#extended project qualification

[anxiousgryffindor7]

Good luck and well done to everyone getting A Level results today!!

Got my EPQ result back today and I got an A!

[tboy-perpetua]

[little-doggy-boy-kisserstraight]

HEYYYY on my knees kindly pls take this quiz it'll take like 5 secs

mwah mwah

have a good day <3

im currently doing my EPQ for school and would appreciated if anyone could complete this form!

[nightmareonpeachstreet]

Since I’m not interested in the bridal banner this year I decided to do a bit of last minute summoning on the legendary banner

Got my Marth Caeda duo up to +3 :)

[thatsnoneofurdamnbiz]

YAY I can finally share the project I've been working on for the past 6-ish months! I actually finished it a couple of weeks ago but had to wait til I had the okay from my teachers yk-

ANYWAY, I created a mini model/diorama for my EPQ (Extended Project Qualification), which reimagines 'Red Dwarf' if it were a stage show. ✨️

I've been super excited to share this, so I hope y'all like it as much as I do lol! It was so hard not to share anything on here until it was complete, but I managed- 🫡🫡

More photos below the cut!! 🕺 (and click on them for slightly better quality, you know what tumblr is like lmao-)

[world-of-wales]

NEWS -

THE EARLY YEARS BUISNESS TASKFORCE HAS RELEASED ITS REPORT ON THEIR YEAR OF CHAMPIONING CHANGE -

One year on from the publication of its landmark “Case for Change” report, The Royal Foundation Business Taskforce for Early Childhood has delivered a broad range of initiatives, demonstrating the vital role business can play in creating a society which prioritises its youngest members and those caring for them.

When the report was launched, each member of the Taskforce pledged to take action. They have each chosen different areas of opportunity, and the impact has been varied and vast:

The LEGO Group has donated LEGO® Education Build Me “Emotions” sets to early years providers across every corner of the UK. The sets are designed to help children to explore their emotions in a playful way. It is also working with a coalition of partners, delivering a local project in Tower Hamlets harnessing the power of play to promote children’s wellbeing and develop social and emotional skills

Co-op created a dedicated early childhood fund through its unique apprentice levy share service, Co-op Levy Share. With Taskforce funding, it has already supported more than 130 early years apprentices, as part of its commitment to raise £5 million over the next 5 years to create more than 600 apprenticeships.

Deloitte has funded more than 1300 early years teachers to undertake Teach First leadership qualifications and have changed its parental policies to give all parents 26 weeks full pay.

IKEA has partnered with local baby banks to ensure families have the essentials they need and launched a product range which raised money for the Baby Bank Alliance.

NatWest has increased its lending capacity for early years settings and produced tools to support nurseries to operate in a more sustainable way.

Iceland has rolled out its ’emoji posters’ across all UK stores and helped 30,000 staff better support young families. They have also launched a range of toddler meals with Mumsnet, which raise money for Alder Hey Hospital and aim to support healthy eating.

These projects combined have a potential reach of more than half a million babies and young children.

Looking ahead, taskforce members have committed to building on this to extend their impact to even more families with babies and young children.

Co-op is developing assets, inspired by the Shaping Us Framework, for its six million members, to help support parents and carers understand the importance of social and emotional development and how to nurture it in their children.

NatWest has already increased lending for early years providers to £100million and has now pledged to go even further, extending the target lending to £250m. This means that many more early years settings, who currently find it difficult to access the financial support they need, will now be able to do so, alongside tailored guidance and support to navigate the challenges they face and to seize growth opportunities.

Aviva will shortly be making publicly available a series of short films, which they have created for their 26,000 employees, aimed at helping both managers and new parents to feel more confident and supported in the workplace.

As well as continuing with their own projects, the Taskforce plays an important leadership role in inspiring other businesses to consider how they too could play a role.

Since the report’s publication, members have hosted roundtables with businesses around the UK, with more planned in the coming months. The report has also been showcased on the international stage and the global early years sector have welcomed the leadership provided by the Taskforce.

Businesses will now be able to build their own action plans and get more information about how they can have maximum impact. please visit : Build Your Action Plan

[aro-culture-is]

aro culture is doing an extended project qualification about how amatonormativity affects different groups in society

.

[sophieinwonderland]

Hello! We are in college (English definition of college ftr, so 16-18 years old) currently, and soon need to start our EPQ, Extended Project Qualification

We really want to do it on plurality, both disordered and non-disordered. However, we're doing the dissertation, meaning we kind of need to make a point. "To what extent ___", for example

Unfortunately we have no idea what point we could make or what we could argue for. Do you have any suggestions? We kind of thought we could do an analysis of some kind, possibly on syscourse and the views on either side but we really don't know.

No worries if you can't help :] just thought we'd ask

~ 🌟🪽

Speaking as a tulpa, the consciousness of childhood "imagined companions" is of particular interest to me. Studies show imagined companions able to act on their own outside of the conscious control of their hosts. You can find some of these studies in my studies and research page.

I'd love to see a conversation started on the nature of these. If these imagined companions can seemingly think and act on their own, and use the same mechanisms to think as any other person, then what makes them any more or less real than their host? And if they have thoughts of their own, what are the moral implications of a society encouraging kids to abandon them?

I'd love to see this sort of exploration of childhood plurality. Especially as it pertains to protogenic systems, who report being plural as long as they can remember.

Alternatively, maybe you want to go with a more political angle, exploring discrimination and pluralphobia. What rights do plurals need and deserve? How are they harmed by negative media presentations? What discrimination do systems face for being more-than-one?

If you go for this angle, I'd highly advise looking into the work done by the Hearing Voices Network and their ideology!

[crystaltoa]

Thinking about ages for Matoran, specifically the ones who would become Toa Metru.

All of them are fairly accomplished in their respective fields, so I imagine none of them are super young, but there are some things about each that make them seem older or younger. Additionally, some populations of Matoran are going to average out as older or younger depending on what kind of work they do and how often new Matoran of that type are needed

Matau- One of the younger ones. I imagine the Le-Matoran on Metru Nui are on average younger than most other populations due to their dangerous profession having a high turnover rate. Iruini taunts him that he probably believes the great spirit flies down the chutes on naming day, implying he was a very young Matoran, or at least is as naive as one.

Nokama- older, by virtue of being a teacher while Ga-Metru is predominantly populated by students. She probably attends courses herself every few years to extend her qualifications or keep up to date with the latest research. Ga-Matoran may have a higher replacement rate for non-fatal reasons than other Matoran types in Metru Nui if the schools have an exchange/transfer program that has Matoran leave to teach or do other work in other areas of the Matoran universe.

Whenua- Onu-Matoran average as one of the younger populations, but Whenua is one of the older ones out of that lot- Nuju thinks of him as "an old archivist" so he seems to give off that vibe of being older as far as others are concerned. He was also chosen by Dume to study the "first Rahi" along with Mavrah and Onepu. Mavrah seems to be older than him though.

Nuju- Ko-Matoran on average are older as they have a relatively safe lifestyle. He was presumably younger than Ihu though. Seems to think Whenua is old, possibly in relation to himself. May or may not be correct about this.

Onewa- older, given the variety of projects he's been involved with. A common fan theory is that he was around during the Matoran Civil War, which accounts for some of his animosity toward Vakama. This would put him at 80 000 years old, but there's no mention of him in relation to the event, and the animosity could well just be a cultural thing that resulted from the war.

Vakama: Younger. Not a lot of evidence to work off here. But I've listed most of the others as older so I'm mostly going off vibes again. I'd be curious to see if there's any other evidence others have found for his being older or younger than others.

[william-shakespeare-official]

hey shakespeare should i analyse hamlet in my EPQ (extended project qualification) (it's like. a 5k word essay and i'll have to do a 5-10 min presentation)

Thou shallt always analise Hamlet, the circumstances matter not. Go forth.

[ilovemurdoc1990]

Help Wanted: Animaniacs Writers needed for a friend to help with a project!

Are you a witty wordsmith with a penchant for zany humor? Do you dream of writing for a cast of animated characters who defy the laws of physics and logic? Look no further! Our friend’s exciting project is seeking talented writers to join the creative chaos of the Animaniacs universe.

About the Project:

Title: Animaniacs: The Reimagined Adventures

Description: This fan-driven project aims to revive the beloved 90s animated show, bringing back Yakko, Wakko, and Dot for more slapstick antics, cultural references, and musical mayhem.

Format: Web series with short, bite-sized episodes (think mini-skits meets Looney Tunes).

Job Responsibilities:

Scriptwriting: Craft hilarious, clever, and occasionally absurd dialogue for our iconic trio. Bonus points if you can sneak in a pun or two!

Character Development: Dive into the minds of Yakko, Wakko, Dot, and their extended cast. What makes them tick? What drives their wacky behavior?

Song Lyrics: Yes, there will be songs! Compose catchy tunes that stick in viewers’ heads like gum on a hot day.

Pop Culture References: Stay up-to-date on memes, trends, and internet oddities. The Animaniacs thrive on parody and satire!

Qualifications:

A love for animated comedy and a deep appreciation for the original Animaniacs.

Creativity that knows no bounds (or gravity).

Ability to channel your inner Yakko, Wakko, or Dot (or all three simultaneously).

Familiarity with the Animaniacs’ signature catchphrases: “Hello, Nurse!” and “Goodnight, everybody!”

Perks:

Work from your own zany tower (or coffee shop, if you prefer).

Collaborate with fellow writers who share your passion for nostalgia and chaos.

Unlimited access to the Warner Bros. water tower (just don’t fall off).

Application Process: Send us your résumé, a brief cover letter (in verse, if you dare), and a sample script snippet where the Animaniacs encounter a time-traveling squirrel with a penchant for disco. Extra points if the squirrel moonwalks.

Contact Information: DM me and I'll give you my friend's contact info!

Disclaimer: This project is fan-created and not affiliated with Warner Bros. Animaniacs, but we promise to keep it as zany as the original!

Apply now and let the chaos commence! 🎩🎤🌟

[trainer0084]

Nuclear fusion reactor created by teen successfully achieved plasma

[my-autism-adhd-blog]

Hi!! I'm doing an Extended Project Qualification on Autism and its representation on screen, something I've been very interested in since learning that I am autistic. However, I need evidence, quantitative and qualitative, as part of the EPQ, so I thought I'd make a survey. I was wondering if, given your larger follower count, you could share it to give it a greater sample size? No worries if not of course.

Post link: https://www.tumblr.com/thekittyburger/744023111712768000?source=share

Survey link:

https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=DQSIkWdsW0yxEjajBLZtrQAAAAAAAAAAAAO__RuT881UMzVEQTc2UTdPSUUxTDJTWkQ0NDZISFY0Qi4u

Love your blog and all you do!! It's been a great help for me :)

Hi @thekittyburger

I’ll share this so if anyone wants to take the survey. Seems very interesting!

[wyattbusinesscollege1]

Fast-Track Your Business Career: Graduate Diploma in Australia

The vibrant business environment in Australia is still growing at a rate that has never been experienced before, and this has opened up new opportunities to professionals with the right qualifications and skills.

The Graduate Diploma in Business is one of the most demanded qualifications in the modern competitive market, as it is the qualification that fills the gap between the undergraduate education and the professional expertise.

The Graduate Diploma in Business is not just another certificate to working professionals, career changers, and recent graduates who want to improve their business acumen; it is a strategic investment in your professional future. This is a holistic program that provides an ideal combination of theory and practice, which is aimed at addressing the needs of the Australian business environment that is flourishing.

What is a Graduate Diploma in Business, and How Long Does It Take?

A graduate diploma in business is a postgraduate degree that usually takes eight to twelve subjects, depending on the institution and the specialization taken. This program is not a full master's degree but is specifically designed to be efficient and practical, which is why it is a perfect option to busy professionals.

A graduate diploma in business typically takes 12–18 months to complete part-time but can be completed in eight months on an accelerated full-time basis. This flexibility enables students to work and, at the same time, upgrade their qualifications, and this is very appealing to students who want to advance their careers without necessarily taking long breaks in their professional lives.

Our Graduate Diploma in Business program at Wyatt Business College is designed to provide the greatest value in the shortest time possible. We know that our students are aspiring professionals who require practical, ready-to-use knowledge that can change their career path.

The Australian Business Education Advantage

The image of Australia as a world education center is not limited to its universities. The business education sector of the country is known to be very practical, industry-linked, and focused on practical application. Australian business qualifications are accepted globally, and this is not only in Australia but also in the Asia-Pacific region and beyond.

The Australian Qualifications Framework guarantees that the Graduate Diploma programs are of high standards and are relevant to the industry. This implies that graduates are ready to join the job market with skills that are in demand by employers, and credentials that are valued in the professional world.

In addition, the multicultural business environment in Australia exposes students to different views and global business practices. This international perspective is becoming more and more useful as companies are extending their operations internationally and are in need of leaders who can operate in complicated international markets.

Salary Expectations and Career Opportunities

Australian graduates of business diploma programs are usually able to experience a marked increase in their career opportunities and earning power. The qualification provides access to middle and senior management roles in a wide range of industries, including traditional corporate settings, innovative startups, and government departments.

Typical career opportunities are business analysts, project managers, marketing coordinators, human resource specialists, and operations managers. The qualification is also used by many graduates as a stepping stone to entrepreneurship, with the full business knowledge required to start and run their own businesses.

The salary expectations depend on the industry and location, but the graduate diploma holders are usually paid more than the undergraduate qualification holders. Graduate entry-level jobs in large Australian cities can begin at around 65,000 to 80,000 per year, and experienced workers can earn much more.

The networking opportunities that are offered in the program also lead to long-term career success. Other students, guest lecturers in the industry, and faculty members are potential professional contacts who may result in employment, business relationships, and mentorship.

Selecting the Appropriate Program and Institution

The choice of the right Graduate Diploma in Business program should be made with a number of factors in mind. The structure of the program, industry relationships, faculty experience, and flexibility are all important factors that may influence your learning experience and future career.

Seek out programs that provide a combination of business fundamentals and areas of specialization. The most effective programs combine theoretical knowledge and practical case studies, group projects, and real-life business problems. Partnerships with industry and guest lecturers of top companies provide additional insights and networking opportunities.

Working professionals need flexibility especially. Look into programs with evening classes, weekend sessions, online elements, or intensive workshops that fit into busy schedules. Part-time study is a major factor that influences many students because they can continue working.

The issue of accreditation and recognition is also crucial. Make sure that the program you select is accredited by the appropriate professional organizations and that the degree will be appreciated by the employers in the field or area you are interested in.

The Wyatt Business College Difference

At Wyatt Business College, we have tailored our Graduate Diploma in Business course to suit the needs of the contemporary professional. Our curriculum integrates core business concepts with the latest industry practices so that graduates are ready to face the challenges of today and the opportunities of tomorrow.

Our faculty is a combination of academic and industry experience, which gives students both theoretical and practical knowledge. The small classes guarantee individual attention and effective communication with the instructors and peers, which makes learning possible.

We know that our students are making an investment in their futures, and many of them are doing so with other career and family demands. This is why we have designed our program in such a way that it is as flexible as possible without sacrificing quality. We offer support services that go beyond the classroom, including career guidance, networking, and continuous professional development resources.

Application Process and Admission Requirements

The majority of Graduate Diploma in Business courses demand that the applicant have a bachelor's degree in any discipline, although some institutions will accept substantial professional experience in place of formal qualifications. This accessibility makes the program appealing to career changers and professionals with varied backgrounds.

The process of application is usually simple, and most institutions accept applications all year round. It is, however, recommended that you apply early enough before your desired start date so that you can be placed and also to give time to any documentation or visa procedures that may be required.

Conclusion

Education is one of the surest investments that can be made to improve career opportunities and earning capacity. Graduate diploma programs are usually cheaper than full master's degrees but offer a lot of value in terms of career development.

Visit Us Online: https://wyatt.nsw.edu.au

[androgynousblackbox]

Dead Main Course. 2 [Appleradio, Radioapple]

As the news for his murders grew too much for comfort, Alastor had to relocate to the most affordable place he could until he got an actual job. The advertisement for this new place looked promising. He had all the qualifications required, but the part that most called out to him was that the owner already had a large chain of fast food restaurants across the country and this was the first time that he was intending to cater to the most sophisticated palates. The name recognition was there so, if anything, he would have guaranteed a better pay than what he had to endure on his previous job. 

A part of him also was just curious to see the place. Morningstar was the brand that appeared in multiple restaurants that pride itself on selling the biggest and juiciest burgers of the market, but it was the first time that he saw it plastered over a building and not turned out tacky as all hell. The crystal doors were covered by windows, impeding seeing inside. A sign glue on the front announced that interviews were being carried out inside.

Alastor took the piece of paper and crumpled it out, putting it in his pocket. He didn't have huge hopes of that making that big of a difference, but any little help he could take in order to get the position was all fine for him. "Fair competition" was a comforting lie that fools told themselves when they weren't brave enough to do what was necessary.

Inside the place looked like one huge dome. Gold, white and blues were the main colors he could see all over the walls and even the ceiling, reaching out to a source of light that kinda looked like the sun, which he imagined was the idea. Right at the center there was the statue of a tree with red ribbons tied on their branches. All the tables and raised chairs were placed just around the tree, as if a little planet were trapped in its orbit. 

"Hey, buddy" called a voice and only then did he realize where everyone else was. An open kitchen was in the farthest zone of the place, with a bunch of already waiting chefs with their white coats on top. The person who talked to him and looked like already was on a sour mood was a huge man, dressed in a suit of gold and electric blue that just walked the line between tacky and opulent. His pure white hair was pulled back and the clear blue eyes could have been one of his most attractive traits when he was a lot younger, but now they just seemed like something that reminded him of fish's vomit. Murky and unpleasant. "Did you get lost or something? Didn't you read the sign outside? We are kinda busy here already."

Alastor hid his surprise at the other chef. He had made sure to come half an hour earlier than what they told him to, hoping to be one of the first ones. It looked like at least four others had the same idea.

"I came for the interview, sir" said, walking up with his hand extended. When it was obvious the man wasn't going to take it, he straightened up his back and took out his resume, in a manila folder as he was told, to extend it again. "I was told to come here around this hour. I hope I am not too late."

"You did?" The man masticated those words like it was tobacco and quickly looked over the papers, taking out some tiny golden glasses to read it quickly. Only after that did his expression soften up somewhat. "Ah, right, right. You come from the Institute Hazbin. Heard good things about it."

"Thank you, sir" said Alastor, receiving the resume back. 

He was exceptionally good at small talk, but he could clearly see that the patience of this man was already running thin and he would appreciate just short, efficient answers.

"Well, the bathroom is over there. Change quickly so I can finally fucking explain how we are going to do stuff here."

Bathroom? They didn't have a changing room yet? Alastor saw beyond the open kitchen, noticing a ladder at the background that surely was part of the production still not finalized. So they were already hiring staff before having the place completed. He had no idea if that was smart or not, but in any case, it wasn't his aspiring job to ask about it.

The bathroom in question was on another point of the room. Alastor walked as fast as he could to get prepared for once. Before entering he could hear the water flowing, indicating to him that someone was already inside. Another one of the chefs? How many did he have to crush to get this position. 

But once he came inside, they had already closed the door to one of the cubicles before he could see anything. For a second he considered doing the polite thing of greeting him, creating a false sense of camaraderie to ease him before the moment he could show the truth, but, frankly, he didn't have any interest in that. Whoever it was, he was going to crush him anyway. 

He used another of the cubicles to take out his jacket and put on his white coat. The other guy didn't bother to talk to him either and wasn't coming out. With any luck he was suffering from explosive diarrhea because of his nerves and wouldn't be an issue at all. Once he was presentable, he went to join the group of the chefs present.

"Good, finally. Very well" said mister Morningstar, rubbing his hands together. "Now let me very fucking clear with all of your from the fucking start. Do you all know what the Morningstar brand is? What does it represent?"

There was a moment of hesitation, as if they weren't sure if that was a rhetorical question or not. One that Alastor took advantage of.

"Great flavor to accompany great moments of everyday life" answered. 

Morningstar laughed, a scratchy and jumpy sound like how an old dog would laugh.

"At least one of you did your homework" approved the man and Alastor modestly accepted the recognition, not looking at the competition. They all could choke on their jealousy for all he cared. "But yeah, that is the mission that we have tried to carry out since the start of the business. Now we intend to do things a little more differents" said, coming close to a tray with a bunch of plates. "We want to keep feeding people with the flavor that they came to expect and want from us, but more... What is the word? elevated, you know what I am saying? Make it more complex, but still edible. I am going to test all of you to see what you can do with our old menu."

The man moved to a tray that was in the center of the kitchen and lifted the cover, revealing a typical meal of Morningstar burgers and fries. Alastor almost let the disgust seep into his face. 

"Sir?" asked another of the chefs, lifting a hand shyly. "I don't understand. What exactly should we do with that?"

"You didn't hear a fucking word I said?" Morningstar shook his head and let the shiny metal cover clank against the surface of the table. Everyone but Alastor jumped a bit at that. "Take this and make it as fancy as you can, but remember to make it still enjoyable or else what the fuck are we doing here. And none of that deconstructed abstract symbolic nonsense that some places do where they give you a plate of oil and tell you that represents bread. You all have experience on the field, alright. I want to see now how creative you all can get. The ingredients are all in the back and you can grab whatever you want. But god save you all if you make me waste a fucking thing today."

Did this guy think they were part of some cooking show? Just how stupid of a premise was that?

Morningstar suddenly clapped his hands together, again, making everyone jump but Alastor.

"Well, I need to repeat myself? I don't have all day." 

"Yes, sir" answered all of them at once, running up to the freezer first because, clearly, a new version of a burger was going to need the meat. 

While gathering an assortment of veggies and some fruits that he thought could be useful, Alastor looked around to see just the same amount of chefs grabbing as much they could or seemingly stopped by their own plans of what to do. Maybe the guy in the bathroom was a janitor or something, that is why Morningstar didn't care to wait for him.

All the better for him, frankly. 

Soon enough all the ovens were turned on as they cooked the meat, condimenting it to each of their preferences. Two of the chefs went out to Morningstar to ask each a portion of the burger to taste and compare, which he could see even at the distance that the man didn't like, but still allowed it. He didn't need to do that for his part. Once something had entered into his mouth it stayed there forever, shelved and organized into categories and ready to be pulled whenever ready, as if testing it all over again.

Part of his "homework" had included visiting his local Morningstar place to order a classic burger, just to prove himself he still remembered perfectly well how it was or if they had changed the formula since the last time. They had not. His tongue again had proven to be infallible. Not that he ever doubted it.

A little bit of spice, gentle but fun, like a little surprise you don't quite expect. That was one of the things that food critics kept praising about their meat so he had to play to that strength. Otherwise it wouldn't be Morningstar anymore.

The aroma of their different meals filled the air. Morningstar had seen them sitting against the bar where the waiters were going to receive the orders to take it to the customers, but after a while he started walking between them and asking questions. It was a job interview after all and it was obvious that the man wanted to see their reactions while cooking at the same time.

"What was that you said?" The voice of Morningstar elevated over the sizzling on their pans, just behind the back of one of the chef who needed to compare with the other burger. "I couldn't hear you. Speak up. We are on a fucking kitchen, didn't you see?"

"I said that no, sir, I haven't worked with a lot of meat before."

"Because you come from a pussy ass vegan restaurant, don't you? What are you doing here then?"

"That was my training, sir, but I can learn."

"No, you are not" Morningstar turned off the pan the chef was using and turned to him. "This is not your fucking school, kid. I expect professionals that know what you are doing. Get the fuck out."

Well, that was easy, thought Alastor, concentrating on his own work, but keeping his ear attentive to whatever the man was doing. One less annoyance to concern himself with. After the chef had abandoned the area, thanking him for his time still, the man moved to the next chef.

"What are you doing?"

One by one, the man demanded explanation for what they were doing, why they were doing it and other questions that were clearly meant to disorient them. Why are you choosing to work on a new restaurant for a fast food brand? Did no one else wanted you? What did you do for this to be your first option today? Do you even remember what a simple cheeseburger tastes like with all that fancy meal that you used to make before? When was the last time that you ate fries? Do you really think that you have what it takes to be on the first of many other restaurant like this one that were going to open in the future?

Alastor answered as honestly as he could, coloring his narrative just enough to maybe play into the sympathies of the man. Instead of having eaten that one burger a week ago, he ate them whenever he had no energy to cook for himself. He wanted the job because he respected the brand name (true), so he wanted to have a hand in seeing it grow (kinda true). He had left his previous job when the owner sold the restaurant to new owners who wanted an entirely new staff (true), and he came to the city looking for opportunities to expand his opportunities (false, but said as true). The man was standing so close that it was clearly meant to be claustrophobic, invasive, but he stood firm during the whole process. 

The other chef managed to keep working all the same, but the one next to them got stuck stuttering an answer and Morningstar applauded, the strong impact seeming to echo through the entire building.

"Speak! Did a fucking cat bit your tongue? You got taught how to cook, but don't know how to speak? How I am supposed to trust you to move on my kitchen freely if you can't even have a completely sentence out?"

The chef in question finally managed to say something. If it was acceptable or not, Alastor really couldn't tell, but at least didn't immediately ask them to get out of the kitchen. When Morningstar stopped asking questions, he took that as his sign to not waste any more time.

By the end, they all presented their dishes in front of Morningstar. The man barely looked at them, his eyes fixated on the direction of the bathroom with a slight frown. Alastor took note of that, but let it slide for now as he explained to the old man what he had done.

"Spicy" was the only comment he received as a reward and he resisted the urge to try to coat any clarification. 

Was that too spicy? Not enough spice? What did that mean? The worse is that he knew very well that had him wondering that was exactly what Morningstar was looking for. He was getting the impression this was the kind of boss who enjoyed having his workers being on edge wondering how to please him. 

For the next one, one bite was enough for the man to say "bland" and the final one "boring." 

"Too safe, both of you. Especially you" said to the one chef who stammered through their words, spitting into tissue to throw it into a garbage can. "I don't need people who are just going to second guess everything and just do the most predictable thing they can imagine. Get out."

Finally, just one other chef. Alastor felt more convinced that he may as well have had the job already. There was no way that someone who got a "bland" description of their work could be more qualified than he was. 

The next "test" was to create a new version of the most popular dessert at the other establishment, the one thing everyone wanted the most. Their famous apple pie with sweet sauces to select from, made in the shape of a circular pastry lightly powdered with cinnamon.

They wanted chefs that could do everything, not just dedicated to one station. Alastor wasn't a sweet tooth guy at all, but at least knew what people who were usually liked on their plate. Dessert at restaurants of the high caliber he worked at were usually small bite sized, meant to be enjoyed with every spoonful and wishing for more. That seemed to be the approach that the other chef was going with, going out of their way to create little sculptures out of sugar and chocolate that he had to refrain from laughing at.

While he waited on his own creation to rise up in the oven, he cleaned up his hand while pretending he wasn't paying attention to the way that Morningstar seemed to be getting more and more pissed looking at the bathroom. After a while, because apparently nothing of what he expected to happen was happening, Morningstar took out his phone and typed out pressing on the screen harder than necessary.

"You both are done?" said, already annoyed, looking at both of their plates like neither of them was impressive. "Good. Now, I am going to be honest with you, I don't care for this stuff. But SOMEONE" added, looking back", is better that I am so he will be the one judging."

At that moment the cellphone of Morningstar let out a notification sound and he smiled while reading it.

"Finally" sighed, crossing his arms as finally someone came out.

Alastor stopped hearing whatever was coming out of the man when he saw him. A tiny man, even shorter than Morningstar, made his way to them while brushing his hair back with his hand. Unlike them, the man also had a chef coat on top, but this was mostly red with details in white for the neck, sleeve and front pocket. 

The red was that perfect dark tone that reminded someone of wine or blood, so of course Alastor immediately imagined that small hand holding a knife and drenched on a new victim without losing that image of pristine composure. His eyes were an intense kind of brown, focused and unexpressive as he stood right next to Morningstar.

Alastor took half of a step back as if his presence had been louder than any of the commanding claps of his future boss, while the other chef was just waiting for what came next. Something had gotten stuck on his throat all of the sudden and he was forced to swallow as silently as he could.

"Gentleman, this is my son Lucifer and if we choose any of you today you will be working at his side. He studied at the Heavenly Culinary Academy and graduated with the highest honors" explained Morningstar, patting the shoulder of the blonde man who turned his head as if wanting to roll his eyes at the praise. "He is my sweet expert guy, so if there is anyone who I trust to judge this is going to be him. It's his sweet tooth who you have to impress."

Alastor stared at Lucifer some more while Morningstar was presenting them and thought that made no sense. No, a man like that didn't belong in a kitchen. He had to be a model or a muse for some artist who would kill themselves because they could never replicate such beauty with their measly mortal hands. Someone that inspired art and maybe a lot more with his entire body, not just his hand. If not, wasn't that just a waste? What an absurd idea was that! Either of them had to be joking!

Even the way that he let out a small sigh before turning with them with a smile made that impression all the more stronger. This had to be part of the job interview at all.

Of course he had heard about Heavenly Academy. Just one of the most demanding and highest rated places in the entire world to get education from. Alastor didn't even try to apply there when he found out about their monthly rates and their scholarships weren't that much accessible.

Lucifer, the chef that couldn't be a chef, breathed out a sigh before smiling at them and extended his hand to shake them. 

"Don't mind my father, gentlemen. I read both your resumes and you are quite impressive already" said with a soft smile that made Alastor almost completely miss what he was saying, along with the social cue to shake his hand. A strong beat on his chest later, he forced himself to give a firm squeeze. "It would be a pleasure to work with any of you. Unfortunately we have the kitchen almost already completely full. We only have room for another co-main chef in the kitchen. Good luck."

When the man let him go, Alastor immediately put his hand on his back to clean himself up, suddenly overwhelmingly aware that it was clammy. His mind seemed to suddenly be put on a snail speed mode, so it took a full second to fully process what that tiny man had just said.

Co-chef? He wasn't going to be in charge of the whole kitchen after all? Well, that was clearly unacceptable. He had applied for that job with the notion that he would occupy a better position than a simple sous chef, the usual one he had been stuck with up until now. And yes, technically speaking co-chef was better, but not by enough! With a little pretty nepo baby too just to add more salt to the injury...

But all those thoughts flew off the window when Lucifer grabbed a spoon to start tasting their dessert. Mainly the one from the other chef, a small apple parfait that looked like a perfect bubble with a chocolate decorative chocolate shaped like an apple on top, because in two bites it was already entirely gone.

"Mmm, this is very good" said Lucifer, beaming to the other chef, who for the first time during the entire morning did Alastor wanted to slaughter in the most painful way that he could. Fucking asshole now even had the audacity to smile back to Lucifer, proud and satisfied. "I like that you kept it somewhat sour. The chocolate with raspberry filling was a nice touch."

"Thank you, sir."

Thank you, sir, mocked Alastor on his head. Why don't you sit on my face, sir. You are so precious, sir, thank you for recognizing me, sir, do you want to shove your boots on my throat while I lick it, sir. Don't worry if I start choking, sir. My life either way has no meaning if you don't pay attention to me, sir. I am a pathetic fool who only lives to serve, sir, as you can clearly see on my stupid inferior face, sir.

Alastor took a breath and squeezed both his hands on his back, doing everything in his power to keep a face perfectly neutral as Lucifer now went on to his own creation. He explained what it was and his idea behind it while looking at the plate, trying not to pay attention to the almost golden brown eyes following him.

Choux Au Craquelin, in a bigger size than usual, with fresh apple filling at the center, powered with white sugar around and chocolate sauce on the side to deep in at choice of the consumer. The crispy texture still brings to mind the original pastry of their famous apple pie, but softer and warm to make the filling feel all the more sweeter. 

Lucifer nodded and cut a piece, making a little oh sound when the apple started to spill, and then collected as much of the chocolate sauce as he could before bringing it to his mouth. Definitely his father wasn't lying when he said had a sweet tooth. 

"Mmm!" said Lucifer, louder than he did for the other dessert and Alastor relaxed instantly when his smile now was directed at him. "This is also pretty good! It's very comforting too. I can see it being a hit during winter or autumn."

Hah, suck it, other chef. His compliment was longer and therefore clearly more meaningful.

"Thank you, sir" said Alastor, feeling like he had taken a bite with him and received the same impressions.

He thought he could be just fine feeding a man like that more often if that meant making him that happy. But then Morningstar had to ruin it all with another clap that made Lucifer almost drop the spoon. Alastor had a sudden peak of murderous rage that confused him for a second.

"Well, thank you both for coming. " Morningstar shook their hands again, offering at last a professionally crafter smile. "We are going to receive more candidates today for later and then we will be making our choice. I will have someone call you if you are the chosen ones."

Alastor couldn't care less about his farewell, but perked up a bit when it came to the turn of Lucifer.

"Thank you again" This time Alastor put a little more attention into the hand, trying to decipher what was bugging him about it. He battled against himself on his impulse to examine his fingers closer to try to find out about the entire life of this man. Long, slim fingers that probably handled knives with surgical precision, every muscle intentional on his objective. Painter hands? Maybe a musician? Could I be a pianist then? But he wasn't so much of an idiot to not realize how awkward that would be, so he only had his question to ponder on his own. "Have a good day. Hope to see you again."

"Me too, sir" said Alastor, before further confusing himself by realizing that it was true.

Something that rarely was the case for him. He went to the bathroom with the other chef in order to change back, but when he was out again Lucifer had already left his father again to hang on the exterior garden one of the windows displayed. He was looking at his own phone while brushing his hair back, the bored expression back against that face. Alastor wondered vaguely who he was texting with before he almost tripped with a chair on his way out. Morningstar luckily hadn't noticed, barking orders to some other employees to leave the kitchen spotless again, so luckily there was no witness as he hastily made it out of the restaurant.

---

"I am obviously getting the job, of course" commented Alastor later that night, chasing after a man that was currently trying to run away despite the slash on his thighs that was leaving behind a red trail for him to follow. His mouth was closed with a gagball and a lot of tape around his head so he wouldn't bother him with his screams. 

Normally Alastor would love to hear them, more so when they had such a nice setting like an abandoned building to do as they pleased, but tonight he felt talkative and didn't want interruptions. Letting some steam didn't just mean get out hunting, it was also just voicing the thoughts that he had bouncing around his head the entire day. Sometimes that was helpful for him to clear things up with himself and think about his next move.

"I am not worried about that at all. But that tiny blonde chef on the other hand... I just can't stop thinking about it. It's like this nagging bug that slipped inside of my ear and is laying eggs. His larvae just keep consuming my brains as we speak. I don't like it" commented when he got close enough to the man, who was trying to make himself just as small as possible on the corner. "And I searched for him, of course I did. I never heard of Morningstar having a son before so any person would be curious too, right?"

He stabbed him again on the other leg, exactly on the place where he knew he wasn't going to survive for long. More muffled screams that Alastor nodded to as if they were reinforcement of what he was saying.

"I know, I know" said, as he grabbed him by the stupid tie that for some reason was still there. The man raised his hands as if trying to defend his face and Alastor tilted his head barely as he stabbed an eye through his palm, to see if that taught him to calm down already. 

What a rude fellow! Didn't he know that the best way for a killer to keep you alive for longer was to amuse him with conversation?

"I am not finished, would you stop rushing me?" sighed, rubbing his temple as he could the other body relaxing under him. If it was because of the loss of blood or he was finally taking the hint, he didn't care. "Well, as I was saying, it turned out that he was, actually, a model so I was right. But that didn't stop the bugging! I just kept thinking about his hand and his face and those clothes he was modeling were no help at all, I can tell you that much!" 

Alastor sighed, sitting on top of the chest of the man, his face scrunching up as he was coming up with an awful, disgusting realization.

"Is this what a crush is like? It is, isn't it?" asked, genuinely mortified, and stared at the man. Pathetic, crying man. Alastor rolled his eyes and resigned himself to cut out the tape, pulling out the gagball to throw it to a side. "You must know a thing or two about what that is like, I imagine. I personally don't have a lot of experience in that area so I am not entirely sure what else it could be. I could ask my friend Rosie, I suppose, but you are here so, be a good man with your last breath and tell me what you think."

The tears, mucus and sweat have truly made a mess of this man's face. 

It didn't look anything at all like the simple businessman that Alastor had lured there with the promise of drugs and a good time. At least he didn't lie about the good time. He just didn't say good for who.

"Well?" encouraged Alastor, finding it funny how his arms were still struggling a little under the weight of his legs. 

It was kinda cute, in a way, like the last convulsions before death. The point where the conscious mind had entirely checked out and it was pure nervous impulses sent by the brain.

"S-sounds... like it" managed to pronounce the business man, his vision unfocused, the fear very much alive at the back of his own exhaustion. "C-con-gratulations..."

Alastor groaned, rubbing his face with the hand that wasn't holding the knife.

"I was afraid you were going to say that. Well, that is rather unfortunate. Not to mention just plain inconvenient. What should I do now with these... feelings?" said, as if the word itself was repulsive and not just foreign in his mouth. "Those are not really conducive for a professional collaboration in the kitchen, aren't they?"

The man took a forceful breath in, as if it was costing him a monumental effort to keep his eyes open. Alastor had to get his ear closer to even understand what he was saying.

"D-date... with coffee...?"

"Oh, now I know you lost your mind, my friend" Alastor shook his head, disappointed. "Did you already forget what we have been doing for the last hour? Do you think you are going to be the last one? How do you figure that the man who is doing this with you is just going to have a coffee date with a cute blonde chef afterward? Come on, be reasonable now."

But before the man could think of a better answer, his phone started vibrating in his pocket. Alastor went out to grab the gagball and put it in the mouth of the man again. He didn't think he had enough energy to cry out for help anymore, but still, just in case.

"Hold that thought" said, looking at the screen and realizing it was an unknown number, from the city. "Hello?" greeted after answering.

On the other side of the line he heard a totally new voice confirming his name. The man stirred somewhat underneath, but otherwise kept silent.

"Yes, that is me. How can I help you? Oh, from Joseph Morningstar? Well, that is a neat surprise" said, shaking his head indulgently to the man as if saying I told you I had this on the bag. "Oh, I got the job? That is splendid. Such good news. When can I start? Monday the 23 at 8 AM. Yes, I am totally writing this down. Please tell mister Morningstar I am so thankful for this opportunity. I can't wait to work alongside him and... his talented son" said, his grin becoming more tense as he finished that sentence.

Luckily the secretary of Morningstar didn't notice or wasn't paid enough to care at all about his state. Instead the voice just confirmed that whatever doubt that he had regarding his job he could call back to this number.

"Thank you, I will. Have a good night" Alastor hung up, sighing more relaxed with the promise of seeing that chef again. 

Then he caught that thought again and stared at it like asking why now, after all this time. And this was with just one meeting, without even having seen him again. How was it going to be having him close every day of the week? 

"I can already tell this is going to be so annoying to deal with. How do you normally handle these situations?" asked Alastor to the man, but his eyes were glossy, stuck to the ceiling. Alastor put the knife right under his nose and saw a tiny cloud form there, so he was still breathing. Just very slowly. "I guess you don't really have in you to help me out any longer. Well, c'est la vie! Or I guess it would be la mort in your case. Don't worry, my friend, I won't keep you waiting much longer" assured, putting the knife right about his chest and letting it go down with a firm push. "You will make for a fine celebration dinner."

[lonestarflight]

Apollo Program: Phase A or Apollo A

NASA ID: M-MS-G-102-61 Date: December 4, 1961

"Apollo A was a lighter-weight July 1961 version of the Apollo spacecraft.

Status: Study 1961.

NASA ID: 63-APOLLO-15

It was specifically designed for long-duration operations in space; to conduct re-entry tests at near-parabolic speeds; and then for manned circumlunar missions.

SDASM Archives: Apollo Doc003, Apollo Doc036

At the time of the Apollo bidder's conference in August 1961 an evolutionary approach to the Apollo program was expected. After completion of the Mercury project both the Apollo spacecraft and Saturn launch would gradually fly multi-man crews on a series of ever-more ambitious scientific and technological missions in earth-moon space. This program would begin with manned earth satellite flights of extended lifetime, proceed to lunar circumnavigation, to lunar satellite flights, and ultimately to the lunar landing. Although the Apollo A designation was applied only to the first unmanned Apollo tests at this time, we would use the term here to designate the Apollo design and program plan as envisioned by NASA prior to the Apollo bidder's conference in the summer of 1961.

SDASM Archives: Apollo Doc013, Apollo Doc006

The return to earth and the recovery of the manned spacecraft were important parts of these missions. The development of the Apollo spacecraft was to proceed in several phases. Each phase, to the extent possible, would serve as qualification for the subsequent phase. The objectives of Apollo Phase A was:

Qualification of systems and features for the lunar missions within the constraints or the environment of earth satellite orbits of up to 500 km altitude by manned flights.

Qualification of the re-entry heat protection for the lunar missions in unmanned re-entry tests from super-circular and near-parabolic velocities.

Study of physiological and psychological reactions and capabilities of a multiman crew in the space environment during extended periods of time (at least two weeks). In the adapter between the Saturn second stage and the Apollo spacecraft, as an integral part, was a section to be used as an orbiting laboratory. Preliminary designs indicated this laboratory would be a cylindrical section about 3.9 m in diameter and 2.4 m in height. The laboratory would provide the environment and facilities to conduct scientific experiments related to manned operation of spacecraft. Experiments that might be conducted from an Earth-orbiting laboratory included: astronomical observations; monitoring the Sun's activity; testing man's ability to work outside the vehicle; zero-g testing; and micrometeoroid impact study.

Development of flight and ground operational techniques and equipment for the support of space flights of extended periods

Conduct of experimental investigations as needed to acquire information for the subsequent lunar missions.

The two-stage Saturn C-I launch vehicle system would be utilized to carry the Apollo A spacecraft into the low earth-satellite orbits and to accelerate the capsule only to re-entry trajectories during the Apollo A phase.

The mass breakdown of the Apollo A earth-orbit version was nearly 1/3 less than that of the later Apollo capsule final design:

Command Module: 3600 Kg

Equipment-Propulsion Module (less Main Motors): 1600 kg

Main Motors: 1300 kg

Space Laboratory: 1400 kg

Launch Escape Propulsion: 1700 kg (separated after first stage burn-out)

Total Launch Weight: 9500 kg

Total Weight in Low Earth Orbit: 7800 kg

As of the summer of 1961 it was planned that Apollo A boilerplate flights in the earth-orbit configuration would take place in October/December 1963 using Saturn C-1's SA-7 and SA-8. SA-9 and SA-10 would launch 3400 kg capsule-only payloads in February-April 1964 to near parabolic velocities in tests of the capsule's hypersonic aerodynamics and heat shield. These prototype capsules would be equipped with parachutes and be recovered.

NASA ID: M-MS-G 34-3-61 Date: May 17, 1961

These proving tests would be followed by Apollo A manned earth orbit space laboratory missions in the 1965-1967 period. Manned circumlunar flights would occur at the same time. The booster for such missions was originally intended to be the Saturn C-2. This was changed to the Saturn C-3 in June 1961 when it became clear the Apollo spacecraft would weigh too much for such missions. The C-3 in turn was cancelled in favor of the C-5, and discussion of circumlunar Apollo disappeared by the end of 1962."

-Information from Astronautix.com: link

NASA ID: link

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