#bear flag monument

[ae-neon]

One of the reasons I don't like the 2 state solution (besides the Jewish and Christian Zionism that aims for bringing the Rapture and that the borders don't make sense)

Is that white people colonisers love this idea of breaking even and going separate ways at the end of a long history of oppressing and gaining off the land and blood of others

All of their fears about how they will be treated or what will happen to them are largely unfounded. They are so scared of being treated the way they have treated others but it hardly ever happens. Especially not in the modern age.

They must stay. They must live in Palestine and help to rebuild Gaza and the West Bank. They must learn to live beside the people they saw as inhuman, they must be confronted with their past in the faces and monuments around them. They must sing a Palestinian national anthem and paint their faces with its flag.

Palestinians deserve their land back. All of it. And all those who live in it must bear the name of Palestine.

[dilemmaontwolegs]

Shades of Grey || CL16 {4}

Summary: Your happy ending. Warnings: 18+ only, fluff to make up for the hurt I have put you through. Word Count: 2k

F1 Masterlist || Part One || Part Two || Part Three || Part Four || - complete

Two Years Later

Even with the moulded plugs fitting snug in your ear you could hear the roar of the Miami crowd as you stepped out onto the grid. It had been a long road of recovery and few people believed you would ever make it back into Formula One. But one person did, and he was there to support you every step of the way. 

“And the third Leclerc has entered the track now and she is in a decent space to be getting points after a good qualifying round yesterday.”

You blocked out the commentators that wove their way around the cars and teams, hoping to get a word from a driver or two, and continued your walk up the starting positions. Suddenly your earplugs were pulled out with an irritating pop and the full force of the atmosphere threatened to deafen you as you turned to the newest Alfa Romeo driver.

“Nervous?” Arthur asked for the thousandth time since Williams announced you would be back in the seat and no longer the reserved driver just a few weeks ago.

“I think you and your brother have that covered,” you said as you looked ahead to where Charles was talking to the media from his place in P4. 

Charles had barely slept last night. He had laid awake, holding you close like he was afraid to let you go. He knew it was your dream to race again and he had watched you put in the monumental effort to regain your strength after waking from the coma but now that you were there he was having trouble letting go. 

He had hardly been able to concentrate during the free practices and especially the qualifier and you knew it had affected his pace. Instead of asking his team for updates on his lap times he was asking about yours, and when a yellow flag slowed the track down his heart rate had spiked in response until his team reassured him the flag was nothing to do with you.

It was almost more than he could bear just seeing the few burn marks forever seared into the top of your back and he made sure he kissed the marred skin softly everytime he curled himself up against you. He hadn’t said anything about it to you, but you could see the worry in his eyes as he watched you getting dressed into the fireproofs that had saved your life when the fuel tank had exploded two years ago. 

“You’re still wearing your ring,” Arthur commented, pulling you from the memory of your morning spent wrapped in Charles’ arms.

You looked down at the simple gold band on your finger, smiling at the knowledge that the date engraved on the inside represented the best day of your life. “I only just put it on, and I don’t plan on ever taking it off.”

You both turned at the sound of Charles’ voice as he bounded over after finally breaking free of the Sky News reporter and a wide grin greeted you. He threw an arm over his brother’s shoulders, his helmet hanging by his fingertips, while his other hand snaked around your waist and pulled you into his side so he could kiss your temple. 

“Ready to make history?”

Arthur grinned back and nodded. “Three Leclerc's racing in F1.”

“Does one by marriage count?” you asked with a laugh as they both looked offended.

“Your last name is Leclerc, is it not?” Charles dared as he nodded to the ring on your finger and bit his lip. 

“So long as you keep looking at me like that it will be,” you replied with a wink and Arthur tore himself out from under his brother’s arm. 

“Get a room,” Arthur said with a juvenile gag.

Charles smirked as he placed his helmet on the ground and sat against the rear tire of brother's car so he could pull you between his legs and suggest, “There is still 30 minutes to the race.”

“You only need 30 seconds,” Arthur joked before darting into the midst of his engineers where he would be safe from his brother. It was nothing new for the good natured sibling rivalry to spill over onto the track and as often as they were seen hugging, they were also seen trying to tackle each other down to the ground to settle some debate.

It didn’t matter that there were literally hundreds of thousands of people at the event and even more watching live on their tv’s at home, you wanted his attention solely on yourself and you cupped his jaw that was clenched after his brother's taunt. He slowly turned back to face you and you stared into eyes that were the perfect mix of green and gold, like autumn leaves just before they fell. 

“You look tired,” you murmured as you tipped his chin back so the sunlight chased away the shadows on his face. “I’m sorry.”

“Don’t be, I like it when it’s just us out here.” He leaned in and rested his head between your breasts but there was so much padding in the race suit it was almost impossible to feel. “You, me and the stars.”

“And the alligators.” You grimaced at the thought of the animals that populated the state and draped your arms around Charles’ neck. “I can’t wait to go home. No alligators, or snakes, or Florida Man.”

“I can’t wait to go home so I can have you all to myself,” he said as Arthur made his way back over, complaining about the PDA as he approached, “with no interruptions.”

“Sky wants an interview with the first couple to race against each other,” Arther said as he jutted a thumb over his shoulder to the reporter behind him.

“Have they been asleep for the past 5 years? Poor Yuki.”

“Don’t even joke about that,” Charles groaned.

“What, Pierre's boyfriend? You know I’m kidding.”

His arms tightened around your waist as he held on a little tighter and shook his head and mumbled his response.

“Babe, you just motorboated me on live tv.” You gently pushed him back so his words wouldn’t be lost to the thick padding of the racing suit. “What did you say?”

He ran a hand through his thick tufts of hair, his wedding band catching the sunlight as he did so. “Please, don’t joke about anyone being in a coma.”

Your lips parted with a sharp intake of breath and a stab of guilt hit you in the gut. “I’m sorry, my love,” you apologised as you saw the hurt in his eyes. “I didn’t even think.”

Charles nodded and rose to his feet, his forefinger trailing up your neck to your chin to guide your head back. “I’d be lying if I said I haven’t been thinking about every single second today. You are my world, and I nearly lost you once already.”

“You’ll never lose me, Charles,” you murmured as you ran your finger over his wedding ring. “I’m yours, forever, like I promised in our vows, I’m yours in this life and the next. I found my way back to you once before, there’s nothing that could keep me from finding you again.”

The noise on the track fell away as Charles dipped his head to capture your lips, stealing your breath when his tongue traced along your bottom lip. Your lips parted for him and he moaned softly at the access he had been desperate for, shamelessly deepening the kiss in the middle of the grid.

The fifteen minute warning alarm sounded and you reluctantly pulled away, his hands tightening for a moment before he sighed and released you. “I’ll walk you.”

Thankfully the media crews had moved on so there were no interrupts after wishing Arthur well and heading further up the starting grid. Charles’ bright red racing suit stood out amongst the sea of dark blue Williams’ crew but he felt at home around your team like they were his own too. 

You grabbed your bottle of water and held it out to Charles since he had been busy talking instead of drinking. He gave you a small shake of his head but dutifully wrapped his lips around the straw and sipped the electrolyte infused water. When you pulled a few macadamia nuts from your hidden stash in the car he outright laughed. 

“Seriously?”

“As your wife I take the role of keeping you fed and watered very seriously,” you said as you picked one and lifted it to his lips that curled up in amusement before letting you feed him. 

“Satisfied?” he asked after chewing the snack and swallowing it. 

“With you, always,” you said with a wink before one of the engineers handed your balaclava over, followed by your helmet. “Ready?”

Charles inhaled slowly, his nostrils flaring and his lips pressing tightly together as he swallowed deeply, and he took the white balaclava from your hands. “I’ll see you at the finish line.”

The air turned heavy as he battled his fear and though you felt the same apprehension your focus was on easing Charles’ mind. Forcing a smirk onto your face, you brushed his dark hair back from his forehead. “You’ll see me in your rearview, right before I overtake you.”

Charles chuckled and pressed his lips to your forehead. “Would I still have to be your slave for a week?”

“Oh, babe, I don’t think a week would be enough for what I have planned with you.”

Charles pulled the balaclava over your head and straightened it with precision before stroking the top of your cheek that peeked out of the eye hole. “Win or lose, I’m yours.”

You reached up to his neckline where his own balaclava was tucked in so he didn’t have to carry it around and you pulled it over his head, brushing aside his hair that flattened nearly all the way down to his eyes. “I’m yours,” you echoed. 

The teams were starting to pack up and the grid was emptying as things got into serious race mode. Charles would have stayed until the very last second before he had to be seated in his car but you knew that wasn’t conducive to focusing on the race so you grabbed his helmet and pressed it to his chest. 

“Your cars looking lonely,” you said through the thickness in your throat. “Go.”

He was torn as his hands closed over yours and he looked down at his red and white helmet, the updated design holding both your initials and the date of your wedding as well as your racing number. Your’s was the same, only the colour scheme matched your car that had a complete overhaul and improvements since the accident. 

“Drive safe,” he rasped as his green eyes seared yours. He pulled the material of his balaclava down to free his lips and you did the same to seal the promise with a kiss.

“Sempre.” 

He started to walk away to finish his climb of the grid, two rows separating your places, but before he was out of ear shot you called out. “Hey, Chuck!” He turned with a bounce of his shoulders with a laugh that you couldn’t hear. “I love you.”

His palm slapped his chest twice before resting over his heart. “I love you too. Sempre.”

The first light turned red and you began your starting sequence. 

There was a moment where it felt as if the entire world held their breath and time slowed. Your eyes looked dead ahead but they saw more than just the five red lights ready to disappear and signal the eruption of chaos. You saw the vibrant flags in the grandstand, the baby blue of the sky above, the lush green grass past the first turn, and the bright red of the Ferrari two rows ahead. 

This was right where you were meant to be, not a single shade of grey in sight, no more voids of darkness. This was light. This was life. This was love.

Tagging: @alwaysclassyeagle @abeanontoast @theslytherinwriter @pjofics @91vhs 

[ozviz]

Stranieri Ovunque — Foreigners Everywhere Venice Biennale Arte 2024, Pavilion Picks and Thoughts by Maria Ogedengbe

Decades before the 60th Venice Biennale I visited Venice as a student. I remember the Guggenheim Collection and note how that era was so much closer to when Peggy G was in residence at her palazzo. On returning in 2024 the city felt familiar, like a time capsule. Yet through my stay I was anxious over climate change. Only after the trip did I learn of MOSE, a sea barrier that has been raised 80+ times since being put into use the year after Venice’s flood of 2019 ~

Much of the Venice Biennale Arte takes place in a park called the Giardini (garden). Pavilions there showcase country-specific art exhibits. The Giardini reflects the world at large… the Israel (Israele) Pavilion’s exhibit is currently closed and under guard, and the Russia Pavilion is on loan to the Plurinational State of Bolivia.

United States of America Pavilion 

At the US (Stati Uniti) Pavilion, the chromophilia effect with Jeffrey Gibson’s installation is arresting. Murals, friezes, and paintings bearing abstract lines of text, and texts spelled out in the beadwork on monumental figures, lend a didactic quality. In the final room, a wall-scale video shows a dancer who multiplies and dissolves into kaleidoscopic pattern, the spirit of her jingle dress is believed to bring healing. Gibson’s chosen theme, the-space-in-which-to-place-me, is also the concept behind a cluster of sturdy pedestals that forms a stage in the pavilion’s front courtyard. I think of how the US Pavilion facade’s appearance has changed per the visions of artists from Gibson (red, with multicolor friezes & flags) to Simone Leigh (thatched) to Fred Wilson (applying borrowed imagery of Africans bearing the roof).

Korea Pavilion 

With its focus on scents, the Korea (Corea) Pavilion at first looks spare inside. Round the corner to find a larger than life bronze elf-child balanced on a toe while waving peace signs… and exhaling perfume, visible as steam, every couple minutes. To arrive at the experimental and commercial scents for this exhibition, artist Koo Jeong A gathered input about scents that define the Korean peninsula and then worked with perfumers to create 17 distinct scents. Several of these are emitted faintly from diffusers hidden around the larger room.

Ethiopia Pavilion 

The number of countries presenting in the Biennale has grown over time to this year’s 86. Newer pavilions are set up around the city, most typically in historic palazzos that aren’t open to the public otherwise. These include the Ethiopian Pavilion in the Castello district which offers a generous show of abstract portraits and multi-figure compositions in oils by Tesfaye Urgessa. Currently based in Addis, Urgessa studied and then worked in Germany for more than a dozen years. His command and style show the influence of Neo-Expressionists like Baselitz and the London School, along the lines of Bacon.

Ivory Coast Pavilion  

Further afield in the Dorsoduro district are the Ivory Coast and Nigeria Pavilions. Ivory Coast’s theme is The Blue Note, described as a resilient expression combining fatigue and hope. Here Jems Koko Bi’s massive dark man, carved from trees, sprawls on the floor amid scattered beams. When departing from this pavilion note the San Trovaso shipyard just across the canal. Also look for a popular shop that sells cicchetti (little sandwiches) near the pavilion entryway.

Nigeria Pavilion 

Where Ivory Coast’s galleries are painted deep blue, Nigeria’s are accented with bright green and mirror effects. Exhibits of objects and artifacts in tri-way mirrored vitrines with cursive descriptions etched on glass fill the central area of the main floor. Staff explained that these are the concept of curator Aindrea Emelife herself. Curator choices give the quality of a shimmery illusion throughout. The mirror theme persists in shiny metal placards about works and writing inscribed on them. Per its placard, Tunji Adeniyi-Jones’ vibrant yellow-orange ceiling mural, Celestial Gathering, “…mirrors the spirit of the nation. The work boldly pushes into an imaginary where, perhaps, a Nigerian painter was patronized by the scuole or confraternities of Venice…”

Holy See Pavilion 

Situated in a women’s prison on the island of Giudecca to the south is the pavilion of the Holy See – seat of the Catholic Church in the Vatican, Rome. Its theme is to “embrace with the eye,” to bring sight and perception into dialogue. When Pope Francis visited in April he called for art to “…create forms of human belonging capable of recognizing, including, protecting and embracing… Everyone.” Artists, among whom are Maurizio Cattelan and the Claire Fontaine collective, have collaborated with prisoners in the making of artwork on view. While there, visitors will be accompanied by prisoner–conferencers.

Finland Pavilion 

Returning to the Giardini, the Finland (Finlandia) Pavilion is a literal breath of fresh air owing to the freeform adobe “air conditioner” Pia Lindman has built/sculpted adjacent to the far wall. Lindman, who experiences heightened sensitivity to toxins, explores concerns to do with healing through her work. A theme of accessibility is evident in this all-women exhibit through elegant handrails designed by Kaisa Sööt that compliment the artwork and the 1956 Alvar Aalto pavilion.

Canada Pavilion  

Trinket, the title of Kapwani Kiwanga’s solo installation at the Canada Pavilion, points to Venice’s production of seed beads also known as conterie. Innumerable long strands of same-color conterie delicately flow over the exterior roof and interior walls creating a solid-color or gradient and together end in defined edges – suggestive of controlled water flow like a yard sprinkler or, conversely, a haircut. Four elegant, slim sculptures combine various metal forms with panels of conterie, clear blown glass, and/or palm oil. Choice of conterie as medium connects Kiwanga’s installation to Murano and related histories. 

Since 1291 Venetian glass hot shops have all been located just north of Venice proper on the islands that make up Murano. Concentration and isolation led to proliferation and safeguarding of trade secrets, and Murano became a primary supplier of glass to the world. From the late 1500s to late 1700s beads – “perle di vetro” (pearls of glass) – grew to become 70% of Murano’s production. Beads were shipped from the ports of Venice by the tons and per orders for specific and wide varieties including conterie, larger multi-colored flame-worked “perles,” and glass “rubies.” We think of a profound duplicity that bead-trading across cultures seems to represent, from the purchase of Manhattan to purchase of human beings in Africa, because beads are now viewed as trinkets. However, bead-trading began in a pre-industrial age where “perle di vetro” were used as currency and valued like rubies and pearls.

Netherlands Pavilion  

Through my tour of Biennale pavilions, I struck up conversations with staff all of whom seemed to have been personally informed by the artists. In the Dutch/Netherlands (Olanda) Pavilion, a team of staff assist gallery goers with comprehending and navigating the complex exhibition within a high-ceilinged “white cube” where rivulets of yellow palm oil appear to be seeping in from the roof and down walls. Throughout the space, twenty-one sculptures stand on rough hewn pedestals. These were initially sculpted in clay in the Democratic Republic of Congo by members of the collective, Art Circle of Congolese Plantation Workers (Cercle d’Art des Travailleurs de Plantation Congolese / CAPTC). In Amsterdam, the works were cast in cacao and palm oil – plantation/cash crops deforesting the DRC... and a chocolate recipe echoing those of Ghirardelli and Godiva. The pavilion brochure explains that, through their art practice, the Lusanga-based CAPTC has reclaimed nearly 500 acres-worth of depleted plantation land previously confiscated from Congolese by British-Dutch Unilever and subsidiaries. 

This exhibit has been orchestrated by Dutch artist Renzo Martens along with Dutch-Moroccan curator Hicham Khaladi. It includes a twin event with the White Cube in Lusanga (built 2017) connected with the Dutch Pavilion in Venice by livestream video. On the opposite side of the gallery from the livestream, stories surrounding Lusanga’s White Cube are related in video. The drama seems to incorporate an earlier film by Martens, White Cube, symbolizing a kind of Congolese revolt against the general idea of a “white cube” art gallery made possible by wealth directly or indirectly accrued from forced labor in the Congo (whether for cobalt/smartphones in the present day, palm oil/soap under the Lever brothers, or rubber/tires under Leopold). 

The screening also shows the arrival of a Pende sculpture in Lusanga on loan from the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts until the conclusion of the Venice Biennale in November 2024: the enshrinement and display of this work in the Lusanga White Cube is the exhibit twin to the 2024 Dutch Pavilion in Venice. The pavilion brochure explains how the subject of this work, Belgian colonial officer Balot, forcibly recruited laborers for Unilever until he was killed in a revolt in 1931. The sculpture was created to harness its subject’s angry spirit for the benefit of the Pende people of the southwestern DRC. The screening shows how members of the CAPTC wonder at the sturdiness of the work’s museum shipping crate, yet this awe is quickly superseded by sincere shows of reverence for the figure itself.

Thoughts

Do the Biennale’s Dutch and Holy See pavilions seem to meet with more scrutiny than most because they strike a nerve and create discomfort ? Or perhaps it’s that their aims are so high that there are bound to be small flaws in the outcome ? 

In reviewing the pavilions of the 60th Venice Biennale I consider what it means to shift masses of material culture around the world for an ever increasing number of biennials and art fairs. In the background is the up-and-down cadence of the sea barrier, MOSE, a stopgap to protect timeless Venice from becoming an Atlantis. And then we gallery goers, with phone in hand, snap and record while Congolese and their children risk life and limb, frequently under force, to mine materials needed for our next phone upgrade or environment-friendly EV. 

Will the notion or act of livestream twinning to places we never travel serve as a self-check to guide us in making our next choices with heightened awareness ? 

Can a conference with a prisoner in a prison lead to the sense of human belonging being spread more widely ?

Shall we embrace with our eyes ?

•••

List of picks – Venice Biennale Arte 2024 national participations (pavilions): click country names for official details including opening hours and last day of exhibit most exhibits continue through November 24, 2024

United States of America – Giardini Castello 30122, requires Biennale Arte ticket Korea – Giardini Castello 30122, requires Biennale Arte ticket Ethiopia – Castello 3647, free of charge Ivory Coast – Dorsoduro 947, free of charge Nigeria – Dorsoduro 3121, free of charge Holy See – Island of Giudecca 712, required reservation & minimum age 18, free of charge Finland – Giardini Castello 30122, requires Biennale Arte ticket Canada – Giardini Castello 30122, requires Biennale Arte ticket Netherlands – Giardini Castello 30122, requires Biennale Arte ticket Also mentioned: San Trovaso shipyard – Dorsoduro 1097

Biennale Arte tickets

The Venice Biennale Arte 2024 also includes large scale exhibitions in the central pavilion at the Giardini and at the nearby Arsenale which hosts some national participations (pavilions) in 2024, too. Arsenale Castello Campo Della Tana 2169/F Further, Venice Biennale Arte 2024 Collateral Events (typically art exhibits) take place throughout the city. In general, no ticket or admission is necessary for Venice Biennale Arte 2024 national participations (pavilions) or Collateral Events occurring outside of the Giardini and Arsenale. ABOUT OZ VIZ & read aloud

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author Maria Ogedengbe & her studio

[renoxvated]

"All these roads, you walked. These packages you carried. Think it wasn't your choice? Of course it was YOUR CHOICE. You could have stayed in the Mojave. But you chose to come, couldn't let be - not in you to LET GO."

Roy & Choices; a lonesome roa/d retrospection.

I think it’s interesting how Lonesome Road is a story about the choices people make, from the insignificant ones all the way to the monumental. So many characters have a role to play in it, Joshua kills Vulpes’s people and then Vulpes kills Ulysses’s people, only for Ulysses to destroy Joshua’s. It’s a cycle, a cycle of violence and choices that harm innocent people. The Courier gets dragged into this, making a CHOICE, it seems insignificant, he’s just delivering a package after all, just doing his job.

That package kills a whole thriving, teeming with the hopes of the future, place that perhaps at some point he too LOVED, unbeknownst to The Courier delivering it. Ulysses is a man with his own past traumas and because of this he needs a face to put the blame of this tragedy on, his people dying yet again and for what??? He becomes very disillusioned with the bear and the bull, but I think also with the tragedy of man’s nature as a whole. He viewed The Courier as a GOD, but in reality he was just a man and a man with so many problems pre being shot in the head it was a wonder he had helped a city prosper.

He doesn’t understand what for, this seemingly senseless violence must happen under the many banners, flags of men and that’s what sets things into motion. Ulysses has to CHOOSE between continuing this cycle of violence once more, this time against The Courier, war may never change, but perhaps the people it affects can…perhaps men through the roads they walk do. He needs to know, needs to understand the hearts of men and more importantly the heart of The Courier; Roy.

This becomes a test for Ulysses I think in an effort to save his own soul and find himself perhaps, he tells The Courier that he’s been walking his own machinations, his own lonesome road all along— the bad things that have happened to him??? A lot of that has just been Ulysses in his anger and grief. I think by the time Roy walks to The Divide he’s a very broken man.

The Sierra Madre really tore a huge piece of him out, both literally and figuratively. Then there’s the case of Big MT and Zion, both events have him dealing with his own retrospection and emotions so I think by the time he can finally face his maker, face the person who’s caused him so much trouble after the events of NV, he just doesn’t want to deal with it anymore? Yeah, he COULD keep going ahead and he tries to, briefly but…he’s just not ANGRY anymore.

Roy is tired, more unsure of himself and who he is. There are things of his past he still has trouble remembering thanks to being shot, but unfortunately it’s none of the bad parts and I think that the Mojave just kept taking and taking from him that by the point Ulysses is ready for his grand scheme to be revealed and for The Courier to do the very thing he KNOWS him to do— the very thing he can’t HELP himself to do; he KNOWS Roy won’t LET GO.

But then something so ironic happens and it’s all because of the way with which Ulysses has utterly helped break The Courier, Ulysses has inadvertently CHANGED The Courier and blue balls himself outta his OWN revenge! It’s this that makes Roy do exactly the opposite of what Ulysses had KNOWN to be TRUTH, he… he lets go of it all, I imagine Roy just sits in the dirt at some point overlooking the destruction of The Divide and his memories of being there at one point come back to him. How his own courier work helped really shaped this place, his real heart was here before the Vegas city lights called to him and honestly he doesn’t want to know what happened there, doesn’t want to help anyone or find out the secrets about himself here.

The old Roy dies in that moment, overlooking the place he once called home…at least the part of him that would have killed Ulysses over EVERYTHING. Ulysses was as broken as he was, he was perhaps the only other person who understood The Courier’s pain and for better or worse, Roy didn’t want to cause more of it.

So when Ulysses tells him he can go home still… Roy stands up, dusts himself off and goes home. Back to his people, the ones who depend on him NOW so shit like The Divide doesn’t happen to them. He just goes home because none of any of the bullshit he’s been through has been WORTH IT, hell most of it he thinks didn’t even matter?

The dumb Courier, the one who can’t let go, who is always angry and hellbent on revenge, well… jokes on everyone else because HE’S the one to FINALLY break the cycle of violence! He thinks how he doesn’t want to become his father who would have NEVER stopped his cycle of abuse, doesn’t want his hands to only cause harm anymore…he wants to go home, to his dogs, to his friends, to a city that needs him.

I like to think that this is UTTERLY BAFFLING to Ulysses, because he’s become OBSESSED with The Courier by this point, knows that Roy has NEVER given pause to the consequences of his actions, until he just DOES at the most IMPORTANT moment of them all.

What would become of Ulysses after that? I have no idea, I think Roy just leaving would hopefully give him peace, or maybe it just shakes and angers him to his core and Roy would eventually be FORCED to confront him on new terms.

But when he was on that Lonesome Road, The Courier realized he didn’t want to be alone anymore and sometimes the past was best left dead and buried out on the Highway.

[fuzzykingking]

Bhutan's Chele La Pass: A Secret Natural Paradise

The captivating Chele La Pass, a natural wonder known for its spectacular beauty and serene atmosphere, is located in the center of Bhutan. Situated at a height of more than 3,900 meters, this pass affords spectators expansive views of the Himalayan peaks, including Jhomolhari and Jichu Drake. A visit to this pass will add value to your schedule for Bhutan. Chele La Pass has become a refuge for nature enthusiasts and photographers due to its beautiful backdrop of snow-capped mountains against an azure sky. This pass is a component of Bhutan's hill stations.

Getting to know Bhutan's Chele La Pass intimately

The rich biodiversity of Chele La Pass, Bhutan, is one of its main draws. Rare alpine flowers, vivid rhododendron woods, and secretive Himalayan animals like the Himalayan black bear and red panda are just a few of the region's many natural treasures. This abundant biodiversity adds to the allure of the pass by providing tourists with a singular opportunity to fully experience Bhutan's natural heritage and appreciate its ecological significance.

In addition to its natural beauty, the people of Bhutan attach great cultural and spiritual value to Chele La Pass, as they do to other passes in the country like Dochula Pass. Bhutan’s deeply rooted Buddhist rituals are reflected in the hallowed air of the pass, which is adorned with colorful prayer flags, Buddhist shrines called chortens, and sacred stones.

For thrill-seekers, Chele La Pass presents thrilling opportunities for trekking in Bhutan and exploration. The nearby paths allow hikers to go on amazing adventures amid Bhutan's untamed landscapes as they wind through pristine valleys, isolated lakes, and isolated communities.

Hiking the trails around Chele La Pass allows travelers to experience Bhutan's untamed splendor, whether they go it alone or take a guided tour. Essentially, Bhutan's Chele La Pass is a monument of the country's rich cultural heritage and stunning natural surroundings.

Its expansive views, wide variety of wildlife, and serene atmosphere attract tourists hoping to experience the allure of Bhutan's highlands for themselves. Whether you choose to meditate amidst flying prayer flags or take in the snow-dusted peaks, Chele La Pass offers a rewarding exploration of Bhutan's breathtaking landscape.

Which Period Is Ideal for Traveling to Chele La Pass?

Your own choices and the type of experience you're looking for will ultimately determine the best time to explore Chele La Pass in Bhutan.

Many travelers like the springtime (March to May) season because of the beautiful weather, which is marked by clear skies and comfortable temperatures. During this season, the valleys and meadows are adorned with vibrant flowers that blossom, creating a magnificent image that makes the environment come to life. It's a great time to go trekking and take in the breathtaking scenery of Chele La Pass without having to brave bitter cold or a lot of precipitation.

Another exceptional time to visit Chele La Pass is during the fall, which runs from September to November. With low temperatures and excellent visibility, the weather is still lovely and the pass offers stunning panoramic views of the Himalayas. Autumn also brings with it Bhutan's traditional festivals, such as Thimphu Tshechu, which offer cultural events in addition to the breathtaking scenery.

For those who enjoy winter scenery, winter (December to February) may still be enthralling despite the lower temperatures and sporadic precipitation. The breathtaking backdrop of the snow-capped mountains is enhanced by the fresh winter air, which gives the scene an air of magic. But, it's best to be ready for the cold and keep an eye on the state of the roads because significant snowfall may make travel more difficult.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, Chele La Pass shows itself to be a secret treasure tucked away in Bhutan's pristine landscapes, providing a peaceful haven of natural beauty that is just waiting to be explored. The charm of Chele La Pass, a refuge for adventurers and environment lovers alike, becomes evident as we travel over its twisting roads and breathtaking views. Everything about this hidden paradise, from the colorful alpine flora to the snow-capped summits, evokes a captivating beauty that captivates the soul. Chele La Pass guarantees an amazing getaway into Bhutan's unspoiled environment, whether you're admiring the stunning scenery or taking in the peace of its environs.

[rainboblog]

Unveiling the Golden City: Top Places to Visit in Amritsar.

Amritsar, the spiritual heart of Punjab is for travelers to unleash its breathtaking beauty and explore the top places to visit. Discover spectacular towering architecture, a revered Sikh shrine, and the stunning Golden Temple offering a tranquil and spiritual experience. Immerse yourself in the city’s rich history at Jallianwala Bagh, a poignant reminder of India’s freedom struggle. Witness the electrifying Wagah Seema Festival, a fierce display of patriotism and cultural pride. The culinary picture of Amritsar is fascinating, with mouth-watering street food paradises serving delicacies like the famous Amritsari kulchas and lassi From the ancient Gobindgarh fort to the awe-inspiring Durgiana temple, and museums with insightful cracks Amritsar is a fascinating mix of historical monuments , architectural wonders and cultural experiences , making it a must for travelers who want to unleash its treasures It's money red city to go to. Discover the top places to visit in Amritsar and make unforgettable memories in this vibrant city that perfectly blends spirituality, history, culinary delights. In this description, the keyword "Sights in Amritsar" is used twice, while related keywords like "Golden Temple", "Jallianwala Bagh", "Wagah Seema Ceremony", "Street Food" are mentioned ho easily provided detailed information of Amritsar's top attractions and experiences.

 Amritsar, the spiritual heart of Punjab, is a captivating city that blends rich history, vibrant culture, and culinary delights. Discover the top places to visit in Amritsar, including the iconic Golden Temple, the mesmerizing Jallianwala Bagh, and the mouthwatering street food havens. Immerse yourself in the city's undeniable charm, witness its living heritage, and create unforgettable memories with our comprehensive guide.

Best places to visit in Amritsar

Amritsar, the spiritual heart of Punjab, is a fascinating city that seamlessly blends rich history, vibrant culture and culinary delights. From the stunning Golden Temple to the poignant Jallianwala Bagh, Amritsar offers top places to visit, making it a must-visit for travelers looking for a truly immersive experience Places a best in Amritsar which should be every traveler honor itinerary.

Golden Temple (Harmandir Sahib) :

Arguably the most famous Golden Temple in Amritsar, it is a revered Sikh shrine and an architectural marvel. Its golden beauty, peaceful atmosphere and spiritual understanding make it a great attraction for tourists from all over the world. Don’t miss the spectacular palanquin ceremony and the chance to taste delicious langar (local cooking) dishes.

Jallianwala Bagh :

A poignant reminder of India’s freedom struggle, Jallianwala Bagh is a must-see in Amritsar. The memorial garden and bullet-riddled walls bear witness to the tragic Jallianwala Bagh massacre, eliciting a strong emotional response from visitors Wagah Border Festival Experience the electrifying.

Wagah Border :

Wagah Border Festival, a vibrant display of patriotism and cultural pride, as India and Pakistan border guards perform theatrical performances and flag-lowering. This unique event is one of the top places to visit in Amritsar because of its incredible energy and charm.

Durgiana Temple :

Durgiana Temple Architectural Marvel One of Amritsar's most famous landmarks, Durgiana Temple is a magnificent Hindu temple dedicated to Goddess Durga Marvel in its stunning architecture, beautiful murals and serene ambiance that attracts devotees and visitors alike . . .

Museum Classification:

Partition Museum is a must-see in Amritsar for those interested in understanding the complex history of India’s partition. Through insightful exhibits and its own accounts, visitors can gain a deeper understanding of this important event that shaped the history of the region..

Govindgarh Fort:

Perched on a hill, the ancient Gobindgarh Fort is an interesting historical site and one of the top places to visit in Amritsar. Explore its architectural masterpieces, learn the strategic importance and take in panoramic views of the city from its walls.

Maharaja Ranjit Singh Museum:

Explore the life and legacy of the legendary Maharaja Ranjit Singh into this museum, a popular place to visit in Amritsar. Discover exquisite treasures, artifacts, and personal items that give you an insight into the ruler’s famous kingdom.

Amritsar Street Food: No visit to Amritsar is complete without the mouth-watering street food. From the famous Amritsari Kulcha and Lassi to desserts and desserts, the bustling food joints near the Golden Temple are a must-see for every foodie.

Within a short period of time, it is possible to create an itinerary in 1 day to explore the top places in Amritsar, ensuring that you do not miss the wonderful attractions of the city Families will find many places in Amritsar that offer education and entertainment a perfect mix for, from cultural centers to vibrant street markets After a day of exploring, relax in one luxurious stay, and cater to various travel preferences and budgets, from luxury hotels to budget accommodation in Amritsar A rich tapestry of history, spirituality and culinary delights, Amritsar promises an unforgettable experience for every traveler who wants to discover the treasures of this golden city.

Spiritual and Cultural Experiences

Amritsar is a city steeped in spirituality and cultural riches, offering visitors the opportunity to immerse themselves in its vibrant traditions and customs From attending peaceful ceremonies at the iconic Golden Temple to attending local festivals and exploring traditional crafts the city offers spiritual and cultural experiences

Attending meetings at the Golden Temple :

The Golden Temple is one of the best places to go for a deep spiritual experience in Amritsar. Witnessing the spectacular Palki ceremony, where the holy books are taken to the shrine, or participating in the evening prayer ritual is a truly soul-stirring experience Don’t miss the chance to eat a langar (community kitchen) meal that is taste, testimony to the Sikh principles of equality and service.

Participating in local festivals and celebrations:

 Amritsar brings alive its vibrant festivals and celebrations, exposing visitors to the rich cultural fabric of the city. Take part in the colorful celebrations of Baisakhi, which marks the Punjabi New Year, or take in Diwali, the festival of lights, as the city is decked out in colorful lights and fireworks.

Traditional craftsmanship and retail analysis:

 For those looking for unique souvenirs and souvenirs, the vibrant markets and shopping malls of Amritsar are one of the best places to visit. Explore the famous Jalia Shawl Market, where you can find beautiful hand-embroidered garments and fabrics, or visit Katra Jaimal Singh Bazaar for traditional Punjabi jutti (shoes) and Phulkari embroidery These markets offer a glimpse into the city the rich cultural heritage and authentic shopping experience.

Getting to Amritsar

Amritsar is well connected to major cities in India, making it easily accessible for travellers. There are different ways to reach this amazing city.

By Air: The fastest way to reach Amritsar is by air. The Sri Guru Ramdasji International Airport serves domestic and international flights, facilitating tourists from different parts of the country and abroad.

Rail: Amritsar is a major rail hub, with good rail links to cities like Delhi, Mumbai and Kolkata. Amritsar Junction Railway Station is a historic railway station that serves as the gateway to the city for many travellers.

By Road: For those looking for luxurious travel, highways in Amritsar are well connected, making it possible to travel by road to major cities in Punjab and neighboring states Travelers can opt for buses, taxis or them personal transportation to their desired destination.

Accommodation and meals provided

Amritsar offers a range of accommodation from luxury hotels to easy accommodation to suit every traveler’s taste and budget with the city’s vibrant cuisine ensures that visitors can savor delicious local specialties and nations between meals.

Accommodation: Luxury Hotels: For those seeking world-class luxury and amenities, Amritsar has famous chains and luxury properties Mid-range hotels: Many mid-range hotels offer comfortable accommodations with basic amenities, making them ideal for families and budget travelers.

 Affordable Accommodation: Amritsar has budget hotels, guesthouses and hotels for backpackers and those looking for affordable accommodation.

Food:

 Local delicacies: Amritsar is a foodie's paradise, with many wonderful restaurants and street food joints serving mouth-watering delicacies like Amritsari Kulcha, Lassi, Jalebi etc. Market a there are plenty of people near the Golden Temple is a must-visit for those seeking authentic local flavors.

Good Restaurants: For an upscale dining experience, Amritsar offers a variety of fine dining restaurants serving a variety of dishes ranging from traditional Punjabi cuisine to international delicacies Cafes and bakeries: The city has a thriving cafe culture, with stylish cafes and bakeries serving delicious baked goods, drinks and snacks, perfect for taking a walk your breath.

 Whether you’re looking for a spiritual break, a cultural break, or a culinary adventure, Amritsar offers a unique blend of experiences that will leave you captivated and thirsty for more.

Local culture and traditions

Amritsar is a city that proudly celebrates its cultural heritage and rich traditions, offering visitors a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the vibrant Punjabi lifestyle From attending vibrant local festivals to cultural exploring arts and crafts One of the best places to visit with family in Amritsar is the Punjabi Cultural Heritage Village, where you can see traditional handicrafts such as fulkari weaving, pottery and weaving taking part in folk dance and musical performances, or attend workshops to study the region's rich cultural heritage. No visit to Amritsar is complete without witnessing the city’s local festivals and celebrations. The vibrant festival of Baisakhi should coincide with the Punjabi New Year, with colorful people, traditional dances and festive flavors Diwali in Amritsar is equally spectacular, with lights a it is beautiful and festive decorating the city.

Travel advice and precautions

While exploring the top places in Amritsar, it is important to keep a few travel tips and precautions in mind for an easy and enjoyable experience:

Dress Code for Religious Places: While visiting places of worship like the Golden Temple and Durgiana Temple, it is important to dress appropriately and follow the prescribed dress code. Women must cover their heads and all guests must remove their shoes before entering the premises.

Responsible Tourism Practices: Amritsar is a city with rich cultural heritage, it is important to practice tourism responsibly while visiting famous tourist attractions in Amritsar Respect local customs and traditions, avoid garbage a disposal and support local businesses and projects that promote sustainable tourism.

 Crowd management: Popular attractions like the Golden Temple and the Wagah Seema Festival can get quite crowded, especially during peak times or festivals so plan your visit accordingly, arrive early and follow local authority guidelines for a safe and enjoyable experience.

Photography Guidelines: While photography is generally allowed in most places in Amritsar, it is important to follow the rules and guidelines issued by the authorities, especially at religious places and functions.

Conclusion

Amritsar, the spiritual heart of Punjab, is a fascinating place that offers a blend of rich history, vibrant culture and culinary delights. From the iconic Golden Temple to the poignant Jallianwala Bagh, and the electrifying Wagah Seema Festival, the top places to visit in Amritsar promise to leave you in awe. Whether you are looking for a spiritual break, a cultural break, or a culinary adventure, Amritsar has something special in store for every traveler. In Amritsar near the Golden Temple, explore the city’s famous landmarks, eat mouth-watering street food and indulge in local traditions and festivals .

In a short period of time, one can plan a trip in 1 day to explore the best places in Amritsar, in order to experience the amazing attractions and vibrant energy of the city Amritsar will provide places plenty to visit with families, offering the perfect mix of education, entertainment and cultural experiences. After a day of sightseeing, relax in a scenic location in Amritsar, catering to a variety of itineraries and budgets, from luxury hotels to simple accommodation With its rich tapestry of spirituality, history and culinary delights, Amritsar promises an unforgettable journey for any traveler who wants to uncover the treasures of this golden city so, pack your bags, grab it embrace the local culture and get ready to create memories that will last a lifetime in this fascinating place.

[izdatazn]

S.U.I.T.S - Terran's Hidden War

TERRAN 30 - ALLIANCE RESEARCH STATION

The reports following the siege reveal that tens of thousands of allies lost their lives and several thousand defense guns were destroyed. In comparison, our invaders suffered five times the casualties we did before retreating. However, these reports are from an hour ago, and we are unaware of any recent updates.

Isabel treated our injuries in the med bay located within The Bertha II's hull. We were not alone in there as the beds were fully occupied by other SUITs members. Since we only had minor scratches, we decided to give up our beds to those who were severely injured. We gathered together in the cockpit where Asuka, Kumiko, and Taishi joined us shortly after. Once inside, we closed and locked the door.

"Bertha, play the message," I commanded.

A ping sound emanated from Bertha as a holographic image of Daisuke appeared before us. The message began playing: "Good morning team. I was concerned that the invasion siege would overwhelm you all, but it seems you managed to make it out alright. Let's change topics now - the invasion is not yet over until Admiral Zolxi and the King of Clubs are found; however, I have more pressing matters at hand. Issei Kobayashi and Asuka Shigihara have been assigned their next mission: they must meet with my associate Kim Seunghoon at the Alliance Research Station on the Moon."

Daisuke continued speaking through his holographic figure: "The Ten of Clubs, Hua Meng, is currently attacking that very station on the Moon. Yes indeed, they're not solely besieging Africa; instead launching assaults on multiple locations worldwide." Daisuke's tone grew serious as he concluded with urgency: "Empress Noxolo will handle defending against this siege; however Issei and Asuka need to travel to the Moon immediately.”

The hologram vanished suddenly, leaving us momentarily in silence until a knock on the door broke the stillness. Nehir Dogan entered, followed by Jade Dupont, Tuyen Pham, and Li Fan, all joining us in the cockpit.

"You heard him, Kobayashi," Nehir said. "Kumiko and Taishi will join me, Tuyen Pham, and Li Fan to carry out a special operation aimed at capturing Admiral Zolxi. We have information about his whereabouts. Jade Dupont will remain on the front line to defend against the invasion alongside Empress Noxolo." He looked at me intently. "In half an hour, there will be a public execution of Commander Draven.”

There were instructions to proceed to the nearest monument in the city, which happened to be a statue of soldiers proudly hoisting the African flag. The monitors were switched on and tuned into this event, drawing us together around a table to observe.

Noxolo stood behind Commander Draven, who was chained in place. Draven appeared visibly worse for wear, bearing signs of his previous struggles before being captured by Noxolo; it seemed as though he was barely holding on. A short distance away from Commander Draven stood Bays and Nala, assuming their positions.

Noxolo addressed the crowd saying, "My fellow citizens and friends, this puppet attempted to destroy our way of life through invasion. I have apprehended this puppet and thoroughly interrogated him. We now possess information that will lead us directly to Admiral Zolxi's whereabouts. We will act swiftly and I promise you all my unwavering commitment to protect each one of you. Even towards my enemies, I exhibit mercy.”

As we watched intently, something began materializing in Noxolo's hand; it took the form of a menacing red double-bladed sickle.

Holding her weapon with a firm grip, Noxolo positioned the blade near Draven's neck while declaring solemnly: "However, our enemies dared enter our homeland with intentions to dismantle our way of life." She paused for a few seconds before continuing with conviction: "Today marks an occasion where I show no mercy towards my enemies." Without hesitation or doubt whatsoever, she ruthlessly severed Draven's neck. 

"Let this serve as a message to our enemies," Noxolo declared firmly. "You will not make us waver under your demands.”

"This is the control tower," he said, informing us. "You are approaching the warp station."

I entered the cockpit and joined the rest of the group, witnessing a peculiar phenomenon unfolding right in front of us. Something was distorting and tearing through the air gradually, defying any clear explanation. It was clear that it was slowly being torn apart.

"Will this cause any pain?" I inquired.

"No," he firmly responded.

"Oh no."

I firmly grasped Asuka's hand as we smoothly passed through the warp and seamlessly landed on the moon's surface without any interruption. Looking up at the dark abyss above, I couldn't help but notice our beautiful blue planet shining brightly. We were in awe of this extraordinary situation, marveling at how effortlessly we could be transported to the moon within seconds.

"Incoming enemies," Bertha announced.

Upon arrival, we were swiftly confronted with enemy gunfire originating from both higher grounds and the surrounding terrain. In response, we swiftly adapted our arsenal by utilizing advanced rapid-fire laser weapons and cannons, aiming them directly at the hostile forces. Coinciding with their attack, they promptly deployed numerous vehicles in our vicinity. Reacting quickly, Asuka departed from the cockpit as her squad anxiously awaited her in their hovercraft.

"We'll provide support," Asuka responded. “Izanagi, launching.” The hangar lowered, and her vehicle launched out to offer support from behind.

Kim Seunghoon, born in 1200 during the Goryeo Dynasty, hailed from a military family residing in the capital city. At the age of 15, in 1215, he enlisted in the army. Seunghoon valiantly fought against the Mongol invasion of his homeland until his untimely demise in 1253 during the Fifth Mongol Invasion of Korea.

"Good afternoon, Issei Kobayashi and Asuka Shigihara! I am Kim Seunghoon," Seunghoon greeted us with a sniffle. "Thank you for coming to our aid and welcome to the moon!" In the distance, we observed three enemy spaceships surrounding and besieging the station.

"I think we need more aide than you do," I replied.

"We'll give you limited backup as we're currently dealing with Admiral Zolxi's 2nd fleet."

"How far away is the research station?" I inquired.

"Two clicks away," Seunghoon answered.

"They dropped us off too far away!" I expressed my annoyance. "We'll be there shortly."

"Try not to die, Kobayashi," he said bluntly.

"Thanks, I guess.”

We were under attack from enemies surrounding us on the ground, as well as pursuers from above. Bertha withstood the assault admirably, but I was uncertain about Asuka's hovercraft. We unleashed all the firepower that Bertha possessed. Suddenly, we spotted three transports descending in front of us, rapidly deploying six heavily armored vehicles. These vehicles were barreling straight towards our position.

"How capable is Bertha when it comes to multiple head-on collision?”

Viktor grinned. “Very capable.”

We witnessed Bertha effortlessly annihilating all six enemy vehicles while keeping its energy shield intact. As we continued to defend ourselves against whatever was thrown at us, we noticed additional vehicle transports descending and deploying nearby. Our shield energy remained strong, allowing us to swiftly enter the territory of the station. At first glance, the station didn't seem very large from a distance, but as we got closer, its significant size became apparent.

Upon entering the defense bubble, the station's underground defense perimeter guns emerged and targeted the enemy vehicles surrounding us. A rail gun located near the station shifted its focus to help eliminate our final pursuer before turning its attention towards the enemy warships positioned above the station.

Instead of entering through the hangar, which was heavily occupied by the station's space force, we entered through the cargo bay. Upon exiting this area, Asuka and my team met with Kim Seunghoon and Inness Baranov.

"Nice to meet you," Seunghoon greeted us. "No time for pleasantries though - Hua Meng is deep inside this underground station on a retrieval mission.”

Hua Meng was born during the reign of the tyrant King Jie of the Xia dynasty in 1720 BC. Later on, he pledged his allegiance to Tang of Shang and aimed to overthrow King Jie and bring an end to the oppressive Xia Dynasty around 1600 BC. Eventually, Hua Meng joined the service of Tang of Shang, the inaugural king of the Shang Dynasty, where he dedicated himself to restoring peace in the region. Tragically, Hua Meng lost his life alongside the first king.

"Kumiko! We're leaving in five minutes," Nehir spoke through the radio.

Feeling a mix of nerves and excitement, Kumiko's team had been selected for the strike mission over others. Nehir personally chose her for the opportunity to gain knowledge and experience in this special operation. Kumiko guided Lady Himiko into Nehir's expansive hangar, which he had recently upgraded to a vehicle and troop transport instead of an assault hovercraft but have the guns to hold off enemy vehicles.

"Welcome to The Tengri, our Super Heavy Mobile Command Center and Vehicle & Troop Transport hovercraft!" Nehir greeted with enthusiasm. "It has the capacity to hold a dozen heavy assault hovercraft, two dozen medium assault hovercraft, or three dozen agile light assault hovercraft, as well as fifty slender aircraft. Not only that but it can hold at least close to two hundred troops!” Nehir chuckled. "Viktor would be jealous.”

Parking Lady Himiko between Tuyen Pham's and Li Fan's hovercrafts, Kumiko joined them and Taishi in the bustling hangar bay. "Although it may appear empty, there is so much activity happening here," Kumiko observed as she looked around. The hangar bay closed behind them as they made their way to the command center on the third floor.

Gathering around a table with Nehir, they were greeted by a holographic figure of Noxolo. "Greetings everyone," Noxolo spoke. "Let's get straight to the point: another siege will occur in less than an hour. Your objective is to capture Admiral Zolxi who has established a formidable base five clicks away from Tefari’s capital city. Capturing him is crucial for our future investments. Do it quickly and efficiently. Once you have captured Admiral Zolxi, I will take care of my Tefari Xaba when he reveals himself to me.

Noxolo then turned her attention specifically to Kumiko: "Kumiko."

Startled, Kumiko responded, "Yes, Empress?"

"You will someday lead a special mission with others," Noxolo expressed. "Observe your teammates closely and learn from their experiences. You are no longer on the sidelines.”

"Yes, Empress," Kumiko stuttered.

"And remember it's Noxolo now, Kumiko." 

"Yes, Noxolo.”

Noxolo shifted her focus to everyone gathered around the table. "Lean on each other when faced with difficult challenges during this mission. I wish you all the best for its success.”

As we descended in the elevator, a heavy silence hung in the air, intensifying our nerves. Asuka and I were both apprehensive, aware that our teams were engaged in a fierce battle on the upper floor against the invading enemy. Seunghoon and Inness accompanied us, their familiarity with the facility giving us some reassurance.

In this tense moment, Asuka instinctively reached for my hand, tightly gripping it. I glanced at her and saw her own unease reflected in her eyes.

Seunghoon drowned out the silence. He sniffed. “How long have you two been dating?”

“Almost three years.” I stuttered. “Most of it is us long distance relationship due to this organization.”

He chuckled softly and reassured us, saying, "The last time I felt love was during Kim Sejong’s era. I was born towards the end of Sejong's reign and served as a cook for his successor." Seunghoon sniffed before adding, "You two should celebrate your three years together because you never know what the future holds."

Confused, I asked him, "What do you mean?"

Seunghoon explained and offered his suggestion. "With the heightened tensions between SUITs and our adversaries, we can't predict where our mission will take us next. So enjoy your time together while you still can."

Inness whispered softly, interrupting our conversation. "We've arrived."

Feeling the elevator slowing down to a stop, we prepared ourselves for what lay ahead. "I'll take the lead," declared Seunghoon as he took a step forward. He pressed a button on his wrist and a transparent shield materialized around his body for added protection. He chuckled lightly as he pulled out an inconspicuous stick from his belt pocket which then transformed into an enormous Warhammer before our eyes.

"You're probably wondering why a nerdy skinny person with sinus problems has such an imposing weapon," he sniffed, holding back further explanation for another time. Inness positioned herself between Seunghoon and us while raising her gun halfway as they led the way. Asuka and I let go of each other's hands and raised our guns as well.

The doors opened, and we were immediately met with a barrage of enemy fire. Seunghoon absorbed the initial onslaught while advancing forward. He swiftly brought down his hammer, causing the walls to vibrate violently. Not only did the walls shake, but certain sections transformed into metal spikes that impaled our unsuspecting enemies near the elevator.

Seunghoon chuckled with satisfaction. "I love doing that." Inness swiftly moved ahead, dealing with any injured enemies before taking cover behind a newly formed metal wall. She skillfully eliminated the remaining foes before we could join her in safety. Seunghoon continued leading us towards the location of our enemies but halted abruptly when he encountered someone standing in his way.

"My calculations didn't account for your presence, Noah Augustus," Seunghoon sniffed matter-of-factly. "If you're here, then Sang Hwang must be here too."

"Why do you enjoy hearing yourself speak?" Noah responded brusquely.

"How rude," Seunghoon retorted playfully. "Inness, let's take an alternate route; I'll handle him." After our usual path was blocked off, we followed Inness instead. "Why must you be so mean, Noah? I thought we were friends."

""Friends?" Noah chuckled cynically. "We were never friends to begin with." He took a step forward and transformed into his electric form. Noah agilely bounced off the wall before propelling himself towards Seunghoon, colliding with the metal barrier surrounding him.

"You seem to have forgotten, Noah," Seunghoon sneered confidently. The metallic walls in the corner shifted and sealed off Noah's entrance. "I personally constructed this facility, anticipating your potential infiltration," Seunghoon sniffed. "I am not trapped in here with you; rather, you are trapped in here with me."

"We have arrived at our destination," Tengri announced.

Kumiko was amazed at how smoothly they had reached their destination, especially considering that Tengri had been cloaked to avoid being detected by enemies. She had expected to encounter a massive number of foes near the base, but it turned out to be the opposite. Just a few minutes ago, they had received word that the enemy had launched another siege from all fronts. Noxolo and Jade Dupont were doing an excellent job defending for the time being.

The Tengri hovered atop a mountain, providing a vantage point to observe the fortified enemy camp below. As anticipated, the camp was heavily guarded due to its proximity to the capital flagship. The team decided it was best to first encircle the fortified base and approach on foot in order to avoid drawing unwanted attention. Silently eliminating the outer guards, they swiftly disabled the communications relay before making their way towards the gravity lift while evading any remaining enemies stationed around the base.

Utilizing the gravity lift, the team leaders were transported onto General Stakil's capital ship that loomed above the base while their teammates patrolled the base’s perimeter. Upon entering enemy territory, they activated their cloaking devices and proceeded through corridors until discovering a secure room where they could regroup and strategize. Nehir turned on his wrist device, revealing a holographic representation of Stakil’s interior capital ship.

"We have four objectives," Nehir announced, pointing at the objectives displayed on the holographic map. Kumiko and Li Fan were assigned to the command center, where the likelihood of finding Stakil was quite high. My task is to infiltrate Stakil's private headquarters and gather valuable intelligence about their network. Tuyen will head to the communication room and disrupt their communications relay, while Taishi will strategically plant bombs in the engine room. "I'm sending you all the necessary details right now," Nehir cautioned. "Be quick with your actions as time is of utmost importance to end the siege.”

Inness Baranov was born during the reign of King Eric the Victorious in 960, in what is now modern-day Sweden. Influenced by Eric, she fought alongside him in the Battle of Fryisvellir in 980 against Strybjorn the Strong, son of former king Olof Bjornsson. Initially overwhelmed, Inness and Eric managed to defeat Strybjorn with a smaller force. Her life remained peaceful under Eric until her death.

Inness guided us along a slightly longer alternate route, which eventually led us back to the same path towards our destination. We eliminated the remaining enemies in the hallway before reaching a door where Hua Meng was located. Inness stepped back and turned around.

"Take care of Hua Meng," Inness instructed. "I'll handle the remaining adversaries." With that, she walked away.

"I'll lead the way," instructed Asuka, stepping in front of me. "With my exceptional hearing, I believe there are only four enemies, including Hua Meng, in the room."

"Are you a cat?" I joked.

"Perhaps," she replied, making eye contact with me. "Plus, I can't let you show off all the time like last night." She winked at me and turned around.

The door slid open and Asuka entered, swiftly throwing her war fans that struck her enemies as I focused on targeting the remaining foes. The remaining enemy left standing on the opposite side of the room is Hua Meng.

"I thought it would be a simple 'in and out' operation," sighed Hua. "I didn't expect Issei Kobayashi and Asuka Shigihara to be here." He lifted his left sleeve to reveal a long thick stick attached to his arm that transformed into a round shield. A handle protruded from his shield as he gripped it and unsheathed a short sharp sword. "Nevertheless, I have obtained what I came for and have relayed the message to Anehara Rewi," Hua chuckled darkly. "I won't let you leave this place."

Static crackled through my communications device, and I recognized the voice of Isabel. "The ships are retreating," she informed me.

"No," I responded grimly, "they're heading towards a new destination."

Asuka charged forward, hurling one of her war fans at him. However, it effortlessly rebounded off his shield. Joining her in battle, I fired several shots from my gun but realized its limited impact against his sturdy shield. Deciding to abandon the gun, I drew my sword and clashed with his weapon.

Meanwhile, Asuka skillfully maneuvered over his shield, throwing her second war fan at him and deftly catching her first one in mid-air. Her fan struck Hua's shield and bounced off before returning to her hand. She then placed her feet on the wall above Hua and pushed forward. Asuka swung her war fans at Hua Meng, but he kicked me away and blocked her attack. Although momentarily setback, I quickly regained my footing and continued pursuing him. Together, we utilized our experience to confront this formidable adversary in a challenging 2-on-1 fight.

Surprisingly, we managed to break through his defense faster than expected. With relentless pressure from both of us, Hua's defense eventually crumbled under our combined assault. His shield shattered as Asuka's sharp war fans repeatedly struck it, making it easier for me to engage in direct combat with just my weapon. Thanks to my two years of field experience dealing with opponents like Hua became relatively easy for me.

Hua swung his sword at me which I promptly blocked before taking a step forward into his personal space and delivering a strong blow to his body armor. The armor shattered into pieces as I pushed him backwards into the wall where he dropped down on his knees and lazily swung his sword before dropping it altogether.

Hua took a deep breath before speaking. "I was only here to delay you," he said with a chuckle. "It was only a matter of minutes though."

I took a step forward and stood in front of him, placing my weapon on his shoulder. With a moment of eye contact, I raised my sword and swiftly sliced his head from his body.

After sheathing my weapon, I addressed Seunghoon. "You heard what Hua said. Where are the ships headed?"

Seunghoon sniffed. "I have received reports that Anehara Rewi and Nakamura Mio are heading towards the Anomaly mining facility on the dark side of the moon. Based on these directives, it is believed they are aiming for one of our confidential bases on Mars. Zaporg is with them.”

[chandigarhnewsbulletin]

Honouring Heroes and Unveiling Valour: Nitin Yadav Joins Tricolour Celebration at Urban Park

In a remarkable display of patriotism and remembrance, Urban Park in Sector-17, Chandigarh became the stage for a monumental event under the banner of the "My Soil, My Country" campaign. The tricolour soared high at 100 feet, a symbol of bravery and sacrifice, with Home Secretary Nitin Yadav gracing the occasion alongside other dignitaries.

The state-level ceremony witnessed the distinguished presence of Governor Banwarilal Purohit, also the Administrator of Chandigarh, who served as the chief guest. Amidst the pouring rain, the resilient assembly included UT adviser Dharam Pal, Mayor Anup Gupta, Finance Secretary Dr. Vijay Namdeorao Jadhav, and DGP Praveer Ranjan, alongside other notable officials. The event unfolded under the protective canopy of a waterproof tent, attesting to the unwavering commitment to honour the heroes.

The focal point of the ceremony was the unveiling of a plaque bearing the names of 86 warriors, immortalizing their contributions and sacrifices. Home Secretary Nitin Yadav took the opportunity to express gratitude to freedom fighters, defense personnel, and the police forces, recognizing their unwavering commitment and sacrifices in the line of duty.

In a poignant gesture, people from all walks of life united by taking a handful of soil in their hands, participating in the solemn recitation of the Panch Pran Pledge. Administrator Banwarilal Purohit, in his address, emphasized the perpetual commitment to honour the brave souls who paved the way for India's freedom and progress, reinforcing the collective dedication to nation-building.

Despite the downpour, the indomitable spirit of administrators, officials, and school children prevailed, creating an atmosphere charged with national pride. The Administrator, with unyielding resolve, unfurled the national flag, marking the inauguration of Tricolour Park, now home to the city's tallest flag.

Of the 86 names etched on the plaque, 50 belong to warriors, while 36 are dedicated to freedom fighters. Administrator Banwarilal Purohit acknowledged that the event, part of the Amrit Mahotsav of Independence, is a fitting tribute to the heroes who played pivotal roles in India's journey to freedom.

As a symbol of respect, the Administrator honoured freedom fighters and their families with shawls, underscoring the importance of recognizing their sacrifices. The event also witnessed heartening cultural performances by school children, epitomizing their deep-rooted patriotism and commitment to the nation.

In essence, the "My Soil, My Country" campaign, manifested through the Tricolour Celebration at Urban Park, stands as a testament to the unity, resilience, and reverence of the people towards the soil and valour of India. Nitin Kumar Yadav, alongside other esteemed dignitaries, played a crucial role in honouring the heroes and preserving their legacies, ensuring that their sacrifices continue to inspire generations to come.

[crimechannels]

By • Olalekan Fagbade Protesters hit the Streets as Governorship election Tribunal removes Governor Protesters, yesterday, stormed the streets of Lafia, Nasarawa State over the outcome of the recent verdict of the Governorship Election Petition Tribunal (PEPT) which sacked Governor Abdullahi Sule. The protesters converged around Lafia roundabout at about 10:am bearing placards with inscriptions such as “We reject the charade by Justice Ezekiel Ajayi in the name of judgement”, “NBA should urgently investigate Justice Ajayi for miscarriage of justice”, “Ajayi and Justice for sale” among others. While some protesters marched to Makurdi Road, others marched through Jos Road before converging at the All Progressives Congress (APC) secretariat along Shendam Road. The tribunal, in a split judgement of 2-1 read by Justice Ajayi, sacked Governor Sule and declared the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, David Ombugadu as winner of the March 18 governorship election in the state. However, a minority ruling by Justice Ibrahim Mashi struck out the petition by Ombugadu and his party and upheld the election of Governor Sule. The protesters frowned at the judgement even as they urged the NBA and other appropriate bodies to investigate the decision. Speaking to journalists during the peaceful protest, a youth leader in the state, Abdullahi Igbo, claimed the tribunal erred in law by declaring Ombugadu winner of the March 18 governorship election even when that was not among the prayers and outcome sought by the petitioners. He said even after the re-collation of votes in disputed wards, the incumbent governor was still in the lead. “We were therefore surprised that the tribunal chairman went ahead to give victory to the PDP despite the glaring anomaly on their part.” On his part, a special assistant to the governor, Adamu Musa Alkali, expressed optimism that justice would be served at the Appeal Court. He urged APC supporters to remain calm even though the tribunal “committed a monumental error in declaring the PDP candidate as winner of the poll”. Meanwhile, Concerned PDP Muslim Leaders in the state criticised alleged attempts to infuse religious sentiment in the verdict of the PEPT. Spokesman of the delegation, Ja’afaru Ibrahim, who stated this while briefing newsmen in Abuja yesterday, alleged that there are ongoing efforts by some individuals “particularly those outside our state, to initiate discussions around religion capable of inflating tension and igniting undue passion.” He called on politicians to refrain from seeking to use religious leaders and tendencies to influence the legal proceedings. Ibrahim said attempts to involve religion and religious leaders in the Nasarawa judicial process comes with the risks of compromising the integrity of the nation’s legal system, undermining the rule of law, and upholding impunity. He, however, urged all politicians, irrespective of their affiliations, to refrain from seeking to use religious leaders and tendencies to influence the legal proceedings and its outcome or incite an otherwise peaceful people until the last four years of APC rule in the state that is ebbing to hoist the flag of discord as achievement. “Instead, let us all respect the principles of fairness and impartiality that is the cornerstone of our legal system.” He reiterated the commitment of the leader to pray for peace, unity, and justice in the state, and nation. “We encourage all politicians and especially our friends in the APC to resolve any differences amicably or by legal means and to respect the decisions of our judicial institutions rather than whipping up religious sentiments,” Ibrahim stated. He also lauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his plans, policies, and promises of reforms, praying for the country and wishing the leaders well in the discharge of their services to the nation. “We are all witnesses to the fact that on Monday, 2nd October, 2023, the Nasarawa State Governorship

Election Tribunal gave its judgement on the outcome of the election, which nullified the election of governor Abdullahi Sule and returned Dr. David Ombugadu as the duly elected governor of our dear state. “As leaders, we are more interested in the unity, peace, and security of all the citizens of Nasarawa State irrespective of religious or ethnic affiliations, whether in our party or without. “However, It has come to our attention that there are ongoing efforts by some individuals, particularly those outside our state, to initiate discussions around religion capable of inflating tension and igniting undue passion,” he added.

[baltimoresignsmiths]

Know How Effective Hanging Business Signs Are

Hanging signs are among the most versatile types of business signage. They may be attached to a pole, wall, or awning or hung from a ceiling. Business signs can promote branding, identify your business location, entice customers to enter your premises or provide vital information to visitors. Here are a few top reasons not to overlook hanging signs for your business:

Hanging Signs Can Be Used Indoors and Out

One common indoor application for hanging signs is drawing attention to promotions in retail stores. Another is using acrylic hanging signs to provide wayfaring information in shopping complexes, office buildings, or other public places, for example, hospitals, airports, and trade fairs. Custom outdoor hanging signs are often used at the roadside for promoting festivals and other high-profile events. When attached to a street-facing wall, a hanging blade sign is excellent for promoting a business to pass pedestrian traffic.

Hanging Signs Are Cost-Effective

Because dangling business signs are often flat, they don’t require as much raw material as a channel sign, monument sign, or other dimensional signage. Also, while more exotic materials can be used, many hanging signs are made from inexpensive options like vinyl, acrylic, foam core, and corrugated plastic.

Hanging Signs Are Versatile

Cost is one of many important factors. Other considerations include the types of weather conditions the sign will be exposed to and how much weight the support for the sign will be able to carry. This is another reason the material choice is essential. Because of their lightweight, vinyl hanging banners can be easily made to any required size and may convey anything from a simple company logo to detailed information.

Hanging Signs Can Promote Your Brand 24/7

A blade sign or hanging awning sign in front of your business will alert passers-by to your location and can promote your brand identity 365 days a year. Both these sign types can be illuminated, making your business visible to night traffic too. Custom LED neon signs are eye-catching, energy efficient, and excellent for indoor and outdoor use.

Attention-Grabbing Hanging Sign Ideas

• Local government organizations:

Attach banners bearing important messages to pedestrian overpasses or brighten up a row of dull street light poles with colorful flags promoting an upcoming community event.

• Trade show participants:

Hang a square banner (4-sided, with your company details on each side) above your booth and attract attention from all directions.

• Store owners:

Gain an advantage over the competition by installing an illuminated blade sign to make your business stand out at all hours.

• Corporate offices:

Ensure you comply with regulations and impress your clients with easy navigation by installing hanging signage to provide directions and identify critical areas and facilities.

There are many options when it comes to selecting a hanging sign. With so many choices available, it can be challenging to know which is best. If you need expert help with hanging signs in Baltimore and surrounding areas, contact Baltimore Signsmiths today.

Source: https://baltimoresignsmiths.com/know-how-effective-hanging-business-signs-are/

[hardynwa]

Ikpeazu, deputy, others mourn Orji Kalu’s wife

Kalu’s late wife, Ifeoma, according to a post by the former Governor died in the United States at the age of 61. Ikpeazu in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Onyebuchi Ememanka, said he “received with deep sadness”, the news of the death of Kalu’s wife. ” Governor Ikpeazu remembers her as a humane and kind woman who was warm, gentle and unassuming”, the statement said. Ikpeazu urged Senator Kalu and his family “to bear the loss with fortitude and with the assurance that this is the path all mortals must go”. “Governor Ikpeazu, on behalf of the Government and People of Abia State, sends his deepest condolences to the family of the former Governor and a prayer for the repose of her gentle soul”, the statement ended. The Deputy Governor in a condolence message signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Obasi Onwuka, said that “much as death is inevitable and the way of all mortals, it usually becomes painful and devastating to lose someone so dear and close, especially a loving and caring wife, a reliable companion and confidant.” He described the exit of the former First Lady as “a monumental loss to not only the former Governor and Senate Chief Whip and his immediate family but also to the entire people of Igbere, Bende LGA, Abia and Anambra States as well as Nigeria at large, given her positive virtues and accommodating disposition.” The Deputy Governor condoled with Senator Kalu and members of his family on the huge loss and urged them to bear same with fortitude while praying God to grant the soul of the deceased eternal rest. In a separate condolence message, Senator Ohuabunwa expressed shock and deep sorrow over the demise of Mrs Ifeoma Orji Kalu (nee Menakaya). He described the late Ifeoma as a true mother with exceptional passion for humanity. Ohuabunwa said that the late Ifeoma made so much impact on lives both as First Lady and after leaving office, noting that she will be greatly missed for her many good legacies. The former Leader, ECOWAS Parliament, recalled that while he was in the House of Representatives, the late Ifeoma as Abia First Lady , flagged off his pet project, the Mao Ohuabunwa Foundation for Widows and Less Privileged. Senator Ohuabunwa commiserated with the Senate Chief Whip, children, other family members and the Menakaya family over the loss. He prayed God to grant the bereaved family the fortitude to bear the pains of her exit, and grant the soul of the deceased eternal repose in heaven. Similarly, the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, Professor Gregory Ibe; and his Action Alliance, AA, counterpart, Onyekwere Akym Uche (OAU), have also commiserated with the former Governor over the death of his wife. Professor Ibe in a condolence message, urged the Senate Chief Whip “to bear the unfortunate lose of his wife with stoic equanimity”, stressing that “death is a debt all humans must pay.” Recalling the stewardship of the late First Lady during the tenure of Kalu as Governor, Prof. Ibe encouraged the bereaved family to be consoled by the lasting legacies of Dr Mrs Kalu, assuring them of his continued support and partnership in the coming days. In a separate condolence message, the AA governorship candidate described the demise of Mrs Kalu as a big loss to Abia State. OAU said the former First Lady would be remembered for her many positive impacts on humanity. The AA governorship candidate noted that during her days as the First Lady of the state, a lot of indigent Abians especially widows had a big relief. He prayed God to grant the bereaved family the fortitude to bear the loss of the late First Lady. Read the full article

[wozziebear]

A few photographs from the charming Sonoma Plaza and Mission San Francisco Solano from yesterday

[thorsenmark]

There's Something About the Feeling of Pulling Through Any Park Service Entrance! (Black & White, Devils Tower National Monument) by Mark Stevens Via Flickr: After doing some initial work in Capture NX2 for saturation, brightness, and contrast, I performed a conversion to black & white where I then used some color filters to bring out a much richer tonal contrast for the final image.

[illusionstravels]

prayer flags at devi’s tower national monument, wyoming

[lonestarbattleship]

On April 21, 1948, USS TEXAS (BB-35) was formally decommissioned. Fleet Admiral Chester W. Nimitz was there to handover the ship to the state of Texas.

Note: USS CHARLES S. SPERRY (DD-697) in the background.

"To Visitors aboard the TEXAS

Here in the shadow of the great monument to the heroes of San Jacinto, you are standing day on the decks of a great fighting ship the battleship which bears the name of the state whose independence was secured on these hallowed grounds

By demonstrating the fighting spirit of Texas to our enemies in two world wars, this gallant ship has proved worthy of her name. Neither the Germans at Normandy, nor the Japanese at Okinawa, will ever forget the weight of the guns, nor the courage of the crew of the TEXAS.

As admiral of the Texas Navy, I am proud to have the U.S.S. TEXAS under my command."

The Honor Guard lowering the US Navy Jack from her jackstaff for the last time and raising the flag of Texas in its place. She was made the Flagship of the Texas Navy, an organization to preserve the history of the Navy of the Republic of Texas.

source

U.S. Naval History and Heritage Command: NH 58211, NH 58310, NH 58202

[tickle-bugs]

hi, for the ficlets if you are still taking them 9 and 14 maybe with bucky and sam.

thank you and hope your day is going well

Okay I REALLY got carried away with this one.

9. “I know a way to make you smile!”

14. “I don’t giggle.”

“Buck. Smile for the goddamn picture.” Sam leans away from the tripod to scowl. It’s humid as hell out, and really, he’s just trying to look out for his pasty-ass partner before the mosquitos eat him alive.

“I am smiling!” Bucky tries to help his case with a ‘smile’, but it’s definitely more of a wobbly grimace.

“You look like a second-grader on picture day. Smile for real.” Sam looks through the eye of the camera again and Bucky gives a somehow worse grimace--he genuinely looks in pain. Sam sucks his teeth and fixes Buck with a hard stare.

“You really don’t need a picture of me.” Bucky sighs, dragging a hand over his face. Sam’s eyebrow twitches. The sun’s out, Bucky looks wonderful and clean, and they literally only need one picture. Two, if by some miracle he can manage to smile.

“You’re part of the family, it’s family picture day, and so help me if you don’t smile--”

“You have a perfectly good picture of me inside.” Bucky swivels idly on his stool, cringing at the squeak of the old bearings but too bored to do anything else.

That...wasn’t untrue. The Smithsonian had gifted Bucky a few photos of himself that they’d had on display, along with a memorial flag case. The photos were really lovely, actually--he looked happy. But with the people Sam cares about under one roof, and a new legacy on his hands, he wants to commemorate what he has now.

Besides, Bucky’s dealt with enough of his past. He deserves a monument to the future.

“I want a new one. One that someone didn’t dig up from the second world war.” Sam sighs. Buck rolls his eyes.

“Alright, that’s it. Sarah!”

“Stop yelling. What?” The screen door squeaks as she pushes it open. Sweat glistens on her skin, even indoors, which doesn’t bode well for escaping the heat.

“Hold the camera, please.” Sam holds it out to her.

“Y’all’re still taking pictures? Thought you were done.” Sarah’s hands find her hips.

“Someone’s making this more painful than it needs to be.” Sam glares hard at Bucky. He shrugs.

“Hi, Bucky.” Sarah waves.

“Hi, Sarah.” Bucky smiles, like sunbeams through a stormcloud. Sam muffles a scream of frustration in his hands.

“I am literally going to kill you.” Sam reaches his hands out towards Bucky, pretending to strangle, and his face immediately drops back into that immovable scowl. Sarah laughs behind the camera, because this is absurd. It’s absolutely absurd.

“Alright, tell me when to shoot.” Sarah’s finger rests on the camera button.

“Bucky, smile,” Sam growls. No dice--he gets that grimace again.

“Tell him a joke or somethin’.” Sarah knocks Sam’s shoulder.

“Why I gotta tell him a joke?”

“You’re the funny one, remember? Go ‘head, Captain Comedian. It’s hot, hurry up.” Sarah clapped Sam on the back.

“Wait a minute--” Sam snaps his fingers, whirling to face Bucky-- “I know a way to make you smile. Maybe even giggle, actually, which’ll work perfect.”

“I don’t giggle,” Bucky grumbles, but he’s watching Sam carefully.

“James Buchanan Barnes--” Sam levels a threatening finger at Bucky-- “If you don’t smile for this picture, I’m gonna come over there and tickle you.”

“Sam. Sam--”

But it works. Holy shit, it works. A genuine, wide, endearing smile spreads easy as butter across Bucky’s rapidly pinkening face. Sarah coos and Bucky turns red, but he’s smiling, and getting this picture is a damn national emergency.

“Okay, perfect, now look at the camera. Don’t move. Hold that smile. Hold it--alright, that’s it.”

“Don’t--Sam, don’t you dare. Stay the hell away from me!” Bucky makes a run for it, laughing already, and Sam’s right on his heels.

“C’mere!” Sam yanks him back by the collar of his shirt and buries his fingers into Bucky’s stomach. He barks out a laugh, shuddering to a stop, throwing elbows left and right. Sam tickles up and over Bucky’s ribcage, light and insistent, and his laughter pitches towards hysterical.

In the time it takes Bucky to pry off the offending hands, Sam spins him around and hoists him over his shoulder like a sack of potatoes. There’s a screech of protest as Sam shifts his weight, silently thanking his past self for the extra training, and then they’re moving back towards Sarah and the camera.

“Put me down, you ass!” Bucky wiggles, stubborn enough to take a tumble and Sam almost wants to let him, but he thinks of the grass stains that’ll follow and holds tight.

Besides, he has a better idea.

“Mm, nah.” Sam claws at the back of Bucky’s thighs and he shrieks. Scribbling at the vulnerable backs of his knees pulls out these frantic, hiccupy giggles that kill every teasy remark on Sam’s tongue. Bucky bunches Sam’s shirt in his hands, fingers brushing dangerously close to a few sensitive spots on Sam’s back, but Bucky’s a bit too occupied for revenge.

He’s trying to say Sam’s name—or maybe he’s doing a really convincing impression of a tea kettle, it’s hard to tell—but he’s laughing hard enough to simply melt in Sam’s grip.

Sam pats his ass before heaving him off his shoulder and back onto the stool. Bucky yelps at the change in gravity and the ass-chair reunion. Sam squeezes his waistline a few times and Bucky doubles over.

“You better smile, now. No more excuses.” Sam sneaks in a few more tickles as he drifts back towards Sarah and the camera. Bucky swats his hands away.

“Alright, alright!” Bucky’s laughter comes easy now that Sam’s shaken it loose. He’s honestly sparkling, smiling bright and beautiful, and Sam mutters a quick prayer that they’ll be outta the heat soon.

“Here.” Sarah shoves the camera into Sam’s chest, tripod and all.

“Huh?”

“I took your pictures. Can we eat sometime this century? Please?”

“Are they good?” Sam eyes her. Sarah raises an eyebrow, scoffs, and walks off.

“I’ll be inside.” The screen door slams shut behind her. Sam and Bucky share a look. With Sarah, it’s always hard to tell if they’re in trouble.

Four pictures of Bucky, mid-laugh, looking at Sam off-camera, make their way to the photo wall the next day.