#solar panel testing

[vicc-inspection]

Optimizing Solar Energy Efficiency: The Importance of Solar Panel Testing and Equipment Inspection

 In our ever-evolving world, the demand for clean, renewable energy sources is on the rise. Solar energy, in particular, has gained significant momentum as an eco-friendly and sustainable power solution. However, ensuring the efficiency and safety of solar equipment is paramount to harnessing the full potential of this energy source. This article delves into the critical aspects of solar panel testing, solar equipment inspection, and the importance of services like Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) in the realm of sustainable energy, with a spotlight on VICC.com, a leading provider in this field.

Solar Panel Testing: Enhancing Performance

Solar panel testing is a meticulous process that assesses the efficiency and durability of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems. Through advanced testing methods, professionals can measure the output capacity of solar panels, identify potential faults, and optimize their performance. Regular testing ensures that solar panels operate at their peak efficiency, maximizing energy production while minimizing operational costs.

Solar Equipment Inspection: Ensuring Safety and Longevity

Solar equipment inspection goes beyond evaluating the panels alone; it encompasses the entire solar energy system. This comprehensive evaluation involves checking inverters, wiring, mounting structures, and other components for wear and tear, potential malfunctions, and compliance with safety standards. Regular inspections not only guarantee the longevity of the equipment but also safeguard against hazardous situations, promoting a secure environment for both residential and commercial solar setups.

PAT inspection service : A Crucial Safety Measure

PAT inspection service plays a pivotal role in guaranteeing the safety of solar installations. This process involves the examination of electrical appliances and equipment to ensure they are safe to use. In the context of solar energy, PAT inspections are essential for solar inverters, battery storage systems, and other auxiliary devices. Regular PAT inspections prevent electrical accidents, reduce the risk of fire, and ensure compliance with regulations, giving users peace of mind regarding their solar energy setups.

VICC.com: Pioneering Solar Equipment Inspection

VICC.com stands at the forefront of the solar energy industry, offering unparalleled expertise in solar panel testing, solar equipment inspection, and PAT inspection services. With a team of highly skilled professionals and cutting-edge technology, VICC.com provides comprehensive evaluations, identifying issues before they escalate, and ensuring the seamless operation of solar systems.

The company's commitment to excellence is reflected in its dedication to quality assurance, safety compliance, and customer satisfaction. Through meticulous testing and inspection protocols, VICC.com not only enhances the efficiency of solar installations but also contributes significantly to the widespread adoption of renewable energy solutions.

Conclusion

In the global pursuit of sustainable energy, the role of solar power is undeniably crucial. To harness the full potential of solar energy, it is imperative to invest in solar panel testing, solar equipment inspection, and PAT inspection services. These processes not only optimize efficiency and performance but also guarantee the safety and longevity of solar installations.

VICC.com, with its unwavering dedication to quality and safety, stands as a beacon in the renewable energy sector. By choosing VICC.com, individuals and businesses alike are making a conscious choice towards a greener, more sustainable future, one solar panel at a time.

[michaelgabrill]

Solar Panels for NASAs Roman Space Telescope Pass Key Tests

NASA’s Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope’s Solar Array Sun Shield has successfully completed recent tests, signaling that the assembly is on track to be completed on schedule. The panels are designed to power and shade the observatory, enabling all the mission’s observations and helping keep the instruments cool. The Roman team has two sets of […] from NASA https://ift.tt/cigaJPT

[dvdregionseven]

imma ewectwishin

[reasonsforhope]

"Scientists in Singapore have broken a long-standing limitation on the ability to generate electricity from flowing water, suggesting that another elemental force of nature could be leveraged for renewable electricity: rain.

With the simplest and smallest scale test setup, the team could power around 12 LED lightbulbs with simulated rain droplets flowing through a tube, but at scale, their method could generate meaningful amounts that could rival rooftop solar arrays.

Singapore experiences significant rainfall throughout the year, averaging 101 inches (2581 millimeters) of precipitation annually. The idea of generating electricity from such falling water is attractive, but the method has long been constrained by a principle called the Debye Length.

Nevertheless, the concept is possible because of a simple physical principle that charged entities on the surface of materials get nudged when they rub together—as true for water droplets as it is for a balloon rubbed against the hair on one’s head.

While this is true, the power values thus generated have been negligible, and electricity from flowing water has been limited to the driving of turbines in hydropower plants.

However, in a study published in the journal ACS Central Science, a team of physicists has found a way to break through the constraints of water’s Debye Length, and generate power from simulated rain.

“Water that falls through a vertical tube generates a substantial amount of electricity by using a specific pattern of water flow: plug flow,” says Siowling Soh, author of the study. “This plug flow pattern could allow rain energy to be harvested for generating clean and renewable electricity.”

The authors write in their study that in existing tests of the power production from water flows, pumps are always used to drive liquid through the small channels. But the pumps require so much energy to run that outputs are limited to miniscule amounts.

Instead, their setup to harness this plug flow pattern was scandalously simple. No moving parts or mechanisms of any kind were required. A simple plastic tube just 2 millimeters in diameter; a large plastic bottle; a small metallic needle. Water coming out of the bottle ran along the needle and bumped into the top section of the tube that had been cut in half, interrupting the water flow and allowing pockets of air to slide down the tube along with the water.

The air was the key to breaking through the limits set by the Debye Length, and key to the feasibility of electricity generation from water. Wires placed at the top of the tube and in the cup harvested the electricity.

The total generation rate of greater than 10% resulted in about 100 watts per square meter of tube. For context, a 100-watt solar panel can power an appliance as large as a blender or ceiling fan, charge a laptop, provide for several light bulbs, or even a Wi-Fi router.

Because the droplet speeds tested were much slower than rain, the researchers suggest that the real thing would provide even more than their tests, which were of course on a microscale."

-via Good News Network, April 30, 2025

[envisystechnologies]

PV-Modules & Solar Panels Testing Chamber Envisys Technologies

Envisys Technologies provides a range of Environmental Test Chambers designed for testing solar panels and PV modules. our chambers are competitively priced and equipped with high-performance core hardware and integrated functionality. We can perform tests such as thermal cycling, humidity freeze, and damp heat testing according to international standards like IEC 61215, IEC 61646, IEC 61730, IEC 62108, UL 1703, and ASTM E1171. Our chambers also feature a color touchscreen controller with dual USB host ports, onboard non-volatile flash memory, and extended external memory of up to 2 GB. Our controller allows easy access to information through a 7” Resistive Analog touch screen and web server using a PC. Envisys provides test performance charts for various tests, allowing users to monitor and analyze the testing process effectively. Our chambers are suitable for both crystalline silicon terrestrial PV modules and thin-film terrestrial PV modules and can be customized to meet specific testing requirements. Envisys chambers are built with high-grade materials and advanced technology to ensure durability, reliability, and accuracy in testing results. Overall, Envisys PV-Modules & Solar Panels Testing Chambers offer a comprehensive solution for testing solar panels and PV modules, helping manufacturers ensure the quality, reliability, and performance of their products.

[jupitersolar]

Solar Water Heater Installation Checklist

Solar Water Heater Installation Guide

At Jupiter Solar www.jupitersolars.in, we understand the importance of solar water heaters in providing an eco-friendly and cost-effective solution for heating water. Proper installation is crucial to ensure optimal performance and longevity of your solar water heater system. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the installation process step by step, providing valuable insights and tips to help you complete the installation successfully.

Pre-Installation Preparation

Before you begin the installation process, it is essential to gather all the necessary tools and materials. This includes the solar water heater unit, mounting hardware, pipes, fittings, insulation, and any additional components required for your specific system. It is also crucial to choose the right location for installing the solar water heater. Ideally, the location should receive ample sunlight throughout the day and have easy access to plumbing connections.

Solar Water Heater Installation Checklist

Step 1: Site Assessment

The first step in the installation process is to conduct a thorough site assessment to determine the best location for mounting the solar water heater. This involves evaluating the orientation and tilt of the roof or ground-mounted area to maximize exposure to sunlight. Additionally, factors such as shading from nearby trees or buildings should be taken into consideration to ensure optimal performance.

Step 2: Mounting the Solar Collector

Once the ideal location has been identified, the next step is to mount the solar collector. This typically involves attaching mounting brackets or racks to the roof or ground surface using appropriate fasteners. It is essential to follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully and ensure that the mounting system is securely installed to withstand wind loads and other environmental factors.

Step 3: Installing the Plumbing Connections

With the solar collector mounted in place, the next step is to install the plumbing connections. This includes connecting the inlet and outlet pipes to the solar collector and integrating the system with your existing water heating infrastructure. Properly sizing and positioning the pipes is crucial to ensure efficient water flow and minimize heat loss.

Step 4: Adding Insulation and Protection

To maximize the efficiency of your solar water heater system, it is essential to add insulation to the pipes and storage tank. This helps to prevent heat loss and ensure that the heated water remains hot until it is needed. Additionally, adding protective covers to the solar collector can help extend its lifespan by shielding it from debris and inclement weather.

Step 5: Testing and Commissioning

Once the installation is complete, it is important to thoroughly test and commission the solar water heater system. This involves checking for leaks, verifying proper operation of all components, and adjusting any settings as necessary. It is also advisable to monitor the system regularly to ensure ongoing performance and address any issues that may arise.

Conclusion

By following this comprehensive solar water heater installation guide, you can ensure that your system is installed correctly and operates efficiently for years to come. At Our Company Jupiter Solar www.jupitersolars.in, we are committed to helping our customers harness the power of solar energy to meet their water heating needs. If you have any questions or need assistance with your installation, please don't hesitate to contact us.

[charliemwrites]

There are men across the street.

The house (and you use the term generously) that slumps there has been vacant for some time now. Ever since you moved in a couple years ago, actually. It’s an eyesore for sure. Graffiti on the walls, boards on the windows, a basketball-sized hole in the roof. The porch is the worst of it. Sagging in the middle and crumbling on the ends, stripped and moss-encrusted wood.

But today there are men there, stomping up and down the groaning steps in big, steel-toed boots.

You watch for a bit from the safety of your kitchen window, sipping coffee and batting your cat off the counter. They don’t look like a normal construction crew - wearing all black and not so much as a hammer on their belts. Three of them that you can see, one about average height, one tall, and one very tall. The tall one tags after the shortest of them often, gets pushed and shoved and snapped at it seems like.

You lose interest when the coffee runs out and your phone chimes, shooing you off to the grocery store. All three have disappeared inside by the time you saunter out, keys jingling and reusable bags in hand.

Margot says they’re renovating - likely some rich man’s retirement project. The same thing happened just down the street six months before you moved in, and now Joe has solar panels.

She postulates over the situation across the street while taking delicate bites of the cheesecake she brought over. (A test recipe for her niece’s baby shower in a few weeks. You don’t tell her that it’s too sweet and just sip your tea between bites.) She hypothesizes that one of them is this hypothetical rich man’s son, bringing some handy friends around for extra hands to work.

It sounds about as plausible as Agatha’s mutterings that they’re drug lords, so you nod along and watch your calico sneak up on your tuxedo behind her.

The garden is your own little retirement project. (You’re not actually retired, no matter what your sister snipes. But some smart money moves and a successful writing career is virtually the same with no kids and no spouse.) It’s going about as well as the renovations across the street - which is say, better and quicker than expected.

You planted clover in the yard, and are working on wildflowers in the boxes. The clover is already blooming, little flower tufts springing up for bumblebees to perch on. The wildflowers are mixed success so far, but nothing is dead yet.

You mostly just tootle around to be outside - allotted sunshine lest you become the shut in Bertram accused you of your first couple months.

The cats watch you pick at weeds from the window. Or two of them do. The other one is glaring from the fridge, angry that you tossed her back inside when she tried to slip past your ankles. (With any luck, you’ll have another sibling for them soon, but the handsome orange thing that keeps coming by at dawn and dusk is too stupid to be caught.) All three of them shift to look at something over your shoulder.

“Excuse.”

You don’t startle, thankfully. The voice may be unfamiliar, but neighbors stop by consistently enough that you’re not surprised to have your solitude interrupted.

What you are surprised by is the tall (very, very tall) man standing at the edge of your front yard. One of the renovators.

“Hi,” you say, straightening.

He points a gloved finger at you - no, not at you. Past you. At your cats.

“May I see them?” He asks in a thick German accent.

You blink, surprised and confused.

He’s a big man. Not just unusually tall, but broad as well. Muscle tugs at the fabric of his shirt, cargo pants clinging to his thighs. He also hasn’t bothered to take off the heavy duty dust mask, black sunglasses, or jacket hood obscuring his features. Looks like he’s about to rob you, honestly.

But Agatha’s uncharitable muttering about delinquent men rings like a warning toll. You’re at risk of sinking into the judgmental sea of upper-middle class suburbia, and that’s not water you want to tread.

“Sure!” You reply, ignoring his lack of introduction. “One sec.”

The cats see you dart from view and hurry to meet you at the door, meowing and yowling. You crack it open only wide enough to snatch up your precious firstborn, his leggies sticking out in abject bafflement at being airborne. You make guilty eye contact with your other two fiends before swiftly wedging the door shut again.

Then adjust your son, his little paws resting on your shoulder as you turn. Your visitor is standing right where you left him, perks up when he sees the cat bundled in your arms.

“This is Guy.”

You step closer, ignoring that shred of nervousness that being close to any man (especially one so physically intimidating) brings. To his credit, he only shuffles just enough to offer his hand for inspection.

“Guy?” he asks.

“I wasn’t going to adopt him at first, so I just called him Little Guy for so long that he thought that was his name. And then I did adopt him and now he won’t answer to anything else.”

You come by the rambling honestly - an obligate introvert until you moved to this neighborhood. There are few things you ever want to talk about with strangers, but your cats are one of them.

“He is a little guy,” the man muses.

Guy has no reservations about rubbing his fat face on the stranger’s glove, a purr kicking up in his chest. You relax as the man keeps his touch gentle and slow, that little bit of paranoid tension trickling into the soil beneath your feet.

“The other two aren’t as well behaved, I don’t trust them without harnesses on,” you add, nodding at the window.

The man glances up at them. Doesn’t seem to realize that his demise (and yours) is imminent from their glares.

“What are their names?”

You flush. “Rasputin and Shithead. I tell everyone else her name is Susan though.”

A sharp bark of laughter splits the air like a falling ax, cracks right down the middle. It makes you jump a bit - Guy is expectedly unbothered - but still you find yourself gratified. Laughing is good, it means you’re doing things right.

“Sorry,” he says, “but my friend would like that name.”

You gesture at the house across the street. “One of them?”

“Yes, the short one.”

You only just manage not to snort in amusement, but it doesn’t stop him from noticing. The mask moves, you think he might be grinning underneath.

“Does he know you call him that?”

“Not if you don’t tell him.”

You doubt you’ll have the opportunity even if you wanted to.

Someone’s at the door.

You’re only half-dressed, waist deep in laundry you have no excuse for putting off so long. Aren’t expecting company either - it’s Sunday morning, everyone should be at their various churches or visiting relatives. Can’t remember the last time someone knocked before noon on a Sunday.

Still, it was a big solid knock. The kind that makes you think it’s not the usual neighbor come by to impose on your space.

You glance down at the hem of your sweatshirt, determine it’s far enough down your thighs to be acceptable, and pad to the door.

You open it to another of the renovators. The “short” one - though you readjust that measurement quickly. He’s still taller than you, it’s just that most anyone seems diminutive compared to his friend.

“Morning,” you chime.

“We need your driveway.” His voice is low and rough, blunt. A sledgehammer to concrete. Also German-accented, you note.

“Oh,” you reply, “what for?”

He grunts. “Work.”

And you, a longtime observer of politely shaking people down for information by this point, smile without teeth.

“Oh, a work truck? It won’t make a mess will it?”

“No.”

You hum, glance at your stupid little sedan parked in the middle of the driveway.

“Okay, I’ll move — Shithead!”

You scramble to grab at the black and white blur of evil, sweeping her up in your arms as she meows in complaint. One of her back feet catches in the hem of your sweatshirt and starts to pull it up as she kicks. You curl an arm under her butt for support, but mostly she just takes the opportunity to chomp down on the meat of your thumb.

You glance at the man. “Shithead is very interested in the renovations.”

He stares. “So that is actually its name. I thought you were being rude and Konig didn’t realize.”

Ah, so that’s his name. You never did get that introduction.

“No, yeah, this is Shithead, I’m sure you can see why.”

The corner of his mouth twitches as she unlatches from your thumb, only to bite down on your wrist.

“So! The truck - when will it be here?”

“Noon.”

“Great! See you around!” You shut the door in his face without getting a name.

You threaten, not for the first time, to turn her into a pair of mittens. She responds by attacking your foot until Rasputin tackles her. Guy cries at the door, probably missing a man he met for all of two minutes.

The work truck stays through the night. Your cats spend all afternoon watching the men cross the street and back. Every once in a while, Guy puts his little feet up on the glass - Konig must be passing by.

You glance out the kitchen window only once and make hard eye contact with the third of their trio. He’s somehow even more covered up than Konig, and yet you get the distinct impression that your gaze is not welcome.

You blink and abandon the dishes for later.

The next morning, they’re already at it when you shuffle outside for the mail. Konig raises a slow hand in greeting, but visibly brightens when you smile sleepily and wave back.

You pass the work truck - the back panel is already open for them to unload wood beams and heavy-looking buckets. Construction stuff, as expected - and not messy, as promised.

You spot a red and white flag decal on the rear window. Austria, isn’t it?

“Did you just wake up?” a flat voice asks.

You squint a little through the morning sun at the man from the day before. The rude one.

You yawn. “Mhmm.”

He frowns at you, disapproval plain. Agatha will like him, you muse, shoving a hand in your mailbox. They both seem to have strong opinions about your sleep schedule.

“It is late.”

“It’s only 8.” You tug out a sheaf of envelopes and begin idly flipping through them.

“The sun is up.”

“So what?”

He clicks his tongue disdainfully. You absently click back. Then jump as a big body lands right in front of you. The third man, two wooden beams balanced on his shoulder. He makes brief eye contact with you again, then strides across the street.

“Shoo,” the rude one says. “Men at work, yes?”

You grumble. “See if I bring you cookies.”

Konig glances up from the truck bed, eyes shining. “Cookies?”

Well shit.

Rasputin keeps you company while you cook. He’s the only one allowed on the counter for any length of time. Shithead steals anything and everything, or bats at your hands while you work. Guy has the equal parts endearing and infuriating habit of touching everything with his paws.

Rasputin is the only one who will sit quietly to observe, leaning in for the occasional kiss. Today, he’s watching you bake cookies and assemble sandwiches. A dual-purpose welcome and peace offering to the three men across the street.

Is it too much? Maybe. But you’ve got nothing better to do and kindness won’t break your bank, so. Cookies and sandwiches.

You change clothes while the cookies cool on the pan - a sundress for the warm, late-spring weather. They’ve seen you in your pajamas far too much already.

At the door, you hesitate. This house doesn’t feel inhabited yet, but it also doesn’t feel right to just open the door. It’s quiet inside, so no power tools to drown you out. Making a face, you settle for a firm knock. It takes a minute or two - you think you might hear distant shouting. Then the door swings in fast and hard, nearly startling you.

It’s the third of their trio, the one you’ve yet to speak to. He’s covered head to toe, fabric around his head and face, leaving only sharp blue eyes to glare out.

“Hi,” you begin, hands thankfully too full to fidget. “I brought food.”

His eyes flick to the foil-covered platter in your hands. Then he swings the door wide and pivots on his heel.

“The cat comes too.”

Cat?

You glance down. Sure enough, Rasputin is standing by your legs, his remaining half a tail swishing. You sputter at him - didn’t even realize he snuck out - but all you get is his characteristic raspy “mah” noise. Right then.

He politely trots by your side as you enter, not even shy about your curiosity. The place is gutted, stripped walls and scuffed floors. It smells like dust and plaster and shaved wood. All the lights have been ripped out of the ceiling, exposing wires like nerve-endings.

There are two empty rooms to either side upon entry, a den and a dining room probably. The den even seems to be split into two, with one half sunk lower, accessible by a couple steps.

You follow your unexpected host through the “dining room,” which seems to be more of a satellite staging zone at the moment. There are piles of tools, stacks of materials, a little island of canvas bags. As you pass through, you notice a staircase, and even from the ground floor, you can see that it crosses over to the den on the other side.

The kitchen is stationed towards the back of the house. You try not to wince at the state of the counters. Pockmarked, blistered, scratched, burned, cracked laminate.

The floor has already been pried up to reveal smooth concrete. You scan it quickly for anything that could hurt Rasputin’s feet before entering.

Your neighbor gestures for you to set the platter down on an empty patch of counter, so you do, peeling back the foil.

“Cookies and sandwiches,” you explain just to have something to say.

“Why?” he asks.

You shrug. “To be nice.”

He stares. You blink back.

“I mean, you don’t have to eat them,” you add. “It would just be a waste.”

Rasputin chooses that moment to leap onto the counter, taking a moment to steady himself once he’s landed. With only one eye and a crooked leg, he’s not the most acrobatic or graceful of your babies, but he makes do.

To your shock, though, once he’s gained his bearings, he makes like he’s going to eat one of the sandwiches.

“Ras,” you gasp, surprised. “Absolutely not!”

The little shit doesn’t even resist when you nudge him away, just settles on his haunches, staring at your neighbor. And, to your confusion, your neighbor grunts.

“Konig! Krueger!” he barks.

That must be the rude one’s name. Krueger. You file that tidbit away.

“What’s your name?” You ask. “No one’s told me.”

He eyes you - dare you say suspiciously - letting the silence stretch.

“Nikto,” he rasps finally.

You finish introducing yourself just as the other two enter. Konig’s down to just the dust mask today, while Krueger seems to have donned one for himself.

“You,” Krueger says.

You arch your eyebrows back. “Me.”

“What brings you here?” Konig interjects, much friendlier.

“Well, you really seemed to want cookies yesterday, so I thought I’d bring some with lunch as a welcome to the neighborhood.”

He practically shoves Krueger to get to the kitchen. You politely get out of the way so he can indulge in your offering without getting trampled.

“Danke schön,” he says, scooping up a sandwich.

“No problem,” you answer, smiling.

Krueger deigns to sidle closer, inspecting the platter with a keen eye. Still, you think you see a bit of appreciation in them before he snatches up one of the sandwiches. For some (concerning) reason, you’re gratified by that. (You’ll just blame it on your habit of feeding ferals and strays.)

“I also wanted to give you three a little warning…” Three pairs of eyes pin you in place. You try not to grimace. “Everyone on this block is nosy as hell. They will literally peak in your yard and check your mail.”

“The mail?” Konig asks, appalled.

“Yeah, I started using a PO Box,” you sigh. You’ve only got so much sanity before you start taking sniper shots with a water gun.

“We will handle it,” Krueger says.

“I’m sure,” you demure. “Anyway, that was all. You can drop the platter off later - or I can come get it. It’s not like you’re far.”

You start looking for Rasputin, only to find him perched on Nikto’s broad shoulder. The man doesn’t even seem bothered by the claws digging through his shirt, scratching a finger at the calico’s cheek.

“Huh,” you say, surprised.

Nikto glances at you, pauses. “What?”

You snort at the bluntness, but grin. “Usually I’m the only one allowed to pet him.”

That’s three for three. Well, two and a half. Shithead could have been trying or escape or go for the ankles for all you know. But Krueger seemed to like her, so that counts for something.

“C’mon my little tank, let’s go,” you coo, approaching.

Rasputin nuzzles his face against Nikto’s once, gives him a parting mraw, then leaps into your waiting arms.

“Bye, guys!” You call, waving over your shoulder as you head for the door.

Konig is the only one to respond with a polite, “see you!” But you don’t take it to heart.

Next

Masterlist

[afeelgoodblog]

The Best News of Last Year - 2023 Edition

Welcome to our special edition newsletter recapping the best news from the past year. I've picked one highlight from each month to give you a snapshot of 2023. No frills, just straightforward news that mattered. Let's relive the good stuff that made our year shine.

January - London: Girl with incurable cancer recovers after pioneering treatment

A girl’s incurable cancer has been cleared from her body after what scientists have described as the most sophisticated cell engineering to date.

2. February - Utah legislature unanimously passes ban on LGBTQ conversion therapy

The Utah State Legislature has unanimously approved a bill that enshrines into law a ban on LGBTQ conversion therapy.

3. March - First vaccine for honeybees could save billions

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has approved the world’s first-ever vaccine intended to address the global decline of honeybees. It will help protect honeybees from American foulbrood, a contagious bacterial disease which can destroy entire colonies.

4. April - Fungi discovered that can eat plastic in just 140 days

Australian scientists have successfully used backyard mould to break down one of the world's most stubborn plastics — a discovery they hope could ease the burden of the global recycling crisis within years. 

5. May - Ocean Cleanup removes 200,000th kilogram of plastic from the Pacific Ocean

The Dutch offshore restoration project, Ocean Cleanup, says it has reached a milestone. The organization's plastic catching efforts have now fished more than 200,000 kilograms of plastic out of the Pacific Ocean, Ocean Cleanup said on Twitter.

6. June - U.S. judge blocks Florida ban on care for trans minors in narrow ruling, says ‘gender identity is real’

A federal judge temporarily blocked portions of a new Florida law that bans transgender minors from receiving puberty blockers, ruling Tuesday that the state has no rational basis for denying patients treatment.

7. July - World’s largest Phosphate deposit discovered in Norway

A massive underground deposit of high-grade phosphate rock in Norway, pitched as the world’s largest, is big enough to satisfy world demand for fertilisers, solar panels and electric car batteries over the next 50 years, according to the company exploiting the resource.

8. August - Successful room temperature ambient-pressure magnetic levitation of LK-99

If the claim by Sukbae Lee and Ji-Hoon Kim of South Korea’s Quantum Energy Research Centre holds up, the material could usher in all sorts of technological marvels, such as levitating vehicles and perfectly efficient electrical grids.

9. September - World’s 1st drug to regrow teeth enters clinical trials

The ability to regrow your own teeth could be just around the corner. A team of scientists, led by a Japanese pharmaceutical startup, are getting set to start human trials on a new drug that has successfully grown new teeth in animal test subjects.

10. October - Nobel Prize goes to scientists behind mRNA Covid vaccines

The Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine has been awarded to a pair of scientists who developed the technology that led to the mRNA Covid vaccines. Professors Katalin Kariko and Drew Weissman will share the prize.

11. November - No cases of cancer caused by HPV in Norwegian 25-year olds, the first cohort to be mass vaccinated for HPV.

Last year there were zero cases of cervical cancer in the group that was vaccinated in 2009 against the HPV virus, which can cause the cancer in women.

12. December - President Biden announces he’s pardoning all convictions of federal marijuana possession

President Joe Biden announced Friday he's issuing a federal pardon to every American who has used marijuana in the past, including those who were never arrested or prosecuted.

------

And there you have it – a year's worth of uplifting news! I hope these positive stories brought a bit of joy to your inbox. As I wrap up this special edition, I want to thank all my supporters!

Buy me a coffee ❤️

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

[nasa]

This photo contains both flight (flat in the foreground) and qualification assembly (upright in the background) versions of the Solar Array Sun Shield for NASA’s Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope. These panels will both shade the mission’s instruments and power the observatory.

Double Vision: Why Do Spacecraft Have Twin Parts?

Seeing double? You’re looking at our Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope’s Solar Array Sun Shield laying flat in pieces in the foreground, and its test version connected and standing upright in the back. The Sun shield will do exactly what it sounds like –– shade the observatory –– and also collect sunlight for energy to power Roman.

These solar panels are twins, just like several of Roman’s other major components. Only one set will actually fly in space as part of the Roman spacecraft…so why do we need two?

Sometimes engineers do major tests to simulate launch and space conditions on a spare. That way, they don’t risk damaging the one that will go on the observatory. It also saves time because the team can do all the testing on the spare while building up the flight version. In the Sun shield’s case, that means fitting the flight version with solar cells and eventually getting the panels integrated onto the spacecraft.

Our Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope's primary structure (also called the spacecraft bus) moves into the big clean room at our Goddard Space Flight Center (top). While engineers integrate other components onto the spacecraft bus in the clean room, the engineering test unit (also called the structural verification unit) undergoes testing in the centrifuge at Goddard. The centrifuge spins space hardware to ensure it will hold up against the forces of launch.

Engineers at our Goddard Space Flight Center recently tested the Solar Array Sun Shield qualification assembly in a thermal vacuum chamber, which simulates the hot and cold temperatures and low-pressure environment that the panels will experience in space. And since the panels will be stowed for launch, the team practiced deploying them in space-like conditions. They passed all the tests with flying colors!

The qualification panels will soon pass the testing baton to the flight version. After the flight Solar Array Sun Shield is installed on the Roman spacecraft, the whole spacecraft will go through lots of testing to ensure it will hold up during launch and perform as expected in space.

For more information about the Roman Space Telescope, visit: www.nasa.gov/roman. You can also virtually tour an interactive version of the telescope here.

Make sure to follow us on Tumblr for your regular dose of space!

[raintemper]

Moon and Pebbles!! Yippee

oh the woes of being a flesh creature surrounded by supercomputer gods,, I got sad drawing him hhh

more about them under the line :>

Moon! She, like Suns, was one of the first successful projects and were both more of test models/therapeutic companions than anything else. They were both restructured to fit their new functions but Suns has obviously undergone more significant changes... Moon is kept inside to assist with research and computational stuff. She's a lab cat. She's generally looks more like a normal creature, and has a friendly appearance because her creators (i guess it would be the ancients) would be seeing her frequently and would rather a friendly face, something that is easily perceived as nonthreatening, as opposed to Suns weaponry and NSH's extra limbs and spikes. She doesn't have the screen face like NSH, so expressing emotions comes mostly from body language. Moon is not outside at all so there is no need for solar panel components like Suns or NSH. She has internal stored power that can last for quite a while but still needs to be recharged? I imagine the neuron fly drones would also assist in that department. The drones still function somewhat like her portable processing servers/braincells. She has also programed a defensive protocol into them, they can create small bits of electricity to use in dire moments. Initially programmed to keep track of NSH's samples that sometimes escapes him.

Pebbles is a purposed organism. He is a whole entire organic cat. He was born in the lab, in a chaotic time when resources were low. He has a mark of communication. He also has a brain chip where he can access (basically) the cloud where the others upload information. He is also a lab cat so this is crucial to his role. He did try and remove it once when he was younger and it backfired horribly and now he has a mechanical ear and eye. He still feels out of place for obvious reasons, being the only creature of organic origin amongst his peers.

He is closest to Moon who had a role in caring for and raising him. She did not know a thing about caring for a living being but did her best. Pebbles does not like being confined to the facility. The suggestion and influence the brain chip has on him sometimes clashes with his thoughts. He is very aware of the limitations it puts on him to not leave. He envies NSH and Suns a lot for being able to do what he can't. He often downloads the maps they create and read NSH's sample studies in his spare time. He also likes seeing the lizards NSH brings back, from a distance.

I think in the time that Pebbles exists, NSH is not very active. Due to the low resources and chaotic season, NSH is often in low power mode. Which means less expeditions outside and more time just, half asleep. And when the weather becomes more sustainable, NSH would be sent on long outings to gather as much as possible before being powered down again. So instead of hearing stories from NSH, he sought out Suns and UI instead. (Actually I think everyone is kind of low power mode here, Suns does not wander as far).

erhm i think he tries to leave the place and then gets sick or something,,,im still thinking..

[is-this-fascism]

OKAY SO

an update on my van plan:

My legal issue was solved but I was planning a trip to Texas for the winter since I wasn't sure my friend would help me out in the way I need, but it seems she's willing to hold the title for me until I get my license and she'll let me borrow her car for the test. So I can stay in Pennsylvania for now.

Which means I'm currently shopping for a van!

As stated before, as soon as I have the van I'll be putting insulated walls in. I'll park it somewhere (probably next to a hardware store) for the winter and likely won't be driving it around too much. I'll be using my car at least until the van's title is in my name and I officially own it.

I still need your support! There's still $7k on my fundraiser goal to meet, which I'll use to build the van out. I currently have enough to purchase a van and put walls in it, but I'll need at least $2k for the solar panels and electricity when the time comes. The first stage is beginning, but the fundraiser is still going! Thank you everyone for helping me get to this point ❤️

GFM

[reasonsforhope]

"Seventh graders at Thurgood Marshall Middle School in Rockford, Illinois are learning about STEM — but they’re also learning about real-world challenges.

The students have taken on a new project: assembling “solar suitcases” to help bring electricity to schools in Uganda’s Bidi Bidi Refugee Settlement, which is home to 270,000 South Sudanese refugees.

It’s an initiative led by We Share Solar, a nonprofit that provides science and technology learning projects for students that then go on to benefit other students in low-income areas of the world. 

The project introduces middle schoolers to fundamental electrical concepts, like positive and negative charges, voltage, amps, and wiring, ultimately producing a 12-volt DC solar power system that will be distributed among the refugee community.

“We’ve learned many things like positives and negatives, amps, volts, all that stuff, and how to wire stuff together,” Pratham Mehta, one of the Thurgood Marshall students, told WIFR News. 

“We’re taking all this stuff for granted, and other countries don’t have all this stuff, like electricity.”

The suitcases will bring electricity to 40 schools in the refugee settlement, which provide education to over 12,000 students. They are designed to be easily transported (thus the suitcase design), which makes them ideal for off-grid locations, like a refugee camp.

The panels in the suitcase collect sunlight and harness the energy in a built-in battery. It can then provide power to up to five light bulbs for 50 to 60 hours a week. Depending on the capacity of the system, it can also help power small electronics like phones or radios.

For people in the Bidi Bidi settlement — one of the largest refugee settlements in the world — this kind of power can make an enormous impact.

In fact, We Share Solar has deployed over 1,000 suitcases to “energy-scarce locations” across the world, with more than 500,000 students and teachers benefitting from the power they provide.

“The We Share Solar education program serves youth twice,” Hal Aronson, co-founder of the organization, said, “first as an educational experience for American youth and second as a renewable power and lighting system for youth in parts of the world that lack electricity.”

Along with connecting students to learning opportunities, the organization ensures each device is tested by a professional to ensure it is built to withstand energy demands. Then, the suitcases are installed by trained partners in destination countries, and students and teachers alike learn about the new clean energy technologies they have implemented.

At the start of the 2024 school year, the We Share Solar program was implemented in 13 Illinois schools, training educators in the curriculum and setting up the project across the state.

“This is just the beginning,” a Facebook post from We Share Solar states. “These passionate teachers will now guide their students in building solar cases, providing a hands-on STEM experience with real-world impact.”

-via GoodGoodGood, January 16, 2025

[envisystechnologies]

PV-Modules & Solar Panels Testing Chamber | Envisys Technologies

Envisys Technologies is a leading provider of advanced testing chambers for solar modules and panels. Our specialized chambers are designed requirements of the solar industry, ensuring the reliability and durability of photovoltaic (PV) modules and panels. Key features of Envisys Technologies' testing solutions include simulation of real-world conditions, precise temperature and humidity control, customization for industry standards, integrated monitoring and control systems, and comprehensive durability and reliability testing. These chambers provide real-time data on the response of PV modules and panels to different environmental conditions, enabling manufacturers to refine their designs and ensure product quality. Envisys Technologies has a global presence, offering these chambers to manufacturers and researchers worldwide. By providing reliable testing solutions, Envisys Technologies contributes to the development of sustainable and resilient solar technologies, ensuring the durability of PV modules and panels for the long-term success and widespread adoption of solar energy.

[twinsimming]

Utilities Mod by Twinsimming 💡💧

This mod adds optional power and water utilities for players looking for some added challenge in their gameplay.

This is a script mod that can be placed in your Packages folder. It was built and tested on 1.69 but should work fine on 1.67.

New Objects

Power Box

- Price: §0 - Category: Misc. Electronics/Misc. Appliances - Includes 3 original swatches + 1 recolorable option (3 channels) - Poly Count: 274

Water Pipes

- Price: §0 - Category: Misc. Plumbing - Includes 3 original swatches + 1 recolorable option (3 channels) - Poly Count: 1065

Utilities

The Power Box controls power and the Water Pipes control water (self explanatory :p). Both utility objects are free in buy mode in the Misc. Electronics tab and Misc. Plumbing tab, respectively.

Once placed down on your lot, you can enable one or both utilities. When the utilities are enabled, power and/or water will be cut off to certain objects on your lot until you "Turn On" the Power Box and/or Water Pipes.

While the utilities are on, your sims will be charged between §1 - §3 simoleons for every 10 minutes they use an object that requires a utility, with the charge varying based on the size of the object. The total cost will be added to your next household bill.

If you want to opt out of the utilities system, just use the “Disable Power Utility” and “Disable Water Utility” interactions available on the utility objects.

The utilities system only applies to the active household.

A full list of all of the objects affected by the Power Box and Water Pipes utilities and their usage costs can be found on the mod download page.

Utility Costs and Usage

To check how much you've spent on utilities during the current billing cycle (between when you pay your bills and the next bill payment), click on the "Check Utility Usage" interaction on either utility.

To see your full utilities breakdown, use the new "Check Utility Costs" interaction on the computer.

Also included in the full utilities breakdown is a Green Energy Rebate total.

This total calculates how much money a lot saves by using the Solar Panels and Wind Turbines from the Sims 3 Store and factors that into the total utilities cost.

The full utilities breakdown also shows up when your sim pays their bills.

Lack of Funds

If your household funds fall below the usage cost of a utility, that utility will be shut off and cannot be turned back on until your funds are sufficient.

Bill Delinquency

If you’re late on paying your bills, your utilities will get shut off. Both utilities will be shut off when your bills are two days old.

Tuning

All of the tunable values can be found on the mod download page under the header “Tuning”.

Script Namespace

If you want to turn another object into a power or water utility, open your desired object in s3pe and replace the current script name with the following:

Sims3.Gameplay.Objects.Twinsimming.Utilities.PowerBox

Sims3.Gameplay.Objects.Twinsimming.Utilities.Water Pipes

Conflicts & Known Issues

These are new scripted objects so there shouldn’t be any conflicts.

Credits

EA/Maxis for The Sims 3 and The Sims 4, Visual Studio 2019, Sims4Studio, Blender, Milkshape, TSRW, ILSpy, s3pe, Notepad++, and Gimp.

Thank You

Thank you to gamefreak130, @zoeoe-sims, @greenplumbboblover, and @echoweaver!

If you like my work, please consider tipping me on Ko-fi 💙

Download @ ModTheSims

[dandelionsresilience]

Dandelion News - April 1-7

Like these weekly compilations? Tip me at $kaybarr1735 or check out my Dandelion Doodles! Last month’s Doodles are free to the public, so go take a look :D

1. Galapagos tortoises at Philadelphia Zoo become first-time parents at nearly 100

“Mommy, the female tortoise, is considered one of the most genetically valuable Galapagos tortoises in the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ species survival plan. [… T]he zoo said it is “overjoyed” at the arrivals of the four hatchlings, a first in its more than 150-year history.”

2. Massachusetts home-electrification pilot could offer a national model

“In total, the program is providing free or heavily subsidized solar panels and heat pumps to 55 participating households, 12 of which also received batteries at no cost. […] It’s a strategy that program planners hope can help address the disproportionate energy burden felt by lower-income residents of the region[….]”

3. National Park Rangers rebel against queer erasure on Trans Day of Visibility

“[… A] group of over 1,000 off-duty, fired, and retired National Park Service employees launched Rangers Uncensored, an online archive that restores and amplifies LGBTQ+ stories quietly scrubbed from government websites since President Donald Trump’s second inauguration.”

4. World's largest wildlife crossing reaches critical milestone

“Over the next few days they'll be adding 6,000 cubic yards of specially manufactured soil to cover the crossing, a mix of sand, silt and clay inoculated with a bit of compost and hyperlocal mycorrhizal fungi, carefully designed and tested to mimic the biological makeup of native soils around the site.“

5. Bipartisan bill to boost green building materials glides through House

“[B]ipartisan legislation the House of Representatives passed in a 350-73 vote last week would give the Department of Energy a clear mandate to develop a full program to research, develop, and deploy clean versions of the building materials.”

6. Tribal Wildlife Grants Funding Announced

“Tribal Wildlife Grants are intended to help Tribes develop programs for the conservation of habitat and species of traditional or cultural importance[….] Typically funded projects include: conservation planning, fish and wildlife management and research, habitat mapping and restoration, inventory and monitoring, and habitat preservation. […] A total of $6.1 million is available for this round of funding[….]”

7. Germany adds another one million PV arrays to take solar total to 104 gigawatts

“Following a rapid rise in household solar panel installations, Germany’s total number of PV arrays has passed the five million “milestone[.…]” Solar systems already cover almost 15 percent of Germany’s electricity demand, BSW-Solar said. […] The total capacity of all PV systems installed in Germany surpassed 100 GW at the start of the year.”

8. Stronger together: Bilby conservation efforts enhanced by Indigenous knowledge

“Ms. Geyle said the results showed combining [conventional science and traditional tracking methods] more accurately estimated bilby abundance than using either technique individually[….] "[… ensuring] that Indigenous people remain central to decision-making about their lands and species that inhabit them," Ms. Geyle said.”

9. Lennar will build 1,500new Colorado homes with geothermal heat pumps

“The homebuilder is partnering with Dandelion Energy to install the tech, which is efficient but expensive — unless it’s built into new homes from the start. […] And by eliminating the need for new gas pipelines and reducing the peak electricity demands on the power grid, subdivisions built on this model could save a bundle on utilities as well[….]”

10. New strategy launched to protect Tanzanian biodiversity hotspot

“Conservationists have launched a 20-year-long project to protect what is arguably Tanzania’s most biologically rich landscape: the Udzungwa Mountains. The strategy places notable emphasis on communities living here, with more than half of its budget allocated to social and economic projects and managing human-wildlife conflict.”

March 22-28 news here | (all credit for images and written material can be found at the source linked; I don’t claim credit for anything but curating.)

[highprettybabyy]

Seeing Red

Part 2 - Tense Team-up

jenna ortega x fem!reader apocalypse au

summary: they look through the mall for supplies

warnings: enemies to lovers, typical apocalypse stuff, violence, blood, zombies, gore, maybe angst...

AN: :D

word count: 2.9k

Part 1

—//—

You didn’t look at Jenna again until the last of the groans died in the air.

The mall was quiet now, and the silence buzzed in your ears louder than the gunfire had. You adjusted the strap of your pack and glanced sideways just as she lowered her rifle, stepping over a crumpled corpse with the kind of grace that made it look easy.

She always did move like that. Even now, blood on her jacket, ash clinging to the cut of her jaw, she looked like someone who belonged in this world. It irritated you.

You cleared your throat. “Nice entrance.”

She didn’t even look at you. Simply nodded curtly.

You let the silence stretch for a moment as you walked together through the broken corridor, boots scuffing against dust and shattered tile. Only a few flickering lights remained in the overheads. The electricity wouldn’t last, and neither would your fragile truce if one of you slipped up again.

There were still a few stragglers to deal with. You moved as a unit, clearing them quickly, Jenna with cold precision, and you with your usual close-range tactics. It wasn’t graceful, not like her, but it worked. After the last one fell, Jenna retrieved a spare knife from the floor, wiped it on her trousers, and gave you a look.

“You really need to carry a backup.”

“I do,” you replied dryly. “It’s the sarcasm. Cuts deep.”

She rolled her eyes and walked ahead without waiting.

-

The furniture store was tucked behind a children’s toy shop, partially barricaded but mostly untouched. The displays were dusty but still standing, and more importantly, it had only one main door. You could see a side exit at the back, likely leading into one of the mall’s old maintenance corridors. Jenna tested it, nodded once, and turned toward you.

“This’ll do.”

You glanced around at the display beds and cracked faux-wood dressers. One queen-sized mattress didn’t sag, and the pillows looked clean enough. “We should stay here tonight.”

Jenna didn’t argue, which surprised you more than anything. She just shrugged off her pack, placed it near the wall, and crouched to check the corners of the room for movement.

It was the first time in hours you felt your shoulders ease.

“We’ve got one hour before we lose light,” you said. “You take one side of the mall. I’ll take the other. We meet back here - furniture store. No later.”

Her eyes flicked to yours. “What if one of us doesn’t make it back?”

You forced a smile. “Then I guess the other one gets the bed to herself.”

She didn’t laugh. But her mouth twitched.

Jenna slung her rifle back over her shoulder. “I’ll sweep the north wing. If you die, I’m not dragging your body.”

“Deal,” you said. “Try not to miss me.”

She paused at the door, like she might say something else, then didn’t. She disappeared down the corridor.

You grabbed your machete, shouldered your pack, and walked the other way.

-

The eastern end of the mall was darker than you remembered. Your boots crunched over shattered safety glass as you stepped into what used to be a mid-range electronics shop - the kind that sold knockoff chargers and energy drinks near the counter. Shelves were overturned, wires hanging from the ceiling like dried veins. But you weren’t here for the nostalgia.

You needed supplies. Anything you could use to restore or build some form of electricity. Your solar panels were dying - fast. And once they gave out, the heater, the kitchen appliances, the radios, the battery packs… gone.

You crouched behind a fallen rack and found a water jug - dusty, cracked, but intact. You tested it. No leaks. Good. A roll of copper wire lay tangled nearby. Better.

A faded instruction booklet sat half-tucked beneath a collapsed laptop display. You pulled it out. “Solar Power for Beginners.” Pages were warped, the cover smudged with some brownish stain you didn’t want to analyse. Still legible, though. You tucked it into your bag alongside some battered rubber tubing and a child’s “Build Your Own Windmill” STEM toy.

You didn’t laugh. Not really.

But something in your chest squeezed a little.

As you packed it away, your hand brushed against a cracked mirror propped against the wall. You caught your reflection and paused. The person staring back didn’t look like you. Hollow cheeks, dark circles, jaw clenched tight with the exhaustion of someone who hadn’t had a full night’s sleep in weeks. Your shirt was torn at the shoulder. There was dried blood at your collar.

You wondered if Jenna had seen it. Seen you, like this.

You looked away before the thought could form.

-

Jenna had moved fast through the northern wing, clearing what few corners still held danger. Her boots were silent as she stepped into the broken remains of a sporting goods shop. Knives, tarps, tents, flares; all the easy stuff was long gone.

She wasn’t here for easy.

She wanted a new backpack. Her old one was too small, and the strap kept digging into her collarbone. She crouched near the back corner and found it - dusty, solid, reinforced with canvas. Good stitching. Heavy zippers. She unzipped it slowly, methodically, and began transferring her gear with sharp efficiency.

Her dad’s SIG rifle was still strapped across her back, but she laid it gently beside her for a moment. Glock to the hip. The old Magnum, tucked back into her boot. A row of knives, carefully hidden, redistributed across her belt and vest. She’d done this a hundred times. She could do it in the dark now.

She paused only when something caught her eye.

Pinned to a half-crushed corkboard near the store’s entrance was a flyer.

Spring Music Festival - March 15 - Campus Green.

The purple highlighter was smudged, but still visible. She reached out, touched the paper with her fingertips. Her chest tightened.

That festival had been the last thing they planned before everything collapsed. Her best friend Emma had booked the bands. They were going to wear ridiculous outfits. Jenna had laughed at the glitter.

Emma hadn’t made it out of the city.

Her mum and brother hadn’t made it past the first checkpoint.

She swallowed hard, folded the flyer in half, and tucked it into a side pocket of her new pack. No time for ghosts.

Jenna found a single unopened protein bar, two energy gels, and an intact first aid kit. It wasn’t much, but it was something.

She turned down the hallway, headed back.

And then she heard the scrape.

Fast. Too fast.

She turned and the thing hit her full force. She didn’t even have time to draw. They both went down hard, her shoulder slamming into tile. Teeth snapped near her face as she shoved her forearm up under its chin, but it was strong. Fresh. Still had meat on its bones.

Her legs kicked out. She tried to roll. The weight held.

Her eyes snapped to the Glock - trapped beneath her.

“Y/N!”

-

You dropped everything.

The bag, the wires, the toy windmill — gone.

You sprinted through the mall, heart in your throat, machete already in hand. The echo of her voice - not panicked, not angry, but scared - was enough to override every other instinct.

You burst into the hallway behind the sporting goods shop and saw her. On the floor. Struggling. A fresh zombie over her, teeth gnashing. Her leg pinned.

You didn’t stop.

You tackled it off her, blade slicing deep into its side. It snarled. You drove your knee into its back, stabbed again. Again. It collapsed.

“Jesus,” you panted. “You alright?”

Jenna sat up, chest heaving. “You always have to be dramatic, don’t you?”

“You always have to get in trouble?”

She glared. “You didn’t have to come running.”

You raised an eyebrow. “You screamed my name.”

She opened her mouth, probably to deny it, but didn’t get the chance.

Because she lifted her rifle, and for one tense moment, the barrel was pointed straight at you.

You blinked. “Whoa-”

BANG.

The shot fired just over your shoulder. You flinched, spun, and saw the zombie behind you crumple to the floor, twitching once before going still.

You turned back to her.

“You aimed real close.”

She didn’t lower the rifle. “Did I?”

You stared.

Then slowly, quietly, you both stood.

Without another word, you walked side by side back to the furniture store.

You didn’t say thank you. She didn’t say sorry.

But you didn’t separate again.

-

The two of you stepped back into the furniture store without speaking. The door closed behind you with a dull, final thud. It wasn’t a slam, not loud enough to attract attention - just heavy, like the day had finally exhaled and shut itself behind you.

The air inside hadn’t changed. Still stale with dust and old synthetic perfume from the showroom candles. The faint scent of leather from a ruined couch. But there was something quieter now - not peace, not safety. Just the knowledge that for one more night, you hadn’t died.

You peeled your pack from your shoulder and let it drop at the foot of the bed you’d claimed earlier. Every muscle in your back tensed at once as you stood straight again. You didn’t bother hiding the wince.

Jenna moved toward the door. "I'll take the first watch." Her rifle slipped naturally back into her arms, like a sleeping reflex. She checked the barricade, tested the bolts, the chair under the maintenance door handle, even the metal shelf you’d both dragged over the front. It was all still intact. She inspected her weapon.

She didn’t look at you. And you didn’t ask her to.

Instead, you sat down on the edge of the mattress, removing your boots with slow, careful hands. Your fingertips were raw. Dried blood crusted around your cuticles and under your nails, and your knuckles ached with every flex. You rubbed at them idly while the room fell into dim, unmoving quiet.

Minutes passed.

Jenna stayed at the door.

You glanced toward her once - just once - and saw the silhouette of her frame outlined by the faint light seeping in through a crack in the boarded window. Her shoulders were hunched, her head low, but her rifle never wavered.

You lay down. Closed your eyes.

But you didn’t sleep.

Not at first.

-

You weren’t sure what time it was when the nightmare started.

There was no clock. Only the oppressive dark and the weight pressing into your chest.

You dreamed of the city. Of the early days. Blood in the halls. Screaming in the stairwells. The way they turned too fast. Too loud. The way your friend Maddie had looked at you, pleading, after she'd been bitten. The way your mother had sounded, over the radio, asking if you were safe.

The way it all went quiet after that.

You were running. Always running. But this time, you were alone. No barricades. No backup. Just you and the dead and the sound of your own breathing - fast, wet, sharp.

You tried to shout. Nothing came out.

Then - a hand on your shoulder.

You woke with a jerk, body snapping upright, lungs heaving like you’d just been pulled from underwater.

The room swam. It took a full second to remember where you were.

The furniture store. The bed. The barricade. Jenna.

“Hey,” she said, voice low but steady. “It’s alright. It was just a dream.”

You blinked fast, chest still rising and falling too quickly.

She was sitting beside you, on the edge of the mattress, not close, but not distant either. Her rifle lay across her lap, pointed down. Her hand was still resting lightly on your shoulder.

You hadn’t heard her approach.

“Sorry,” you muttered, voice rough. “Didn’t mean to-”

“You were crying,” she said quietly.

You looked down. Your cheeks were damp.

You wiped at them roughly. “It’s nothing.”

“It’s not nothing,” she said, too fast.

You looked at her. “What, you psychoanalyse people now?”

“I just-” She looked away. Her jaw tensed. “I get it.”

Something in her voice wasn’t sharp this time. Not mocking. Not cold. Just honest.

She let her hand fall back to her lap. “You want to talk about it?”

You exhaled through your nose, eyes fixed on the blankets. “Not really.”

A beat of silence.

“Okay.”

She stood.

But before she could step away, you reached out.

It wasn’t intentional. Maybe not even conscious. But your fingers brushed hers - just barely. She paused.

You didn’t pull away.

Neither did she.

The contact was small. Human. Soft. The kind of touch that meant I’m here. I’m still here.

Your eyes met. And for a breath, a single heartbeat, something shifted between you - something fragile and terrifying and so close to comfort.

Then you said it.

“Don’t get used to that.”

Her hand pulled back like you’d burned her.

“Right,” she said flatly. “Should’ve known.”

“Jenna-”

“No, it’s fine,” she said, turning quickly, voice clipped and too calm. “It was stupid.”

She picked up the bloody machete and shoved the handle against your chest.

"It's your turn anyway." She looked down to untie her boots and crawled underneath the duvets, not bothering on waiting for you to stand up.

You blinked at her. She didn't meet your eyes, instead facing away to lay on her side and - unbeknownst to you - blinking away the droplets in her eyes while she clenched her jaw tight.

You stood up and sat where Jenna took watch earlier.

The silence that returned was heavier than before. But it didn’t settle.

It hovered.

Like everything else you didn’t say.

--//--

Part 3