#fixed-income instruments

[financenuu]

[riyagupta0472]

Finding Your Investment Path: A Simple Guide

In the vast ocean of financial opportunities, finding the right investment scheme can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. Every individual's financial goal, risk tolerance, and investment horizon are unique, making it crucial to navigate through the diffrent of options available in the market. From fixed income to equity and everything in between, understanding the various investment schemes is key to building a robust and diversified portfolio tailored to your needs.

Fixed Income: Let's begin with the fundamentals. Your investment portfolio's fixed income investments are similar to the consistent beat of a drum. The traditional examples are bonds and certificates of deposit (CDs). They are the best option for people looking for stability because they provide predictable returns at a lower risk. And you can earn average 8-10% return. Managed Portfolios: Do you like someone else to do the grunt work? You may want to consider managed portfolios. These expertly managed funds provide a hands-off approach to investing, catered to your financial objectives and risk tolerance.

Insurance: Although the main goal of insurance is to provide protection, several plans also include investment options. For example, life insurance policies give you coverage and the opportunity to gradually build up cash value; for the astute investor, this is a two-for-one offer. Derivatives: At this point, things become a little more intricate. The value of derivatives is derived from underlying securities or indexes. This group includes swaps, futures, and options. They can be employed speculatively or for hedging, but they're not for the timid. but do not invest in derivatives until and unless you are expert in this field.

Credit Instruments: Now let's talk about credit instruments, which include peer-to-peer lending websites and corporate bonds. With the range of risk and return potential offered by these products, you can tailor your portfolio to your degree of risk tolerance. Equities: Ah, the stock market, the global investor community's playground. Purchasing stock entails obtaining ownership of shares in publicly traded corporations. It's all about dividends and growth potential, but be prepared for market turbulence. Keep it straightforward: align your investments with your time horizon, risk appetite, and goals. To distribute the risk, diversify between several programs. And keep up with market developments at all times. Recall that there isn't a single, universal strategy for investing. Discover what works for you and get to work accumulating wealth!

[surftrips]

BAD REPUTATION | LUKE CASTELLAN

DISTRACTION — CHAPTER 03

pairing luke castellan x fem!ares!reader

summary y/n's guitar practicing is interrupted several times.

author's note slowly introducing more of the social media aus into these fics! you can view all of the characters’ twitter accounts here.

→ installment of this au read for context

The weather outside was beautiful. Kids were strewn out around camp, some were by the lake while others found shade in the armory or stables. You, however, were in your cabin all alone. You knew that this was one of the few times it would be empty, so you snuck away from archery to practice your other instrument– your guitar. 

You began strumming the first few notes to a song you had been working on. Quietly singing the lyrics to yourself, you were reminded of a time before camp.

It was back when you were still with him. You recall how your back leaned against his as he helped move your fingers to the correct strings, how he guided your hands to the right positions, he was always so patient with you. But that had all come crashing down when the monsters in your head became real, too real for him to deal with. 

Anyway, that was a long time ago now. You went back to strumming your guitar and tried to push the memory away, but you couldn’t. You hated that he still occupied your mind, no matter how hard you tried to move on. 

You thought that coming here would help, and it did for a while. Other boys became distractions and temporary fixes, but then there was Luke, who confused and terrified you.

When Annabeth and Clarisse brought him up at your sleepover the other night, you felt the need to hide. The bravest girl in camp, and you couldn’t face your own feelings. It made you feel weak, and you hated that.

Realizing that you got distracted once again, you resumed singing for a third time. 

It wasn’t long before you heard the sound of keys dropping followed by“shit.” You looked up from where you were sitting cross-legged in bed to see who it was.

“Hello?” you called out.

A bashful curly-haired boy peeked his head into your door. You frowned. 

“Hey Y/N, sorry for interrupting you,” Percy said, slowly. 

“Aren’t you supposed to be training right now?”

“Y-yes,” the boy stammered. “But Luke needed me to get something from Hermes cabin for him.”

“You do realize this is Ares, right?” 

“Right, I just-” 

“Just…?” You knew you were being a little rude to the boy, but it had been a while since you messed with the campers. You couldn’t have them thinking you went soft all of a sudden. 

“Sorry, I was just walking by and I heard someone singing and I figured it must be you, so I just stopped for a second to listen.”

“Okay, stalker.” 

“I wasn’t stalking, I swear!”

“Whatever, just get going before Luke gets mad at you too.” 

Not needing you to tell him twice, Percy rushed away. Sighing, you went back to your guitar for the umpteenth time. 

📥 INCOMING MESSAGE FROM: PERCY

You enjoyed about 30 more minutes of peace before you heard a soft knock on your door. Grumbling, you climbed out of bed, ready to scare the camper away. 

“I swear to god-” you started.

“Hey, hey, I come here in peace,” Luke put his hands up defensively. 

“Ironic because you’re actually disturbing my peace. What is it with everyone bothering me today?” 

“Look, I came here to apologize for Percy earlier.”

“You wasted your time because this could have been a text then,” you said. You were usually nicer to Luke than the rest of the campers, but you hadn’t been in a good mood recently, not since the sleepover and not since you started working on this song. 

He must have noticed your change in attitude toward him because he asked, “Is everything okay?”

“Yes,” you said quickly. “And even if it weren’t, I’m not going to bother you with my problems.” 

“You’re not a bother,” he responded sincerely. 

“Well, I’m glad you think that. But us Ares kids, we have to take care of ourselves. I’m used to it.” 

“Just because you’re used to something doesn’t mean it’s the way things should be.” 

“Oh, my bad, Castellan. I didn’t take you for a philosopher.” 

“Alright, whatever. I just came to apologize for Percy, I’ll leave you to your moping.” 

“Hey! I’m not moping!” you said, defensively. 

“It sure does look like it,” he said, scanning the room and landing on the mess of sheets on your bed and the snack bags you had discarded haphazardly on the floor. 

“I’ll have you know I’m actually working on a very special project, so. This is what the room of an artist looks like.” 

“Oh?” he chuckled. “Is that so?”

“Mhm, I can show you.” 

“Alright, bet,” he found a spot next to you on your bed and watched as you set up your guitar. 

You strummed the first few verses of your song, hyper-aware of how close the boy next to you was right now. You could feel his breath on the back of your neck, and closed your eyes as you slowly allowed yourself to lean into him, softly singing the lyrics. 

When you got to the chorus, you cleared your throat. “Uhm, here is where I’m getting stuck a bit, because everyone keeps barging in here.” 

“Is this the part where you ask me to leave then?”

You stared into his brown eyes. You wondered how anyone’s eyes could look so soft, could hold so much emotion. Did he look at everyone like this? 

“Y/N?” he said, after a moment.

Shit, how long were you staring at him for? And was your mouth open the entire time? 

“Sorry, I thought I saw something in your eye. Probably just a piece of dust,” you laughed nervously. “Uhm, yeah, I think I need another hour or something to finish this song, but I’ll see you at the campfire tonight, yeah?”

If Luke was disappointed, he didn’t look it. “Yeah, of course, I gotta head back to my counselor duties anyway.” 

He saluted you playfully as he turned around to leave, being sure to close the door after him.

[piplupfluffwritingstuff2]

Sick, Fainted Hero Request- Part 4

Holy smokes this series is ancient. But I refuse to let it become an abandoned wip so easily. Here is part 4, three years later! I hope you enjoy!

Part 3

Villain listed off the symptoms they had noticed Hero exhibiting. There was a tense pause over the phone.

“Medic?” Villain asked, “you still there?”

“I’m coming over,” came Medic’s reply.

“What!? No! Hero said no doctors! They’ll feel so betrayed-”

“It’s either a doctor or an undertaker, Villain. I’m coming over.”

The call ended with a beep. Villain lowered the phone to their side, standing still as a statue. Hero was not going to like this. Not one bit.

…

Hero coughed themselves awake. The TV was playing some hospital drama series. Hero looked down at the remote in their hand. How long had they been out?

There came a knock at the door.

“Hero?” Villain called, “can we come in?”

“Sure.” Hero turned the TV off, “wait, “we”?”

The door opened before Hero could take it back. In walked Villain and someone Hero didn’t know. They carried a large, black bag with them. There were no labels on it to indicate what the contents might be.

“Hero, this is Medic,” Villain said, “they want to check you over and make sure you’re getting better.”

Hero’s gaze flicked from Villain to Medic, Medic to Villain, Medic, and finally rested on Villain.

“I said no doctors!” Hero argued.

“No worries,” Medic said, opening their bag, “I lost my license years ago.”

Hero tried to scuttle back on the bed, coughing as they did so. As they moved, the blankets became rumpled, exposing them to the cool air. Chills wracked their body and Hero rushed to recover their source of warmth.

Medic shoved a thermometer in Hero’s mouth.

“Mm!?”

“No talking,” Medic said.

Hero huffed but became still and silent. The thermometer beeped in time with a blinking red light.

“One hundred and three,” Medic shook their head, setting the instrument down.

They pulled out a stethoscope. They rubbed the metal chest piece against their shirt in an attempt to warm it up. Hero still jumped when it came to rest against their skin.

“Breathe in,” Medic instructed.

Hero did as they were told, trying their best not to cough.

“Good. Out.”

Medic’s expression was unreadable. Hero did let a few coughs slip, but Medic didn’t seem to mind. They produced what looked like a wide popsicle stick.

“Say “ah”.”

Hero let their mouth fall open and rasped out a wheezy “ah”. Medic shined a flashlight into their mouth.

“Mhm,” Medic said.

Medic discarded the medical popsicle stick into the waste bin.

“Sounds like what I suspected,” Medic said, “pneumonia. How long have you been feeling this way?”

“I mean… it’s not unbearable-”

“How long, Hero?” Medic fixed them with a stern frown.

“…A few days. I think. I’ve kinda been passing out off and on…”

“When was the last time you ate something?”

“That would be this morning,” Villain chimed in, “I brought them some soup.”

“Before that?”

Hero wouldn’t meet anyone’s eyes.

“You… have been eating regularly, haven’t you?” Villain asked.

“So, the thing is-”

Another bout of violent coughs, which sent pain surging through their chest and throat.

“I’ve been busy, and besides,” Hero croaked, “I saw somewhere that fasting is good for you!”

“Oh my gosh, Hero!” Villain shouted.

“Did you do any research into how you would try a diet change like that, or did you just stop eating?” Medic asked as their brow quirked.

Hero had to blow their nose before answering. They aimed for the trash can, but like all the other snotty balls of germs, the crumpled tissue wound up on the floor instead.

“I had a couple snacks here and there,” Hero admitted, “like this one kid gave me their fruit roll-up after I saved them from an incoming car.”

Villain had their face in their hands. When Medic spoke, it was with a practiced calm.

“I think it is in your best interest to check into a hospital. You need fluids, nutrients, and antibiotics.”

“But-”

“May I speak with you, Villain? Privately?”

Medic stood, packing up their bag and going out into the hall. Villain gave Hero a worried look before following.

…

“They need to get to the emergency room- now.” Medic whisper-hissed, “Their fever is only going to climb from here, and without proper treatment they could die. Who knows how much their malnutrition has weakened their immune system. I don’t care what you have to do- threaten to blow up the city or something if they don’t go, isn’t that what villains do?”

Villain sighed.

“You and I both know my crimes don’t involve civilian casualties. They won’t buy that for a second.”

“With the way their condition is progressing, they’ll be delirious pretty soon. You can tell them anything.”

Medic headed out the front door.

“Look, I know I’m not a goody-two-shoes or anything, but, Hero’s a good person. They’ve helped this city in more ways than I can count. Don’t let them die of their own stupidity.”

Medic got in their car and drove off. Villain glanced toward the staircase at the sound of coughing. They made up their mind. As they climbed the stairs, they started rehearsing what they were going to say to force Hero to cooperate. They’d do whatever it took to get them well again.

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Master Tags: @mythixmagic @infinityshadows @fishtale88 @thelazywitchphotographer @the-beasts-have-arrived @princessofonwardsworld @surplus-of-sarcasm @memepsychowhowantsuperpower-blog @electrons2006 @just-a-space-rabbit @telltaletoad @bacillusinfection @noseyowes @whump-till-ya-jump @writinglittlepains @m4iloblu3

Series Tags: @maxandel0 @rainy-knights-of-villany @blu-hohos @mythos-night @m4iloblu3

[datvtranscripts]

Signs and Portents Deleted Dialogue

On Blighted Wings

Dialogue is sorted in scene order to the best of my ability.

Edit: You can listen to a lot of these lines here (thanks to @merrinla!)

Signs and Portents Masterpost About Deleted Dialogue

—

Rook: We need to find Neve.

—

Bellara: Here it comes again!

Davrin: Out of the way!

Harding: Duck!

Rook: (Grunts)

—

Venatori Commander: They mean to stop us! Your Lord demands death!

Shadow Dragon Rook: And the Shadow Dragons demand you shut it!

Non-Shadow Dragon Rook: Not with Shadow Dragons at our backs!

—

Bellara: Have you seen any people? I hope everyone's all right!

Davrin: No one else in the streets! That's good!

Harding: I hope the people found shelter in time!

Rook: The Shadow Dragons must have gotten them to safety!

—

Bellara: Oh, no, oh no, oh no!

Davrin: Incoming!

Harding: Keep moving!

—

Rook: Okay, let's hope the Shadow Dragons have the lay of the land.

Maevaris: Never doubt it, Rook.

Rook: Good to hear.

—

Maevaris: Tarquin and the others have the Venatori isolated.

Rook: And the dragon?

Maevaris: The Venatori prepared a ritual to call it. We don't know how far they got.

—

Maevaris: Get going, Rook. Knowing Tarquin, he's probably getting antsy.

Maevaris: Pick your team and join Tarquin. The rest of us will keep the Venatori away.

—

Writer notes: Rook: Talk among the team about dragons and Venatori. Also probably popcorn fights on way down.

—

Shadow Dragon Rook: Tarquin: We really kicked the hive, Rook. The Venatori aren't going to make this easy.

Rook: Suggestions?

Tarquin: Jump in and kick harder. And get ready to stare down a dragon. We're not letting the cult hand it over to the gods.

—

Tarquin: You ready to jump in, Rook?

—

Tarquin: We're keeping them scattered! And we're going to kill their toy when it arrives!

Tarquin: Keep up the assault! We can take this from them!

Tarquin: Get ready, Rook! Dragon's on its way!

Tarquin: Rook! We have a problem! The dragon! Dumat's breath, what have they done?

—

Venatori Commander: The beast comes! It will serve!

—

Lucanis: Blight was unexpected. What should we do?

—

Venatori: You cannot withstand her! She is a divine instrument!

—

Tarquin: Keep up the assault! We can take this from them!

—

Rook: We still good, Tarquin?

Tarquin: No! But if it was going to be easy, we wouldn't need you!

—

Shadow Dragon Rook: Tarquin: The Shadow Dragons will give us some guidance! Get this right, and you drive that thing off and keep the city safe!

Rook: And if we get it wrong?

Tarquin: Won't live long enough to regret it!

—

Non-Shadow Dragon Rook: Tarquin: All right, Rook! Watch the Shadow Dragons, they'll give direction! Get it right, take it down—and the city's safe!

Rook: And if we get it wrong??

Tarquin: Regret's only for the living!

—

Tarquin: You can't hurt it! Focus on the cultists!

Tarquin: The dragon's too strong to fight��we have to drive it off!

Tarquin: It can't be hurt! Break the cult's control!

Tarquin: No use fighting it! We have to drive it away!

Tarquin: It can't be hurt! Break the cult's control!

Tarquin: Got a problem here, but you can still fix it!

Tarquin: They're rallying! Keep at it!

Tarquin: Just a small setback—you can recover!

Tarquin: We're with you! Give it another shot!

Tarquin: Keep at it! You can try again!

Tarquin: Keep going! You're on the right track!

Tarquin: That's the way!

Tarquin: You're doing it right!

Tarquin: It's going well!

Tarquin: You got this!

Tarquin: You're tearing it up!

Tarquin: The Venatori can't believe you're a match for it!

Tarquin: You're beating it!

Tarquin: This is the fight we needed to see!

—

Dragon invulnerable (?) Rook: We got it! She feels that!

Dragon not invulnerable (?) Rook: Come on! How do we keep it here?

Grey Warden Rook: Rook: The blight I feel in her is so… wrong! Davrin: It feels so strong. The gods will control her eventually.

Non-Grey Warden Rook: Davrin: The blight I feel in her is so wrong. Rook: That screech. What the gods did to her is just unnatural.

Bellara: She's going to be a problem in the future.

Harding: There's no way she's gone for good.

Lucanis: She's going to be a problem in future.

Neve: She's going to be a problem in the future.

Rook: We need someone who knows dragons. Rook: We need someone who knows dragons. Who can keep it in reach.

Rook: Come on, let's check in with Maevaris and Tarquin.

—

Maevaris: Over here, Rook! Maevaris: Rook, this way!

—

Rook: Elgar'nan wasn't getting his way and he didn't want to waste a dragon. Coward.

—

Maevaris: Just head back the way you came. We'll see you safely back to your Lighthouse.

Shadow Dragon Rook: Tarquin: Well done, Shadow Dragon. Makes me wish you'd never left to hunt down that elf. We could use more of you around here.

Non-Shadow Dragon Rook: Tarquin: That was impressive, Rook. Gallus was right about you.

Tarquin: The Viper enjoyed causing chaos among the Venatori. Maybe a little too much.

Rook: I didn't see the Viper.

Tarquin: He enjoys that, too. Also a little too much.

Tarquin: Another time, Rook.

[lightinthesand]

continued from here

Nex thinks for a moment as pulling one of her headphones off her ear. She hands him a candy with a bright look on her face. For a moment she forgot about why she was there. It had to do something.... something with an incoming show? She wasn't sure.

She bounces on her feet to try and remember before she turns and places something down on the table. She knows he doesn't see well but it wasn't what was important.

"Ah yes! I was letting you know I set up everything so you guys should be safe for now, and if you forget your keys again you will be able to get in no problem! I also fixed one of your instruments! It was easy to fix once I took it apart! Good as new!"

[innitmarvellous]

@flashfictionfridayofficial

I think this is my longest prompt story so far, haha.

Fandom: Star Trek The Original Series Pairing: Kirk/Spock Words: 940

~~~

Spock's shuttle was drifting helplessly through the vastness of open space.

Oh, if only.

In fact there was a meteorite field all around the little spacecraft. So far the outer hull was holding out, but ever since the engine had failed and Spock had drifted into the field he could hear the constant noise of a barrage of rocks hitting the shuttle.

And that wasn't all. A brief analytical scan had showed that these meteorites contained a rare metal that made it impossible to get a fix on anyone with the transporter. It also severely influenced the communications equipment.

Seriously, how wrong could a mission possibly go? Spock knew that most humans in his situation would panic, but he was a Vulcan. He wouldn't steep so low. (He decided to conveniently forget his half-human heritage. Everything was allowed, as long as it helped him to keep his composure.)

Suddenly a beep from the console alerted him. 'Warning! The life-support system has failed. Remaining oxygen supply will last for approximately ten minutes,' came the emotionless voice from the computer.

Alright, things could always get worse. He sat down and pressed a few buttons on the console. Now there was only one thing he could still do.

---

'I don't want to hear any more excuses, Scotty! We have to rescue Mr Spock!' exclaimed Kirk sternly. 'I'm doing my best, captain, but...' 'Then you need to do more than your best, Mr Scott! Work on it!'

Kirk knew he was being a bit unfair, but after all he was beside himself with worry, so Scotty would probably understand him.

'Captain? We've got an incoming transmission from the shuttle,' said Uhura suddenly. 'What?! Put it on the main screen,' demanded Kirk.

And there he was, his first officer. The picture on the screen was grainy and the sound was crackling, but there he was. 'Mr Spock! How did you get through the jamming and-' 'There is no time to explain, captain. I did some minor adjustments to the instruments. It will cause them to be destroyed in a few minutes, but I decided that it doesn't matter. Not when the whole shuttle will soon be destroyed.' 'About that, Spock...Scotty is working on a solution. We will have you out of there very soon.' 'I fear I must object, captain. One of the meteorites hit an important part of the shuttle. The life support system failed, and the oxygen supply will run out in,' he checked the screen, 'in three more minutes.' 'What?! But Mr Spock, surely there is-' 'There is nothing you or me or Mr Scott can do, captain. I only called the Enterprise to tell you a last goodbye. Please allow me this kind of sentimentality in my final moments.' He said all of that in an entirely matter-of-factly tone, as if it didn't concern him at all. Before Kirk could get a word in, he added: 'I am aware that making a final call home to talk to one's friends and loved ones is a very human trait, or at least I heard about it. However, having seen you for one last time, captain...it makes it easier. Goodbye, captain.' 'What do you mean, goodbye? Mr Spock, I order you to return to the Enterprise! To your home...to where you belong! Is that clear?' Then the connection seemed to fade away. The picture got worse, and even though Kirk still saw Spock's lips move, he couldn't hear him anymore. 'Mr Spock! No!' He whirled around. 'Do something! Anyone! There must be something...' 'There isn't, Jim. You heard him,' said Bones. 'It's too late. The three minutes he mentioned are already over.' 'But this is just-'

In that moment the console beeped again and he heard Scotty's voice. 'Captain? Please come to the transporter room, would you? I've got a-'

He didn't even wait until the chief engineer had finished speaking, because he was out of the door in a heartbeat.

-

'I surpassed myself, if I dare say so,' said a voice with a Scottish accent. 'I rerouted the entire transporter system in mere minutes. Means I will have to do a lot of repair work since a lot of relays burned through, but it made the transporter beam strong enough to penetrate the meteorite field.' 'Very good, Scotty. Very good,' said another voice. It was warm and full of relief...then Spock finally realised that it was the captain's voice. But how was that possible?

He slowly opened his eyes and saw the faces of Captain Kirk and Doctor McCoy hovering over him. 'Look, he's waking up!' said Kirk and took his hand. 'Spock, are you alright?' 'I think so.' He slowly sat up and looked around. This was clearly the Enterprise's transporter room. So they must have found a way to save him. 'You brought me home, captain.' 'Well, technically it was me, but I'll let it slide just that one time,' commented Scotty with a brief laugh. Kirk smiled at him. 'Welcome home, Spock. Welcome home, my dear friend.'

Just as Spock was about to say something, the doctor shoved Kirk aside. 'Now that you welcomed him you should finally let me examine him.' 'Of course, Bones. But you surely won't mind if I stayed with him while you do that?' Kirk grabbed Spock's hand tighter and Bones sighed.

He knew these two. No force in the entire universe would get the captain to let go of his first officer's - and T'hy'la's - hand if he was like that.

'Oh, sure, go ahead. I'm used to it, after all. By god, am I used to it,' he muttered.

[vanityrift]

             UNLOCKING   HYUNSIK SEUNG   ꗃ

₊  ☆  ﾟ  INCOMING  TEXT: omg  hv  u  met  HYUNSIK  SEUNG  of  the  NARIZA  BOIS  yet  ?  they’re  one  of  the  crew’s  mechanics  n  actually  go  by  SPADE.  the  thirty  two  y/o  is  typically  seen  hanging  arnd  coyote  casino.  allegedly  they’re  frm  busan,  south  korea  n  hv  been  w/  the  crew  for  THREE  YEARS.  wtvr.  just  watch  out  for  them,  k  ?  ttyl  ! 

OVERVIEW ꗃ STATISTICS.

full name:  hyunsik   seung.   /   nickname(s):  n/a.   /   alias:  spade.   /   birthdate:  february 22,  1974 ( 32 ).   /   birthplace:  busan,  south  korea.   /   zodiac signs:  pisces  sun,  aquarius  moon,  pisces  rising.   /   gender + pronouns:  demi man + he&they.   /   orientation:  bisexual. faceclaim:  woo  dohwan.   /   height:  5 ft,  11 in.   /   hair color:  black.   /   hair style:  faux mullet.   /   eye color:  brown.   /   tattoos + piercings:  yes,  see pinterest.   /   scars:  too many to count,  all from work. education level:  high  school  diploma.  /   occupation:  full  time  mechanic  @  nariza  auto.   /   crew:  nariza  bois  /  formerly  belonged  to  rodani  prowlers  until  the  split.   /   residence:  a  studio  apartment  above  nariza  auto. positive traits:  intrepid,  realistic,  steadfast.   /   negative traits:  defector,  bumptious,  avaricious.   /   sociability:  high.   /   emotional stability:  moderate  to  low.   /   character study:  tyler  durden  (fight  club),  anakin  (star  wars),  tokio  (money  heist),  flynn  rider  (tangled)

HEADCANONS ꗃ ( CLIPPED ) INTERVIEW.

describe your  personal  definition  of  loyalty  to  your  crew.

he  barks  out  a  laugh  at  the  question,  "well,  shit.  i'd  probably  start  with  not  stealin'  half  the  crew  to  make  one  of  my�� own." it's contradictory to the way he languidly sits in nariza auto, lets propped on a tool cart & arms folded across his chest. "people take that shit so seriously. but when it comes down to it, you end up doin' what works for you, right ? i mean, good enough for viper, 's good enough for me."

is street  racing  a  long  term  plan  or  a  short  lived  hobby  for  you?

"ah, long term." their fingers flex at the question. it's absent-minded, like they're working through the motions of tuning an engine. "i mean, I'm in it now. tell me to fix a car & i couldn't leave it at just that, y'know ? not when i know just how far you can push them."

HEADCANONS ꗃ MISCELLANEOUS.

i wanted to have something up to give u baseline vibes however u know i will be Back to add more ...

comes from a family that had his entire life mapped out for him. how he would dress, the way he spoke, the school he would attend, the job he would work. he embraced their expectation for years. his true passions– working with cars, learning any instrument they could get their hands on– took a backseat. things hit a tipping point when his parents introduced him to his own fiance. a complete stranger, but someone whose family would play an important role in business acquisitions. a lump sat in his throat the entire dinner, like he couldn't believe it was real life. and yet— he stayed. they played the role of a perfect child & they did it well. they charmed their soon-to-be in laws, they graduated university, they excelled in their field. until finally—

they left. it's the afternoon over their wedding, they are due at the chapel in less than an hour and— they are on a flight. they have no plan, no backups; but for the first time in years, they can breathe.

flash forward to 1998, las vegas. some may say he lived a double life at one point. working the garage of a repossession-flip yard by day. a getaway driver for hire by night. if you couldn't find him under a car or behind the wheel, you could bet he was raking in winnings at the casino.

flash forward again to 2001, miami. the perfect getaway driver until he wasn't; the casino champion until he couldn't. but he still had one talent up his sleeve: running away. it's this city where he finds the rodani prowlers. he wants a job at the shop & he only grows more persistent as he learns about the world of street racing.

when the #SPLIT happened, he followed the nariza bois. he'd been growing restless with seemingly monotonous repairs at the rodani wheels shop. off the record, he'd been toying with cars, experimenting with imported parts. this seemed like a chance to find something more his speed.

tl;dr ... he's a runner ... one thing about them? they will Leave before they can be left.

[thatbanditqueen]

Basic Training Chapter 5

Summary: Bess has plans to spend the evening having a picnic dinner with Elvis on post, and tries to juggle her family and keeping her relationship with Elvis a secret as her father presses her about her future.

Warnings: Some very heavy petting, dry humping, female orgasm (gasp), and discussions of mental illness, the Holocaust and Cold War operations. And all the usual typos.

WC: 6K

A (very very late) response to the prompt "Hey, quit splashin' me."

Many thanks to my lovely sister wives @whositmcwhatsit, @be-my-ally @vintageshanny @missmaywemeetagain @from-memphis-with-love @ellie-24 who helped me write this.

If you need to catch up, you can read the previous chapters of this fic about Elvis at Fort Hood in 1958 here

Notes:

This one got more into Bess family life, but it won't always be this top heavy in the future.

Maus and spatz are german terms of endearment. Illsa is a German nickname for Elizabeth.

Schatzeleh, bubeleh, mamaleh, these are all Yiddish terms of endearment. The Yiddish phrase "shayna maidel" means beautiful girl.

Deutsch ist die Muttersprache - German is the mother tongue.

INCOMS - abbreviation for Army Intelligence

The USIA was really a wacky Cold War PR agency for the U.S. government that set up a radio system to blast US music and news into other countries, and promote art and performers and entertainers around the world, along with other stiff. What every fic needs, more Cold War history ;)

Wednesday, April 9, 1958

Schwartz Residence, Killeen TX

6:45 a.m.

Bess hovered over her sister’s shoulder and grabbed a piece of toast off her plate, scooping up some scrambled eggs and chewing as she dodged Kay’s swats to pour a cup of coffee.

“Curlers again? Jeeze, Bess, that’s the third day in a row you’ve worn curlers to sleep.”

Bess hit the back of her sister’s head with her elbow.

Their father’s eyes did not leave his newspaper as Kay yelped and Bess stuck her tongue out.

“Elizabeth, you are not a nomad. Sit and eat.”

“I gotta finish getting ready, Papa.”

“Is there anything special going on today, maus?” Her father raised his eyebrows as Kay giggled.

“Or maybe someone speci - ouch!” Kay got a pinch at her back.

“Oh, no, nothing special, just wanted to look nice, I told Emily we’d go shopping after work today, Papa.”

Papa folded his newspaper, crisping the edges at Bess' expectant eyes.

“Well?”

Kay grinned into her juice.

“I was just wondering if it was ok to take my own car in again, if it’s all the same to you.”

“Ja, fine. Do you anticipate driving separately all week?”

Bess nodded, slowly, swallowing more coffee as her father’s eyes went from one daughter to the other.

“Hmm, sure are getting dolled up to go shopping with Emily OWfff.”

Kay got another swift pinch to her shoulder before Bess washed out her coffee cup and left to fix her hair.  Just as she got to the kitchen door, she heard the piano in the living room and looked back at her father.

“Did Mama wake up and go right back to work on the piano?”

“No.” Her Papa’s face went back to the newspaper.

Kay’s eyes met Bess’. “She’s been in there all night.”

“All night?”

Papa calmly set down his paper. “Your mother is fine, you know how she is. Once she starts a project, she becomes very focused. You both would benefit from such discipline. You just need to let her get it out of her system.”

Bess shook her head and ran to the living room to find her mother at the upright piano, hair wild as she wiped sweat from her brow. Mama had been hunched over sorting through a pile of tuning instruments, but her face lit up with excited energy at Bess.

“Oh Bessie, you’re doing your hair fancy again today, huh? Oh my sweet shayna maidel. Brains and beauty.” Mama stroked Bess’ cheek, then went back to hitting a key on the piano. “Ughh, hear that? Can’t get the D flat right.”

Bess tugged on her mothers house dress, the same one she had been wearing yesterday.

“C’mon, Mama, it will be easier if you rest the ole noggin, come back after you get some sleep.”

Her mother brushed off her hand.

“No, Bess, can’t you hear it? It’s all gooey, everything is gooey, when it should be tight. I can’t possible leave the plunkers gooey, it makes the whole room go orange, bubeleh.”

Bess rubbed her mother’s shoulders as she leaned her chin into Mama’s neck.

“You know the bedroom upstairs is all light and yellow, Mama, it will help you center yourself.”

Mama shook her head, and Bess sighed as she returned to the kitchen and mixed some of the thalidomide barbiturates hidden above the spice cabinet into a glass of milk.

Kay paused washing the dishes.

“Papa left.”

“Of course he did. A one star General who strikes fear into the Army Intelligence training officers, but won’t deal with his own wife.”

“That is not fair, Bess, Mama has been better since the treatment. Papa said she was great on the trip, she just needs to get back to routine and get the jitters out of her system.”

“Jitters, jitters is bupkis and you know it. Did you know Aunt Rachel came down to babysit Mama when they were in D.C.?"

Bess sighed and finished stirring the milk, and was finally able to coax Mama upstairs where she undressed her and tucked her into bed with a kiss.

“Oh Bessie, you have a yellow halo around your head schatzeleh, good things await you today, my pretty girl. “

“Thanks mamaleh, get some sleep.”

The black pumps were the last thing Bess slipped on before heading off to work, dropping Kay at school on the way. It was not far to Killeen High School, an easy 10 minute walk for Kay in her saddle shoes, but Bess wanted to talk with her.

“Can you come straight home after school? Keep an eye on Mama, maybe try to get her some sun gardening or going for a walk.

Kay nodded, tightening the scarf around her ponytail, “Sure Bess, she’s ok. I 'm telling you, she just needs rest after goin’ to DC and New York for two weeks.”

“Mmmmhmmm.”

A car of high school boys pulled up next to them, their radio blasted as they made their way to the student parking lot. The boys looked over, whistling and laughing at Bess and Kay.

“Ugh, high school boys.” Kay moaned, fluffing her hair.

“Speaking of which, my dear sister. I thought we had a deal, ixnay on the elvisay or I’ll spill the beans on how often you sneak out with Dickey and tell Papa and Mama you’re spending the night at Gloria’s.”

“Aww, heck, Bess, you know I am not doing anything wrong, not since you scared me half to death about getting pregnant and having to get a back alley abortion.”

“I wasn't trying to scare you, Kay. I just want to make sure you take precautions. And that you understand it, are sure about it, ya know, when you are ready. Sex isn’t bad,it can just have consequences. You know you can always talk to me about that stuff.”

Kay rolled her eyes and hit Bess before getting out of the car.

******************************************************************

5:15 p.m. Fort Hood Front Office

“She’s cooking brisket, and singing along with the radio.”

Bess held the phone receiver to her ear, she could hear her mother’s voice in the background along with Doris Day's. Guilt had been tugging at her heartstrings all afternoon, telling her what a selfish daughter she was to make plans with Elvis instead of going home to check on her mother. She kept listening to her sister talk as Dori come out of her father’s office and waved the CO on, telling him to bring the car around front.

“You sure everything’s okay?”

“Yes, Bess, jeeze, go already. Have fun with Emily.” Bess grimaced momentarily at Kay’s sarcasm then remembered she was trying to smile back at Dori.

Mabel was typing along, making no sign that she registered any human life in the office. Hanging up the phone, Bess began to cover her type writer.

“So y’all really don’t think I should go walk my lil ole self round about his barracks?”

The clacks from Mabel’s typewriter paused as she exhaled a deep huff of smoke, meeting Bess’s eyes for a split second before returning to her paperwork.

“Uh, no, Dori, you don’t want to be another girl chasing after Elvis Presley.”

Bess mused that quite a few members of Fort Hood’s female workforce seemed to have business near the 37th’s barracks lately. She avoided Mabel’s stoic, knowing stare as she explained that she had not seen Elvis since the night of the dance.

“He is a world famous entertainer, Doreen, adjusting to the first phase of basic training, the hardest phase. Women are probably the last thing on his mind.”

This elicited an eyebrow raise from Mabel behind Dori’s back, as the blonde conceded with a sigh that Bess was probably right and skulked out of the Command’s Front Office, flinging her handbag around in disappointment.

“The most eligible Southern bachelor in the world is at my base, even takes me on a date, but has to live in a shack with forty other men and no phone while doing drills all day.” She stomped her foot. “Jus’ isn’t fair.”

Bess stopped watching Dori walk down the hallway and pulled out her compact, giving her lipstick one last check.

“I am just glad the Executive Officer has three male children.”

“Mabel, I don’t know what you mean.”

“Like hell you don’t, that boy is gonna start world war three at this command, getting involved with two generals’ daughters. And, by the way, you need to come up with a better cover, one that doesn’t involve anyone on post.”

Flicking her cigarette, Mabel looked Bess directly in the eyes.

“General Schwartz was asking me about Emily in the switchboard office while you were at lunch.”

Bess swallowed, putting her compact away and rolling her feet back into her heels.

“Huh. Maybe I don’t give the old man enough credit?”

Mabel’s eyes were back on her typewriter. “You should go, before your father returns from his meeting and finds what is waiting for you at the bottom of the stairwell.”

Bess hesitated before she left. “I, um, I mean it, thanks, you know, for -”

“Git already, before I beat you down there and steal him for myself.”

Bess smiled as she tried very very hard to walk with calm composure down the hall and into the back stairs. Just the thought of Elvis’ touch made her tingle and Bess had to use her hands to try and keep her dress from blowing up as she danced down the stairs, heels clicking like Ginger Rogers. Heart in her throat, she nearly did a two-step on the landing mid-flight when she caught sight of a light green cap below. The cap tilted slightly, revealing lips, lips that curled into a welcome reprieve as Bess bounded down to meet him. The beat of her heart matched the sound of her breath as she launched herself onto Elvis’ mouth. He was a cushion and Bess threw herself into him unabashedly, feeling her body lift off the ground as Elvis twirled her around. It was exhilarating.

His light chuckle tickled her forehead and hands pulled her forward. “Happy to see me?”

“I guess.” Bess murmured into his clavicle. “You think too highly of yourself, Tupelo, just happy to be done with work, mostly. I actually forgot you were meeting me.”

He pulled her chin up and Bess heard her voice falter as his eyes melted her nervous system into a giddy mess.

“That why you are runnin' down these stairs like ya got a burr in ya saddle? Maybe I should check.”

His voice became slower as his hands moved from her waist to her bottom, pulling on her skirt as if to inspect it.

“Leave my saddle be, dirty boy.”

Bess cheeks flushed red swatting off Elvis’ hands and he grinned, fingers returning to their deliberate pace at her waist. Just their slow movement heated her belly, a sensation intensified by the warm air from Elvis nostrils as he nudged her eyelid. Bess was happy to see him, happy to have his arms around her, happy to have his fingers pushing the fabric of her dress back and forth over her skin. Those insistent, needy thumbs took her away from all her turmoil and into the comfort of his arms.

“So you aren't excited to see me? Go on then, tell me, tell me why you got ya hair all done up and ya lips all painted up, huh? Meeting someone else?”

Bess traced the top of his lip with her index finger, she was so close to him she could smell the faint hints of cologne, sweat and gun powder on his neck.

“I’m not meeting anyone else.” She looked up, not sure how she was summoning the strength to form words. “I just want to be here. With you.”

“Me too baby, me too.” He ran his finger over her nose. “Got lucky, boy, did I get lucky, that night I caught you stealing - ”

“ - reallocating Army resources.”

“Imma reallocate some Army resources.” He kissed her forehead, right between her eyebrows. “Right here.” She closed her eyes at the way his arms tightened around her. “Right now. For important morale operations.”

Bess’ nodded her forehead sideways into his nose and let her hands roll up his shoulders, the heat between them buzzed up her body. She sucked her bottom lip and the sound of air clicking from her mouth seemed louder in the still concrete stairwell. Bess kissed him gently at first and then with her entire being, grinding up as he thrust back into her and his hands moved to cup her face while his hips becoming sharper and more desperate. A moan escaped her mouth and Elvis stepped back, chuckling as he wiped the lipstick from his mouth.

“Let’s get out of here, huh?” Bess murmured, grasping at his waist to steady herself.

Bess tripped into him as they walked to her car, her head rotating from side-to-side, wondering if any one saw them and could tell how intimately Elvis gripped her hand. He didn’t seem to care, popping open her car door and sliding across the leather as if it were his own. His fingers were instantly over her shoulder, always pursuing physical contact, and he whistled at basket of food on the back seat.

“Watcha cook up for me, lil girl?”

“Um, just, ya, uh know, meatloaf sandwiches, potato salad, some pop.”

“Mmhmm, sounds real good, yessir boberino, real good.” Elvis growled and nibbled into Bess’ shoulder and she suddenly found driving very challenging.

Her struggle to hold the steering wheel only got worse as Elvis mumbled into her cheek while his fingers smoothed the small of her back. She tried, unsuccessfully, to elbow him away as he smirked at her breathy response. It was very clear to Bess that Elvis knew exactly what his fingers did to her as she drove them to a park at the back of Fort Hood’s residential area. Elvis lips trailed up and down her cheek in a way that made Bess not want to get out of the car, made her forget that she was hungry, made her forget her own name.  Grinning, he pulled back and pinched her side.

“Les eat, I’m so hooonnngry I could eat the north bound end of a south bound polecat.”

Elvis carried the basket of food with one hand, the other in Bess’ as she led them to a picnic table near a very small man made pond. She clucked at him to help even out the table cloth, and he grinned at the way Bess set out plates, cups and food methodically. Elvis caught her wrist as she moved to sit across from him, and guided her on to his lap.

“Where you goin’ baby? Don’t want you to get any splinters in that fine caboose.”

“Ha, ha, ha. How chivalrous.”

Bess pushed a spoon of potato salad into his mouth to shut him up as she set out the sandwiches for them, and opened the red cream soda with a bottle opener. Elvis took his pop, sucking it down.

“Just for future reference darlin, I like Pepsi.”

Bess grabbed the drink out of his hand with a playful sniff.

“This is the best cream soda this side of Little Rock, you can use it to make punch, jello, dye dresses red and clean your carburetor. And if you don’t like it, you can get your own drinks.”

Elvis pulled it back, stuffing meatloaf sandwich in his mouth before talking through his chews and taking another swig.

“I didn’t say I didn’t like it, now, no need to get sore.” He slapped her bottom, making her bounce up as she chewed some sandwich. “Jus’ sayin’ I like Pepsi best. ‘Sides, Dori said you were from New York, how come -”  He paused to take another gulp, “How come you like this local fizz so much?”

Bess took the bottle of Big Red from him, letting her mouth linger down and back up over the top as she sipped it, enjoying the way he raised his eyebrows while he chewed.

“Well, Private, I was born in New York. But I have lived in Killeen, Texas on and off since I was five years old. Papa was trained here before the war, and then we went back to Brooklyn while he was in London and then Germany - did your daddy fight?”

Elvis shook his head but offered no explanation, and Bess thought she saw a flicker of disdain or anger in his eyes for a split second, but it was gone. Then he pulled her closer with his right hand, holding up a sandwich to her mouth, lips apart in apt concentration as he guided the food into Bess' mouth and she giggled, swallowing it. He picked up the second bottle of pop and offered it to her as she wiped her mouth.

“Well, anyway, at first we went back and forth when Papa was overseas. We were in New York, and D.C., then he was given orders back here and they bought the house. Mama, Kay and I have stayed here whenever he got orders to go somewhere else: Heidelberg, Fort Hood, Berlin, then, you guessed it, Fort Hood, then DC, then back here. It’s been better for us to stay and go to school here.”

“So, uh, what, your daddy goes all ‘round teaching German?”

“Uh, well, yeah, mostly. Training Army officers to speak German has been a big part of his career.”

Elvis tilted his head for Bess to feed him more potato salad, his fingers otherwise occupied at her hips.

“How’d he get so interested in that?”

Bess licked the spoon they were sharing after feeding Elvis, looking across at the pond as twilight settled over the park.

“He, um, well, he actually grew up in Berlin. His parents sent him to New York in 1931 to live with his aunt and uncle.” She hesitated, scratching his collar, wondering how Elvis Presley felt about making out with Jewish girls. “You see, that was when his family’s synagogue was burned down, and they, um, started to, you know, worry.”

Elvis nodded slowly, his eyes narrowing. “Ah, gotcha.” His hands tightened at her waist. “Ya know, this explains why Dori looked at me funny when I told her I met you outside the base Chapel.”

“Ha! Yeah, well, I could have been there picking up dates.”

“You do that often, Moo Moo?”

“Oh, yeah, good little Christian boys are my favorite.”

He bounced her on his lap and tickled her sides.

“Huh, that right? I don’t know if I like the sound a that.”

“Yeah, well, apparently I’m no good at meeting good Christian boys. Only bad ones.”

“Oh baby, you have know idea what a good boy I can be.” He drew her close for a soft kiss on her neck, and the warmth of his lips made her shiver as he talked into her nape. “I’ve been told I’m very, very, very good at bein’ a boy.”

“Ha!” She shook her head, hands clutching the back of his hair as she looked into his attentive, gleaming bright blue eyes. They made her weak. Everywhere. “Hey, you haven’t even told me how your day was, Tupelo.”

“Oh man, honey, today was a goddamn circus, and I was the lead clown, I tell ya.”

“What happened?” She played with the soft part of his ear lobe as Elvis wiped his forehead and sighed.

“Well, we had target practice for three hours today.”

“That sounds normal, it takes three hours to kill all the paper men.”

“You have idea, baby, no idea.” He looked over his shoulder, as if to make sure no one could hear him. “Well, go on ta find out I forgot to load my gun this mornin’, I was so goddamn flustered getting ready for inspection. Looked like a grade A idiot, man, standing out there front a every one.”

Bess soothed the top of Elvis’ shoulders, all the teasing lilt from a moment ago was gone from her voice as she massaged the stiff, anxiousness there.

“Boy, got me so keyed up, had ma hands in fists all day, bout nearly bust out of my uniform I as so mad at ma self.”

Bess soothed his cheek, running her hand through his hair.

“No one will remember tomorrow, I promise.”

“Huh, I bet you million dollars they all back in their barracks, writin’ home bout how they had a good laugh at Elvis Presley, the Elmer Fudd of the army.”

“I promise, if those soldiers have anyone to write home to, and that’s betting they know how to write, they aren’t wastin’ their time tellin’ their girls about the most handsome stud in America.”

Elvis looked up.

“Most handsome, what was that, baby, stud?”

“Ugh, stop, I was just tryin’ to cheer you up.”

Bess jumped up, and started packing up the picnic, and Elvis was instantly behind her, arms tugging at her was as she popped the last spoon of potato salad greedily in her mouth. He gave her a big, sloppy kiss, then let go, distracted by the water, he wondering down to the edge of the pond where he began skipping stones. She finished folding the table cloth and followed him down to the water, squatting beside him as she selected another rock and handed it to him.

“Sorry excuse for a lake, isn’t it.” Bess said, watching as Elvis aimed the flat stone across the small body of water.

“You better take that back, Moo Moo, you’re hurtin’ this poor lil baby pond’s feelins’” Elvis bent down and threw some water at Bess’ face.

“Hey,” Bess pushed him lightly, then stood up, backing away at the mischievous look in his eyes. “Quit splashin' me! You, you rock n’ roll hoodlum!”

Elvis grinned and cupped his hand full of water, throwing it at her as she backed away.

“Ohh baby, thems fighting words, better watch out!”

Bess shrieked and ran back up to the picnic table, circling around it as Elvis chased her, matching as she changed directions. Their laughter and panting filled the air until he caught her, running his dirty pond fingers through her hair with gusto as she made a face while he slapped her on the butt. Elvis quelled her protests with a kiss and brought her into his side and grabbed the food basket with his other hand. They walked  back to the car sweaty and out of breath like two giddy teenagers.

“Any lakes round here?”

Bess settled back into the car and smoothed her dress down while Elvis’ hands did their best to ruffle it back up, starting with the area over her right knee.

“There’s a reservoir, Lake Belton, bout 30 minutes away. You can go swimming, boating, horseback riding. Why?”

“This weekend phase 1 is over and I can start going off post on the weekend. Planning to see my friend Lamar, maybe some more of my guys, and I wanna take them somewhere fun Sunday. Somewheres maybe like this Lake.”

Bess tried to contain her disappointment that Elvis’ first thought wasn’t to spend the time with her. But she reminded herself that they weren’t serious, they were having a fling and besides, he saw her everyday. He sensed her mood change anyway as she sat up stiff and straight to start the car, and his hand became more attentive to her knee.

“I want you there, Bess, you’re coming out with me this weekend. Right after drills end at 1700 hours Saturday.”

“When does your friend get to town?”

“He’s already here. Lamar, he grumbles and fusses, but he is loyal and true. From Texas, too.”

“Where’s he staying?”

“At the Star Motel.” Elvis looked over at Bess, then down at where his long, thin fingers were on the inside of her knee, then back up to her eyes. “He, uh, he went and got a few a rooms so we can have a party Saturday night.” His voice became softer as he murmured. “Reckon it would be nice to have some time, just to be alone with with you, Bessie baby. Somewhere that ain’t a picnic bench. Or a car. Somewhere we could be alone and just talk.”

Bess parked behind the armory buildings near Elvis' barracks and turned to him, blushing.

“Um, yes, I guess I would like that too. To be able to just be somewhere, just talk.”

A wave of shyness suddenly overwhelmed Bess as she thought about being alone in a motel room with Elvis. What she thought he might really be asking her.  She wasn’t sure how far she wanted to go with him this soon, though she could feel desire pulsing up through her rib cage and knew that if Elvis even looked at her sideways she would throw all abandon out of the window. But she had the impression, from just the few weeks she had known him, that Elvis was more old fashioned then she would have thought. She wasn’t sure where his boundary was, as far as respecting girls who went to bed with him. But his invitation definitely seemed like a proposition and the prospect of sleeping with him was at once exciting and terrifying.

Bess began to fiddle with her hands where they lay in her lap and Elvis picked up her left hand, bringing it to his cheek and kissing her palm delicately.

“Hey there, lil Moo Moo, you’re so pretty. How’d I catch the prettiest lil moo cow in the field, hmmm?”

The words rumbled out of Elvis mouth in a low babyish voice and his eyelids drooped down in time with his bottom lip. Bess’ chest tightened, and it felt like the world tilted sides when she pulled him in and he kissed her down into the leather seat. They pawed at each other there, exploring how their noses fit together as their tongues played tug of war for control. It sent a jolt straight to Bess’ core when she felt his excitement stiffen against her thigh and she smiled into his goofy bedroom eyes.

“Hey, wait, are you calling me a cow, Elvis Presley?”

Elvis shook his head, his face focused on where his right fingers brushed over her breast, savoring Bess’ shiver, as his knuckles trailed back down over the hills and valleys of her skirt. Her blood rushed between her legs and she took a deep breath.

His fingers were back at her bosom, setting her skin on aflame with the way his finger tips trailed back and forth circling her breast.

“Mmmmhmm, not jus any cow, baby, you the prettiest little milk cow, bet you have the sweetest.” He bite his lip as he circled the cloth around her nipple again. “Cream.”

Bess exhaled out with a gasp, curling her left fingers at his wrist as he spoke.

“Makin' me want dessert.”

Elvis’ hand stayed at her side where she held it, his fingers brushing against her dress, but it was his eyes that knocked the wind from her lungs as they moved downward to settle on the apex between her legs. Elvis bit his lips and Bess felt a desperate flame tingle out from her core. No one had ever done what he was hinting at, and it scared her. Suddenly she didn’t consider herself as experienced as she had before. She had slept with what, twenty men? And no one had ever kissed her there. That was something she needed to prepare for, perhaps double the talcum powder she applied. Coughing, Bess slide out from him to sit upright and straighten her dress. Elvis’ hands were back on her hips, pulling her over to straddle his lap.

“You know, Moo Moo, I’d never do nothin’ you don wanna.”

Elvis kissed her neck as she nodded.

“I bet you taste sweet, though.”

Bess swatted him playfully, then gripped his shoulder as he nibbled her ear. Playtime was over. A feverish yearning took over and she met his hips as they rocked up into her. Bess’ heart was racing, Elvis slow and deliberate movements made him different from any man she had ever been with. He halted mid thrust to savor the moment, and his eyes looked deep into hers with a longing and and an eagerness to please. They were an invitation and a command that he followed with his fingers, trailing them softly over the curve of her breasts. She could feel his cock twitch when he noticed her shudder, or felt her nipples harden, and she knew what made Elvis different. Her pleasure turned him on.

So she chased it, moving in tandem to the rhythm of his thighs while she pushed her lips on top of his, feeling his tongue meet hers once more. She felt his bulge and sought the friction of it between her legs. His movements became more urgent, and Bess’ grasped for anything she could find to hold on to as the car filled with sound of heaving, gulping, loud moans. Her orgasm erupted suddenly with a litany of “oh Gods,” and Elvis thumbs stroked her cheeks as he shushed the fear and hesitancy from her.

“I gotcha, I gotcha, sshhhhh baby, don worry. Jus ride it out. That’s a good lil girl.”

Bess’ chest heaved up as she remembered how to breathe. This was the most intimate experience she had ever had, and all of her clothes were still on. She half chuckled as she steadied herself, meeting Elvis triumphant, satisfied eyes.

“Wow.”

“You ok, honey? Make me think you ain’t never tussled with a boy before.”

“Not like that.”

His mouth curled into a big crooked grin, and she laughed up into the ceiling.

“Huh, well, that’s true, Bess, and you won’t never find someone like me again, neither. I got moves you ain't never seen, honey." He smirked. "Stick with me, I told you, I’m a very good boy.”

“Good at being bad.”

Laughing, she shifted and noticed his erection still lingered in his pants and so she moved her hand to rub over it but he stilled her.

“Don’t you want me to take care of you, Tupelo?” She kissed his cheek, lips moving down his neck. “ Make you feel good? I  - I can, you know -”

Elvis patted her hand back into her lap and kissed the words out of her mouth.

“You were perfect tonight, Bess, perfect. But I jus as soon keep a lid on it. You don’t make it easy, though, baby, been makin’ me crazy all night, just walking round and sittin’ on me with all that equipment in your undercarriage.”

“Guess I know one pistol you have no trouble loading.”

Elvis tilted his neck back, laughing as he squeezed her waist as they made their goodbyes over a push and pull of kisses for the next fifteen minutes.

****************************************************************

Schwartz Residence, Killeen TX

9:30 p.m.

The moon followed Bess in the clear night sky as she left post, still feeling Elvis’ hands all over her, hearing his laughter in her ears. She was giddy from the blissful release she had found on his lap, it had washed away all the tension she' 'd had carrying with her through the day. Hurrying up the stairs to her house, Bess stumbled upon her mother in the kitchen making camomile tea.The creases at the corners of Mama’s large brown eyes pinched together in a big smile.

“Oh Bessie Bess, my baby, you’re home late. Want some sleepy time tea, my shayna maidel?”

Bess strode over and put her arms around her mother’s back, leaning on her shoulder as her mother poured the kettle into the teapot, her chest filled with affection.

“Sure Mamaleh, I’d love some.”

Papa’s voice rang out from his office, so she kissed her mother’s cheek and promised to be right back.

“Aw, Elizabeth, how was your day shopping with, who, Emily, was it?”

Bess leaned against the doorway of his office, glad her father was at least making the pretense of settling down for the night in his dressing gown and pajamas. A pipe was in his hand as he read over some paperwork.

“Good, Papa, thanks for asking.”

“Gut, gut, ja.” He pushed his glasses up, and looked over his desk at his daughter, taking in her slightly disheveled hair, rumpled dress and newly applied lipstick below flushed cheeks. “You know, I thought your mother made two meatloaves for supper last night.”

“Oh, well, I took some for lunch today, Papa. I didn’t know you wanted it.”

“No, ja, I was just looking for a snack earlier, but no bother, no bother.” He put his papers down. “Are you still thinking of law school, because I saw General Brandon when we were in D.C.”

“I don’t want to go do propaganda for the U.S. government, Papa.”

“Yes, well, it’s not propaganda, spatz, it’s goodwill initiatives. This war is more about minds than mines, ja? Brandon’s information program is just making sure other countries have the opportunity to experience American art and culture. Someone with your background and expertise in foreign affairs, you’d be a good fit for a post open this fall. And they want women, smart, focused, attractive women like you. You would be perfect for this job.”

Bess tapped her fingers over her belt, she had not been thinking about her research project at all, or her law school applications for that matter. No, her head had been elsewhere, and she felt pangs of shame and guilt as she considered what her father was bringing up. Her future. Specifically, he was back at it trying to convince her to work for one of the newer programs in D.C. that his colleague in Army Intelligence had founded: the United States Information Agency. Its mission was officially “public diplomacy” overseas, but Bess knew it was essentially a PR agency for the United States.

“Is it in the Berlin office?”

“Ack, Illsa, Berlin is a coveted office, you have to work your way up to it. No. Helsinki.”

“I don’t even speak Finnish, or Swedish, and -”

“It is right there at the lion’s mouth, Ilsa, there’s a lot of action in Helsinki. All the spies from Moscow are coming through it. And the goodwill tours behind the Iron Curtain go off from there. It would be, what, two years? A stepping stone to Berlin maybe?  Besides, Deutsch ist die Muttersprache, you’d pick up Swedish and Finnish like that.” Papa snapped his fingers.

“Mmmhmm. Well, you got my attention. But what about Mama?” Bess fingers clenched in a fist. “She seems like she is backsliding.”

“She doesn’t do well when her routine is disrupted, you know that. She will be fine, give her a few days to settle.” Papa sucked on his pipe, and the sweet smell of tobacco reached Bess’ nose. “And, well, you know I expect orders to INCOMS headquarters any day. That will be my last post before retirement, and I promised Mama New York after that. In the meantime, your Aunt Rachel wants to come and live with us in D.C.”

“What about Kay? I thought she wanted to go to Baylor.”

Papa’s elbow banged down on his desk, as he rearranged his paperweights, then he kept talking as he got up and put a jazz record on.

“Katharina applied to Georgetown, Radcliffe, Smith and many, many other colleges, she will be fine. She would also be fine at Baylor if she is determined to follow her silly friends there.”

Bess nodded, thinking of the girls in Kay’s high school class whose mothers had been in Baylor’s sororities, and how they had been giggling about life together next year. She thought of her own decision to stay in Texas for college, at the time she had wanted to follow her friends to a big school in a big city like Austin. She turned on her heel to head back to the kitchen and Mama’s camomile tea, muttering into the hallway in from to her. “Helsinki, huh?”

Her father’s voice followed her, his eyes narrowed at the smudges of lipstick Elvis had kissed into the back of Bess’ neck.

“Just think about, ja? You have so much potential, maus. I hate to see you loose sight of your goals.”

**************************************************************

Click here to read Chapter Six: Guided Missiles

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[posttexasstressdisorder]

CNN 5/20/2025

Who is watching for earthquakes, volcanoes and tsunamis? Trump is cutting the guardians at the gate

By Ella Nilsen, CNN

Updated: 8:20 AM EDT, Tue May 20, 2025

Source: CNN

Sometime between today and 200 years from now, scientists say “the big one” will hit the United States.

There is danger lurking on the sea floor off the Pacific Northwest’s coast: After centuries of two tectonic plates pushing up against each other, the Cascadia subduction zone that runs from Northern California all the way up to British Columbia is due to rupture — possibly in our lifetimes.

“We know that we have the potential for a really massive scale earthquake, the largest we’ve ever seen on the planet,” said Harold Tobin, a professor at the University of Washington and director of the Pacific Northwest Seismic Network. “We know that the Pacific Northwest has that possibility.”

The resulting earthquake could be a devastating magnitude 9.0, and the subsequent tsunami could be 100 feet high, overwhelming coastal cities and towns. Around 13,800 people could die and more than 100,000 others could be injured, the Federal Emergency Management Agency has estimated.

In short, it could be the worst natural disaster the United States has seen in modern times. And many scientists say we are less prepared for it than ever before. The league of experts and scientists who have spent decades keeping watch — the guardians at the gate — is being decimated by the Trump administration’s staffing cuts.

It’s not just earthquakes and tsunamis; experts who sound the alarm for volcano eruptions say the cuts will be felt most when there’s a crisis. The scientists who watch the sun for invisible-yet-crippling solar storms are not just losing staff; they face being moved into an entirely different agency.

A spokesperson for US Geological Survey, the federal agency tasked with monitoring earthquakes and volcanoes, declined to comment on personnel matters in a statement to CNN, but added it “remains committed to its congressional mandate as the science arm of the Department of the Interior.” The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, which oversees tsunamis and solar storms, did not return a request for comment from CNN.

In addition, new spending restrictions for some federal agencies are creating extra hoops for scientists to jump through to fix earthquake seismographs and deep ocean sensors that capture how fast tsunami waves are traveling, four separate people with knowledge of the situation told CNN. The same goes for equipment that monitors earth tremors before volcanoes erupt.

“We are already underprepared for these events,” said Corina Allen, the former tsunami program manager at NOAA’s National Weather Service Tsunami Program. Allen was recently fired from her position, like thousands of other probationary federal employees who had been on the job less than a year.

“Being able to detect forecast and alert people of an incoming tsunami will save hundreds, if not hundreds of thousands of lives,” Allen added. “That is the impact. That is the risk we face by reducing the capability to do this work at NOAA.”

Here’s more on four major earth hazards that experts are warning will get tougher to plan for due to staffing cuts and funding restrictions.

Earthquakes

A network of roughly 800 seismographs in the West is the first line of defense against “the big one.” It senses shaking and movement deep underground, alerting scientists when tremors occur.

“Many of (the sensors) have to be in remote locations,” Tobin said. “Up on mountaintop, the back end of a logging road. It’s pretty rugged terrain. And every one of them needs maintenance one way or another.”

Teams of scientists from the USGS typically go out every summer to fix broken instruments or dig them out of deep snow. It’s gotten more difficult after federal workers there and at other agencies were told they could spend no more than $1 on any single expense, making that critical task increasingly difficult.

There are loopholes to the limit, but getting travel approved has become onerous, and a culture of fear is spreading through the agency, a person familiar with the matter told CNN, creating more of a barrier to getting the work done.

Tobin, who along with USGS oversees the ShakeAlert early warning system for major earthquakes, is particularly worried about what could happen if Trump’s budget passes without funding for the program.

“We wouldn’t be able to have the staff we have right now without that funding,” Tobin said. “All by itself, it represents something like 50% of my budget.”

Without enough staff or funding for maintenance to support the ShakeAlert system, “it wouldn’t shut off on day one, but I don’t know how long it would sustain,” Tobin said.

Tsunamis

Tsunamis are deadly disasters that can emerge from an earthquake in the ocean — giant waves that push far inland, inundating miles of normally dry land.

Similar to the seismographs scattered along the West coast, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration keeps a network of sensors deep in the ocean, designed to alert scientists when a tsunami wave rolls through.

NOAA’s two tsunami warning centers and the National Weather Service program working to modernize their outdated software systems have been hit with probationary firings and several staffers taking the so-called “buyouts,” according to Corina Allen, who used to work as the tsunami program manager at NWS.

The 24/7 monitoring centers were already thinly staffed, Allen said, and the further reductions are deeply concerning, especially given the threat of an earthquake and tsunami in the Pacific Northwest.

“These programs are already at the bare bones,” Allen said. “They’ve been reduced; they’ve been cut. The vacancies haven’t been filled.”

At the time she was fired, Allen was tasked with modernizing the tsunami warning program’s software to integrate it more seamlessly into the alerts system used by the National Weather Service — a critical upgrade to help get alerts out to communities faster.

“These staff cuts and the potential budget cuts make the United States more at risk for a tsunami and earthquake, and they will have devastating impacts for coastal populations and the US economy,” Allen said.

Volcanoes

The Kilauea volcano in Hawaii has been erupting on and off since last year – spewing lava and ash. USGS, which monitors volcanoes in addition to earthquakes, predicts more eruptions to come, according to its website. Its scientists are also closely watching Great Sitkin, a volcano in Alaska’s islands that has been slowly spewing lava since it began erupting in 2021. Another volcano that’s actively being monitored right now is Alaska’s Mt. Spurr, where small volcanic earthquakes have been recently detected.

There are two main USGS offices monitoring volcano activity – one in Hawaii and the other in Alaska. Some USGS volcano scientists have taken the deferred resignation program, according to Jeff Freymueller, a professor at Michigan State University who used to work at the Alaska Volcano Observatory and who remains in touch with the remaining USGS staff.

The volcano observatories are monitored 24/7, and if there is a big volcanic eruption, it turns into an all-hands-on-deck situation.

“The staffing shortages will be made much, much worse when there’s a volcanic crisis, because you simply need to bring everybody on board to cover the workload,” Freymueller said.

For now, data is continuing to flow. But Freymueller is watching to see if seismograph maintenance happens this summer. He says, “they’re hoping that there’s been enough blood to appease the higher ups so that there won’t be further” staff cuts.

Solar storms

While many of the biggest hazards that take constant monitoring happen on earth, there are others in the cosmos. Particularly, from our sun.

Solar storms happen when the sun flings plasma and other charged particles carrying the sun’s magnetic field toward Earth. The resulting storms, which are otherwise invisible to the naked eye, can create awe-inspiring auroras, but can wreak havoc on our electric grids and radio systems. And these kinds of storms have been happening more because the sun is in a particularly active phase.

There are roughly a dozen experts who work at NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center in Boulder, Colorado, with generally two scientists on any given 24-hour shift. They have recently lost three employees, according to Tim Keebler, a space weather researcher at the University of Michigan.

“They’re wildly understaffed for a small team,” Keebler said.

More big changes could be coming to the program, which is one of just a handful like it in the world. The Trump administration has proposed moving it from NOAA to the Department of Homeland Security.

The program is preparing to launch a new satellite to better measure and predict space weather, but so much uncertainty could threaten the future of a small but important program.

“Many, many people rely on these few people at this one office,” Keebler said. “It’s the power companies, it’s the satellite operators, cell phone operators, railroad companies.”

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[bonesartblog]

Your powerless Raphael AU has so many possibilities it's almost driving me insane. There are so many good story ideas here I just- 🤩

*WARNING: Massive Rambling Incoming!*

If Raphael ended up human by the characters we play as finding a way to remove the fiendish half of his blood - in a manner similar to what Bhaal does to a Bhaalspawn who rejects him - does that mean he will have lost most if not all of his magical abilities? If we assume a cambion's magic comes from their fiendish heritage, similar to how a sorcerer's would, I imagine that this would leave him without any of his magic.

If Raphael ends up losing his magic, would he try to learn how to use the Weave like a Wizard and, more importantly, would he actually get very far? I think he might try but I don't think he would get very far because he basically seems to be in indentured servitude in your artwork (which is top notch, by the way) so I doubt he'd have access to the resources to actually learn wizardry (pair that with his likely frustrated and thus frazzled mental state and that doesn't make it very conducive to learning a new skill like wizardry). However, that leaves the door open for him learning the skills of a Bard (like how to use an instrument to channel magic), but that also requires resources that he might not have access to (like an instrument he can carry around) without someone giving him regular access to such things as he learns.

Since you mentioned Raphael ends up falling in love with a woman in your AU, maybe this ties into how they meet? Maybe that woman is a Bard who is working/indentured at the same place Raphael is. Perhaps she recognizes another artistic spirit like herself in Raphael, likely by overhearing him recite poetry (songs are typically like poetry put to music after all), and the two end up spending time together as a result.

Maybe Raphael at first intends to manipulate the woman into teaching him her skills as a Bard so he could not only learn magic but also potentially be able to steal her job so he is not stuck cleaning floors to pay off his debts. Likely none the wiser, the woman could agree to teach him because she simply enjoys the company of another artist and lends him her instrument during their lessons so he can practice. Assuming she doesn't ask to be paid for these lessons, I can imagine that Raphael would be waiting for the other shoe to drop - for the woman to demand he give her something in return - because nothing is ever free and everyone always wants something.

Perhaps Raphael gets reminded just how much he relied on his magic, servants, and debtors for everything when a string on the woman's instrument breaks while he is playing it during a lesson. After the woman checks to see if the string nicked him when it broke (quickly using a Bard spell to heal him if it did) and she assures him that he can just fix it real quick so they can resume the lesson, Raphael has to admit to her that he doesn't know how to fix it himself and she has to show him.

Maybe after a while, the woman ends up surprising him by gifting him his own instrument so that he can practice without having to borrow hers and it's only after their lesson ends for the day that he realizes that he accepted a gift without expecting there to be an invisible price tag attached. Maybe he also realizes that he has long already stopped expecting her to demand something in exchange for her lessons and that he actually in fact looks forward to them, to spending time with her.

As the fruition of his plotting to usurp her job gets closer and closer, he could find himself dreading the idea of actually going through with it more and more. Maybe he gets frustrated with himself over his uncharacteristic reluctance to follow through when he should feel excited over his plan working. This could all then culminate in him realizing that he has fallen in love with her (which, as you said, he handles about as well as you can expect) and probably results in him having an identity crisis over it. Or perhaps what pushes him towards the realization is the woman not showing up for a few days due to some kind of misfortune that unexpectedly befell her (if you want to twist the knife a bit more, maybe a few of Raphael's former debtors mug her and leave her badly injured for "consorting with a devil" even though she might not understand what they were talking about), thus causing Raphael to realize just how much he enjoys her regular company and how deeply he cares for her wellbeing.

*Massive Rambling Warning Over*

Then there is the absolute comedy gold of Raphael having to work like the common folk do while the new heroes of Baldur's Gate and his former clients/debtors clown on him or whoop him so hard his bruises have bruises (which, as much as I adore the character, I kinda have to admit he deserves).

Not to mention him having to learn how to do things manually and for himself for the first time ever. Does this man even know how to properly clean a floor without magic... or is he going to need to be reminded to rinse the rag he is using every now and then so he isn't just moving the dirt around? What about preparing himself food? Has he ever experienced getting sick before and how would he handle that for the first time if not?

The possibilities are literally endless and I am ravenous for them all!

I didn't mean for this to get so long, but I'm just so hyped to see what you may come up with (even if it ends up being nothing like the ideas I was spitballing here - which you are more than free to use if you want, but only if you want - it's your story after all, you do whatever the heck you want and I'll read it 👀). Sorry for the wall(s) of text; I hope that wasn't breaking any kind of Tumblr etiquette. 😅 I can assure you that it probably won't happen again as I am usually too self-conscious to send anything to blogs where I can't be anonymous (even though I 100% get why people want that option turned off).

Anyway, I love your work! Again, it's truly top tier! Keep being awesome! I'm gonna go look at the images some more! Bye!

I WANT YOU TO KNOW I'VE BEEN THNKING ABOUT THIS ALL DAY AND I'M DRAFTING A FIC BC YOU'RE INSPIRING ME LOL.

I'm gonna DOUBLE YOUR MASSIVE RAMBLING WITH MY OWN

-Raphael ends up human through something very similar! I thought it'd be great irony for something of his in his own collection (like a ring that he obtained that has the power to seal the fiendish power of a foe) and have it used against him. Initially it's supposed to be used like a genie's lamp where the wearer is just, sealed away but since Raphael is half human, it locks away his powers and reduces him to whatever is left after the devil in him is essentially stripped away.

-He ends up losing his ability to use magic in its entirety because the ring shackles him in a perpetual limbo where he can exist as a human but all his power is derived from his lineage as a devil, which is negated by the ring--so it's like shutting off a light in a breaker box and raphael being the room the light was connected to lol. And yes--he absolutely does try! I like to think he intended the ring to be used on mephistopheles once he'd been given the crown--but it all backfired once it was placed on him after the house of hope fight. He has to also contend with the new human elements that comes with his curse--which comes in the form of underestimating his ability to temper his emotions that he can now FEEL with raw intensity. Since he's a bard he absolutely relies on his charisma to navigate around people since he doesn't have the means to physically defend himself. (He's put in Sharess' Caress by karlach and astarion because everyone there is familiar with him which makes it harder for raphael to talk his way out of anything. and it's also to keep him where he'll be easy to keep an eye on--he has every opportunity to leave, but they tell him a de-clawed devil is easy prey and his overzealousness of making deals made him easily recognizable by other spurned clients. He's safest in the brothel and he's guaranteed protection on that property only--but Mamzell tells him he has to work to earn his keep or she'll throw him out so he's made to do gruelling tasks lol.

-The woman he meets is called Circe who is another bard that is hired to replace a murdered employee! She's a retired dominatrix and she plays music and sings in the performance area--and you absolutely nailed it! She doesn't meet raphael immediately, since he sort of squirrels himself away until nightfall when he can work unbothered, less likely to be recognized, and also bc he has a wounded ego lol. I wanted to write her as another egomaniac who's obsessed with the sound of her own voice and her own beauty and i thought it'd be hilarious if raphael found it ironically off-putting. But they absolutely do end up spending time together by mocking local plays because they're both snobs which usually turn into them mocking each other for their own tastes. The majority of their first interactions involves Circe talking about herself and constantly getting raphael's name wrong (she calls him 'Ralph' which he has to correct) and a lot of it is raphael getting a taste of his own medicine while exchanging barbs with her.

-As for the rest--you're not far off at all ;) I don't wanna spoil everything but Raphael absolutely has to reckon with experiencing manual labor and all the physical pains that come with it. Also with people that recognize him and want to do him harm / controlling his temper whenever a patron says something off-putting to him / learning how to defend himself since his devil magic is lost to him / and my favorite: HAVING THE HEART OF A MAN AND BEING EXPOSED TO ALL IT VULNERABILITIES LOL

[bangla24]

"Navigating Financial Markets: A Beginner's Guide to Investment Success"

Financial markets refer broadly to any marketplace where securities trading occurs, including the stock market, bond market, forex market, and derivatives market. Financial markets are vital to the smooth operation of capitalist economies.

What Are Financial Markets?

Financial Markets include any place or system that provides buyers and sellers the means to trade financial instruments, including bonds, equities, the various international currencies, and derivatives. Financial markets facilitate the interaction between those who need capital with those who have capital to invest.

Types of Financial Markets

There are several different types of markets. Each one focuses on the types and classes of instruments available on it.The following are different types of financial markets:

Stock Market.

Bond market.

Foreign Exchange Markets.

Commodity markets.

Derivative Market.

Futures Market.

Over-the-counter (OTC) Market.

Stock Market

Perhaps the most ubiquitous of financial markets are stock markets. These are venues where companies list their shares, which are bought and sold by traders and investors. Stock markets, or equities markets, are used by companies to raise capital and by investors to search for returns. Most stock trading is done via regulated exchanges, which plays an important economic role because it is another way for money to flow through the economy.

Bond market

Bonds are issued by corporations as well as by municipalities, states, and sovereign governments to finance projects and operations.For example, the bond market sells securities such as notes and bills issued by the United States Treasury. The bond market is also called the debt, credit, or fixed-income market.

Foreign Exchange Markets.

The Foreign Exchange Market (commonly known as the Forex Market or FX Market) is a global decentralized marketplace where currencies are traded. It is the largest financial market in the world, with a daily trading volume exceeding $7 trillion as of recent estimates. The Forex market operates 24 hours a day, five days a week, enabling participants from different time zones to engage in trading activities continuously.

Commodity Markets

Commodities markets are venues where producers and consumers meet to exchange physical commodities such as agricultural products (e.g., corn, livestock, soybeans), energy products (oil, gas, carbon credits), precious metals (gold, silver,platinum).

These are known as spot commodity markets, where physical goods are exchanged for money.However, the bulk of trading in these commodities takes place on derivatives markets that utilize spot commodities as the underlying assets.

Derivative Market

Derivatives are financial instruments whose value is derived from an underlying asset or a group of assets. These assets range from stocks, bonds, commodities, currencies, interest rates, or market indices. The derivatives market is a financial marketplace where derivative contracts are bought and sold.

A derivative is a contract between two or more parties whose value is based on an agreed-upon underlying financial asset (like a security) or set of assets (like an index).Rather than trading stocks directly, a derivatives market trades in futures and options contracts and other advanced financial products that derive their value from underlying instruments like bonds, commodities, currencies, interest rates, market indexes, and stocks.

Futures Market

Futures markets are where futures contracts are listed and traded. Unlike forwards, which trade OTC, futures markets utilize standardized contract specifications, are well-regulated, and use clearinghouses to settle and confirm trades.

Options markets, such as the Chicago Board Options Exchange (CBOE), similarly list and regulate options contracts. Both futures and options exchanges may list contracts on various asset classes, such as equities, fixed-income securities, commodities, and so on.

OTC Market

An over- the- counter (OTC) market is a decentralized market—meaning it does not have physical locations, and trading is conducted electronically—in which market participants trade securities directly (meaning without a broker).While OTC markets may handle trading in certain stocks (e.g., smaller or riskier companies that do not meet the listing criteria of exchanges), most stock trading is done via exchanges.

Certain derivatives markets, however, are exclusively OTC, making up an essential segment of the financial markets. Broadly speaking, OTC markets and the transactions that occur in them are far less regulated, less liquid, and more opaque.

Examples of Financial Markets

The above sections make clear that the "financial markets" are broad in scope and scale. To give two more concrete examples, we will consider the role of stock markets in bringing a company to IPO and the role of the OTC derivatives market in the 2008-09 financial crisis.

How Do Financial Markets Work?

Despite covering many different asset classes and having various structures and regulations, all financial markets work essentially by bringing together buyers and sellers in some asset or contract and allowing them to trade with one another. This is often done through an auction or price - discovery mechanism.

What Are the Main Functions of Financial Markets?

Financial markets exist for several reasons, but the most fundamental function is to allow for the efficient allocation of capital and assets in a financial economy. By allowing a free market for the flow of capital, financial obligations, and money, the financial markets make the global economy run more smoothly while allowing investors to participate in capital gains over time.

The Bottom Line

Financial markets provide liquidity, capital, and participation that are essential for economic growth and stability. Without financial markets, capital could not be allocated efficiently, and economic activity such as commerce and trade, investments, and growth opportunities would be greatly diminished.

Many players make markets an essential part of the economy—firms use stock and bond markets to raise capital from investors. Speculators look to various asset classes to make directional bets on future prices.

At the same time, hedgers use derivatives markets to mitigate various risks, and arbitrageurs seek to take advantage of mispricings or anomalies observed across various markets. Brokers often act as mediators that bring buyers and sellers together, earning a commission or fee for their services.

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Steps to Begin Investing in Financial Markets

Educate Yourself:

Learn the basics of financial instruments and how markets operate. Books, online courses, and tutorials are excellent resources.

Set Clear Goals:

Define your investment objectives, whether it’s saving for retirement, purchasing a home, or building wealth.

Determine Your Risk Tolerance:

Assess how much risk you’re comfortable taking. Younger investors might take more risks, while those nearing retirement may prefer safer investments.

Choose the Right Market:

Decide whether to focus on stocks, bonds, forex, or a mix, depending on your goals.

Open a Trading Account:

Select a reputable broker or trading platform that aligns with your investment preferences and provides user-friendly tools.

Start Small:

Begin with modest investments to gain experience and confidence.

Monitor and Adjust:

Keep track of your portfolio’s performance and make adjustments as needed to stay on track with your goals.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Lack of Research:

Investing without understanding the market or the asset can lead to losses.

Overtrading:

Frequent buying and selling can erode returns due to fees and poor timing.

Ignoring Risk Management:

Always set stop-loss orders and consider hedging strategies to limit potential losses.

Chasing Trends:

Avoid following market hype without assessing its long-term viability.

Neglecting Diversification:

Overconcentration in a single asset or sector can magnify risks.

Conclusion

Financial markets are the backbone of the global economy, providing a platform for investment, risk management, and wealth creation. Understanding their structure and dynamics is essential for anyone looking to navigate the world of finance effectively. Whether you’re an investor or simply curious about the markets, staying informed is the first step toward making confident and informed decisions.

Navigating financial markets may seem challenging at first, but with education, clear goals, and disciplined strategies, anyone can become a successful investor. Start small, stay informed, and focus on long-term growth to make the most of the opportunities financial markets offer. Remember, investing is a journey, not a sprint, so approach it with patience and confidence.

[thoughtwise2]

Violence Risk Forensic Evaluation: Understanding the Process and Its Role

Violence Risk Forensic Evaluation is a specialized assessment conducted by forensic psychologists or psychiatrists to evaluate an individual’s likelihood of engaging in violent behavior. These evaluations are used in legal, clinical, and correctional settings to inform decision-making about sentencing, treatment, or management of individuals within the justice system.

This article explains the purpose, methods, and significance of violence risk forensic evaluations and highlights how they contribute to public safety and justice.

What is a Violence Risk Forensic Evaluation?

A Violence Risk Forensic Evaluation involves assessing the risk factors and protective factors associated with violent behavior. This assessment helps determine:

The likelihood of future violence.

The circumstances under which violent behavior might occur.

Strategies to mitigate the risk of violence.

Key Applications

Legal Proceedings: Sentencing, parole decisions, or competency hearings.

Correctional Settings: Classification of inmates and treatment planning.

Clinical Contexts: Risk management for individuals with mental health conditions.

Workplace Assessments: Evaluating threats in occupational settings.

Purpose of Violence Risk Evaluations

Violence risk evaluations provide valuable insights into:

1. Risk Assessment

Identifying individuals at high risk of violent behavior and the specific circumstances or triggers for such actions.

2. Public Safety

Protecting communities by ensuring appropriate management or containment of individuals who pose a threat.

3. Tailored Interventions

Developing targeted treatment plans to address the underlying causes of violent tendencies.

4. Legal Decisions

Assisting courts and legal professionals in making informed decisions about sentencing, parole, or release.

Components of a Violence Risk Evaluation

1. Comprehensive Interview

Gathering personal, social, and criminal history.

Exploring past incidents of violence or aggression.

2. Risk Factor Analysis

Evaluators consider dynamic and static risk factors:

Static Factors: Fixed characteristics like criminal history or past violent behavior.

Dynamic Factors: Changeable elements such as substance use, mental health status, or stress levels.

3. Use of Structured Tools

Forensic evaluators often use validated risk assessment instruments, such as:

HCR-20: Examines historical, clinical, and risk management factors.

PCL-R (Psychopathy Checklist-Revised): Measures traits associated with psychopathy.

LS/CMI (Level of Service/Case Management Inventory): Assesses criminogenic needs and risk levels.

4. Collateral Information Review

Reviewing records such as medical histories, police reports, and witness statements.

Speaking with family members, colleagues, or others who can provide relevant insights.

5. Clinical and Psychological Testing

Evaluating mental health conditions, cognitive abilities, or personality traits.

Identifying co-occurring disorders like substance abuse or depression.

Common Risk Factors for Violence

Evaluators look for specific indicators linked to violent behavior, including:

History of Violence: Prior incidents of aggression or criminal acts.

Substance Abuse: Drug or alcohol dependency often exacerbates violent tendencies.

Mental Health Issues: Conditions such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or PTSD.

Impulsivity: Difficulty regulating emotions or behavior.

Environmental Factors: Stressful living conditions, unemployment, or unstable relationships.

Protective Factors Considered

Protective factors mitigate the risk of violence and include:

Supportive Relationships: Strong family or social connections.

Employment Stability: Having steady income or meaningful work.

Engagement in Treatment: Participation in therapy or rehabilitation programs.

Coping Skills: Ability to manage stress and resolve conflicts constructively.

How Violence Risk Evaluations Inform Decision-Making

1. Sentencing and Parole Decisions

Courts rely on evaluations to decide whether an individual can safely reenter society or requires incarceration.

2. Risk Management Plans

Corrections facilities and mental health providers use assessments to design strategies for preventing violent incidents.

3. Treatment Recommendations

Identifying psychological or behavioral interventions to reduce the likelihood of violence.

4. Workplace Safety Measures

Employers use evaluations to address threats and implement policies for conflict resolution.

Challenges in Violence Risk Evaluation

Subjectivity in Self-Reporting Individuals may withhold information or provide inaccurate accounts during interviews.

Complexity of Risk Factors Interacting variables like mental health, environment, and personality traits can complicate assessments.

Potential for Bias Cultural, racial, or gender biases can inadvertently influence evaluations.

Unpredictable Behavior Human behavior is inherently unpredictable, making absolute risk predictions challenging.

Ethical Considerations

Evaluators must adhere to strict ethical guidelines, ensuring that:

Assessments are based on evidence and validated tools.

Findings are communicated objectively and without prejudice.

Confidentiality is maintained, except when disclosure is legally required.

Conclusion

Violence Risk Forensic Evaluations are critical for balancing individual rights with public safety. By systematically assessing the factors contributing to violent behavior, forensic professionals provide the insights needed for informed legal and clinical decision-making. These evaluations not only help mitigate risks but also pave the way for tailored interventions that promote rehabilitation and reduce recidivism.

If you or someone you know may require a violence risk evaluation, consult a licensed forensic psychologist or psychiatrist for professional guidance.

[thunderstomm]

Penguin Band + Cadence Gijinkas & Headcanons !!

Headcanons under the cut (:

Headcanons from left-to-right of drawing order.!!

Franky

19 Years old, the youngest member of the penguin band

He/Him, Trans Man

Bisexual

Afro-Canadian

The lead singer of the Penguin Band, and the most versed in instruments. Typically plays the keyboard when performing with the band, but can play the guitar, bass, flute and violin.

He likes to invent in his free time. Fixes the other band member’s instruments and Cadence’s turntables when they break.

Used to work at the Pet Shop, where he’d often sing to the Puffles when he found himself alone with them. This is where he met Petey K, who was the one to later invite him to join the band.

Like the book “Franky’s First Show” suggests, he joined the band at a later date, after it had already been founded.

Despite this, he’s the “most popular” member of the band, according to tabloids and teen-scream magazines.

Likes to wear warm clothing, and lots of layers.

While he seems very chill and calm, he still gets nervous before every show.

His favourite genres of music are Hip-Hop and Pop

Stompin’ Bob

20 Years old

He/Him, Cis Man

Bisexual

African-American

The bassist of the Penguin Band, but he also likes to rap!

He writes the songs for the band, finding his inspiration from a multitude of places. He sometimes helps Cadence write her songs too.

Tough, and loves to adventure around the island! From going camping in the woods, to beating penguins at the toboggan races, and even trying to learn Card-Jitzu, Stompin’ Bob loves to spend his time having fun.

He used to work at the lighthouse, as security before starting the band.

The first of the members to move to Penguin Island, and one of the three founding members of the Penguin Band.

Upbeat and rowdy personality!!

Loves to dress in fishnets, ripped shirts, and studded accessories. Never seen without wearing his favourite eyeliner.

His favourite genre of music is rock! But he’s not a genre snob, and enjoys writing a multitude of genres for the band, but has a fondness for writing pop-punk, as he thinks it suits Franky’s vocal style best.

Petey K

20 Years old

He/Him, Cis Man

Gay Man

White, British

Plays the Electric Guitar for the band, previously played the accordion!

Composes most of the songs for the band, and works alongside Stompin’ Bob when it comes to the early conception of the band’s music. Often works on music for Penguin Island’s parties, to earn extra income.

Used to work at the Pet Shop, alongside Franky. Quit after the band began to gain traction.

A bit of a “Hipster”, Petey K is very witty, and enjoys going to art shows to find inspiration for his music. Loves to go to the Coffee Shop and listen to the music of upcoming penguin artists.

Cannot see without his glasses.

A bit of a self-proclaimed funny man, Petey likes to make jokes and quips in interviews, and plays pranks on his band mates, to varying degrees of success.

Likes to thrift all of his clothes!

His favourite genres of music are Cool Jazz, Garage Rock, and R&B.

G Billy

21 Years old, the oldest member of the Penguin band

He/Him, Cis Man

Gay Man

White, American, from the south.

The G is for “George”.

Plays the drums for the band, but can also play the bongos, and the flute!

The band was his idea.

Strong believer in “good” luck and “bad”, he always wears his lucky bandana to shows and concerts.

Used to ride horses ! Has been kicked by a horse before in his past. He grew up on a farm!

A foodie and talented chef, he used to work at the pizza parlour !

Honest and loyal, but also friendly and playful.

He books the band’s gigs for them, and is the best with time management.

Hates to disappoint people, especially his fans.

Likes to dress in plaid, and leather boots.

His favourite music genre is country, which is why it’s no surprise that his original vision for the band was for them to be a country one.

DJ Cadence

18 Years Old

She/They, Non-Binary

Bisexual

African-American

A DJ, singer, rapper and composer!

The younger sister of DJ Maxx (from Penguin Chat 3).

Her family owns the Night Club, where she hosts the Dance-Offs, and got her start in sharing her music!

A total scene girl, she loves to listen to loud music, make kandi bracelets, and attend raves.

Bad at controlling the volume of her voice, often is yelling without realising it.

Brings her pet Puffle, Lolz, with her everywhere.

Dislikes when her hair grows too long, as it causes her discomfort. Loves to dye her hair !!

Eyes are naturally brown, she wears contacts.

Loves to dance, releases detailed dance tutorials for all of her songs for her fans to follow along to and learn.

Is never seen without her scarf, no matter how badly it clashes with her outfits.

Dresses like she’s about to go to a party ! Loves bright colours, clashing patterns, and statement accessories.

Her favourite music genres are rock, indie, hip-hop, eurodance, and J-Pop !

[lavanyamuj00058]

Different Financial Instruments

Different Financial Instruments in India The financial market in India provides a wide variety of products to suit different risk tolerances and investment requirements. Making wise investing selections requires having a thorough understanding of these instruments. Here, we examine a few of the most important financial products that are offered in India.

Stocks Ownership in a corporation is represented by stocks, or equity. Purchasing shares of a firm permits you to participate in its development and earnings as an owner. On stock markets such as the National Stock Exchange (NSE) and the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), stocks are exchanged. Although they have a large amount of market risk, they provide huge profits. Prior to making an investment in stocks, investors should perform extensive research.

Bonds Bonds are fixed-income securities that governments, businesses, and local governments issue to raise money. At maturity, they repay the principle amount together with monthly interest payments. Although they sometimes yield less returns than stocks, bonds are seen to be safer. For conservative investors seeking consistent income, they are perfect.

Mutual Funds Mutual funds invest in a diverse portfolio of stocks, bonds, and other assets by pooling the money of several individuals. Professional fund managers oversee them. By providing diversity, mutual funds help individual investors take on less risk. They are available in several varieties, including debt, equity, and hybrid funds, to accommodate varying risk tolerances and investment objectives.

Fixed Deposits (FDs) Fixed deposits are one of the most popular investment options in India. They offer a fixed interest rate for a specified tenure, providing assured returns. FDs are considered very safe, especially when deposited in reputable banks. They are suitable for risk-averse investors seeking guaranteed returns.

Derivatives Financial contracts known as derivatives derive their value from underlying assets such as stocks, bonds, or indexes. Derivatives that are frequently used are swaps, options, and futures. They are employed in price movement speculation and risk hedging. Since they can be complicated, derivatives are usually only advised for seasoned investors.

Instruments for Foreign Exchange Currency trading is a part of foreign exchange instruments. Businesses and investors use them to speculate on currency changes or as a hedge against currency risk. Forex trading is extremely risky and necessitates a solid grasp of world economic issues.

Cash and Cash Equivalents These include instruments like treasury bills, commercial papers, and certificates of deposit. They are highly liquid and can be quickly converted into cash. Cash equivalents are low-risk investments, suitable for short-term needs or as a part of a diversified portfolio

Goods and Services Investing in commodities such as crude oil, silver, and gold is an additional choice. Direct commodity trading is also possible, as is commodity futures trading. They diversify an investment portfolio and act as a buffer against inflation. In summary The financial market in India provides a vast range of instruments to suit varying risk appetites and investment requirements. Investors have a wide range of alternatives, from secure and steady fixed deposits to high-risk, high-reward stocks. Making wise investing selections requires having a thorough understanding of these instruments, as well as the risks and rewards associated with each. There is a financial product in India to meet your demands, regardless of whether you are an aggressive investor wanting large profits or a conservative investor seeking safety.

[nehamt]

Derivatives: Unraveling the Complex World of Financial Instruments.

Introduction:

Derivatives, often described as the "financial weapons of mass destruction" by Warren Buffett, play a pivotal role in modern financial markets. These instruments derive their value from an underlying asset, index, or interest rate. In this revamped blog, we'll explore the different types of derivatives, their uses, and the impact they've had on global finance.

Types of Derivatives:

1. Options:

Options provide investors with the right (but not the obligation) to buy or sell an asset at a predetermined price (the strike price) within a specified time frame. Key points about options:

•Call Options: These allow the holder to buy the underlying asset.

•Put Options: These allow the holder to sell the underlying asset.

•Options are used for speculation, hedging, and income generation.

2. Futures:

Futures contracts are standardized agreements to buy or sell an asset at a predetermined price on a specific future date. Here's what you need to know:

•Exchange-Traded: Futures are traded on organized exchanges, ensuring liquidity and transparency.

•Risk Management: Hedgers use futures to protect against price fluctuations (e.g., farmers hedging crop prices).

•Leverage: Futures allow substantial exposure with a smaller upfront investment.

3. Forwards:

Forwards are similar to futures but are customized contracts negotiated directly between parties. Key features:

•Flexibility: Forwards can be tailored to specific needs (e.g., unique delivery dates or quantities).

•Private Agreements: Unlike futures, forwards are over-the-counter (OTC) and lack standardization.

•Credit Risk: Counterparty risk exists, as there's no central clearinghouse.

4. Swaps:

Swaps involve exchanging cash flows based on predetermined terms. Common types include:

•Interest Rate Swaps: Parties exchange fixed and floating interest payments.

•Currency Swaps: Useful for managing foreign exchange risk.

•Credit Default Swaps: Used to hedge credit risk.

Market Impact and Regulation:

The derivatives market has grown exponentially, but it's not without risks:

•Systemic Risk: The 2008 financial crisis highlighted the interconnectedness of derivatives and their potential to destabilize markets.

•Regulatory Reforms: Authorities like SEBI (Securities and Exchange Board of India) have tightened regulations to enhance transparency and mitigate risks.

Conclusion:

Derivatives are powerful tools, but their complexity demands caution. Whether you're a trader, investor, or risk manager, understanding derivatives is essential. As we navigate this intricate landscape, let's remember that with great power comes great responsibility.