#thank you for your service Liet

[samrut]

Rewatching Hetalia World Stars. Alfred is such a relatable character.

[kyuhu]

bro i never even used to think about liet but i’ve got a full blown crush on him bc of your blog

Pffft this made me laugh anon, thank you 💖

Glad to be of service. Haha 😌

[longsightmyth]

Lanach for the ask game please??🥰

Oops I lost the ask game for this but I will happily chat about Lanach!

Lanach is a nickname used by close friends and family. Her full name is Lànfenonn unless you are Imperial in which case she's Lana. She's from a planet that is moderately important for supply line reasons, which is why she's tutoring an imperial son even if he's the 47th imperial child (we aren't counting the blood imperial at this juncture)(except Deran but we'll get to him).

Anyway she basically applied for, competed, and won the job of being sent off planet to teach the future imperial governor of her planet how said planet works. Other imperial children have other imperial tutors, but they are often more ceremonial than actually expected to teach much and significantly less involved in their charges' upbringing than Lanach, because Lanach is an overachiever. She got put in charge of a kid, she's going to Raise Him Right, No Thank You Imperial Nursemaid Your Non-Wolbhan Services Will Not Be Needed At This Juncture (she would not have gotten away with this if Cairn, the kid, wasn't so far back in the line of succession, obviously).

Anyway Cairn's uncle Anderran (Deran) gets hauled into their orbit. He's the half brother of Cairn's father by way of a wife who wasn't the empress, so he's blood imperial rather than an imperial son.

He's also a priest of a god Lanach does not worship. So there's that.

Anyway anyway, between Lanach and Daren, Cairn gets a dual-cultural upbringing. Life is grand. Things are on track for Cairn to be a governor who Gets Wolbhan and can still work within the imperial government. AND THEN THE MASSIVE ASSASSINATION EVENT.

Cairn survives completely on accident (...probably) because Lanach snuck him and Deran out to the little Wolbhan community on the planet for his birthday. The first thing they know about the whole thing (...probably) is when somebody comes out to get Deran to come help mop up the mess.

Other survivors beside the emperor include: the current Empress Radiant, aka Cairn's biomom, some non-empress wives, two of Cairn's blood imperial younger sisters, and whichever of Deran's siblings were off planet (admittedly several, all blood imperial and not imperial sons or daughters).

In short: the emperor has one imperial son left, and that son has been raised by a lady from some backwater planet for most of his life who has ENTIRELY too much influence, not to mention that the emperor's only without a doubt innocent sibling is uh. Kind of into said lady.

Hey Lanach, His Radiance the Empire says, much more formally. Thanks so much for saving my son. As a reward, I'm marrying you off to a middling government official on another planet, which is a much better marriage than you otherwise might have expected, because while we like to pretend we're egalitarian here I think we all know this is a lie. Bye!

Lanach: I see. I have a nemesis now.

Anyway the story itself opens with Cairn having recently inherited upon the death of his father and almost immediately recalling Lanach to the center of all imperial government and installing her by decree as "her ladyship, Mother Empire" as opposed to "Radiant Dowager" which is still his biomom's title.

How did we get there? Did Lanach murder a few people to facilitate it? Did she perhaps know more about the assassination than she let on at the time? Will she and Deran, now formerly a priest, ever deal with Whatever That Is They've Got Going On? Will Lanach's husband, now planetary governor (did Lanach murder a few people to make THAT happen?!) help or hinder Cairn? Will Liet and Ash (Cairn's siblings) manage to Do Their Own Thing or will they be overshadowed by a well-meaning brother who is nonetheless now Emperor Radiant? WHERE IS THE RADIANT DOWAGER AND WHAT IS SHE PLOTTING.

And I mean also, who murdered a shitton of kids back in the day? That's kind of a big question too.

OOPS I might have gone more into the space opera as a whole rather than just Lanach but here we are. She speaks like eight languages. She rides horses. She's learned court politics and etiquette to a truly terrifying degree. She can stab somebody but that's not really her forte. She sews! There's a whole cultural thing with embroidery and crochet! I am too obsessed with fiber arts!

[todaysdocument]

Black Seminole Scout Pompey Factor served in the Indian Wars in the late 1800s. Trying to prove to the Pension Office that he had served, Factor’s lawyer finally resorted to sending in indisputable proof--Factor’s Medal of Honor. 5/24/1926

Series: Case Files of Approved Pension Applications of Veterans Who Served in the Army and Navy Mainly in the Civil War and The War With Spain ("Civil War and Later Survivors' Certificates"): Nos. SC 9,487 - 999,999, 1861 - 1934

Record Group 15: Records of the Department of Veterans Affairs, 1773 - 2007

Transcription:

CARL KARTES

                                                                                   County and District Court

                                                                                       Kinney County

                                                                                   Bracketville, Texas

                                                                                                                                                    May 24, 1926

Mr. Edgar T. Gaddis

Attorney at Law

Washington, D.C.

Dear Sir:

     I have a letter before me addressed to Pompey Facton, from the Bureau of Pensions of date April 22nd, last, advising that his claim for pension as survivor of the Indian Wars in rejected on the grounds that "No new elements has been brought into the case."

     Factor--Facton a he is known by in the Army came to me some time in March, last, and requested that I file his application for pension, stating to me that he had never filed before and therefore, I knew nothing of his claim having been previously rejected.

     This old gentleman is an illiterate and has no recollection of dates of any information that would assist in the prosecution of his claim, and has to depend on his friends who served in the Scouts with him to assist him with this information.  Parties that know him state that he was in the service during the years 1874-75, and that he did fight Indians during that period.  He has a medal of Honor that was awarded him, he states, for saving the life of then Liet. Bullis his Commander from an attack of Indians at a place known as Painted Cave on Devils' River (Texas), and which he thinks happened in the year of 1875.  He states that Lt. Bullis, John Ward, Isaac Payne and himself, while enroute to some village, the name of which I do not recall, were overtaken by a band of Indians at the place called Painted Cave, that the Indians were in great numbers, and I believe during the fight the horse of Lt. Bullis was killed.  That the Indians were about to surround them and that John Ward taken Lt. Bullis off with him of his (sic)Ward's horse, while Payne and Factor fought off the Indians, and that in this way they escaped.  This medal the old gentleman guarded all these years and would not part with it for anything, but he has consented that I send it to you in hope that it may be of help in the prosecution of his claim.  The old man is now feeble, in need and deserving, and if his story as relate to me is

[page 2]

CARL KARTES

                                                                                                County and District Court

                                                                                                       Kinney County

                                                                                                       Bracketville, Texas

true, which I have reasons to believe is true, for the two witnesses to his application for pension, related to me that they had occasion to stop at the place where this fight with the Indians occured(sic) and looked over the grounds shortly after the fight, and that it was during the yer 1875, I cannot see why he is not entitled to a pension.

     I have prepared affidavits for him signed by the two witnesses to his petition for pension, which affidavits are now on file in the Bureau of Pensions, to the effect that Pompey Factor and Pompey Facton is one and the  same person, and the same party who now holds this medal, and why and when the medal was awarded to him.  Should you find that anything can be done in this case, and should need other affidavits I think that we can procure them for parties here that served with Facton at that time..  We are unable  to furnish affidavits by any of the parties that were with Facton in this fight with Indians as he is the only survivor, the other three named having died.  

     I am mailing you the medal under separate cover, and enclosing you herewith return postage, and will ask that after you have completed your investigation that you return same to me, as I have assumed the responsibility of returning the medal safely to this old gentleman.

     Thanking you for any information concerning this claim, I am,

                                                            Yours very truly,

                                 (Signature)         Carl Kartes

(Handwritten note)

[6/5/06]   Returned bronze medal inscribed " The Congress to Priv. Pompey Factor Indian [Scout]"

Carl Kartes  (3 initials, cannot read)

[ask-aph-baltics]

What do you guys do in your free time? (Also gotta say, I love this blog SO MUCH!)

Poland: I spend a lot of my time, personally, being like- bored and stuff. My bosses at the moment are not terribly excited about me and they only call me in when they want to talk about military things anymore. I spend most of my time working on my own projects at home and hanging out with my trusted friends. I work out a lot, trying to keep in top physical shape and spend a lot of time watching TV. I try to be active in the church but usually I end up cussing out my bosses in the confessional because I mean, it’s totally lame they’re just like, that... I’m also really passionate about my horses and I try to ride them all the time and take care of them. I also spend a lot more time with Liet as our relationship has really gotten into like, better shape. Only recently have we started to spend A LOT more time together.

Lithuania: Ah, well. I am into basketball and I practice in a court by my house and attend games as often as I can. I have season tickets to every major team and often go with one of my bosses to the games. I’m active in every facet of my community and often go to recycle stores to get damaged furniture that I can refurbish. A long time ago I picked up wood carving as a hobby so sometimes I do that and sell crafts at local art fairs for money to give to charity. I go out with Po a lot more now so that’s been cutting into my time but at least he’s been somewhat respectful. Every few months when I get longer times off I sometimes go out camping and celebrate my roots and reconnect with myself spiritually. 

Latvia: Besides government work, I like to go out and see the world. Sometimes I’ll just wander around a random part of a nation’s house and see what cool stuff I can find. I like to collect weird things and screams along with meeting my fellow nations. Connections are really important! I also play a lot of video games in my free time like Fortnite and PubG with my friends! I watch a lot of TV and movies too, especially ones from America’s house. Sometimes I go hang out with Lithuania and play video games with him, though he’s still only got a Super Nintendo.

Estonia: I do my best to make as much use of my free time as I can. Whether I’m trying to program a new application for a phone or work with technicians over eBusiness, I am always doing something. As one of the leaders in electronic services, I’m always studying new coding and coming up with innovative ideas. I like to keep a blog about things I see and do and attend all sorts of wild events with Finland. I see the other two Baltic Nations often. 

[[Thank you so much for the compliment too! I had to reply right away and I feel like this post is better suited as a text answer!

[lithuanias]

Na Żywo

Title: Na Żywo  Pairing: Lithuania/Poland Rating: PG-13 Warnings: Temporary character deaths, blood, homophobic terminology Word Count: 5,610 Summary: Lithuania becomes impulsive when Poland’s life is on the line. Notes: This is my atrociously late @lietpolsecretsanta for @eternal-night-owl I will give the prompt at the end of the fic because it really gives the plot away. Hope you like it!

Milk swirled into the bowl filled with chocolate cereal, quickly turning from white to a light brown.

The sky just changed color in the east with most of the sky above Warsaw still dark. Poland groaned and lowered the top of his French press. He added milk and sugar to his coffee. It was getting harder and harder to wake up every morning, a combination of everything going on in the country and the shorter daylight hours.

He sat down at his small kitchen table and dipped his spoon into his cereal. Something seemed out of place.

Kurwa.

Poland shuffled to this door, picked up the morning newspaper from his welcome mat, and plopped back down at the table with a frown on his face at both the morning and the headline. His cereal turned too soggy for his liking.

His phone buzzed, and his heart jumped at the thought of going into work early again.

Thank God, it wasn’t his work phone. It was his personal.

He picked up and turned on the speaker. “Hello?”

“Good morning, Poland!” said Lithuania. “Is everything alright?”

“Liet…!” Poland rubbed his eyes. “Yeah, I’m fine. Morning.”

“I had to be the one to call you. Are you tired?”

“Yeah.” Poland sat down at the table and opened the newspaper. “You sound happy.”

“It’s my turn to bring Monday coffee.”

“I wish I had a latte,” Poland groaned. “My cereal is inedible.”

“Did you pour the milk before you got the paper again?”

“Mmhmm.” Poland ate a spoonful of the soggy cereal and cringed. “You used to get the paper. That’s why my milk never got soggy.”

“And I’ve been living in Vilnius for almost two years.”

“You know that you can still—”

“Poland—”

“What?”

“Don’t tell me to move back.”

Poland rubbed his forehead. “It’s too early to argue.” And I’m too tired. Poland sipped his coffee and read a column on the first page. “Ugh, this group is at it again.”

“Which one?”

“PP.” Suspect in Newspaper Firebomb Is a Member of Poland First. Suspect Monika P. was arrested at her home in Legionowo.

“Why won’t the government do anything about them?”

“They have friends in high places.”

Poland turned the page and read, The president of Poland First, Marcin Szymczak, strongly condemned the actions of the suspect.

“They sound like they’re dangerous,” said Lithuania. Poland heard the faint ticking of a car blinker in the background. “And with their membership increasing…Whatever, I technically shouldn’t have opinions on your domestic issues.”

“I know.” Poland reached across the table for his planner and looked at his schedule. “Maybe the Internal Security Agency will have something to say. I’m going into their offices a little bit before noon.”

“That’s a coincidence. I’m doing work for the State Security Department today.”

“Really?”

“Yes, just analyzation work as usual.”

“Oh I sometimes do that.”

The only sound heard was the blinkers and occasional car horn coming from Lithuania’s side. Poland shoved some of the cereal into his mouth and sipped more of his coffee. Lithuania should be the one talking, right? He was the one who called…

“So…”

“I’ll be in the parking garage soon, so I’m sorry if I cut out.”

“Th-That’s okay. I was about to head off.”

“Alright. I’ll talk to you later, okay?”

“That sounds good.”

“Okay…Bye.”

“Bye.”

Poland hung up and pursed his lips. And he thought the conversation they had last week was awkward.

His work phone vibrated in his bag, blessedly distracting him from his thoughts.

“Hey, boss.”

“Łukasiewicz, are you awake?”

“Good morning to you too.”

“This isn’t a game. Your meeting with the ISA’s been pushed up.”

Poland set his dishes in the sink and leaned against the kitchen counter. “Pushed up? To when?”

“As soon as possible.”

Poland blinked. “As soon as possible? Is something up?”

“The message only said to head to Rakowiecka as soon as possible.”

Lithuania’s coworker took one sip of the coffee and grimaced. “I asked for soy, Laurinaitis.”

“S-Sorry, Arlauskas!” Lithuania said. “A latte for you, Nekrusienė.” He put a latte on a woman’s desk, one of the last of many.

“Thanks, Laurinaitis,” she said with a smile.

“Oh, Laurinaitis, Butkus wants to see you in his office,” Arlauskas barked from across the room.

“He does?” Lithuania set down the last coffee with a, “Here’s yours, Vilkas,” and threw out the coffee holder in the trash. “Any reason why?”

“Didn’t say.”

Upstairs, Lithuania knocked on the door of his supervisor for the day.

“Come in. Oh, close the door, Laurinaitis.”

Butkus had been working in the intelligence services since the 90s and had known Lithuania since then.

“Arlauskas said you wanted to see me,” Lithuania said.

“Yes. It’s a serious situation.”

Lithuania’s breathing grew faster, and he sat down. He had felt nothing off in his interior all weekend. “What happened?”

“We’ve received intelligence reports about that Polish extremist group in the past.”

“PP?” Lithuania said.

“Yes.” Butkus slid a manila folder across his desk. “We received a report from the ISA in Poland stating that some of their intelligence has been compromised. A hacker from PP is a suspect.”

Lithuania opened the folder. The ISA’s symbol headed the top of the paper. “That is serious—”

“And more concerning you, it’s possible that they came into contact with files about Poland.”

“About Poland?” Lithuania gasped. Only select members of the intelligence community, the head of state, and the head of government knew about the nature of nations.

“Yes, about him. We’re overhauling the security system surrounding files about you. Have you logged on today?”

“N-No, I just finished giving out coffee when I came up here.”

“You won’t be able to log on. We’ve disconnected your computer from the network until we update its security. What’s your phone’s operating system?”

“Operating system?” Lithuania pulled out his personal phone from his pocket. “I’m not sure. It’s an iPhone 3.”

Butkus raised his eyebrows. “I’m sorry, an iPhone what?”

“This sucks.”

Poland threw some socks and shirts into a suitcase and pressed the send button on his work phone. “This flight just set me back 1000 złoty. Stupid WizzAir.”

“The government should pay for that, right?” Hungary’s voice cracked through Poland’s personal phone.

“Yeah, but it’s still a lot.” Poland went into his study and pulled out his passport from his desk. “Anyway, thanks a lot for letting me stay over. I hope this doesn’t last too long.”

“Anytime. How are you feeling?”

“I probably should be scared, but this is so annoying. It’s Christmas.”

“You can spend Christmas here. I eat carp on Christmas too, you know—”

Poland rolled his eyes. “It’s not the same.”

“I know. I know.”

Poland looked at his open suitcase with his clothes haphazardly piled to the brim. “…I think I’m ready.”

“When’s your flight?”

Poland checked his work phone. “In two hours.”

“Should you be—”

“Yeah, yeah, I’m going.” Poland zipped up his suitcase and pulled it upright. “I’m calling a taxi. They told me I was at risk traveling publicly, so I can’t take the train to Chopin.”

“Have you talked to Lithuania?”

Poland bit his lip. “He called me earlier today, and oh God, it was so awkward—”

“It’s been two years—”

“I know. It’s just….I don’t know. We have nothing in common anymore.” Poland turned off the light in his living room and looked outside at the rain pattering on the window outside. Warsaw had a wet winter.

“That’s impossible. You’ve known each other for 700 years. I only asked because I wondered if he knows about this.”

“State Security Services probably know. He said he worked with them today.” Poland grabbed his keys off the counter. “Anyway, I’m leaving now. I’ll text you in the taxi.”

“Be careful, Poland. I know they’re your citizens, but these people are lunatics.”

“I mean, if they love Poland as much as they say they do, I doubt they’ll try to kill me or anything. Anyway talk to you soon.”

Lithuania’s computer screen was split into two documents. On the left side was an official Russian document several pages long. On the right was a Word document growing in length. Lithuania took a few seconds to read lines in Russian before typing the same text in Lithuanian on the other one. The rest of his coworkers in the office did something similar.

Lithuania normally did not check his personal phone while at work unless the meeting was excruciatingly boring or Poland kept blowing up his messages and he had to put his entire phone on silent.

However, this time in the corner of his desk, his phone lit up with a text message from someone else: Hungary.

Hey, has Poland texted or called you recently?

Intrigued, Lithuania responded. I called him this morning. Why?

He booked a plane to Budapest but he hasn’t messaged me at all since he left his apartment.

Budapest, but not Vilnius? When did he leave his apartment?

About an hour ago.

Lithuania looked at the clock. And you said he took a taxi there? Have you tried calling?

His phone’s off. It’s going straight to voicemail.

Impossible. Poland would never allow his phone to die during the day.

I’m taking the rest of the day off, Lithuania responded. I’ll drive to Warsaw.

The speedometer on Lithuania’s car read no lower than 140 kilometers an hour, as fast as Lithuania’s heart went. The dark woodlands of northeastern Poland flew by on either side of him. Hoping his new cars stereo system worked, Lithuania scrolled up on his center display and pressed a contact.

Please work. Please work. Please work.

“Hello?”

“Hungary! Oh thank God, you responded.”

“Lithuania? Have you left work yet?”

“I’m in Poland. Where are you?”

“Poland! How fast are you driving?”

“Um…” Lithuania looked at the speedometer. “Fast. I should be in Warsaw in a few hours.”

“Wow. I’m at the airport. My flight’s in an hour.”

“Y-You’re flying?” Lithuania couldn’t see himself taking a plane to Warsaw. He would have frantically paced back and forth in the terminal until his flight was called.

“It’s a lot faster than driving.”

Lithuania swallowed. “I know.” The next questioned bothered him for hours. S-So Poland was going to Budapest?”

“Well, yes, he called me right after his meeting with the ISA. He said he had to leave the country, and he wanted to come to Budapest.”

“To Budapest?” Lithuania’s heart deflated, but he knew that he shouldn’t whine to Hungary. Poland didn’t even message him after his meeting. “My supervisor mentioned that we have the ISA involved.”

“Anything else?”

“That’s it. They might be formulating a plan as we speak. I’m just…” Lithuania sighed. “I’m scared for Poland. He must be so scared. You know how shy he is.”

“You sons of bitches, let me go!”

When Poland came to, he found himself in—presumably—an apartment in Warsaw with a blindfold over his eyes. No one had bothered to remove the jacket and scarf he wore outside and sweat dripped down his forehead as a result. His hands were tied up in duct tape; he could easily wrest himself free, but if he did, then he might get stabbed or shot. In other words, not get very far.

“The paperwork never mentioned he had a temper.” Poland recognized the soft voice—one of PP’s representative he’d heard on TV. Marcin Szymczak?

“Personality doesn’t matter,” a harsher voice responded to Szymczak. “His actions are a disgrace to the nation.”

Poland rolled his eyes. “You’re a disgrace. Why are you doing this?”

“Shut up, you—”

“Quiet,” Szymczak said. “Go call Tomek in the other room.”

The other man grumbled and left, slamming the door behind him. Szymczak sighed.

“Pawel can be a bit zealous,” he told Poland. “He wanted to hurt you when you first arrived, but I still respect you as the Polish nation.”

“Kidnapping me isn’t respect,” Poland snapped.

“You don’t agree with our methods. That’s to be expected.”

Poland stiffened as Szymczak stepped forward and touched the back of his head. “Wh-Wha—” Poland’s blindfold came off. Szymczak looked as well-groomed and well-dressed as he appeared in front of the cameras. A smart shirt and pants, his light brown hair slick backed—it must’ve been his outfit when he worked as a financial analyst in London.

“What’s the point of kidnapping me? You know intelligence agencies are onto you.”

“Nothing’s happened to groups like ours for a while.” Szymczak sat in a leather chair across the room from Poland.

Poland took one look around the room—at the bookshelves, oak desk, and the iMac. “Is this your home office?” he asked.

“Yes,” Szymczak said. “Most of our supporters don’t know that we have you. Only our computer experts and other higher-ups know of your existence.”

“Then what’s the damn point of keeping me if your followers don’t know about it?” Poland said.

“We don’t just want our followers to know about it. If we told our followers about you, they would rip you apart. No, we want the entire country to know about you.”

Shocked, Poland blurted out the most obvious thing. “That’s classified information!”

“We are aware of this. However, we find it imperative that the country knows you and your actions, which in my opinion do not befit the Polish nation.”

Poland blinked slowly. “…What?”

“We read your file. Your actions towards other nations in the past have been…inappropriate.”

“Oh. My. God.” Poland rolled his eyes for the second time in the room. “I already explained this to my boss.”

“Your friendliness towards Lithuania and Ukraine in light of their treatment of our countrymen, your…relationship with Lithuania. Although, he doesn’t live with you anymore so that’s a plus—”

Poland had explained this so many times that he felt nothing when a government official or someone else expressed concern about his sex life.

“You know, it’s funny that you’re what…thirty?” said Poland. “And you’re bringing up historical problems that you haven’t even lived through. Do you even remember communism? I do, and I remember World War II and the partitions and Grunwald. I knew Pilsudski and Mickiewicz and Jagiello. I’m over a thousand years old. I know more about myself than you and anyone else alive. And by the way, who I fuck is no one’s business.”

Szymczak was silent for a few moments before responding, “It’s a shame we don’t see eye to eye. It seems that you’re quite eloquent, not that I should be surprised. But unfortunately, your actions are still not appropriate. We cannot have someone like you representing the nation. In conclusion, a new Poland, other than you, must be reborn.”

But that’s not how it—Wait a minute…Poland opened his mouth to speak and then closed it. They hadn’t stolen all of his information then. He could use this to his advantage.

“I-I must be reborn?” Poland said, feigning fear.

“For the good of Poland,” Szymczak said. “You know our motto.”

“Dla lepszego narodu.” For a better nation. “So…I must die for the good of Poland?”

“That is what we believe, yes. I know that it’s harsh for you, considering you’ve lived for over 1000 years. But your sacrifice would be for the good of the country and the good of Europe.”

Poland pretended to look shocked.

“If…I have to die for the good of Poland…then…” He closed his eyes. “So be it.”

“So be it,” Szymczak repeated and put the blindfold back on Poland.

The green sign on the side of the road read Warszawa. He had slowed down significantly a few hundred miles ago, as the sun set and Lithuania felt uncomfortable driving so fast in the dark.

“I’m finally in Warsaw,” he told Hungary over the phone.

“Finally.” She had arrived in Poland three hours before. “I spoke with an ISA officer when I arrived. They have a plan to rescue Poland.”

“Alright.” Lithuania looked at the clock in his car. “Where do you want us to meet? Rakowiecka?”

“No, there’s a safe apartment in Śródmieście. A few blocks away on Chmielna. I’ll text you the address.”

Lithuania calculated how long it would take from across the river to one of Warsaw’s most southern districts. “I’ll catch you there. Bye.”

“Bye.”

Now that he was in Poland, Lithuania’s car picked up Polish radio show. Currently, it had automatically switched to Polskie Radio.

At this hour, the Vistula was pitch-black as Lithuania drove over the river, lights from the businesses on the riverfront reflecting across the water.

Compared to earlier (and partially because he slowed down the car), Lithuania’s breathing significantly slowed down. Calm down, Lithuania thought. You’re in Warsaw. Poland will be safe. He breathed out. Everything is going to be alright.

The radio blathered on and on about domestic Polish politics.

“We interrupt our daily broadcast for an emergency announcement.”

Lithuania passed through Nowe Bemowo. He turned up the volume.

“It appears that our colleagues at Wiadomośći TVP have been displaced from the newsroom a few minutes before their nine o’clock broadcast.”

“Displaced?” Lithuania asked out loud.

“They are currently safe in their offices. A group has taken control of the newsroom. We do not know if they will make an announcement.”

Lithuania wanted to call Hungary, but he didn’t want to lose the announcement on the radio either. He reached across the car to grab his phone and call—

“Because TVP is our television branch, we have now information about the—”

Something large crashed into the recording studio.

“PUT YOUR ARMS UP AND LEAVE IMMEDIATELY.”

Some yelling and more crashing sounded from the radio. People on the sidewalk checked their phones in confusion, no doubt receiving notifications as a news headline.

The noise from the radio studio ceased, and instead, a calm voice flowed from Lithuania’s stereo.

“We apologize for the interruption to our regularly scheduled program. Please stand by for an important announcement.” The radio station played an instrumental version of the Polish national anthem.

Pulling up to a red light, Lithuania took out his phone from his center console and called Hungary.

“Hello?”

“Are you hearing this?” Lithuania said.

“It might have to do with Feliks,” said Hungary.

“What?”

“I can’t say more. I’m in a meeting. I’m sorry. Just meet us three blocks away from the TVP studio where Poland is being held.”

“Where’s that? Aren’t they in Mokotów?”

Hungary asked someone else in Polish. “Not the studio for Wiadomośći. Plac Powstańców Warszawy. It’s in Śródmieście. You can’t miss it. We’ll meet you there.” Hungary ended the call.

Śródmieście! Lithuania pressed his foot to the gas. That was a twenty-minute drive with the current traffic, from the north to downtown Warsaw.

Forget about the police. Warsaw was bright enough anyway so at least Lithuania could see.

Poland, like Hungary and Lithuania, was a nation. He could not die, at least, not permanently unless the Polish nation and its people was erased from existence. He could be stabbed, shot, drowned, tortured, and somehow be revived as fit and healthy as before.

Still, as someone who had experienced all of that during his life, Lithuania found it deeply unpleasant. Despite immortality, nations did not seek pain.

Which made the thought of Poland being threatened or tortured worse to Lithuania. He may never die but Lithuania did not want to see him hurt either.

On the third loop of Mazurek Dabrowskiego, the song stopped in the middle of the third verse.

“My fellow Poles.”

Lithuania turned up the volume to its highest setting.

“We believe that today is a day to begin a new Poland. As such, one of our own has uncovered a government secret that will change how you view the country forever—”

Oh no.

A sea of news vehicles and cameras from private Polish media organizations and foreign news organizations crowded a few blocks away from TVP studios.

Lithuania shut off the car and entered the apartment complex.

“Laurinaitis is here!” Hungary exclaimed, pulling Lithuania into a massive hug. Unlike the others in the room, she wore no protective armor nor even carried a weapon.

“Toris! You finally came.” She disengaged from the hug. “This is Baranowski,” she said, gesturing to a man with a bulletproof vest in the middle of the room.

“You must be Lithuania,” said Baranowski, going over to him. He shook Lithuania’s hand. “Rafał Baranowski. I’ll be leading the mission. I trust you’ll be staying here.”

“No!” Lithuania said. “I want to be involved in the raid.”

“Do you have any military experience?” a blond agent asked scornfully.

“Do you remember the Battle of Vienna?” Lithuania snapped. The other agent gave him an incredulous look in response.

“Laurinaitis’ position is similar to Hedervary and Łukasiewicz’s,” Baranowski explained. “He’s been here for a while. Give him a vest, Taser, and gun. Now remember, this is a rescue situation, not a hostage one. We don’t know how many TVP workers are trapped inside, but PP has not made any indication that they are hostages nor have they entered into negotiations with us. Łukasiewicz should be in the studio for Wiadomośći in the TVP building.” The scornful agent handed Lithuania a Taser. “The fortunate part is that the members of PP involved is so small that we should be able to enter the building with ease. The priority is to get him off of television. If he gets shot, so be it.”

Lithuania flinched at the idea of Poland getting hurt, but it was true. Poland could survive a bullet to the head.

“We want him alive or dead?” asked another agent.

“Yes, because…wait, what level clearance do you have?”

As Lithuania threw on the bulletproof vest and body armor, Baranowski explained the plan. Baranowski, Lithuania, and the others would conduct a straight-up rescue mission through the headquarters. Snipers would be set up on the roofs of nearby buildings in case of emergencies. The fact that it was dark outside worked to their advantage.

As they moved to leave, Lithuania looked over at Hungary, who was still sitting on a chair without a vest or weapon. “You’re not going?”

Hungary shook her head. “I didn’t get approval from my boss to go on this raid.”

Lithuania gulped. “O-Oh…”

“Did…you not ask for your boss’ approval?”

Lithuania blushed and felt idiotic. “I...never thought of that…” He got permission to go to Warsaw and ran out of the office as quick as he could.

“I know you want to save Poland, but should you be getting involved in this without permission?”

Lithuania gestured at his bullet-proof vest and the weapons on his belt. “I think it’s a little too late to turn back now.”

Hungary stared at him oddly. “Huh…” she said. “If I remember correctly, you’ve almost always followed rules to a T, especially if it comes to your boss.”

She had a point. After all, he even made dinner for his President the night France hosted a massive Halloween party.

“But…” Lithuania said the first thing that popped into his head. “Poland isn’t my boss.”

“Everyone, out!” Baranowski yelled. “We’re heading to the main building. Our target is the studio for Wiadomośći.”

The studio that held Poland was, thankfully, much smaller than the monstrous TVP building in Mokotow Lithuania had seen on occasion. It stood in a non-descript white building in a square. Snipers crouched on the nearby bank building and helicopters buzzed overhead.

After entering the building through a side entrance, their group of ten split off into groups of five. The scornful agent who asked about Lithuania, named Karnowski, led Lithuania’s group.

They silently paced through the pale hallways, the only sound coming from their shoes and gripping their weapons. Fluorescent lights flickered above them.

It was deserted.

“Clear,” said Karnowski, closing the door on the fifth room they came across on the second floor.

“We’ve confirmed that they’re in this complex, right?” another agent in their group said. His name was Lewicki.

“We’ve confirmed that they’re clearly broadcasting from the Wiadomośći studio,” Karnowski said. “Now the only question is where the—”

Bang! Bang! Bang! from the floor below.

“Sudas!”

“Live fire!

“One of us is down!” Baranowski said over the various shots in the room. “All of the workers were taken here. PP is returning live ammu—”

His radio cut out.

“Kurwa, kurwa,” muttered Karnowski, his eyes wide in concern. “They need our help.”

“Laurinaitis! We’ll reinforce them. You, head to Studio Wiadomośći.”

As quickly as Lithuania nodded, the other four fled down the hallway and left.

Studio Wiadomośći.

The first thing Lithuania tried to find was the staircase going up. The notes they went over aid that the studio was on the third floor of the complex. He found a stairwell and pulled out his Taser.

Lithuania stopped and heard footsteps outside of the door leading to the third floor.

“So do you really think that Szymczak managed to get the actual personification of the country?” one of them asked.

He must have been talking through a radio because the next thing Lithuania heard was, “I know. This sounds idiotic.”

He stopped outside of the door.

“Geez, I hope no one’s dead—”

Lithuania threw open the door.

“Hey—!”

Lithuania fired the Taser, and the man screamed before dropping to the floor.

Shit.

Lithuania bolted down the hallway, hoping and praying that he headed in the right direction to the studio. The man’s scream should have alerted other guards in the building.

His feet pounded the floor. His eyes scanned every door he passed by just in case it led to the studio. Footsteps

Wiadomośći…Wiadomośći…Wiado—Oh that’s TVP Info.

He turned a corner and saw the sign on the door.

Studio Wiadomośći.

He opened the studio door just a crack, and then wider and wider. Szymczak sat at the presenter’s table, still continuing with his speech. In the seat next to him sat Poland with his arms tied behind his back.

“By eliminating this man, we are ushering in the era of a new Poland. The new Poland will represent Polish interests everywhere, stand up against nations who have wronged us, and…”

But something was off. There was a certain coyness to Poland’s expression underneath that fear. Lithuania had seen Poland truly terrified in the past. What was he playing at?”

“It is time for this news Poland to be born.” Szymczak then pulled out a pistol and laid it on the table. Poland gulped but otherwise made no other motion.

Forgetting all years of training, Lithuania slammed the door open. “FELIKS!”

Everyone, from the crew to Szymczak and Poland, snapped their attention Lithuania. Poland’s face shocked Lithuania most of all. It was a combination of shock and…a hint of anger, like Lithuania had ruined some grand plan of his.

Szymczak put the gun to Poland’s head and pulled the trigger.

“NO!” screamed Lithuania. “POLAND, NO—”

A stinging sensation landed in Lithuania’s head as all sound stopped. ISA agents poured into the room from all sides, and the room went dark.

“S-Sir, he’s breathing again—”

Lithuania’s eyesight fell in and out of focus, staring up at the ceiling.

“Wh-What…”

Out of the corner of Lithuania’s vision, two armed men tackled Szymczak and others to the ground.

“Can someone check on Łukasiewicz?”

An agent stepped behind the news podium to look at Poland’s body. “He’ll take some time.”

“Ugh…agh!” A sharp pain jolted through Lithuania’s skull; his body rejected the bullet. It fell with a small clatter onto the floor.

“How do you feel, Laurinaitis?” asked the agent

“Like I got shot in the head.” Lithuania managed to send his body into a sitting position. Blood splattered on his face, helmet, and the front of his bulletproof vest.

“He’s moving again!”

With groans, the gory figure stood up behind the podium, his once-honey blond hair caked with red.

“Wh-Where am…Liet?” Poland squinted, whether from the pain or surprise. “What’re you doing here?”

“Poland…” Lithuania forced himself onto his knees, holding one side of his head.

With his body still gripping the podium, Poland staggered around to the other side. “L-Liet…Liet!” As if realizing the fact that Lithuania had been shot, he stumbled in Lithuania’s direction. “You’re hurt!”

“I-I’m fine. Don’t hurt yourself, Po!”

Poland crawled on his hands and knees to Lithuania. “You came all the way here…?”

“Y-Yeah…”

Poland stopped in front of Lithuania. “Liet.” He put his hand on the side of Lithuania’s head. “Liet, you’re hurt.”

“It was just a flesh wound for us. Po…” Like Poland, Lithuania rested his hand on Poland’s cheek.

“I…You ruined my plan!”

“What?!”

“You weren’t supposed to save me! I wanted to get shot!”

Lithuania stared at him. “What?”

“Szymczak doesn’t know that we revive! I was gonna play dead until the cameras stopped rolling and I’d scare the shit out of him!”

“You’re still alive?!” Szymczak yelled from across the room. He had his wrists in handcuffs. “I shot you in the head.”

“Shut up, dumbass,” Poland snapped.

After millions in Poland and abroad witnessed Poland (or in their eyes, an innocent man) being murdered on national television, public opinion quickly turned against Poland First. The organization headquarters had been raided by the ISA, the most prominent members arrested, and the organization forcibly disbanded.

The fire crackled in the electric fireplace as Hungary, Poland, and Lithuania sat in chairs around it. Poland had given each of them a bottle of Żywiec that he had in the fridge. After Hungary bombarded Poland with hugs and cries of “I saw the whole thing!” they decided to stay inside Poland’s apartment as it seemed all of Warsaw was turned upside down.

“How long do you two have to stay here?” asked Hungary.

“At least a day,” said Lithuania. “They want to check for footage of me being shot or recorded.”

Hungary frowned. “That’s understandable.” She turned to Poland. “How about you?”

Poland sighed. “A week. I’m basically under house arrest while the investigation is ongoing.”

Lithuania turned to Poland. “What will you do?”

Poland shrugged. “I dunno. Play piano. Watch the news. Read.”

“Well,” Hungary set down her empty bottle, “I’m out.”

“Hungary!”

Hungary stood up. “You two. Make up. Now.”

Poland looked like he had seen a ghost. “Wh-Where’re you going?”

“I have a flight to Vienna.” Hungary gathered her bags. “And please only message me when you’re done.” She left the room.

“Well…”

Poland looked at the ceiling.

“So uhh…you weren’t acting like yourself.”

“Hungary made that remark earlier too!” Lithuania said. “What’s so hard to believe about that?”

“I dunno. The Liet I know would risk life and limb to save me from terrorists. But without getting permission from his boss?”

“Did Hungary tell you that?”

Lithuania checked his phone for the first time in hours, His boss left no less than thirty messages. “Oh…”

“Well…thanks,” Poland said. “For saving me. Even if you did ruin my plan.”

“Ah yes…your plan.” Lithuania chuckled. “And that was…?”

“To let him shoot me.”

“Anyway?! Why?”

Lithuania sighed. “I didn’t come in time.”

Poland chuckled. “Not every life and death situation has to be a repeat of Grunwald.”

“You were still shot.”

“We were both shot. That also wasn’t a part of my plan” Poland took a sip of his beer. “Hungary also said that…” His hands flexed around the glass. “…You acted a little funny when she mentioned that I was on my way to Budapest.”

Lithuania blushed, whether from the alcohol or embarrassment. “…Yes. I mean.” He sighed. “I tried not to show it.”

“What was that about?” Poland asked.

“Err…” Lithuania watched the beer swirl in his glass. “You didn’t talk to me after you found out. I would have offered you a place to stay.”

“You could’ve called me yourself,” said Poland.

“That…” Lithuania wanted to kick himself; it took hours for Poland to tell him the most obvious solution. How stupid. Even if Poland’s life wasn’t at risk, his hostile countrymen found out his existence. “…Makes sense.”

Poland bit his lip. “You called me earlier today, but that conversation was…”

“Not good.”

“So what are we?” Poland blurted out. “We’ve been talking like that for the past few months.”

“Friends,” Lithuania said immediately.

Poland felt like rolling his eyes. Friends would be a massive understatement for what they went through—and had done, to put it lightly—together.

“Do friends have awkward conversations like four times a week?”

“I am not moving back in with you,” said Lithuania.

“I never said you should move back in.” Poland hated it when Lithuania moved out, but he wondered why Lithuania made that assumption.

“You keep alluding to it,” Lithuania said.

“Because I miss you,” Poland said.

He blushed. He shouldn’t be blushing. “I don’t want you to move back with me, but can’t I be allowed to miss you?”

The fire continued to crackle as Lithuania took a large gulp of his beer.

“I’m sorry, Poland.

Poland checked his watch. “Well, it’s getting late. I think I’ll be heading to bed.”

“Thank you for the drink.” Lithuania set his glass down. He froze, his expression like a deer in the headlights. “Was my car impounded?”

“You can stay here,” Poland said. “Your spare bedroom is still here.”

“Thank you.” Lithuania stood up. “I think I’ll go to bed now too. I’ll see wherever my car is tomorrow. Are you going to your bedroom?”

Poland nodded. “Yeah, I think I’ll stay in my bedroom tonight.”

By the time morning dawned, Poland had curled up in Lithuania’s chest.

Prompt: A terrorist group with a grudge against nations kidnaps Poland and wants to shoot him on live TV. Lithuania goes to save him and they get shot together.

[imrainai]

[OOC Message log, imrainai & trashrightsactivist]

These are really old. Like, last in-universe year old. But some people wanted to see them, so here they are.

Summer, 3422

imrainai: Could I read the sideblog? You have a lot of really interesting things to say, and I'd like to read them. If you're ok with it. ^_^'

Trashrightsactivist: I would trust a promise from you, you seem trustworthy. So I will add you if you promise me that you understand how serious it could be if someone like tidalwave got hold of information that could tell her who I am in real life - I could quite easily die - and also promise you won't mention any of that info anywhere public. Is that okay?

Imrainai: Yeah, I promise. I definitely don't want anything bad to happen to you.

Trashrightsactivist: cool, adding you in a sec

Weeks Later

imrainai: ruby? are you ok? just laying low for a bit? You're safe, right?

Trashrightsactivist: yes. i am very sad and angry about things. but safe.

Imrainai: <3 please stay safe ok

Trashrightsactivist: i'll do my best. you too

Later

Imrainai: I think the internet's gonna cut out in a bit, so just wanted to tell you again to stay safe and take care of yourself. you're a good internet friend, OK, so make sure you're still here when I get back

Imrainai: taz liked your story about the aliens btw. I had to modify it some because I don't want him telling his teachers he's getting red-positive propaganda at home, it was about criminals and poor people. but the basic moral was intact, and he seemed to agree with it.

I just... be careful, OK, the world needs all the good people it can get

Trashrightsactivist: thank you. and I'm glad he liked the story, it's about the downtrodden whatever colour their hair is so yeah

Weeks Later

imrainai sent a post caste flexibility meme!

Imrainai: tag, you're privately it

Imrainai: also the internet's back and your blog is not back, are you still there

Trashrightsactivist: I will post caste meme soon. I have a secret new blog.

Trashrightsactivist: as in - the blog is not a secret but the fact that it's me is a secret

Trashrightsactivist: what i learned from tryna fill out the meme is mostly that i would be a sucky purple :P

Imrainai: ohhh, ok

Imrainai: also same

Imrainai: but I also feel like I'd feel like that no matter what I was. probably everything looks easier than it is from the outside

Trashrightsactivist: well you're like coping and looking after a baby so you must be doing something right! But probably true

Imrainai: at least if i were YELLOW i could ADVANCE in the LIBRARY SYSTEM

Imrainai: but yeah I guess Ves is more important anyway, so I can't be, like, totally failing at life in general

Trashrightsactivist: yeah that's one of the dumb things about the caste system tbh - as a purple its super hard to get anywhere really successful unless you got this one specific skillset of 'run a business'

Imrainai: well you can only run certain kinds of businesses, is the thing. like, I can't start an editing service or watch other people's kids or something

Trashrightsactivist: which is sooo dumb

Imrainai: I do not think I could, like, successfully run a restaurant or a furniture company or make clothes

Imrainai: there are lots of options, so you'd think ONE of them would work, but so far nah

Imrainai: ............I should probably not actually be complaining about my life circumstances to you, that seems rather inconsiderate

Trashrightsactivist: hmm - idk if homeschooling is a thing in Voa. If I was the kinda oddball economics green i mighta been in another life I would suggest you might be able to set up a purple-for-purple homeschooling group and argue the income as being purple either on the basis of it being like house spousing or like consultation (in that being your caste *is* the qualifying factor for a purple-for-purple homeschool)

Trashrightsactivist: and nah, it's fine - it's actually helpful to give me different things to think about tbh

Trashrightsactivist: you could apply the same argument to a daycare specifically meant to socialise purple kids in a purple environment. But idk your employment law well enough you'd need to get a solicitor to advise on it.

Imrainai: Homeschooling is a thing, but I think if you make money at it it stops being homeschooling

Imrainai: I dunno, maybe one of the librarians can help me figure it out tho

Imrainai: they're good about stuff like that

Trashrightsactivist: yeah, I mean at minimum they can probably help you find and understand the books with the law stuff in

Imrainai: Liet's orange and I could maybe finagle something around that, but she's old enough that asking her to actually work is not really.... fair to her, so

Imrainai: and yeah

Trashrightsactivist: what is it you actually do rn if you don't mind me asking? or are you at home with the kid?

Imrainai: oh! no, I work two jobs

Imrainai: I do cleaning at a nursing home and I shelve books at the library

Imrainai: And my second cousin is living here too, she works in a warehouse and sometimes watches the baby

Trashrightsactivist: ahh, right. I was confused for a bit cause i remember a post about the 1st one and i thought you were a care worker and was like 'that's purple?'

Trashrightsactivist: is that liet? the orange person?

Imrainai: Liet's my great-great-grandmother, I am am sort of EFFECTIVELY her caretaker but she's family so I don't get paid for that

Imrainai: and I do look after the old people at the nursing home, but that is not actually my job, it is just... a thing that happens when I am in close proximity to people who need things

Trashrightsactivist: really should be crossover work

Trashrightsactivist: you know one of those jobs thats two castes

Trashrightsactivist: if orange-grandma lives with you it miight be doable to do the daycare and have it that like, she owns it officially and employs you, but again you'd need to check out the legalities

Imrainai: I mean in THEORY there is a simple dividing line between "care worker" and "cleaning lady" but with elderly people the line is not always actually clear

Trashrightsactivist: yeah thats why it should be crossover

Trashrightsactivist: are you any good with numbers and people management?

Imrainai: And yeah, maaaaybe, but if anyone ever investigated it I think it would rapidly become obvious that Liet wasn't really... doing anything

Imrainai: I've never really tried those things?

Imrainai: I don't think I'm awful with numbers

Imrainai: Though I never got past algebra in school

Trashrightsactivist: I imagine you gotta have people skills to a degree cause like - you're really nice, and dealing with the old ppl probably requires like, being nice but firm

Trashrightsactivist: wouldn't require algebra just finance - you could build up to a small cleaning business?

Imrainai: Oh, I hadn't thought about that, but I guess there's no reason that should be illegal

Imrainai: I do all the budgeting here, I can handle money OK

Trashrightsactivist: yeah well afaik that is entirely a purple thing to be doing, it's cleaning and it's business

Imrainai: That makes sense

Trashrightsactivist: and your library connections and self-starter attitude will mean you can pick up the extra knowledge you'd need

Imrainai: I don't know if I'd actually make more money than just working at the nursing home, but I can look into it

Trashrightsactivist: probly need some seed money i guess

Imrainai: ...yeah, you need some to get started I think

Trashrightsactivist: yeah it would at least have more potential to grow, is what i was thinking

Imrainai: but not THAT much for a cleaning business, you don't need an office or anything for that really

Imrainai: I bet you could do it with just a web page actually

Imrainai: not that I know how to make a decent website

Trashrightsactivist: yeah you probably wouldn't make more to start with but could eventually - if you read the books and stuff and came up with a good business model you could probably pitch it to people to get a small investment for like, a website and some supplies, maybe a vehicle

Trashrightsactivist: tell the nursing home they can hire you as a contractor through your business, but if you've got other work you have more leverage to get better pay there

Imrainai: That's an interesting idea... I dunno if they'd go for it, but at least this is something to look into. It's good to have options.

Imrainai: Thanks :)

Trashrightsactivist: I mean. In a sane world you could learn more about the library while you stack shelves and work your way up to librarian but we don't live in a sane world

Trashrightsactivist: np :) I better get back to work but good luck if you decide to try it

Trashrightsactivist: oh secret new me is truth-from-ashes btw. Trusting you to keep that sceret.

Trashrightsactivist: ttyl

Weeks Later

Imrainai: Wanted to thank you for the idea to start a business. Liet's going to be starting up after-school tutoring really soon, and apparently it's absolutely legal for me to volunteer at her business and for her to then put that money towards food and rent. I'll get to make money while spending time with my family and helping Taz and his classmates with their homework. :D

Days Later

Imrainai: ruby did you hear about the thing

Imrainai: the orvara thing

Imrainai: you're not in orvara are you

Days later

Imrainai: please don't be in orvara

Later

Trashrightsactivist: I'm not there. I'm sorry if my absence from the online was worrying- reds everywhere are panicky right now and that's been my focus.

Imrainai: no no it's ok! just wanted to make sure you weren't. uh. actually dead

Imrainai: be safe

Imrainai: or as safe as possible I guess

Trashrightsactivist: You too. I don't know what's going to happen now but it's not going to be good and it's not going to just be us that suffers for it in the end.

Fall, 3422

Imrainai: ruby are you still alive and kicking and there and stuff

Several weeks later

Imrainai: rubyyyyyyy

[goasiadaytrip]

Hanoi To Halong Bay Transfer

Halong Bay is about 165 km from Hanoi City Center. There are a lot of ways to head to the beautiful bay. If you are searching for the most suitable way to reach the destination, refer to our guides on Hanoi to Halong Bay Transfer for more useful local tips. Keep on exploring!

1. About Halong Bay – Hanoi to Halong Bay Transfer:

Halong is one of the famous beautiful bays of Vietnam which has been incribed as a World’s Heritage Site due to its superlative tropical and subtropical ecosystem with the largest limestone island ecosystem in Asia and the great bio-diversity center of the world. Thanks to that, the bay attracts millions of domestic and foreign tourists every year. Especially, plenty of visitors choose to take a best one day Halong Bay tour in summer making the place an appealing hot spot. Here is some facts about the bay: Halong Bay has 50 km in length, is about 165 km from Hanoi to the Northwest, 60 km from Hai Phong to the West, 184 km from Mong Cai Border Gate to the East, and meets the East Sea at the South.

Possessing a diverse and complex terrain including hills, valleys, coastal areas and islands, Halong is one of the oldest historical land in Vietnam. With the value of geology, culture, history has created an attractive destination with valuable attractions. All of these enticing features promise to delight you.

You may also like What to do in Halong Bay – the exciting activities.

2. How to move from Hanoi to Halong – Hanoi to Halong Bay Transfer:

2.1. By car:

From Hanoi to Halong, refer to one of the following routes:

Hanoi – Bac Ninh – Ha Long: 155 km:

This is the shortest route from Hanoi to Halong, travelling by car can take 2.5 to 3.5 hours, the journey is as follows:

– From Hanoi, go along Route 5 to Sai Dong Intersection: 10 km

-In Sai Dong, keep following Route 1 – Bac Ninh: 23 km.

– From Bac Ninh, follow Route 18 – Pha Lai- Chi Linh – Dong Trieu – Uong Bi – Ha Long: 122 km.

Hanoi – Hai Duong – Ha Long: 170 km:

This is a convenient road, from Hanoi to Hai Duong City. When you arrive at Nam Sach Town, turn along National Road 183 through Sao Do, Dong Trieu, Uong Bi Town, to Halong. The travel time is about 3 – 4 hours.

Hanoi – Hai Duong – Hai Phong – Halong: 160 km.

This route goes through Hai Duong City. Then, when you reach Quan Toan (Hai Phong), turn along National Highway 10 connecting to Highway 18A in Uong Bi Town to Halong, the travel time takes around 3 – 3.5 hours.

If you choose to come to Halong by motorbike, you definitely can follow these routes. Have an awesome journey!

Getting satisfy before exploring Ha Long Bay with a Hanoi Food Tour and Hanoi Street Food Tour.

2.2. By train:

Travelling from Hanoi to Halong by train gives you the ample chance to admire the scenic scenery on the way. The daily train from Hanoi starts at 4:55 AM in Yen Vien Station (Yen Vien, Gia Lam, Hanoi). The travel time may take 7 hours. Check out the train timetable:

Departure time:

From Yen Vien at 4:55 AM to Halong at 12:15 PM

Arrival time:

From Halong at 13:40 PM to Yen Vien at 21:20 PM

The ticket price for one-way transfer is about VND 120,000 (~ US$ 5.15).

Before coming to Ha Long Bay, why don’t you choose Hanoi Day Tour to explore Hanoi capital first?

2.3. By air:

By helicopter:

Halong has helicopters carrying tourists from Hanoi to Bai Chay and Tuan Chau ports. If you want to move quickly to Halong, you can choose a helicopter.

Helicopters in Ha Long have a capacity of 7 people (including 1-2 pilots and 5 passengers), flying along Hanoi – Quang Ninh route and from Halong to visit scenic spots on Halong Bay.

When sitting on the helicopters, visitors will experience many interesting things. Helicopters have glass doors and large spaces, allowing visitors to fully view the beauty of the world heritage with its highlights such as Ti Tip Island, Tuan Chau Island, Dau Go Cave, etc.

By seaplane:

Besides helicopters, visitors can choose to explore Halong by seaplane, which is a fixed-wing aircraft, capable of lowering and taking off on water. The travel time is about 45 minutes.

Getting to Halong Bay by seaplane not only helps visitors save time when travelling but also brings plenty of scenic spots on Halong Bay to visitors. Remember to bring a camera or mobile phone to “record” stunning photos from the sky.

2.4. By a private transfer service with a local travel agent:

Another way is to book a private transfer service with a local travel agent which will help deliver you to your destination in the fastest and the most comfortable way. Booking a service with GoAsiaDayTrip brings you such a smooth transfer and then you can enjoy your great trip afterwards. Contact us via:

Hotline number: +84-9-4161-8080

Email: support@goasiadaytrip.com

Website: https://goasiadaytrip.com/

2.5. By coach:

Last but not least, let’s consider to catch a coach. Many companies serving coach transfer from Hanoi – Halong, such as Ninh Quynh, KumHo Viet Thanh, Anh Dung Limousine, Dream Transport, GreenLion Bus, Tam Bao Anh Lomousine, Co To Limousine.

Ticket prices range from VND 80,000 to VND 120,000 / person. You may need to spend 3.5 hours sitting on the coach and watch the scenic views on the way. Head to the nearest station to you and catch the coach to Quang Ninh Province from Hanoi City:

Gia Lam Bus Station: Alley 61, Nguyen Son, Ngoc Lam, Long Bien, Hanoi.

My Dinh Bus Station: No. 20 Pham Hung, My Dinh, Tu Liem, Hanoi.

Nuoc Ngam Bus Station: No. 01, Ngoc Hoi, Hoang Liet, Hoang Mai, Hanoi.

Making your Vietnam journey be more interesting with a Hanoi Cooking Class.

3. Best time to travel to Halong Bay – Hanoi City to Halong Bay transfer:

To better prepare for your Halong Bay trip, remember to check out some information about the best time to travel to Halong Bay. To help you out, we have an exclusive article for this topic.

Discover to the Best time to visit Halong Bay with us!

Welcome you to Halong Bay! What are you going to do next? Let’s go!

Source: Hanoi to Halong Bay transfer - From GoAsiaDayTrip’s blog

[randaharbish-blog]

Film: Thank you for your service

RECENSIE 

Thank you for you service (2017) werd geregisseerd en geschreven door Jason Hall, die zijn film baseerde op het gelijknamige fictieboek van David Finkel uit 2013. Hij geeft inzichtelijk weer hoe de Amerikaanse veteraan aan zijn lot wordt overgelaten na zijn terugkomst. 

Thank you for your service gaat over drie terugkerende militairen, die achtervolgd worden door traumatische oorlogsherinneringen en schuldgevoelens jegens hun medesoldaten. Drie militairen keren terug van hun missie in Irak en proberen hun normale leven weer op te pakken. Hierbij worden ze geconfronteerd met een nieuw gevecht, waarin hun gezin en omgeving worden getrokken. De blijvende herinneringen aan de oorlog dreigt hun leven te ruïneren. 

Het verhaal zoomt in op Adam Schuman, één van de terugkerende militairen. Hij heeft tijdens zijn missie veel kameraden zien sneuvelen, maar één incident kan hij niet verwerken. Zijn kameraad, Michael, werd tijdens de oorlog geschoten in zijn hoofd. Hij probeerde de trappenhuis af te stormen met de gewonde soldaat op zijn rug, maar verloor hierbij zijn evenwicht en liet hem vallen. Deze herinnering blijft hem voortdurend achtervolgen. Na het verlaten van het slagveld kampte hij met woede- aanvallen, zelfmoord gedachten en geheugenverlies.

Solo, de tweede terugkerende militair heeft een zwaardere klap gekregen. Hij werd verslaafd aan de kick die de oorlog met zich meebrengt. Hij wil graag terugkeren naar de oorlog. Zijn vrouw integendeel wil graag het gezin uitbreiden en een kind verwekken. Hij kampt met dezelfde symptomen als zijn kameraad, Adam. Hij geeft toe dat hij soms jaloers is op de soldaten die terugkeerden met een ontbrekende ledemaat, omdat ze gezien worden als helden. De soldaten die psychische wonden dragen, blijven onzichtbaar voor hun omgeving. 

Billy, de derde veteraan, valt niets te herstellen. Bij thuiskomst ontdekt hij dat zijn verloofde hem verlaten heeft en hem uit huis heeft gezet. 

Thank you for your service 

Regie: Jason Hall

Acteurs: Miles Teller, Amy Schumer, Haley Bennett, Scott Haze, Beulah Koale

Duur: 109 minuten