#prototype medic power armor

[medics-secret-shipfic-folder]

Medic, The Healer of RED

Medic, The Healer of RED - Medic, known formally as Mr. Ludwig, is the crazed doctor of Reliable Excavation and Demolition. Hailing from Germany, this man of medicine has a poor relationship with the Hippocratic Oath, caring more about his own morbid curiosity than any bedside manners.

Three months after the events of The Naked and the Dead, Medic and the rest of RED and BLU were sent out on a mission to retrieve The Philosopher's Stone from Merasmus. Unfortunately, they would instead retrieve the cursed tome of Sol in Umbra, releasing the Shadow Blight onto the world and plunging humanity into an apocalypse. Medic and Heavy would be sent through a portal to the abandoned Gray Gravel Co. in Australia. Here, the two would encounter the Classic Heavy, who appears to have miraculously been revived through unknown means.

This event would kick off the journey chronicled in Take Back The Fortress. These mercenaries, later joined by the Classic Medic, would resolve to make their way back to Teufort in a globe-trotting road trip as armageddon ravages the world. During this journey, Medic would become the arbiter of Sol in Umbra, being the only person who can read its Latin script. Medic would become fascinated with learning about the Shadow Blight and would later discover the mysterious Resonance Arks, elemental gems born from the Blight's power that thrive off human emotions.

Further research into the Arks lead to the creation of the Resonance Gloves, prototype armor that would allow the mercenaries to easily wield the Resonance Arks. Unfortunately, these gloves would prove ineffective and the RED team's engineer would improve upon their design, creating the vastly superior Ark Gauntlets.

Though Medic has experience with all six of the Resonance Arks, he is especially proficient in the element of water, being the first to unlock the ultimate power of the Resonance Arks: Limit Form.

🌟| My DA | My AO3 |🌟

[spooky-donut-ghost-house]

In pre-war times The Think Tank used death row inmates for experiments and would tell them that if they survived experiments they would be set free at the end of the month only to erase their memory and have them go through experiments again like The D-Class Inmates of The SCP Foundation

Another headcanon I thought of

So as you know from it being mentioned in Fallout 3 in Point Lookout and MacCready's personal quest in Fallout 4 there is The New Plague and in Fallout Van Buren it was called Limit 115

And The US Government used The New Plague to check if people supported communism and China

So where do I think The New Plague came from?

Well what if it was a bio weapon? What if it was created for the sole purpose of seeing who supported communism and China? If so who could've possibly made this plague? The Think Tank scientists of Big Mountain

Most of their creations such as cyberdogs and the stealth armor were used or intended to be used by the US Government and they also assisted the US Government by making Little Yangtze

So what if The Think Tank of Big Mountain created The New Plague aka Limit 115 to help the US Government further weed out "supporters of communism" and "Chinese spies"?

I also headcanon The Think Tank is responsible for the existence of The MP-47/A Prototype Medic Power Armor

[juniaships]

Dr. Arabella Webster

A scientist who used to work with Alex Malto and Dr. Meridian long time ago. She was an entomologist who created several prototypes intended to help humanity and the Autobots. Specifically the armor my self insert uses as her superhero form.

One day, Arabella was assigned to a small team of researchers as part of the humans efforts of fighting rogue Cybertronians. Arabella was sympathetic to the Autobots: her family was no stranger to war and she didn't want anyone to feel that pain.

Meridian was skeptical of Cybertronians. He didn't want Arabella to get involved. She responded that as scientists it was their duty to help others, even if the do come from outer space. Reluctant, Meridian agreed but promised to keep herself safe. As war threatened to ravage earth Arabella worked endless days to create gadgets that can aid in civilian and medical care.

Tragically, she would never wear the ring Meridian bought for her.

During the Battle of the Bay, friendly fire struck the building Meridian and Webster were in. Meridians' droids carried him out, but there was no sign of Webster anywhere.

Heartbroken by the loss of his love, Meridian vowed revenge on ALL Cybertronians. He had Webster's body preserved in a tub filled with mysterious, lifegiving liquid. Over time grafting mechanical parts in the hopes of resurrecting her.

Eventually, after the events of the s1 finale, Dr Webster would live again...but under a new persona... Blackarachnia

Since Tarantulas appeared in the show it wouldn't be far off for another beast wars character to show up. And since Mandroid is associated with spiders, and his grudge on cybertron well... I mean his grudge is way too deep, so I want to give him an actual backstory. By losing someone he cared about his crusade becomes a lot more understandable. Like, he he was losing a chance to start a family with the woman he loves, then here comes a family and they adopted the enemy species???

But also I am a HUGE fan of TFA and wanted to carry over some aspects into my lore. It's ironic: Elita and Blackarachnia were one & the same in that series.

With Arabella, in my possible s2 she could become an antagonist parallel to Croft and Mandroid: while they're driven by power and racism, she's having an existential crisis. But she had redeemable qualities she doesn't blame the Terrans, nor tried to put people in danger - not on purpose. She just wants to be left alone and try to make sense of her new reality.

Yes I know Arabella is "the Gwen Stacy" but I still want her to have an interesting story. To show she was a real person who deserves a full life and that not all villains are vicious and evil.

[ben426]

This mod intends to rebalance the stats of Fallout 3 Power Armor to make it closer in function to Fallout 4 Power Armor.

🛈 Requirements: Fallout 3 🛈 Please be aware that this mod has been discontinued before the DLC update to it was ready. As a result, compatibility with power armors introduced in DLCs may vary. Certain features provided by the mod may not be extended to all or some of the additional power armors included in the downloadable contents. ↓ Download from: Direct, Mirror (Nexusmods)

Unleash the true power of Fallout 3's power armor with my Boosted Power Armors mod, designed to bring it closer in functionality to its Fallout 4 counterpart. This mod carefully tweaks the stat boosts provided by the power armor, ensuring it lives up to its name without becoming overpowered.

Key Features:

General Power Armor Benefits:

Water breathing with any power armor helmet.

100% radiation protection, mirroring Fallout 4.

Carry weight increase by 25 points.

Damage resistance boosted by 25 points.

Normal Power Armor:

"Big Guns" skill increased by 6 points.

Health boosted by 10 points.

Strength increased by 6 points.

Agility decreased by 3 points.

T-51b Power Armor:

"Big Guns" skill increased by 7 points.

Health boosted by 15 points.

Strength increased by 7 points.

Agility decreased by 2 points.

Tesla Power Armor:

"Energy Weapons" skill increased by 15 points.

Health boosted by 15 points.

Strength increased by 7 points.

Agility decreased by 3 points.

Prototype Medic Power Armor:

"Medic" skill increased by 10 points.

Health boosted by 15 points.

Strength increased by 5 points.

Agility decreased by 2 points.

Linden's Power Armor:

"Big Guns" skill increased by 10 points.

Health boosted by 10 points.

Strength increased by 4 points.

Agility decreased by 3 points.

Requirements:

Fallout 3

Installation:

Drop the file into your Fallout 3 Data folder and tick it in the launcher.

Uninstallation:

Simply delete the file from your Fallout 3 Data folder.

Legal:

Feel free to do anything you want with this file, except selling it. A proper credit and a link to its usage are all I ask for.

[artsy-hobbitses]

Late night and suddenly an agent of chaos stormed into my brain, so here he is! Wheeljack has no use for a dress code outside of the battlefield (the labcoat was a passive-aggressive gift from Perceptor and he thinks it looks cooler off-shoulder so he’ll take it. Also good for putting out small fires!)

Wheedon/Wheeljack was born with Tetra-Amelia syndrome and abandoned a few days after his birth, before he was taken in by a local NGO; He was raised by the head of the NGO who went nearly bankrupt trying to ensure he received an education as well as his first set of prosthetics, and his interest in cybernetics grew from here. While it had been hoped that his story could bring awareness and more funding in for amputees in the area, that hope never materialised, but Wheeljack pushed on, determined to help people like him out by producing affordable, quality prosthetics (which were hard to come by as medical care was segregated between different working classes) all the while testing to see how far the technology could go.  His work attracted the attention of Senator Shockwave who was interested in funding his project on a local and worldwide scale in the future, and he grew to be a top expert in the field, the tech he innovated being used in the prototypes for Senator Shockwave’s armor as well.  However, he began courting the ire of those in power when he extended a hand to those who underwent Empurata (who were at government mercy to provide ‘approved’ prosthetics for them, which were intrusive and could be taken away at will), and seeing how rampant the procedure had become for ‘political dissidents’ enraged him enough that he sided with the rebellion, where he became the go-to man for coding the armor they wore into battle as well as providing prosthetics for those maimed in combat (including Prowl, Blaster, Mirage and Hound, among others, over the course of the war)   The bad news: Things still occasionally explode in his lab. The good news: He can be put back together! Just be a pal and get his hand from behind that shelf won’t you? Don’t mind the twitching.

[new-california-veteran]

Since Fallout 3 is still fucked on pc I'm back to console.

My party is Clover, Dogmeat, The MP-47/A Prototype Medic Power Armor...and sticky.

[reliciron]

Was looking up stuff about the Agent’s ship and found backgrounds for each ship on the swtor wiki here. Thought they were cool so I’m gonna share them:

X-70B Phantom

The starships of the Imperial Navy are the product of centuries of military research and development. The Empire designed its fleet to destroy the Republic as quickly and efficiently as possible. During the years of the Great War, however, the Empire refined its design strategies. Co-opting newly discovered technologies and revising blueprints according to lessons learned, Imperial engineers built a new generation of starships.

First among these, Imperial Intelligence commissioned the X70B-Phantom—the most low-profile, high-tech starship the galaxy has ever known. From its radar-resistant sleek exterior paneling to the next-generation navigation systems, the Phantom is so far ahead of its time that mass production would never be possible. More likely, the experimental prototypes built so far will be designated for critical Intelligence missions, and entrusted only to the most professional and responsible Imperial Agents.

Corellian XS Stock Light Freighter

The classic Freighter has advanced by leaps and bounds since the Dynamic class Freighters from the days of the Jedi Civil War. The freighter is larger and more versatile than its predecessors, and the XS Stock Light model also features a variety of significant upgrades that make it one of the fastest and most nimble ships in the galaxy. In addition to an enlarged cargo hold, the XS also has secret compartments throughout the ship for transporting contraband and anything else the captain would prefer to keep hidden. If the captain prefers to simply avoid being boarded, the XS has proven itself to be fully capable. In addition to the standard laser and torpedo batteries, the starship is designed with upper and lower turrets that can be controlled manually or remotely from the cockpit. Captains of these freighters typically live on board, so the XS Stock Light has all the creature comforts anyone could ask for, from a recreational lounge to extra sleeping quarters. It’s no wonder that it inspires such loyalty in its owners.

Kuat Drive Yards (KDY) D5-Mantis Patrol Craft

A rare, best-in-class vessel, the D5-Mantis is an alpha predator in the cold depths of space. Designed to meet the hefty demands of a much larger interdiction vessel, the Mantis has a compact frame and above all-- is built to fight. By employing three retractable weapon foils with independent power supplies, the Mantis is capable of safely utilizing armament intended for larger class vessels, as well as reducing its profile significantly in order to be packed tightly into carrier ships with a surprising number of other Mantis crafts. To mitigate what would otherwise be an extremely cramped interior, the engineers of the D5-Mantis make efficient use of vertical space and minimized bulkheads to provide more open areas and ensure ease of access for maintenance. Due to the prohibitive cost of building a completely independent, long-range picket ship, the Mantis has never seen large-scale production. Spotting one in use is a very rare sight, and a mark of exceptional means.

Rendili Hyperworks BT-7 Thunderclap

The BT-7 Thunderclap is the Republic's largest and most elite rapid assault ship—streamlined for fast deployment in combat situations. Upgrades requested by Republic Special Forces ensure reliable performance and durability: state-of-the-art armor plating and heavy laser cannons provide exceptional combat capability, modular shield systems protect the Thunderclap from enemy fire, and the ship's design deflects blaster fire away from crucial components in the event of shield failure. Despite its efficient military design, the Thunderclap is outfitted with all manner of interior improvements. The main deck contains a high-tech command center and briefing room, a secure armory, and a fully-outfitted medical bay. Personal bunk space is above average, and recreational facilities are available for increased quality of life for the squad during extended missions.

Fury-Class Imperial Interceptor

Featuring an advanced hyperdrive and state-of-the-art sub-light engines, the Fury is the most versatile starship in the Imperial fleet. Though initially designed for high-priority military missions, the Fury has become a favorite among Sith Lords and the latest models have been engineered accordingly. The Fury's angular design combines the maneuverability of smaller Imperial fighters like the Interceptor with impressive armament that rivals some of the Empire's larger military vessels. The Fury also features a newly designed set of 'strike foils' that remain down for travel but can be expanded in short range combat to maximize the ship's agility and range of firepower. On the interior, adjustments have been made to match to the luxury and aesthetics demanded by the Sith. No expenses have been spared.

Corellian Defender-Class Light Corvette

Developed at the height of the Great War, the Defender was custom-built for the Jedi Order. The Jedi Council commissioned the starship after determining that Republic military vessels were not well-suited to the Jedi's more specialized missions. The Defender's exterior design is based on the consumer model corvette, but it has been outfitted with countless customized upgrades. The starship includes two levels. The formal upper level features diplomatic meeting rooms and an elegant conference room at the ship's center. The conference room contains a unique Holocom system for secure communications with the Jedi Council. The Defender's lower level includes a cargo hold, a medical bay, and a small private space in which the Jedi can retreat for meditation. Despite the Jedi Order's commitment to peace, the ship is battle-ready. If circumstances warrant, the Defender is engineered with high-powered shields and twin turbo lasers to engage the enemy.

[thewickedmerman]

Winx Club - Enchantix

It's finally time for the FINAL transformation (Which is gonna STAY the final transformation)! The fan favorite, ENCHANTIX! I am making some changes both for aesthetic reasons and for character reasons. They will all have the Bloomix wings because those are the best wings out of all of the transformations. I will be doing them in order of who earns their Enchantix.

Layla

Starting off with the BEST fairy! I didn't make too many changes, apart from the makeup, the color, the wings, and the skirt. I made the skirt a flowing high-low skirt that resembled a waterfall and a wave. I still included the straps but made both pink and kept the yellow seaweed looking things. But I also added a transparent pink thing to the skirt to make the front a little longer and to add some dimension to it. Layla has had the colors of her Enchantix outfit change from blue to green in the actual show, which I guess was because of how Bloom earned her Enchantix and they didn't want two of them to be in blue (Even though Layla's color always should've been blue and Bloom's really should've been red). However, I stuck with blue but also made is an aqua shade just like all of her past transformation looks. I also add some painted toenails because I wanted to. I changed her makeup because my girlfriend, who is half-black and is very protective of black females (Particularly full-blooded dark-skinned ones), pointed out that her makeup in her official Enchantix didn't look quite right because the lips were too light. So I used a slightly darker shade to fix that, as well as made her eyeshadow purple instead of green because it just looks better. Also, just wanted to point out the two little white things by her eyes because that is part of her original Enchantix form as well. They look like two little dewdrops. She still earns her Enchantix by using the last bit of sunlight to healing the queen of the mermaids instead of restoring her sight that was stolen by Valtor. Also, apparently the queen is supposed to be her aunt, which I'm guessing is more of an honorable love like family thing because of how the royal family of the merpeople are clearly not black and aren't even the same species as Layla. Anyway, I hope you guys like it.

Stella

Stella's Enchantix went through A LOT of changes. Don't get me wrong, her original Enchantix was gorgeous but I didn't feel like it showed enough of her sun and moon powers. I also wanted to give her a more Greek inspired look and went with her prototype Enchantix hair, which is so gorgeous and suits her and the outfit so much. I still went with her hair being lighter just like with her official Enchantix because I feel it does show her moon powers. I just really love the way she turned out. She still earns her Enchantix by saving her father from a dragon.

Musa

Musa's Enchantix went through A LOT of changes. Her original Enchantix was gorgeous but I felt that it should've ditched the pigtails and had more of an Asian influence to it. I went with her Bloomix hair because it is very Asian influenced, though I just added chopsticks, which was suggested by my girlfriend. I also tried to make her makeup look Asian inspired to just add to the look, which I really love. The blue of the outfit was almost gold but I changed it so that it would match the wings. The outfit is mainly purple, which I have as her signature color, but also made sure there was red because of how it is an important color in Asian culture. I made sure to add a music note on her top because of how she is the fairy of music and it goes with her wings. I really love her look and I'm pretty proud of how she turned out. Musa still earns her Enchantix by refusing to leave Princess Galatea behind and nearly dies protecting her. However, I also have Galatea be Musa's cousin because I'm keeping the 4KIDS canon of Musa being a princess, though one that is the daughter of a prince that denounced his throne. I feel like Musa being royal adds to the story of her parents because of how her mother rejected her classical training and her father rejected his royal title in order to have a career in music. However, they still didn't have much money and that added her mother dying because they couldn't afford the right medical attention. This resulted in her father giving up music forever and deciding to beg his family to let him back into the royal family, in order to keep Musa from struggling like he did and would have the means to have proper medical attention, so he wouldn't lose Musa either. He was let back into the royal family for the sake of Musa. However, her father would not be the one to inherit the throne, which would go to Galatea's father. So this means that Musa isn't just saving the princess of her planet that is a friend, but also saving a family member. I'm just assuming that Galatea is Asian with blonde hair (I mean, Musa has blue hair, so why not?) because her father is shown to look like a Chinese Emperor and the planet of Melody is very Asian influenced. Sorry for rambling.

Flora

I really didn't do any changes to Flora's Enchantix, apart from the Bloomix wings because Flora's Enchantix is perfection. She still earns her Enchantix by saving her little sister, Miele (Yes, I prefer her actual name over her 4KIDS name, Rose).

Tecna

For Tecna's Enchantix I really wanted it to be the most revealing of her fairy outfits (Well, tied with Sirenix) because of how I had her starting to show off more skin for her Believix form and it shows how she's grown and opened herself up to others and let herself be emotional instead of just logical all the time. Just because she isn't skinny it doesn't mean she has to alway be covered up. But I did adjust the length to make it more tasteful (Even though her original Enchantix wasn't distasteful). I also wanted to add some elements from her Bloomix form besides just the wings. I added the technology pattern she had on her leggings because they looked so amazing (But were a pain to do) and gave her that transparent fabric she has in that form. While Tecna's hair has grown in this transformation (Just like with all the girls), I didn't want to make it more than a few inches below the shoulders because her short hair makes her unique. I didn't add sparkles to the armor because I wanted to make clear the difference in material. Since I have her color being green, I did have to mess around with the coloring a bit and I love the way it looks. The way she earns her Enchantix is my favorite of all the girls because she saved not only her home planet, Zenith, but other planets by closing the portal to the Omega Dimension on Andros. That's just a whole new level of sacrifice. She doesn't die and does manage to escape, of course, but the impact of what she did is just a staple in the Winx Club and how much she means to the group and what an awesome character she is.

Bloom

Bloom's Enchantix was one I was VERY excited to do because of the GORGEOUS hair and how I really wanted to make her dress look like fire. This has gone from one of my least favorite Enchantix forms to one of my favorites. Don't get me wrong, her original Enchantix form was gorgeous but really didn't feel like it suited her powers. I did combine this with her Bloomix form because for one, the hair is just GORGEOUS and I really wanted to include the scales from the form. I wanted to have the top also have some flow to it. I especially wanted that with the skirt. I wanted it to appear like actual flames with red, orange, and yellow. I also blended the colors as they transitioned. I added blue-looking flames because of how fire does have a hint of blue to it, which is the hottest color. I decided to make her gloves orange to go with her fire powers and made her jewelry gold to go with her fire powers, as well as purple gems to go with her wings. I gave her a dragon necklace because it looks really badass. I went with a fiery-looking eyeshadow with blue and orange, which was easier to do because of how her hair isn't orange here. As for how she earns her Enchantix, I am NOT having her earn it by that bull crap of it being sheer force of will, which I know that my amazing friend @bellatrixobsessed1 will appreciate VERY much. Also, just so you all know, I'm keeping her birth parents and the entire population of Sparx DEAD! Yes, it's tragic but it's also something that gives Bloom a huge layer of depth. Anyway, what I decided to have happen is that she is on Pyros doing all she was doing in the show and basically trying to cheat to get her Enchantix with the help of Maya. However, Valtor, wanting to destroy Bloom once and for all and knowing that Pyros would be where she was at and that he couldn't enter because of a barrier that kept out dark magic decided to get Bloom to come to him by going to Earth to put her adopted parents in danger. Bloom, deep in meditation learns that her parents are in danger because her sister, Daphne appears to her in a vision to warn her. Bloom in desperation to save her parents begs Maya to help her to Earth. Maya warns her that if she leaves now that she may never be able to earn her Enchantix and that without it, she could die while trying to leave Pryros. Bloom says she doesn't care because Valtor may have taken her birth parents from her but she was NOT going to let him take her adopted parents. Daphne and Maya, reluctantly, use their magic to help Bloom get to Earth through a portal. Traveling through the portal was physically painful for Bloom but she kept on going and refused to give up. She nearly dies but as she arrives to Earth, just as Valtor was about to kill Mike and Vanessa (Bloom's adopted parents), a weakened Bloom with what little strength she had left threw herself in front of them to save their lives. She was close to death but this selfless act saved her life because of how it was what had her earn her Enchantix. Why? Because Faragona said that in order to earn Enchantix, you have to save someone from your home world and make a big sacrifice in the process. Home doesn't mean a place you are born in but rather a place you're loved and have a life. Earth is her home world, so saving her adopted parents allowed her to earn her Enchantix. Bloom, now more powerful than ever was able to fight off Valtor, forcing him to flee. Did you guys like my version of how Bloom earned her Enchantix? Let me know.

My final group picture of the Winx Club in their final forms. This was a lot of fun, a lot of work, and a lot of headaches. I couldn't have done it without the help of my girlfriend, @keeloves, who gave me suggestions and ideas, as well as feedback during the process. Thank you guys so much for liking my stuff, even if you didn't leave comments. I'm really happy to be done with this and I'm grateful for all the love this has been getting. Also, I have the girls flying instead of just standing like I did with their Magic Winx, casual looks, and Believix.

Credit for the bases goes to SelenaEde of DeviantArt

Credit for the wings goes to AstralBlu of DeviantArt

Credit for the backgrounds goes to xKaJot of YouTube & Keerene and SparxGuardian

[dokoni-mo]

Back Again, Together || Darth Vader x Reader (Chapter One)

(***VERY IMPORTANT A/N PLEASE READ***: hello hello and welcome to part two of Far Away, Together!! This is a DIRECT CONTINUATION of FaT, meaning if you haven’t read FaT, you won’t understand this fic!!). If you haven’t read FaT or need a refresher, I will link my masterlist here so that you can catch up on all the chapters!! I’ve tagged all my normal people from FaT, but if you want to be added or removed from the list let me know!! Enjoy!!)

(P.S.: i hope y’all don’t mind this a day early :)) )

WARNINGS: angst, mentions of medical procedures, mentions of death, a small amount of canon-typical violence, cursing, otherwise none!

Key: (F/N) = first name

Word Count: ~4200

~~~

It seemed like it had been months since he got a full night’s rest. The same was true for you, since you took it upon yourself to try and coax him back to sleep each of those nights. 

Tonight was no different. 

It had been many years since the fall of the Empire. That time was long in the past for the two of you here on this nowhere planet, of which the both of you called home. Many changes had been made to the pair of you, but most noticeably was in him. Both inside and outside. 

Over the years, you had been able to make many changes to his suit. After seeing just how Luke’s hand was when you met him, you knew you wanted the same for Vader.

And, of course, you had delivered. 

From the wreckage of an old Star Destroyer that was by the house you had built for you and him, you were able to piece together just enough material to fashion your lover a new set of mechanical hands. You replaced his old ones with brand new ones, able to feel just as if they were normal ones. For now, they were just metal skeletons of hands. You were still working on the synthetic skin to go overtop of them. 

That was another area. His skin. 

He told you how uncomfortable his synthetic skin was. In fact, he eventually mustered up the courage to tell you how unhuman he felt in his own skin. He told you how much pain he was in all the time. He told you how it made him feel so bad about himself, being strapped to that bucket of bolts all the time. He told you how that even though you reassured him that he was perfect to you in every regard, he sometimes felt like a monster. 

This would absolutely not do. 

Vader was not a monster. 

You loved him so much… 

It painted you to hear those words. 

So, you did something about it. 

At the moment, you had developed a prototype for his new skin after many trials and errors. It looked promising, and you were to test it out soon. This would drastically reduce the rate at which his skin would decay. This would also allow you to take all the needles out of his suit, and reduce it to maybe one or two in his arm. 

Although you had very little experience in medical engineering, you swore to him that you would do all in your power to make him comfortable. 

And you were doing just that. 

The most noticeable difference in the both of you, however, was how you held yourselves. You both were much quicker to joke around with one another, to show affection and share words of adoration and content with one another. And, most of all, you both were… 

Peaceful. 

The home the two of you had built here was one of the best things to have ever happened in your lives, that you could never deny. 

This home was both of you and his sanctuary. 

However, despite the good that surrounded the pair of you… 

There was still the fair amount of baggage. 

Deny it all you want, but how couldn’t there be? After all the two of you had been through in the Empire?

Despite that time being several years behind the two of your, it still likes to rear its ugly head into your home. 

Most noticeably on nights like this. 

That night, you were awoken from the dead depths of your slumber by the sound of his meditation pod opening. Although he could sleep in the bed proper with you, he found it much more comfortable in the pod, or even sometimes the bacta tank. Even though you longed for his presence at night, to feel him beside you, you dealt with it. 

For him. 

Squinting your eyes open, heard the sound of his boots colliding with the wooden floor of the bedroom. From their tone, you could tell that he wasn’t trying to wake you at such an ungodly hour. If you weren’t so tired and groggy, you would have laughed. You appreciated the thought, but the sound of the pod opening woke you every time. 

Listening to the steady pace of his respirator for a moment, you were eventually greeted with the sound of the pod hissing to a close. After this, the sound of his bootsteps made its way down the hall of your house, disappearing after a moment. 

You knew exactly where your love was going. 

He always went out back during nights like this. 

Pushing your sleepy body up into a sitting position, you took in a deep breath through your nose as you washed your face with invisible water to wake you up. Opening your eyes fully, you were greeted with the sight of your legs dangling off the edge of the bed, glowing a soft blue in the moonlight. Deciding that you were awake enough to go after him, you pushed yourself up into a standing position, your legs wobbling at the sudden usage. 

Padding your feet down the hallway, you ran your hand along the wall for guidance in the dark. Eventually, you were able to find the door that led to your backyard. Reaching out in the faint light, you were able to find the doorknob after a few attempts. Opening the door, your pupils dilated at the flood of moonlight that filled them. 

You were greeted with a very familiar sight, one of which you had seen countless times before. Overlooking the horizon that made up the backyard of your home, there stood your love. Of course, his shoulders adorned the blue, gold-lined cape that you had made him long ago. It was fluttering in the breeze of the night, the same breeze that made you rub your arms and shiver. You had come out in your sleepwear (an oversized tee that covered your butt and some panties), and would have regretted it if it were not for the aura around Vader. 

He seemed… off. 

Granted, he normally was during nights like this, but tonight was different. 

But nothing, you told yourself, you couldn’t handle. 

“Vee?” you called out softly, trying not to startle him. Your voice was still thick with sleep, so you were surprised that he even heard you. You were almost certain that he didn’t, but a faint turn of his armored head said otherwise. 

He was so beautiful in the moonlight, you couldn’t help but stare at his much larger frame as you heard him speak. 

“Darling,” he rumbled out, making you take instant note in the unusual softness of his deep voice, “I hope I did not wake you.” 

“Don’t worry about that…” you said in response. Padding over to him, you slowly and carefully wrapped your arms around his middle, making sure to be as gentle as possible for him. Pressing your cheek against his caped back, you hugged him from behind as tight yet soft as you could, hoping to soothe him as much as possible. As you felt the muscles beneath the layers of leather that wrapped around his soften, you knew that your actions did relax him to some degree. This was only solidified as you felt him take off his gloves and set them nearby, his mechanical hands eventually resting upon your small arms in loving, rhythmic circles. 

“What’s wrong?” you continued, your eyes trained upon the empty space in front of you, “Did you have another nightmare?” 

“No.” he said.

You felt a lump in the bottom of your stomach. You didn’t like where this was going. 

“What is it then, love?” 

You were met with one of his long, trademark pauses at this. You had begun to feel as if he wasn’t going to tell you when he finally spoke again. 

“It’s… Luke.” 

You felt a shiver run down your spine and the lump in your stomach start to travel up into your throat at his words. He rarely spoke about his children so openly… 

This wasn’t good. 

Your mind started to race as you spoke your response. Your voice soft, your arms went into autopilot as you caressed gentle touches upon his leather clothing, in attempt to do anything to calm his mind. 

And maybe even to calm your own. 

“What about him? Is he calling to you?” 

Another one of his pauses, only filled with the sound of his respirator. 

Oh no. 

You felt his mechanical hands drop from your arms. 

Oh, no. 

You felt them ball into fists as his armored head started to hang. 

Oh, no. 

“He is… He is gone. I have felt it.” 

You were speechless. 

Gone… 

You knew exactly what that meant. 

Realizing that you were silent for too long, you squeezed him tighter to your chest, a wash of grief raking over your body. 

You didn’t know Luke for very long. You had only ever spoken to him once before, and that was long, long ago on Endor. But still, in that brief period of time, you grew to love Luke. He was quite the charming young boy… 

And reminded you so much of Vader. 

Your eyes threatened to spill over with tears as you pictured Luke’s young, smiling face in your mind. 

He was such a good young man…

And for him to go so suddenly… 

No. 

You sniffled back your tears. 

You had to stay strong. 

You had to be his rock. 

There was no time for any tears from you. 

Swallowing the lump in your throat, you moved to stand beside your love, your bright eyes looking up at his mask as you took his mechanical hands into your own. Gently, you coaxed his body to face your own, your thumbs rubbing soft, careful circles on the back of his metal palms. 

“Vee, I… I’m so sorry.” you quietly said, your eyes pleading for him to look at you. 

You were given no such courtesy. 

Instead, you were only met by the rumble of the force around him, alongside his tense shoulders and wavering tone. 

“I… I failed him, (F/N).” 

“No,” you breathed out, reaching up and cupping his armored cheek in your palm, “no, Vee. You didn’t. I’m sure he-” 

“I was not there for him, (F/N). I was absent for his entire life… If I had simply been there… He would be alive.” 

Your brows bent upward as you felt your heart break at his words. He had already lost so many people in his life, and now to lose his son… 

You couldn’t begin to imagine that pain he must have felt. 

No parent should ever outlive their child… 

But you were ready. 

You were ready to help him overcome it every step of the way. Hell, you were ready to bare it all for him, if it meant he knew a life of peace. You simply wouldn’t let him suffer alone a moment longer… 

You hoped your words would tell him just that. 

“Ani, love, listen…” you whispered out, the usage of his real name prompting him to look up at you, “Luke was… Luke is a strong man. Luke devoted his whole life into saving others, and I’m sure that his… passing, was in the same light. Darling, just because you weren’t always there for him doesn’t mean you weren’t when he needed you most. Vee, you saved his life on Endor. In doing what you did for him, you allowed his dream to come true. You let him live in a galaxy of peace…” 

A soft smile painted your lips as you paused for a moment to gaze at your lover’s mask’s eyes, your eyes seemingly gazing past the metal into his true ones…

As they always did. 

“I don’t know much about the force, dear, but…” you continued, “If what you tell me is true, then… No one is really ever gone. And that includes him.”

~~~

He wasn’t his usual self for the next few days. 

Even though he didn’t talk much to begin with, he was talking less than usual. His movements were much slower, and he would spend hours just staring off into the distance outside. You gave him space when you felt like he needed it, but were almost always there by his side to comfort him. This involved gentle words, touches, and smiles offered to him whenever you saw it best. Although they weren’t much, you could tell they did make him feel a little better. 

But still…

You could tell how much Luke’s passing had affected Vader. 

You wondered it he would ever be the same.

Currently, the two of you were seated around the table, a slew of your tools across it's surface. You were holding one of his mechanical hands in your own, gently poking at the metal joints with a probe. Sucking in a breath, you set the probe back down on the table, satisfied with how everything looked in your love’s hand. 

“Alright, Vee,” you said as you stood up from your chair, pushing your goggles up onto your forehead, “Are you ready?” 

After his silent nod of approval, you stepped over into your kitchen, opening up the cooler you had haphazardly thrown together a few weeks prior. Today was the day you were to try out the synthetic skin you made for him, and to say you were nervous would be a criminal understatement. 

You were terrified without even realizing it.

Searching through the cooler for the synthetic skin, you didn’t even notice how much your hands were shaking, not to even mention the butterflies in your stomach. 

He must have sensed your nerves as his masked gaze watched your frame. You heard his voice from behind you. 

“(F/N).” 

Your ears perked up at the sound of his deep, deep voice, you looked over your shoulder to him, meeting the gaze of his mask’s eyes. 

“Yes, love?” you responded. 

He simply gazed at you a moment before continuing on. 

To him, you were absolutely breathtaking.

Even though your clothes were old, your eyes adorned dark circles, and your hair was a mess… 

You were still the most stunning woman Vader had ever seen. 

Your drive, your determination, your heart, your you… 

He couldn’t even begin to fathom how he had gotten so lucky, how he was deserving of someone like you after everything he had done. 

It was inconceivable to him. 

“Have I ever told you how much I adore you?”

At first, you thought that you had misheard him. Staring at him dumbly for a moment, your cheeks stained a faint pink as you realized that you hadn’t. 

A small, warm smile enveloped your features. This was the Vader that you knew. This was the man that you had fallen in love with. His words promised of his beginning steps towards recovery from his recent loss… 

And you couldn’t be happier. 

~~~

“Alright,” you said, pushing up your goggles up your forehead once more, “How does it feel?”

Setting your tool down, you looked up at him with hopeful eyes. You had put on a small patch of the synthetic skin upon the back of his palm, and were eager for his rating. Pointing his mask down to the patch, Vader looked at it in silence for a long moment. After this moment had elapsed, he lifted up his other hand, running a gloved finger across the surface of your engineered skin. 

It felt just as if he had never lost his hand. 

He would have been speechless, but he wasn’t. He never for one second doubted your abilities. 

“It is perfect, darling.” 

“Really?!” you exclaimed excitedly, a large, goofy grin enveloping your features. 

“Yes.” 

An excited, girlish squeal erupted from your throat, you leaned across the table and threw your arms around your love’s shoulders, pressing a big, wet kiss to the cheek of his mask. A rumble of amusement sounding in his chest, he gently placed a hand on your back to reciprocate your actions. 

After giving him one last big squeeze, you pulled back and sat properly again in your chair, your grin still plastered on your face. 

“Vee, that’s amazing!” you said, “Do you know what that means?”

“Yes, darling.” he rumbled out. Despite his normal monotone, you could tell that he was also excited. 

It warmed your heart to no end. 

“Do you want to go ahead and put the rest on?” you asked, your fingers twitching to pick up your tools again, “I don’t mind.” 

He didn’t respond. 

He wasn’t even looking at you anymore. 

What?

You were puzzled.

Your smile faded into nothing. 

Something was wrong. 

‘Vee?” you said, the feeling of worry creeping onto your bones, “Are you okay? Does it hurt?” 

Silence. 

Something was definitely wrong. 

You didn’t know why, but you were beginning to become scared. 

“Vee?” you echoed, your voice barely above a whisper. You could feel your heartbeat begin to quicken. 

Another pause. You were relieved when he finally spoke. 

“Something is here. I sense it.” 

A chill ran down your spine. It was colder than ice. 

He had to be mistaken.

No one other than you had him had ever been to this planet. 

There was no way...

You licked your bottom lip before speaking. 

“W-What do you-” 

You were abruptly cut off by a faint sound in the distance. After all these years of living on this secluded planet, you never thought you would hear such a thing again. You had heard that sound many, many times before, and there was no mistaking it. 

Ship engines. 

No fucking way. 

Pure adrenaline rushing through your veins, you stood up from your seated position at a rocket’s pace, your chair slamming on the ground as a result.Your love followed suit not too long after, perhaps triggered by your own feverish pace. Rushing over to one of your kitchen drawers, you pulled out two items as quickly as humanly possible. 

Their metal glistened in your hands. 

Your old blaster and his saber. 

Rushing back over to him your held out his saber to him, looking him dead in the eyes as you spoke with heaving breaths. 

“Listen to me, Vee,” you said, your tone far more serious than it ever had been before, “You’re gonna take this, and you’re going to go down in that bunker I was working on. You’re gonna stay there while I-” 

“No.” he rumbled out, cutting you off, “(F/N), I will not allow you to sacrifice yourself for my sake.” 

“Anakin, please,” you said, the usage of his real name emphasizing your seriousness, “Now is not the time where I need you to be a hero. You’re way too injured to take on whoever’s out there, and damnit I need you to live. Take your saber and go. If I’m not in the bunker in ten minutes…” 

You trailed off, your gaze dropping before you continued. 

“Get as far away from here as you can… And remember that I will always love you. No matter what.” 

You felt tears begin to prickle in your eyes. This was your worst nightmare coming to fruition, but you had to fight it. You were far too stubborn to abandon this home you and him had built together. 

“(F/N), no.” he rumbled, making you look up at him again, “I won’t let you-”

“Damnit Vee just GO!” you exclaimed, your fear taking over you, “I won’t let this piece of shit ruin our… our home.” 

Vader gazed upon your face for a moment in silence. He was scared. Scared that this was the last time… 

No. 

It wouldn’t be. 

He trusted you. 

No matter what. 

Gingerly, he took his saber out of your grasp, watching as your shoulders seemed to relax as he did so. He didn’t like leaving you to defend yourself on your own, but… 

He knew, there was no way in hell you would go down without a fight. 

“Ten minutes.” was all he said, his gaze locked onto your face. 

Swallowing the lump in your throat, you gave him a firm nod. 

“Ten minutes.”

Leaning up on your tip-toes, you pressed a soft kiss upon to the triangle of a mouthpiece on his mask, lingering there a moment before returning to your natural standing position. With that, you turned on your heel towards the door, your blaster held tightly in your grip. 

As soon as you laid a hand on the doorknob, you were stopped. 

“(F/N).” 

Your lips parting, you turned and looked at him as he spoke again. 

“I love you.” 

A small smile enveloping your features, you held back the tears that threatened to brim your eyelids as you responded. 

“I know.” 

~~~

Running down the length of your front yard, your chest heaved with deep breaths as you looked up at the sky. Your head swiveling quickly to and fro, you were eventually met with a streak of clouds in the sky, pointed north towards a field of grass you were decently familiar with. 

That’s where the intruders were headed. 

Picking up your feet, you ran as fast as you could across the large spaces of grass upon your home planet, the vegetation and branches scratching your arms as you pushed them aside. Your mind was racing a mile a minute, and your heart was following suit. The adrenaline coursing through your veins made your blissfully unaware of how in pain your legs were, as well as just how sweaty you had gotten from all your sprinting. 

Not that you would have cared anyhow. You had a mission. 

To protect him. To protect the home you had made with him. 

And this bastard that had infiltrated it would not take those things away from you. 

Eventually, your running skirted to a stop as you were met with the line of bushes that surrounded the clearing of grass. Your chest rising and falling with your silent, open-mouthed breaths, your slowed your steps down into a gentle creep. You were now dangerously close, and decided that you wanted the element of surprise by your side. 

Reaching out with your free hand, you pushed back a few leaves that obscure your view. You were now able to get a good view of the intruder’s ship. 

It was gray in color, and sported many landing structures. The outside was adorned with many trinkets, and it's overall shape resembled that of a dinner plate, except with two large prongs extending off of one end. 

It was a total piece of shit.

It looked like a giant bucket of trash glued together than launched into space. 

It was garbage. 

But, you were in some odd way relieved by this. It wasn’t empirical, and you didn’t recognize it from anywhere. But, still, an intruder nonetheless. 

Suddenly, and without warning, you saw the exit ramp of the ship lay its touch upon the ground, making you hunker down as to not be seen. With the sight of the ship now out of your view, you relied on your ears to tell you what was going on. After a moment, you heard the sound of bootsteps upon metal, and…

A droid? 

You haven’t heard one of those in years. 

“Stay there, BB-8.” you heard a voice say, making your nerves fire off in fear and anticipation. The voice was female, and adorned a familiar accent, but from where you couldn’t tell. A few boot-clicks later, you heard the sound of the ramp closing, then the rustle of cloth. 

Sucking in a breath, you realized this lady was distracted. 

It was the time to strike. 

Lifting yourself up as slowly as possible, your gripped the blaster in your hand, wrapping your pointer finger around the trigger. Slowly and silently, you stepped forward out of the brush, carefully sneaking closer towards the intruder. 

You were now able to get a good look at this woman. She was young, you presumed (you only saw her from behind), and wore a sleeveless white robe and pants. She had a long staff draped across her back, and had dark hair, neatly wrapped behind her head in three messy buns. She was crouched in front of a bag and rustling through its contents, of which you couldn’t see. 

Anger bubbled up in your diaphragm at the sight of her. 

How dare she. Out of all planets to take a rest on, how dare she choose this one to land that bucket of bolts on. 

She had to pay. 

Creeping towards her ever so slowly, the grip on your blaster only grew tighter and tighter. 

Your finger twitched on the trigger. 

She was distracted. 

It was the perfect time. 

For your home. 

For everything you had built. 

For Vee. 

Finally closing the distance between you and her, you stood up, pressing the barrel of your blaster against the back of her skull. Her shoulders stiffened with the feeling of the cool metal on the back of her head, but you didn’t care. 

A scowl adorned your face. 

You were done. 

“Give me one good reason,” you hissed, “as to not fry your brains right here, right now.”

 ~~~

TAGS: @spaghetti-666 , @soullesstaco , @arsonistvoyager , @robin-obsessed , @glitter-rian , @captainrexstan , @easterncryptid , @deviatedwinter , @roseangel013bf , @danicalifxrnia , @dartheldur , @finest-trashbag , @yeah-boiiiiiiiiiii , @elongatedmusk-rat , @shads121 , @muffinbeliever , @sakuramadae , @padme-parker , @khapikat222 , @the-official-memester , @rens-angel , @obiwankenobiness , @yvette1703 , @breakfastpizzagalaxy , @scarletsinsandsnowwithetragedies , @missmannequin​ , @clearnostolgia 

[jdkloosterman]

SQUAD A: Primary function--assault and destruction. Operative 07, codename ""Delilah" Previous attempts to recreate Hulk-like abilities have invariably met with disaster due to the accompanying berzerker rage.  The Section 11 scientists took a different approach and instead tried to replicate the work of Dr. Samson, tying the particular super-strength of the Hulk to the length of the subject's hair.  Trace genetic samples of the Red Hulk were used in experimentation on a test subject.  Project deemed a partial success, though "Delilah" still has high levels of aggression and can be difficult to control, particularly if her hair length is not maintained within optimal parameters.  Operative 01 has displayed a marked affinity for her, but so far experiments involving attempts at breeding have met with no success. [COMMANDER'S NOTE: "Breeding?" Are you serious with this?  Damnit, those eggheads are messed up.] Operative 08, codename "Waif" "Waif" is unusual in not coming from the usual pool of test subjects, but is in fact the natural daughter of one of Section 11's lead scientists, Dr. Yamanaka.  Her powers emerged at a young age uncontrollably during a traumatic car accident that killed one of her closest friends.  Her powers were uncontrollable and destructive until the implant could be successfully installed.  Though Dr. Yamanaka has attempted, since, to speak with his daughter, she does not seem to recognize him or anyone from her old family at all. "Waif" is one of the few operatives in Section 11 permitted to wear non-standard gear, as disruptions to her daily routine have been observed to have a negative impact on her stability. [COMMANDER'S NOTE: Guy lobotomized his own daughter.  No wonder she won't talk to him.] Operative 09, codename "Samurai." "Samurai" is a clone created by Dr. Akimichi, spliced with DNA from the metahuman Blob. His armor is developed based on intense study of the metahuman Juggernaut and his armor.  Though docile and responding well to direction, "Wamurai" has little initiative of his own.  He also does not speak, and only communicates through "Waif."  He has been observed to have a calming impact on her, hence why the two are paired together.  "Samurai" also carries a series of steroids and stimulants for use in high-stress combat situations, and has received military training. [COMMANDER'S NOTE: Love this kid.  Like a minature tank.] *Note: Given the volatile nature of the group, they require extensive coordination.  Dr. Nara's "Deer" AI has proven useful in this task, supplemented by Shadow drones capable of observing and compiling data.** **Further Note: Dr. Nara's "Deer" AI has been flagged for review after numerous incidents displaying near-sentience, including several statements curiously similar to Dr. Nara's late son.  Director Danzou has ordered an investigation into thJA)djs&(*Yhiue---------RECORD DELETED

SQUAD B--Primary Function: Infiltration and Recon Operative 03: "Gemini 1" Gemini 1 is not suited to intense combat situations unless supported by Gemini 2.  Her primary skill set is stealth, infiltration, and cyberops.  Similar to Gemini 2, she possesses hyper-optogrophy and can see in multiple layers of the spectrum, including infrared, ultraviolet, and x-ray. Energy blasts from the palms are able to target internal organs. Tests have also confirmed a psychic link between her and Gemini 2, wherein information and even physical pain can be conveyed between one and the other.   Gemini 1 has also been observed to have a notable attraction to Operative 01, which might possibly be useful. [COMMANDER'S NOTE: Who authorized that test, and how was "physical pain" determined?] Operative 04: "Gemini 2" Gemini 2 is the twin of Gemini 1 and possesses all her abilities.  He has a much higher combat aptitude, and has been noted in field operations to have a particular protective instinct involving Gemini 1.  It has also been noted that Gemini 2's combat effectiveness dips noticeably when confronted with anti-citizens Kusanagi and Green Beast.  Confrontations should be avoided. [COMMANDER'S NOTE: Who did we get these twins from, I wonder. Probably from one of the "clinics."] Operative 05: "Weapon K" Weapon K is the most successful emulation of the Weapon X project thus far.  Though it is still difficult to maintain complete control, and the adamantium binding process was not entirely successful, still he retains the all-important healing factor acquired from Weapon X, as well as the heightened senses. Weapon K handles the majority of combat situations that Squad B encounters, though he is indiscreet and tends to leave a mess behind. [COMMANDER'S NOTE: Just something not right about this boy.] Operative 06: "Shino Entity" It has yet to be determined whether Shino Entity is, in fact, a budding psychic who was consumed by insects and gained control of them, or merely a strange collective of psychic insects under a shared delusion of once having been human. Investigation is ongoing, though attempts to isolate and inspect individual insects of the hive mind have been counter-productive, as Shino Entity has invariably become aware of the isolation and dissection of members of his hive mind.  Accordingly, invasive experiments have for the  moment been suspended to ensure his ongoing collaboration.  His skill set is incredibly valuable and unique, however, enabling mass recon on a almost simultaneous response, and while not suited to combat, is essentially indestructible. Shino Entity requires little care save maintenance of the containment suit and a daily piece of rotten meat.  This seems sufficient to have earned his cooperation, along with a curious affinity for the other members of Squad B--though it still has not been determined how he manages to speak. [COMMANDER'S NOTE: I don't really care where he came from.  As long as he keeps up his work, he can call himself Shino or Lord Nelson for all I care.] LEADERSHIP TEAM Commader Kakashi: Field Commander.  Last living member of the original Section 11 team, Commander Kakshi has been declared not fit for combat due to the injury suffered to his eye during the Apocalypse Incident.  He now serves Section 11 in a supervisory tactical role, planning out missions to accomplish goals as set by the rest of the leadership.  Though not strictly required, Commander Kakashi makes a habit of deploying with the Section 11 Operatives whenever possible, a practice which Section Chief Danzou has cited him for numerous times. [COMMANDER'S NOTE: Let the old man complain, I'm not sending kids out there without backup.] Dr. Tsunade: Head of Mutagenic Studies.  Dr. Tsunade left a promising career at Tokyo University to lead the medical and study wing of Section 11.  She is in charge of monitoring the operative's physical state and the nature of their mutations, as well as any new mutations that arise.  Dr. Tsunade's connection to the program is more than professional, as her grandfather was closely involved in its creation, a fact which may have weighed into her decision to join.  Dr. Tsunade also considers herself in charge of the operative's well-being, a matter which has also led her to clash with Section Chief Danzou. [COMMANDER'S NOTE: The lady should be in charge from everything I've seen.  Though what she did to the meeting table makes me wonder if her studies have been leading to more practical applications of mutagens, recently.] Dr. Inoichi: Section Chief Danzou's successful recruitment of the famous "Ino-Shika-Cho" team may be considered one of the great accomplishments of his administration. Dr. Inoichi joined the program out of desperation to find some solution to his daughter's newly awakened powers, and his two friends followed him.  A neurology specialist, Dr. Inoichi has done groundbreaking work regarding metahuman psychics and extra-natural brain structure.  He devised the device which currently helps his daughter to keep her powers in check, which is currently under development for possible use against enemy psychics. [COMMANDER'S NOTE: Why does the record note this as an accomplishment of Danzou's? Inoichi joined us because of his daughter's accident, Danzou had nothing to do with it.] Dr. Shikaku: Shikaku, a renowned specialist in artificial intelligence and computer learning simulations, joined the program alongside his friend. His algorithms run much of the training programs that the operatives use, as well as much of the predictive software crucial to Section 11's smooth operation.  The death of his son left him emotionally distant and he has a noted reluctance to meet with any of the operatives outside of Inoichi's daughter.  Much of his work since joining Section 11 has been on his prototype ASI "Shika" and its proxy drone. [COMMANDER'S NOTE: I swear, that thing almost seems sometimes like it's actually senti303@..%$)(~~~- ERROR DATA CORRUPTION... Dr. Chouza: The final member of the Ino-Shika-Cho team, Dr. Chouza's specialty runs more in the physical arena than either of his friends, primarily involving force multipliers such as the Hulk and Blob. His "Choji" clone program has potential to create an entire army once the formula has been perfected and the laboratory repaired. [COMMANDER'S NOTE: Chouza's heart isn't in this, and that laboratory will never be fixed if he has anything to say about it.] Section Chief Danzou: Despite his near-fatal injuries from the Apocalypse Incident, Section Chief Danzou has transformed Section 11 into an elite fighting force in the wake of his predecessor.  The current roster and focus of the division is entirely due to his guidance.  He has a noted tendency for keeping his plans to himself and frequently overrules his leadership staff. [COMMANDER'S NOTE: There is reason to believe that the old man has an even more dark-ops organization on the side, for missions he considers too sensitive even for Section 11.]

[robotnik-mun]

More Robotropolis Notes

Predictably I decided to take another crack at a ‘Free-For-All’ Sonic setting. Even more predictably, I focused on Robotnik crap. 

Enjoy some rambling, incoherent worldbuilding that’ll never go anywhere, folks!

V.E.G’s

Justice in Robotropolis begins and ends with the VEG’s- the Vassalization Engineering Gulags. The VEGs are the prison-fortresses of Robotropolis- massive installations where prisoners of war and criminals are sent to in order to be processed and either subjected to Roboticization or a slow, lingering death as a bio-battery. VEGs are enormous, multilayered complexes bristling with external weaponry and housing near endless numbers of robotic troops, and are dispersed all over the territories of Robotropolis. VEGs are strategically placed across the internal borders of Robotropolis, with a single VEG taking processing the prisoners of several surrounding territories and often acting as a nexus point between Zones.  The reason for this is due to Robotnik’s paranoia about the potential capture and reverse engineering of Roboticization technology- as such there are relatively few VEGs in proportion to Robotropolis’ organic population and geographic size, but each one is responsible for the Roboticization of thousands each year.

While Roboticization is the primary fate of anyone unfortunate enough to be shipped off to the VEG, there is another, arguably even more horrific fate- namely that of being converted into a bio-battery powering the very machinery that enslaves Mobius’ peoples. A refinement of the technologies designed for Badniks, to become a Bio-Battery is to be slowly killed over a course of many months or even two years, depending on the health of the subject. Subjects are placed within the life draining ‘pods’ of the batteries, wherein they are gradually drained of their life force until nothing remains but a decayed husk. The pod clusters are located in reinforced sub-basements, and due to their resemblance to grapes on a vine, some individuals with knowledge of their existence have morbidly compared them to vineyards.

Some VEGs, besides serving as Roboticization and Bio-Battery processing plants, also fulfill a secondary role of carrying out scientific research and development. One such ‘Science’ VEG is located within Robotropolis-occupied Trailius, where it serves as the HQ for the local Legion chapter and is administrated by Legion Prefect Maw the Thylacine. It is the only VEG to be entrusted to one of Robotnik’s organic agents, as the rest are exclusively staffed by robots.  

VEGs are not individually named, but are instead referred to by number, in order of construction- VEG-1, VEG-2, etc. The largest and most infamous of the VEG’s is the prototype facility first created by Robotnik, and designated as VEG-0.

VEG-0 was created by converting a massive volcano springing from the ocean, using its magma core as a thermal power plant for the entire facility. VEG-0 upon completion was set to immediate work, and by the present has been responsible for Roboticizing millions. It serves as the face of Roboticization, even as the task of creating Robian slaves was delegated to other VEGs. The subsequent VEG models were created smaller than the original and incorporated Bio-Battery technology to make them independent from Robotropolis’ main power grid, but even so, VEG-0 remains an ominous and terrible symbol of Robotropolis’ might in the eyes of its citizens and the world itself.

Prisoners at VEGs are not kept in cells, but rather in suspended animation within special capsules before being unloaded for Roboticization or Bio-Battery integration.

These capsules are essentially miniaturized, self-contained Bio-Batteries unto themselves, using the life force of the individuals imprisoned in order to be powered. While nowhere near as lethal as the Bio-Batteries proper, the capsules none the less are painful to be trapped in… which suits Robotnik just fine.

The Robotropolis Legion

The Robotropolis Legion (disparaged by many as ‘The Dark Legion’) wears many hats- it is at once the civilian government, law enforcement, and civil defense corp of Robotropolis, at least on paper. The easiest way to advance in Robotropolis’ society without being a scientist is to join the Legion, and the Legion eagerly takes all comers- collaborators seeking to be spared Roboticization, lunatics eager for someone heart, the destitute and desperate seeking ANYTHING in life… and rarely, even a few true believers of Robotnik’s foul vision join the Legion. All who join the Legion are granted cybernetic enhancements and military grade training before being deployed, either to the streets of Robotropolis’ Habitation Zones or to further Robotnik’s influence overseas. Many have come to know the image of the Legion Trooper- clad in red armor and in face concealing helmets abstractly resembling skulls, the troopers serve as constant reminders of Robotnik’s control over the denizens of Robotropolis and the promise of power to those who would willingly submit to his rule.

The Legion is surprisingly loose in its organization, compared to other military organizations and in contrast to Robotnik’s own demands for absolute order. The Legion is divided up into Chapters based around the location in which they operate, which depending on circumstance can be individual communities or general areas. Each chapter is headed over by a Prefect, who is in turn served by a commander, and oversees the various units of Troopers under their command. Beyond that though, each Chapter is essentially run as the Prefect in charge sees fit. So long as order is kept and Robotnik’s quotas are filled, Robotnik doesn’t care what his subordinates do as long as it doesn’t interfere with the efficiency of his empire.

In the early days of Robotropolis, this wasn’t the case- the Legion’s authority was more centralized, and there existed greater co-operation and synergy between the Legion chapters, with all Legions being under the direct command of The Grand Marshal of the Legion, whom also was an active participant in Robotropolis’ government. The first and only such Grand Marshall was one Conrad Targo, an Overlander general who betrayed his government to serve Robotnik. Targo was instrumental in the Legion’s formation and implementation within Robotropolis’ territories, particularly with Robotropolis main robotic armies occupied elsewhere, allowing the Legion to pick up the policing that would otherwise distract the machine armies from their primary function of conquest. This, in effect, made Targo the head of domestic defense and Robotnik’s effective third in command.

After an accident seemingly killed Robotnik and his second-in-command Snively, Targo briefly assumed control over Robotropolis. During this brief time, Targo instituted a draft for service into the Legion, intending to expand the cybernetic army. His reign however proved brief- sensing the weakness brought on by his transition of power, the Kingdom of Acocrn hoped to take advantage of the brief instability to decapitate Robotropolis’ leadership and thus weaken the foul city enough so that they might reclaim their homeland. A special, covert strike force was assembled and deployed into Robotropolis to assassinate Targo and to cause general mayhem within the Inner Empire in the hopes of causing widespread chaos across Robotropolis. Led by Colonel Tig Stripe, the squadron came close to its goals… only for Robotnik and Snively to re-emerge, unharmed and ready to reassume command of Robotropolis.

The assassins where subsequently destroyed, and a near-dead Targo was kept alive by artificial means. Julian had long been suspicious of Targo’s loyalties and ambitions, as well as his control over the Legion. His ‘death’ had been a ploy from the start to set Targo up so that he could fall, and to make his enemies on the global stage reveal their hands in this supposed moment of weakness for Robotnik’s Empire. In the aftermath of this incident, Robotnik eliminated the position of Grand Marshall and re-structured the Legion to grant each chapter greater independence from the other and more decentralized leadership in order to make them less able to organize against him. Finally, Robotnik roboticized Targo and then further modified him into a new breed of command class robot to oversee his SWATBot armies. Thus was Conrad Targo, Grand Marhsall of Robotropolis, reborn as Supreme Commander Brutus.

Since that time, the Legion has maintained its role as the effective state police of Robotropolis and the closest thing it has to a ‘civilian’ government. Members are afforded greater freedoms than non-members as well as better access to things like food, water and high end medical technology, for both themselves and their families. Robotnik maintains the relative inefficiency of the Legion because it keeps them divided and thus unable to organize towards overthrowing him, while providing additional targets for local resistance groups as well as a means of recruiting people into his service. Given that the robot armies of Robotropolis vastly outnumbers the so-called ‘Legion’, Robotnik is more than willing to put up the Legion’s presence… for the moment, anyway.

Technically, there are two Legions- the Home Legion, which policies the habitation zones of Robotropolis, and the Away Legion. The Away Legion is effectively a secretive terrorist army for Robotropolis, a series of subversive cells that seek to chip away at nations until they are vulnerable to invasion by Robotnik’s machine armies. The Away Legions are even more individualized than the Home Legions, and this creates a degree of friction between the two branches.

All of which proceeds as intended by Robotnik.

With the absolute loyalty of his robots to pick up the slack, he can afford distractions from his more flawed subordinates. Sooner or later, EVERYTHING will be machinery anyway.  

[voyd-is-in-a-portal]

How to End Up Being an Inventor (In 5 Actions).

We consulted with numerous expert inventors to boil down the tricks of the craft. Some have made jobs out of an invention, others have found markets. If you're sitting on an idea that might be the next terrific American invention, below's your playbook.

1. Cultivate an Idea.

The record of the invention is studded with one-hit marvels, inventors whose solitary blockbuster suggestion made them a fortune. However one of the most prolific inventors can not switch off the idea maker. They are also troubled as well as creative. Inventors just see life's many obstacles in a different way than the average person, according to medical-devices inventor Robert Fischell. "The key to inventing is the awareness that a problem is a trigger from which an invention can be created," says Fischell, who holds more than 200 patents for advancements such as an implantable heart defibrillator and also enhanced stents. "When I'm in the operating room as well as a doctor tosses a device against the wall in irritation, I claim, 'Great, here's an opportunity.'".

Fischell, who at the elevation of his profession filed a new patent application every six weeks, wastes no time in determining whether his most recent concept satisfies the patent test of being brand-new, beneficial, and also nonobvious. He goes right to the U.S. Patent as well as Hallmark Workplace's database of released patents (patft.uspto.gov) and performs a search. "If you review a patent, as well as someone, has currently resolved the issue, after that you're still an inventor. You just arrived late," he says.

If, after an initial search, your idea verifies unique, after that continue developing it. Be reasonable concerning what you're obtaining right into. "The moment you commit will be dual what you believe it will be, as well as the buck amounts you devote will be 4 times what you assumed," Leatherman states.

Make drafts, execute examinations, expand principles, and keep comprehensive notes. Patent lawyers suggest their customers preserve a visit a completely bound notebook that obtains stamped by a notary public frequently. A logbook becomes essential in cases before the U.S. Patent and also Trademark Workplace including similar technologies, as the burden of proof is up to patent applicants to demonstrate that they were the initial to conceive of an invention.

At this onset in the video game, your investment of personal time and money will have been minor compared with what is around the bend. Before the case, you'll need to ask some hard questions about both your concept as well as on your own: Is my idea significantly different than any that precede it? Exists a large market for the product? Can it be developed and made at a reasonable expense? That is the client, and why should they get my product as well as not a competitor's? Am I prepared to devote myself fully to making this concept do well?

Inventors who have been via the process care not to undervalue the psychological and mental determination called for. "If you can't afford mentally and intellectually to fail if your vanity would certainly be wiped out after that don't do it.". see also InventHelp TV Commercial

2. Develop a Model.

With the schedule of powerful computing and computer-assisted layout software application like Autodesk Inventor as well as SolidWorks 3D CAD, inventors today live in what Kamen describes as "the utmost sweet-shop." The earliest versions of Kamen's first invention, a wearable mixture pump that provides specific dosages of medicines such as insulin, sprang to life out a computer system display yet in a workshop set up in the basement of his parents' home on Long Island, N.Y. Kamen was a teenager at the time.

Also when made in a highly exact digital CAD atmosphere, an item ultimately has to leap to the genuine globe in the kind of a model. Depending on the materials entailed and the complexity of an invention, the expense of making a high-quality prototype can empty a financial institution account as well as compel an inventor to look for financing at an extremely early stage.

Tim Leatherman supports taking a DIY technique. During an experimental phase lasting three years, he constructed prototypes of his groundbreaking multitool from cardboard, wood, as well as steel till he picked advanced layout. "By collaborating with my hands," he says, "I found out about barriers to performance as well as manufacturability.".

When you have your prototype, it's time to repair your invention. Obtain outside your head and go-to experts in the field, Fischell suggests. "Ask, 'Do you believe my suggestion has business benefit? Would certainly you utilize it?' Make them authorize a privacy arrangement," he says. For inventors, the possibility of copyright burglary is very actual, but way too much caution can become immobilizing. Privacy, or nondisclosure, the contract permits you to field-test in confidence.

Responses from Mario Salazar's target audience-- woodworkers-- compelled the Colorado Springs inventor to adjust his digital miter gauge. The mechanical prototype he constructed in the cellar with a blowpipe, an oscilloscope, and also a milling maker noticed eBay worked efficiently as well as felt ideal to Salazar, yet the tradespersons wanted it bigger as well as much more inexpensive. "You can't fall for your invention," he states. "Obtain responses and also make alterations accordingly.".

In the agitated company world, a patent protects the inventor by providing the unique right to leave out others from making, making use of, or offering his invention for 20 years. "When other people see you making cash, your patent will be the only methods you have for keeping control of the market," claims Lonnie Johnson, founder of Johnson ElectroMechanical types of equipment as well as the inventor of the Super Soaker water weapon. Follow inventhelp for more advice:

https://www.linkedin.com/company/inventhelp

https://twitter.com/inventhelp

3. Submit a Patent.

Patent law is made complex things, so get an experienced patent lawyer to write and also file your patent application. Anticipate to pay in between $3000 as well as $10,000. "Work with a patent lawyer who additionally has a level in the field you're making an application for a patent in and who understands your market," Salazar encourages.

A knowledgeable lawyer can prepare a wide patent that safeguards an invention against violation from any angle. In the case of Richard Phillips, proprietor of International Survival, his well-crafted patent application made it impossible for anybody to replicate the slim, shock-absorbing material he developed for his protective paintball vest. "My legal representative spread out the patent out thus far over and below my laminated foam product's residential properties that a competitor's vest would certainly have to be so hefty the wearer couldn't walk approximately light that the vest falls apart when struck," Phillips states.

On standard, patent authorization takes 3 years and may call for going back as well as forth several times with patent examiners. From the moment a patent application arrives at the USPTO up until it is either provided or abandoned, an invention is covered by patent-pending standing. In the situation of John Marsden, that created Pour 'N Shop, a bartending system of plastic containers, and also put spouts for beverage mixers, a pending patent amounted to a suit of paper armor.

According to Salazar, any kind of inventor has to be all set to do battle. "I'll have my attorney send out a cease-and-desist letter if somebody infringes on my patent. As well as in the end, a patent is just as great as the thickness of your pocketbook.".

4. Examine the Market.

When the patent application is in total, the inventor needs to change from developing a suggestion of developing a service. Rare is the innovative brilliant behind an invention that likewise has business chops-- or the interest-- to look after the manufacture, advertising, and also selling of his production. Even the brightest innovative minds can drop victim to the countless rip-offs and also doubtful invention-promotion companies whose advertisements clutter the Internet. Many expert inventors urge care with any kind of attire that requests for cash upfront to shop your suggestions about.

Tim Leatherman built up important know-how in business and also production by joining with Steve Berliner. John Marsden, the Pour 'N Store designer, partnered early on with service school grad Ed Harrigan. "If I had not had Ed, I probably would not have made it," he says.

Marketing research studies-- perform your own or appoint a market research company-- will certainly provide you data concerning market patterns and customer demographics. There is no substitute, nevertheless, for putting your invention in front of potential consumers as well as manufacturers, providers, and distributors to get a sense of its market value. For the inventor, this is an anxious time.

Salazar is a big believer in showing your items at trade shows. "You'll figure out who is doing what, whether you'll be able to contend and if somebody wants to get what you have," he claims. "However you're additionally dropping your cabinets and every person will see what you've obtained. Your item had better be 95 percent complete. Be ready to answer concerns: Just how huge is the market? That's mosting likely to buy it?".

5. Sell It or Make It.

Inventors make cash in two means: collecting aristocracies by certifying the right to produce their invention or production, distributing, and marketing the invention themselves. Louis J. Foreman, owner, and also the primary executive of Enventys, an item style as well as a design firm in Charlotte, N.C., and writer of The Independent Inventor's Handbook, has personally encountered that problem several times as the holder of 10 licenses as well as has encouraged many inventors as a lead court on the PBS program Everyday Edisons.

Then it's time to ask yourself one more round of questions: First, exists enough upside potential to merit the threat of bringing the item to market on your own? "Consider opportunity costs also," Foreman says. "If you have to quit a job that pays $100,000, can you make enough to counter that?" Second, do you have the financial resources to pull it off? If you don't, then where is the money most likely to originate from? And lastly, do you have the competence to run an organization? "It's one point to come up with a remarkable item, however, are you comfy marketing it, can you distribute it, restore it as well as satisfy orders if Walmart offers you a 5-million-piece purchase order?" Supervisor claims.

No question licensing is the less complicated path to getting an invention to market. It requires less dedication of time as well as up-front resources and frees inventors to do what they do best: invent. However, expedience comes with an expense. Royalty prices on patents-- created on the list price, production run, as well as various other variables-- average less than 2 to 7 percent of retail sales. Still, for a first-time inventor brief on funds and also know-how, a licensing contract can be the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.

[beginagainbugle]

In this issue of The Daily Bugle …

Headline: Lord Lords over Tech! New York city set abuzz with its brightest minds in science and innovation announcing new projects. With presentations from everyone from Alchemax to Stark industries we’ll be breaking down the biggest breakthroughs of the weekend. Read more top-notch analysis inside!

Front page: Rumors are abound after Captain Marvel joins Maxwell Lord in a real time presentation of LordTech’s newest Guardian™ security system. Is the hero economy the new gig economy? Or simply an extension?

At 8:30 the skies over Manhattan were alight, not with intergalactic visitors or doomsday devices, but with fireworks. The sight was fitting as Maxwell Lord, the young entrepreneur from National City, smiled. When one thinks of a science expo their likely to think of hours of dull introspection on the physics that allow our technology fueled lives to operate but that was not the case during the hour and a half slated for LordTech East’s first project. The subsidiary of LordTech, a security staple best known for it’s government contracts, has expanded into a number of other projects since making a home in New York City including its medical clinics aimed at bridging the gap in medicine concerning the extraterrestrials among us and subsequent alien-oriented work initiatives, has come back to its routes with the launch of it’s GUARDIAN™ line of security systems which will soon be implemented in many state and federal buildings across the country and it’s WARDEN™ line, a commercial alternative. With this it was also announced that LordTech would be partnering with familiar faces with it’s Heroes Program with it’s ad campaign heavily featuring Lord’s “trusted friend and confidant”, Valor, who also made his first public appearance since his highly publicized shooting last month, during the presentation to demonstrate the Bio-Encryption aspect of both security lines.

Page 3: Bruce Wayne makes waves with Drake industries introduction.

From the dark skies of Gotham City comes it’s shining beacon, and that’s not even thinking of the famed Bat-Signal that takes over the clouds. Wayne Enterprises own Bruce Wayne made an appearance outside of his home town for the first time in what might’ve been years, usually making his own announcements from the safety of his office, or leaving the many figureheads of Wayne’s massive company reach to their own devices. The former Playboy offered a warm greeting to everyone and professed that projects that had been previously announced were moving ahead as scheduled. There wouldn’t be much news on the WayneTech front besides a few key updates to pre-existing software. However, the surprise was to come later, for Gotham’s Favorite Son was sharing the spotlight with one of his own. Presenting Tim Drake, one of Wayne’s adopted sons, he explained that he had bought the younger’s company when it belonged to his since deceased father when it had been facing bankruptcy. Passing the now revived company to his son, Drake Industries was to thrive again under it’s new, and rightful, management. From there, Drake took to the stage, explaining with vigor his plans to create a cybersecurity network able to be installed and applied to computing devices worldwide. This unnamed network has been supposedly in a prototype Beta for some time, but Drake looks to launch sometime in the very near future.

Page 6: Stark industries stuns with the unveiling of nanotech. clinical trial lists are already filling and stock is on the rise. Is this the return on Tony Stark? Read what our experts think on page 6!

Stark Industries finally presents to the world a brand new concept that has been at the forefront of Iron Man and recent Avengers technology for the past twelve months, harnessing multi-universal concepts and ideas as well as building on previous iterations. It is called nanotechnology, and its uses, according to Head of R&D at S.I. Tony Stark, are practically limitless. Although the material used to create the nanobots is kept under lock and key in the vaults of the company, the basic principle is that they are powered by clean, arc reactor energy, housed in a unit that can be kept on a person’s body either on their chest, wrist, stomach or wherever there is space on their skin.

The first trialed use of this nanotechnology in the general public is in medicine and healthcare. Teaming up with Rand Enterprises, Stark has been working on new, intuitive prosthetics following his personal experiences in Berlin. These prosthetics not only provide limbs to those who have suffered traumas, but also act to heal internal disabilities as well. Results from trials have been promising in regards to insulin production management, blood constituent monitoring, hormone replacement, and many others. Stark is to give a speech on the subject at the expo, titled: “The Future of A.I: Bettering the World Through the Human Brain.” The United States military has voiced their interest in potential use for combat injuries, but it has not yet been confirmed whether Stark has signed these contracts or not. The uses of nanotechnology that can be seen in the Iron Man armor are extraordinary, allowing the suit to form and repair itself during combat situations, as well as provide immediate first aid to the person wearing it. Stark has also demonstrated that weapons can be formed through pure force of thought and will, however rejects that nanotechnology will be linked entirely to neurons of the general public during its initial introduction. Regardless, the future looks bright, and this spark of genius is sure to put Stark back on the map!

Page 9: The illusive Lena Luthor makes first public appearance since The Seige on New York. Will L-Corp’s dip into Virtual Reality mean progress in the medical field or are it’s ethical implications a ticking time-bomb? Read more on page 9 and decide for yourself!

L-VR lenses are the next piece of technology produced by L-Corp. The contact lenses are the latest in virtual reality technology based in an augmented reality designed by some of the worlds best world building architects. The lenses are entirely run through cell towers, allowing the lenses to be used seemingly anywhere. The lenses connect not only to their brain, creating NPCs based on memory and allowing the user to warp the world around them, but they also connect to a user’s biology, making the virtual reality feel as real as this one. Fail safes are tied into the user’s biometrics to allow the user to escape at the push of a virtual button if stress becomes too much. Currently, all locations in the L-VR map are real-world locations but game managers are working to integrate more and more locations every day, including maps of other worlds or even fantasy dimensions. Users are able to submit ideas for locations and adventures to L-Corp for pending approval.

In her presentation Ms.Luthor asserted, “L-VR is only available in its beta-form to select psychiatric hospitals as an experimental program working with patients suffering from PTSD in order to help them overcome their triggers. Plans are in progress to expand this to help other trauma victims and patients recovering from serious illnesses as a form of combatting depression and anxiety. In the coming years, L-Corp has hopes to make L-VR available in retail form, allowing anyone to turn their dreams into virtual reality.”

[tirorah]

Road to Berlin’s ‘Road to Berlin’ Sure Was a Road to Berlin Episode

Hiya, everyone! It’s that time of the week, but don’t worry, your assigned reading is pretty light this time. Because, honestly? I don’t have much to say about this episode in terms of character arcs or themes or the like. Instead, you’ll find my brief thoughts under the cut, as well as my favorite stuff from Episode 11.

In the end, this episode was a follow-up to the ending of Episode 10, and also the start of the final offensive, which makes Episode 11 the middle chapter of a three-parter. This is always difficult to make satisfying--look at any pre-planned trilogy and you can see the struggle with ramping up the tension while also not blowing the series’ full load, as it needs to set up the final, climactic piece.

Consequently, Road to Berlin (the episode) didn’t do a lot of exciting things; it simply moved the story along. And that’s 100% fine. It’s just not as richly packed with content as most of the season has been. There was also some blatant reuse of old footage again (they really love that shot of Trude brandishing her guns, don’t they?) but again, I felt it was within acceptable parameters. I did feel like the episode was holding back a bit with the aerial combat, though. Seems the Ratte was the biggest star of the show for this week.

Without further ado and in no particular order, here are my favorite things from this episode!

Patton’s Redemption

Sort of. He was still a gloating idiot, but he actually valued Yoshika’s power enough to argue the 501st’s case to his fellow generals, and he showed admirable tenacity when the Neuroi’s full power gradually revealed itself. He didn’t shout nearly as often either, and was much more reasonable. Overall, he was far less cartoony and made a decent start at showing us why he attained his current rank.

Although I’ll never forgive him for this. That, and calling Yoshika a ‘little missy.’

This Line from Minna

It’s delivered calmly, but I like to think this is Diplomatic Minna Speak for ‘Fuck off and up yours, she saved your damn butts!’

And another thing: the doctor said it’d take Yoshika a week to be able to fly again, but Minna wants a delay of ten days, not seven. It seems she wants half a week extra so that Yoshika can recover more, which is both prudent and kind of her.

The Generals Being Children

Both amusement and disbelief filled me as I watched the generals of different nations bicker like bloody schoolyard kids. It’s true what they say: War. War never changes. (And especially not the ego of man.) The fact a bunch of grown men devolved into chest-thumping and throwing crap at one another is hilarious. Even Lucchini’s been more mature than that this season, and that says something!

Shizuka’s Turbulent Emotions

Again, Shizuka shows off her similarities to Trude; I feel like she’s definitely the type to hold this in until it comes spilling out in one ugly cry like it did here. She just wasn’t able to hold it in as long, likely due to her relative youth.

We also finally got to see the one character arc thing in this episode I was hoping for: Shizuka and her relationship with orders. For the entire season, we’ve constantly seen Shizuka’s rigid obedience to orders reinforced. But when Mio tells her to keep the Shinden’s presence a secret, we see the first time an order brings her true, internal conflict. Although it culminated in a good cry and not her disobeying said order, I have a feeling she’ll buck the trend and either tell Yoshika about the Shinden, or fly it herself.

Finally, it’s nice to see that she doesn’t let her injury scare her, and channels her guilt into some awesome attack runs. Much credit to her; she’s grown quite a bit, and not because she’s emulating the others, but by growing into her new responsibilities as a combatant.

Yoshika Doing What She Can

Respect was earned by Yoshika this episode. Although she was obviously disappointed she wouldn’t be able to fly with the others into the final battle, she didn’t let it get her down and decided to do whatever she could to help. That meant we finally got to see her newly attained medical skills again! All those books she checked out in Episode 1 sure came in handy now.

If you will, think back all the way to Season 1, Episode 2 for a moment. A Neuroi attacked the ship bringing Yoshika and Mio to Europe, and a sailor was injured by shrapnel. Back then, Yoshika was severely shaken by the combat, and when she tried to help the sailor with her healing magic, she was promptly rebuked by someone else, as healing him with the shards still inside would only hurt him further.

But here, people rely on Yoshika’s medical knowledge and even Patton greatly respects her for it. Her suggestion to hole up in the Flak Tower is also a huge success, likely saving all of their lives.

Shirley's Amusement at the Ratte

Why, Shirley, what are you insinuating here? Surely Karlsland isn’t compensating for something! They just like their prototypes huge.

And Perrine’s Dismay

Harrumph! Size doesn’t matter, obviously! Just look at Perrine’s chest.

But honestly, someone else pointed this out too: the fact they’re relying so much on experimental and/or new things shows how desperate they are, and how fragile their gains are.

Speaking of The Ratte

The Ratte is awesome. The way its rounds punched through the Neuroi walls... *chef’s kiss* It’s obvious where the love and attention went this episode: all the carnage! We also got to see a lot of Berlin’s ruins, which is a nice change from fighting over ocean and rural landscapes. In my opinion, this was the way to go with the budget.

Also, Dem Walls!

They were so cool! I was amazed by the way they could reform to cover the gap where they were under attack! They even showed the little drones coming in to stack on top of one another. And later on, how the main body used the walls to shield itself from the Ratte’s full power was also very impressive! I love how powerful the walls were, but that the Neuroi’s resources weren’t infinite. That’s how you write your antagonist.

Not to Mention the Dome of Death!

Let’s be honest: we all knew a snag was coming. But not only was this a clever trap by the Neuroi, it also showcased the Neuroi using the debris to build more of themselves!

Miscellaneous Things

Something I didn’t mention in my Episode 10 post was Lynne’s support. She’s been really good at looking out for Shizuka! And she also scored a huge hit on the drone horde, which was great. And this time, Perrine also took the time to reassure Shizuka; as the one who was originally assigned to train Shizuka, it’s good she’s showing her gentler side now.

The 502nd made a brief cameo! I haven’t watched Brave Witches yet, which I’ll have to get on after this season finishes. It was also really cool to see how the other Joint Fighter Wings were pitching in for the war effort. The 501st are definitely the stars of the operation (as they should be), but there’s a multi-prong attack going on off-screen. Exciting stuff!

I also really like the little touches that RtB’s been so good at this entire season. For this episode, it’s the blue tulip on Yoshika’s bedstand. Seeing as the episode starts on the day after the ending of Episode 10, this means someone (maybe Perrine?) had a Queen of Nederland shipped out to Kiel really quickly, just for Yoshika. It’s sweet!

Finally, while Minna and Trude clashed during the previous episode, here they work together to support one another during combat. Trude comes to Minna’s aid the moment she’s attacked.

The Stuff I Thought I’d Get, But Didn’t

I’d speculated on this episode and came up with things I thought I’d get to see. But nope!

First of all, what’s RtB’s deal with Mio? I can’t believe Minna’s had more subtext with Trude than with Mio this season! Even when the two of them finally spoke with one another for the first time since Episode 2, there was no blushing or anything like that! Are the days of Minna and Perrine fawning over Mio over? Is there someone on the writing team who loves Trude like I do, and has the same problems with Mio that I do? This is really...well, weird. I can’t describe it in any other way.

Anyway, she’s now bringing the B-17 to Berlin, meaning she might get involved somehow (and is also bringing the Shinden, possibly so Shizuka can fly it.) But here I was, thinking, ‘Oh, that plane they showed Mio with in the opening, she’ll fly that, and it’s going to have anti-Neuroi armor!’ and yet I’m not seeing any indication of that happening at all. Mio isn’t even in that plane right now. It’s the Ratte who got the anti-Neuroi treatment, and again, Mio’s presence felt...functional, I guess.

There’s something about her screen presence that bothers me, actually. I didn’t think about it before, because she was absent so much it just didn’t cross my mind, but...what happened to good ol’ jolly Mio? I don’t mind her being a bit more serious--RtB’s been a more serious season, after all--but we haven’t had a patented Mio Laugh since the first episode, and I miss it. Let’s hope the final episode gives her a nice sendoff.

Secondly, for all the fuss they made about Yoshika and Shizuka’s conditions with that downright tragic ending in Episode 10, the two of them bounced back pretty fast. It’s literally been a day and Shizuka’s already running around fine? And Yoshika doesn’t seem to be experiencing any lingering negative effects of her overexertion? (Aside from the obvious.) For a season that’s so focused on consequences and a consistency in tone, I feel like the two of them got off a bit light.

I was also expecting Trude and possibly Minna and Lynne having sad moments because ‘oh no, people we care about are hurt!’ but because Yoshika and Shizuka seem mostly fine, that didn’t happen at all.

Usually, Episode 11 is the one that ends on a somber note, but here it seems they moved that to Episode 10, and instead had Episode 11 strike a more optimistic tone. No one really showed off their flaws, either; maybe Episode 10 was the bookend to that theme after all?

Into the End

The episode ends on a very interesting note. Everyone finds out Yoshika is also trapped inside the Neuroi dome--and why, exactly, was no one informed of her presence on the Ratte?!--and they’re ordered to mount a rescue operation for their besieged comrades.

And then Trude comes with this absolutely surprising revelation:

I imagine at least one staff member had a chuckle at the fact the cast is now embarking on another Road (in)to Berlin.

The what, now? This wasn’t built up or alluded to at all; I have questions, show! Not to mention, how does Trude even know about this? And why is she the one announcing it, and not Minna, the world’s best mom and team captain?

Anyway, the preview seems to indicate some sort of tunnel run--I briefly wondered if they’d have to venture in on foot, but it seems to be big enough for them to fly.

This shot is ominous.

I’m highly intrigued by this decision. Obviously, the final confrontation will play out outside, but to yank the Witches from the air and into a much more claustrophobic space is a confident move. I can only imagine the surprises the final episode has up its sleeve.

Anyway, all in all, this was a decent episode, and while it did have lots of neat little character moments, it’s obviously setup for what I hope to be a spectacular ending. 

Even if it doesn’t quite deliver next week, though, RtB’s been so consistently great that it’s already cemented itself as my favorite show ever.

[cool-crap-daily]

Here is a cool thing I wrote. It's meant to be a prologue, but the book it's a prologue to doesn't exist because I am lazy. If you don't like it, too bad, you just read the whole thing sucks to be you ig.

Earth. 

    A planet full of natural wonders, rich in resources, and green with life, reduced to a festering pile of rubble and poverty. Not decimated by some outside force, no, it was ruined by scientific advancement and the sinfulness of man. The paragons of those horrors were called The Ascended. The Ascended were a group of individuals who had used the secrets of The Breakthrough to ‘ascend’. Each of them gained levels of power akin to those of the gods of legend. Every man, woman, and child in The Empire knew their names. Havoc, Seraphim, Volt, Stratagem, Hive, and finally, The Beholder.

    Havoc mastered the art of destruction. Originally the CEO of the world's leading weapons manufacturer, "Arcturus Armaments", The Breakthrough allowed him to fuse his mortal form with the instruments of chaos he created. Wielding atomic lasers and hypersonic rail-cannons as well as a panoply of other ordinances, he became an unstoppable courier of fire and death. To top it all off, his body was armor-plated in a composite meta-material that left him virtually invincible.

    Seraphim, the biological angel of life, had mastered the power of healing, the inverse of Havoc. Once the world's foremost scientist of medical studies, she created technologies that saved millions of lives. After the breakthrough, however, she melded herself with prototype machines she'd been working on in secret and obtained the ultimate treasure. The terrible prize that so many in history had sought after. Immortality. Any wounds she received closed as quickly as they opened, her aging halted in its tracks. She had an immune system aided by nanotech so that no pathogen stood a chance against her. Alas, she gave in to her dark fantasies of endless reign and destroyed all notes, machines, and evidence of her immortality tech, so that only she would be without a mortal end.

    Volt, the mover of mountains and Hermes incarnate, was once a man known as Ahmad Cunningham. He was the lead engineer of Athletonics Inc, the world's largest manufacturer of cybernetics, as well as his own startup: Fusoria Industries, the most advanced in Fusion power research. Using The Breakthrough, he molded his body into his most ambitious exoskeleton yet. This suit had so much potential that it needed impossible amounts of power to function. The only thing that could fuel such a bionic juggernaut was a prototype fusion reactor that he incorporated into the design. He could run and fly at incomprehensible speeds and could deliver enough energy in a single blow to flatten a skyscraper.

    Stratagem, the shadow of the abyss and master of illusion, was a trillionaire like the others in her former life, but her field of choice was espionage and stealth technologies. The Breakthrough allowed her to become nothing but a whisper on the airwaves, just a flickering of distortion on the edge of the most advanced cameras on the planet. She cloaked herself in stealth tech decades ahead of anything else ever conceived. She was completely invisible to the naked eye, and utterly silent to the ear. The only sensors that could hope to detect her were the ones she herself invented and replaced her eyes with. She could look through concrete walls and magnify her view enough to see miles away.

    Hive, the unfeeling swarm of symmetrical horror, was born out of a man named Stewart Stanford, the Head of Robotics and Androids Research of Rubicon Industries. Rubicon Industries used to be a competitor of Athletonics Inc. until the Ascended took over. Utilizing The Breakthrough, he uploaded his consciousness into his company’s hypercomputers, which were capable of processing petabytes of information per second. In doing so he gained unbelievable power but lost his humanity. After stealing FTL communication tech from a competing company, he could command his legion of millions of drones as if they were his body, seeing through myriads of eyes, controlling an endless swarm of weapons and tools. He could mine resources to create more drone factories and computers for himself, and there was nothing to stop him from doubling his forces every few weeks if left unchecked.

    The final member of the Ascended was The Beholder. Unlike the others, who are all incredibly infamous, few knew much about The Beholder. He used to work as a scientist at Tesseract Labs, whose main goal was to discover the secrets of quantum mechanics and dimensional dynamics. Before The Breakthrough, they had produced an FTL communication prototype, but it had vanished mysteriously, and they lost their government grants. Just before they shut down, an infinite number of new avenues for research opened up thanks to The Breakthrough. The lab was back in action. Using the power of The Breakthrough, they built a machine to study the secrets of existence itself. The machine was to a particle accelerator as a particle accelerator was to a particularly uninteresting rock. Alas, the scientists became arrogant and dug too deep, and it cost them everything. A horrible calamity struck as they probed into the folds of reality, ripping the entire facility out of the fabric of the universe and whipping it into the deepest Oblivion as the machine imploded. 

    The only survivor, if one could even call him that, was the man who was operating the machine during the calamity. Alexander Belton. The Beholder. His consciousness was caught between the two sides of the schism, split into an infinite number of parts and pieced together again over and over for an abstract eternity. Slowly, he learned to control the forces beyond reality and started to hold himself together. He built himself a physical form, found his way through the ever-changing miasma of the ethereal beyond back to our world. Coming back into existence crippled him, though, limiting his power and preventing him from ever leaving again. He anchored himself to this plane. Still, he was the most powerful of the Ascended by far, able to manipulate reality and travel through spacetime effortlessly, though not able to interact with the past. No one knew anything about where he was, what his motives were, or if the stories were even true. The other Ascended denied his existence, but endless numbers of sightings and stories of hope from the oppressed said otherwise.

    Together, the Ascended ruled the world uncontested, vowing a tentative truce, and promising to never allow anyone else to discover the secrets of The Breakthrough. They feared someone else could ascend using its power, jeopardizing their rule. They had scuffles occasionally, obliterating a few square miles of city here and there, but mostly they minded their business. They held a public meeting once a month to make decisions and ensure benevolent relations between them, as well as to agree on any new tenets to press onto the dying people of their world. They were corrupt, and they were only growing more so, but they enslaved the people in factories and power plants, under so much surveillance that the citizens were utterly powerless to stop them.

    Each of them controlled a different aspect of The Empire. Havoc was in charge of all military efforts as well as policing the citizens. His loyal knights carried out executions and silenced hope, armed with weapons that had power mirroring his own.

Seraphim was responsible for all biological research and plague control, as well as the only hospital left in existence. The Hospital was only open to the most elite, and only they could even afford a visit.

Volt was in charge of all power generation for The Empire. All electricity was generated by four massive fusion reactors, one in each district. Each absolutely dominated its skyline and required only tiny amounts of fuel to run in comparison. The fuel that they did need, however, was incredibly hard to produce, requiring tens of thousands of hours of manual labor involving harsh chemicals and radiation to create even a single gram.

Stratagem worked day and night to make sure that every square inch of The Empire was surveilled by one of her cameras, bugs, drones, or agents at all times. This way, the Ascended could stamp out any notion of an uprising or rebellion before it even began. She had hundreds of operatives who scoured The Empire and cyberspace for any intel or data that the Ascended could use.

Hive controlled all construction and resource gathering, his body made up of an endless swarm. If another thirty-story domestic housing unit needed to be constructed, it could be done overnight. Any steel or alloys that were required, he strip-mined from the less habitable parts of the planet, placed onto automated trains that carried them back to the factories. If any single part of the logistic chain was broken or destroyed, there was enough redundancy in the system that he could fix it in a matter of hours or even minutes.

Together, the six Ascended ruled The Empire with an iron fist, surveying their dystopia with cold, calculated, pride. They took comfort in the fact that no human alive could ever hope to topple their rule. It all worked like a well-oiled machine; oiled with blood, but oiled nonetheless. They sat on their thrones in The Floating Citadel, basking in the perverted glory of their ultimate abomination. Earth.

But seven became eight, and now, The Godhunter stalks her prey.

[Initiate Epic Soundtrack]

[zepybespectacled]

Chapter 4.1: Introduction to Powered Suits 

Excerpt from: The Digital Republic Engineering Manual

Greetings, trooper! If you're reading this data-slate then that means you have the engineering expertise to repair and maintain the various powered armors and equipment of the Republic Military. Remember, a soldier is only as good as their equipment and you're here to make sure they have the best! On the next page we will have an overview of the types you are likely to see on your tours of duty. Details and instructions on their operation and maintenance will be in the following chapters.

PHALANX POWER ARMOR - The Phalanx-series power armor is one of the most common Powered Armors you will see on the job. Used by the Gardis Peacekeeping Corps to pacify riots and dissent, it has been modified for military use in hostile environments and extreme weather conditions. This gigantic suit of armor has one job: protect the wearer. It has been designed to withstand projectiles, explosives, energy weaponry, and blunt force trauma. It comes equipped with a heavy-duty shield that can only be lifted with mechanical assistance. Much of your work on these suits will be the smoothing of dents, sealing of any holes or punctures, repairing wiring, and ensuring that all the joints are functional and responsive to the pilot. Keep your soldiers standing!

TREBUCHET POWER ARMOR - The Trebuchet-series armor is often worn by the Grenadier Heavy Weapon Troopers. This armor is designed to withstand a great deal of force and punishment. Beyond that however, this armor is also equipped with some of our most advanced projectile-guidance software in its on-board computer. Calibrated to the weapon it is using and with sensors to account for wind and world gravity, it provides the wearer with an accurate firing solution for any marked target. When firing it "locks down" making the wearer unable to move to mitigate the recoil of the weapon. Your job is to ensure proper calibration and function of all its systems so the wearer can trust their data!

VANGUARD EXO-SUIT - This new prototype exoskeleton is a lighter armor to be used by high ranking officers in the field. Using new medical stabilizer tech, it is designed to keep its wearer alive against all wounds and conditions using medi-gel injectors and healing nanites. In addition, it boosts the physical prowess and vitality of the wearer, making them stronger and move faster as if they're wearing no armor at all. You will be tasked with maintaining the gel and nanite distributors along with the suit's responsiveness to ensure maximum combat efficiency. Your leader is counting on you!

[LOGGING PERSONNEL ID...] [SPECIAL AUTHORIZATION CONFIRMED] [UNLOCKING CLASSIFIED DATA...]

BERSERKER BATTLESUIT - This armor is a part of the GOLIATH Project of the Bioweapon Research and Development branch. As an approved senior engineer we expect your discretion pertaining to the following information. This Battlesuit is designed to heighten the wearer's aggression and improve the already impressive physical power of the Mutant Subjects. Based on the commands of its handler, the suit can inject the wearer with various chemicals to induce either an obedient or berserk state, while also simulating a dopamine and endorphin rush upon successfully following commands. It comes equipped with vitality sensors due to the dangerous nature of these substances. The maintenance of these suits is crucial to ensure proper dosage and power distribution in the heat of battle. Provide regular reports on the Battlesuit's performance in combat and work with medical specialists so that we may optimize the efficiency of its functions.

SHINBU SHOCK TROOPER ARMOR - This is an experimental armor equipped with the latest innovations in teleporter technology. This allows the wearer personal, short-range teleportation, and provides heavy-duty protection while also augmenting speed and movement ability for CQC Specialists. It is still unreliable however, and it may teleport the user slightly off the target coordinates. It is currently only in use by Special Operative Tadakatsu and his Shinbu Shock Troopers to gather real-world combat data on its performance. You are to study the provided schematics carefully and apply adjustments to the teleporter calibration according to your judgment. You will provide regular reports on modifications and adjustments so that we may further improve its designs for eventual mass production.