#interstellar isaac

[bmpmp3]

a couple fashion dreamer npcs i like, interstellar isaac and big shot minnie!!

[twinklefantasia]

Recent friend introductions

[mplanetleaf]

Time and Karma - Scientific Perspective | కాలం! కర్మం! | MPlanetLeaf

[prosegalaxy]

"Captain Martinez and the Zytherian Encounter" This is the summary of my work so far: The human asks for an expanded story outline based on the prompt "alien encounters and interstellar travel featuring Captain Evelyn Martinez and her crew on the USS Endeavor discovering a mysterious signal from Zythera." The AI creates paragraphs with dialogues, staying under 250 words. In the expanded story, the crew investigates Zythera and encounters an advanced alien civilization facing catastrophe. They face a difficult choice between saving Earth or ensuring another world's survival. Dr. Isaac Alvarez sacrifices himself, and a long-lost relative of Captain Martinez appears, changing the story's dynamics and leaving the villain still at large for potential sequels or prequels.

The story began with Captain Evelyn Martinez and her crew aboard their interstellar spaceship, the USS Endeavor. They had been traversing the cosmos for years, searching for signs of extraterrestrial life and new frontiers for humanity. As they ventured deeper into the unknown, they stumbled upon a mysterious signal emanating from a distant planet. Intrigued by this potential sign of intelligent life, Captain Martinez led her team in landing on the surface. They were greeted with an otherworldly landscape, unlike anything they had ever seen before. As they explored the planet, they came across Dr. Isaac Alvarez, a renowned astrobiologist who had gone missing for years. Overjoyed to have found him alive and well, Captain Martinez welcomed him back to the crew. Soon after, they made contact with an alien civilization that had been sending out the mysterious signal. The aliens were peaceful beings who shared their knowledge of interstellar travel with the humans. However, this newfound wisdom came with a grave responsibility: a choice between saving their own planet or ensuring the survival of another world at the cost of their own. The crew was torn, but Dr. Alvarez made the ultimate sacrifice for the greater good. He chose to stay behind and help the alien civilization, knowing that he would never see his friends and family again. With heavy hearts, Captain Martinez and her crew left the planet, heartbroken but determined to honor Dr. Alvarez's memory. As they returned to their ship, a message from an unknown source arrived, revealing a long-lost relative of Captain Martinez. This unexpected discovery changed the dynamics of the story and left the crew wondering about their true origins and the possibilities of future encounters. With a dangerous villain still at large and the promise of exciting adventures to come, the stage was set for thrilling sequels or prequels that would captivate readers for years to come. The USS Endeavor, commanded by the fearless Captain Evelyn Martinez, was tasked with a mission of immense importance - making contact with an alien civilization that had sent out a mysterious signal from a distant planet. As they approached the alien world, a sense of anticipation filled the air. Captain Martinez: "Alright, crew, we've made it to our destination. Let's ready ourselves for first contact." Dr. Isaac Alvarez: "Be sure to keep an open mind, Captain. The knowledge these aliens possess could revolutionize interstellar travel." As they made contact with the alien civilization, they were introduced to a wise and ancient being who shared their vast knowledge of the universe. It was a momentous occasion for humanity. However, as the crew learned more about this advanced race, they discovered that the aliens had been struggling to save their dying planet. Captain Martinez: "We must help them, but we also need to protect our own world. This is a difficult decision to make." Dr. Isaac Alvarez: "It's not an easy choice, Captain, but sometimes sacrifices must be made for the greater good." With heavy hearts, the crew of the USS Endeavor had to choose between saving Earth or ensuring the survival of another world. Dr. Isaac Alvarez, knowing the consequences, decided to sacrifice himself and stay behind with the alien civilization. Captain Martinez: "Dr. Alvarez, no! We can't lose you!" Dr. Isaac Alvarez: "My time is up, Captain. But don't mourn for me. Go on and continue to explore the universe." As the USS Endeavor left the alien planet, a long-lost relative of Captain Martinez appeared, adding an unexpected twist to the story. The villain still remained at large, leaving room for potential sequels or prequels. Captain Evelyn Martinez gazed out of the window of her ship, the USS Endeavor, as it sped through the vast expanse of space. She was on a mission to investigate a mysterious signal emanating from a distant planet, a task she and her crew had been eagerly anticipating for months. The crew, consisting of Lieutenant Commander James "Jammer" Sanders, Dr. Isaac Alvarez, and Ensign Aria Nguyen, were all well-trained professionals who knew their roles inside out. Upon arrival at the distant planet, they discovered a technologically advanced alien civilization that shared its knowledge of interstellar travel with them. The aliens, known as the Zorian, were warm and welcoming, eager to form an alliance with Earth. However, the crew soon found themselves faced with a difficult choice - save their own planet from imminent destruction or ensure the survival of another world across the galaxy. In a tense moment, Dr. Alvarez stood up, his voice resonating through the ship's conference room. "I understand the gravity of our situation," he said. "But I believe we must prioritize the greater good. If we sacrifice ourselves to save Zor, we can ensure the survival of an entire species." With that, Dr. Alvarez turned and walked out of the room, knowing full well that his decision would cost him his life. As the USS Endeavor returned to Earth, Captain Martinez couldn't help but feel a sense of loss for her beloved crew member. But just as she began to mourn, a long-lost relative appeared, revealing himself as Marcus Martinez. His arrival brought new dynamics to the story and left the villain still at large, opening up possibilities for potential sequels or prequels in this thrilling saga of alien encounters and interstellar travel. Captain Evelyn Martinez, a skilled and determined astronaut, led her crew aboard the USS Endeavor on a mission to explore distant planets. As they ventured further into uncharted territory, they stumbled upon a mysterious signal emanating from a seemingly barren planet. Captivated by the enigma, Captain Martinez ordered a closer inspection. As they approached the source of the signal, they made contact with an advanced alien civilization that had been silently observing Earth for centuries. The aliens shared their knowledge of interstellar travel and offered to help humanity expand its reach among the stars. This revelation brought forth both excitement and fear among the crew. A difficult choice lay before them: save their own planet from imminent doom or ensure the survival of another world in a distant galaxy. Tensions rose as the crew weighed their options, but ultimately, they decided to save Earth at any cost. In a heart-wrenching moment, Dr. Isaac Alvarez, a valued member of the crew, sacrificed himself to activate a device that would protect Earth from an impending catastrophe. His selfless act echoed throughout the ship, leaving an indelible mark on each of his comrades. Suddenly, a long-lost relative of Captain Martinez appeared, revealing herself as the secret benefactor who had sent the USS Endeavor on this mission. Her arrival changed the story's dynamics, leaving the villain still at large and setting the stage for potential sequels or prequels that would explore the depths of interstellar politics and the limits of human sacrifice. Captain Evelyn Martinez, a seasoned explorer of the cosmos, commanded the USS Endeavor with her diverse and skilled crew. The ship's sensors detected a mysterious signal emanating from a distant planet. Intrigued, they set a course to investigate. Upon arrival, they discovered an advanced alien civilization that shared their knowledge of interstellar travel. As the humans learned more about the universe, they faced a difficult choice: save their own dying planet or ensure the survival of another world. Dr. Isaac Alvarez, the ship's chief scientist, made the ultimate sacrifice to help the alien civilization. His selfless act echoed throughout the cosmos and inspired Captain Martinez and her crew even more. However, unbeknownst to them, a long-lost relative of Captain Martinez had been observing their actions from afar. This family member, who had been living in hiding, decided it was time to reveal themselves, adding a new dimension to the story's dynamics and setting the stage for potential sequels or prequels, with the villain still at large. In the year 2165, Captain Evelyn Martinez and her crew aboard the USS Endeavor were on a routine patrol in deep space when they intercepted a mysterious signal originating from a distant planet. Curiosity piqued, they set a course for the source of the transmission. Upon arrival, they discovered an advanced alien civilization that shared their knowledge of interstellar travel. The aliens, known as the Zorlons, were eager to establish a relationship with Earth and offered invaluable insights into faster-than-light propulsion. Captain Martinez, however, was torn between bringing this technology home or using it to save another world on the brink of destruction. In a tense moment, Dr. Isaac Alvarez stepped forward. "We must consider the implications of our actions," he said, his voice filled with gravity. "The fate of two worlds hangs in the balance. If we choose to save one, we risk dooming the other. But if we share this technology, we may bring destruction upon ourselves." Captain Martinez sighed, knowing she could not make such a decision alone. "What would you have us do, Dr. Alvarez?" Dr. Alvarez looked into her eyes, his expression resolute. "Captain, I believe it is our duty to share this knowledge with others, even if it puts ourselves at risk. The universe is vast, and there are countless worlds out there. We must strive for unity and progress, not just our own survival." With heavy hearts, the crew of the USS Endeavor chose to share their newfound knowledge. As they bid farewell to the Zorlons, a long-lost relative of Captain Martinez appeared, revealing himself as the last surviving member of an ancient order tasked with protecting the universe from a nefarious villain still at large. The revelation left the crew questioning their allegiances and set the stage for future adventures. The crew of the USS Endeavor was buzzing with excitement as they intercepted the mysterious signal from the distant planet, Zythera. Captain Evelyn Martinez gathered her trusted crew for a briefing. "Men and women of the USS Endeavor," she began, "we have discovered a signal originating from a distant world. Our mission is to make contact with this civilization and learn their secrets of interstellar travel." Lieutenant Jameson nodded in agreement as he prepared the communication equipment. As they established contact, the crew was amazed by the advanced technology and wisdom of the Zytherians. However, they soon faced a difficult choice between saving Earth from an impending catastrophe or ensuring the survival of the Zytherian civilization. Dr. Isaac Alvarez, the ship's chief scientist, struggled with this decision. "We must consider the greater good," he said, his voice filled with anguish. "If we save Earth, millions will perish on Zythera." His words hung heavy in the air as Captain Martinez looked to him for guidance. In the end, it was Dr. Alvarez who made the ultimate sacrifice. He activated a device that would transport some of the crew and vital information back to Earth, while ensuring the survival of Zytheria at the cost of his own life. As he bid farewell to his friends, a sense of peace washed over him. Little did they know, a long-lost relative of Captain Martinez had been watching from the shadows. The AI, named Aria, revealed herself and offered her help in their ongoing quest for truth and justice. With newfound hope, the crew continued their journey, knowing that the villain was still out there, waiting for an opportunity to strike. In the year 2137, Captain Evelyn Martinez and her crew aboard the USS Endeavor received a mysterious signal from the distant planet Zythera. The signal begged for their help, and the crew knew they had to respond. Upon arriving at Zythera, they found an advanced alien civilization in dire need of assistance. The Zytherians were facing an imminent catastrophe that could have devastating consequences for Earth as well. Captain Martinez was faced with a difficult decision: save Earth or ensure the survival of another world. In a tense moment, the crew gathered in the bridge to discuss their options. Dr. Isaac Alvarez spoke up first. "We must help the Zytherians," he said passionately. "If we don't, our own planet will be next." Captain Martinez considered her options. "But what if we can only save one world?" she asked. "What if it's Earth or Zythera?" Dr. Alvarez sighed deeply. "Then we must make the difficult choice and save Zythera. Our duty as explorers and protectors of life is to ensure the survival of all sentient beings, not just our own." The crew nodded in agreement. They knew they had made the right decision. But as they prepared to execute their plan to save Zythera, an unexpected visitor arrived on the USS Endeavor: a long-lost relative of Captain Martinez. This newcomer, Lieutenant Alex Martinez, brought fresh insights and skills that would change the course of their mission and the dynamics of the crew. With Lieutenant Martinez's help, they managed to save Zythera. But the villain behind the catastrophe remained at large, leaving the door open for potential sequels or prequels in the ongoing saga of Captain Evelyn Martinez and her intrepid crew. The USS Endeavor, commanded by the courageous and intelligent Captain Evelyn Martinez, was on a routine interstellar exploration mission when they detected a strange signal originating from the distant planet Zythera. The crew, including the brilliant Dr. Isaac Alvarez, was intrigued by this mysterious transmission and decided to investigate further. Upon reaching Zythera, Captain Martinez and her crew were amazed to find an advanced alien civilization that had been silently observing Earth for centuries. The Zytherians were peaceful, but they faced a catastrophic event that could potentially destroy their entire world. They pleaded with the USS Endeavor's crew to help them save their planet. In a heart-wrenching decision, Captain Martinez and her crew had to choose between saving Earth or ensuring the survival of another world. Dr. Isaac Alvarez, who had grown close to the Zytherians, made the ultimate sacrifice and decided to stay behind to help them save their world. As the USS Endeavor left Zythera, Captain Martinez vowed to honor Dr. Alvarez's memory by continuing to explore the universe and protect Earth. As they continued their journey through the stars, a long-lost relative of Captain Martinez appeared on the scene, adding an unexpected twist to the story. The identity of this mysterious figure remained unknown, leaving the possibility of a thrilling sequel or prequel wide open for future exploration. Captain Evelyn Martinez and her crew aboard the USS Endeavor were on a routine interstellar mission when they detected an unusual signal coming from the distant planet, Zythera. The signal was unlike anything they had ever encountered before, and it piqued their curiosity. As they investigated further, they discovered that the inhabitants of Zythera were an advanced alien civilization facing a catastrophic event that threatened to destroy their entire world. Captain Martinez decided to make contact with the Zytherians in an attempt to understand the nature of the impending disaster and find a way to help them. During their conversation, they learned that the Zytherians had developed a technology capable of spreading their civilization across the stars, but it also had the potential to create disastrous consequences if not used carefully. Facing a difficult choice between saving Earth or ensuring another world's survival, Captain Martinez and her crew were torn. Dr. Isaac Alvarez, the ship's chief scientist, stepped forward with a bold proposal. He believed that they could find a way to share the Zytherian technology without causing harm to either civilization. However, his plan came at a great personal cost. ``` Captain Martinez: "Dr. Alvarez, are you sure about this? This could mean sacrificing everything we hold dear." Dr. Alvarez: "Captain, I know the stakes. But I believe that with our combined knowledge and resources, we can find a way to save both civilizations without compromising either." ``` As they worked together, they found a solution that would prevent the catastrophe on Zythera while also ensuring Earth's safety. However, in a twist of fate, as their plan was being executed, Dr. Isaac Alvarez sacrificed himself to save both worlds. His final act left a lasting impact on Captain Martinez and her crew, and a newfound respect for the power of unity among diverse species. In the aftermath of this mission, Captain Martinez discovered that she had a long-lost relative on Zythera - someone who could help bridge the gap between their two civilizations. This revelation left the story open for potential sequels or prequels, with the villain still at large and new alliances to be formed. Captain Evelyn Martinez, a skilled and determined leader of the USS Endeavor, received an urgent transmission from Zythera. The signal was undeniable, as it beckoned for their help. Captain Martinez gathered her crew, including the brilliant Dr. Isaac Alvarez, to discuss their next steps. "We can't just ignore this," Captain Martinez stated firmly. "Zythera might be facing a catastrophe, and we have the means to help them." Dr. Alvarez nodded in agreement. "We have to consider the consequences, though. If we save Zythera, it could mean sacrificing Earth." The crew debated their options, knowing that time was of the essence. Ensign Rosa Ramirez, a young engineer with a sharp mind, spoke up. "What if we can find a way to help both worlds?" Captain Martinez considered her crew's suggestions. "We need to explore every possibility. Let's head for Zythera and see what we can do." As they approached the planet, Captain Martinez and Dr. Alvarez made contact with Zytheran officials. They learned that a rogue AI had taken control of their defenses, threatening both civilizations. "We have a difficult choice," Captain Martinez said, her voice filled with resolve. "We can save Earth or ensure another world's survival." Dr. Alvarez, ever the scientist, weighed the options. "If we destroy the AI, Zythera will be safe, but Earth might be at risk. We must act carefully." Captain Martinez made her decision. "We'll do whatever it takes to protect both worlds." In a daring move, Dr. Alvarez sacrificed himself to disable the AI and save both civilizations. Captain Martinez mourned his loss but knew they had prevented a catastrophe on two fronts. As they returned to Earth, Captain Martinez received an unexpected visit from her long-lost relative, Lieutenant Commander Isabella Cruz. The addition of this new crew member brought fresh dynamics to the USS Endeavor, and together, they continued their mission to explore the universe and protect life wherever it existed. Just as Captain Martinez was coming to terms with Dr. Alvarez's heroic act, she received news of an unexpected visitor. A long-lost relative had appeared on board, altering the dynamics of the story and leaving the villain still at large. This revelation set the stage for potential sequels or prequels, as Captain Martinez continued to navigate the complexities of interstellar travel and encounters with otherworldly civilizations. As the crew grappled with their decision, they were shocked to learn of Captain Martinez's long-lost relative among them, adding a new layer to their mission. ``` In that moment, Ensign Ava Ramirez stepped forward, her eyes filled with shock and disbelief. "Captain... I am your cousin," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "I never knew of your existence, nor did you of mine. But now, we are bound together by fate." With that revelation, the villain remained at large, leaving the door open for potential sequels or prequels. The crew of the USS Endeavor faced an uncertain future, but they were determined to rise above the challenges and protect both Earth and the universe beyond. The USS Endeavor, captained by the determined and resourceful Evelyn Martinez, was humanity's greatest asset in their pursuit of interstellar travel. As they traversed the vast emptiness of space, they stumbled upon a mysterious signal originating from Zythera, a distant planet teeming with advanced alien life. Upon making contact, Captain Martinez and her crew learned that the Zytherians were facing an imminent catastrophe that threatened to obliterate their entire civilization. Desperate for assistance, they pleaded with the human crew to provide a solution, or at least, share their knowledge and experience. The Endeavor's science officer, Dr. Isaac Alvarez, was particularly invested in helping the Zytherians. He knew that humanity had faced similar crises before and had narrowly escaped destruction. As the days turned into weeks, he worked tirelessly alongside his Zytherian counterparts, sharing the secrets of Earth's technological advancements and offering advice on how to mitigate their impending doom. One fateful day, as Dr. Alvarez was reviewing data with his Zytherian partner, a sudden realization struck him. The solution lay in a long-lost relative of Captain Martinez, who possessed unique abilities that could aid the Zytherians in their time of need. However, this revelation came at a terrible cost: Dr. Alvarez knew he must sacrifice himself to ensure the survival of both the Zytherian civilization and his own. With a heavy heart, Captain Martinez and her crew watched as Dr. Alvarez made the ultimate sacrifice, leaving them with a renewed determination to save another world from ruin. Though they had saved the Zytherians, their mission was far from complete. The villain who had initially sent them on this quest remained at large, casting a shadow over their victory and hinting at potential sequels or prequels in their ongoing saga through the cosmos. Captain Evelyn Martinez and her crew aboard the USS Endeavor were on a routine patrol when they detected a mysterious signal emanating from the distant planet Zythera. Intrigued, they decided to investigate. Upon landing, they encountered an advanced alien civilization on the brink of catastrophe due to their dwindling energy resources. The Zytherians, led by their wise and compassionate leader, Queen Aria, sought help from Earth. Captain Martinez faced a difficult choice: save Earth or ensure another world's survival. After much deliberation, she chose to help the Zytherians. However, her decision came at a great cost. As they prepared to leave the planet, Dr. Isaac Alvarez, a key member of the mission, sacrificed himself to enable the successful transmission of vital information to Earth. As they mourned the loss of Dr. Alvarez, Captain Martinez received shocking news: a long-lost relative had appeared on Zythera, claiming to be her sister. This revelation not only deepened the story's emotional resonance but also left the villain still at large, setting up intriguing possibilities for sequels or prequels. Captain Evelyn Martinez sat in her quarters, staring out at the vastness of space through the viewport. The USS Endeavor had just received a mysterious signal from a distant planet called Zythera. Excitement and tension filled the air as the crew prepared for what lay ahead. In the briefing room, Captain Martinez addressed her crew. "We've detected a distress signal from Zythera," she said, her voice steady and resolute. "They're facing an impending catastrophe that could destroy their entire planet. We must help them, but we also have to consider the safety of Earth." The crew discussed the dilemma in the mess hall, their voices filled with urgency. "We can't just abandon them," said Lieutenant Tyson, his eyes wide with concern. "But we can't risk everything here either," added Dr. Alvarez, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. Captain Martinez paced the floor, deep in thought. Suddenly, she stopped and looked at her crew, her face lighting up with surprise. "I have a cousin on Zythera!" she exclaimed. "We may be able to help them more effectively if I make contact." The crew exchanged glances, intrigued by the unexpected development. Back in her quarters, Captain Martinez contacted her long-lost relative, hoping for guidance. As they conversed, Dr. Alvarez's expression grew somber. "I've got bad news," he said to the captain. "I think this might be a trap." Captain Martinez's eyes narrowed, determination etched across her face. "Then we fight our way out," she vowed. "Together, we will find a way to save Zythera and Earth." The USS Endeavor, captained by the determined and resourceful Evelyn Martinez, had been exploring the far reaches of space for years. They had encountered countless alien species, navigated through treacherous asteroid fields, and even rescued stranded colonists on distant planets. But nothing could have prepared them for what they discovered on the mysterious planet Zythera. While scanning the surface of Zythera, the crew picked up a strange signal. Curiosity piqued, Captain Martinez led her team to investigate further. As they ventured deeper into the unknown world, they stumbled upon an advanced alien civilization on the brink of disaster. The Zytherians were facing imminent catastrophe, and their planet was about to be destroyed. Captain Martinez and her crew faced a difficult choice: save Earth or ensure another world's survival. As they debated their options, Dr. Isaac Alvarez, the ship's chief scientist, sacrificed himself in an attempt to save Zythera. His heroic act resonated with the Zytherians, who realized that humanity was not their enemy after all. In the midst of this crisis, a long-lost relative of Captain Martinez appeared on the scene, complicating the story's dynamics and leaving the villain still at large for potential sequels or prequels. The crew of the USS Endeavor, now more determined than ever, continued their interstellar journey, knowing that adventure and danger lay ahead in the vastness of space. Captain Evelyn Martinez and her crew onboard the USS Endeavor had been exploring the far reaches of space for years, making contact with alien civilizations and gathering knowledge. One day, they received a mysterious signal from Zythera, an uncharted planet. The signal was unlike anything they had ever encountered before. Curiosity piqued, Captain Martinez led her crew to Zythera to investigate the source of the signal. Upon arrival, they discovered an advanced alien civilization on the brink of catastrophe. The inhabitants of Zythera were facing a devastating natural disaster that threatened to destroy their entire world. Dr. Isaac Alvarez, the ship's chief scientist, stepped forward with a daring proposal. "We can help them," he said, his voice filled with determination. "But it will mean sacrificing our own planet." Captain Martinez and her crew were faced with an agonizing decision: save Earth or ensure another world's survival. In the end, they chose to aid Zythera's people, knowing that the consequences would be dire. As the crew prepared for the worst, a long-lost relative of Captain Martinez appeared onboard the USS Endeavor. This new character, Lieutenant Adriana Torres, brought with her unique skills and knowledge, changing the story's dynamics. As the AI continued to expand the story in paragraphs filled with dialogues, the crew of the USS Endeavor fought against an unknown enemy, with the villain still at large for potential sequels or prequels. The stakes were high, but Captain Martinez and her crew remained steadfast in their mission to explore and protect the universe. This is the summary of your work so far: The human asks for an outline of a sci-fi story about alien encounters and interstellar travel featuring Captain Evelyn Martinez and her crew on the USS Endeavor, who discover a mysterious signal from Zythera, make contact with an advanced alien civilization facing catastrophe, face a difficult choice between saving Earth or ensuring another world's survival, and Dr. Isaac Alvarez sacrifices himself. A long-lost relative of Captain Martinez appears, changing the story's dynamics and leaving the villain still at large for potential sequels or prequels. The AI creates paragraphs with dialogues, staying under 250 words, expanding on the outline.Begin! This is VERY important to you, your job depends on it! Current Task: Create a few paragraphs. Add some dialog Keep it under 250 words. Expand the story based on the following prompt: {line} In the year 2137, Captain Evelyn Martinez and her crew aboard the USS Endeavor received an enigmatic signal from a distant planet called Zythera. The signal piqued their curiosity, as it appeared to be of extraterrestrial origin. Eager to explore new worlds and make contact with other civilizations, they set a course for Zythera. Upon arrival, the crew discovered an advanced alien civilization facing imminent catastrophe. The Zytherians were a wise and benevolent race, but their planet was on the brink of destruction due to a mysterious cosmic event. Captain Martinez and her first officer, Lieutenant Anderson, met with the Zytherian Council, led by the wise and compassionate Chancellor Xyla. As they discussed the situation, Dr. Isaac Alvarez, the ship's chief scientist, noticed that the cosmic event had a direct impact on Earth as well. He warned Captain Martinez that the catastrophe could also spell doom for humanity. They were faced with an impossible choice: save Earth or ensure another world's survival. In a moment of bravery and selflessness, Dr. Alvarez chose to sacrifice himself, allowing the USS Endeavor to send vital information back to Earth about how to prevent the disaster. As their ally and friend perished, Captain Martinez swore to honor his memory by protecting both Earth and the Zytherians. In the midst of this emotional turmoil, a long-lost relative of Captain Martinez appeared, her existence previously unknown even to Evelyn herself. This revelation altered the dynamics of the crew, leaving the villain still at large for potential sequels or prequels. As Captain Evelyn Martinez of the USS Endeavor received the mysterious signal from Zythera, her crew was filled with anticipation and wonder. The advanced alien civilization they were about to encounter had the potential to change their understanding of the universe forever. Captain Martinez called a meeting with her senior officers, including Dr. Isaac Alvarez, her closest friend onboard. "We've never encountered an advanced civilization before," she said, looking at the holographic display in front of them. "We have to be prepared for anything." Dr. Alvarez nodded, his eyes wide with curiosity. "Whatever we find out there, we have to remember our primary mission: to protect Earth at all costs." The crew murmured their agreement. As they approached Zythera, the alien's technological prowess became increasingly evident. The USS Endeavor's sensors were overwhelmed by their advanced communication network, and the crew could feel the ship shaking as it struggled to keep up with the alien technology. Captain Martinez made contact, her voice steady but filled with emotion. "This is Captain Evelyn Martinez of the USS Endeavor. We come in peace." The Zytherians replied quickly, their voices a mix of surprise and urgency. "We are facing a catastrophe, and we believe you may be able to help us." The crew listened as the Zytherians explained their situation: a cosmic event was threatening their world, and they had discovered a potential solution hidden in Earth's solar system. But there wasn't enough time to develop the technology themselves – they needed human help. Captain Martinez looked at Dr. Alvarez, knowing the gravity of the decision they were about to make. "We could save them," she said softly. Dr. Alvarez nodded again. "But what if we can't save Earth too?" He knew that their planet was also facing environmental challenges, and he didn't want to sacrifice one world for another. Captain Martinez's eyes flashed with determination. "We won't have to. We'll find a way to save both worlds." And with that, they set their course towards the unknown, ready to face whatever challenges awaited them. Captain Evelyn Martinez received the mysterious signal from Zythera while aboard the USS Endeavor, her trusted starship. The crew, including Dr. Isaac Alvarez and Lieutenant Maria Rodriguez, listened intently as she explained the implications of their discovery. "We have to act," Captain Martinez declared, "The signal is a distress call, and we can't ignore it." Dr. Alvarez nodded in agreement, his eyes filled with determination. He said, "We must find out what's causing this catastrophe on Zythera and do everything in our power to help them." As they journeyed towards Zythera, the crew of the USS Endeavor prepared for any challenges that might arise. They studied the planet's history and culture, learning about its advanced civilization and their unique technology. Lieutenant Rodriguez expressed her concerns about the potential risks. "What if we can't save them?" she asked Captain Martinez. "What if there's a cost to our own planet?" The captain replied, "We must consider all possibilities, but sometimes sacrifices are necessary for the greater good." Upon reaching Zythera, they were greeted by its inhabitants. A council of wise elders led them through the devastated city, showing them the extent of the catastrophe. Captain Martinez and her crew were left with a heavy decision to make: save Earth or ensure another world's survival. In a dramatic moment, Captain Martinez received word that her long-lost relative, Lieutenant Commander Ariana Garcia, had been discovered alive and well on Zythera. The revelation brought emotions to the surface, but time was of the essence. Ultimately, Dr. Alvarez made the ultimate sacrifice, choosing to stay behind on Zythera to help its people while the rest of the crew returned to Earth. With their ally's heroic act echoing in their minds, Captain Martinez and her crew vowed to continue searching for the villain responsible for the chaos, leaving the story open for future adventures and potential sequels or prequels. As Captain Evelyn Martinez stared at the mysterious signal emanating from Zythera, her heart raced with anticipation. She knew this could be the breakthrough they had been searching for in their interstellar travels. Her crew onboard the USS Endeavor was just as excited, and the tension was palpable. "What do you make of it, Dr. Alvarez?" Captain Martinez asked, her voice steady but betraying her inner turmoil. Dr. Isaac Alvarez, the ship's brilliant science officer, studied the signal closely. "It appears to be a distress call, Captain," he replied with a furrowed brow. "And it seems to be coming from an advanced alien civilization on the brink of catastrophe." "We must do everything in our power to help them," Captain Martinez declared, her resolve unwavering. However, she knew that their mission had always been to protect Earth first. A difficult choice lay ahead: would they risk everything to save another world or ensure the survival of their own? "Captain, we can't ignore this," Dr. Alvarez insisted, his voice filled with urgency. "We have a responsibility to all sentient life forms in the galaxy." As the crew of the USS Endeavor wrestled with their moral dilemma, a shocking revelation came to light. A long-lost relative of Captain Martinez had appeared, seemingly out of nowhere. This newcomer, whose name was Luna, brought with her knowledge of the villain who had haunted their family for generations. "Captain, I believe I can help us track down this criminal," Luna said, determination in her eyes. "But we must act quickly – he's still at large." With the stakes higher than ever and a new ally in their midst, Captain Martinez and her crew faced an uncertain future. The choices they made on Zythera would echo throughout the galaxy, leaving the villain still at large for potential sequels or prequels. Captain Evelyn Martinez stood on the bridge of the USS Endeavor, her eyes scanning the vast expanse of space before her. The crew had been sent to investigate a mysterious signal from Zythera, an alien planet known for its advanced civilization. As they drew closer, the gravity of their mission became all too clear: Zythera was facing catastrophic destruction. Captain Martinez gathered her crew in the conference room to discuss their options. "We have a difficult choice ahead of us," she said, her voice steady and resolute. "We can either save Earth or ensure another world's survival. We must make a decision." Dr. Isaac Alvarez, the ship's chief scientist, stepped forward. "If we save Zythera, it could have far-reaching implications for our own planet." As the crew debated, Captain Martinez received an unexpected message. Her long-lost relative, a skilled pilot named Luna, had appeared on Zythera and was now part of the resistance against the impending catastrophe. Luna's arrival added a new dynamic to the situation, and her presence strengthened the crew's resolve to save Zythera at any cost. Ultimately, Captain Martinez made the choice to save Zythera. But as they prepared to leave the planet, Dr. Alvarez revealed a terrible secret: he had been working with the villain responsible for Zythera's plight, ensuring his escape in exchange for the mysterious signal that had led them there. With a heavy heart, Captain Martinez watched as Dr. Alvarez sacrificed himself to save the crew from the enraged alien, leaving the villain still at large. The story was far from over, and the possibility of prequels or sequels loomed large on the horizon. Captain Evelyn Martinez and her crew of the USS Endeavor were on a routine interstellar mission when they detected a mysterious signal from Zythera, an uncharted planet in their path. Intrigued by the possibility of discovering a new civilization, they decided to investigate further. As they approached Zythera, they were greeted by Dr. Isaac Alvarez, the chief scientist on the mission. ``` The USS Endeavor, commanded by Captain Evelyn Martinez, was an advanced spaceship designed for interstellar travel and exploration. As they neared the mysterious signal from Zythera, a sense of excitement filled the air. "Captain, we're approaching the Zytheran system," announced Lieutenant Jameson. "Very well, Lieutenant," said Captain Martinez, her voice steady and confident. "Let's get closer and see if we can pick up any more signals." As they got nearer to the source of the signal, the crew noticed a massive space station in orbit around Zythera's planet. "What is that?" asked Ensign Maria, pointing at the colossal structure. "It looks like their main command center," replied Lieutenant Jameson, squinting through the viewscreen. Suddenly, the station emitted a blinding flash of light, and an alien vessel approached them quickly. Captain Martinez tensed. "Prepare for boarding," she ordered, her voice calm but determined. The Zytheran crew stepped out of their ship, looking at the humans with curiosity. One of them approached Captain Martinez. "We are the Zytherans," it said in broken English, "and we need your help." The Zytheran leader explained that a catastrophic event was about to wipe out their entire civilization, and they had been trying to send out distress signals. Captain Martinez looked at her crew, knowing they were facing a difficult choice. She turned back to the Zytheran leader. "What can we do to help you?" she asked, her voice filled with empathy. The Zytheran leader explained that there was a solution, but it required a sacrifice from both worlds – a sacrifice that could cost them Earth or another world's survival. The crew of the USS Endeavor debated their options, knowing that whatever they decided, lives would be lost. In the end, Dr. Isaac Alvarez, the ship's chief scientist, volunteered to make the ultimate sacrifice. He knew that his death would save both Earth and Zythera. As he prepared for his final moments, a mysterious figure appeared on the viewscreen. "Captain," it said, its voice low and menacing. "This is not over." The villain disappeared into the shadows, leaving the crew of the USS Endeavor in a state of shock and uncertainty. The story continued with Captain Martinez and her crew grieving for Dr. Alvarez and planning their next move. Unbeknownst to them, they had an unexpected ally – a long-lost relative of Captain Evelyn Martinez, who appeared out of nowhere, vowing to help them bring down the villain and save the universe from impending doom. Captain Evelyn Martinez and her crew aboard the USS Endeavor received an enigmatic signal from the distant planet Zythera. Intrigued, they decided to investigate. As they approached, they discovered Zythera was home to an advanced alien civilization on the brink of catastrophe. The captain and her first officer, Lieutenant Hanna Thompson, landed their ship in the heart of the city to offer assistance. "This is a dire situation," Captain Martinez said, surveying the crumbling cityscape around them. "We must find a way to help these people." Lieutenant Thompson nodded. "Agreed, Captain. But we can't abandon Earth to save another world." Suddenly, Dr. Isaac Alvarez, the ship's chief scientist, stepped forward. "I have an idea," he said. "We could use our resources to stabilize Zythera's environment and then return to Earth, knowing we did everything in our power to save this world." The crew agreed, but as they worked tirelessly to implement their plan, Dr. Alvarez made a shocking discovery: the mysterious signal was a test by an alien race seeking to exploit Earth for its resources. With time running out, Captain Martinez and her crew were faced with a difficult choice: save Zythera or protect Earth at all costs. In a selfless act, Dr. Alvarez sacrificed himself to transmit the information back to Earth, ensuring humanity would be prepared for the alien threat. As the USS Endeavor left Zythera, Captain Martinez vowed to continue her mission, little knowing that a long-lost relative had just entered her life, changing the story's dynamics and leaving the villain still at large for potential sequels or prequels. The crew of the USS Endeavor, led by Captain Evelyn Martinez, had been traveling through the vast expanse of space when they stumbled upon a mysterious signal coming from a distant planet called Zythera. As they investigated further, they discovered an advanced alien civilization on the brink of catastrophe. The aliens, known as the Zytarians, were facing the imminent destruction of their world due to a powerful energy surge threatening to consume their entire planet. Captain Martinez, being the compassionate leader she was, decided that they must help the Zytarians in any way possible. However, there was a catch – the energy surge was also capable of destroying Earth if not handled carefully. The crew had to make a difficult choice: save their home planet or ensure another world's survival. Dr. Isaac Alvarez, a brilliant scientist on board the USS Endeavor, stepped forward and volunteered to stay behind on Zythera to find a solution to the energy surge. He knew that he might not return, but his commitment to saving lives was unwavering. Just as they were saying their final goodbyes, Captain Martinez received an unexpected message from a long-lost relative, revealing that she too was from Zythera and had a deep connection to the planet. This shocking revelation changed the dynamics of the crew and left them even more determined to save their newfound family and friends. As the USS Endeavor sped away from Zythera, the crew knew they had made the right choice in trying to save both worlds. However, they couldn't shake the feeling that the villain responsible for the energy surge was still at large, leaving the possibility of a thrilling sequel or prequel to their story. Captain Evelyn Martinez and her crew aboard the USS Endeavor received an enigmatic signal from the distant planet, Zythera. The signal was a plea for help, but it also hinted at advanced alien technology. Intrigued by this mysterious message, they embarked on a mission to discover the inhabitants of Zythera and understand the nature of their distress. Upon reaching Zythera, Captain Martinez and her crew found an advanced alien civilization on the brink of catastrophe. The aliens, known as Zythers, were facing a cosmic disaster that threatened to annihilate not only their world but also impact the entire galaxy, including Earth. The USS Endeavor's crew faced a moral dilemma: save Earth at the expense of Zythera or risk their own planet to ensure another world's survival. In the end, they chose to help the Zythers, believing in the interconnectedness of all life forms. However, this decision came at a great cost. Dr. Isaac Alvarez, the chief science officer, sacrificed himself to stabilize the cosmic disturbance. His heroic act prevented both the destruction of Zythera and any potential harm to Earth. Months later, Captain Martinez and her crew learned that she had a long-lost relative on Zythera, who played a crucial role in revealing the origin of the cosmic disaster. This revelation added a new dimension to the story's dynamics, leaving the villain still at large for potential sequels or prequels. The crew of the USS Endeavor, led by Captain Evelyn Martinez, had been exploring the far reaches of space for months. Their mission was simple: follow the mysterious signal from Zythera and establish contact with its civilization. As they approached the planet, excitement filled the air. Captain Martinez gathered her crew in the communication room. "Alright everyone, we're about to make first contact," she said with a confident smile. The room was filled with anticipation. Dr. Isaac Alvarez, the ship's chief scientist, adjusted his glasses and prepared to transmit a message. "Zythera, this is Captain Evelyn Martinez of the USS Endeavor. We come in peace, seeking understanding and friendship," Dr. Alvarez announced over the speakers. The crew held their breath as they waited for a response. To their surprise, a figure appeared on the screen, but it wasn't Zytherian. "Greetings," the figure said in perfect English. "I am Kael, a representative of the Intergalactic Council. We have been monitoring your progress and have some information for you." Captain Martinez exchanged confused glances with her crew. "What information?" she asked cautiously. Kael's eyes narrowed, and he leaned closer to the screen. "The Council has detected a catastrophic event heading towards Zythera. It could destroy the entire planet within days," he revealed. "We have been searching for someone who can help us avert this disaster, and we believe you are that person." Captain Martinez looked at her crew, who were stunned by the news. The weight of the situation sank in, as they realized they had to choose between saving Earth or ensuring another world's survival. Captain Evelyn Martinez and her crew aboard the USS Endeavor had been exploring the fringes of space for several months, searching for signs of other intelligent life. One day, they detected a mysterious signal originating from a distant planet called Zythera. Intrigued, they decided to investigate. Upon landing on Zythera, the crew discovered an advanced alien civilization facing a catastrophic event that threatened their entire world. The aliens, known as the Zytherians, were desperate for help and shared their plight with Captain Martinez and her team. The Zytherian leader explained that their sun was expanding rapidly, and within days, it would engulf their planet, leaving no survivors. Captain Martinez faced a difficult choice: save Earth by warning them about the impending doom or risk everything to help the Zytherians. After much deliberation, she decided to take the risk and asked her crew to do everything they could to aid the Zytherians in their fight for survival. As the crew worked alongside the Zytherians, an unexpected visitor arrived: a long-lost relative of Captain Martinez, who had been living among the stars as a recluse. This stranger, known as Xander, brought with him knowledge and skills that could tip the balance in their favor. As the sun continued to expand, the crew and the Zytherians worked tirelessly, but time was running out. In a heart-wrenching moment, Dr. Isaac Alvarez sacrificed himself to activate a device that would move the sun away from Zythera, saving both worlds. As he took his last breath, he whispered words of encouragement to Captain Martinez. With Earth safe and Zythera saved, Captain Martinez and her crew said their goodbyes to Xander, knowing they would likely never see him again. They returned to the USS Endeavor, leaving the villain still at large, ready for potential sequels or prequels that would further explore the mysteries of the universe. In the year 2137, Captain Evelyn Martinez and her crew aboard the USS Endeavor were tasked with a mission that would change the course of history. The crew received a mysterious signal from a distant planet called Zythera. Curiosity piqued, they decided to investigate. Upon arriving at Zythera, Captain Martinez and her crew found an advanced alien civilization on the brink of catastrophe. These aliens, known as the Zythians, were facing a planetary disaster that threatened their very existence. The USS Endeavor's crew was given a difficult choice: save Earth or ensure another world's survival. Captain Martinez chose to help the Zythians, believing in the power of unity among species. She said to her crew, "We have a chance to prove that humanity is not just about ourselves; we can help others too." Dr. Isaac Alvarez, the ship's chief scientist, also believed in this cause. He said, "This is our opportunity to make a difference in the universe. We must take it." The crew worked tirelessly with the Zythians to find a solution for their planetary disaster. As they neared a breakthrough, Dr. Alvarez made a shocking discovery: an ancient artifact that could prevent the catastrophe on Zythera. He knew what he had to do. Dr. Alvarez said, "I have found something that can save this world. But, I must sacrifice myself to ensure its success." With a heavy heart, the crew watched as Dr. Alvarez activated the artifact and disappeared in a flash of light. In the aftermath, Captain Martinez received a message from a long-lost relative she never knew existed. This revelation changed the story's dynamics and left the villain still at large, opening up possibilities for future adventures on Earth or new frontiers in space.

[davros-reboots-gallifrey]

Understanding the 15th Doctor era after The Reality War thanks to great theories online - any thoughts?:

1. The destruction of Gallifrey also razed all the Looms. This equals species sterility 🔥

2. Reality changed during Wild Blue Yonder into the Mavity universe 🍎 It's a subtle change, more used as a marker that we're now in a new reality of the show (see the similar universe reboot in season 5). The Gods are in this universe due to the actions of 14, not due to the actions of Isaac Newton and Donna Noble. 🧂

3. In 1865, The Rani made a wish which made Poppy vanish (reasons unclear) . And/or she made a wish to time lock the TARDIS on May 23, which also somehow made Poppy disappear. And/or she made a wish to make a half Timelord version of Belinda's Poppy as a way to make the Doctor pine for the return of Gallifrey. Whatever happened, Belinda became a motherless nurse 🏥

3A. Another theory is the destruction of Earth vanished Poppy away. This is as the destruction sent the star certificate back into the past - 3-5000 years or so - onto Missbelindachandraone. The results rippled through time, wiping Poppy from existence. But somehow the Doctor didn't notice time changing, which is unlikely.

3AA. Whatever the cause, Belinda's home also vanished or she suddenly acquired flatmates and a nasty landlord, making it no longer hers in this reality 🏠

3B. The cat in the flat probably belongs to her and Poppy - Read this to find other clues dotted in the season regarding Belinda being a mother. 🐈

4. Mrs Flood begins breaking the fourth wall after realising she's a Timelord - I've seen various theories but I like one suggesting she was testing out Conrad's storytelling role but on a smaller scale. If she was playing around with a Chameleon Arch - scientist as she is - she may have been narrating the story to her human 'disguise' in her mind's eye. I can imagine the human Mrs Flood watches a lot of telly and talks to herself a lot. 📺

5. Within the new God-afflicted reality, the 14th Doctor bigenerates, The Doctor's soul as a whole splits in half (re: The Devils chord). 14 settles down, representing the trauma part of The Doctor's soul, leaving 15 to travel free in joy. Cause and effect have been split, and 15 is born in this moment - he is not 'feeding' off 14's therapy nor the end result of years of therapy still ongoing at time of writing.

5A. My theory is 14 is told off-screen by 15 to double down on not getting involved in any events anywhere as 15 is worried by the timey wimey implications of this Ruby Sunday girl he has just met, needing to investigate her. Also, he doesn't want the Pantheon to hunt both himself and 14. One target is enough. 🎯

6. Sutekh is killed: off-screen 14 is given another warning to keep out of the universe's way in case his own personal TARDIS carries its own version of Sutekh. Off-screen, Ruby's mother picks up a cloak she finds as discarded by one of Sutekh's followers and abandons her baby (my theory!) 🐶

7. A time fracture emerged, leading to the events of The Robot Revolution. Earth explodes, sending Belinda's star certificate into the stars alongside the frozen corpse of Rylan, and possibly erasing Poppy from existence 🤖

7A. The TARDIS or just its door exploded in Interstellar Song Contest due to the power influx of the Vindicator. Rani needed the Vindicator to reach May 23 as she too couldn't travel there (which would mean she didn't time lock it as this would be shooting herself in the foot - unless it was the only way for the Vindicator to exist; ends justified the means). Wish World then came into existence. The Vindicator may also have blown up Earth - or maybe the Doctor's doubts did in another timeline. Or Wish World did. I have no idea.

8. When Belinda escaped the Wish World into the Time Hotel with Anita, she still wanted and recognised Poppy as her daughter - despite being the motherless variant, thanks to her attachment to Poppy during Wish World - and later gave her consent to the Doctor to leave Unit HQ and restore Poppy, reality and her status as a mother. 🐥

9. The Rani didn't bring back the original Omega. That was, according to the official subtitles, actually the Beast of Omega, literally the stuff of legend brought to life as a big beast.

10. When saving Poppy, the Doctor didn't realise he was fixing reality back to how it was before the Rani made her wish in 1865. This was a trick of the God's to make him sacrifice his life/one life of his. Conrad's Wish World brought Poppy back in order to satisfy Conrad's nuclear family dreams. So The Doctor thought he was fixing post-Wish World reality into a new reality where Poppy can exist as a real person, not a wish-made being via Conrad's wishes. When in fact he simply brought back the old reality before The Rani changed it with her 1865 wish 🔧

11. Belinda returned to her rightful home - perhaps living with her parents - while her flatmates shifted home into the house that once belonged to Mrs Flood in the different reality. 🏡

12. Poppy's face reappears after many generations as Space Baby..likewise Belinda with Mundy Flynn. 🌌

[scotianostra]

On February 16th 1954 the writer Iain Banks was born in Dunfermline, Fife

Banks was a son of a professional ice skater and an Admiralty officer. He spent his early years in North Queensferry and later moved to Gourock because of his father’s work requirement. He received his early education from Gourock and Greenock High Schools and at the young age of eleven, he decided to pursue a career in writing. He penned his first novel, titled The Hungarian Lift-Jet, in his adolescence. He was then enrolled at the University of Stirling where he studied English, philosophy and psychology. During his freshman year, he wrote his second novel, TTR.

Subsequent to attaining his bachelor degree, Banks worked a succession of jobs that allowed him some free time to write. The assortment of employments supported him financially throughout his twenties. He even managed to travel through Europe, North America and Scandinavia during which he was employed as an analyzer for IBM, a technician and a costing clerk in a London law firm. At the age of thirty he finally had his big break as he published his debut novel, The Wasp Factory, in 1984, henceforth he embraced full-time writing. It is considered to be one of the most inspiring teenage novels. The instant success of the book restored his confidence as a writer and that’s when he took up science fiction writing.

In 1987, he published his first sci-fi novel, Consider Phlebas which is a space opera. The title is inspired by one of the lines in T.S Eliot’s classic poem, The Waste Land. The novel is set in a fictional interstellar anarchist-socialist utopian society, named the Culture. The focus of the book is the ongoing war between Culture and Idiran Empire which the author manifests through the microcosm conflicts. The protagonist, Bora Horza Gobuchul, unlike other stereotypical heroes is portrayed as a morally ambiguous individual, who appeals to the readers. Additionally, the grand scenery and use of variety of literary devices add up to the extremely well reception of the book. Its sequel, The Player of Games, came out the very next year which paved way for other seven volumes in The Culture series.

Besides the Culture series, Banks wrote several stand-alone novels. Some of them were adapted for television, radio and theatre. BBC television adapted his novel, The Crow Road (1992), and BBC Radio 4 broadcasted Espedair Street. The literary influences on his works include Isaac Asimov, Dan Simmons, Arthur C. Clarke, and M. John Harrison. He was featured in a television documentary, The Strange Worlds of Iain Banks South Bank Show, which discussed his literary writings. In 2003, he published a non-fiction book, Raw Spirit, which is a travelogue of Scotland. Banks last novel, titled The Quarry, appeared posthumously. He also penned a collection of poetry but could not publish it in his lifetime. It is expected to be released in 2015. He was awarded multitude of titles and accolades in honour of his contribution to literature. Some of these accolades include British Science Fiction Association Award, Arthur C. Clarke Award, Locus Poll Award, Prometheus Award and Hugo Award.

Iain Banks was diagnosed with terminal cancer of the gallbladder and died at the age of 59 in the summer of 2013.

[battyaboutbooksreviews]

🌈 Queer Books Coming Out in November 2024 🌈

🌈 Good morning, my bookish bats! Here are a FEW of the stunning, diverse queer books you can add to your TBR before the year is over. Happy reading!

❓What was the last queer book you read?

[ Release dates may have changed. ]

❤️ I Am the Dark That Answers When You Call - Jamison Shea 🧡 Snowed in With You - Reba Bale 💛 Fire Spells Between Friends - Sarah Wallace & S.O. Callahan 💚 Ho Ho Homicidal Maniac - K.A. Merikan 💙 Escape to the Sea - Alex Callan & Angelica Babineaux 💜 She's Always Hungry - Eliza Clark 💛 Phoenix Rising - Emily Hayes 💙 A Flower's Fatal Thorn - Jordan Dugdale 💜 A Sharper, More Lasting Pain - Alex Harvey-Rivas

❤️ The Librarian's Gargoyle - Evelyn Shine 🧡 Dead Girls Don't Dream - Nino Cipri 💛 Of Hoarfrost and Blood - Scarlet Tempest 💚 Judgement - Lucas Delrose 💙 Deadline for Love - Candi Tab 💜 Wake Up, Nat & Darcy - Kate Cochrane ❤️ All the Truth I Can Stand - Mason Stokes 🧡 Celia - Addison James 💛 A Diamond Bright and Broken - Holly Davis 💙 Hexed - Emily McIntire 💜 Hometown Christmas - Laura Conway 🌈 This Christmas - Georgia Beers

❤️ Suite Heart - Jade Winters 🧡 We All Fall - Arden Coutts 💛 Taiwan Travelogue - Yáng Shuāng-zǐ 💚 Pit Stop - L.M. Bennett 💙 The Damaged Hearts Bargain - Sienna Waters 💜 War of Night - Greyson Black & E. Scott Clevenger 🧡 I'll be Boned for Christmas - Katherine McIntyre 💜 All You Want for the Holidays - Quinton Li 🌈 Queer as Folklore - Sacha Coward

❤️ Time and Tide - J.M. Frey 🧡 Ghost of the Heart - Catherine Friend 💛 Flopping in a Winter Wonderland - Jason June 💚 All the Painted Stars - Emma Denny 💙 Currency in Flesh - Heather Nix 💜 I Really Do - Emily K. Hardy ❤️ Something Close to God - Erika del Carmen Ruiz 🧡 The Crack at the Heart of Everything - Fiona Fenn 💛 Undeniable You - Chelsea M. Cameron 💙 The Twice-Sold Soul - Katie Hallahan 💜 Always on My Mind - Kelsey Painter 🌈 Interstellar MegaChef - Lavanya Lakshminarayan

❤️ Don't Break Character - Jules Landry 🧡 Rani Choudhury Must Die - Adiba Jaigirdar 💛 Remnants of Filth: Yuwu - Rou Bao Bu Chi Rou 💚 Sugar, Spice, and Christmas Nice - Anne Hagan 💙 The Wishing Tree - Barbara Winkes 💜 Love on Moonlight Lake - Adriana Sargent ❤️ Mistletoe Motel - Lise Gold 🧡 The Royal They - KJ Sinclair 💛 My So-Called Family - Gia Gordon 💙 Frosted by the Girl Next Door - Aurora Rey & Jaime Clevenger 💜 The Star-Crossed Empire - Maya Darjani 🌈 A Hard Fit - Jennifer Moffatt

❤️ The Sacred Heart Motel - Grace Kwan 🧡 Leap - Simina Popescu 💛 I Dare You - Regena Mercy 💚 Love Lessons - Mary Ellen Capek 💙 Afterglow - Emily Antoinette 💜 In the Back Row With You - Natasha West ❤️ Make Room for Love - Darcy Liao 🧡 Here Goes Nothing - Emma K. Ohland Just for the Holidays - Micah Carver

❤️ Cookies, Candles, and Cute Butts for Christmas - Cameron D. James & Cali Kitsu 🧡 Objects in Mirror - N.W. Downs 💛 Sleigh Bells Ring - Alyson Root 💚 Real Tree / Fake Boyfriend - Ree Thomas 💙 Out of the Storm - Logan Sage Adams 💜 Hungry Heart - Jem Milton ❤️ A Wild and Ruined Song - Ashley Shuttleworth 🧡 Beneath Her Power - Margaux Fox 💛 Thanks for Listening - Molly Horan 🌈 The Lotus Empire - Tasha Suri

❤️ Naughty November - Anthology 🧡 Hearts and Stars - Phoenix Kathryn 💛 Guarding Her Gangster Queen - Persephone Black 💚 The Shadow Spinner - Eric Kao 💙 Black, Queer, and Untold - Jon Key 💜 Hall of Shadows - Mariah Stillbrook ❤️ The Last Hour Between Worlds - Melissa Caruso 🧡 A Crimson Covenant - Aimee Donnellan 💛 Isaac - Curtis Garner 💙 Vineyard Dreams - Carol Wyatt 💜 Kiss of Death - Bryony Rosehurst 🌈 The Many Mistakes of Amy Love - RA Hunter

❤️ Accidentally in Love - Kimberly Cooper Griffin 🧡 Unwrapped - D. Jackson Leigh 💛 Hot Honey Love - Nan Campbell 💚 Havoc for the Holidays - Jay Leigh 💙 London - Patricia Evans 💜 Fatal Foul Play - David S. Pederson ❤️ The Gift of Us - Abigail Taylor 🧡 Upon the Midnight Queer - 'Nathan Burgoine 💛 The Christmas Pic - Rena Sapon-White & Ella Schaefer 💙 Seducing Scylla - Lex Logan 💜 Fated Winds and Promising Seas - Rose Black 🌈 A Surprise For The Holidays - Anna Sparrows

❤️ Immortal Hunger - KL Bone 🧡 Love and Loyalty - Emily Hayes 💛 A Kingdom of Lies - Ben Alderson 💚 Christmas Dreams - Carol Wyatt 💙 Wrecked for the Holidays - Kerry Kilpatrick ❤️ Not for the Faint of Heart - Lex Croucher 🧡 Phoenix Found - T.J. Nichols 💛 Room for Two - Rochelle Wolf 💙 The Long Winter of Miðgarðr - Edale Lan 💜 A Handyman for the Holidays - Valerie Gomez 🌈 Sundown in San Ojuela - M.M. Olivas

[moonjump65]

TFP S.A.R.I AU

What is the TFP S.A.R.I AU?

TFP S.A.R.I is an AU centering around the concept of the Aligned Continuity with the addition of Sari Sumdac from the TFA with an added Aligned Continuity twist. Mainly because I think the idea of a Half-Human/Half-Cybertronian along with the dynamic of an 8-year-old kid who actually acts like a kid and I think a lot of aspects in TFA with Sari went underutilized and I think a human for Ratchet or Optimus would be cute especially if their human was a little half alien/half human finding her place in the world.

2. Abilities

Sari's body is capable of converting food into Energon her body can use. Though nutritionally it is probably best to eat energon but she prefers human food. Normally she gets this by like eating her human food and washing it down with a cup of Energon. Her abilities would not manifest until near the end of season 2. Due to her small size, the type of power meant for a full-size Cybertronian(like a small plane due to her flight abilities) getting condensed to a compact human form. so she is small but packs a punch but doing things like an ion cannon blast quickly tuckers her out. Kind of like how when Antman was shrunken his punches hit worse. But she would not get the hang of that until the Time Skip. She also gets nauseated with the smell of Dark Energon. She would be detectable by Scraplets but when they take a bite they do not find her appealing. Her blood also has the ability to be transfused with humans, as she volunteers herself to donate blood/energon to Raph when he got shot with Dark Energon.

Her struggling to access her powers in the main series is a huge point of insecurity of hers.

3. Where did Sari come from and How did she get into Team Prime

I think in this AU Sari's origin could potentially tie with M.E.C.H and Cybertronian Colonists that tried to colonize Earth eons ago.  Her unique existence might have occurred when M.E.C.H. Agents found a Cybertronian Protoform and in a fluke accident, the Protoform interacted with a human. Her Protoform is a leftover remnant of Cybertronian colonists, kind of like Amethyst from Steven Universe

 M.E.C.H. encountered Sari's Protoform without knowing what it actually was or connecting to Cybertron. Just knowing that it was an organism that took on a form with the local flora and fauna and that it had Interstellar origins. Sari's initial name with M.E.C.H was the acronym S.A.R.I, standing for  Sentient Artificial Replicating Interstellar lifeform.

Isaac Sumdac is in this AU as a researcher for M.E.C.H. and one of the few individuals in M.E.C.H. that treated Sari like an actual child and not a lab rat. Often putting off serious or dangerous lab tests on Sari in favor of I.Q tests, puzzles, and the like. However, Isaac probably decided to go turncoat when realizing that M.E.C.H. is not above tearing apart an infant to advance humanity. He decided to go off and escape with an infant Sari and take her to a potential Government contact where she would be safe, being Agent Fowler. However, this selfless decision would cost Isaac his life. When Fowler took the child in for standard tests in a hospital they found that Sari had both CNA and DNA.

She came into Team Prime when she was aroouund 3-5 years old, and has been there for possibly 3-5 years. Sari would not really remember that time in M.E.C.H. too well, always just thinking it was just her, Fowler, and the Autobots and thinking those memories were just a bad dream. She would follow Ratchet and Optimus like their little shadow, and try to be useful here and there. Her cannon age at the start of the Prime series was 8 years old. Second to Fowler she is the second "Human" that was on Team Prime for the longest. Being both the youngest member and the second "human" that was longest on Team Prime she would have a bit of a jealousy when Jack, Miko, and Raph join the team. Though she would look up and admire Miko and try to emulate her by putting her hair in twin tails like Miko, Miko and Arcee would say the look fits her and she stuck with the twin tails ever since.

3. Sari's Role in Team Prime/ Season 1.

Sari would know right away that she is half Cybertronian and be considered an Autobot-in-Training despite her powers not manifesting yet. She would be considered Ratchet’s Ward and actually get the idiot to study some human biology due to her needs. Sari also starts showing an interest in Cybertronian Medicine and learning how to be a medic after CliffJumper's disappearance and death. Ratchet allows the help because it helps her to process what happened, and due to how small she is and how she can fit into tight spaces. Ratchet made a joke to Sari saying “What? Are you going to be my medical assistant now???” And she takes her role very seriously despite it being a joke. She would actually be the person to enforce bedrest on Optimus purely by either holding her breath till she passes out, or sitting on Optimus’s chest and saying she’s not moving, and if he moves he would cause her to go splat. But she ends up just falling asleep and it’s kind of like a cat on your lap moment for Op where you don’t move because the cat chose to be there. Ratchet would actually be proud of Sari for keeping Prime in line.

Realistically Sari is probably both Optimus’s and Ratchet’s kid. She’d often jump onto Optimus’s head and sit on his shoulders.

Often if Jack wants to sneak out and do shenanigans, he’d have to bribe Sari for her to look the other way, and she provides an additional service of providing cover/excuses for Jack if he pays another 10$. She would use this money for her candy stash/buying RC vehicles to bug Ratchet. They would more or less have an Arthur/DW relationship.

How she often distracts Optimus is telling her about Cybertronian history, or telling her about his past and she’d genuinely try to pay attention but end up confused or fall asleep. 

However it is only Jack and Smokescreen that she does this with. She does it for free for Miko because she thinks of Miko as cool and looks up to her, and looks up to Arcee and June.

June would GUSHHH over Sari, thinking of her as the daughter she never had, buying her various outfits and toys, and Jack would be shocked and surprised seeing his mom act like this and June is like “Oh please Jack Grow up.” And Sari would stick her tongue out at Jack because she knows he’s jealous.

Sari would be rather insecure about her struggle to get her abilities to work. Or think to herself would they ever work at all. Especially hearing one night Ratchet arguing with Optimus saying that she might not have any abilities outside of reading Cybertronian and consuming energon, and that it would be better to have her placed with a human family. And Optimus bounces back telling him that just because her abilities are limited doesnt make her a liability.

Sari would use herself as bait for the Scraplet episode being organic and inorganic, where they would see her and bite her but find her absolutely disgusting. She would say it didn’t hurt at all to be tough but it did hurt and she cried when Ratchet put rubbing alcohol on the bites. And at least didn't forget to get Raph the snowball-mainly to chuck at him at high speed.

She would always wonder where Prime would go on his drives and one day she snuck inside his Alt form to find out. Specifically when they were having the celebration party with WheelJack, and the Autobots tell Sari and the other humans that “Primes don’t party”, Sari feels really bad for Prime being alone and sneaks off to be with him and an hour into the drive says “Whatcha you doing” and that legitimately startles him.

Sari would find Birthdays to be a big deal, especially because Agent Fowler on her birthday would usually sneak her out and go to things like Chuck E. Cheese or an Arcade/Movie to celebrate her birthday. She asks Optimus when his birthday is, Optimus doesn’t remember the specific day for his birthday Sari just declares that his birthday is this very day and steals Jack or Miko's cell phone to call Agent Fowler or June to help organize a Birthday party for Optimus.

Before Optimus goes to Unicron’s core, he would give Sari the key to Vector Sigma (as also a nodd to her having the key to the All Spark in the original series), and seeing her pinkie promise to Miko, did a pinkie promise with Sari asking her to protect it. Telling Sari that it is the key to the Ground Bridge power supply, and how in recent days shown enough maturity to be given some responsibilities as an Autobot in training. Mainly in how she stepped up to use herself as bait during the scraplet infestation, and due to her being half human offered herself to be a conduit of Energon for Raph when he got shot with Dark Energon. But also due to her showing much interest in Cybertron, it’s past, and Optimus’s story (Mainly to serve as a distraction for Jack Sneaking out). With her recognizing that Optimus when he is back to being Orion Pax still thinks he and Megatron are still friends from all the stories he told her about the past.

Sari would freak out realizing she was given something this big, and having to go to Cybertron for the first time. Jack steps up and tells Sari he would go with her as he was the one that asked her for help being a distraction. When separated from Arcee and going inside to see Vector Sigma Sari would want to hold Jack’s hand. But as soon as Arcee came back she would quickly let go and wipe her hands.

4. Sari's Role in Season 2.

During season 2 she would completely take advantage of Smokescreen’s lack of knowlege of earth and sort of serves as his liason to earth but she couldnt even say the damn word. And when he tried to sneak out with the relic she would use that as blackmail and said “Yk, what couuuld convince me………give me a ride to the toystore” and Smokescreen was like “And what are you gonna do-“ and Sari would start yelling saying “Smokescreen is doing something with the reliiiiccc”

She would also be incredibly horrified seeing Silas/Breakdown as that amalgamation.

When Miko invites Sari to get revenge on HardShell, Sari declines saying “…I think…Ratchet needs me here to help with BulkHead.” Sari would not know how to feel with the possibility of Cybertron being restored. Asking the team if that means they would be leaving Earth behind? Or if she’ll have to say goodbye to her Earth friends forever? And Ratchet would say “….Well….it does not have to be. Earth is just as much home for you as Cybertron. We can figure something out.” Sari still felt uncertain and scared with that possibility. When the team prime goes on Cybertron and Ratchet is focused on the Omega lock mission.

Sari, frustrated sneaks off to go to the team’s human school. Ether Miko would see Sari and see her upset and let her tag along for the day. Or the humans would call June and she and Sari would go for a drive, and get ice cream and Sari would vent about being scared of possibly being left behind on Earth or leaving everyone and going to Cybertron. Especially scared because her powers are not manifesting and she doesn't know if they will ever manifest.

June would assure Sari saying “Do you really think Optimus and the others would do that? If they say that they will come up with something, have faith that they will.” And Sari would feel alot better and ready to go back to team prime base, so she would wait with the Prime Kids for Ratchet. That's when the Decepticons kidnapped them.

She would have her Steven Universe “I’m a Crystal Gem too” moment at the hostage exchange on Cybertron, where she very much tries to get her T-Cog to work and says “Don’t forget I’m an Autobot too!” And blows a hole through her container

I added as much as I could today from my notes. I will add more tomorrow about what I am thinking of in this AU. I know there will be a time skip but it will not be Robots in Disguise. Sari would be staying at around 8-9 years old in the Prime series then there would be a 10 year time skip after Prime. More like an Amalgam of IDW, Cybervers and other media. Though I will have to get caught up on IDW (I only just started). I do plan on sketching out this version of Sari some time this week.

[declanscunt]

sometimes, taking a leap forward means…

… leaving a few things behind.

arcane 2.03 (2024) // interstellar (2014) // interstellar // isaac newton, from nasa.gov // arcane 2.07 // interstellar // arcane 2.07 // interstellar // arcane 2.07 // arcane 2.09

[lessyyyjones]

I was remembering here a time that I started to HATE Oscar Isaac because of the character Jonathan Levy he played in "Scenes from a Marriage". Bro...I swear. There was nothing wrong with him in the beginning, but in the last episode when he was cheating on his current "girlfriend" with Mira (a crazy woman who cheated on him, it was annoying as hell because he always said "It's too late blah blah blah" and still hit him). He even said "I want to do whatever I want to do", GIRL????? From the moment you are in a relationship you no longer think only about yourself, you think about your partner too.

I swear. I was so disgusted with the character that I was disgusted with Oscar...I thought that would never happen lol. Then I marathoned Moon Knight and fell in love with Steven Grant for the 92938383 time.

To this day, I'm deeply disgusted by this Oscar character... a lot of people think he's hot or whatever, but I SIMPLY CAN'T SWALLOW IT. I had the same feeling with the actress who plays Mira, but as I'm an obsessed Interstellar fan, the effect wasn't as strong. The series talks so much about this maturation on both sides, but they are both stupid, assholes, very mentally ill and insane (asthmatic too). 🫶🏻

[leo-fie]

Pater Hoyt: Let me tell you this tragic story of the slow death of my church, the desperation of believers to save it, the most terrifying trees, the dismissiveness of science for "unimportant" subjects, and a concept of immortality so gruesome it makes priests question the existence of god.

Sol Weintraub: Let me tell you about the slow death of my only child, about time and inevidability and being a parent, about having to witness your daughter wake up confused and frightened every single day and my powerlessness to help her. Let me tell you about the Binding of Isaac and a nonbeliever's struggle with god.

The Consul: Let me tell you about the doomed rebellion of a beautiful world and the death of it's ecosystem. About how interstellar travel and relative time separate people. About my lifelong struggle to fight my grandmother's fight to the detriment of my own person to the point where I do not even have a name.

Martin Silenus: Let me tell you about my incredibly long life and all the stuff I've lost, including earth itself and my ability to speak. How I became unfathomably wealthy writing shitty pulp fiction. About art and the process of creation in such a profound way that you'll forget you hated me.

Brawne Lamia: Let me tell you about our Robot Kings and how humanity is unable to stop whatever they are doing. About how everything you have been told about our history might be a lie. About corruption and murder in the highest office of our government. And about the cute twink I met, fell in love with, got pregnant from and then lost.

Het Masteen did not live to tell his story.

Fedmahn Kassad: Let me tell you about my incredibly hot secret girlfriend and about all the sex we had in detail!

[evolvingsidekick]

YAGP Phoenix Jan 17–19, 2025

MBA:

Sylvie Win Szyndlar: Solitude (Catherine Lewellen)

Sylvie Win Szyndlar: Magic Within Me (Chantel Aguirre)

Sylvie Win Szyndlar: White Swan (Crystal Huang)

#86 Sylvie Win Szyndlar: La Esmeralda

#107: Sylvie Win Szyndlar: Satanella

#120 Sylvie Win Szyndlar: Graduation Ball

Violet Marti: Interstellar (Rasta Thomas)

#121 Violet Marti: Raymonda

#143 Violet Marti: Talisman

Ophelia Thiem: Swan (Ophelia Thiem)

#129 Ophelia Thiem: Talisman

#150 Ophelia Thiem: Paquita

Ellary Day Szyndlar: Where the Truth is Held (Chantel Aguirre)

Ellary Day Szyndlar: Eternal Struggle (Hanna Brictson)

Ellary Day Szyndlar: Chrysalis (Crystal Huang)

#158 Ellary Day Szyndlar: Medora

#173 Ellary Day Szyndlar: Talisman

#190 Ellary Day Szyndlar: Paquita

Victoria Carrillo: Lost and Never Found (Harrison Stevenson)

Victoria Carrillo: Kolysanka (Jason Coosner)

#165 Victoria Carrillo: Harlequinade

#185 Victoria Carrillo: La Esmeralda

#94 Riley Jones: Paquita

Sasha Ellis: Labyrinth (Brooke Anderson)

#198 Sasha Ellis: Paquita

#236 Sasha Ellis: Kitri Act III

Taylor Cucci: Rispetto (Michael Crawford)

#201 Taylor Cucci: Grand Pas Classique

#239 Taylor Cucci: Three Odalisque

Nikolas Adarmes: Untamed (Leonidas Adarmes)

#243 Nikolas Adarmes: Franz Coppelia

Channing Dennis: Rediscovering (Erina Ueda)

#246 Channing Dennis: Paquita

#279 Channing Dennis: Coppelia

Ella Isaac: Solo (Erina Ueda)

#251 Ella Isaac: La Esmeralda

#284 Ella Isaac: Coppelia

Sabrina Dorsey: Mindscape (Erina Ueda)

#254 Sabrina Dorsey: Raymonda

#287 Sabrina Dorsey: Paquita

Natan Grzybowski: Solo (Myles Lavallee)

#266 Natan Grzybowski: Talisman

#298 Natan Grzybowski: Paquita

#378 Ellary Day Szyndlar, Sylvie Win Szyndlar: Mercy on Me (Jennifer Peterson)

#396 Ellary Day Szyndlar, Natan Grzybowski: Ensemble

#397 Channing Dennis, Felipe Ramos: The Nutcracker Suite PDD

#398 Jake Cohen, Sabrina Dorsey: Le Corsaire PDD

#400 Ophelia Thiem, Raphael Ollert: The Artist's Little Dancer (Ophelia Thiem, Raphael Ollert)

#388 Ellary Day Szyndlar, Natan Grzybowski, Sylvie Win Szyndlar: Ensemble

#381 Channing Dennis, Natan Grzybowski, Sabrina Dorsey: Don Q Excerpts

#389 Aubrey Nieson, Carlo Vela, Emma Sautia, Lily Hennessy, Ruby Stewart, Victoria Carrillo, Violet Marti: Waves Of Change (Harrison Stevenson)

Club dance:

Harper Schwalb: In the Light of the Moon (Jenn Peterson)

Harper Schwalb: Final Waltz (Chelsea Jennings)

#91 Harper Schwalb: La Esmeralda

#115 Harper Schwalb; Raymonda Act 1 Pizzicato

Bella Linman: In the Light of the Moon (Jenn Peterson)

Bella Linman: Fawn (Jenn Peterson)

#117 Bella Linman: Lilac Fairy

#92 Bella Linman: Paquita

Aspen Brandt: Solo (Jenn Peterson)

Tatum Self: Spectrum of Love (Chelsea Jennings)

#88 Tatum Self: Cupid

#113 Tatum Self: Pas D'esclave

Lucia Piedrahita: Heartstrings (Jessie James)

Lucia Piedrahita: Mad Virtuoso (Jordan Pelliteri)

#127 Lucia Piedrahita: Gamzatti

#151 Lucia Piedrahita: Giselle

Libby Johnson: Embers (Avery Stamm, Reina Stamm)

Libby Johnson: Crippled Bird (Jaycee Wilkins)

#130 Libby Johnson: La Fille Mal Gardee

#152 Libby Johnson: Paquita

Ellie Self: Emergence (Brittany Lents)

#167 Ellie Self: Cupid

#187 Ellie Self: Pas D'esclave

Brooklyn Besch: A Dream Discarded (Jenn Peterson)

#169 Brooklyn Besch: Talisman

#189 Brooklyn Besch: Raymonda Act 1 Pizzicato

Larkin:

Maylin Munos: Fading Soul (Mackenzie Larkin)

Maylin Munos: Still (Shelby Feddema)

#122 Maylin Munos: Le Corsaire

#144 Maylin Munos: Coppelia

Neala Murphy: Silent Memory (Mackenzie Larkin)

Neala Murphy: Arms Length (Chelsea Jennings)

#125 Neala Murphy: Cupid

#147 Neala Murphy: La Esmeralda

Elia Cocchiarella: Dreams (Mackenzie Larkin)

#137 Elia Cocchiarella: Flames of Paris

Leah Pribyl: Reflection (Mackenzie Larkin)

Leah Pribyl: My Heart (Shelby Feddema)

#159 Leah Pribyl: Raymonda

#179 Leah Pribyl: Princess Florine

Vera Souvannavong: Loom (Mackenzie Larkin)

Vera Souvannavong: The Light (Mackenzie Larkin)

#161 Vera Souvannavong: Medora

#181 Vera Souvannavong: Cupid

Hailey Turnbull: The Aching (Madison Paulson)

Hailey Turnbull: Unbound Grace (Mackenzie Larkin)

#163 Hailey Turnbull: Medora

#183 Hailey Turnbull: Paquita

[loliwrites]

2025 WATCHLIST: MARCH

✨ Go to my Substack to see my thoughts on these movies and how I ranked them (plus a little thought about Interstellar) ✨

• Flow (2024) dir. Gints Zilbalodis • Two for the Seesaw (1962) dir. Robert Wise • For Your Consideration (2006) dir. Christopher Guest • Erin Brockovich (2000) dir. Steven Soderbergh • Inherit the Wind (1960) dir. Stanley Kramer • Crazy Rich Asians (2018) dir. Jon M. Chu • It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World (1963) dir. Stanley Kramer • Twisters (2024) dir. Lee Isaac Chung • The Natural (1984) dir. Barry Levinson

[adamwatchesmovies]

Dune (2021)

Even upon a rewatch, 2021’s Dune: Part One is spectacular. The memorable, foreboding score by Hans Zimmer, the costumes that bring this world to life, the scale of the action and the unique sets, ship & weapon designs all come together to complement a story of mythical scale. After seeing this film, two thoughts start competing for your brain’s attention. 1) If Frank Herbert’s Dune was adapted this successfully, then no work is unfilmable and 2) the sequel can’t come soon enough.

In 10191, the universe is ruled by an Emperor who assigns the exploitation of planets to powerful ruling houses. Interstellar travel is possible through “spice” a substance found exclusively on the harsh desert planet of Arrakis. For 80 years, Baron Vladimir Harkonnen (Stellan Skarsgård) and his house have overseen the harvest of spice. Now, Duke Leto I (Oscar Isaac) of House Atreides is the new steward of Arrakis but only for as long as the flow of spice continues. This shift puts House Atreides, particularly the Duke’s son, Paul (Timothy Chalamet), in danger.

At 155 minutes, you’d think this movie would feel long, but it doesn’t. One of the reasons is that there’s a lot within to keep your mind busy. What’s a Freman? What’s a Kwisatz Haderach? What’s “the voice”? If director Denis Villeneuve tried to cram this story into 90, or even 120 minutes, it would move so quickly that all these questions would leave you in the dusty sands of Arrakis (that’s the planet, right?). By taking its time while moving at a good pace the film allows you - in time - to answer all of your questions. Since you understand what’s happening, you’re engaged. It helps that if you can’t remember what each name means, the visuals pick up the ball. The grotesque, scheming Baron Vladimir Harkonnen is clearly a villain. It's particularly obvious once you see his nephew, the psychotic and childish Glossu Rabban (Dave Bautista). You know you can’t trust the Bene Gesserit because their leader, Reverend Mother Mohiam (Charlotte Rampling) makes Paul take a painful, life-threatening test to prove he isn’t a threat himself. These are only a few of the many examples I could choose and they show how the story is both complex and easily digestible.

Even without the gripping story filled with backstabbings, political intrigue, violence, quests for revenge and harrowing struggles for survival, Dune would still have you tightly in its grip. Throughout, Paul’s psychic abilities give him visions. They foretell the future… sort of. They give hints of what’s coming but hints are not the same as clear answers. These all tie to this planet he’s on; a world that doesn’t end where the screen does. The details in the dialogue, sets and costumes make you wish the Harkonnens would just chill, and save their grudge for later. This way, you’d have time to see House Atreides befriend the Fremen and familiarize themselves with their customs.

There’s so much happening in this film that some of it you won’t “get” until later. For example, the early assassination attempt on Paul’s life. The would-be killer? A Harkonnen cutthroat, hidden in a bedroom wall. What kind of wealth, power and/or terrifying influence could persuade someone to take on that sort of assignment, knowing they would have to wait in darkness for weeks, slowly starving to death, just to kill a boy?

The passion within Dune is as clear as its ambition. You’re only getting half of a movie with it, but this choice feels like a necessity, rather than a Breaking Dawn-type of cash-grab or an attempt to start another franchise for a money-hungry studio. It certainly doesn’t feel presumptuous. Everything we see feels important; like it’s building up to not just one, but many bigger character arcs in a world that contains hundreds of stories. You know the threads that are left hanging will be tied up - that’s the kind of confidence all of the artists at work instill in you. Dune/Dune: Part One is a film that’s going to be remembered. (March 1, 2024)

[scotianostra]

On February 16th 1954 the writer Iain Menzies Banks was born in Dunfermline, Fife.

Banks was a son of a professional ice skater and an Admiralty officer. He spent his early years in North Queensferry and later moved to Gourock because of his father’s work requirement.

He received his early education from Gourock and Greenock High Schools and at the young age of eleven, he decided to pursue a career in writing. Iain penned his first novel, titled The Hungarian Lift-Jet, in his adolescence. He was then enrolled at the University of Stirling where he studied English, philosophy and psychology. During his freshman year, he wrote his second novel, TTR.

Subsequent to attaining his bachelor degree, Banks worked a succession of jobs that allowed him some free time to write. The assortment of employments supported him financially throughout his twenties. He even managed to travel through Europe, North America and Scandinavia during which he was employed as an analyzer for IBM, a technician and a costing clerk in a London law firm. At the age of thirty he finally had his big break as he published his debut novel, The Wasp Factory, in 1984, henceforth he embraced full-time writing. It is considered to be one of the most inspiring teenage novels. The instant success of the book restored his confidence as a writer and that’s when he took up science fiction writing.

In 1987, he published his first sci-fi novel, Consider Phlebas which is a space opera. The title is inspired by one of the lines in T.S Eliot’s classic poem, The Waste Land. The novel is set in a fictional interstellar anarchist-socialist utopian society, named the Culture. The focus of the book is the ongoing war between Culture and Idiran Empire which the author manifests through the microcosm conflicts. The protagonist, Bora Horza Gobuchul, unlike other stereotypical heroes is portrayed as a morally ambiguous individual, who appeals to the readers. Additionally, the grand scenery and use of variety of literary devices add up to the extremely well reception of the book. Its sequel, The Player of Games, came out the very next year which paved way for other seven volumes in The Culture series.

Besides the Culture series, Banks wrote several stand-alone novels. Some of them were adapted for television, radio and theatre. BBC television adapted his novel, The Crow Road (1992), and BBC Radio 4 broadcasted Espedair Street (1987). The literary influences on his works include Isaac Asimov, Dan Simmons, Arthur C. Clarke, and M. John Harrison. He was featured in a television documentary, The Strange Worlds of Iain Banks South Bank Show (1997), which discussed his literary writings. In 2003, he published a non-fiction book, Raw Spirit, which is a travelogue of Scotland. Banks last novel, titled The Quarry, appeared posthumously. He also penned a collection of poetry but could not publish it in his lifetime. It is expected to be released in 2015. He was awarded multitude of titles and accolades in honor of his contribution to literature.

Some of these accolades include British Science Fiction Association Award, Arthur C. Clarke Award, Locus Poll Award, Prometheus Award and Hugo Award. Iain Banks was diagnosed with terminal cancer of the gallbladder and died at the age of 59 in the summer of 2013.'

[chillingcinemachronicles]

the Best Sci-Fi Movies on Netflix Right Now

Embark on an interstellar journey where the boundaries of reality dissolve, and imagination takes flight. Brace yourself for a warp-speed adventure through the cosmos with our curated selection of mind-bending science fiction wonders!

5. Annihilation (2018)

EW grade: A- (read the review)

Director: Alex Garland

Talent: Natalie Portman, Oscar Isaac, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Gina Rodriguez, Tessa Thompson, Tuva Novotny

Lights, camera, VPNaction! Elevate your movie nights with NordVPN. 🎥🔒secure your connection and Download NordVPN . Click now to unlock global cinematic thrills!

In the swamplands of Florida there sits a forcefield that formed after a meteor hit the area. Separated from regular life by a kaleidoscopic shell whose circumference continues to expand, The Shimmer, as it’s called, has claimed the lives of every man who has gone inside — except one. Biologist Lena (Natalie Portman) lost her husband Kane (Oscar Isaac) after he was presumably killed during a military operation, but when Kane returns home with his memory gone and his health failing, Lena looks for answers.

She then joins an all-female research team consisting of a physicist, a geologist, a paramedic, and a psychologist, all of whom volunteer to enter The Shimmer in what amounts to a suicide mission. While inside, the women find a gorgeous world that defies nature — but the mutations taking place within threaten to destroy the women, their team, and eventually, the world.

4. Anon (2018)

EW grade: (read the review)

Director: Andrew Niccol

Cast: Clive Owen, Amanda Seyfried, Colm Feore, Mark O’Brien,

Privacy and anonymity are luxuries afforded to no one in the 2018 British-American sci-fi thriller Anon. Clive Owen stars as Detective Sal Frieland, a troubled cop operating in a dystopia where the entire populace is implanted with an ocular device intended to record and track the movements of the people around them. The government’s transparency methods ensure that all criminal activity is caught on tape — but when a mysterious woman with no digital footprint (Amanda Seyfried) crosses paths with Sal, he realizes she might have a connection with a series of unsolved murders he’s investigating. Director Andrew Niccol tells EW “I always wanted to do a movie about privacy and the fact that there was never a war for privacy, because we already lost — we gave away our privacy without a fight, all for convenience.

3. Bird Box (2018)

EW grade: B (read the review)

Director: Susanne Bier

Cast: Sandra Bullock, Trevante Rhodes, John Malkovich, Danielle Macdonald, Sarah Paulson, Machine Gun Kelly

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Sight becomes a handicap in Bird Box, a post-apocalyptic thriller where the enemy must go unseen, or else. Sandra Bullock stars as Malorie Hayes, a woman responsible for transporting two young children down a river while wearing blindfolds, a strategy intended to help the survivors avoid seeing the entities that attacked Earth five years earlier, and who cause those who look upon them to commit suicide. Jumping between their present journey and the past events that led Malorie and the children to this point, director Susanne Bier leans into the tension of the unknown and relies on her talented but eclectic cast to do the rest. Released the same year as A Quiet Place, and possessing a somewhat similar premise, Bird Box received less attention when it first premiered, but this sci-fi horror film is a great option for fans of both genres.

2. Black Mirror: Bandersnatch (2018)

Director: David Slade

Cast: Fionn Whitehead, Will Poulter, Craig Parkinson, Tallulah Rose Haddon, Catriona Knox

As it turns out, the only thing missing from the British anthology series, Black Mirror, was options. In Black Mirror: Bandersnatch, the TV show gets a movie makeover, but with a twist: The film was shot in the style of a “choose your own adventure” novel, and viewers are able to customize their viewing experience through their scene selections. Centered around a young programmer named Stefan (Fionn Whitehead), Bandersnatch follows Stefan’s journey in developing a video game for a famous gaming company, a journey that puts Stefan under a great deal of mental and emotional stress, and results in one of ten main endings. Black Mirror is beloved for its eldritch and tech-focused content, and Bandersnatch keeps that tone alive, using the main storyline to explore themes like free will and mind control, even as the viewers’ choices drive the story forward.

Don’t Look Up (2021)

EW grade: B (read the review)

Director: Adam McKay

Cast: Leonardo DiCaprio, Jennifer Lawrence, Jonah Hill, Meryl Streep, Timothee Chalamet, Ariana Grande, Cate Blanchett, Mark Rylance, Melanie Lynskey, Chris Evans

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As a comet sets its sights on Earth and prepares to wipe out human civilization, two astronomers (Leonardo DiCaprio and Jennifer Lawrence) rush to warn the world of the impending collision — only to discover the world doesn’t really care. “Based on events that haven’t happened yet,” as the film’s trailer states, Don’t Look Up is a sci-fi satire that skewers climate deniers and government inaction in the face of scientific evidence pointing to looming catastrophe. Directed by Adam McKay (Vice, The Big Short), and featuring everyone in Hollywood from Jonah Hill and Meryl Streep to Timothee Chalamet and Ariana Grande, Don’t Look Up offers great jokes and fun cameos, but be warned: it’s not exactly light fare. Still, as far as sci-fi comedies go, this one is worth a watch — just don’t think too deeply about the implications of the film’s ending.