#dispatch master transport

[elhombresiniestro]

Another cool new Dexter pic! The background was made in the Pixlr app.

[weenwrites]

Transformers Prime (Optimus Prime, Ratchet, and Ultra Magnus) reaction to cybertronian reader dating a Decepticon miner, and was able to convince him to join Team Prime? You know, the bot that almost got killed by a green eyed Ratchet?

When he joined their team, the miner just stayed in base majority of the time, making sure he never got in anyone’s way, and holds a big grudge towards Ratchet.

If the reader & miner are both in base, they’ll be quietly cuddling in the corner with smiles on their faces (well, face), and when reader is out on a mission then then the miner is just awkwardly standing in the corner twiddling with his fingers.

(For Ultra Magnus, miner joined the team before his arrival)

✎A/N: Honestly, I really really love the idea of this ask for some reason, so thank you very much for sending it in and I hope you have a lovely day.

[ Please do not repost, plagiarize, or use my writing for AI! Translating my work with proper credit is acceptable, but please ask first! ]

Optimus

Optimus is happy that he sees the error of his former master's ways and has joined the team. Though he is far from combat-ready, he can help the team in other ways, such as clean-up, maintenance, or in mining operations. Alternatively if he does wish to help with battle, then you or any other member of the team can help teach him.

He doesn't turn a blind eye to the past, however, and he hopes that both he and the team will get along smoothly. He tries to foster a welcoming environment, and attempts to set a good example by being welcoming and friendly towards their new guest. As for any tension, he attempts to resolve any issues the moment they come, as to keep them from growing into anything bigger and more volatile.

Ratchet

To say that he feels awkward and guilty would be a horrific understatement. If your partner's even willing to talk to Ratchet, then he offers his apologies for his actions, and not once does he try to defend what he did. He accepts if he won't be forgiven, but he's relieved that he's able to at least apologize for his wrongdoings.

Initially when the two of them are left at the base, there's an awkward air between them that neither of them even try to break. Ratchet just tries to continue on with work as usual, and even if he requires help with something (such as transporting a lot of materials over, or perhaps having someone hold something up while he works on the underside of it) he'd refuse to ask your partner for help because it's just that awkward (unless however it's a serious matter that calls for their emotions to be set aside for the greater good).

If your partner ever gets injured, Ratchet will try to help him, and if he repeatedly keeps refusing his help (and if he won't listen to you), then Rachet'll have to ask you to treat any injuries for him, and he'll instruct you on how to do so for the more complicated injuries.

Ultra Magnus

Initially, he had mistaken your partner for a prisoner, and treated him as such for about 5 seconds until you came in and clarified that he is not a prisoner of war, but rather a member of the autobots now (and your partner). He even has a badge, but Magnus's focus was primarily on the fact that he was a decepticon miner.

Given the fact that he probably isn't dispatched to complete on-field or combat-related work like a majority of the team, Magnus hands a lot of the cleaning or maintenance work off to him to keep him busy and make him a more useful asset for the team. If he were to complete all that work without a fuss, then Magnus would give words of appreciation for his hard work and the two would get along relatively well.

That is until he sees how awkward your partner is around Ratchet. If there's still any tension between them, Magnus would mistake it as potential hostility and try to resolve this conflict in a more harsh and less forgiving way than Optimus would. But once someone tells him why they're tense around eachother, then he'll leave it be unless the problem becomes more violent.

[cityofmeliora]

transcript: The Summoning + Sister Imperator's speeches

in chronological order:

LINCOPIA, OTROGOTHIA MAY 20, 2015 "THE CLERGY HAS ADJOURNED AND THE NAMELESS GHOULS ARE SUMMONED..." SISTER IMPERATOR: Brothers and Sisters, you know why you are here tonight. This Ministry is now seven years into The Ghost Project. Seven long years of work. Two Papas, two albums, one gold. These are indeed some respectable numbers, but let me give you some others. Churches opened: zero. Governments toppled: zero. World leaders converted to the cause: zero. You call yourselves salesmen? Masterminds? You have done shit! And don't blame the music. The music is the very manifestation of His Dark Majesty. And don't blame this fine merchandise! It's a disgrace! Papa 2 has been let go. He is a miserable, wounded, and bitter old man, and he is washed up! But let's look forward now. This is a new piece of music. And these are your new masks. And this is Papa 2's brother. He is a full 3 months younger. This man will take the band further than any of us could ever have imagined. I present to you now… Papa Emeritus III! The Summoning (part 1)

LINCOPIA, OTROGOTHIA AUGUST 10, 2015 The clergy has convened. The time for invocation has come. SISTER IMPERATOR: Brothers and Sisters, I realize the difficulty to get this message to you. It has become more dangerous than ever before to speak aloud our dark truths. But do not be dismayed. Papa Emeritus III knows of your commitment. But he needs more from you than this squirreling in secret, these whispers underground. It's time to act! In cities around the globe, his flock will be called. You will hear the call, like the voice of a siren, a temptation in your heart that can only be fulfilled by witnessing the ascension. And its music will rattle the hearts of the sleeping. You will gather in the rains of Seattle on August 18th, in the drought-stricken heat of Los Angeles on August 20th, in the lysergic deserts of Phoenix on August 21st, in the humid metropolis of Baltimore on August 22nd, and in the crowded streets of Brooklyn on August 23rd. You will meet in the record shops, where the authorities would never think to look! There is no master, there is only The Path. There is no destination, there are only winding steps. When the guitars are tuned and the Ghouls begin their invocations, there is only one thing left to do: shake off your slack social media chains, your cheap hunger for scandal and rumor! When the first chord is struck, you will turn to your neighbor next to you in the flesh, put your arm around them, and take back your humanity! You have already fallen! Hell is here! The time for ascension is now. The Summoning II: Unholy / Unplugged Tour (August 10, 2015)

Lincopia, Otrogothia August 11, 2015 The battle for Philadelphia SISTER IMPERATOR: Children of Philadelphia, you are a special city. We have been pleased with growing unrest and incivility toward Frankie's visit next month. And we were especially pleased to register a sold-out concert on the same day Frankie would be blathering to the minions. But we also sensed a growing unrest amongst the church, especially the particular amount of attention they began paying the Ghost concert. We were ready to persevere in the name of the unholy, and to allow the dark side of Philadelphia to shine through while Frankie was in town. But this morning, we received this dispatch, a letter informing us that Ghost fans will not be able to use public transportation, park their cars near the venue, or even get the Ghost entourage close enough to load in their instruments of persuasion. So, children of Philadelphia, and in fact, children of the world, we regret to inform you that in the hopes to ensure each and every Ghost fan can attend the show, we've decided to move the Philadelphia concert at Union Transfer to Tuesday, September 29th. Concession is sometimes hard. Our quest to topple the church will be won across many battles. We thank you. The Summoning III: The Battle For Philadelphia

Lincopia, Otrogothia August 21, 2015 The arrival SISTER IMPERATOR: It has arrived! Some of you did not believe the new Papa would be able to cast a shadow as wide and as far as his great predecessor. Your faithlessness is now dust in my mouth. You should be on your knees humbling yourselves before what has been accomplished here! All you need to do is look outside. Look at the graffiti on the walls, look at the lights illuminated at night, where once there was only darkness. Mothers will whisper warnings to their children. The false prophets will wail from their hallowed churches. And in underground hovels like these, across the world, our legion will rise. But listen closely, now. There isn't much time. There is one thing you must know. [Ladies and gentlemen, I have summoned you all here. And now, I bring you Ghost!] [SAME SPEECH GIVEN AT UNHOLY / UNPLUGGED IN LA] The Summoning IV: The Arrival || Unholy / Unplugged - Los Angeles, California, USA (August 21, 2015)

SISTER IMPERATOR: Welcome! Welcome, my faithful brothers and sisters! Your presence here is proof of your commitment. If you are unsure, cast off your doubts now. There is no turning back. The rite you're about to witness is but one small but essential movement in our spiritual revolution. We prayed, and he has arrived! But! But! He will demand more of you! He will need to hear from the abyss of your hearts that you are ready. His is a voice of the pit and the pinnacle! His Nameless Ghouls are the music of the [UNINTELLIGIBLE] but your holy noise is the key! You must cry out his name! Say it with me now: PAPA EMERITUS! AGAIN! AGAIN! AGAIN! Very good. Shh! Shh! Shhhhhh! Listen. Do you hear it? Do you? It's the terrible sound of the ignorant– the mistrust and anger of the masses. The world is unstable and they have lost their balance. But we, here together, are the new foundation. we are the shape of things to come! There's not much time. We won't be able to do the required incantation. We must let the music do the summoning. My brethren, my brethren, bow your heads and raise your horns to pierce the veil of heaven, so the skies will be torn asunder! And Papa may fall into our midst! Now is the moment. Now, there is no other. Papa Emeritus III! Ghost! Ghost is here! Los Angeles, CA, USA (October 26, 2015)

EARLIER TODAY LINCOPIA, OTROGOTHIA THE CLERGY HAS ADJOURNED. AND THE NAMELESS GHOULS ARE SUMMONED. SISTER IMPERATOR: I think you all know why you have been summoned here. It's time to re-assess, to take stock of your failures. It started with a vision: you were all standing before me, hoodwinked and bound with both caddy and shack! I led you each toward a coffin, where you were made to lie down. The lids were closed, and one by one, I placed a level on the top to make sure you were still and cold in the darkness. Iron nails fell from my hands and scattered like leaves around my feet. I know that behind your masks, you are smirking at me, proud of your trivial accomplishments. Let's see what you have really done to topple the spires and the men who hurdle around their false god. No… Oh, yes. [LAUGHING] The industry has noted our good works with their trinket. And as a result, our message is carried further and wider. But do we take such trinkets as sacrament and the measure of true accomplishment? No! We don't need their approval. The truth of our work is not measured by awards and nods from the establishment. Can someone say "two in a row now", from the Swedish academy? It is still only a drop in the dark water of our mission. Sit still! Stop staring! Have you heard enough of the list of your petty dreams laid bare? Are there any among you who can say you can bear witness to the signs of the coming change? I see more of the same slumbering dreamers sleepwalking to their glass-and-brick towers, bowing at the feet of their priests and their false gods. I have here letters from your followers, demanding that we explain why nothing has changed. They have made their own sacrifices. But what have you done? How will you answer them? By holding up your golden gramophone? Is this the change you promised? Is this the sign of a new age? It is nothing! It is another false idol. It is time to answer for your failures. This is going to take some time, so I would prepare yourselves. Pray to your Dark Gods that you can handle what is to come. "NEXT: ARE YOU READY? LET'S DISCUSS THE MISSION, MAN" The Summoning V: The Square And Hammer (September 13, 2016)

"Later that day…" LINCOPIA, OTROGOTHIA The proceedings intensify. SISTER IMPERATOR: I expect no more interruptions. You had your chance to defend yourselves. Without your guitar and drums, you are are mere acolytes, not the grand missionary men you were trained to be. You want to be equal to your Papa? Ha! But all you can do is [UNINTELLIGIBLE] your own egos, waxing nostalgia about your petty sins. Well, let's see what you have really done. You have sat for insipid interviews, answering insipid questions, afraid to reveal your true undertaking. You wear your masks for the press, but your masks were never intended to simply hide your faces– they are the visage of The Gods, and you mock them with your senseless orgies and trysts. Even your depravities are dull! I would like you to turn to exhibit one. Look at all the places you have been, all the cities you have made a mark on. But the rain has washed it all away… like the piss of a dog! Why are believers still living in secret, spinning your records in their parents' basements? Why have you not led them into the murky light of His shadow? You are supposed to lead. It is your task. Your task! To lead! I think you're afraid of real change. Let's take a breath. I think I understand the problem. You think Papa's words should be enough. But then you misunderstand the nature of true power. Papa is not a mouthpiece for the Dark Divinity. He is not a pawn. He is a mediator. He is the path. His way is the truth and the darkness! And you– you are his apostles. And yet, you deny, you deny! And so I charge you with deceit and with letting good people falter! The very people who believed in you. Your doubt sows their own. I charge you with dereliction of duty! For the harrowing initiation you have been through, I would charge you with treason! The Summoning VI: The Proceedings Intensify

"Days later…" Lincopia, Otrogothia Fatigue and apathy have set in. SISTER IMPERATOR: Despite your weakness, and your cowardliness, your failures, I still believe in you. And I believe in you because I have seen the future! I have already been witness to three transfigurations, and each time I can see that we are closer to the final glory, and I have seen you rise to the occasion each time. So can you do it again? Huh? Hmm? Do you see this [UNINTELLIGIBLE], this haunted servitor of our Dark Father asking for nothing while it does its simple tasks? You see it and all think, "Our instruments are far greater than that old broom!" But they are not! They are merely tools to do His great work! Sometimes, yes, you're genius, with the tools you have been given. I have attended your rites, watched you claim souls of thousands, of your strings, your skin, your masterful use of electricity. I, too, have been moved to tears as I stood before you as the music reached a sort of… transessence. This is why I believe. After all we have been through in these past few days, all the shames laid bare, are you ready to start anew? The new coming is about to begin. Will you take up your instruments? Will you be able to commit to the utter annihilation of all this is false? All that is greed? All that is staid and conformist and empty? Hm? Then rise. Rise!!!! Now! I give you another chance at transformation. But you must beg. You must demand to be sacrificed! You must prostrate your hearts while you stand tall in the dark, for the fourth incarnation of Papa will guide us. But we need faith now. Swear to me that my faith in you is not in vain. Swear to me now in His Unholy Name. Say it now after me, say it loud enough to shatter the windows of the world's lies. Say "I am ready! I am ready! I am ready!!!!" The Summoning VII: Believe This

[jordanianroyals]

Happy birthday, King Abdullah II & Prince Hashem!

King Abdullah II of Jordan marks his 63rd birthday on 30 January 2025. His youngest child, Prince Hashem, also turns 20 on the same day.

Born on January 30, 1962, King Abdullah II, the 41st direct descendant of Prophet Mohammad (peace be upon him), is the eldest son of the late King Hussein bin Talal and Princess Muna Al Hussein.

His Majesty's educational journey began at the Islamic Scientific College in Amman, followed by studies at St. Edmund's School in England, and Eaglebrook School and Deerfield Academy in the United States.

In 1980, he enrolled at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, graduating as a Second Lieutenant, before pursuing Middle Eastern Affairs studies at Oxford University in 1982 and completing an Armor Officer Advanced Course at Fort Knox, Kentucky in 1985.

The King studied international politics at Georgetown University in 1989, completing an advanced research and study program in international affairs as part of the Master's program in Foreign Service.

His military experience spans service in the United States, Britain, and Germany, progressing from commanding a tank company in the 17th Royal Tank Battalion in 1989 to leading the Royal Special Forces as a Brigadier General, where he restructured the unit to meet international military standards.

Following his appointment as Crown Prince on January 24, 1999, King Abdullah II assumed his constitutional powers as Jordan's fourth King on February 7, 1999, receiving the rank of Field Marshal in the Jordan Armed Forces.

His Majesty married Queen Rania Al Abdullah on June 10, 1993. They have four children: Crown Prince Hussein, who was appointed Crown Prince on July 2, 2009, Prince Hashem, Princess Iman, and Princess Salma. In August 2024, Their Majesties welcomed their first grandchild, Princess Iman bint Al Hussein.

King Abdullah II strives to enhance Jordan's positive and moderate role in the Arab world, seeking a just and comprehensive solution to the Palestinian cause and supporting Palestinian aspirations for an independent state.

He dedicates himself to defending Jordan as an oasis of development and stability amid a turbulent region by investing in human capital, confronting terrorism and extremism through a comprehensive approach, and continuously working to enhance security and stability in the Middle East.

His Majesty led intensive diplomatic efforts supporting the Palestinian cause and advocating for a Gaza ceasefire through numerous international engagements.

His personal involvement in humanitarian aid missions included participating in airdrops to Gaza and overseeing the dispatch of Jordan's largest aid convoy, alongside establishing field hospitals in Gaza and the West Bank, and launching the "Restoring Hope" initiative for prosthetic limb fittings.

Under the Hashemite Custodianship of Islamic and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem, His Majesty sponsored the establishment of an international Orthodox university at the Baptism Site and funded the restoration of the Dome of the Rock's historic gilded decorations in 2024.

In the Silver Jubilee year, King Abdullah II continues to advance political, economic, and administrative modernization tracks, monitoring progress across various sectors including economy, investment, tourism, education, and transportation.

His Majesty maintains close engagement with local communities through regular visits to governorates and recognition of individuals who have served Jordan and its people.

The King maintains special attention to his companions-in-arms in the Jordan Armed Forces and security services, recognizing their professional dedication to preserving national security, stability, and protecting citizens and national resources.

[anonymousewrites]

One Hell of a Love (Book 2) Chapter Twelve

Sebastian Michaelis x Demon! Reader

Chapter Twelve: One Hell of a Discussion

Summary: The investigation continues as the death count mounts.

            The guests sat around the tea table on divans and armchairs as they had their snack. It was quite and subdued as they finished and finally got to business.

            “Well, now that I’ve had my dessert, let’s sort things out,” said Grey. “First, Lord Siemens. He died around 1:10 am today. Only Earl Phantomhive has no alibi. And then, the butler…we do not know his time of death. Next was Phelps, and he died around 2:38 am today…okay so far?”

            “No,” said Arthur. “The butler’s corpse was discovered before Phelps’s, but we do not know which of the two was first to be murdered.”

            “Oh, right,” said Grey.

            “Going by the state of the corpses, a few hours had elapsed from the time the two were killed,” said Arthur. “Thus, it holds true that both I and the Earl have an alibi as we were chained together till morning.”

            Ciel nodded. “The Professor and I were shackled and got into bed at around 2 am. Sebastian mentioned then that he had already taken Mr. Phelps through to my bedroom. And then Mr. Phelps was murdered around 2:38 am.”

            “Well, who saw Master Butler last?” said Lau.

            “The two of us most likely, but the room was dark and the clock far away, so I can’t be certain of the exact time,” said Arthur.

            “We saw Mr. Sebastian during the night!” said Finny, and Baldroy nodded.

            “I did too, I did!” said Mey-Rin.

            “As did I,” said (Y/N).

            “Around what time was that?”

            “Around 3:00, I believe,” said (Y/N). The witching hour. How appropriate.

            “That would mean Sebastian was the last to be murdered, isn’t that right?” said Baldroy.

            “Why did he go to see you?” said Arthur.

            “He came to take stock of the food with me and ordered Finny to clean the fireplaces,” said Baldroy.

            “He discussed duties for tomorrow with me,” said (Y/N).

            “And he gave me a carrier…owl? To dispatch,” said Mey-Rin.

            “An owl?” said Ciel.

            “An owl, unlike a pigeon, can fly even in a storm. Shrewd as usual, that guy,” said Baldroy.

            “What did the letter say?” asked Grey.

            “I was not privy to its contents, no, sir,” said Mey-Rin.

            “He might’ve sent that letter to the police!” said Arthur.

            “Even the phone lines are out due to this storm, after all,” said Ciel.

            “But if Sebastian was killed last, things get complicated, don’t they?” remarked Arthur. “The only two who could have created a locked room scenario in the Earl’s quarters were Mr. Phelps, who was within, and Sebastian, who possessed the key to said room…In that case, the theory that the culprit is Sebastian is most plausible…However….Sebastian was himself murdered.”

            “So, the butler lad conspired with another, with whom he committed the murders, then was himself killed to ensure his silence after an argument over the ill-gotten gains or somesuch?” said Lau, clearing enjoying spinning tales.

            “…That is possible,” said Ciel. “Then the likelihood is great of the perpetrator being one who would profit from disposing of them all.”

            “Quite so, quite so!” agreed Lau. “Money makes the world go ‘round, after all!”

            Woodley paused and glanced at Lau. “Mr. Phelps is the scion of the Blue Star Line, a leader in integrated maritime transport. He lacked presence, but he was capable enough to be put in charge of the trade division and had recently expanded the business into the Asian sphere. Lau. He was a competitor of yours.”

            Lau smiled and sipped his tea. “Hm, I suppose he would be.”

            “Furthermore, you carry around a needle in that capacious sleeve of yours, don’t you?” pointed out Ciel.

            Lau smiled pleasantly. “Indeed I do! However, it is an instrument of medicine.” He pulled a long, thin needle from his sleeve.

            That will certainly elicit a reaction, thought (Y/N).

            The rest of the guests cried out at the sight. (Y/N) kept from grinning.

            “Th-Then you killed Phelps!” shouted Woodley.

            Lau shrugged innocently. “Oh my word! Don’t you think you’re being a bit rash?”

            “You were snooping about the Earl’s bedchambers just now! You were destroying evidence, weren’t you?!” cried Grimsby.

            “What trick are you proposing I used to make a locked room of the dressing room, which is so far in the back?” said Lau. “It has no door leading to the outside, and I hate to disappoint you, but even we Chinese cannot pass through vents. First of all, please remember I do have an alibi for the time of Lord Siemen’s murder.” He grinned. “Really, Lord Earl! You can be suuuch a bully! This is no time to be getting back at me, you know!”

            Ciel deadpanned. “Should the man who suggested I be confined in the first place be saying such a thing?” He sighed and sipped his tea. “Well, even if you had conspired with Sebastian, no one could have killed all three victims. I was merely teasing you.”

            “You’re right,” said Arthur.

            “What is it you mean?” asked Irene.

            “If we make a simple chart of it,” explained Arthur, drawing in his notebook to show each person and who could have killed each victim. “This is what we get.” No one person had an opportunity to kill all three. “Only Earl Phantomhive could have murdered Lord Siemens around 1:10 am. Only Sebastian could have murdered Mr. Phelps around 2:38 am. Finally, anyone but the Earl and I could have murdered Sebastian around 3:00 am. Thus, even if the culprit had Sebastian for an accomplice, it is still impossible for one person to have murdered all of the victims!”

            “If one person couldn’t have done it, then the guests who came to the party as a pair must be the guilty ones!” cried Woodley, glaring at Irene and Grimsby.

            “Sod that!” shouted Grimsby. “It isn’t bad enough hat we’re locked up in this godforsaken place, but now you have the gall to treat us like common criminals?!”

            “Grimsby, calm down!” pleased Irene, holding onto him.

            “Yes, please, do calm down, gentlemen!” said Arthur.

            I can see why Ciel likes this one. He is sensible with an intelligent mind, thought (Y/N).

            “Besides,” continued Arthur. “This isn’t so simple a case as to be solved by the mere fact that two people would have been able to commit the cri—.”

            “Simple or not, I couldn’t care less!” cried Woodley angrily. “I’m sick of this! I can’t bear to be here any longer!”

            “And where is it you intend to go, sir?” said Ciel calmly. “Under these circumstances, I would be grateful if you would refrain from taking liberties.”

            “How dare you accusing me of taking liberties?!” shouted Woodley. “When all of these horrors are all your—!”

            “All my what?” Ciel’s tone was deceptively casual.

            Woodley paused, eyes widening in panicked anger. “I—! I know what you’re up to! Truth is, you’re the mastermind behind all of this, aren’t you?!”

            Ciel scoffed and smirked at the suggestion (though (Y/N) knew he definitely brought this group together for a reason). “I am afraid I do not know to what it is you are referring, but please do compose yourself.”

            “You called us here with the intention of putting an end to us all along!” cried Woodley. “You dog of the Queen! I’ll have you let me go now! Who in their right mind would stay here like a lamb to the slaughter?!”

            “Please wait!” said Arthur. “To leave in this storm would be folly! Staying here as a group would be best toa void risking suspicion as well—.”

            Woodley struck Arthur, and he fell to the floor. “I will not be dictated to by some medical quack!”

            “Woodley.” Ciel’s deadly calm voice pierced the tension. “I am telling you to sit. So sit down. Now.”

            “How dare you tell me what to do!” Woodley lunged for Ciel.

            “My Lord!” cried Arthur.

            (Y/N) slammed Woodley to the ground. The guests’ eyes widened, and Ciel didn’t flinch. (Y/N) braced Woodley on the ground, pinning him down. His arm lay over their knee, and if (Y/N) pressed their arm down farther, it would snap. Woodley attempted to move, but (Y/N)’s demonic strength kept him down.

            “Apologies for your discomfort.” (Y/N) wasn’t sorry at all. “However, Mr. Woodley, in this manor, anyone who seeks to harm the Young Master, no matter their station, shall be dealt with and shown no mercy.” They smiled falsely at Woodley below them. “I’m sure you understand.”

            “What is wrong with this cursed house?!” growled Woodley. “Damn you!”

            “Wh-What in the world did they just do? I never even saw them move,” said Arthur in surprise.

            “The maid and butler of this household have always been quite skilled,” said Lau, smiling.

            “(Y/N),” said Ciel. “That will do.” (Y/N) squeezed Woodley’s arm in warning before allowing him to stand. “Well, then.” Ciel put his teacup down. “As things currently stand, the Professor is the only one among us who, without a doubt, cannot be the culprit. Thus, I believe the safest and fairest option is to have the professor decide on how we should proceed.”

            “M-Me?” said Arthur.

            “Yes,” said Ciel. “For my part, I’ve no desire to leave the perpetrators endlessly wandering about my manor.”

            “N-No. Well, I can’t say I’m not of the same mind on that account, but…” Arthur trailed off nervously.

            “Of course the same goes for us,” said Irene.

            “That settles it, then,” said Ciel. “We have nothing but time until the storm lets up anyhow. So what do you say we hunt down and corner the culprits at our leisure? Hm, Professor?”

            Ah. Ciel’s getting his entertainment, now, thought (Y/N).

            Arthur straightened before sitting down again. “Alright. Alright. Hearing your sides of the story has made everything much clearer, but what concerns me the most is the whereabouts of the key to the Earl’s quarters. As it stands, only Sebastian, who was in possession of the key, could have killed Mr. Phelps, but if the key had passed into the hands of another, that would change matters.”

            “But now that Sebastian has been killed, can it not be said that if anyone does have the key, that person is the culprit?” said Ciel.

            “Quite,” said Arthur.

            “Then we first have to check whether or not the butler has the key,” said Grey. “If he does have it, consider that theory squashed.”

            “You’re right,” said Arthur. “To that point, I think it best that we always conduct ourselves in groups from no won. I do not wish to have a lady accompany us to the makeshift morgue, so…Miss Irene and Mr. Grimsby, if you would please remain here.”

            “Alright,” said Irene, leaning closer to Grimsby.

            “And…Mr. Woodley as well…” admitted Arthur nervously.

            “Hmph,” Woodley huffed.

            “I’ll be fine staying here, enjoying some tea with Ran-Mao,” said Lau.

            “I’ve nothing to do here, so I’ll come with!” said Grey.

            “Earl Phantomhive, I do hate to impose, but would you take us around the manor?” said Arthur.

            “Very well,” said Ciel. “As the servants are more familiar with the manor below stairs, let’s have them lead the way. Alright?”

            “Yes, Young Master,” said (Y/N), and Baldroy and Finny nodded.

            “Tanaka, Mey-Rin, stay here and see to our guests,” said Ciel.

            “Yes, sir,” said Tanaka and Mey-Rin.

            “Let’s be off, then,” said Ciel.

l

            “In this setting, I half expect a guest or the like to pop out at any moment,” said Arthur as they walked down the stairs to the cellar.

            “Hey! Cut that out!” cried Grey dramatically. “There’s no such thing as ghosts! ‘Cos I only believe in what I can cut down with my sword!”

            “Then can you try your hand at walking without clinging on to me?” huffed Ciel.

            Grey squeaked. “I figured you might be scared, so I was only taking the trouble of comforting you!” His voice shook with every word, and (Y/N) smirked.

            “Gentlemen, we’re here,” said (Y/N), opening the door to the cellar. Three bodies lay under cloths before them.

            “When handlin’ the corpses, please use these gloves, if ya would,” said Baldroy, handing gloves to Arthur.

            “Good thinking, thank you,” he said. He cleared his throat. “Then if I may beg your pardon, Sebastian….” He pulled the cloth back and gasped. “He’s wet?!”

            Poor Sebastian had to go out in all this rain, thought (Y/N). Ciel really does drive him hard.

            “I’ll bet it’s from the rain leakin’ in through the roof,” said Baldroy.

            “Poor Mr. Sebastian! C’mon, let’s move in!” said Finny urgently.

            “Yes, let’s,” said Arthur. “The water will hasten decay, after all.

            “Decay…” Finny trembled.

            “Not to mention undressing him in order to investigate further will be quite troublesome since rigor mortis has set in,” said Arthur.

            Undressing…? (Y/N) felt the slightest dusting of pink color their cheeks. They had not anticipated stripping Sebastian. That would mean they would see him with much less clothes. (Y/N) wasn’t against it.

            Arthur continued. “So let’s first turn him over and—”

            “Stop it!” cried Finny, distressed. “Please don’t treat Mr. Sebastian like a thing!” he pushed Arthur back. “Mr. Sebastian is our dear—!”

            “Finny,” said Ciel sternly. “If you’re going to carry on like this, get out. You’re in the way.” He turned back to Arthur. “We can move him later. The key comes first.” The group of men stripped the body and examined everything.

            “It doesn’t seem to be on his albert chain,” said Arthur.

            “Did he maybe wear it ‘round his neck?” asked Finny, trying to be helpful while still gazing mournfully at the corpse.

            “Let’s see,” said Arthur. He shook his head. “It’s not there either. Would it not perhaps make sense for it to be in his private room?”

            “I can take you to it,” said (Y/N).

            “Yes, let’s,” said Ciel.

l

            “This is Sebastian’s room,” said (Y/N), opening the door to the bare bedchambers (having barely been used, of course. They and Sebastian had no need for them).

            “It’s fairly large, isn’t it?” said Arthur.

            “He was an upper servant, like (Y/N),” said Baldroy.

            “Do you have any idea where he might hide a key, (Y/N)?” said Ciel.

            (Y/N) shook their head. “No. And even if I did, he’d likely intentionally place it somewhere else to ensure total secrecy.”

            “That sounds like him,” said Ciel.

            “Let’s just start with all the places that look like they’d be good for hiding valuables,” said Grey.

            Together, the group went through the chest of drawers, bedding, fireplace, and desk in Sebastian’s sparse room. Ciel then headed to the wardrobe. He opened the doors and let out an exclamation of surprise as several things leapt out at him.

            Cats. There were six cats happily hidden in the wardrobe.

            “Cats?!” cried the group, (Y/N) included.

            “Unbelievable,” said (Y/N). “Of course that’s the personal touch to his room.” However, (Y/N) was tempted to smile. After all, it was Sebastian loving their motif once more, and besides, (Y/N) now had several cats swarming them and purring. They knelt and pet the cats, who eagerly pushed closer to the cat demon.

            “Aww, what a cute kitty!” said Finny, happily picking up a cat.

            “That swinge!” cried Ciel. “He hid it from me and kept them anyway!” He sniffled as the cat hair drifted around him. “Don’t let a single one out of this room! Can’t…ha…” He sneezed.

            “Young Master!” said Finny.

            “Finny! Don’t get close to me with that thing in your arms! My allergies—!” Ciel sneezed again.

            “I suppose it’s time to retreat from this room, then. We haven’t found anything personal here,” said Grey.

            Ciel eagerly led them to the corridor to speak.

            “Stay in the wardrobe, sweethearts,” said (Y/N) to the cats, scratching them underneath the chin. They winked and put a finger to their lips. “Don’t tell anyone, but Sebastian will be back to take care of your soon,” they whispered conspiratorially. Then they followed Ciel into the hall.

            “You’d think it would’ve been nice for him to have a few mementos from home in there,” said Grey, glancing at the door to Sebastian’s room, shut once more.

            I don’t think you would want us to bring items from Hell, thought (Y/N) in amusement.

            “From where did he come to join the service?” asked Grey.

            “Dunno,” said Baldroy. “None of the staff knew where he was from or what he did on his days off. All we knew was that he was a perfect butler, who was ridiculously capable of doing his job.”

            “Maybe the Young Master could tell you more,” said Finny.

            “I haven’t a clue either,” said Ciel. “From whence he hailed, what kind of master he served previously, and what he did for said master were of no interest to me. I couldn’t have cared less about such things. At that time, anyone would have done. So long as they were loyal to none but me and did as I wish. Anyone at all.”

            “At that time?” Grey raised an eyebrow.

            Ciel ignored Grey and waved a hand. “Besides, (Y/N) is the one who has actually known Sebastian the longest.”

            “Oh, that makes sense, then,” said Baldroy. “I wondered why he seemed to trust you the most. Makes sense if you’ve worked together before.”

            (Y/N) smiled and nodded. “We have.”

            “Aha, then do you know anything about his past?” said Grey curiously.

            (Y/N) smiled at Grey. “I met him when he was already as he is now and I was just learning to serve.” Serve as a demon.

            “So you have nothing more than we do,” said Ciel. He didn’t believe that for a second—it was clear (Y/N) and Sebastian understood each other in ways humans couldn’t—but he’d let it go. It wasn’t that important.

            “Well, then, the key’s not in there,” said Arthur, redirecting the focus to the case.

            “Then does that just leave us with checking everyone’s belongings?” said Grey.

            Arthur shifted nervously. “Won’t everyone be outright against that idea? Especially the likes of Mr. Woodley…”

            “My public authority exceeds that of the Yard, so we can simply force them to show us if they refuse!” chirped Grey. “C’mon, off we go, off we go!”

Taglist:

@technikerin23

@im-making-an-effort

@izzieg3987

@jinxxangel13

@alexpangender

@otomyoli

@neenieweenie

@nex-crowley

@anxious-chick

@bellacastiel

@v1l-ismissing

@agentdedf1sh

@idkhowtoplayhoyoversegames

@iamsexytrash

@oceansfloor

[litrpgburrito]

⚠️Spoilers: This blog post contains spoilers for the "Solo Leveling" series. If you haven't caught up with the series, please proceed with caution.

The Ascension of Sung Jinwoo: From the World's Weakest to the Unrivaled Monarch

In the enthralling universe of "Solo Leveling," Sung Jinwoo stands as a testament to the limitless potential that lies within the seemingly ordinary. Once dubbed the weakest hunter, Jinwoo's journey is a riveting tale of growth, power, and the indomitable human spirit. Here, we delve into the myriad of skills, powers, talents, and abilities that mark Jinwoo's evolution into the Shadow Monarch.

The System: A Hunter's Best Ally

Jinwoo's rise begins with the mysterious "System," which grants him the unique ability to level up—a privilege unheard of in the hunter community. This system acts as a personal RPG interface, allowing Jinwoo to gain experience, improve his stats, and learn new skills through combat and completing quests⁴.

A Necromancer's Might: Shadow Extraction and Command

As Jinwoo's prowess grows, he unlocks the necromantic ability of **Shadow Extraction**. This power enables him to raise the shadows of the fallen, creating an ever-growing, loyal army that fights at his command. Each shadow retains the strength and skills of its former life, making Jinwoo's army a formidable force on any battlefield⁴.

The Shadow Monarch: A Legacy of Power

Inheriting the mantle of the Shadow Monarch, Jinwoo gains control over the realm of death itself. His powers reach god-like levels, allowing him to summon and command legions of shadows, including powerful lieutenants like Igris and Tank. This vast army can be used for combat, healing, and even transportation, making Jinwoo a master tactician⁶.

Beyond Physical Limits: Strength, Speed, and Stealth

Jinwoo's physical abilities are nothing short of superhuman. His **strength** and **speed** are unparalleled, allowing him to dispatch enemies with ease. Additionally, his **Stealth** ability renders him invisible to both physical and magical detection, making him an unstoppable force in both assassination and escape⁴.

The Monarch's Domain: A Realm of Shadows

One of Jinwoo's most awe-inspiring abilities is the **Monarch's Domain**. This skill transforms the battlefield into a realm of shadows, enhancing the power of his shadow army and overwhelming his adversaries with the sheer force of his dominion⁶.

Kandiaru's Blessing and Armor Creation: The Shields of the Monarch

For defense, Jinwoo has **Kandiaru's Blessing** for vitality and **Armor Creation** for protection. These abilities not only shield him from harm but also ensure his continued reign as the Shadow Monarch⁶.

The Sprint and the Dagger: The Tools of the Assassin

Jinwoo's arsenal includes skills like **Sprint**, which boosts his already impressive speed, and **Dagger Toss**, a ranged attack that strikes with deadly precision. These abilities, combined with his stealth, make him a lethal assassin⁵.

The Shadow Monarch's Legacy

Sung Jinwoo's tale is one of metamorphosis, from the weakest of hunters to the sovereign of shadows. His abilities, both innate and acquired, paint the picture of a character who defies the odds and rewrites the rules of power. As the Shadow Monarch, Jinwoo stands as a beacon of strength, strategy, and the unyielding will to ascend.

Jinwoo's journey is a captivating saga that resonates with the timeless allure of growth and the pursuit of greatness. His skills, powers, talents, and abilities are a testament to the transformative power of perseverance and the boundless potential that awaits those who dare to level up.

(1) Solo Leveling: Sung Jin Woo's Best Abilities - Game Rant. https://gamerant.com/solo-leveling-sung-jin-woo-best-abilities/.

(2) All Of Jinwoo's Abilities And Powers In Solo Leveling Explained. https://screenrant.com/solo-leveling-jinwoo-all-abilities-shadow-monarch-powers-explained/.

(3) Best Sung Jinwoo build in Solo Leveling Arise: Skills, Arifacts, Stats .... https://www.pcinvasion.com/best-sung-jinwoo-build-in-solo-leveling-arise-skills-arifacts-stats-weapons/.

(4) All of Sung Jinwoo's Powers and Abilities Explained(Solo Leveling). https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yitZZjWWEyM.

(5) Every Time Sung Jin Woo's Power Leveled Up - Level 1 to Level 146 | Solo Leveling Explained. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0uZEbxvDh9I.

(6) Sung Jinwoo's ENTIRE 10 Million Shadow Army Explained - All The Strongest Powers! | Solo Leveling. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bfCsuBoM9hM.

(7) All Of Jinwoo's Abilities And Powers In Solo Leveling Explained. https://mangaxpro.com/all-of-jinwoos-abilities-and-powers-in-solo-leveling-explained.

[beardedmrbean]

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis reshuffled his cabinet on Friday, appointing new finance and transport ministers and handing other key portfolios to younger officials.

The reshuffle comes in response to recent mass protests over the nations's worst rail tragedy.

Mitsotakis is trying to win back the public's trust after the train crash in 2023 that killed 57 people.

The second anniversary, last month, of the Tempi railway disaster led to large protests over suspicions that the government is trying to cover up the case.

Popular ministers get the nod in the reshuffle

Mitsotakis' New Democracy party faces declining approval ratings amid the political fallout from the disaster.

A poll for Star TV found that more than 50% of Greeks want early elections, and more than 65% of ruling party voters believe government officials should be put on trial for the accident.

The prime minister appointed Kyriakos Pierrakakis, the popular former minister of digital governance, as the new finance minister. He replaces Kostis Hatzidakis, who is now deputy prime minister overseeing economic growth policies.

Christos Dimas is the new transport minister, tasked with overhauling Greece's railways.

Mitsotakis also picked Stavros Papastavrou and Nikos Tsafos for the environment and energy portfolios, as Greece hopes to make its economy greener while also looking for gas reserves on its territory.

What was the Tempi railway disaster?

The rail disaster occurred on February 28, 2023, when a passenger train from Athens to Thessaloniki collided with a freight train.

Fifty-seven people died in the crash, including many students, and many more were injured.

The two trains had traveled toward each other for miles without triggering any alarms. The accident was blamed on faulty equipment and human error.

A recently issued independent report denounced the dilapidated condition of the rail network. It also highlighted serious shortcomings in the investigation of the accident.

Earlier this month, parliament voted to investigate whether a senior official dispatched to the scene by Mitsotakis authorized the bulldozing of the crash site, leading to the loss of vital evidence.

More than 40 people have been prosecuted, including a local station master responsible for routing the trains, who has been charged with "homicide due to negligence."

[plummypress]

Disaster Transport ("Call me Dispatch Master!") and Mystic Timbers search the forest for Outpost #5

[timekeepertwister]

Operation: Time Twister - Case 1: Compiled Control

🥖 Briefing: Support Division, this is your first major case as part of “Operation: Time Twister” and definitely not the last. Unlike the Orientation, which had a set narrative from beginning to end as it was in the past prior to the formation of this task force, you will have your chance to influence the story between posted Files. Likewise, this story will be a lot more complicated as turbulence from other temporal regions beyond Earthbread is to be expected. However, if collateral damage occurs, you will be held accountable for any expenses. Here are the immediate missions that are part of this Case:

Locate Croissant Cookie’s group consisting of her, Walnut Cookie, Almond Cookie, and Roguefort Cookie within the Past Dark Cacao Kingdom and return everyone back to their proper times

Track down the locations of Cinnamon Cookie, Wizard Cookie, and Cream Puff Cookie to return them to [12/24/2020 - PET-EB-C/W] safely

Retrieve loose fragments of the Blue Cheese Watch where possible

Follow up on newfound evidence regarding White Lily Cookie, Beast-Yeast, Lilywhite Space, and the Lilywhite Capital

Locate and retrieve any of White Lily Cookie’s Soulstones if possible

——————————————————————————————

🍓🍰 Disaster Response Division Memo: A new time rift has torn open in a far-eastern region of Outer Earthbread within the Primary Earthbread Timeline. Detected temporal signatures suggest that this rift was caused by loose parts of the Blue Cheese Watch, although more evidence is needed. Intelligence reports suggest that at least three people have fallen into this rift. Be on the lookout for these people who may not appear as Cookies and more likely to look like the Witch. We will be sending Strawberry Shortcake Cookie, the High Priestess of the Pomegranate Village, and a staff member of the railway transportation services of the World of Dreams to lead the detachment’s investigations, the latter of whom were commissioned as support. As such, here are the additional missions posed by the Disaster Response Division for your team:

Assist in the gathering of testimonies from local townspeople from the region

Identify any and all immediately misplaced individuals from this region

Locate misplaced individuals that have been sent to Earthbread after entering the time rift

Return all misplaced individuals to their respective region

Create a comprehensive report on how the time rift opened in the region

Stabilize the time rift before it causes additional damage within the region

Record all individuals involved on the Subject Roster

——————————————————————————————

Case Investigations

Investigation A: The Frost Miko Incidents (Active)

Investigation B: Misplaced Magicians

Investigation C: Y3 Intelligence

Ongoing Side Investigation: The Resolvers’ Incident - Courtesy of the Disaster Response Division. Their investigation’s progress will be listed within the individual investigations.

———————————————————————————————

Supervisory Memos

Timeguard Keepers are on standby for dispatch, and we plan to send three of them. Suggest via the ask box a parallel presence of someone whom you want to see from the canon lineup as a Keeper. Selections will happen behind the scenes regardless.

Support has been requested from forward field agents. It is now up to you to service these requests at your discretion. You as the Support Division can now partially influence the story by sending asks between Case Files according to incoming requests.

The pinned post has been updated to organize AU terminology and tags and to add a few more.

The Subject Roster, Space-Time Atlas, and Inquiry Master List are under development. Remaining Subject Records that have not been processed and made available to you during the Orientation will be processed after the publication of the Subject Roster.

Subject Roster - Under Development

Space-Time Atlas - Under Development

Inquiry Master List - Under Development

[elhombresiniestro]

I did it! I made an OC based on the gone but not forgotten Cedar Point roller coaster, the Disaster Transport. His name is Dexter Delta. He is kind of a hot mess LOL!

[enkisstories]

Armitage: "Status update: Poe and Rey got captured! BB-8 managed to put a bug on the prisoner transport, though, so we can track their position."

Daniel: "Should I dispatch the extraction team?"

Armitage: "Not yet. Do it when the Falcon launches... or if it doesn't launch, then at the last projected moment it should have done so. That's in nineteen minutes."

Daniel: "Roger. - C64, start a counter."

Armitage: "Meantime, Admiral Holdo, you'll need to know that after we've uprooted the crocus, we will immediately broadcast two public announcements. 

I'm sending you the full texts plus an additional document that’s for Resistance Command’s eyes only. The second file is what you'll want to pay attention to. Better prepare your followers for the potential shock."

Amilyn: "Not another superweapon... Please not another... Oh! A civil war in the First Order? That lines up with the erratic movements we've registered. So what would the second announcement be about?"

...

Amilyn: "That's... The lengths you go to to get Ben Solo off the throne... putting Rey on it!"

Amilyn: "So you may think you have stolen Rey - or “Princess Palpatine” - from us, but she played you! Rey will never be a figurehead. This is the end of the First Order. It's over!"

Armitage: "I know. For all practical purposes, this is a capitulation. As close as we can bring ourselves to surrender to a laughaubly weaker force, that is.”

Amilyn: “So to save face you surrender to Rey instead of to the Resistance as a whole. I see.”

Armitage: “I’ve fought as long as I could, but... in the three seasons I was with you people, I lived more than in the thirty-something years before.

And moreso, I found ways to create order for myself in the disorder that is life in the Resistance and the others, they... they let me. It may sound hard to believe coming from one so high up in our command chain as myself, but it was as if an invisible whip aimed at my back just wasn’t there anymore.”

Daniel: “He isn’t the only one to feel like this, not by a long shot. It started small, with individual defectors, like Finn and Gavin. But once torn, the net untied itself and then it caught fire, too.”

C64: “We’re burning, Admiral. The officers who feel like Master Solo and Grand-Marshal Hux? They may be the ones holding the capital, but theirs is not the winning side in the civil war.”

Holdo: “If that is the case, if you are really sincere, then you should strongly consider an alliance with us.”

Armitage: “Funny you should mention that, because that’s the third document I have prepared...”

[kudosmyhero]

The Amazing Spider-Man (vol. 1) #55: Doc Ock Wins!

Read Date: January 11, 2023 Cover Date: December 1967 ● Writer: Stan Lee ● Penciler: John Romita ● Inker: Mike Esposito ● Colorist: {uncredited} ● Letterer: Sam Rosen ● Editor: Stan Lee ●

**HERE BE SPOILERS: Skip ahead to the fan art/podcast to avoid spoilers

Reactions As I Read: ● great cover ● Spider-Man is on a tear to find Dr. Octopus ● can't find him, so he goes to check on Aunt May ● nullifier moved to Tony Stark's factory, where apparently the military decided it can be best protected ● Col. Jameson is briefing a room about it, but inside is a spy for Doc Ock ● they haven't even boarded up that wall yet? ● Doc Ock attacks nullifier convoy by leaping out of a manhole ● Harry doesn't like 3 a.m. phone calls (who does?)

● Spidey and Ock battle it out at Stark Enterprises ● Ock uses nullifier on Spidey and Spidey loses his memories ● 👏👏👏

Synopsis: After Doctor Octopus caused his Aunt May to pass out, Spider-Man is now out for blood. He tears his way into one of the hideouts that Octopus set up when he was operating as he Mater Planner. He finds Octavius' minions, but not his foe. As Spider-Man dispatches the thugs, Doctor Octopus appears on a monitor and mocks Spider-Man. He tells the wall-crawler that he will never catch him and that he is about to stage the crime of the century before terminating communication. Furious, Spider-Man wrecks the equipment in the headquarters before departing. He decides to check the Master Planner's underwater headquarters but discovers that it is still flooded, another dead end. With no other leads, Spider-Man decides to return home and check on Aunt May.

Meanwhile, John Jameson is having a secret meeting to discuss the security procautions being taken to ensure the transport of the nullifier isn't interrupted. When the officials ask about Spider-Man and Doctor Octopus trying to steal it, John assures them that Spider-Man is not the enemy, despite what his father's newspaper says about the wall-crawler. As he goes over the transport route, he is unaware that one of Otto's minions is in the room, having gained access to the meeting through false credentials. By this time, Peter Parker has arrived at the home that his Aunt May shares with Anna Watson. There he is happy to see that she is doing better, although she is troubled about the damage done to the house. When Peter blames it on Doctor Octopus, his aunt still thinks that Octavius is innocent and only reacted that way due to Spider-Man attacking him. He is then visited by both Mary Jane and Gwen Stacy who have come to see how Peter's aunt is doing, and to look at the damage done to the house. Peter worries that the insurance will not be able to cover the repair work.

Back at his hideout, Doctor Octopus is given the route the military will be taking the nullifier through the city. Using a fake repair truck, Doctor Octopus and his minions speed off to steal the nullifier. As the escorted military truck is heading along its route, it happens upon some work being done on electrical cables below the street. As they slow down to pass the caution ropes, Doctor Octopus uses one of his tentacles to attack from the manhole he is hiding in. With his attack covered by smoke grenades, Doctor Octopus incapacitates all the vehicles and manages to steal the nullifier and escape. Otto orders his men to head for a munitions factory owned by Tony Stark, the first place he wants to test out the nullifier. Soon, J. Jonah Jameson arrives on the scene with Joe Robertson and Ned Leeds. Jonah pumps his son to find out if Spider-Man was involved, but there is no evidence to this fact. Jameson then tries to call Peter Parker to come down and take photos. His phone call is answered by Harry Osborn, who is upset at being woken up at 3 AM and angrily hangs up.

When Spider-Man happens upon the scene, he sees that he was too late to stop Doctor Octopus. However, knowing his long time foe, he correctly deduces that Otto would use the Nullifier on the Stark Industries factory. Unafraid of interference from Iron Man, Doctor Octopus uses the Nullifier to incapacitate the guards that are at the front gates. He then increases the power of the device, rendering the factory inert. It's then that Spider-Man arrives on the scene, and begins fighting with Octavius. When the wall-crawler begins gaining the upper hand, Doctor Octopus uses the Nullifier on his foe. The device stuns Spider-Man, and when he recovers, Doctor Octopus is surprised to see that his enemy has been stricken by amnesia. Deciding to take advantage of this new development, Doctor Octopus convinces the disorientated hero that they are allies. No longer remembering who he is, the confused hero decides to believe Otto, believing that he has no other choice.

(https://marvel.fandom.com/wiki/Amazing_Spider-Man_Vol_1_55)

Fan Art: Fanart: Doctor Octopus by Kato-Regama

Accompanying Podcast: ● Swinging Through Spider-Man - episode 55

● Let's Read Spider-Man - episode 34

[fairybond]

RP CANON: Knowledge of Edolas

The existence of Edolas and the fact that Lisanna (and others) have been to/from there is not common knowledge.

In X784, the town of Magnolia disappeared. Having noted this and the accompanying, abnormal surge in magic, the Council dispatched some of its forces to monitor the situation, investigate, and keep outsiders from getting too close (use of runes and illusion magic aided in this). The town returned after several days and Fairy Tail had little time to celebrate Lisanna’s own return before the Council swept in and began its thorough questioning of her and the other guild members.

Through past research and ancient texts, the Council had some indication of other worlds existing alongside their own, yet to hear first hand accounts was something else entirely. Although Edolas and its magic stealing technology was apparently no longer a threat, the Council determined it was best that the knowledge of it was not shared with the public. The possibility that other worlds could potentially invade Earthland, and that the Council had had no defence against Edolas pulling magic from the world, would only lead to a panic (and potentially further distrust of the Council itself, which they couldn’t afford, especially not so soon after the Etherion disaster).

Due to effects of the magic, the people of Magnolia had no real inkling what had transpired. Their conversion to lacrima and transportation to Edolas (and back) had resulted in some amount of destruction to the town, yet the Council was able to explain away the damage with a story of a bad shipment of light lacrima causing various small explosions across town. The members of Fairy Tail were instructed to keep quiet about the truth.

Through a combination of magic, stories, and forced silence, most of the Edolas incident was suppressed by the Council, however the reappearance of Lisanna was not so easily explained. Her ‘death’ had been quite the event – notable for the tragedy of her being so young (and on a quest she should not really have been on…) and the drastic change in the famous Mirajane. As a young, S-class mage, with unique magic and a strong attitude, Mira had quite the reputation, and so her retirement from mage work following Lisanna’s death (along with her change in personality), was significant in the public eye.

To explain her return, the Council concocted the tale that the mission the Strauss siblings had been on involved a form of changeling, a shapeshifter. The story goes that this creature cast a memory loss spell on Lisanna and copied her appearance, and that it was in fact the changeling that was killed by Elfman (explaining how there was a ‘Lisanna’ to bury). It was explained that due to losing her memories, Lisanna unknowingly kept away from her siblings and lived in solitude for two years, until the effects of the spell were eventually lifted.

Only members of Fairy Tail at the time and a few select others such as Porlyusica, and Master Bob (Lisanna’s current Guild Master), know the truth.

[akitoscorpio]

Dead of Winter Pt 7

"MAYDAY MAYDAY, WE HAVE TOTAL ENGINE FAILURE WERE GOING DOWN!"

The cries from the radio woke Axl and bog up from a deep sleep, the security camera showed the obvious.

A shuttle crashed nearby, the mayday call was on open coms meaning if they heard it, everyone in about a hundred miles did as well.

"Looks like we have at least four survivors" Bog shouted out

"I'll send the Mechanoids out to cover them, we should follow!" Axl shouted back.

"We heard your distress call, I have mechs coming to secure the crash area, don't shoot them!" Axl said as he had arrived first.

"The Dominion of the sun thanks you for your quick aid sir" a Man named Galro said

"Do you want to come back to our base, it's warmer there" Axl asked.

"No we'll hold here, we have a rescue shuttle on it's way" Galro replied.

Axl's mechs, now repainted in a dark blue color common for Mechs used by the corp waited silently for anything that might bring hard to their master. Axl and Bog waited in silence for the shuttle to arrive to take their stubborn new acquaintances back to wherever they hailed from.

Then the expected raiders arrived to attack, Battle was joined immediately.

They were put down swiftly, the raid left Axl with the impression that this was more of a rush out of desperation more than the typical lust of loot or hostages, they all carried food, and being Yttakin, a Xenotype designed with thick fur to fend off the cold. he couldn't tell why they would try to rush a well armed group the way they had done so.

Unless they were fleeing from something.

While the crash survivors waited, Axl had taken the time to carefully examine the bodies for signs of the Parasites or the infection he had seen previously, but he was a mix of relived and disappointed that neither was prevalent on the raiders.

Galro asked "What are you checking for?"

"We have had encounters with strange flesh monsters, infected rotting thins that we had to swiftly put down." Bog added

"We have heard of such monsters" Fausta, the reasonably attractive Genie Xenotype woman chimed in.

"Do you know much about them" Axl asked.

The Genie and their commander shook their heads in the negative "Only that if your wounded by them, there's a chance to catch the infection they carry, the dominion makes it a point to burn them out whenever we encounter them" Galro added.

"Cold doesn't seem to bother them, I can at least tell" Axl added "early in my time here though I was attacked by a person, I believe he was a Baseliner than when injured bled blue blood and had a parasite in his head, I wanted to see if they had something similar"

"Clearly they bled red enough..." Galro added.

It was not long before their rescue shuttle landed and retrieved the survivors of the crash. Axl mentally logged every scrap of information he learned from the incident, about this Dominion, the raiders, and the lack of information on the parasites the dominion had in general.

Later that day when the night had fallen and the weather had turned to it's coldest, they got word of a transport pot that crashed with a single person on it. They quickly dispatched to rescue the injured man.

They had managed to get him inside and started to treat his wounds, but he had lost a massive amount of blood and his body was shaking as Hypothermia had set in rapidly.

He wouldn't be able to say much for quite some time.

When daylight broke, another shuttle baring the same markings from the Dominion as the shuttle that had crashed before hand landed right outside of their base

Several armed men followed by a man in red robes exited the shuttle and made themselves at home. bog called Axl back quickly from collection resources and bodies to see the commotion that had started to unfold at their base.

The band quickly approached Axl directly

"Can I-"

The red robed figure stated directly "Axlandiar Megazaan, By the powers vested in me, as granted by the Emperor of the Dominion, and by the will of Horus, God of the skies, grant you the title of Yeoman of the great Dominion of the Sun, and all the rights and privileges such a title grants you. Including ownership and land and the formation of a rank 1 psylink"

Axl was, stunned silence as the red robed man took his hand and injected his arm with a Psyformer, immediately unlocking his psionic potential, said potential struck him with a bolt of lightning causing a sharp pain in his head.

Without another spoke word, the figure and his bodyguards left.

Bog started howling in laughter looking at Axl's face

"What the hell just happened?" Axl asked

Bog cracked up grinning "Oh nothing to serious" before his grin turned mischievous "M'lord" as he walked past him laughing.

Axl could only stand their dumbfounded as Bog left the room "What?"

[disaster-transport]

Notes on Defunct Cedar Point Ride Disaster Transport

There is no one opinion made about defunct Cedar Point Ride Disaster Transport (Many believe that is was a failed attempt to recreate disney’s Space Mountain (that even if if was a failure it was that of a greater stage capitalist level (which is reflective of a greater societal issue (which would then encompass a greater questioning of the morality of theme parks(Connecting back to the issue of greater communication and the entertainment industry in the 20th and 21st centuries)))). The fact of the matter is that there is no correct opinion about the ride, but rather an objective truth about the themes that make up the ride’s cultivation and theming. The themes throughout the rides reflect horror; They reflect not only the horror of a trip to space hijacked by space pirates, but also they reflect the greater horror of a modern day capitalist society that does not regulate the power of big corporations, especially when it comes to the safety of those employed by it and the consumers involved in supporting it. It reflects the greater horror of self-destructive consumerism.

To fully understand defunct Cedar Point ride Disaster Transport, you need to examine the theming that makes up the ride. There was one drawback of the theming that made it almost incomprehensible, though: it was made in the 1990s. Many were confused by the lack of connection between items. Many struggled to see how the one, overworked, one robot running the reception and management duties of Dispatch Master Transport is reflective of the common understaffing and overworking problem in corporate businesses. Many also struggled to see how it’s mysterious and dark tracking connected to shady coverups of business malfunctions.

There is a great disconnect between the actual message of the ride and the modern-day multi-million dollar effects it is often scrutinized with. But, those who value small-scale attractions and give greater meaning to the ride. Many remember the memorabilia from the ride, and how much fun they had with their family on the ride, as it was accessible for riders of most age groups. The rides' new and not necessarily sustainable effects are those that cater to a different audience who are in a different socio-economic class than most “esteemed coaster critics”. The ride was good for both the company of Cedar Fair and for the families that couldn’t afford to fly to Orlando or to California to give their children the childhood they believed they deserved. Cedar Fair’s efforts to create the Disney World of the midwest while perceived as an attempt to recreate the success of Walt in a cheap fashion, were also a win for the average man -- a business venture that turned out to be honorable in itself.

The question still remains today (a decade after the ride’s closure): what was Disaster Transport. Disaster Transport was an indoor rollercoaster that made a family ride into one that could remain open more often than not -- contradicting its predecessor, Avalanche Run. The ride was supposed to become a long lasting staple of Cedar Point's infrastructure. Its theming was meant to connect to the greater topics of life, and when it was not sustained, it was left to break. It became a victim of time. Its effects were not maintained, parts not properly replaced and maintenance. It was replaced by the newer thing. The more important, more extreme, thing. The more thrilling and exclusive thing. The end of the ride was the end of Cedar Fair’s groundbreaking attempt at storytelling. Storytelling and theming and an era of bright lights and new sounds all brought to a stop by the invention of a strict niche enforced by the greater attempts at capitalist gain.

[aratimahato]

How a Warehouse Management System Enhances Indian Freight Forwarding Efficiency

Indian logistics is expanding at a historically record rate through an e-commerce boom, growing globalization, and infra expansion. With tight deadlines on which freight forwarding organizations operate, complex compliance processes, and tougher consumers, seamless handling by the warehouses is the most important goal. And here comes the warehouse management system in India into the picture. 

A Warehouse Management System (WMS) is not just an inventory system—it is the center of the digital revolution in supply chains, equipping businesses with the power to automate processes, save costs, and drive service levels. Here are ways in which WMS is transforming freight forwarding in India, with live examples of industry leaders who are setting the trend. 

What is a warehouse management system? 

A warehouse management system is a computer program that assists in making and automating warehouse and distribution center operations. It automates functions like inventory tracking, picking and packing, space allocation, order processing, and shipment dispatch. When used in conjunction with freight forwarding software, it gives end-to-end real-time visibility into the supply chain. 

The Growing Role of WMS in India’s Freight Ecosystem 

As India’s logistics industry is expected to reach $380 billion by 2025, warehousing parks are making a surge throughout the nation. Prime locations such as Bhiwandi (Mumbai), Dadri (NCR), Sriperumbudur (Chennai), and Chakan (Pune) are now hosts to intelligent warehouses with feature-rich WMS systems. These warehouses are crucial in freight forwarding—particularly in third-party logistics (3PL) and fourth-party logistics (4PL) activities—where speed, precision, and compliance are vital. 

Topmost Key Benefits of a Warehouse Management System in India 

1. End-to-End Visibility of Inventory Throughout Warehouses 

A WMS gives companies full control of the inventory of several warehouses in the master facility, with real-time visibility. This is flat-out essential to freight forwarders who have huge amounts of incoming and outgoing freight across different states. 

Mahindra Logistics Example 

Mahindra Logistics utilizes a cutting-edge WMS to manage multi-client inventory across its pan-India warehouse network. It has assisted them in maintaining high inventory accuracy and managing complex B2B and B2C order fulfillment for automotive, ecommerce, and FMCG customers. 

2. Improved Order Processing and Turnaround Times Speed is the key to freight forwarding.

 A WMS streamlines picking and packing, allocates work to warehouse workers, and plugs into TMS (transport management systems) directly for quicker dispatches. 

Example: Delivery 

One of India’s biggest integrated logistics service providers, Delhivery relies on WMS for high-volume, high-speed order processing. Their computerized Bangalore and Delhi NCR warehouses process over 2 million shipments a day, with shippers and customers getting real-time status messages.

 3. Space Cost Optimization Enhanced

Indian city warehouse locations are costly.  A WMS optimizes by using smart algorithms to suggest class-leading storage policies and avoid space wastage.

Example: Flipkart

 Flipkart is employing AI-powered warehouse management systems in its customer fulfillment centers in cities like Hyderabad, Bengaluru, and Pune.  WMS enables proper racking, slotting, and space planning, especially at times of increased demand like during Big Billion Days. 

4. Enhanced Compliance and Documentation 

India’s freight forwarding business has to cope with tight customs, GST, and E-Way Bill compliance. An Indian warehouse management system keeps track of all stocks moving and shipments and is compliant with government regulations. 

Blue Dart Express: For example, 

Blue Dart’s WMS integrates with customs portals and generates real-time documentation, reducing paperwork error and enabling faster clearance at ports like Mumbai and Chennai. 

5. Seamless Integration with Freight Forwarding Software 

A freight forwarding software and WMS combination offers end-to-end visibility into logistics. It integrates warehousing activity with transportation, billing, communication with customers, and tracking deliveries. 

Example: QuickMove Technology 

QuickMove possesses an end-to-end software solution for logistics where its WMS interfaces directly with freight forward modules. How Warehouse Management Systems in India Enhance Freight Forwarding Efficiency.

 Indian logistics are expanding at an unprecedented historical level with the aid of an explosion in e-commerce, growing globalization, and infrastructure expansion. With stringent timelines against which freight forwarders operate, complex compliance mechanisms, and better-off consumers, smooth handling by the warehouses remains a priority of the highest order. And it is here that the Indian warehouse management system comes into play. https://www.quickmovetech.com/how-a-warehouse-management-system-enhances-indian-freight-forwarding-efficiency/ https://www.instagram.com/quickmovetechnologies/?next=%2F https://www.linkedin.com/company/6638777/admin/dashboard/