#Vectoring in Forward Flight

[raven-at-the-writing-desk]

So.... Stock image

https://www.vecteezy.com/vector-art/11430941-halloween-black-silhouette-repeating-border

[Referencing this post!]

Yuuup, that’s pretty much the same thing as what we see in the PV… 😅 Same shapes, same pattern order, everything.

Upon further research, it seems this isn’t even the first instance of this stock asset being used by Disney. It was also used for a limited edition Sally-inspired perfume called Rag Doll. I believe it was sold at Hot Topic back in 2013:

It’s a little saddening seeing TWST use stock images instead of like… you know, new assets 💦 This is following a somewhat disappointing trend of TWST animated PVs going down in quality and budget, especially over the years. For example, for the anniversaries:

2021 - 2 minutes long; all students included in highly individualized limited event outfits and movement is dynamic.

2022 - 1 minute long; all students and even staff are included but in standard uniforms, noticeable drop in art and animation quality (for example, look at Kalim and Silver in the flight scene). Animation itself is framed like Yuu is taking pictures of everyone—but really, it’s a convenient excuse to hold on static shots of the photos instead of actually animating them.

2023 - 1 minute and ~40 seconds; only the third years in their school uniforms and Grim in ceremonial robes are featured. Animation appears slow and somewhat clunky. And dear god, that weird panning shot of Malleus and Lilia; that Lilia is practically traced from his live 2D model.

2024 - 1 minute and ~10 seconds; basically a glorified slideshow with fancy effects. Only the dorm leaders in their school uniforms are shown.

Then, looking at the Halloweens:

Terror is Trending - 30 seconds; All students included and dorm costumes showcased. Unique shots and framing. Even Ramshackle Ghosts (who are important in the event story) are shown.

Endless Halloween Night - 4 different versions of the same commercial (including different characters doing the voiceover work), each ~30 seconds each; all students featured. Nice lighting, fierce expressions, varied framing.

Glorious Masquerade - 1 minute and 30 seconds. Several static panning shots, but at least the colors are striking when most other things are monochrome or muted. ~20 seconds at the end dedicated to hyping up Rollo.

Stage in Playful Land - ~35 seconds. Only the 3 SSR boys are featured, with most of the animation being in their head tilts. Less than 10 seconds is dedicated to hyping up Fellow and Gidel.

This year’s event… 20 seconds using a stock image and panning up from it to the TWST logo, no new assets.

I DON’T KNOW, maybe I’m overthinking it 😭 I’m definitely not the first person to notice this though… It’s been a point of discussion in my fandom social circles.

But hey, let’s keep our heads high! It’s very possible that we’ll get a more formal animated PV in the weeks leading up to Halloween. In fact, I’m certain of it since this current PV doesn’t show new costumes or the new twisted character, as is tradition. What we see now might just be a bonus material they’re releasing to really get us excited. Plus, we’ll probably also have an ABEMA stream with more Halloween-related news ^^ Let’s look forward to that!

[darlingyougotthis]

Gravity

Jake “Hangman” Seresin Fanfic

Chapter Two: The Storm Beneath

The morning sun burned through the hangar’s glass, striping the concrete with long shadows. Inside, the Top Gun squad filed into the briefing room, most still shaking off sleep with half-finished coffees and lazy banter.

Jake strolled in last, sunglasses perched low on his nose, the familiar cocky tilt in his step. He looked as he always did—golden, loose, in control.

But he didn’t feel like it.

Because she was already there.

Nova sat in the second row, legs crossed, flight suit zipped to her collarbone. Her Strike Six patch—dark, understated, deadly—rested over her heart. She didn’t speak. She didn’t need to. The guys weren’t even trying to hide it anymore—the sideways glances, the hushed murmurs.

Jake didn’t look at her.

Not right away.

He took a seat across the aisle, a few rows back, and told himself he wasn’t keeping her in his peripheral vision. That his attention wasn’t already bending toward her like gravity.

But it was. She looked composed. Polished. Effortless. She didn’t scan the room. Didn’t try to place herself. She already knew where she stood.

Like nothing from last night lingered—not the dart game, not the way she’d shut down that “ghost squad” comment with a single line, not the way she’d looked at him when she said goodnight.

That look still echoed somewhere in his chest.

Phoenix dropped into the seat beside her, nudging her lightly. “Morning, Ghost Girl.”

Nova huffed a quiet laugh. “You still calling me that?”

“I don’t see you denying it.”

Rooster leaned toward Coyote behind them. “Think she’s as lethal as her badge looks?”

Coyote muttered, “Think she could kill you with her flight helmet.”

Jake didn’t speak, but he was listening. He tapped his boot lightly against the floor, jaw tight.

Then the room shifted—straightened—as Admiral Beau “Cyclone” Simpson entered with his usual no-nonsense scowl. Behind him came Maverick, flight suit half-zipped and eyes scanning the room like he already knew everything they didn’t.

“All right,” the commander called out, pulling up the screen behind him. “Hope you’re all feeling sharp this morning, because we’re diving straight into classified scenario prep.”

A chorus of “Yes, sir.” can be heard from around the room as Cyclone explains the perimeters of their training.

“What you’re about to see hasn’t been flown before. It’s a prototype extraction op, low-visibility, multi-vector. You’ll be running it in sim, then in air. We’re assigning pairs. These rotations will stick for now.”

He tapped a button. Names appeared on the screen. Jake’s stomach tightened when he read his.

Seresin – Brooke.

He blinked. Brooke. Nova.

One beat of silence passed before he let out a low breath. Phoenix smirked beside Nova. “Lucky boy,” she muttered.

“Pairing decisions weren’t random,” Cyclone went on. “Brooke’s experience with Strike Six makes her a critical asset in scenario building. She has logged over 1,200 hours in black zone operations, has confirmed three air-to-air kills during classified missions, and holds the record for the lowest successful terrain-hugging exfiltration on file. She’ll be leading some of the tactical phases.”

Heads turned toward Nova, someone—Rooster, probably—let out a low whistle. She didn’t react. But, Jake did. He couldn’t help it—the way his brow ticked up, the way his focus narrowed on her profile. Tactical lead? That wasn’t casual. That was trust.

Maverick launched into mission parameters, the room adjusting around the sharp angles of strategy and simulated risk. But Jake was only half-listening.

He was watching Nova.

She sat straight, eyes forward, fingers loosely laced on the desk. When Maverick threw out a question—“What’s the fastest vertical split response in a blind canyon at high-altitude entry?”—Nova didn’t pause.

“Two-point-six,” she said. “Three, if you’re flying with deadweight.”

A low whistle came from Coyote.

Mav gave a short nod. “Correct.”

Jake leaned back in his chair, arms crossed. He was impressed. Too impressed. Maybe that was the problem.

This wasn’t some pretty blonde with a mysterious past and a good aim at the dartboard. This was someone who didn’t just deserve to be here—she could fly circles around half the room. Maybe including him.

“Gear up. Wheels up in 30.” Maverick dismissed them as the briefing wrapped up, chairs scraped and conversations sparked. Rooster clapped Coyote lightly on the shoulder as they passed, muttering something like “Damn, she really is a ghost.”

Coyote rolled his eyes. “Told you.”

Jake stood slower than the rest. He told himself he wasn’t waiting for her to look at him.

He told himself wrong.

She rose gracefully, gathering nothing—she hadn’t even brought a pen. She didn’t need to. That brain of hers probably held more classified knowledge than half the intel office.

And then, just as she passed him, she glanced sideways. Their eyes met. No smile. No word. Just that look. Like she saw right through him.

Then she was gone, boots tapping steadily out of the room like she wasn’t leaving a trail of tension in her wake. Jake let out a slow breath, dragged a hand through his hair, and muttered under it— “Shit.”

The locker room was quiet, filled with the rustle of gear bags and the low creak of hinges as Phoenix pulled her locker open. Nova leaned against the bench, zipping up the top half of her flight suit, blond waves falling down over one shoulder. She looked calm. Almost serene.

She was still new here. But it didn’t feel like it.

Not to Phoenix.

“You really don’t rattle, do you?” Phoenix asked, tossing Nova a water bottle from the top shelf. “Not last night. Not this morning. Not even when Cyclone dropped your kill count like a mic.”

Nova caught the bottle one-handed and smirked. “Why waste energy?”

Phoenix rolled her eyes, grinning. “I swear, Strike Six must teach emotional detachment with flight mechanics.”

Nova chuckled, soft and low. “It’s more like… perspective.”

Before Phoenix could reply, the door opened behind them.

Tiffany stepped inside.

Her heels clicked against the tile, and even out of uniform she looked like she’d walked off a magazine cover—sleek hair, perfect blouse, clipboard clutched in one manicured hand.

“Didn’t realize this was an open meeting,” Phoenix muttered under her breath.

Nova said nothing, just tightened the strap on her gear bag and focused on tucking in the edge of her sleeve.

Tiffany smiled. Wide. Pleasant. Deadly. Eyes landing on Nova.

“Just thought I’d drop by and check on the pilot side of things. Big flight coming up. Heard you’ve been paired with Jake.”

Nova glanced over, expression unreadable. “That’s what the board said.”

“Interesting choice,” Tiffany said, head tilting slightly. “They usually don’t shuffle partners unless there’s… potential.”

Phoenix turned fully now, one brow arched. “I’m sorry, are you implying something?”

Tiffany didn’t even blink. “Of course not. I’m just surprised how quickly things move around here.”

Nova finally looked at her then—calm, open. No edge, no bite.

“I’m just here to do my job.”

Tiffany’s smile tightened. “Naturally. Though it’s a little jarring, I guess… how someone can show up one day and have everyone talking.”

Nova didn’t respond. She didn’t need to.

She just swung her bag over one shoulder, smooth and practiced, then offered Tiffany a gentle nod. “Nice to meet you, by the way. Officially. Professionally.”

Tiffany blinked. “Right. Yes. You too.”

She extended her hand.

Nova took it without hesitation—firm, respectful, brief.

Tiffany’s grip lingered half a second longer than necessary. “I hope your time here is… productive.”

Nova’s smile didn’t quite reach her eyes. “So do I.”

With that, Tiffany turned on her heel and walked out—head high, hips swaying, and a tension in her jaw that didn’t match her parting grace.

The door clicked softly shut. Phoenix let out a breath.

“I don’t know what Jake sees in her,” she muttered.

Nova, still facing her locker, didn’t look up. “That’s not really my business.”

Phoenix scoffed. “She doesn’t like you.”

This time Nova did look at her and shrugged.

“Yeah,” she said simply. “I noticed.”

She grabbed her gloves from the bench and tucked them under her arm, not a trace of bitterness in her voice. Just fact. As if it meant nothing at all.

Phoenix studied her for a moment, then nodded slowly. “You’re kind of a badass, you know that?”

Nova gave a faint smile. “You’re late to that conclusion.”

Laughing, Phoenix followed her out of the locker room, boots hitting the tile in sync. Together, they headed for the sims—two women, side by side, walking into fire without ever needing armor.

The tarmac shimmered under the late afternoon sun, the heat rippling off steel wings and freshly laid jet fuel. Jake “Hangman” Seresin adjusted his gloves out of habit, attention flicking toward the runway.

Then he heard her.

Boots on pavement. Confident, steady, unhurried.

Nova.

Helmet under one arm, Strike Six patch gleaming over her heart, eyes hidden behind aviators that somehow made her even harder to read. She walked past him like he wasn’t even there—but her words landed with precision.

“Try to keep up, Hangman,” she said casually.

Jake’s grin came slow, easy, and way too honest.

“If you’re setting the pace,” he replied, eyes following her, “I won’t complain.”

She didn’t stop. Didn’t look back. But he noticed the subtle rise of her shoulders, the slight pause in her step—just enough to let him know she’d heard it. Then she was climbing into her jet, silent and composed.

Jake shook his head, laughing under his breath. This wasn’t going to be a routine flight. Engines ignited moments later, rumbling under the weight of two high-performance birds preparing to punch through the sky.

Jake launched first, Nova tight behind him. Separate jets. Shared objective. Shared frequency.

“Hangman, airborne.”

“Nova, on your six.”

Her voice crackled into his headset—low, precise, unreadable.

Jake checked his radar, watching her icon slide effortlessly into formation behind him.

“Targets ahead,” he said. “You want high or low?”

“Split left. I’ve got upper sightlines.”

He didn’t hesitate. Jake banked hard into the turn, Nova slipping above him like they were two pieces of the same machine. Her movement was clean. Automatic. Every minor shift predicted the air before it changed.

Strike Six. Ghost team, sure—but her instincts were all too real.

“Ping at nine o’clock,” she called out. “Cut wide. You’ll ride through clean.”

Jake adjusted without hesitation. She wasn’t giving suggestions—she was anticipating and she was right again.

“Sharp eyes,” he murmured.

“Comes with the ghosts,” she replied. He could almost hear the shrug.

Jake exhaled a tight laugh. “Remind me to get one of those Strike Six manuals.”

“There isn’t one,” she said simply. “You either get it… or you don’t.”

They flew tighter. Cleaner. Every shift in position felt choreographed, but it wasn’t. It was trust. Immediate. Natural.

Nova called another move. “Thrust down two percent. You’re drifting.”

Jake followed without thinking. A beat later, she added, “Clean correction. Didn’t think you’d actually listen.”

“Only when it counts.”

“You mean when I’m right?” she teased—just enough to twist the knife.

Jake smirked. “You’re not wrong.”

There was a pause in the comms—brief. But not empty.

Then Nova spoke again, voice softer now. “You don’t fly like the rumors.”

Jake arched a brow. “That a compliment?”

“Take it however helps you sleep.”

They dropped low into canyon terrain—tight ridges, red rock shadows, and simulated fire zones. Jake cut between walls like he’d done a hundred times before. Nova was right with him. No errors. No corrections. Just harmony.

Then came the final run. Target acquisition.

“Visual on the mark,” Nova said. “You ready?”

“Always.”

“Then let’s finish this.”

He aligned, locked in, and struck clean.

Nova confirmed it a second later. “Target hit. Smooth shot.”

Jake pulled up into open sky, adrenaline still humming.

“Hell of a run,” he said. “You always this easy to fly with?”

“Only when they can keep up.”

Her tone was still even. But something in it curled beneath his skin like a spark.

Minutes later, both jets touched down—Jake first, Nova gliding in behind.

He powered down his jet, lifted his helmet, and slid out onto the ladder. The heat hit again. So did the buzz still crawling down his spine.

She joined him near the tarmac, helmet still tucked against her hip, eyes calm.

“Nice flying,” she said, meeting his gaze.

And then, with just the faintest smile:

“Jake.”

It hit harder than it should have.

Not Hangman.

Just Jake.

Before he could reply, she turned and walked away—like she hadn’t just unbalanced his entire axis with two syllables and a smile.

Jake didn’t follow. He just stood there, watching her go and thinking, she’s dangerous.

The debrief room buzzed low with chatter, but Jake barely registered it. His gaze was locked on the footage playing across the screen—silent, stunning, undeniable.

Nova’s jet carved through the sky like she owned it. Every move was instinct. Every pivot, every shift, every call—it was all just ahead of where it needed to be. Not rushed. Not guessed. She wasn’t reacting. She was reading the sky.

“Look at that,” Rooster muttered beside him, chin propped in his hand. “She’s already banking before the radar even picks up the threat.”

Jake didn’t respond. His jaw ticked once, eyes locked on the way Nova’s jet sliced low through the canyon like she knew exactly where the danger would be.

“Damn,” Rooster said. “That’s not flying. That’s something else.”

“She flies like she’s dancing,” he said quietly, the words slipping out before he could catch them.

Rooster tilted his head. “That’s either poetic or horny, and I honestly can’t tell which.”

Jake’s mouth twitched. “She’s precise. I’ve never seen anyone fly like that.”

Nova’s voice crackled over the recorded comms. “Cut thrust two percent. You’re drifting.”

Jake watched his own response—fluid, immediate. He hadn’t questioned her in the moment. Just followed. Trusted.

He hadn’t done that with anyone else. Not like that.

“She doesn’t hesitate,” Jake murmured. “She just knows.”

Rooster leaned back in his chair. “It’s hot.”

Jake didn’t respond at first. Then - quietly, almost as if he wasn’t aware he said it. “Yeah…”

Rooster glanced at him, brow raised. Jake didn’t look away from the screen.

Rooster added, more softly this time, “Careful, man. That kind of attention’s hard to hide.”

Jake’s mouth twitched. Not quite a smile.

“It’s just flying,” he said.

But he said it too fast. Too flat. And his jaw clenched a beat too long. Rooster didn’t call him out on it. He just looked back at the screen. At the woman carving through simulated death zones like she was painting in the air.

“Sure it is,” Rooster murmured.

Jake didn’t reply. He didn’t have to because somewhere between her voice in his headset and the way she said his name after they landed, he knew damn well— It wasn’t just flying.

[ranticore]

working on my story today... which one... who can say... have some old art

idk if i ever posted these. super early development when i didn't know where the vertical stabiliser or the jet runes were gonna go. ultimately decided against a crenulated wing shape but it would have been cool lol. also before i decided that the membrane layer of the wing could get stiff for fixed-wing flight, so technically they should not be able to fold the wing while the jets are engaged without risking serious structural harm

the radio apparatus got much bigger with development & the forward-facing projections got longer too, i decided that if i was going all the way with them being basically cannons i had to give them more clearance past the nose. spitters (the lil light fighters like pipes) can spray out their burning magnesium pellets in rapidfire, so the visual effect is like this

especially when there's a lot of them all at once in formation. for the sprinters, like breakneck, they have one cannon and can fire only a few shots, but they are much larger and deadlier if they hit. the cannons are powered by runes. all the runes are 'vectors' (and they're just called vectors in-universe) in that their function is to accelerate something past the surface on which the rune is placed, in a specific direction indicated by the rune. it's a 'move object from a to b' rune that is used for many purposes. not much magic exists outside of it. the dragon eats the pellets, stores them in a gular pouch, and then fires them out through the cannons (which are the nostrils in reality). they have kind of a fulmar thing going on

[awkward-tension-art]

Viral Vector Epilogue (Echo x Reader)

Chapter 6.

Kiss

Tw: Echo x reader, Kisses, Slow burn paid off, talk of a minor injury, talk of adrenaline crash, reader is a medical researcher, reader is literally exhausted near death

The ship was safely in hyperspace.

All at once, your fight or flight ended. 

Now…

The last 3 days caught up to you.

You were burnt out. Exhausted. The pain from getting knocked out finally settled in. The stress was crashing your internal systems.

Your entire body was shaking again, but not from adrenaline.

A calm hand was on your upper arm. In response, you looked up at Echo. He was concerned, looking at you in worry, “You ok?” 

“Yea…” You croaked, voice cracking from how tired you were, “Just…need some rest. It’s been a long few days awake.”

“Tell me about it.” He sighed before nodding, “Come on.” you two left the cockpit, letting Hunter, Tech, and Wrecker explain the mechanics of hyperspace to Omega.

Echo guided you to sit on a metal crate, “You're hurt.” he commented, digging through a small medical kit. After a moment he pulled out a small tube of bacta.

You perked up, raising a hand to your cheek. 

Ah, that's right. Crosshair managed to nick you with a shot. 

You haven’t looked at the wound yet. Judging by the lack of blood, it was superficial at best. Still, you wanted to avoid a potential infection. 

And you appreciated Echo’s worry.

The ARC trooper raised his hand to your cheek, some bacta smeared on his thumb. However, right before touching you, he paused. “May I?” 

You nodded, “Yes…thank you.” 

With tenderness that surprised you, he brushed the pad of his thumb over the small graze. Unconsciously, you leaned into his touch. It was kind. Calm. yet steady and strong. Just like the clone trooper himself. 

You didn’t realize you closed your eyes until you opened them again. 

Echo kept his palm on your cheek. There was no indication he wanted to leave your side, instead, choosing to fully hold your face. His eyes, golden and beautiful, were on yours and filled with a storm of emotion.

There was a stalemate between you two.

Until you lifted your hand, resting over his. Your gaze didn’t break away from him.

He whispered your name softly before leaning forward to kiss you. 

It was awkward, unsure and surprising. But it was Echo. Passionate and loving. You leaned into him, returning his kiss with equal amounts of affection and fervor. You raised your other hand to his face, holding him close. The space between you two was minimal, even when he broke away with a deep breath. 

It seemed to hit him exactly what he did, “I…Sorry. I’ve wanted to do that for a while…” You could see the small amount of pink on his cheeks, and you smile. 

“Do it again.” you responded.

And he did, taking you into another kiss. This time, he was more certain of himself. 

That was, until there was the clearing of a throat. 

The both of you broke away from one another, turning with wide eyes to see Hunter in the doorway of the cockpit. His arms were crossed with one brow raised, “There is a child on this ship, you know.” 

Behind him, Wrecker and Omega watched you. The blonde girl was hiding a smile behind her hand and the older, stronger clone looked more excited than even her. Like he just won a prize. It seemed only Tech didn’t care, instead focused on the ships controls. 

“I…we…uh…” Echo stumbled over his words, “We’ll…be more careful next time.” 

Next time?

The thought of a next time brought a smile to your face.

“I will say,” the squad leader had a small smirk now, “It’s about time.”

You couldn’t help but laugh slightly.

[lonestarflight]

The boilerplate capsule from the Big Joe mission on the deck of the USS STRONG (DD-758) following its recovery in the Atlantic Ocean.

"At local sunrise, the Big Joe capsule was spotted by a Navy P2V Neptune patrol plane allowing it to vector the nearest destroyer, the USS STRONG over 160 kilometers away, towards the wayward capsule for recovery. By about 10:00 AM EST, the Big Joe capsule was recovered and brought aboard STRONG. It was subsequently transferred to a cargo plane and flown to Cape Canaveral. The capsule arrived by 10 PM on launch day and was moved to Hangar S by midnight. Close inspection of the capsule showed that only 30% of the heat shield had ablated away and that the capsule was perfectly protected despite the punishing flight. While there was some buckling of the outer skin of the capsule where heating was especially intense and a couple of recovery hooks on Mercury’s cylindrical forward section were heavily eroded, there were few signs of thermal damage to the capsule."

Date: September 9, 1959

NASA ID: link

[miloscat]

[Review] Sonic Free Riders (Xbox 360)

They made hoverboards fun and exciting, then the fans made it actually playable.

After Zero Gravity, Sonic Team were apparently not done with the Riders series. Not done using it for motion control experiments, that is. The next and final instalment was a launch title for Microsoft's ill-fated Kinect motion sensor accessory. This camera apparatus could track a player's full body and so you needed a large, empty area to play your games in, which has never been practical for me. So I considered this game essentially lost media as far as I was concerned, until I recently learned about a mod that reworked the game for traditional controllers that I could use on an emulator. The updated version of this patch was buggy but the original release worked a treat and I was finally able to experience this title.

Compared to previous entries, the plot is very low-stakes. Eggman is hosting another racing tournament in disguise, shenanigans ensue. The cutscenes are merely static character portraits, the dialogue nothing but banter and posturing with the framing device of Omochao reporting on the racing for a TV broadcast. But the strength this has over prior Riders games is including a broader range of the cast, with Teams Rose and Dark being involved and playable in their own story modes in addition to the usual Heroes and Babylon stories. Well, Team Dark is missing Omega and substitutes a random eggbot who is more than it appears in perhaps the only notable story development. And Team Rose is Amy, Cream, and... Vector... so Team Sonic Racing wasn't the first to randomly force him in to fill out another team, or to have a weird addition to Team Rose.

As for the racing, from what I could tell from the tutorial, there's a lot of actions you need to be able to do. It seemed complex and the pace of gameplay quite fast for something you control just with various body motions to an unresponsive IR sensor grid. In other words, compared to Zero Gravity it didn't feel as compromised by the control scheme, and translated reasonably well to a controller, so it's a shame they never officially offered that as an option. The game reviewed terribly at the time on the basis of its controls, but with a pad in hand I had a fun time. Sure it was easy most of the way through, but by the very last stages it did even offer a decent challenge.

There's no drifting, but a heavy turn assist helps with cornering. There's a boost function that drains your air meter, as well as a "lean forward (tilt control stick up) to go faster" mechanic. Stunts are done in Zero Gravity style, by jumping at the right time off a ramp, although you can spin to do a better trick (not supported in the original mod release). Arm flailing is a factor, where you can lean to grab rings that are just off the course, throw items that skew a little more Mario Kart in their effects while still being unique, rub steam or splatter off your screen, or grab poles to swing around and take shortcuts. As a power character you can punch to destroy obstacles, and flight characters have to have arms outstretched to remain airborne when necessary. It sounds exhausting but all these functions are mapped pretty well to a controller in the mod, and I got to grips with them quickly. And while it may sound overloaded with gimmicks, I thought it was a better balance than the previous games of keeping up your pace while doing them, or being ignorable entirely.

It may sound like I'm being contrary but this quickly became my favourite of the Riders games. Because it expects you to be flolloping around, it's so much more forgiving and I found I wasn't constantly struggling against the game and its demands. It integrates a mission-like structure into the campaign so most of the time you're doing various objectives and single-lap runs of the courses in story mode, which moves things along at a quick pace. It also looks gorgeous, the environments varied and ultra-colourful, helped of course by being in HD for the first time. The tracks have fun setpieces like toboggan or minecart sections, jumping onto rooftops, or surfing while being pulled by a dolphin.

Free Riders kind of fulfilled the promise of what I wanted the series to be, for the first time. Fast-paced and bombastic, not overly punishing or bland. It's such a shame that that lively energy had to be locked behind an impractical peripheral gimmick. The assets were all there for a potential conversion or fourth instalment that takes the strengths but makes it play like a normal video game that people can actually play... but alas. As is often the case in the Sonic series, it was up to the fans to fix what Sega had broken, and I'm very thankful to Rei-SanTH for doing so in this case (please fix not being able to turn right on v1.1!).

[callmearcturus]

The Love Song of the Square Root of Minus One (i) by Richard Siken

I am the wind and the wind is invisible, all the leaves tremble but I am invisible, blackbird over the dark field but I am invisible, what fills the balloon and what it moves through, knot without rope, bloom without flower, galloping without the horse, the spirit of the thing without the thing, location without dimension, without a within, song without throat, word without ink, wingless flight, dark boat in the dark night, shine without light, pure velocity, as the hammer is a hammer when it hits the nail and the nail is a nail when it meets the wood and the invisible table begins to appear out of mind, pure mind, out of nothing, pure thinking, hand of the mind, hand of the emperor, arm of the empire, void and vessel, sheath and shear, and wider, and deeper, more vast, more sure, through silence, through darkness, a vector, a violence, and even farther, and even worse, between, before, behind, and under, and even stronger, and even further, beyond form, beyond number, I labor, I lumber, I fumble forward through the valley as winter, as water, a shift in the river, I mist and frost, flexible and elastic to the task, a fountain of gravity, space curves around me, I thirst, I hunger, I spark, I burn, force and field, force and counterforce, agent and agency, push to your pull, parabola of will, massless mass and formless form, dreamless dream and nameless name, intent and rapturous, rare and inevitable, I am the thing that is hurtling towards you…

[scifishortstoryverse]

PGC INTERNAL PERSONNEL DOSSIER

Subject: Veklar Vidiscus

Clearance: Command Eyes Only – Alpha-5

Position aboard Europa: Chief Helm Officer / Quantum-Fold Pilot

Veklar Vidiscus belongs to the Strillid—a sapient, arachnid-derived species whose neural architecture is uniquely attuned to the micro-fluctuations of quantum space. Only three known Commonwealth species possess the reflex envelope necessary to steer a vessel inside a fold tunnel; the Strillid are considered the most stable of the trio, and Veklar is regarded as one of their finest graduates from the Atlas Flight Academy.

Strillids stand roughly two metres tall on digitigrade legs, with a charcoal-chitin exoskeleton and six forward-facing eyes clustered across a broad cranial plate. Veklar’s build shows the characteristic secondary arm-pair folded beneath the primary set—used for rapid console switching during high-G manoeuvres. When seated in the helm cradle, those smaller limbs interface with a dedicated ring of micro-controls that most humanoid pilots cannot physically reach in time-critical windows.

Neurologically, Strillids process parallax and temporal stutter faster than baseline humanoids. Veklar’s personal best reaction index—recorded during Commonwealth trials—sits nineteen milliseconds below the theoretical onset of slip-tunnel shear, giving Europa an edge in evasive folds or combat drops. He requires a slightly lower ambient temperature on the bridge and is hypersensitive to broad-spectrum strobing, but otherwise integrates seamlessly with standard life-support ranges.

Fellow officers describe Veklar as laconic, polite, and “always coiled.” He speaks in clipped Standard, favouring mission brevity over small talk, yet keeps meticulous personal logs of every transit. Those logs have already been referenced twice by Fleet Command to refine Quantum Fold Drive safety margins across the class.

Operational highlights

• Executed a tri-vector emergency fold during the Klystron Corridor rescue, threading the Europa through a collapsing gravitic eddy with zero hull stress.

• Logged fifty-seven consecutive precision dockings under combat alert without automated assist—fleet record for ships of this tonnage.

• Assisted Engineering in calibrating the Zero Point Core’s scoop angle; his kinetic intuition shaved six percent off energy bleed during tunnel entry.

Psych profile (excerpts)

Praetorian notes Veklar “thinks in vectors and silence,” while Wyllie claims he has a dry sense of humour that surfaces only after midnight Beta shift. Dr Zaman lists no disqualifying medical issues, but monitors ocular micro-fractures common to Strillid pilots who exceed fold-entry tolerances.

Current assignment: Maintain slip-readiness at all times, oversee helm crew cross-training, and serve as primary pilot for all high-risk quantum-space evolutions. Any transfer request must be authorised by Captain Cole and vetted by Fleet Neuro-Analytics, given the scarcity of fold-qualified personnel.

[onenakedfarmer]

RICHARD SIKEN "Lovesong of the Square Root of Negative One"

“I am the wind and the wind is invisible, all the leaves tremble but I am invisible, blackbird over the dark field but I am invisible, what fills the balloon and what it moves through, knot without rope, bloom without flower, galloping without the horse, the spirit of the thing without the thing, location without dimension, without a within, song without throat, word without ink, wingless flight, dark boat in the dark night, shine without light, pure velocity, as the hammer is a hammer when it hits the nail and the nail is a nail when it meets the wood and the invisible table begins to appear out of mind, pure mind, out of nothing, pure thinking, hand of the mind, hand of the emperor, arm of the empire, void and vessel, sheath and shear, and wider, and deeper, more vast, more sure, through silence, through darkness, a vector, a violence, and even farther, and even worse, between, before, behind, and under, and even stronger, and even further, beyond form, beyond number, I labor, I lumber, I fumble forward through the valley as winter, as water, a shift in the river, I mist and frost, flexible and elastic to the task, a fountain of gravity, space curves around me, I thirst, I hunger, I spark, I burn, force and field, force and counterforce, agent and agency, push to your pull, parabola of will, massless mass and formless form, dreamless dream and nameless name, intent and rapturous, rare and inevitable, I am the thing that is hurtling towards you…”

[vuezen]

Best Sunglasses for Sun Protection That Work Overtime

Call it whatever you will — but sunglasses are no longer a summer thing. Your buddy from a more stylish age all seasons apparel dressing companion, year ‘round and rain or shine. The catch here is, not all the shades are the same quality. In 2025 the absolute best sunglasses for sun Protection are fun to wear and do more than do whatever they do best- screen your eyes, take your look up a notch then grant confidence from inception. 

If you have been indulging in style over substance for far too long, now is your time to change. Sunglasses that do it all — vuezen, just some brands that are repositioning what dressing stylishly implies. So we shall go ahead and discuss why picking the correct sunglasses for sun protection takes a leap of the game, and how you can find your perfect fit online. 

Why Sun Protection in Sunglasses Is Non-Negotiable in 2025

Ozone layers are shifting, screen time is through the roof, and longer daylight in many places around the world your eyes are protected, not optional — they're a necessity. The best sunglasses for the sun have more than just a sunglass lens. We're ting.

100% UV400 Protection

Polarized lenses for glare reduction

Anti-fatigue features

Scratch resistant coatings

And you will thank vuezen, once you start wearing this level of serious protection like their products you truly become a believer.

What Makes Sunglasses “Work Overtime”?

Those accessories that come out only in image beach days or road trips? These are NOT those. Sunglasses That Work Harder: 

Everyday wear-ready

Fashion-forward

From sunrise to sunset, built for long lasting comfort 

The best sunglasses today are crafted to effortlessly travel alongside you from an outdoor coffee run, to a 12-hour flight; from sunny sidewalks to the light of a slowly dying evening, both blocking harmful UV and keeping your vision sharp. 

The Vuezen Difference: Protection, Style, and Performance

What makes vuezen different? It is not just the fleur-de-lis (but oh.. hell yeah they murder in that). It is the best UV protection on top of really max-level comfort but feel personal designs. Cat-eyes, to bold aviators and rimless frame in minimalist from vuezen suitable to face shape a fashion vector for every man and his dog.

Flash Point - you can actually buy vuezen sunglasses online without guessing… bundles Nothing about this virtual try-on, fast shipping solution is not a breeze. 

Top Reasons to Upgrade to the Best Sunglasses for Sun Protection

1. Better Vision in Bright Light

Stop squinting as if you are calculating a math problem in your head. Vuezen polarized lenses eliminate the glare of car hoods, water surface and glass buildings with just a swipe.

2. Long-Term Eye Health

The sun is not the only thing that sun can harm in your body, UV rays can also do harm to eyes. The Best Sunglasses protect your eyes against UV rays and cataract prevention,eye strain and even macular degeneration. 

3. Elevate Any Look

They sure protect, but come with style too. The best fashion sunglasses and they complete your look with seriousness of “I woke up this morning thinking lay” style.

4. You Can Buy Them Online Without the Hassle

The days of toting around a dozen glasses in an overcrowded store are long gone. Buy online Sunglasses from trusted brands like vuezen (for the fit, the style and protection) as it is very easy. 

FAQs: Everything You Need to Know About Sun-Protective Sunglasses

Q1: How do I know if my sunglasses offer proper sun protection?

Look for “UV400” or “100% UV Blocking” labels. These block UVA and UVB light Vuezen just adds this as standard to all their styles.

Q2: Are polarized lenses necessary?

Not necessary for everyone, a life-saver if you happen to get close to reflective surfaces, roads and water glass. The polarized options from Vuezen really cut glare and eye strain. 

Q3: Can I buy sunglasses online and still get a good fit?

Dead on. Check for vuezen size guide, face shape silhouette and even virtual try-on brands. You will be shocked how easy and accurate it really is.

Q4: What styles are trending for 2025?

Retro-futuristic shapes, big frames and basic color range were the talk of the town back in time. The finest fashion sunglasses combine traditional beauty with contemporary, vuezen does it admirably.

Final Thoughts: Don’t Just Wear Sunglasses — Wear Ones That Work for You

In an ever moving and rapidly bright world, your sunglasses should carry at least some weight beyond just being an accessory. You need to defend, deliver on and deliver extras for your glasses. The greatest sunglasses for suns protection are the ones that you will soon learn you had on and someone called you out for your look or maybe notice a need to take a break from the day by refreshing eyes. You will be simultaneously getting the top of high-performance lenses integrated with trending design courtesy vuezen so if you want sunglasses that exercise hard like you vuezen is your smiling face. You're at the place to buy the most working sunglasses online, vuezen.

[mrm101]

Starliner will finally, weather permitting, be returning early tomorrow morning (7 Sep UK time) but without its crew onboard. Coverage will begin on NASA TV (now called NASA+) at 22:45BST with the undocking scheduled for 23:04BST. In order to conduct the departure uncrewed with the minimum of software reconfigurations the Boeing Flight Control team will utilise a pre-planned trajectory which would normally be used in the event of a docking approach abort. After springs on the docking port push the vehicle away, about 30 seconds later, Starliner's forward thrusters will fire to rapidly (I'm guessing this will look like a much faster speed than we are used to seeing vehicles move near the station) send the vehicle up and forward of the station. This mode, a 'break-out' burn, would normally be used to rapidly get the vehicle away from the station in the event something went wrong during docking approach. Normally a vehicle would back away slowly in front of the station along its direction of travel, or velocity vector or V-bar, for some time before raising above and then back behind and below the station. Starliner will still travel above and than back behind the station but after some two orbits.

The all important deorbit burn will take place at 04:17BST with the landing, and it is a landing with airbags, not a splashdown, will occur at 05:04BST at White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico.

Starliner's crew, Captin Barry 'Butch' Wilmore and Captain Sunita Williams will remain onboard the ISS, in fact they will remain onboard the station now until February, becoming part of the next crew, Expedition 72. The next US crew mission will now launch with two crew instead of the four planed with two empty seats for Butch and Sunni to return on. As I predicted/guessed the crew will include Russian cosmonaut Alexandr Gorbunov (still designated as Mission Specialist despite now being in the Pilot seat) but instead of the assigned Commander, Nick Hague, who was originally assigned as pilot will now be in the Commander's seat. Zena Cardman (originally assigned as Commander despite being what would have been her first flight) and Stephanie Wilson have been kicked off their mission... thanks to Boeing (but they will be reassigned to a later expedition eventually). Pic: Starliner docked to the station, as seen from the Dragon parked above it, flying over Egypt.

Friday 6 September 2024: Undocking

BST (EDT)

22:45 (17:45) UNDOCKING COVERAGE NASA+

23:04 (18:04) undocking

Saturday 7 September 2024: Landing

03:50 (22:50 Fri) LANDING COVERAGE NASA+

04:17 (23:17 Fri) deorbit retro burn

05:03 (00:03) landing

05:30 (01:30) POST LANDING NEWS CONFERENCE NASA+

[rk0022]

Key Applications of VTOL Aircraft: Military, Commercial, and Beyond

Imagine an aircraft that doesn't need a runway. It takes off vertically, like a helicopter, and flies forward like a traditional aeroplane. This is the fascinating world of VTOL aircraft (Vertical Takeoff and Landing aircraft), an aviation technology category transforming how we think about air travel. From military applications to urban air mobility, the versatility and innovation of VTOL aircraft are opening new possibilities for aviation.

What is a VTOL Aircraft?

A VTOL aircraft is any aircraft that can take off, hover, and land vertically. This ability is typically achieved through unique propulsion systems, like tiltrotor engines or dedicated vertical thrusters. Unlike conventional aeroplanes, which require long runways for takeoff and landing, VTOL aircraft can operate in confined spaces, making them highly adaptable in various scenarios.

This technology has been introduced previously. Helicopters, the earliest form of VTOL aircraft, have been around for decades. However, recent advancements have significantly expanded the capabilities of VTOL aircraft, leading to a surge in interest from both military and civilian sectors.

Types of VTOL Aircraft

Several types of VTOL aircraft are designed to meet different operational needs. Here’s an overview of the most common categories:

1. Tiltrotor Aircraft

Tiltrotor VTOL aircraft are one of the most advanced designs. They use oversized rotors mounted on rotating nacelles at the ends of the wings. In vertical mode, the rotors act like helicopter blades, providing lift for takeoff and landing. Once airborne, the rotors tilt forward to function as propellers for forward flight, similar to a fixed-wing aircraft.

A notable example is the Bell Boeing V-22 Osprey, widely used by the U.S. military for various missions. Tiltrotor technology offers the advantage of high-speed travel while maintaining the flexibility of vertical operations.

2. Rotorcraft (Helicopters)

Traditional rotorcraft, or helicopters, are the most familiar form of VTOL aircraft. They use rotating blades (rotors) to generate lift and thrust. While helicopters are slower than tiltrotor aircraft, they are highly manoeuvrable and can hover for extended periods.

The Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk is a prime example of a military helicopter that utilizes VTOL capabilities for transport, surveillance, and medical evacuation missions.

3. Jet-Powered VTOL Aircraft

Jet-powered VTOL aircraft use jet engines to produce vertical thrust, either by redirecting the exhaust flow or using separate lift engines. This technology has been primarily explored for military applications, where the combination of speed, agility, and vertical takeoff is invaluable.

The most famous example of this category is the Harrier Jump Jet, which several militaries have used since the 1960s. The Harrier uses vectored thrust to direct jet exhaust downward for vertical takeoff and landing.

Applications of VTOL Aircraft

The versatility of VTOL aircraft has led to their widespread use in multiple sectors. The potential applications for VTOL aircraft are vast, from military operations to futuristic urban transportation.

1. Military Operations

The military has long been a proponent of VTOL aircraft because of their ability to operate in hostile environments. VTOL aircraft can be deployed in areas with limited or no runway infrastructure, allowing for quick insertion and extraction of personnel or cargo. They also excel in combat scenarios where agility and speed are critical.

In addition to the V-22 Osprey and Harrier, newer aircraft like the F-35B Lightning II, a fifth-generation stealth fighter, are pushing the boundaries of VTOL technology. The F-35B can switch between vertical takeoff and conventional flight modes, making it a formidable asset in modern warfare.

2. Search and Rescue Operations

VTOL aircraft are ideal for search and rescue missions, especially in difficult-to-reach areas like mountains, forests, or at sea. Helicopters, the most common VTOL aircraft in these scenarios, can hover in place, allowing for precise manoeuvres during rescue operations. They can also land in tight spaces, making them crucial for disaster response and medical evacuations.

3. Urban Air Mobility (UAM)

Urban air mobility represents one of the most exciting future applications for VTOL aircraft. The idea is to use electric VTOL (VTOL) aircraft to provide air taxi services within cities, reducing congestion on roads and providing a faster means of transportation.

Uber and Joby Aviation are actively developing VTOL aircraft for urban transportation. These aircraft are typically quieter, more energy-efficient, and designed for short trips, making them ideal for city environments. The future of urban mobility could include VTOL aircraft zipping above city streets ferrying passengers from one rooftop to another.

Advantages of VTOL Aircraft

The unique capabilities of VTOL aircraft offer numerous advantages across different industries:

1. Flexibility

The most significant advantage of VTOL aircraft is their ability to operate without the need for runways. This allows them to access remote or confined locations that conventional aircraft cannot reach. Whether a military operation in a dense jungle or an emergency rescue in a rugged mountain range, VTOL aircraft can provide a solution.

2. Increased Speed and Efficiency

VTOL technology offers the best of both worlds in cases like tiltrotor aircraft: the ability to take off vertically and the speed of a traditional aeroplane. This can significantly reduce travel time in scenarios where both vertical takeoff and long-distance travel are required.

3. Urban Mobility and Reduced Congestion

As mentioned earlier, eVTOL technology is paving the way for a new era of urban transportation. VTOL aircraft have the potential to drastically reduce traffic congestion by moving a portion of transportation into the air, providing quicker travel times within cities.

VTOL aircraft represent a transformative technology in aviation, offering unparalleled flexibility and efficiency in various applications. Whether for military, rescue, or urban mobility purposes, the future of VTOL aircraft looks promising. However, challenges like energy efficiency and noise pollution must be addressed for widespread adoption. As technology advances, the skies may soon be filled with the next generation of VTOL aircraft, changing how we move through the world.

[mavdrones]

What Are The Main Types Of Drones Based On Their Design?

Drones, formally known as Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), encompass a diverse array of designs tailored to various purposes and operational environments. Understanding the distinctions among these designs is crucial for selecting the most suitable option for specific tasks. Here's a detailed elaboration on the main types of drones based on their design:

Multi-rotor Drones:

Description: Multi-rotor drones are ubiquitous, characterized by multiple rotors (typically 4, 6, or 8) arranged in a symmetrical fashion. Each rotor generates lift and thrust independently, allowing for versatile maneuverability.

Features: Highly maneuverable: They excel at agile movements and can perform intricate maneuvers. Vertical take-off and landing (VTOL): Multi-rotor drones can hover, ascend, and descend vertically, making them suitable for confined spaces and precise operations.

Applications: Aerial photography/videography: Their stability and maneuverability make them ideal for capturing stunning aerial shots. Surveillance: Multi-rotor drones can hover in place, providing continuous monitoring of specific areas.

Examples: Quadcopters, hexacopters, and octocopters.

Fixed-wing Drones:

Description: Fixed-wing drones resemble traditional airplanes, featuring wings that generate lift. Unlike multi-rotor drones, they rely on forward motion to generate lift.

Features: Efficiency: Fixed-wing drones are more energy-efficient than multi-rotor drones, enabling longer flight durations and covering larger distances. High speed: They can achieve higher speeds than multi-rotor drones, facilitating rapid deployment and wide-area coverage.

Applications: Mapping and surveying: Fixed-wing drones are commonly used for large-scale mapping projects due to their endurance and coverage capabilities. Agricultural monitoring: They can efficiently survey vast agricultural areas for crop health assessment and management.

Examples: WingtraOne, senseFly eBee X.

Single-rotor Drones:

Description: Single-rotor drones feature a single, large rotor for lift and thrust, akin to a miniature helicopter. While less common than multi-rotor drones, they offer distinct advantages in terms of speed and agility.

Features: High speed: Single-rotor drones can achieve greater speeds than multi-rotor drones, enabling swift aerial maneuvers. Payload capacity: They can carry heavier payloads relative to their size, making them suitable for specialized applications.

Applications: Racing and aerobatics: Single-rotor drones are favored in competitive drone racing circuits for their speed and agility. Industrial inspection: Their ability to carry heavier sensors allows for detailed inspections of infrastructure and assets.

Examples: Prodrone PD8-AW-HS.

Fixed-wing Hybrid VTOL Drones:

Description: Fixed-wing hybrid VTOL drones merge the capabilities of fixed-wing and multi-rotor drones, offering both efficient forward flight and vertical take-off and landing capabilities.

Features: Versatility: They combine the endurance and efficiency of fixed-wing drones with the flexibility of multi-rotor drones for vertical operations. Longer range: Fixed-wing hybrid VTOL drones can cover extended distances, making them suitable for applications requiring long-range reconnaissance or delivery.

Applications: Delivery services: Their ability to take off vertically and transition to efficient forward flight makes them ideal for aerial delivery applications. Search and rescue: They can quickly deploy and cover large search areas, providing critical support in emergency situations.

Examples: Wingcopter, Quantum Systems Vector.

Each type of drone offers unique strengths and capabilities, catering to a wide range of applications and operational requirements. Selecting the most suitable drone involves considering factors such as mission objectives, environmental conditions, and payload requirements.

[emily0976]

Unveiling the Future: Tejas Mk2 Takes Flight

In the realm of cutting-edge aerospace technology, the Tejas Mk2 stands as a beacon of innovation and a testament to India's prowess in the field of aviation. As the next iteration in the Tejas series, the Mk2 promises to soar to new heights, combining advanced features, state-of-the-art design, and a commitment to pushing the boundaries of aerial capabilities. In this blog post, we'll delve into the fascinating world of the Tejas Mk2, exploring its key features, the technological advancements it brings to the table, and its potential impact on the global aerospace landscape.

Evolution of Tejas: A Brief Overview

Before we dive into the specifics of the Tejas Mk2, let's take a moment to appreciate the evolution of the Tejas program. The Tejas, India's indigenous light combat aircraft, made its debut with the Tejas Mk1, showcasing the nation's ambition to reduce dependence on foreign military imports. The Mk2, however, represents a significant leap forward in terms of capabilities, making it a standout in the world of modern fighter aircraft.

Design and Aerodynamics: The Art of Flight Redefined

At the heart of the Tejas Mk2's prowess lies its cutting-edge design and aerodynamics. Engineers and aerodynamicists have meticulously crafted the airframe to ensure optimal performance, agility, and stealth. The aircraft's sleek lines and advanced composite materials contribute to its low radar cross-section, enhancing its ability to operate undetected in a variety of combat scenarios.

The incorporation of advanced fly-by-wire technology further elevates the Mk2's maneuverability, providing pilots with unprecedented control and responsiveness. Whether executing high-G turns or navigating complex aerial engagements, the Tejas Mk2 is designed to outperform its predecessors and rival aircraft in its class.

Power and Propulsion: Thrusting into the Future

A crucial aspect of any modern fighter aircraft is its power and propulsion system. The Tejas Mk2 is no exception, boasting a state-of-the-art engine that propels it into the ranks of top-performing fighter jets globally. The indigenous development of the engine not only underscores India's technological prowess but also ensures a high level of self-reliance in maintaining and upgrading the fleet.

With advancements in thrust vectoring and enhanced fuel efficiency, the Tejas Mk2 is engineered to excel in a variety of operational scenarios. From air superiority missions to ground attacks, the aircraft's versatile power and propulsion system make it a formidable force to be reckoned with.

Avionics and Sensor Fusion: Eyes and Ears in the Sky

In the ever-evolving landscape of aerial warfare, having superior avionics and sensor capabilities is paramount. The Tejas Mk2 embraces this reality with a suite of advanced sensors, radar systems, and electronic warfare equipment. The integration of cutting-edge avionics enhances situational awareness, allowing pilots to make informed decisions in the heat of battle.

One standout feature is the emphasis on sensor fusion, where data from various sensors are seamlessly integrated to provide a comprehensive and real-time picture of the battlespace. This capability not only enhances the Mk2's ability to detect and track multiple targets but also contributes to its survivability in contested environments.

Stealth and Survivability: Navigating the Shadows

In an era where stealth capabilities define the effectiveness of a fighter aircraft, the Tejas Mk2 embraces the challenge with a combination of design elements and advanced materials. By minimizing its radar cross-section and incorporating stealth features, the Mk2 enhances its survivability by reducing the likelihood of detection by enemy radar systems.

Moreover, the aircraft's electronic warfare suite adds another layer of defense, disrupting and countering adversary attempts to target the Tejas Mk2. The synergy between stealth, electronic warfare, and advanced countermeasures positions this indigenous aircraft as a formidable contender on the global stage.

Global Collaborations and Export Potential

Beyond its domestic significance, the Tejas Mk2 has the potential to become a sought-after export in the international market. India's commitment to self-reliance is complemented by a willingness to engage in strategic collaborations with global partners. The Tejas Mk2 program serves as a testament to the collaborative efforts between Indian aerospace companies and international entities, fostering a spirit of technological exchange and shared advancements.

The export potential of the Tejas Mk2 opens up new avenues for diplomatic and economic ties, positioning India as a key player in the global aerospace industry. As nations seek to diversify their defense capabilities, the Tejas Mk2 stands as a compelling option, offering a perfect balance of advanced technology, reliability, and cost-effectiveness.

Conclusion: The Tejas Mk2 – A Triumph of Innovation

In conclusion, the Tejas Mk2 emerges as a triumph of innovation, symbolizing India's quest for self-reliance and technological excellence in the aerospace domain. From its advanced design and aerodynamics to its powerful propulsion system, cutting-edge avionics, and emphasis on stealth, the Mk2 represents a holistic approach to modern aerial warfare.

As the Tejas Mk2 takes flight, it not only reinforces India's position on the global stage but also sets a new standard for indigenous aircraft development. With its export potential and collaborative spirit, the Tejas Mk2 paves the way for a future where nations can mutually benefit from shared technological advancements, fostering a world where the skies are defended by the best in aerospace engineering.

[saratogaroadwrites]

For King and Country (81/122)

For King and Country | saratogaroad rating: T total wordcount:  280,466 characters: Evan Pettiwhisker Tildrum, Roland Crane, Aranella, Batu, Tani, Lofty, Leander Aristidies, Bracken Meadows relationships: Roland Crane & Evan Pettiwhisker Tildrum, Aranella & Evan Pettiwhisker Tildrum, Roland Crane & Aranella, Batu & Tani, Batu & Evan, Tani & Evan, Evan Pettiwhisker Tildrum & Lofty, Rolander other tags: Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence, Canon-Typical Violence, Mother-Son Relationship, Father-Son Relationship, Place Slowly Becomes Home People Slowly Become Family, Found Family, For Want of A Nail warnings: none

Pulled from his world by mysterious powers, former president Roland Crane finds himself caught in the middle of a coup meant to take the life of the young King Evan Pettiwhisker Tildrum. Joining forces with Aranella, the pair of them set out to aid Evan in making his dream of a kingdom where everyone can live happily ever after a reality.

But the road to peace is a long and treacherous one and there is no promise of success in a world where darkness spreads ever thicker with each passing day. If they are to stand a chance, they must stand together, for king and for country.

(A retelling.)

=

“Well, what about the Infinity?” Tani asked, tugging her half of the blanket tight around her shoulders. “It goes with the Eternity, doesn’t it?”

“It’s practically the same word,” Evan said around the hair tie he was holding between his teeth. He fought to gather his hair in the buffeting winds, sitting on his corner of the blanket to keep it from flying away. “I’m not sure it’s a good idea to name two ships almost the same thing!”

“Sure it is!” Tani beamed, “The city’s Evermore, the boat’s the Eternity, and the ship’s the Infinity!” She nodded firmly. “It’s settled!”

“It is not!” Evan protested. He moved to gesture at her, only to growl low in his throat as he lost the ponytail he had been pulling his hair into. Spirits, he needed a haircut! “And why are you naming the ship?”

“Because you named the last one!”

“And what’re you two up to?”

Roland! Evan leaned back, nearly going upside down to look behind him. From this vantage point, Roland’s fond smile looked more like a frown, but his eyes were too warm for him to be frowning. He seemed content; Evan was relieved to see that. Things had been too tense with President Vector aboard for their first ever test flight.

“We’re going over names for the—” Losing his balance, Evan fell backwards with an “oof”. “Ship. Ow.”

Despite being dragged halfway down with him, Tani burst into a fit of giggles.

“We’re not naming it the Ow, silly!” She reached over and took his hand, hauling him back up as if he weighed nothing at all. Another gust of wind tugged at the blanket, but Roland tucked it back around his shoulders before he could so much as shudder. Evan smiled gratefully as Tani continued, “That’s even dumber than keeping it as the Zippelin, or whatever Vector called it.” She rolled her eyes. “And I thought the Boss had a big head.”

“Batu isn’t the one who welded a solid gold cast of his face to the bow of his skimmer,” Roland said sarcastically, dropping down to sit beside them. He crossed his legs and rested an elbow on his knee, propping his chin in the palm of one hand. “I don’t think we have to worry about his ego becoming a problem.”

“I don’t think that Batu really has an ego problem,” Evan said lightly, pulling another hair tie from his arms band to try again. Scrunching up his nose he said lightly, “He certainly got over his listening problem after Nella started to travel with us, remember?”

Tani burst out laughing again. Even Roland had to chuckle a bit, though he said nothing as he reached forward, plucking the hair tie out from between Evan’s fingers and wordlessly pulling his hair into a low tail. Another burst of gratitude pushed away the chill.

“So,” Roland said as Tani began to settle down, “Not having too much luck with the names, huh?”

“No,” Evan said, shaking his head. The low tail brushed against his neck. “Tani keeps insisting on the Infinity, but I think that sounds far too much like the Eternity.” He made a face. “Why would we name two ships nearly the exact same thing?”

“It does keep with a theme,” Roland said, his eyes glimmering with amusement as Tani burst out “Exactly!”, her volume making Evan’s ears go flat to his skull. “But Evan’s got a point, too. Pulling out the thesaurus to name the fleet’s not exactly the best option, either.”

“Oh, fine.” Tani huffed, bottom lip sticking out a little. “If you’re so full of bright ideas, you name the thing. Ships did get names from where you’re from, right?”

For a second, the world seemed to stop. Evan and Roland shared a heartbeat long look, but where Evan nearly choked on the sharpness of his inhale, Roland barely blinked.

“In Dell? Of course they do.”

“Flippin’ heck!” Tani flopped onto her back, dragging the shared blanket—and a yelping Evan—down with her. “Will you just drop that already? We all know it’s not true!”

Anything Evan would have said to that died in his throat as Tani turned a very unimpressed look on them both. He realized that she wouldn’t believe any lie they could have told her, which left them only one option. Somehow not a nervous wreck, Roland sighed through his nose.

“How do you figure?” He asked.

“Uh, it’s obvious?” Tani pushed herself onto her elbows, unfurling the fingers of one hand as she spoke. “You don’t sound like Evan or Miss Nella, you don’t talk like Evan or Miss Nella, and you know way too much of that science stuff in Broadleaf to be from anywhere else!” She dropped back down with a ‘whoof’ of displaced air. “Worst kept secret in the world if you ask me.”

“Or two of them.” Roland sighed. He turned to Evan and smiled ruefully. “Guess you were right, Evan. There really wasn’t much point to that cover story.”

Evan prided himself on not letting his proud reaction show. He’d known the truth would come out sooner or later! What was the point of lying to their family about it? He nodded firmly. Tani sat back up.

“Hang on—two of them?” She asked. “You don’t mean two worlds, do you?” She looked between the two of them. “You’re pulling my leg again.”

“We aren’t.” Evan shook his head. “I know it’s hard to believe, but Roland really is from another world.” He smiled sheepishly. “You know, like the story?”

“I know the story!” Tani burst out, getting to her knees, “But doesn’t that mean that you’re somebody’s Soul Mate? People from other worlds are always somebody’s Soul Mate and—” She stopped suddenly, dropping back down. “Oh. You are, aren’t you? You’re…Doloran’s Soul Mate.”

“Yeah,” Roland said. He rubbed his shoulder with his free hand. “We had our suspicions, but…what happened in Broadleaf pretty much confirmed it.”

“Blimey…” Tani breathed. “Does anyone else know about any of this? Besides Evan and Miss Nella, I mean.”

“Well…” Evan sat back on his hands. “I’m fairly sure that everyone knows about Soul Mates, but being from another world…” He looked at Roland, who shrugged.

“Batu’s figured it out. Leander might have guessed by now, and Bracken’s putting it together.” He smiled ruefully. “I haven’t told anyone, but it’s hard to keep secrets from your family.”

Evan couldn’t help but smile. It was too early to hope, but maybe Roland saying that aloud meant that he would tell the others soon. Frowning pensively, Tani crossed her arms over her chest.

“So why haven’t you said anything before? You’ve been keeping this a secret since you got here, right?”

“I didn’t have a way to prove it,” Roland said simply, twisting his arms band back and forth on his wrist. “I still don’t. Would you have believed me if I just came out and said it?”

“Well, I—” Tani looked away. “…I guess I wouldn’t have. It is kinda unbelievable.”

Unless people dropped into your room during a thunderstorm, Evan thought, struggling to hold back a laugh. Clearing his throat, he looked to his friend.

“Does this…change anything, Tani?” He asked warily. Tani blinked, then drew back as if stung.

“What? Why would it change anything?!” She gestured wildly; Evan had to lean back or risk getting bopped on the nose. “He’s still Roland, isn’t he?” She looked at Roland. “Aren’t you?”

“I don’t see why I wouldn’t be.” Roland shrugged one shoulder. “But I think Evan means our not telling you. It’s a pretty big secret to be keeping from people you say you trust.”

“Well, yeah,” Tani grumbled, “And I’m kinda annoyed about that now that you mention it, but…you had your reasons, yeah? And it’s like you said,” She shrugged up to her ears. “Without proof, it’s one tall tale. Easier if you really were just from Dell, yeah?”

Evan heaved a huge sigh of relief. Roland, for his part, just smiled.

“Tell me about it. Anyway,” He cleared his throat. The two teens sat up at attention, Tani pulling the blanket back around her shoulders. “To answer your first question, ships where I’m from tended to get named after important figures or cities.” His eyes slid sideways to Evan, a teasing smile taking root. “If we wanted to go that route, we could name this ship after Evan.”

That was—there was no way—no!

“Please don’t!” Evan buried his face in both hands, cheeks hot against his palms. “I don’t want to get a big head like President Vector!”

“Ha!” Tani pounced, slinging her arms around him in a sideways hug. They both rocked with the motion and would have fallen to the deck had Roland not steadied them. “Like that’ll ever happen! You’re too much of a humble button to get that big a head just by naming a ship after you.” Gently tweaking an ear, she grinned at him. “But I bet you’re coming around to calling her the Infinity now, huh?”

Evan grumbled. “Maybe a little.”

Tani’s answering smile could have eclipsed the sun.

Quietly, and only to himself, Evan admitted that he really would like to see that smile again.

This time, when his cheeks flushed hot and red, it was for an entirely different reason.