#concrete cube testing

[vincivilworld]

Understanding the Concrete Compressive Strength Formula

The  concrete compressive strength formula is fundamental. It calculates how well concrete can resist axial loads without failing. Concrete compressive strength formula is crucial for determining the strength of concrete structures. It also ensures the durability of buildings, bridges, and roads. The formula for concrete compressive strength is expressed as fc = P/A. Here, P is the applied load.…

[heicodynamics]

The Significance of Concrete Testing in Construction

In the realm of construction, the significance of concrete testing cannot be overstated, as it plays a pivotal role in guaranteeing the safety, strength, and longevity of structures.

1. Ensuring Structural Integrity: Concrete testing is essential for assessing the structural integrity of buildings and infrastructure. Through rigorous evaluation, engineers can determine the concrete's ability to withstand various loads and environmental conditions, ensuring that the structure remains stable and secure over time.

2. Material Properties Assessment: The testing process involves assessing key material properties like compressive strength, tensile strength, and flexural strength. These properties are critical indicators of how well the concrete will perform under stress, guiding engineers in selecting the appropriate mix design and construction techniques.

3. Detection of Defects and Flaws: Concrete testing enables the early detection of defects and flaws within the concrete mix, such as air voids, segregation, or excessive water content. Identifying these issues at an early stage allows for corrective measures, preventing potential structural failures or deterioration.

4. Quality Control and Assurance: Maintaining stringent quality control measures throughout construction is imperative, and concrete testing ensures that the concrete used meets specified standards. This not only mitigates risks associated with substandard materials but also provides a foundation for constructing durable and resilient structures.

5. Compliance with Regulatory Standards: Regulatory bodies and building codes often set specific requirements for concrete quality and performance. Concrete testing ensures compliance with these standards, guaranteeing that structures meet safety and durability criteria established by regulatory authorities.

6. Utilizing Advanced Testing Methods: Modern construction relies on advanced testing methods facilitated by specialized equipment, including concrete testing machines. These machines employ various testing techniques such as compression testing and non-destructive testing to obtain accurate data. This ensures precise assessments of concrete properties for informed decision-making.

In conclusion, the significance of concrete testing in construction lies in its ability to guarantee structural soundness, assess material properties, detect defects, maintain quality control, ensure compliance with standards, and utilize advanced testing methods. By embracing thorough testing protocols, construction professionals pave the way for the creation of robust, safe, and enduring structures that stand the test of time.

[nagiwrites]

Chapter 6 - into the pit

A/n: thanks for being patient with me I may try those bullet point post that be having those prompts but like it skims through their idea. Yeah just to practice my smut skills because it’s awkward for me and im a prude 😜😜 anyways enjoy. Also no content warnings for this.

Characters: Caleb, you

📌Synopsis:

While she battles through bruises and exhaustion, Caleb glides through training like he was made for it. The Capitol ends the day with a “game” called Hide or Hunt—but beneath the playful branding lies a chilling simulation. The red light on her shoulder begins to blink, she runs headfirst into the woods, knowing this isn’t just a test. It’s a warning.

[← back] [→ next]

Morning came too soon.

She barely slept after the vomiting, after the shaking, after the quiet moment on the bathroom floor with Caleb’s hand still pressed gently between her shoulder blades.

But when the lights in the apartment shifted to sunrise mode—faux gold spilling over the windows like a curtain being drawn—there was no hiding from it.

Today was the start of training.

Today, she had to pretend to be ready.

She sat on the edge of the bed, hair still tangled from restless sleep, stomach hollow. Caleb was already up, moving like a machine. Quiet. Efficient. Still shirtless.

She kept her eyes on the floor.

A soft chime sounded. A panel slid open near the wall, revealing a stack of neatly folded bodysuits in black and gray—District IV’s standard issue. Form-fitting, high-tech fabric built for movement, with a faint shimmer of built-in armor beneath the surface.

She touched the material. It felt like water and static at the same time.

She dressed in silence. The suit clung to her in ways that made her feel exposed, like the Capitol wanted to strip her dignity and leave just enough to entertain the cameras.

The mirror flicked on automatically as she adjusted the collar. She barely recognized herself.

She looked like someone pretending to be a fighter.

Caleb appeared behind her in the reflection, now dressed in his own version of the suit—sleek, matte, with a faint glint of authority in the seams.

He didn’t say anything.

He just watched her.

She hated how seen that made her feel.

“You’ll be fine,” he said, finally.

She scoffed. “I can’t throw a punch, can’t shoot, can’t climb a wall, and I nearly died from jelly cubes.”

His lips barely twitched. “Still got more spine than half the room.”

She looked at him. “That’s not gonna stop me from bleeding out in the first five minutes.”

“No,” he said calmly. “But it’ll piss off whoever tries to make you.”

She didn’t know if that was supposed to be comforting.

But she took it anyway.

They rode in silence through the Tribute Tower’s private lift system—just the two of them, descending floor by floor beneath the Capitol, deeper into the building’s hidden guts.

The doors opened to a cold, vast training center.

Steel. Concrete. Glass.

Weapons racked against glowing walls. Obstacle towers. Combat rings. Survival stations. A massive dome above them projected shifting light patterns to mimic different environments—forest, desert, urban ruins.

And the tributes were already there.

Some warming up. Some showing off.

She stepped in slowly, trying not to let the echo of her footsteps betray how unsure she felt.

They all looked like they belonged here.

Lira from District I had already thrown five knives into a moving target, dead center every time. One of the twins was disassembling a Capitol-issued drone like it was child’s play. Raze was climbing the artificial terrain wall in full gear, laughing like she wasn’t a few feet from falling.

She stood there, stiff in her bodysuit, fingers twitching at her sides.

Completely, utterly untrained.

And completely watched.

She kept close to the edge of the training center at first, eyes scanning everything, trying to look casual—like she was just taking her time, not like she was internally panicking about where to even start.

Then she saw him.

Aren.

Blonde spikes a little messier today, like he’d just rolled out of bed and didn’t care how that played on camera. He stood near one of the camouflage stations, half-hidden behind a projection wall that shifted color as he moved, matching the artificial jungle terrain programmed into the dome above.

He didn’t wave.

Didn’t smile.

But his eyes met hers.

A small nod.

Recognition.

And for a split second, she felt a little steadier.

Not safe. But not completely alone.

She nodded back.

Then forced herself to walk away before the comfort could settle.

She had work to do.

Station One: Knives.

The girl running the station barely looked up from her clipboard as she explained the basics—stance, grip, throw. Her voice was bored, like she’d said it a hundred times already.

She picked up the blade.

It was heavier than it looked. Cold in her hand.

She lined up with the target, heart pounding in her ears.

Threw.

It landed in the dirt.

Not even close.

From somewhere across the room, she heard soft laughter. Not cruel, but not kind, either. Just the Capitol watching a girl fail on her first try.

She grit her teeth and threw again.

Missed.

Caleb didn’t say anything.

But she knew he was watching.

Station Two: Fire Building.

Easier. At least here, she could sit. She crouched low, following the demo on the screen. Sparkstick. Kindling. Heat modulator.

Her first try fizzled out.

The second gave her a small flame.

She stared at it like it was magic.

And maybe it was.

The instructor gave her a rare nod. “Better than most first-timers.”

She blinked, surprised. “Seriously?”

“Seriously.”

That was… something.

Station Three: Hand-to-Hand Combat.

Terrible idea.

She knew it before she even stepped onto the mat.

But something in her didn’t want to avoid it.

So she went.

The instructor was a mountain of a man, arms crossed, eyes bored. He paired her with a tribute from District Eleven—tall, lean, fast.

The first hit was fast.

The floor was cold.

Her ribs hurt.

The second hit was slower.

Because she tried to dodge.

Didn’t matter.

Down again.

She heard someone whistle softly from the sidelines.

“Nice effort,” the instructor muttered, offering a hand. “Next time, lead with your elbows.”

She didn’t take the hand.

She got up on her own.

From the corner of her eye, Aren was watching again.

But so was Caleb.

He stood near one of the survival gear tables, arms crossed, jaw clenched.

He didn’t say a word.

But the way his eyes tracked her told her everything she needed to know.

She was learning.

Slowly.

Painfully.

But she was still here.

And somehow, that felt like a win.

After her third stumble at the combat station, she slipped away toward the hydration bay, chest still heaving. A sheen of sweat clung to her neck, and a dull ache was already forming at the base of her spine from being tossed like a ragdoll.

She wiped her hands on her bodysuit and looked across the training center—

and spotted him.

Caleb.

He wasn’t struggling.

He didn’t look tired.

He stood at the weapon station now, a spear in hand, surrounded by a small cluster of Capitol instructors and a few curious tributes.

He moved like the weapon belonged to him. Each throw hit dead center. He didn’t miss.

And worse—he didn’t even look like he was trying.

She watched as he completed a sequence of hand-to-hand maneuvers against a sparring dummy—quick, clean, brutal. The kind of movements that didn’t belong in a game. The kind that belonged in real war.

Someone near her muttered, “Show-off.”

She didn’t disagree.

But she didn’t stop watching, either.

For a split second, Caleb glanced her way. Their eyes locked. He didn’t smile. He didn’t gloat.

But she could tell—he saw the way she was seeing him now.

And she hated that it made her chest tighten.

Later that afternoon, the lights dimmed. The central screen pulsed to life.

“Tributes, please report to the simulation chamber for an end-of-day activity. We call it—Hide or Hunt!”

A ripple of uneasy laughter moved through the room.

“Just for fun,” one of the trainers said with a smirk. “You’ll be placed in a simulated forest. One of you will be randomly chosen as the Seeker. The rest? You hide.”

A pause.

“Everyone will be fitted with a red tracking light. The moment you’re caught, your light shuts off and you’re out. Last one standing gets… Capitol points.”

She didn’t like the way he said that.

The phrase “just for fun” didn’t mean much in the Capitol.

The simulation room was massive—a stadium-sized space now filled with a towering artificial forest. The air was damp. Mist curled through the trees. Birds chirped, clearly fake, but eerie all the same.

An attendant handed her a small band. “Clip it to your shoulder,” they instructed. “It glows red. Try not to lose.”

She clipped it on, adjusted her gloves, and stepped into the woods.

Caleb appeared at her side before the simulation started.

“You ever play games like this back home?” he asked.

She gave him a flat look. “Back home, we didn’t have food. Or forests.”

He didn’t laugh, but his lips twitched just barely. “Stay low. Use cover. And don’t breathe too loud.”

“You’re not the Seeker?”

“Not this round.”

“Good.” She looked at him. “Because I’d hate to find out what your version of ‘tag’ looks like.”

“Painful,” he said simply.

She didn’t doubt it.

A sharp tone rang through the trees.

“SEEKER SELECTED: DISTRICT VI — RAZE.”

“Oh good,” she muttered. “The unhinged one.”

Then everything went dark.

The forest lit up with the soft glow of a hundred tiny red dots scattered across the map. Hers blinked faintly on her shoulder.

The game had begun.

She took off running, heart pounding, the mist swallowing her whole.

Capitol said it was a game.

But in the way people moved, in the way feet pounded the fake earth and breath hitched in terror—

It was anything but.

A/n: thanks for reading and have a good day or night wherever y’all are.

Tags:

@mysticcollectionvoid

@pansy-chic27213

[tellioari]

Q&A !! With @leafenzo/aka Leah and myself, Eliza

Leah: We don't hold ourselves to a strict schedule, I will say though we are a large chunk of the way done - all basic dyed blocks (like wool, concrete, banners, etc) are already in. We're just ironing out extra features related to the dyes. Also- before it releases we will have a public playtesting period for a tad if anyone reallyyy wants it early :3 (albeit in a quite unstable form). The plan is to release it for Fabric, and for 1.20.1 through 1.20.3 for now.

Leah: teehehe chunk-of-fun :3 jfsljfkslj Eliza: well, for the most part, the new bugs we are adding are things i just find interesting and have a good model idea for. i like making them very large, fitting into the large bug precedent set by the bees and silverfish :3 Right now the planned blorbos are the beetle, the wooly beetle, mantis, dragonfly, mint slug and silk moth! I've also made a seahorse model, but I don't think I'll end up using it in the dye mod. I might add more in the future if I'm feeling up to it.

Eliza: We have a lot of compatibility features in the works - including Suppementaries' Presents, every dyeable block in Create, Farmer's Delight's signs, and compatibility integration with Nature's Sprit as well. I've also thought about making dye compat with Another Furniture, but... that is a monumental task that I'd probably need help with/be able to streamline. We will also try and add compatibility textures to mods that autogenerate new dyed blocks - but that will have to be a case-by-case basis, and will be figured out during beta testing.

Eliza: I would love to make a tutorial at some point! - however, my process right now is very spur-of-the-moment and kinda random, haha. Maybe I'll make a post in the future if i'm feeling up to it. At the very least, I do follow some basic principles with designing my models:

Try to use clever techniques to minimize the amount of cubes used - this creates a confine that makes me get creative with what cubes i use while also optimizing the model at the same time.

Try to be as expressive as possible with cubes being used, no cube should be left untouched in the keyframes of animation.

Keep colors interesting by shifting hue a lot depending on lighting and what kind of material i want to convey (for example, if most of the model is smooth and green to blue, i'd go for green to yellow for the rougher parts)

Eliza: I would like to add some more storage blocks in the future, mainly stuff from new updates and any other random things I think of. I was thinking of making a create compatibility submod maybe, but because of the effort it takes to come up with textures its still just a thought. Leah: If by that you mean creating mods that add new features to squashed, or compatibility fixes, of course! and that goes for our other mods too! :D We'd seriously feel honored.

Leah: For me, the hardest part was just the frustration of it, frustration at the code, the tutorial, or far more often just at myself. Just know that it's the hardest at the beginning, but if you stick with you'll get your bearings and it will somehow start to get a bit easier. Also, datagen! It's useful as can be but gosh did that take me a while to figure out even just the basics of how to generate a model haha.

Thank you for all the questions!! We apologize if we didn't quite get to your question, there were a lot and we tried to pick the most general ones :3 If you still have a question that wasn't answered here, be sure to join and ask it on our discord!: https://discord.gg/eJePAPE27T

[signaturedish]

Dude. I just re-read PA for the 4th time, and dang! I love it unreasonably lots!! You have SKILLS making me adore ypur whole cast of characters! I was wondering, if you aren't already planning to continue in the future, how did you see this story going, and ending? Selfishly, I hope it turns out Everything Is Good, Nothing Hurts at curtains, but what delights and terrors did you have smuggled up your sleeves?? Great work, and thanks for the beautiful masterpiece of a fic!

I got this ask a while ago and I really thought about. I wasn’t sure where I wanted to go with PA until this year. I still really like what I wrote and I love you guys, but as of 2024 it’s safe to say it’s officially abandoned and I no longer plan to finish it.

As for where I was planning to take PA, of course I planned for a happy ending! I wasn’t half as vicious as some of the people who interacted with this blog lmao. PA was a tortilla chip for hurt/comfort fluff first and foremost!

The plan was bb-Harry hot potato. Raids and swaps and hostages while humans watched in horrified silence as these killer robots invading the planet seemed more occupied with capture-the-flag chrome edition than alien takeover.

Concretely, there was going to be a resolution to that whole growing-up thing. Decepticons were gonna cobble together a second frame for him via human raids (think OG cartoon and all the random raids to acquire resources) and finally conclude they might need a doctor to fine tune it.

Cue Ratchet who’s been trying to get conveniently isolated and captured for weeks atp getting captured (thank god). Harry would get a sick new form- which was more in-tune with regular seekers. Upturned wings, greater independence, durability, etc.

He’d get some fledgling flying lessons, there was going to be a concurrently running subplot about Starscream plotting to use bb harry as a hostage/king’s crown and delivering him to The Fallen for evil nefarious purposes. But of course melting at the last minute and dying to get Harry out of there.

Then being resurrected with the cube, etc etc happy endings because that’s my jam.

The big bad was going to be The Fallen who is Not Cool about this kid who

A. Is not one of the hatchling drones he’s been sinking millions into in order to win over desperate robots as the last option to keep from going extinct.

B. Is in possession of the allspark in such a manner that he can’t just grab it in the dark of night.

Eventually spurring decepticons and Autobots to take him out together as the final conflict. Probably after he successfully captured and almost murdered Harry. I was thinking about having him switch from using Decepticons after Starscream’s double cross and using humans and reincorporating those scientists.

They sneak in while the Autobots and deceptions are on high alert for EACH OTHER, and get their test subject back with the help of a powerful backer they don’t know much about.

Harry would get that one-two punch of being back in the lab, we can have some closure over those scientists and they can rough him up. Then deliver him to the Fallen.

From there, it could’ve gone a couple of ways. Harry, empowered, finding a way to hurt the Fallen with the allspark, maybe getting killed and resurrected, maybe regular old sabotage and halfway failed escape before a rescue in the darkest hour…. I wasn’t sure what tone I wanted for the climax….I was leaning on putting him death’s door and everyone needing to work together to get him out and keep him alive.

In the process of taking on the fallen and getting their baby back, Autobots and decepticons forge a very tenuous peace treaty in the name of Not Almost Getting Their Kid Killed Like That One Time With The Fallen Ever Again.

Somewhere in there we were gonna get second and third wave Autobot and deceptions refugees hitting the earth and Harry was going to find out he could use the allspark to bring more kids to life.

But yeah, post epilogue characters were going to end somewhere along the lines of-

Harry on his way to robot teenage-dom, strong enough and with enough resources that he no longer needs the allspark to live. He figures out how to remove it, but its decided that he should keep it.

Megatron and Optimus, now the most passive aggressive reluctant exes sharing custody of their kid you have ever seen at a PTA meeting.

Ratchet, dealing with his trauma via the deeply healing experience of seeing a pack of healthy kids out in the universe again. Eventually he might have one of his own, tho that wasn’t concrete.

Bumblebee and Starscream become big brothers of vastly different fonts.

Bumblebee is the one adored by all the little kiddies, ready to help with pranks and jokes. Starscream is the one worshipped fearfully from afar. Kids don’t act out in his presence, they act LIKE him and then furiously deny that they were mimicking him at all.

Arcee isn’t that invested in all honesty. Jazz and Ironhide are cool uncles. For basically everyone else I become Oprah- YOU get a kid, and YOU get a kid, etc.

There was going to be an explosion in the UK that no one pursues super seriously. We think it’s a robot stirring up trouble but nothing really becomes of it. Just Wizard World having A Time ™ and Voldemort and Dumbledore speed-running the series off screen.

In a very broad, probably embarrassingly hand-waved manner, they were also going to negotiate their way into owning land for their colony. No longer dwindling refugees, now an infant nation state slowly incorporating themselves politically as a technological power, trading for old relics and refined energy sources.

These were my rough outlines and ideas, which were nowhere near set in stone. So if you prefer a different end or would’ve liked something else to be included, by all means continue with that ending! That’s just what I had planned way back when, and I hope it doesn’t sound like total nonsense lol!!

[befuddled-calico-whump]

Total$hit$how: Barricade

in which Jericho does what he can

cw: electrocution, fear of death, adult language

previous ///// masterlist ///// next

×~×~×

“Go! Go! Go!”

Everything devolved into chaos as soon as the realization hit, that maybe it wasn't just training and maybe Vic was willing to blow them to bits if they failed.

Jericho didn't want to believe it. Why go to the trouble of recruiting and training them if only to let them die now? But even if it wasn't super plausible, he wasn't taking chances. He sprinted to the obstacle course with the rest; concrete cubes towering over them like giant building blocks. 

Okay, so the alleged ‘bomb’ was somewhere in there. He couldn't see an obvious opening, which meant they'd probably have to start by climbing up the cubes, the bottom tier of which looked to be eight... maybe nine feet high. Easy enough for Jericho to reach, but the others might have trouble.

“Joy!” He dropped to a knee beside the closest cube. “Need a boost?”

“Thanks, Jer!” 

He suppressed a wince as she vaulted off his thigh, catching the concrete edge and hauling herself up.

“Benji?”

The other man was a little more gentle than Joy had been, but it seemed more due to nerves than care. Joy helped yank him up once he found stable footing on Jericho’s leg.

“Harbor?” he said as he watched Benji disappear over the edge, but when he glanced back, he saw the lanky man was already gone. Not that surprising. Harbor seemed like he'd rather do his own thing, and that was usually fine. Some people just weren't social, and Jericho could respect that, but right now seemed like a good time for a united effort. To… probably not die and all that jazz.

Speaking of not dying, he hoped Sahota was okay, whatever mission he was on. Their trainer could be a little harsh at times, and Jericho didn't like some of his more brutal methods, but he didn't seem all bad. Once he'd learned there was no way to get in contact with Marla and Ari and his mom, he'd begged Sahota to at least let him send a letter.

“I have a kid. I don't want her or her mom thinking something bad happened to me. Just one letter. You can even read it first. I swear I'm not spilling any secrets.”

“The risk is too high.”

“Please, man. My mom’s gonna be worried sick.”

Jericho hadn't thought it was possible for stone to soften, but the hard edges in Sahota's expression had somehow lessened at that.

“I'll… see what I can do.”

That was the moment that Jericho decided maybe Sahota wasn't as scary and soulless as he looked. Maybe they could learn to get along after all.

Kaius darted towards where Jericho had knelt, taking the offered boost without a word or a smile. Which was okay. Nobody owed him friendship, and at least Kaius was mostly willing to be a team player. Once the smaller man had made it, Jericho climbed up himself, taking Joy's offered hand even though he wouldn't have had much of an issue on his own.

“Where would we be without you?” Benji said, offering a nervous smile.

“On the ground,” Kaius replied. “Now let's go. We have a bomb to find.”

“Aye aye, captain,” Benji muttered.

“Anyone see where Harbor got off to?”

“I'd say we have a bigger problem. One we can solve without Harbor.” Kaius moved to the next tier, this one a few feet shorter. “We should climb higher. Get the best vantage point and see if we can find the device visually.”

“On and up then,” Jericho said, trying to keep his tone optimistic. From what he could tell, the maze of cubes was huge and asymmetrical, but not so big that they couldn't find the thing in an hour.

…right?

They began the slow climb upwards, tier by tier, rounding corners and peeking past ledges and finding nothing.

“You know, I'm starting to think it's better if we don't find the bomb,” Benji panted as they climbed the final tier. “This is all concrete, right? If there are real explosives, we'll be safer the further away we are.”

“And fail the test?” Joy said. “That's how we'll end up back in training limbo. Or jail.”

Jericho pulled himself up and ran to the edge. How long had it already been? Not more than ten, fifteen minutes, right? This was the highest point. They should be able to scan the maze and find the target, like Kaius said.

Only when he reached the ledge, he saw nothing, just empty concrete on all sides. Like a giant, uneven layer cake.

“Shit,” Benji muttered. “Shit, where'd it go? Was this a prank? Is Vic pranking us?”

And where was Harbor? From up here, Jericho should've been able to see him. Unless he'd just left, but he wouldn't do that, would he?

“Maybe it's not here at all? Maybe it went somewhere else in the room and the blocks were a red herring,” Joy offered, but Kaius shook his head. 

“I don't see it, and its trajectory suggested this area.” He narrowed his eyes. “I think… the structure may be hollow. We may need to find a way inside.”

Jericho hadn't seen anything on the climb up, but maybe it was on the other side? Or maybe it was concealed? Shoot, would they have enough time to find it?

“Everyone split up. Shout for the others if you find an entryway.”

Ah. Yeah, that was definitely a better angle. They didn't have to stick together through the entire trial.

Jericho slipped off the edge, checking the next tier down. He didn't know what he was looking for, but it had to be somewhat obvious, right? He knocked on the side of the concrete, tapped his foot on the ground, and scanned for seams, but nothing really stood out.

“Yo guys! Over here!” Joy's voice came from the second tier, the exact opposite side from the one they'd climbed up initially.

When he made it to her, he saw what must've been the most obvious door in the world. Plain wooden brown, only missing a doorknob. From the ground, they would've seen it immediately.

“I guess the learning point here is ‘look around the exterior before going in’ ?” Joy said, giving it a test push. It swung inwards. Benji let out a heavy sigh at that.

“Why am I even here.”

Jericho gave him a consoling pat on the back on his way inside. The interior looked like a branching corridor, poorly lit, but at least he could sorta see.

“Looks clear,” he said. “Should we just… run inside?”

“We should at least start moving. We've burned through half our time limit,” Kaius muttered, moving in to join him. Jericho shot him a questioning look, and the smaller man held up his wrist.

“I suppose no one else wears watches anymore.” He moved to the first fork, peering down each path. “I don't know how much of a labyrinth this will be. If we split up, we'll cover the most ground.”

“No way,” Benji said. “I'm not going in there alone, not when there's murderbots on the loose.”

“Taserbots,” Joy corrected him. “But I agree. If it's a maze, it'll be hard to regroup.”

“It will also be hard to find our target if we’re moving as a large team,” Kaius insisted. “If you're so afraid, you take Ruebin. Davis and I will take the other corridors—”

“Ah, I think I'm on Joy's side here,” Jericho said. What if only one of them found the bomb and all of their skills were needed? What if someone ran into the drones and got hurt because they had no backup?

Something twisted in his stomach when he realized that may well have happened to Harbor. Shoot… they needed to get moving. Not just for the bomb, but for their reluctant teammate.

“And if the bomb is real, I'm sure you'll all be happy to die together when we don't find it.”

“Oh don't be so fucking stubborn—”

“Maybe we should just leave?”

“And then Vic will excuse us from the mission and all of you will go to prison. Is that what you want, Ruebin?”

“I'm sorry not all of us have rich parents to bail us out—”

“You don't know a thing about my parents—”

“Guys,” Jericho cut in, and in the split second of silence when the two turned their glares to him, he heard it. A faint hum, coming from—

“Shit!”

“Taserbot!”

Jericho dropped to a crouch just in time for one of the drones to go whirring past his head. He realized too late that it was making a beeline for Kaius, and the smaller man didn't react quick enough to avoid its deploying weapon; a thin metal line that extended from the body like the tongue of an anteater. As soon as it reached Kaius, latching onto his neck, he went rigid, his eyes wide.

Jericho’s first instinct was to punch it away, and it mostly worked, his knuckles smarting something terrible as the drone rocked to the side and Kaius collapsed. He lunged forward, scooping up the smaller man.

“Okay, run time.”

He took off down the left corridor, Joy and Benji close behind.

“What the fuck—?”

“Cattle prod, my ass.”

The hall twisted and turned every few feet, now and then branching off into more paths that Jericho chose at random.

“Is it… did it follow us?” he asked when they'd at last come to a stop.

“I don't think so,” Joy muttered, leaning on the wall. “Shit, those things pack a punch.”

“What now?”

Jericho didn't know. He wasn't even entirely sure he'd be able to retrace his steps back to the start of the maze.

“You can put me down now,” mumbled the man in his arms, and Jericho lowered him.

“Can you stand?”

“Yes,” Kaius said, though he seemed unsteady, keeping one hand firmly on the wall.

“Did it hurt?” Benji asked.

“Yes,” Kaius said again, the word much sharper this time.

“We'll worry about the bots later,” Joy said. “Maybe we should split up. Not all the way, just… teams of two.”

“Fine by me,” Kaius said, glancing up at Jericho. “Davis? With me.”

Jericho smiled. It was probably the closest he'd get to a thank you. 

“Guess we'll play Marco Polo if we find it first,” Benji said, giving a half-hearted wave before following Joy into the corridor. 

Well. He and Kaius could retrace their steps, maybe check out some of the halls he'd ran past? This place couldn't be that huge, and they should have plenty of—

“Twenty five minutes,” Kaius said. “We need to move.”

Shoot.

The two of them jogged back through the corridor. Jericho was careful to match Kaius's speed; the smaller man still seemed a little shaky, even if he didn't seem willing to admit it.

“Do you have a plan to find it?”

“No,” Kaius answered after a moment. “I'm not wholly convinced it isn't an impossible task.”

They turned into another corridor, this one seeming to go deeper into the structure, its floor angled downwards.

“Why would Vic give us an impossible task?”

“Either to see how we handle failure…” Kaius began, looking between another two paths, one that evened out and one that continued the decline. He chose the descending hall. “...Or the bomb is real, and this is the quickest way to eliminate all of us at once.”

Sheesh. “Seems a little extreme.”

“People will go to extremes to protect their secrets.”

Well. That didn't exactly give him a warm fuzzy.

Kaius let out an irritated sigh as they came to yet another fork in the path. “We should keep going deeper. If I were Vic, I'd put the target as far from the entrance as possible, in order to—”

“Wait.” Jericho squinted down the level corridor. There was something on the ground, its shape irregular, like a spilled laundry basket, or…

“Shoot. Harbor.”

“What?”

Jericho didn't take time to answer, taking off towards the figure on the ground. He must've run into the drones, and without anyone to fend them off or drag him away… shoot. He dropped to a knee beside the lanky man, pressing two fingers into the skin of his wrist and letting out a sigh of relief when he felt a pulse.

“Hey,” he said, giving his shoulders a shake. Harbor groaned in response, but didn't open his eyes. He looked younger like this, and Jericho found himself wondering, not for the first time, how old he really was. 

“Is he dead?” Kaius said from over his shoulder, not sounding like he cared what the answer was. Then again, he usually sounded pretty monotone, so Jericho didn't hold it against him.

“He should be okay.” Jericho shook Harbor by the shoulders again, and this time, his eyes fluttered open, though they were half-lidded and unfocused.

“Fuck,” he muttered. “Fuckin… robots.”

“Can you sit up?” Jericho said, wincing when Harbor practically threw himself onto his feet, falling against the wall with enough force he might've dented it if it wasn't concrete.

“Not my fault,” he said, starting to trudge away from the other two. “I couldn't see them. Trying to find the fucking bomb, so I couldn't see 'em coming. They don't… they don't have the color like humans do.”

Jericho wasn't entirely sure what he was talking about. “Uh… color?”

Harbor glanced backwards at him, still looking like he was about to pass out again. “Neutrals. People have them.” He jutted his chin out at Jericho like he was gesturing. “You're purple.”

“Implant effects?” Kaius said.

“Wouldn’t you like to know?”

Jericho jogged after him. “Hey. You said you're trying to find the bomb. Are you… using the implant?”

“No, I'm fucking using elocation.”

Jericho knit his eyebrows together. “Echolocation?”

“Whatever.”

Kaius hadn't moved, and was standing in the center of the path, his arms crossed. “This is a waste of time.”

“Then get lost,” Harbor said. “I can find it on my own.”

“Well… we're supposed to be working as a team,” Jericho said. Harbor didn't turn around, and he sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. 

“Harbor,” he tried again. “We need your help.”

The lanky man didn't say anything, but he did stop walking. 

“This place is a maze,” Jericho continued. “I have no idea where to find this thing. But you might. You might be the only one who can find it in the next…”

“Fifteen minutes,” said Kaius.

“Fifteen minutes,” Jericho repeated. “We can't do this without you.”

Harbor was quiet for a moment, but then he shrugged. “Fine, I guess.” He pushed himself up from the wall, his stride quicker than it had been as he took off down the hall. After a quick glance over his shoulder to make sure Kaius was coming too, Jericho followed.

Harbor took turns seemingly at random, sometimes pausing at a fork and squinting down each corridor before choosing one. Trusting in whatever artificial clairvoyance Harbor had felt a little weird, but what else did they have to go off of?

“There.” Harbor at last came to a stop, leaning on the wall. His hand was clutched to his temple, a wince in his expression. 

“You okay?”

“Head hurts.”

“From the implant?”

“We don't have time,” Kaius said. “Seven minutes.”

Jericho nodded, pressing his lips together. As much as he hated to ask, this could still be a do or die moment.

“Harbor… can you—?”

“Yeah. Fucking sure. Let me see what I can see.”

They rounded the corner, and there it was, sitting at just over six minutes, true to Kaius's count.

“Okay. Shoot.” Jericho glanced over his shoulder, then back at all the screens and knobs, most of which didn't even look like they were connected to anything. “Either of you ever do something like this?”

“You're the hacker, aren't you?”

“I'm not a bomber. Pretty sure there's a difference.” Still, he moved closer to the device, cautiously tapping on each screen to see if they'd at least light up. And… nothing happened.

“Harbor?” Kaius said, but the other man shook his head.

“S’too many things. I don't know.”

Jericho let out a small puff of air, braced himself, and carefully picked it up. The timer didn't stop, but it also didn't just blow up in his hands, so he'd consider it a win. Now what? Should he pry it apart and get a look at the inside? What would that do to it?

“I'm really not sure—”

“Drone!” Kaius said, and Jericho looked up just in time to see the metal sphere hurtling towards him. He tucked the bomb under one arm and dealt an uppercut to the bot, sucking in air through his teeth at the sting in his knuckles. The drone wobbled in the air, but didn't fall. Jericho moved to put himself between it and his teammates. They'd both been shocked already, they didn't need—

“Davis, watch out!”

He dodged, but not quick enough, and its thin metal tongue caught him in the upper arm, spewing electricity into him like poison. Every muscle tensed so tightly it hurt, pain arcing across his vision like bright spiderwebs until he at last collapsed, falling out of the weapon’s reach.

Jericho groaned, trying to bring himself back to awareness past the buzzing in his ears. The drone was still here, the bomb was still here, everyone was still in danger. He needed to get up, but his body was slow to obey.

“Five minutes,” Kaius was saying, but he sounded muffled, and from the corner of his eye he saw Harbor swing at the drone, only to be met with another electrical shock.

Get. Up.

He forced himself to his feet, aiming a clumsy blow at the bot. It didn't land, but its weapon receded. He was too far to catch Harbor, and could only watch as he hit the ground. Damnit, what could he do? He was still dazed from the shock, too slow to put up a fight, had no clue what to do with the bomb, and they were running out of time.

Jericho dodged the drone's tongue by an inch, stumbling as he did, rolling when he hit the ground to give himself more distance. He came to his knees beside Harbor, once again forming a Jericho-barricade between him and the enemy, though he doubted he could do much besides take the shock himself.

Behind him, there was another low hum.

Damnit!

“Harbor,” he shook the unconscious man's arm, keeping his eyes on the drone in front of him. “Harbor, wake up.”

Across the room, Kaius set the bomb down, and aimed a kick at the encroaching drone. The toe of his shoe just barely grazed the metal, but it was enough to make the thing turn around. Jericho turned himself, ready to attempt to face drone number two.

The round metal chassis poked around the corner, but something was wrong. It was low, and misangled, and attached to—

“Joy!”

She was wearing the drone half over her fist, like an oversized set of brass knuckles. Jericho wasn't too surprised. If anyone was gonna manage that, it was gonna be her. Her triumphant smile turned to a snarl as she spotted the first drone.

“Drop, Manak!”

Kaius didn't need to be told twice. Joy lunged forward, filling the room with a crunching clang as chassis hit chassis. The hovering drone smacked into the wall, still flying, but definitely flying a little less straight. Undeterred, Joy's bot-fist slammed into it again, and the thing spun out, landing on the ground with an uneven whir.

Benji came up beside Jericho, offering a hand up, which he took gratefully.

“I can't believe you two,” he said with a grin. “How'd you get the drone?”

“Well it started coming at us, and—”

“Bomb,” Kaius said.

“And I'll tell you later,” Joy finished.

“We're down to three minutes.” Kaius held it towards her, eerily calm despite the fact that this thing still might be real. 

“Three minutes?” Benji said. “Shit, do you know how to—?”

“No.”

“Let me see.” Joy took it, fidgeting with the screens and dials.

“Any ideas?”

“I don't know. It's definitely not like any of the bombs I've seen.”

“Maybe it's just a hoax?”

“At least we'll all die together,” Benji mumbled, sliding onto the ground next to Joy.

What if they did? What if Vic really did just want to get rid of them?

“Don't say that,” Jericho said. “We'll figure it out.”

“In three minutes?”

“Two and a half now,” Kaius put in.

Two and a half. Not nearly enough time, even if he did know where to start. Joy didn't seem to be making progress, Harbor was still passed out on the floor…

“Give it to me,” Jericho said.

“Just a sec,” Joy said, prying at one of the screens.

“There's no time.” He sighed. “I'll take it and run. If it is real, maybe I'll get far enough for you all to stay safe.”

“Are you crazy?”

“Maybe. Just…” he held out his hands.

“Absolutely not. Like Benji said, we'll die together.”

“Well I'm not married to the idea…”

“Okay, fine.” Jericho moved to Harbor, getting an arm around the unconscious man and hauling him up. “Benji, Kaius, take him and go. Get as far as you can. We'll try to solve this.”

Kaius frowned. “Davis—”

“No point in everyone getting blown up. Go.”

Two minutes left.

The two of them got on either side of Harbor and started dragging him back the way they'd come. If it was real… Jericho just hoped they'd have enough time to clear the blast. He dropped to his knees beside Joy.

“What are you thinking?”

“I don't know. At this point, we just gotta tear it apart, right?”

“Might be our best shot.”

“Wish I had a fucking screwdriver.” She managed to get her fingers under a screen and jerk it away from the device, but underneath was only smooth metal.

“Fuck!”

“Try another one.” 

“Or…” Joy clenched her fingers around the broken drone and began to slam it into the device, again and again until it started to come apart, but the clock kept ticking.

“Jer, just run. Like you said, no point in both of us—”

“We can figure it out,” he insisted, pulling at the cracks she'd created. Inside was an excessive amount of wires, tangled like rainbow spaghetti. Ari loved spaghetti. God, please let the letter get to them, if I don't make it, just let them be okay.

Thirty seconds.

No time for finesse. Jericho started ripping out wires, not getting so much as a beep from the device. The more he pulled, the more he found, almost like the whole thing was just wire.

Twenty seconds.

No matter how much he ripped apart, it was still steadily counting down, and how much explosives did it take to kill you anyway? Was the charge small enough that he could throw it across the room and they'd both survive? He didn't know.

Ten seconds.

Maybe they all should've ran. If they abandoned Vic's mission, he'd hand them over to the law, but he could still write his daughter letters from jail, still get visits, and Joy had a family too. Why hadn't he forced her to leave, why hadn't he just snatched it from her hands and ran in the first place?

She'd run after you. She'd never let you get that far.

Hell. There were worse people to die with.

Three.

Two.

One.

Both of them jerked back on instinct, arms flying up to shield their faces as if that would be enough to save them.

But…

Nothing happened. The device was emitting a high pitched whine, almost too faint to hear past the blood rushing in his ears.

Joy laughed, falling back onto her elbows. “Holy shit. It was a hoax after all.”

“Knew it,” Jericho said with an uneasy laugh. He had, hadn't he? Why was his heart beating so fast, then? Why did he feel like he was about to cry, that he needed to hug Arabella right now or his chest would burst?

Joy threw an arm around his shoulder, and he settled for hugging her instead.

“Here's to stupid bravery,” she said. “Fuck, I need a drink after that. My hands are fucking shaking.”

She helped him to his feet, and he found he was shaky too. No matter how implausible a real bomb was, that small chance…

Shoot. Yeah, he wouldn't mind a drink right about now either.

Above them, the concrete began to shift, cubes unstacking and reforming until they were standing on open ground, in the training room as it had been before the challenge.

Vic was standing beside the other three, hands clasped behind his back. Harbor looked dazed, but at least he was up and blinking. Jericho gave a little wave.

“Sloppy, but not entirely incoherent,” Vic said, strolling over to him and Joy. “Your cohesion was above what I'd anticipated, and I must say I admire your refusal to quit.” He turned back to the other three. “Mr. Manak, I appreciate your willingness to take charge. And Hunter, excellent work locating the device.”

Joy's hand went up. “Was there a better way to defeat it? Something obvious that we missed?”

Vic chuckled. “There wasn't a way to defeat it at all. In fact, I'm surprised you even found it.”

So the ‘mission’ was a success?

“I was worried about what would happen when I had all of you working together, but I'd say this team has some real potential,” Vic continued. “Good work. Go on and take the rest of the day for yourselves. I think you've earned it.”

Sure felt like they had. Jericho wouldn't have considered the bomb hunting much of a workout, but he was exhausted. As Vic left the room, he and Joy moved to rejoin the rest of the team. Even after Vic said they could, none of them had moved to leave. Not even Harbor.

“So,” Jericho began. “Not a real bomb.”

“No shit,” Harbor said, but it didn't sound half as bitey as his usual comments. Neither him nor Kaius seemed like they wanted to make eye contact. Benji, on the other hand, hugged Joy, then detached himself from her and hugged him.

“You're an actual badass and I love you,” he said, to which Jericho responded with a chuckle and a pat on the back.

“Good job getting Harbor out.”

“We both know I didn't do shit,” Benji said with a laugh. 

Joy gave an exaggerated stretch beside them. “Normally, I'd invite everyone out to a bar after an event like that, but seeing as we're all stuck inside… I dunno. Wanna head to the kitchen and whip up some pancakes? I'm sure I can figure them out this time.”

Joy turned to go, and Benji joined her. Harbor shrugged and trailed behind them. It was just Jericho and Kaius left, trapped in an awkward silence.

“So,” he said lamely.

“You're an idiot,” Kaius replied. “If it had been real—”

“It wasn't. Everyone's fine.” His own fear seemed ridiculous now. He felt like an idiot for believing it for even a second. Kaius let out a huff.

“You're not a human shield, Davis. You're some of the only brains this team has.”

That nearly sounded like a compliment. “I can’t help it,” Jericho shrugged. “If I can help, I'm going to help.” 

“I've gotten fairly good at watching my own back,” Kaius said, and it almost sounded like that was the end of it, that the smaller man would turn on his heel and saunter away, but then…

“You could've left me in the maze. After the drone attack. You could've left Harbor.”

Jericho shook his head. “No. No, I couldn't have.” He rubbed the back of his hand, knuckles still throbbing from the hits he'd dealt the robot. “We're a team now. Gotta stick together and all that jazz.”

“Do you honestly believe that?”

“Would you have left me?” Jericho asked.

“Yes. If it was pragmatic, and the mission could still go on without you. Now that you know that, would you still say that you—”

“Yes,” Jericho said. “Yes, I still wouldn't leave you behind. It's not a transaction, Kaius. It's just what's right.” He sighed. Is this what he’d stayed back for? To start an argument that might ease his bruised pride?

“I'm gonna go get some pancakes,” he said, turning around.

“Davis—”

“Hm?”

“I…” Kaius bent his head. “Thank you. It was stupid, everything you did was stupid, but I can't say I'm not a little grateful.”

Jericho felt a smile forming. Well what do you know?

“You're welcome,” he said. “And call me Jericho.”

×~×~×

@theonewithallthefixations

[chosaraki]

Order and Chaos.

—————————————————————————

Charles Choi x R.femele.

—————————————————————————

Y/N inspired by L Lawliet.

—————————————————————————

The sound of the rain hitting the darkened windows of the mansion was almost hypnotic. Inside, the house was silent - raw concrete walls, minimal furniture and indirect lighting, almost gray. Everything was calculated, without excesses. Like him.

Charles Choi, in his early twenties, walked the polished cement floor barefoot, his eyes fixed on the monitor in front of him. Genetic graphs, illegal import routes, Gun and Goo performance reports. Everything moved like gears of an immense and invisible mechanism - one that he commanded with his fingertips.

And then, the upper floor door creaky.

She showed up.

His wife, Y/n, barefoot, with her feet bent on the top of the slippers, wearing a white shirt much bigger than her, and holding a sugar cube between two fingers.

The disheveled hair fell on the big, dark eyes, which watched everything without blinking - logical predator eyes. She went down the steps with the typical curved posture of someone who didn't care about appearance. But it was beautiful. Not in the common sense. In the rare, disturbing sense. Like an access code that no one knew how to decipher.

- You stayed awake. Again. - she said, her voice hoarse, almost monotonous, but sharp as a precision blade.

- I'm following the tests. The first batch of reactive bodies has already begun to show instability in the limbic system.

She approached the bench and sat down... in the fetal position on the acrylic chair. He took two more sugar cubes out of his pocket and ate them as if he were absorbing dice.

- You're trying to make better humans... without being human in the process. - he murmured, looking at him without blinking.

Charles looked up at her.

She was the only one he allowed to see the flaws of the equation.

Maybe because she never judged him - she just analyzed.

- Emotionality is noise. Interference. - he replied. - Emotions created wars, religions, hunger. I need to create something that works above that.

- And who guarantees that you are not the mistake trying to eliminate your own symptoms?

Silence.

She was with her legs crossed now, with her chin resting on her knees. The gaze fixed on his.

- It's not your creation that worries me, Charles. It's you.

- Don't you believe me?

- I understand you. Do I believe? You don't even know if you believe what you say.

Charles approached. Stooding in front of her, he studied the pale face, the sunnken eyes, the cold skin. She looked fragile, like porcelain... but she was the most dangerous being he knew besides himself.

- I could build everything without you. But it would be... - he hesitated - inefficient.

She looked at him with slight irony. Almost a smile. Almost.

- Charles. You want a flawless world. But he chose me - with all my oddities, addictions and absence of emotional logic.

- Why?

Charles put his hand on the top of her head. The fingers slid between the dark and disordered wires.

- Because you're the only mistake I don't want to correct.

———————

Hours later, she slept on the couch, hugging a notebook with theories about neural behavior.

Charles watched her in silence.

On the screen next to it, there was a three-dimensional model of a new experimental body.

But his gaze wasn't on the screen.

It was in it.

Because, deep down, Charles Choi was not only driven by ambition.

He was moved by the fear that one day, she would leave him... and he would discover that without her, his perfect world would be sterile.

———————

Time: 3:17 a.m.

Location: Quiet room, almost laboratory, with dark glass walls and low bed without headboard.

⸻

The mansion was immersed in a tomb silence. You only heard the sound of a server spinning in the background, in the attached laboratory. Charles was sitting by the bed, still wearing the white dress shirt, sleeves rolled up to his forearms.

The hands were on the knees. The back, straight. The face... tense.

On the mattress, shrunken under a raw cotton sheet, Y/n slept on her side, her hair spread like black paint against the pillow. He wore the same shirt as him - probably taken from his body hours before, when they discussed the genetic changes he didn't tell.

Even sleeping, it seemed that she thought. The subtly wrinkled expression, as if you were solving a code in the dream.

Charles watched her like a man who analyzed a delayed effect bomb: beautiful, fragile and absolutely dangerous for the balance he built.

Finally, he moved.

He lay down slowly behind her, without touching her. The heat of her body was like a magnetic field - he could feel without touching.

But today, something in him gave way.

The hand advanced, with real hesitation. A human trait. Rare. Unacceptable, by its own standards.

He put his fingers on the contour of her waist, like someone who touches a forbidden artifact.

She moted - but didn't wake up. He just let out a low sound, a sigh, and pulled his hand to his own chest.

Now yes, awake.

- ... Charles?

- I'm here.

She didn't open her eyes. He just sank his face more into the pillow, keeping his hand against his heart, as if it were a seal.

Her chest went up and down slowly, but firmly. His pulse was faster than it should have been.

- I don't like what you're doing with that boy. - she said, her voice hoarse with sleep, but direct as always. - You're breaking his identity. How it broke the others.

Charles took a long time.

- He is useful. Moldable. And voluntary.

- Volunteer because you manipulate his perception. - She turned her face to face him, half-closed eyes. - You see people as pieces. Even me.

But... you hesitate with me. Why?

He held his breath for a moment.

Then he approached, touching his forehead to hers. The eyes closed.

- Because you're the only noise I... accept.

- When you sleep, it's the only time I wonder if I should destroy everything.

She laughed. Shorty. No sarcasm, for the first time.

- You're too arrogant to allow yourself to love.

- But you love me, don't you?

Charles didn't answer.

Instead, his lips touched the cold skin between her neck and shoulder.

It was a slow kiss, full of contained tension - not carnal, but from someone who didn't know how to say "yes" without losing control.

She turned around completely, now facing him.

- You want to change the world... but you don't want to lose the only fixed point that binds you to the world.

He looked at her closely. Face against face.

- If I lose you... I think I'll stop.

- Not out of weakness. But because no equation would make sense without the variable you represent.

She pulled him closer, her fingers entwining his.

Silence.

There was no more science, genetics, wars, Gun, Goo, or clones.

Just a man who built chaos trying to understand what he felt when he finally had something to lose.

—————————————————————————

Silent, logical, sloppy, but brilliant. In a rainy dawn, he finally allows himself vulnerability. Lying next to her, he confesses with gestures that she is the only "mistay" he doesn't want to correct. She confronts him, saying that he loves, but doesn't know how to admit it. In the end, he realizes that, despite wanting to dominate the world, only she anchors him to reality - the only variable he will never be able to control.

—————————————————————————

[quohotos]

how's the godot?

Lots of progress but very little of it actually visible. I've worked consistently every day since my classes ended. Some days I do more than others, but I always open it and I always scratch off some of my TODOs

(that being said, one of those TODOs is going to be to make an actual Trello or something for this project)

That line shows the path found using the path manager I wrote. I just finished setting up the basics of an action list which I'll use to move the thing around, but it hasn't been tested yet so I'm sure there will be hours of debugging. I made a system that can dynamically load obstacles like those black blocks into the A* representation at runtime so it should be very easy to iterate and make levels.

Really putting off any actual 3d pipeline or art stuff, those shaders nearly killed me, but I have a tutorial bookmarked for when that comes (It'll probably just be a bunch of colored cubes for a few more weeks).

There's not much design done for it beyond just daydreaming. I'm trying to replicate the gameplay of Massive Chalice, but what kind of game it will actually end up being is still up in the air. I've been tempted by ideas to make it into a Bionicle fangame and in a fever dream even a Galidor fan game. I considered making a video game adaptation of the Underland Chronicles TTRPG that I was working on but it didn't really translate well. I'm not sure if this tech is suited for a Pergima themed game, and even then I kinda want my first Pergima game to come after I've got some expertise.

It'll likely be something original if it even makes it that far. I don't want to make any promises until there's something more concrete to show. I am very much focusing on the tech and architecture right now and using it as a learning exercise

[tertiaryunit]

[NEUROTELEMETRY RESULTS]

[Top Secret - God Clearance required]

(PYROKINESIS TESTING) Date: 1 September 2034 Supervisor: Page, Robert. Subject: Carter, Lawrence. Age 7

Seeing the success with past wooden targets, we have seen fit to push the Esper’s abilities even further with a notoriously fire-resistant material: a high-performance concrete cube (64 inches). The results have been encouraging, despite the usual symptoms of what we call “psychic overuse”: hemorrhaging (nose, eyes, mouth), eyes rolled to the back of the head, drowsiness, vertigo, ataxia:

Thermometers show a steady increase in the test chamber’s temperature as the subject focuses before release – from a base 68°F to 137°F in the span of ten (10) seconds. The subject seems to be completely unfazed, which indicates the possibility of some sort of latent ability to isolate himself (further experiments required).

The cube is engulfed in fire (11 seconds in). The subject starts bleeding and his eyes roll back.

The fire changes color to blue (15 seconds in) and the cube explodes. The subject collapses on the floor. Test chamber temperature slowly decreases back to 68°F. (For reference, the melting point of concrete is around 2822°F. The fire turning blue indicates the subject reached a peak of 5432°F before fainting)

Conclusion: Our goal in the following months will be to reduce the time it takes for the cube to explode. We are aiming for it to be instantaneous.

(TELEKINESIS TESTING) Date: 4 September 2034 Supervisor: Page, Robert. Subject: Carter, Lawrence. Age 7

While there is no change during simple tasks (weight lifting up to 90 lbs), the Esper’s body temperature starts dropping as the Telekinesis effort becomes more intensive. From an initial value of 98.6°F:

We reached a maximum drop of 73.4°F before the test subject fainted. Afterwards, the temperature rose back to its regular values immediately.

It seems that, for now, the ESPER cannot lift more than 430 lbs.

Symptoms observed when the test subject's body temperature drops: faster heart and respiratory rate during the initial phase; drowsiness, slowed breathing and ataxia. Conclusion: Try a new approach to testing - increased frequency, decreased difficulty. This way we should decrease the risk of psychic overuse by a good margin.

[crispycatcheesecake]

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Bridges and overpasses

Airport terminals

Office buildings and IT parks

2. Advanced Batching Technology

Allied Materials operates state-of-the-art batching plants that follow international standards. These facilities are equipped with:

Automated batching systems

Calibrated mixers and conveyors

High-efficiency aggregate handling systems

Moisture sensors and quality-control devices

This ensures every batch of concrete is identical in quality—delivered fresh, on time, and ready to pour.

3. Rigorous Quality Control

What sets Allied apart is its dedicated quality assurance team. Each batch of concrete undergoes comprehensive testing at every stage:

Slump test for workability

Cube testing for compressive strength

Setting time and curing analysis

Water-cement ratio control

This rigorous quality monitoring ensures the concrete not only meets but exceeds project specifications.

4. Logistics That Never Let You Down

Commercial projects can’t afford downtime. With a well-maintained fleet of transit mixers and boom pumps, Allied ensures:

Timely delivery to sites across Pakistan

Concrete is transported under controlled conditions

Minimization of delays, material loss, and rework

This reliability keeps your construction schedule on track and your budget under control.

Benefits of Using Ready Mix Concrete in Pakistan for Commercial Construction

Choosing ready mix concrete in Pakistan through Allied Materials offers numerous advantages for commercial developers and builders.

1. Consistency

RMC offers unparalleled consistency in strength, texture, and workability—ensuring predictable results for engineers and contractors.

2. Speed of Construction

No more wasting time mixing on-site. With Allied’s RMC, concrete arrives ready to pour—helping you meet tight deadlines and avoid unnecessary delays.

3. Labor and Cost Efficiency

Less manpower is needed for mixing and quality control. This reduces labor costs and boosts overall efficiency.

4. Environmental Benefits

RMC minimizes dust, noise, and onsite waste, making it an eco-friendly alternative for modern, sustainable construction practices.

5. Custom Solutions

Allied offers tailored RMC solutions depending on your structural load, design, and environmental conditions.

Commercial Use Cases of Allied Materials' Ready Mix Concrete

1. Shopping Malls & Retail Complexes Allied’s RMC provides the structural integrity required for large, multi-story malls with heavy foot traffic and load-bearing requirements.

2. Office Buildings & Business Centers From foundations to roofs, high-grade RMC ensures long-term durability and fast-paced construction in commercial zones.

3. Industrial Facilities & Warehouses Allied delivers high-compression mixes ideal for floors that bear the weight of machinery, forklifts, and constant movement.

4. Infrastructure Projects Allied has provided concrete for bridges, roads, metro stations, and drainage systems where precision and resilience are paramount.

Allied’s Commitment to Innovation and Sustainability

Allied Materials is not just a concrete supplier—it’s a construction partner committed to innovation, safety, and environmental stewardship.

Sustainable Practices Include:

Use of recycled aggregates

Water reuse systems at batching plants

Dust suppression and emission control mechanisms

Green fleet initiatives to reduce carbon emissions

This aligns with Pakistan’s growing emphasis on sustainable urban development and smart city initiatives.

How to Order Ready Mix Concrete from Allied Materials

Ordering concrete with Allied is simple and streamlined:

Step 1: Visit the Website

Go to Ready Mix Concrete in Pakistan and fill out a quick inquiry form.

Step 2: Get Consultation

Discuss your project requirements with Allied’s technical team.

Step 3: Receive a Customized Quote

Get competitive pricing tailored to your project’s scale and concrete grade needs.

Step 4: Schedule and Delivery

Set a delivery schedule based on your construction timeline.

Step 5: Enjoy On-Site Technical Support

Allied provides onsite assistance to ensure proper handling, pouring, and curing of concrete.

Conclusion

For commercial construction in Pakistan, success hinges on speed, safety, and structural integrity. Choosing Ready Mix Concrete in Pakistan from Allied Materials isn’t just a smart choice—it’s a strategic investment in your project's success. With its focus on quality, innovation, sustainability, and customer satisfaction, Allied is redefining how commercial construction is done in Pakistan. Whether you're building a corporate plaza in Karachi, a shopping mall in Lahore, or a logistics hub in Islamabad Allied is your trusted partner from foundation to finish.

[fitplchennai]

Plate Load Test - Falcon Industrial Testing Laboratory

At FITPL, we provide professional plate load testing  to determine the safe bearing capacity of soil for construction projects across Chennai. As part of our complete geotechnical investigation Chennai services, we help engineers and builders ensure foundation stability through precise load-bearing analysis.

Why Plate Load Testing is Critical?

Prevents structural failures by identifying weak soil strata

Complies with IS 1888 standards for construction projects

Reduces long-term maintenance costs by 30-40%

Essential for high-rise buildings, bridges, and industrial structures

Our Plate Load Testing Methodology

Step 1: Site Preparation & Setup

Clear and level a 3m x 3m test area

Position steel bearing plates (300mm/450mm/600mm diameters)

Install hydraulic jack and dial gauges

Step 2: Load Application & Monitoring

Apply incremental loads up to 100 kN/m²

Record settlement readings every 15 minutes

Continue until failure or maximum expected load

Step 3: Data Analysis & Reporting

Generate load-settlement curves

Calculate Safe Bearing Capacity (SBC)

Provide detailed technical report within 24 hours

Plate Load Test Setup

IS 1888's standard plate load test configuration

Complementary Testing Services

Geotechnical Investigations

Standard Penetration Test (SPT) Chennai

Earth Resistivity Test Chennai

Borehole drilling and sampling

Construction Material Testing

Steel Testing Chennai (Tensile strength, chemical composition)

Concrete cube testing and aggregate analysis

Environmental Testing

Water Testing Chennai (Drinking, groundwater, wastewater)

Air Testing Chennai (PM2.5, PM10 monitoring)

Pollution Testing Chennai (Noise, soil contamination)

Specialized Testing

Food Quality Testing Chennai (FSSAI compliance)

Non Destructive Testing Chennai (Ultrasonic, rebound hammer)

Why Choose FITPL for Plate Load Testing?

✅ NABL Accredited Laboratory

✅ 10+ Years of Field Experience

✅ Advanced Testing Equipment

✅ Same-Day Reporting Available

✅ Competitive Pricing

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How many test locations are needed for a construction site?

A: Minimum 3 tests per 500 sq.m area or as per engineer's recommendation.

Q: What's the difference between plate load test and SPT?

A: Plate load measures bearing capacity directly, while standard penetration test Chennai evaluates soil density.

Q: Do you service industrial areas like Sriperumbudur?

A: Yes, we cover all Chennai districts including OMR, Ambattur and outskirts.

Use the most trustworthy testing professionals in Chennai to guarantee the safety of the foundation for your building project.

Contact us

Phone Number : +918056159517

Website: https://www.fitpl.in/

[plantecharchitects]

How to Ensure Quality in Every Phase of Construction

Ensuring quality in every phase of a construction project is not just about using premium materials—it's about planning, execution, monitoring, and accountability. From laying the foundation to finishing the interiors, quality control is essential for structural integrity, safety, long-term durability, and customer satisfaction.

Whether you're a builder, architect, or homeowner, this guide will walk you through practical steps to maintain high standards at every stage of the construction process.

Understanding Why Construction Quality Matters

Before diving into the “how,” let’s understand the “why”:

Safety: Substandard construction can lead to structural failures and accidents.

Durability: Good-quality work increases the life of the structure.

Cost Efficiency: Fewer repairs and rework save time and money.

Aesthetic Value: High-quality finishes and workmanship elevate property value.

Client Trust: Reputation is built on consistent quality delivery.

Pre-Construction Phase: Laying the Groundwork for Quality

a. Detailed Planning and Design

Quality begins with a comprehensive plan. Ensure:

Accurate architectural and structural drawings

Clear MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing) integration

Material specifications and quality benchmarks

Site condition assessments

Collaborate closely with architects and engineers to ensure all plans are realistic, sustainable, and cost-effective.

b. Soil Testing and Land Survey

Perform geotechnical investigations to assess:

Soil bearing capacity

Water table level

Load-bearing limitations

This data ensures safe foundation design.

c. Choosing the Right Team

Hiring skilled and experienced professionals ensures the job is done right:

Licensed architect and structural engineer

Reliable contractors and subcontractors

Site supervisors with quality assurance experience

Foundation Phase: Strength from the Ground Up

a. Excavation and Earthwork

Ensure proper trench depth as per structural drawings.

Check slope stability and avoid water logging.

b. Footing Layout and Reinforcement

Layout should match the approved drawing with zero deviation.

Steel bars must meet IS standards with proper binding and spacing.

Cover blocks should be used to maintain required concrete cover.

c. Concrete Quality Control

Use ready-mix concrete or mix on-site with correct ratios.

Slump test and cube test should be conducted to verify strength.

Ensure proper curing to avoid cracks and shrinkage.

Superstructure Phase: Quality in Walls, Columns & Beams

a. Shuttering and Formwork

Use good-quality, leak-proof shuttering.

Check for alignment, level, and dimensions.

Apply release agent to avoid damage during de-shuttering.

b. Reinforcement Placement

Follow the bar bending schedule (BBS) strictly.

Ensure overlap, anchorage, and cover are as per standards.

c. Concrete Pouring

Pour in layers and use vibrators to avoid honeycombing.

Keep proper records of each pour—date, quantity, mix ratio, etc.

Protect curing concrete from rain or direct sunlight.

Brickwork and Masonry Phase: Building the Framework

a. Material Selection

Use first-class, uniform-sized bricks or blocks.

Check water absorption, strength, and surface finish.

b. Mortar Mix and Joints

Standard cement-sand mix: 1:6 for brickwork, 1:4 for blockwork.

Keep joints uniform (10–12 mm) and toolless or raked for plaster bonding.

c. Plumb, Level, and Alignment

Use spirit levels, plumb bobs, and laser levels to ensure straight lines.

Avoid overuse of mortar to “adjust” alignment.

Roofing and Slab Work: Structural Stability Matters

a. Formwork and Rebar Checks

Ensure props are sturdy and spaced as per span requirements.

Maintain reinforcement spacing, overlaps, and covers.

b. Concrete Pouring and Curing

Pour uniformly in panels to avoid cold joints.

Maintain minimum curing period (7 days for PPC, 14 for OPC).

c. Waterproofing Measures

Apply waterproofing compound to slab surfaces.

Check for leakages with ponding tests before tiling or flooring.

MEP Installation Phase: The Lifelines of a Building

a. Electrical Systems

Use ISI-certified wires, DBs, switches, and conduits.

Avoid overlapping of plumbing and electrical services.

Test insulation resistance and grounding before closing walls.

b. Plumbing and Sanitation

Use high-quality UPVC, CPVC, or PPR pipes.

Conduct pressure tests before plastering to check for leaks.

Maintain slope in drains to prevent clogging.

c. HVAC and Fire Safety

Follow national building codes and fire norms.

Ensure ducting and equipment layout doesn’t clash with structure.

Finishing Work Phase: Where Quality is Seen and Felt

a. Plastering

Use rich, well-proportioned cement mortar.

Apply in two coats—first for leveling, second for finish.

Check for evenness, cracks, and hollow sounds.

b. Flooring and Tiling

Choose tiles with proper shade, size, and finish.

Ensure proper surface leveling and slope in wet areas.

Use tile spacers and grouting for a neat finish.

c. Painting and Wall Finishes

Apply primer + 2–3 coats as recommended.

Surface should be smooth, dust-free, and properly cured.

Inspect paint type (interior vs. exterior), durability, and finish.

d. Woodwork and Joinery

Use seasoned wood or engineered wood products.

Ensure proper alignment, hardware fittings, and edge finishes.

Apply termite-resistant treatments where needed.

Exterior Works and Landscaping

Use durable materials for cladding, railing, and walkways.

Ensure proper drainage and rainwater harvesting systems.

Use weather-resistant paint and anti-fungal coatings.

Post-Construction Quality Assurance

a. Final Inspections

Conduct a detailed snag list check: electrical, plumbing, finishing defects.

Test all fittings, fixtures, lights, switches, doors, and locks.

b. Third-Party Quality Audits

Optional but helpful for independent verification of workmanship.

Useful for commercial buildings or premium residences.

c. Handover Documentation

Provide clients with user manuals, warranty cards, and as-built drawings.

Keep maintenance guidelines and contact info for future support.

Common Quality Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them

Pitfall

How to Avoid

Inadequate supervision

Employ skilled site engineers

Poor material storage

Use covered, dry storage spaces

Rushing construction

Follow curing, setting time, and work sequences

Ignoring site safety

Maintain site safety protocols and PPE

No documentation

Maintain checklists and daily reports

Tools and Technologies That Improve Quality

Project Management Software (e.g., Buildertrend, CoConstruct)

Drones for Site Inspections

3D Modeling and BIM (Building Information Modeling)

Quality Checklists and Mobile QA/QC Apps

IoT Sensors for Monitoring Concrete and Environment

Conclusion

Construction quality is not the responsibility of one person—it's a collective effort that requires attention to detail, skilled execution, and continuous monitoring. From soil testing to final painting, every step plays a crucial role in ensuring a safe, strong, and beautiful structure. At Plantech Architects and Construction Company in Calicut, we believe in delivering excellence by embedding quality at the heart of every phase.

  Meet your unique requirements. To Learn More, Visit Our Website

[concretetestingequipment1]

Best Concrete Testing Equipment Manufacturer in Delhi – Barket Hitech Engineering

Introduction

In the field of construction and civil engineering, ensuring the quality and durability of concrete structures is essential. For accurate and reliable testing, high-quality concrete testing equipment is required. If you’re looking for the best concrete testing equipment manufacturer in Delhi, Barket Hitech Engineering is a trusted name. With a commitment to innovation, precision, and durability, we provide a wide range of advanced concrete testing instruments.

Delhi has witnessed rapid growth in infrastructure projects, making concrete testing equipment a crucial component in the construction industry. Testing ensures compliance with national and international standards, improving the lifespan and safety of buildings, bridges, and roads. Barket Hitech Engineering stands out as a leading supplier of concrete testing machines in India, offering solutions that cater to builders, contractors, and testing laboratories.

What is Concrete Testing Equipment?

Concrete testing equipment is used to assess the strength, durability, and composition of concrete. These tools help in determining whether concrete meets the required standards and specifications for safe construction.

Types of Concrete Testing Equipment

Compression Testing Machines – Measure the compressive strength of concrete cubes and cylinders. This is one of the most critical tests in civil engineering to ensure that concrete structures can withstand applied loads.

Rebound Hammer (Schmidt Hammer) – Evaluates the surface hardness of concrete. It is a non-destructive test widely used for assessing existing structures.

Slump Test Apparatus – Determines the workability and consistency of fresh concrete. This helps in ensuring the right mix design before concrete is poured.

Concrete Permeability Testing Machine – Measures the water permeability of hardened concrete. Lower permeability indicates better durability of concrete structures.

Cement & Mortar Testing Equipment – Includes vicat apparatus, flow table, and setting time testers, all of which are essential in testing the properties of cement before it is used in construction.

Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) Equipment – Used for assessing concrete strength without damaging the structure. These include ultrasonic pulse velocity tests and penetration resistance tests.

Importance of Concrete Testing in Construction

Concrete testing is crucial for ensuring the safety, durability, and compliance of structures with industry standards. Poor-quality concrete can lead to structural failures, resulting in costly repairs and safety hazards. Some benefits of concrete testing include:

Ensuring Structural Integrity – By testing the strength and durability, engineers can verify if the concrete meets the design specifications.

Compliance with Regulations – Concrete must meet BIS, ASTM, and ISO standards for safety and performance.

Cost Savings – Early detection of concrete quality issues helps prevent expensive repairs and failures.

Environmental Sustainability – Proper testing ensures the optimal use of materials, reducing waste and promoting sustainable construction.

Why Choose Barket Hitech Engineering for Concrete Testing Equipment?

Advanced Technology & Precision Engineering

We manufacture state-of-the-art concrete testing machines that offer high precision, durability, and user-friendly operation. Our machines are designed using the latest technological advancements to provide accurate and reliable results.

Wide Range of Testing Equipment

Our product line includes compression testing machines, slump test apparatus, rebound hammers, permeability testers, and more to meet all concrete quality assessment needs. We provide testing solutions for laboratories, construction sites, and research institutions.

High Durability & Low Maintenance

All our concrete testing equipment is built using high-grade materials to ensure long-lasting performance with minimal maintenance. We focus on robust design to withstand heavy usage.

Reliable After-Sales Support & Spare Parts Availability

We provide installation services, spare parts, and regular maintenance support, ensuring that your concrete testing equipment operates efficiently. Our team of experts is always available to assist with troubleshooting and repairs.

Compliance with Industry Standards

Our products conform to BIS, ASTM, and ISO standards, ensuring accurate and reliable concrete testing results. We prioritize quality control to guarantee the highest level of product reliability.

Conclusion

Investing in high-quality concrete testing equipment is essential for ensuring safe and durable construction projects. Choosing the right manufacturer, such as Barket Hitech Engineering, ensures accuracy, reliability, and long-term efficiency.

For the best concrete testing equipment supplier in Delhi NCR, contact Barket Hitech Engineering today and get customized solutions for your construction testing needs!

[socksbro1]

Date: may 25th, 2025

Redefining reality

Another oddity of the Simulation has been discovered. It appears that composite objects have different behaviors than their individual components.

To put it simply: things are made of smaller things. When enough small things are put together, they can be registered as a larger thing. That large thing might have different values than its small things.

There are a few other requirements that must be met for this process to work. For one, the virtual and physical objects must be combined into a single item. Placing a virtual cube inside of a physical box does not work, but using virtual nails to hold together said box does.

Ignorance also helps. Personal renderers seem to be influenced by understanding. Viewing an object as its components seems to break the link.

We preformed some tests, and it seems that , so long as you are unable to sense the virtual object, you can realize it’s a component. A virtual cube in a box disappears, but a wooden die with a virtual core doesn’t. It seems oddly esoteric, for such an advanced system.

Finally, Remington-Gede had an idea for a material that was a blend of virtual and real solids. They were looking into concrete online to see if we could make something like that.

Oreo now has a new gift, with the sphere now enclosed within a wooden casing. She sent pictures via Alpha on how it works.

A side note, I believe I would cease to exist if I exited through the portal. I am only able to access it while virtual. Delta has used it, though, evidenced by some of the odder Knick-knacks they have added to their area.

Pleasant day,

Tester