#perfect execution op

[nerdygirlramblings]

cw: poorly executed accents, technological inaccuracies

previous

Over the week between Laswell requesting you go off your scent blockers and the charity event, the barracks slowly carries lingering traces of sun-ripened berries and arid soil, your natural scent. The team is entranced. It hasn't escaped any of them how well your scent compliments theirs. You and Gaz smell like all the best parts of springtime. Simon's sharp acidic scent is tempered by your sweetness. When you and Soap are together, it's hard not to picture seaside picnics. And when Price is in the room with you, the others are remembering crisp, cozy autumn days.

Your natural scent grows as the blockers work their way out of your system, as does your control over it. "How'd ya learn that, Ren?" Price asks one night, back to you as he stirs his tea. As soon as you picked up on his steps, the strawberry sweetness in the air decreased.

The couch creaks as you shift to face him, turning away from the dossiers on the low table in front of you. "After I presented, Dad used ta pull me inta the kitchen for lessons. He told me ta picture my scent like the dials on an equalizer. Taught me how I could ground myself ta turn the volume down on any particular smell. Especially how I could dampen things like fear. And, of course, how to project certain scents."

Your eyes leave his face, looking at the wall instead. "Being an omega in the service is hard, so I used the blockers because conscious scent manipulation takes a bunch of energy, and I wanted ta focus my energy on the job." You drop your voice and whisper, "And I didn't want ta spend all my energy on something that essentially soothed an alpha's ego."

He comes over and sits with you. "Well, if ya choose, after this op, ya don't need ta go back on 'em. Ya don't gotta protect me and Ghost." He grins and bumps your shoulder, and if he's hoping that you off your blockers means the pack can have a proper scenting, he gives nothing away.

The night of the op finds you in a fancy hotel room somewhere in St. James, several floors above the charity event. You're set up into adjoining rooms: one for you and one for the rest of the team. The other room will serve as the communication hub while you and Gaz - because Price saw how your scent was affecting Soap, the doe eyes he turned on you when you weren't paying attention, and didn't trust him to be able to focus on the op if he were at your side - go to the auction to find Arella.

You'd gone shopping with Adam several days before, under Kate's orders to get appropriate attire. The dress he put you in is more extravagant than anything you would ever have selected, but after a few quick photos to Kate who deemed it perfect, it was off the rack and in your hands. Strapless with a fitted bodice with enough structure to hold you and a skirt that flowed like water, except because it's steel grey, it moves more like liquid metal. There's a sizable slit, up to your thigh but is mostly hidden in the folds of silky fabric, which allows you quick access to the tiny holster you strapped there.

Fashion was never something you were interested in, so Adam took it upon himself to find some simple YouTube makeup tutorials, then made sure you had all the necessary products. You were annoyed about the hassle with the makeup, so Adam made sure the hair tutorial was simple yet elegant and didn't require a mountain of products to pull off.

Though you were going in without scent blockers, Kate didn't plan to risk you, even with the support of a beta, to an alpha's teeth. She had Adam buy the most intricate collar necklace you'd ever seen. Geometrically structured with metal rods, it seemed more like a piece of art than a piece of jewelry. When you draped it across your neck and collarbone, it prevented an alpha from getting his teeth on your scent gland but still allowed you to project your scent unencumbered.

Being undercover didn't allow for the traditional communication hardware, so the boys had come up with an ingenious pair of earrings whose large geometric wrap both matched the necklace and served as an earpiece. They also fitted a mic into the structure of your necklace. The whole task force would be with you all night.

When you finish getting dressed and fixing both hair and makeup to the best of your ability to follow Adam's selected videos, you knock on the door between the room you'd been assigned and where the rest of your pack task force is preparing. You need both your escort and your comms before you head for the lift.

An hour later and you're on your second circuit of the room, Gaz at your elbow, holding your drink. There will be some expectation to drink while you're here, but Price had taught you ways to make it look like you were drinking or as though you did not need a refill during those trainings at the pubs around base. Static crackles in your ear and you hear Price's baritone come through as if he were standing beside you. You've practiced not reacting when the comms go off, but you're still a little startled. "No sign of Arella yet, but Spinner's on the far side a' the room, left a' the bar but looking out on the dance floor."

Neither you nor Gaz is in a position to see him, so Gaz lightly takes your hand and guides you toward the balcony door with a hand low on your back. It allows you both to get quick glimpses of the man, older, polished, and with a petite blonde dressed in ice white standing very close. Though you're too far to see any potential mating mark, she's wearing a collar necklace not dissimilar to yours.

"I think Spinner's got an omega with him," you say. "I might be able ta get information from her if I get her alone. "

"Appreciate the initiative, Ren," price rumbles, "but she's not our priority. Technically, neither's Spinner, but it's good ta keep eyes on 'im just in case." He pauses momentarily before coming over the comms again with, "Not going ta tell ya not to talk ta her if the situation arises, but stay on mission."

"Copy that, Captain," you respond.

Waiting for Arella gets frustrating especially as you watch people continually approach Spinner, who's taken up residence at a high top table on the outskirts of the party. You snatch the champagne flute from Gaz's hand and quickly tip the contents back. Squaring your shoulders, you look at him and say, "Dance wi' me." For a moment all he does is look at you, and you can't read the emotion in his eyes. You power through and tell him, "If we're dancing, we can get closer ta Spinner's table and pick up snatches of conversation. "

Pulling back, you search his face. "I know ya've got the hardware on yer phone ta clone Arella's device with some prolonged exposure, but is it possible fer it ta pick up short bursts a' data off other phones it's near?"

Gaz looks at you in awe. "Ren, that's brilliant! Cap, ya hear that suggestion?"

"Affirmative," Price replies, "but I'll be damned if I understand it."

"Just get the systems on yer end ready fer a massive data dump. It's gunna be fragmentary. Laswell's analysts are gunna have a hell of a time going through it. We may need ta send them some whiskey and good cigars, but honestly, if this pans out even a little bit, we'll be able to get a ton a' information on the kinds of people Spinner's meeting with. Maybe Arella's is not the only one who's dirty."

Once they get to go ahead from Price, Gaz pulls you close and takes to the dance floor. You'd learned how to dance once, long ago, but it's clear this man is trained. He waltzes you through the crowd near to the edge where Spinner's settled, and you hope to hell this idea works.

next

an: this is sort of what I envisioned for Ren's necklace, but more modernist straight lines

series masterlist | main masterlist

~~

taglist: @sirbonesly @z-wantstowrite @thriving-n-jiving @cecelia97 @theycallmevalen @boogeysmoth @cryingpages @riley13 @luxylucylou @lucienofthelakes @ilyztwo @chaosundcoffee @lostintransist @thegreyjoyed @honestlymassivetrash @thebumbqueen @maliamaiden @mordacioust @bina-passion-fruit @kittygonap @wanderingoperator @ghost-is-my-bbg @wolfbc97

[kaivenom]

One piece dilfs with a marine reader (like high up in the marines) who they recently had a BAD break up with because marines and pirates can’t really make it work but then the reader turns up at their door telling them that no matter that they can’t help but love him. Marines and their dubious morals be damned! Like real romcom style (but more angst with a happy end)

(Or in smokers case , a prolific pirate leaving their crew to be with him)

OP Dilfs with an enemy!reader

Characters: Doflamingo, Mihawk, Crocodile, Smoker, Shanks

Warnings: alcohol, angst, depressing episodes (but with a comic relief)

A/N: someone also requested Smoker x pirate fem so this is perfect to satisfy anyone. I love this idea cause i am a fan of miserable whiny men.

Masterlist

Dracule Mihawk

He was a very careful and scrupulous men, he knows how to keep his cool no matter what.

So how is he on the liquor pantry of the castle with all the bottles of sake and wine around him.

He loved you and tried to do everything to make it work. He stoped killing people (that often), he made renewals on the castle, he even tolerated being a sichibukai... and still you broke up with him.

Then he heard the door knocking.

"I am sorry that the sichibukai disolved." you said, trying to break the ice.

"I didn't stand them, i hate being there" he was dragging syllables.

"Are you drunk?"

"No" clearly his red cheeks were saying the opposite. "What do you want?"

"Marine values are good but the institution is rotten to the core, i realised that your cross guild stuff was better justice than ours so... i quitted. And if you want we can try to make it happen again, better and longer this time."

"You on cross guild would be my worst nightmare," he was having a mental crisis, "but i still want to try again with you, just... i think i am going to throw up. Tell me again in a couple of hours."

Apparently alcohol made him really honest.

Donquixote Doflamingo

He asked you to be his queen, how could he be so stupid... or that's what he thought for the two next months of your broke up.

How dare you broke up with him and make him feel so sad and miserable.

All the citizzens of Dressrosa knew this cause they weren't tortured like usual, instead they were forced to hear Doflamingo talking about you.

He wasn't giving up on this and that got to your eyes thanks to the marine's spies.

Hearing this things made you reconsider everything on your life and you finally decided to quit.

You went to Dressrosa and you didn't have to identify yourself to enter the castle, everyone wanted you to finally shut up Doflamingo.

"Doffy, i am here to make things right, be with you, all in..." he was petrified like a statue, and the he crossed his legs."

"No." his forehead vein was popping out.

"What? i quitted and came all the way here."

"I already got over of our little thing."

"Don't lie to me Mingo, i know you've been crying like a baby."

"No, i am a king, i don't cry like a baby and if you try to dismiss my reputation again i am going to execute you."

"Fine, i am going out." his facade falled out as fast as light.

"No, please don't go, i am sorry, i was angry at you but i really wanted you back." he hugged you.

"Fine, you have ten more seconds to complain and then we can make out." he noded.

Sr. Crocodile

He was so sad and wanted no one to know about it that he runned away.

He moved out of his place and left all his bussiness on town to other people.

He then started to become a "little" obssesed with the idea of trying to erase everything that reminded him about you.

And then people asked him "Why do you buy this...? and why did you buy that store...?" but he couldn't admit that was just to close it so he didn't have to revive memories with you.

He lost millions of berries but he was sad and tried to cope with this.

You tried getting to him but his address changed, you had to get to the underground mob bosses to know where to find him.

You showed at his door just to see him with the robe you gifted him and a beard of a whole week.

"I don't have bussiness with marines." he turned around to close the door.

"Good for me that i am no longer one." his neck almost snapped.

"You what?"

"I quitted, but like two weeks ago... i've been trying to contact you but nothing, you moved out and then i started to see a pattern. Really? you've been buying the places we liked together?" he started to feel guilty.

"I was sad."

"Me too. But you got to much out of the line. You should call all this places and make them open again."

"And why is that?"

"Cause otherwise we won't be able to go there on dates anymore." you smiled shyly and he spent all night calling places with you on his lap.

Smoker

He even had to take days off for personal issues on work, he felt like the weakest men ever.

He was the vivid image of a sad wet puppy looking at the window while it's raining outside.

All he did those days was eat, watch movies that you both liked, cry on the shower, sleep and repeat.

His house was a mess, he was a mess, how could he betray the marines codes so much that he even loved a pirate... and worse, the pirate broke up with him and he is the world's saddest person.

Right now he was crying on the shower again, for like a whole hour.

You trespassed the garden and entered into his house thanks to an unlocked window.

You entered and all the mess you saw was more than disgusting and alarming.

You heard the shower and then the water closing, you took a seat and waited for him to get out.

"Smoker, why is your house like this, this isn't how..." you had to stop when you saw him shocked and with red eyes, "you've been crying?"

"No." he took his weapon while pointing at you, "a pirate is tresspassing my property, i should arrest you."

"I thought you would be glad that i am trying to get on the marine's recruit's program, " you showed him some papers, "but i don't konw how to fiil this documents, i wanted to ask you for help and maybe... take a coffe or talk about us."

He really needed a chair right now. He couldn't talk for the next hour, but since he still helped you and served you the coffee, things were going into the right direction.

Akagami Shanks

He got the most drunk he has been in all his life and did the most uncivil crimes he has ever did, he definitely broke his record.

He throwed up on the street, dranked alcohol in public, yelled at people, supposedly he also showed his private parts to some of the passengers but the report didn't inform more about it.

You were so sad by seeing this like him that made you reconsider the approach you gave the situation.

He otherwise was alone, he wanted to be on his own to just feel miserable without no one looking.

You got to the ship and you had to confront all his crewmates, they were really mad at you, but you explained the new situation and they decided to give you a change to explain yourself to his captain.

You entered the room that smelled like a liquor store and he saw you.

"Not the visions again, i've been lying for one hour now."

"It's not a vision captain, it's really her."

"Don't put jokes on me, i am not in the mood."

"You hadn't been on the mood for a week it looks." you got to the side of his bed. "Shanks, i came here to tell you that i am no longer a marine and that my door is open."

"My door is really open and the light is getting in, close it." his words were full of pain but tried to hide it.

A long pause got behind you both and he looked at you, finally getting up but tripping midway.

"Are you really saying it? no jokes?"

"I would never joke about this. I want to be with you."

His mood lifted up instantly and tried to kiss you but you had to stop him and oblige him to take a long shower first.

[mostlysignssomeportents]

Leveraged buyouts are not like mortgages

I'm coming to DEFCON! On FRIDAY (Aug 9), I'm emceeing the EFF POKER TOURNAMENT (noon at the Horseshoe Poker Room), and appearing on the BRICKED AND ABANDONED panel (5PM, LVCC - L1 - HW1–11–01). On SATURDAY (Aug 10), I'm giving a keynote called "DISENSHITTIFY OR DIE! How hackers can seize the means of computation and build a new, good internet that is hardened against our asshole bosses' insatiable horniness for enshittification" (noon, LVCC - L1 - HW1–11–01).

Here's an open secret: the confusing jargon of finance is not the product of some inherent complexity that requires a whole new vocabulary. Rather, finance-talk is all obfuscation, because if we called finance tactics by their plain-language names, it would be obvious that the sector exists to defraud the public and loot the real economy.

Take "leveraged buyout," a polite name for stealing a whole goddamned company:

Identify a company that owns valuable assets that are required for its continued operation, such as the real-estate occupied by its outlets, or even its lines of credit with suppliers;

Approach lenders (usually banks) and ask for money to buy the company, offering the company itself (which you don't own!) as collateral on the loan;

Offer some of those loaned funds to shareholders of the company and convince a key block of those shareholders (for example, executives with large stock grants, or speculators who've acquired large positions in the company, or people who've inherited shares from early investors but are disengaged from the operation of the firm) to demand that the company be sold to the looters;

Call a vote on selling the company at the promised price, counting on the fact that many investors will not participate in that vote (for example, the big index funds like Vanguard almost never vote on motions like this), which means that a minority of shareholders can force the sale;

Once you own the company, start to strip-mine its assets: sell its real-estate, start stiffing suppliers, fire masses of workers, all in the name of "repaying the debts" that you took on to buy the company.

This process has its own euphemistic jargon, for example, "rightsizing" for layoffs, or "introducing efficiencies" for stiffing suppliers or selling key assets and leasing them back. The looters – usually organized as private equity funds or hedge funds – will extract all the liquid capital – and give it to themselves as a "special dividend." Increasingly, there's also a "divi recap," which is a euphemism for borrowing even more money backed by the company's assets and then handing it to the private equity fund:

https://pluralistic.net/2020/09/17/divi-recaps/#graebers-ghost

If you're a Sopranos fan, this will all sound familiar, because when the (comparatively honest) mafia does this to a business, it's called a "bust-out":

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bust_Out

The mafia destroys businesses on a onesy-twosey, retail scale; but private equity and hedge funds do their plunder wholesale.

It's how they killed Red Lobster:

https://pluralistic.net/2024/05/23/spineless/#invertebrates

And it's what they did to hospitals:

https://pluralistic.net/2024/02/28/5000-bats/#charnel-house

It's what happened to nursing homes, Armark, private prisons, funeral homes, pet groomers, nursing homes, Toys R Us, The Olive Garden and Pet Smart:

https://pluralistic.net/2023/06/02/plunderers/#farben

It's what happened to the housing co-ops of Cooper Village, Texas energy giant TXU, Old Country Buffet, Harrah's and Caesar's:

https://pluralistic.net/2021/05/14/billionaire-class-solidarity/#club-deals

And it's what's slated to happen to 2.9m Boomer-owned US businesses employing 32m people, whose owners are nearing retirement:

https://pluralistic.net/2022/12/16/schumpeterian-terrorism/#deliberately-broken

Now, you can't demolish that much of the US productive economy without attracting some negative attention, so the looter spin-machine has perfected some talking points to hand-wave away the criticism that borrowing money using something you don't own as collateral in order to buy it and wreck it is obviously a dishonest (and potentially criminal) destructive practice.

The most common one is that borrowing money against an asset you don't own is just like getting a mortgage. This is such a badly flawed analogy that it is really a testament to the efficacy of the baffle-em-with-bullshit gambit to convince us all that we're too stupid to understand how finance works.

Sure: if I put an offer on your house, I will go to my credit union and ask the for a mortgage that uses your house as collateral. But the difference here is that you own your house, and the only way I can buy it – the only way I can actually get that mortgage – is if you agree to sell it to me.

Owner-occupied homes typically have uncomplicated ownership structures. Typically, they're owned by an individual or a couple. Sometimes they're the property of an estate that's divided up among multiple heirs, whose relationship is mediated by a will and a probate court. Title can be contested through a divorce, where disputes are settled by a divorce court. At the outer edge of complexity, you get things like polycules or lifelong roommates who've formed an LLC s they can own a house among several parties, but the LLC will have bylaws, and typically all those co-owners will be fully engaged in any sale process.

Leveraged buyouts don't target companies with simple ownership structures. They depend on firms whose equity is split among many parties, some of whom will be utterly disengaged from the firm's daily operations – say, the kids of an early employee who got a big stock grant but left before the company grew up. The looter needs to convince a few of these "owners" to force a vote on the acquisition, and then rely on the idea that many of the other shareholders will simply abstain from a vote. Asset managers are ubiquitous absentee owners who own large stakes in literally every major firm in the economy. The big funds – Vanguard, Blackrock, State Street – "buy the whole market" (a big share in every top-capitalized firm on a given stock exchange) and then seek to deliver returns equal to the overall performance of the market. If the market goes up by 5%, the index funds need to grow by 5%. If the market goes down by 5%, then so do those funds. The managers of those funds are trying to match the performance of the market, not improve on it (by voting on corporate governance decisions, say), or to beat it (by only buying stocks of companies they judge to be good bets):

https://pluralistic.net/2022/03/17/shareholder-socialism/#asset-manager-capitalism

Your family home is nothing like one of these companies. It doesn't have a bunch of minority shareholders who can force a vote, or a large block of disengaged "owners" who won't show up when that vote is called. There isn't a class of senior managers – Chief Kitchen Officer! – who have been granted large blocks of options that let them have a say in whether you will become homeless.

Now, there are homes that fit this description, and they're a fucking disaster. These are the "heirs property" homes, generally owned by the Black descendants of enslaved people who were given the proverbial 40 acres and a mule. Many prosperous majority Black settlements in the American South are composed of these kinds of lots.

Given the historical context – illiterate ex-slaves getting property as reparations or as reward for fighting with the Union Army – the titles for these lands are often muddy, with informal transfers from parents to kids sorted out with handshakes and not memorialized by hiring lawyers to update the deeds. This has created an irresistible opportunity for a certain kind of scammer, who will pull the deeds, hire genealogists to map the family trees of the original owners, and locate distant descendants with homeopathically small claims on the property. These descendants don't even know they own these claims, don't even know about these ancestors, and when they're offered a few thousand bucks for their claim, they naturally take it.

Now, armed with a claim on the property, the heirs property scammers force an auction of it, keeping the process under wraps until the last instant. If they're really lucky, they're the only bidder and they can buy the entire property for pennies on the dollar and then evict the family that has lived on it since Reconstruction. Sometimes, the family will get wind of the scam and show up to bid against the scammer, but the scammer has deep capital reserves and can easily win the auction, with the same result:

https://www.propublica.org/series/dispossessed

A similar outrage has been playing out for years in Hawai'i, where indigenous familial claims on ancestral lands have been diffused through descendants who don't even know they're co-owner of a place where their distant cousins have lived since pre-colonial times. These descendants are offered small sums to part with their stakes, which allows the speculator to force a sale and kick the indigenous Hawai'ians off their family lands so they can be turned into condos or hotels. Mark Zuckerberg used this "quiet title and partition" scam to dispossess hundreds of Hawai'ian families:

https://archive.is/g1YZ4

Heirs property and quiet title and partition are a much better analogy to a leveraged buyout than a mortgage is, because they're ways of stealing something valuable from people who depend on it and maintain it, and smashing it and selling it off.

Strip away all the jargon, and private equity is just another scam, albeit one with pretensions to respectability. Its practitioners are ripoff artists. You know the notorious "carried interest loophole" that politicians periodically discover and decry? "Carried interest" has nothing to do with the interest on a loan. The "carried interest" rule dates back to 16th century sea-captains, and it refers to the "interest" they had in the cargo they "carried":

https://pluralistic.net/2021/04/29/writers-must-be-paid/#carried-interest

Private equity managers are like sea captains in exactly the same way that leveraged buyouts are like mortgages: not at all.

And it's not like private equity is good to its investors: scams like "continuation funds" allow PE looters to steal all the money they made from strip mining valuable companies, so they show no profits on paper when it comes time to pay their investors:

https://pluralistic.net/2023/07/20/continuation-fraud/#buyout-groups

Those investors are just as bamboozled as we are, which is why they keep giving more money to PE funds. Today, the "dry powder" (uninvested money) that PE holds has reached an all-time record high of $2.62 trillion – money from pension funds and rich people and sovereign wealth funds, stockpiled in anticipation of buying and destroying even more profitable, productive, useful businesses:

https://www.institutionalinvestor.com/article/2di1vzgjcmzovkcea8f0g/portfolio/private-equitys-dry-powder-mountain-reaches-record-height

The practices of PE are crooked as hell, and it's only the fact that they use euphemisms and deceptive analogies to home mortgages that keeps them from being shut down. The more we strip away the bullshit, the faster we'll be able to kill this cancer, and the more of the real economy we'll be able to preserve.

If you'd like an essay-formatted version of this post to read or share, here's a link to it on pluralistic.net, my surveillance-free, ad-free, tracker-free blog:

https://pluralistic.net/2024/08/05/rugged-individuals/#misleading-by-analogy

[kittenisstarstruck]

Player Two!

Kenma was in his element—headphones on, fingers flying over the controller, eyes locked onto the screen with laser focus. You, on the other hand, were slouched against his side, controller in hand, struggling to keep up.

“I swear this game is rigged,” you grumbled, watching your character get absolutely demolished.

Kenma let out a small chuckle, not even sparing you a glance as he effortlessly dodged an attack. “It’s not rigged, you just need better reaction time.”

You huffed, nudging him with your elbow. “Not all of us have gamer reflexes, Mr. Esports Prodigy.”

Finally, he paused the game and turned to you, golden eyes filled with amusement. “Want me to help?”

You eyed him warily. “You’re not just gonna flex on me even more?”

He smirked. “No promises.”

Before you could protest, he shifted closer, his hands sneaking over yours on the controller. His chest pressed lightly against your back as he guided your fingers over the buttons, his breath warm against your ear.

“See? If you time it like this—” He pressed a button with you, and suddenly, your character executed a perfect dodge. “—you won’t die instantly.”

You blinked. “Oh. That actually worked.”

Kenma chuckled softly, resting his chin on your shoulder. “Told you.”

You turned your head slightly, meeting his gaze. He was close—close enough that you could see the tiny smile tugging at his lips.

“Kenma,” you murmured, suddenly feeling warm.

“Hm?” He tilted his head, feigning innocence, but you could see the teasing glint in his eyes.

“You totally did that just to cuddle me.”

He hummed, pressing a lazy kiss to your cheek before grabbing his controller again. “Yeah. And?”

You laughed, leaning into him as the game resumed. Maybe you weren’t the best player, but as long as Kenma was your co-op partner, you didn’t really mind losing.

[on-a-lucky-tide]

Your tags make me want to read Price getting to pat Nik. Please? 🥺

Nik's hair is a reflection of his character.

cw: none (partly inspired by a post by @panchulien with a young Nik and Price).

Price realised he was obsessed with Nik's hair quite early on. When they'd met, it had been a harsh buzz cut; a number two all the way over at the very longest, paired with a clean shaven jaw. It hadn't suited him. Not even in his blue uniform and cap. His eyes were too warm for the austere, minimalist impression the rest of ensemble was trying to communicate. It was like his internal conflict had manifested in his physical appearance; the severe officer battling the warm-hearted Russian patriot.

After Price had "liberated" him, or rather, encouraged him to turn informant and cut his own path towards liberation, Nik had grown his hair out. Price remembered seeing him for the first time after freeing him from the detention centre in which his own government had been about to execute him. Nearly a year had passed, and Nik's hair had grown into an unruly mane. Close to a mullet, but with erratic, thick black curls paired with roguish facial hair. He'd reminded Price of a musketeer or a Renaissance poet; the sombre misery had been replaced by an almost manic charisma.

That had suited him. It set off the wildness in his eyes. But that wildness had manifested in other, more dangerous ways. Price and Nik had fed off of each other's anger and penchant for violence in those early days. When they were on op together, their lack of boundaries had led them to dark places; Nik, without direction or purpose beyond point and shoot, and Price with a chip on his shoulder.

Price had watched those thick curls fall across a blood smeared face after Nik had beaten a man to death with his bare hands more than once, the crooked smirk that followed revealing a flash of something raw and in pain beneath the surface. They crossed lines, violated boundaries and codes of ethics, telling themselves it was for a higher purpose that not even they had much of a handle on.

Mac had tried to keep them apart. Had warned Price away and told him to get a grip. Dogs that bit the hand that fed them were put down eventually, one way or another. But Nik had been intoxicating. His rage completed and complemented Price's in the worst and best ways.

Nik needed to heal. They both did. It took years. Years of dancing around each other, of finding the limit of what they would do for the "greater good", working out what that even bloody meant in the first place. They carved out their own morality, separate from the hypocrisy of the institutions that had made them, and slowly, slowly, the rage, the bleeding wounds inside Nikolai, had healed. Price had fallen in love with that wild, uncontrollable maniac, and he had stayed in love with him once he'd found enough peace to stop his own self-destruction.

Price sat across from him in the little boat they had hired for a tour down the River Oder. Nik had wanted to show Price Wrocław, the Venice of Poland. Twelve little islands connected by over a hundred little bridges, with one of the biggest markets in Europe huddled in the centre. Nik had spent the morning dragging Price down side streets to find some of the three hundred odd little bronze gnomes scattered throughout the city. "To commemorate the Orange Alternative movement," Nik had explained, his big hands gesturing expressively towards the Gothic Town Hall, tone excitable and boyish, "they used absurdist humour to protest against communist rule in the eighties."

Nik was at peace now. Nearing his fiftieth birthday, his hair was receding into a deeper widow's peak, smoothed back and neat, with slight curls at the back and beneath his ears. His stubble flattered his jaw and Price liked raking his nails through it when they kissed. Not too wild, not too austere. A perfect balance that reflected the equilibrium in Nik's heart.

"John?" Nik asked, his eyebrows raised. "Is everything okay?"

"Yeah, comrade," Price said, flashing rueful smile. "Just thinkin' about old times."

"Ah." Nik scratched up his bare forearm to the fold of the sleeve at his elbow. "Well then," he picked up his glass of krupnik and Price did the same, "to old times."

"And all the good times to come, cheers." Price knocked back a mouthful of the liqueur and grimaced. "Jesus fuck, Nik, this shit is fockin' 'orrid." He tipped the remainder of the glass overboard. "Could murder a man for a decent stout."

Nik rolled his eyes. "You take the Englishman out of England, but..."

Price kicked his shin. "Yeah yeah, Mr World Wide. I'm a simple man with simple tastes, not all of 'em good."

"Oh, I don't know," Nik hummed. "You are dating me after all."

And there, just for a moment, was a flash of that wild, curly-haired man that had first stolen Price's heart in the devilish little grin on Nik's face, and Price's blood ran hot in his veins.

[animeaddict578]

Ok so there isn’t really a fully fleshed backstory for TFA Op in my knowledge other than he was kicked out of the Academy so I have a little au about him;

Op was born and raised on a colony planet with his creators being archivists where he inherited their love for history and knowledge for the truth.

The library the family were managing is founded by Alpha Trion but unbeknowst to him, the council—in their effort to cover up the truth of why the decepticons even exist in the first place—burned down the entire library.

But since that was a bit specific and a out of place given that Op’s family maintain the building perfectly, they just bombed the entire colony planet and noone batted an eye because it’s just a small colony planet that was very far from Cybertron.

Op lost both of his creators in the attack and managed to hide in a pile of dead bodies to sneak away and ride a cargo ship dealing with the corpses. Op hopped off on a neutral territory and started a new life.

Op then read datapads and found info about the council’s discrimination and torture against warframes which led to the creation of the decepticons, which were revealed to be revolutionaries fighting against the council’s misdeeds.

Op hopped from one job to another to make ends meet and saved just enough to travel to Cybertron where he then joins the academy to find out why the council destroyed his homeworld and possibly even sabotage them from the inside but Archa 7 happens.

To anyone reading this and figured out what this is then yes his backstory is based off of Nico Robin’s backstory with a dash of Law’s. If this were to happen to canon then Op wouldn’t harbor any hatred to Megatron since he understands where they are coming from even if he doesn’t entirely agree to his methods.

Typing this out now, I kinda want a little something to happen;

Op was in a meeting with Sentinel Magnus along with the Council, discussing about Meg’s fate. Everyone wants Megs to be executed and the method is what they were debating, each method getting more and more sinister and disturbing.

Op is disgusted that they call themselves righteous when they want to torture a mech infront of live cameras for all mechas to see. He made up his mind.

When the council sent Op to Trypticon prison to escort the Decepticons to their executions, Op broke everyone out, especially Megatron. All of them were able to escape to Chaar except for Op who stayed behind to stall the Elite Guard long enough for the Decepticons to use a spacebridge to leave the border.

Op was arrested and was sent to be executed for treason against the Autobots. Op’s team reached out to Megatron to cooperate with them to break Op out.

“Little prime, you sacrificed yourself for the Autobots ever since I met you. Yet you disobeyed the Council’s orders and released me. For once you have chosen for yourself. Now tell me what do you want!” Megatron shouted for all to hear especially for one specific dissenter.

Optimus went deep in thought

‘What I want?…All my life I thought I didn’t deserve anything. Everything I had was ripped away from me, my creators, my old friends, my life at the academy. But now I have mechs that care for me even with my flaws, even when I’m not perfect.’

‘I may not be able to get what I want even now but atleast I be selfish and say what I want…one last time’

“I WANT TO LIVE! TAKE ME WITH YOU! TAKE ME AWAY FROM HERE!”

[ms-m-astrologer]

Cosmic Events: June 2025

Executive summary: maybe our best month in 2025 to get things done - don’t waste these opportunities!

Lunar Phases

Tuesday, June 3, 03:41 UTC - First Quarter Moon, 12°50’ Virgo

Saturday, June 7, 05:56 UTC - Gibbous Moon, 1°45’ Scorpio

Wednesday, June 11, 07:44 UTC - Full Moon, 20°39’ Sagittarius

A very high energy Full Moon, with a grand trine in Fire signs (Moon/Sag, Mars/Leo, Chiron and Eris/Aries) just begging for some positive direction. Aim wisely.

Sunday, June 15, 04:43 UTC - Disseminating Moon, 9°21’ Aquarius

Wednesday, June 18, 19:19 UTC - Last Quarter Moon, 27°48’ Pisces

Sunday, June 22, 04:12 UTC - Balsamic Moon, 16°01’ Taurus

Wednesday, June 25, 10:32 UTC - New Moon, 4°08’ Cancer

Exactly conjunct Jupiter, exactly sextile Mars/Virgo - this has major “home improvement” energy. We need to be laser-focused on our intentions.

Saturday, June 28, 21:50 UTC - Crescent Moon, 22°26’ Leo

Void of Course Moon

Sunday, June 1, 23:38 UTC (Leo) - Monday, June 2, 03:00 UTC (Virgo)

Wednesday, June 4, 11:11 UTC (Virgo) - 13:38 UTC (Libra)

Saturday, June 7, 01:04 UTC (Libra) - 02:23 UTC (Scorpio)

Monday, June 9, 12:06 UTC (Scorpio) - 14:56 UTCc (Sagittarius)

Wednesday, June 11, 19:58 UTC (Sagittarius) - Thursday, June 12, 01:55 UTC (Capricorn)

Saturday, June 14, 08:52 UTC (Capricorn) - 11:00 UTC (Aquarius)

Monday, June 16, 17:31 UTC (Aquarius) - 18:09 UTC (Pisces)

Wednesday, June 18, 21:34 UTC (Pisces) - 23:08 UTC (Aries)

Saturday, June 21, 01:49 UTC (Aries) - 01:53 UTC (Taurus)

At a duration of four minutes, this is the shortest void Moon in June.

Monday, June 23, 01:50 UTC (Taurus) - 02:57 UTC (Gemini)

Monday, June 23, 08:26 UTC (Gemini) - Wednesday, June 25, 03:44 UTC (Cancer)

At a duration of 43 hours, 18 minutes, this is the longest void Moon in June.

Friday, June 27, 05:16 UTC (Cancer) - 06:05 UTC (Leo)

Sunday, June 29, 11:03 UTC (Leo) - 11:44 UTC (Virgo)

(There will be some similarly long void Moons in July….)

Retrograde/Direct/Etc.

Transiting Mercury enters its pre-retrograde shadow on Monday, June 30.

Transiting Venus has her greatest western elongation on Sunday, June 1. This is similar in feel to a First Quarter Moon: we finally feel ready to get on with new Venus projects.

Transiting Ceres is in her pre-retrograde shadow all month.

Transiting Pallas begins June in her pre-retrograde shadow; she stations retrograde on Monday, June 9, remaining retrograde until October 4.

Transiting Juno is retrograde all month.

Transiting Vesta starts June retrograde; she stations direct on Saturday, June 14, entering her post-retrograde shadow.

Transiting Saturn is in its pre-retrograde shadow all month.

Transiting Pluto is retrograde all month.

Ingresses

Friday, June 6 - transiting Venus enters Taurus

Sunday, June 8 - transiting Mercury enters Cancer

Monday, June 9 - transiting Jupiter enters Cancer

Tuesday, June 17 - transiting Mars enters Virgo

Staurday, June 21 - transiting Sun enters Cancer

(Alias the Cancer Solstice.)

Thursday, June 26 - transiting Mercury enters Leo

Opportunity Periods

Sunday, June 1, 23:32 UTC - 23:38 UTC. “You’ll have just a few minutes to do something meaningful during this very short OP.” (Ms M is rolling her eyes.)

Wednesday, June 4, 20:52 UTC - Saturday, June 7, 01:04 UTC. “A much-needed waxing Moon OP perfect for communication, networking, and projects related to beauty, events, and more.”

Thursday, June 12, 15:56 UTC - Saturday, June 14, 08:52 UTC. “This long OP favors many things, from creative work to practical family matters, just in time for Father’s Day.”

Wednesday, June 18, 19:19 UTC - 23:08 UTC. “Use this time for artistic activities, expressing love, and renewing your emotions during the Last Quarter Moon.”

Friday, June 20, 10:32 UTC - Saturday, June 21, 01:49 UTC. “You have the whole day to network and complete tasks.”

Wednesday, June 25, 10:02 UTC - 11:02 UTC. This is one-half hour before and after the Cancer New Moon. “If you have something important to start around now, this is a great time to do it.”

Thursday, June 26, 15:08 UTC - Friday, June 26, 06:05 UTC. “Very good OP for being creative and also to strengthen healthy and loving relationships.”

Monday, June 30, 01:14 UTC - Tuesday, July 1, 20:47 UTC. “Any activity during this long and positive OP will give good results, from practical matters to romance. This is the last OP before Mercury begins to slow down.”

Et Cetera

The Cancer Solstice is on Saturday, June 21, at 02:42 UTC. It’s very similar to New Moon chart four days later - excellent for “tending our gardens” like Candide.

[supernova2205]

Double Trouble

Gaz x Reader x Soap

Summary: What was supposed to be a relaxing boys’ trip turns into a competition when Soap and Gaz set their sights on the same woman at a beachside bar. Questionable flirting, and a surprising outcome make for a night neither of them will forget.

Check out my authors note at the end!

The beach was perfect. Clear skies, the scent of salt and sunscreen in the air, and the sound of waves rolling onto the shore. After months of grueling missions, near-death experiences, and sleeping in the worst conditions imaginable, Soap and Gaz had finally managed to pull off something neither of them had thought possible a proper vacation.

A real one. With no guns, no explosions, and, most importantly, no Price breathing down their necks about discipline.

They had spent the entire morning basking in the sun, drinking far too many cocktails that came with tiny umbrellas, and loudly debating whether the seagulls on the shore were eyeing them in a threatening manner. But now, as the sun began its slow descent, casting a golden glow over the sand, they found themselves at a small beach bar, the kind with wooden stools, string lights, and bartenders who somehow always looked effortlessly cool.

That was where they saw her.

She was sitting at the bar, sipping something that looked dangerously fruity, wearing a sundress that swayed with the ocean breeze.

Soap nudged Gaz, eyes locked onto her. “Alright, mate. We’ve been trainin’ for moments like this.”

Gaz snorted, lifting his beer. “Trainin’? This isn’t a mission, Johnny.”

Soap rolled his shoulders like he was prepping for a combat op. “No, but it’s about strategy. Precision. Execution.” He flashed a grin. “An’ I don’t plan on losing.”

Gaz gave him a flat look. “So, we’re competing now?”

“We’re always competin’, pal.” Soap clapped him on the back. “Now, watch and learn.”

With that, he strolled up to the bar, oozing confidence, and slid onto the stool beside her. Gaz, not about to let Soap have all the fun, followed suit, taking the seat on her other side.

She barely glanced at them, too busy stirring her drink with the little paper straw.

Soap cleared his throat. “Dinnae mean to interrupt, lass, but me mate an’ I were wonderin’ somethin’ important.”

She finally turned her head, eyebrow arching slightly. “Oh?”

Soap leaned in, lowering his voice like he was about to reveal some grand secret. “Which one of us do you think would survive longer if we got stranded on a deserted island?”

Gaz let out a laugh, shaking his head. “That’s what we’re going with?”

She blinked, then glanced between them as if actually considering it. “Hmm. You,” she said, pointing at Gaz.

Soap slapped a hand over his chest, dramatically wounded. “What? Why?”

She took another sip of her drink. “You look like you’d think things through. He looks like he’d wrestle a coconut and lose.”

Gaz nearly choked on his beer, laughter bubbling up before he could stop it. “She’s got you there, mate.”

Soap, unwilling to accept defeat, leaned forward on the bar. “Aye, but hear me out. A coconut deserves a fair fight. Now, if you really think I’d be the one to go first, I think we need a tiebreaker question.”

She smirked. “Alright. What’s the question?”

Gaz set down his drink. “If you had to be stuck on the island with one of us, who would it be?”

She hummed, resting her chin on her palm. “Tough one.”

Soap grinned, sitting up straighter. “Oh, aye. Take your time. It’s a life or death decision, after all.”

She dragged the moment out, letting them both wait in anticipation before finally saying, “Neither.”

There was a beat of silence.

Soap blinked. “Neither?”

Gaz placed a hand over his heart in mock pain. “That’s cold.”

She just shrugged. “I’d rather survive on my own. You two would just slow me down.”

Soap let out a short laugh, shaking his head. “Brutal. But fair.”

Gaz turned toward the bartender. “Hey, mate, whatever she’s drinking get her another. She’s earned it.”

The bartender slid another glass her way, and she lifted it in a small toast before taking a sip. “You guys always flirt like this?”

Soap grinned. “We prefer to call it tactical banter.”

Gaz nodded. “Helps with morale.”

She set her drink down and finally gave them both a proper look, like she was assessing them. “Well, as far as pick-up attempts go, this one wasn’t the worst.”

Soap leaned on the bar. “That mean we’ve got a shot?”

She took a napkin from the bar, grabbed a pen, and, with a slow smirk, scribbled something down. She slid it between them and stood, drink in hand.

“Why don’t you boys figure that one out?”

They both looked down. Two numbers, side by side.

Soap grinned. “Huh.”

Gaz let out a low whistle. “Would you look at that?”

When they glanced up, she was already walking away, hips swaying just enough to let them know she knew they were watching.

Soap chuckled, picking up the napkin. “Looks like we both won, mate.”

Gaz clinked his beer against Soap’s cocktail glass. “Boys’ trip just got interesting.”

They sat back, watching the sunset, numbers in hand, and for once, they didn’t argue about who had won because, for the first time in their lives, they both did.

Authors note: Hey everyone! I’m super excited to share a delightful little fic featuring our favorite sergeants, Gaz and Soap! I've also created an adorable drawing to go along with this story, and you can find it on my Patreon. I think I'm going to make this a regular thing, so definitely check it out!

[sayruq]

For today's update, I'm splitting it into three - before Nasrallah's speech, the speech itself, and after the speech. If you don't know who he is, he is Hezbollah's Secretary General and he scheduled an important speech like a week ahead of time. The speech caused quite a stir to say the least to the point where there was a media blackout in Israel.

Before

The clip in the tweet above has gone viral. It shows why guerilla tactics are so effective and sheer bravery and discipline displayed by the Palestinian resistance (no gore).

People have noted that the IDF only announces the deaths of officers. You can imagine how many ordinary soldiers have died in the invasion in Gaza. Also, despite the fact that we know thousands of American soldiers have taken part, the Biden administration is keeping any news of casualties quiet. Eventually we will start to hear about those deaths, just like eventually the administration acknowledged the attacks on American bases in Iraq and Syria (while downplaying the severity of those attacks).

The speech itself

(I'm copying and pasting so I don't go above the max number of tweets embedded per post). Follow the link to see the whole thing. I'll be using OP's tweets for the next part

Sayyed Hassan #Nasrallah: I salute the incomparable, legendary people of Gaza for their patience. Words fail to describe these people, their patience and their steadfastness.

Sayyed Hassan #Nasrallah: Today, my speech will focus on what has happened, where our responsibilities lie, and where we are heading.

Sayyed Hassan #Nasrallah: I salute the Resistance of Yemen and Iraq who have joined this battle in its very heart.

Sayyed Hassan #Nasrallah: Why are we here today? What ignited the Al-Aqsa Flood? There are several factors: the thousands of Palestinian prisoners in "israeli" prisoners, the besiegement of Gaza, the suffocation and oppression in the West Bank...things were bound to explode.

Sayyed Hassan #Nasrallah: Al-Aqsa Flood put the righteous Palestinian cause back on the forefront of the causes of the world. It was carried out by the Ezzedine Al-Qassam (r) Brigades. This battle was 100% of Palestinian planning and 100% Palestinian execution.

Sayyed Hassan #Nasrallah: The Resistance factions of Hamas completely hid their plans from everyone, even from the other factions of the Resistance Axis, who were very glad they did so. This secrecy is what guaranteed the legendary success of this operation.

Sayyed Hassan #Nasrallah: This is honest proof that the decisions of the factions of the Resistance Axis are own. The Islamic Republic of Iran does not control these factions or dictate upon them when to act or not.

Sayyed Hassan #Nasrallah: What was done on the 7th of October shuddered the ground under the occupation; it caused a security, political, and psychological quake whose repercussions will remain with this entity now, and in the future.

Sayyed Hassan #Nasrallah: This battle revealed the frailty and weakness of the Zionists; it proved that they really are weaker than a spider's web, that even they started to believe this!

Sayyed Hassan #Nasrallah: The Zionists have still not been able to take control, and the rapid involvement of the Americans is proof of the incapability of the Zionists.

Sayyed Hassan #Nasrallah: There is no other option to Al-Aqsa Flood. The other option would mean waiting for more death, more besiegement, more settlements. This operation was carried out in perfect timing and it is worth all the sacrifices made.

Sayyed Hassan #Nasrallah: The gravest mistake committed by the Zionists is setting the bar of their goals very high. For example, today they set the goal of completely eradicating Hamas. Is this a goal made by a rational human?

Sayyed Hassan #Nasrallah: They had set the same goal in 2006, complete eradication of Hezbollah and the unconditional return of the 2 soldiers. They had America, the West, and the Arabs on their side, and yet they failed to accomplish this goal.

Sayyed Hassan #Nasrallah: What is happening today is proof of the incapability and weakness of the "israelis." What are they doing today? They are killing innocent civilians. The Zionists have not been able to make any military wins.

Sayyed Hassan #Nasrallah: The "israelis" resorted to the ground invasion when they saw that the Resistance was still capable of fighting despite the immense bombing on Gaza. They try to portray that they are carrying out a large operation, but in reality, they are terrified.

Sayyed Hassan #Nasrallah: How will they fight this Resistance? When a fighter walks toward a tank and plants a bomb on it. The scenes from Gaza, of the men, women, & children shouting in support of their Resistance as they are removed from under the rubble tell the Zionists a lot

Sayyed Hassan #Nasrallah: Today, the victims in Gaza, the martyrs, the injured, all expose the true nature of the barbarism of this entity, the complicity of the nations, America's responsibility in all the crimes committed, & the hypocrisy in applying international regulations

Sayyed Hassan #Nasrallah: The repercussions of the "israeli" attacks in 1948 were not only against the Palestinians. Every surrounding nation was affected. Today is the same; the effects of this war are not limited to Gaza or Palestine.

Sayyed Hassan #Nasrallah: The first goal today is to put a stop to the war and aggression against Gaza, for humanitarian reasons, and the second goal is the victory of the Resistance in Gaza, specifically Hamas' victory.

Sayyed Hassan #Nasrallah: Speeches today are not enough. Nations must cut ties and expell "israeli" ambassadors. You cannot give a speech [in support of Palestine] while you are exporting oil to "israel!"

Sayyed Hassan #Nasrallah: There is an inability to transport the injured from Gaza. Are the Arabs this weak? Are they this unable to open the Rafah Crossing? We have reached a point where we are calling upon the nations to stop exporting oil to "israel" & open the Rafah Crossing!

Sayyed Hassan #Nasrallah: The Islamic Resistance in Iraq has taken responsibility and continues to carry out several operations. The honorable Yemenis are firing missiles and drones against Eilat. I salute them for their bravery.

Sayyed Hassan #Nasrallah: Some were saying that the Sayyed will speak to announce Hezbollah's joining of the battle. The Islamic Resistance in Lebanon already joined the battle since October 8. What are they talking about?

Sayyed Hassan #Nasrallah: Some underestimate the operations of the Islamic Resistance conducted at the border, unaware of their significance and importance. These operations are very important, but anyway, they will not suffice alone.

Sayyed Hassan #Nasrallah: There is a real battle ongoing from the coast all the way to the Shebaa Farms along the border. This battle is unprecedented between the Resistance and the enemy, not before 2000 or even after.

Sayyed Hassan #Nasrallah: The "israeli" army was meant to transport their specialty forces from the West Bank to Gaza, but were then forced to move them to the North. So yes, Lebanon has released some stress from the Gaza front.

Sayyed Hassan #Nasrallah: A third of the "israeli" army is now recruited at the Northern front, half their navy forces in the Mediterranean facing Lebanon and Haifa, a quarter of their airforce recruited in the north, half their air defense systems (iron dome etc) facing Lebanon,

Sayyed Hassan #Nasrallah: A third of their logistic forces are recruited against Lebanon. Most of the troops recruited on the Northern front are specialty forces. These are real, accurate numbers.

Sayyed Hassan #Nasrallah: Tens of thousands of settlers have evacuated from the northern settlements, which adds to the moral and economic stress. These operations have put the Americans and "israelis" in a state of fear and worry.

Sayyed Hassan #Nasrallah: The possibility of matters escalating into an all-out war is very probable. We tell the "israelis" that if they are planning an attack against Lebanon that they are committing the gravest mistake in their history!

Sayyed Hassan #Nasrallah: They told us that the US carriers came to target us, and the Americans threatened to not only bomb us if we continue, but to also bomb Iran. I tell the Americans: your fleets do not scare us, and we have prepared for them what is needed!

Sayyed Hassan #Nasrallah: Escalation on the Lebanese fronts depends on 2 factors: the events in Gaza, and the acts of the enemy against Lebanon. We are a supporting front for Gaza.

Sayyed Hassan #Nasrallah: I tell the Americans to remember their defeats in Afghanistan and Iraq. And I tell them that the men who fought them in 1982 in Lebanon are still alive today, and have their sons and grandchildren along with them!

Sayyed Hassan #Nasrallah: To the Americans: You are able to put an end to this aggression as it is yours. And if matters escalate to the a regional war, then your benefits and your soldiers will witness the greatest losses!

[Pause due to Tumblr's text per block limit]

Sayyed Hassan #Nasrallah: The Resistance in Palestine, Lebanon, Iraq, and the entire region is making victories through its patience, steadfastness, and perseverance, for this is a battle of patience and steadfastness to prevent the enemy from accomplishing their goals.

Sayyed Hassan #Nasrallah: We must work to end the aggression against Gaza and for the Resistance to emerge victorious. To the Palestinian people, this will take some time, but we are making one victory after the other, which will lead to the ultimate victory, just as in 2006.

Sayyed Hassan #Nasrallah: This is how the Resistance made its victories in 2006, in the West Bank, and in Gaza. Palestine will emerge victorious, and we will meet to celebrate this victory, which will come as a result of us handling our responsibilities with patience.

Turns out I was wrong about 2 things- that Iran and Hezbollah were involved from the very beginning and that Nasrallah would declare war. This was a Palestinian operation through and through and all the other parties were simply inspired to join by their actions on Oct 7th. As far as Hezbollah leadership is concerned, they have been part of the war from the beginning and they have been very effective, destroying an estimated $20 billion worth of equipment in Northern Israel (that number is a bit old).

That was a good speech. It highlights everything that happened since Oct 7th for those who have not been paying close attention, as well as showing that the Resistance will not be cowed by America and it does not plan on stopping any time soon. It's also a nice summary of everything Hezbollah has accomplished. I post updates a lot but that makes it hard to see the bigger picture.

After

Expect an increase in activity from the Resistance as it aims to force Netanyahu to halt the genocidal bombing of Gaza.

[mega-ringsandthings-world]

I know I've talked about how Mihawk sews and embroiders, and probably was already making/embellishing his clothes since his first appearance, (roger's execution pink tulip patches my belove-eds) but I'd like to emphasize that this man is 100% his own combination tailor/milliner/cobbler. He sews his clothes and makes his hats and there's whole 50s housewife-esque sewing room in his castle. Those v-notch-waistband pants are a perfected pattern and you know it. Whenever he meets up with Shanks he spends 30% of their time together fighting and the other 70% darning Shanks' shirts. He handmade Perona's glow-up fit because nothing hit right for her at the local op hot topic. Definitely monograms his towels. Gets bored in the Cross Guild one day and spends the better part of a week hemming Crocodile's pants and letting out his waistcoats. Keeps a needle and thread pinned inside his coat. Bills the WG for "upkeep expenses" when he decides to go ham on the latest silk exports.

[invisibleicewands]

Michael Sheen, Eva Longoria to Star in Festive Comedy ‘The 12 Days of Christmas’ Based on James Patterson Novel, Protagonist Launching Sales

Michael Sheen and Eva Longoria are teaming up for family holiday comedy “The 12 Days of Christmas.”

The film — from Keal Productions and Fulwell Entertainment — is being directed by BAFTA nominee Ben Gregor (“The Magic Faraway Tree,” “Black Ops”) and written by Ted Safran, based on the bestselling novel “The 12 Topsy-Turvy Very Messy Days of Christmas,” co-written by bestselling author James Patterson and Safran.

In “The 12 Days of Christmas,” it’s mid-December and for the fifth year in a row, Christmas is cancelled at the dysfunctional Sullivan family home. That is until a mysterious someone starts sending strange gifts to hopeless widower Henry (Sheen) and his two bickering children, Will and Ella. First, a partridge in a pear tree, the next day two turtle doves are sent, followed by three calling birds on day three. Before they know it, the house is full of boisterous animals and house guests, all relating to the famous Christmas song “The Twelve Days of Christmas.” The family’s lives are turned upside down as they try to figure out just who the mystery gift giver is, and to top it off, Mariana (Longoria) from Animal Protection Services is on their case. As the synopsis read, “Even though this Christmas will be messy, it might turn out to be just the gift the family needs.”

“I had an absolute blast writing The 12 Topsy-Turvy Very Messy Days of Christmas with Tad Safran,” said Patterson. “We couldn’t be more excited about Michael Sheen and Eva Longoria leading the cast. The same goes for the Ben Gregor.”

“Tad’s written a moving, funny, big-hearted script that I can’t wait to shoot with the generous and brilliant talents of Michael and Eva,” added Gregor. “Tad and James Patterson’s book is a warm and chaotic ride through Christmas and this thoughtful, spectacular adaptation is going to be a delight to make and watch.”

“The 12 Days of Christmas” is produced by Heather Greenwood (“After The Screaming Stops”) for Keal Productions, and Leo Pearlman (“Cinderella”) for Fulwell Entertainment. Executive producers are James Patterson and Peter Safran (“Aquaman”), Bill Robinson and Patrick Santa for James Patterson Entertainment, along with Dave Bishop, George Hamilton and James Pugh for Protagonist Pictures. Sky developed the project.

“This is pure holiday joy — heart, humor, and just enough havoc to remind us that the magic of Christmas is in the mess,” said Protagonist CEO Bishop. “We are thrilled to bring James Patterson’s and Tad Safran’s wonderful book to the screen and with Ben’s talented direction, Michael’s comedic warmth and Eva’s sharp charm — it is the perfect team to bring this Christmas chaos to life.”

Added Greenwood and Pearlman in a joint statement: “Fulwell Entertainment and Keal Productions pride themselves on working with the very best talent and IP to create unmissable and entertaining film and TV content for audiences everywhere! It’s thrilling to bring James Patterson’s and Tad Safran’s best-selling novel to life for the big screen. We can’t wait to wish audiences a very messy Christmas with all the magic, chaos and laughter that this well-loved story brings.”

Behind-the-camera talent includes award-winning choreographer Adam Murray (“Rocketman,” “Cruella, “The King’s Man”), with casting by Kelly Valentine Hendry (“Bridgerton,” “Fleabag,” “Rivals”).

Sheen is repped by CAA, LINK Entertainment, Roxane Vacca Management in the U.K., and Schreck Rose Dapello Adams Berlin & Dunham; Longoria is repped by WME, Linden Entertainment, and Yorn, Levine, Barnes, Krintzman, Rubenstein, Kohner, Endlich, Goodell & Gellman. Patterson is repped by CAA, Bob Barnett at Williams & Connolly, and Peter Grossman at Lichter Grossman Nichols Feldman Rogal Shikora & Clark, Gregor is repped by WME in the U.S., and Curtis Brown Group in the U.K.

[carriagelamp]

By and large I was very satisfied with my books from this month. Read some books that were Goofy As Fuck (affectionate) this month, as well as some excellent nonfiction

Beware of Chicken

I get to kick this month off by being a hater. I was really disappointed in this book. A friend completely loves the series and was convinced it was right up my alley, so I'd gotten it on really high recommendation. The concept is right up my alley (protagonist lives in a cultivation setting, decides he actually hates all the violence and fighting involved in cultivation and instead fucks off to become a farmer… however his rooster then becomes a cultivator in his stead, hilarity ensues!) but the execution… woof. This is the sort of parody that rubs me the wrong way, the sort that comes across as lazy and clumsy and too mean-spirited to be appealing. 

The main character is isekai’d (another trope I don’t love as a rule) and he is just… unpleasant. He is a very Standard OP Main Character where everything he does goes well and everyone loves and reveres him with no actual work put in. The way female characters are handled sucks. The only bits I really enjoyed was the rooster’s POV and even that began to feel repetitive pretty quickly. I did not finish this book, there are better options out there.

The Disabled Tyrant’s Beloved Pet Fish v1

Now, speaking of better books that lightly parody cultivation and isekai stories: tada! This series is ridiculous. It is very very very stupid. The writing is nothing to (hurr hurr) write home about. And I have definitely fallen in love with it, it’s good-hearted and silly in a way that feels perfect right now.

The main character, Li Yu, wakes up in a webnovel setting but rather than in the body of a character he is… a fish. The mission he’s given is to become the “tyrannical” fifth prince’s beloved pet and help him become a better person than he was in the canonical story. This whole book is some Saturday morning TV slapstick nonsense and it rocks. Li Yu is trying to be Very Sneaky And Cunning and fails it at every possible step. He is very obviously Not A Fish... however it just so happens that his new master knows so little about fish or pets that he’s just shrugging and going along with things. I’m very much looking forward to continuing the series.

Escape from Incel Island

I was in a independent book store and this was sitting out on a shelf. I was physically incapable of walking by this and not buying it. So here we are. This is the most deranged little novella you could possibly ask for, and I read it out loud with my girlfriend (while waiting in traffic) and later with my brother. It’s impossible not to laugh.

This story follows Manslaughter Jones, ruthless mercenary, and Dr Morrison who have been sent to the notorious Incel Island to retrieve lost government data. Along the way they team up with a group of Nice Guys, need to fight their way through dangerous forests and hordes of enemies while surrounded by a continual and extravagant spray of blood. What sort of people who were lured to an island prison with the promise of their very own woman upon arrival? You'll soon find out! This is obviously a parody of online incel culture and guns-blazing action movies, with just enough societal commentary to make it feel worth reading.

Honestly, if you want a book that jumps the shark from page one and is unapologetic about it, it's a very fun read. Highly recommend finding someone with a sense of humour to read it aloud with.

The God & the Flightless Messenger

A cute little manga that I was gifted. It’s set on a mountain where gods come and go, inhabiting the various peaks. They’re cared for by winged messengers, who tend to their needs and ensure they aren’t contaminated with chaos. Shin is a messenger whose wings never grew in properly, who can’t fly and doesn’t have a god to serve — until now. He’s sent down to the lowest mountain peak where a strange, new furball-of-a-god has appeared, one that seems to not just attract chaos to it but which seeks it out…

An Illustrated History of Urban Legends

A very chill nonfiction book about different aspects of urban legends, from ghost stories to cryptids to aliens. Written for a younger audience in mind, this is mainly just an introduction to the concept, but it’s well-written with a reasonably skeptical bend that points out conspiracy theories plainly. As an adult I found it worth reading just to enjoy the art that fills every page!

Old Wounds

This novel was… fine. Erin and Max, two trans teens, are determined to drive west to California, where they can attend college and live a more open life than they do in their small hometown. Things begin to go wrong though when they find themselves stranded in rural America, surrounded by not just small town bigots but potentially something much more deadly in the woods.

This is billed as a fairly classic “townsfolk sacrifice outsiders to the local monster” type of story, which I enjoy, but it fell short on the actual horror elements. There was no point where I was actually scared or worried for their well-being — it was fairly obvious that these two were safely shrouded in plot armour. However the story itself wasn’t bad. If you’re interested more in an interpersonal drama with a dash of light peril and horror elements on the side, you might enjoy this. If you want something that’s actually scary, try something else.

The Poison Squad

Absolutely phenomenal nonfiction, contender for my favourite book this month. This book delves into the history of the American FDA, and looks at the absolutely nightmarish landscape that existed when companies were allowed to put whatever the fuck they wanted into food completely indiscriminately and without telling anyone about it. All those people who want unpasteurized milk? Wanna know how they used to preserve it long enough to ship to the cities? Fill it with formaldehyde and some chalk powder to make it look white. Enjoy!! There was something very satisfying about watching such a dedicated fight for stricter regulations and consumer protection, mixed with just enough horror at what was being shoved into foods.

It has since been making me side-eye both a) food, and b) absolutely anything that tries to weaken governmental food regulations. Considering the political landscape, it really just makes this book all the more worth reading. On top of the fascinating topic, Deborah Blum has a very enjoyable, narrative writing style that makes it a very easy and enjoyable read (coming from me, who isn’t overly fond of nonfiction in general).

The Poisoner’s Handbook

After finishing Poison Squad I wanted to read more by Deborah Blum and found this. You can definitely see how Poison Squad grew out of the initial research that must have gone into The Poisoner’s Handbook. This nonfiction book is set during the Jazz Age, all around the time of Prohibition, and follows Charles Norris who becomes New York’s first appointed Chief Medical Examiner who pioneers the field of forensic medicine. He plays a pivotal roll in showing how rigorous scientific testing can be used to discern toxicity in humans, solve crimes, protect innocent people from wrongful accusations, and campaign for better safety regulations of poisonous substances. Not quite as well-written as Poison Squad imo, but a very compelling topic.

Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes

Read in honour of Rememberance Day. This is a book I vaguely remembered reading in elementary school, and decided to revisit. It’s just a tiny little chapter book, about a twenty minute read if even, but it hits hard. I remember sobbing as I read it as a kid, and I didn’t fare much better as an adult. It’s a fictionalized account of a real Japanese girl, Sadako, who was born just after the bomb was dropped on Hiroshima. It follows her eventual diagnosis with leukemia and the slow death that follows. A very powerful anti-war story, superb if you want to traumatize any young children in your life ♥

The Scum Villain's Self-Saving System v4

The final book of the Scum Villain Self-Saving System series, though the main story concluded in book 3. This book was entirely filled with additional “bonus stories” and honestly it’s just convinced me that more series should do this. There was something really fantastic about getting to neatly wrap up the series in book 3, but then still having some extra adventures, both pre-, mid-, and post-canon. Some of my favourites included the story that focused on side characters Shang Qinghua and Mobei-Jun and how their relationship evolved over the course of the series, some additional lore for my boy Zhuzhi-Lang, as well as a very amusing “de-age” story in which Luo Binghe finds himself in a child’s body though with all his usual memories and feelings. Shen Qingqiu has to deal with a pseudo-toddler who is capable of wholesale destruction — one who Is Not Happy about being mistaken for Shen Qingqiu’s child, and who wants people to stop propositioning this “single father” already, he is right here!!! These stories were mostly fun and silly with a few heart-wrenching ones mixed in for good measure.

The Swiss Family Robinson

A children’s classic that I’ve always meant to get around to. It was published in 1812??? I had no idea it was actually that old! Though man, once you start reading it You Can Tell...

For those who somehow don’t know the premise, The Swiss Family Robinson is about a (Swiss) family (named Robinson) who are shipwrecked near a deserted island. They then have to make their way to shore and figure out a way to survive. You see them meet all sorts of animals, scavenge for supplies, and build up a home on their island paradise.

Now, as far as it coming out in 1812… I can see why this would appeal to people at the time. It was a power-fantasy set during a time when sea exploration was The Hot Thing. There were all sorts of exotic animals! It tried to offer up what was probably New And Exciting Science! Unfortunately, from a 2024 lens, it is all completely insane and wrong. Kangaroos, buffalos, ostriches, jackals, elephants, vultures, anacondas… the entire world is condensed onto this singular island! Don’t even get started on the plantlife! And every single animal here is destined to be hunted and shot. We are very gun-happy in this book. 

My other main condemnation of the book (because let’s be honest, the science can be forgiven when the time period is taken into account) is that it is profoundly boring. There are no big problems. There is no difficulty. If a problem arises, it’s easily and perfectly solved by the father within the same paragraph. It makes for a slightly surreal reading experience and not one I'm eager to repeat. I've heard the Disney version at least includes pirates so I might try watching that, just so this boring as fuck colonialist narrative can get spiced up a little...

When Women Were Dragons

Hands down the best written book I’ve read this month which I was not expecting. I’ve seen this book’s name get bandied about, but always with pretty mixed reviews. Well, after finishing the book and diving into the goodreads comments to see what the heck people are going on about, I’ve concluded that the reading comprehension on this site is worse than I imagined.

So, from the top, let me make it abundantly clear: this is not a fantasy adventure. It will not read like a fantasy adventure. It is, arguably, not even fantasy! Despite the dragons! This book is 100% an example of pure, uncut magical realism and it has to be read allegorically. If you are reading this literally, I’m sorry but you are reading it wrong and I wouldn’t be surprised if you didn’t enjoy it.

This story is set during the 1950s, in a time surrounding an event known as “The Mass Dragoning” when thousands of women suddenly, spontaneously, transformed into dragons and flew away. The story follows Alex Green who was a child during this event. Her aunt transformed. Her mother didn’t. Both of these things have profound impacts on Alex as she grows up, and a woman’s role in society, a woman’s anger, her joy, her desire are all questioned and explored. What does it mean for someone to stay, for someone to leave, and for someone to be left behind? What does the transition between first and second wave feminism look like? It is a heavy book but beautifully written and incredibly poignant. So many times I was left in speechless awe. This is really a masterpiece, and if you like dissecting literary works I can’t recommend it enough.

This Months Notable Absentee:

Whoops, I was doing Dracula Daily and completely forgot about it during the long slow section after the October whammy, so I did not end up finishing it on time.... 🫠 expect that on Decembers book round up!

[zombfearer]

My no good horrible son Carnie for the Oc Parade!!!

In life Carnie was a jester, and was beheaded when their king felt it's jokes were nit befitting a perfect royal dynasty. After spending a short period as Pariah Dark's jester, they now spend their time haunting the descendants of the man who urged for their execution.

i didn't really know what else to put here .. more art n their reference sheet under the cut :oP

ps: ..... blorbo

[thoughtsickles]

2024 Year in Fic

I read so much great stuff this year. Found several new fandoms I'm insane for, wrote a ton (I will publish.... at some point!) and went through pages and pages of A03 search results looking for those few gems... and I found some. Here are some faves:

you're in love (true love) and all's well that ends well to end up with you and i wanna be your endgame by orphan_account Brian Kinney/Justin Taylor (Queer as Folk US)

oh the pain of finding a new favorite author who's orphaned all their fics... luckily they titled all of them with taylor swift lyrics so you can pick them out from doing a ship search on A03 with orphan_account as author. they are all fabulous but these are my particular favorites. hijinks/misunderstandings, hot sexy scenes, beautiful character moments... they've got it all! I come back to these over and over again because they're just that good.

Of Cowardice and Frog-shaped soap by sakesushimaki Randy Harrison/Gale Harold (actor RPF)

finally some good fucking RPF!!! the yearning, the drama, the románce

every single one-shot by sakesushimaki Brian Kinney/Justin Taylor (Queer as Folk US)

the YEARNING... the sex-as-religion... the beautiful characterizations.... date last posted 2012. I reach through time to praise this author and politely ask if they are writing anything else lately. just wondering.

Taking Care by MB (Sidney_Allison) Brian Kinney/Justin Taylor (Queer as Folk US)

killer concept--what if Brian and Justin met during the cancer arc when Justin is hired as Brian's caregiver?--and killer execution. A beauty of a fic.

Lola by misomadness Tim Bradford/Lucy Chen (The Rookie) WIP

you know how sometimes the entire fandom of a ship seems overtaken by people who want to put them into an ooc suave dom/giggling schoolgirl kind of AU and you're out here like where are the Lucy/Tim understanders... where are the actual good reflections of their dynamic... well misomadness gets it! it's a WIP but c'mon, we aren't weak here on thoughtsickles.tumblr.com. we are willing to play the long game. we are willing to read WIPs with the proper matching of each other's freak in hopes it will be continued. and how can you resist an undercover op story?

(you are) my very best thing by portraitofemmy, stormcoming Quentin Coldwater/Eliot Waugh (The Magicians)

beautiful fwb to lovers romance about growing up, finding your family, letting your dreams evolve, letting yourself grow and become changed.

A More Perfect Fall by cinnaluminum Carlos Reyes/TK Strand (9-1-1: Lone Star)

missing moments? tender!dom Carlos trying-to-play-it-cool pov? sign me up!

[nervouswhizkid]

alright, u know what time it is. i've finished season 3 of voltron, so here's a whole dump of all my thoughts :o]

it was so weird starting out this season with no shiro. i felt so bad for keith, he was struggling so much without him and you could tell. it did throw me off that everyone was acting semi-normal even though shiro was missing?? like lance was so Lance (especially in the first episode) if that makes sense (which, like, if i think about it that's pretty on brand for him. i feel like he's the type to hide behind that flirty easygoing attitude when shit's going down.) i was freaking out when the lion swap happened ohmygod. i still have mixed feelings about it?? like i can kinda get used to keith in the black lion, but lance being in the red is so strange to me. they're just so red & blue coded, it's weird to put them in lions that don't match that. my heart was breaking when lance was begging black to let him be the new leader, you can tell he wants to prove himself so bad. and when blue wouldn't let lance in and he was having a mental crisis over it, i was genuinely in tears. he's got so much insecurity hidden behind that carefree mask and it makes me so sad i just wanna hug him😭 even though i'm not entirely on board with the lion swap, i did like the way it was executed. everyone gets in their lions to go fight, except oh wait! lance isn't following, where is he?? his lion is refusing him?? what! (i'll be completely honest though, i feel like i've read fics that have had something like this play out and they STILL did it better than the show did LMAO)

i also loved that it was LANCE out of all the paladins that became the new red pilot. he was worthy enough to be keith's right hand🥹 i feel like there was such a big emphasis on klance this season, there were so many important moments for their development.

key moment one:

the way EVERYONE was looking at lance to comfort keith??? and lance wasn't even thrown by it, didn't even seem to notice them staring at him. he was only focused on keith. he doubts himself in so many other areas, but when it comes to being there for keith there was no hesitation. he would have done it whether the others were there or not.

key moment two:

when keith came out of the black lion clearly upset and tried turning down the leadership position. again, everyone is chiming in and telling him that black has chosen him, he's their new leader, he has to do this. but he brushes them off, he's adamant in his decison. only when lance steps forward and tells him that he accepts his new authority, keith was willing to give it a shot. what if i scream

key moment THREE:

when lotor lured team voltron to planet thayserix and keith went a little cuckoo trying to catch him, he and lance end up having a moment where keith admits he's taken it too far, putting the team in jeopardy in his rush to capture lotor. and in perfect lance fashion, he agrees with keith. and then he supports him and says let's go fix it together.

this doesn't mean anything, he's just so prettyboy in this scene i had to add

moving on. lotor's character has me conflicted. his introduction had me thinking he was different from his father, and then it swaps to him talking shit with this inner group and sounding like he IS just like his father, he just presents a different front to the general public. but then a few episodes later, his plans are conflicting with what the witch (sorry i literally cannot ever remember her name) wants, and she's supposedly zarkon's right hand, so by that logic lotor is going against his father's plans?? and i think it's in episode 5 where he says "i am the leader! but i am not my father." so what is it really huh. i can't figure this guy out, i don't know whether to root for him or not

i'll tell you who i'm not rooting for though. lotor's group of misfits, that's who. i literally cannot stand them for some reason. that creepy blind person with the cat ANNOYS ME. they're so op it's actually crazy. i definitely dislike the lot of them because they're capable adversaries, which i know is the whole point, but also i just love these characters so much and i want them to be happy and win 😾 is that too much to ask???

i'm also a little bit of an allura hater...i'm still unaware of how that opinion is received in the fandom, so pls don't crucify me. i still have a bad taste in my mouth from her treatment of keith when the team found out he was galra, okay? i'm sure someday i'll get over it. or maybe i won't. we'll see. it was also frustrating to watch her try and pilot the blue lion. you're telling me this girl's dad is the creator of voltron, she was the one who instructed the paladins on how to connect with their lions, stressed the importance of teamwork, and she STILL thought she could boss blue around?? i'm sure it was purely to provide conflict for the story and deliver that payoff when she finally figures out how to work with her lion, but imo it was a little unrealistic for her character. yes, she's royalty and most people defer to her authority, but i just feel like she would have known better, especially considering most of the time she seems uncomfortable by people worshipping her. and episode 4?? her weak spot seems to be anything connecting back to her altean heritage, because she almost let the totalitarian alternate universe versions of her people into their universe simply because they were altean. yes, she quickly realized what was going on and switched sides, but i can't get over how easily she trusts anything altean, meanwhile she's skeptical of everything else. i know that's how bias works, but i can't standdddd hypocrisy it gets on my nerves like nothing else!!

episode 5 was wild. i don't know what they did to shiro, but it's got me so nervous for him and the team. the galra clearly let him escape, it was just too easy. him waking up alone, no guards or anyone to intercept him leaving his chambers? walking around, no sentries anywhere? he witnesses ANOTHER(?) shiro being experimented on before making his way to a pod and zipping away?? and most notably, the "notify command headquarters. operation kuron stage three is underway." to me, there's only one reason why a prisoner would be allowed to return to their group. sabotage. is he some kind of sleeper agent? but like, unknowingly?? and what about the memory that popped up while he was looking at the other shiro? and HOW is there another shiro? this is so fucking confusing. but, and this could also just be a change in artstyle, he looks different to me? why does his face look so weird🧍‍♀️

LOOK AT THIS MAN. THAT IS NOT SHIRO

not to mention, shiro's return causes some issues within the team. for one, there's not enough lions for everyone. i didn't think that was a huge deal, but obviously it's a little strange for someone like shiro to not be doing anything. and if he did get black back, what does that mean for keith? or lance? or allura? they've all been displaced. on top of that, there's now a conflicting power dynamic between shiro and keith since shiro is used to doling out orders, even though keith is the one leading them now.

special mention for another klance moment:

even with all the leadership confusion, i think it's important that lance chose keith to talk to about his concerns for the team. he views keith as their leader, which is insane(!) given that shiro is his personal hero/idol. also the fact that keith has been his rival up to this point, and here lance is offering to step down from the team (which he's obviously fought so hard to be a part of and holds a lot of pride for!!) and better yet, keith thinks this is CRAZY. "what are you talking about?" the inflection in his voice?? he literally can't believe lance would step down. voltron without lance? it's unthinkable. i think it's obvious that lance is still doubtful, so keith connects with him the only way he knows how: by getting on lance's level. "leave the math to pidge."

AND THEN THEY BOTH SMILE AT EACH OTHERBKANJKCLFJLWA

for cohesiveness sake, i'll be referring to honerva as haggar, considering that's what she goes by now.

the finale for this season really surprised me! i wasn't expecting to get a comprehensive history on alfor's era, but i'm not complaining. i can't believe that zarkon and haggar (the witch, that's her name!!) are MARRIED?? that's freaking crazy. and they didn't even remember???

what i found interesting is how their experimentation with quintessence affected them, both after they "died" and came back to life, and even before that. by the second half of the episode, the toll haggar's work had on her was obvious. she was clearly going crazy, suffering from malnutrition, and passed out after alfor argued with them and left. i could be looking into it too much, but i'm wondering if it had been affecting haggar for longer than that. when zarkon first met her, she seemed kind, almost sweet. definitely capable and incredibly smart, but she had a soft disposition. years later, when alfor has allura and zarkon and haggar are married, she's lost any sign of a smile and doesn't seem to care for pleasantries or idle chitchat. her responses are clipped and noncommittal, unless it's pertaining to her work. i think that was the first sign. the whole situation is just so horrific.

i'm also just realizing, does this mean lotor is the son of haggar and zarkon?? IS HE HALF ALTEAN???

another small detail i wanted to mention before i finish this off:

is this the same cat?? it's either the same species or it's the actual same cat from alfor's era. i just thought it was interesting that he was included and, if it is the same cat, he's really fucking old LMFAO

[radiantrookie]

Entrées Flavor Texts:

A good meal is like a good caper-throughly planned, well-executed, savored, and satisfying. You come away feeling fulfilled. Now, whether that means a fully belly, a full heist bag, or a backup drive full of secrets...that's entirely up to you.

Tails's Adabat Griller

I discovered this dish while traveling with Sonic on yet another adventure to save the world. You can never go wrong with a skewer, and this one showcases all the local delicacies in one ho. Thanks to Big's adviice, I added a bit of fish, too!

The Knuckles Wrap

It doesn't matter if you're searching through Pumpkin Hill, Wild Canyon, or Aquatic Mine, this wrap is just satisfying. You'll keep coming back to it and be thinking about it long after it's finished.

Rouge's Spiral Roast

I don't do anything small. My spy ops need to be thrilling. My jewel heists can't be for mere trinkets. And when I sit down to dine, I need something exquisite and robust. Never settle for anything less than the best, my darlings.

Eggman's Eggs-Quisite Lunch

A man of my genius and work ethic needs a hearty lunch to get me through the day. This hefty helping of omurice and tempura is more than enough to satisfy me. That is, of course, because I'm inspired by its plotting grin before I dig in. That is the (replicated) smile of a genius.

Trivia: This appears as an edible item in Sonic Unleashed.

Eggman's Master Meal Plan

If I'm to maintain my signature feared figure, I need a steady supply of protein and calories. I've mastered the art of fry cooking, and thus my bountiful box of golden fried goodness comes out perfect every time.

Vector's Garlic Collector

Aw, yeah! A meal fit for a king, I tell ya! Each slice is as good as the last. Every time you finish one, you'll say, "I want one more" until it's all gone! 'Course that happens a lot faster when a couple of freeloaders decide they are hungry after all and muscle in on dinner.

Vector's Tangled leads of a Delicious Mystery

Now this is where you go when you want to load on carbs when you aren't loaded. It's simple, it's cheap, it's filling, it's cheap, and you can dress it up however you like. Also, it's cheap! Just because you can make it easily doesn't mean it's low quality, though!

Espio's Hidden Truth

Like the ninja, the onigiri hides its true nature deep within--it's delicious, hidden nature. Its unassuming appearance can even fool the uninitiated. And like a well-trained ninja, it is versatile. This is my preferred recipe, but onigiri can be filled with almost anything.

Froggy's Fortune

I go fishing with my pal Froggy all the time. He's a big eater, so I catch lots of fish. He only eats bugs, though. More fish for me, I guess!