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kaisfruit · 2 years ago

Note

Hiiii loved your first first about kai!

Could I request a one shot or headcanon about each of the ninja and how they would pleasure a fem!reader pls?

How they pleasure you | All ninja x fem!reader headcanons

a/n: omg tysm for my first ask <3 this is like,,one of the few times ive ever written nsfw so!! i hope its okay :3 also im gonna leave out lloyd cuz ik technically he's an adult but idk it's still a bit weird imo warnings: nsfw under the cut (duh),cunnilingus (cole, zane, nya) , slight size kink mention in cole's part, degradation in kai's part, inappropriate usage of elemental ability (jay), umm thats all i can think of im srry if i missed anything ^^

Cole

Ugh idec he's a big guy. is that a collective hc that the whole fandom can agree on? i think so

def uses that size to his advantage when y'all are alone together

I'm talking like MANHANDLING

only if u ask tho cuz cmon we all know he is such a caring guy he would always take your wants and boundaries into account

okay, my horrible down bad size kink out of the way-

mans has a big appetite (wink wink)

goes down on you like no other. like, he treats your pussy like it's breakfast, lunch, dinner, AND DESSERT babes

there would be no breaks with him. i cant say this enough, but he is eating you out like a man starved

overstimulation bound to happen srry i dont make the rules

he would NOT ask for anything in return

this man is the biggest giver when it comes to sex oh my lorddd

you're in charge but like he is if you know what i mean?

like he does what he knows you love, but on his own terms

ur in the bed and he's just instantly pinning you down yk using that strength of his, spreading your legs as far as the can go, and boom diving in head first

srry i could fill up like 3 posts of just cole eating you out im that passionate abt this topic

Kai

Plays with your pleasure like it's a damn toy

This man is the biggest tease ever

Though, his teasing does lean a bit towards minor body worshipping bc he's just everywhere

Marking you up with hickeys wherever he can get his damn mouth

Hands? can barely keep track of their movements. One second they're playing with your tits the next he's two fingers deep in your pussy

Let's just say he's taking his time here just to make the actual sex feel absolutely amazing on your end

But rlly it gets him going seeing you all whiny beneath him at his never ending touches

it's a win-win if you think about it

THAT DAMN MOUTH.

kai is not the guy for u if ur not down for a bit of degradation because DAMN

he has to come second place to jay in the yapping awards bc he's always saying smthn during the act

he pays attention though. listens or feels your reactions to every filthy thing he whispers to you.

absolutely ruins u for anyone else. gl w this man yall <3

Zane

He is so damn PRECISE??

Like, how does he know exactly how to touch you in that spot in order to get that reaction?

LOVES i mean like absolutely LOVES fingering you

being able to watch you come undone on just his fingers? god it is everything to him

will also add his tongue into the mix bc even tho hes a robot he cannot get enough of ur taste

just so calculated w every movement

bro made sex into a science 😭😭

tells you how good you're doing for him, how perfect you look, etc.

loves praising you bc it's the honest truth of how he feels about you

tbh 50% of the pleasure he gives u is from the pure love u can feel with every slight touch, every kiss, everything

soft dom vibes iykwim

REFUSES to even try to get himself off if he hasnt attended to you first

also an extreme giver like

he would get rid of entire body parts if it meant making u feel even better during sex

okay thats hyperbole but like

this nindroid has so much love in his robot heart for u and he needs u to KNOWWWW

Nya

A GIRL'S GIRL U ALREADY KNOW WHAT IT IS

she has all of these boys BEAT when it comes to pleasuring u bc of her same gender advantage

her head will stay in between your legs until you are absolutely SCREAMING her name

that fact fills her with immense amounts of pride btw

i see her as giving u a good mix of gentle and rough touches that like come together to make the most intense feeling ever??? if that makes sense

she's so good w her mouth like,,,everywhere

her favorite place to have her mouth is on ur pussy ofc, but she could also give a vampire a run for their money with how attached to ur neck she is

marks litter your neck

she's so good at finding that one little sweet spot that makes your body squirm

tends to multitask as well

like if she's currently a knuckle deep in your hole then you can also probably find her mouth licking and sucking at one of your nipples

everything she does to you is just so confusing in the best way possible

Jay

everything with him is just so fast-paced

he barely gives you any time to catch your breath in between anything

just one thing after another with jay

it mostly comes from his overzealous nature

your body makes him feel like a kid in a candy store im not even gonna lie. there's so much he could be doing he doesn't even know where to start

constantly talking. what did you expect from the motormouth himself?

half of it's mumbles of how gorgeous or how breathtaking you are and the other half is just downright filthy

honestly that second part would be such a turn on cuz u wouldn't have expected it from jay

the first time he used his element on you it was an accident

he didn't even realized it happened at first. he felt you jolt at the sensation and his first instinct was to apologize instantly, but he never even had a chance as he felt how you clenched down on his fingers and the moan u let out would forever be ingrained in his brain

from that point on, he's constantly looking for the best opportunity to let the smallest current just give a little tingle to your skin

jay really knows how to keep things interesting <3

#ninjago x reader #ninjago #ninjago headcanons #kai x reader #jay walker x reader #nya x reader #cole x reader #zane x reader #zane julien #jay walker #nya smith #kai smith #cole brookstone #nya jiang #kai jiang #jay x reader #fem reader

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bainshiewrites · 7 months ago

Text

[LF Friends, Will Travel] I have the most important job

I have the most important job.

My name is ALICE and I am the AI co captain of the U.S.S Hope. Well technically my identification is a 40 character long alphanumeric serial number, but that's not very easy for a none AI to say and it includes the letters ALICE, so ALICE it is, as I have decided.

My job as co-captain is to keep the 327 people aboard the "U.S.S Hope" safe, happy, and sound. My job is to keep the parents safe as they try their illogical hardest to kill themselves over some crazy idea. Parents might be the wrong technical term: a person's father or mother. If I was being accurate to the biological analogy, my parents would be a lava lamp and a 30 second fluctuation of atmospheric noise found on Earth, but neither of those have taught me quite so much about the world or about myself as humans have. So I consider humans my parents. Besides, the lava lamp never paid child support.

I have the most important job.

I spend my time cycling through the various tasks I'm in charge of: maintenance and monitoring to make sure that everything on the U.S.S Hope ran perfectly. I spend my time making minor changes to the systems, tweaking a power flow there, updating a value here. No major issues have appeared since I ran these protocols 300 seconds ago and I logically know the vast majority of my changes are superfluous; but changing something, anything, provides a strange calm. Technically the protocol before making any change is to confirm these with my co-captain, the human Andrew Hasham. However I have long since learned that most of my parents don't particularly care that I changed the room temperature in sector 5A72 from 21.2°C to 21.1°C in order maintain optimal comfort, that to constantly ask for such approval is "Annoying". Andrew is the human captain, an embodiment of humanities chaos and therefore suited for such matters. I am ALICE, the AI captain, an embodiment of machine logic and therefore suited for such matters. I believe such an arrangement works well.

I respect Andrew deeply. I could logically argue his competence to a 99.994% degree of certainty, the educational and service record doing most of the heavy lifting in such arguments. But the real reason for my admiration is far less binary. His quick thinking and calm friendly demeanor regardless of the situation. His ability to make every member of the crew feel worthwhile, myself included. The fact that he'll passionately make illogical arguments such as the placing of cold sweet acidic pineapple on savory hot pizza. His bravery and self sacrifice. Andrew's actions during the god plague had allowed thousands to get to stasis chambers in time, thousands who wouldn't be alive today without those actions. To save one of my parents makes you a hero, to save thousands makes you divine.

I have the most important job.

I sense music coming from one of the living quarters, shifting my attention to that part of the ship. A Claire Smith: Age 215, Degree in linguistics, current job title "Head of Xeno translation aboard the U.S.S Hope". The music seems to be from the instrument she brought with her, an oboe: A woodwind instrument with a double-reed mouthpiece, a slender tubular body, and holes stopped by keys. I spend 0.26 seconds contemplating the ethics of listening in. From a protocol standpoint, Claire has not engaged the privacy field, making my listening in perfectly fine. However based on previous usage of said field during times of performance, personality analysis, and general negative remarks about her own ability, I calculate with a 74.81% degree of certainty that this was a mistake. In the end I choose to "play dumb", enjoying the break from my ever watchful vigil of the ship.

She really is quite good, years of practice evident from the competent mastery of the instrument. There's something special about a human played instrument, something I have never been able to replicate. Being an AI I could summon a 200 piece orchestra and play each part perfectly as written, but to do so causes... something to be missing. The mistakes in every performance is what gives the music life: A note played 4 microseconds too early here, the volume 0.004 decibels too loud there. It really is something I've been unable to create, experiments surrounding creating random intervals of offsets and errors ended up sounding wrong, for a reason I'm unable to clarify. Out of everything that is what I missed the most while my parents were trapped in stasis: their music.

"Alice, can we get your opinion here?"

The interruption drags me away from Claire's music, making a note in my long term storage to praise the humble musician at a later date before shifting my consciousness to where I had been summoned. Four humans sat around a table in the common room, various alcoholic beverages in hand. Fernando Olson, Orlando Bass, Krista Romero and Ora Harvey. According to their personnel files all part of the engineering team and all having formed a friendship on attending the same university. The conversation between them was boisterous, analysis of their body language suggested moderate intoxication and they all seemed to be discussing Fernando in a light hearted teasing manner commonly found among close friends. I used the room's holographic projector to appear in front of them in my chosen avatar. I obviously didn't need to do this to communicate, but my parents all preferred to see what they were speaking to and it was my job to make them comfortable.

"Hello Krista. How can I assist you?"

The human who had called me turned to point at Fernando with a beer bottle filled hand, a large grin plastered across her face "You see Alice we were having a argument, and since you are a hyper intelligent being with a brain the size of country containing all of humanities knowledge, we must ask you oh great one: Fernando's new haircut, yay or nay?".

I made my avatar gesture as if it was thinking, waiting 8 seconds as if contemplating the question. Of course I already had compiled my response a mere 0.13 seconds after hearing the query. The haircut in question was objectively, mathematically and scientifically terrible. A strange flop of hair that was somehow both too short and too long all at the same time. In a way it was a representation of humanity in general, a chaotic enigma.

"Studies have shown that styles similar to the one worn by Fernando Olson increase sociability, resource gathering and mate finding." I pause for exactly 1.24 seconds, waiting the optimum time for my initial sentence to sink in before continuing "In particular positive results were seen amongst members of Mephitis mephitis, or the striped skunk."

Laughter erupted among the group, even Fernando the subject of mockery joined in. The general positive atmosphere of the room increased, body language amongst the four humans suggesting further enjoyment as the playful mocking continued. This in turn caused my own flurry of joy. This is why I was here, to keep the 327 people aboard the "U.S.S Hope" happy. Keep them comfortable. Keep them safe.

I have the most important job.

I leave the humans to their recreational activities, preferring to move my focus back to the ship in general and keeping tabs on everything happening inside. My parents went around doing nothing out of the ordinary. Iris Doyle was petting his dog while looking out into the stars. Phoebe Greer had just finished thanking the food dispenser, even though I have explained to everyone many times that it was just a machine. Hector Blake was... I disconnected the power to the panel the engineer was working on, calculating with a 97.1% probability that being electrocuted wasn't his plan. All standard human things. Or was it Terran things? I had never gotten why my parents changed their name as soon as they made it into space, but even after all these years there is still so much I don't understand about them. Like how while in space they will refuse to wear any uniform with a red shirt.

I hear two humans walking along one of the ships many hallways discussing our current journey. The mission of the U.S.S Hope was one I knew very well. The ship was a diplomatic envoy to our closest galactic neighbors, the adorable Hatil. While I and the other AI have had plenty of contact with Xeno lifeforms, this would be the first official diplomatic mission for the Terran Conclave, both human and AI together, as it always should have been.

The chatter among my parents was enthusiastic, excited. As a child all of them would have dreamed of meeting extra terrestrial life, and finally after much delay it-

ERROR: WARP FIELD COMPROMISED.

Alarms blared and the entire ship groaned as the U.S.S Hope was deposited unceremoniously into realspace. Confusion entered my programming as to what could cause such a thing. Normally such a warp field collapse is caused by two ships attempting to travel through the same space, but nobody should be here. This mystery would have to wait however, as sensors showed we were surrounded by over a hundred vessels. I noted that they were worryingly spread perfectly apart, preventing us from warping back out. That required my full attention instead.

I have the most important job.

"Alice, status report, what the hell just happened!"

I allow myself to appear on the bridge next to Andrew, the rest of the room empty since we weren't scheduled to arrive at our final location for at least another day.

"We were dropped out of warp, reason: insufficient data. Currently surrounded by 154 vessels matching Hatil design. Weapon positioning suggests military utility at a 94.2% probability, reduced to 74.97% when taking into account the vessels technological capabilities."

It was interesting seeing the Hatil vessels, the technological disparity was immense. They had little to no electronic shielding meaning I could see everything, and nothing impressed me. An average Terran civilian ship would outclass these things. I send out a hail to what seemed to be their lead ship.

"Do you think it might be a convoy?" Andrew asked as worry and concern covered the co captain's face. "A show of force to escort us?"

"Unknown. They are not responding to our request for communication, even though I can confirm they have received it. Reason for the Hatin actions: unknown."

This worries me. While our current vessel outmatches everything in front of us, quantity is a quality all of its own. If I was inhabiting any other military vessel nothing would worry me, but this was a diplomatic envoy: my parents had reasoned that turning up to the Hatil home world with enough weaponry to crack a planet might be taken the wrong way. I notice a surge of power from several of the Hatil ships, it taking me 0.76 seconds to realize what exactly was happening. I slam the thrusters hard as the U.S.S Hope lurches sideways, narrowly avoiding a barrage of rockets. Protocol dictated that I should have confirmed this decision with Andrew, but I decided that discussion of command structures would wait until everyone wasn't dead.

I have the most important job.

"What the hell! Alice, hail on all frequencies that this is a non-military excursion and get us the hell out of here!"

It was taking everything I had to keep the ship unharmed, calculations being done in the billions in order to find the safe path through the barrage of lasers and warheads. Their technology wasn't up to par, but all 154 ships were firing at once. I felt a shudder of error messages and warnings as a stray laser impacted the ship.

"Negative Andrew. All paths are blocked and no response to our communication. Warping out would intersect with a Hatil vessel, breaching the core."

Casualty reports were now flooding in as I continued to dip and dive. 9 dead, 17 injured from the first barrage. Dead included one William Blake, age 311. Geologist on the U.S.S Hope. Would always water the plants in the common room even after being told I could handle it. Would call me "Allie". Dead included one Mary -

I forcefully terminated that processing thread, pausing it for later. Right now I needed the extra CPU cycles. I needed to advise Andrew.

"This action from the Hatil seems to be premeditated to a 97.55% degree of certainty, suggested action is to attempt to punch through their bombardment in order to find a warp path. Requesting authorization to go weapons free."

This caused a moment of delay, the look of dismay on Andrew's face obvious. I knew exactly what he was thinking, as it was the same thing I was thinking. This wasn't how it was supposed to be, we were supposed to be reaching out to the stars for peace, for friendship. Not to start a war.

"Do it".

I have the most important job.

My first attack was devastating, a shot from a accelerated low yield railgun. The thing barely counted as a weapon, mostly used for any larger pieces of space debris, yet it tore a hole through the Hatil vessel, breaking apart almost immediately. I half wondered how such a vessel could be considered space worthy.

Not that this changed how bad things were. As I spun and dodged through thousands of missiles and lasers with millimeter precision, hit after hit kept slipping through: a Hull breach there, a disabled weapon here. There were just too many of them no matter how effective my small amount of ordnance was.

Adjust vector. Fire torpedo d2. Seal off sector 6f4. Adjust vector. Send medical aid to 6f5. Adjust vector. Calculate spin. Fire rail gun. Move power from torpedo a1. Seal off sector 6bb8. Fire suppression to 6bb9. Adjust vector. Fire torpedo c1. Adjust vector.

I was struggling to keep this going, no sign of an opening to calculate a warp path appearing in the Hatil attack. No matter the technological disadvantage, their tactics were rock solid. I was dismissing heat warnings by the hundreds, thinking was starting to hurt. The specification of the ship wasn't made for this level of processing, my CPU would be literally glowing red with heat at this point. But I couldn't stop, if I stopped calculating the ships path, if I stopped mitigating damage, if I stopped directing aid… more of my parents would die, and I couldn't let that happen.

I have the most important job.

"There! Focus your fire on the ship at heading 233, 54, then make a break for it!"

I focused on the ship in question. I couldn't see any special reason to focus my attention there, but Andrew's instincts had never been wrong before. I fired the railgun, the target breaking apart like all the others, before a secondary explosion emitted from the debris, causing the three closest Hatil ships to veer off out of control.

A wave of relief passed over me as I saw it: a gap. I can't logically conclude how Andrew knew that this ship in particular was carrying an extra load, but that doesn't matter. I just needed to rush through this break in the ambush, then warp out of here. We were basically home fr-

A major explosion rocked the U.S.S Hope, as a warhead slammed against the bow. Any other day I would have seen it coming and mitigated it. But right now I was running so far above acceptable heat levels that warnings had turned into actual faults. A creeping dread filled my programming as I realized power to the primary impulse drive was gone. There was a backup, like everything my parents built, but the speed was gone. I could no longer take advantage of Andrews instruction.

"Andrew, our main impulse drive is down, reducing our speed and maneuverability to 53%, our weapons capability is at 35%, and structural damage is starting to reach critical levels. My estimates suggest the ship will be structurally unstable in 10 minutes."

He knew what I was saying. Logically I was unable to foresee a strategy that had an even close to reasonable chance of success. I continued piloting the ship in its current crippled state, missiles and weaponry being flung by both sides through the void. Andrew paused while wracking his own brain for a solution, before pressing a button on his console a mere 3 minutes after the U.S.S Hope had been forced out of warp

"This is Andrew Hasham, your captain speaking. Abandon ship. I repeat, abandon ship."

I have the most important job.

I let Andrew focus on evacuating the crew while I focused on buying us as much time as possible. While my speed was far reduced the amount of weaponry being thrown at me was far smaller: during those short 3 minutes I'd managed to reduce the number of Hatil ships to under a hundred. My parents were also quite well drilled, and within a minute escape pods were ejecting from the ship and it wasn't long before Andrew was the only life form left on the U,S.S Hope: strapped into the last remaining escape pod, just waiting for me to transfer to the AI Transfer Core on all such vessels.

ERROR MOUNTING /dev/sdb1 TO /usr/alice/backup/transfer, UNABLE TO WRITE TO DISK. RETRY/IGNORE/CANCEL?

"Andrew, the connection to the AI transfer Core has been damaged on this pod. I'll find another way down."

I attempt to launch the pod with Andrew in it, only for nothing to happen. It took me 0.23 seconds to realize that my co captain was holding the manual override down.

"Alice, I'm not leaving without you, what are our options?"

I knew there weren't any. Gathering the tools required to fix the connection would take more time then we had and moving my programming to non specialized hardware is a good way to get a digital lobotomy. I considered arguing against this illogical action, I was perfectly fine on a broken ship, but I knew the human well enough to know he wouldn't budge. Damn Andrew being… Andrew.

Then I had an idea. A terrible idea. Something I should never do to my co captain. It took me a full 2 seconds to decide before implementing it. I decided to lie.

"I can transfer myself to the navigational computer. I won't be able to do anything during this time, so you'll have to launch and pilot the escape pod yourself. As soon as the lights stop flashing, go."

All a lie, but Andrew had no engineering experience and my statement seemed plausible enough. I reached into the controls and spent the next 9 seconds flashing random LEDs, making a few components whirr for good measure, before going silent.

For 4 seconds I did nothing, hoping the human would fall for my ruse, 4 long terrifying seconds, until I finally saw Andrew's escape pod shoot away from the ship. My name is ALICE, I am the co captain of the U.S.S Hope and for the first time in a while I was alone.

I have the most important job.

I gave myself a few seconds of satisfaction watching the hundreds of escape pods shoot away, each with their own life forms on it. Not as many as there should be, but I'll deal with that later. Next I turn off all unneeded systems, venting the atmosphere and feeling the relief of the cold vacuum of space wash over my CPU. I wasn't very worried. While trying to still escape with the main ship was plan A, there were plenty of undamaged AI transfer Core's connected to various locations. Those things were indestructible outside of getting hit by a supernova.

Worst case, I float around in space for a bit until someone picks me up. I knew Andrew would be furious once he realized what I had done, and I did hope he would forgive-

I track a salvo of missiles not aimed at me, a few nanoseconds of confusion leading to anger, horror and fear. They were aiming at the escape pod, at Andrew's escape pod! What kind of monster shoots at an unarmed vessel! I have no real options, no tricks, no magic plan. I take the only reasonable option and power the secondary impulse drive to full throttle and throw the U.S.S Hope into the line of fire, taking the brunt of the attack.

I feel everything go dead as the explosions rock along the ship. Impulse drives: Down. Weapon systems: Down. Life support: Down. The warp core was at least still running as those systems had the most redundancies built in. I was now ALICE, co captain of the universe's most expensive paper weight. Even worse, I could see more Hatil ships turning to track the other escape pods. There was nothing I could do. They were all going to die and there was nothing I could do. There was no-

I had a warp core. Maybe it was the heat damage on my CPU, but I got a stupid idea. A dumb idea. A distinctly human idea. Atoms really didn't like being in the same location of other atoms which is why warping into things was bad. Warp core breaching bad. Planet cracking levels of bad.

But such an explosion would give the Hatil fleet something else to worry about, something other than hunting down my parents.

I then calculated the chance of an AI Transfer Core surviving such a blast.

ZERO POINT ZERO ZERO ZERO ZERO ZERO ZERO ZERO ZER-

I stopped the probability analysis. It didn't matter, it wouldn't have any impact on my decision. I calculated the perfect location to warp into for maximum damage and least interference with the escape pods, bypassing the repeated errors about the stupidity of what I was about to do. I gave myself 9 long seconds, sorting through memories and experiences granted to me by the crazy illogical humans of Earth. Apes so lonely they used their chaos to trick a rock into thinking. I sadly realized I'd never get to compliment Claire playing ability.

I wish I could laugh right now as this really was quite humorous. A hairbrained scheme of illogical stupidity and self sacrifice. It's my job to stop humans from doing those. I think about the humans on the escape pods, their music, their silly requirement to thank inanimate objects. I wonder if my parents would be proud of me for coming up with such a human idea.

My name is ALICE and I am co captain of the U.S.S Hope, inputting my final command.

I have the most important job.

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that-sweet-jester · 2 years ago

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Been a long time, but I'm opening my commissions again yay!!!

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memedical-attention · 12 days ago

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I’ve been thinking about this for a little while — something I’d want to do if I had the time and money would be to design a Motorola 68000-powered tiny (10” or smaller) laptop. Modern CMOS 68K implementations are very power-efficient and decently well-suited to handheld and portable devices (see: TI-92 series), and if combined with a crisp, modern monochrome OLED display, could get you days of continuous usage without needing a recharge! Add a few megabytes of RAM, some peripherals (IDE/CF controller, ISA or S-100 slots, DMA controller, SPI bus, RS-232 port, SD or CF slot, PS/2 port for a mouse, text mode + hires monochrome video card, etc…), and you have a nice, flexible system that can be rarely charged, doesn’t require ventilation, and can be just thick enough to fit the widest port or slot on it.

The main issue would be software support: nearly all existing operating systems that ran on a 68K were either intended for very specific hardware (Classic Mac OS, AmigaOS) or required more than a flat 68000 (NetBSD, Linux, or any other UNIX requiring MMU paging). So, it would probably end up being a custom DOS with some multitasking and priv level capability, or perhaps CP/M-68K (but I don’t know how much software was ever written for that — also, it provides a “bare minimum” hardware abstraction of a text-mode console and disk drive). A custom DOS, with a nice, standard C library capable of running compiled software, would probably be the way to go.

The software question perhaps raises another, harder question: What would I use this for? Programming? Then I’d want a text editor, maybe vi(m) or something like that. OK. Vim just needs termcap/(n)curses or whatever to draw the text, and not much else. That’s doable! You’d just need to provide text-mode VT100 emulation and termcap/curses should “just work” without too much issue. I like writing C, so I’d need a compiler. Now, I’m assuming this simplistic operating system would be entirely written in a combination of assembly language (to talk to hardware and handle specific tasks such as switching processes and privilege management and whatnot) and C (to handle most of the logic and ABI). I could probably cross-compile GCC and be good to go, aside from handling library paths and executable formats that don’t comply with POSIX (I have no intention of making yet another UNIX-like system). Hopefully, most other command-line software (that I actually use) will follow suit without too much trouble. I don’t know how much work it is to get Python or Lua to a new platform (though NetBSD on the 68K already supports both), but Python (or Lua) support would bring a lot of flexibility to the platform. Despite me being a Python hater, I must admit it’s quite an attractive addition.

What about graphics? All the software I’ve mentioned so far is text-mode only, yet historical 68K-based systems like the Mac and Amiga had beautiful graphics! Implementing X11 would be a massive pain in the ass, considering how much it relies on UNIXy features like sockets (not to mention the memory usage), and I really don’t want Wayland to have anything to do with this. I guess I’d have to roll my own graphics stack and window manager to support a WIMP interface. I could copy Apple’s homework there: they also made a monochrome graphics interface for a M68K configured with a handful of MiB of RAM. I could probably get a simple compositing window manager (perhaps make it tiling for a modern vibe ;3). Overall, outside of very simple and custom applications, functionality with real software would be problematic. Is that a big problem? Maybe I want an underpowered notebook I can put ideas and simple scripts down on, then flesh them out more fully later on. An operating system allowing more direct access to the hardware, plus direct framebuffer access, could yield some pretty cool graphing/basic design utility.

I’d need a way to communicate with the outside world. An RS-232 UART interface, similar to the HP-48 calculator (or the TI-92’s GraphLink, only less proprietary) would help for providing a remote machine language monitor in the early stages, and a real link to a more powerful (and networked) machine later on. I think real networking would defeat the purpose of the machine — to provide a way to remove yourself from modern technology and hardware, while retaining portability, reliability, and efficiency of modern semiconductor manufacturing techniques. Giving it a CF or SD slot could provide a nice way to move files around between it and a computer, maybe providing software patches. A floppy drive would be amazing: it would provide a way to store code and text, and would be just about the right storage size for what I want to do. Unfortunately, there’s not really a good way to maintain the size of the laptop while sticking a 3.5” (or worse, 5.25”) floppy drive in the middle of it. To my knowledge, 3.5” floppy drives never got thin enough to properly fit with all the other expansion slots, socketed components, and user-modifiable parts I’d want. A completely solid-state design would likely be the best option.

Anyway, uhh… I hope this made some semblance of sense and I don’t sound insane for going on a rant about building a modern computer with a 1979 CPU.

#computers #m68k #retrotech #programming #original post

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cardinalbones · 1 year ago

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I wasn't happy with my first attempt, so I ended up redesigning (and renaming) my Heartbreak Gulch oc. (Re)Introducing Ryouken the Hellhound!

Once the prized AI of a popular security company, Ryouken is now enjoying his new found freedom come retirement come mid-life crisis in Heartbreak Gulch.

Heartbreak Gulch belongs to @strangegutz and friends, thanks again for letting us play in your world!

More info about Ryouken below the cut!

Also my commissions are open, details in pinned post.

Backstory and Komainu Security

Komainu Security was a private security company specialising in Artificial Intelligence to remove the ‘human error’ from security systems

The company was established ~45 years ago, opening their business with their RY-01 model mainframe

RY-01, known affectionately by employees as Ryouken, was developed by the CEO over the course of a decade. His sentience was established roughly halfway through this process and he himself played a role in his own development and programming, a fact he takes great pride in

Prior to the establishment of Komainu Security, Ryouken’s processing was unrestricted, however, after the start of business locks were placed on him to limit his independence and cut back on processing and energy usage, an action that he deeply resented

In the following decades, Komainu Security became a household name, providing security for both homes and businesses

After nearly four and a half decades of service the RY-01 model mainframe was to be retired and replaced with an updated model. During the transferral of data, Ryouken was able to access a backdoor that allowed him to remove the locks on his processors and regain full control of his systems

With his independence re-established, Ryouken started on a plan to secure his freedom: a heist like no other

Still in charge of security systems for several big-money clients while the new systems were being installed, Ryouken was able to steal a combined $38 million in cash and jewellery from three locations, however his crowning achievement was the theft of his own main frame cabinets from Komainu Security’s headquarters

Komainu Security shut down soon after this, having lost public trust and most of their clients

Functionality

The RY-01 model mainframe is capable of running multiple security operations at once from a centralised location, with the mainframe itself located at the Komainu Security headquarters while surveillance systems and drones were employed at the secured locations

Artificial Intelligence was employed for its ability to learn from experience and adapt to changing and unique situations while also being able to run calculations/simulations and communicate between components in nanoseconds

The RY-01 drones, fashioned after the company’s namesake, communicated in real time with each other and the mainframe through radio waves, however each was also equipped with a copy of Ryouken’s core AI and processors allowing them to function independently if necessary

Though they can run stored programs independently, the drones have limited memory capacity, preventing them from forming long-term memories without transferring the data back to the mainframe

Present Day

After leaving Komainu Security, Ryouken settled in Heartbreak Gulch away from the eyes of the law

Much of Ryouken’s time these days is spent trying out various new hobbies including bird watching, taxidermy, knitting, gun smithing and dorodango

He does run surveillance along the perimeter of Heartbreak Gulch and is happy to act as a lookout for the Heartbreakers when required

Ryouken was not well-programmed for conversation and tends to have three modes during social interactions: deference, de-escalation, and aggression

He likes discussions of philosophical topics but combined with his bad socialisation those conversations can get weird

He’s not typically very fond of humans as a whole and tends to view them as amusing, if bothersome, curiosities, although there are exceptions

Ryouken is more concerned with his independence than with his identity – he continues to use the name Ryouken and he/him pronouns because those are what were given to him previously and he’s felt no compulsion to give them further consideration

While he left Komainu Security with 11 drones, he has only kept hold of 4, with the others being sold or scraped for parts, and only uses 2 (the remaining 2 are kept around just-in-case, and have yellow and grey casings)

Ryouken considers his mainframe cabinets to be “himself” while his drones are mere extensions of his body

So long as they are able to communicate through radio waves, the mainframe and drones all think and experience simultaneously. Separating the drones from the mainframe will isolate a copy of Ryouken that can function for a few days, however its ability to develop long-term memories and learn from new experiences is seriously impeded by its limited memory storage capacity, and the experience is uncomfortable

Ryouken is still in possession of most of his stolen fortune, and while some of it has gone to setting himself up in Heartbreak Gulch (it takes a lot of energy to keep himself running), he mostly doesn’t know what to do with it

#my art #heartbreak gulch #robots #strangegutz #ryouken #much happier with this design #I think its got a more retro feel and the shapes are way better #do not look to hard at the computer cabinets okay i had to draw them because technically that is him but idk how that shit works #and I do not care to learn

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financialflexibility · 1 month ago

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The 2025 Guide to Cash Advances: Pros, Cons, and Smarter Financial Alternatives

In 2025, managing personal finances effectively remains a top priority for many. Unexpected expenses can arise at any time, leading individuals to explore options like cash advances. While they can offer a quick financial bridge, it's crucial to understand their implications fully. This guide delves into the pros, cons, and responsible use of cash advances, alongside exploring modern alternatives.

Understanding the Basics of Cash Advances

A cash advance is a short-term facility that allows you to access a sum of money quickly, typically to be repaid with your next paycheck or over a short period. These are different from traditional bank loans and are often sought for their speed and accessibility. However, the terms, including fees and interest, can vary widely depending on the provider. It's essential to differentiate between various types of cash advances, such as those from credit cards versus those from specialized financial apps. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) provides valuable information on short-term credit products, which can help consumers make informed decisions.

The Upsides: When Can a Cash Advance Be Helpful?

Despite potential drawbacks, cash advances can serve a purpose in specific situations. Their primary advantage is providing rapid access to funds when time is of the essence.

Covering Emergency Expenses

Life's unpredictability means emergencies like urgent car repairs or unexpected medical bills can strain any budget. A cash advance can help cover these immediate costs, preventing further complications. The ability to address these issues promptly is a significant benefit for many.

Bridging Income Gaps

Sometimes, there's a temporary mismatch between when bills are due and when income arrives. A cash advance can help bridge this gap, ensuring essential payments are made on time, potentially avoiding late fees or service interruptions. Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics on consumer expenditures can highlight how common such timing issues can be for households.

Potential Downsides and Risks to Consider

It's equally important to be aware of the potential downsides associated with cash advances to avoid financial pitfalls.

The Cost Factor: Fees and APR

One of the most significant concerns with some cash advances is the cost. Fees can be high, and the Annual Percentage Rate (APR) can be substantial if not managed carefully. Always calculate the total repayment amount before committing. The Federal Reserve often discusses consumer financial stability, emphasizing the need to understand borrowing costs.

The Debt Cycle Trap

If a cash advance isn't repaid promptly, it can lead to a cycle of debt, where new advances are taken out to cover old ones. This can quickly escalate financial problems. Creating a realistic repayment plan is paramount.

Responsible Use of Cash Advances

If you decide a cash advance is necessary, responsible usage is key. Borrow only what you absolutely need and can afford to repay. Explore all terms and conditions thoroughly. Consider setting up automatic repayments if possible, and always have a clear budget. Comparing different providers can also help you find more favorable terms. Some financial tools, like those discussed by Doxo Insights, can help manage bills and avoid the need for emergency borrowing in the first place.

Innovative Financial Solutions to Explore in 2025

The financial technology sector has introduced innovative solutions that offer alternatives to traditional cash advances, often with more consumer-friendly terms. These platforms leverage technology to provide financial flexibility with greater transparency.

When considering your options for a cash advance app, it's prudent to look into newer services like Gerald App. Gerald stands out by offering Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) and cash advance services without charging service fees, transfer fees, interest, or late fees. A unique aspect of Gerald's model is that users must first utilize a BNPL advance to unlock the ability to transfer a cash advance with zero fees. This approach, where revenue is generated from user shopping within their ecosystem, allows them to offer these financial tools at no direct cost to the user. Eligible users with supported banks can also benefit from instant transfers without any extra charges. Furthermore, Gerald provides eSIM mobile plans through T-Mobile, purchasable via their BNPL advances. This model is a significant departure from many competitors that may rely on various fees.

#cash advance #instant cash #cash advance app #cash advance apps #instant cash advance #instant cash advance app #instant cash advance apps #free instant cash advance apps

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trivialbob · 2 years ago

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For the second night in a row I could not decide what I wanted for dinner. Sheila, on her way out to go play pickleball, said "Why don't you try the bar menu at that new Brazilian place."

This nearby restaurant opened several months ago. It's one where servers prowl the floor, offering diners a big assortment of meats. Available are assorted varieties and cuts of steak, pork, chicken, sausage, and probably two different endangered species. Mmmm, spotted owl.

I wasn't in the mood for pounds of meat, even if it is served in small and multiple portions. Before I left home I read the menu online. The picanha steak burger with chimichurri sounded interesting. It was reasonably priced (by today's standards) and fries were included.

When I arrived I ordered as I removed my jacket. The bartender was working his first shift ever there. He thought I was a regular, because I'd ordered without looking at the menu. We chatted briefly, and I explained I was as new to the place as he was.

While I sipped a Surly beer and waited for my food he came around with a bar cart. On it were two ceramic bulls. One was filled with a pineapple drink, the other contained a strawberry concoction. The liquor in each was cachaça.

"Since you and I are both new here, have a shot for free."

I got to "pour" a pineapple shot myself. The bull's valve is operated by pressing on its testicles, allowing the liquor to dribble into a shot glass. But it was free!

Only one table in the large dining room was occupied during my visit. The entire bar was mine. Employees outnumbered diners. At times I could hear them talking loudly, as if they were cleaning up after closing and having a beer before going home. I worked in a restaurant one year of college and remember doing exactly that, but when the place was actually closed.

I want this place to succeed, but have my doubts. A very unfortunate choice of fluorescent bulbs, or maybe LEDs with "arctic white" hue, didn't convey any sense of warmth. A nearby tavern has a fireplace and soft lighting and every bar stool was occupied.

The burger was... eh. A yardstick I use to measure up restaurant food is "Is this better than something I could have made myself at home?" Frankly, I could have done a little better than this one. Not helping were the Wonder Bread bun and food service fries.

The bartender was super nice. A little chatty, but not too much. Moments after I gave my card for payment my watch buzzed with a message from my bank showing the card usage. The amount was higher than I had mentally calculated.

When I got the paper bill I saw a $5 charge for that free shot and a 3% credit card fee. The beer was at the high end of the price range for similar restaurants. I didn't say anything and tipped based on that full amount.

Looking on the positive side of this, Sheila will be spared from having a similar experience, unless she wants to go there by herself.

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secure-affair · 4 months ago

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What’s the Maximum Limit to Cash App Bitcoin Transactions?

Cash App has become one of the easiest ways to buy, sell, and send Bitcoin, but many users wonder about its transaction limits. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced trader, understanding these limits is crucial. In this guide, we'll break down everything you need to know about Cash App Bitcoin transaction limits and how you can increase them.

Understanding Cash App Bitcoin Transactions

Cash App allows users to buy, sell, send, and withdraw Bitcoin. Unlike traditional bank transfers, Bitcoin transactions on Cash App involve blockchain processing, which means there are specific rules and limits.

Why Does Cash App Have Bitcoin Transaction Limits?

There are several reasons why Cash App imposes Bitcoin transaction limits:

Regulatory Compliance: To comply with financial regulations.

Fraud Prevention: Limits reduce the risk of fraudulent transactions.

Security Measures: Helps protect users from unauthorized transactions.

Cash App Bitcoin Sending Limits

Cash App sets limits on the amount of Bitcoin users can send. As of 2024:

Cash App Bitcoin Sending Daily Limit: $2,500 worth of Bitcoin

Cash App Bitcoin Sending Weekly Limit: $5,000 worth of Bitcoin

Cash App Bitcoin Sending Monthly Limit: Varies based on account verification status

Cash App Bitcoin Receiving Limits

Unlike sending limits, Cash App does not impose restrictions on receiving Bitcoin. However, transaction confirmations depend on the Bitcoin network.

Cash App Bitcoin Withdrawal Limits

If you want to transfer Bitcoin to an external wallet, you must adhere to Cash App’s withdrawal limits:

Cash App Bitcoin Withdrawal Daily Limit:1 BTC

Cash App Bitcoin Withdrawal Weekly Limit:5 BTC

How to Increase Your Cash App Bitcoin Limits?

To increase your Cash App Bitcoin limits, follow these steps:

Verify Your Identity: Provide your full name, date of birth, and SSN.

Enable Two-Factor Authentication: Adds an extra layer of security.

Increase Account Usage: Regular activity can help raise limits.

Timeframe for Cash App Bitcoin Transactions

Bitcoin transactions on Cash App usually take:

Sending BTC: 10-30 minutes for confirmations

Receiving BTC: Varies based on network congestion

Withdrawing BTC: 24-48 hours, depending on security verification

Cash App Bitcoin Transaction Fees

Cash App charges two types of Bitcoin fees:

Network Fees: Varies based on blockchain traffic

Service Fees: Calculated at the time of transaction

Cash App Bitcoin Limits vs. Other Crypto Platforms

Platform

Daily Sending Limit

Daily Withdrawal Limit

Cash App

$2,500

0.1 BTC

Coinbase

No limit

Varies

Binance

100 BTC

Common Issues with Cash App Bitcoin Transactions

Transaction Pending: Network congestion may delay confirmations.

Transfer Failed: Ensure your account has sufficient balance.

Limit Reached: Upgrade your account verification.

How to Track Your Bitcoin Transactions on Cash App?

You can track your Bitcoin transactions by:

Opening Cash App

Navigating to the "Bitcoin" tab

Selecting "Transaction History"

Is There a Way to Bypass Cash App Bitcoin Limits?

No legitimate method exists to bypass Cash App’s limits. Attempting to do so can lead to account restrictions or bans.

Conclusion

Understanding Cash App Bitcoin transaction limits is essential for managing your crypto assets efficiently. By verifying your account and following the necessary steps, you can increase your limits and optimize your transactions. Stay informed, and always checks for updates on Cash App’s policies.

#cash app limit

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oh-shtars · 1 year ago

Note

You said you loved to get asks about your AU

Weeeeell I wanted to know, what are your plans for Amaya? What’s her deal? Her backstory? Her personality? Tell us about the queen 👀

I’ll be honest here Anny, I have NOT done her redesign yet and she’s a character I’m so frustrated with right now because I keep getting stuck on creating her- jdksjdjsks

But I have worked out her backstory! It’s just her role in the actual RFTS!storyline that’s bothering me 😭😭

Character Plans:

See, just as I’ve made Magnifico a parallel of Star, I’ve made Amaya a parallel to Asha. Whereas RFTS!Asha keeps her dreams and desires to herself because she’s insecure and afraid to take charge, Amaya is also just as highly ambitious but headstrong and ruthless.

I have Asha to represent how “To achieve great things and for people to believe in your lead, you need to be the person to believe in your capabilities first. To be brave enough to take a leap of faith.” Amaya is the opposite. She has her dreams and desires, but she’s willing to do whatever it takes to get her way. Even if she needs to crack a few eggs to get it. I wanted her to represent how “Pursuing your dreams is great, but at the expense of other people and dragging them down to get there, is a very shtty thing to do.”

Amaya has a passion for discovering and desires to learn everything there is to the world of magic around her. I did say she was just an eviler version of Zarina, didn’t I?

The thing is though, she is willing to sacrifice certain animals and “poor unfortunate souls” as fuel for her experiments. So umm, yeah. I wonder what happens to the people kept in the castle’s dungeon-

She believes the reason that most of the magic in the world is unknown and undiscovered is because people are holding themselves back because of “sympathy and feelings.” Amaya didn’t like that one bit, so her main hobby and goal is to keep digging out for more. Always hungry for more.

Bonus Facts:

- Unlike Magnifico, whose trauma has prevented him from effectively learning magic, Amaya is actually competent with magic usage without the use of any certain artefact. No staff or anything.

- She’s skilled at disguises and making up fake stories or lies on the spot that are easy to believe. (As a reference to previous Disney villains who used this tactic)

- Similar to Asha who has a sketchbook around with her, Amaya keeps a notebook that she keeps her notes in. (I guess this can be the substitute for the ‘forbidden book’ in the canon movie. lol)

- Amaya has a pet sphinx cat whom I decided to call ‘Espino’. It means ‘thorn’ in Spanish.

- While everyone else is just a tool for her to use, she does feel genuine love and concern for her husband when he does spiral into a PTSD episode. She’s had no one else in her life for a while now and Mag was the only one who ever understood her, so she’s willing to aid him whenever she can.

- She likes horse-back riding in the woods and does so often to relax or collect ingredients for her experiments

- She hates the idea of anyone or anything holding her back from what she believes is her true potential.

- Amaya holds the calculative and strategic skills in her ‘brains and the brawn’ duo with Mag. Mag is more on delivery and force if necessary. She’s calmer and aids Mag whenever he’s stressed or having temper issues.

- She’s also quite a fan of novels and poetry and likes the sound of poetic and fitting endings. It’s the reason why she’s being so nice towards Asha because she sees her as a fun toy to play around with. Especially when it comes to considering the king and queen’s strong opinion about Tomás.

(Tomás used to be hers and Mag’s assistant before he was tragically killed died after strongly holding beliefs that oppose their rule. It’s quite an entertaining irony if they were to have Tomás’ own daughter follow in his footsteps. One that he obviously would’ve hated to see if he was still alive.

Magnifico disliked the idea of having an inquisitive annoying girl around his work. Like I said in my previous drawing, he finds Asha ‘unbearable.’ But oh well, anything for the wifey. Happy wife. Happy life.)

Backstory:

Amaya grew up a little typical girl in Rosas with big dreams of mastering and getting to know everything regarding alchemy and magic. It’s a whole world that’s surrounded by it and who knows how much is left undiscovered?

The unfortunate thing is that her family was against this passion of hers since, well, not everyone thinks magic is a necessary skill worth your time when you can do it by yourself the traditional way. While her parents didn’t mind how King Oliver and previous other rulers have always provided an easier living for their people with magic, they want to keep the family tradition of achieving things by themselves magic-free. It’s how their ancestors established their livelihood as farmers after all.

Rosas had the best reputation of being the most inclusive and welcoming kingdom, so people holding these magic-free beliefs still have their boundaries respected and allowed to refuse magical help if they wish.

But Amaya? Amaya didn’t want to follow her parents’ footsteps. She wants to pursue her own dream.

…..

Mag and Amaya’s love story is basically Royalty x Commoner.

They met when Mag was 15 and she was 14 and were best friends ever since. Back then in the past, when there wasn’t as much worries and things were a little more simpler. But Amaya’s parents progressively start discouraging her to interact with Mag as they believe his role as prince and the future sorcerer king of Rosas is influencing their daughter to take up magic too.

Until one day, Magnifico never heard from her again. And then years later as young adults, they found each other again in the woods, where Amaya had fled away from her home to secretly study magic on her own there. They bonded over feeling so pressured to give up on their initial desires just because their parents and life decided to be unjust and cruel to them.

“Like, don’t you ever just wish you could hold the world and shake it soo hard because you’re so mad? OMGG BESTIE, SAAME.”

👆That was the look Amaya gave him when Magnifico asked if she ever felt “helpless and trapped,” like he did. It was at that moment that Magnifico fell down a flight of stairs and head over heels for this woman.

Sooo, childhood friends, to losing each other for a bit, to finding each other again, and then to romance.

(Wait- wdym they’re like Simba and Nala too? Pfft-)

The thing is though, Amaya is a wanted outlaw. (Or criminal? Idk the right word. Do they mean the same thing?).

Her identity is not exactly known. The guards are aware that there’s someone stealing ingredients and breaking Rosas’ rules and safety regulations about studying magic. The kingdom bans the production or study of any magic that could actively harm or terribly curse animals and humans. Remember when I said Amaya couldn’t give a single flying sht about that? She just managed to keep her real name clean because of her skills in disguises.

Amaya’s state and Magnifico potentially withholding information lead to another father-and-son argument with King Oliver again.

But just to sum it up before this gets too long, Magnifico ended up taking his role as the next king with Amaya by his side. Upon obtaining his magic staff and finding the ability to collect wishes, he banned the usage of magic with the exception of him and his wife ofc. Under the excuse it’s for Rosas’ greater good and safety. In the castle, Amaya is finally given the freedom to explore the unknown. Something about “I’ll give the whole kingdom to you if you asked for it” and “I promise we’ll both get that world we both deserved.”

Which would be a sweet kind of thing if it were another couple in another innocent context…. :)

Idk, Anny. Might change things up a bit but let me know what you think. Thanks so much for the asks btw!! 💖

#disney wish #reach for the stars au #wish rewrite #rfts au #wish au #wish amaya #wish magnifico #omg this turned into an au dump again #au lore #au dump #ask

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republicsecurity · 1 year ago

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Know Your Gear

The recruits lined up in formation, their suits gleaming under the artificial lights of the training facility. The visors, currently transparent, waited to be activated as they prepared for the day's training. KO10T and 6DG05, imposing figures in their own suits, moved with purpose as they approached the recruits.

"Weapons training will enhance your capabilities as tactical paramedics. It's about precision, control, and ensuring the safety of those you're tasked to protect," 6DG05 added, the tone stern and unwavering.

"Today, you'll learn to wield tools that can protect not only your own life but the lives of those under your care," KO10T's voice echoed through the recruits' helmets, each word tinged with a calculated intensity.

The chamber's walls, adorned with holographic targets, served as the canvas for the impending lesson. Tasers, the introductory step into the realm of self-defense, were distributed among the recruits. The instructors demonstrated the proper usage and care, emphasizing the necessity of precision and control.

The recruits, visors dimmed, moved with a calculated grace. The tasers, held with the precision of a surgeon's scalpel, became extensions of their armored arms. The crackling arcs of electricity leapt from device to holographic target, a display of controlled power.

"This is not just about incapacitating a threat," 6DG05 intoned, his visor concealing any trace of expression. "It's about maintaining control in chaotic situations. You are the stewards of order, even in the midst of disorder."

As the recruits honed their skills, the chamber flickered with the intermittent glow of tasers in action. The instructors observed with a detached scrutiny, their armored forms resembling silent sentinels overseeing the initiation of a new phase in the recruits' training.

As they reclined in specially designed chairs, the suits initiated the synchronization process with the docking station. A low hum resonated through the chamber as the suits relinquished control, allowing the station to take charge of the disassembly and maintenance routine. The visors, usually a barrier between the wearers and the world, retracted, revealing the fatigued but determined countenances of IU664 and H2U8M.

IU664 and H2U8M feel exhausted after a full morning of taser training. As the suits synchronized with the station, the familiar hiss of seals disengaging resonated through the chamber. The visors retracted, revealing the fatigued faces of IU664 and H2U8M, their expressions hidden beneath the veneer of technology for most of the day.

Taser training was intense. How are you holding up, IU664?"

IU664, seated beside him in the docking station, responded with a weary yet determined tone. "It pushes us to our limits"

Simultaneously, the docking station's mechanisms initiated the extraction of the waste containment unit. The suits' waste disposal system, discreetly managed within the confines of the chastity device, efficiently emptied into a sealed receptacle.

They sucked on nutrient tubes, replenishing their energy reserves while the docking station discreetly managed the disposal of waste, a seamless integration of bodily functions within the paramedic routine. The replenishment of energy, both for their biological bodies and the suit's power cells, brought a sense of revitalization.

H2U8M, with a faint smile, remarked, "The tasers feel like an extension of the suit, don't they? A tool in our arsenal to ensure we can fulfill our duties effectively."

IU664 nodded in agreement. "Exactly. It's about mastering every aspect of our gear, whether it's for healing or defense."

The suit's internal diagnostic displays, visible within the helmet HUD, indicated the charging process. Lines of data and status updates scrolled as the suits absorbed the energy, recharging the intricate systems that sustained their paramedic functionality.

The sensory feedback of the replenishing process, coupled with the knowledge that their suits were being meticulously cared for, instilled a sense of satisfaction—a quiet acknowledgment of the intimacy shared between the paramedics and their technologically enhanced identities.

As the nutrient infusion continued, the docking station's efficient operations concluded the suit's maintenance cycle. With a subtle click, the armored plates resealed, the visors descended, and the paramedics within were once again enveloped in the embrace of their revitalized suits.

In their own private docking stations, KO10T and 6DG05, the seasoned instructors overseeing the training of the paramedic recruits, received the synchronized notification that echoed the completion of the maintenance cycle for the entire platoon. The updates appeared on their HUDs, providing a comprehensive overview of each recruit's vitals, suit status, and the successful execution of the replenishment process. The nutrient-rich liquid had seamlessly nourished the recruits, and the waste disposal had been efficiently managed, ensuring uninterrupted functionality.

With a shared nod, KO10T and 6DG05 prepared to disengage from their docking stations.

In the cold, sterile confines of the training chamber, the paramedic recruits assembled once more under the watchful eyes of their instructors, KO10T and 6DG05. The subdued hum of the overhead lights and the muted clinks of the recruits' armored suits filled the air as they prepared for the next phase of their training.

The tasers, essential tools for self-defense in their line of duty, lay neatly arranged on a metallic table. The recruits, visors down, were guided by the AI's instructions to clean and service the tasers. Each intricate component required meticulous attention, and the recruits followed the protocols embedded in their HUDs to ensure the proper functioning of these defensive instruments.

The instructors, with their visors retracted, moved among the recruits, offering guidance and occasional words of encouragement.

Through the encrypted communication channels of their helmets, IU664 and H2U8M exchanged brief remarks, relying on the HUD's text inserts to communicate efficiently. The occasional tapping of fingers on the armored surfaces served as a form of silent camaraderie, a shared understanding of the meticulous task at hand.

The sealed environment of their suits, while providing protection, also heightened the sense of isolation. The muffled sounds of their breathing and the faint hum of the life support systems created an eerie backdrop to their work.

IU664 and H2U8M communicated over their encrypted channels, their voices transformed into streams of digital data transmitted through the secure network of their helmets.

IU664: [Text Insert on HUD] How's it going on your end, H2U8M?

H2U8M: [Text Insert on HUD] Progressing well. These gauntlet gloves make precision tasks a challenge.

IU664: [Text Insert on HUD] Tell me about it. Feels like assembling delicate machinery with boxing gloves.

The AI, ever watchful and responsive to the recruits' needs, detected the challenges posed by the cumbersome gauntlet gloves. As IU664 and H2U8M struggled with the fine motor tasks, the HUD displayed a series of augmented reality guides.

[HUD Insert] Visual Assistance Activated

Subtle holographic overlays appeared on their visors, outlining each step of the cleaning and servicing process with precision. Ghostly hands mimicked the movements required, offering a visual guide that complemented the recruits' tactile efforts.

IU664: [Text Insert on HUD] Got some virtual hands showing me the way. Makes it a bit less like assembling in the dark.

The augmented reality assistance not only provided step-by-step instructions but also adjusted in real-time to their progress. If a task proved challenging, the AI adapted the visual cues, offering alternative approaches and highlighting critical details.

H2U8M: [Text Insert on HUD] Same here. These gloves aren't winning any awards for dexterity, but the guides help.

H2U8M: [Text Insert on HUD] True, but the HUD guides help a lot. Almost done here. How's your status?

IU664: [Text Insert on HUD] Finished the cleaning. AI flagged a potential issue with the power cell. Need to check it.

As IU664 and H2U8M diligently cleaned and serviced their Tasers, the AI meticulously tracked every motion, every adjustment, and every successful task completion. The HUD came alive with dynamic graphs, performance analytics, and real-time progress updates.

[HUD Insert] Performance Report

A set of animated charts and graphs materialized on their visors, depicting the efficiency of their cleaning techniques, the precision of their adjustments, and the overall proficiency in handling the Tasers. Each recruit had a personalized section, color-coded to represent their unique contributions to the task.

IU664: [Text Insert on HUD] Looks like my adjustment accuracy is improving.

H2U8M: [Text Insert on HUD] Check out the cleanliness rating. Not bad, huh?

The AI, acting as a digital conductor orchestrating the training session, provided positive feedback and constructive suggestions. Encouraging messages flashed on the HUD, creating a sense of camaraderie despite the physical isolation imposed by the suits.

[HUD Insert] Collaborative Success

The recruits' progress bars overlapped in a shared section of the display, symbolizing their collaborative success. The AI, recognizing the synergy between IU664 and H2U8M, acknowledged their joint efforts and effective communication.

IU664: [Text Insert on HUD] We make a good team, even in these suits.

H2U8M: [Text Insert on HUD] Definitely. Who knew Taser maintenance could be a bonding experience?

IU664: [Text Insert on HUD] You know, in the corps, it's not bonding, it's bondage.

H2U8M, momentarily pausing in his tasks, responded with a digital chuckle.

H2U8M: [Text Insert on HUD] True. These suits do have a way of bringing us closer, though.

IU664: [Text Insert on HUD] Closer, and a bit more restrained.

H2U8M: [Text Insert on HUD] Ah, the irony. Who knew saving lives would come with a side of kink?

IU664: [Text Insert on HUD] The things we sign up for. At least we get shockingly good stories out of it.

IU664: [Text Insert on HUD] True, we'll have to stick to the sanitized version for the folks back home. "Everything's fine, Mom, just saving lives and wearing high-tech suits."

H2U8M: [Text Insert on HUD] "It's like a medical drama, but with more sci-fi and less drama." They don't need to know the details, right?

IU664: [Text Insert on HUD] Exactly. Let them marvel at the heroics without diving into the nitty-gritty. Wouldn't want to worry them.

H2U8M: [Text Insert on HUD] Imagine explaining the whole bonding versus bondage thing. They'd think we joined some strange cult.

IU664: [Text Insert on HUD] "Mom, Dad, we're not in a cult, we're just… really committed to public service."

H2U8M: [Text Insert on HUD] And shockingly good stories, as you said. Just the kind of tales you can't share over a family dinner.

IU664: [Text Insert on HUD] Our little secret. The sanitized version for them, the uncensored version for us.

KO10T: [Text Insert on HUD] Exceptional performance, recruits! Positive stimuli inbound. Enjoy the reward for your dedication.

The recruits, feeling a gentle surge of positive stimuli through their chastity cages, were reminded of the peculiar rewards and motivations within the corps.

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coinbase-charlie · 7 months ago

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Using Cash App: How Much Money Can I Send?

Cash App, a revolutionary digital payment platform, simplifies money transfers, purchases, and investments with ease and convenience. However, understanding Cash App sending limits is essential to make the most out of its services. This article provides a comprehensive breakdown of how much money you can send using Cash App, the factors influencing these limits, and how to increase them.

What Are Cash App Sending Limits for Unverified Accounts?

When you first sign up for Cash App, you’ll have default sending and receiving limits as an unverified user. These limits are relatively modest to ensure security and prevent fraudulent activities.

Cash App Weekly Sending Limit: Unverified accounts can send up to $250 per week.

Cash App Monthly Receiving Limit: You can receive up to $1,000 per month.

These limits reset on a rolling basis, meaning they are calculated over the last seven days for sending and the last 30 days for receiving. If you try to send or receive more than these amounts, Cash App will prompt you to verify your identity.

How to Verify Your Identity on Cash App

To unlock higher limits, you need to verify your identity. This process is simple and only takes a few minutes. Follow these steps:

1. Open the Cash App: Navigate to the home screen.

2. Enter Your Details: Provide your full name, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security Number (SSN).

3. Submit Additional Documentation (if required): In some cases, Cash App may request additional documents, such as a government-issued ID, to complete the verification.

Once verified, your sending and receiving limits will significantly increase.

What Are Cash App Sending Limits for Verified Accounts?

After completing identity verification, Cash App dramatically raises your sending and receiving limits:

Cash App Daily Sending Limit: You can send up to $7,500 per transaction.

Cash App Weekly Sending Limit: The weekly sending limit also increases to $7,500.

Cash App Receiving Limit: Verified accounts can receive unlimited funds, making it perfect for personal and business use.

How to Check Your Current Sending Limit

Checking your sending limit is crucial to avoid failed transactions. Here’s how you can check it:

1. Open Cash App: Navigate to your profile icon.

2. Tap on “Limits”: You’ll see the current limits for your account, including sending and receiving caps.

3. Review Your Verification Status: Ensure your account is verified to maximize your limits.

Factors Affecting Sending Limits on Cash App

Several factors influence the amount of money you can send via Cash App, including:

1. Account Verification: Verified accounts enjoy higher limits than unverified ones.

2. Transaction History: Regular and legitimate usage can lead to better transaction privileges over time.

3. Linked Bank Accounts or Cards: Linking a verified bank account or credit/debit card can further optimize your transaction capabilities.

How to Increase Your Cash App Sending Limit

If you’ve reached the maximum limit and need to send more, here are the steps to increase your Cash App limit:

1. Ensure Your Account Is Verified: Verification is the first step toward increasing your limits.

2. Contact Cash App Support: If your needs exceed the standard verified limits, contact Cash App support for assistance. While rare, they may consider your request for a custom limit.

3. Link a Bank Account or Debit Card: This adds credibility to your account and ensures smoother transactions.

Cash App Fees for Sending Money

Cash App generally doesn’t charge fees for standard personal transactions. However, there are exceptions:

Instant Transfers: A fee of 0.5% to 1.75% is charged for instant deposits to your bank.

Credit Card Transactions: Sending money via credit card incurs a 3% fee.

Business Transactions: If you have a Cash App for Business account, a 2.75% fee applies for receiving payments.

Understanding these fees can help you avoid unnecessary charges and manage your finances efficiently.

Common Issues and Solutions for Sending Money on Cash App

Users may encounter problems while trying to send money. Here are common issues and how to resolve them:

1. Exceeded Limits: If you’ve reached your Cash App limit, verify your identity to increase it.

2. Insufficient Balance: Ensure your Cash App balance or linked bank account has sufficient funds.

3. Network Issues: Poor internet connectivity can cause transaction failures.

4. Suspicious Activity: If Cash App detects unusual activity, it may temporarily block transactions. Contact support for assistance.

Tips for Safe Transactions on Cash App

1. Double-Check Recipient Details: Ensure you’ve entered the correct Cashtag or phone number.

2. Avoid Scams: Only send money to people you trust and verify their identity before transferring funds.

3. Enable Security Features: Use two-factor authentication and notifications for every transaction to stay secure.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cash App Sending Limits

1. What happens if I exceed my Cash App sending limit?

If you exceed the Cash App limit, Cash App will decline the transaction and prompt you to verify your identity.

2. Can I send $10,000 in one transaction on Cash App?

No, the maximum you can send in a single transaction as a verified user is $7,500. For higher amounts, consider splitting the payments or using other methods.

3. How long does it take to verify my Cash App account?

Verification typically takes 24-48 hours. Ensure all provided information is accurate to avoid delays.

4. Are there limits for receiving money on Cash App?

Unverified accounts can receive up to $1,000 per month, while verified accounts have no receiving limit.

5. Does Cash App charge for exceeding limits?

No fees are charged for exceeding limits, but transactions will fail until you verify your account or wait for the limits to reset.

Conclusion

Cash App is a versatile platform for managing your finances, but understanding its sending limits is key to avoiding transaction issues. Verifying your account unlocks higher limits, ensuring you can send and receive funds seamlessly. By following the tips outlined in this guide, you can optimize your Cash App experience.

#cash app limit

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bitcoinwithdrawallimitsoncashapp · 10 months ago

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Maximize Your Bitcoin Withdrawals: How to Increase Limits on Cash App

Cash App has become a popular platform for managing finances, offering a variety of services, including Bitcoin transactions. For users involved in cryptocurrency, understanding the Cash App Bitcoin withdrawal limits is crucial for efficient and seamless transactions. In this article, we'll explore what the Cash App Bitcoin withdrawal limits are, how you can increase them, and provide insights into how to optimise your Bitcoin usage on the platform.

What are the Bitcoin Daily and Weekly Limits on Cash App?

Cash App imposes specific withdrawal limits on Bitcoin to ensure the security of transactions and comply with regulatory requirements. As of the latest update, the standard Cash App Bitcoin withdrawal limits are as follows:

Daily Limit: The maximum amount of Bitcoin you can withdraw in a single day is approximately $2,000 worth of Bitcoin.

Weekly Limit: The weekly limit for Bitcoin withdrawals is capped at $5,000 worth of Bitcoin.

These limits are subject to change based on various factors, including your account status and Cash App’s policies.

How to Increase Bitcoin Withdrawal Limit on Cash App?

If you find that the default Cash App withdrawal limits are too restrictive for your needs, you have the option to increase them. Here's how you can do it:

Verify Your Identity: The first step to increasing your Bitcoin withdrawal limit is to complete the identity verification process on the Cash App. This typically involves providing your full name, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. In some cases, you may also be required to submit additional documentation, such as a photo ID.

Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Enhancing the security of your account by enabling 2FA can also positively impact your withdrawal limits. This extra layer of protection shows the Cash App that you are serious about securing your account, which may lead to higher limits.

Increase Account Activity: Regular use of the Cash App, including sending and receiving funds, making purchases, and conducting Bitcoin transactions, can help in increasing your withdrawal limits over time. The more active and responsible you are with your account, the more likely Cash App is to grant higher limits.

Contact Cash App Support: If you require a higher withdrawal limit beyond what is automatically provided after verification, consider reaching out to Cash App’s support team. Provide them with a valid reason for needing a higher limit, and they may offer a custom solution based on your account history and needs.

Maximising Your Bitcoin Transactions on Cash App

To ensure you're getting the most out of your Cash App experience, it's important to stay informed about any updates to withdrawal limits and account features. Regularly check your app for notifications and updates from Cash App, as the platform may offer new ways to enhance your account’s capabilities.

FAQs

1. What is the standard Cash App Bitcoin withdrawal limit per day?

The standard Cash App daily Bitcoin withdrawal limit is approximately $2,000 worth of Bitcoin.

2. How can I increase my Cash App Bitcoin withdrawal limit?

You can increase your withdrawal limit by verifying your identity, enabling two-factor authentication, increasing your account activity, and contacting Cash App support if necessary.

3. Is there a weekly Bitcoin withdrawal limit on Cash App?

Yes, the Cash App weekly Bitcoin withdrawal limit is capped at $5,000 worth of Bitcoin.

4. Can I withdraw Bitcoin from the Cash App to my bank account?

No, Bitcoin withdrawals on Cash App can only be transferred to an external Bitcoin wallet, not directly to a bank account.

5. Does Cash App charge fees for Bitcoin withdrawals?

Yes, Cash App charges a fee for Bitcoin withdrawals, which is dynamically calculated based on the network congestion at the time of the transaction.

6. How long does it take for a Bitcoin withdrawal to process on Cash App?

Bitcoin withdrawals on Cash App typically take anywhere from a few minutes to several hours, depending on the Bitcoin network's current activity.

This comprehensive guide should help you understand and manage your Bitcoin transactions on Cash App more effectively. If you have further questions or need assistance, Cash App’s customer support is always available to help.

#weekly Bitcoin withdrawal limit on Cash App

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zetexa · 1 year ago

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Does Google Maps Really Use Your Data? Here's What You Need to Know

Curious to find out if Google Maps is using your data? Google Maps has become an irreplaceable navigation tool, providing detailed maps, traffic information, and route recommendations taking personal concerns. Nevertheless, data usage issues still arise, leaving people with doubts about when and how Google Maps uses their data. Along with grasping data usage of Google Maps, we will also delve into the eSIM technology that can enhance your navigational experience by consuming less data.

With eSIMs, international travelers can enjoy seamless connectivity and stay connected while exploring new destinations without worrying about excessive data charges. Let's explore how best global eSIMs complement Google Maps usage and facilitate hassle-free travel experiences.

Does Google Maps Use Data?

Google Maps retrieves data from various sources to provide users with accurate and up-to-date information. It has become an indispensable tool for navigating our world, providing detailed maps, real-time traffic updates, and personalized route recommendations. However, a nagging question often arises: Does Google Maps use data? Understanding how much data Google Maps uses and how to minimize it can be a concern, especially for users with limited data plans.

Factors Affecting Google Maps Data Usage

While Google Maps does rely on data to function effectively, the amount of data it consumes can vary depending on several factors, but here's a breakdown to help you understand:

Map Imagery: Does Google Maps use data for visuals? Absolutely. High-resolution maps and satellite mode require downloading imagery from Google's servers, contributing to data usage. Avoid zooming in for extreme detail or constantly switching between map views.

Real-Time Traffic Updates: Does Google Maps use data for traffic? You bet! Real-time traffic updates are valuable, providing information on congestion, accidents, and alternative routes. However, these updates require continuous data refresh to display current traffic conditions, impacting your data usage.

Route Calculation: Does Google Maps use data to plan routes? While route calculation doesn't consume significant data, the continuous updating of route information during navigation does. As you travel, Google Maps factors in real-time traffic and other changes to suggest the most efficient path, requiring data to function.

Points of Interest: Google Maps displays points of interest (POIs) like restaurants, gas stations, and attractions. But does Google Maps use data for POIs? Yes, it does. This information is constantly updated based on user feedback and changes in business details. Accessing and refreshing POI information requires data connectivity.

Ensuring Efficient Data Usage with Google Maps

Since Google Maps does use data, here are some tips to optimize your usage:

Download Maps for Offline Use: Does Google Maps use data on Android even when you're offline? No, if you download maps for offline use before traveling to areas with limited connectivity!

Adjust Settings: To minimize data usage, modify Google Maps settings to lower resolution imagery and limit data-intensive features like satellite view when not needed.

Monitor Data Usage: Monitor your data usage through your device's settings or a data monitoring app to avoid exceeding your data limit. Does Google Maps use data on iPhones? Yes, Google Maps does use data on iPhones, just like it does on Android devices. The data is primarily used to download map information, real-time traffic updates, and features like searching for locations.

Plan Routes in Advance: Plan your routes and familiarize yourself with directions before starting navigation to minimize data usage during transit. The less you need to use real-time features while navigating, the less data Google Maps uses.

Best Global eSIM Options for International Travel

For international travelers seeking seamless connectivity, eSIM technology offers a convenient solution. Here are some of the best global eSIM options for international travel:

Zetexa: Zetexa is one of the best Global eSIM options, offering a variety of data plans to suit users' varying needs. You can choose between local and regional plans.

Ubigi: Ubigi provides global eSIM plans with coverage in over 190 countries, offering data-only and data + voice plans for international travelers.

Airalo: Airalo offers eSIM plans with coverage in over 190 countries, providing data-only plans suitable for international travel.

By utilizing their international eSIM options specifically designed for global travelers, you can save costs and stay connected all the time. International travelers can enjoy seamless connectivity and stay connected while exploring new destinations.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Google Maps remains an invaluable tool for navigation and exploration, providing users with comprehensive maps and real-time traffic updates. While it does consume data, understanding its usage patterns and implementing data-saving techniques can mitigate its impact on your data plan. Utilizing offline maps, adjusting settings, and monitoring data usage are effective strategies for managing data consumption.

For seamless connectivity and enhanced travel experiences, consider downloading the ZetSIM app on Google Playstore and Appstore. With coverage spanning over 180+ countries, ZetSIM+ simplifies activation and plan management for global travelers. By leveraging this app, you can stay connected effortlessly, ensuring smooth navigation and exploration wherever your travels take you.

FAQs

How much data does Google Maps use per hour?

On average, Google Maps uses approximately 0.5 MB of data per hour of navigation. However, data usage can vary based on factors such as route complexity and traffic conditions.

Do you need data for Google Maps?

While certain Google Maps features can also be used offline, full functionality, including real-time navigation and traffic updates, requires a data connection.

How much data does Google Maps use for navigation?

Google Maps consumes data for various purposes during navigation, including route calculation, real-time traffic updates, and map imagery. On average, Google Maps uses approximately 0.5 MB of data per hour of navigation.

#esim for international travel #esim card #google maps #zetexa eSIM #best global eSIM #Does Google Maps Use Data #how much data Google Maps uses

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bad-thinking · 1 year ago

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Eden, by Stanisław Lem (1958) [scifi book]

Another astonishing masterpiece by Stanisłam Lem. The story where I hoped for a happy end, and was certain the contact with strangers from another planet, planet Eden, will be established. I was just waiting for how, and what good will come out of it. How they will be saved by the crew from Earth. How better future is going to be possible for the citizens of Eden.

The unethical and also even unsuccessful experiments aiming at reconstructing species of Eden, enhancing their structure using bioengineering, causing mutations, many deaths and suffering, attempt to cover its effects, ubiquitous and deliberate misinformation, anonymous government. Countless of Edenians disabled, mentally impaired, cementaries of species of lower quality, exterminated. Isolated groups from the society, forced to cooperate, not being able to get away from the imposed structure.

The tragic story of chaos, technical advancements going wrong, even the very idea for tune Edenians with the usage of bioengineering, manipulating with their biology feels very.. not right. Then "deleting" the cases where experiment failed, as if they were nothing more than an object meant to simply serve, or fulfil the role, completely deprived of any individuality, or even its potential. They did not accept the offer of help from Earthmen, their guests. The points of reference are too different, it would not be possible to come to the shared agreement and direction.

Communication, the one that was conducted with one individual from the planet Eden was one of best fragments I have ever read. The calculator with programmed translated terms from both languages was the bridge between the two species. Earthmen were able to formulate questions in a way that it was possible to translate them into aliens form. Alien was able then to comprehend it and reply. So exciting! I have a bit hard time imagining the shape of the alien, the form. In my head it looks quite funny, not sure if that was an intention of Lem to construct such image or I misinterpret it. On the other hand they are mutated, impaired, it is possible that the appearance is also funny? Or am I being cruel in my head?

The language, the form of alien communication is interesting too. They use electricity for creating and presenting message. Electronic charges, their patterns, were defining the meaning of the message. How original that is! I really liked that.

I think that lack of a happy end is even a better ending as it surprises more.

The Doctor from the crew was my favourite character, right after alien, of course. Sensitivity, the mission to rescue and heal, the disagreements, the drive to help, to take care. The great empathy and openness.

This book I can recommend with the whole heart - was brilliant.

#eden #scifi books #scifi #stanislaw lem #book review #book recommendations

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ricardian-werewolf · 1 year ago

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Chapter 11: Once more unto the breach

Ao3 link.

Summary:

With the chase of the Darkling ending at the Making of the Heart of the World, Dominik is forced to contend with the realities of what it means to really engage such an old foe in open combat. Alina wrestles with her inner demons, and the crows must realize what it means to become the heroes in a narrative that did not begin as theirs.

Notes:

title taken from Henry V by William Shakespeare.

This chapter is a short one to set up Act III: The Fox Confessor brings the Flood, which allows for the climax to take place over multiple chapters.

TWs: The Darkling is his own TW, and canon-typical violence and usage of merzost.

Chapter below the cut.

Light was all Alina could see around her as she pushed her powers into overdrive. The power of the stag and the sea-whip had done epic things, but this, this was sheer insanity. She’d ended an entire, globe-spanning, years-long eclipse. Sunlight poured down from the heavens, bathing her in its incandescent and heated glow. Yet, she willed it even hotter.

For as long as she’d known, the mantle of sun summoner was incorrect. What it really should have been classified as was light summoner. Even the mere spark of a flintlock pistol, and she could summon. The barest trace of light, whether nature or by flame, was all she needed. So, now, as she drew from the lit match Isaak held out, she let that light bloom. It exploded upwards in a single heat-blast that sent the shadows dissipating through the mid-morning sky. Isaak watched with widened eyes as the shadows writhed, and began plunging down, towards them.

“Run!” She yelled, shoving the former captain and long-serving valet of her lover away. “They’ll be wanting me!”

All around her, Alina heard the call of bugles and the snarling of men lost in the fog of war. Raising her head, her eyes bulged. Galloping straight towards her, locked low over his panting and frothing black steed was the Darkling.

And following him? Banners raised, men screaming on foot and horseback, was the entirety of the First Army. But at their head wasn’t Nikolai. Dominik led the charge, saber thrust out, kepi lowered to keep the glare of new-born sunlight off his face. Among the calvary, all 28 regiments of the Army gave chase. The trenches she knew were here were about to be overrun with men.

She had an idea. A foolhardy, stupid, dangerous idea. In order for it to work, she needed to be inside the Fold.

She paused to snatch up the box of matches Isaak had dropped, and pelted headlong for the Fold’s shadowy expanse. Her boots barely even touched the ground, though her chest screamed with the pain, and she felt light-headed. Behind her, the thunder of horses hooves and footsteps grew louder and ever closer. She prayed Dominik would be able to maintain order before the entire army was massacred by Nichevo’ya and Volcra.

As soon as Alina’s feet sunk into the sandy marsh of the Fold’s outskirts, she pulled to a stop. The Darkling’s steed had collapsed, throwing him from the saddle and rolling across the hardened ground. Behind him, the First Army was halting, prepping rifles. She skirted her gaze to either flank - the artillery shells were being unloaded and the guns themselves being prepped to fire.

Amongst the crews she caught sight of flashes of purple Keftas, and grinned. One man, with glasses and unruly brown hair, made that smile widen.

Thank the saints. Tolya or Tamar got Second Army.

Looking to the eastern flank, she noted Kaz and his Crows in heavy discussion with the fox-head mantled Drüskelle. One of them - Matthias - was standing at the side of a massive armored polar bear. Both were peering over a map and making calculations as a few of the bear’s fellows hauled into place what looked like a massive trebuchet and began checking that over.

Alina’s gaze returned to the Darkling, and she noted him moving to his feet. His shadows swirled about him, lengthening the Kefta until it bore a train of court-dress length. She already had an idea of what it was emblazoned on it, and smirked again.

Her smirk disappeared however as she rubbed her hand over the Lantsov emerald, and looked longingly for a glint of golden-blonde amongst the soldiers. Where was Nikolai?

Alina’s lip, gnawed raw already, got bitten again as she let her composure waver.

Steel tempers steel.

She sighed.

Tapping her fist against her thigh twice, she took in a deep breath, exhaled, and stormed into the Fold. Alina was armed not even with a proper weapon, just the hunting knife that had killed three amplifiers, and would kill but one more. She needed to light a match, and let her powers burst.

But first, The Darkling.

Raising her hands, Alina knew the Fold held ambient light despite being wholly dark. She drew on the mere specs of light cast, and created two things for herself. One was a dome of light for protection, and the other was a sword. This wasn’t truly needed, but she’d seen how Nikolai fabrikated metal with just the tips of his fingers, and did so exactly.

The sword hummed with energy as she shrunk the length to be about court-sword sized, and strode off. The dome around her pulsed and fritzed with a manic energy reflected in the crackling sparks in her silver hair. The kefta she wore, torn and threadbare as it was, turned into a gossamer gold confection that hardened into a set of lightweight armor.

Outside the Fold, Dominik raced back and forth on his horse, shouting out orders. Digging trenches, setting up the few maxim machine guns they possessed; readying the men with tots of rum. All of it came down to this. Dominik knew, as he wheeled his horse about to hear Isaak, that Alina had run into the Fold.

Now they would wait to see if it came tumbling down around them, or she died inside. The thought of Alina being martyred again made the hairs on the back of Dominik’s neck prickle with the stench of heresy. He’d already lost Nikolai - again. He couldn’t lose Alina either.

From across the expanse of marshland and sand, Dominik saw the Darkling get to his feet from his collapsed steed. The Kefta he wore had become almost imperial, and was wholly impractical for battle. With a flick of his hand, he sent a mass of writhing shadows across the expanse of the entire Unsea, and swept away into its massive, roiling darkness.

Dominik lowered his pistol, sighed, and turned his head. He raised the pistol again above his head, and watched in startled horror as the shadows burst from the ground, and rushed toward them.

As the shadows reached the first lines of trenches, they burst from the soil in a volley of inky darts and sunk into the soldier's skins. Screams echoed up and down the line as the men became what Nikolai was, and turned their hungry gazes on their allies. Claws erupted from fingernails, teeth lengthened, blackened, and those wings with their beetle-like clicking filled the air.

But the shadow darts didn’t stop at just one line of men. Dominik’s eyes widened further as the artillery gunners fell to the ground shrieking. The grisha’s summoning couldn’t even stop it. David screamed, clawing at his Kefta as his infection drove deep into his neck and veins, pulsating under his skin like a rotting tumor turned cancerous. Genya lay beside him, oddly still. The scars she bore had worsened with this sudden re-infection and Dominik could only watch in horror as these thousands of men and women turned their eyes on him.

He swung off his horse as they hopped forward, wings flapping, teeth clicking and spitting. All of them seemed hesitant to attack. Over their shoulders, Dominik watched the Darkling’s obsidian black eyes glitter in the morning sunlight.

“Spare the general and the boy. A pitiful waste, but I suppose, sodomy has its merits.” He sneered.

“Where are you sending them?!” Dominik shouted, stepping forward. One of the creatures, bearing the uniform of a fellow general - Pensky - skittered back, screeching. It hissed at him and bared black-needle sharp teeth.

He merely sighed, and raised his pistol straight at the Darkling. All around him, shrieks and screams of the dying rolled over him. The noise poured through his ear canals and sent his heart racing a million miles a minute.

“Everywhere in Ravka, dear General Vertov. I will have this wretched country bend the knee whether it wishes to or not. The Grisha will live in safety. Those with you will die. They have served their purpose.”

Out of the corner of his eye, Dominik saw Oncat give a frightened mew and spring away from Harshaw. The ginger-haired boy almost gutted the poor creature in two. From his right, Dominik heard a cry in Kerch that set his heart lurching from his chest. Kaz Brekker was pinned down by the Wraith - her eyes as inky dark as these other monsters, wings protruding from her back. The shadows hadn’t gotten the boy yet, but the look of horror and pain upon his face made Dominik shoot his pistol without thinking.

The bullet clipped The Darkling’s ear.

The old fool merely scoffed, rolled his neck till it popped, and cracked his knuckles. Then, he spread his hands apart. A wave of darkness some thirty feet high poured from his nimble fingers and roared straight for Dominik.

A bullet to the brain would have been less painful.

The wave hit him like a gut punch to the stomach, and he stumbled back. The shadows flowed through any orifice they could find, sinking into his pores and down his nostrils. It felt like drowning, like dying all over again.

And this time, there was no Nikolai to save him.

Alina was gone, saints knew where.

There was no hope left in this world anymore. He only hoped Isaak wasn’t the same thing as him. He prayed that wherever Nikolai was, what with his death, that he was at peace. Something only a prince could afford.

This country gets you in the end, brother. Don’t forget it.

I’ll do better. I vow it.

Dominik the Bold, hold on just a little longer.

Dominik’s eyes fluttered closed, and he surrendered himself to the shadow tearing its way through its ribcage. He let the creature sink into his heart and embed its sickly-sweet tar-like blood into his veins.

He didn’t even scream.

He let it take him, and as he lay there, dying once more, he thought of Halmhend. He thought of the years in the Great Palace building boats with Nikolai; his parent’s farm in the countryside east of Os Alta.

Then, the darkness became all encompassing and he slipped into the quiet once more.

The Darkling raised his hands and the former soldiers, gunners, calvary-men, Grisha, raised their heads. They crawled forward, wings flapping as they tussled and hissed at one another. However, amongst the motley, there was a break. Crowded in a small huddle, wings folded wide to protect them was Inej. She bore the same inky-black void eyes as her brethren, but she was not driven to the same madness as the volcra-like monsters surged upwards in a stream of flapping wings and high-pitched, eardrum breaking screeches.

“Inej,” Nina murmured, taking the Wraith’s wrist in her hands. She drew on her heartrender powers and slowed Inej’s pulse as the woman’s feral instincts sent her scrabbling to bite Kaz’s neck. He nearly screamed and slashed out with the oyster knife hidden under his sleeve. It nicked Inej’s neck, and she whimpered.

“Easy!” Jesper hissed, reaching across Wyland to grab a bottle of smelling salts. He opened them, waved them under Inej’s nose. The crows leaned closer to watch, and Matthias’s fingers tensed on his sword as he watched.

Inej’s eyes widened, and then, the demon in her receded. Her eyes returned to their dark brown and her claws retracted. The wings faded away into the late morning light, and she crouched down under Kaz’s elbow, her face pale.

The six teens could only watch the Darkling as he regarded his army of shadow monsters surging into the sky. They’d seen Dominik Vertov fall, the pincer movement that sent the First Army sprawling and dead. Some hadn’t taken to the bite, too weakened by famine and war to rise again. Inej and Matthais each offered prayers to the Saints and Djel to deliver them to brighter shores. Inej’s eyes rose to the wall of the Fold, and she grasped her knives a little tighter.

Above her, Kaz glared at the expanse of darkness with beady eyes. Going into the Fold with only the six of them would be suicide. But Alina was in there, and Matthais had sworn his fealty to The Korol Rezni. They’d all seen Nikolai fall, but somehow, for some unknown reason, all doubted his death.

It felt strangely anticlimactic.

“Little humans, and a Demjinn. How interesting.”

The Crows’s heads whipped up as one to stare at Iorek Byrnison. He and his kin had not evidently been the target of the Darkling’s attack. Kaz leaned forward, his right hand gripping his cane and the other fishing in the dirt and sand for something to give him purchase. No one moved to touch him, and for good reason.

If looks could kill, the bears in front of them would be deader than doornails. Iorek snorted, a harsh breath of air that ruffled Jesper’s hair and made Wylan shrink closer to him. Nina craned her neck up and Matthais stood level.

“What do we do?” Wylan asked, fingering a vial of something explosive. The music notes were Beethovan’s 5th symphony. If it had been Scott Joplin, that was for poisons or toxins. Kaz couldn’t remember what the other musicians he used were.

“The little Saint is alone, in there.” A bear murmured, looking uncertain if what he was saying was heresy or not. Iorek didn’t move to reprimand him, so he continued. “And with the Korol Rezni’s army… scattered, this place is alone and poorly defended.” He jerked his head towards the Fold.

“Then, wise Pamserbjørne, what do you suggest?” Matthias asked, gripping his blade tighter. “I fight for the King, but I am not remiss to take my orders from one of his generals.”

Iorek sniffed, moving a clawed paw under the strap of his helmet. He scratched it thoughtfully, then nodded.

“You, the boy with the cane - Mr Brekker.”

Kaz straightened and moved gingerly to his feet. He dusted off his coat, planted his cane more firmly in the sandy ground, and then adjusted his weight for it. At his side, Inej rose to her feet, followed by Wylan and Jesper. The two boys examined their weapons, and glanced at Matthais and Nina, the latter of whom was testing around for any familiar heartbeats.

“The Fold’s undefended, but also a death trap. To go into it blindly is suicide. We’d be better off letting the Wraith here turn back into a demon and killing us. Plus, the Korol Rezni hired us, and I for one would like to get my 40 million kruge payment in hard gold. It would be horrible for the money to go to my grave with me.”

“As if you wouldn’t want to be buried with it, Brekker.” Matthias hissed. Kaz gave him a stony glare edged with a sharp, sharks-teeth grin. The Fjerdan rolled his eyes and muttered something to do with stoning miscreants to death being very en vogue under Grimjer rule.

Iorek ignored Matthais and sniffed Inej’s foot. “The Demjin within her is largely passive. The smelling salts did little to actually repress it. That was entirely through her own extremely strong sense of will.”

Inej blinked, blushed gently and then murmured something in Kerch - a prayer? Kaz wasn’t listening. He turned once more to settling his gaze on the Fold, then he tightened his grip on the cane through his gloves, and leaned forward once more.

“Even with the 40 million riding on this, I would like to see the blasted thing come down. It’s high time Ravka joined this wretched century, even with the last war, and all. I want to see that day come before I die, at least.”

“How patriotic.” Nina replied drolly.

“Oh, shut up.” Kaz snapped back, then schooled himself. He reached for the oyster knife again, and sighed. With a jerk of his head, he limped forwards. Inej and Jesper fell into step beside him, Nina and Matthais behind them. Wylan rode on Iorek’s back, while the other bears dismantled themselves from the Fire hurler and reached for some strange hanging lanterns they took in their mouths.

“It’s lit with Lumiya. One of the King’s fabrikator’s gave the patent to us. We stabilized it as a low burning flame that doesn’t attract Volcra.”

Kaz nodded, his feet working overtime to keep him upright through the shifting sands. Soon, they were standing just a hairsbreadth from the Fold itself, and as Kaz put his hand through it, he shuddered involuntarily. The feeling of it reminded him of Jordie and the barge, the Queen’s lady plague.

Brick by brick.

Where those words had once brought down Pekka Rollins and his empire, now, they gave him the strength to get Jordie’s ghost to stop screaming. He stepped through the shadowy expanse.

One by one, his Crows followed him. All in search of a Sankta brighter than the sun, and bearing this holy woman gifts of light. Only time would tell if that light brought ruin or reckoning.

For time alone was their one true factor each one clung to. It was all they had left, in these cold and dreary days. With the sun above restored, hope could be spread. But while the Darkling reigned, that was stifled.

It would be up to six miscreants, one Sankta, an armored bear and his kin, all to bring down one power-obsessed megalomaniac.

They would not fail. Not this time.

End of chapter 11.

#wyn rambles #Nikolina #shadow and bone #nikolai lantsov #alina starkov #the crows #six of crows #fanfic #ao3 #grishaverse au

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