#Waterway Protection

[vistalandcare]

Essential Guide to Silt Fence Installation and Siltation Control for Erosion Prevention

Silt fences are one of the most widely used tools in the construction and landscaping industries for controlling soil erosion and preventing sediment runoff into nearby water sources. Installing a silt fence correctly is essential for ensuring that these fences perform as designed, providing effective siltation control and protecting the environment.

In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the process of silt fence installation, explain the importance of siltation control, and offer best practices for maintaining these erosion barriers.

What is a Silt Fence?

A silt fence is a temporary barrier made from geotextile fabric that is used to filter out sediments from water runoff, particularly on construction sites or other land-disturbing activities. The fabric acts as a filtration system, allowing water to pass through while capturing silt and other debris. This helps prevent soil erosion, water pollution, and protects downstream water quality.

Silt fences are commonly used during:

Construction projects where soil is disturbed.

Landscaping and site grading projects.

Land reclamation projects and stormwater management.

The Importance of Siltation Control

Siltation control is a vital aspect of erosion management. When heavy rains or storms cause the soil to be washed away, the loose dirt (or silt) can flow into nearby streams, rivers, and other bodies of water, leading to a number of environmental problems:

Water Pollution: Silt and sediment can contaminate water sources, affecting aquatic life and the quality of drinking water.

Soil Erosion: Erosion can strip away valuable topsoil, making it difficult for vegetation to grow and reducing soil fertility.

Habitat Disruption: The accumulation of silt in waterways can block fish migration, smother habitats, and disrupt the local ecosystem.

By implementing proper siltation control measures like silt fences, you can reduce the risk of these negative environmental impacts.

How to Install a Silt Fence Correctly

Silt fence installation involves several key steps to ensure that the barrier is effective in trapping sediment and preventing erosion. Below is a step-by-step guide to proper silt fence installation.

1. Site Assessment and Planning

Before beginning installation, it's essential to conduct a site assessment. Identify the areas where water runoff is likely to occur and where silt may be washed away. Additionally, the location of the silt fence should be along a natural or planned flow path for water. It’s crucial that the silt fence does not block access to any drainage systems or cause unintended pooling of water.

2. Obtain Necessary Permits

In some regions, the installation of silt fences may require permits or approvals, particularly if the project impacts stormwater runoff or local waterways. Be sure to consult local regulations and obtain all required permits before proceeding.

3. Mark the Fence Location

Once you’ve identified where to install the silt fence, mark the location along the water flow path where the fence will be installed. The silt fence should be positioned so that it intercepts the flow of water, directing it through the fabric while trapping sediment.

4. Dig a Trench

A trench should be dug along the marked location to ensure that the silt fence fabric is buried securely into the ground. The trench should be at least 4 to 6 inches deep, ensuring that the bottom of the fabric is anchored to prevent water from flowing underneath.

5. Install the Fence Posts

Install vertical posts at regular intervals along the trench, generally about 6 to 10 feet apart. These posts will support the silt fence fabric and should be driven deep enough into the ground to provide stability. Wooden or steel posts are commonly used, and they should be durable enough to withstand the forces of water flow.

6. Attach the Fabric

The geotextile fabric should be rolled out along the length of the trench and attached to the posts. The fabric should be installed tightly, without sagging, to ensure that it can effectively trap silt. Secure the fabric to the posts using staples, ties, or fasteners designed for this purpose. Be sure to bury the bottom edge of the fabric in the trench to create a complete seal and prevent soil from washing underneath the fence.

7. Backfill and Compact the Trench

Once the fabric is in place, backfill the trench with the soil removed during the digging process. Compact the soil to secure the fabric and prevent water from flowing around the edges of the fence.

8. Inspect and Maintain the Fence

Silt fences must be regularly inspected to ensure they remain intact and effective. After heavy rainfall or storm events, check for any tears, damage, or areas where the fence may have been displaced. It is important to maintain the fence throughout the duration of the construction project or land disturbance.

Best Practices for Silt Fence Maintenance

Proper maintenance is crucial for the continued effectiveness of silt fences. Here are some best practices to ensure your silt fence continues to perform optimally:

Regular Inspections: Inspect the fence regularly, particularly after rainfall. Check for areas of wear or damage and ensure that the fabric is not clogged with sediment.

Sediment Removal: If the silt fence has collected too much sediment, it may become ineffective. Remove excess sediment before it builds up to more than half the height of the fence.

Repairs: If the fabric is torn or posts are leaning, repair the fence promptly. A damaged silt fence will not provide the necessary protection from erosion.

Proper Disposal: When a silt fence is no longer needed, remove it carefully and dispose of the fabric and any accumulated sediment in an environmentally responsible manner.

When to Use Silt Fences

Silt fences should be used in any situation where erosion control is needed, including:

Construction sites: When clearing land, grading, or excavating soil.

Agricultural projects: To prevent soil loss during planting or harvesting.

Road building projects: Where dirt is disturbed, and runoff could flow into nearby water sources.

Landscaping: To prevent erosion during heavy rains, especially in hilly or sloped areas.

Alternatives to Silt Fencing

While silt fences are highly effective, other erosion control methods can be used in conjunction with or as alternatives to silt fences, including:

Erosion control blankets: Made from biodegradable materials, these blankets help prevent erosion by protecting the soil surface while allowing vegetation to grow.

Sediment ponds: These are large ponds or basins designed to capture sediment and prevent it from flowing into nearby water sources.

Mulching: Applying a layer of mulch to the soil can help reduce the impact of water runoff and prevent erosion.

Conclusion

Silt fence installation is an essential practice for controlling erosion and preventing sedimentation in water bodies. Whether you're involved in construction, landscaping, or agricultural projects, implementing a well-designed siltation control system is key to protecting the environment and ensuring that your site remains compliant with local regulations.

By following proper installation and maintenance practices, you can ensure that your silt fence performs optimally, minimizing the risk of soil erosion, water pollution, and habitat disruption. In areas with high rainfall or disturbed soils, the installation of silt fences is a simple yet effective solution for maintaining a clean, sustainable landscape.

[dietmimo]

Biyu: Baaht. [I’ll pray at your funeral Father.]

Birb Daddy AU

Previous

[calling-the-angels]

I got my comment in with 10 minutes to spare 😅

I followed the "commenting guidance" found on the regulation.gov homepage or in the footer. It gives a great outline for how to make an impactful statement and definitely helped me write a bit more than "don't touch our wetlands and streams, you greedy bastards!! 🤬"

Just wanted to point it out for anyone looking to comment on something in the future! It gives you everything you need to write a comment that will be taken seriously and not thrown out because it doesn't address the regulation directly.

Also, I went and read through some public comments and while there were plenty from groups that obviously have been burned by CWA regulations in the past and are out for blood, there were many advocating for CWA protections. In particular, the comment from the Natural Resources Defense Council et.al made me grin at different parts cause they just REAMED into the EPA for trying to circumvent due administrative process as required by the CWA. It was beautifully put, I recommend reading it.

They're wanting to change the definition of water to see which water would qualify under the Clean Water Act...I wish I was making this up.

What this means, in layman's terms, is that not all water or wetlands would be under environmental protections, so some could legally be dumped in, scraped out of, or otherwise harmed.

The comment period for this is pretty short (just a few days left!) so please submit comments asking for ALL water to be protected.

[gpstudios]

Title: World Rivers Day: Celebrating and Protecting Our Vital Waterways

Celebrate World Rivers Day on September 22 by engaging in activities that protect and appreciate our vital waterways. Join cleanup efforts, support conservation organizations, and advocate for river protection.

Introduction World Rivers Day, observed annually on September 22, highlights the importance of rivers and their role in sustaining ecosystems, communities, and economies. This day aims to raise awareness about the challenges facing our rivers and encourage actions to protect and preserve these vital waterways. Join in the celebration by learning about local rivers, participating in cleanup…

[liberalsarecool]

Greenland has a military base to protect NATO/EU. Canada has natural resources and control maritime waterways/shipping. Panama has sanctions on Russian vessels traveling through the canal.

It's all for Putin.

[tetranymous]

NOPENOPENOPE!! Cats themselves are an invasive animal here! Did you know that a vast majority of our (Australia's) ecological niches are filled by birds and marsupials? (there's not just spiders, snakes and kangaroos here!) Plus we actually already have a REALLY, REALLY BAD feral/roaming cat problem already.

Dingoes are pretty rare as they don't really occur near the major populations (and are actually in near-threatened status themselves), but yes they will kill cats. We have essentially no widespread large terrestrial predators that aren't birds or lizards, so cats have basically nothing stopping them (with the exception of cars, feral dogs, paralysis ticks and MAYBE snakebite depending on the time of year), which is WHY it's so bad here!!!

Furthermore cats aren't really capable of distinguishing between an invasive rat, or the highly endangered bilby, they'll continue to wreck the ecosystem regardless. Outdoor cats are a bad idea no matter what. (unless they are supervised on a leash or catio)

talking to outdoor cat defenders like

[reasonsforhope]

"In a major move for rivers up and down the land, last week it was announced that Sussex’s River Ouse is set to be granted its own rights. 

A new charter that has just been approved by Lewes district council officially recognises the Ouse as a living entity. Based on the Universal Declaration of River Rights, the charter gives the waterway eight rights, including the right to flow, to be pollution-free, to have native biodiversity and to undergo regeneration and restoration. 

The decision to give the Ouse legal personhood was actually made two years ago when the council passed a rights of river motion. In the two years since, the likes of Lewes district council, Environmental Law Foundation, Ouse and Adur Rivers Trust and Southwood Foundation have all worked together to create the charter. 

Matthew Bird, director of the Love Our Ouse campaign, said: ‘This is a momentous moment for the river and goes some way towards recognising that the river is an entity in its own right and that its voice needs to be represented in decisions which affect it. The river faces numerous challenges including pollution, climate change, over use and development.

‘The Charter provides a common framework through which to address these challenges which we hope the other major stakeholders on the Ouse will feel able to endorse. We hope Lewes District Council’s decision to support the Ouse Charter will encourage communities throughout the UK to pursue charters for their local rivers.’

Emma Montlake, co-director of the Environmental Law Foundation, added: ‘By supporting the Rights of Rivers, Lewes District Council has set a precedent that could transform the way we safeguard our rivers. The River Ouse is an essential part of the region’s ecosystem and cultural heritage—this decision ensures a better future for the River’s health and protection.’

The charter isn’t actually legally binding just yet. The next stage will involve working with statutory agencies, communities and landowners along the river to make sure that that the new rights are implemented."

-via TimeOut, March 3, 2025

Note: This is part of the broader Rights of Nature movement, and I believe the first natural body to be granted personhood/rights in Europe [edited for accuracy 3/12/25]. (Let me know in the comments if there have been others!) It's a whole new paradigm for how to view nature - and grants us a new set of powerful tools for legally defending nature from degradation and pollution. In other words, this is pretty exciting. Read more about the Rights of Nature movement here and here.

[xtruss]

Prescription drugs accumulate in a box at the Back Cove Trail parking lot in Portland, Maine, during a take-back event. Photograph By Ben McCanna, Portland Portland Press Herald/Getty Images

How You Should Dispose of Unused or Expired Medications

Flushing or throwing away leftover drugs can contaminate waterways, threatening people and wildlife. Here are some safer solutions.

— By Priyanka Runwal | Published July 22, 2022 | Sunday August 6, 2023

If you have a stash of unwanted, unused, or expired medicines in a cabinet or drawer somewhere in your home and you don’t know the best way to get rid of them, you’re not alone.

A 2021 survey conducted on behalf of Covanta, a New Jersey-based waste management company, found that 53 percent of the 2,000 Americans polled had no idea what to do with their old medications. Pill hoarding is a common outcome, and many people eventually toss these drugs into household trash or flush them down the toilet or sink—none of which may be a good idea.

Unused or expired medicines lying around at home can get into the wrong hands, leading to accidental poisoning or drug overdose. One study found that between 2000 and 2015, U.S. Poison Control Centers received roughly 32 calls a day about children accidently ingesting opioids that had either been stored or disposed of incorrectly.

When drugs are flushed or sent to landfill, the pharmaceuticals can contaminate our groundwater, lakes, rivers, and streams, threatening human and aquatic life, although our urine and feces that contain remnants of consumed medication are bigger sources of pollution. Wastewater treatment plants aren’t designed to remove these pharmaceuticals, Tim Carroll, a spokesperson for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, says in an email. “EPA’s first message to everyone is do NOT put leftover, unused drugs down the drain.”

So how does one dispose of unneeded over-the-counter and prescription medications accumulating in our homes? There are a few options.

Drug Take-back Programs

In an effort to find a solution to drugs languishing in medicine cabinets or lurking in waterways, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration launched its first National Take-Back Day in September 2010. More than 4,000 sites across 50 states collected nearly 250,000 pounds of pharmaceuticals that people returned. Since then, DEA has hosted this single-day event biannually; in April this year, more than 5,000 sites collected about 721,000 pounds of pharmaceuticals.

People can also use mail-back envelopes or drop off their unwanted medications year-round at DEA-registered collection kiosks in police stations, pharmacies, community health centers, and hospitals. These returned drugs are then sent to medical waste incinerators.

Drug Enforcement Administration agents and Soldiers from the New Jersey National Guard's Counter Drug Task Force dumped prescription drugs to be incinerated at the Covanta Essex Resource Recovery Facility during Operation Take Back New Jersey in Newark, N.J., Oct. 31, 2017. Operation Take Back New Jersey is a DEA program that provides a safe and legal method for the citizens of New Jersey to dispose their unwanted, unused, and expired medicines. The New Jersey National Guard assisted with the collection and disposal of the medications. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Matt Hecht) Photograph By Master Sgt. Matt Hecht, AB Forces News Collection/Alamy Stock Photo

In 2021 Stericycle, the largest medical waste incinerator company in the U.S., burned 40 million pounds of unused and expired pharmaceuticals, says Jim Anderson, the company’s vice president for product management and innovation. Incineration produces an inert ash that’s sent to landfills. However, one downside of this disposal method is that transporting and burning such waste and its packaging can release greenhouse gas emissions that can be potentially greater than those generated if the drugs were dumped in landfill, according to one study estimate.

But take-back programs are preferred as they reduce the risk of drug misuse and the incineration “effectively eliminates the entrance of these pharmaceuticals into our nation’s waters,” Carroll says.

However, Steve Skerlos, a mechanical, civil, and environmental engineer at the University of Michigan argues that take-back programs could still result in medicines piling up in homes—a problem such programs were designed to address in the first place. “The question is, if I have extra, unused medication, am I going to leave my house in the next day, or week, even a month, to return that,” he says, especially in rural settings where take-back sites may not be as easily accessible. “A reasonable person may consider landfill to get it out of the house fast.”

In such cases, the DEA suggests mixing medicinal tablets and capsules with undesirable substances like coffee grounds or kitty litter and tossing the mixture into the trash inside a sealed bag or container. (Don’t crush the drugs though.)

And while the EPA advises against flushing pharmaceuticals down the drain, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration maintains a list of limited medications that have the potential to be misused or result in death if taken inappropriately and so can be flushed when safer disposal alternatives are lacking.

Pharmacies also sell drug destroyers such as DisposeRx that can work with pills, tablets, capsules, liquids, and powders. “It’s about the size of a packet of sugar,” says Thomas Menighan, former CEO of the American Pharmacists Association. “You open it, put it in a bottle of unused opioids, or any medicine, for example, you pour a little water in and shake it up, it turns into a white slurry,” which can then be tossed into the trash.

But it’s unclear if these products permanently bind or inactivate the medicinal compounds so that they don’t end up in the landfill liquid, which is released into wastewater treatment plants, and can eventually contaminate our waterways.

Recycling Pharmaceuticals

Perhaps surprisingly, not all unused medications need to be thrown away.

Every year five billion dollars’ worth of unexpired medicine ends up being discarded in the U.S. That could happen because a patient dies, their condition improves and they no longer need their prescribed medication, there’s a dose change, or they experience side effects and are put on new drugs. In such cases these unexpired medications—worth an estimated $700 million—can be recycled.

“We’re wasting a lot of medication which is already paid for,” says Anandi Law, a patient engagement specialist at the Western University of Health Sciences in California. “We could have somebody else who needs it have it.”

Millions of U.S. adults skip or delay getting their prescriptions filled due to high costs. Hence, at least 40 states have passed legislation to establish medication repository programs that allow pharmacies, drug manufactures, medical and long-term care facilities, and sometimes individuals to donate their unused drugs in original sealed containers or tamper-evident packaging.

A licensed pharmacist then inspects the donated medication to check the expiry date and look for signs of tampering, misbranding, or any indication that the drug could be compromised. Once approved, the drugs can be dispensed to uninsured or underinsured individuals via state-approved pharmacies, hospitals, charitable clinics, or community health centers.

Since its inception in 2007, Iowa’s drug donation program, SafeNetRx, has served more than 117,000 patients and redistributed nearly $54-million worth of medication and supplies. Georgia’s program formally launched in 2018, and it has already filled prescriptions worth over $50 million.

“Even though over 40 states have these drug donation laws, a lot of people don’t know that they exist,” says Kiah Williams, co-founder of SIRUM, a nonprofit organization that works with pharmacies and health facilities across the country to assist with drug donation.

Donating unused medications or using take-back programs are voluntary for households, but experts hope more people will use these options instead of disposing of their leftover drugs in the trash or down the drain, which tends to be more convenient.

“All of these efforts are still relatively new,” Carroll says. “We expect we have a long way to go until households change their habits.”

[cheapshrimpysheep]

My Heaven's Light

SUMMARY: Rollo managed to kidnap you before sending the NRC students to Fleur City's Waterways, believing he was saving you. Malleus and the others reach the tower, ring the Bell of Solace and rescue you. Malleus expresses his protective side and Rollo apologizes for kidnapping you.

CHARACTERS: Rollo Flamme VS Malleus Draconia (x Reader)

TAGS: GN Reader; Angst to Comfort; Jealousy

WARNING: Spoilers from Glorious Masquerade; Kidnapping

WORD COUNT: 4.220 Words

COMMENTS: Thinking about the fact that Rollo is the twisted version of Frollo and thinking of MC as Esmeralda, it is inevitable to imagine Rollo kidnapping MC. But not for the same reasons!

Rollo is a really complex character, but one I've wanted to write about for some time now. I plan to try writing more with him in the future.

Until then, I hope you enjoy this one. 🐲🦐🔔

By the way, do you have ANY idea how many times I've looked up synonyms for common words just to get as close as possible to Rollo's way of speaking? One thing is for sure: I am greatly expanding my English vocabulary with this.

.

Amidst the panic that the firelotuses were causing, both your colleagues and Professor Trein end up paying more attention to the flowers than to you.

As you move away from the flowers, you end up approaching one of the pillars. That's when you feel a hand covering your mouth and another holding your arm behind your back.

You are carried away through the shadows as you try to free yourself, but these attempts only make the hands hold you even tighter and run the risk of injuring your arm.

The person who is taking you leans over and whispers in your ear. “I beg you not do make this more complicated that it needs to be.” It's Rollo!

He takes you to a room adjacent to the hall and pushes you inside, making you fall into an armchair. Just before he closes the door to lock you inside you hear Grim's voice.

“[Y/N]? [Y/N]?! MY HENCH-HUMAN DISAPPEARED!”

No matter how loud you scream, or how much you bang on the door, the chaos outside is too loud for anyone to hear you. Eventually you realize something is going on, so you stop to listen to the conversation. Rollo had revealed himself and was talking to your NRC colleagues.

“My, my.” You hear Azul say. “That was quite a predictable villain line, you know.”

“Silence!” Rollo's voice echoed. “YOU'RE the villains here! And what's more, you flaunted your magic and mesmerized our good citizens with it... Just like you did with your prefect. You imprisoned them with you and poisoned their mind. The poor thing became numb to the absurdity after spending every day swimming in it. Mages use their magic to lead people astray and cloud the eyes of the virtuous public. It's sad state of affairs, but it's devastating when the victim is someone like [Y/N].”

“What have you done with [Y/N]?!” Malleus's powerful voice demands to know.

“For now, I am keeping them safe. But once I engulf the world in the fiery crimson of these flowers and strip every mage in Twisted Wonderland of their magic, then I will have saved them, and all those like them who suffer at your hands!”

“You have no idea of the atrocity you are insinuating, Flamme!” Not only does Malleus’s voice thunder, but the sky outside does too.

“And there he is, folks! The secret mastermind who was controlling the ‘final boss’ all along!” Idia says. “But what kind of mastermind jumps the gun and shows up this early? Dude has like, zero patience.”

“Could you not right now? You're ruining the moment.” Azul complains.

The discussion continues with Rollo revealing that his plan is already well underway. When the Bell of Solace rang for an unprecedented fourth time that night, it suffused the city with magic. The firelotuses aren't only in the school. They've spread throughout the city, and are sapping the energy from every mage living there. And after that, he opens the floor for everyone to fall into a pit.

“And those accursed mages, with Malleus Draconia foremost among them... They'll all be finished! Enjoy your time down below. Though I think you'll find it quite...draining. At long last... I shall finally mete out my justice.”

Some time later, the door opens and Rollo enters, extending his hand to you.

“Come. We must go to the Bell Tower. It is safer-”

What he didn't expect was for you to attack him with a tall candlestick. And you discover that in addition to being a promising mage, he also has excellent reflexes. He manages to dodge your attack and grab your wrists so you let go of the candlestick.

“I do not aim to harm you!” He says very seriously. “Please don't turn it into something I have to do.”

“Then what are you doing locking me here?”

“Preventing you from falling for the tricks of those magic-addled fools once again.” He comes closer, still grabbing you by the wrists. “You poor thing. Blinded by villains who wear an elusive mask of companions. But worry not, that tragic state of affairs shan't last much longer.” He brings his face even closer to yours. “Now, I will provide you with a choice. You will accompany me peacefully to the Bell Tower, where you will be safe by my side. Or you will make me forcefully assure your safety. Which one will be?”

If you choose to resist, Rollo will pin your arm behind your back again and place a handkerchief over your mouth and nose. Whatever is in that handkerchief, will render you unconscious. And you will wake up on the top floor of the Bell Tower, lying on a blanket.

You see Rollo with his back to you, looking down at the bright scarlet below. You stand up.

“For the Righteous Judge's sake, don't try to go against me again.” Rollo says, without turning to you. “Even without the use of my magic you will not be able to overpower me.�� Still without taking his eyes off the outside he calms down to invite you. “Would you be so kind as to join me in gazing out over the city?”

If you choose to accompany him peacefully to the Bell Tower, Rollo will release your wrists with a smile and give you his arm for you to intertwine with yours.

“I'm glad my judgment of you is aligning with the truth.” He says calmly as he guides. “To remain so virtuous amidst the chaos of magic, you must surely be one of heaven's lights.” You see now a new smile, a peaceful one.

The climb up the tower was silent, as you needed to breathe to climb all those stairs. When you finally reach the top, Rollo extends his hand to you. If you give him yours, he will guide you like a gentleman to a point where you can both see the ominously lit city below.

After your choice:

“Ahh, the city's turned a marvelous shade of crimson... How cleansing it is. I've never felt so at peace before.”

“Why are you doing this, Rollo?”

“Once magic vanish from the world forever, no one will have to suffer with its consequences. Magic is not something to be lionized. It is an evil temptation that, behind its illusory wonders, only causes pain and suffering. If it wasn't dangerous, it wouldn't be like a toxin in your body... However... I wonder how much you actually know about it.”

You look at him as if to ask what he means by that.

“Are you even from this world [Y/N]?” He finally looks at you. “I don't know what it is, but there's something about you that's different from every non-magic user I've ever met. And the circumstances surrounding you are quite... abnormal.”

You choose not to respond.

“I see you have your secrets. I have mine owns as well." He takes his handkerchief to his face. "If you don't feel comfortable talking about your past, then allow me the right not to talk about mine either.”

He puts the handkerchief back in his pocket, and you observe the city in silence for a moment, until he speaks again.

“They will come here. I don't know which students will be strong enough to reach the tower, but Malleus Draconia will certainly be one of those who will be able to reach me. And when that happens, I will guarantee that he will be the first to fall.”

“Why all this obsession with Tsunotarou?”

“Obsession is a very strong word, I simply...” He stops to process what you just said. “I beg your pardon, but am I correct in assuming you were referring to Malleus Draconia just now?”

“Of course, he was who you were talking about just... Oh, I called him Tsunotarou didn't I? Sorry. But yes, I was talking about Malleus.”

“T-Tsunotarou?” He takes the handkerchief back to his face. “Is it some kind of mocking nickname?”

“No! I mean yes, it's a nickname, but no, it's not to mock him. It's a long story but that's what Grim and I call him.”

“Does he know about this... name?”

“Oh, yes. He even likes me calling him by that, he thinks it's funny. Or at least that's what it seams. He smiles every time he hears me say that name.” Just like you were smiling talking about him. “He calls me Child of Man.”

“You have a playful nickname for each other.” Rollo whispers with the handkerchief covering his angry (jealous) expression. “Soon enough you'll feel disgusted by it.”

“Sorry, I didn't understand.”

“No, nothing. Pay me no mind.” He takes the handkerchief away from his mouth. “Ah... I hear the firelotuses rustling... Those wretched Night Raven College mages are making their way up the tower, aren't they? Villains are always so stubborn.” Before you could complain about his words, he puts his hand on your arm and continues. “I must get you in a safer place. Those monsters won't give up without a fight.”

“Who do you think we’re calling-”

He ignores your reprimand and takes you by the arm to a small room that they will not have access to without first going through Rollo.

“I am deeply sorry for what I'm about to do, but I need to make sure you do not alert them to your location.” With his magic, he makes ropes appear to tie you up and a piece of cloth to silence you. “See how despicable magic is? An atrocity like trapping you is completed in seconds. But I will release you as soon as the danger has passed.” And he closes the door.

“Here we are.” You hear Malleus’s voice. “The very top floor of the bell tower.”

“The Bell of Solace stands out even at night.” Azul comments. “Look how it glints in the moonlight.”

“Now to ring it, wipe out the flowers, rescue [Y/N] and finish this stupid pop-up quest for good.” Idia points out.

“But to do that...” Malleus returns. “We must first pay our respects to the host of the party.”

This was Rollo's cue to reveal himself. Which he does.

“At long last, you've arrived. The greater the villains, the more they insist on stopping around. Deplorable.”

“Where are they Flamme?” Malleus demands to know.

“Safe, of course, away from you and your wicked lies.”

“Okay, I really need to ask.” Idia says. “What does our magic-less Prefect have to do with this flower plan and ending magic thing? Why kidnap them? They have no power to stop you. Unless you kidnapped them to keep them for yourself. Good taste tho. But you only met them literally today! That’s like the ultimate desperate creep move.”

“My actions involving your Prefect have nothing to do with personal motives. Innocent victims must be rescued from your evil hands! And that is exactly what I did.”

“I don't know if you would use the word ‘Innocent’ like that if you actually knew them.” Azul comments with a smirk.

“If this is true, it will be proof of your corruption!”

The flowers reach the bell and the exchange of words follows a course that ends with the three fighting Rollo after Malleus said:

“Regardless of your reasons, you will not have your way. I shall stop you for all the fallen in this city... For the wonderful person you kidnapped... For the people awaiting us at school... For Briar Valley... And for myself. You see, I harbor a particularly potent animus toward you. A feeling aggravated by the disrespectful actions you had towards  who is dearest to me. I shall eradicate the firelotuses and put all to rights. With the Bell of Solace itself!”

They lose the first fight against Rollo. And it's after that that Idia reveals what they read in Rollo's diary that they found in the fireplace. About his brother. About him not being able to do anything to save him... And you hear Idia going down a not so empathetic path, to which you would react with a facepalm if your hands weren't tied.

You hear Rollo getting angry and starting to lose his composure, Azul attacking him with Deuce's signature spell, with whom he had made a deal, the astonished reaction when seeing that Rollo is still standing, and finally, you hear Rollo use his signature spell and the sound of flames bursting forth.

A new fight, even more violent, until the sound of the flames died away and...

“Rollo collapsed, and his flames went out...” Azul says. “That means Malleus won, right?”

“Dude, Malleus is out of breath.” Idia says “I can see why he wanted us clear. We could've easily been collateral damage.”

Rollo says he accepted his defeat, but only to try to attack Malleus one last time when he turned his back on him. He failed, and Malleus rang the Bell of Solace, making all the flowers wither.

“The firelotuses...” Rollo was sobbing. “My flowers, my salvation, they're all withering away... You VILLAINS. What have you done?!”

“More important than that.” Malleus approached, his figure towering over Rollo's on the ground. “What have YOU done to [Y/N]?”

“Why do you show yourself so worried? A being like you would never truly care for someone like them. Admit your true intentions! You want to see them suffer on the long term.”

You finally manage to get your feet close to the door. You hear the worried voices of Azul and Idia telling Malleus not to succumb to Rollo's provocations. And you knock on the door with your feet so they can hear you.

You hear hurried footsteps coming your way, see Malleus opening the door, and look down in horror.

“[Y/N]!” He quickly reaches down to free you, breaking the ropes with his own hands and untying the piece of cloth around your mouth. He would have preferred to use magic to ensure he didn't hurt you, but he was relatively weak in that regard. “Are you okay? Did he hurt you?”

You say you're fine, but that doesn't stop Malleus from picking you up in his arms.

“Is [Y/N] hurt?!” Azul asked, worried.

“They say they're fine. But just in case.”

“Something tells me that Malleus just really wanted to live the scene of the hero who picks up the princess in their arms after saving her from the clutches of the villain who kidnapped her.” Idia comments, just between him and Azul. “Hey, no judgments. This is what I call sense of opportunity.”

Rollo was furious, but he would never admit how jealous he was. Not even to himself.

You watched the shows that your NRC colleagues prepared. The music was beautiful and they sang so well! Especially Malleus. After that, you all talked for a bit in a group before Malleus disappeared. Only for you to see him dance with Rollo. Seriously? All that and he's still going to dance with Rollo before he dances with you?!

You dance with the others, until Malleus appears to bow to you and invite you to dance with him. However, to his surprise, you look sullen.

“Is there something wrong?” He asks you. “Did I do something that displeased you?”

You answer yes, that after everything, the first person he danced with was Rollo. He chuckles, and you get even more sulky.

“Forgive me, but I could not resist provoking Flamme one last time. That, and warn him never to even come near you again.” He says with a smile, which makes it a little scary. “I jest. Well, partially. I did threaten him if he did anything to you again.” He pauses to see if you would cheer up a bit, but you still didn't seem completely satisfied. He smirks. “I must admit, a little jealousy can actually be charming and cute.”

Other people wanted to dance with Malleus, but he asked them all to, please, wait a little longer.

“You are creating a quite long waiting line you know? I will not dance with anyone else until I have my desired dance with my beloved.” He smiles smugly when he sees your reaction.

You give him your hand, he kisses the back of it and brings your body closer to his, placing his other hand on your waist. And you dance together.

“Please be careful.” He says as you dance. You look down at your feet, confused. “Fufu. No my dear, I wasn't referring to your dancing.” The sweet smile becomes more serious. “I was referring to Rollo Flamme. I have reason to believe that, after just one day, he has already recognized your charm. He does not convince me that he did that to you just because he believed he was saving you. But worse than that...”

His expression turns sad and you feel his hand pull you closer.

“He still have hatred towards me and wants to get read of all the mages. Under different circumstances, I would not fear his attacks. I would even invite him to try. But with you... If he realizes how much you mean to me... Despite what happened, I don't believe he has that kind of character, but if he reaches a state of despair where his hatred for me is stronger than the attachment he might feel for you...”

There’s a pause. His expression becomes more peaceful.

“I learned an expression that the citizens here have. Heaven's Light. We don't know what this place called heaven is for sure, but according to some records from the past, it would have been such a wonderful place that it was not even located on land. It was somewhere above the clouds. I believe even the stories of the Lord of the Underworld spoke of a similar place. They say that the name ‘Heaven's Light’ was given by the Kindly Bell Ringer to the woman he fell in love with, for being such a caring and kind person to him.”

He caresses your cheek with one of his hands.

“I understand him perfectly. From the story I was told, I can only believe that I too was blessed with my own Heaven's Light. And just like the Kindly Bell Ringer, I will do whatever it takes to protect it.”

You didn't even realize that Malleus has led you to a more secluded place. Only when you saw that the two were hidden by the shadows and a pillar and he began to bring his face closer to yours. “My Heaven's Light.” He whispers before kissing you.

After your dance with Malleus, he went to dance with the other people who also wanted such an honor and you went to dance with some of your other colleagues.

You were finishing dancing with Sebek when Rollo approached you. Both you and he startled when Sebek quickly placed himself between the two of you.

“What are your intentions?” Sebek inquired with hostility.

“My intentions are not vile.” Rollo replies, hiding his displeasure at the way Sebek is talking to him with his composure. “I would only like to be able to invite [Y/N] to dance.”

“I cannot allow it! My orders are to keep this human safe and away from you.”

Rollo takes his handkerchief to his face, holding back the urge to respond to his audacity and insulting words. However, you tell Sebek that it's okay and that you would like to accept Rollo's invitation. Both he and Sebek are surprised.

“B-but...” He had those sad puppy eyes, eager to fulfil his duty. “My liege told me... he entrusted me to protect you.”

And you say he can still do it. He can watch you while you dance with Rollo. And if something really happens, he can intervene.

“But what if it's too late?”

You say that Rollo wouldn't do anything like that in front of all those people. And that Sebek could tell Malleus that it was your fault for telling him not to stop you.

“But... *sigh* Why are you humans so stubborn? Fine. But I won't take my eyes off you. Even if I have to stop myself from blinking!... Be careful.”

Rollo extends his hand to you and you place yours in his to accept his invitation to dance. He guides you very gently.

“I wanted to apologize for the way I treated you.” He tells you while dancing with you. “I never meant to be rude to you. And regardless of what the students of Night Raven College tell you, at no point did I intend to harm you.” Your expression shows your suspicion. “I don't intend to apologize for doing what I concluded was the best way to save you at the time. I only apologize for the... atrocious way in which I did it. I shouldn't have forced you to come with me. But I feared what those spiteful mages might do to you in a moment of desperation.”

“They wouldn't hurt me!” You say, with certainty in your voice.

“How could you be so sure of that?”

“Because, unlike you, I know them.”

He looks you intently in the eyes, and sighs. The music comes to an end, as does your dance. You bow to each other.

“I find it pitiful seeing someone magic-devoid like you stuck in that villains' lair.” He tells you when you both straighten up. “I am inclined to make my utmost efforts to have you reside in Nobel Bell College instead, however I've already come to the sorrowful realization that it is your heart that keeps you hostage in that island. But before we part, I insist that you know that if you ever find yourself overwhelmed by those circumstances that involve magic, do let me know.” He gives you that subtle smile of his. “I will be glad to provide you with my support and assistance at any moment.”

You give him a smile back, accepting his offer.

“But, just to guarantee that you don't forget my heartfelt offering...” He reaches into his pocket, takes out his handkerchief and extends it to you. “Here it is said that handkerchiefs are powerful guardians of the memories of a loved one. It is common to offer them when we don't want to be forgotten by someone. Despite my mistakes, I would still like you to have the most pleasant memory of me possible." You accept his gift. "I confess that my biggest wish at the moment was to have one of yours too.” Without his handkerchief, he covers his mouth with his hand. “But that is just a mere whim of mine.” He takes his hand away from his face and smiles again “Not even in my wildest dreams did I think I would have so much pleasure in meeting someone from Night Raven College.” He gives you one last bow. “May the Bell of Solace allow our paths to cross again.”

He turned to walk away, but you wanted to do one last thing. You had also bought a handkerchief just like his when you were doing your tour of the city, and you wouldn't need two. You ask him to wait and he turns back to you.

“It doesn't have to be a mere whim.” You say, handing him the handkerchief you had kept with you. Perhaps the sign of a second chance.

He receives your handkerchief and looked at it with his natural smile, but his eyes were different, they had a small, almost imperceptible sparkle.

“I will keep it as one of my most cherished possessions. Thank you, [Y/N].”

“Should I assume this was some sort of revenge?” You hear Malleus's voice say suddenly as you step away from the dancing crowd.

You didn't know he was there, and so close. You look at him and he's smiling wryly.

“I didn't give him any gifts, though. Should I have bought a souvenir too? Perhaps make a bouquet of those crimson flowers he is so fond of.”

“It seems you were right, Tsunotarou.” You say with a sly smile. “A little jealousy can actually be charming and cute.”

Malleus makes that cute pout.

“I told you to be careful.” He says, not as a scolding, but as a concerned request.

You tell him that nothing bad happened, that Rollo wanted to apologize for what he did to you and for him not to blame Sebek because you were the one who accepted Rollo's invitation.

“Don't worry, I know Sebek is a loyal guard. And that you are the one with a kind heart. I told Sebek that I believed him when he told me that it was of your own free will that you were dancing with Flamme. It is in your character to give others the opportunity to explain and apologize. I know this well because it's one of the things I love most about you.” His pout comes back. “However...” He smiles smugly. “I would be more reassured if you spend the rest of the ball close to me. Just in case.”

“Just in case of what, exactly?” You ask.

“Just in case someone else becomes so captivated by you that they want to lock you up in a tower. Which reminds me that in some tales the kidnapper arrange a dragoon to guard the kidnapped.” His smile becomes even more smug and slightly threatening. “Fu fu fu. I would like to see them trying.”

If you would like to read more from me, you can find it in my pinned post: INDEX

[globalnewscollective]

Poison in the Water: How the EPA's Latest Move Puts Us All at Risk

Imagine turning on your tap, filling a glass with water, and unknowingly drinking sewage. It sounds like a dystopian nightmare, but thanks to a new ruling from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) under the Trump administration, this nightmare could become reality.

The EPA has quietly rolled back regulations that once protected public waterways from sewage contamination. With this change, industries and local governments have more leeway to discharge wastewater—including untreated sewage—into rivers, lakes, and streams. If you think this doesn’t affect you, think again. These are the same water sources that supply drinking water to millions of Americans.

What’s Happening?

The new EPA ruling effectively weakens oversight on sewage treatment and pollution controls. Previously, strict regulations required facilities to treat wastewater to remove harmful bacteria, chemicals, and pathogens before it could re-enter the environment. Now, under the guise of ‘cutting red tape’ and ‘easing industry burdens,’ those safeguards are gone.

The result? Cities and towns will face increased risk of contaminated water supplies. Vulnerable communities, particularly those in low-income and rural areas, will be hit hardest, as they often lack the resources to combat these changes. Expect more outbreaks of waterborne illnesses, beach closures, and environmental devastation.

How Does This Affect You?

Drinking Water Contamination: If your city relies on rivers or lakes for drinking water, your tap could soon deliver a mix of sewage, bacteria, and industrial waste.

Public Health Risks: Waterborne diseases such as E. coli, giardia, and hepatitis A thrive in untreated sewage, leading to serious health crises.

Economic Consequences: Property values drop, tourism suffers, and businesses dependent on clean water—like fishing and farming—could face disaster.

Environmental Devastation: Aquatic ecosystems are highly sensitive to pollution. Fish and wildlife populations will decline, affecting biodiversity and food chains.

The Bigger Picture

This decision isn’t just about dirty water—it’s about the systematic dismantling of environmental protections for corporate gain. The Trump administration has made it clear: if regulations stand in the way of industry profits, they will be gutted, no matter the human cost.

Historically, environmental rollbacks like this have led to catastrophic consequences. The infamous Flint water crisis showed the devastation that occurs when regulatory safeguards are ignored. Are we about to see similar disasters play out across the country?

What Can You Do?

Stay informed and demand accountability from local and state officials.

Support organizations fighting for clean water protections, such as the NRDC (Natural Resources Defense Council) and the Waterkeeper Alliance.

Pressure lawmakers to reinstate strong water protections and hold the EPA accountable.

Use your vote to elect officials who prioritize public health over corporate interests.

This is not just an environmental issue—it’s a human rights crisis. Safe, clean water is a fundamental necessity, not a privilege reserved for the wealthy. We must act now before our water becomes a toxic legacy of greed and negligence.

[dalniente]

What progress at home has biden enacted? What policies of his show that he is making progress that prove he is actually different than trump?

I like to pretend I have faith in humanity, so I'll answer as if you're asking this in good faith.

Biden's DEA has lifted restrictions on telehealth prescriptions to make appointments and assistance more accessible.

He put a funding package into place to help unhoused people get access to mental and physical healthcare, as well as short-term and long-term housing.

He has attempted and is still attempting to get student debt relief through - this was blocked by Republican judges appointed by Trump, but he's still working on it.

Infrastructure repair - his administration has budgeted funds to actually fix some severely-damaged and frequently-traveled bridges.

Trying to expand access to healthcare to include undocumented immigrants who came to the USA as children (Dreamers) under the Affordable Care Act. Support for Navigator programs and outreach has also been increased.

He has vetoed Republican-led bills that were attempting to overturn environmental protections - one that would have forbidden investment fund managers to consider climate change in their portfolios (I have two degrees in accounting and this is actually huge), and another that would have overturned restrictions on agricultural runoff into our waterways.

He and his administration worked for ages to get rail workers paid sick days.

This is just some of what he's been doing. Meanwhile, Trump and other Republicans want to criminalize the lives of LGBT people like you and me. They want to eliminate no-fault divorce and force births that will kill parents or devastate them financially. They have stated flat out that they want to install a military dictatorship in the USA. They attempted to put that in motion on January 6th, 2021. They failed once. They will do better next time.

One party wants to house the homeless and expand social safety nets, while the other one wants to criminalize homelessness. One of them wants a future in which I might be able to vote to change how much of a war machine my country is, while the other one wants to eliminate my ability to vote entirely. Those are not the same. Those literally are opposites.

At the end of the day, all you and I can do is choose to do the least amount of harm possible. You and I cannot choose to do no harm. This is the USA, we sell war, you and I cannot choose to do no harm. I wish we could, my god do I wish we could, but that is not an option. So we grieve for the harm we couldn't eliminate and work to minimize the harm that is done. Despite all the crap they support, Democrats are the minimum amount of harm right now. Acting like they aren't is exactly what brought us to an election where our options are a future where we are either wading in blood or drowning in it.

Not voting for Biden will not help Palestine. Not voting for Biden will guarantee a Republican president who will make the situation in Palestine WORSE. AND it'll hurt a lot of other places as well, both at home and abroad, because Republicans are about business and the USA is in the business of war! And I would very much like that to change someday! I would very much like to someday be able to choose to do no harm! And I know what I have to do to try for that future, so what are YOU going to do? There is no standing off to the side in this. If you aren't helping pull, you're the dead weight we're pulling. Are you going to dig your feet into the mud and blood and drown us there? Or are you going to get the fuck off your ass, grit your teeth, and help us pull free?

[rebeccathenaturalist]

In case you haven't heard, the U.S. Senate's version of the "Big, Beautiful Bill" includes the sell-off of 250 million acres of public land. The map above shows the lands that would be available for private purchase--ending public access for hiking, camping, fishing, hunting, and other recreational activities. [EDIT: To clarify, it is likely only 3.3 million acres would be sold, not the entire 250 million, but this is still unacceptable.]

Look at all the areas in Oregon and Washington, for example--that includes the majority of the forests in the Cascade Mountains, some of the best remaining places in the Coast Range and Olympics, and large portions of the Blue Mountains, spilling over into Idaho and beyond. We're a region known for our natural beauty, but this bill would put it up for sale to the highest bidders. Who's going to come here to view empty slopes where there were once trees, or waterways polluted with mining sludge? We've already seen what's been done to the Appalachians with timber harvest and mountaintop removal mining.

It's no coincidence that Montana isn't included in this map, by the way. Montana's representatives have already said they wouldn't back anything that would allow federal lands in Montana to be sold, but what's to say they won't throw the rest of us under the bus in order to push the bill through? Not shown in the map, by the way, is the Tongass National Forest in Alaska, one of the biggest areas with old-growth left in the Northern Hemisphere.

What's really galling is that the American people--we who are out there hiking, hunting, horseback riding--are not getting a say in this. Instead, this sale is shoved into a multi-pronged bill that would also gut Medicaid, and raises the debt ceiling by $5 billion (wasn't lowering debt the justification for gutting public services?) And once that land is sold, whether to U.S.-based timber, mining and other special interests, or those in other countries, it's gone. We will never get it back.

And that means that a lot of special places that the people who actually live, work, and play in the Western states enjoy will be destroyed without our consent. People who live across the country play with our natural resources like Monopoly money, without considering the impact on our local economies or our connections to the land that these sales would have. Even those who just come here to visit deserve to be able to explore them as much as we do, without encountering more locked gates across roads, clearcuts, and mining pits.

All of this is to say nothing of the deep insult to indigenous people, who have already lost so much in the past few centuries; this sale would remove so many opportunities to try to undo at least a small portion of the damage done. It also doesn't even begin to scratch the surface of how much ecological progress will be lost, as these areas contain some of the best remaining wildlife habitats left in the country. Habitat loss is THE single biggest cause of species endangerment and extinction, and the loss of the protection of these lands WILL lead to more habitat fragmentation and more species going extinct forever.

If you're not happy about this, now's the time to be making some serious ruckus. Contact your elected officials. Educate others and get the word out. Get in touch with conservation groups to see what organized efforts they have planned to meet this threat to our public lands. I have a lot more words about this whole situation--many of them containing four letters--but I'll keep things civil here.

[bayoubashsims]

Toadville Panorama

Built on the mucky shores of the Neverleys Bayou--a protected region of wetlands in SimCity--Toadville is known to be a reservoir for Lake Barret's churning waters. It is also the last refuge for some of the most bothersome pests and beasts known to Simkind (including toads, now illegal in most areas of SimCity), which have been recently under threat with the operations of the Bigbucks Oil Refinery.

I decided to rename SwampVille into Toadville, to reference the town in the TS1 pond water lily object. It is highly inspired by the Everglades in Florida and the Louisiana bayous.

I've also unfortunately had to remove the green water surface since it 'drowned' my water fowl, but I'll put terrain paint on the swampier waters instead.

The Heqeth Harbor that separates Lake Barrett from the Neverleys Bayou. Ferries and riverboats from Old Town stop here.

The Toadville Dam, built by the city to prevent erosion and provide a water reservoir for the residents

The untouched swampy waterways of the Neverleys Bayou

Some of the local fauna and some boats by the docks of the Volaille Marsh

One of the bridges connecting the islets (The Qerthnu Bridge; the other being Hehukek Bridge) and a few docks at the center of the town, known as 'The Delta'

The Bigbucks Oil Refinery, which has recently threatened the ecosystem of the Neverlays

And finally, a map of Toadville

[cosmica-galaxy]

.....🤔 how about...... Hollyberry Babysitting Witch child reader ??? How she would be like (even if I know she'll be pretty good) just asking !!

Also, LOVE YOUR BURNING SPICE COOKIE STORY !!! I LOVED IT !!!

She is the BEST GRANDMOTHER EVER! Visiting the Hollyberry Kingdom is amazing to the little witch, as they get pulled around in a small wagon by Princess Cookie and Knight Cookie to show them around the markets and such, and they also get the best hugs from "leelee berrwee" when they get to the palace. But that's not all! Their favorite playdate buddy is here, Snapdragon cookie!

Both of them love playing with each other and they babble back and forth about numerous unintelligible nonsense. They eventually play so much that both of them eventually tire each other out and decide to take a nap together. It's a nice moment of respite for the cookies and a nice break for Pitaya Dragon Cookie.

As for Pitaya, he's kinda stumped that the witchling is so small, like a cookie. Aren't they supposed to be far bigger for a youngling? However, that doesn't seem to bother the child in the slightest, as they happily play with his tail and hide in his black and white mane with reckless abandon. They also "go swimming" from time to time, by messing about in the river and playing with the buoyant berries that are floating about in the waterways. It didn't stop the hollyberrians from having multiple heart attacks when they see the infant playing in the water without much supervision. They are promptly fished out, dried off, and gently scolded about going "swimming". Plus, the child gets to eat so much at the Hollyberry Kingdom! They regularly eat at feasts and dance at balls while accompanying Hollyberry Cookie, so when they come back to Pure Vanilla, they maaaaay just be a few pounds heavier. Kinda like going to a loving grandma's house! They have playgrounds, stuffed animals, candy, toys, and rocking horses that the child loves to play on when they come visit the kingdom. Hollyberry is easily one of the best babysitters that Pure Vanilla can ask for, next to "mama cheese", of course.

There is so much for the little one to do and so many cookies for them to play with, that they even find themselves getting excited when Pure Vanilla is getting ready to send them off for a temporary stay at the Hollyberry Kingdom.

To Hollyberry, the little witchling has become like a third grandchild to her. So she spoils them and protects them just like she does to the rest of her legitimate grandchildren.

[qweerhet]

so much criticism of anarchist mutual aid frameworks rests on the idea that we're actively arguing for a switch. that we're saying we should, right now, tear down the global supply chain ourselves, that we're arguing for a morally-obligated societal shift motivated by revolutionary forces. i won't deny that there are those out there who have that framework, but to be entirely honest, that's much more common as a framework in state-communist and liberal povs than it is anarchist ones.

most anarchists heavily involved in establishing mutual aid networks are saying society as we know it will fail. not that it should, not that it's our ethical responsibility to force it to fail, but that it simply will.

we cannot rely on the global supply chain forever. we in the imperial core cannot rely on extracting resources from impoverished and colonized nations forever. pandemics will happen, natural disasters will happen, violent uprisings will happen; the way we extract and distribute resources is dangerously precarious, it's resting on horrific amounts of oppression and violence and a lot of carefully-stacked factors any one of which could go catastrophically wrong at any moment, and it will fail eventually.

the global supply chain will be disrupted. mining operations will fail, disease will throw wrenches in the cogs of industry, workers will organize, slaves will violently revolt, waterways will be blocked, climate change will change when and how it's even possible to do physical labor. eventually, the supply chain will be disrupted permanently, or in ways that we cannot come back from. it is an inevitability.

anarchists in the imperial core want real, on-the-ground, local solutions to resource production and distribution because we need those if we don't want our neighbors to die when this happens. we want to make insulin and distribute it in the same twenty-mile radius because we don't want diabetics to die when the global supply chain collapses. we want to sew and distribute clothing locally because we don't want children to freeze without winter coats when the global supply chain collapses. whether it happens in 10 years or in 200 years, we want to protect as many people as possible.

don't you see? don't you see? when you mock "bathtub insulin," you're mocking the only way the diabetics of the future have a chance of surviving. i'm disabled, i rely on daily medication, i know the thought is terrifying, but if our way of life breaks down in my lifetime, i will be lost without local under-the-table medication manufacturing. don't you see? we love you. we want to you live. we're begging you, help each other live.

[galatoma]

I'm still thinking about the kiramman tape that says "the underground deserves to breath" and, while ultimately protecting zaun from the grey by constructing vents is a good deed, it was a bandage solution on a problem piltover caused so it was kinda the bare minimum, and how caitlyn learned of this, and her immediate idea was to take the bandage away. This isn't a coherent thought, but I just think it's fascinating how detached Piltover is from the affects of what they do, which leads to further apathy towards the people of Zaun and their constant plight. I feel like it goes hand in hand with what Ekko said to Jayce when he learned the base of that huge hextech structure was built next to Zaun's infrastructure, which ultimately led to the further poisoning of the underground via the waterways. I would love to see more about this in the coming episodes