and the entire town would know. They’d know they were wrong about Nguyen, wrong about that useless drunk McKenzie, and wrong to believe they’d been safe these past two decades. They’d realize the killer had never been caught and hopefully, they’d deduce that he’d been among them this entire time blending in like a wolf in sheep’s clothing. When that revelation came the thick-skulled Neanderthals at the Sheriff's department would dine on a fresh plate of crow. The blathering gossips at the hair salon would spend weeks chewing on a far juicer piece of drama than affairs and teenagers knocking over mailboxes.

Ahead, the trail narrowed, rising into a series of switchbacks that led to the top of a hill. The mismatched shingles of the old woodshed came into view and a smile played on his lips. Its exterior was composed of sunbleached scrap lumber and the foundation was crumbling, but this place felt like home. Thirty years ago it was his refuge from an increasingly unstable family situation. Twenty years ago it had been a base of operations during the most exciting three summers of his life.

The sight of the cabin lifted his spirits. He shook off the anxiety caused by his mistakes, by the unprecedented risks he’d taken over the past two days, and focused on the silver lining in this misadventure.

He was going to reclaim his identity.

The killer unlocked the cabin, stepped inside and removed his backpack. Stripping off his windbreaker, he exchanged the knit cap for a ski mask. Laine Cruz had no idea who had kidnapped her. Since he hadn’t enjoyed her abduction very much, he’d planned a dramatic reveal to make up for the disappointment. He was looking forward to her reaction when he took off the mask. Shifting the heavy trunk that barred the cellar door, he unlocked the bolts that secured the plywood board, pushing it aside to reveal the trap door underneath.

Friday’s spontaneous kidnapping had already been over by the time the killer remembered he was scheduled to work all weekend. Unable to trade shifts, he’d left Laine chained up in his guest bathroom on Saturday and Sunday before moving her to the cabin early this morning. Just when he’d been ready to leave, his colleague had called in sick and with no one else available, he was forced to cover the day shift.

Laine was exactly where he had left her. Upon opening the cellar door he noticed her hands were still bound with zip ties. Unfortunately, he failed to realize she’d freed her legs and was therefore unprepared for the impact when she shot straight up from the cellar like a high jumper, slamming into him. The killer went sprawling. When he tried to recover a powerful blow from Laine’s heel struck his temple. Clutching his head and swearing, the killer scrambled to stop her, but she darted past him, bolting for the door.

No one had ever escaped him. The absurdity of it was such a shock that the killer stood in the doorway of the cabin, staring after the pharmacist, and laughed. Amazing. This almost made up for the stress of her kidnapping. He shook his throbbing head, caught between disbelief and amusement. It seemed he’d have a second chance at a proper abduction. There was no way she’d find her way out of the forest. Even if she made it the four miles over uncharted territory to the road, it was so remote that traffic would be light. If she followed the river and went in the opposite direction… well, then she’d just be making his job easier.

For the sake of entertainment, the killer decided to give her a thirty-second head start.

After the thirty seconds were up he grabbed his backpack and headed toward the tree line. He was focused on looking for tracks that would indicate which direction she’d taken. That was why he didn’t hear the footsteps as someone snuck up behind him. He was so absorbed in the hunt that he didn’t even feel the tell-tale rush of air just before a thick tree branch slammed into the side of his head. The killer dropped to his knees. He threw his arms up to ward off his attacker, who dropped the tree branch and continued to assault him with bare hands.

Discombobulated by the blitz attack and unable to see past the blood in his eyes, it took the killer a moment to process that his opponent was much stronger than Laine Cruz. When he grabbed the attacker’s arm and felt the slick synthetic material of a windbreaker he realized his paranoia hadn’t been unfounded. Someone had followed him. Right on the heels of that revelation, a fist plowed into the killer’s face.

Before they could land their next blow, he caught his opponent’s hand and moved in, wrapping his arms around their waist. The killer knew his strengths. He’d wrestled three years during high school and had the best ground defense in the state. For a moment, they grappled. The attacker resisted the killer’s attempts to knock him off his feet. Finally, the killer caught their ankle and suddenly they both went tumbling, falling head over heels down a leaf-covered embankment.

They rolled to a stop at the bottom of the hill in a patch of mud. The killer broke free of the attacker’s grip and staggered to his feet, wiping the blood from his eyes. He turned to face his assailant and the recognition was instantaneous.

For a moment he gaped at the familiar face. Then he smiled, baring his bloody teeth.

“Dr. Nguyen. Long time, no see.”

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Next - Chapter 25

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Masterlist

[cheetahing]

"things you said at the kitchen table" fic meme fill for @thesilversun

*

"this is biological warfare," di feisheng says, looming large over li lianhua's tiny kitchen table. his shirt sleeves are unbuttoned, cuffs rolled up to the elbows, exposing his powerful forearms where they're folded across his chest. it's a little distracting.

"rude," li lianhua says mildly, valiantly keeping his hands to himself. "you haven't even tried it yet."

"i can smell it."

"not everyone can eat the same three meals over and over."

"nutritional balance is important," di feisheng intones and li lianhua makes a face and but he can't argue. he knows di feisheng's diet of bland chicken and fish and the ubiquitous protein shake is carefully calibrated to maintain muscle mass and physical performance.

"well, you don't care how it tastes anyway, so." li lianhua holds a slightly charred and not altogether identifiable piece of meat up to di feisheng's lips with his chopsticks. "try it." di feisheng's nose wrinkles.

"no," he says.

"come on," li lianhua wheedles, "i made it just for you."

"is that supposed to be an incentive or an insult?" di feisheng's face is impassive again.

li lianhua puffs his cheeks out. "that's so mean," he says, lilt in his voice that suggests he's about to unleash the full power of his theatrics. "do you know how many people would kill to have a meal homemade with love?"

"i think the question is how many people would this kill," di feisheng says, pushing li lianhua's arm away.

"lao di—"

"xiangyi." di feisheng hasn't let go of li lianhua's wrist. he turns it over to kiss the underside, skin thin and warm with blood. "let it go." the chopsticks drop from li lianhua's suddenly lax fingers.

the distance between what passes as the kitchen and the bed in the RV is negligible and li lianhua has a moment to be grateful he sent hulijing out with fang duobing today before he's pushed down onto it. di feisheng is always too large for this space, shoulders wide in the narrow confines of the vehicle, and he fits little better in li lianhua's bed. he eclipses li lianhua completely, and the first time this happened li lianhua had been surprised by how much he liked it. it's familiar territory now, and he goes easily, letting di feisheng press him down into the mattress, opening his mouth for his tongue.

they kiss for a long time, unhurried, li lianhua luxuriating in the the solid heat of the body on top of his. he's cold all the time now, but not like this. di feisheng is like a furnace and he stokes a fire inside li lianhua that he'd rather thought had gone out. he's half hard by the time di feisheng reaches for him, palming him through his jeans. li lianhua makes a wholly undignified sound, hips arching, and feels di feisheng grin against his lips. horrible man.

di feisheng undresses him methodically, hands brushing at sensitive points as he goes without lingering, the expensive fabric of his shirt and slacks whispering against li lianhua's skin. it makes li lianhua twist restlessly beneath him, muttering beneath his breath. di feisheng ignores him, taking a moment to survey him with dark eyes once he's finally bare.

"this is hardly fair," li lianhua says, suddenly beyond the point of impatience, pawing at the silky material of di feisheng's shirt. di feisheng laughs softly instead of replying, pressing another kiss to the corner of li lianhua's mouth before he starts working his way down, nipping and sucking just hard enough to leave marks. he slides off the bed to make room, manhandling li lianhua's hips sideways. he's about to complain when di feisheng's mouth closes over his erection and he gasps instead, hands flying into di feisheng's hair. it's coarse and glossy, sliding through li lianhua's fingers like water when he tugs. di feisheng grunts around his dick, suction increasing even as he reaches out to fumble through the cubby where their bottle of lubricant is hidden inside an innocuous basket.

di feisheng's fingers press in without warning but stay shallow, twisting and rubbing, stroking ruthlessly over li lianhua's prostate. he slides off li lianhua's dick with a soft pop, studying his partner's face as he shakes. he seems to like whatever he finds there because he leans back down, kisses the base of li lianhua's dick, easing down to lap at his balls. he presses his thumb into li lianhua's perineum, free hand coming up to wrap around his dick, and from there it goes embarrassingly fast.

when li lianhua's vision clears, di feisheng is watching him again, a terribly self-satisfied slant to the crooked tilt of his mouth.

"brute," li lianhua says without heat. di feisheng snorts and rocks up to his feet. li lianhua hears the faucet run for a few seconds and di feisheng reappears with a damp cloth to wipe up the mess they've made of his belly. "what about you," li lianhua says, reaching out to trace the seam running up di feisheng's thigh.

"later," di feisheng says, but he does undress now, tugging the comforter out from beneath li lianhua's body before rearranging them both to fit comfortably beneath it. li lianhua lets himself be pulled around like a ragdoll, boneless and sated. he curls into di feisheng's chest once they're settled, yawning against the skin.

"why, lao di," he says, warm and drowsy but still petty enough to want the last word, "you could just have told me you were hungry for something else."

di feisheng makes a noise that li lianhua knows means shut up and sleep. he rubs his nose against di feisheng's collarbone, lulled by his partner's steady, even breathing, and drifts off.

[britsyankswheels24]

🇺🇲 Let's dive into the captivating history and features of the 1967 Mercury Cougar—a true icon of American automotive design and performance, the unleashed Spirit of American Muscle Cars.

🌟 The Mercury Cougar made its debut in 1967 as a striking entry into the competitive pony car segment. Positioned as a luxurious and sophisticated counterpart to the Ford Mustang, the Cougar embodied a blend of style, power, and refinement.

🛞 The Cougar's sleek lines and aggressive stance turned heads on the streets. With hidden headlights, a pronounced grille, and sequential turn signals, it exuded a sense of timeless elegance. The 1967 model year offered several variants, including the base, XR-7, and GT models, catering to a range of preferences from luxury to high performance.

⚙️ Under the hood, the Cougar roared with a range of potent engine options. From the standard 289 cubic inch V8 to the fearsome 390 cubic inch V8, enthusiasts had choices that delivered exhilarating performance.

🏁 The Cougar quickly found success on the racetrack, competing in various motorsport events. Notably, it served as the official pace car for the Indianapolis 500 in 1967, solidifying its status as a performance-oriented vehicle.

💎 The 1967 Mercury Cougar remains a sought-after classic among collectors and enthusiasts. Its blend of style, comfort, and raw power encapsulates the spirit of American muscle cars from the golden era of automotive design.

[itracing]

First Look: The Ferrari 296 Challenge

On the eve of the Finali Mondiali, which take place at the Mugello Circuit between October 24 & 30, Ferrari will present the 296 Challenge, the ninth model in the history of the Ferrari Challenge Trofeo Pirelli.

Due to debut in the Europe and North America series in the 2024 season, the 296 Challenge introduces a slew of new features with respect to the Ferrari 488 Challenge Evo and, in certain respects, is a revolutionary design.

The new 296 Challenge is the embodiment of an innovative new philosophy that has seen far-reaching work carried out on the road car to optimise its specifications for track use. Both in terms of performance and lap consistency throughout a race, the 296 Challenge rewrites the parameters of the Prancing Horse single-make series, offering solutions that closely mirror the specifications of the 296 GT3, which made its debut this season.

Derived from the 296 GTB, the 296 Challenge ushers in substantial modifications on the power unit, aero and vehicle dynamics fronts, all aimed at guaranteeing maximum performance on the track. It is the first car in the history of the championship to be powered by a 120-degree V6: the new model sports the 2992cc twin turbo engine without the hybrid component, a choice also made for the 296 GT3. The engine unleashes 700 cv with maximum torque of 740 Nm, with the result that the 296 Challenge sets a new power record for the segment with 234 cv/l.

The 296 Challenge’s aero package delivers downforce figures unprecedented in the single-make series’ history, ensuring the maximum efficiency in all conditions. In fact, the 296 Challenge generates in excess of 870 kg of downforce at 250 km/h with the spoiler at its maximum angle of attack.

The car sees the debut of ABS EVO Track, a specific adaptation of the innovative system introduced for the first time on the 296 GTB. With the addition of new CCM-R PLUS brake discs, both braking performance and consistency are improved. New, specifically-developed Pirelli 19” tires have also made a substantial contribution to the car’s handling and performance.

[quirkwizard]

Hi-Dee-Ho Quizard. So I was wondering how like traveling would have been affected by quirks? Like surely they would have needed to change airplanes or create special vehicles to accommodate the new genetic society they were thrust into.

Believe it or not, I don't think much would change, at least with travel itself. Considering how everyone is still mostly human-shaped, there isn't much incentive for change things. However, this is one of those cases where things should have changed but likely didn't. Something like a brand of clothing is ultimately pretty easy to produce for someone with specific physical needs, but what about something like a car or a bus? That's going to require sweeping changes or specific alterations to be made to accommodate an ultimately small portion of the population. If Hori wanted to point out how society hasn't properly accommodated the rise of Quirks, transportation would have been a good way to show it. I can imagine someone like Shoji having issues fitting in with his massive arms.

Though for traveling itself, I think there would be a lot of changes to how things are handled. Because now someone can get onto the plane with two bombs basically strapped to their hands that you cannot remove. I would have to think that something like the Air Marshalls would be supplemented by heroes to prevent any hijackings or if some guy gets too nervous on his flight and unleashes an EMP. Meanwhile, there could be a case where pirates are more brazenly attacking ships to raid and ransom people now that they have something like Quirks to help them. Which makes me wonder if there could be something like international heroes, ones that travel with cargo and cruise ships on open waters to protect them. Or if the Quirk laws would even apply to international waters.

On that note, I would have to think that certain kinds of extra restrictions and measures would be put into place to keep people from abusing their Quirks or even traveling. I'm not even talking about someone like Bakugou and Kamakiri getting checked for extra screening, though that would certainly happen and could help to show more issues with the world. I'm talking more about the Quirks that can make people do bad stuff once they get off the plane. If officials are worried about certain contraband making it across borders, then people are going to be met with a lot of scrutiny if they have any power tied to that. If someone like Momo could create even something as small as banned candy, you better believe they'd be doing a lot of background checks on her and her intentions.

[prometheus023]

Kellogg's Khorne Flakes - 5th Ed World Eaters

In returning to 40k 5th Ed, one of the quickest, easiest and (at the time) most inexpensive lists I could build was a Khorne Berserker list. Two boxes of the old Berserkers gave me 24 angry Bois for about $110 AUD. That divided up nicely into 3 squads of 8 Berserkers. Add a Lord and a Dreadnought, it made an easy 1,000 pt list that existed to run at the enemy and punch.

Lets meet the gang shall we?

This is the first of the 3 Squads, the Skull Champions in the squads haven't been named yet. I went with the Pre-Herey white and blue scheme as a deliberate homage to two of my favourite armies I saw at local tournaments around 15 years ago.

One Berserker Squad runs a power Weapon on its Champion along with two Plasma Pistols to be a little cheaper - while the other two squads both run with a power fist and 3 Plasma Pistols.

Here you can see some of the ways I helped make the Champions stand out. They all have the same Skull shoulder pad and some alternate heads which were spares I had lying around from my AoS Khorne army.

Then we have the first of 3 Dreadnoughts/Hellbrutes. This is Tana the Bold. I've tried to give each Dreadnought a little Lore snippet, here's his:

A respected, albeit impetuous warrior, a characteristic that saw this former praetor of the War Hounds cut down in battle and interred in a Dreadnought long before they were reunited with their Primarch. Time has not been kind to Tana, as becomes increasingly unstable the longer he has remained active. This once great leader is now little more than a raging whirlwind for Chaos Lord Kellogg to unleash upon the battlefield when it pleases him to do so.

Then there's Kellogg. A simple head swap on the Master of Executions made for a fierce looking Lord to lead this force. He started out devastating in his early days, but once people wizened up to what he can do, he can often be seen copping a Demolisher Cannon to the face or getting singled out by a Vindicare Assassin.

A cruel and bitter officer who reluctantly gave up the Legion's former title 'The War Hounds', Kellogg resented what became of his peers very quickly after Angron assumed command. In the warrior lodges he attempted to air his grievances but found only scorn. Increasingly alienated within the World Eaters, Kellogg feared his ferocity and continued successes were the only thing keeping him safe from demotion or worse. Since the Heresy, all other motives have been eroded, leaving a twisted shell of a warrior consumed by rage and the need to be in control at all times. The contradictory nature of these two behaviours has driven him well beyond insanity as his endless frustration spurs him on from one slaughter to the next...

Next up, over the last year I have gradually added more vehicles and Daemons to the army...

[sweetescapeartist]

A DBS MANGA CHAPTER 102 REVIEW. KINDA...

Some stuff about chapter 102 of the DBS manga I don't really like/I want to quickly discuss. Meant to post this last month but didn't. I'm behind on a lot of things.

All those folks saying True UI is Goku's strongest form... The upcoming chapter says otherwise. Goku uses the silver haired UI form & Beerus apparently views that as Goku at his strongest. Heck, Goku calls it his best move. Good job Toyo for creating True UI (black hair) and confusing fans to believe that was stronger than Mastered UI (silver hair) when in reality True UI is simply UI Sign (black hair) that changed how UI works so it matches more closer to how the anime depicted the technique. UI Omen in the anime allowed Goku to use his emotions, but the more control he has over them, the stronger he becomes until he transforms into Mastered UI. UI Sign in the manga was depicted as Goku needing to be emotionless & stated that emotions hinder the power. This was from the ToP Saga all the way until Toyotaro "created" True UI to function off of controlled emotions like how the DBS anime always has & gave it Omen the name "True Ultra Instinct." [Link to a long post that I paraphrased, so you ain't gotta read it unless you're really interested.]

I get tired of the same expressions in this Super Hero Saga. Its a pouty or surprised face accompanied with an oval shaped mouth. Toyotaro is overusing the hell out of that. Here's a compilation & I left out like 4 other panels with this same expression. (There's more in CH 103)

I saw ppl talking about the poses when Goku & Gohan fight look cool.... Looks pretty stiff imo. At least from what I've seen. Lacks a feel of movement. And you don't even see most of the fight. It doesn't make it cool imo. We've seen MUI in action against powerful opponents. If MUI Goku & Beast Gohan are close to equal strength, why not show actual combat between the two other than the aftermath of clashes? There was more attention to choreography with Gohan vs Trunks & Goten than there is with Gohan vs Goku. (Chapter 103 does better with the combat for Goku vs Gohan)

Toyotaro doing the "this form is called such & such" is weird for me. Seems like he's trying to hype up Western fans or something. Like when Goten & Trunks name Gohan's potential unleashed form "Ultimate." Its just dialogue for the sake of some sort of fanservice. Some ppl will like it, others wont. I just wasn't a fan of it. Feels like its placed here just for fanservice. If they called it ultimate & didn't draw too much attention to it, I would've prefered that. Its naming it but not stopping the narrative flow.

Also wasn't a fan of Goku asking Gohan is his new power was SSJ2 or SSJ3. Goku knows dang well Gohan's Potential Unleashed form is far stronger than SSJ2 & was stronger than SSJ3. He should've just asked "So, what's this form of yours?" and leave it there.

Some Vegeta fans are calling him a proud uncle when he smiles at Gohan & Goku about to spar. No, he is a Saiyan who is ready to see a good fight just as Broly smiled when he watched Goku & Vegeta fight. Is there some pride there? Yes. But Vegeta ain't no uncle figure to Gohan. That's Piccolo & Krillin.

Why are Carmine & Soldier 15 there on Beerus' planet? Goku could have just had his sons & Trunks put a hand on his shoulder then teleported. And why would Gohan see Carmine & 15 who shot at his home & at him, turn Beast out of anger, then hop into the same vehicle as them as if he forgot what happened in the last chapter? It was literally a few seconds ago.

This was just for them to record Goten & Trunks in their costumes (can they even keep up with how fast they are moving?) And it just seems like a plot device that won't matter at all. Anyone remember 7-3 in the Granolah Saga?was there for a moment & served no purpose other than a reference. I bet this with Carmine is for a simple joke to be quickly thrown aside.

[who-can-appease-me]

Persevere

Spiderman 2099

(short action story)

Summary: Spiderman gets into a street fight with a villain

(spoiler alert: he wins)

Warnings: Violence

In the bustling metropolis of Nueva York in the year 2099, Spider-Man 2099 swung through the cityscape, a beacon of hope for its citizens. The futuristic skyscrapers gleamed with neon lights as he gracefully maneuvered between them. People below marveled at their iconic hero, inspired by his unwavering dedication to protect the city.

Spider-Man 2099 quickly leaped into action, landing gracefully in front of Mattermorph. The villain sneered, reveling in his newfound powers as he transformed nearby debris into dangerous projectiles. Spider-Man's enhanced senses detected the surge of energy emanating from the core-pin and analyzed the possibilities and limitations of Mattermorph's abilities.

Amidst the urban chaos, a disturbance rippled through the air, grabbing Spider-Man's attention. From seemingly thin air, a new villain emerged, wielding the power to manipulate matter. Known as Mattermorph, this unpredictable creature could reshape objects and elements with the energy harnessed from a core-pin on its chest.

Spider-Man leaped into action, landing before Mattermorph. The villain sneered, relishing in its newfound powers. It transformed nearby debris into dangerous projectiles, testing the limits of Spider-Man's abilities. With his heightened senses, Spider-Man analyzed Mattermorph's power source and anticipated its moves.

The battle ignited as Spider-Man evaded the onslaught, his advanced suit augmenting his agility and reflexes. His web-shooters whirred as he unleashed a flurry of webs, aiming to immobilize the formidable villain. But Mattermorph proved relentless, countering with its matter-manipulating prowess.

With each blow, Mattermorph retaliated, molding the environment to its advantage. Streets cracked open, lampposts contorted, and vehicles morphed into deadly weapons. Spider-Man utilized his web-slinging expertise, navigating through the chaos, and countering Mattermorph's attacks with precise strikes and cleverly constructed web traps. Yet, the battle intensified, pushing both combatants to their limits.

Buildings trembled as Mattermorph unleashed its full range of matter-manipulating abilities. The fabric of reality twisted and distorted with the villain's boundless power. Spider-Man knew he had to devise a new strategy to overcome this formidable foe.

In a desperate move, Mattermorph hurled a massive boulder towards Spider-Man. Swiftly swinging into action, the hero redirected the projectile using his webs. However, Mattermorph had a surprise waiting. It swiftly crafted a puppet out of brick and debris, launching it at supersonic speed towards the back of Spider-Man's head, shattering upon impact.

The double attack disoriented Spider-Man, leaving his senses entangled in a knot. Struggling to regain focus, he fought against the throbbing pain. His movements became sluggish, and his spider-sense faltered. Seizing the opportunity, Mattermorph closed in for a final strike, sensing imminent victory.

Yet, Spider-Man's indomitable spirit refused to surrender. Drawing upon his reserves of strength, he relied on instinct and muscle memory, honed through years of training and experience. Adapting his fighting style to compensate for his impaired senses and the unpredictable environment, he flowed with the battle, countering Mattermorph's every move.

Summoning a final surge of energy, Spider-Man disarmed Mattermorph, removing the core-pin from its chest. A cry of frustration and pain echoed from the defeated villain. But Spider-Man pressed on. With precision and determination, he delivered a decisive blow to the exposed core, severing the connection to Mattermorph's power source. The villain crumbled to the ground, defeated and powerless.

As the battle subsided, Spider-Man's head throbbed with pain, a testament to the toll of the fight. His suit, battered and torn, showcased the intensity of the encounter. Without wasting a moment, the hero swiftly secured Mattermorph in a cocoon of webbing, ensuring the villain's capture.

With the city now safe, Spider-Man swung away from the scene, a mix of exhaustion and satisfaction

Word count: 541