#clarity strikes nevertheless

[shisasan]

𝙹𝚞𝚕𝚢 𝟸𝟷, 𝟷𝟿𝟷𝟹 𝚃𝚑𝚎 𝙳𝚒𝚊𝚛𝚒𝚎𝚜 𝙾𝚏 𝙵𝚛𝚊𝚗𝚣 𝙺𝚊𝚏𝚔𝚊, 𝟷𝟿𝟷𝟶 -𝟷𝟿𝟷𝟹

[ID: July 21. Miserable creature that I am. END ID]

[colderdrafts]

Calm waters

Just a lil one-shot drabble for some practice. Enjoy 💙

Merman (octo) x gn reader. Sfw, tw kidnapping, mild violence

He sits on the same rock as usual, large, black tendrils partially holding onto it, partially running through the depths below. He breathes deeply to calm himself, a familiar scent of salt in the air.

This part of the beach is quiet, a vacant a spot he retreats to for some peace, away from prying eyes. At times, he brings the visitors of the oceans and his heart with him.

Topas watches the odd metallic bird rising high up in the sky, leaving it's odd ever-growing white tail behind on the air, like using a paint brush on a blue canvas.

How something like that can even fly is beyond him, truly another marvel of human ingenuity. The distant roar of its powerful 'engine' floods his senses, like an imitation of a rumbling thunder. He misses the lightning that usually accompanies the sound, however. Perhaps it would strike him, and give clarity as to why he's allowed himself to be fooled once again.

Frankly, he should have seen it coming, this is how it always ends. So why did he think anything will change? Why does he trust whatever fleeting promises anyone who gives him the time of day throws his way?

He gnaws on his bottom lip, agitated, sharp teeth threatening to draw blood. The pain is grounding. Reminding him he's still a someone and present, despite how he's been discarded like an accessory. Something interesting to spend your time on while you're away from home - an item you'll leave behind and forget about.

He's exciting, new, a creature of the depths, a hermit you'd be lucky to stumble upon at all. For a time. But the second whatever schedule they have in place for their lives run out, they're gone, him being nothing more than a summer fling, a short lived ecstasy and rush of dopamine.

He stares at the monstrous metal bird like his eyes could vaporize it, and strike it down so you'd be in his arms again, come back to where you belong. He knows you're on it. He recognizes the logo of the company you're flying with, reminiscing the way your claw-less fingers traced over the ticket you once showed him. Telling him stories of the lands you used to belong to.

He squints at the obnoxiously bright colors coating the bottom of the flying vessel, like a mockery of a proper bird.

He knew you'd be leaving today, but you promised to at least come say goodbye. Tell him your beautiful lie that you'd return sometime. You couldn't even do that for him.

He really thought this would be different. He turns away angrily, hauling himself down the slope of rocks toward the beckoning water. Perhaps he should spend the next decade or so in the further deep to get his mind on straight again.

They're gone, just like the others. The metal bird has won once again. Nothing will change that now. He's so stupid-

"Topas?"

The sound is barely a breath upon the wind, but nevertheless the familiar call of his name stops him dead in his tracks. Your voice instantly sends an excited chill down his spine, and he hardly dares move in case he'd just imagined it.

Topas turns then, slow and anticipatory, the tendrils of his lower body squirming to find something to hold on to. Deep green eyes settle on your haggard form standing at the tip of the waves, your feet hidden in the sand. Your protective fabrics are wrung awry, your knees scraped bloody (and smelling so, so good) and you're clearly out of breath.

Topas deducts you've been running. Supposedly you had a fall along the way. Your appearance is that of a seasoned fighter, and it's breathtaking.

He resist the immediate urge to take you into his arms, curl everything he is around you and enjoy your strange body, hardened by the land, pressing against his again. He must not forget you broke a promise.

What's to say you will not do so again? Topas ignores the want in his heart and narrows his eyes, taking some satisfaction you have the grace to avert yours. Acknowledging, like someone who knows of their guilt.

"Did the metal bird leave without you?" he asks as a greeting, guarded. And now you're looking for further entertainment until it flies again?

You take a few deep breaths to muster your voice, finding the courage to look back at him.  "No - well, yes, I mean. No?" you falter, struggling to find which words to speak first.

Topas wonders why you're trying to say all of them all at once, forcing his face to hold back the creeping smile threatening to remove his upset. Your fluster still warms him, enjoying the effect he can have on you. He patiently waits for you to explain yourself, slowly moving through the water and closing the annoying gap.

"I overslept, and dashed for the airport," you begin, stubbornly steadfast at his approach. Still, you appear like a spooked seahorse awaiting its chance to flee, and he just wants to drag you back into the water, make sure you can't bolt. "I made it to the gate. But. I couldn't get on it. It wouldn't be right."

He stops at that last part and stares for a beat, borderline flabbergasted.

You fidget with your hands again. Topas wonders if it's because you want to hold his. "I'm sorry I'm late - but I said I'd say goodbye, right? It's the least I could do for you. For all this time you've spent keeping me company and guiding me through an area I've never been to."

His eyes widen. Isn't that - that's a big deal for a human, isn't it? Going out of your way like that? Abandoning something seemingly as mighty as time?

It always seems it's notoriously important humans get to the 'right plane' at the 'right time', well in advance, everything must be perfect and go smoothly.

To get home, to get back to work. It's so, so important. And yet you abandoned that chance. For him? To keep your promise?

"You came back just to say goodbye? And now you can't go..?" he asks.

"I, uh. Yeah. Yeah, that about covers it," you chuckle awkwardly, a sound like music. You've about caught your breath, trying and failing to smooth out some torn fabric. "Sorry I'm such a mess right now."

Silence. Topas covers the ground in one quick jump, rapidly closing the remaining distance and roughly latching onto you, knocking you flat on your back in the sand below. He holds on tight, coiling his tendrils around your legs and almost squeezing the breath right back out of you. You let out the most adorable startled and half-strangled noise, gods he could crush you, it's so good you're still here.

You returned. You can keep your promises. You abandoned your important human nonsense. It's almost unreal.

Your heart is razing, he can tell, but it's alright, so is his. He smooths some tendrils along your legs in a calming motion, and the nervous laughter you let out soothes you. He feels your arms reaching back around him, sliding across his skin and settling on the small of his back. He knows you like to hold them there, feeling the space where his hips turn into strong muscle of the tendrils running into the water.

"Good," he breathes, smelling your sun kissed skin. "Good. You can't go. You're staying here."

You chuckle sadly. "Topas-"

"No."

Its not as much the demanding tone as it's the way everything he is suddenly tightens around you.

You stiffen, anxious like the first time he held you, perhaps he got a little too excited. He didn't mean to frighten you then, and he doesn't mean to do so now. But this is important. It's important you understand how significant this is.

"No..?" you repeat carefully. You pet his back like a silent attempt to soothe. You'll have to forgive he can't appreciate the gesture right now.

"I know what you're about to say," Topas says through gritted teeth. He keeps his face hidden in the crook of your neck so you can't look him in the eye, still aware his intensity has a tendency to frighten humans. "'There's another one flying away soon. I'll leave with the next one. I'll return next year. I promise I'll never forget you.'"

He spits the last words out with the vitriol of all the times it's happened combined, his bitterness clouding the air.

"Topas," you try. Your voice sounds so oddly brittle, your hands settle on his chest, pushing slightly. "Topas, please let go of me-"

You can feel teeth ghosting over your neck like Topas' considering if biting you would bring his point across better. He tightens his grip on your legs, and you stop squirming.

"Something will get in the way of all that. It always does. You won't be back, and you'll forget," he says.

He lifts himself slightly, finally looking you in the face. Your eyes are blown wide, and you're still breathing too quick, staring like captured prey. His heart sinks at the sight, but this is better than the alternative. He gingerly leans down, resting his forehead against yours.

"But I know you want to be here now," he whispers, staring into you. "So I'm just going to not give you any other option."

Slowly, he starts dragging you across the sand. You let him for a bit, still confused at his sudden change of tone, but the second you realize he's dragging you toward the water you start struggling, attempting to pull free from his iron grip.

He's set off your fear response, Topas acknowledges, but it'll stop clouding your mind soon enough. He just has to get you to the water-

He's interrupted by a sudden sharp sting in his eye. You've managed to get a hand free and went to roughly poke him. Topas squeals in pain, his tendrils loosening just a bit of their grip. Your body heat leaves them behind and he can't taste you anymore, you've pulled them to you. Another blow follows, this time to his stomach, as you kick against him to gain more distance.

Topas grunts from the sudden impact, and you turn over on your front, calling for help. You're trying to drag yourself away from him. That won't do. He recovers, and leaps forward again, locking his hand around your ankle, dragging you back across the sand.

"No, no, calm down-" he bristles, pulling you back into his body, hands on your calves, thighs, hips - he locks his body around you again to stop your frantic kicking and screaming. Once back in control, he starts tugging you over the sand once again.

"I can't breathe!" you shriek suddenly, clawing at the ground for anything to stop your shared path toward the depths. Your fingers leave patterns in the wet ground, the waves coming in to calmly sweep them away.

"I know," he mutters soothingly, keeping the momentum. "I know." He's not going to drown you. This is just to talk. Get used to the water, so you don't have to concern yourself with what's keeping you on land ever again.

The cool water seeps over his skin and yours in one, final pull. He stretches, long tendrils writhing around you, feeling the water around him carrying his body, his full freedom of movement finally returning. He breathe deeply, enjoying the wetting of his gills as the salt welcomes him home. Now, he just has to get you away from shore, fast.

The land is left behind, the cold water making you still, clinging to Topas' embrace. He easily lets you. You've no other choice out here, at his mercy. It's keep calm or sink, and slowly, slowly, the beach gets smaller and smaller as the open waters get deeper beneath you both. He makes sure to keep your head above water.

The shore carries no trace of the human who missed their plane. The salty sea air caresses the skin of its visitors, and an empty rock sits quietly in the waves.

[autumnslance]

More Garlemald

Between finishing off PVP series goals and the new Large house for the FC, C'oretta's journey through Endwalker has been neglected.

We're still in Garlemald, with the first follow quest and meeting Licinia and the other refugees at Victor's Spoils, and the ceruleum tappers through that. The tragedy of the sisters is one the Eorzeans had not anticipated, and even their Garlean allies had not thought about: the ambivalence of the Imperials toward the Eorzean humanitarian effort, and being especially suspicious of magic users.

Which makes sense; the story of Garlemald's history is their lack of magic made them shunned and bullied, victims of others who could wield arcane power. Only the magitek revolution put them on even footing, and then the call to "take back" their ancestral homeland--800 years later--was a siren song to people in a harsh and frozen land. Is it any wonder "Solus's" propaganda caught on over the past 80 years?

Lucia, Maxima, the Ironworks, are all used now to magic and their friends in the Alliance. But the ones who stayed behind and only heard the horror stories, the false news...

We saw some of this in Stormblood, among those in Gyr Abania who believed the Imperial tales of "savage" Eorzeans who would bully and execute anyone in their way, especially the few decent Garlean officers, like Baut, who had stayed behind to continue protecting the villages they had grown genuinely fond of. If Gyr Abanians could believe such of their Eorzean neighbors after only 20 years under Imperial rule and abuse, how much more the Garleans separated from all else, in the capital and its surrounds?

Anyroad. In the debriefing, as we move on and learn of the cured Populares and their reports:

Lucia: It brings to mind events at the Ghimlyt Dark, does it not? The Emperor's sudden withdrawal from the front lines, specifically.

Lucia: Nerva and his father, Titus─Varis's then political rival─took advantage of rumors that Crown Prince Zenos had been possessed by a demon.

Alisaie: Elidibus. What better way to disparage your enemies than with the truth─or a close enough approximation.

Lucia: Indeed. But before their accusations could be substantiated, many of Titus's followers were silenced.

Lucia: While some were merely stripped of their status, others died under curious circumstances. One after another, suddenly and suspiciously.

Y'shtola: Again, Elidibus. Like as not, he had a hand in it. No evidence was found to implicate Varis, certainly.

Y'shtola: Again, Elidibus. Like as not, he had a hand in it. No evidence was found to implicate Varis, certainly.

Y'shtola: Nevertheless, Titus, Nerva, and the IIIrd Legion would have judged it a brazen attempt by the Emperor to rid himself

Y'shtola: And then, in the midst of this growing turmoil, Varis zos Galvus is murdered...

Y'shtola: And Garlemald's own prodigal son, Gaius van Baelsar, is named the murderer.

Y'shtola: Shortly thereafter, Nerva claims the right of succession, and in response, the Ist Legion claims the assassination was part of a coup d'état orchestrated by Titus and Nerva.

This clarifies that Prince Titus survived the initial conflict with Varis for the throne after Solus's "death." That Titus then supported his son as the possible new emperor after his own failed claim and Varis's demise at Zenos's hands.

I've long thought the coffin Varis spat on in the scenes in earlier patches was actually Solus's, not his uncle's. His anger at the lack of clarity in succession and the chaos it caused the empire was always there. What he learns of his grandfather later only makes matters worse.

Then we're piecing together the reports of the Populares and the refugee survivors, and the importance of the radio, with the ore resembles the talismans that protects the Contingent. Which strikes me as a very nice alternate solution than scraping Vrtra's hide of all his scales.

The briefing is cut short, however, by the arrival of and meeting with our future friend Jullus...

[thehoneyknight]

Memoria, sketch pages 81-96

(Radiant Arc 10, 3.35)

(Page 85 has a unique page format with two dialogues. For clarity of reading each separate dialogue will be done in turns and labelled as such)

Page 81

Honey- ???

Comban- Hi there! It’s nice to meet you!

Honey- !

Vespa- Vessel, the Beespeak charm now in your possession allows you to understand us of Hive Blood. It suits you well, no?

Fear not. I know well the limitations of your emptiness. Although from what I’ve seen so far, perhaps you are not as ‘hollow’ as old Wyrm intended. Nevertheless, Vessel, I do not know why you are here. Comban trusts you, it seems. Enough so to request an audience with me on your behalf.

-

Page 82

Vespa- He wants you safe. If you had entered my kingdom under any other terms, if you were any other Vessel… I would have you killed.

Vessel, I have a proposition. Join us. Become a part of my Hive. Defend us at any cost, against any threat. I know what I ask of you is difficult, Vessel. It may cost you your life, ask you to betray your kin, or abandon your purpose. But I feel this opportunity may benefit us all. Our situation is worsening. The plague. It’s spreading.

We declined the Pale One’s offer to aid in Hallownest’s perpetuation. It is wrong to go against nature itself. But I have since come to realise the Infection is not an act of nature. It is an act of revenge.

And whilst her intentions are… understandable… I cannot let it continue here. Vessels have hurt us in the past but in times like these we need to move forwards from our histories. If Comban here has learned to trust you then I am willing to give you, Vessel, a chance.

-

Page 83

Vespa- Bridge the gap between honey and void. Become Bee Vessel. Become The Honey Knight.

As Queen Vespa I officially grant you the title, Bee Vessel.

((Ch1.3))

((Ch1.4))

((Ch1.5))

Comban- Honey Knight… Hey,

-

Page 84

Comban- Can I just call you Honey?

--But besides that. If you’d let me… I’d like to be your friend. Friend.

Argent- Friend!

Radiance- Friend.

((Ch1.6))

Radiance- You cling to false emptiness, Vessel. Light will always overcome the Void. It is the way of our history.

-

Page 85 (Comban/Mato)

Comban- Honey? You’re… Stop this! Please?

Mato- I’m here! (!) Little one…?

-

Page 85 (Honey/Radiance)

Radiance- The seals of Dream and Wyrm may not be broken but I may still reach those who harbour thought and mind.

Your mind is thinking. Your will is breaking. You have no voice yet you cry out in suffering. Vessel, I have you. Now Dream. No.

As much as I would love to annihilate each pawn of Wyrm placed before me, neither of us have such powers to strike physically. Of now I can only make you a pawn of my own. The limitations of our time together are drawing to a close. Just like you, the one holding me prisoner is failing and soon I will be free.

I will be remembered.

-

Page 86

Radiance- I grow tired of our talk. As I return your mind to body see how grandly I have taken advantage of the abilities you have acquired under my control. Wait… What is this? Vespa? NO.

Comban- Honey!

Radiance- Vessel. (Destroy Hive Knight)

Comban- Honey?

Radiance- Vessel, (Attack)(Kill The Nailmaster)

Comban- Honey! Honey! Honey! You’re okay!

-

Page 87

Comban- Honey, this is Nailmaster Mato. Without his help I’m not sure what would’ve happened.

Honey- !

Mato- Do you remember me, little one?

Honey- ?

Mato- Comban, be sure to tell Honey Knight  what happened. They deserve to know the truth, no matter how harsh.

Comban- You, uh, weren’t you. If Mato hadn’t thought of the honey, I don’t know… I just don’t know.

Honey- (???)(Tap Tap)

Comban- The honey? Oh, why it drove out the Infection? That’s Vespa’s Blessing!

((Ch1.7))

-

Page 88

((Ch1.8))

(Argent- This is as far as I go, my friend.)

Honey- (!) (A familiar face…)

Tembur- Secret agent-

((Ch1.10))

Vespa- Bee Vessel, I do not underestimate you. I see the fearsome strength you have the potential to attain. However, that's the very reason I need to be wary of these events. A Vessel turned against the Hove could mean the end of us- the Hive and those it serves.

I have a charm- Hiveblood by name- which effectively nullifies the draw of the Infection when equipped. Your shell will coat itself in a thin, healing layer of honey, giving you access to the Blessing at all times. For as long as I live, you are immune.

But. Say I give you this charm and you turn traitor. Say you selfishly desire power higher than Vespa’s Blessing can ward. Say you invite the Infection in… Hiveblood is a trust you must gain.

-

Page 89

Vespa- Bee Vessel. I need you to prove to me that I can trust in your protection- that you will defend us / at any cost.

((Ch1.13))

Hornet- Come no closer. Yours is a motive I cannot trust. Why are you here, Vessel?

I can tell you’ve been beyond this kingdom… and I know what brought you back. What remains of those memories? Does one like you remember your cursed purpose? And what of that? If you came back to fulfil such a role… then why are you still here in the Hive? What’s keeping you here?

There’s more to you than I realised, Bee Vessel. I noted that little ghost as unusual… but then there’s you…

-

Page 90

Hornet- I have finished my preparations, Vessel. I present two options for you.

You can run back to Vespa, keep things as they are and remain her Honey Knight. Or. Or you can leave and do something greater for this kingdom with the void in your bearing.

You may not be the one to face the plague of this kingdom but I see the potential you have to project what remains. But know this. No matter which path you choose, if your shields block the way of Hallownest’s recovery I will not hold back. Choose with your life.

((Ch1.14))

-

Page 91

Comban- Bzzzzz… Bzzzzz…

((Ch2.1))

Comban- Actually, this reminds me of something… Paladin is the one and only bee that can tap into their soul for power. Queen Vespa taught them personally, I think. The hive has seen a few Vessels… pass through… in it’s fine.

-

Page 92

Comban- All of them had this ability.. The focus to wield the power of a soul. Are you able to use soul too?

((Ch2.2))

(Argent- Focus)

Honey- !

((Ch2.3))

Ophilia- …

((Ch2.4))

Ophilia- !

((Ch2.5))

Comban- Have… you met them before? Before the Hive?

Mato- …

Honey- !

Mato- Yes yes. Honey and another Vessel. The second was a strange one- an oddity to which I cannot place. I had not expected to see either of them again. The Wastelands are a journey I’d expect to only be taken once.

-

Page 93

Mato- As things are, it’s unlikely we will ever know Honey to a full extent. That doesn’t deter from trying, and please do, but it is likely you will find out about Honey things you will not like or expect. Honey is a bug unlike the norm. Be wary of them like everyone else.

However, I think all Honey needs now / is a friend.

((Ch2.9))

Vespa- Bee Vessel, when I was younger I wished to become a chronicler. To record history, to recite what happened so that others may learn from it, to keep an order of the past. To such purposes it was important to me. When this is all over and a new Hive Queen has taken my place I would like to pursue this aspiration.

Do you have any dreams, Bee Vessel? I wish that when this is all over you can go beyond the intent of your creation-

-

Page 94

((Ch2.10))

((Ch2.16))

Dailon- !

((Ch2.17))

Mato- I can tell you are powerful, little one, but also that you have strength in your kindness. My old master said the same of myself too. I felt empowered by that… I still do. Little one, if I were to teach you one thing as Nailmaster it would be to never leave behind the love inside you.

((Ch2.20))

Paladin- This Vessel is more dangerous than those I’ve faced before. More soul? More… void? Their siblings all fell by my determination to protect the Hive. I will make sure this Vessel shares their fate.

-

Page 95

Hornet- Cease this.

((Ch2.22))

Hornet- You need a plan. One of your own. Your Shade is peculiar, Vessel. It doesn’t match your shell. I have not seen that before…

((Ch2.23))

Honey- (Tip Tap)

((Ch2.25))

Honey- (-I don’t recognise)

((Ch2.26))

Argent- You are you? This is wrong!

-

Page 96

Argent- These are your memories. The past. In honey you dream forgotten memories. But this isn’t a memory. You look like the Luma… out there… in the present. Are you even…? Who are you?

And if this isn’t a memory… why am I here? I belong in your memories, but where is this? I’m alive… aren’t I? I shouldn’ be…

What happened to me, Honey? Luma? Where am I? No… I remember now… It’s… I’m…

Listen, Honey. There’s no time. This connection- this dream- it’s because of her. I won’t get a second chance. You will. She’s breaking through to us. Honey, you have to remember. You have to remember what happened between us at Hallownest’s Crown.

[funkygroovejam]

The Beauty of Eternity

A little poem I wrote. Tis an infusion of a concert experience and spirituality:

When the sapphire flame appears in your palm, its unyielding passion and frost-biting charm will have you questioning your perception, distrusting your heart, and confiding in comets, solar flares, and shooting stars. When the flame turns into a wildfire, the maddening calmness will spread out from your palm, thereby ripping the remains of your reality apart. Then, it will burn its way throughout your body until it reaches your cavitating heart. The earnestness of the fire will awaken your heart, whereupon your heart will slow to a remedial stop, the necessary cessation for an enrapturing restart. The fire will then breach your mind, whereupon your mind’s fragility and instability will be stretched and stress-tested by the elasticity of time, during which you will slip back and forth between clarity and puzzlement, between liberty and bondage, between pain and numbness, and between rejection and acknowledgement, all the while slipping back and forth between galactic emptiness (the feeling as if your vital essence has been drained out of your spiritless heart) and orgiastic helplessness (the feeling as if your vital essence has been luxuriantly replenished with the nectar of the gods).

As the apocalyptic storm quickly approaches you, it will be waving and calling at you, but your hearing and sight will be far too weak from the lies controlling you. By the time the storm reaches the harbor, it will have already reached the shore, and you will be too sopped with excuses, theories, and stories to deal with your harness, let alone your moorings; thus, the wind will twist you in every direction, the storm surge will overwhelm your misapprehensions, the rip currents will exhaust you despite your intentions, and then the salt from the water will pull death from all your pores, thereby leaving you in a state of retrospection. Whether you are far out at sea or close to the shore, at peace or at war, the gentle waves will carry you to wherever you need to explore.

A flammable breeze from the volatile sky will caress your shoulders, in a never-ending good-bye, and then strike your heart on its most vulnerable side (the side with the fuse that runs to your mind), thereby resulting in the detonation of your mind, which will cause a shock wave that will shatter your eyes, thereby resulting in the evacuation of your oxygen and light, and, thus, in your being breathless and lost in the night, and constantly thinking about when you will die. When your oxygen reserve kicks in, the amount you receive, though slim, will be enough for your spirit to be relit, and thus, enough for you to see yourself lift away from your skin and then return to being engrossed in a feeling, a prayer, an ideal, and a whim.

Your palm will emit a ruby glow that will escort you back from the slowest of slow, dissolve you into the tidal flow, and then whisk you to the shore faster than your brain can process a whirlwind tempo. At times, you will feel psychotic; at other times, hexed; and at other times, possessed. Nevertheless, your suffering will be the path to forgiveness, and your darkness the path to righteousness.  

You will be horror-struck by the glowing embers falling from your palm, awestruck when they turn into liquid gold upon hitting the gaseous ground, and then love-struck when the puddle turns into an ocean of limitless sound. Your love will turn into catatonic joy when the ocean reaches the citrine dawn, which will rise from your palm, as deranged as it is calm, pirouetting to the threshold to the emergent beyond. When the conflagration of deflating balloons segues into the final phase of the moon, your joy will radiantly bloom, because you will be one with the awakening tune.

The tuneful colors and their magical synergy will cause your mind to be lost in an ever-changing reality, your body to be sluggish, numb, and wobbly, yet your heart to be full of awareness and energy as it branches out to the unknowns of infinity. However, because time will have emasculated your virility, and coarsened your femininity, infinity will be nothing more than fabricated imagery within your ever-expanding anonymity. If you continue to embrace your virginity, you will continue to fester in captivity—which is a shame, because the wonders that you will have already seen (though incomprehensible, mind-blowing, and legendary) will be insignificant to what they will be once they have transfigured into the beauty of eternity.

If you sacrifice your sails for wings, time will sever your strings (and the blinding proof will be in your palm—behold white lightning!). As a result, your body will rejuvenate, your mind will be set free, and your heart will return with knowledge of infinity, after which you can ascend from fate into destiny, where your mind and heart, not just your body, will dance and sing, because the lightning’s energy will be as awesome as it is inspiring, its vibration as motivating as it is tranquilizing, and its frequency as fatal as it is immortalizing.    

[mariacallous]

Two years ago, Vladimir Putin’s decision to launch a full-scale invasion of Ukraine had a dual impact on how European countries were thinking about their own security. On the one hand, Moscow’s brazenness shattered the illusions of many leaders for whom the prospect of Russia bringing war so close to NATO’s doorstep had been unthinkable; on the other hand, many hoped the invasion would prove to be a fatal mistake that would quickly spell the end of the Putin regime.

Fast forward to 2024, and that outcome seems less likely than ever. The front lines in Ukraine have largely solidified; Kyiv’s largest supplier of military assistance, the United States, appears unable to get another aid package through Congress; and Russia’s ramped-up arms production has its economy growing. Meanwhile, European leaders have begun sounding the alarm about the possibility of war with Russia within the next decade — and Donald Trump, the presumed Republican nominee for the White House this year, has threatened not to honor Article 5 of the NATO treaty, which requires member states to defend their allies in the event of an attack.

None of this has been lost on Estonia, a proudly democratic country that reasserted its independence from Russia within living memory. For years, Moscow has been sending spies to infiltrate Estonia’s institutions, targeting its citizens with disinformation and influence campaigns, and waging cyber attacks on its online infrastructure. More recently, in a stunt that was first uncovered by the outlet Mediazona earlier this month, Russia put Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas (along with dozens of other European politicians) on its federal wanted list.

With the prospect of a total Ukrainian victory looking more distant than ever, Vladimir Putin’s revanchist rhetoric at an all-time high, and Washington’s future willingness to defend its NATO allies in doubt, Russia’s Baltic neighbors have no choice but to take seriously the possibility of Moscow invading their territory. To learn what measures Estonia is taking to protect itself against such an assault, Meduza in English senior news editor Sam Breazeale sat down with Estonian Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur on the sidelines of the NATO defense ministers’ meeting in Brussels last week.

This interview has been edited and abridged for length and clarity.

Mediazona reported this week that Russia has put dozens of European officials on its wanted list, including Estonia’s prime minister. What message is Estonia taking from this and what steps is it planning in response?

I believe that the main message to take from this is very simple: we are doing the right thing. In a way, it’s a compliment for our work, for what we have done in support of Ukraine. And of course we will continue what we have done so far. It’s not the proper way to address the leaders of other countries, but nevertheless, as I said: the main message for me is that we are doing the right thing.

How much of a strain does aid to Ukraine put on Estonia’s budget and its defense resources? And how do you strike the right balance between sending weapons to Ukraine and keeping enough to ensure Estonia’s own security?

There is very strong support in Estonia for helping Ukraine. So there’s no doubt that every [piece of] equipment, ammunition, and [all] other military assistance we are sending is strongly supported by our population. And of course we are looking at what the most urgent need is in Ukraine and what we can send. You probably know that we sent all of our howitzers to Ukraine last year. We sent a lot of javelins even before the invasion started, before February 24, [2022]. So we are sending what we can and of course we are [conscious of the fact that] we still have to be able to protect ourselves and defend ourselves. We are in very close contact with Ukrainians, and they know what we have and we know what we can send. We are picking these assistance packages very carefully.

How likely does Estonia think it is that Russia will invade its territory in the coming years? And how are you preparing for this possibility?

Well, one thing is for sure: [in that scenario], it’s not [only] aggression towards Estonia, it’s aggression towards NATO. Because we strongly believe that the “one for all, all for one” principle is very valid — more valid than ever. Just coming from the NATO council, there’s a clear, very strong message that we are united, and there is no doubt about that.

We’ve said already two years ago, in Madrid, that Russia was, is, and will be the only threat for us. And all together, collectively, we also said that Russia is the main threat for NATO as an alliance. So let’s say we are quite pragmatic in that sense. We know that we have to prepare ourselves. We take Article 3 from the NATO treaty very seriously — that first and foremost, you have to be ready yourself, and then [you] also rely on your allies. So it’s nothing new for us. We’ve been living with Russia all the time. And we know that we cannot change our neighbor. So we have to adapt. And we have to be prepared. And this is why we are investing more than three percent [of our GDP] in defense.

Estonia and its neighbors have been sounding the alarm about Russia and encouraging its allies to take the threat it poses seriously for many years. Do feel that France and Germany, for example, are finally taking this threat more seriously than they were, say, 10 years ago?

So they claim. [Laughs.] No, [but] seriously, when talking to [French Defense Minister] Sébastien [Lecornu] or [German Defense Minister] Boris [Pistorius], I have no doubt that they have a very clear understanding of the real situation. And when everybody sees that Russia is conducting war crimes in Ukraine, that they are raping women and children, that they are deporting children, killing civilians, violating every international law, it’s obvious that we have to take this situation seriously. And I believe every country at the moment, as a member of NATO, acknowledges this threat and also acknowledges that there will be no change in Russia after these elections — or I would say “nomination” or “selection,” not elections — of the president. This is why we will face the reality that after the presidential nomination in Russia, Russia will continue as previously.

After Donald Trump’s comments last weekend, don’t both Estonia and Europe as a whole need to prepare to defend themselves without help from the U.S.? Even if Trump loses the upcoming presidential election, this strain of NATO skepticism may remain in the Republican party until the next election.

Well, I’ve said this a couple of times, but I’m ready to repeat it again. There is no point in taking out the crystal ball and starting to speculate. First we have to wait for the election results. But even without the election result, I’m quite confident that the U.S. will remain as a member of NATO. Because the U.S. needs European allies as much as the European allies need the U.S. So it’s a two-way [street]. We have great cooperation with the U.S., and it’s beneficial for both sides and for all the allies.

That’s why, looking back into history, we saw a very solid footprint of U.S. troops here in Europe during Donald Trump’s last presidency. So I do not believe that there will be some major shift. Of course you can see some changes. It’s normal that every president has the right to make his own choices. But first and foremost, let’s wait for the U.S. elections, and then we can start to see what their real impact is.

But in a pessimistic scenario, where, say, the U.S. suggests it’s not going to come to the defense of certain countries — although I know Estonia pays well above the two percent threshold — how confident are you that the rest of Estonia’s NATO allies will come to its defense in the event of a Russian invasion?

There’s a very simple answer to that. We have all, [by consensus], approved new regional plans in Vilnius. And these regional plans are executable already today — with some risks, obviously, [though] we are taking or removing these risks day by day. But these plans are executable, and every NATO member has given their input on these plans. […] My understanding is crystal clear, that yes, every NATO member acknowledges the need to help each other. So Estonia is also ready to go and help other NATO members if there is a need for that. And this is the point of one for all, all for one.

If Russia did cross NATO’s borders, what NATO procedures would come into effect? What would the immediate response be?

Well, of course, I cannot [reveal] the regional plans and what is in them, but the very simple message is that we will start fighting from the first centimeter on. We will not let [anyone] take away our territory. 

Also, Estonian forces are NATO forces. And we have the British-led EFP [Enhanced Forward Presence] battalion in Estonia, which is integrated with our own defense plans, and we have the Brits as a framework nation, allocating one special additional brigade to protect us, to defend us. 

The very simple answer is that there will be an execution button for the regional plan. Simple as that.

What is the exact size of Estonia’s armed forces?

Our wartime structure is around 44,000 men. But of course our professional army, which is on duty every day, is around 4,000.

But our structure is a bit different because it’s similar to the Finnish one. So we have the reserve army, which means that we will do mobilization if necessary, and we have the [land] forces. Then we have the voluntary Defense League, which [basically] covers territorial defense.

And in addition to that, two brigades, plus the EFP battalion, plus the British brigade.

And this is led by the Estonian Division. So this is our structure. And as I said, all in all, we have in our wartime structure around 44,000 combatants.

Given that you’re confident Estonia can depend on its allies, do you think all of these countries are doing everything they need to right now to prepare for a worst case scenario?

We are pushing, of course, all of us, to do more. And SACEUR [NATO’s Supreme Allied Commander in Europe, General Christopher G. Cavoli] said very clearly today that we need to do more. And we know that. Everybody, even Estonia, which [is investing] 3.2 percent [of its GDP in defense] this year, knows that we have to invest more. Estonia is investing in capabilities by the biggest margin in NATO at the moment.

So if the average is around 28–30 percent, then Estonia is investing around 50–55 percent [of its defense budget] in new capabilities, depending on the year. This is the absolute minimum that you have to do [when] living next door to Russia. But of course, every member of NATO knows that we have agreed on the regional plans — and we have to allocate the forces [necessary] to execute them. So this is our common responsibility, and this is how we have to take it. 

There’s a long history of Russian spies infiltrating Estonian institutions. What operations or programs does Estonia have in place to combat this?

I believe that we have Russian spies — and I know that we have Russian spies — in every European country. And this is the modus operandi that Russia [has always] used: they use agents and try to get as much information as they can. Unfortunately, we’ve also seen that in many countries, including Estonia, there are people who are bought by the Russians and who are working in our state services. But this is why you have counterintelligence and this is why we have been quite successful in our counterintelligence work.

So when you take last year’s [figure] of how many Russians we [expelled], I believe this is the best example of that. We are doing what we need to do in order to avoid any leaks of our state secrets.

[swtorpadawan]

Trouble

Author’s Notes: The following story is effectively an “AU” version of my “Until Dawn” piece. Prompted by @raven-of-domain-kwaad​  / @the-raven-of-highever​ from the Symbol / Torture Meme. (I suspect Raven wanted to separate my lovely couple because she doesn’t believe in people having nice things.)

As she regained consciousness, Tasiele realized immediately that something was very wrong.

The first thing that registered to her was the intense headache, pulsing in her mind.

Alarmed, she had instinctively reached out to the Force. She could still feel it, but where it normally brought her clarity, now it was all a haze. Her mind, usually razor-sharp, felt dull; unable to focus. Certainly unable to call upon the Force to aid her.

The second thing she was conscious of was being immersed in darkness. Her eyes couldn’t make out anything around wherever she was. As her natural spatial awareness slowly returned, she discerned only that she was in a relatively small room. But that was all.

The third thing that registered was that she had been restrained.

She was on her knees, sitting atop some sort of elevated platform. Further, her wrists had been shackled together behind her back and secured above her head. As she tried to shift her weight, she realized her ankles had also been cuffed, leaving her practically immobile. As she gave her bindings a compulsory struggle, she felt the clinking sound of a taut link of chains above her. She estimated it ended about two meters up, most likely connected to the ceiling, but with the fugue hanging over her, she couldn’t be sure. But of a certainty, someone had taken great care to see that she could not escape.

Most humiliatingly of all, a gag had been secured in the mouth, leaving her unable to speak and forced to rely on her nose to breath. It wouldn’t normally have occurred to Tasiele to cry out for help except as a last resort, but it still galled her, nevertheless.

Finally, Tasiele realized that whoever was keeping her prisoner had carefully searched her, removing her weapons, her equipment and her body armor and leaving her in her tank top. Tasiele felt the absence of her lightsaber with immediate alarm; it was an extension of herself, after all. But on a more practical level, the absence of the lockpicks her father had insisted she carry hidden inside her gloves was a more pressing concern.

As she assessed her situation, Tasiele instinctively tried to center herself. To overcome whatever was cutting her off from fully immersing herself in the Force and calling upon it to serve her as it normally had for nearly her entire life.

After a few minutes, however, she was forced to give up, the sensation of defeat leaving a taste in her mouth nearly as bitter as the blasted gag. Only now did Tasiele finally realize she’d been drugged. Whatever chemicals of chemicals they had used to sedate her in the first place were even now keeping her disoriented.

It was only now that she remembered.

Jubilar. Bela. The mission. The town. The cantina. The Force Vampires. Striking down several of them before ultimately being pulled down. Neither she nor Bela had realized the danger they were in until after they’d sipped their drinks. There was no doubt in Tasiele’s mind that they’d been spiked.

A flash of anxiety crept up in her belly. Was Bela alright? Was she a prisoner like Tasiele? Or was she…

Before Tasiele could continue down that disturbing chain of thought, the door to the room slid open behind her. She felt cool air against her skin and realized that it was coming from the outside, and judging by the poorly lit darkness, that it seemed to be nighttime.

I must be in a shack. She silently determined for herself. Or some other outdoor structure.

Before she could piece together anything more, the door closed, and an intense blue light from above her flickered on, momentarily blinding the bound Force-user as the moaned into the gag in pain, eyes shut.

“My, my.” a feminine voice beamed mockingly. “Don’t you look delightful like this?”

Tasiele forced her protesting eyes to open. It took a second for them to adjust to the light and focus on the speaker, now standing right in front of her.

“Comfortable?” her captor teased.

Tasiele immediately recognized the young woman from the bar with the short skirt. The one who had borne her fangs at her just before Tasiele had lost consciousness. She could sense two more individuals in the room with them, standing at her sides. At this elevation – she realized she was sitting on a circular pedestal with the chains to her ankles rolling off the sides – her head was only slightly below the vampire’s own.

Now with some sense of what she was dealing with, Tasiele followed her training and focused on the person presenting themselves as the voice of authority.

“You and your little friend will make such delightful pets, darling.” The woman – rather the vampire – grinned evilly. “Once you’ve been properly broken in.”

Tasiele yanked at her shackles in rage at the threat, roaring into her gag.

Don’t you dare touch Bela, you kriffing bitch! She wanted to scream.

But the gag muffled her shouts. For all her anger and passion, they were impotent and feeble.

The woman in front of her laughed. The burly men at her sides – Tasiele could sense them more clearly now – snickered.

“Charming, my pet. Absolutely charming. Now let’s see how you taste….”

With that, the vampire started removing the long spandex gloves that went up to her elbows.

That drew a reaction from her companions.

“Hey! You said we could get a taste, Crysta!” the brute on Tasiele’s right grumbled.

The lead vampire’s brow glowered at the interruption as she hissed at her fellows, baring her fangs at the male vampire in an obvious sign of intimidation.

“Wait your turn, Bahshk.” Crysta sneered. “You know the rules. I eat first.”

The thug grumbled at the reprimand but kept his peace otherwise.

Satisfied that her companion had been cowed, the vampire reached out and touched Tasiele’s cheek with her bare fingers, closing her eyes and letting out a sigh.

Tasiele had started struggling instinctively at the contact, shaking her head violently, trying to twist away from the woman’s touch. She knew well what was coming, and that she was helpless to prevent it. Unfortunately, her reaction only seemed to encourage Crysta.

“That’s it.” She cooed. “Fight. It makes the Force I drain from you so much sweeter.”

Tasiele closed her eyes in denial of her situation as she started to feel her very life force draining from her. While her arms continued to spasm, her head started to fall forward in despair.

In response, the man on her left – who had been silent and docile up until now – reached down and grabbed Tasiele’s ponytail, using it to pull her head back. She screamed in pain and indignation into her gag as she was again forced to look Crysta in the eyes.

The lead vampire smirked again, both hands now caressing down Tasiele’s cheeks, gripping her possessively by the chin as she let out a pleasurable sigh, her eyelids flickering. Tasiele tried to keep struggling, but as more of her strength was consumed, she felt the fight draining from her.

Obviously noticing that her resistance was fading – and that Crysta seemed distracted in a state of ecstasy - the two men at her sides reached out and gripped Tasiele’s arms. Her rational mind knew their primary intent was to humiliate and degrade her before they, too, began to siphon the Force from her body. To her cold logic, that meant their actions should have been irrelevant.

But Tasiele was now drowning under the assault of all three vampires. For one of the few times in her life, she could not heed the warnings of her rational mind.

Although she rarely spoke to others of it, not even to Bela, Tasiele was incredibly proud of her genetic heritage, particularly of the famous Force-users from whom she claimed descent. She was the daughter of the most cunning and resourceful Sith of her generation. More still, through her father’s side, she could claim ten generations of Jedi as ancestors, dating back to one who had come closest to mastering both the Light and the Dark than any Force-user on record.

For her Force sensitivity to be turned against her, to make her a target… it filled her with an indignation and shame that she’d never felt before.

And in that sinking instant, she felt fear and doubt start to overtake her. For one fleeting moment, she started to accept that she would inevitably break, and become a plaything to these… wretched creatures. That she was unworthy of her heritage after all.

But then – in her darkest moments – a new sensation entered her consciousness. Not from within, but from without. Beyond her mind. Beyond this room. It was a feeling of unbreakable determination and resolve… and one which Tasiele was intimately familiar with. This sensation reassured Tasiele, easing her anxiety. Reminding her of who she was. Not just through her intellect or her blood or even through the Force, but in her heart and soul.

Despite her present physical weakness, she found herself smiling, grinning up at the vampire woman in front of her as she ignored the others.

The expression apparently caught Crysta’s attention, shaking the vampire from her reverie.

Crysta paused in her ‘feeding’ and regarded Tasiele curiously. She reached down and unfastened the gag in Tasiele’s mouth, tossing it aside and caressing her cheek again.

“Something to say, my pet?” she pressed her. “Are you ready to surrender to us already?”

Tasiele merely swallowed, relieved that cursed gag had been withdrawn. Then she turned her head to look up at Crysta again.

“I’m going to be honest with you…” she smiled grimly. “You’re in terrible trouble.”

The look of confusion on Crysta’s face was broken when the distinctive sound of durasteel being cut through rang out through the room.  Alarmed, all three vampires pulled away from their prisoner, turning to see a yellow lightsaber blade cutting through the ceiling in a circle.

“Huh. I thought she’d come in through the door.”

The ceiling collapsed as the vampires scrambled away to avoid being crushed by the debris.

As the dust settled, Bela stood there in the middle of the room, standing tall and brandishing her yellow lightsaber in a pose that she couldn’t help but find heroic. (And more than a little attractive if she were honest.) Her own body armor was also missing. She had clearly escaped circumstances like those Tasiele now found herself in and had obviously regained possession of her lightsaber besides.

She looked every bit the part of a hero from some holovid drama.

The look of rage on Bela’s face left Tasiele no doubt what was going to happen next.

As she watched her wife rip through the vampires like some mythological goddess of war, Tasiele reflected on a reality she usually avoided.

Tasiele could rightfully claim descent from some of the greatest Force-users in history.

But Bela was the daughter of the champion who had toppled the closest thing to a veritable god anyone had ever met, ridding the galaxy of the greatest threat it had ever faced.

More than bloodline, though: Bela was the daughter of heroes.

Privately, Tasiele suspected that Bela was even more powerful than her father.

She certainly took her display on this day as a sign of that.

Within seconds, it was over. Bela pulled her lightsaber free of Crysta’s neck where she’d fatally impaled the villain, and the vampire’s body turned to ash.

Wasting no time, the heroine turned and rushed over to her wife, quickly freeing Tasiele and embracing her with her strong arms.

“You alright, Tas?” Bela whispered, holding her tenderly in a manner that would be nearly inconceivable to someone who had just watched her brutally dispose of their captors.

Tasiele felt her face flush at Bela’s attentions, a hundred emotions bubbling up all at once. She buried those down into her gut, knowing full-well that there was no time for that now.

“I… I don’t think I can walk right now.” Tasiele swallowed, hearing the hint of shame in her own voice.

Bela just smiled.

“That’s okay. I can carry you.”

Tasiele couldn’t quite manage a withering glare at her wife, instead settling for a scoff.

“I’m not a damsel in distress.” She grumbled.

Her rescuer laughed, leaning close and pressing a quick kiss to Tasiele’s lips.

“No. You’re my wife and my partner. You’re also the smartest person I know. Which is good because I need a plan for us to get out of here.”

Her body could barely move, but her confidence bolstered by Bela’s words, Tasiele’s mind started whirring.

“Alright, I think I can come up with something….”

Ten minutes later, Bela had fought her way out of the vampire’s encampment; her lightsaber carried in one hand while holding her wife unceremoniously over her opposite shoulder in a form favored by emergency personnel rescuing people from a fire.

Annoyed as she was by the undignified rescue, Tasiele couldn’t help but marvel at Bela’s strength and skill, even as she gripped the hard muscles of her wife’s shoulder and torso for support.

She could always trust Bela to save her from trouble. She could always trust her to be the hero.

More, she could always trust Bela to be her hero.

Bela didn’t need Tasiele’s ancestors or bloodline; she just needed her to be Tasiele.

Tasiele resolved that she would focus on being herself.

Author’s Notes: In case it wasn’t obvious, this piece was inspired in part from Raven’s whump fics. The emotions I’ve drawn from Raven’s Kelsa Kine character are an homage of sorts.

Tasiele’s lines of dialogue directed at the vampires is a reference to Hera’s line to the Stormtroopers in the “Jedi Night” episode of Star Wars: Rebels. Because I like to include Easter eggs in my fiction to other Star Wars media.

The vampire ‘turning to ash’ bit was a Buffy reference. (Leave me alone – I’m old.)

(My Tumblr followers, of course, will know more about who Bela and Tasiele are.)

I like to think the concept of a ‘firefighter carry’ exists in Star Wars.

Thanks for reading, and may the Force be with you.

Tagging - @cinlat​ @cuchulainnx19​ @grandninjamasterren​ @kemendin​ @lordviridis​ @queen-scribbles​ @sithy-tricks​ @starknstarwars​ @sullustangin​ @taraum​ @the-raven-of-highever​

[nexinformationtechnology]

How To Stay Ahead In The Industry With Next Generation Software Development Services

As a business, you will concur that communication is crucial, particularly among team members and stakeholders during the software development process of a project. The Next generation software development company in UAE will follow a final plan or strategy with the aid of communication to ensure the success of the final product. Yes?

There are numerous opportunities in the market for software development. It is a wide and unquantifiable range. That being stated, each software development plan has unique obstacles and tales to tell for developers. Software development services can help you anytime you’re struggling to make sense of your idea.

Every sector or profession needs innovation to stand out, and software development is no exception. Software engineering quickly develops into a crowded, competitive environment where innovation determines whether a project succeeds or fails. It creates the framework for software products or services to surpass typical expectations and provide greater value to their users. In order to be successful in this field, an IT business must either push the boundaries of innovation to stay ahead of the curve or succumb to a sea of boring competition.

By all means, nevertheless, it can be difficult to foster actual innovation in software engineering. Due to the unreliability and lackluster results of outsourcing creative initiatives to a third-party entity, more businesses are choosing to reduce corners. In light of your determination to succeed and establish yourself as a prominent figure in the best next gen software company in UAE and other development industry, here are some things you should think about.

Essentials To a Successful Software Development Project from The Professional Next generation Software Development Company in UAE:

If your company has ever added to or built business software, you are aware of how time-consuming and frustrating the process can be. When generated software is unable to achieve corporate goals, about 14% of software projects end in failure.

The key to success with any software development venture is twofold: first, selecting the appropriate project manager is essential for any software development initiative you may like to pursue.

Second, it is crucial to have a set of workable and proven rules in place. Your software project’s success depends on several factors. Are you curious as to the topic of our conversation? Proceed to read.

Clarify Your Goals And Objectives

In short, your software project may fail due to unclear goals or lack of clarity. Having it set is therefore one of the most important factors. Make sure you have a record of the whole development cycle, including the features and overarching goal.

Well, setting project goals will be simple with the aid of a technology roadmap. One of the greatest resources for both long- and short-term software development project strategic planning are these.

Clearly Define The Requirements And Specifications.

You need to understand as a business that the project goals and requirements are not the same. They are not the same thing. Objectives specify your desired outcomes, while the latter are the means by which you would like to accomplish them.

Reasonable Timetable

Ultimately, in software project management, the only thing that matters is striking the correct balance between producing high-quality products and releasing them onto the market, particularly when there is a significant demand for them.

It is important for you to realize that if you do not preserve the aspect of balance, you run the risk of creating a product that is hurried, poorly done, and probably not something that the market would want—possibly even without testing it.

Alternatively, you could wait too long to improve your product, which would allow your rivals to outperform you in the same area. You might also think about keeping it flexible in order to prevent this. The fact that using an agile methodology saves time is one of its biggest features.

Effective Leadership

You should be aware that people with key roles in software development are project owners, project managers, and chief technology officers.

In order to increase the likelihood that your project will succeed, create a welcoming and inclusive environment where the software development team feels free to express questions and get assistance when needed. To achieve the same, you and your team will need a thorough grasp of what ethical leadership comprises in addition to having outstanding management abilities.

Make sure you have excellent communication skills for efficient management. Make sure you are able to explain the product journey, your vision, the workload, deadlines, and other pertinent information.

Testing And User Research

Most successful software firms build and develop their products specifically with their intended consumers in mind, as you surely have noticed. All you have to do, before beginning development, is thoroughly study your client experience in order to comprehend the target market and its requirements. Before you brainstorm and plan the development process, make sure you carry out extensive research and create a customer journey map.

Gathering user input—which, if feasible, can be done during the software development process—is another significant and distinctive action that can be taken.

Regular Reporting, Feedback, And Monitoring

An excellent system for ongoing project monitoring and reporting from the software product development team as well as the users is another essential component in software project development.

You can gauge how well the product is doing in relation to its objectives, or KPIs, with the aid of regular monitoring. The amount of faults discovered during code reviews or test runs, the quantity of new features contributed, and other metrics are all included into these.

This is the list of necessities that you should not overlook, particularly if you are anticipating a software development project.

Source Link: https://www.statusthoughts.com/how-to-stay-ahead-in-the-industry-with-next-generation-software-development-services/

[theplotline]

Crypto Regulation in India Could Come Soon! Here's How

Cryptocurrency has garnered significant attention worldwide, and India is no exception. As the digital currency market continues to evolve and expand, governments are increasingly considering regulations to ensure financial stability and protect investors. In recent months, speculation has been rife about the possibility of crypto regulation in India, sparking both excitement and concern among stakeholders.

The Current Landscape

India's stance on cryptocurrency has been somewhat ambiguous in the past. While the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) imposed restrictions on banks dealing with crypto businesses in 2018, the Supreme Court overturned this ban in 2020, allowing individuals and businesses to freely trade in digital currencies. However, the lack of comprehensive regulations has left a regulatory gap, leading to uncertainty in the market.

The Need for Regulation

The absence of clear guidelines has raised concerns about potential risks associated with cryptocurrencies, including money laundering, tax evasion, and illicit activities. Regulatory oversight is essential to address these issues and foster a secure and transparent crypto ecosystem. By establishing regulatory frameworks, authorities can mitigate risks, protect consumers, and promote responsible innovation in the digital asset space.

Potential Regulatory Measures

Several proposals have emerged regarding the regulation of cryptocurrencies in India. These measures aim to balance the benefits of digital assets with the need for regulatory oversight. Some key areas of focus include: Registration and Licensing Regulators may mandate registration and licensing requirements for cryptocurrency exchanges and service providers. By imposing these measures, authorities can ensure that entities operating in the crypto space comply with regulatory standards and adhere to strict due diligence procedures. Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Know Your Customer (KYC) Compliance To combat illicit activities, regulators may enforce stringent AML and KYC regulations for cryptocurrency transactions. These measures would enhance transparency and accountability in the crypto market, making it more difficult for bad actors to exploit the anonymity of digital currencies for illicit purposes. Investor Protection Protecting investors is paramount in any regulatory framework. Authorities may introduce measures to safeguard investors' interests, such as disclosure requirements, risk warnings, and dispute resolution mechanisms. By enhancing transparency and accountability, regulators can instill confidence in the crypto market and encourage wider participation.

Industry Response and Outlook

The prospect of crypto regulation has elicited mixed reactions from industry stakeholders. While some welcome regulatory clarity as a step towards mainstream adoption, others express concerns about potential stifling of innovation and increased compliance costs. Nevertheless, regulatory certainty is essential for the long-term growth and sustainability of the crypto industry in India.

Conclusion

The debate surrounding crypto regulation in India underscores the need for clear and comprehensive regulatory frameworks to address the challenges and opportunities posed by digital assets. As policymakers navigate this complex landscape, collaboration between industry players, regulators, and policymakers is crucial to strike the right balance between innovation and investor protection. FAQ: Cryptocurrency Regulation in India - What is the current status of cryptocurrency regulation in India? As of now, cryptocurrency regulation in India remains uncertain. While the Supreme Court lifted the ban on cryptocurrency trading imposed by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) in 2018, there is still a lack of comprehensive regulatory frameworks governing the digital asset space. - Why is there a need for cryptocurrency regulation in India? Cryptocurrency regulation is necessary to address various concerns, including money laundering, tax evasion, and consumer protection. Without proper oversight, there is a risk of illicit activities and financial instability, which could undermine investor confidence and hinder the growth of the crypto market. - What are some potential regulatory measures that could be implemented in India? Possible regulatory measures include registration and licensing requirements for cryptocurrency exchanges and service providers, stringent anti-money laundering (AML) and know your customer (KYC) compliance, and investor protection mechanisms such as disclosure requirements and dispute resolution mechanisms. - How do industry stakeholders perceive the prospect of cryptocurrency regulation in India? Industry stakeholders have varied opinions on crypto regulation. While some welcome regulatory clarity as a step towards mainstream adoption and investor confidence, others express concerns about potential stifling of innovation and increased compliance costs. Collaboration between stakeholders, regulators, and policymakers is essential to address these concerns and develop effective regulatory frameworks. - What is the outlook for cryptocurrency regulation in India? The future of cryptocurrency regulation in India remains uncertain, with ongoing discussions and deliberations among policymakers and regulators. While there is a growing recognition of the need for regulatory oversight, striking the right balance between innovation and investor protection is crucial. Continued dialogue and collaboration will be key to shaping the regulatory landscape and fostering a thriving crypto ecosystem in India.Read More Read the full article

[agarwalestate]

Millennial Home Buying Trends in Bangalore: Preferences and Priorities

Negotiation Strategies for Homebuyers in Bangalore

Looking for a home in Bangalore isn’t as easy as it may appear. Rapid urbanization, traffic congestion, increasing prices of property, and lack of transparency- are the basic problems every Bangalorean faces when hunting for a house.

Distressing as it may sound, a little help from real estate services will sort it all! Before we proceed with smart negotiation tips, understand this — do not rush into finalizing your home in a hurry. Before you sign any agreement, make sure to check the builder’s past record. The reason is that most builders post ads in high-profile newspapers and magazines to show off, despite having poor work records.

The other problem many home hunters face is during negotiation. Many builders in this sector do not show any interest in negotiation, thereby making it even more difficult for home buyers to get ahead with the deal. Through this blog, we aim to help you become a Negotiation Ninja.

Show them you are serious: Flaunt it, till you get it! Show your seriousness and stress on your commitment by highlighting quick decision-making and a strong financial position. Be the buyer they can’t refuse!

Keep your walking shoes handy: It’s okay to walk out of a deal if it doesn’t feel right. Don’t be afraid to walk away if the price doesn’t match your value. Show that you have alternative options in mind, this shows your seriousness as a buyer. Following this approach generally makes the seller reconsider their price and make concessions.

Look for a consultant: Leverage the knowledge of expertise in this field. Seek help from real estate agents or reach out to Agarwal Estates.Consultation always helps, they’ll guide you through the entire process, and negotiate on your behalf.

Research market trends: Knowledge will provide you with an upper hand in this scenario. Staying updated with current market trends, property values, and recent comparable sales throws a good impression of yours. Thereby, boosting your confidence during negotiation.

Fix your budget: Be clear on your budget and set a financial boundary before you enter the market. This way, you won’t make any emotional decisions; rather, you will remain firm with your decision.

Be aware of the projects you are interested in:Keep yourself updated with the local market. Research from your end, and find the prices of similar properties in the area that you’re looking for. Know for how long the property has been up for sale; if it has remained unsold for long, the developer can be seen to strike the best deal for you.

Get clarity on inclusions: If you are interested in certain furniture, negotiate their value separately from the property price. Use contingencies strategically. For example, you might waive a minor contingency in exchange for a concession on price or repairs. If your contingencies aren’t met within a decided timeline or terms, then feel free to walk away.

Other negotiation tips that work wonder

Maintain a positive demeanor: Understand this, negotiation is a conversation, not a battle. Be respectful and assertive throughout your dealing process.

⦁ Practice makes perfect: If you are a little afraid, then try to role-play negotiation scenarios with friends or family. This way, you will help you build your confidence.

Conclusion: Home Buying in a city like Bangalore is a tedious process, and given the fast-paced lifestyle you follow, we suggest you approach the best real estate company in Bangalore — Agarwal Estates. Nevertheless, keep honing your negotiating skills. But at the same time, we also advise you to do your research and understand the market. On that note, we wish you good luck in finding your dream home.

[themovieblogonline]

You'll Never Find Me Review: A Riveting Tale of Mystery and Madness

The independent film industry has been a breeding ground for creative narratives and original takes of widely recognized horror clichés. Enter You'll Never Find Me, directed by the promising duo Indianna Bell and Josiah Allen. With a script penned by Bell, the film presents a gripping narrative set against the backdrop of an isolated caravan park. At its core, it explores themes of loneliness, perception, and the human psyche's fragility. Although You'll Never Find Me demonstrates considerable merit and artistic intent, it doesn't quite transcend its genre's confines to deliver a wholly unforgettable experience. Nevertheless, it warrants a watch for its compelling narrative, atmospheric tension, and thought-provoking execution. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rJGFdGx-cjw The film introduces us to Patrick, played with unsettling authenticity by Brendan Rock. Patrick is an enigmatic figure, living a solitary existence in his mobile home. His portrayal exudes a discomforting aura that permeates the film, capturing the audience's intrigue from the outset. Rock's performance is one of the film's strongest assets, navigating a complex character arc with skillful subtlety. On a stormy night, the narrative introduces its pivotal turn when Jordan Cowan's character, simply known as The Visitor, seeks refuge at Patrick's doorstep. Cowan delivers a commendable performance, balancing vulnerability and curiosity in equal measure. Her chemistry with Rock is palpable, setting the stage for a psychological dance that is both captivating and distressing. Bell and Allen's direction is marked by meticulous attention to atmosphere. The claustrophobic setting of the caravan park, coupled with the relentless thunderstorm, creates a palpable sense of unease. This ambiance serves as a character in its own right, shaping the narrative's mood and pacing. However, at times, the film's reliance on atmospheric tension overshadows its potential for deeper character development, leaving some emotional beats feeling somewhat unearned. The script, crafted by Bell, is a labyrinthine exploration of themes like isolation and the subjective nature of reality. The dialogue oscillates between cryptic and revealing, inviting viewers to piece together the puzzle alongside the characters. While the screenplay is ambitious in its scope, it occasionally falters in delivering clarity, which might leave some audiences craving a more tangible resolution. Nevertheless, it's this very ambiguity that fuels the film's enigmatic appeal, encouraging multiple viewers to grasp its nuances fully. You'll Never Find Me excels in its technical execution. The cinematography by Maxx Corkindale is striking, utilizing the natural darkness of the storm and the limited confines of the caravan to create a visual metaphor for Patrick's and The Visitor's psychological entrapment. The film's score, composed by Darren Lim, is another highlight, blending seamlessly with the onscreen events to enhance the overall sense of foreboding. However, the film is not without its drawbacks. Its pacing, while deliberate, sometimes veers into the realm of the sluggish. This is most particularly in the second act where the narrative seems to tread water. Additionally, some may find the film's conclusion polarizing. The climax, although undoubtedly thought-provoking, might come off as abrupt to those yearning for a more concrete resolution. Despite these criticisms, You'll Never Find Me stands as a testament to Bell and Allen's directorial prowess and vision. It's a film that dares to venture into the abyss of the human mind, asking questions that are as unsettling as they are unanswerable. It showcases a promising new voice in horror that isn't afraid to experiment and provoke. Brendan Rock's portrayal of Patrick is the film's linchpin. He delivers a nuanced performance that straddles the line between sympathetic and sinister. Jordan Cowan's The Visitor serves as the perfect foil, embodying the audience's confusion and curiosity. Together, they anchor the film's thematic explorations in a way that is both engaging and eerie. You'll Never Find Me is a noteworthy addition to the indie horror landscape. While it might not redefine the genre, it undeniably marks Indianna Bell and Josiah Allen as filmmakers to watch. The film's deliberate pacing, atmospheric tension, and philosophical underpinnings offer a refreshing albeit imperfect experience for horror enthusiasts. Its ability to linger in the viewer's mind long after the credits roll is a testament to its impactful storytelling and thematic depth. Despite some pacing issues and a conclusion that may not satisfy all, You'll Never Find Me is a compelling watch for its audacity, performance, and atmospheric mastery. It's a reminder that horror can be as much about the monsters within as the ones lurking in the shadows. Read the full article

[nexa-tech]

Coaching Session Templates for a Practical Guide

Coaching is a dynamic and influential tool that empowers individuals and teams to attain their aspirations, enhance performance, and unleash untapped potential. Nevertheless, optimizing the efficacy and productivity of coaching sessions necessitates the implementation of a meticulously designed plan or template. Serving as a navigational guide, a coaching session template fosters alignment between the coach and coachee, ensuring a concentrated, purpose-driven session.

A typical coaching session template consists of multiple important components. To begin, it commences with a concise statement of the session's goals, establishing a clear direction for both parties involved and promoting a shared understanding of their collaborative efforts.

Afterward, the template contains a segment dedicated to assessing the progress made since the previous session. This presents a chance to commemorate accomplishments, pinpoint areas for enhancement, and engage in dialogue regarding any encountered hurdles or challenges.

The coaching session template revolves around discussing the coachee's current situation and exploring potential solutions or strategies. This is the stage where the coach's questioning, listening, and feedback skills play a crucial role. The coach's primary role is to guide the coachee towards their own insights and solutions rather than simply providing advice or ready-made solutions.

Alejandro Arraya Avila stands out as one of the most successful coaches who has expertly utilized coaching session templates. His coaching approach revolves around the profound belief that everyone possesses the potential to achieve their goals, given the proper guidance and support. The structure of Alejandro Arraya Avila's coaching sessions strikes a balance between organization and adaptability: they provide a framework for exploration of innovative concepts and strategies while staying committed to the coachee's objectives.

After the discussion, the template incorporates a dedicated section for action planning. This is the place where the coachee pledges to undertake precise actions or steps aimed at bringing them closer to their objective. To guarantee clarity and feasibility, the action plan must adhere to the SMART principles, which stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound.

The coaching session template ends by reviewing the session and looking ahead to the next one. This allows for reflection on what was learned, reinforcing commitments to action, and setting expectations for the upcoming session.

Conclusively, a coaching session template holds immense value in guaranteeing focused, productive, and efficient coaching sessions. It offers a structured approach while permitting flexibility and adaptability. Regardless of whether you possess the experience of a seasoned coach like Alejandro Arraya Avila or are embarking on your coaching journey, a meticulously crafted coaching session template can serve as a potent asset in your coaching toolkit.

[ailtrahq]

Ripple’s Singapore subsidiary, Ripple Markets APAC, has been granted its full MPI license by the Monetary Authority of the region. This means, the company can now provide digital payment token services in Singapore. In a recent post on X [formerly Twitter], Brad Garlinghouse, the Chief Executive Officer of Ripple, pointed out that the company received its full MPI license in just a span of four months after receiving its in-principal approval. Incredibly proud of team @Ripple – just 4(!) months after we received our in-principle approval from @MAS_sg, we’ve now secured the full Major Payment Institution license for digital payment token services in Singapore. — Brad Garlinghouse (@bgarlinghouse) October 4, 2023 In the official statement, Garlinghouse added, “Since establishing Singapore as our Asia Pacific headquarters in 2017, the country has been pivotal to Ripple’s global business. We have hired exceptional talent and local leadership, doubling headcount over the past year and plan to continue growing our presence in a progressive jurisdiction like Singapore.” Garlinghouse further asserted that under the leadership of the Monetary Authority, Singapore has developed into one of the “leading fintech and digital asset hubs.” He pointed out that the region has been able to strike a balance between innovation, consumer protection and responsible growth. Ripple’s official post noted that regulatory clarity was the major contributor to Singapore’s success. Given the latest collapse of several companies from the industry, a host of countries have been applying the brakes on crypto innovation. Nevertheless, Singapore has been able to stay well ahead of the curve by “future-proofing for the inevitable,” Ripple’s team added. Ripple Eyes APAC Expansion The Asia Pacific region continues to be a region of strategic importance. Ripple revealed that 90% global leaders believe that blockchain and crypt will have a significant impact on business, finance, and society over the next three years. In fact, almost half of Asia Pacific finance leaders intend to use crypto for cross-border payments going forward. With respect to the future outlook, Ripple’s team highlighted, “In general, payments across Asia Pacific will continue to trend increasingly digital — cashless transaction volume is set to increase 109% by 2025 — and Ripple will continue to prioritize this region for adoption of its global payments solutions.” Source: Santamonica Study Abroad Consultants Over the past few days, several companies have been successful in obtaining a licence in Singapore. The Monetary Authority of the region has granted the subsidiary of Switzerland-based crypto bank Sygnum a Major Payment Institution [MPI] licence a day ago. In just a span of just four months, even Sygnum Singapore managed to upgrade its status from in-principle approval to a full license. In fact, even this company now intends to expand its regulated offering to the Asia Pacific markets. Right before Sygnum, Coinbase obtained its MPI license from Singapore’s central bank. The firm emphasised that 25% of Singaporeans consider crypto as the future of finance. Moreover, 32% of them have either been current or past owners of crypto. The stats evidently point out to the fact that Singapore has naturally become a significant location for this industry.  

[houseoflgd]

4 Essentials To Explore In The World Of Lab Diamonds

It is a fact that shopping for an engagement ring is much easier to talk about than doing it. Even if you visit the best diamond wholesalers, there remain many things that you need to put into consideration. 

Many factors influence your choice of the lab-created diamond ring, for example, the size, color, shape, clarity, certification, personnel preference, and more of the precious stone. However, everyone wants to land on the best lab-created diamond engagement ring. After all, this ring will be something special for them being more than just a piece of jewelry. 

With an impressive selection of lab-grown rings offered at the finest diamond store, the experience becomes even more thrilling. Nevertheless, the abundance of choices can also introduce a heightened sense of confusion, potentially leading to a dilemma in decision-making.

Here is a list of things that can help you opt for your IGI diamonds in a better way.

Learn The 4Cs 

It is crucial to understand the 4C’s of a lab-created diamond while choosing the ring. The 4C’s include cut, color, clarity, and carat of the diamond. These are the factors that derive the quality and beauty of the diamond. These 4C’s are global parameters for grading the diamonds, natural and lab-grown.

Decide The Diamond Shape

Lab-grown diamond is available in every possible shape. From emerald, Round, and hearts, to moissanite, etc. Therefore, it gets easy for you to decide which form of diamond you wish in your ring. With your choice of diamond, you can go for custom-made engagement rings. It will allow you to experiment with your HPHT diamond engagement ring giving it a personalized and unique touch. 

Analyze The Cut Of The Diamond

There is a difference between the diamond shape and the cut. The shape is derived from the outline of the diamond, whereas, the cut is decided by its facets. It is important to consider the cut quality, as it affects the brilliance of that lab-created diamond. 

Decide The Metal Of The Band

The choice of metal for your selected ring contributes to its overall appearance and significantly influences the entire aesthetic of the engagement ring. Hence, making a well-informed decision regarding the metal is crucial. Among the commonly used options are yellow gold, white gold, rose gold, and platinum to pair with your lab-grown diamonds in Dubai. Opting for any of these metals can add a touch of glamour to your ring while ensuring its longevity. For cost-saving measures, you even have the opportunity to invest in gold bullion, which can be utilized for crafting an engagement ring and for creating various other jewelry pieces.

Opting for lab-created diamonds is a fantastic decision when it comes to choosing engagement rings. They provide a wide array of shapes and quality options, all while remaining within a budget-friendly range.

House Of LGD is a premier store offering a wide range of sustainable gems that provide an eye-striking sparkle. You can also opt to buy CVD diamonds with them online to enhance your collection with the best of shine. Visit them to experience the brilliance they provide.

Original Reference: https://houseoflgd.blogspot.com/2023/08/4-essentials-to-explore-in-world-of-lab.html 

[mariacallous]

Compared with its ideologically zealous US counterpart, the UK supreme court is a cautious group of senior judges. They are careful not to throw their institutional weight around. They are particularly reluctant to get embroiled in politically contentious issues, especially since their predecessors were forced to do just that in the prorogation ruling in 2019. Today, however, the judges put caution aside.

The court’s unanimous ruling that the law does not allow the nationalist-led Scottish government to initiate a second independence referendum is politically explosive. After all, the Scottish National party itself brought the case, and this emphatic defeat throws down the gauntlet to the party’s leader, Nicola Sturgeon. In a formidably combative press conference, Sturgeon picked the gauntlet up. Where Scotland’s place in the UK is concerned, the game is once more afoot.

But there were some surprises. Before Lord Reed began to give the court’s judgment this morning, conventional wisdom said the ruling would be minimalist. The five judges, it was expected on all sides of the argument, would find a way of accepting the case made by UK law officers during the October hearings. Then, the law officers had argued that a ruling on a plan that had not yet gone through the Scottish legislative process would be premature and hypothetical. It would risk turning the highest court in the country into a general legal advice centre. Many assumed that the judges would seize on this to bat the issue away.

As Lord Reed gave the judgment, it became clear that the court was made of much tougher stuff. The case was not premature but was properly brought, he announced. The court was thus required to make a substantive ruling. The critical issue was that any independence referendum, even if it described itself as merely advisory, would be about the union, and thus a “reserved matter” that only the UK parliament could allow. Therefore the Scottish government could not go ahead with its plan. There was nimble judicial footwork alongside the clarity, providing something for both sides, showing the judges are politically aware but not politically tainted.

The main consequences are in the here and now of Scottish and UK politics. Note nevertheless that the judgment has legal implications too. It has sharpened the jurisdictional lines in the 1998 devolution settlement between the UK government and the devolved authorities. It has opened up a new avenue for law officers in either the UK or the devolved nations to go to court over legislation that may affect them. The court also eased itself of some striking remarks about the more precise legal meaning of terms such as self-determination, which are regularly invoked in the independence debate as though Scotland were a colonial possession.

The response in Scotland’s often brutal social media culture was predictably fiery. It felt distinctly like a moment in which feelings might boil over. They may do so in the future. Sturgeon is clearly aware of this danger. Just two hours later, she did not mince her words of frustration while at the same time pushing back against the headstrong and reckless response that is always such a feature of Scotland’s cyber world. “I respect and accept the judgment of the court,” she said. “The route we take must be lawful and democratic for independence.” These were important words.

They also go to the heart of the still unresolved issue of the UK’s future. In Scotland, the argument about independence has never gone away since the 55%-45% vote to remain in the UK. That democratic verdict was supposedly a once-in-a-generation decision. The UK government is not alone in continuing to see it that way. But although other parties remain frustrated by the refusal of the SNP to take 2014’s no as an answer, it has become clear that it is not enough to insist that the matter was settled in 2014.

The level of SNP support that was unleashed after 2014 ensures the constitutional question remains the defining divide of Scottish political life. It shows little sign of weakening. There are many reasons for this – including a decade of economic hardship, David Cameron’s clumsy response to the first referendum, Scotland’s strong opposition to Brexit, and the indifference of many English Tories. But the real reason why the issue drags on is that Sturgeon has not been able to translate electoral support for the SNP into a convincing tide of majority support for independence.

Back in 2015, Sturgeon said there should not be another vote until independence had become “the choice of a clear majority in this country.” That was briefed by the SNP to mean until the opinion polls showed consistent majorities of about 60% for separation. But such polling levels were never reached. Then came Brexit, which the SNP argued was such a substantial material change in Scotland’s circumstances that it justified revisiting the 2014 decision. That approach faltered too, after Britain finally left the EU.

Under increasing internal pressure to call a second vote, Sturgeon has now come up with yet another strategy, offering either a Scottish government referendum on independence – which the supreme court has now blocked – or a general election vote, which Sturgeon dubs a de facto referendum. This is the option on which, in the absence of any other legal route, the SNP has now had to fall back. Sturgeon’s response to the supreme court decision was the starting pistol for that campaign. In theory, she ought to be pleased. It’s the election she asked for.

But there are many problems with it. The main one is that an election is not a referendum. It’s a wide-ranging exercise in choosing a government. People cast their votes for many reasons, not for one reason alone frozen in space and time. Parties compete against one another, so although there are other pro-independence parties, the SNP cannot treat their votes as if they were for the SNP. And even if the SNP can claim a majority, its opponents are under no democratic or legal obligation to defer, since this surrogate referendum will not be a contest they recognise.

The supreme court, though, poses a real challenge to the pro-UK parties too. Its ruling confirms that a UK devolved nation wanting to secede must first persuade the UK government to concede a referendum on the issue. The pro-UK parties need to make clearer how this can be done. Last year, Michael Gove said that a referendum would be held if there is “a clearly settled will”. What exactly does that mean? Other Conservatives, and the opposition parties, have been more coy.

All the current problems stem from the fact – unlike in the case of an Irish unification referendum – that there is no agreed constitutional framework. Instead, it is left to the party that wants secession to make up its own rules, just as the SNP is now attempting to do.