#but in the second game it's very very solidly phoenix

[pennamepersona]

trilogy era wrightworth really is two people trading off singing won't say i'm in love

[sml8180]

Get To Know Me tag game

@wyvchard tagged me for this! Making a new post since the reblog chain was getting long

It has been a minute since I last did one of these, lol

Favorite color: Blue! Green is a close second

Last Song: Bring on the Monsters - Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical

Currently Reading: Too many fics to list. As for books, I'm reading The Nine Eyes of Lucien by Madeleine Roux (very good so far!)

Currently Watching: Nothing in particular (though I should be catching up on CR-)

Currently Craving: Nothing? Well, maybe Cheddar Bay Biscuits, but I have a couple on my plate with my breakfast, so that'll be resolved shortly, lol

Coffee or Tea: Tea, 100%. I don't even particularly enjoy the smell of coffee, let alone the taste. I also don't need to risk the caffeine knocking me out (gotta love ADHD weirdness)

A hobby I would like to try: I'd like to give archery a try! There are a lot of folks who've done it in my family (including both my parents, and I believe both my grandmothers; I know for a fact my Mimi did it competitively for a while when she was young)

An AU/Alternate universe I've been plotting for: Ash and Shadow I guess technically counts, since it's canon-divergent. As for something more solidly AU, I'm playing around with Radio Host Phoenix in the background while working on chapters for Ash and Shadow (thanks to @agent-calivide for that brain worm, lol)

As for other tags: @definitelyunhingedagentphoenix @kitkatyes and @sciencewife if you folks are interested!

[alynnl]

8, 14, 15, 16 for the fandom love ask game (any media you feel like chatting about)

8. you hope more people will come to appreciate

Overall, I just want more Ace Attorney fans to play and appreciate The Great Ace Attorney Chronicles in general. Everyone who plays it seems to enjoy it, but our numbers are small compared to the mainline games. The storytelling and the gameplay is just fantastic in this one and I just want more people to experience it, because it's worth it. It's even more worth it to go through the story completely blind, but even if you do get inevitable spoilers that come from being on the Internet at large, learning the context behind those spoilers is still emotional.

14. the ship that always makes you smile

My feelings about it have been a roller coaster, but I eventually settled on the more positive ones - I adore Wrightworth/Narumitsu. Their interactions in the first trilogy and all the story beats they hit were just amazing. There's a reason they have a lot of fan work and analysis to this day. The foundation is solidly there in the first trilogy and there are many directions people can go from that foundation (whether or not they include the second trilogy is up to them.)

15. the character that always makes you smile

So many of them (in mainline and the spinoffs in Ace Attorney) - but if I picked the first name that came to mind of course it's Miles Edgeworth. He is just everything to me. He's a sassy rival to Phoenix. He's a tortured soul who is haunted by his past. He's a big brother figure to Franziska and Kay. He's got hilarious banter between himself and Gumshoe. And he also won't back down against the truly corrupt and powerful. He's a hero, and icon and he's got style.

16. a tiny detail in canon that you want more people to appreciate

I don't know what makes a detail "tiny" since different people notice different things about stories in general. But I guess I have to talk about Van Zieks here and something I don't see mentioned about him a lot (from my scrolling on Tumblr. This might have been mentioned elsewhere.)

What sets Van Zieks apart from a lot of rival prosecutors in the Ace Attorney series is that he actually doesn't do anything unethical. Yes, he's rude and over the top with his bottle flipping and chalice throwing. And I will not ignore his racism either because it's so in your face from the very first case you encounter him. But he doesn't forge evidence and never even entertains the thought of doing so. He doesn't intimidate witnesses, bribe the judge or try and rule over the courtroom with an iron fist. He never blackmails anyone. And without giving away too many spoilers, there is more to him than being "The Reaper of the Bailey."

So I guess his moral code is what makes me see him as redeemable, as well as his character development in later parts of Chronicles.

There are arguments about whether or not his arc was handled well, but I think it was written decent enough for me to get what it was going for and accept it.

[box-dwelling]

So I was going put this on my dual destinies post but it got long so. I enjoyed the mason system but I think the gimmick let's it down a lot. 4-4 is a great trial and I loved it a ton but it's messy as fuck in places because of the non chronologically story telling and it fucks up putting us in Apollo's head because it gives us information he's not privy to and doesn't explain what he actually does know. It gives us the dumb sibling loose end that just shouldn't be there. I think Apollo and Trucy being siblings is a cool idea and a good twist but there is absolutely no reason to leave them in the dark about this. So here is what I would do.

We start in the lobby just before the second trial day with Phoenix there. He says something like "ok Apollo. I've asked you to come here early to show you what I've been working on. I think it's finally time you learn. I've been waiting for you to discover most of it on your own but now it's time to show my hand. Are you ready to know the whole truth?" Then we flash back to playing Phoenix like we did to playing Mia in 3-4. It can either be its own case and act as foreshadowing for the final case or honestly preferably it can be a flashback within the case same place it is currently. And it goes chronically. All we've lost is the gimmick of bring the present information into the past which was confusing as fuck for actually tracking how this happened in universe because phoenix wright isn't a time traveler. Phoenix had enough information to interegate people in the past so he can do it the way he actually did. Then we flash back to the present. We get to see Apollo's reaction to this information and tie up his arc with losing faith in phoenix on screen instead of through implied dialogue. The Thalassa reveal needs some altering but you could just have her be around because she's a juror and then have Apollo notice something when he looks at her picture.

But now the jurist system is without a mechanic which sucks so instead I propose a bar at the top of the screen instead of the health bar where you try and sway the opinion of the jury. It could look like the judical scales with a procecutors badge on the right and a defense attorney badge on the left. You present the wrong stuff and it goes towards guilty because you look incompetent. When it gets to the end of one side you get either guilty or not guilty. All the other switches are scripted for when Klavier or Apollo present convincing evidence, but there's like 3 points buffer on Klavier's side that show your lives. If Klavier gets a big turnabout while you're on less than 3 lives you're in trouble. It's 3 now not 5 because I think there should be the ability to gain them back at certain points where Apollo is doing a really good job. Like a mini check point. Kristophs breakdown does so much to tip towards Apollo that it eliminates the previous penalties and you win. This will have the added benefit of making the way you play the case as Apollo actively feel different to the way you play other ones instead of just being told it's different now. Have it move a ton on Klavier's side when he plays air guitar, it'll be cute. Main issue with this is that if you lose all you lives after a recharge point but before Klavier gets a turnabout it will mean you have to play a ton while you already know you're dead so maybe add something in where the judge says you don't know what you're doing after the 3rd life and his comment move the scale solidly into Klavier's side.

My only worry would be space but this is a very easy thing to code (we're talking like one extra variable that needs adjusting and some very basic visual assets) but given we're now losing the graphical effects for mason and also the Thalassa reveal cut scene which all look pretty data intensive I honestly think we're saving more space than we lose.

AA doesn't need gimmicks. They can be fun but the are not what makes the games good. That's the narrative. And as much as I like the mason section it does fuck that up quite a bit to the extent that people are still debating what actually happened.

This is Apollo's game, it doesn't make sense for there to be information we have that he doesn't.

And honestly as I said in my last post I think the fact that AA4 is a genuinely great game with a confusing ass narrative at points has actively hurt the series going forward. People don't want to blame this game for Apollo's confusing ass plotlines because it's a lot more charming and likeable and compelling than it sounds like that later games are but it really is where I think a lot of the complaints originate. Why are his loose ends not tied up? Because AA4 was vauge as fuck about which ones were and weren't cleared up and there isn't really a good reason for them to come up again.

Look at the trilogy. All the lose ends are tied up nicely at the end of each and then the next game builds on the foundation of what was there before. AA4 is a great game. I love it. But it's a bad foundation because of the ambiguity of the Mason section because building on it requires very very specific reference to the past cases which is difficult to do in a sequel.

Like honestly sit and think about how much reference you need to do to tie up the sibling reveal in a completely new case where you have no guarantee the player has played AA4. You need to establish some basics that you would have to already. Apollo and Trucy have perceive, the bracelet is how Apollo senses it, Trucy is Phoenix's adopted daughter. That's a given. If this isn't the first case they should know this already. But then you also need to establish who the Gramaryes are, who Lamoiror is, what perceive actually is, that Thalassa used to have the bracelet, that's she got shot and lost her memory, that Apollo's an orphan, probably some stuff about Zak and Trucy, what Phoenix used to be like during his disbarment, that he got disbarred in the first place, that will bring up questions you'll need to answer about why he did and how he got reinstated, and that he is aware of they're siblings and Apollo and Trucy aren't and that him and Thalassa are waiting for the right time to tell them. That is a shit ton to ask. Aa4 only just covered it in its entirety and it took like 2 cases. And be aware this is stuff you have to recap without boring people who have played AA4 and already know. Its a really really big ask for one loose end.

Compare it to the recaps in the trilogy and it's even more clear. There you basically just need to explain DL6 and it can be done by saying "Edgeworth thought he shot his dad in an elevator but didn't. It was actually his mentor a ruthless procecutor called Von karma. Misty fey lost her credibility as a result," that covers like 90% of the references to past games.

Not only that but with the art style change you have to make completely new assets for it instead of just reusing the ones from the old games the way the trilogy does. like I get why they just decided to not touch it and invent some new stuff for him.

Hire me capcom. I'll fix this for the AJ trilogy release

[mautadite]

may book round up

24 books this month, a pretty good stack. even though i’m working from home i keep expecting work to swamp me and leave me with no reading time but... that hasn’t happened yet? so, good.

silver moon - catherine lundoff ⭐️⭐️⭐️ a paranormal novel about a small town in which certain women who reach the age of menopause find another change happening to their bodies. i.e. they become werewolves. i fucking adored this concept and there was f/f romance, but the execution and the writing was sadly pretty boring.

no-no boy - john okada ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ post-wwii, following a young japanese american man who was just released from prison. called a no-no boy because like all other japanese men at the time, he was asked two questions: will you serve in the armed forces and swear loyalty to the us? he answered no to both questions and was detained. the novel follows him grappling with that decision after the war, looks into his friends, family life, race relations, and what it’s like living in a country that despises you. enjoyed it a lot.

the husband gambit - l.a. witt ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ the kind of tropey romance nonsense that i live for. contemporary m/m slow burn fake marriage between a struggling actor, and the son of a famous hollywood producer. there were some meh parts (like, the plotting and the reasoning behind why they had to get fake married was like... are you SURE marriage is the best way to fix this) but i really liked it for the romance and the tropes.

drive your plow over the bones of the dead - olga tocarczuk ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ contemporary polish mystery fiction, following an old woman living in a secluded community in the woods, when poachers and prominent hunters begin turning up dead. really interesting writing and format, and a really excellent protagonist. not sure how much i liked the actual mystery.

the babysitter - jack harbon ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ quick and dirty m/m romance, a literature-loving babysitter falls for the divorced father of the kid he babysits. pretty fun.

zipper mouth - laurie weeks ⭐️⭐️⭐️ contemporary fiction that follows a queer, mentally ill woman as she hurdles through life, unrequited love, jobs, and lots of drugs. i enjoyed the themes when there was a coherent one, but i really didn’t gel with the style. i guess it was trying to be stream of consciousness, which i have read and enjoyed in the past. but this didn’t do it for me. interesting tho, and honestly, i just might not have been the audience for it.

spirits abroad - zen cho ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ a PHENOMENAL collection of stories drawing inspiration from malaysian spirits, culture and folklore. absolutely loved it, fave read of the month for sure. loved the use of language and dialect, and the writing was simple and precise and wonderful. and there were some great f/f stories in here. 

a cat, a man and two women - junichiro tanizaki ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ the setting: 1920s japan. the characters: lily, a fat tortoiseshell. shozo, her lazy, well-meaning, but ineffectual cat-dad. fukuko, his hot young former mistress, current wife. shinako, his strong-willed, slightly bitter ex-wife. the plot: shinako decides, HEY ACTUALLY FUCK YOU KEEP YOUR HOT WIFE BUT I WANT THE CAT. a great novella about loneliness and comeuppance and marriage. the best part was the cat lol.

the terracotta bride - zen cho ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ really interesting novella about a young dead woman living in chinese hell. she’s married, and her husband has three wives. the first: estranged, conniving, distant. the second: herself, unwilling but resigned. the third: newly arrived, and made out of terracotta. very interesting novella, beautifully written, grim but hopeful, f/f romance on the side.

king and the dragonflies - kacen callender ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ wonderful queer children/YA book about family, grief, racism, coming to know yourself and also accepting yourself. contemporary, but it almost FEELS like a fantasy/magical realism book. 

orphan number eight - kim alkemade ⭐️⭐️⭐️ a novel about an orphaned woman coming to terms with experiments done on her as a child, when she encounters the doctor who performed said experiments, dying in a nursing home. the writing in this was pretty so-so, did a lot of head-hopping which is my biggest pet peeve. i liked the concept, but the plot and the follow through were meh. loved that the main character was a lesbian though, and some of the writing was great.

firm hand - nora phoenix ⭐️⭐️ meh... not for me. m/m contemporary romance following a guy recovering from the car crash that killed his best friend, and his best friend’s son. it went some places that i’m just not up for, lol.

meet cute club - jack harbon ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ REALLY adorable m/m romance, following a dorky, earnest romance novel lover, and the new cashier at his favourite book store. they end up trying to revive the main characters struggling book club, and falling in love along the way. very fun and sweet.

mrs. mix up - candice harper ⭐️⭐️ the concept sounded so so cute: an f/f romance about two librarians with similar last names that go to a library convention and the staff mistakenly thinks they’re married and book them into one room. but the writing and chemistry were lacklustre and it was extremely poorly edited. it’s a shame, i could have liked this.

mine - kim hartfield ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ a sexy f/f romance that i liked a LOT, about a young woman who after a traumatic event in her life decides to quit her job and go volunteer on a farm in the middle of nowhere. she ends up falling for her sexy lesbian farmer boss. it got deep in some areas i wasn’t really expecting it to, though it was a tad... idk, preachy? and the conflict at the end was annoying. enjoyed it a bunch tho.

the hobbit - j.r.r. tolkien ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ nth reread! i’ve been listening to this on audiobook around bedtime since like... march, i think, it’s just such a comfort read for me.

the knight and the necromancer 1-3 - a.h. lee ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ a very solidly good fantasy m/m romance series, about a young prince and a necromancer in a war against an invading sorcerer. sorta enemies to lovers? the three books span their relationship and the war, and though it was only a few weeks in time, it didn’t feel insta-lovey at all. liked it a lot.

the fake game - kim hartfield ⭐️⭐️⭐️ contemporary f/f fake dating office romance! pretty cute; didn’t blow me away but i solidly liked most of it.

what the wind knows - amy harbon ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ historical time travel romance centred around the aftermath of the ireland easter rising. i spend so much time reading solidly gay stuff that it’s so weird reading things where the existence of queer ppl isn’t even acknowledged lol. anyway this was pretty good, i liked it mostly for the historical facts and aspects, but the romance was pretty touching too.

the golem of mala lubovnya - kim fielding ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ LOVELY m/m romance in a small jewish community between a newly created golem and a stonemason. lovely writing and atmosphere and characters. i had my nitpicks with the resolution but holy heck i’m so happy with this.

the electric heir - victoria lee ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ the second part of a queer YA duo-logy that i started earlier this year, set in a future dystopian magic-riddled US, dealing with abuse and trauma and survivors. extremely difficult to read, almost unenjoyable at times (because god these kids go through so much) but very very good.

first everything - kim hartfield ⭐️⭐️ aha, possibly my last try with this author, though i liked the first book i read by her so much i might read one more! f/f romance between a journalist and a fictional first daughter (who’s also like, a domme, lol). the plot was fine but a lot of the character stuff and the shitty parent stuff really bothered me.

and that was may! for june i’ll... read lots of queer stuff, but i mean i do that every month. i also want to try to read less romance, more thriller and historical and just general contemporary? i feel like i say that all the time, but i’ll try. (though i did just get my first ever advanced reader copy from netgalley and it’s f/f romance, so... exciting!) currently reading the 7 deaths and evelyn hardcastle, a thriller. pretty okay so far.

[tkmedia]

NBA free agency 2021: Blake Griffin, Cameron Payne among players who boosted their stock most in playoffs

Getty Images Every season, a plethora of players step up for their respective squads during postseason play. This season was no different. And this time around, several of the players that stepped up in a major way from across the league's landscape happen to be soon-to-be free agents. As such, these players -- both young and old -- boosted their own stock in a big way ahead of free agency. Here's a look at five players who helped themselves the most. Perhaps no player boosted their own stock over the course of the postseason more than Reggie Jackson. Jackson, who said that he was considering retirement before the season, emerged as a potent offensive option for the Clippers in the playoffs. With Kawhi Leonard sidelined with an injury issue, Jackson stepped up and provided the team with consistent secondary scoring alongside Paul George. Jackson averaged 17.8 points, 3.4 assists and 3.2 rebounds per playoff performance, while shooting 48 percent from the floor and 40 percent from 3-point range over the course of the postseason. In the process, he proved that he is still a very viable option at the point guard position, either as a starter or off of the bench. As such, he should have no shortage of suitors.  John Collins made his postseason debut this year, and he made quite the splash. Collins was arguably Atlanta's second most impactful player behind Trae Young during their remarkable run to the Eastern Conference finals. He was the Hawks' third-leading scorer in the playoffs (13.9 points per game) and their second-leading rebounder (8.7 rebounds per game).  In addition to his athleticism, Collins also showed an ability to shoot solidly, as he shot 54 percent from the floor and 35 percent from long range over the course of the postseason. Collins' potential has been on display since he entered the league in 2017, but he finally got a chance to show his stuff on the big stage, and he proved that he doesn't shy away from the moment -- that means something. As a result, he'll likely have several suitors in free agency, though since he's a restricted free agent, the Hawks will have an opportunity to match any outside offers. If things work out the way that Collins wants them to, he'll be staying in Atlanta.  "It's something that I feel like I've voiced my opinion about a lot saying, that I want to be here," Collins said of remaining with the Hawks. "We're going to have to come to a decision very soon, but hopefully, the best one for me is the one that keeps me here."   Blake Griffin seemingly revitalized his career during his short stint with the Nets. Many people had largely written Griffin off by the end of his time with the Detroit Pistons, but during the playoffs with Brooklyn he proved that he could still contribute and be a major factor when it matters most. Not only did Griffin demonstrate that he's still able to throw down dunks -- something he didn't do for over a year leading up to his Detroit departure -- but he also functioned well as a floor-spacer (he shot 38 percent from long range over the course of the postseason), and he even did a decent job of defending Giannis Antetokounmpo.  In today's NBA, Griffin can operate well as a small-ball center, and he showed that in the playoffs. At 32 years old, he's obviously not the athlete that he was once, but he's still a guy that can be very valuable to a team with title aspirations. It will be interesting to see if the Nets bring him back, or if he ends up signing elsewhere.  Cameron Payne has come a long way, very quickly. At the beginning of last year, he was playing ball in China. Now, he's playing an integral role on a Suns team that made it all the way to the NBA Finals. Payne mostly played off of the bench during the postseason, but he also spot started for a couple of games while Chris Paul was sidelined, and he provided production either way. He averaged 10.1 points, 3.8 assists and 2.5 rebounds in 20.3 minutes per performance for Phoenix through the conference finals, and he demonstrated a propensity for hitting big shots along the way. Thanks to his solid play throughout the playoffs, he probably won't have to worry about having to play in China again any time soon.  Austin Rivers started the season in New York, where he found himself buried on the bench. By March, he was traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder and then waived. At that point, it was fair to wonder if we had seen the last of Rivers on an NBA court. But then, Denver guard Jamal Murray suffered a season-ending injury, and the Nuggets needed some insurance at the guard position for their playoff push. Rivers stepped into that role. and he filled it admirably. He didn't necessarily blow anyone away with his play or his stats, but he was solid throughout the postseason for Denver.  Rivers played in 10 playoff games (and made nine starts) for the Nuggets, averaging 9.2 points, 2.1 assists and 1.7 rebounds in 30.5 minutes per performance. He also shot an impressive 41 percent from long range and did a good job of taking care of the ball, as he averaged less than a turnover per game (0.9) throughout the postseason. Along the way, he proved that he is still capable of providing playoff-level teams with reliable minutes as a steadyhanded reserve, or even as a starter if needed. Given the success that he had during his short stint with the Nuggets and fact that they will continue to be without Murray at the start of next season, perhaps Denver will look to bring Rivers back in free agency. Or, perhaps he'll sign elsewhere, as he's now likely to have at least a couple of options.  Read the full article

[justanothercinemaniac]

Epic Movie (Re)Watch #171 - X-Men: First Class

Spoilers Below

Have I seen it before: Yes

Did I like it then: Yes.

Do I remember it: Yes.

Did I see it in theaters: Yes.

Was it a movie I saw since August 22nd, 2009: Yes. #104

Format: Blu-ray

1) Poland, 1944

This film hemmed so close to the opening scene of the original X-Men film that producer Bryan Singer thought he was actually looking at the old footage. It is a smart and effective opening to the prequel, as it not only re-establishes a character who has been absent from the series for five years but also sets up his key conflict with the film. Erik is still dealing with the pain from this event in a much more key way than he is during Ian McKellen’s tenure; what he went through in the concentration camp is the driving motivation behind his actions in the film. Making this first scene all the better.

2) Young Charles & Raven.

Raven [upon first meeting Charles]: “You’re not scared of me?”

The adoptive brother/sister relationship between Charles and Raven might be totally invented for this film (as in: has no source in comic book canon which I am aware of) but I freaking love it. I’m a sucker for platonic male/female relationships and the connection these two have is in a lot of ways the beating heart of this film. Which makes it all the more tragic that they drift apart in the future (something I’m hoping will be remedied in X-Men: Dark Phoenix). The key to their relationship is that they feel safe around each other. This is the first time that either of them has realized they’re not truly alone in the world. That someone hasn’t pushed Raven away for her natural form and that Charles realizes his ability to read minds does not make him a freak. There’s a sense of ease, comfort, and community they have with each other that was totally foreign to them up until that moment. A strong foundation to a strong relationship.

3) Kevin Bacon as Sebastian Shaw.

Bacon’s Shaw was all but glossed over in most promotional materials, making his presence in the film a pleasant surprise for first time viewers. And pleasant it is because Shaw is an absolutely wonderful villain. Bacon brings a refreshing and engaging amount of charisma/fun to the part. He’s the bad guy you love to hate with a little bit of Bond villain in him. The first thing he does when we meet him in murder Erik’s mother in front of her 12ish year old son. And then he reacts with unadulterated GLEE when that murder allows Erik to tap into his mutant powers. He’s downright giddy! In a series filled with classic bad guys like Magneto and William Stryker, Shaw is able to hold up with the best of them.

Shaw [after murdering Erik’s mom]: “We’re going to have a lot of fun together.”

4) James McAvoy as Charles Xavier.

McAvoy’s Xavier is delightfully more flawed than Stewart’s. He is much more of a cad. He is more arrogant, a bit more green, a bit more cocky, and a lot more naive. BUT he’s not just that. He’s not some douche bag who learns to be a great man. You see the greatness in him still. He is still Charles Xavier after all. When things get serious, he gets serious. He lets Moira know how important this is to him, he has hope for the future of his people and he is able to put away the womanizer we meet early on when it comes to helping people. There’s still that naivety a little but, the belief that everything will be alright after they save the world. That fear will just stop. But it’s mixed in with Xavier’s trademark hope. McAvoy is great as the character and a joy to watch.

5) Jennifer Lawrence as Raven/Mystique.

Raven is in a much different place than Rebecca Romijn’s Mystique was in the original X-Men trilogy and it’s a lot of fun to watch. There is this humor and warmth to the character that we don’t often get to see. A smile, a playfulness with Charles, but we see her develop into the more jaded warrior of Magneto’s crew. Watching that transformation is great and heartbreaking, especially as it shakes up her relationship with adopted brother Xavier. And Lawrence is great in the part. A pre Hunger Games role, I think it’s one of my favorites that she has under her belt. Many of her characters are so serious and dower these days when the actress has a wonderful heart/sense of humor she gets to show off her. It’s lost in the future installments, but that makes sense considering the path the character goes down. It’s a tragedy, but one that’s good to watch.

6) Oh Charles...

Raven: “Would you date me?”

Charles: “Of course I would. Any man would be lucky to have you, you are stunning.”

Raven: “Looking like this?”

[Charles stutters for a second then looks at Raven.]

Charles: “Blue? [Beat.] You’re my oldest friend...I’m incapable of thinking of you that way. I feel responsible for you.”

He changes from, “oh absolutely,” to, “I could never think of you like that,” REALLY fast when he realizes she’s talking about her natural form. And that’s where his naivety comes into play. He doesn’t understand what it’s like hiding who you really are in such a basic and obvious way. Not telling someone you can read their minds is fundamentally harder than having to wear a skin that isn’t your’s because you think people will reject your natural form. And that’s the key to her conflict in this film. Being mutant and proud.

7) McAvoy and Lawrence have such a wonderful natural chemistry as adopted brother & sister, must obvious in the scene above when Raven asks Charles if he’d date her. Her snuggling up to her brother while he reads her his thesis makes my heart melt.

8) Michael Fassbender as Erik/Magneto.

Honestly the casting of Erik & Charles could have been royally screwed up. This film does it perfectly. Fassbender brings a single determination and focus to his character. He is ruthless, brutal, violent, intimidating, but you still sympathize with him. Hell, you are ROOTING for him. In a lot of ways he’s even more sympathetic than Charles is. Fassbender is able to play the pain Erik has been though with much more relevance than McKellen ever got the chance to because the story allows it. He is in anger mode, with a bit of self loathing (he is what he is because a man murdered his mother, in his mind) but more with a taste for vengeance.  Fassbender is absolutely beautiful in the part and I wouldn’t ask for a different actor to play him.

9) Of course within one minute of meeting Rose Byrne’s character she is strips into her underwear because, hey, sexy women get objectified in film!

(GIF originally posted by @chirrutimwae)

Yes, I understand that the Hellfire club is like a sexy lingerie strip club thing. Yes I understand that Moira is a determined CIA agent who will do her job no matter what. And yes this is the only time Moira does this and she’s actually a pretty great character. But you know what? The Hellfire club did not NEED to be a sexy lingerie strip club. It could’ve been some elegant hoity-toity how do you do thing. And Moira didn’t need to strip down to her lingerie at all in the film. It was not needed. It does not tell us anything about her character or the story.

Ugh, living in a post Wonder Woman world is going to be a lot harder than I thought. I mean, I wasn’t exactly blind before. But I definitely needed glasses to see through the haze which is the male gaze and now I do with Wonder Woman. And now it’s just...oh boy.

10) Rose Byrne as Moira is a solidly written character that the actress plays well. The filmmakers don’t spend much time focusing on the, “Moira in her underwear,” stuff and she turns into pretty much the best government agent in the film. She is intelligent, more focused on the job than any of her coworkers (who are dogged down by fear, bigotry, and male ego), and she forms this nice relationship with Charles which yes ends up romantic but is also more based on mutual respect. I love couples with mutual respect for each other. Rose Byrne plays the part wonderfully. I love the actress now BECAUSE I was introduced to her in this film. She is capable, strong, but not pigheaded or egotistical. She’s good at her job and she knows it so she continues to be good at her job.

11) January Jones as Emma Frost.

So I know there is a lot of hate out there for January Jones as Frost, but I don’t really mind her. But I’m not going to like strongly defend her either. I put more blame on the writing than her as she works with what she is given. Emma Frost is this badass in the comics who - yes - dresses in a VERY sexual manor (because she likes to, I believe) but she is also wonderfully complex. She usually has an intense rivalry with Jean Grey, is often romantically linked to Scott Summers, is an extremely powerful telepath, reformed bad guy who is often not so reformed, and over all fascinating read. But the filmmakers sorta just latched onto the, “sexy female bad guy with diamond skin and telepathic powers.” Which would’ve been fine is Emma had been developed a bit more but she never really goes beyond that/Shaw’s hench woman.

And again, the power of Wonder Woman has me asking: why is she dressing so sexually? I mean if there’s like a legitimate reason, like the character is more comfortable with that or confident in her body, than go for it! But a reason is never given she just does that and it seems to be for the sake of the male gaze. Which is disappointing to say the least.

12) The scene which I (and Henry Jackman’s score) refers to as Frankenstein’s Monster.

This is Erik at his most brutal. He finds those two “former” Nazis (can you ever really be a former Nazi if you’re not repenting for your sins?) in a bar and engages in conversation with them. It’s incredible tense in the most wonderful sense, because Erik is enjoying screwing with these Nazis. And then he cuts them down in the most brutal and badass way possible in a wonderful (and wonderfully simple) moment of action supported by Henry Jackman’s incredible score. I am very much enjoying any and all forms of media where Nazis are absolutely wrecked so this has is even more enjoyable now than it was in 2011.

13) The blonde Charles with looked familiar to me...

Then I realized she’s Annabelle Wallis, who is in The Mummy with Tom Cruise.

As of writing I have yet to see the new Mummy film so I don’t like or dislike this actress. Just noticed it.

14) When I first saw this it took a second to sink in.

Charles [to the CIA agent who accused him of doing a magic trick]: “No agent Stryker. Although I could tell you about your son William...”

15) Oliver Platt as the Man in Black.

I enjoy Platt’s performance in this film. He’s not your typical government stooge to keep the heroes in line. He’s like a kid at Christmas. All these years he thought the impossible wasn’t so impossible and now he has proof. And he’s super excited about that and helpful because of it. He’s just a wonderful addition to the film.

16) According to IMDb:

A telepathic battle between Professor X and Emma Frost was going to be in the film, but upon the release of Inception (2010) the concept was scrapped. This was then used in X-Men: Apocalypse (2016), between Professor X and Apocalypse.

17) So let’s consider Charles and Erik’s first encounter, shall we:

Charles jumps in to save the life of a man he doesn’t know.

Charles helps Erik to calm down and find peace because he doesn’t like him to be upset.

And of course, this:

Erik: “I thought I was alone!”

Charles: “You’re not alone, Erik. You’re not alone.”

Yes this is a strong first interaction between what will be the bromantic frenemy relationship of the century, but more so than that it plays into some strong conscious gay subtext feature in the film. Like in X2 when Bobby came out to his family as a mutant, there are small but important lines between being a mutant and being gay. Two lines stand out in particular: the one above and then...

Hank [when he’s outed as a mutant]: “You didn’t ask so I didn’t tell.”

X-Men have traditional been used as a parable for those fighting for their rights in those world (specifically America). When they were first being published there was a strong line between Professor X & Martin Luther King Jr. as well as Magneto & Malcolm X. But as times have evolved, so have the X-Men. With a number of LGBTQIA actors and characters in the franchise, in the 21st century X-Men has at times strongly paralleled the issues gay people face in this world. Particularly through Hank’s, “don’t ask don’t tell,” line and Erik’s, “I thought I was alone.” Gay visibility was not as much of a thing in the 50s as it is in 2017, and it was in the 60s when things like the Stonewall Riots occurred giving gay people much more visibility. This film is set in the 60s.

18) Nicholas Hoult as Hank McCoy/Beast.

Hoult brings a lot of heart to the character originated brilliantly by Kelsey Grammer in The Last Stand (Hoult even watched early episodes of “Frasier” to see if he couldn’t emulate Grammer in any way). He features the same intellect as Grammers’ Beast but is a lot more soft spoken. He has not made peace with the animal side of himself yet or who he really is. Like Raven, he needs to learn to take pride in his status as a mutant. He just gets there in a different way than she does. This was the first film I saw with Hoult and I have to say I’m glad for it. Because I think he’s a talented actor who was able to make the role of Hank McCoy remarkably memorable.

19) There is also a notably strong chemistry between Nicholas Hoult and Jennifer Lawrence. It isn’t like Emma Stone & Andrew Garfield in Amazing Spider-Man where you can see them getting hot just by being near each other, but it’s incredibly cute and adorable. There’s a natural back and forth between the pair, a natural trust which means we as the audience are invested in their blossoming relationship as well.

20) While I personally think the relationship between Charles and Raven gives the life its heart, that is not to undersell the intense importance Charles/Erik’s relationship is.

Erik: “What do you know about me?”

Charles: “Everything.”

There is this immediate vulnerability Erik has with Charles which he is NOT comfortable with (since in the past he’s been vulnerable under the worst possible of situations), but Charles doesn’t manipulate Erik with the knowledge he has. There’s an immediate depth of feeling the future Professor X has for his new ally. He wants to make sure he’s okay and the fact that he doesn’t take advantage of Erik’s vulnerability is something Erik is not used to. Meaning Erik trusts Charles more than he has trusted anyone ever before and Charles is able to help Erik reach his full potential as Magneto.

21) I laughed SO hard at this line the first time I saw the film.

Hank [when he hooks up Charles to Cerebro]: “Are you sure we can’t shave your head?”

(GIF source is unknown [if this is your GIF please let me know].)

22) The montage where Erik and Charles find all the mutants to make up the first X-Men team is a slick way of covering a sequence which could have easily dogged down the pacing of the film. Instead, “okay, we need to find Angel and Havok and Darwin and Banshee...” they just cover it in about five minutes with upbeat music and clever pacing/editing.

23) The gay subtext in this film COULD have been much more obvious if they had kept this deleted (where Charles shows off his powers to angel):

24) This is beautiful.

(GIF originally posted by @littlerebelrabbit)

According to IMDb:

Hugh Jackman accepted the opportunity to cameo as Wolverine, when he learned he would be the only character in the film to use the word 'fuck'. He improvised the line, "Go fuck yourself," after using seven other takes to say, "Fuck off". The reaction from James McAvoy and Michael Fassbender to the different line was authentic.

My entire process while watching this scene the first time was, “Hey, that guy looks familiar. Huh, he kinda looks like Hugh Jackman. Hey wait, that IS Hugh Jackman!” This is by far one of my favorite cameos in a film EVER and his appearance makes Hugh Jackman the only actor (to date) to appear in every film with the words X-Men in the title (he didn’t appear in Deadpool so he hasn’t appeared in every X-Men universe ever).

25) I mentioned in my recap for The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen that Jason Flemyng is one of my favorite character actors because of that film. Well he fills out Azazel’s red skin quite nicely.

26) Charles and Erik’s scene at the Lincoln Memorial is very telling of their future rivalry.

Erik: “Identification: that’s how it starts.”

This is where Erik’s naivety truly shines through. He actually believes he can convince humans to not be afraid of what they don’t understand, collectively. While Erik’s output might be a little more dower it’s also a little more realistic.

27) The bonding scene between the young X-Men is great.

I’m a sucker for superheroes screwing around with their powers as a way to bond with each other (see: the party seen in Age of Ultron). There is strong humor throughout, each character is developed in simple yet unique ways and we begin to understand their relationships with each other. And it’s just a lot of fun to watch!

Note: I really like Zoe Kravitz in this film, but I think that speaks to her natural charisma more than anything else.

28) Professor Xavier is a jerk.

Charles [after he finds his new mutants comfortable with their powers, screwing around like the young people they are]: “I expected more from you.”

29) The way Erik tears through the Russian guard to get to Frost (and, by extension, Shaw eventually) shows how determined he is. He is ruthless and if anyone actively stands in his way he will tear them apart. It’s simple but powerful. The way he handles Emma also shows off this dedication, as well as the dissonance between how far he’ll go versus how far Charles WON’T go.

30) The “Children of the Atom” scene which showcases Shaw’s plan is nicely effective. It has a unique and impactful visual style and its simple enough that the audience isn’t dogged down by unnecessary exposition.

31) Shaw’s attack on the CIA is an incredibly strong turning point for the film. Outside of what’s been going on with Erik, the darkness of previous X-Men films has pretty much taken a backseat in this film. Until this moment. It’s when everything turns to shit, giving an unfortunate end to Oliver Platt’s character and showcasing Shaw’s powers in a unique and threatening way. The few issues I have with this scene are:

I wish we got more in Angel’s head about her decision to join up with Shaw; she does so then her character kind of disappears. It’s like she’s his new Emma.

Even in 2011, the black guy dies first.

32) My brother and I both made this joke the first time we saw this film, so thanks to @jakegyllenhaal for putting it in GIF form.

33) Okay, I might be about to get philosophical here.

Stryker: “In times like this, SECURITY is more important than liberty.”

(GIF source unknown [if this is your GIF please let me know].)

This is an issue in today’s modern age, but here’s the thing: liberty is more important than safety. Above all. “Give me liberty or give me death,” is a famous line that is basically one of the things this country is built on. So no, Security is NOT more important than liberty. Liberty and freedom above all. And if you have to compromise on security to do so than you should. At least, in my opinion.

34) X-Training.

This is - in a lot of ways - what I’ve missed from the X-Men series. Charles actually being a teacher. Actually seeing the X-School in work and seeing students learn to master their powers. You know why Harry Potter is so cool? In part, it’s because we like to imagine taking all the classes. And now we’ve finally get that. It shows Charles being more of a teacher and growing into his role of Professor X more which is wonderful. Also - like the recruitment scene - the montage format is great. The editing and music keep it from dragging down the film. We could easily have spent like, “okay, two minutes on Beast now two minutes on Havok now two minutes on Banshee,” etc. But the montage makes it like a music video. Easily digestible, supported by Henry Jackman’s score, and just a lot of fun. Each character’s development is also continued, making them unique individuals who’s relationships with each other and personalities we understand. It’s just really great.

35) Glad to see they’re trying to maintain SOME continuity with the series.

Hank [about Raven]: “When you’re 40 you’ll still have the looks and sights of a teenager.”

36) Rage and serenity.

This is the moment of greatest trust and vulnerability Erik has with Charles. Erik trusts Charles enough to let him go through his mind and find his most intimate memory with his mother. It’s a holiday I assume (that’s a menorah so I’m thinking Hanukkah as Erik IS Jewish) and it’s this beautiful memory of someone he misses more than anything else. And it shows Charles who Erik is. It is the strongest moment in their entire relationship and defines it’s better qualities in a lot of ways. It’s pure character and I love it for that.

37) Hank and the cure.

(GIF source unknown [if this is your GIF please let me know].)

There’s a strong juxtaposition between where Hank is with his self worth and Raven. Magneto has convinced Raven that she should be mutant and proud, that she should embrace her natural form. And she tries to do the same. It doesn’t exactly work though.

Hank: “My feet and your natural blue form will never be deemed beautiful. [Raven changes her skin back.] You’re beautiful now.”

Dude, you just said the girl you like will never be beautiful unless she looks like someone else. And I get that you’re projecting your own issues onto her, but also you’re words hurt her so much that she instinctively goes back into hiding.

Aka: the moment Hank and Raven would not get together (as of now).

38) Charles and Erik playing one last chess game before going to stop Shaw.

It is widely foreshadowing of the conflict to come between the pair and an unfortunate piece of dramatic irony for us as the audience. It is the showcase of the dissonance in their relationship at its most basic.

Charles: “Killing Shaw will not bring you peace.”

Erik: “Peace was never an option.”

That is just not applicable to Shaw for Erik, but humans as well. He’s not interested in peace with humanity, he’s interested in supremacy. As we saw in 2000′s X-Men.

39) Mystique seducing Erik always felt a little off to me. I know she’s mad at Hank and that Erik is the only guy in her life right now to make her feel totally comfortable with who she is (along with helping her be mutant and proud) but it feels a little unearned. I don’t get any sexual chemistry between them. I see a nice relationship but not a sexual one. Maybe it’s just me. But the Rebecca Romijn cameo is appreciated!

40) Hank’s gone into Beast mode.

The practical makeup to get Hoult looking like the blue beast is incredible, because it IS largely practical with a bit of CGI to help enhance some areas. You begin to see a bit more of Kelsey Grammer in Beast now which is fun, but Hoult still makes the role his own. This is what helps him accept the animalistic instincts in him and reach the status of mutant and proud. It’s a great part of the film.

41) Now I’m just thinking about the first X-Men...

42) The climax of the film not only shows the team working well together but has some nice surprises in it (mainly when the Russians blow up their own ship). It’s best seen when the team find Shaw’s submarine and Erik says he’s going in. Charles does not question or second guess his teammate’s decision but works with it and sends him back up. It’s a lot of fun to watch this team in action.

43) Erik and Shaw’s final encounter.

For most of this scene Erik is silent, just letting Shaw rail on him because it allows Erik’s telepathy to feed through. He says nothing until he’s about to be in control which takes a lot of self discipline.

Erik: “Everything you did made me stronger...That’s the truth. I’ve known it all along.”

And then what Erik says right before he kills Shaw is INCREDIBLY powerful especially when you think of the path Magneto goes down.

Erik: “I agree with every word you’ve said. We are the future. But unfortunately, you killed my mother.”

The way Erik ends up killing Shaw is so cruel and dramatic then, with the mirrored cinematography on Charles’ head (as he’s in Shaw’s mind) just driving the point home. He’s not just killing Shaw. He’s killing any kind of platonic relationship he could have with Charles too.

44) And so Erik’s transformation to Magneto is complete.

He is now the mutant leader we know from the first film, with his powers under full control. Now that he’s done with revenge he can move on to freeing his mutant brothers and sisters. He’s embraced not just his powers but his role as a leader of mutants and an enemy of mankind. And he’s tired of being vulnerable.

Charles [about the US and Russians Erik is about to kill]: “They’re just following orders!”

Erik: “I’ve been at the mercy of men just following orders.”

(GIF source unknown [if this is your GIF please let me know].)

45) The ensuing fist fight between Charles and Erik could have easily been based around powers. Charles could have used his telepathy to control Azazel or Angel or someone and send them in to fight Erik with him using his metal manipulation to throw them off. But you know what? Seeing this too just get in a freaking fist fight is much more realistic for their relationship, a lot more raw, and a lot more entertaining.

46) Well, if this isn’t a declaration of platonic (???) love I don’t know what is.

(GIF originally posted by @marveladdicts)

47) It’s nice to see Mystique not go straight for Erik to join him but to make sure that the person who is practically her brother is alright. And then Charles encourages her to go with Erik! It’s still a strong relationship even if it is in tatters.

48) Charles likes to fuck with people’s minds without consent. What he did to Jean in The Last Stand and now getting rid of Moira’s memories without even asking.

49) Oh man.

Moira [talking about things she half remembers]: “A kiss.”

[Room full of male CIA agents groan.]

CIA Agent: “Gentlemen, this is why the CIA is no place for a woman.”

(GIF originally posted by @manofsteel)

50) The ending to this film is very solid, with Erik not only embracing his role as Magneto but also the fashion choice.

(GIF originally posted by @wonho-kihyun)

X-Men: First Class is an incredible amount of fun. Matthew Vaughn’s directing style gives the series a boost of adrenaline it desperately needed. Supported by memorable characters, a strong story with strong themes, and absolutely amazing performances almost across the board, this is the reason we still have X-Men films today. An absolute treat for first time viewers and old fans alike, you all should watch it.

[hunterbach]

2018 NBA Mock Draft

1.      Phoenix Suns: Deandre Ayton, C, Arizona

It seems like this pick is all but a foregone conclusion. Ayton goes to the Suns and stays in the state of Arizona. Ayton will be another building block for the Suns to go Along with Josh Jackson and Devin Booker.

2.      Sacramento Kings: Marvin Bagley III, F/C, Duke

To me, it seems the Kings will either select Luka Doncic or Marvin Bagley, and there have been mixed signals on whether or not the Kings are keen on Doncic. Either way, the Kings need an instant impact player, and Bagley can provide that.

3.      Atlanta Hawks: Luka Doncic, G, Real Madrid

Doncic could go anywhere from 1-4 with Memphis likely being his floor and Sacramento likely his ceiling. Atlanta seems like they will be deciding between Doncic and Jaren Jackson for the third pick. ESPN insider Adrian Wojnarowski “Woj” reported that Doncic had moved to the front of Atlanta’s draft conversations.

4.      Memphis Grizzlies: Jaren Jackson Jr., C, Michigan State

Jackson is a defensive monster whose 3 point shot is huge for today’s NBA. His ability to guard along the perimeter will also be tremendous toward his future success in the league. He could easily end up being the best player in the draft

5.      Dallas Mavericks: Mo Bamba, C, Texas

The Mavericks would be ecstatic if Doncic fell to them, but it seems unlikely that will happen. With what is left on the board for the Mavs it will come down to Bamba vs. Porter.

6.      Orlando Magic: Wendell Carter Jr, F/C, Duke

Hoops Habit had an excellent piece detailing the fit of Carter with the Magic and how Carter and Jonathan Isaac could grow together and the defensive potential the bring to Orlando will be significant. Its also known that the Magic have had Carter in for a workout, so there is interest in him.

7.      Chicago Bulls: Michael Porter Jr, F, Missouri

The Injury question mark is why Porter falls to #7 as he has an argument for the most talented player in the draft, but the questions regarding his back injury are very real. The Bulls seem like they love Porter and if available at 7 seems like they will be picking Porter.  

8.      Cleveland Cavaliers: Shai Gilgeous Alexander, PG, Kentucky

ESPN draft expert Jonathan Givony said that “If Michael Porter is gone, it seems to be a toss-up at the moment between Young and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander for Cleveland at #8.” Givony gave Alexander the nod, and I do as well. Alexander has a few advantages on Sexton, the biggest being size. Alexander is 6’6 versus Sexton who is 6’1.5 and his wingspan 6’11.5 versus Sextons 6’7.25.  

9.      New York Knicks: Kevin Knox, F, Kentucky

The New York Post had a piece recently saying that the Knicks were serious about drafting Kentucky forward Kevin Knox after a recent workout in which Knox was said to have been terrific from an NBA source. Knox is the second youngest player in the draft and has sky-high potential but also fits the Knicks need for a wing.

10.  Philadelphia 76’ers: Mikal Bridges, F, Villanova

Mikal Bridges is a prototypical 3 and D wing and fits perfectly with the 76’ers. Bridges is an elite defender while also being an excellent shooter hitting 43.5% from 3 point range. The 76’ers need shooters to help space the floor with Ben Simmons having limited range.  

11.  Charlotte Hornets: Colin Sexton, PG, Alabama

At this point, it seems that Charlotte will take a point guard with the pick being Sexton. If Gilgeous Alexander were here, I believe he would be the pick, and there hasn’t been much buzz regarding their interest in Trae Young. With rumors swirling around Kemba Walker, it will be interesting to see if Charlotte could trade him for another lottery pick.

12.  Los Angeles Clippers: Trae Young, PG, Oklahoma

Young falling this far may not happen, but there are serious question marks on his measurable. his effort, and overall ability on the defensive side of the ball. At this point, it seems very possible Sexton and Gilgeous Alexander go in front of Young come draft night.

13.  Los Angeles Clippers: Lonnie Walker, SG, Miami

Walker’s stock is one that has risen throughout the draft process to the point that it could propel him all the way to the Sixers at the #10 spot. The Clippers look to remake their backcourt though Robert Williams seems as he could go here to replace DeAndre Jordan who appears likely to depart during free agency.  

14.  Denver Nuggets: Miles Bridges, F, Michigan State

Bridges is a strong player and an explosive athlete who can guard multiple positions in the league. Bridges is also a capable scorer with solid 3-point shooting which helps fill the Nuggets need for a wing.

15.  Washington Wizards: Robert Williams, F/C, Texas A&M

The Wizards just don’t have an athletic rim running big man on the roster currently. Williams changes that. Williams has a limited offensive game but with time could develop into a capable offensive center to complement his defensive abilities. John Wall will definitely appreciate this selection.

16.  Phoenix Suns: Zhaire Smith, SG, Texas Tech

Smith is an explosive athlete with a ready-made defensive game. An effective scorer in limited attempts, Smith profiles as defender of multiple positions in the league and his offensive game should grow steadily in his first few years with more opportunity.

17.  Milwaukee Bucks: Jerome Robinson, G, Boston College

Robinson’s stock has skyrocketed becoming a likely top 20 pick in the draft. As for his fit with the Bucks, Robinson is an excellent scorer with an effective 3 point stroke. At this point, the Bucks seem likely to take the best player available regardless of position.

18.  San Antonio Spurs: Donte DiVincenzo, SG, Villanova

DiVincenzo’s claim to fame was absolutely crushing the Final Four. He scored 15 against Kansas and then exploded for 31 versus Michigan shooting 5-7 from three-point range in that game. The Spurs seem like an excellent fit for DiVincenzo.

19.  Atlanta Hawks: Troy Brown, G/F, Oregon

Brown is a young and tantalizing prospect who is a versatile defender. He experienced some struggles on offense at Oregon but should develop more while in the league.

20.  Minnesota Timberwolves: Elie Okobo, PG, France

Okobo is a relative unknown to me, but all reports seem to place him solidly in the latter part of the first round. With some comparisons to Deron Williams, it appears the Wolves could take a gamble on the talented international.  

21.  Utah Jazz: Kevin Huerter, SG, Maryland

Huerter is a simple player as a threat on offense with a good 3-point stroke and an effort defender. He seems like a player who would fit nicely on the Jazz.

22.  Chicago Bulls: Chandler Hutchinson, F, Boise State

We know Hutchinson received a promise from a team it seems in the 21-30 range of the first round and many rumors are floating around that it is the Bulls. I’ll take the bait. Hutchinson is a pro-ready wing who immediately helps the Bulls, and at this point, that’s what the Bulls need.

23.  Indiana Pacers: Aaron Holiday, PG, UCLA

Both Darren Collison and Cory Joseph are free agents after this season making point guard an immediate need for the Pacers. Holiday is an effort defender with a nice 3-point stroke. It seems like he could flourish playing next to a star like Oladipo.

24.  Portland Trailblazers: Khyri Thomas, G, Creighton

Thomas is a really solid player and would be able to slide right in. He’ll be able to fill the role of a competent defender with good scoring ability and should be able to contend for minutes in the rotation early in his career.

25.Los Angeles Lakers: Mitchell Robinson, C, Chalmette HS (Chalmette, Louisiana)

The Lakers seem like they will either land Kawhi Leonard or LeBron – maybe even both – when the free agency period begins. Here, the Lakers take a gamble on Robinson. He didn’t play college ball this year after deciding to instead train for the NBA draft.

26.  Philadelphia 76’ers: Grayson Allen, G, Duke

With this pick, the 76’ers double down on shooting. Allen is a competitor and one of the most pro-ready players in the draft. He can make an immediate impact for the team by surrounding Ben Simmons with more offensive options to assist.  

27.  Boston Celtics: Moritz Wagner, F/C, Michigan

Wagner had a really solid postseason run for the Wolverines showcasing his abilities on the offensive end of the court and his rebounding on the defensive ends. There are a couple of questions that arise over his defense, but at this spot, the Celtics need to find a player who has the possibility of turning into something.

28.  Golden State Warriors: Jacob Evans III, F, Cincinnati

The Warriors don’t have a lot of holes on their roster. The only possible ones could come if the team doesn’t retain Patrick McCaw or Kevon Looney. With Evans, the champs receive a do-it-all forward with the ability to guard multiple positions and while also shooting 39.4% from 3.

29.  Brooklyn Nets: Hamidou Diallo, G, Kentucky

Diallo should have stayed in the draft last year, and it hurt his stock to come back to Kentucky, but his ceiling is exceptionally high. He is an explosive athlete who could be a very good 3 and D wing for the Nets.

30.  Atlanta Hawks: Josh Okogie, G, Georgia Tech

The Hawks stay in state with Georgia Tech’s Josh Okogie. Okogie is a two-way player who needs refinement on offense but should be a ready-made defender in the league. He helps add another defender on the wing for the Hawks making it two in this mock.

The NBA Draft is being held June 21, 2018, at 6:00pm (Central) in Brooklyn, NY and will be broadcast on ESPN. Free stream here. 

[benikoumori]

The Fate of the Phoenix 63

CHAPTER XXXV   JAMES watched the picture on the transporter room viewscreen while Scott fought the transporter controls.   “Cross-circuit to B,” James ordered.   “Aye,” Scott muttered in the tone of an oath.   “God damn it,” McCoy swore softly, desperately. There was no Vulcan to tell him that no deity was involved.   The Enterprise lurched, shuddered, groaned in the Anomaly field.   On the viewscreen the Phoenix ship came apart slowly in pieces, then exploded.   Figures shimmered like ghosts on the transporter platform. Scott’s hands worked and finally James reached across to try an additional cross-circuit he had seen the Vulcan use only once.   Suddenly the figures shimmered more solidly—and then abruptly they were there, shaken and battered bracing each other, half-falling.   “Thank G—” McCoy began and then grinned helplessly at the Vulcan. “Well—Thank pitchforks and pointed ears.’”   The Vulcan picked himself and the others up with some dignity and lifted one eyebrow. “Not mine, in this case, Doctor.” He inclined his head toward James’ elegant Romulan ears.   James laughed. But he had moved to claim the Commander and was swinging her down from the platform.   She took his face between her hands and in that moment he knew all he needed to know.   The Enterprise was swinging back out of its parabolic trajectory into the edge of the Anomaly.   James turned to Kirk. “Mr. Scott and I cooked up a little extra engineering based on what I learned in the Anomaly. However, we’re not quite out of the woods. The Varal of Voran has arrived commanding a fighting fleet from the Hegemony. He is empowered by the conference to hear the report of your challenge against Omne, or to secede from the Federation and ally with the Romulan Empire. In that event the Romulan Commander-m-Chief will feel strong enough to turn on the Doyen, and on us.”   Kirk went to the viewscreen and called the bridge. In a moment the screen filled with the image of the Varal, and behind him the young boy who had been the Hegarch’s grandson. But the boy’s eyes did not look vacant now.   “I have defeated your Regent, Omne,” Kirk said. “By the terms of the challenge, I require peace and unity. The Federation will, of course, hear complaints and arguments on any and all policies—up to and including the Prime Directive. Meanwhile you will break off negotiations with the Romulans and return to Federation space.”   “Is the Regent dead?” the young boy asked, stepping forward to speak with the tone and authority of the old Hegarch.   “No,” Kirk said, “but he will not return.”   The grandson nodded; he spoke with the decisiveness of the dead Hegarch. The galaxy might wonder how the unfortunate boy had suddenly become competent, but the true answer was not likely to be believed. “Then I shall not require a Regent,” he said. “I believe you know why. And you have freed me for the debt I owed the Regent while he ruled, for a service which he performed. Do not concern yourself. Both parties to the merger which Omne arranged are liberated by it, and both survive. We will discuss the Hegemony’s differences with the Federation at leisure, Captain. You have won. I shall guarantee your safe exit. Neither the Romulan fleet nor any other will fire on you without war from me.”   Kirk gave another order and the Romulan Commander-in-Chief came on the screen. “The Commander has unformed me of the matter of trial by hazard,” Kirk said. “I assume you grant that her innocence is established by her return.”   The Commander-in-Chief grimaced. “Whether she is innocent or not, she cannot now be placed in second jeopardy for the trial offense—even if it were now to be proven that she has conspired with all of you. Doubtless she has. I cannot touch her. For this offense. I will merely advise her to walk carefully. Any further contact with you, I would regard as proof of treason on the face of things. But there will be none. I am sealing the Romulan Neutral Zone and the border again for another hundred years. I give you five of your minutes to get out, or I will fire on your ship and anyone who tries to aid you—including the Hegemony or the Doyen.”   The Doyen beamed aboard the Enterprise.   Trevanian stepped forward to greet her. He knelt to her and then rose to look into her eyes while she inspected him.   “You took it upon yourself to take on a killer?” she said.   Trevanian sighed. “My lady, I have observed you in the matter of friendship.” He looked at James and then indicated the Commander. “If you stand with the Commander, I believe the Empire will be in for some changes.”   The Doyen looked at James, still in his mask, and at Kirk. “I suspect that the universe has changed,” she said. “Commander, if you will join me on my flagship I believe that we have a new order of reality to discuss and a long campaign ahead. Friends?” She extended her hand for the crossed-wrists salute of brothers—or sisters—of the sword. The Commander laughed and answered the gesture. “Friends. Trevanian is yours. But so long as I have my ‘hostage,’ we will doubtless have many reasons to meet.”   She turned and there were other goodbyes to be said.   “We also have reasons to meet,” she said to the others, “but there will now be no way for us to meet which the Commander-in-Chief will not watch for evidence that James and I are traitors.”   “There has not, in fact, been much time,” Spock said, “except in the midst of battle. But then, there never was.”   He inclined his head to the Commander and it was formal and Vulcan but James saw that the Vulcan was more at peace than he had been since the morning before the day of the Phoenix.    Spock seemed to know the answer now to the question which the Other had asked James in the cave. “Do you love her?”   James reached to link his hand with the Commander’s in the paired-fingers gesture which he now knew was not merely Vulcan but Romulan.   With everything which he had only just begun to learn from her, James reached out to let the promise of what he had told the Other flow through his fingers.   It was the offer to burn his bridges behind him, to commit to the new life, and to her. ‘Di’on,’ he said silently, and then spoke also aloud in the Vulcan and Romulan origin-words. ”‘Parted from me and never parted, always and ever touching, and touched—I await thee.’”   Spock and the Romulans understood, and the translator rendered it for the Humans.   The words of forever.   It would be a new life now, and a new man: A Romulan, to walk forever in the path of a Romulan prince, and to see what a man who had once sworn a starship captain’s oath to serve the cause of peace could do to continue that mission in a warrior empire, at the side of a warrior starship commander who had become his future, and his heart.   There was no sound in the transporter room while the Commander looked into James’ eyes, perhaps reading in eyes and mind whether he could, in truth, let this door close behind him.   Then very quietly Trevanian stepped forward to stand at James’ shoulder.   And James remembered how Spock had said, so many years ago at Vulcan, “It is my right; by tradition the male is accompanied by his closest friends.” James looked at Trevanian in recognition, and then beyond him at McCoy and Jim, acknowledging in what way they shared the memory of that moment and were his oldest friends. Finally he looked at Spock. And Spock stepped forward to stand at James’ other shoulder. Parted from me and never— The Commander was saying it, James realized—aloud, and in his mind, ” ‘… never parted—ever and always touching and touched… Zh’james—we meet in the appointed place.’” For the first time Di’on gave his name the Romulan pronunciation which she had said once would be proper. It was his name now—the private Romulan name which only these witnesses and his most ultimate friends would know. He was still the man who had been James T. Kirk, but he was Kirk no longer. The memories which were his alone diverged widely now and he had learned things which Jim Kirk had not learned. He was Zh’james and he was hers. He belonged to her and to the future they would forge together. It was a measure of how far he had come from being Kirk, for it was a path Jim could not have chosen. Zh’james reached to open to the deep link with she-who-was-his-w— Jim Kirk found himself looking at the space where James had been. There had been no sound, no shimmer, no transition. James had simply disappeared. In one breath. Suddenly and completely. The Commander swayed and almost crumpled, as if the shock of separation tore something out of her soul. Spock caught her shoulders and steadied her, and she lifted her head after a moment to meet the Vulcan’s eyes in blunt acknowledgment of the loss. McCoy swallowed any exclamations and stepped to check the Commander with his medical scanner. Scott swore softly over the tracers. Trevanian turned suddenly to Kirk. “Then you are the original,” he said. “I was not certain until now.” “Of what?” Kirk said. “What would you know about ‘originals’? What did the Other tell you? And—where is James?” “With Omne.” Trevanian said. “How?” the Doyen interjected. “How do you know?” “The Other,” Trevanian said with the look of remembering. “I was dying, and so, perhaps, was he. He told me something of the story of the price of the Phoenix. And he told me that Omne had had his own price for creating immortality. The first creation, the perfect replica, he regarded as his—to keep as a hostage against Spock in the game of galactic confrontation, or merely as evidence of his own handiwork. The technology was not fully developed and needed the power of the Vortex field. But Omne laid the groundwork. When the Phoenix process created James, it keyed in a trigger in his mind-recording, below the level of consciousness, which would reverberate at a frequency tuned to Omne’s own mind. Given sufficient power, it would draw him to Omne through the nearest Omne-type transporter. The Other tried to use it to draw James to him when the scoutship was disintegrating in the Vortex—although I did not realize what he was doing at the time. But Omne’s own ‘reverberation’ must have drawn James more strongly. It almost brought him through without the tractor beam.” “But Omne is on the other side of the Vortex,” Kirk said quietly. Trevanian nodded. “The Other said that the Vortex forces, physical and psionic, amplify the effect enormously. I had not suspected that it could reach this far. And I had not realized the meaning of something else he said—something about the stress of ultimate fear or ultimate commitment acting as a trigger within the replica’s mind. James was making an ultimate commitment. And if Omne also was making an ultimate effort to use the ‘reverberation’ to draw James to him—to make us come back after him—” “Get me a transporter trace, Mr. Scott,” Kirk said. “Aye,” Scott said from the console. “I’ve been work-in’. There’s some kind o’ trace all right Straight into the mouth of hell.” “With Omne,” Kirk confirmed flatly. “Or dead.” McCoy countered, looking into the roiling Vortex. Kirk shook his head. “When have we known Omne’s ‘automatic machinery’ or his ‘dead-man switches’ to fail?” “This would have been a live-man’ switch,” McCoy said without pleasure. “Exactly, Doctor.” Spock said, reaching over the transporter console to make a further check. “If it was designed by Omne’s hand to bring a live man to him, do you doubt that it would?” Spock flipped an intercom switch. “Prepare class-one shuttlecraft,” he said. Kirk shook his head. “Mr. Spock, the Vortex is closed. What is the probability that you could make it in—and out?” “Zero, Captain,” Spock said reluctantly. “There is a minute but finite probability that I could make it in.” “No.” Kirk said. “I can’t spare you, Mr. Spock.” The Commander stepped forward. “Nor is it your right, Mr. Spock. The trust is mine. And I will keep it, and him. If there is a way in, it is mine to take. And your trust is here.” She turned to Kirk. “You will take Mr. Spock and your ship out of Romulan space. Your ship has just over one minute to be moving—or it will be fired on by Rovan’s fleet. We will have started the galactic war we swore to stop. Go. Beam me to my ship. I will take care of my own.” The Doyen nodded. “Not alone,” she said, and Trevanian moved to stand with her near the Commander. “No, not alone,” he said. His definitive tone made the Doyen look at him in some surprise. Kirk looked at them speculatively, but he had no time or thought to spare for anything but James and his ship. Only he could know fully the dangers of that other side of the Vortex. Could he really consign the man who was his second self to that exile? Spock looked up from the console. “I was mistaken,” he said. “I have now added current figures to Omne’s calculations from the Phoenix ship and from his memories. There is not even a minute probability of making it in. The Anomaly is now a death trap.” It was a verdict, but Kirk saw no acceptance of the verdict or the logic in the Vulcan’s face. For a moment Kirk locked eyes with Spock and faced down the primordial Vulcan who would hang the expense, defy the logic and the odds. Then he watched Spock master that ancient layer which had little to do with Vulcan logic and which more than once had sent him into the mouth of hell against impossible odds. “James would be the first to order us to leave, you know,” Kirk said. “I know,” Spock said. “You’re not gonna leave him?” McCoy protested. Spock turned to him with the severe look of logic. “The figures indicate, Leonard, that under present conditions the Vortex will remain closed to our best ships for some 53.725 years.” “But—that’s forever! Scotty said. “No, Mr. Scott,” Spock said, “it is not forever—to an immortal.” He was looking into the screen, and Kirk knew that he was seeing Omne. “Nor even to a Vulcan, Spock,” Kirk said, although, in truth, he did not see how that helped much. Spock and the Commander had the Vulcanoid 250-year life span. But James lived on a different time-scale. No,” Spock said very deliberately, “nor to a Vulcan.” Kirk knew then that if it took fifty years, there would, after all, be someone at least to go after Omne… “If it’s true that immortality, once invented, can be reinvented,” Kirk said, “that’s a date, Mr. Spock.” Spock turned to look at him. “Once the Phoenix flies, Captain, it cannot be returned to the ashes.” “No, it cannot,” the Commander said from the platform. “Nor anything which was born of the Phoenix. I accept your figures, Mr. Spock, but not your finality. If ships cannot reach him, I will find something which can. But that is my trust to keep.” “That also I know,” Spock said. “There is no one else to whom I would leave it.” Kirk checked the seconds ticking out. Would he leave her that trust? But James had already made that decision. And Kirk also had a trust to keep. He looked at Spock. “Energize,” he said. But the Vulcan was already moving. Spock’s eyes found the Commander’s and locked with them like a meeting of swords: a salute, a promise, a challenge. They planned on a scale of immortality now—and in the teeth of a time which could run out for them at any moment. “Keep the trust,” Spock said, and sent her off with his own band. Kirk, Spock, McCoy and Scott watched the three Romulan figures shimmer out It was McCoy who turned first to look into the viewscreen and into the eye of the Vortex, where not even imagination could follow. But Kirk felt his imagination make the attempt. Aloud he said only the words which had to be said into the intercom: “Ahead Warp Factor Three, out of Romulan space, now.” CHAPTER XXXV   はスコットがトランスポーターのコンソールで奮闘している間ビュースクリーンの光景を見つめていた。   ”Bの交差回路を ” ジェームズが命じた。   ”はい ” スコットが誓う様な口調で言った。   ”God damn it " マッコイが絶望を込めそっと罵った。 それに神は関わってはいないと彼に告げるバルカン人はいなかった。   エンタープライズはよろめき震え、Anomaly field の中で呻いていた。   ビュースクリーン上でPhoenix ship はゆっくりと分解していき、そして爆発した。   トランスポータープラットフォームで幽霊の様に 微かに形が震えた。 スコットの手がジェームズがついに何かに通じたかの様にバルカンがかつて1度使ったのを見た事があった交差回路を試すように加えた。   突然微かな光がより確りとしたものになった -- そして唐突に彼らはそこに居た、振り回され、打ち据えられながらも互いに支え合い半ば倒れかけて。   ”Thank G -- " 口を開いたマッコイが力なくバルカンに笑いかけた。 ”あぁ -- とんがり耳の悪魔に感謝だな ”   ”身を起こしたバルカンは他の者も引き起こし威厳を整え片眉を上げた。 ”この場合は私の物ではありません、ドクター ” 彼はジェームズのエレガントなロミュランの耳に頭を傾げた。   ジェームズが笑った。 彼は指揮官を求め移動し、プラットフォームから彼女を抱き下ろした。   彼女が両手で彼の顔をとった瞬間、彼は知る必要のあることを全て知った。   Anomaly の端で放物線を描きエンタープライズが向きを変えた。   ジェームズがカークへと向いた。 ”Mr.スコットと私でAnomaly の中で私が学んだ事に基づいて余分に機関部を調べた。 だが私たちはまだ危機を脱した訳ではない。 The Varal of Voran がHegemony から戦闘艦隊を率いて現れた。 彼にはオムネへのチャレンジの報告を聞く公的義務がある、さもなくばFederation から離脱しRomulan Empire と同盟を結ぶ気だ。 その場合いロミュラン最高司令官は私たちやDoyen に十分対抗しえる ”   カークはビュースクリーンの元へ行き、ブリッジを呼び出した。 その瞬間スクリーンにはVaral が写り、その後ろにHegarch の孫である青年がいた。 だが青年の眼はもう虚ろには見えなかった。   ”私は貴方のRegent オムネを打ち破った ” カークは言った。 ”チャレンジの条件によって私は和平と統一を要求する。 federation はもちろん不満を聞き全ての方針についての議論を行う -- Prime Directive 含め。 貴方にはRomulan との交渉を取り止めFederation 宙域に戻ってもらいたい ”   ”Regent は死んだのか? ” 青年は進み出てOld Hegarch の威厳を持った口調で話した。   ”いいえ ” カークが言った、”彼は戻って来ない ”   孫が頷いた。 彼は無くなったHegarch の決断力を持って話していた。 銀河は疑問に思うだろう、不運な青年の突然の有能ぶりを、だが真の答えを信じはしないだろう。 ”では私は摂政を必要とはしない ” 彼は言った。 ”貴方には理由が分かるはずだ。 そして貴方は彼の行った尽力によって彼がRegent である間彼のルールに則らねばならない負債から私を解放した。 貴方が案じる事はない。 オムネが進めていた合併は解消され両者とも生き残る。 我々は自由な時間にHegemony とFederation の違いを議論しよう、船長。 君の勝ちだ。 私は貴方が安全に立ち去れる事を保証する。 私との戦争なく、Romulan 艦隊も他のいかなるものも貴方に発砲はしない ”   カークはロミュラン最高司令官をスクリーンに呼び出した。 ”指揮官が私の為に危険を冒すトライアルと行った事がまだ未確定だ ” カークが言った。 ”私は貴方が彼女の無罪を確立し彼女の復帰を認めるとかていしているが ”   最高司令官が顔をしかめた。 ”彼女が無実であろうがなかろうが犯罪審判の為に今彼女を第二の危険域に行かせる事は出来ない -- 例え全てが君と彼女の共謀であると今証明されたとしてもだ。 それを狙っての事だろう。 私は彼女に触れられん。 これは反則だ。 私に出来るアドバイスはただ慎重に歩む様にとだけだ。 君への更なる接触を私は反逆の証拠と見なすだろう。 だが此処ではないs。 私はRomulan Neutral Zone と境界を再び数百年封じる。 私は君に君の時間で5分与える、出ていかなければ私は君の船に発砲する君を助けようとするもの -- Hegemony も Doyen もだ ”   Doyen がエンタープライズに乗艦した。   Trevanian が進み出て彼女を迎えた。 彼女に跪いた彼は立ち上がり彼女に調べさせる様に彼女の眼を見つめた。   ”君は自分自身で殺人者を引き受けたのだな? ” 彼女が言った。   Trevanian がため息をついた。 ”My Lady, 私は貴女に友情の問題があると見ました ” 彼はジェームズを見て、そして指揮官に頭を下げた。 ”もし貴方が指揮官と共に立つならば私は帝国に幾らかの変化が見られると信じます ”   指揮官が仮面を着けたジェームズを見て、そしてカークを見た。 ”私は宇宙が変わると思う ” 彼女が言った。 ”指揮官、もし貴女が共に私の旗艦に乗るならば私たちは新たな秩序と先を見据えた議論が出来ると思う。 友として ” 彼女は手を伸ばした、兄弟 -- もしくは姉妹への -- クロスリストサリュートの剣を。 指揮官は笑い答えとなる仕草をした。 ”友人として。 Trevanian は貴女のものだ。 だが私が ’ 人質 ’ を持っている限り間違いなく私たちには会うべき理由は多くある ”   彼女は別れを告げるべく振り向いた。   ”私たちにも会う理由はある ” 彼女は他の者達に言った、”だが今の所は最高司令官にジェームズと私が裏切り者だと取られずに会う方法が無い ”   ”実際時間も多くは取れない ” スポックが言った、”戦いの最中を除いては。 だがそれは決して起こり得ない ”   彼は指揮官に頭を下げた、それはバルカンとしてフォーマルな物であったがジェームズは気づいた、Phoenix 以前の朝の様に彼が穏やかであることを。   スポックには洞窟でもうひとりがジェームズに聞いた疑問の答えが分かっている様子だった。 ”貴方は彼女を愛していますか? ”   ジェームズは今バルカンでありロミュランであると知り、指揮官の合わせた指に手を伸ばしリンクを繋いだ。   彼女から学んだあらゆる事を持ってジェームズは彼がもうひとりに告げた告げた事を保証するように指から溢れさせた。   それは彼の後ろにある橋を燃やし、新たな生に、彼女に身を委ねるという事だった。   ’ Di'on ' 彼は心で言い、バルカンとロミュランの起源語を口にした。 ”’ 離れても決して別たれず、これまでもこれからも触れる事に感動する --我は汝を待つ ”’   スポックと指揮官は理解し、人間には翻訳機が働いた。   永遠の言葉だった。   彼が新しい人生を送る新しい男になった。 ロミュラン人として、ロミュランの小公子としての道を永遠に歩み、宇宙船の船長として平和の目的に叶うべく尽くすと宣誓した男が戦士の帝国で戦士の船の指揮官の側を彼の未来、彼の心臓としてミッションを続けていく方法を探すのだ。   何の音もしないトランスポータールームで指揮官はジェームズの眼を見つめた、彼にそれが本当に出来るのか、このドアを彼の後ろで閉じる事が出来るのか読み取ろうとしているかの様に。   その時、とても静かにTrevanian がジェームズの肩先に歩み出た。   そしてジェームズは思い出した、何年も前にバルカン星でスポックが言った事を、”それは私の権利です。 親友によって男性は完成されるとの慣例があるのです (It is my right; by tradition the male is accompanied by his closest friends)" ジェームズはそれを認めTrevanian を見た、そしてどんな方法であれ記憶を共有した瞬間の古い友人であるとの認識を込めてマッコイとジムを。 最後に彼はスポックを見た。 そしてスポックはジェームズのもう一方の肩先に歩み出た。   離れても決して --   指揮官が言っている事をジェームズは理解した -- 声に出し、そして彼の心の中で、’”...決して別たれない -- これまでもこれからも常に触れる事に感動する... Zh'james -- 約束の地で会おう ”’   初めてDi'on がロミュランのきちんとした発音での彼の名前を与えた。 それが彼の新しい名前だった -- 彼の最も大切な友人であると証明する���ミュランのプライベートネームだった。   彼はまだJames T. Kirk ではあったがもはやカークではなかった。 ジム.カークの学んでいない物事を学び彼の物とし、記憶は彼だけの物として広がっていた。 彼はZh'james であり彼女のものだった。 彼女のものであり、彼らが共に造り出す未来は彼のものなのだ。 ジムには選ぶことの出来なかった道を行く彼はカークからどれだけ遠くなったのか。   Zh'james がディープリンクを開いた、彼女-- が-- 彼の--   ジム.カークは彼の居た空間を見つめていた。   音も、輝きも、変化も、何も無かった。   ジェームズがただ消えていた。 一呼吸の内に。 突然、完全に。   指揮官がよろめき、倒れかけた、彼女の魂の何かが引き裂かれたショックを受けた様に。   スポックが彼女の肩を持ち支えた、一瞬後頭を上げた彼女はバルカンの眼にある率直な喪失を認めた。   どんな言葉も飲み込んだマッコイが指揮官をメディカルスキャナーでチェックした。 スコットがトレーサーに取りつきそっと罵った。   Trevanian が不意にカークを見た。 ”貴方がオリジナルなのですね ” 彼は言った。 ”今の今まで私には確信が持てませんでした ” ”何の事だ? ” カークは言った。 ” ’ オリジナル ’ についての何を知っている? もうひとりが君に話したのか? そして-- ジェームズは何処だ? ” ”オムネと共に ” Trevanian が言った。 ”どうやって? ” Doyen が口を挟んだ。 ”どうして分かる? ” ”もうひとりが ” Trevanian が思い出すような表情で言った。 ”私が死にかけていたからでしょう、彼が話したのは。 彼は私に言いました、Phoenix の代償に関わる話を。 そして彼はオムネは自らが創り出した不死の価格は彼がつけると。 最初の創造物、完璧なレプリカ彼は彼の物だと見なしている -- 銀河の対立ゲームでスポックへの人質とするか、ただ単に彼の仕事の証として手元に置いておくと。 テクノロジーは完全に発展しておらずVortex field の力が必要で。 けれどオムネには基礎がある。 Phoenix がジェームズを創った時、トリガーとなるキーを彼の精神に記録してある、意識レベルの下でオムネの精神へ反響周波数を向かわせる様にと。 十分な力が与えられたならそれが彼をオムネへと引っ張る、最も近くのオムネのトランスポーターで。 偵察機がVortex で崩壊した時、もうひとりはそれを使いジェームズを彼の元に引っ張ろうとしていました -- ですがあの時は彼が何をしているのか私には理解できなかった。 オムネ自身への ’ 反響 ’ の方がジェームズを引く力は強かったに違いありません。 トラクタービーム無く彼を連れてくるくらいですから ” ”だがオムネはVortex の向こう側だ ” カークが静かに言った。 Trevanian は頷いた。 ”もうひとりは言っていました、Vortex forces は物理的、超常的影響をとてつもなく拡大すると。 私はそれでこんなに遠くまで届いたのだと思います。 さらに私には彼の言っていた事で意味の分からなかったものがある -- レプリカの精神にあるトリガーは恐怖による究極のストレスか、究極の委任の行動だと。 ジェームズは究極の委任を行った。 そしてオムネもまた ' 反響 'を使い最大限の努力を行いジェームズを彼の元へと引いた -- " "トランスポータートレースを、Mr.スコット ” カークが言った。 ”はい ” スコットがコンソールから言った。 ”出てます。 トレースは全て真っ直ぐ地獄の口の中です ” ”オムネとと共に ” カークがはっきりと言った。 ”もしくは死んだかだ ” 渦を巻くVortex を見つめながらマッコイが言い返した。 カークは頭を振った。 ”オムネの ’ オートマチック機構 ’ や ’ dead-man switch ' が失敗したと私たちに分かるか? ” ”これは live-man switch だ ” マッコイが楽しがるでもなく言った。 ”確かに、ドクター ” 更なるチェックをすべくトランスポーターコンソールに手を伸ばしながらスポックが言った。 ”オムネの手によってデザインされた生きた人間を彼の元に連れて行くそれを貴方は疑えますか? ” スポックがインターカムのスイッチを入れた。 ”class oce shuttlecraft の準備を ” 彼は言った。 カークが頭を振った。 ”Mr.スポック、Vortex は閉じた。 可能性はあるのか、君が入り -- 出て来られる? ” ”ゼロです、船長 ” スポックがしぶしぶ言った。 ”確立は有限です、私が入るだけの余地ならば ” ”駄目だ ” カークが言った。 ”私は君を手放す事は出来ない、Mr.スポック ” 指揮官が歩み出た。 ”貴方にはその権利もない、Mr.スポック。 私の信頼だ。 それを、彼を私は守る。 中に入る方法があるならそれは私の物だ。 貴方の信頼は此処だ ” 彼女はカークへ向いた。 ”Mr.スポックを連れてロミュラン宙域から出るんだ。 貴方の船が動くには1分以上が掛かるだろう -- さもなくばRovan の船が発砲してしまう。 止めるはずの戦争を私たちが引き起こしてしまう。 さあ。 私を私の船に。 自分のものの世話は私がする ” Doyen が頷いた。 ”独りではない ” そう言った彼女とTrevanian が指揮官の近くに立った・ ”そう、独りではありません ” 彼が言った。 彼の決然とした口調にDoyen は幾らか驚きの表情を向けた。 カークは探る様に彼らを見た、だが彼の船やジェームズの為となる考えや時間もなかった。 ただ彼に分かったのは危険は完全にVortex の向こう側にあるという事だけだった。 無二の親友をその追放先に彼が送る事ができるのか? コンソールからスポックが顔を上げた。 ”私が間違っていました ” 彼が言った。 ”オムネの記憶とPhoenix ship の計算に現在の数値を加えました。 あそこに入れる僅かな可能性も無い。 Anomaly は今や完全に死の罠だ ” それは評決だった、だがカークは見た評決を論理を受け入れていないバルカンの顔を。 暫くの間カークはスポックの眼をじっと見つめた、論理と確立に逆らい犠牲を物ともしない原始のバルカンに毅然と立ち向かって。 そして彼は見た、スポックが不可能な確立に一度ならず彼を送り込んだバルカンの論理による行動が僅かでしかない古代の層に打ち勝ったのを。 ”ジェームズがまず私たちに去る様に命じるだろう事は分かっているはずだ ” カークが言った。 ”わかっています ” スポックが言った。 ”彼を置いて行くのか? ” マッコイが抗議した。 スポックが論理に尽くす表情で彼へと向いた。 ”数字が示しているんです、レナード、現在のVortex の状況では私たちの最高の船であれ53.725年は閉じたままであると ” ”そんな -- 永遠じゃないですか! ” スコッティが言った。 ”いいや、Mr.スコット ” スポックが言った、”永遠ではない -- 不死にとっては ” スクリーンを見た彼にカークは悟った、彼はそれにオムネを見ているのだと。 ”バルカンにとってもだな、スポック ” カークが言った、だがそれがどれだけ助けになるのかなど分からなかった。 バルカノイドであるスポックと指揮官には250年の寿命がある。 だがジェームズの生きる時間は異なるのだ。 ”そう ” スポックが慎重に言った。 ”バルカンにとっても ” カークはその時悟った、50年経てばそこで誰かがオムネを追うことが出来てしまうのだと... ”それが正しく不死でありひとたび発明されたものであるならば、再発明はされてしまう ” カークが言った、”それがデータだ、Mr.スポック ” スポックが彼を見た。 ”ひとたびPhoenix が飛び立てば、船長、それを灰に戻す事はできません ” ”そうだ、それは出来ない ” 指揮官がプラットフォームから言った。 ”Phoenix で生まれてしまった者にしてもそうだ。 私は貴方の数字を受け入れよう、Mr.スポック、だが貴方が決定することではない。 船で彼に向かう事が出来ないならば私はそれが出来る方法を探す。 私は信頼を保つ ” ”それもまた分かっている ” スポックが言った。 ”私がそれを託せる者は他に居ない ” カークは打ち出される秒数をチェックした。 彼は彼女に信頼を託すのか? だがジェームズは既に決断した。 そしてカークもまた保つべき信頼があった。 彼はスポックを見た。 ”Energize " 彼は言った。 バルカンは既に動いていた。 スポックの眼が指揮官の物を探し剣を合わせるかのように合わさった。 敬礼であり、約束であり、挑戦として。 彼らは今不死とも言えるスケールの計画を立てた -- いつ何時尽きるとも分からない時間に逆らって。 ”信頼する ” スポックが言い、彼の手で彼女は送られた。 カーク、スポック、マッコイそしてスコッティは三人のロミュランの姿が輝き消えていく様を見守った。 最初にマッコイがビュースクリーンへと向き追うことなど想像すら出来ないVortex 眼を見た。 だがカークは彼の想像力が試みようとしているのを感じていた。 彼が声に出して言ったのはインターカムへ向かっての言葉だけだった。 ”Warp Factor Three で前進、直ぐにロミュラン宙域を出る ”

[askdashicorn]

NBA trade deadline: the winners (Pelicans) and losers (Kings)

The New Orleans Pelicans took a step forward, the Sacramento Kings took a step back, the LA Lakers hit the reset button and the Boston Celtics went nowhere Heading into NBA trade deadline day, there was a very real fear that the biggest move of the year had already been made. But while nothing was likely to top the New Orleans Pelicans deal for DeMarcus Cousins, there was still plenty of talk that either the Chicago Bulls Jimmy Butler or the Indiana Pacers Paul George could find their way to a contender before the 3pm ET deadline.

Instead, for better or worse, both players remained where they were. It was all rather disappointing. There was, however, plenty of action, as some teams managed to improve themselves over the last few days, while others did the opposite thing.

Winners

Cleveland Cavaliers And its now official: the Cleveland Cavaliers have won the trade deadline.

DJ Gallo was partly joking when he concluded our live trade deadline coverage with that line, but only partly. Butler, George and the New York Knicks Carmelo Anthony stayed with their own teams while Cousins remained in the Western Conference. With no team in the east really making a major move, the Cavaliers path to the NBA finals remains just as clear as it did a few days ago.

New Orleans Pelicans Sure, maybe it wont pan out. There are enough question marks surrounding Cousins that its possible he will end up being a bigger headache than an asset. Its also possible Cousins and Anthony Davis wont make a good fit when it comes down to actually sharing the court. No matter what, however, it feels like there is no possible future where he doesnt end up being more productive than Buddy freaking Hield.

Brooklyn Nets In sending off Bojan Bogdanovic and Chris McCullough to the Washington Wizards for Andrew Nicholson, the immediately waived Marcus Thornton and a lottery-protected first round pick in 2017, the Nets finally made a deal looking ahead towards the future. While it wasnt super-great that they had to absorb Nicholsons contract, thats the price for picking up a desperately needed draft pick. Picking up the Houston Rockets KJ McDaniels right before the deadline was also a nice, low-risk move.

Houston Rockets The Rockets are one of the few teams that might actually have an actual shot at winning the finals, even if its not a particularly great one, so picking up Lou Williams from the Lakers for Corey Brewer and a first-round pick might end up paying off.

Dallas Mavericks Have we all forgotten how good Nerlens Noel could be? Well, apparently the Philadelphia 76ers did. Although hes not much of an offensive weapon, he was one of the better defensive bigs in the game and certainly a more useful piece that Jahlil Okafor, the player Philadelphia actually should have been looking to give away. Solid move for the Mavericks.

Emojis This was the year where NBA players realized they could single-handedly create a media storm just by tweeting out an ambiguous emoji or two. The Boston Celtics Isaiah Thomas, in fact, had turned it into an art form by trade deadlines time. First, he convinced all of Celtics Twitter that a major move was coming by tweeting a pair of eyes:

Isaiah Thomas (@Isaiah_Thomas) February 21, 2017

And, as the deadline approached, he noted that time was ticking for his team to make a move, a move which ended up never happening.

Isaiah Thomas (@Isaiah_Thomas) February 23, 2017

Toronto Raptors PJ Tucker from the Phoenix Suns for Jared Sullinger and a few picks? Sure, thats fine.

Minnesota Timberwolves Theyre winners just for deciding against trading for Derrick Rose.

Losers

Sacramento Kings Kings owner Vivek Ranadive thinks Hield has Steph Curry potential. GM Vlade Divac has publicly admitted that he had passed on a better deal involving Cousins, which seems like something one admits only if theyre actively trying to get fired. In the past few days, the Kings have made a firm push to establish themselves as one of the most poorly run sports franchises in the country.

Jim Buss and Mitch Kupchak Its been a miserable week for the two of them. First they were fired by Jeannie Buss and essentially replaced by a failed TV host/terrible Twitter user. Then, the Lakers started to look like an actual respectable franchise again the second they were out of the picture. Sending sixth man Lou Williams to the Rockets for Corey Brewer and a first-rounder looks to be a solid move for a team finally dedicating itself to a franchise reboot. Plus, it might turn out that Paul George could be looking at Los Angeles as his final destination.

Philadelphia 76ers First the 76ers received Tiago Splitter from the Atlanta Hawks for Ersan Ilyasova. Because they needed yet another center! Its okay because they made room by shipping Nerlens Noel to the Dallas Mavericks for Andrew Bogut, who they are expecting to buy out, along with Justin Anderson and a protected first round pick, which will most likely end up being two second-round draft picks. Yes, Okafor is still on the roster. No, none of this makes any sense.

Nerlens Noel, right, is heaidng to Dallas. Photograph: Carlos Osorio/AP

Chicago Bulls Well, the good news is that Jimmy Butler is still on the team, which would have been enough to keep them in, at the very least, the incomplete column if not the win column. Then, at the literal last minute, Bulls did make a trade! They sent Doug McDermott, Taj Gibson and a second-round pick to the Oklahoma City Thunder for Joffrey Lauvergne, Anthony Morrow and Cameron Payne. Yes, Chicago sent the pick in this scenario, which puts them solidly in the losers column here, especially if one factors in their failed talks with the Boston Celtics.

Denver Nuggets The Nuggets spent much of the day making a huge offer for Paul George. They ended up with Roy Hibbert.

Incomplete

Boston Celtics The Celtics were unable to make a deal for Paul George or Jimmy Butler, and so will once again sit on their treasure trove of assets. Was this a wise move, considering that theyre probably a year away from actually having a legitimate shot at making the finals, or have they squandering their last realistic chance of landing the star player they desperately need?

Indiana Pacers The good news for the Pacers? Paul George remains with the team. The bad news? The current status quo in Indiana is clearly unsustainable and George is apparently all about joining the Lakers either through free agency or a trade.