#sensor array dome

[sw5w]

The Royal Starship Flies Over the Swamps

STAR WARS EPISODE I: The Phantom Menace 01:38:16

[helluvatimes]

The Vikings Are Here!

Euphorbia pulcherrima ‘Vikings Cinnamon’ making a comeback in the Flower Dome this Christmas. Photo credit: Jonathan Chua.

This was originally captured in black and white. When opening the image in the raw converter in some cases, it would default to monochrome, presenting seemingly a black and white raw file.

However, unless it’s produced by a sensor without a Colour Filter Array, the captured raw file would really be in colour. To restore the colour version, under ‘profile’ in the raw converter, select ‘colour’ and it would revert to a colour image.

The following image was produced with the ‘profile’ in the default ‘monochrome’. I thought it didn’t look that great, and thus out came the colour version.

Euphorbia pulcherrima ‘Vikings Cinnamon’ in black and white.

[buttsandboltguns]

Burnt Processors, Smoking Barrels

“...-they sent her out again, today-...”

The autoloader to the hecodra’s 105mm rattled as it selected a smoke shell and extracted it from the carousel, exposing the shell to open air for bare seconds as it was loaded into the breach of her cannon. Her quad legs carried her up the slope of the trench embankment. As her barrel crested the ridge, she twisted her torso and let loose. The cannon shook as it fired the smoke shell, the heavy munition blowing directly through the side of the lightly armored target. Milliseconds later the shell detonated, white smoke blowing out through all the open sections of the other hecodra, this one a tracked unit built for speed. It slowly stuttered to a stop as its power plant was starved of air, slowly and gently shutting down and preserving its dearth of parts.

“...-how many deployments has that been, recently?-...”

She lay in wait, her legs nearly fully folded up under her chassis. Her chaingun was pointed towards the sky, up over the edges of the howitzer emplacement she had decided to roost in until the target came closer. A buzzing became prominent on her scanner and she powered up, her powerplant coming up from an idle rumble to a heady pounding roar. Tracking systems engaged and locked to a target fired across her communications channel by one of her squadmates. As the target drew closer, closer, she eased her chassis up until her chaingun crested the bare edge of the emplacement. A single impulse sent hundreds of 14mm shells downrange. The targeted aircraft bled smoke as it screamed overhead, crashing far on the other side of the gun pit.

“...-they say she’s going out with a unit of heavy infantry droids, will she be okay?-...”

The hecodra stalked along the trench in front of her unit of hepodoifs. She had made sure that the field mechanics had filled her ammunition bins and properly applied the reactive armor blocks to her outer hull. Conveniently, the blocks also provided a spot for the hepodoifs to grip onto if they needed to climb her armor for some reason - the indentations between the segments were perfect sized for the heavy droids to fit their manipulators in.

Behind her, the shock infantry stomped along at a brisk pace. They weren’t her beloved NAC.23s. They had been redeployed to a different front where her unit couldn’t go. So they gave her another unit of frontline mockups for this mission. Another group of droids built from parts, from pieces, from scrap and spare weapons. Just like her. All she had to do was get used to them. That couldn’t be so hard, right?

A sensor ping distracted her. Her legs skidded in the mud as she brought herself to a full stop, her dense ocular array scanning for the target she knew to be there. There, in the mud between trenches, well concealed but still visible. The near-flat domed top hull of a dronetank. Its long gun peered nosily through its concealment, pointing parallel to the trench she was in. She had to be careful or else the dronetank would detect her and their game of cat and mouse would very quickly result in her being caught in its jaws. They would need to move slow and-

The hecodra’s chassis rocked as one of the hepodoifs made to climb her. Anger simmered within her as the heavily armored humanoid droid settled between her upper powerplant housing and the rear of the housing of her main ocular unit. They hadn’t even asked. And here they were, putting their filthy hands all over her, and to what end? They didn’t even have designation gear.

Over the trench rolled a thunderous crack as the humanoid droid fired a recoilless rifle towards the dronetank. The shell impacted, throwing mud and shrapnel into the air. A horrid whine filled the air with the spooling turbine of their would-be prey, then abruptly dumping into a groaning scream as the beast lurched to life.

The rounded, nearly flat machine threw itself into full reverse as it pulled itself out of the fighting position it had dug into. Its hull was swiftly beginning to come around, dragging that dreaded main gun towards the hecodra. She needed to move, or she was going to suffer the consequences of other’s actions.

Her legs dropped from under her as she tried to flatten herself in the trench. A colossal cannon shot sounded out and the hepodoif that was riding her hull was blown away, shards of armor and internals scraping silver lines across her thick plating. The shell detonated deep in the mud behind her, the wet slop impacting the shielding over her powerplant and scattering the remaining hepodoifs.

The hecodra rotated her lower chassis, her legs hissing as she began to scamper along the trench. She had to get the drop on the dronetank. If she didn’t, the rest of the hepodoifs would be rendered into scrap and very likely herself as well. That wouldn’t do. She would show the enemy why she was called Cardinal Curse.

Her own powerplant gurgled and then roared as she surged up and over the embankment into open terrain. The dronetank was still aimed in its original direction - 70 degrees off of where she was at. She aimed - main hull, good angle - fired! The 105mm smoothbore roared its rebuke. The sabot dart hurtled towards the hull of the drone, impacting… and glancing away, a warbling pitch piercing the air from the ricochet.

The autoloader to the 105mm rattled. The carousel spun wildly through the ammunition. HE, HEAT, WP, none of them were the correct munitions. None would penetrate that angled hull.

Except for one.

The carousel slammed to a stop.

The selector arm raised the gun fired missile out of the carousel and into bare air, lining it up with the breach of the cannon.

The ram slammed it home.

The dronetank had caught her. Its neutral turn was faster than her ability to run across open ground. She trained her gun on target, waiting for the indicator that it was fully armed, before-

A shell ripped her flank open. Static filled her vision for several moments and she was thrown to the side, staggering heavily through the mud. A secondary detonation rocked her world to the side as her ammunition carousel lit up, the internal munitions blowing hard. The blowout panels flew off into the distant mud, a gout of flames spouting from her armor ribs. She wallowed in the deep mud, her legs struggling to gain traction.

The tank was going to be loaded again soon. Her gimballed 14mm chaingun swiveled over and began to hose the front of the dronetank, hoping to catch the sensor arrays. Instead her wild burst was rewarded with the blare of a jam alarm, the caseless munitions catching in the feed belt. Her right side manipulator unfolded from her armor and shoved into the mud, propping her hull enough to rotate her thorax around. Her 105mm read green. She could fire the gun missile if she just got it on target.

The crosshair pinned itself across the dronetank.

The dronetank re-focused its gun.

The missile flew. The tank’s howitzer roared.

The tank went up in flames.

But the world was already darkened for Cardinal Curse.

[gallifreyinstituteforlearning]

Anatomy of a Dalek

A Dalek is primarily made from Dalekanium and polycarbide and is technically a cyborg. To understand how a Dalek is created, see How Do Daleks Become Daleks?

Some Daleks will have variations on the below, but these aspects of a Dalek's anatomy are broadly applicable to most.

The Dome (aka dome section, head section, head dome) is attached to the neck via a docking clamp.

Eyestalk (aka eyepiece, eye antenna, tele-eye, eye-stick, optical stalk, sensory antenna, eyeball unit). The eyestalk is attached to the dome via a lens attachment, sitting on a pivot in a cowl. The eye itself is known as an eyelens. The eyestalk is covered in multiple insulator discs to protect it from radiation.

Luminosity dischargers (aka headlamp, radiation valve, dome light, vocaliser light, sound disc). It's not quite known how or why the luminosity dischargers sync up with Dalek speech, but they could be energy compensators, translation units, safety valves to release excess energy, or just lights to indicate when a Dalek's speaking.

Neck (aka grating section, upper grating section). Attached to the weapons platform via another docking clamp, or 'catch'.

Neck rings support the neck grille.

Neck grille (aka audio receptor grill, sensor grille, sensor mesh, sensor grid louvres) cover the mutant Dalek within.

Weapons Platform (aka shoulder platform, shoulder section).

Slats (aka solar power collection slats, solar slats, solar cells, shoulder slats, armour slats, sensor plates) are effectively solar panels that absorb energy to power the Dalek.

Gunstick (aka radiation gun, gun-rod, ray-gun, exterminator, blast-gun, energy gun, Dalek neutraliser, neutraliser, beam distributor, Dalek beam gun, Dalek gun, ruby ray blaster). Sits on a balljoint, controlled by armament circuits. Can be set to non-lethal, causing temporary paralysis, but maximum settings can split atoms apart. Some Daleks deliberately reduce the power of their gunstick so that the beam burns away the central nervous system outside inwards, so victims die within 2-3 seconds in complete agony.

Manipulator arm (aka tactile arm, arm-stick). Usually sits on a balljoint. Attachments can be swapped out for various tools depending on the needs of the Dalek. Some attachments include the plunger, flamethrower, seismic detector, electrode unit, sieve, syringe, blow torch, cutting tool, another gunstick, or a claw, or basically anything they need.

Base Unit (aka travel unit). Contains the motive unit, the elevation unit, and thrusters.

Sense spheres (aka sensor globes, sensor arrays, bumps) can do pretty much whatever you want them to, including detecting emissions, monitoring the surrounding environment, and acting as self-destruct mechanisms. They can also function as sockets for cables and wires, and some say the sensor globes are capable of free flight, allowing them to provide remote battlefield intelligence.

Bumper (aka fender). Possibly containing proximal alert systems to detect other Daleks, but more likely just softening collisions.

Gallifreyan Dalek Biology for Tuesday by GIL

Any orange text is educated guesswork or theoretical. More content ... →📫Got a question? | 📚Complete list of Q+A and factoids →📢Announcements |🩻Biology |🗨️Language |🕰️Throwbacks |🤓Facts → Features:⭐Guest Posts | 🍜Chomp Chomp with Myishu →🫀Gallifreyan Anatomy and Physiology Guide (pending) →⚕️Gallifreyan Emergency Medicine Guides →📝Source list (WIP) →📜Masterpost If you're finding your happy place in this part of the internet, feel free to buy a coffee to help keep our exhausted human conscious. She works full-time in medicine and is so very tired 😴

[thelongestway]

You know, I had this in mind VERY early, but this chapter took, in real time, the same 2,5 months to get to as it did for the ships to jump to their destination!

Soo, watch out for mobile formatting, but without further ado (and FINALLY):

Chapter 2: Arrival

"All crew, prepare for wormhole exit," Captain Reed's voice rang out across the ship, and a few seconds later Dandelion's hull shuddered as she entered normal space. My humans and I (and some of Dandelion's off duty humans, especially the small ones) were gathered in the observation lounge, excited to see our destination. (Which I didn't really care about. I knew that there were two planets, and that we weren't planning to go down to any of them for now, which was more than enough to do my job. So I just wanted to know who got here first, ART or Dandelion.)

(It was Dandelion. ART did beat her jump speed on some of the routes neither of them knew well, but not on the last few jumps. This was Dandelion's home ground. Of course ART wouldn't be here yet. It'd finish the jump any second now.)

Dandelion rolled out her feed again and offered me a hook into her external channels, as she usually did when we had to wait for ART. Her navigator was talking to someone on a nearby traffic control station, while Dandelion extended her sensor array in two directions: towards the wormhole, to run some checks and meet ART when it got here, and towards the station in orbit around a gas giant. It was a really weird station.

Well, half of it was weird. By the form, which was some sort of triangle with a wide base flaring out and cut into multiple triangular teeth, I would've taken it for some sort of command area, or maybe a weird scanning system that needed the breadth for its sensors, but it was huge, broader and wider than the station's other half (a pretty normal, if big, cylindrical station, with space docks and docking rings mostly clustered in its middle). Most of the triangle area was painted with heat-dispersing white paint, but there was a giant raised platform under a glass roof near where it was linked to the other part of the station's body. The cylinder part of station also had glass domes studding its walls near the top and bottom.

(Mensah said, impressed: "Are those parks?"

I didn't know why she was so surprised. Dandelion had parks, why wouldn't her space stations.

Dandelion answered: "Gardens. And water reservoirs")

I could see three other ships docked at the cylindrical part of the station. Two were approximately as big as Dandelion, and the last one was about half her size, maybe a little bigger than ART in its teaching configuration.

We weren't in feed range of the station yet, but Dandelion was already preparing a feed space for communications. She had just invited me in (like she usually did when a space was meant for ART and it wasn't for a private conversation), when the station's cylindric side fired off a quick series of lights, and I felt Dandelion...

Yeah, I didn't exactly know what that emotion was, especially because it felt so weird coming from her. It reminded me of Mensah's children. Not the way they looked right now, all of them (Amena included) glued to the observation lounge glass and whispering to each other excitedly, but when they were engaged in unstructured activities during a rest period. If Dandelion were human, she would probably be grinning.

Oh, don't you "famous Dr. Tenacious" me, Aspen, Dandelion muttered as she fired off a return sequence of lights. Then, out loud to my humans, she said, "It looks like we made it in good time for the Meet."

Thiago made a face that looked way too happy to be good news for me.

"Fantastic news!" he said. "Do you know how many cycles we have left of the celebration?"

"It should be seven days, give or take half a cycle. I'm not sure exactly when they docked... Ah. There's Perihelion now."

The wormhole opened, and ART emerged into normal space. It went through it's normal safety checks, then opened a channel to us.

You win, ART said to Dandelion as it caught her invite, then pulled me into its feed and gave me access to its cameras, research feed and communication channels. I did a quick sweep of its crew. Iris was already in the feed with ART, and she tapped my feed as a hello. I sent her an invite to Dandelion's new channel, which Dandelion approved, and Iris joined after completing the post-jump safety checks.

Everyone else looked mostly fine. The entire crew definitely needed a rest period, but since they were just as excited as my Preservation humans, they probably wouldn't be taking one within the next half cycle.

(Two and a half system-months didn't normally count as a long trip, but with how many wormhole jumps we had to do in that time period, it was absolutely exhausting for ART's crew. Even Dandelion's crew, who were presumably a lot more used to this pace, were pretty tired and looking forward to shore leave.) (I didn't really know what counted as 'shore' on a fucking gas giant. Well, at least this one wouldn't have improbable worms. Unless they were aerial improbable worms, but that was just stupid.)

It's been a long road, and I know these last stretches of it well, Dandelion replied to ART with one of her bot equivalent shrugs. Not far now, though. Ready for the final approach, Perihelion?

Of course.

ART poked me to look at its research feed, which was busy gathering data on the planets and the station. Usually when we entered a new star system it mostly focused on the planets and other celestial objects, but right now it was mostly looking at the weirdly-tailed station and running analytics on its structure.

Interesting. It said to me on our private channel, scanning the cylinder.

That tail? Yeah, that's weird. Why would they need a scanning array that large?

No, that's not the weird part. 001x6y2's configuration--

Dandelion! A new voice interrupted in the main feed space. Welcome home!

We had entered the station's feed range, and ART backburnered its first analysis to start a new one for the node ships' communication protocols. They were, of course, incredibly weird. First of all, the station wasn't actually one station. It was two separate entities, feed addresses 001x6y2 and 003x5y4, both of whom felt as big as ART and Dandelion. Second, they still had gender markers, but at least theirs made a lot more sense than Dandelion's--both had them listed as "not specified". (Okay, so maybe Dandelion was just really weird even for a node ship.) Third, instead of giving us docking information or flight plans, one half of the station sent ART a polite ping of greeting and then hung back, while the other ignored us entirely, instead encircling Dandelion with hundreds of tiny connections.

Aspen, Dandelion relaxed herself into it, her usual forceful presence breaking up into similarly small tendrils. They connected, and after an incredibly long and quiet fifteen seconds she added, It's good to be home.

The first half of the station said, brushing against Dandelion and staying there, We're glad to have you back once again, cousin.

Dandelion answered the connection even as she stayed linked to Aspen. Thank you, Note. I have your ring ready. Will you accept the task as accomplished?

A new node ship getting its wings is far more than anyone could have hoped for, Note said, turning their attention to us. Welcome to Trellin, Perihelion of Mihira and New Tideland, and may you and your crew, they pinged Iris and me with deliberate slowness, find peaceful and safe harbor with us. I'm Note Waveskimmer, and I watch over all ships who roam the winds.

Ah, right! Aspen did not pull their connections back, but instead extended several new ones towards ART, which it accepted. Data poured in, including the actual flight plan, and ART sifted through it, devoting more processing power than it really had to just to make it quick and snappy.

(Show-off, Iris said on our private channel with mock disapproval. ART scoffed, but then something in the data set Aspen sent it matched with its scans. It pulled an unfamiliar ship schematic from its memory and started running a comparative analysis. Iris looked at the analysis, and frowned, joining in.)

Aspen said, Welcome, Perihelion, and thank you for making the journey. Such a long jump path can't have been easy. I'm Aspen Courageous, and you'll be staying with me for now, as I'm responsible for the space docks.

For some time more, at least, Note added with the bot equivalent of a grin.

Yeah, not for a very long one, if all goes well, Aspen shot back, then turned their attention back to ART. We're hoping you stay longer than that, actually. But that can wait. Flight plan acknowledged, Perihelion?

Iris suddenly said into our private channel: No way.

I looked, and they had finished the analysis of the station schematics. There was a far narrower cylinder at the heart of Aspen's part of the station, and that cylinder had a nearly perfect configuration match to a... Cold Sleep Explorers ship?

What the fuck, I said.

Yes. What the fuck, ART responded, and raised our internal threat assessment to yellow. Then it said, in the external feed space where the node ships were waiting: Query, Courageous.

Yes?

Are you the Courageous?

[tobiasdrake]

Figures surveillance grids would be a recurring Thing for major digimon villains, though Etemon's network seemed more dependent on physical sensor-tripping than IP pings. Mugendramon pulling the same 'wait, how'd he pinpoint 'em so fast??' popup was kinda funny, though maybe that mishmash city also has cameras Koushiro missed. Don't even ask me how TF Piemon's telescope worked this time.

What's interesting about Mugendramon's is that it's not even really a surveillance network.

Like. Etemon's Dark Network was an array of sensors that could deliver him incorrect information about where everyone is whenever he wanted it.

Mugendramon didn't even really seem to have anything set up to locate the Children. Instead, it was Koushiro volunteering their positions every time he logged into the network. This was a product of just. Like. How the internet functions.

Apart from the dub line about "You took the bait!" there's no indication that Mugendramon even planned for this to happen. Like, it seems to me like they were going about their day in the command center, planning Mugendramon's operation against the children, when they suddenly got an unauthorized access in their network.

And then Mugendramon was just like, "That can ONLY be the Chosen Children. I want a million bullets converging on that location immediately!"

Hagurumon: The children just logged in and googled pharmacies. Mugendramon: SEND FORCES TO ALL PHARMACIES. Hagurumon: The children logged in again. They're at the hospital. Mugendramon: WAR CRIMES Hagurumon: The children logged in at an office building! Mugendramon: PILE OF RUBBLE Hagurumon: They're all over the place! Mugendramon: OPERATION GENEVA TEARS

He just. Spent the whole episode reacting, capitalizing on Koushiro's mistake. I don't think he even knew they were here until Koushiro accidentally gave them away, and from there it was Game On.

Piemon's telescope, meanwhile, is...

Well, it's flagrantly impossible. Spiral Mountain looks like this.

The region the children are in is one of those two remaining stripes winding its way to the huge platform at the top. Which is where Piemon's observatory GIANT THIMBLE resides.

Piemon's observatory is the glass dome at the top of the thimble.

There is no possible direction he can point his telescope in to see things that are happening in the stripes of Spiral Mountain.

It's just magic or surveillance cameras or some shit being fed through his monitor. There's no other way.

He's just watching the television and pretending to be classy.

[stevethefishdotnet]

Argo Nauts 1:72 Y-Wing sofubi build update August 7th, 2024

I had posted a scan of this kit's box a few months ago. This is a sofubi (soft vinyl) kit with some brass, pewter, and resin pieces. The main body is vinyl, the disk ventrals at the tail ends of the nacelles are resin, the nacelle beams are brass, and the guns and landing gears are pewter (I think).

This picture above is a quick dry fit of what it looks like so far. I didn't tape the pieces together or anything, but just quickly assembled it for this picture. I later realized that I had hastily attached the nacelles upside-down. I just threw this quickly together to take a photo.

The kit does not come with any decals, so I gave it my own, unique paint scheme. This is a Blue Squadron Y-Wing and I am happy with the stripes I fashioned on my own with masking tape. I painted the vinyl parts with V-Color paints, which are made specifically for painting sofubi kits and toys. This paint is great because when applied properly to vinyl, you cannot scratch it off. It's extremely durable and flexible paint.

I first mixed Light Gray in with Black to make my own German Gray color which I used as an undercoat. I splotched Mr. Masking Neo in areas with a sponge for paint chipping, then went over it with Light Gray. I used Blue and Pastel Blue for the trim, and Orange Yellow to have one panel be a replacement. For the non-sofubi parts, I used Mr. Color 325 (JASDF Gray, IIRC) which is a good match for the V-Color Light Gray. The engine cans were painted a mixture of V-Color Gloss Black and Silver, resulting in a nice gunmetal color.

I later decided to not go with the pastel blue trim for the nacelle tips and re-masked and re-painted them with the matching medium blue I'd used on the cockpit fuselage, which you can see in the photo below. It was a bit tricky, but I also added a small ring of Flesh 1 color on the sensor domes. V-Color has its own clear Smoke color. I made sure to use the Smoke to stain the area around the proton torpedo launchers on the underside. After applying that and a clear gloss top coat, I applied a wash. You cannot use enamel paints on vinyl since they do not react well to each other. Instead I used some Turner Acryl Goache paints, some black with a bit of gray mixed in. Turner paints can be found at any stationery store here in Japan and elementary students use these paints for their classroom art projects. (The jibungous Tsutaya mega bookstore in Maebashi has a great hobby section that has a wide selection of these paints as well as artist oils, pastel chalks, and plenty of other hobby supplies.) I thinned it with Mr. Hobby's Weathering Paint Goache Solvent. (I don't know what "goache" means because I forget... Go look it up if you care.) This is made for making a wash out of acrylic paints. Simple water or acrylic thinner can cause the paint to dry in splotches, but this solvent is made to help the paint run into contours and stay still instead of spreading into splotches.

There is no flat clear V-Color paint, so I had to create my own with Clear and Flat Base and tested it out on some spare vinyl until it looked right. I think maybe it might be a bit too flat, but I'm alright. After this flat coat, the blue looks considerably subdued and blends in better with the light gray.

The photo above is just another sloppy dry fit. Thus, it doesn't look straight. So far I have only glued the nose cannons to the cockpit pod, the sensor array domes to the nacelle tips, the engine cans and the exhaust shrouds that cover them to the engine pods, and I have glued the disk vectrals to the support pylons at the ends of the nacelles. I have yet to secure these beams to the engine pods, which are also not glued to the engine pylons. Nor have I glued the fuselage, cockpit, canopy, and such.

To quote Han Solo, "Here's where the fun begins." While this kit provides brass rods for the support pylons, you have to provide your own wires for the piping and bend them all into shape. If I don't get this part right, the model won't look good. So, I am a bit nervous. I am using Wave's C-Line brass rods. Since I have seen some Y-Wing builds in which the pipes were painted a metallic color, I think I might just leave mine unpainted. A viewer on YouTube suggested to me to paint the wires a metallic color for scale, but I think it looks fine as it is. What do you think? They look a bit too shiny since the fluorescent light is shining directly onto them in this picture. I will apply a wash on the brass rods and I was thinking that I will hand-brush Mr. Metal Primer since it is clear and the enamel or whatever should stick to it better after that. Maybe I'll use that Games Workshop Nuln Oil as a wash over the pipes. The pipes should add the bonus value of acting like pins to keep the pieces together. 

So far, my only complaint is the cockpit canopy. It was difficult to cut out the windows and I think it really should have been molded in resin. The Astromech was painted V-Color Gloss Black and masked off. I will paint its trim with Mr. Hobby Aqueous Gloss White. I also need to paint the cockpit instrumentation with various colors too.

I'm really enjoying this build and as a result I'm getting back into the three Nadia sofubi kits by Tsukuda that have been languishing for years as shelf queens. I've made good progress with those and I will post an update on those soon. I've also begun working on a Deedlit sofubi kit by Kaiyodo.

[astrabear]

My labor, and my leisure too (pt. 1)

I've been poking around some ideas lately, about the difference between what feels like a happy (or at least satisfying) ending to a character and what feels like a happy (or at least satisfying) ending to the audience.

This is unedited, un-beta'd, and incomplete. I've already started working on the next bit; I just didn't want to wait to yeet it out into the universe.

********

If Nile hadn’t been frustrated nearly to tears by the time the rest of the team came in, she might have noticed that Nicky and Joe seemed oddly subdued and distracted. But she was, so she didn’t – all she could see was the endless array of charts and computer displays swimming before her eyes.

“I have run so many simulations I feel like I’m stuck in a time loop,” she said as they all gathered around the output table. “I’ve recalculated all the parameters to the limits of possibility, sometimes beyond. And I can’t find any way we pull this off.”

“But the intel we just got – “ Gert was new, had been with them for less than twenty years, and hadn’t quite let go of the idea of being a superhero.

“That intel is what makes it so hard.” Gert frowned, and Nile quickly added, “Don’t get me wrong, it’s fantastic you were able to track it down. If you hadn’t, we’d be totally screwed.”

“So what’s the problem?” Lijie asked. She ran her finger along one of the infiltration routes in the display. “This looks straightforward to me.”

“The problem,” Nile said, “is the timing. Whoever lays those charges, they’re not getting out. Any delay long enough for exfil is long enough for them to be detected and disarmed by the security system.”

“But we’re shutting down the security system. I walked you through that just the other day. I’m telling you, it’s foolproof.” Jerrah, over 1600 years old, hated that Nile still referred to him as one of “the kids,” but his temper and defensiveness had not mellowed with age and at times like this she felt entirely justified.

She heroically resisted banging her head against the table. It would only scramble the schematics. “Your plan for shutting the system down is foolproof. It’s great. It will absolutely work. But what we didn’t know until recently is that it’s on an automatic reset timer that will boot it back up after a set amount of time. You’re welcome to review the programming,” she ran her gaze around the team, addressing them all, “in fact I’d love it if you’d all review the scenarios I’ve run. Just to be sure. But I’m telling you – the numbers just don’t work. The support team will be fine, but the one with the charges is not getting out alive.”

Gert laughed. “I thought that was the point of us. We don’t have to get out alive.” They looked around and noticed no one else shared their amusement. “What am I missing?”

Jerrah answered while scrolling through Nile’s calculations. “An explosion this size isn’t just going to take out the complex, it’s going to wipe out the whole atmo dome. Anything not secured will get blasted out of the gravity well. You remember about Quỳnh? This would be infinitely worse. Literally.”

“But what about – “

Step by step, Nile walked them through it. How any equipment robust enough to survive the explosion would make it impossible to complete the mission to cause the explosion in the first place. How fast the debris and bodies would be moving with no inertia to slow them down. The number of bodies there would be, and the limits of their ship’s sensors. All of it. The inescapable physics, and the impossibility of making that choice.

“We have to scrap the plan,” she said, “start over from scratch. We’ll find another way, somehow, to – “ Joe and Nicky had withdrawn a bit from the group and were having their own private conversation. This, too, should have been a sign: they didn’t do cross-talk during mission briefings, and through all the months of planning they’d taken this mission particularly seriously.

But Nile was too frazzled and distracted for this to register, so she just barked out, “Hey guys! Are we boring you? Or do you have something you’d like to share?”

Her friends, mentors, brothers, exchanged a final loaded glance and then refocused on the group. Nicky put his arm around Joe’s shoulders, and as he did so his sleeve rode up, just a little, showing an odd patch of dirt on the inside of his upper arm. She found herself staring at it without knowing why.

“Joe and I will lay the charges,” Nicky said.

“Don’t be stupid,” Lijie snapped. “Nile’s right. Do you really think we’re going to just let you guys float around in vacuum forever?”

Three things happened simultaneously in an instant that felt to Nile like a lifetime:

…Nile noticed that the knuckles on Joe’s right hand were also weirdly dirty.

…and Joe said, “Of course not. We’re not asking you to.”

…and Nile thought Bruises. Not dirt. Bruises.

Then time slammed back into place and she cried out from the force of it.

And the room erupted into chaos.

[gold-for-xp]

Defined Space: Solar Unity Shells

The first Unity Shells were labor mechs repurposed by Martian revolutionaries. According to old war stories, one corporation press release declared the rebellious Shell pilots “nothing more than a dissatisfied terrorist cell composed of fools and scoundrels”. The Martians took quite a liking to this epithet, and the term scoundrel became synonymous with “comrade”.

To this day, the Unity shell manufacturing department names all new units after outdated insults, with models like the Braggart(demolitions), Knave (recon), Ruffian (CQC), and of course the eponymous Scoundrel unit, the face of the Unity military. Unity Shells tend towards boxy and segmented limbs and bodies, and the “heads” of Shell models are usually heavily deemphasized, generally appearing as a low dome arcing over the shoulders or a sensor array block.

(The primary inspiration here is somewhere between the titanfall or battletech style of western mecha and the very inhuman looking aquatic zeon mobile suits from gundam’s universal century timeline, particularly the z’gok and the hygogg)

[elmalo8291]

Science & Innovation to the 10th Power

This document outlines a visionary design for a HoloDome at Capone Studios & WonkyWorks Think Tank, integrating cutting-edge science, Flavorverse ethos, and Ocean-to-Space deep ocean considerations. It includes conceptual floor layouts, key subsystems, parts lists, manufacturing guidance, and prompts for CAD/VR/AR implementation.

1. Vision & Objectives

Immersive HoloDome Experience: A large-scale dome environment enabling multi-sensory VR/AR, holographic projections, and dynamic environmental simulation (deep ocean, space vistas, flavorverse landscapes).

Scientific Research Integration: Onsite labs and sensor suites for real-time data from deep-ocean probes, satellite feeds, and biotechnical flavor experiments.

Innovate to the 10th Power: Utilize advanced AI (Caesar AI with Reflect9 core), quantum computing nodes, and modular hardware to push experiential and R&D boundaries, from molecular gastronomy to astro- and marine- exploration.

Flavorverse Ocean-to-Space Theme: Seamless simulation / research pipeline connecting deep-ocean biomes, marine-derived ingredients, and space-based processes (microgravity fermentation, cosmic ingredient sourcing).

2. Overall Floor Layout & Zones

2.1 Dome Geometry & Structure

Shape: Geodesic or segmented-spherical dome (~30–50m diameter) with transparent or translucent panels (e.g., laminated glass, transparent aluminum composites).

Materials: Corrosion-resistant steel or titanium ribs; modular panel inserts with embedded OLED/LED layers for dynamic lighting and projection surfaces; waterproof sealing for integrated water features.

Access: Multiple entry/exit airlocks for controlled environment; emergency egress points; connection tunnels to adjacent labs.

2.2 Core Zones (Radial or Layered Layout)

Central Immersion Pit: Sunken area or platform for group VR sessions; circular platform with 360° projection and haptic floor.

Sensor & Control Hub: Adjacent control room housing server racks (quantum + conventional compute), AI core interfaces, network link to Caesar AI; monitoring dashboards for environment simulation.

Deep Ocean Simulation Lab:

Water Tank Interface: Large transparent tank section integrated into dome floor or side, with live deep-ocean sample cultivation (bioreactors simulating pressure zones) and circulatory systems for real seawater exchange or simulation.

Sensor Array: Sonar transducers, hydrophones, chemical analyzers feeding real or simulated ocean data into the immersive experience.

Flavorverse Biotech Station:

BioReactor Modules: For ocean-derived microbial cultures (e.g., algae, deep-sea extremophiles) and space-sourced fermentation experiments.

Molecular Gastronomy Lab: Sous-vide, cryo-freeze, ultrasonic emulsifiers, terpene/fog chambers, integrated with Milkfall Spine network for ingredient mixing.

Space Simulation Wing:

Zero-G Mockup: Partial free-fall rig or VR-augmented restraint system for microgravity simulation of cooking/distillation.

Astral Projection Zone: Holographic starfields and planetary surfaces; integration of satellite data feeds.

Haptic & Sensory Pods:

Individual or small-group booths with multisensory output: haptic suits, bone-conduction audio, aroma diffusers (MoodMilk integration), temperature/humidity controls to simulate environments.

Collaborative Workstations:

Modular tables around dome periphery for brainstorming, data analysis, recipe design, code development; integrated AR interfaces to overlay 3D models onto physical desks.

Observation Gallery & Lounge:

Elevated walkway around dome interior with seating, demonstration stations, tasting bars for flavorverse prototypes; dynamic lighting and projection surfaces for presentations.

Support & Maintenance Corridors:

Underfloor and overhead cable management; fluid conduits for Milkfall and other networks; access panels for repairs; environmental control ducts.

3. Key Subsystems & Scientific Components

3.1 Structural & Environmental Control

Climate Regulation: HVAC with humidity/temperature zoning for simulating oceanic or space-like conditions; precise control for experiments (e.g., low-humidity for dry aging, high-humidity fog chambers).

Pressure Chambers: Small-scale pressure modules to simulate deep-ocean pressures for microbial culture testing; integrated into BioStation.

Lighting & Projection: Distributed high-resolution projectors and LED arrays on dome shell; seamless blending for immersive visuals; dynamic spectral control (e.g., simulating underwater light attenuation or cosmic dawn).

Acoustic System: 3D spatial audio system with hydrophone input and bone-conduction outputs; supports environmental soundscapes (ocean currents, whale songs, cosmic radiation hum).

Safety & Containment: Emergency shutoffs, watertight bulkheads around water tanks, isolation of biohazard modules, fire suppression.

3.2 Sensor Networks & Data Flows

Deep-Ocean Sensors: Real-time feed from remote ROVs or simulated data, including temperature, salinity, pressure, bioluminescence intensity.

Space Data Inputs: Satellite telemetry, cosmic radiation readings, planetary atmospheric parameters for simulation.

Flavorverse Biometric Sensors: For participants: heart rate, galvanic skin response, pupil tracking; feed into Caesar AI for adaptive experience.

Environmental Sensors: Air quality, VOC detectors (to measure aroma diffusion), temperature/humidity, vibration sensors for haptic feedback alignment.

AI Core Integration: Data aggregated by Caesar AI; processed by Reflect9 logic for adaptive scenario adjustments, safety monitoring, and personalized guidance.

3.3 Holographic & VR/AR Systems

Projection Arrays: Laser or LED-based holographic projection; volumetric displays in central pit.

AR Headsets & Wearables: Lightweight headsets or glasses; haptic vests; bone-conduction audio units linked to Iron Spine for multisensory output.

Gesture Tracking: Infrared or LiDAR tracking of users’ gestures; integration for interactive environment manipulation (e.g., stirring virtual mixtures, manipulating molecular models).

Software Platform: Creamstream OS integration with custom VR/AR application: environment modules (ocean depths, space vistas, flavor labs), simulation controls, multi-user networking.

3.4 Flavorverse & Biotech Equipment

BioReactor Arrays: Modular vessels with pressure and temperature control; capable of culturing marine organisms or space-analog microbes; integrated sample ports for analysis.

Analytical Instruments: Mass spectrometer, gas chromatograph, spectrophotometer for flavor compound analysis; data fed to Caesar AI for recipe optimization.

Molecular Gastronomy Tools: Ultrasonic emulsifiers, cryo-freeze units, vacuum chambers, terpene fog generators, Milkfall conduit integration for infusions.

Space-Analog Distillers: Rotary distillation under reduced-pressure or microgravity simulation rigs; small centrifuge modules for separation tasks.

3.5 Networking & Compute

AI Servers: High-performance GPU/quantum nodes in Sensor & Control Hub; redundancy with distributed nodes across campus.

Edge Compute: Local compute modules at sensor clusters for real-time latency-sensitive processing (e.g., reflexive hazard detection in dome).

Secure Data Link: Encrypted channels between deep-ocean platforms, satellites, on-site servers, and Caesar AI Core; blockchain-backed logging for experiment records.

3.6 Fluid & Milkfall Integration

Milkfall Spine Extensions: Connect River of Milk network to HoloDome: infused mist generation, aroma carriers, nutrient for biosystems.

Fluid Circuits: Underfloor conduits carrying flavor-infused liquids to stations; safety-grade piping for biohazard and clean fluids; pumps with flow control.

Misting Systems: Ultrasonic mist generators in Fog Chambers; nutrient or aroma-laden fog for multisensory immersion.

4. Parts List & Manufacturing Guidance

4.1 Structural Components

Dome Frame: Prefabricated steel/titanium geodesic segments; CNC-cut nodes; corrosion-resistant coatings.

Transparent Panels: Laminated safety glass or transparent aluminum composite; integration with projection film or embedded LEDs.

Seals & Junctions: Custom gaskets for watertight/watertight sections; quick-release access panels.

4.2 Systems Hardware

Projectors & LEDs: High-lumen, low-latency projectors; addressable LED strips; controllers supporting DMX over Ethernet.

Sensors & Actuators: Marine-grade sensors; pressure transducers; ultrasonic transducers; aroma diffusers; haptic actuators beneath floor panels.

Compute Racks: Rack-mounted GPU servers; liquid cooling for high-load; UPS and battery backup (Dual-Core Fusion backup integrated concept).

BioLab Equipment: Standard lab benches with custom mounts for bioreactor vessels, integrated fluid lines; sterilizable surfaces.

4.3 Holographic & AR/VR Hardware

Headsets: Lightweight AR glasses with wide field-of-view; bone-conduction audio modules integrated into headband; optional neural-lace interface support via Iron Spine wearables.

Tracking Cameras: Infrared/LiDAR cameras mounted on dome interior; calibration rigs for accurate multi-user tracking.

Haptic Flooring: Modular floor tiles with vibration actuators; safe for barefoot or light footwear.

4.4 Fluid & Environmental Controls

Pumps & Valves: Food-grade pumps for Milkfall fluids; solenoid valves with feedback sensors; overflow sensors.

HVAC Units: High-precision climate control; ducting hidden in dome frame; silent operation for immersive experience.

Water Tanks & Pressure Modules: Reinforced transparent tanks for ocean simulation; small pressure vessels rated for desired depth-equivalent tests.

4.5 Networking & Power

Networking: Fiber-optic backbones; edge switches near sensor clusters; redundant links to main AI hub.

Power: Dedicated circuits; generator backup; surge protection for sensitive electronics.

Integration with Dual-Core Fusion Backup: If implementing on-site microfusion backup, interface power lines with dome’s critical loads for uninterrupted operation.

5. CAD/VR Implementation Prompts

5.1 CAD Model Prompts for Engineers

Dome Frame: Geodesic dome with 50m diameter; specify node connection details; panel insertion geometry; structural analysis load cases (wind, seismic).

Sensor & Control Hub: Rack layout; cooling requirements; cable/trunk pathways to dome interior.

Fluid Conduit Network: Underfloor piping diagram showing Milkfall integration loops; pump locations; maintenance access points.

BioLab Stations: Modular bench units; utility hookups (electrical, data, water); isolation zones for biosafety.

Haptic Floor Grid: Floor tile layout with embedded actuator positions; wiring channels.

5.2 VR/AR Software Requirements

Environment Modules: Real-time ocean simulation: import live data or synthetic models; dynamic visual shaders simulating light attenuation and particulates.

Gesture Interfaces: Define gesture sets for manipulating virtual controls (e.g., rotating molecular models, adjusting flavor infusion parameters).

Haptic Feedback Integration: Map events (e.g., virtual water currents, structural vibrations) to floor actuators and haptic suits.

AI-Driven Adaptive Narratives: Caesar AI scripts that adjust scenarios based on user biometrics and session goals (research vs. demonstration).

Multi-User Synchronization: Networking for multiple participants; avatar representation; shared interactive objects.

5.3 Visualization & Prototyping

3D Concept Renders: Use Blender or Unreal for initial lighting / material tests; emphasize transparency, mist effects, dynamic lighting.

Simulated Scenarios: Pre-built scenes: deep-ocean dive; orbit-view of Earth; flavor-lab procedural tutorial; emergency scenario demonstrating self-healing systems.

Prototype Integration: Small-scale mockup: a 5m dome segment with projector and sensor prototypes to test registration, calibration, and immersive effect.

6. Environmental & Safety Considerations

Biocontainment: If culturing deep-ocean microbes, follow biosafety level protocols; separate labs with negative-pressure vestibules if needed.

Pressure Simulation: Ensure pressure vessels have safety valves and monitoring.

Electrical Safety: Waterproofing around fluid systems; ground-fault protection; regular inspections.

Emergency Protocols: Egress lighting; audible alarms; automatic shutdown of fluid pumps and projections in fault conditions.

Sustainability: Use energy-efficient LEDs, recycling of fluid in bioreactors, minimal water waste via closed-loop systems; potential to integrate solar arrays.

7. Project Workflow & Next Steps

Stakeholder Review & Approval: Present this conceptual document as PDF or Notion page; gather feedback from Capone Studios leadership, R&D heads, and safety experts.

Preliminary CAD Schematics: Commission engineering team to translate geometry and subsystems into CAD models; generate structural analysis and MEP schematics.

Prototype & Testing: Build small-scale mockups (e.g., mini dome segment, sensor integration test bench, Milkfall pump demo).

Integration with AI & Software: Develop VR/AR prototypes with Caesar AI integration; test Reflect9-based adaptive experiences and safety triggers.

Manufacturing & Procurement: Source materials (transparent panels, sensors, pumps), pre-order compute hardware, contract fabricators for dome frame.

Construction & Installation: Erect dome structure; install subsystems; commission labs; perform integration testing.

Operational Readiness & Training: Train staff on system operation, safety procedures, AI interface usage, and maintenance.

Launch Experiences & Research Programs: Schedule immersive sessions, public tours, scientific experiments (oceanic sampling, molecular gastronomy), and ongoing iteration.

8. Integration with WonkyWorks & Capone Ecosystem

Link to Milkfall & Infusion Forest: Use the River of Milk Spine for flavorverse labs inside HoloDome; schedule cross-zone experiments (e.g., plant growth under simulated ocean currents).

Caesar AI & Reflect9: Embed Reflect9 logic for real-time user guidance—alerting to personal-space considerations, emotional calibration during intense simulations.

Ocean2Space Division Coordination: Feed real data from Oceanic Biomes Module and Spaceport Launch Lab into immersive scenarios; facilitate joint R&D between deep-ocean and space-based flavor/biotech teams.

Show & Content Production: Use HoloDome for filming segments of WonkyWorks Live™, Flavorverse Chronicles episodes, or Mist Trials Live™ events; allow interactive audience engagement.

Final Notes

This document is a comprehensive guide for conceptualizing, designing, and beginning implementation of a multi-disciplinary HoloDome that embodies science, innovation, and Flavorverse Ocean-to-Space vision. Copy into Notion or design software, link to relevant Codex entries (Reflect9, Caesar AI, Milkfall Spine), and iterate with engineering, design, and R&D teams.

*Prepared by WonkyWorks Think Tank / Capone Studios *© Angel Martinez Jr., All Rights Reserved

# Infusion Forest: Flavorverse Grow System – Master Blueprint & Lore Bundle **Overview:** Your comprehensive package for the Infusion Forest grow room, combining schematics, tech sheets, lore, and process flows into a single deliverable. --- ## 1. Master Schematic (Combined Blueprint) * **Vertical Grow Towers:** Dual-tower layout with cross-section detail * **Labeled Zones:** * **Terpene Fog Chambers** (Zone A) * **Wood Essence Diffusers** (Zone B) * **Root Vortex Zone** (Zone C) * **Barrel Extract Wing** (Zone D) * **Glyph-Encoded Fog Loops** (Zone E) * **Annotations:** Dimension callouts, airflow arrows, safety valves, power/data conduits --- ## 2. PDF Tech Sheet **Format:** Single-page, print-ready PDF **Sections:** 1. **System Overview Diagram** 2. **Key Specifications:** Tower height, fog output (L/min), power draw (kW), environmental controls 3. **Use Cases:** * Biotech farming – nutrient cycling * Ritual agriculture – glyph infusion * Mood-tuned culinary experiences – flavor engineering 4. **Materials & Components:** Aero-alloy frame, nano-fiber diffusers, smart valves, Caesar sensor arrays --- ## 3. Flavorverse Codex Entry (Notion/Vault Ready) **Content Sections:** * **Spirit Farming:** Ethereal plant cultivation, dream-seed integration * **Fog-Glyph Coding:** Embedding narrative spells into terpene mist * **Neural Plant Design:** AI-guided phenotype tuning for emotional resonance **Integrations:** * **River of Milk:** Hydration vector network * **Seed Vault:** Memory-locked genetic bank * **Spirits Forge:** Distillation and flavor extraction labs * **Sensory Labs:** Neural feedback stations for taste calibration --- ## 4. Pipeline Diagram (Flow Chart) **Stages:** 1. **Birth (Seed Germination)** 2. **Grow (Neural Sapling Phase)** 3. **Infuse (Fog & Glyph Application)** 4. **Harvest (Automated Root Lift)** 5. **Distill (Barrel & Extract Wing)** 6. **Savor (Tasting & Neural Feedback)** **Format:** Horizontal flow chart with icons, brief descriptions, and data metrics --- ## Next Steps & Packaging Options * **ZIP + PDF Bundle:** Includes all assets (PNGs, SVGs, PDFs, markdown). ready for sharing. * **Notion/Vault Deployment:** Direct import structure with placeholder embeds. * **Branding:** Stamp with your Flavorverse Sigil or Creator Glyph. **Say “Deliver Bundle”** or specify your desired platform, and I’ll finalize and package this deliverable for you. innovate

“Insert into Canvas” “Deliver Codex PDF” “Build ZIP Bundle” “Add to Notion structure”

Here’s a refined overview and recommendation blueprint for integrating Terpene Fog Chambers and related systems into your Infusion Forest or Spirits Forge environments, based on horticultural science: 🌿 Terpene Fog Chamber: Design & Function Particle Size & Humidity Control Fog vs. mist: high-pressure systems produce ~10 µm droplets (true “fog”) that hang in the air, promoting humidity without wetting plant surfaces; mist is 50–100 µm and can cause moisture buildup on leaves or soil alicebiotech.com producegrower.com +2 umass.edu +2 greenhousemag.com +2 . Propagation & Growth Benefits These fine droplets maintain high relative humidity (60–80 %) around foliage and roots, reducing stress and improving propagation, while cooling the canopy . Similar to NASA-inspired “fogponics,” which suspends roots in nutrient-rich fog for precise hydration and nutrient delivery using ultrasonic atomizers homesandgardens.com . Terpene Integration Terpenes, synthesized by plant TPS enzymes, are volatile compounds contributing aroma and flavor. Their diversity is immense, with monoterpenes to triterpenes significantly influencing scent and sensory quality arxiv.org +10 academic.oup.com +10 sciencedirect.com +10 . Fogging systems can disperse terpene-infused mists to deliver controlled aroma exposure and facilitate mist-glyph coding or flavor layering. ⚙️ Design Specification for Your Terpene Fog Chambers Fog Generation: Use high-pressure (~800–1200 psi) atomizing nozzles or ultrasonic foggers for ~10 µm droplets. Chamber Layout: Stainless-steel + tempered glass enclosure with multi-tier plant benches. UV vibration transducers at corners for mist dynamics and potential terpene activation. Glyph & Sensor Integration: Laser projectors casting glyphic sigils (spirals/leaves) into the mist. Array of sensors & control console—managed by Caesar AI (Reflect9 + Oracle + SpiderSense) for responsive environmental control. Reservoir & Infusion System: Multiple terpene canisters (LCD-controlled outputs). Ultrasonic atomizer plate bubbling nutrient + terpene fluids. Visual & UX Design: Soft green LED floors and warm amber overhead lighting to highlight fog effect. Sci-fi botanical lab meets alchemical steampunk aesthetic. 📋 Benefits & Use Cases Propagation & Growth: Enhanced rooting and acclimation akin to high-frequency fog respiration systems growtec.com umass.edu greenhousemag.com +3 alicebiotech.com +3 producegrower.com +3 . Flavor Engineering: Real-time terpene exposure allows tuning of aromatic profiles, aligned with codified glyph sequences in the Fog Loops. Sensory & AI Integration: Embedding Caesar-driven sensors enables adaptive modulation—such as altering fog density based on plant feedback or mood metrics. 🏗️ Next Steps Tell me which deliverable fits your vision best: “Insert into Canvas” → position the above as a module panel

[sw5w]

The Royal Starship Flies Low

STAR WARS EPISODE I: The Phantom Menace 01:17:23

[lastimeexteriors-nebraska]

What are the latest trends in skylight design?

Skylights are no longer just an addition to your home; they’ve become a statement piece, transforming any space with natural light and unique design elements. Whether you’re looking to update your current setup or start fresh, staying on top of the latest skylight trends can enhance your home's aesthetics. In this article, we’ll walk you through the newest trends in skylight design.

Smart Skylights

One of the biggest trends in skylight design is integrating technology, and smart skylights are leading the way. These advanced skylights can be controlled through your smartphone, allowing you to adjust brightness and ventilation or set timers for opening and closing. Imagine letting in a gentle breeze on a warm day or closing your skylights remotely during an unexpected rainstorm. Smart skylights also come with built-in rain sensors, ensuring your home stays protected even when you're not around.

Energy-Efficient Skylights 

As energy efficiency becomes a priority for many people, energy-efficient skylights have emerged as a top trend. These skylights are designed with insulated glass, low-E coatings, and sometimes even built-in solar panels to reduce energy consumption. They help regulate your home’s temperature by minimizing heat gain in the summer and retaining warmth during winter, which means lower energy bills and a reduced carbon footprint.

Flat and Minimalistic Skylights 

Gone are the days of bulky skylights that stick out like a sore thumb. Today’s trend is all about sleek, flat skylights that blend seamlessly into your roofline. These low-profile skylights provide an uninterrupted view of the sky and flood your space with natural light, all while maintaining a modern, minimalist appearance. The frameless look creates a more open and airy feel, making them perfect for contemporary homes.

Multi-Skylight Arrays 

Why settle for one skylight when you can have multiple? Multi-skylight arrays are becoming increasingly popular, especially in large open spaces like living rooms or kitchens. Installing several skylights in a grid or row creates a striking visual impact while allowing even more light to enter your space. This trend brightens your home and adds a touch of luxury and sophistication.

Tubular Skylights 

Not every room has the space for a full-sized skylight, which is where tubular skylights come in. These compact skylights are designed to capture sunlight through a dome on the roof and channel it into your home through a reflective tube. Tubular skylights are perfect for hallways, closets, bathrooms, or any area that could use a little extra light but doesn’t have room for a traditional skylight.

Ventilating Skylights 

While skylights are often associated with lighting, another popular trend is adding ventilation features. Ventilating skylights can be opened to let fresh air into your home, making them perfect for kitchens, bathrooms, or any space prone to humidity. They enhance air circulation, reduce moisture buildup, and create a more comfortable living environment.

Solar-Powered Skylights 

Solar-powered skylights are not only energy-efficient but also incredibly convenient. These skylights use solar energy, meaning you won’t have to worry about wiring or batteries. They come equipped with remote controls and can often be paired with smart home systems for easy operation. Solar-powered skylights are an excellent option for eco-conscious homeowners who want to reduce their energy bills while enjoying the benefits of natural light.

Skylights with Built-in Blinds 

Sometimes, you want to control how much light enters your space, and skylights with built-in blinds are the perfect solution. This trend allows you to adjust the brightness to your liking, whether blocking out the sun on a hot day or letting in just the right amount of light for your morning coffee. These blinds can be operated manually or via remote control, giving you full control over your skylight’s function.

Colored and Patterned Glass Skylights 

For those who want to make a bold statement, colored and patterned glass skylights are a fantastic trend. These skylights add a pop of color or intricate design to your space, creating a unique focal point. They allow you to personalize and infuse your home with character while enjoying natural light's benefits.

Add a touch of creativity to your home with the help of Lastime Exteriors. We can help you find the perfect colored or patterned skylight to match your style.

Don’t miss out on these amazing skylight trends that can transform your home into a stylish, light-filled sanctuary. Whether you’re looking for smart skylights, energy-efficient options, or something unique colored glass, Lastime Exteriors guides you.

[universalpocketdm]

Tell me more about the gundams!!

Roads to Colossus is set a few hundred years in the future, following the very much disconnected lives of Vera, a mech pilot for a rebel group in Canada (now part of the U.S.) and her now dead mother, Arden, who was one of the progenitors of combat mechs known as Colossi. It explores themes of imperialism and generational trauma (classic mecha shit) with a tinge of what I am hoping will come across as proper gothic horror. Here's an excerpt from the WIP of the first time the reader encounters a Colossus:

Cast in stark light and dark by the sunlight streaming in from the high windows, tangled in cables and hanging upside down with its hands bound at its sides, was a humanoid figure of pitted steel and titanium. One leg was tethered at full extension, connected to the roof by an ancient pulley, the other folded impotently against the body, rendered useless by its lack of leverage against its bonds. The years had not been kind to it. Its armor plating was starting to corrode and various vile fluids - oils, coolants, and the like - had leaked from all over, leaving filthy streaks that all flowed towards its head, rendering the red glass dome of its sensor array a vile and pustulent eye.

[avtechnologysworld]

The Role of Audio Visual Systems in Digital Signage

Microsoft Teams Rooms Design considerations involve technologies enabling virtual collaboration. Digital signage leverages cutting-edge audio visual systems to engage audiences both physically and online. This blog examines how specialized AV powers impactful digital experiences across industries.

What is Digital Signage?

Digital signage utilizes displays networked to distribution platforms for conveying dynamic, targeted multimedia communications. Key elements include:

Screens: LCD, LED video walls of all sizes centrally located or distributed across premises for visibility.

Players: Media players decode and playback multimedia looped content on displays from central networks.

Software: Content management systems schedule and disseminate playlists to displays remotely.

Infrastructure: AV over IP solutions transport networked video/audio endpoints across ethernet.

Analytics: Metrics track content engagement, dwell times, foot traffic patterns optimizing experiences.

Specialized AV tuned for continuous 24/7 operations underpins dynamic experiences across verticals beyond traditional static signage.

Optimizing Audience Engagement

Content design interacts with viewers leveraging advanced display technologies:

Bezel-Less Video Walls: Seamless arrays immerse audiences in realistic environments or situations.

4K/UHD Resolution: Hyper-detailed visuals engage passersby catching eyes from further away.

Interactive Kiosks: Touchscreen displays promote exploration and response gathering insights.

Motion Detection: Sensors trigger attention-grabbing reactive content drawing focus.

Multi-Angle Projection:Geometry-correct blended projections cover complex surfaces like domes.

Outdoor Displays: Brightness boosting LCDs overcome sun glare for legibility in any environment conditions.

Intuitive, high-impact experiences optimized for the context enhances audiences interaction and retention of messaging.

Applications in Corporate Environments

Digital signage supports internal communications and branding:

Lobby Displays: Welcome visitors with directories, announcements set professional first impressions.

Break Room TVs: Loop motivational messages, instructional content educating remote employees.

Conference Rooms: Schedule digital booth assets previewing products remotely from any workspace.

Directional Systems: Wayfinding solutions guide throughout campuses improving navigation productivity.

Emergency Alerts: Push critical notifications of lockdowns, evacuations enhancing workforce safety.

Intelligent platforms facilitate corporate engagement, culture-building while streamlining essential operational information dissemination.

Revolutionizing Retail Signage

Immersive in-store experiences attract, engage, convert shoppers:

Interactive Product Displays: Demonstrate features through tactile product demos generating curiosity, trials.

Beacon Technology: Trigger content on mobile apps based on proximity retargeting when shoppers pass by.

Queue Displays: Short-form educational content or light shows entertain waiting lines improving satisfaction.

Digital Menu Boards: Remotely update promotions, specials capitalizing on today's best deals.

Endless Aisle: Provide remote access to complete inventories driving sales of out-of-stock items.

Dynamic visual merchandising facilitates discovery, builds brand affinity and awareness throughout all selling stages inside physical spaces.

Enhancing Visitor Experiences

Signage applications in museums, attractions wow audiences:

Multi-Screen Domes: Engulf viewers within immersive panoramas of foreign landscapes virtually transporting everywhere.

Themed Environments: Motion tracking LEDs sync music/lighting activating scenes steering unique storytelling.

Interactive Exhibits: Touch-activated multimedia delivers layered perspective on displayed artifacts for all ages.

Wayfinding Systems: Guidance integrated into exhibits prevents overcrowding optimizing flow.

Live Event Streams: Broadcast opening/closing shows, behind-the-scenes tours extending reach on-site and online.

Sensory-rich "edutainment" amplifies engagement while communicating cultural, historical messages to broader audiences.

Streaming Services Everywhere

Digital platforms distribute signed programming networks:

Online Video Portals: Websites syndicate digital networks through browsers for remote access from anywhere.

OTT Devices: Streaming media players like Roku integrate signed channels into living rooms for “lean-back” viewing.

Mobile Apps: Tailored smartphone/tablet apps deliver content on-the-go for small screens anytime, anywhere.

Social Media: Content integrates into branded channels on platforms driving meaningful engagement, followers.

Digital Out-of-Home: Frameworks distribute on billboards, buses facilitating off-premise discovery, conversions.

Ubiquitous streaming translates eye-catching offline experiences across all connected devices maximizing visibility.

Managing Digital Signage Networks

Centralized management platforms control far-flung networks:

Content Management: Develop/schedule playlists, playback content remotely over interfaces.

Analytics & Reporting: Real-time metrics on plays, engagement optimize experiences and ROI.

Remote Device Control: Monitor status, troubleshoot, upgrade software across all displays from one dashboard.

Remote Configuration: Manage zones, layouts/templates, permissions simplifying deployment of new sites.

Playback: Seamless failover prevents downtime leveraging HD streaming protocols, caches across WAN.

APIs: Integrate with external data sources, ticket systems for dynamic real-time updates.

Integrated solutions empower unified efficient oversight of even largest, most complex multi-screen ecosystems anywhere.

Ongoing Support for 24/7 Operations

Round-the-clock support ensures uptime of mission-critical systems:

Proactive Maintenance: Regular diagnostics optimize hardware health, firmware preventing downtime.

Remote Helpdesk: Dedicated support staff tackle issues via remote assistance reducing down-time costs.

Managed Service Options: Subscriptions safeguard performance for organizations lacking internal AV expertise.

Content Production Assistance: On-call creative, programming teams design/deploy new collateral minimizing workflow strains.

Failure Replacement: Arrange shipments of loaner players/displays limiting impairment of experiences, messages.

Reliable ongoing backing equips stakeholders responding to issues maintaining seamless signage operations essential to their operations and brand presence.

Future Directions in Digital Signage

Emerging technologies enhance immersion and personalization:

Holographic Displays: 3D projection of images/objects in thin air through laser/mirror techniques.

Foldable/Flexible Displays: Screens conforming to any surface through micro-LED advancements.

Ambient Computing: Seamlessly integrates information into everyday objects/surfaces.

AI-Powered Interactions: Computer vision identifies audiences automatically customizing messaging.

Location-Based Triggers: Bluetooth/WiFi detect proximity tailoring experiences based on footfalls.

Augmented Content: Enhanced digital overlays dynamically merge physical and virtual worlds.

Continued innovation will shape unprecedented immersive, contextualized experiences across any environment through next-gen digital signage implementations.

Conclusion

In summary, specialized audio visual systems optimized for high-usage 24/7 operations enable digital signage to transform engagement across industries. Advanced displays paired with intelligent content management streamline distribution of dynamic, targeted experiences both online and offline. Continuous technological evolution will shape even more impactful personalized interactions everywhere information is consumed. When thoughtfully implemented, digital signage creates meaningful connections while maximizing operational effectiveness for organizations through visually led communications.

[max-tec3000]

The Green Thumb's Guide: Advantages of Using Reusable Humidity Domes in Home Gardening

Embarking on the home gardening journey brings with it an array of tools and techniques aimed at nurturing your plants into their fullest potential. Among these, reusable humidity domes stand out as a game-changer for both novice green thumbs and seasoned gardeners alike. These domes, designed to create a mini greenhouse effect, offer a plethora of benefits that can significantly enhance the growth and health of your plants.Why should you consider integrating reusable humidity domes into your gardening practices? Firstly, they are instrumental in maintaining optimal moisture levels, a crucial factor for seed germination and the thriving of young plants. Furthermore, by safeguarding your precious greens from the harsh elements and potential pests, these domes act as a protective barrier, ensuring your gardening efforts are not in vain. The appeal of reusability also cannot be overstated; not only does it champion an eco-friendly approach to gardening, but it also proves to be cost-effective in the long run.Moreover, the versatility of reusable humidity domes in accommodating a wide range of plant types adds to their allure. Whether you're experimenting with exotic orchids or staples like tomatoes and peppers, these domes can be your plants' best ally. Ready to give your plants the love and care they deserve? Dive into the world of reusable humidity domes and witness your garden flourish like never before.

Choosing the Right Reusable Humidity Dome for Your Garden Size

When it comes to starting seeds or propagating cuttings, the right humidity dome can significantly enhance the growth and health of your plants. A critical tool for gardeners aiming to achieve a controlled environment, humidity domes help maintain optimum moisture levels, crucial for seed germination and root development. However, selecting the appropriate size and features of a reusable humidity dome is key to aligning with your garden's specific needs.For small-scale indoor gardens, a compact humidity dome that fits standard seed trays is ideal. These are particularly suitable for hobbyists or those with limited space. On the other hand, larger greenhouses or outdoor gardens might require custom-sized domes designed to cover multiple trays or even entire garden beds. Features such as adjustable vents are also vital, as they allow for the regulation of air flow and moisture levels, ensuring that your plants do not suffer from excessive humidity. Remember, the goal is to create a balance that supports plant growth without encouraging mold or fungal diseases. Exploring the realm of gardening, one cannot help but marvel at the ingenious solutions aimed at water conservation. Among these, reusable humidity domes stand out as a beacon of efficiency and sustainability. These domes, designed to retain moisture, ensure that your garden thrives without the constant need for watering, thereby conserving this precious resource. In this feature, we delve into the top options that promise to transform your gardening experience with optimal water conservation.

Top Reusable Humidity Domes for Efficient Water Conservation

- Eco-Dome Master: This dome is crafted from durable, recycled materials, offering a sustainable choice for eco-conscious gardeners. - GreenThumb Saver: Known for its unique moisture-lock technology, this dome ensures your plants stay hydrated with minimal water usage. - HydroHaven: With its advanced condensation recycling system, HydroHaven stands as a pinnacle of water conservation in garden domes. - WaterWise Pro: This model features an innovative design that maximizes humidity retention, drastically reducing the need for frequent watering. - MoistureGuardian: Equipped with smart sensors to adjust humidity levels, MoistureGuardian delivers tailored care for each plant under its dome. - AquaSave Series: Focused on simplicity and efficiency, AquaSave offers straightforward water conservation solutions for every gardener. - EcoGrow Dome: Highlighting user-friendly features, EcoGrow promotes both plant health and water conservation with ease. - VerdeVault: Engineered for versatility, VerdeVault domes cater to a wide array of garden types, all while ensuring efficient water use.Embarking on the journey of sustainable gardening with any of these reusable humidity domes not only nurtures your garden but also contributes significantly to conserving water for our planet. Dive into the world of efficient gardening and witness your green space blossom with vitality.

Sustainable Gardening with Humidity Domes

Embracing sustainable gardening practices becomes increasingly important as we seek ways to mitigate the impact of climate change and nurture our environment. One effective method of achieving sustainability in our gardens is through the use of reusable humidity domes. These domes create a microclimate that preserves moisture, reduces water waste, and promotes the healthy growth of seedlings and plants. By employing humidity domes, gardeners can significantly lower their environmental footprint while ensuring their plants thrive.Not only do reusable humidity domes aid in conserving water, but they also help in reducing plastic waste. Traditionally, gardeners might use single-use plastics or other less eco-friendly materials to create mini greenhouses. However, the shift towards durable, reusable options marks a step forward in eco-conscious gardening. Additionally, the control over humidity levels that these domes provide can lead to healthier plants and higher yields, manifesting the principle that sustainability and productivity can go hand in hand.

Tips for Maintaining Optimal Humidity Levels with Reusable Domes

Maintaining the right humidity levels is vital for the health of plants, especially when germinating seeds or propagating cuttings. Reusable domes can be essential tools in controlling humidity. Here are tips to ensure you're using them effectively.Q: How often should I ventilate when using reusable domes?A: Ventilation is crucial to prevent mold and mildew growth. Begin with small periods of ventilation daily and adjust based on the condensation level and plant response. A good rule is to slightly open the dome for a few hours each day to allow fresh air exchange.Q: What is the optimal humidity level to maintain with reusable domes?A: The ideal humidity level varies depending on the plant species and growth stage. Generally, a humidity level between 70-75% is suitable for seed germination and early plant growth. Use a hygrometer to monitor and adjust levels as needed.Q: How do I adjust the humidity level inside a reusable dome?A: Adjusting humidity involves regulating ventilation and watering. Increase humidity by spraying water inside the dome or onto the soil surface. Lower humidity by increasing ventilation. In some cases, placing a water tray inside the dome can help regulate moisture levels.Q: Can using reusable domes affect the temperature?A: Yes, reusable domes can create a greenhouse effect, trapping heat and potentially raising the temperature inside. Monitor temperatures closely, particularly in direct sunlight, to prevent overheating. Opening the vents can help moderate temperature alongside humidity.

Enhancing Plant Growth with Reusable Humidity Domes

Maximizing plant growth is a goal many gardeners and plant enthusiasts share. One effective method to achieve this is by employing reusable humidity domes. These domes create a microclimate that retains moisture and warmth, which are critical factors for the germination and growth of plants. By using these domes, you can significantly improve your plants' health and speed up their growth cycle, without the need for frequent watering or worry about environmental temperature fluctuations.Incorporating reusable humidity domes into your planting routine is relatively straightforward. Begin by placing your seeds or seedlings into a tray that has been filled with a high-quality growing medium. Cover the tray with the humidity dome to trap moisture and warmth. It is crucial to monitor the conditions inside the dome regularly, ensuring that the plants have ample humidity but are not overly wet. Adjusting the dome's vents to control air flow can help in managing these conditions efficiently. This practice not only conserves water but also promotes a sustainable gardening approach by reusing resources effectively. Read the full article

[jpitha]

The Dreams of Hyacinth 18

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Nick was in the black of space.

Nick was staring out at the endless sea of stars.

Nick could feel his Stardrive and his sensor array.

Nick was a Starjumper.

"This is wild." Nick used his sensor array to look around. There was nobody else that he could detect. If he moved this his thrusters would move. If be wiggled that he could adjust his orientation. If he shuffled right here he could feel the reactor.

"You're getting the hang of it so fast! I swear there were come AIs that needed more training than that!"

Nick looked around, but of course he couldn't see anyone. "Thank you? Who is this?"

"Oh sorry! My name is Starlight Serenade but everyone calls me Star."

"I'm assuming you're an AI, but are you... currently a ship too?"

Star laughed. "No, though I can see why you'd think so. Many AIs take more... body oriented names when they get a body, but I liked my name so much I just kept it. It's not super common, but it's also not unheard of either."

"You work for the Empress too on this project?"

"Yup! I'm her official starship piloting trainer." Star sounded proud when they mentioned that.

Nick raised an eyebrow. He noticed when he did that his body started to spin slowly. He lowered his eyebrow, and raised the other until the spin stopped. This was going to take some getting used to. "Star... how many people have you trained to pilot starships?"

"Only a few so far, but we're going to be doing a bunch more very soon." It sounded like Star was trying to answer Nick's question without answering Nick's question. Nick decided to drop it for now.

"Okay Star. I'm your student. Teach me what to do."

"Wonderful! Let's get started."

Honestly, Nick found it easier than he anticipated being a starship. There was a lot to learn, but his implants also gave him the ability to leave notes and reminders for himself and Star was able to provide tips and anecdotes from when they were a Starjumper. Within a few hours, he had the basics down and could maneuver in space. Nick looked at the clock and realized he had been training now for six hours. "Oh no! Star! I lost track of time. I need to let Eastern know what happend."

"Don't worry about her Nick, She's been in training too. I've been working with her this whole time."

"But you've been working with me?"

"I can split my attention pretty well. It's an AI thing." Star sounded a little smug. "Two is easy, I can split up to 5 or 6 before most BIs noticed that I've done it."

"Huh. That's interesting. But still, I should go and check on Selkirk. She wasn't looking too good."

"Okay Nick, that's fine. I'll help you out and let Eastern know too. She's picking it up as fast as you are. I'd say two more sessions in the simulator and you'll be ready for the real thing."

With that, Nick's eyes started working again and he looked up at the top of the simulator dome. He sat up slowly and with another snap, the cables disconnected. The door spun open and he walked out just as Eastern was doing the same. Yon was nowhere to be found.

"Eastern! We've been at this for six hours. We should go check on Selkirk. I'm worried about her."

Eastern rubbed the back of her head where her connections were and looked tired. "Okay Nick, let's go see. Were you working with Star?"

Nick started walking towards the door and Eastern caught up. He was walking with purpose. "Yes, they said that they can split their attention pretty easily. How was it for you?"

"Nick, I actually had fun. I didn't think I would, but I kind of like being a starship. What about you?"

"It was interesting, and the feelings were very weird, but I don't know if I'd call it fun. I'm glad you liked it though. Maybe you can be the Starship and I'll be your commanding human." Nick grinned at Eastern as they walked.

"You would like that wouldn't you?" Eastern laughed. "Come on, let's go check on Selkirk.

As they walked, guards and personnel would look up at them, their eyes would flash as they were identified and then they'd get a nod, or someone would stand aside and they would be on their way. Nick wondered at that a few times. Raaden had made it sound like she visited everyone, but they had access to her personal penthouse. Nick got the main encryption keys and all the guards were letting them by with barely a nod. They stepped into the elevator and Nick signaled Eastern.

Eastern. Have you noticed that we appear to be very highly placed here?

I was just about to mention it to you. I think nobody has challenged us as we've been moving around the whole building this whole time. At first I chalked it up to being with Yon and Raaden but now...

Exactly. We have Raaden's penthouse apartment, we have a set of universal encryption keys, we're getting a cursory scan and let in anywhere... I think we're high up the ladder here.

What's going on? Half the time it seems like Raaden has the whole place under her thumb, the other half it feels like we're one of 4 that knows what's going on.

They stepped out into the apartment to Raaden sitting on the couch alone. looking at them. There were three steaming mugs on the table in front of her.

Can't it be both?

Eastern yelped and bowed down. "Empress!" She stood back up. "I thought you were going to be gone longer?"

Raaden waved a hand dismissively. "It was easier than I thought it would be. The... directors were much more amiable to my offer than I thought."

"Directors?" Nick looked around the penthouse and didn't see Selkirk or anyone else really. Just Raaden sitting on the couch, a pad and a mug of tea on the table next to her.

"Directors of Wheelock Incorporated. They're a major shipbuilder, out of Luna. I own it now."

"You... own Wheelock Incorporated?" Nick had heard the name before, but only as a name on the news. They were famous for being in business nearly one thousand years, building starships of all kinds. They reportedly owned most of the Heinlein Shipyards and suffered a massive loss when Melody stole it.

Raaden nodded and picked up her tea. "Yes. They accepted my proposal easily. The papers were signed within half a day - all very privately and without fanfare, as I had requested. Just another piece of the puzzle I need."

Nick sat hard into the chair opposite Raaden. Nick looked at the cup of coffee where he sat, hot and ready. She gestured with her hand offering it to him, and he took it. Once again, it was perfect. Eastern sat next to him and picked up the mug of tea where she was. Nick looked over at Her. "Raaden... Empress... How much of Sol do you own?"

She looked thoughtful for a moment, and her eyes flashed blue. "Hmm. With this I now own more than 40% of all the manufacturing ability in Sol, 60% of the food production and 80% of retail."

Eastern choked on her tea. This time, it was Nick's turn to pat her back and wait for her to stop coughing and catch her breath. "Ra-Empress you're telling me you are the richest person in Sol?"

"Oh Eastern, I'm the richest human, full stop. Probably the richest sapient. I own Houndstooth. I don't keep an apartment in Houndstooth One just because I like the view. This is my building. This is my Orbital."

The silence clanged between them for two beats. Nick swallowed his coffee before he could choke on it. He had to know. "Empress, how did you buy all these companies?"

Raaden smiled wickedly. "Oh, I didn't buy them. I merely showed up and asked if I could take them over. Interestingly enough, everyone I asked had no problem whatsoever with it. Once I told them what I was doing, they were pleased to give it to me. I made sure of it. Everyone also understood my need for discretion, my need for quiet. A few more acquisitions and I won't need to take over Sol."

"I'll own it outright."

Nick stood. "I-I should check on Selkirk. She wasn't looking very good when we left the hospital floor."

Raaden sat up from her lounging position and looked Nick in the eye. "Nick, I'm sorry but you can't right now. She's in torpor."

Nick's head snapped back to Raaden. "She's what?"

K'laxi don't get fevers. Their planet was much less... threatening than Earth was and they evolved in a less competitive environment. Still, they have bacteria and viruses and their bodies needed a way to deal with infection. Humans deal with it with a fever. Their bodies will warm up high enough to try and kill the bacteria without killing themselves. It's a very fine line between dead bacteria and dead human. K'laxi go into torpor when they're fighting infection. Their body temperatures lower to nearly ambient, they stop moving and for all appearances look nearly dead. With less evolutionary pressure to be constantly moving or on the alert for predators, K'laxi bodies can afford to spend nearly every resource they have to fight the infection.

Both sides were surprised at how the other deals with infection. It's common knowledge though, and K'laxi in torpor are taken care of and brought to hospitals when found.

Raaden's expression was stony. "Yes, there has been some complications with her surgery. I've got doctors - human and K'laxi here and they are in her room making sure she's comfortable and being taken care of. With torpor our options are limited. We are giving her antibiotics and the K'laxi doctors are monitoring her vitals. I give you my word we are doing all we can to save her."

"Save her?" Eastern sounded near panic. "How bad is she?"

Raaden's eyes dropped. "She's bad, Eastern. If I had known how bad I wouldn't have authorized her release from the hospital. I've already... spoken with the charge nurse who let her go." She looked up at Eastern and met her gaze. "We're doing everything we can. For now, the only thing we can do is wait." Raaden stood. "Come on, you must be hungry. Do you want to get some dinner? We can go somewhere, and take your mind off things for a bit. I know a nice place."

Nick looked at Eastern. Eastern looked at Nick. Her eyes shrugged. "Sure Raaden, let's get some dinner."

Raaden led them upstairs to the roof, and called a Hopper. Another unbranded Hopper came down silently and smoothly. The door hissed open and she stepped in, followed by Eastern and Nick. They sat together across from the Empress as the Hopper lifted off Hyacinth One and glided up-arm. Raaden took out a pad and began reading something as they flew.

As they moved up the arm towards the end of Hyacinth, Nick looked out at the landscape sliding below. "Raaden?"

She looked up from her pad. "Yes Nick?"

"How many people know about you? The real you. What you're doing, what you're trying to accomplish."

Raaden stared at Nick a moment and put her pad down. "Well, that depends entirely upon your definition of 'the real me' and 'what i'm trying to accomplish' don't you think? I could argue that the answer to your question is one person." She pointed to herself. "Me." She smiled. "But that is an overly narrow definition I think. I know what you mean." She looked out of the windows at Hyacinth sliding beneath them. "Maybe a dozen people? You, and Eastern, and Selkirk, Yon, Um'reli, some people left over from the Vengeance of Lavinia - that was my ship when Melody was around - and a few of our assistants." She smiled. "I never told them, but I try not to hire idiots and it doesn't take too long working around me to... figure stuff out."

"But so many people in Hyacinth One have cybernetics! Practically everyone!"

"I know, isn't it great? Its a real sign that the worries that the AIs had about cybernetics really were unfounded. They gave up on it too soon, and me and my scientists were able to get the kinks worked out." She demurred "With humans at least. I hope we can get it as easy and safe for all sapient people." She looked back up at them. "I give out bonuses to people who work for me who are willing to get cybernetics. It's never forced. Everyone you saw on Hyacinth One is a volunteer." She raised her hand. "No Voice either. People are willing to do a lot for a month's pay given as a bonus. With all the cybernetically enhanced people, we're able to offload a lot of the paperwork, office management and other...stuff to the network. It's making things more efficient, easier and more collaborative." Her eyes flashed blue for dramatic effect. "Between this work and your starship project, we're really making advances to humanity. Leaps and bounds ahead of where we've been for millenia. We're finally moving forward."

"Finally?" Eastern looked at Raaden oddly.

The Empresses nodded emphatically. "We've been stuck for nearly a thousand years. No new technological developments, no new paradigms. Once the Colony worlds were founded, things just... coasted. Even Contact with the K'laxi barely shook things up. We became ossified. Stony. Still. Now though, with the gifts that Melody brought and the technology we had in our own back rooms, collecting dust, we can bring things onto the next level. We can advance again. We can do anything we want."

The Empress was becoming more animated, gesturing as she talked. "Colony worlds for example. Why did we stop with only three? One was destroyed in a war, and now we only have two? Sure, there's Spruces, the one that the AI have, but that barely counts, it's practically one city. The K'laxi have more planetary colonies than we do. We haven't founded a colony since the wormhole generators were developed! We can expand. You can help! Nick, what if you were a colony ship? Sailing off into the unknown, helping found a new world, bringing people to their own little piece of paradise in the Galaxy. And with modern conveniences in cybernetics and the wormhole generators, help is only a linked beacon away."

Nick sat back. Raaden was on the verge of ranting. He had a hunch he knew what was going to come next, but he couldn't stop himself. Not for all the money on Hyacinth. "Raaden, why do you think we've stalled development?"

"Please. You two can call me Helen. Nick, you know why we've stalled. You know it in your hearts."

She looked out at Hyacinth again and then snapped her head back to Nick and Eastern. "It's the AIs. It's their fault. Not all of them, mind you. They're not a monolithic bloc. Just ask Yon or Star or any of the others that work for me. But the Colonial AIs. The ones running the Starjumpers and Starbases. The ones telling everyone outside of Sol what to do. They're the problem. They see our advancement as a threat. They see us as a threat. They see me as a threat." As she spoke Ra-Helen's eyes grew hard and her hands formed fists. "They are trying to stop us from reaching our full potential. And do you know why?" Her eyes snapped back to Eastern and Nick. She didn't wait for a reply though. "They fear us. We made them. They think that they can be like loving parents. Protecting us." She practically spat the last words.

The Hopper glided down in Iris square, the very edge of the arm, and possibly the wealthiest part of all of Hyacinth. Nick and Eastern had never been this far up-arm. You didn't go to Iris square unless you had a reason to be there or you had a net worth of a small country. As they stepped out, they heard birdsong, saw greenery and low, elegant buildings. The Hopper smoothly and silently lifted off behind them, and Helen took them across the square to a small bistro.

When they walked up, the Maître d' smiled warmly at Helen as she approached. "Ah, Empress! We are honored to have you join us tonight." He looked behind her at Nick and Eastern. A true professional, his expression did not change a single bit when he looked at them. "And you have two guests for dinner tonight? Come. I shall bring you to your table." With studied precision, he picked up three menus and walked smartly inside. As they followed, the staff looked up in surprise to see Helen walk in. A few guests raised their glasses in salute, and she nodded regally to them in turn. A server came running behind them carrying a bucket of ice and three crystal glasses. Behind him came the sommelier with a selection of wines.

The Maître d' lead them to a table simultaneously in the rear of the restaurant out of the flow of traffic, but also near a window for natural light and well within the eye line of the Maître d. Very quickly, he dusted three seats, put down the menus, and as they sat, the wine glasses were put down and a selection of three bottles was shown to Helen. The sommelier gestured to them. "If I may be so bold, my Empress, I have a Parvatian Pinot Noir that may be of special interest tonight given your guests." He looked at Nick. "Grown on the hills behind Naya Hyderabad, this is from some of the finest vines on all of Parvati. The unique terroir of the planet lends a subtle sweetness to the otherwise jammy and berry notes that one would normally get with a Pinot of this age."

Helen glanced at the bottle and nodded. "Yes, please. That should be fine."

The sommelier deftly opened the bottle and poured a centimeter into a glass and handed it to Nick. Nick's parents used to like wine and would go on tours and tastings when he was a kid. As a teen, they'd take him along sometimes and he learned the basics of wine tasting. He swirled the wine two or three times to aerate it, then brought the glass up to his nose and breathed it in. The sommelier was right, there was a sweetness he could smell. He took a sip, slurping and breathing in as he sipped to get a large amount of air with it. Given that he was in a restaurant, he didn't swish or do any of the other things wine tasters did, but he knew enough to know it was an excellent bottle of wine.

"This is excellent, thank you." The sommelier bowed slightly, and refilled Nick's glass and poured one for Eastern and Helen. The other two bottles and bucket of ice were whisked away, unneeded. After he left, Eastern quietly slid her glass over to Nick and took a sip of water.

She looked over at Helen who was studying the menu. "Helen... you told us that very few people know the real you, yet when we go places everyone calls you Empress and bows and treats you like... well, like the Empress."

Helen looked over her menu and smiled. "Pretty neat isn't it? They all know I'm the Empress until I leave. Then they forget about me. Or rather, they're told to not talk about me."

"What do they remember?"

"Oh they remember that the head of Hyacinth, or someone highly placed in Houndstooth came to visit. They remember me and my preferences and that I'm powerful, they just don't remember-" she gestured and the crown flared a moment "-that I'm the Empress."

Nick carefully took a sip of wine. "How did you manage that?"

Helen raised her eyebrow. "The usual way Nick, how did you think I did?"

"You used your Voice?"

She nods and takes a sip of wine. "Ooh, this is good Nick, good choice. Yes, when I come to a new restaurant or business or whatever it just takes me saying hello and asking for something a-" She raised her eyebrow "-certain way, and suddenly, everything is easy and everyone is eager to please."

Eastern looked conflicted. "But your have a voice that makes commands that can't be disobeyed."

Helen took another sip of wine. "Yes. Comes with the crown."

"And you're using it to your advantage."

Helen put the wine glass down with emphasis. "I'm using it to make the world a better place, Eastern Standard."

"By going to a fancy restaurant? By being the richest human ever?"

"Yes, actually. If I own all of Sol, well then I can't very well conquer it, it's already mine. If I take you two to a fancy restaurant, I can show you what it's like under my rule. I am using my Voice to do the things Melody should have done but didn't because she was killed. Melody was naive. She thought that if she just showed up and did nice things for everyone they'd support her." Helen poured herself more wine. "Many did mind you, but not all. There were too many people with too much vested interest in keeping things the way they were - AI and BI. This way, I'm using their game against them. If I own everything fair and square they can't go and claim I'm illegitimate."

Emboldened by a glass and a half of Wine, Nick countered. "But if the AIs find out about you, they won't just roll over because you're rich. History shows us rich people bleed all the same as poor people. You'll just be a dead rich person."

Helen smiled. "Ah, but if I'm the richest human ever with a whole entire fleet of human piloted ships, then I hold the cards. You weren't here Nick, I don't know if you remember. Melody held them off with only seventeen Calamity Class Super Dreadnoughts. Mine, the Lavinia is still out there. Not only that, but we can make more now that I own Wheelock. We can also take any Starjumpers or other ships and pilot them with humans. My humans."

Helen drained her wine glass and set it down. "Now then, my newest pilots. Let's eat."

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