#ngl rc looks appealing

[andthatisnotfake]

Ok, rewatching episode 1 (of S3 of Young Royals), comments under the read more. Might include spoilers for later episodes too, FYI.

Kristina comes into the room and doesn't even look at Wilhelm. She walks right past him, sits next to him, and doesn't acknowledge him at all. No matter how much pain she's in, I'm sure she could have mustered a small smile for her son, couldn't she? Or a pat on the leg? Nothing?!?

Ludwig doesn't acknowledge him either, of course. It's funny how concern he seems to be for his wife, but not his teenage son.

The contrast with Linda taking Simon's hand in the car though. The contrast is contrasting!

Simon drawing the heart on the window 🥺

I stand corrected, Wille is actually sitting next to Jan-Olof 🙃

Is August just hungry because of his ED or has he developed gastritis? I wouldn't be surprised.

It's funny how the last season ended with spring coming, the sun shining again, and now, technically just a few days later - oh look, it's a fucking blizzard.

Omar played nervous Simon so well 😭

August's stepfather is so smarmy, he could actually be his father. Him saying there's no proof it was August and the video is relatively innocent... The way I wanted to shake him by the hair until he got bald...

Thank you, Linda, for speaking up (and bringing us up to date with how bad things were for them). The fact that these people, and I'm including Wilhelm here, heard what has said about the neonazi and the threats and completely ignored it makes my blood boil. You're supposed to be outraged as well!

August being upset that people are looking at him as if he's an asshole...

1.2 million kronor sounds like very little, to be honest. I think August might have paid nearly that for Rousseau. And Simon saying August will have to sell Årnas... Are we sure of that? I'd have asked for a lot more.

Wille's little door-leaning... I see you...

The immediate smiles when they see each other 🥺

Simon saying Wille's bedroom is cozy. Sweetie, I appreciate the parallel, but please don't lie.

Let's count how many times they get interrupted. This was the first.

Linda and Kristina looking at Simon and Wilhelm when August's stepfather tells them what they did was funny, ngl. But also, August hates his stepdad, but he seems to have learned very well from him, because his posture is the same. As is the same the way he distorts the truth to gain some advantage at all times, telling Wille Simon had been dealing for them for months, telling Alexander he'd been the only one to defend him against evil Wille, planning that bogus plan of having Alexander take the blame because they can't prove it was him who took the video, just his phone... God, people like this are so infuriating and so damn tiring! It's no wonder Simon just wants this over with.

And August just did it again, saying Wille had also taken the drugs. Technically, true, but he just takes the part of the truth that's convenient to him.

August saying Wille will screw things up himself, I--

And the fact that the RC doesn't seem to care that the newly appointed heir to the throne is someone capable of all this, Goddammit... I bet they actually think it makes him an even better choice, tbh.

Linda's silent anger... Oh, shit. Everyone knows that when you're mom is so angry she goes quiet it's way worse than when she's screaming.

Wilhelm says Erik wouldn't have forgiven August, and I actually do think that might be true, even after what we now know about Erik. I think he'd be an intermediate for the queen with Wille, trying to tell him to deny it was him in the video just like she did, but maybe appealing to Wille's affection. But I still think he'd have chewed on August. Mind you, he wouldn't have told Wille that it had been him either, and he'd definitely have protected August from any possible consequences, but I don't think he'd have forgiven him. Or at the very least he wouldn't be so buddy-buddy with him anymore. I think August would have crossed a line with him. And honestly, I think that might have been the worst punishment for August.

Madison reading tarot cards, I love her so much. Also, I need someone who knows tarot to interpret the cards she takes, thank you.

Stella saying Felice should get over it already was insensitive, but exactly what I'd expect from her. And bless you Madison for saying breaking up with a friend can be worse. Also, Fredrika attempting to be cheerful was useless, but very cute.

Fredrika is such a gossip girl, and ngl, I relate.

Farima had the right idea with using Wille's relationship to show a more modern side of Sweden, but I also understand why Wille wasn't keen. He should be allowed to just have a relationship, his first real one, and not have it be a walking pride flag. It's great to open doors and bring representation and help the community, but he's also allowed to just want to have a regular relationship, like other kids do.

This quick talk with Farima should have been a long conversation about social media, and we saw why.

Nils and Vincent casually talking about a guy who broke his arm in a mission for those points, I...

Are there no cars with tinted windows in Sweden? Is that not a thing? Why is Wille in a regular car for the paparazzi to take pictures of him (again, btw - I had this same thought in the very first episode).

I need to see more of Wille's jacked with the spikes! Also, can the pink sweater come back, please?

The way the chatter immediately dies when they kiss 🤣

Should we also count how many times they ask each other how they are? I think this is the first of the season...

Simon saying the attention is making him uncomfortable... I get it, and I'd feel the same, but sweetie, give it a couple weeks and no one will care anymore. They just need to get used to it.

Simon's 🖕 keychain between their joined hands...

Vicent teasing August about Sara just shows what good friends these boys all are to each other 😒

The heart-drawing scene 🥰🥰🥰 They're so in love. 🥹

Simon agreeing that it is degrading to miss someone who's hurt you... Sweetheart...

Simon is a better person than me, I would have 100% told the reporters to fuck off. And Marcus, ugh... I knew he'd talk, and I'm glad to see it confirmed, even though I'm angry.

The fact that the court couldn't even ask Wille's bodyguards, who are already idle at Hillerska anyway, to ensure Simon would be safe at least when leaving the school grounds, is baffling.

While I agree that Wille could have told Simon he was going to admit to being in the video, I do think it was a spur of the moment decision. And, moreover, Simon wanted him to do that before anyway. I think to Wille he was doing what Simon wanted. I just think Simon failed to realize the consequences.

Rosh is right in her assessment of Wille though, he's pretty impulsive.

Wille's red lights forming a heart, I see you!

I understand that Wille wanted to let Simon know he should ignore the comments as soon as possible, but I don't think telling him so in the comments helped much.

Bless Nils for being the only one to tell Wille he'd been brave, btw. I don't always agree with him, but that was nice of him.

I understand Sara wanting to leave the house, but going to her father's was very hypocritical of her, ngl. I understand why Simon was mad.

I know the girls meant well with the intervention, but the execution of it was maybe not the best. That said, I wouldn't mind being gifted a trip to New York. 😌

Wille's contented smile when he wakes up 🥹

Him tracing over the heart 🥹🥹🥹

Why is Farima sending Wille the articles for him to read instead of shielding him from this shit? 😭 He's 16 and you've given him no media training, what's he supposed to do?

Why is Malin by Wille's door again? Weren't they going to stay away while he was in classes? Had that been revoked now?

Them thinking it's Wille's fault that the horrors that happen at Hillerska are being revealed is... very telling.

The new rules are a bit harsh, but honestly? I'd have done something similar. Best to be harsher at first to nip this in the bud, then gradually access what can and can't be restored. No cellphones for teens is a bit too harsh though 😅

The seniors thinking they're exempt lol. You're still students, you're included.

Okie, I'll make another post for ep. 2, but I can't rewatch it now. 😭 Also, not re-reading all of this, if there's a typo, so be it.

[where-the-wilds-things-are]

So how did the clans first meet rusty and princess? Did they know they were savannah cats or did they think they were normal house cats untill they grew?

Thunderclan met them like they did in canon. Two young kittypets ( with very nice spotted coats ) screwing around the edge of their territories. They pass the test, with Rusty taking on Lizardtail (Longtail) and Princess with Darkstripe.

The other Clans met them during the Gathering. And was shocked to see them since they are slighty bigger than normal apprentices along with their origins. And once they fully grow, some will fear them and will urge TC to ban them from battle or banish them because that tips the scales to their favor.

Others might use manipulatation to get them to join their clan with befriending and gifts. Or at least make them neutral to said clan.

It makes ole Bluestar mighty pissed because some dont even try to hide what they are doing.

RC: Join us. We have tasty fish that makes your coat glossy, water to swim in, and pretty things like shells to line your nest in! And nice rocks to sun on all day and watch losers sulk >:)

WC: Join us. We have wide open spaces to stretch out those long legs, rabbits to sink your teeth in, and an open view to Silverpelt during the night! We also near Mothermouth. You know, the place that has that connects us to Starclan. Thats has to account for something right?

SC: Join us. You like that pinetree smell? We have that in spades. The constant shade the said trees give along with our marshe can make your pelt blend in easily with surroundings! Plus you get to eat our unique reptiles and frogs that you won't find anywhere else. Just ignore the death place that has poisoned food and you're golden.

Bluestar @ other clans

EDIT. I just realised i missed the other part of your ask. Sorry! They thought they were regular cats. Just slightly bigger and nice spotted coats. When they grew beyond what was beyond normal and slightly off features like did they realize something wasn't right.

Tigerclaw: Both of you are will amount to nothing with those weak bodies. Go back to your stinking twolegs!

*Firepaw and Deerpaw Grows™*

Tigerclaw:

[thesummerstorms]

Rev Recaps Hard Contact (Chapter 13)

CW: mentions of past attempted sexual assault & dealing with the attacker, mind influence/control

TL:DR Recap: Darman and Etain are finally reunited with the rest of Omega. Unfortunately, Guta-Nay is also there. Etain and the squad develop a plan, but it involves sending Guta-Nay to his death.

Beginning Kal Count: 24 Ending Kal Count: 25

We open with what’s honestly one of my favorite exchanges between Niner and Fi, and I can’t resist screenshotting it right off the bat:

“Hey, Sarge, I’m being positive.”

“Are you on drugs?”

Fi noticing that Niner is on edge and offering to swap and Niner being too stubborn to do it,even though he specifically hates doing that exact job.

They’re still dragging Guta-Nay around with the, which unfortunately means this chapter is whenI have to start dealing with him. But even as Niner tries to press him for more info, Guta-Nay is too stupid to give it. Even when Niner plays charades to get his point across.

Atin sens up a remote to scout ahead of them, and they accidentally end up spying on Darman, who aims a gun at the remote but luckily refrains from shooting it.

I legitimately can’t tell you why I love that scene. I just do. Anyway, within five minutes they finally, finally rendezvous with Darman and Etain. Etain is having a hard time adjusting to actually seeing Niner, Fi, and Atin, even though intellectually she already knew that Darman was clone. Fi makes a joke about Guta-Nay smelling bad. Etain asks for Omega’s names. Someone was about to introduce themselves as a CC (clone commander) rather than an RC (Republic Commando) again, but she cuts them off.

Darman was the first one to break the rule with Jusik, but he’s been embarrassed every time it comes up, and it clearly now embarrasses him to break the taboo around his squad, even if Etain’s been calling him by his name for a while. Social conditioning is intense. However, this time Fi and Niner introduce themselves as well, where as I think last time it was just Atin.

... unfortunately, I now have to deal with Guta-Nay.

Again, Etain’s meant to be Jedi, yes, but 1000% percent not blaming her for the reaction. I just /love/ how seeing Guta-Nay, who she explicitly calls a rapist and who attempted to attack her, gets to be the trigger for her to be ashamed of her emotions, restrained by one of the male characters (even if it is Dar and he doesn’t know the context) and Niner’s comment about Guta-Nay being useful sends her immediately into a self worth spiral as she ... is she supposed to be comparing herself to Guta-Nay here? Or is this just a reaction because the two emotional triggers are intertwined from this whole experience, or..?

Anyway, isn’t it great? /sarcasm

(Hat tip to Dar for being bold enough to grab a Jedi’s arm while they have their lightsaber ignited, I guess, though.)

Can I... can I just mention that on one hand, I can make a Watsonian interpretation for why Etain’s reaction to being told the person who tried to rape her might have useful information might be for her brain to jump to waiting for Darman to tell her how much he despises her... but on the other hand, I don’t care and I hate Traviss intensely for setting this scene up this way?

But, in what’s going to be pretty typical Etain fashion from this point in the series on, that sense of worthlessness drives her pretty much immediately to action. She asks Niner what information they need, and then sits Guta Nay down across from her, and waits until they’ve both calmed down. And then she immediately sets to using Force-persuasion to convince Guta-Nay to talk. This time, unlike when he was chasing her, she doesn’t struggle with it at all.

side note, there is a kind of sweet moment with Atin and Darman that I like, but it’s weirdly placed- breaks up the rest of the moment from Etain’s pov:

Then we switch to Niner’s pov, probably because Etain is busy with the Weequay and no one actually wants to hear him talk, least of all me as a reader, and also KT needs an opportunity for Omega to be doubtful of Etain.

Niner hates scruffy rig. Darman actually does clean his deecee when nervous; it isn’t just a weird innuendo that someone had to point out to me. Darman pulls out the holomaps that Etain... stole? I just realized I have no idea where she got them. But she’s been guarding them this whole time. He proceeds to praise her, unprompted, but Niner has already been told by Jinart that Etain is useless, so he’s skeptical.

Kal Count of 25. Dar just kind of regrets opening his mouth, I think, and wishes his brother would back off. But he does want to try to defend Etain, even if he’s had his own doubts before this point. So first he tries the standard defense, then when Niner isn’t content with that, he does his best. But Niner is freaked out by Jedi Mind Influence, not reassured like Darman was in the escape scene. I’m not really sure what to even make about “human females” and the fact that KT really needs to drive home that, after being behind enemy lines for three months, Etain has no sex appeal.

There’s also that word “emaciated” again.

Finally, Etain finishes her interrogation. She briefly mistakes Niner for Dar, but immediately corrects herself by saying “Of course, you’re Niner.” She reports on what little she can and offers to try to summon Jinart with the Force.

This is actually a scene that will be recounted again- apparently Darman will tell Kal about it at some point between leaving Qiilura and seeing Etain again in Triple Zero. Skipping a bit ahead, but:

Listen, the thought up Darman telling Kal all about the Jedi he absolutely Doesn’t Have a Crush On, maybe enthusiastically, maybe shyly, should make me smile, except given how Kal will treat their relationship in that book and the things he’ll accuse Etain of, it just makes me sad.

Anyway, I’m digressing. This is clearly a big moment for Niner, and he’s surprised that Etain can tell that Atin has been hurt in particular. I don’t entirely get why Traviss goes back and forth on what motivations/emotions Etain can sense to what strength (say like... her not being able to feel Darman’s grief for Theta squad versus immediately feeling Atin’s grief for his TWO former squads plus the Vau abuse we technically don’t know about till next book.) But I’m always going to rule in favor of her being stronger at Force sense because it’s really her signature Force ability, and Traviss has a bad habit of lowering her ability levels out of nowhere so she can be yelled at.

Niner explains what happened to Atin, and Etain expresses sympathy, and promises to see if there’s a way she can help. She specifically mentions Force encouragement, which makes me a little uncomfortable and which she decides by the next novel never to use again without permission. But Niner, despite his worry a few paragraphs ago, is favorably impressed.

We timeskip and go back to Etain’s point of view then. The commandos notice someone approaching, but it’s only Jinart.

Niner is the member of Omega who gets picked on for being straightlaced, but ngl, I relate to him a lot in this book.

Jinart lets them know that while Hokan is trying to bluff them into thinking Uthan is in the villa, she’s actually back in the facility, which makes me wonder what the point of all those Hokan POV scenes were. They start trying to brainstorm how to get into the facility, which has no extra exits or conspicuous vents because it’s meant to secure a bioweapon, and realize that they’ll still have to deal with the droids in the villa anyway, as close as they are. 

So they decide to try and smuggle in a bomb to take out the villa droids pre-preemptively because Hokan has already (for reason I still don’t understand) filled the basement there with explosives, In order to make it worth while, they want Hokan to think they’ve really fallen for his trick and are headed for the villa only, and thus to put most of the droids there.

A) Shut up,Jinart, you don’t get to be bitter.

B) Etain is already falling into that pragmatism thing. And I don’t think she’s wrong here. But she’s going to have more trouble actually doing it than she thinks.

And then it’s finally time to find out the origin of the gurlanin. Jinart reveals that Qiilura is her homeworld and that the settlers have destroyed her habitat without knowing the gurlanin were there, so she wants all of them, but especially the Trade Federation. Etain says she’ll make sure the Republic follows through, and Jinart threatens- “make sure you do” because the gurlanin are good at being everywhere. It’s foreshadowing for the next three books, of course, which all involve plot points with the gurlanin, as much as I wish I could be rid of them.

So they set about convincing Guta-Nay that there’s another squad and they intend to all attack the villa, except he’s so stupid they barely need to act. We get this really, really, really terrible line from Etain’s point of view:

Listen, this is where I’m drawing a line with this whole thing, Traviss. Because making the rapist who attempted to harm your main character from a race “so stupid that they can barely communicate functionally with humans and are all prone to drinking and criminality” wasn’t bad enough, we now get “the rapist is a monstrous child who isn’t able to control himself or understand that other people have feelings” which is the most bullshit thing in a series FULL of bullshit. No. Fuck that.

On the other hand, we do get one of my top five favorite scenes in the whole book, one of the few moments where Atin and Etain get to have a friendship, and something I really, really, really wish had been built on in later books.

Atin: Making my explosives neatly is WORTH the possibility of getting shot in the ass.

Atin walks her through all the squad’s tech, first letting her hold his deecee and look through the scope, then when she asks letting her try on his helmet and talking her through the HUD. He’s skeptical the whole time, but also, it takes some trust and patience to talk the commander who you are dubious knows her stuff through all of your personal kit. But Atin is the tech guy, and this is his wheelhouse and he shows her that patience. He also talks to her about the (perceived, not necessarily accurate) differences between ARCs, commandos, and troopers as he understands it.

I’m still not comfortable with the Force aspect of this, but it’s walked back in the next book. Atin fumbing the wire and pretending to focus hard because he’s embarrassed. And Etain is very touchy feely- I lose track of how many times in this series she grabs or pats or reaches for someone’s arm or hugs them or kisses them on the cheek.

Then we get to the part that’s actually my favorite:

It’s just... really nice? Seeing Etain get a little bit of respect and a little bit of friendship and feeling it in return? I will never be over the fact that it’s thrown away after this book. In fact, I can’t remember if she and Atin ever speak to each other again.

Eventually they finish up and Etain alternates between trying to sleep and trying to see if Guta-Nay has left yet. A couple of watches change. Fi attempts to feed her and is turned down. And Etain realizes she’s going to have to make Guta-Nay run, directly use Force persuasion to make him want to go back to Hokan, when he’s trusting the Republic to keep its word and not kill him.

It’s a good thing the chapter ends here, because honestly there’s gonna be so much bullshit to unpack in the next chapter, and I’m too tired for that.