Comfort suites salt lake city airport
Happily married “nice girl” looking for dirt on her husband
2023.06.02 06:53 No_Support9158 Happily married “nice girl” looking for dirt on her husband
 | How would you feel if your wife was on “Are we dating the same guy?” Fb group asking for dirt on you? As seen on datingthesameguyleaks submitted by No_Support9158 to Nicegirls [link] [comments] |
2023.06.02 06:29 No_Support9158 Meet Will, the 66 yr old DILF
 | submitted by No_Support9158 to DatingTheSameGuyLeaks [link] [comments] |
2023.06.02 06:26 No_Support9158 A chick with the balls to DTR
 | Honestly I wish more chicks just had the balls to DTR. Too bad she feels the need to get justification from a group of thousands of toxic hoes submitted by No_Support9158 to DatingTheSameGuyLeaks [link] [comments] |
2023.06.02 06:26 venusedain I think my past life was in the USSR... I need to find out who I was! Help!
Hi guys. First of all, I'm really sorry if I misspell something, english is not my first language.
Last night, I was sleeping and having a "normal" dream until something else invaded that dream. A door or portal (I'm not sure) started forming in the air right in front of me. I became very curious and as I approached, the door opened, revealing a huge, dark, and cold corridor. It was dark, and there was a spiritual aura in that corridor that frightened me. Just as I was about to give up on entering it, I felt a hand on my shoulder. When that hand touched my shoulder, I shrunk down and started crawling on the ground (I think I transformed into a snake), and that somehow made me feel safe enough to pass through the corridor.
Inside the corridor, there were many doors, and I could see glimpses of light and images through the cracks. These seemed like memories. I could hear various sounds coming from the doors, voices conversing, laughter... But I didn't want to enter any of those doors, despite my curiosity. I stopped at the end of the corridor when the last door in front of me opened, and I entered it, and then I started watching a new dream, and I'm pretty sure it was my past life - all of the sensations were TOO VIVID and I can even remember smells, writings on banners, and too many details that I wouldn't remember if it was just a weird dream.
After I entered the door, it seemed like I "returned" to being human and started witnessing several memories of a past life, but they were scrambled and out of order.
The first memory that came to mind was when I was wearing red lipstick, a long dress that didn't seem to belong to this era, and I was smoking a thing that looked like a thin stick, like, it wasn't a common cigarette. I appeared to be young but trying to portray a mature woman. I remember I was scared, not wanting to be recognized. I was on the rooftop of a condominium or hotel (I'm not sure) waiting for my mama, and a very confident, charming, and polite man with a mustache and a suit became interested in me, he was watching me from a distance. He started talking to me, I remember I was trying to be seductive and wanted to look like I was bored, but he made me smile and laugh, and that sensation was weird, it was like I haven't laughed in a while, it felt like relief. Even when I rejected him and tried to be rude, he didn't give up the interest in me, he laughed and seemed to like me even more.
The second memory was of when I was a little girl, wearing a standout red cardigan, living in a village with lots of snow. I would walk home following a train line that was still being constructed I guess, and the men in that village would fish in a large lake, that would freeze in the winter. The houses were small, there were no tall buildings, and the only vegetation was like a tundra. [When I talked to my best friend about this part of the dream, we researched similar places to this one that I dreamed, and after some time we found pictures of places in Russia that seemed veeeeeery similar to this place, specially a city called "Murmansk". I didn't even know this city even existed and never heard of that place in my life, I'M A BRAZILIAN].
The third memory I had was when I was a slightly older girl, but it was before the first memory, I think here I was what, 13? 16? I'm not sure. I had long, brown hair and wore a white dress with ruffled edges that went down to my calves, like girls would wear in ancient times, around 1910/1920. I lived in a house that looked like a mansion, with brick roofs and a large estate that included a grove and a fountain. I remember the memory starting with me arriving from the sky, perhaps by a small airplane or helicopter (??) or some other aerial vehicle (?? i really don't know). I was truly wealthy, with one or two servants waiting for me, and my father was a wealthy man who loved me dearly. I was his darling. He seemed to be a professor at a university or something similar, he was a man of knowledge. I remember hearing people calling me... "Masha," "Masha". I was really happy and lived a good life around that time, I remember feeling like everything was right. [When I told my best friend about that, she enlightened me that Masha is a Russian name and that it was actually a nickname for Maria. And I didn't even know Maria was a Russian name, since it's pretty common here in Latin America too. I was mesmerized. Still am.]
The fourth memory is precisely with my father. I remember being in some place underground, like a mine or a metro (I remember it had a train line and some trolleys) and oddly enough, that's where I studied, alongside other young people, some girls and mostly young men. I studied in a laboratory with my father's support, but what I was doing seemed to be illegal, I don't know. I think it was not allowed for me to study. I apparently had a fiancé, a blond, white man, and he was really wealthy. I loved him at first, but something involving sex happened, I'm not sure. It was after this "sexual encounter" that I completely lost interest in him, I felt disgusted by him and only wanted to know about studying, I didn't want to be his wife. I reall can't remember how, but in the end I avoided marrying him. That's when everything seemed to start going wrong, but I don't know how either.
The fifth memory is of my engagement party with the charming mustached man I met in the first memory. I truly loved him and was very, very happy, oh my god, I can't even describe. We were celebrating our engagement in a place that looked like a small dinebar and I remember the smell of strong perfum, food that involves garlic and sweat (but I didn't find it disgusting, it was hot inside while it was really cold outside, as always. I remember I was so happy I was ecstatic). I remember having diverse guests, some people who seemed to be on the margins of society, like black people, homosexual people, etc. They were all my friends, dear people to me. I remember reaching the back of the diner and seeing my mother wearing a fur coat and a pearl necklace, dressed in 1920s attire, all elegant compared to the rest of us, who were not simple but not so wealthy looking. She was crying because my father had already passed away and because she had no money for anything. She was devastated, and that saddened me deeply, cause I missed her and I missed the feeling of not being the mother to my own mother. I was a 100% certain she would use the money I gave her to buy alcohol since she had become an alcoholic by that point. She smiled at that moment (that was the only time she smiled the entire night) and left through the back with a friend. I remember that impacted me very much, and my fiancé comforted me.
The sixth memory is strange. I was much poorer, living in a very simple cottage with my mother and the man who had become my husband. I remember being in the bedroom with my husband, being... Y'know... intimate, and the sensations felt really real. And my mother was clueless and quite intrusive. She entered the room without knocking or giving any warning, and it was a very embarrassing moment, I remember losing my temper with her and almost yelling that she couldn't do that kind of thing. Then, I remember putting on my clothes, a long-sleeved dress that went down to my calves and was straight, and brown boots. I was skinny and lived in a village with some trees and wooden houses. I recall being a teacher at a school for homosexual boys, I was protecting them from the law, trying to teach tem how to survive while everybody thought they were there to be "reformed". My husband knew everything and was very supportive. Then there was this day when a really strict general entered the school, I already knew him from before. He was there again, wanting to see if the boys were "reformed," and I had to quickly warn the boys to maintain their composure. I remember the general wearing black leather clothes, an imposing hat/beret, and I was so afraid of him that my legs trembled and despite me being a rebel at that point of my life, I was scared like a chicken. I felt like he knew I was lying, like he caught me but acted cool, and I remember thinking that my life was in danger. [Later, when talking to my best friend, I realized that the way he dressed and his behavior reminded me a little too much of a nazi general/soldier. I'm not sure, but this could be it].
The last memory I recall is visiting my husband in prison during winter when there was A LOT of wind and snow. I was wearing a dress, boots, and a warm brown coat, with two pigtails on each side of my head, like "Mary Jane" style. I had a heavy heart as I entered a dark and gray corridor, searching for my husband in the cells until I found him. He was shirtless, barefoot, wearing only gray sweatpants, lying on a stone bench, and he was very strong. I remember being horrified and screaming in despair with all the strenght I had in my lungs, "They're going to kill him! He will die of cold! Cover him up right now!". It was truly horrifying to me, specially because the reason he was there wasn't fair, he didn't do anything wrong, in fact he was fighting for what was right (I don't know what it was, but I remember I kept repeating this inside my mind, like, talking to myself, so revolted for all of this situation, as if it all wasn't fair at all). I recall another man, I'm not sure if he was a corrupt prison guard or a fellow inmate who had been released, gave me the key, and I managed to open the cell where my husband was. It seems like it was planned but I didn't know, we escaped and started running. I remember running through the emergency exit, the fire stairs, and the alarm was triggered. Men in uniforms came running after us with weapons in their hands. I remember almost losing my husband of sight because he was trying to close the door so we could win time, but I waited for him until the end, and we were going downstairs, jumping the stairs. In the end, I only remember that by some miracle, we managed to escape and reached an abandoned wooden cottage where he got dressed, and there was hot soup prepared by his sister, who provided us shelter, but I don't think we had a 'plan B' to get out of there and move on. We had nowhere to go, I guess, but I'm not sure. I just remember being tired, running, the sensation of my heart pulsing so fast I could feel it in my head. I was determined to save my husband.
That's the last memory I have. After that, I don't remember anything else, but I woke up with a sense that our story ended badly. I remember I could'nt stop crying. And I know it all sounds too much of a fanfic but I swear I'm not lying, I swear to god - my boyfriend texted me that morning when I was talking to my best friend about this weird dream, and told me he dreamt that he was a doctor and lived in Russia with me. When I started talking to Erica (my best friend) about it, he was still sleeping. He's my bestfriend since we were little, we've been together for 5 years now and it's been a while since we started talking about marriage, which is something that we plan for the near future. I don't know if he was the man in my dreams, but what he said is stuck in my head. Could he be that man?
I'm certain it wasn't just some hallucination, it was a past life memory. I just don't understand, why would the universe/god/whatever's up there make me remember this life? Because it wasn't a hypnotherapy, I wasn't meditating, I was SLEEPING. It happend involuntarily. What do they want to tell me? Why couldn't I see how I died, was it too traumatizing? Who was Masha/Maria? Who was her father, what was the name of my husband? Will I ever know? I'm just so, so curious. I want to know more.
What do you guys think of this all? What should I do? I'd like to go to a hypnotherapy session but I'm so afraid of, Idk, feeling pain, or seeing how I died and ending up more terrified than I already am of death. I really don't know. But I want to know who Masha/Maria was, what was her last name, if she really existed... I just need to know it was real.
submitted by venusedain to pastlives [link] [comments]
Last night, I was sleeping and having a "normal" dream until something else invaded that dream. A door or portal (I'm not sure) started forming in the air right in front of me. I became very curious and as I approached, the door opened, revealing a huge, dark, and cold corridor. It was dark, and there was a spiritual aura in that corridor that frightened me. Just as I was about to give up on entering it, I felt a hand on my shoulder. When that hand touched my shoulder, I shrunk down and started crawling on the ground (I think I transformed into a snake), and that somehow made me feel safe enough to pass through the corridor.
Inside the corridor, there were many doors, and I could see glimpses of light and images through the cracks. These seemed like memories. I could hear various sounds coming from the doors, voices conversing, laughter... But I didn't want to enter any of those doors, despite my curiosity. I stopped at the end of the corridor when the last door in front of me opened, and I entered it, and then I started watching a new dream, and I'm pretty sure it was my past life - all of the sensations were TOO VIVID and I can even remember smells, writings on banners, and too many details that I wouldn't remember if it was just a weird dream.
After I entered the door, it seemed like I "returned" to being human and started witnessing several memories of a past life, but they were scrambled and out of order.
The first memory that came to mind was when I was wearing red lipstick, a long dress that didn't seem to belong to this era, and I was smoking a thing that looked like a thin stick, like, it wasn't a common cigarette. I appeared to be young but trying to portray a mature woman. I remember I was scared, not wanting to be recognized. I was on the rooftop of a condominium or hotel (I'm not sure) waiting for my mama, and a very confident, charming, and polite man with a mustache and a suit became interested in me, he was watching me from a distance. He started talking to me, I remember I was trying to be seductive and wanted to look like I was bored, but he made me smile and laugh, and that sensation was weird, it was like I haven't laughed in a while, it felt like relief. Even when I rejected him and tried to be rude, he didn't give up the interest in me, he laughed and seemed to like me even more.
The second memory was of when I was a little girl, wearing a standout red cardigan, living in a village with lots of snow. I would walk home following a train line that was still being constructed I guess, and the men in that village would fish in a large lake, that would freeze in the winter. The houses were small, there were no tall buildings, and the only vegetation was like a tundra. [When I talked to my best friend about this part of the dream, we researched similar places to this one that I dreamed, and after some time we found pictures of places in Russia that seemed veeeeeery similar to this place, specially a city called "Murmansk". I didn't even know this city even existed and never heard of that place in my life, I'M A BRAZILIAN].
The third memory I had was when I was a slightly older girl, but it was before the first memory, I think here I was what, 13? 16? I'm not sure. I had long, brown hair and wore a white dress with ruffled edges that went down to my calves, like girls would wear in ancient times, around 1910/1920. I lived in a house that looked like a mansion, with brick roofs and a large estate that included a grove and a fountain. I remember the memory starting with me arriving from the sky, perhaps by a small airplane or helicopter (??) or some other aerial vehicle (?? i really don't know). I was truly wealthy, with one or two servants waiting for me, and my father was a wealthy man who loved me dearly. I was his darling. He seemed to be a professor at a university or something similar, he was a man of knowledge. I remember hearing people calling me... "Masha," "Masha". I was really happy and lived a good life around that time, I remember feeling like everything was right. [When I told my best friend about that, she enlightened me that Masha is a Russian name and that it was actually a nickname for Maria. And I didn't even know Maria was a Russian name, since it's pretty common here in Latin America too. I was mesmerized. Still am.]
The fourth memory is precisely with my father. I remember being in some place underground, like a mine or a metro (I remember it had a train line and some trolleys) and oddly enough, that's where I studied, alongside other young people, some girls and mostly young men. I studied in a laboratory with my father's support, but what I was doing seemed to be illegal, I don't know. I think it was not allowed for me to study. I apparently had a fiancé, a blond, white man, and he was really wealthy. I loved him at first, but something involving sex happened, I'm not sure. It was after this "sexual encounter" that I completely lost interest in him, I felt disgusted by him and only wanted to know about studying, I didn't want to be his wife. I reall can't remember how, but in the end I avoided marrying him. That's when everything seemed to start going wrong, but I don't know how either.
The fifth memory is of my engagement party with the charming mustached man I met in the first memory. I truly loved him and was very, very happy, oh my god, I can't even describe. We were celebrating our engagement in a place that looked like a small dinebar and I remember the smell of strong perfum, food that involves garlic and sweat (but I didn't find it disgusting, it was hot inside while it was really cold outside, as always. I remember I was so happy I was ecstatic). I remember having diverse guests, some people who seemed to be on the margins of society, like black people, homosexual people, etc. They were all my friends, dear people to me. I remember reaching the back of the diner and seeing my mother wearing a fur coat and a pearl necklace, dressed in 1920s attire, all elegant compared to the rest of us, who were not simple but not so wealthy looking. She was crying because my father had already passed away and because she had no money for anything. She was devastated, and that saddened me deeply, cause I missed her and I missed the feeling of not being the mother to my own mother. I was a 100% certain she would use the money I gave her to buy alcohol since she had become an alcoholic by that point. She smiled at that moment (that was the only time she smiled the entire night) and left through the back with a friend. I remember that impacted me very much, and my fiancé comforted me.
The sixth memory is strange. I was much poorer, living in a very simple cottage with my mother and the man who had become my husband. I remember being in the bedroom with my husband, being... Y'know... intimate, and the sensations felt really real. And my mother was clueless and quite intrusive. She entered the room without knocking or giving any warning, and it was a very embarrassing moment, I remember losing my temper with her and almost yelling that she couldn't do that kind of thing. Then, I remember putting on my clothes, a long-sleeved dress that went down to my calves and was straight, and brown boots. I was skinny and lived in a village with some trees and wooden houses. I recall being a teacher at a school for homosexual boys, I was protecting them from the law, trying to teach tem how to survive while everybody thought they were there to be "reformed". My husband knew everything and was very supportive. Then there was this day when a really strict general entered the school, I already knew him from before. He was there again, wanting to see if the boys were "reformed," and I had to quickly warn the boys to maintain their composure. I remember the general wearing black leather clothes, an imposing hat/beret, and I was so afraid of him that my legs trembled and despite me being a rebel at that point of my life, I was scared like a chicken. I felt like he knew I was lying, like he caught me but acted cool, and I remember thinking that my life was in danger. [Later, when talking to my best friend, I realized that the way he dressed and his behavior reminded me a little too much of a nazi general/soldier. I'm not sure, but this could be it].
The last memory I recall is visiting my husband in prison during winter when there was A LOT of wind and snow. I was wearing a dress, boots, and a warm brown coat, with two pigtails on each side of my head, like "Mary Jane" style. I had a heavy heart as I entered a dark and gray corridor, searching for my husband in the cells until I found him. He was shirtless, barefoot, wearing only gray sweatpants, lying on a stone bench, and he was very strong. I remember being horrified and screaming in despair with all the strenght I had in my lungs, "They're going to kill him! He will die of cold! Cover him up right now!". It was truly horrifying to me, specially because the reason he was there wasn't fair, he didn't do anything wrong, in fact he was fighting for what was right (I don't know what it was, but I remember I kept repeating this inside my mind, like, talking to myself, so revolted for all of this situation, as if it all wasn't fair at all). I recall another man, I'm not sure if he was a corrupt prison guard or a fellow inmate who had been released, gave me the key, and I managed to open the cell where my husband was. It seems like it was planned but I didn't know, we escaped and started running. I remember running through the emergency exit, the fire stairs, and the alarm was triggered. Men in uniforms came running after us with weapons in their hands. I remember almost losing my husband of sight because he was trying to close the door so we could win time, but I waited for him until the end, and we were going downstairs, jumping the stairs. In the end, I only remember that by some miracle, we managed to escape and reached an abandoned wooden cottage where he got dressed, and there was hot soup prepared by his sister, who provided us shelter, but I don't think we had a 'plan B' to get out of there and move on. We had nowhere to go, I guess, but I'm not sure. I just remember being tired, running, the sensation of my heart pulsing so fast I could feel it in my head. I was determined to save my husband.
That's the last memory I have. After that, I don't remember anything else, but I woke up with a sense that our story ended badly. I remember I could'nt stop crying. And I know it all sounds too much of a fanfic but I swear I'm not lying, I swear to god - my boyfriend texted me that morning when I was talking to my best friend about this weird dream, and told me he dreamt that he was a doctor and lived in Russia with me. When I started talking to Erica (my best friend) about it, he was still sleeping. He's my bestfriend since we were little, we've been together for 5 years now and it's been a while since we started talking about marriage, which is something that we plan for the near future. I don't know if he was the man in my dreams, but what he said is stuck in my head. Could he be that man?
I'm certain it wasn't just some hallucination, it was a past life memory. I just don't understand, why would the universe/god/whatever's up there make me remember this life? Because it wasn't a hypnotherapy, I wasn't meditating, I was SLEEPING. It happend involuntarily. What do they want to tell me? Why couldn't I see how I died, was it too traumatizing? Who was Masha/Maria? Who was her father, what was the name of my husband? Will I ever know? I'm just so, so curious. I want to know more.
What do you guys think of this all? What should I do? I'd like to go to a hypnotherapy session but I'm so afraid of, Idk, feeling pain, or seeing how I died and ending up more terrified than I already am of death. I really don't know. But I want to know who Masha/Maria was, what was her last name, if she really existed... I just need to know it was real.
2023.06.02 06:17 nuts4sale Vulture or a crow? Seen in Salt Lake City, UT
 | submitted by nuts4sale to whatsthisbird [link] [comments] |
2023.06.02 06:09 No_Support9158 I’d like to report… myself
 | submitted by No_Support9158 to DatingTheSameGuyLeaks [link] [comments] |
2023.06.02 05:44 Wizard_Fist801 Tips For Getting More Confidence and Better Handling?
So I’m pretty new and have done a handful of trails now on my Norco fluid but these blue runs in Salt Lake City are a little tough when coming around sharp corners and the chunky stuff. I’m worried about getting bucked OTB, hand fatigue, or just flying off the mtn side hahaha. My buddy with his FS wants to take me down some harder stuff and idk if I’m ready.
submitted by Wizard_Fist801 to Hardtailgang [link] [comments]
2023.06.02 05:43 PicnicTable__ Urban Rangers?
Hellooooooo!
East Coast Ranger here. I know Rangers typically are thought of as armed LE patrolling BIG forests and mountains. However, there have been multiple Urban Park Rangers programs started recently in the U.S. in dense urban settings where civilians take the job and then take on a more of an "enforcement standpoint." Voluntary compliance as you all know.... without being an official sworn officer. I've been seeing more of these pop up recently. Burlington, VT, Boulder, CO, Salt Lake City, UT, Santa Monica, CA, Denver, CO. NYC, NY, Phoenix, AZ., Bakersfield, CA, Honolulu, HI., Seattle, WA
Duty belts can include: baton, pepper spray, radio, Naloxone, multi-tool, with a ticket book. They may or may not be close with the local police. From my own personal experience, the police have been pretty distant local park rangers in my city. We don't even carry a radio, rather phones, when we work in a city of 50k.
Non federal, non-state. Working for municipalities. Working a lot with the homeless. I mean a lot....
Are there any individuals who are part of this? I would love to hear ur thoughts.
TLDR: Urban Park Rangers: are you one, or ever thought of becoming one?
Thank you for all y'alls hard work. Rangers are important and HUGE S/O to all of ya.
submitted by PicnicTable__ to ParkRangers [link] [comments]
East Coast Ranger here. I know Rangers typically are thought of as armed LE patrolling BIG forests and mountains. However, there have been multiple Urban Park Rangers programs started recently in the U.S. in dense urban settings where civilians take the job and then take on a more of an "enforcement standpoint." Voluntary compliance as you all know.... without being an official sworn officer. I've been seeing more of these pop up recently. Burlington, VT, Boulder, CO, Salt Lake City, UT, Santa Monica, CA, Denver, CO. NYC, NY, Phoenix, AZ., Bakersfield, CA, Honolulu, HI., Seattle, WA
Duty belts can include: baton, pepper spray, radio, Naloxone, multi-tool, with a ticket book. They may or may not be close with the local police. From my own personal experience, the police have been pretty distant local park rangers in my city. We don't even carry a radio, rather phones, when we work in a city of 50k.
Non federal, non-state. Working for municipalities. Working a lot with the homeless. I mean a lot....
Are there any individuals who are part of this? I would love to hear ur thoughts.
TLDR: Urban Park Rangers: are you one, or ever thought of becoming one?
Thank you for all y'alls hard work. Rangers are important and HUGE S/O to all of ya.
2023.06.02 04:53 Own-Annual-5658 Mushroom ID: Salt Lake City, UT
 | Found in my garden it appears to be growing off woodchips… submitted by Own-Annual-5658 to mushroom_hunting [link] [comments] |
2023.06.02 04:51 macmartijp14 [H] Over 200 Games Including StreetFighter 30th Anniversary Biomutant, Doom Eternal, 3 Wolfenstein The New Order, Severed Steel, Just Cause 4 Ultimate Edition, and Much More [W] Wishlist/ Lost Ruins/Offers / Lists
US based, but games are not region locked. Just looking for games not paypal or TF2 keys.
IGS Flair: https://old.reddit.com/IGSRep/comments/lq221x/macmartijp14s\_igs\_rep\_page/?
SGS Flair 30 + Confirmed Trades
Wishlist
Specifically looking for Mortuary Assistant, Blackout Club, Us and Them and SCP 5k from Scary Games to Play in the dark Bundle. I am open to other game offers as well.
Thank you and happy trading!Games I Have:112 Operator
Aarklash: Legacy
The Amazing American Circus
American Fugitive
Amnesia: Rebirth
Amnesia: The Dark Descent + Amnesia: A Machine for Pigs:
A New Beginning – The Final Cut
Anomaly Complete Pack
Anomaly: Warzone Earth
Arcana Heart 3 LOVE MAX!!!!!
Automachef
Beasts of Maravilla Island
Behind The Frame: The Finest Scenery
Biomutant
Black Moon Chronicles
Bomb the Monsters
Book of Demons
Broken Age:
Brothers: A tale of Two Sons
Calico
Call of Juarez: Gunslinger
CastleStorm
Chicago 1930: The Prohibition
Chris Sawyer's Locomotion
Cities In Motion 2
Cobi Treasure Deluxe
Cobra Kai The Karate Kid Saga Continues
Commandos 2 Men of Courage
Creepy Tale
Crewsaders
Crush Your Enemies
Crying Suns
Cultures - 8th Wonder of the World
The Curse of Zigoris
Deadly Days
Dear Esther: Landmark Edition
Death to Spies
Deceased
Deus Ex: Invisible War:
Doom Eternal
Drawful 2
Dreadout
Driftland: The Magic Revival
Drive!Drive!Drive!
Due Process
Encased
Encodya (gog.com)
Endless Space 2
Eldest Souls
Evan's Remains
Everhood
Fahrenheit: Indigo Prophecy Remastered
Fallen
Fallout 1
Fallout New Vegas
First Class Trouble
Fling to the Finish
Full Throttle Remastered
Gift of Parathax
Going Under
Gone Home + Original Soundtrack
Gravity Wars
greenTech+ Legacy Edition
Grid Ultimate Edition
Grip Combat Racing + 4dlc
Guts N' Glory
Hero of the Kingdom: The Lost Tales 1
Hero's Hour
Hexologic
Hob
The Indie Mixtape
Iron Danger
Jane Angel: Templar Mystery
Jotun Valhalla Edition
Just Cause 4 Ultimate Edition
Kingdoms of Amalur: Re-Reckoning – Fate Edition
King Oddball
King's Bounty: Warriors of the North
Koala Kids
Lake
Laserlife
Lawn Mowing Simulator
Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver 2
Legion TD 2 – Multiplayer Tower Defense
Leisure Suit Larry 7 – Love for Sail
Liberated (GOG)
The Light Keeps Us Safe
The Long Dark
Lornsword Winter Chronicle
Looterkings x 2
Lucius III
Lust from Beyond: M Edition
Master Spy Deluxe Edition
Max Payne 3 (Rockstar Key)
Mega Man Legacy Collection
Men of War
Monster Prom 2: Monster Camp
Morbid: The Seven Acolytes
Naruto To Boruto: Shinobi Striker
Neverinth
Newt One
The Nightmare Cooperative x 2
The Night of the Rabbit
Nihilumbra
Nomad Survival
No Time To Explain Remastered x 2
Numba Deluxe
Nuts
Orbital Racer
OUT OF THE BOX
Overruled!
Pang Adventures
Parkan 2
Party Hard
Peaky Blinders: Mastermind x 3
Persian Nights: Sands of Wonders
Pesterquest
Pikuniku
Pinball FX3 – Marvel Pinball – Heavy Hitters
Pinball FX3 – Star Wars Pinball Original Pack
PixelJunk™ Monsters Ultimate + Shooter Bundle x 2
Planet Alacatraz
Point Perfect
Popup Dungeon
Prank Call
Prehistoric Tales
Project Warlock
Quantum Replica
Recovery Search and Rescue Simulation
Revita
Ring of Pain
Rogue Heroes: Regions of Tasos
Secret Neighbor
Seum: Speedrunners from Hell
Severed Steel
Shadow Tactics Blades of the Shogun Aiko's Choice Standalone Expansion
ShellBlast: Legacy Edition
The Signal From Tolva
Sin Slayers
SKYHILL
Smoke and Sacrifice
Sorcery! Part 4
Soulblight
SPACECOM
Spiritfarer: Farewell Edition
Spirit Hunter: Death Mark
Spirit Hunter: NG
Spirits of Metropolis: Legacy Edition
Star Bound
Star Wars Squadrons (Origin)
STAR WARS Jedi Knight II – Jedi Outcast
STAR WARS Knights of the Old Republic
STAR WARS Knights of the Old Republic II – The Sith Lords
Star Wolves 3: Civil War
Street Fighter 30th Anniversary Collection
Streets of Fury EX
Strider
Subdivision Infinity DX
Summer In Mara
Sunset Overdrive
Supreme Ruler: Cold War
System Shock Enhanced Edition
The Textorcist: The Story of Ray Bibbia
This War of Mine
Throne of Lies: Medieval Politics
Torchlight
Tooth and Tail
Toybox Turbos x 2
Tower 57
Tropico 4: Collector's Bundle
The USB Stick Found in the Grass
Vane
Virgo Versus the Zodiac
Warhammer 40,000: Gladius – Relics of War
When Ski Lifts Go Wrong
Where the Water Tastes Like Wine
White Day: A Labyrinth Named School
White Night
The Witcher Enhanced Edition Steam Gift
Wolfenstein: The New Order
Wounded – The Beginning
Yoku's Island Express
Zombie Party
submitted by macmartijp14 to indiegameswap [link] [comments]
IGS Flair: https://old.reddit.com/IGSRep/comments/lq221x/macmartijp14s\_igs\_rep\_page/?
SGS Flair 30 + Confirmed Trades
Wishlist
Specifically looking for Mortuary Assistant, Blackout Club, Us and Them and SCP 5k from Scary Games to Play in the dark Bundle. I am open to other game offers as well.
Thank you and happy trading!Games I Have:112 Operator
Aarklash: Legacy
The Amazing American Circus
American Fugitive
Amnesia: Rebirth
Amnesia: The Dark Descent + Amnesia: A Machine for Pigs:
A New Beginning – The Final Cut
Anomaly Complete Pack
Anomaly: Warzone Earth
Arcana Heart 3 LOVE MAX!!!!!
Automachef
Beasts of Maravilla Island
Behind The Frame: The Finest Scenery
Biomutant
Black Moon Chronicles
Bomb the Monsters
Book of Demons
Broken Age:
Brothers: A tale of Two Sons
Calico
Call of Juarez: Gunslinger
CastleStorm
Chicago 1930: The Prohibition
Chris Sawyer's Locomotion
Cities In Motion 2
Cobi Treasure Deluxe
Cobra Kai The Karate Kid Saga Continues
Commandos 2 Men of Courage
Creepy Tale
Crewsaders
Crush Your Enemies
Crying Suns
Cultures - 8th Wonder of the World
The Curse of Zigoris
Deadly Days
Dear Esther: Landmark Edition
Death to Spies
Deceased
Deus Ex: Invisible War:
Doom Eternal
Drawful 2
Dreadout
Driftland: The Magic Revival
Drive!Drive!Drive!
Due Process
Encased
Encodya (gog.com)
Endless Space 2
Eldest Souls
Evan's Remains
Everhood
Fahrenheit: Indigo Prophecy Remastered
Fallen
Fallout 1
Fallout New Vegas
First Class Trouble
Fling to the Finish
Full Throttle Remastered
Gift of Parathax
Going Under
Gone Home + Original Soundtrack
Gravity Wars
greenTech+ Legacy Edition
Grid Ultimate Edition
Grip Combat Racing + 4dlc
Guts N' Glory
Hero of the Kingdom: The Lost Tales 1
Hero's Hour
Hexologic
Hob
The Indie Mixtape
Iron Danger
Jane Angel: Templar Mystery
Jotun Valhalla Edition
Just Cause 4 Ultimate Edition
Kingdoms of Amalur: Re-Reckoning – Fate Edition
King Oddball
King's Bounty: Warriors of the North
Koala Kids
Lake
Laserlife
Lawn Mowing Simulator
Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver 2
Legion TD 2 – Multiplayer Tower Defense
Leisure Suit Larry 7 – Love for Sail
Liberated (GOG)
The Light Keeps Us Safe
The Long Dark
Lornsword Winter Chronicle
Looterkings x 2
Lucius III
Lust from Beyond: M Edition
Master Spy Deluxe Edition
Max Payne 3 (Rockstar Key)
Mega Man Legacy Collection
Men of War
Monster Prom 2: Monster Camp
Morbid: The Seven Acolytes
Naruto To Boruto: Shinobi Striker
Neverinth
Newt One
The Nightmare Cooperative x 2
The Night of the Rabbit
Nihilumbra
Nomad Survival
No Time To Explain Remastered x 2
Numba Deluxe
Nuts
Orbital Racer
OUT OF THE BOX
Overruled!
Pang Adventures
Parkan 2
Party Hard
Peaky Blinders: Mastermind x 3
Persian Nights: Sands of Wonders
Pesterquest
Pikuniku
Pinball FX3 – Marvel Pinball – Heavy Hitters
Pinball FX3 – Star Wars Pinball Original Pack
PixelJunk™ Monsters Ultimate + Shooter Bundle x 2
Planet Alacatraz
Point Perfect
Popup Dungeon
Prank Call
Prehistoric Tales
Project Warlock
Quantum Replica
Recovery Search and Rescue Simulation
Revita
Ring of Pain
Rogue Heroes: Regions of Tasos
Secret Neighbor
Seum: Speedrunners from Hell
Severed Steel
Shadow Tactics Blades of the Shogun Aiko's Choice Standalone Expansion
ShellBlast: Legacy Edition
The Signal From Tolva
Sin Slayers
SKYHILL
Smoke and Sacrifice
Sorcery! Part 4
Soulblight
SPACECOM
Spiritfarer: Farewell Edition
Spirit Hunter: Death Mark
Spirit Hunter: NG
Spirits of Metropolis: Legacy Edition
Star Bound
Star Wars Squadrons (Origin)
STAR WARS Jedi Knight II – Jedi Outcast
STAR WARS Knights of the Old Republic
STAR WARS Knights of the Old Republic II – The Sith Lords
Star Wolves 3: Civil War
Street Fighter 30th Anniversary Collection
Streets of Fury EX
Strider
Subdivision Infinity DX
Summer In Mara
Sunset Overdrive
Supreme Ruler: Cold War
System Shock Enhanced Edition
The Textorcist: The Story of Ray Bibbia
This War of Mine
Throne of Lies: Medieval Politics
Torchlight
Tooth and Tail
Toybox Turbos x 2
Tower 57
Tropico 4: Collector's Bundle
The USB Stick Found in the Grass
Vane
Virgo Versus the Zodiac
Warhammer 40,000: Gladius – Relics of War
When Ski Lifts Go Wrong
Where the Water Tastes Like Wine
White Day: A Labyrinth Named School
White Night
The Witcher Enhanced Edition Steam Gift
Wolfenstein: The New Order
Wounded – The Beginning
Yoku's Island Express
Zombie Party
2023.06.02 04:51 macmartijp14 [H] Over 200 Games Including StreetFighter 30th Anniversary Biomutant, Doom Eternal, 3 Wolfenstein The New Order, Severed Steel, Just Cause 4 Ultimate Edition, and Much More [W] Wishlist/ Lost Ruins/Offers / Lists
US based, but games are not region locked. Just looking for games not paypal or TF2 keys.
IGS Flair: https://old.reddit.com/IGSRep/comments/lq221x/macmartijp14s\_igs\_rep\_page/?
SGS Flair 30 + Confirmed Trades
Wishlist
Specifically looking for Mortuary Assistant, Blackout Club, Us and Them and SCP 5k from Scary Games to Play in the dark Bundle. I am open to other game offers as well.
Thank you and happy trading!Games I Have:112 Operator
Aarklash: Legacy
The Amazing American Circus
American Fugitive
Amnesia: Rebirth
Amnesia: The Dark Descent + Amnesia: A Machine for Pigs:
A New Beginning – The Final Cut
Anomaly Complete Pack
Anomaly: Warzone Earth
Arcana Heart 3 LOVE MAX!!!!!
Automachef
Beasts of Maravilla Island
Behind The Frame: The Finest Scenery
Biomutant
Black Moon Chronicles
Bomb the Monsters
Book of Demons
Broken Age:
Brothers: A tale of Two Sons
Calico
Call of Juarez: Gunslinger
CastleStorm
Chicago 1930: The Prohibition
Chris Sawyer's Locomotion
Cities In Motion 2
Cobi Treasure Deluxe
Cobra Kai The Karate Kid Saga Continues
Commandos 2 Men of Courage
Creepy Tale
Crewsaders
Crush Your Enemies
Crying Suns
Cultures - 8th Wonder of the World
The Curse of Zigoris
Deadly Days
Dear Esther: Landmark Edition
Death to Spies
Deceased
Deus Ex: Invisible War:
Doom Eternal
Drawful 2
Dreadout
Driftland: The Magic Revival
Drive!Drive!Drive!
Due Process
Encased
Encodya (gog.com)
Endless Space 2
Eldest Souls
Evan's Remains
Everhood
Fahrenheit: Indigo Prophecy Remastered
Fallen
Fallout 1
Fallout New Vegas
First Class Trouble
Fling to the Finish
Full Throttle Remastered
Gift of Parathax
Going Under
Gone Home + Original Soundtrack
Gravity Wars
greenTech+ Legacy Edition
Grid Ultimate Edition
Grip Combat Racing + 4dlc
Guts N' Glory
Hero of the Kingdom: The Lost Tales 1
Hero's Hour
Hexologic
Hob
The Indie Mixtape
Iron Danger
Jane Angel: Templar Mystery
Jotun Valhalla Edition
Just Cause 4 Ultimate Edition
Kingdoms of Amalur: Re-Reckoning – Fate Edition
King Oddball
King's Bounty: Warriors of the North
Koala Kids
Lake
Laserlife
Lawn Mowing Simulator
Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver 2
Legion TD 2 – Multiplayer Tower Defense
Leisure Suit Larry 7 – Love for Sail
Liberated (GOG)
The Light Keeps Us Safe
The Long Dark
Lornsword Winter Chronicle
Looterkings x 2
Lucius III
Lust from Beyond: M Edition
Master Spy Deluxe Edition
Max Payne 3 (Rockstar Key)
Mega Man Legacy Collection
Men of War
Monster Prom 2: Monster Camp
Morbid: The Seven Acolytes
Naruto To Boruto: Shinobi Striker
Neverinth
Newt One
The Nightmare Cooperative x 2
The Night of the Rabbit
Nihilumbra
Nomad Survival
No Time To Explain Remastered x 2
Numba Deluxe
Nuts
Orbital Racer
OUT OF THE BOX
Overruled!
Pang Adventures
Parkan 2
Party Hard
Peaky Blinders: Mastermind x 3
Persian Nights: Sands of Wonders
Pesterquest
Pikuniku
Pinball FX3 – Marvel Pinball – Heavy Hitters
Pinball FX3 – Star Wars Pinball Original Pack
PixelJunk™ Monsters Ultimate + Shooter Bundle x 2
Planet Alacatraz
Point Perfect
Popup Dungeon
Prank Call
Prehistoric Tales
Project Warlock
Quantum Replica
Recovery Search and Rescue Simulation
Revita
Ring of Pain
Rogue Heroes: Regions of Tasos
Secret Neighbor
Seum: Speedrunners from Hell
Severed Steel
Shadow Tactics Blades of the Shogun Aiko's Choice Standalone Expansion
ShellBlast: Legacy Edition
The Signal From Tolva
Sin Slayers
SKYHILL
Smoke and Sacrifice
Sorcery! Part 4
Soulblight
SPACECOM
Spiritfarer: Farewell Edition
Spirit Hunter: Death Mark
Spirit Hunter: NG
Spirits of Metropolis: Legacy Edition
Star Bound
Star Wars Squadrons (Origin)
STAR WARS Jedi Knight II – Jedi Outcast
STAR WARS Knights of the Old Republic
STAR WARS Knights of the Old Republic II – The Sith Lords
Star Wolves 3: Civil War
Street Fighter 30th Anniversary Collection
Streets of Fury EX
Strider
Subdivision Infinity DX
Summer In Mara
Sunset Overdrive
Supreme Ruler: Cold War
System Shock Enhanced Edition
The Textorcist: The Story of Ray Bibbia
This War of Mine
Throne of Lies: Medieval Politics
Torchlight
Tooth and Tail
Toybox Turbos x 2
Tower 57
Tropico 4: Collector's Bundle
The USB Stick Found in the Grass
Vane
Virgo Versus the Zodiac
Warhammer 40,000: Gladius – Relics of War
When Ski Lifts Go Wrong
Where the Water Tastes Like Wine
White Day: A Labyrinth Named School
White Night
The Witcher Enhanced Edition Steam Gift
Wolfenstein: The New Order
Wounded – The Beginning
Yoku's Island Express
Zombie Party
submitted by macmartijp14 to SteamGameSwap [link] [comments]
IGS Flair: https://old.reddit.com/IGSRep/comments/lq221x/macmartijp14s\_igs\_rep\_page/?
SGS Flair 30 + Confirmed Trades
Wishlist
Specifically looking for Mortuary Assistant, Blackout Club, Us and Them and SCP 5k from Scary Games to Play in the dark Bundle. I am open to other game offers as well.
Thank you and happy trading!Games I Have:112 Operator
Aarklash: Legacy
The Amazing American Circus
American Fugitive
Amnesia: Rebirth
Amnesia: The Dark Descent + Amnesia: A Machine for Pigs:
A New Beginning – The Final Cut
Anomaly Complete Pack
Anomaly: Warzone Earth
Arcana Heart 3 LOVE MAX!!!!!
Automachef
Beasts of Maravilla Island
Behind The Frame: The Finest Scenery
Biomutant
Black Moon Chronicles
Bomb the Monsters
Book of Demons
Broken Age:
Brothers: A tale of Two Sons
Calico
Call of Juarez: Gunslinger
CastleStorm
Chicago 1930: The Prohibition
Chris Sawyer's Locomotion
Cities In Motion 2
Cobi Treasure Deluxe
Cobra Kai The Karate Kid Saga Continues
Commandos 2 Men of Courage
Creepy Tale
Crewsaders
Crush Your Enemies
Crying Suns
Cultures - 8th Wonder of the World
The Curse of Zigoris
Deadly Days
Dear Esther: Landmark Edition
Death to Spies
Deceased
Deus Ex: Invisible War:
Doom Eternal
Drawful 2
Dreadout
Driftland: The Magic Revival
Drive!Drive!Drive!
Due Process
Encased
Encodya (gog.com)
Endless Space 2
Eldest Souls
Evan's Remains
Everhood
Fahrenheit: Indigo Prophecy Remastered
Fallen
Fallout 1
Fallout New Vegas
First Class Trouble
Fling to the Finish
Full Throttle Remastered
Gift of Parathax
Going Under
Gone Home + Original Soundtrack
Gravity Wars
greenTech+ Legacy Edition
Grid Ultimate Edition
Grip Combat Racing + 4dlc
Guts N' Glory
Hero of the Kingdom: The Lost Tales 1
Hero's Hour
Hexologic
Hob
The Indie Mixtape
Iron Danger
Jane Angel: Templar Mystery
Jotun Valhalla Edition
Just Cause 4 Ultimate Edition
Kingdoms of Amalur: Re-Reckoning – Fate Edition
King Oddball
King's Bounty: Warriors of the North
Koala Kids
Lake
Laserlife
Lawn Mowing Simulator
Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver 2
Legion TD 2 – Multiplayer Tower Defense
Leisure Suit Larry 7 – Love for Sail
Liberated (GOG)
The Light Keeps Us Safe
The Long Dark
Lornsword Winter Chronicle
Looterkings x 2
Lucius III
Lust from Beyond: M Edition
Master Spy Deluxe Edition
Max Payne 3 (Rockstar Key)
Mega Man Legacy Collection
Men of War
Monster Prom 2: Monster Camp
Morbid: The Seven Acolytes
Naruto To Boruto: Shinobi Striker
Neverinth
Newt One
The Nightmare Cooperative x 2
The Night of the Rabbit
Nihilumbra
Nomad Survival
No Time To Explain Remastered x 2
Numba Deluxe
Nuts
Orbital Racer
OUT OF THE BOX
Overruled!
Pang Adventures
Parkan 2
Party Hard
Peaky Blinders: Mastermind x 3
Persian Nights: Sands of Wonders
Pesterquest
Pikuniku
Pinball FX3 – Marvel Pinball – Heavy Hitters
Pinball FX3 – Star Wars Pinball Original Pack
PixelJunk™ Monsters Ultimate + Shooter Bundle x 2
Planet Alacatraz
Point Perfect
Popup Dungeon
Prank Call
Prehistoric Tales
Project Warlock
Quantum Replica
Recovery Search and Rescue Simulation
Revita
Ring of Pain
Rogue Heroes: Regions of Tasos
Secret Neighbor
Seum: Speedrunners from Hell
Severed Steel
Shadow Tactics Blades of the Shogun Aiko's Choice Standalone Expansion
ShellBlast: Legacy Edition
The Signal From Tolva
Sin Slayers
SKYHILL
Smoke and Sacrifice
Sorcery! Part 4
Soulblight
SPACECOM
Spiritfarer: Farewell Edition
Spirit Hunter: Death Mark
Spirit Hunter: NG
Spirits of Metropolis: Legacy Edition
Star Bound
Star Wars Squadrons (Origin)
STAR WARS Jedi Knight II – Jedi Outcast
STAR WARS Knights of the Old Republic
STAR WARS Knights of the Old Republic II – The Sith Lords
Star Wolves 3: Civil War
Street Fighter 30th Anniversary Collection
Streets of Fury EX
Strider
Subdivision Infinity DX
Summer In Mara
Sunset Overdrive
Supreme Ruler: Cold War
System Shock Enhanced Edition
The Textorcist: The Story of Ray Bibbia
This War of Mine
Throne of Lies: Medieval Politics
Torchlight
Tooth and Tail
Toybox Turbos x 2
Tower 57
Tropico 4: Collector's Bundle
The USB Stick Found in the Grass
Vane
Virgo Versus the Zodiac
Warhammer 40,000: Gladius – Relics of War
When Ski Lifts Go Wrong
Where the Water Tastes Like Wine
White Day: A Labyrinth Named School
White Night
The Witcher Enhanced Edition Steam Gift
Wolfenstein: The New Order
Wounded – The Beginning
Yoku's Island Express
Zombie Party
2023.06.02 04:05 Micah_Emerson Mormon Convert turned Apostate
Title says the basics. I was raised Baptist/Mormon mix but had close LDS relatives in prominent positions. I honestly never gave a crap about either side of the religious debate. My 1st ex & I didn't work out for various BS reasons but partially my military service was to blame. My 2nd wife was LDS and when we first started dating & got serious I converted for her sake. Well my Uncle just so happened to be the Stake President for the region that I spend my final months in the Army before medical retirement so marrying her. Due to family connections I quickly got Temple Recommend & me and that wife sealed our marriage in the temple. Obviously did all the other Ordinances & other BS. That ex insisted on me doing a polygamist marriage & getting a 2nd & 3rd wife to guarantee our place in the CK. I flirted with the idea honestly but ended up not doing it. She got mad and left me. I afterwards left the LDS Church & had to threaten Lawyers to get my name removed from the books. My Bishop & uncle/State President didn't help me at all while knowing what was going on so I stopped caring about them or the religion. Problem is I have a child with that woman and the State Courts gave her 100% custody even though I had actual evidence of everything that happened PLUS her ex husband testifying on my behalf because he had custody of her first child. So no my ex wife & mother of my daughter is now a 3rd wife at an FLDS compound outside of Salt Lake City & no court or religious authority cared that I don't want my kid in that situation.
I'm not asking for advice, I'm drunk and just sharing my BS lol. I do enjoy when missionaries stop by my house & I can make them question their faith on Archeology, Biology, Religious texts & contradictions from all religions lol.
submitted by Micah_Emerson to exmormon [link] [comments]
I'm not asking for advice, I'm drunk and just sharing my BS lol. I do enjoy when missionaries stop by my house & I can make them question their faith on Archeology, Biology, Religious texts & contradictions from all religions lol.
2023.06.02 03:58 youll-never-f1nd-me The $Cost of installing utilities in land?
Hey guys, I am trying to be an entrepreneur in real estate, I am by myself right now in this, and I’m trying to find what it cost to add utilities into vacant, infill lots of land. Things like connecting the sewer, water meter, septic, gas, electricity, soil tests, splitting lots. Ect.
I tried calling the utilities company in Salt Lake but they don’t handle those costs. I know it’s different in each city but I’m not sure who to call and I’m wondering if any of you can give me direction or if you might happen to know the price.
(I know this might seem like a weird place to post this but I just thought I’d give it a shot. Plz &thank you!)
submitted by youll-never-f1nd-me to SaltLakeCity [link] [comments]
I tried calling the utilities company in Salt Lake but they don’t handle those costs. I know it’s different in each city but I’m not sure who to call and I’m wondering if any of you can give me direction or if you might happen to know the price.
(I know this might seem like a weird place to post this but I just thought I’d give it a shot. Plz &thank you!)
2023.06.02 03:40 chrisfromstatefarm Evaluating our squad’s capabilities to fulfill Ange Postecoglou’s preferred system.
Ange has done an amazing job in Scotland utilizing a system very similar to that of Pep/de Zerbi/Arteta this season, relying on inverted fullbacks in the buildup. This thread (sadly written by a Gooner) offers a good overview of the system:
https://twitter.com/ebl2017/status/1638465955515756544?s=46
Postecoglou was able to transform Celtic’s squad to suit this style in just 3 months, which bodes well for an accelerated rebuild, but I was curious as to how our current squad could fill the roles needed for the system to work. I’m not an expert in any capacity, but I gave it my best shot.
I think it’s useful to draw on archetypes from City, Brighton, and, unfortunately, Arsenal’s squads, since they both successfully implemented similar systems in the league this year.
GK: We all know Hugo is on his way out, this will have to be resolved regardless of our system next year.
CB: The lack of quality CBs is also known, since Ange plays a 433 we’d ideally need a left footed partner for Romero, comfortable in the buildup and quick enough to play in a very high line. Akanji, Colwill, Saliba, etc have all done well in this role for their respective teams. Again, this is a glaring hole to be filled regardless of manager.
Fullbacks: This is super important, as the inversion of the fullbacks is the key feature of the system. They should be comfortable in possession in the midfield and also able to defend from a fullback position in a 4-5-1 press.
Whether the fullbacks flank the DM in a 2-3-5 or if one joins him for a double pivot in a 3-2-5 “W-M” formation, we’d need fullbacks in the mold of Zinchenko or Rico Lewis. I think this is the biggest hole in our squad, as most of our fullbacks are natural wide players (Sess, Udogie, Porro). Davies can play in that 3rd CB role but I wouldn’t trust him in the center of the pitch. We’ve seen Emerson invert a bit this season, but I don’t think he’s good enough. His decision making is slow and he’s not a confident enough player to fulfill the role (I know others in this sub will disagree). I do think Porro has the technical ability to play here if he learns the system.
De Zerbi sometimes has natural midfielders like Groß and Caicedo play right back, so maybe someone like Bissouma could even play here. Regardless, I think our fullback profiles are vastly insufficient for this formation and we’d need investment or some sort of tactical creativity to make it work.
DM: We have plenty of midfielders that are more defensively oriented, personally I’m excited to see what Bissouma can do here next season. Skipp hasn’t impressed me too much recently, but is a capable player and would be good for depth. Obviously Rodri, Caicedo, and Partey (fuck him) are well-suited in this role for City/Brighton.
CM: This is another glaring hole in our squad for this system— the 8s (KDB, Gundogan, Foden, Silva) play very high to create the “box” midfield in Pep’s system, so the front 5 occupies each area of attacking space. When Bentancur comes back I think he would be great here, although he typically creates from deeper than this in our current two-man midfield setup. Kulusevski also has potential to thrive here, as long as he could fulfill the defensive duties. A signing like Maddison would obviously be great.
It helps to have extremely versatile CMs (Gundo, Mac Allister) who can fill the #8 and #6 role in the system, and Bentancur is the only player who I think can do so. We’ve all been pleading for a more creative CM for years now so here’s hoping this summer will bring one to North London.
Wide Attackers: Creative wingers like Saka, Grealish, Mahrez, and Mitoma are perfect for this system because it gives them acres of space to engage in 1-on-1s and deliver crosses into the box for the rest of the front 5.
This is an area that I think our deficiencies in actually fly under the radar— outside of Kulu I don’t think our wide attackers fit this mold. Son and Richarlison are capable threats (yes Richarlison is a good player, no I don’t care about his goal scoring record this year), but aren’t necessarily creative players. Gil could make a comeback here, or Porro could continue playing in a high and wide role. They’ve both been unimpressive at their clubs but a Sancho or Ziyech type profile would be good here.
Striker: No words necessary, Kane would absolutely eat in this system as he does in any system. Richarlison is good depth as well.
Overall: We’re a long way away from a functional squad in any capacity, and this seems to be the direction the modern game is headed with many elite managers adopting the inverted fullback. Any rebuild will take time, but if Ange is who we commit to, we can look optimistically at the rapid turnaround in Glasgow as proof of his effectiveness.
Before any signings, though, the most important thing is surely committing to a DoF and a manager with a clear vision for positive tactics and an ambition for glory. If we decide on an Amorim or another wingback-oriented manager none of this advice is worthwhile.
Anyways, COYS
Apologies for mucho texto
submitted by chrisfromstatefarm to coys [link] [comments]
https://twitter.com/ebl2017/status/1638465955515756544?s=46
Postecoglou was able to transform Celtic’s squad to suit this style in just 3 months, which bodes well for an accelerated rebuild, but I was curious as to how our current squad could fill the roles needed for the system to work. I’m not an expert in any capacity, but I gave it my best shot.
I think it’s useful to draw on archetypes from City, Brighton, and, unfortunately, Arsenal’s squads, since they both successfully implemented similar systems in the league this year.
GK: We all know Hugo is on his way out, this will have to be resolved regardless of our system next year.
CB: The lack of quality CBs is also known, since Ange plays a 433 we’d ideally need a left footed partner for Romero, comfortable in the buildup and quick enough to play in a very high line. Akanji, Colwill, Saliba, etc have all done well in this role for their respective teams. Again, this is a glaring hole to be filled regardless of manager.
Fullbacks: This is super important, as the inversion of the fullbacks is the key feature of the system. They should be comfortable in possession in the midfield and also able to defend from a fullback position in a 4-5-1 press.
Whether the fullbacks flank the DM in a 2-3-5 or if one joins him for a double pivot in a 3-2-5 “W-M” formation, we’d need fullbacks in the mold of Zinchenko or Rico Lewis. I think this is the biggest hole in our squad, as most of our fullbacks are natural wide players (Sess, Udogie, Porro). Davies can play in that 3rd CB role but I wouldn’t trust him in the center of the pitch. We’ve seen Emerson invert a bit this season, but I don’t think he’s good enough. His decision making is slow and he’s not a confident enough player to fulfill the role (I know others in this sub will disagree). I do think Porro has the technical ability to play here if he learns the system.
De Zerbi sometimes has natural midfielders like Groß and Caicedo play right back, so maybe someone like Bissouma could even play here. Regardless, I think our fullback profiles are vastly insufficient for this formation and we’d need investment or some sort of tactical creativity to make it work.
DM: We have plenty of midfielders that are more defensively oriented, personally I’m excited to see what Bissouma can do here next season. Skipp hasn’t impressed me too much recently, but is a capable player and would be good for depth. Obviously Rodri, Caicedo, and Partey (fuck him) are well-suited in this role for City/Brighton.
CM: This is another glaring hole in our squad for this system— the 8s (KDB, Gundogan, Foden, Silva) play very high to create the “box” midfield in Pep’s system, so the front 5 occupies each area of attacking space. When Bentancur comes back I think he would be great here, although he typically creates from deeper than this in our current two-man midfield setup. Kulusevski also has potential to thrive here, as long as he could fulfill the defensive duties. A signing like Maddison would obviously be great.
It helps to have extremely versatile CMs (Gundo, Mac Allister) who can fill the #8 and #6 role in the system, and Bentancur is the only player who I think can do so. We’ve all been pleading for a more creative CM for years now so here’s hoping this summer will bring one to North London.
Wide Attackers: Creative wingers like Saka, Grealish, Mahrez, and Mitoma are perfect for this system because it gives them acres of space to engage in 1-on-1s and deliver crosses into the box for the rest of the front 5.
This is an area that I think our deficiencies in actually fly under the radar— outside of Kulu I don’t think our wide attackers fit this mold. Son and Richarlison are capable threats (yes Richarlison is a good player, no I don’t care about his goal scoring record this year), but aren’t necessarily creative players. Gil could make a comeback here, or Porro could continue playing in a high and wide role. They’ve both been unimpressive at their clubs but a Sancho or Ziyech type profile would be good here.
Striker: No words necessary, Kane would absolutely eat in this system as he does in any system. Richarlison is good depth as well.
Overall: We’re a long way away from a functional squad in any capacity, and this seems to be the direction the modern game is headed with many elite managers adopting the inverted fullback. Any rebuild will take time, but if Ange is who we commit to, we can look optimistically at the rapid turnaround in Glasgow as proof of his effectiveness.
Before any signings, though, the most important thing is surely committing to a DoF and a manager with a clear vision for positive tactics and an ambition for glory. If we decide on an Amorim or another wingback-oriented manager none of this advice is worthwhile.
Anyways, COYS
Apologies for mucho texto
2023.06.02 03:09 East_Calligrapher123 UPDATE Resource Breakdown for Data Nerds
Hey all! I'm glad my post might've helped some people improve their cities. If you missed it, check it out here: https://www.reddit.com/PocketCity/comments/13n1sjv/resource_breakdown_for_data_nerds/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x&context=3
The dilemma from my last post was whether the space station would eventually surpass the lumber mill. Short answer: it doesn't. Lumbermill+woodworking factory is still the best resource money maker.
I managed to create a spreadsheet that would calculate the required number of cargo trains/shipping docks for the amount of goods produced using the "CEILING" function. This allowed me to see exactly how much $$$ each tile was producing in relation to the system it was apart of, whether that be "# of space stations + # of required shipping buildings" or "# of lumber mills +1 woodworking factory + # of required shipping buildings."
In the end, both graphs produced a logarithmic curve. This means that the amount of $$$ produced by each tile ended up hovering in a range that only increased by a few bucks after a certain point. Space stations hover at around $2700, while lumbermills sit comfortably at $11,200.
I found a trend in the woodworking graph, also. Since the shipping buildings increase your total by 1000, I found that the numbers were optimal when lumbermills (LM) were in units of 10. At 10LM you're making $11,272.73 per tile, at 20LM you're making $11,387.76, 30LM is $11,426.62, and 40LM is $11,446.15. You can already see the diminishing return with the increase between 30LM and 40LM only being +$20 per tile. I found 30LM to be the sweet spot, and I structured them in two long rows with three tiles in-between. Since the mills are 2x2, the 2x3 area between is enough for each mill to get their 3 active sites. Using the widest brush on nature mode, you can swipe the whole lumber strip in one go. When I planted the new trees, I found that I had to fake-move one of the mills to jog the whole thing into working again.
One flag with lumbermills, they drop your "ecosystem" stat in "environment" by 15% per mill. The Mega Eco Research lab negates this entirely.
And then, rather quickly, I hit the $1 billion cap in my level 400+ expert map, as I was pulling in nearly $10 million daily. ): Any map clears out money made above $1bil daily, but only if it's the map you have active. Queue my "offshore account" regional island city that I have been transferring billions to, never to be visited. (:
One thing that I missed in my last post: you can drag your little mayor straight from the profile bubble onto a harvestable resource, and if that resource is rare ore, and you have the best pickaxe, you can make a clean $147,465 in a day. No need to go into free roam and walk your avatar there.
Final trick I found out, you can use streets as a makeshift ruler, since they're $100 per tile. If you drag a street in a straight line and that thing says "$2100," then that's 21 tiles.
Last note, if Bobby the Dev is reading, I would love a feature that allows fish to become renewable. I think they add a nice flair to lakes and rivers, but early-game me used them all up.
submitted by East_Calligrapher123 to PocketCity [link] [comments]
The dilemma from my last post was whether the space station would eventually surpass the lumber mill. Short answer: it doesn't. Lumbermill+woodworking factory is still the best resource money maker.
I managed to create a spreadsheet that would calculate the required number of cargo trains/shipping docks for the amount of goods produced using the "CEILING" function. This allowed me to see exactly how much $$$ each tile was producing in relation to the system it was apart of, whether that be "# of space stations + # of required shipping buildings" or "# of lumber mills +1 woodworking factory + # of required shipping buildings."
In the end, both graphs produced a logarithmic curve. This means that the amount of $$$ produced by each tile ended up hovering in a range that only increased by a few bucks after a certain point. Space stations hover at around $2700, while lumbermills sit comfortably at $11,200.
I found a trend in the woodworking graph, also. Since the shipping buildings increase your total by 1000, I found that the numbers were optimal when lumbermills (LM) were in units of 10. At 10LM you're making $11,272.73 per tile, at 20LM you're making $11,387.76, 30LM is $11,426.62, and 40LM is $11,446.15. You can already see the diminishing return with the increase between 30LM and 40LM only being +$20 per tile. I found 30LM to be the sweet spot, and I structured them in two long rows with three tiles in-between. Since the mills are 2x2, the 2x3 area between is enough for each mill to get their 3 active sites. Using the widest brush on nature mode, you can swipe the whole lumber strip in one go. When I planted the new trees, I found that I had to fake-move one of the mills to jog the whole thing into working again.
One flag with lumbermills, they drop your "ecosystem" stat in "environment" by 15% per mill. The Mega Eco Research lab negates this entirely.
And then, rather quickly, I hit the $1 billion cap in my level 400+ expert map, as I was pulling in nearly $10 million daily. ): Any map clears out money made above $1bil daily, but only if it's the map you have active. Queue my "offshore account" regional island city that I have been transferring billions to, never to be visited. (:
One thing that I missed in my last post: you can drag your little mayor straight from the profile bubble onto a harvestable resource, and if that resource is rare ore, and you have the best pickaxe, you can make a clean $147,465 in a day. No need to go into free roam and walk your avatar there.
Final trick I found out, you can use streets as a makeshift ruler, since they're $100 per tile. If you drag a street in a straight line and that thing says "$2100," then that's 21 tiles.
Last note, if Bobby the Dev is reading, I would love a feature that allows fish to become renewable. I think they add a nice flair to lakes and rivers, but early-game me used them all up.
2023.06.02 02:24 RagingNoodle42 The Golden Citadel Chapter 3 Part 2
First/Previous/Next
Happy Friday Everybody! Here's the second part of Chapter 3. As always comments and suggestions are more than welcome. Enjoy!
The Golden Citadel Chapter 3 Part 2
Sooner rather than later, to Mannad's almost inaudible relief, they had made it through the maze of tunnels and reached a hole to the surface. All she needed to do was climb yet again, except instead of a ladder it was a pile of rubble. Far easier in a way, at least this time she wouldn't have to exert herself going straight up. The incline and abundance of handholds was far more forgiving to her than she would have thought, not needing to climb far either as she merely needed to cover the single height of the tunnel before she was standing in the exposed chill of the open air.
Wind and dust blew gently around her whilst she stood and revelled in the exposure.
"Guess you haven't seen the sky in a while" said Shand as they walked up beside Alice.
"Even before I was frozen, my life was labs and orbital stations" she replied. "I’ve seen plenty of skies. Just rarely from the ground."
"I can’t imagine growing up without a sky. But we don’t have green anymore. Not like this planet. In our capital the only nature remaining are isolated to the parks. Instead, skyscrapers go as far as the eye can see with the occasional spacescraper reaching up like giant fingers of the Empress grasping the void. Hell, from my living hab alone you can see the dawn sun rise above the peaks of the spires, the way the light strikes and reflects off the glass…" Shand trailed off.
They stood there in silence, each lost in their respective memories.
Alice broke the shared silence between them “I tried asking earlier but you were cut off. So tell me, please, just how long was I asleep for?”
Shand seemed to shift awkwardly, as if she had been dreading the question. “I'm sorry, I don’t know for sure. Hundreds of orbits at least. Maybe a thousand. There’s something else as well”
Alice looked at her, wondering what more there could possibly be.
Shand continued “Since you woke up you seemed to have been under the impression we’re fellow survivors of… whatever happened. I’m sorry but we’re not. We’re not even from here”
Alice grabbed Shand by the arm in an attempt to get them to look at her “What do you mean you’re not from here?”
“My race are the Leasha. We came to colonise and strip mine the system before detecting your bunker’s faint signal. We barely picked it up, the only reason being we’re far removed from Sovereignty space” Shand informed her.
“Surely you must have picked up something else besides me when you approached? Anything at all” Alice begged.
“When we arrived in orbit we did very thorough scans. Beyond basic plants and lower food chain lifeforms… I’m afraid we didn’t find any signs of civilisation.” the Leasha officer revealed.
Alice let go of the arm she’d been holding like a vice. She turned to get away from the person before
her who wasn’t even human. They had looked human, but she should have known better. Surface appearances in a galaxy with multitudes of races inevitably overlapped.
Shand attempted to comfort her as she stepped back. “Don’t leave this place without a memory, this could be the last time you see the sky of your home”
"It doesn’t matter anymore anyway." Alice said curtly as she wandered away to find a secluded spot, not waiting for an answer or permission. “What good is the sky when everyone’s too dead to see it anymore”
She rushed away with long strides, around the corner of a rockslide that had formed a wall encircling where they had exited the bunker, almost like a guard keeping it safe.
Checking over her shoulder that none of the aliens had followed her, she reached out with her right hand and a holographic menu appeared before her, projected from the chest plate of her suit. She tapped an icon in the upper left and the seal around her helmet popped, releasing a small amount of pressure with a slight hiss. Dismissing the blue light with another wave of her hand, she reached up and lifted her helmet off her head, revelling at the feeling of fresh air on her unnaturally pale face. Her short coal black hair fluttered slightly with the breeze and dust blowing around her.
Alice closed her eyes and basked in the faint rays of the setting sun that had nurtured the Earth for so long. The warmth running across her body like the caress of all those she was leaving behind bidding her farewell.
She opened her red eyes again and looked at what had become of her world. The sight was almost too much to bear and tears threatened to well up.
The once grand city nestled below the mountain range was no longer even a ruin like she had thought she had seen on the camera. For a moment she could picture in her mind's eye how it was in its prime, with the packed walkways between spacescrapers that reached like the fingers of giants towards the edges of the atmosphere. Skies full of the majestic ships flitting about like worker bees tending to their queens. But as much as she could imagine, it was undeniable it was gone forever and the image faded.
Mangled wreckage rusting away to nothing marked the mass grave in front of her. Encroaching vines marred the souls staring back at her. Sightless eyes staring at her from between the shadows. All who had perished in the final moments, helpless before the inevitable fire that had consumed them.
She wished she could have stayed there forever, letting her bones form with the earth. What was one more corpse amongst the untold billions. She wished it hadn’t even happened. That the fathers and mothers and children before her had never suffered the fate that had been inevitable by the end. Mercilessly butchered by those who had sworn to protect them. The anger suffusing her being from earlier threatened to bubble back up again. A scream begged to be bellowed from the depths of her chest to the silent sky, one last howl to ward off the night. Balling her fists, she struggled to contain her primal rage. Instead, she swore a promise to the innumerable souls watching her. Begging her for vengeance so they could finally rest. An innumerable mass listening from beyond the veil for the promise they demanded.
I’ll make them pay. All of them
But just hurting them wasn’t enough. Not to satiate the shades before her.
I’ll make them hurt until the last of them begs for the mercy they never showed us. And then I’ll wipe them out from the face of existence.
Her helmet slammed back on her head, automatically sealing with a small hiss. Deep and long breaths helped to find her composure she needed to maintain in front of the strangers. Earth held nothing for her now. It was a memorial of the past and better left to the guardianship of the dead and damned. She'd miss the sun but at least now she wouldn't be trapped underground or alone.
She moved back towards the awaiting shuttle. The others had extricated themselves from the hole and were milling about while Yurisa appeared to be talking on her radio again with how her head was cocked. Shand was waiting nearby for her to return and walked with her to the strange shuttle. The lines put her in mind of a ray with two too many fins meeting at the tip. As she walked she could almost feel the heat from the burning questions Shand must have been desperate to ask but still managed to hold back.
"Take any seat you like that's free" said Yurisa as she walked past.
The rear of the shuttle was open and the rest of the squad had already boarded the troop compartment inside. Ten seats lined either side of the walls, two being taken up each side around the middle of the sections. Iftan and Mannad were on the right with Doane and Hedi on the left.
Alice was unsure where she should sit, nervous at sitting with beings she didn't know or how they would behave. Most of all she didn't want any pestering questions on the flight out of atmosphere. So she took a seat on the left just on the inside of the doorway, the furthest she could get from anybody else in the cramped vessel. Shand came on behind her and sat next to Doane with the commander taking up the rear and ending up opposite Shand, next to Mannad.
A voice came over a hidden speaker as the boarding ramp began to rise with dull motorised hums.
"Ladies and gentlemen, especially the ladies, we have a short flight back to home base with a slight chance of buffeting, please keep your seatbelts on and any in flight entertainment will be provided to you by our lovely steward"
"Can it Seash!" yelled Iftan.
If the pilot heard him or not over the whine of the engines spooling up Alice didn't know. Instead she turned and looked out of the long window which lined the wall behind her.
The ground gave away without a jolt as they took off into the sky, slowly building up speed as they climbed. The cityscape fell beneath them to slowly be replaced by a horizon of gold and green. She was happy to see green, at least her planet wasn't completely dead and maybe she could return one day.
The golden hues of the sunset sky slowly gave way to pale blues which thinned to the pitch black of space. She couldn't see their destination even if she craned her neck, the shuttle was approaching in a manner where the ship was hidden from view.
Instead, Alice watched the Earth slowly rotating below, the night side as dark as the space surrounding it. It was odd to see none of the city lights she had known so well when growing up in one of the orbital stations as a child. She remembered how she would watch the small glittering patterns like fireflies frozen in the dark. She could even name all the cities just from the patterns alone. But now there were no fireflies, no cities, no lights. The only glittering came from the stars in the void.
Her home was replaced by a large mass of purple metal of an outer hull as the shuttle must have been approaching a docking hanger. Certain enough, the purple hull was replaced just as quickly as it had appeared with dull grey utilitarian metal. As the shuttle turned she could see mighty doors beginning to close behind them, like a giant maw sealing them inside the belly of the beast. The tiny ship settled in position inside the wide empty space and engines whined back down. The boarding ramp opened again as the soldiers began to collect their equipment and disembark onto the far larger vessel.
Alice remained in position, remembering what the commander had said about quarantine. Shand disembarked with a small wave before Commander Yurisa motioned for Alice to follow her.
Disembarking behind the stern woman, Alice spotted two purple beings in long light blue fully sealed uniforms with clear plastic breathing masks affixed to their faces waiting for them.
The similarity to how human they appeared should have startled her, they even appeared to have been anticipating it with tensed stances. After the revelation given to her from Shand, she had been fully prepared for creatures ranging from the completely bizarre to those not so dissimilar to herself, like the wider galactic community she had seen in the education vids growing up. These people comfortably fell into the latter. Two eyes, two ears, mouth, nose and even hair.
If it weren’t for how they were bright purple she would have thought they were human. As she stared the more she noticed. As similar as they were, they were still distinctly alien. Their facial features were slightly too sharp, the eyes a fraction too large and the same colour as their skin, the mouths smiling wider than a human could. The effect was disconcerting, like they didn’t mean the expressions they were pulling. And their ears were pointed. Almost like elves of fantasy crossed with bats. A thin waxy sheen formed a layer on top of it all, like a second skin. As she studied the features of these people, she noticed how the sheen was attached to the masks they wore. Which meant that it wasn’t part of their anatomy after all, but rather a way to form a physical barrier not unlike a hazmat suit.
“These are the medical staff who will be performing the scan, please follow them to the quarantine room” said Yurisa.
The kindly smiling aliens waited patiently for Alice to overcome her initial shock at the sight of what her rescuers actually looked like beneath all the heavy armour. She looked at Yurisa. The commander must look similar to them beneath that helmet she realised. Shand too. And the others.
Perhaps it was the way they had seemed so unguarded around her and the full body coverings creating an illusion within her mind, but it only now hit her that her rescuers were truly alien.
Seeing that she still wasn’t moving, one of the kindly aliens took her gently by the arm and began directing her towards a door opposite the exit ramp of the shuttle. Her steps fumbled across the unfamiliar metal floor of the hanger.
As she was led off, Alice turned her head back in time to see the commander remove her helmet, revealing her own light purple skin. A small smile was also on her face, although not as large as the ones the medical personnel sported. Yurisa’s piercing and equally purple eyes gazed back at her, somehow looking into her own, past the glass faceplate.
A slight chime and smooth whoosh of the door admitted Alice into the quarantine room. The alien let go of her arm, allowing her to step inside. Another chime and whoosh of the door closing and the Commander’s gaze was cut off, replaced by a plate of glossy glass and metal. Looking at her new surroundings Alice saw the room was made from the same dull grey metal of the hanger. Perhaps the entire ship followed this pattern. It would be exciting to find out, not to mention meet the rest of the crew. A cushioned bench jutted from the wall to her right which Alice sat down on. There was nothing to do but wait for the scans and think.
Thoughts she had forced to the side in the moment began to catch up with her now she had time to pause. The first moment of peace after the completely overwhelming past few hours. Alice bent over, hiding her head in her arms from any cameras that would definitely be watching her. Rage and sadness battled for domination in her mind. Which would come out the victor only time would tell.
submitted by RagingNoodle42 to HFY [link] [comments]
Happy Friday Everybody! Here's the second part of Chapter 3. As always comments and suggestions are more than welcome. Enjoy!
The Golden Citadel Chapter 3 Part 2
Sooner rather than later, to Mannad's almost inaudible relief, they had made it through the maze of tunnels and reached a hole to the surface. All she needed to do was climb yet again, except instead of a ladder it was a pile of rubble. Far easier in a way, at least this time she wouldn't have to exert herself going straight up. The incline and abundance of handholds was far more forgiving to her than she would have thought, not needing to climb far either as she merely needed to cover the single height of the tunnel before she was standing in the exposed chill of the open air.
Wind and dust blew gently around her whilst she stood and revelled in the exposure.
"Guess you haven't seen the sky in a while" said Shand as they walked up beside Alice.
"Even before I was frozen, my life was labs and orbital stations" she replied. "I’ve seen plenty of skies. Just rarely from the ground."
"I can’t imagine growing up without a sky. But we don’t have green anymore. Not like this planet. In our capital the only nature remaining are isolated to the parks. Instead, skyscrapers go as far as the eye can see with the occasional spacescraper reaching up like giant fingers of the Empress grasping the void. Hell, from my living hab alone you can see the dawn sun rise above the peaks of the spires, the way the light strikes and reflects off the glass…" Shand trailed off.
They stood there in silence, each lost in their respective memories.
Alice broke the shared silence between them “I tried asking earlier but you were cut off. So tell me, please, just how long was I asleep for?”
Shand seemed to shift awkwardly, as if she had been dreading the question. “I'm sorry, I don’t know for sure. Hundreds of orbits at least. Maybe a thousand. There’s something else as well”
Alice looked at her, wondering what more there could possibly be.
Shand continued “Since you woke up you seemed to have been under the impression we’re fellow survivors of… whatever happened. I’m sorry but we’re not. We’re not even from here”
Alice grabbed Shand by the arm in an attempt to get them to look at her “What do you mean you’re not from here?”
“My race are the Leasha. We came to colonise and strip mine the system before detecting your bunker’s faint signal. We barely picked it up, the only reason being we’re far removed from Sovereignty space” Shand informed her.
“Surely you must have picked up something else besides me when you approached? Anything at all” Alice begged.
“When we arrived in orbit we did very thorough scans. Beyond basic plants and lower food chain lifeforms… I’m afraid we didn’t find any signs of civilisation.” the Leasha officer revealed.
Alice let go of the arm she’d been holding like a vice. She turned to get away from the person before
her who wasn’t even human. They had looked human, but she should have known better. Surface appearances in a galaxy with multitudes of races inevitably overlapped.
Shand attempted to comfort her as she stepped back. “Don’t leave this place without a memory, this could be the last time you see the sky of your home”
"It doesn’t matter anymore anyway." Alice said curtly as she wandered away to find a secluded spot, not waiting for an answer or permission. “What good is the sky when everyone’s too dead to see it anymore”
She rushed away with long strides, around the corner of a rockslide that had formed a wall encircling where they had exited the bunker, almost like a guard keeping it safe.
Checking over her shoulder that none of the aliens had followed her, she reached out with her right hand and a holographic menu appeared before her, projected from the chest plate of her suit. She tapped an icon in the upper left and the seal around her helmet popped, releasing a small amount of pressure with a slight hiss. Dismissing the blue light with another wave of her hand, she reached up and lifted her helmet off her head, revelling at the feeling of fresh air on her unnaturally pale face. Her short coal black hair fluttered slightly with the breeze and dust blowing around her.
Alice closed her eyes and basked in the faint rays of the setting sun that had nurtured the Earth for so long. The warmth running across her body like the caress of all those she was leaving behind bidding her farewell.
She opened her red eyes again and looked at what had become of her world. The sight was almost too much to bear and tears threatened to well up.
The once grand city nestled below the mountain range was no longer even a ruin like she had thought she had seen on the camera. For a moment she could picture in her mind's eye how it was in its prime, with the packed walkways between spacescrapers that reached like the fingers of giants towards the edges of the atmosphere. Skies full of the majestic ships flitting about like worker bees tending to their queens. But as much as she could imagine, it was undeniable it was gone forever and the image faded.
Mangled wreckage rusting away to nothing marked the mass grave in front of her. Encroaching vines marred the souls staring back at her. Sightless eyes staring at her from between the shadows. All who had perished in the final moments, helpless before the inevitable fire that had consumed them.
She wished she could have stayed there forever, letting her bones form with the earth. What was one more corpse amongst the untold billions. She wished it hadn’t even happened. That the fathers and mothers and children before her had never suffered the fate that had been inevitable by the end. Mercilessly butchered by those who had sworn to protect them. The anger suffusing her being from earlier threatened to bubble back up again. A scream begged to be bellowed from the depths of her chest to the silent sky, one last howl to ward off the night. Balling her fists, she struggled to contain her primal rage. Instead, she swore a promise to the innumerable souls watching her. Begging her for vengeance so they could finally rest. An innumerable mass listening from beyond the veil for the promise they demanded.
I’ll make them pay. All of them
But just hurting them wasn’t enough. Not to satiate the shades before her.
I’ll make them hurt until the last of them begs for the mercy they never showed us. And then I’ll wipe them out from the face of existence.
Her helmet slammed back on her head, automatically sealing with a small hiss. Deep and long breaths helped to find her composure she needed to maintain in front of the strangers. Earth held nothing for her now. It was a memorial of the past and better left to the guardianship of the dead and damned. She'd miss the sun but at least now she wouldn't be trapped underground or alone.
She moved back towards the awaiting shuttle. The others had extricated themselves from the hole and were milling about while Yurisa appeared to be talking on her radio again with how her head was cocked. Shand was waiting nearby for her to return and walked with her to the strange shuttle. The lines put her in mind of a ray with two too many fins meeting at the tip. As she walked she could almost feel the heat from the burning questions Shand must have been desperate to ask but still managed to hold back.
"Take any seat you like that's free" said Yurisa as she walked past.
The rear of the shuttle was open and the rest of the squad had already boarded the troop compartment inside. Ten seats lined either side of the walls, two being taken up each side around the middle of the sections. Iftan and Mannad were on the right with Doane and Hedi on the left.
Alice was unsure where she should sit, nervous at sitting with beings she didn't know or how they would behave. Most of all she didn't want any pestering questions on the flight out of atmosphere. So she took a seat on the left just on the inside of the doorway, the furthest she could get from anybody else in the cramped vessel. Shand came on behind her and sat next to Doane with the commander taking up the rear and ending up opposite Shand, next to Mannad.
A voice came over a hidden speaker as the boarding ramp began to rise with dull motorised hums.
"Ladies and gentlemen, especially the ladies, we have a short flight back to home base with a slight chance of buffeting, please keep your seatbelts on and any in flight entertainment will be provided to you by our lovely steward"
"Can it Seash!" yelled Iftan.
If the pilot heard him or not over the whine of the engines spooling up Alice didn't know. Instead she turned and looked out of the long window which lined the wall behind her.
The ground gave away without a jolt as they took off into the sky, slowly building up speed as they climbed. The cityscape fell beneath them to slowly be replaced by a horizon of gold and green. She was happy to see green, at least her planet wasn't completely dead and maybe she could return one day.
The golden hues of the sunset sky slowly gave way to pale blues which thinned to the pitch black of space. She couldn't see their destination even if she craned her neck, the shuttle was approaching in a manner where the ship was hidden from view.
Instead, Alice watched the Earth slowly rotating below, the night side as dark as the space surrounding it. It was odd to see none of the city lights she had known so well when growing up in one of the orbital stations as a child. She remembered how she would watch the small glittering patterns like fireflies frozen in the dark. She could even name all the cities just from the patterns alone. But now there were no fireflies, no cities, no lights. The only glittering came from the stars in the void.
Her home was replaced by a large mass of purple metal of an outer hull as the shuttle must have been approaching a docking hanger. Certain enough, the purple hull was replaced just as quickly as it had appeared with dull grey utilitarian metal. As the shuttle turned she could see mighty doors beginning to close behind them, like a giant maw sealing them inside the belly of the beast. The tiny ship settled in position inside the wide empty space and engines whined back down. The boarding ramp opened again as the soldiers began to collect their equipment and disembark onto the far larger vessel.
Alice remained in position, remembering what the commander had said about quarantine. Shand disembarked with a small wave before Commander Yurisa motioned for Alice to follow her.
Disembarking behind the stern woman, Alice spotted two purple beings in long light blue fully sealed uniforms with clear plastic breathing masks affixed to their faces waiting for them.
The similarity to how human they appeared should have startled her, they even appeared to have been anticipating it with tensed stances. After the revelation given to her from Shand, she had been fully prepared for creatures ranging from the completely bizarre to those not so dissimilar to herself, like the wider galactic community she had seen in the education vids growing up. These people comfortably fell into the latter. Two eyes, two ears, mouth, nose and even hair.
If it weren’t for how they were bright purple she would have thought they were human. As she stared the more she noticed. As similar as they were, they were still distinctly alien. Their facial features were slightly too sharp, the eyes a fraction too large and the same colour as their skin, the mouths smiling wider than a human could. The effect was disconcerting, like they didn’t mean the expressions they were pulling. And their ears were pointed. Almost like elves of fantasy crossed with bats. A thin waxy sheen formed a layer on top of it all, like a second skin. As she studied the features of these people, she noticed how the sheen was attached to the masks they wore. Which meant that it wasn’t part of their anatomy after all, but rather a way to form a physical barrier not unlike a hazmat suit.
“These are the medical staff who will be performing the scan, please follow them to the quarantine room” said Yurisa.
The kindly smiling aliens waited patiently for Alice to overcome her initial shock at the sight of what her rescuers actually looked like beneath all the heavy armour. She looked at Yurisa. The commander must look similar to them beneath that helmet she realised. Shand too. And the others.
Perhaps it was the way they had seemed so unguarded around her and the full body coverings creating an illusion within her mind, but it only now hit her that her rescuers were truly alien.
Seeing that she still wasn’t moving, one of the kindly aliens took her gently by the arm and began directing her towards a door opposite the exit ramp of the shuttle. Her steps fumbled across the unfamiliar metal floor of the hanger.
As she was led off, Alice turned her head back in time to see the commander remove her helmet, revealing her own light purple skin. A small smile was also on her face, although not as large as the ones the medical personnel sported. Yurisa’s piercing and equally purple eyes gazed back at her, somehow looking into her own, past the glass faceplate.
A slight chime and smooth whoosh of the door admitted Alice into the quarantine room. The alien let go of her arm, allowing her to step inside. Another chime and whoosh of the door closing and the Commander’s gaze was cut off, replaced by a plate of glossy glass and metal. Looking at her new surroundings Alice saw the room was made from the same dull grey metal of the hanger. Perhaps the entire ship followed this pattern. It would be exciting to find out, not to mention meet the rest of the crew. A cushioned bench jutted from the wall to her right which Alice sat down on. There was nothing to do but wait for the scans and think.
Thoughts she had forced to the side in the moment began to catch up with her now she had time to pause. The first moment of peace after the completely overwhelming past few hours. Alice bent over, hiding her head in her arms from any cameras that would definitely be watching her. Rage and sadness battled for domination in her mind. Which would come out the victor only time would tell.
2023.06.02 02:15 RagingNoodle42 The Golden Citadel Chapter 3 Part 1
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Chapter 3 Part 1
They always said that you never dreamed in cryogenic sleep. Which was true. It was \impossible to dream with your entire being frozen to negative temperatures, body flooded with preservation medications so ice crystals wouldn't form in the cell walls or a host of other complications that would otherwise kill a person. What they neglected to tell you was the dreams you had when thawing out and waking up.
The dreams a person experienced while undergoing this thawing process were always intense too. As vivid as reality as it was sometimes reported. No one knew why. Whatever it was; whether it was the combination of drugs, the brain trying to understand the trauma it had just experienced or even the soul catching up with the universe as some more spiritualist elements theorised, without fail the dreams were the most intense someone could experience. For her, this time, they were far more than just intense.
Her eyes darted under her eyelids as the ghosts of energy bolts from aeons past darted in her memory. She heard the screams at the shaking of each dust filled rumble in her head. Her ears barely registered the dulled hum of ancient machinery fulfilling vital life sustaining protocols and the silent clicks of her standardised survival suit undergoing restart checks. Her helmet blocked out everything else or she'd have also heard the murmurs of voices beyond her pod. The cries of the dying desperately making one last stand echoed in her ears, drowning out the dull sounds. Those dying to protect her.
In her dream her arms reached out painfully slow for her father. She ached for them to go faster. This time she would make it. She'd be able to block the lid from fully sealing, preventing the cryogenic pod from starting. She was millimetres away. And yet the pod sealed effortlessly with a resounding hiss. At that her limbs decided to move normally again and hammered on the inside of the pod as the reinforced armour glass door's magnetic locks clunked to activation.
A dull green light shone into her face. Glacial coolness washed over her body as she slowly succumbed to the sensation of drowning. In one last desperate attempt she tried again to reach for her father. He wouldn't even look at her. A woman in midnight black armour cloaked in ragged robes embraced him from behind.
She screamed herself hoarse, trying to use sheer force of will to make the glass melt away. For her fingers and hands to phase through the transparent barrier and wipe away the tears staining his white bearded face. To just touch him one last time, even through the haptic feedback of her suit. To get him away from the stranger caressing him and wiping away the tears that belonged to her. She screamed a guttural scream as his face became sallow at the stranger's touch. It was killing him. Eyes sunk into sockets and flesh peeled back at the rapid mummification. "Alas" said the midnight black armoured woman in the ragged robes, holding her father's grinning skull in a gentle caress on the tips of her fingers. "Poor girl. Time to wake up. Wake up, and smell the ashes"
Fear gripped at her heart in a vice. There was nothing she could do but watch. The only way out was the emergency release button embedded at her side. But it was already too late, she didn't get to try as the feeling of drowsiness drowned her out, pulling her deep into the depths of slumber.
Except this time the feeling didn't become a stifling cold malaise. Instead, it was getting warmer. The sensation of drowning was slowly dissipating. As if she suddenly remembered she needed to breathe, her chest gave a mighty heave and began to rise and fall. For the first time in both more than a millenia and less than a handful of minutes, a large gasping breath passed through her lips. The inside of her visor fogged from the condensation.
She still heard the residual echoes of screams and cries in her ears like a phantom pain. But they were fading. Being replaced by a newer, stranger sound. The murmuring of a language she couldn't understand filtered through the glass and barely perceptible inside her helmet. Voices crowded around her pod. She hadn't yet opened her eyes. She didn't want to. She wished she was still in the dream.
Revival was always a confusing process and this was no different than the fifty odd times she’d undergone it before. But each time she had woken up her father had been there. He had to be there. Like how he’d be there this time. After all, it had only been a bad thaw dream.
The urge to open her eyes and look was almost overwhelming but she had to keep them shut. It was imperative until the medical diagnosis beeped an all clear signal. Otherwise she risked retinal damage before they were fully thawed. Until then she was alone in the dark with her thoughts. It was comforting to have thoughts however. What’s more; it was an even greater comfort knowing that because she was even having thoughts, she wouldn't spend an eternity of limbo in her frozen tomb, lost to the universe.
Finally, after what felt like an aeon, a dull chime resounded inside her helmet. Her eyelids slowly fluttered open. Microsensors within her helmet immediately noticed the movement and activated her suit's display systems. A heads up display appeared in front of her face. Light teal transparent letters flickered as she read information being displayed.
CRYOGENIC REANIMATION COMPLETE.
PLEASE EXIT THE UNIT AT YOUR DISCRETION.
This was strange. If her father was monitoring he would have already opened the pod right as her eyes opened. At least the words were reassuring. If there was anything wrong with either the pod or herself it would have been indicated in bright red flashing letters. A flick of her eyes and a blink dismissed the notification from her visor and she laid there in a stupor. She needed to get out and find everyone, find out what had happened.
It had all been so fast. There was barely enough time to even put on her survival suit and rush to the lowest levels.
The guards escorting her, Sergeant Lockley and a subordinate of his she had never got the name of, had practically dragged her in their rush, the entire bunker wasn’t even bothering with security procedures anymore. Everywhere else had gone quiet days ago, as far as they had been aware they were the last ones left.
No matter how much she'd pestered Sergeant Lockley he'd never given her any details on what had happened beyond that they needed to hurry and were about to be under attack. He didn't need to say by who, especially that late into the war. If it could even be called a war by then. It was more like a genocide with the fleets falling from the sky burning the heavens. City after City had collapsed, less and less reports coming in until they were isolated. And then it had been their turn. The entire human race reduced from carving out their own territory in the wider community to a scant few fighting tooth and nail for every scrap of dirt in a few decades.
That pit in her stomach as she'd been unceremoniously thrown in the pod while her father had ran all the checks himself when it normally took an entire team, was returning. Or had it never gone and she was only now allowed to feel it once again?
But she had been woken up. If she was awake then someone knew she was here, which meant they must have won. Beat the terrible odds stacked against them and come out the other side. If it had only been a few hours, or even a few days, either way it didn’t matter. She needed to get out and help the survivors, an extra pair of hands would be absolutely invaluable.
Looking at the lid, there were unexpected layers of thick dust caked against the outside of the glass, all except where her head had been. Maybe the combat had been so heavy the cryo chamber had nearly collapsed and whoever had woken up had brushed that portion aside to check on her. Yes, that must have been it. Holographic displays floated in front of her beyond the glass, their brightness blinding her eyes as well as making it almost impossible to make out who stood beyond their glare. She tried squinting past them, the shapes of the people outside were hard to make out, the fuzzy outlines of their bodies blurred together. However, their heads were still identifiable in the darkness as her eyes still adjusted. And from the looks of it there were at least four people in front of her. There was only one way to definitively find out though.
She motioned her fingers to indicate she was awake to the internal sensors inlaid into the walls of her glass coffin. She didn’t know why they hadn’t used the external controls to let her out, maybe they had been broken.
A dull clunk sounded indicating the magnetic locks had been released and the holograms flickered off as the glass slowly slid upwards with a motorised hum. The metal brim passed over her face, her visor compensated automatically for the low light levels, revealing, at last, her rescuers.
Four definitely humanoid figures crowded around her in the dark room. If she hadn’t been wearing her helmet the light coming from their torches being shined directly in her face would have blinded her. Instead, the glare was automatically filtered, revealing the figures standing in the room with her. They wore strange plated purple armour, bulky in the fashion all military equipment tended to be. A metallic point descended in the middle of their faceplates giving them an appearance similar to angry owls. Maybe it had been a special prototype her father had kept in storage somewhere, something given to the few elite soldiers remaining that helped to turn the tide. All the guesswork and unanswered questions directly after the panicked scramble to get into the pod was beginning to agitate her.
As a result, even through her reasoning, something nagged at the back of her mind. Trying to tell her something was off. She slowly looked over the four people again with her eyes, studying them closely without turning her head and giving away what she was doing. The one to the far right of her had their weapon hovering vaguely in her direction, as if unsure of what to do suddenly. Why would people that knew about her be so scared of her? It looked like an odd combination between an ornate staff and a rifle yet not quite either and looked to be encased in the same dark purple material as their armour. No matter how it looked, a weapon was a weapon and these people were dangerous. But they had also just woken her up. Surely if they had done that they wouldn’t be here to harm her. If they were, they could have easily done that while she slept.
The one directly in front of her, however, had no weapon out that she could see. Instead they had paused with a hand pressed into what looked like a computer device embedded on their forearm armour. The glow of the screen was reflected in the strangely shaped visor.
She tried weakly reaching out of her pod for the one closest to her in an attempt for aid.
"Where’s my dad? Did we win? How many days has it been?" She asked in a rapid succession, her weak voice amplified by the speakers within her helmet. She had to know.
The strangers looked at each other. They seemed more shocked at her speaking than helping her get up in her weakened state. She gave up on reaching out and instead used her arms to adjust herself on her near vertical frozen bed. She could feel the strength slowly return to her limbs as she moved. It would take a little while longer until she felt she could make an attempt to stagger out of her cryo pod but until then she was essentially helpless.
The strangers simply kept staring at her, as if they didn’t even know what she was. Which meant they weren’t from her bunker. They truly were strangers in the truest sense. But even so, they were survivors. And if they had survived then perhaps others had as well. For now however she needed information, her feelings either way could wait until she knew more.
"Who are you, how did you get here?" She asked again.
One of the beings, the one she had been reaching out to, spoke. It was a strange, melodic language that she didn't understand. Almost haughty in tone. That it hadn’t been automatically translated meant it must have not been in the system. An oversight by the programmers no doubt. Either that or they were speaking in a form of code. She sighed, that would make this far harder in an already difficult situation. Her powerful in built computer would be able to eventually figure out and create a translation if it really was a language but until then she needed them to speak more to hurry the process. Or even better, if she could activate one of the embedded computers on the wall, it would be able to extrapolate from just a scant few words. A common frame of reference to start with would be the best option but she struggled to think of what to use.
She remembered reading back when she was younger; even under the best of circumstances experts would deliberate for months, even years, on the meanings and nuances of individual words to ensure the most accurate translations possible. Computers helped immensely with the process but without the subtleties of organic beings they could create embarrassing inaccuracies.
"I'm sorry, I don't understand. But if you can understand me, please help me get to the computer over there I'll be able to understand you" she pleaded, pointing with her right hand at the dust covered screen mounted into the wall.
The second stranger on the left, standing behind the closest one she had been reaching for, said something in their still untranslated language and slowly walked over to the computer.
They must not be able to understand me either she thought.
The stranger pointed at the screen and said something. She had a feeling this time it was a question with the tonal inflection. That was good, if her hunch paid off it would help immensely.
Hoping what they had asked was something similar to "do you want me to turn this on" she nodded. The being said something that sounded harsher this time and the two she hadn't interacted with raised their weapons squarely on her. That message didn't need a translation. They obviously didn't trust her. The being cautiously reached out while looking at her, hesitating only for a moment, before wiping away a layer of dust and placing their hand on the touch sensitive glass. The machinery hummed to life as the screen registered the limb pressed against it and turned on.
Relieved by the fact that the fortress bunker's fusion core was still operational, she watched as the state of the art device cycled itself.
Yet another dull blue glow added to the room’s illumination as the main screen activated. Her own armour's holographic interface automatically synchronised to the system and displayed in front of her, adding to the blue light, its own illumination and brightening the room from a dull gloom to a faded glow.
The strangers still eyed her warily, fingers not on their triggers but hovering close enough to fire if she tried anything. This was more than not trusting her. They seemed scared of her.
Slowly and deliberately to show them she wasn't up to anything untoward, she lifted her right hand to tap on the translator option in front of her among the myriad of options. The haptic feedback in her glove gave her the sensation of resistance as she pressed and the computer gave a chime of recognition. Three concentric rings appeared on the screen, pulsating like a heartbeat. She spoke and the rings pulsed in time with her words.
"If you speak, that should be able to translate for us in real time" she said.
The one to her left lifted up her arm with the miniature screen and pointed it at the wall computer as the one who had touched the wall screen voiced more of their melodic speech.
"I think it's a translation programme, commander. I've managed to connect and uploaded our language to its database. They obviously designed it to be universal, it automatically reached out to my pad. It doesn’t seem like there aren't any defences or compatibility issues at the moment but this one will need to go through maintenance checks back on the ship" the being said, the software translating the language to her in real time. “But right now the risk is minima, I’m letting our systems access the programme now”
It was a wonder of coding, even managing to mimic vocal tones and cadences of the individual accurately. Although there was a slight disorienting disconnect in person when the sounds didn't quite match up to the mouth movements but that was something you got used to.
She smiled inside her helmet and relaxed, the tension that had been building easing out of her body. It was working and she'd be able to talk to them finally. And get some much needed answers.
"At least you’ll finally be able to understand me" she said.
The beings were confused for a second, each looking at each other like they'd been the ones to say it before it dawned on them that she had just spoken to them in their own language. They turned to stare at her from behind their owlish visors. It would have been almost predatory if their brief naive confusion hadn't been so amusing.
Immediately, the two with their weapons trained on her began to lean in, their fingers barely hovering over the triggers. The one who had placed their hand on the computer moved in front and motioned to them with a gesture. They lowered their weapons but did not appear to have calmed down.
"Who are you?" the person demanded.
The simple question confused her immensely. If they didn’t know who she was then why were they even down here in the first place? Even so, she needed their help to be able to get out of her pod. Let alone leaving the bunker and getting to the surface and finding any survivors. There was little choice, she needed to be careful. Secrecy protocols drilled into her by intelligence trainers until she’d had migraines were almost second nature at this point. Especially with what she should reveal and to who. But her name was something she shouldn't have to worry about.
"My name is.. Alice" she said with only the briefest hesitation.
Deciding that she could get further with these strangers by forcing a situation and getting out of the pod rather than just laying there, Alice leaned up and took a tentative shaky step forwards. She braced herself with her hands against the cushioned sides as she placed her weight on her dominant foot, stepping out warily. As soon as she lifted the weight off her back foot her leg buckled and she collapsed onto the ground in a heap.
The one who had been closest to her this entire time rushed forwards to help her.
"Are you alright?" they panicked as they helped Alice stand.
"I'm fine. Just a bit shaky after being asleep for so long." Alice replied calmly. "It's a side effect of the drugs for cryogenics. It'll take me a few more moments for it to get out of my system"
"Why would they keep you frozen for so long if it would have such deleterious effects?" asked her helper.
"What do you mean for so long? It’s just what’s used"
"Can you tell us why you were here? What happened? Why are there so many dead soldiers in this facility?" asked the demanding one.
Alice couldn’t let them see how such a casual line of questioning shook her. Taking all of her meagre strength to not simply collapse again from shock. She had to compose herself or she’d let something go by accident. At least she could be honest in this instance.
"I don't know any of that either. I was put in there before any of that happened or anything was explained to me" she said, indicating with a thumb over her shoulder. Her casual body language was key. Keep them off balanced, make sure they didn’t know how much she was internally panicking then.
he body language of the person asking her so many questions appeared incredulous at her hesitancy to be forthcoming.
Besides which, Alice had questions of her own.
“Not to be ungrateful, but who are you all?” she asked.
The one who had been demanding of her appeared to straighten up their back even further somehow.
“I am Commander Yurisa. The one kindly helping you stand at the moment is Second Rating Shand."
The latter term was unfamiliar to her but she perfectly understood the implications of there being a commander. There were enough survivors to field a well equipped and manned military. Tentative hope began to form as Alice looked at the person helping her. She gave them a nod of greeting.
"What about them?" asked Alice, indicating to the two who had been the tensest and most willing to point their weapons eagerly at her. They were still slightly hovering their weapons in her general direction.
"Conscripts Doane and Hedi. They do not need your attention, pay them no heed" said the commander curtly.
The lack of respect for the two subordinates caught Alice off guard. The two people, Doane and Hedi, may have been jumpy at her. But they didn't deserve to be dismissed so out of hand.
Even so, she could think about the ramifications of someone who would dismiss their underlings in such a manner later. Now her focus was changing as the strength returned to her limbs. She needed to find out about the rest of the bunker, what had happened after she had been frozen.
She untangled herself from Shand who had been helping her and stood straight on her own, albeit still slightly wobbling.
"Thank you for waking me up, all of you. But if it's alright, I'd like to know what happened. How many days has it been since I was locked in there?" she slightly chuckled nervously.
"Not until we know you won't pose a danger to my people or my ship" Yurisa replied sternly, a hand extended in front of her. They had evidently identified the weapon she carried.
This seemed like a hard line she shouldn’t push for the moment. She didn’t know these people and they in turn didn’t know about her it seemed. A rapport was more important for the moment, leaving her only one course of action if she didn’t want to be shot by the jumpy soldiers. Slowly reaching towards her thigh for the standard issue civilian sidearm clamped there. Making sure to deliberately grab it by the casing rather than the grip and placed the rugged weapon in the proffered commander’s hand.
Yurisa looked at her for a seeming eternity before hooking her gun on an armoured belt.
Stand down" she commanded.
Doane and Hedi once again relaxed, except this time they slung their weapons onto their backs in fluid motions.
Content they had relaxed and weren’t going to shoot her after all, Alice went to the computer she had indicated to Yurisa to turn on. She tapped the screen to change menus from the translation software to a full cultural database download. The computer chimed and began downloading the entire memory bank into her onboard storage. All the information amassed before and after her sleep. All public research and development. All scientific theories and art and literature. The entire sum of all human knowledge and culture. She'd carry it with her. The weight would be immense. The guilt of leaving it behind would be worse.
"I promise I'm not a threat commander" she said dejectedly. The energy rushed out of her as fast as it had returned, like a collapsing wave on a beach. She accessed the imaging network. Before there had been hundreds of cameras available, ranging from CCTV in the cities to satellites in orbit. Now it seemed none remained, not even static from severed connections. They were simply blank screens with error codes. She couldn't even see what had become of her home. She tried accessing previous recordings, hoping at least the final moments of the people who had protected her had been saved. The files listed themselves in front of her in a cascade of videos all dated and timestamped. She added them to the download, vowing to sort through them at the earliest opportunity.
"I just want to leave. I want to get out and see what’s survived. Who’s survived. I want to see the Earth and help rebuild, maybe even find anyone I know if I’m lucky."
She stared at the screen, willing the cameras to life. To show her the bustling streets and busy sky lanes. To see the grand ships hanging in low orbit above the urban centres, ever watchful sentinels of the heavens. But the screen defied her will and remained stubbornly black. Her rapt attention shielded her from the awkward glances the people seemed to be sharing behind her.
Shand nervously cleared her throat. “About that..”
She began but the commander furiously cut her off with a swift hand signal.
Frustration clawed at her as Alice repeatedly swiped horizontally through the vast list of camera nodes, the error codes stubbornly refusing to yield. A single flash of colour blurred past her frantic swiping. She swiftly backpedalled, searching for the frame that had zoomed by. With a tap, the swiping stopped. She had found it. A single camera she had overlooked. Tapping on the frame to enlarge the feed, she stood back. The image before her was severely cracked and pitted, barely feeding a picture let alone video. Static suffused almost the entire screen. But past it she could just about make it out. The ruins of the city. No fires flared or smoke dissipated into the sky as she expected. Or even rebuilt to its former splendour like she was hoping with these strangers being in her bunker. Instead, her eyes tried to process the rusted sharp jags of bare metal left to rot into nothing. The illusion her brain had imagined while she had been so desperate moments ago shattered at the reality in front of her.
It was gone. All of it. Just how long have I been frozen?
Grief and fear threatened to rear up in her before an entirely different sensation replaced them.
They destroyed it all. All of it. No mercy After all we had given them. Their very reason for being. If it hadn’t been for the human race they wouldn’t have even existed. HOW DARE THEY!
“HOW DARE THEY!” she screamed, punching the screen with unbridled rage.
Webs of cracks spread out from under her fist as she took deep breaths. She had to control herself. She didn’t want to turn and look at the people no doubt staring at her after her outburst. No clacks of weapons had sounded so at least they weren’t panicking even if they would be on edge yet again.
A warbling chime broke the spell around her. The download was complete. Everything that had been was now with her. The importance of it was undeniable before but now it was possibly the only record left in the galaxy. She had to guarantee its safety, as well as her own. The fallback option when she was woken up without the expected personnel. She typed in the final command she had been told to do when she had been briefed so long ago.
THROUGH THE LOOKING GLASS
Alice snorted to herself.
Of course it would be that, they always thought they had a sense of humour. What idiots.
And with those last letters, the fortress that had survived fathomless millenia protecting its charge shut down with barely a dulcet low whine. The ruined screen flickered as the fission reactors went off line. The dull blue light slowly dimmed, once again returning the room to darkness. The last thread of life that had lasted so long finally free. And the last man made structure died, its duty carried for so long fulfilled.
Alice turned from the console a final time. The only sources of light came from the torches of the people standing in the room with her. She reached up to the side of her own helmet and touched a small pad. An embedded LED just above her faceplate illuminated itself, adding a narrow cutting beam to the wide ones of these apparent soldiers.
Commander Yurisa appeared to become distracted for a moment, her head tilting slightly to one side as if someone were talking directly into her ear. Her reply to whoever was on the other end of the obvious communication was heard by Alice.
"No, nothing to worry about. Sit tight, we're on our way back" she said to whoever it was.
Judging by that context, Alice guessed they were heading back up to the surface. They had come down and discovered her and were now leaving with their prize in tow.
No matter, as long as she could get off the planet she didn’t care where they took her now. She didn’t think she could handle the ghosts if they left her here.
Commander Yurisa indicated towards Alice, gaining her attention.
“We will be taking you back to our ship in orbit. Standard procedure means you will be confined to quarantine until medical scans show you are clear of any pathogens or other such contaminants that may prove a risk to us. These scans are non invasive and barring any complications will last no longer than a single rotation” she said in a statement that sounded rehearsed more than sincere.
Alice’s brain scratched like a record at what she had just been so casually told. A ship in orbit. She could barely comprehend all the implications it raised, not least of all the biggest one of how. She had to find out, to see if they had found an intact ship or maybe were even from a separate colony that had been missed. Her mind raced as she simply nodded in return, keeping the facade.
“I understand. I wouldn’t want to cause any harm to any of you. Just please, can we leave.” she begged.
“Doane, take the lead back to the surface. Second Rating, follow him and map our way out” ordered the stern commander.
Doane performed an odd slamming across his torso and nodded before heading towards the doorway. Alice gave one last glimpse at the pod that had kept her safe. She didn’t know if she would miss it in time but for now she felt hollow. Everything was proceeding so quickly and sooner or later she would have confront being left behind for such a long time. At least soon she would be getting answers. Why they had never found or woken her before now. She didn’t even know when now was, that was something she’d have to look up in the records when she had time.
Her lamenting was interrupted by the form of the commander filling her vision. Arm extended, indicating it was her turn to leave. Passing through the once pristine doorway, she immediately noticed the state of sheer decay. Instead of an elevator, rubble and rust met her eyes. She looked up, trying to spot where these people had climbed down. The opposite doorway wasn’t far above her, barely two levels. Doane and Shand were already more than halfway up. More beams of light were cutting through the gloom back at her, revealing the individual that Yurisa must have been talking to over the radio earlier.
Crossing the debris strewn floor, Alice reached for the corroded ladder, grabbing the rung closest to her. With mighty heaves she brought herself up, step by step, her limited strength making the simple task a strained ordeal.Finally she reached the opening she had seen from the bottom. Reaching out with her left food to dismount she hopped the small gap. Her weakened muscles still building their stamina back up from her lengthy internment failed her. Her foot slipped off the rung as she overexerted her leg, her left foot buckling from beneath her. Arms waving in front of her, desperately scrabbling for purchase on anything before she would plunge back into the darkness. Gravity inevitably overcame her struggle and pulled her back into the black shaft. A hand shot out, yanking on her forearm and dragging her back from the brink of her overbalance and firmly out of the doorway.
Alice collapsed hard onto her hands and knees, panting at the loss of strength and exhaustion wracking her body. Desperately trying to catch her breath, she looked up at who had pulled her in. Shand stood over her, head cocked while watching her. Alice fought against a giggle from erupting, the helmet the being was wearing made it look like a curious bird caught red handed in a spotlight.
Were they concerned? she wondered to herself.
Shand extended their purple gloved hand to her as she gasped from exhaustion. Alice grabbed the proffered hand. With a mighty heave, and a grunt from Shand, she stood unsteadily on her feet. Two of the soldiers rushed to her aid as she swayed on the spot, their rough armoured forms propping her up between them. Which two had helped her Alice didn’t know but nevertheless she voiced her thanks to them.
One of the group took the lead and began to head towards where they must have entered from. That must have been Doane, and Shand was the one following. She was easier to tell apart due to the holographic map being displayed on her wrist.
As they walked she looked at the aged remains of the carnage around her. Bodies and weapons strewn about the wreckage, no one left to bury them but entombed all the same in this bunker.
My father could be in here Alice realised as she slowly walked past an armoured skeleton wearing the stripes of a Sergeant draped over the remains of a concrete barrier.
They had still clung onto their rifle in a literal death grip, defending her as she had been frozen and slept. Guilt flushed through her at the sight of so many who had given themselves. Especially the Sergeant.
"Commander Yurisa. Could we stop for a moment please" asked Alice
The commander walked up to her, seeing her staring at the remains around her in the chamber.
"I think we can spare a minute or two" said Yurisa.
Alice gently removed the support of the two people who had been helping her and knelt in front of the Sergeant. An unsettling grin stared back at her through the smashed face plate of the helmet that once fitted. The unsettling truth suffused her being as she knelt. Days, or even months wouldn’t leave such a bare skeleton. This was years, decades at least. Alice looked around her at the other bodies lying around her, as if looking for any scrap of evidence that what she was realising couldn’t be true. All were beached with age, their tooth filled smiles laughing at the cosmic joke being played on her by the universe.
Looking away from the grim audience, she reached past the neck, briefly rummaging for the chain necklace she hoped would still be there. Gently lifting it past the skull, she dangled the rugged jewellery in front of her visor and attempted to read the dog tag hanging in the air. The thin slice of treated metal was caked in rust but even then it wasn't so far gone as to be illegible. Wiping the plate with her thumb, she read the name she had suspected it would say since seeing the rank of the remains.
Lockley.
The man who had rushed her to her pod so she could be where she was now. Alice bowed her head at the man she once knew. The man's armour may have been corroded with age but tradition was still tradition.
She reached out and disconnected his bulky left shoulder armour, the magnetic clamps still keeping it secure in place after so long. Placing it on top of her own civilian suit's lightly armoured shoulder with a light click, the piece looked completely out of place compared to the rest of her suit. A large dent in the centre showed where something had struck the late Sergeant as he had fought, perhaps an energy bolt or shrapnel from the fight. She rotated her shoulder, ensuring the piece wasn't interfering with movement or cumbersome. Satisfied it wasn’t, she then placed the dog tags back around the man's neck. The last thing she needed to take was his identity. The final thing he could keep.
Her deed done, she stood back up, looking around at the people she didn't realise had been staring at her.
"It was a tradition that started during the war" she said sheepishly. "You take the pauldron of whoever saved you if they died, that way you can carry them with you out of respect"
"That's a nice tradition" one of the soldiers she didn't know the name of yet said from behind her. One of the pair who had helped her. One who had been there when she had woken up. Which meant this must have been Hedi.
Alice chuckled slightly to herself as a sudden absurdity came to her. "Yeah but unfortunately I don't have enough shoulders right now for all the rest" she indicated with a sweep of her arms.
The group gave a few quiet sounds of amusement of their own, looking down at the ground or up at the ceiling rather than meeting her faceplate.
With a heavy sigh Alice willed herself to move. If she stayed any longer she would begin to lament on the lives lost for her and if she began that she may never leave.
Catching up with the awaiting Shand and Mannad, the group were led to a narrow maintenance utility shaft embedded into the wall. The cramped spaces twisted and turned as they took a winding path directed by shand.
The soldier Alice had not yet learned the name of was revealed to her when Iftan annoyed Mannad with an attempt at humour commenting on how it appeared to take longer to return the way they had come and if Shand had gotten them lost. Apparently Mannad had acute claustrophobia, however it was swiftly eased with a thump on the back of Iftan's helmet.
Alice smiled to herself at the thought of how soldiers were soldiers no matter what time or part of the universe you were from.
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Chapter 3 Part 1
They always said that you never dreamed in cryogenic sleep. Which was true. It was \impossible to dream with your entire being frozen to negative temperatures, body flooded with preservation medications so ice crystals wouldn't form in the cell walls or a host of other complications that would otherwise kill a person. What they neglected to tell you was the dreams you had when thawing out and waking up.
The dreams a person experienced while undergoing this thawing process were always intense too. As vivid as reality as it was sometimes reported. No one knew why. Whatever it was; whether it was the combination of drugs, the brain trying to understand the trauma it had just experienced or even the soul catching up with the universe as some more spiritualist elements theorised, without fail the dreams were the most intense someone could experience. For her, this time, they were far more than just intense.
Her eyes darted under her eyelids as the ghosts of energy bolts from aeons past darted in her memory. She heard the screams at the shaking of each dust filled rumble in her head. Her ears barely registered the dulled hum of ancient machinery fulfilling vital life sustaining protocols and the silent clicks of her standardised survival suit undergoing restart checks. Her helmet blocked out everything else or she'd have also heard the murmurs of voices beyond her pod. The cries of the dying desperately making one last stand echoed in her ears, drowning out the dull sounds. Those dying to protect her.
In her dream her arms reached out painfully slow for her father. She ached for them to go faster. This time she would make it. She'd be able to block the lid from fully sealing, preventing the cryogenic pod from starting. She was millimetres away. And yet the pod sealed effortlessly with a resounding hiss. At that her limbs decided to move normally again and hammered on the inside of the pod as the reinforced armour glass door's magnetic locks clunked to activation.
A dull green light shone into her face. Glacial coolness washed over her body as she slowly succumbed to the sensation of drowning. In one last desperate attempt she tried again to reach for her father. He wouldn't even look at her. A woman in midnight black armour cloaked in ragged robes embraced him from behind.
She screamed herself hoarse, trying to use sheer force of will to make the glass melt away. For her fingers and hands to phase through the transparent barrier and wipe away the tears staining his white bearded face. To just touch him one last time, even through the haptic feedback of her suit. To get him away from the stranger caressing him and wiping away the tears that belonged to her. She screamed a guttural scream as his face became sallow at the stranger's touch. It was killing him. Eyes sunk into sockets and flesh peeled back at the rapid mummification. "Alas" said the midnight black armoured woman in the ragged robes, holding her father's grinning skull in a gentle caress on the tips of her fingers. "Poor girl. Time to wake up. Wake up, and smell the ashes"
Fear gripped at her heart in a vice. There was nothing she could do but watch. The only way out was the emergency release button embedded at her side. But it was already too late, she didn't get to try as the feeling of drowsiness drowned her out, pulling her deep into the depths of slumber.
Except this time the feeling didn't become a stifling cold malaise. Instead, it was getting warmer. The sensation of drowning was slowly dissipating. As if she suddenly remembered she needed to breathe, her chest gave a mighty heave and began to rise and fall. For the first time in both more than a millenia and less than a handful of minutes, a large gasping breath passed through her lips. The inside of her visor fogged from the condensation.
She still heard the residual echoes of screams and cries in her ears like a phantom pain. But they were fading. Being replaced by a newer, stranger sound. The murmuring of a language she couldn't understand filtered through the glass and barely perceptible inside her helmet. Voices crowded around her pod. She hadn't yet opened her eyes. She didn't want to. She wished she was still in the dream.
Revival was always a confusing process and this was no different than the fifty odd times she’d undergone it before. But each time she had woken up her father had been there. He had to be there. Like how he’d be there this time. After all, it had only been a bad thaw dream.
The urge to open her eyes and look was almost overwhelming but she had to keep them shut. It was imperative until the medical diagnosis beeped an all clear signal. Otherwise she risked retinal damage before they were fully thawed. Until then she was alone in the dark with her thoughts. It was comforting to have thoughts however. What’s more; it was an even greater comfort knowing that because she was even having thoughts, she wouldn't spend an eternity of limbo in her frozen tomb, lost to the universe.
Finally, after what felt like an aeon, a dull chime resounded inside her helmet. Her eyelids slowly fluttered open. Microsensors within her helmet immediately noticed the movement and activated her suit's display systems. A heads up display appeared in front of her face. Light teal transparent letters flickered as she read information being displayed.
CRYOGENIC REANIMATION COMPLETE.
PLEASE EXIT THE UNIT AT YOUR DISCRETION.
This was strange. If her father was monitoring he would have already opened the pod right as her eyes opened. At least the words were reassuring. If there was anything wrong with either the pod or herself it would have been indicated in bright red flashing letters. A flick of her eyes and a blink dismissed the notification from her visor and she laid there in a stupor. She needed to get out and find everyone, find out what had happened.
It had all been so fast. There was barely enough time to even put on her survival suit and rush to the lowest levels.
The guards escorting her, Sergeant Lockley and a subordinate of his she had never got the name of, had practically dragged her in their rush, the entire bunker wasn’t even bothering with security procedures anymore. Everywhere else had gone quiet days ago, as far as they had been aware they were the last ones left.
No matter how much she'd pestered Sergeant Lockley he'd never given her any details on what had happened beyond that they needed to hurry and were about to be under attack. He didn't need to say by who, especially that late into the war. If it could even be called a war by then. It was more like a genocide with the fleets falling from the sky burning the heavens. City after City had collapsed, less and less reports coming in until they were isolated. And then it had been their turn. The entire human race reduced from carving out their own territory in the wider community to a scant few fighting tooth and nail for every scrap of dirt in a few decades.
That pit in her stomach as she'd been unceremoniously thrown in the pod while her father had ran all the checks himself when it normally took an entire team, was returning. Or had it never gone and she was only now allowed to feel it once again?
But she had been woken up. If she was awake then someone knew she was here, which meant they must have won. Beat the terrible odds stacked against them and come out the other side. If it had only been a few hours, or even a few days, either way it didn’t matter. She needed to get out and help the survivors, an extra pair of hands would be absolutely invaluable.
Looking at the lid, there were unexpected layers of thick dust caked against the outside of the glass, all except where her head had been. Maybe the combat had been so heavy the cryo chamber had nearly collapsed and whoever had woken up had brushed that portion aside to check on her. Yes, that must have been it. Holographic displays floated in front of her beyond the glass, their brightness blinding her eyes as well as making it almost impossible to make out who stood beyond their glare. She tried squinting past them, the shapes of the people outside were hard to make out, the fuzzy outlines of their bodies blurred together. However, their heads were still identifiable in the darkness as her eyes still adjusted. And from the looks of it there were at least four people in front of her. There was only one way to definitively find out though.
She motioned her fingers to indicate she was awake to the internal sensors inlaid into the walls of her glass coffin. She didn’t know why they hadn’t used the external controls to let her out, maybe they had been broken.
A dull clunk sounded indicating the magnetic locks had been released and the holograms flickered off as the glass slowly slid upwards with a motorised hum. The metal brim passed over her face, her visor compensated automatically for the low light levels, revealing, at last, her rescuers.
Four definitely humanoid figures crowded around her in the dark room. If she hadn’t been wearing her helmet the light coming from their torches being shined directly in her face would have blinded her. Instead, the glare was automatically filtered, revealing the figures standing in the room with her. They wore strange plated purple armour, bulky in the fashion all military equipment tended to be. A metallic point descended in the middle of their faceplates giving them an appearance similar to angry owls. Maybe it had been a special prototype her father had kept in storage somewhere, something given to the few elite soldiers remaining that helped to turn the tide. All the guesswork and unanswered questions directly after the panicked scramble to get into the pod was beginning to agitate her.
As a result, even through her reasoning, something nagged at the back of her mind. Trying to tell her something was off. She slowly looked over the four people again with her eyes, studying them closely without turning her head and giving away what she was doing. The one to the far right of her had their weapon hovering vaguely in her direction, as if unsure of what to do suddenly. Why would people that knew about her be so scared of her? It looked like an odd combination between an ornate staff and a rifle yet not quite either and looked to be encased in the same dark purple material as their armour. No matter how it looked, a weapon was a weapon and these people were dangerous. But they had also just woken her up. Surely if they had done that they wouldn’t be here to harm her. If they were, they could have easily done that while she slept.
The one directly in front of her, however, had no weapon out that she could see. Instead they had paused with a hand pressed into what looked like a computer device embedded on their forearm armour. The glow of the screen was reflected in the strangely shaped visor.
She tried weakly reaching out of her pod for the one closest to her in an attempt for aid.
"Where’s my dad? Did we win? How many days has it been?" She asked in a rapid succession, her weak voice amplified by the speakers within her helmet. She had to know.
The strangers looked at each other. They seemed more shocked at her speaking than helping her get up in her weakened state. She gave up on reaching out and instead used her arms to adjust herself on her near vertical frozen bed. She could feel the strength slowly return to her limbs as she moved. It would take a little while longer until she felt she could make an attempt to stagger out of her cryo pod but until then she was essentially helpless.
The strangers simply kept staring at her, as if they didn’t even know what she was. Which meant they weren’t from her bunker. They truly were strangers in the truest sense. But even so, they were survivors. And if they had survived then perhaps others had as well. For now however she needed information, her feelings either way could wait until she knew more.
"Who are you, how did you get here?" She asked again.
One of the beings, the one she had been reaching out to, spoke. It was a strange, melodic language that she didn't understand. Almost haughty in tone. That it hadn’t been automatically translated meant it must have not been in the system. An oversight by the programmers no doubt. Either that or they were speaking in a form of code. She sighed, that would make this far harder in an already difficult situation. Her powerful in built computer would be able to eventually figure out and create a translation if it really was a language but until then she needed them to speak more to hurry the process. Or even better, if she could activate one of the embedded computers on the wall, it would be able to extrapolate from just a scant few words. A common frame of reference to start with would be the best option but she struggled to think of what to use.
She remembered reading back when she was younger; even under the best of circumstances experts would deliberate for months, even years, on the meanings and nuances of individual words to ensure the most accurate translations possible. Computers helped immensely with the process but without the subtleties of organic beings they could create embarrassing inaccuracies.
"I'm sorry, I don't understand. But if you can understand me, please help me get to the computer over there I'll be able to understand you" she pleaded, pointing with her right hand at the dust covered screen mounted into the wall.
The second stranger on the left, standing behind the closest one she had been reaching for, said something in their still untranslated language and slowly walked over to the computer.
They must not be able to understand me either she thought.
The stranger pointed at the screen and said something. She had a feeling this time it was a question with the tonal inflection. That was good, if her hunch paid off it would help immensely.
Hoping what they had asked was something similar to "do you want me to turn this on" she nodded. The being said something that sounded harsher this time and the two she hadn't interacted with raised their weapons squarely on her. That message didn't need a translation. They obviously didn't trust her. The being cautiously reached out while looking at her, hesitating only for a moment, before wiping away a layer of dust and placing their hand on the touch sensitive glass. The machinery hummed to life as the screen registered the limb pressed against it and turned on.
Relieved by the fact that the fortress bunker's fusion core was still operational, she watched as the state of the art device cycled itself.
Yet another dull blue glow added to the room’s illumination as the main screen activated. Her own armour's holographic interface automatically synchronised to the system and displayed in front of her, adding to the blue light, its own illumination and brightening the room from a dull gloom to a faded glow.
The strangers still eyed her warily, fingers not on their triggers but hovering close enough to fire if she tried anything. This was more than not trusting her. They seemed scared of her.
Slowly and deliberately to show them she wasn't up to anything untoward, she lifted her right hand to tap on the translator option in front of her among the myriad of options. The haptic feedback in her glove gave her the sensation of resistance as she pressed and the computer gave a chime of recognition. Three concentric rings appeared on the screen, pulsating like a heartbeat. She spoke and the rings pulsed in time with her words.
"If you speak, that should be able to translate for us in real time" she said.
The one to her left lifted up her arm with the miniature screen and pointed it at the wall computer as the one who had touched the wall screen voiced more of their melodic speech.
"I think it's a translation programme, commander. I've managed to connect and uploaded our language to its database. They obviously designed it to be universal, it automatically reached out to my pad. It doesn’t seem like there aren't any defences or compatibility issues at the moment but this one will need to go through maintenance checks back on the ship" the being said, the software translating the language to her in real time. “But right now the risk is minima, I’m letting our systems access the programme now”
It was a wonder of coding, even managing to mimic vocal tones and cadences of the individual accurately. Although there was a slight disorienting disconnect in person when the sounds didn't quite match up to the mouth movements but that was something you got used to.
She smiled inside her helmet and relaxed, the tension that had been building easing out of her body. It was working and she'd be able to talk to them finally. And get some much needed answers.
"At least you’ll finally be able to understand me" she said.
The beings were confused for a second, each looking at each other like they'd been the ones to say it before it dawned on them that she had just spoken to them in their own language. They turned to stare at her from behind their owlish visors. It would have been almost predatory if their brief naive confusion hadn't been so amusing.
Immediately, the two with their weapons trained on her began to lean in, their fingers barely hovering over the triggers. The one who had placed their hand on the computer moved in front and motioned to them with a gesture. They lowered their weapons but did not appear to have calmed down.
"Who are you?" the person demanded.
The simple question confused her immensely. If they didn’t know who she was then why were they even down here in the first place? Even so, she needed their help to be able to get out of her pod. Let alone leaving the bunker and getting to the surface and finding any survivors. There was little choice, she needed to be careful. Secrecy protocols drilled into her by intelligence trainers until she’d had migraines were almost second nature at this point. Especially with what she should reveal and to who. But her name was something she shouldn't have to worry about.
"My name is.. Alice" she said with only the briefest hesitation.
Deciding that she could get further with these strangers by forcing a situation and getting out of the pod rather than just laying there, Alice leaned up and took a tentative shaky step forwards. She braced herself with her hands against the cushioned sides as she placed her weight on her dominant foot, stepping out warily. As soon as she lifted the weight off her back foot her leg buckled and she collapsed onto the ground in a heap.
The one who had been closest to her this entire time rushed forwards to help her.
"Are you alright?" they panicked as they helped Alice stand.
"I'm fine. Just a bit shaky after being asleep for so long." Alice replied calmly. "It's a side effect of the drugs for cryogenics. It'll take me a few more moments for it to get out of my system"
"Why would they keep you frozen for so long if it would have such deleterious effects?" asked her helper.
"What do you mean for so long? It’s just what’s used"
"Can you tell us why you were here? What happened? Why are there so many dead soldiers in this facility?" asked the demanding one.
Alice couldn’t let them see how such a casual line of questioning shook her. Taking all of her meagre strength to not simply collapse again from shock. She had to compose herself or she’d let something go by accident. At least she could be honest in this instance.
"I don't know any of that either. I was put in there before any of that happened or anything was explained to me" she said, indicating with a thumb over her shoulder. Her casual body language was key. Keep them off balanced, make sure they didn’t know how much she was internally panicking then.
he body language of the person asking her so many questions appeared incredulous at her hesitancy to be forthcoming.
Besides which, Alice had questions of her own.
“Not to be ungrateful, but who are you all?” she asked.
The one who had been demanding of her appeared to straighten up their back even further somehow.
“I am Commander Yurisa. The one kindly helping you stand at the moment is Second Rating Shand."
The latter term was unfamiliar to her but she perfectly understood the implications of there being a commander. There were enough survivors to field a well equipped and manned military. Tentative hope began to form as Alice looked at the person helping her. She gave them a nod of greeting.
"What about them?" asked Alice, indicating to the two who had been the tensest and most willing to point their weapons eagerly at her. They were still slightly hovering their weapons in her general direction.
"Conscripts Doane and Hedi. They do not need your attention, pay them no heed" said the commander curtly.
The lack of respect for the two subordinates caught Alice off guard. The two people, Doane and Hedi, may have been jumpy at her. But they didn't deserve to be dismissed so out of hand.
Even so, she could think about the ramifications of someone who would dismiss their underlings in such a manner later. Now her focus was changing as the strength returned to her limbs. She needed to find out about the rest of the bunker, what had happened after she had been frozen.
She untangled herself from Shand who had been helping her and stood straight on her own, albeit still slightly wobbling.
"Thank you for waking me up, all of you. But if it's alright, I'd like to know what happened. How many days has it been since I was locked in there?" she slightly chuckled nervously.
"Not until we know you won't pose a danger to my people or my ship" Yurisa replied sternly, a hand extended in front of her. They had evidently identified the weapon she carried.
This seemed like a hard line she shouldn’t push for the moment. She didn’t know these people and they in turn didn’t know about her it seemed. A rapport was more important for the moment, leaving her only one course of action if she didn’t want to be shot by the jumpy soldiers. Slowly reaching towards her thigh for the standard issue civilian sidearm clamped there. Making sure to deliberately grab it by the casing rather than the grip and placed the rugged weapon in the proffered commander’s hand.
Yurisa looked at her for a seeming eternity before hooking her gun on an armoured belt.
Stand down" she commanded.
Doane and Hedi once again relaxed, except this time they slung their weapons onto their backs in fluid motions.
Content they had relaxed and weren’t going to shoot her after all, Alice went to the computer she had indicated to Yurisa to turn on. She tapped the screen to change menus from the translation software to a full cultural database download. The computer chimed and began downloading the entire memory bank into her onboard storage. All the information amassed before and after her sleep. All public research and development. All scientific theories and art and literature. The entire sum of all human knowledge and culture. She'd carry it with her. The weight would be immense. The guilt of leaving it behind would be worse.
"I promise I'm not a threat commander" she said dejectedly. The energy rushed out of her as fast as it had returned, like a collapsing wave on a beach. She accessed the imaging network. Before there had been hundreds of cameras available, ranging from CCTV in the cities to satellites in orbit. Now it seemed none remained, not even static from severed connections. They were simply blank screens with error codes. She couldn't even see what had become of her home. She tried accessing previous recordings, hoping at least the final moments of the people who had protected her had been saved. The files listed themselves in front of her in a cascade of videos all dated and timestamped. She added them to the download, vowing to sort through them at the earliest opportunity.
"I just want to leave. I want to get out and see what’s survived. Who’s survived. I want to see the Earth and help rebuild, maybe even find anyone I know if I’m lucky."
She stared at the screen, willing the cameras to life. To show her the bustling streets and busy sky lanes. To see the grand ships hanging in low orbit above the urban centres, ever watchful sentinels of the heavens. But the screen defied her will and remained stubbornly black. Her rapt attention shielded her from the awkward glances the people seemed to be sharing behind her.
Shand nervously cleared her throat. “About that..”
She began but the commander furiously cut her off with a swift hand signal.
Frustration clawed at her as Alice repeatedly swiped horizontally through the vast list of camera nodes, the error codes stubbornly refusing to yield. A single flash of colour blurred past her frantic swiping. She swiftly backpedalled, searching for the frame that had zoomed by. With a tap, the swiping stopped. She had found it. A single camera she had overlooked. Tapping on the frame to enlarge the feed, she stood back. The image before her was severely cracked and pitted, barely feeding a picture let alone video. Static suffused almost the entire screen. But past it she could just about make it out. The ruins of the city. No fires flared or smoke dissipated into the sky as she expected. Or even rebuilt to its former splendour like she was hoping with these strangers being in her bunker. Instead, her eyes tried to process the rusted sharp jags of bare metal left to rot into nothing. The illusion her brain had imagined while she had been so desperate moments ago shattered at the reality in front of her.
It was gone. All of it. Just how long have I been frozen?
Grief and fear threatened to rear up in her before an entirely different sensation replaced them.
They destroyed it all. All of it. No mercy After all we had given them. Their very reason for being. If it hadn’t been for the human race they wouldn’t have even existed. HOW DARE THEY!
“HOW DARE THEY!” she screamed, punching the screen with unbridled rage.
Webs of cracks spread out from under her fist as she took deep breaths. She had to control herself. She didn’t want to turn and look at the people no doubt staring at her after her outburst. No clacks of weapons had sounded so at least they weren’t panicking even if they would be on edge yet again.
A warbling chime broke the spell around her. The download was complete. Everything that had been was now with her. The importance of it was undeniable before but now it was possibly the only record left in the galaxy. She had to guarantee its safety, as well as her own. The fallback option when she was woken up without the expected personnel. She typed in the final command she had been told to do when she had been briefed so long ago.
THROUGH THE LOOKING GLASS
Alice snorted to herself.
Of course it would be that, they always thought they had a sense of humour. What idiots.
And with those last letters, the fortress that had survived fathomless millenia protecting its charge shut down with barely a dulcet low whine. The ruined screen flickered as the fission reactors went off line. The dull blue light slowly dimmed, once again returning the room to darkness. The last thread of life that had lasted so long finally free. And the last man made structure died, its duty carried for so long fulfilled.
Alice turned from the console a final time. The only sources of light came from the torches of the people standing in the room with her. She reached up to the side of her own helmet and touched a small pad. An embedded LED just above her faceplate illuminated itself, adding a narrow cutting beam to the wide ones of these apparent soldiers.
Commander Yurisa appeared to become distracted for a moment, her head tilting slightly to one side as if someone were talking directly into her ear. Her reply to whoever was on the other end of the obvious communication was heard by Alice.
"No, nothing to worry about. Sit tight, we're on our way back" she said to whoever it was.
Judging by that context, Alice guessed they were heading back up to the surface. They had come down and discovered her and were now leaving with their prize in tow.
No matter, as long as she could get off the planet she didn’t care where they took her now. She didn’t think she could handle the ghosts if they left her here.
Commander Yurisa indicated towards Alice, gaining her attention.
“We will be taking you back to our ship in orbit. Standard procedure means you will be confined to quarantine until medical scans show you are clear of any pathogens or other such contaminants that may prove a risk to us. These scans are non invasive and barring any complications will last no longer than a single rotation” she said in a statement that sounded rehearsed more than sincere.
Alice’s brain scratched like a record at what she had just been so casually told. A ship in orbit. She could barely comprehend all the implications it raised, not least of all the biggest one of how. She had to find out, to see if they had found an intact ship or maybe were even from a separate colony that had been missed. Her mind raced as she simply nodded in return, keeping the facade.
“I understand. I wouldn’t want to cause any harm to any of you. Just please, can we leave.” she begged.
“Doane, take the lead back to the surface. Second Rating, follow him and map our way out” ordered the stern commander.
Doane performed an odd slamming across his torso and nodded before heading towards the doorway. Alice gave one last glimpse at the pod that had kept her safe. She didn’t know if she would miss it in time but for now she felt hollow. Everything was proceeding so quickly and sooner or later she would have confront being left behind for such a long time. At least soon she would be getting answers. Why they had never found or woken her before now. She didn’t even know when now was, that was something she’d have to look up in the records when she had time.
Her lamenting was interrupted by the form of the commander filling her vision. Arm extended, indicating it was her turn to leave. Passing through the once pristine doorway, she immediately noticed the state of sheer decay. Instead of an elevator, rubble and rust met her eyes. She looked up, trying to spot where these people had climbed down. The opposite doorway wasn’t far above her, barely two levels. Doane and Shand were already more than halfway up. More beams of light were cutting through the gloom back at her, revealing the individual that Yurisa must have been talking to over the radio earlier.
Crossing the debris strewn floor, Alice reached for the corroded ladder, grabbing the rung closest to her. With mighty heaves she brought herself up, step by step, her limited strength making the simple task a strained ordeal.Finally she reached the opening she had seen from the bottom. Reaching out with her left food to dismount she hopped the small gap. Her weakened muscles still building their stamina back up from her lengthy internment failed her. Her foot slipped off the rung as she overexerted her leg, her left foot buckling from beneath her. Arms waving in front of her, desperately scrabbling for purchase on anything before she would plunge back into the darkness. Gravity inevitably overcame her struggle and pulled her back into the black shaft. A hand shot out, yanking on her forearm and dragging her back from the brink of her overbalance and firmly out of the doorway.
Alice collapsed hard onto her hands and knees, panting at the loss of strength and exhaustion wracking her body. Desperately trying to catch her breath, she looked up at who had pulled her in. Shand stood over her, head cocked while watching her. Alice fought against a giggle from erupting, the helmet the being was wearing made it look like a curious bird caught red handed in a spotlight.
Were they concerned? she wondered to herself.
Shand extended their purple gloved hand to her as she gasped from exhaustion. Alice grabbed the proffered hand. With a mighty heave, and a grunt from Shand, she stood unsteadily on her feet. Two of the soldiers rushed to her aid as she swayed on the spot, their rough armoured forms propping her up between them. Which two had helped her Alice didn’t know but nevertheless she voiced her thanks to them.
One of the group took the lead and began to head towards where they must have entered from. That must have been Doane, and Shand was the one following. She was easier to tell apart due to the holographic map being displayed on her wrist.
As they walked she looked at the aged remains of the carnage around her. Bodies and weapons strewn about the wreckage, no one left to bury them but entombed all the same in this bunker.
My father could be in here Alice realised as she slowly walked past an armoured skeleton wearing the stripes of a Sergeant draped over the remains of a concrete barrier.
They had still clung onto their rifle in a literal death grip, defending her as she had been frozen and slept. Guilt flushed through her at the sight of so many who had given themselves. Especially the Sergeant.
"Commander Yurisa. Could we stop for a moment please" asked Alice
The commander walked up to her, seeing her staring at the remains around her in the chamber.
"I think we can spare a minute or two" said Yurisa.
Alice gently removed the support of the two people who had been helping her and knelt in front of the Sergeant. An unsettling grin stared back at her through the smashed face plate of the helmet that once fitted. The unsettling truth suffused her being as she knelt. Days, or even months wouldn’t leave such a bare skeleton. This was years, decades at least. Alice looked around her at the other bodies lying around her, as if looking for any scrap of evidence that what she was realising couldn’t be true. All were beached with age, their tooth filled smiles laughing at the cosmic joke being played on her by the universe.
Looking away from the grim audience, she reached past the neck, briefly rummaging for the chain necklace she hoped would still be there. Gently lifting it past the skull, she dangled the rugged jewellery in front of her visor and attempted to read the dog tag hanging in the air. The thin slice of treated metal was caked in rust but even then it wasn't so far gone as to be illegible. Wiping the plate with her thumb, she read the name she had suspected it would say since seeing the rank of the remains.
Lockley.
The man who had rushed her to her pod so she could be where she was now. Alice bowed her head at the man she once knew. The man's armour may have been corroded with age but tradition was still tradition.
She reached out and disconnected his bulky left shoulder armour, the magnetic clamps still keeping it secure in place after so long. Placing it on top of her own civilian suit's lightly armoured shoulder with a light click, the piece looked completely out of place compared to the rest of her suit. A large dent in the centre showed where something had struck the late Sergeant as he had fought, perhaps an energy bolt or shrapnel from the fight. She rotated her shoulder, ensuring the piece wasn't interfering with movement or cumbersome. Satisfied it wasn’t, she then placed the dog tags back around the man's neck. The last thing she needed to take was his identity. The final thing he could keep.
Her deed done, she stood back up, looking around at the people she didn't realise had been staring at her.
"It was a tradition that started during the war" she said sheepishly. "You take the pauldron of whoever saved you if they died, that way you can carry them with you out of respect"
"That's a nice tradition" one of the soldiers she didn't know the name of yet said from behind her. One of the pair who had helped her. One who had been there when she had woken up. Which meant this must have been Hedi.
Alice chuckled slightly to herself as a sudden absurdity came to her. "Yeah but unfortunately I don't have enough shoulders right now for all the rest" she indicated with a sweep of her arms.
The group gave a few quiet sounds of amusement of their own, looking down at the ground or up at the ceiling rather than meeting her faceplate.
With a heavy sigh Alice willed herself to move. If she stayed any longer she would begin to lament on the lives lost for her and if she began that she may never leave.
Catching up with the awaiting Shand and Mannad, the group were led to a narrow maintenance utility shaft embedded into the wall. The cramped spaces twisted and turned as they took a winding path directed by shand.
The soldier Alice had not yet learned the name of was revealed to her when Iftan annoyed Mannad with an attempt at humour commenting on how it appeared to take longer to return the way they had come and if Shand had gotten them lost. Apparently Mannad had acute claustrophobia, however it was swiftly eased with a thump on the back of Iftan's helmet.
Alice smiled to herself at the thought of how soldiers were soldiers no matter what time or part of the universe you were from.
2023.06.02 02:08 Same_Perception6778 What Became Of The Gift Of Water Magic?
The only elemental magical gift that isn't practised on the Northern Continent is water. Spellcasters can manipulate water, but only at the whim of the other elemental magics. In times past, for instance, Melandru and her statues - symbols of earth magic - became beacons of hope for those seeking shelter and fresh water. Conversely, Lyssa and her effigies, reflections of time magic, gathered to them a collection of male magicians who died of dehydration.
No magician from the north could claim for themselves the power to manipulate water directly; the gift of water magic, Abaddon's gift, had seemingly died out there. The Orrian History Scrolls: The Six tells us that this was because the dispensation of the gift was deliberately stifled. Abaddon, water magic's god, had fallen; and with him, water magic. To the writer of the scrolls, Abaddon and all like him, fellow water magicians, were traitors whose powers over the most chaotic element of all could not be trusted. It is sentiment seemingly sanctioned by the gods. To the west, the once verdant Maguuma began to decline as the vast bodies of water in the region dried up, becoming the Silverwastes, Drytop, and their surroundings. To the south, the geography of the Crystal Sea was transformed into the Crystal Desert. Wherever the elemental magics of the Northern Continent met vast quantities of inland freshwater, desertification followed. No longer would powerful water magicians like Jadoth call upon fresh water to do his bidding; with it, he created maelstroms and vortexes that swallowed the stars themselves. Worse still, I believe his bitter intentions could turn fresh water into salt water, littering lakes with fingers akin to those found in the Strait of Malchor. No more, though, now that unfettered access to water was reduced on the Northern Continent.
Why did the gods of Tyria think that water magicians were traitors? There are many sources through which an answer can be inferred. Sunqua Peak offers us the best insight. Like water elementals, childlike in their disposition, water magicians (whether intentionally or not) showed Magic's enemies too much about the spells underpinning Tyria's sustenance. We all know who these enemies are: Demons from the Mists. Not all demons mean Tyrians harm. Grenth is called a demigod, even a god, by some. But the traumatic magics that birth demonkind make it hard for these fell beings to deny their base instincts. Grenth has Dwayna to comfort him; most other demons aren't as lucky.
To me, demonkind compromised the integrity of the gift of water magic, using the things they learned about the gift against both those who practised it and the other elemental magics. There are two notable examples of spellcasters who carried water magic's gift: Vizier Khilbron and Shiro Tagachi. The Vizier's gift is made manifest through the Cataclysm of Orr. I believe many magicians could read the Lost Scrolls without ever stirring the magic in them. Perhaps, to their minds, the scrolls were merely obsolete takes on Tyrian history, akin to the other apocryphal works associated with Abaddon. But to someone with the gift of water magic, the scrolls became alive. Khilbron's reading of them stirred magics hiding in the waters of the Orrian Peninsula. The rest you already know.
Shiro Tagachi is an interesting case of the gift of water magic. His perverted gift was Wild Magic, unfocused by a structured spell like that of the Lost Scrolls. Presumably, had Khilbron found himself in Shiro's shoes on that fateful day at the Harvest Temple, he too would have created a sea of Jade, a pool of tormented magic swimming with demonkind. The jade, then, appears to be the most conniving form of malicious magic demonkind can unleash through the gift of water magic; and Shiro's fate shows us what happens when a gift of magic is compromised.
Empress Ihn, the demon queen of Cantha, once famously stated that, had her father attended her audience with the PC, he'd die all over again. To whom was the demon queen referring, though? To Taejeong? Shiro? Abaddon? All three? Interestingly, the Guild Wars Prophecies Manuscripts (GWPM) state that male magicians often died at Lyssa's sculptures. Did all males die, or just a few? I think just a few. Whatever does this mean? Let's explore a possible explanation.
The most infamous examples of water magicians are both male. (Granted, they are few in number, but the gods suppressed the distribution of the gift of water magic across the Northern Continent and, ultimately, all of Tyria, as The Orrian History Scrolls show. So a select few is still a useful sample.) Moreover, the GWPM tell us that male magicians might die from gazing at Lyssa's statues. To wit, the gift of water magic is likely passed from generation to generation through male progenitors. Hence, Emperor Taejeong probably carries the gift as he, like Shiro before him, is of imperial blood. (I am making the assumption that the bloodline of the Canthan dynasty carries the gift of water magic.) To further this, it's possible that the gift can only be practised by males and that, now that water magic has been compromised, casting spells with said gift carries consequences. For the Margonites, those humans in whom the gift of water magic was notably manifest and who practised it freely, it meant societal collapse and eventual infertility. (Of course, the gift of water magic may not be exclusive to humanity; other races, such as the norn, may also have access to it and so, from among them, we see the emergence of the Sons of Svanir as Jormag protects another gift of magic by preventing those male norn who carry the gift of water magic from using it until the appointed time.)
The Elder Dragons guard the gifts of magic. Zhaitan: the gift of aether magic, using defensive magics associated with it, death and shadow; Mordremoth: the gift of earth magic, of which important defensive subsets are mind and plant; Kralkatorrik: the gift of time magic, which defends itself by drawing upon crystal and fury; Jormag: the gift of air magic, which uses ice and persuasion to fortify and protect; Primordus: the gift of fire magic, defending itself with fire and conflagration; and "Bubbles": the gift of water magic, whose defensive spells are as yet unknown as they have been undermined by demonkind and twisted into the treacherous Soo-Won the Impostor. To guard these gifts, Elder Dragons frequently employ corruption, a process in which they mix their lifeforce with that of another, typically lesser, being, creating a minion. In the case of water magic, should males carry the gift, it suggests that Taejeon's "death" isn't as straight forward as Ihn would have us believe. The true Deep Sea Dragon, villified as a monster by those who would harm it, has likely corrupted the Emperor to preserve what is left of his water magic and, unbeknowst to us, a side effect of that corruption is immortality akin to that of Palawa Joko yet subject to none of the latter's weakness. That is to say, the demons of Cantha cannot kill Taejeon and so, as some have speculated, the former Canthan ruler is likely imprisoned in Raisu Palace. (The PC may be manipulated into attempting to kill Taejeon's corrupted form.)
Will the gift of water magic be practised freely in Tyria again? I think so. The power of the Elder Dragons, the work of the gods, the emergence of the sylvari, and the rise of the PC, indicate to me that Wild Magic wishes to restore water magic to itself. One of the hurdles preventing this is jade. Let's hope Anet can step up their storytelling abilities and give Guild Wars 2 the legacy it deserves.
submitted by Same_Perception6778 to Guildwars2 [link] [comments]
No magician from the north could claim for themselves the power to manipulate water directly; the gift of water magic, Abaddon's gift, had seemingly died out there. The Orrian History Scrolls: The Six tells us that this was because the dispensation of the gift was deliberately stifled. Abaddon, water magic's god, had fallen; and with him, water magic. To the writer of the scrolls, Abaddon and all like him, fellow water magicians, were traitors whose powers over the most chaotic element of all could not be trusted. It is sentiment seemingly sanctioned by the gods. To the west, the once verdant Maguuma began to decline as the vast bodies of water in the region dried up, becoming the Silverwastes, Drytop, and their surroundings. To the south, the geography of the Crystal Sea was transformed into the Crystal Desert. Wherever the elemental magics of the Northern Continent met vast quantities of inland freshwater, desertification followed. No longer would powerful water magicians like Jadoth call upon fresh water to do his bidding; with it, he created maelstroms and vortexes that swallowed the stars themselves. Worse still, I believe his bitter intentions could turn fresh water into salt water, littering lakes with fingers akin to those found in the Strait of Malchor. No more, though, now that unfettered access to water was reduced on the Northern Continent.
Why did the gods of Tyria think that water magicians were traitors? There are many sources through which an answer can be inferred. Sunqua Peak offers us the best insight. Like water elementals, childlike in their disposition, water magicians (whether intentionally or not) showed Magic's enemies too much about the spells underpinning Tyria's sustenance. We all know who these enemies are: Demons from the Mists. Not all demons mean Tyrians harm. Grenth is called a demigod, even a god, by some. But the traumatic magics that birth demonkind make it hard for these fell beings to deny their base instincts. Grenth has Dwayna to comfort him; most other demons aren't as lucky.
To me, demonkind compromised the integrity of the gift of water magic, using the things they learned about the gift against both those who practised it and the other elemental magics. There are two notable examples of spellcasters who carried water magic's gift: Vizier Khilbron and Shiro Tagachi. The Vizier's gift is made manifest through the Cataclysm of Orr. I believe many magicians could read the Lost Scrolls without ever stirring the magic in them. Perhaps, to their minds, the scrolls were merely obsolete takes on Tyrian history, akin to the other apocryphal works associated with Abaddon. But to someone with the gift of water magic, the scrolls became alive. Khilbron's reading of them stirred magics hiding in the waters of the Orrian Peninsula. The rest you already know.
Shiro Tagachi is an interesting case of the gift of water magic. His perverted gift was Wild Magic, unfocused by a structured spell like that of the Lost Scrolls. Presumably, had Khilbron found himself in Shiro's shoes on that fateful day at the Harvest Temple, he too would have created a sea of Jade, a pool of tormented magic swimming with demonkind. The jade, then, appears to be the most conniving form of malicious magic demonkind can unleash through the gift of water magic; and Shiro's fate shows us what happens when a gift of magic is compromised.
Empress Ihn, the demon queen of Cantha, once famously stated that, had her father attended her audience with the PC, he'd die all over again. To whom was the demon queen referring, though? To Taejeong? Shiro? Abaddon? All three? Interestingly, the Guild Wars Prophecies Manuscripts (GWPM) state that male magicians often died at Lyssa's sculptures. Did all males die, or just a few? I think just a few. Whatever does this mean? Let's explore a possible explanation.
The most infamous examples of water magicians are both male. (Granted, they are few in number, but the gods suppressed the distribution of the gift of water magic across the Northern Continent and, ultimately, all of Tyria, as The Orrian History Scrolls show. So a select few is still a useful sample.) Moreover, the GWPM tell us that male magicians might die from gazing at Lyssa's statues. To wit, the gift of water magic is likely passed from generation to generation through male progenitors. Hence, Emperor Taejeong probably carries the gift as he, like Shiro before him, is of imperial blood. (I am making the assumption that the bloodline of the Canthan dynasty carries the gift of water magic.) To further this, it's possible that the gift can only be practised by males and that, now that water magic has been compromised, casting spells with said gift carries consequences. For the Margonites, those humans in whom the gift of water magic was notably manifest and who practised it freely, it meant societal collapse and eventual infertility. (Of course, the gift of water magic may not be exclusive to humanity; other races, such as the norn, may also have access to it and so, from among them, we see the emergence of the Sons of Svanir as Jormag protects another gift of magic by preventing those male norn who carry the gift of water magic from using it until the appointed time.)
The Elder Dragons guard the gifts of magic. Zhaitan: the gift of aether magic, using defensive magics associated with it, death and shadow; Mordremoth: the gift of earth magic, of which important defensive subsets are mind and plant; Kralkatorrik: the gift of time magic, which defends itself by drawing upon crystal and fury; Jormag: the gift of air magic, which uses ice and persuasion to fortify and protect; Primordus: the gift of fire magic, defending itself with fire and conflagration; and "Bubbles": the gift of water magic, whose defensive spells are as yet unknown as they have been undermined by demonkind and twisted into the treacherous Soo-Won the Impostor. To guard these gifts, Elder Dragons frequently employ corruption, a process in which they mix their lifeforce with that of another, typically lesser, being, creating a minion. In the case of water magic, should males carry the gift, it suggests that Taejeon's "death" isn't as straight forward as Ihn would have us believe. The true Deep Sea Dragon, villified as a monster by those who would harm it, has likely corrupted the Emperor to preserve what is left of his water magic and, unbeknowst to us, a side effect of that corruption is immortality akin to that of Palawa Joko yet subject to none of the latter's weakness. That is to say, the demons of Cantha cannot kill Taejeon and so, as some have speculated, the former Canthan ruler is likely imprisoned in Raisu Palace. (The PC may be manipulated into attempting to kill Taejeon's corrupted form.)
Will the gift of water magic be practised freely in Tyria again? I think so. The power of the Elder Dragons, the work of the gods, the emergence of the sylvari, and the rise of the PC, indicate to me that Wild Magic wishes to restore water magic to itself. One of the hurdles preventing this is jade. Let's hope Anet can step up their storytelling abilities and give Guild Wars 2 the legacy it deserves.
2023.06.02 01:52 Drty994 Whiskey Tango Ep # 1 Pilot
INT. AIRPLANE - DAY
A young man, JAKE (25), is sleeping in his seat, wearing a wrinkled shirt and a tired expression. He has a small suitcase and a laptop bag with him. A voice over the PA system announces that the flight from London to Miami is about to land.
PILOT (V.O.)
Ladies and gentlemen, this is your captain speaking. We are now approaching Miami International Airport. The local time is 9:22 a.m. and the temperature is 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Please remain seated with your seatbelts fastened until the seatbelt sign is turned off. Thank you for flying with us and enjoy your stay in Miami.
Jake opens his eyes and rubs them. He looks out the window and sees the blue sky and the ocean. He sighs and stretches his legs.
JAKE (V.O.)
I can't believe I'm doing this. Flying across the Atlantic for a job interview that could make or break my career. A job that involves wrestling and TV. Two things I love more than anything. Well, almost anything.
He takes out his phone and turns it on. He checks his messages and sees one from his girlfriend, LUCY (24).
LUCY (TEXT)
Hey babe, how was the flight? Did you get any sleep? Good luck with the interview, you'll do great! I miss you so much. Call me when you can. Love you xoxo
Jake smiles and texts back.
JAKE (TEXT)
Hey love, flight was long and boring. Got some sleep but not enough. Thanks for the good wishes, I need them. Miss you too. Will call you later. Love you more xoxo
He puts his phone away and looks around. The plane is full of passengers, mostly tourists and business people. He sees a couple of kids running up and down the aisle, a woman reading a magazine, a man watching a movie on his tablet.
JAKE (V.O.)
I wonder what they're all here for. Vacation? Work? Family? Maybe they're all going to the same place as me. The Whiskey Tango Studios. The home of the hottest wrestling show on TV. The show that I've been watching since I was a kid. The show that I've been dreaming of working for since I was a teenager.
He takes out his laptop and opens it. He has a folder with his resume, portfolio, and samples of his work as a writer and producer for various TV shows in the UK.
JAKE (V.O.)
I've worked hard to get here. I've paid my dues in the industry. I've written scripts for soap operas, sitcoms, dramas, reality shows. You name it, I've done it. But none of them gave me the satisfaction that wrestling does. Wrestling is more than just entertainment. It's art. It's storytelling. It's passion.
He clicks on a file that shows a video of him interviewing one of his favorite wrestlers, THE ROCK (45), at a press event in London.
JAKE (V.O.)
This was one of the best moments of my life. Meeting The Rock in person and asking him about his career, his movies, his advice for aspiring wrestlers and writers like me.
The video plays on his laptop screen.
JAKE (ON VIDEO)
So, Rock, what would you say to someone who wants to follow in your footsteps and become a wrestler or a writer for wrestling?
THE ROCK (ON VIDEO)
Well, first of all, I would say thank you for being a fan and for having such passion for this business. Second of all, I would say you have to work hard, be humble, be hungry, and be respectful of everyone who came before you and who will come after you.
The video cuts to Jake nodding and smiling.
JAKE (ON VIDEO)
That's awesome advice, Rock.
THE ROCK (ON VIDEO)
And third of all...
The Rock leans closer to Jake and raises his eyebrow.
THE ROCK (ON VIDEO)
...you have to know your role...
Jake gasps in excitement.
THE ROCK (ON VIDEO)
...and shut your mouth!
The Rock laughs and Jake joins him.
JAKE (ON VIDEO)
Oh my God! You just did it! You just did the catchphrase!
THE ROCK (ON VIDEO)
Of course I did! It's what I do!
The video ends with Jake shaking The Rock's hand and thanking him profusely.
JAKE (V.O.)
That was amazing. He was so cool and nice to me. He even gave me his autograph and took a selfie with me.
He closes his laptop and puts it back in his bag.
JAKE (V.O.)
But that was just a taste of what I want to do for real. I want to write for Whiskey Tango Wrestling. I want to create stories and characters that will make people laugh, cry, cheer, boo, feel something.
He looks out the window again and sees the plane descending towards the airport.
JAKE (V.O.)
And this is my chance to do it. This is my shot at making my dream come true.
He fastens his seatbelt and takes a deep breath.
JAKE (V.O.)
Whiskey Tango Wrestling...here I come.
FADE IN:
EXT. MIAMI INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT - DAY
The sun is shining brightly over the busy airport. A large passenger plane lands on the runway and taxis to the gate.
INT. PLANE - DAY
JAKE COHEN, 25, a scruffy and weary-looking man in a wrinkled suit, wakes up from his seat as the plane comes to a stop. He rubs his eyes and checks his phone. It's 9:32 AM.
He grabs his small cabin case from the overhead compartment and slings his laptop bag over his shoulder. He mumbles a "thanks" to the FLIGHT CREW as he shuffles off the plane.
EXT. PLANE - DAY
William steps out of the plane and is hit by the Miami heat. He squints as he adjusts to the bright sunlight. He follows other passengers down the flight steps and onto the runway.
INT. CUSTOMS - DAY
JAKE waits in line at the customs booth. He looks nervous as he approaches the CUSTOMS OFFICER, who scans his passport and asks him a few questions.
CUSTOMS OFFICER
What's the purpose of your visit, sir?
JAKE
Business.
CUSTOMS OFFICER
How long are you staying?
JAKE
Just a couple of days.
CUSTOMS OFFICER
Do you have anything to declare?
JAKE
No, nothing.
The customs officer nods and stamps his passport.
CUSTOMS OFFICER
Welcome to Miami, Mr. Cohen.
JAKE
Thank you.
JAKE breathes a sigh of relief as he walks away.
INT. BATHROOM - DAY
Jake enters the bathroom and washes his face at the sink. He tidies his hair and sprays some deodorant and cheap aftershave on himself. He brushes his teeth with a travel toothbrush and toothpaste. He looks at himself in the mirror and grimaces. He should have packed another suit or shirt, or something.
INT. ARRIVALS LOUNGE - DAY
Jake exits the bathroom and walks into the arrivals lounge of the airport. He scans the crowd for a sign with his name on it.
He spots three burly LATINO MEN standing together near the exit. One of them is holding a sign that reads "JAKE COHEN". The other two are wearing sunglasses and earpieces.
The three men notice JAKE and approach him with smiles. They shake his sweaty hand one by one.
RICARDO FUENTES DIAZ, 50s, a well-dressed lawyer and accountant, introduces himself.
RICARDO
Senor Cohen? I'm Ricardo Fuentes Diaz, I'm the lawyer and accountant for Mr. Alejandro Rivera. Mr. Rivera has arranged for you to be staying at The Villa Casa Casuarina down on South Beach for the duration of your visit.
WILLIAM
Nice to meet you, Ricardo. And these are...?
RICARDO
Oh, these are Mr. Rivera's associates. This is Carlos and this is Miguel.
CARLOS and MIGUEL nod but don't say anything.
JAKE
I see. Well, thank you for picking me up.
RICARDO
It's our pleasure, senor. Mr. Rivera is very eager to meet you and discuss business with you. He's expecting you at his office at noon.
JAKE
Okay, great.
RICARDO
Shall we go then?
JAKE
Sure, let's go.
Ricardo leads Jake to the exit, followed by Carlos and Miguel.
EXT. AIRPORT - DAY
Ricardo, Jake, Carlos, and Miguel walk out of the airport and head towards a black SUV parked outside.
Ricardo opens the passenger door for Jake.
RICARDO
Please, get in.
Jake gets in the SUV and buckles up.
Ricardo closes the door behind him and gets in the driver's seat.
Carlos and Miguel get in the back seat behind Jake.
Ricardo starts the engine and drives away from the airport.
INT./EXT. SUV - DAY
The SUV speeds along the highway
“No! No issues at all Mr Diaz. Isn’t that the former Versace Mansion?” I quizzed him. Ricardo seemed taken aback by my knowledge and started smiling.
“Indeed it is Mr. Cohen. Please don’t take offence. but I can see you’re a man of champagne taste, and beer money?”
I started chuckling at the comment. “None taken. I’d say more beer taste, and lemonade money.”
“Ah, I see. Well, I’m sure what was arranged with yourself over the phone, but Mr Rivera has mentioned that he will cover your expenses during your time here in Miami. Now, if you will follow me to the car. I’m sure we can stop off at a tailors along the way to get you a new suit. Mr. Rivera will be arriving at your suit around 4pm this afternoon. So when you get back, relax. Eat. Sleep.” replied Ricardo as he led me out of the airport and in to an immaculate deep red Bentley Flying Spur as we drive to the nearest tailors
Scene goes to commercial
INT. HOTEL SUITE - DAY
COHEN, a handsome but weary-looking man in his early twenties, is dressed in a charcoal suit. He checks himself in the mirror and adjusts his tie. He walks to the living room area of the suite, where a laptop and a coffee maker are on a table. He pours himself a cup of coffee and opens the laptop.
COHEN (V.O.)
I've never been a man of luxury. I grew up in a rough neighborhood, where you had to fight for everything you wanted. But when Alejandro Rivera called me and offered me a job as the head writer for his new wrestling company, I couldn't say no. He said he was impressed by my work as a journalist and a podcaster, and he wanted me to help him create something different. Something edgy. Something that would shake up the wrestling world.
He types "Alejandro Rivera" on Google and hits enter.
COHEN (V.O.)
The only problem is, I don't know much about him. Who is he? What is his story? What is his vision? He said he would explain everything in person, at this fancy hotel in downtown Miami. He booked me a suite and paid for my flight. He said he had some other guests he wanted me to meet. He said it was all part of his plan.
He scans the search results, but before he can click on anything, there is a knock on the door. He closes the laptop and walks to the door.
COHEN (V.O.)
Well, I guess this is it. Time to find out what this is all about.
He opens the door and sees BEN, a cheerful bellboy with a cart full of drinks and menus.
BEN
Good afternoon, Mr. Cohen. Sorry to bother you, but we tried calling you on your cell phone. Your guests have arrived.
COHEN
Oh, really? That was fast.
BEN
Yes, sir. They're waiting for you downstairs in the lobby. Shall I bring them up?
COHEN
Sure, sure. That would be great.
BEN
Very well, sir. I'll be right back with them. And here are some menus and drinks for you to enjoy.
COHEN
Thank you, Ben.
BEN
You're very welcome, sir.
BEN smiles and leaves with the cart. COHEN closes the door and takes a deep breath.
COHEN (V.O.)
Okay, Cohen. You can do this. You've been in this business for over a decade. You've interviewed some of the biggest names in wrestling. You've written some of the most controversial stories. You've got this.
He walks back to the living room and picks up one of the menus.
COHEN (V.O.)
Besides, how bad can it be? It's just a job interview. With some mysterious billionaire and his entourage. In a luxury hotel suite. In FL.
He flips through the menu and sees some expensive dishes and drinks.
COHEN (V.O.)
What could possibly go wrong?
He puts down the menu and picks up his coffee cup.
COHEN (V.O.)
Whiskey Tango Foxtrot...
He takes a sip of coffee and makes a face.
COHEN (V.O.)
...this is decaf.
INT. HOTEL SUITE - NIGHT
WILLIAM COHEN, a young and ambitious TV writer, enters the luxurious suite with RICARDO DIAZ, a slick and charming producer. They are greeted by BEN, a friendly hotel employee.
BENWelcome to the penthouse suite, gentlemen. I hope you enjoy your stay.
RICARDOThank you, Ben. You're very kind.
BENCan I get you anything? A drink? A snack?
RICARDONo, thank you. We're fine.
BENAlright then. I'll leave you to it. Have a good night.
BEN exits. RICARDO turns to WILLIAM and smiles.
RICARDOWilliam! Good to see you again.
He shakes WILLIAM's hand warmly.
WILLIAMHello, Mr. Diaz.
RICARDOMr. Cohen, I would love to introduce you to my boss, Mr. Alejandro Rivera.
WILLIAM's eyes widen as he waits for the big reveal. He hears a door open and turns to see ALEJANDRO RIVERA, a short and chubby man in a bright pink Hawaiian shirt, beige pants and brown shoes. He is wearing a fedora and sunglasses and is followed by two muscular bodyguards.
ALEJANDROAhh, Mr. Cohen. What a pleasure to finally meet you!
He takes off his sunglasses and hat and hugs WILLIAM tightly.
ALEJANDRO (CONT'D)How was the journey?
WILLIAMMr. Rivera! The pleasure is all mine. The journey was fine, thank you.
He tries to hide his disappointment and confusion.
WILLIAM (V.O.)This is the guy? The king of Miami? The visionary behind Whiskey Tango? He looks like a tourist who got lost on his way to Disneyland.
ALEJANDROI must admit, I'm very grateful for the suit, the room, and the generosity you've shown me already!
He releases WILLIAM and shakes his hand firmly.
ALEJANDRO (CONT'D)Is it OK to call you William?
WILLIAMThat's absolutely fine, Mr. Rivera.
ALEJANDROPlease, please. My name is Alejandro. Come on, let's sit and we can talk and order some food.
He leads WILLIAM and RICARDO to the living room area, where one of the bodyguards pours whiskey into glasses.
ALEJANDRO (CONT'D)Salud!
They toast and drink.
ALEJANDRO (CONT'D)So, let's cut to the chase, William. I'm a man who has a lot of pull in this beautiful city. I'm well respected. I love the bright neon lights. I love the beautiful Miami sunset. It takes me back to being a kid where I would see similar sights on the TV with Miami Vice, and even wrestling. Mi madre also loved telenovelas back then and I was hooked in. The glitz. The glamour. The violence. The storytelling. That's me, man. Yeah I watch wrestling now, but it's not the same. I want all three entities and mix them up. I saw the stuff you sent to me.
He pulls out a script from his bag and hands it to WILLIAM.
ALEJANDRO (CONT'D)This is brilliant, William. This is exactly what I'm looking for. Whiskey Tango is going to be the next big thing on TV.
ALEJANDRO: (smiling) My brother, Dario, once told me that running a wrestling company was easy. He said all you need is passion, vision and guts. Well, he was wrong. He's gone now, and he running a company in Mexico, and I'm the only one left to carry on our father's legacy. (He gestures to the table) That's why I hired you, Jake. You're the best writer in the business. You have a flair for creating compelling stories and characters. You have a knack for making wrestling exciting and unpredictable.
JAKE: (nodding) Thank you, Mr. Rivera. I appreciate the opportunity. I've always admired your work. You have a reputation for being innovative and daring. You're not afraid to take risks and challenge the status quo.
ALEJANDRO: (clapping) Exactly! That's what I like to hear. You see, Jake, I have a vision for a new wrestling company. A company that will revolutionize the industry. A company that will combine the best of both worlds: the athleticism and skill of USWF, and the drama and spectacle of WWA. A company that will appeal to fans all over the world, especially in Latin America and Europe.
JAKE: (intrigued) Wow. That sounds amazing. What's the name of the company?
ALEJANDRO: (grinning) Lucha Libre Elite.
JAKE: (impressed) I like it. It has a nice ring to it.
ALEJANDRO: (leaning in) And you know what else? I want you to be my head writer. I want you to be the creative force behind this company. I want you to work with me and help me make this dream a reality.
JAKE: (stunned) Me? Really?
ALEJANDRO: (nodding) Yes, you. You have what it takes, Jake. You have talent, passion and vision. Just like me.
RICARDO: (clearing his throat) Excuse me, boss. Jake. If I may interject for a moment.
ALEJANDRO: (annoyed) What is it, Ricardo?
RICARDO: (nervous) Well, boss, I don't mean to rain on your parade, but we have to be realistic here. We have money, yes, but we don't have unlimited resources. We have to be careful with how we spend it. We have to be smart and strategic.
ALEJANDRO: (sighing) Ricardo, Ricardo, Ricardo. Always so cautious and conservative. Don't you see? This is our chance to make history. This is our chance to change the game.
RICARDO: (shaking his head) Boss, I'm just trying to look out for you. For us. You know how tough the competition is out there. You know how ruthless they can be.
ALEJANDRO: (glaring) Who? Who are you talking about?
RICARDO: (swallowing hard) You know who I mean, boss.
JAKE: (confused) Who? Who are they talking about?
ALEJANDRO: (turning to Jake) Jake, let me ask you something. Have you done any research on me? Have you Googled me or read anything about me? Do you know who I am?
JAKE: (hesitant) Well...no...not really...Mr. Rivera.
ALEJANDRO: (laughing) Good! Good! That's good! Because ignorance is bliss, my friend. And trust me, you don't want to know too much about me or my family.
JAKE: (curious) Your family?
ALEJANDRO: (standing up) Yes, Jake. My family. The Cuetos. The most powerful and dangerous family in the world of wrestling. And now...you're part of it too.
(He hugs Jake tightly)
ALEJANDRO: Welcome to La Familia de Cueto. Welcome to Reyes del Mundo, and your the prince of this kingdom, while I reign, as its beneficiator behind the scenes.
Show ends..
submitted by Drty994 to fantasybooking [link] [comments]
A young man, JAKE (25), is sleeping in his seat, wearing a wrinkled shirt and a tired expression. He has a small suitcase and a laptop bag with him. A voice over the PA system announces that the flight from London to Miami is about to land.
PILOT (V.O.)
Ladies and gentlemen, this is your captain speaking. We are now approaching Miami International Airport. The local time is 9:22 a.m. and the temperature is 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Please remain seated with your seatbelts fastened until the seatbelt sign is turned off. Thank you for flying with us and enjoy your stay in Miami.
Jake opens his eyes and rubs them. He looks out the window and sees the blue sky and the ocean. He sighs and stretches his legs.
JAKE (V.O.)
I can't believe I'm doing this. Flying across the Atlantic for a job interview that could make or break my career. A job that involves wrestling and TV. Two things I love more than anything. Well, almost anything.
He takes out his phone and turns it on. He checks his messages and sees one from his girlfriend, LUCY (24).
LUCY (TEXT)
Hey babe, how was the flight? Did you get any sleep? Good luck with the interview, you'll do great! I miss you so much. Call me when you can. Love you xoxo
Jake smiles and texts back.
JAKE (TEXT)
Hey love, flight was long and boring. Got some sleep but not enough. Thanks for the good wishes, I need them. Miss you too. Will call you later. Love you more xoxo
He puts his phone away and looks around. The plane is full of passengers, mostly tourists and business people. He sees a couple of kids running up and down the aisle, a woman reading a magazine, a man watching a movie on his tablet.
JAKE (V.O.)
I wonder what they're all here for. Vacation? Work? Family? Maybe they're all going to the same place as me. The Whiskey Tango Studios. The home of the hottest wrestling show on TV. The show that I've been watching since I was a kid. The show that I've been dreaming of working for since I was a teenager.
He takes out his laptop and opens it. He has a folder with his resume, portfolio, and samples of his work as a writer and producer for various TV shows in the UK.
JAKE (V.O.)
I've worked hard to get here. I've paid my dues in the industry. I've written scripts for soap operas, sitcoms, dramas, reality shows. You name it, I've done it. But none of them gave me the satisfaction that wrestling does. Wrestling is more than just entertainment. It's art. It's storytelling. It's passion.
He clicks on a file that shows a video of him interviewing one of his favorite wrestlers, THE ROCK (45), at a press event in London.
JAKE (V.O.)
This was one of the best moments of my life. Meeting The Rock in person and asking him about his career, his movies, his advice for aspiring wrestlers and writers like me.
The video plays on his laptop screen.
JAKE (ON VIDEO)
So, Rock, what would you say to someone who wants to follow in your footsteps and become a wrestler or a writer for wrestling?
THE ROCK (ON VIDEO)
Well, first of all, I would say thank you for being a fan and for having such passion for this business. Second of all, I would say you have to work hard, be humble, be hungry, and be respectful of everyone who came before you and who will come after you.
The video cuts to Jake nodding and smiling.
JAKE (ON VIDEO)
That's awesome advice, Rock.
THE ROCK (ON VIDEO)
And third of all...
The Rock leans closer to Jake and raises his eyebrow.
THE ROCK (ON VIDEO)
...you have to know your role...
Jake gasps in excitement.
THE ROCK (ON VIDEO)
...and shut your mouth!
The Rock laughs and Jake joins him.
JAKE (ON VIDEO)
Oh my God! You just did it! You just did the catchphrase!
THE ROCK (ON VIDEO)
Of course I did! It's what I do!
The video ends with Jake shaking The Rock's hand and thanking him profusely.
JAKE (V.O.)
That was amazing. He was so cool and nice to me. He even gave me his autograph and took a selfie with me.
He closes his laptop and puts it back in his bag.
JAKE (V.O.)
But that was just a taste of what I want to do for real. I want to write for Whiskey Tango Wrestling. I want to create stories and characters that will make people laugh, cry, cheer, boo, feel something.
He looks out the window again and sees the plane descending towards the airport.
JAKE (V.O.)
And this is my chance to do it. This is my shot at making my dream come true.
He fastens his seatbelt and takes a deep breath.
JAKE (V.O.)
Whiskey Tango Wrestling...here I come.
FADE IN:
EXT. MIAMI INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT - DAY
The sun is shining brightly over the busy airport. A large passenger plane lands on the runway and taxis to the gate.
INT. PLANE - DAY
JAKE COHEN, 25, a scruffy and weary-looking man in a wrinkled suit, wakes up from his seat as the plane comes to a stop. He rubs his eyes and checks his phone. It's 9:32 AM.
He grabs his small cabin case from the overhead compartment and slings his laptop bag over his shoulder. He mumbles a "thanks" to the FLIGHT CREW as he shuffles off the plane.
EXT. PLANE - DAY
William steps out of the plane and is hit by the Miami heat. He squints as he adjusts to the bright sunlight. He follows other passengers down the flight steps and onto the runway.
INT. CUSTOMS - DAY
JAKE waits in line at the customs booth. He looks nervous as he approaches the CUSTOMS OFFICER, who scans his passport and asks him a few questions.
CUSTOMS OFFICER
What's the purpose of your visit, sir?
JAKE
Business.
CUSTOMS OFFICER
How long are you staying?
JAKE
Just a couple of days.
CUSTOMS OFFICER
Do you have anything to declare?
JAKE
No, nothing.
The customs officer nods and stamps his passport.
CUSTOMS OFFICER
Welcome to Miami, Mr. Cohen.
JAKE
Thank you.
JAKE breathes a sigh of relief as he walks away.
INT. BATHROOM - DAY
Jake enters the bathroom and washes his face at the sink. He tidies his hair and sprays some deodorant and cheap aftershave on himself. He brushes his teeth with a travel toothbrush and toothpaste. He looks at himself in the mirror and grimaces. He should have packed another suit or shirt, or something.
INT. ARRIVALS LOUNGE - DAY
Jake exits the bathroom and walks into the arrivals lounge of the airport. He scans the crowd for a sign with his name on it.
He spots three burly LATINO MEN standing together near the exit. One of them is holding a sign that reads "JAKE COHEN". The other two are wearing sunglasses and earpieces.
The three men notice JAKE and approach him with smiles. They shake his sweaty hand one by one.
RICARDO FUENTES DIAZ, 50s, a well-dressed lawyer and accountant, introduces himself.
RICARDO
Senor Cohen? I'm Ricardo Fuentes Diaz, I'm the lawyer and accountant for Mr. Alejandro Rivera. Mr. Rivera has arranged for you to be staying at The Villa Casa Casuarina down on South Beach for the duration of your visit.
WILLIAM
Nice to meet you, Ricardo. And these are...?
RICARDO
Oh, these are Mr. Rivera's associates. This is Carlos and this is Miguel.
CARLOS and MIGUEL nod but don't say anything.
JAKE
I see. Well, thank you for picking me up.
RICARDO
It's our pleasure, senor. Mr. Rivera is very eager to meet you and discuss business with you. He's expecting you at his office at noon.
JAKE
Okay, great.
RICARDO
Shall we go then?
JAKE
Sure, let's go.
Ricardo leads Jake to the exit, followed by Carlos and Miguel.
EXT. AIRPORT - DAY
Ricardo, Jake, Carlos, and Miguel walk out of the airport and head towards a black SUV parked outside.
Ricardo opens the passenger door for Jake.
RICARDO
Please, get in.
Jake gets in the SUV and buckles up.
Ricardo closes the door behind him and gets in the driver's seat.
Carlos and Miguel get in the back seat behind Jake.
Ricardo starts the engine and drives away from the airport.
INT./EXT. SUV - DAY
The SUV speeds along the highway
“No! No issues at all Mr Diaz. Isn’t that the former Versace Mansion?” I quizzed him. Ricardo seemed taken aback by my knowledge and started smiling.
“Indeed it is Mr. Cohen. Please don’t take offence. but I can see you’re a man of champagne taste, and beer money?”
I started chuckling at the comment. “None taken. I’d say more beer taste, and lemonade money.”
“Ah, I see. Well, I’m sure what was arranged with yourself over the phone, but Mr Rivera has mentioned that he will cover your expenses during your time here in Miami. Now, if you will follow me to the car. I’m sure we can stop off at a tailors along the way to get you a new suit. Mr. Rivera will be arriving at your suit around 4pm this afternoon. So when you get back, relax. Eat. Sleep.” replied Ricardo as he led me out of the airport and in to an immaculate deep red Bentley Flying Spur as we drive to the nearest tailors
Scene goes to commercial
INT. HOTEL SUITE - DAY
COHEN, a handsome but weary-looking man in his early twenties, is dressed in a charcoal suit. He checks himself in the mirror and adjusts his tie. He walks to the living room area of the suite, where a laptop and a coffee maker are on a table. He pours himself a cup of coffee and opens the laptop.
COHEN (V.O.)
I've never been a man of luxury. I grew up in a rough neighborhood, where you had to fight for everything you wanted. But when Alejandro Rivera called me and offered me a job as the head writer for his new wrestling company, I couldn't say no. He said he was impressed by my work as a journalist and a podcaster, and he wanted me to help him create something different. Something edgy. Something that would shake up the wrestling world.
He types "Alejandro Rivera" on Google and hits enter.
COHEN (V.O.)
The only problem is, I don't know much about him. Who is he? What is his story? What is his vision? He said he would explain everything in person, at this fancy hotel in downtown Miami. He booked me a suite and paid for my flight. He said he had some other guests he wanted me to meet. He said it was all part of his plan.
He scans the search results, but before he can click on anything, there is a knock on the door. He closes the laptop and walks to the door.
COHEN (V.O.)
Well, I guess this is it. Time to find out what this is all about.
He opens the door and sees BEN, a cheerful bellboy with a cart full of drinks and menus.
BEN
Good afternoon, Mr. Cohen. Sorry to bother you, but we tried calling you on your cell phone. Your guests have arrived.
COHEN
Oh, really? That was fast.
BEN
Yes, sir. They're waiting for you downstairs in the lobby. Shall I bring them up?
COHEN
Sure, sure. That would be great.
BEN
Very well, sir. I'll be right back with them. And here are some menus and drinks for you to enjoy.
COHEN
Thank you, Ben.
BEN
You're very welcome, sir.
BEN smiles and leaves with the cart. COHEN closes the door and takes a deep breath.
COHEN (V.O.)
Okay, Cohen. You can do this. You've been in this business for over a decade. You've interviewed some of the biggest names in wrestling. You've written some of the most controversial stories. You've got this.
He walks back to the living room and picks up one of the menus.
COHEN (V.O.)
Besides, how bad can it be? It's just a job interview. With some mysterious billionaire and his entourage. In a luxury hotel suite. In FL.
He flips through the menu and sees some expensive dishes and drinks.
COHEN (V.O.)
What could possibly go wrong?
He puts down the menu and picks up his coffee cup.
COHEN (V.O.)
Whiskey Tango Foxtrot...
He takes a sip of coffee and makes a face.
COHEN (V.O.)
...this is decaf.
INT. HOTEL SUITE - NIGHT
WILLIAM COHEN, a young and ambitious TV writer, enters the luxurious suite with RICARDO DIAZ, a slick and charming producer. They are greeted by BEN, a friendly hotel employee.
BENWelcome to the penthouse suite, gentlemen. I hope you enjoy your stay.
RICARDOThank you, Ben. You're very kind.
BENCan I get you anything? A drink? A snack?
RICARDONo, thank you. We're fine.
BENAlright then. I'll leave you to it. Have a good night.
BEN exits. RICARDO turns to WILLIAM and smiles.
RICARDOWilliam! Good to see you again.
He shakes WILLIAM's hand warmly.
WILLIAMHello, Mr. Diaz.
RICARDOMr. Cohen, I would love to introduce you to my boss, Mr. Alejandro Rivera.
WILLIAM's eyes widen as he waits for the big reveal. He hears a door open and turns to see ALEJANDRO RIVERA, a short and chubby man in a bright pink Hawaiian shirt, beige pants and brown shoes. He is wearing a fedora and sunglasses and is followed by two muscular bodyguards.
ALEJANDROAhh, Mr. Cohen. What a pleasure to finally meet you!
He takes off his sunglasses and hat and hugs WILLIAM tightly.
ALEJANDRO (CONT'D)How was the journey?
WILLIAMMr. Rivera! The pleasure is all mine. The journey was fine, thank you.
He tries to hide his disappointment and confusion.
WILLIAM (V.O.)This is the guy? The king of Miami? The visionary behind Whiskey Tango? He looks like a tourist who got lost on his way to Disneyland.
ALEJANDROI must admit, I'm very grateful for the suit, the room, and the generosity you've shown me already!
He releases WILLIAM and shakes his hand firmly.
ALEJANDRO (CONT'D)Is it OK to call you William?
WILLIAMThat's absolutely fine, Mr. Rivera.
ALEJANDROPlease, please. My name is Alejandro. Come on, let's sit and we can talk and order some food.
He leads WILLIAM and RICARDO to the living room area, where one of the bodyguards pours whiskey into glasses.
ALEJANDRO (CONT'D)Salud!
They toast and drink.
ALEJANDRO (CONT'D)So, let's cut to the chase, William. I'm a man who has a lot of pull in this beautiful city. I'm well respected. I love the bright neon lights. I love the beautiful Miami sunset. It takes me back to being a kid where I would see similar sights on the TV with Miami Vice, and even wrestling. Mi madre also loved telenovelas back then and I was hooked in. The glitz. The glamour. The violence. The storytelling. That's me, man. Yeah I watch wrestling now, but it's not the same. I want all three entities and mix them up. I saw the stuff you sent to me.
He pulls out a script from his bag and hands it to WILLIAM.
ALEJANDRO (CONT'D)This is brilliant, William. This is exactly what I'm looking for. Whiskey Tango is going to be the next big thing on TV.
ALEJANDRO: (smiling) My brother, Dario, once told me that running a wrestling company was easy. He said all you need is passion, vision and guts. Well, he was wrong. He's gone now, and he running a company in Mexico, and I'm the only one left to carry on our father's legacy. (He gestures to the table) That's why I hired you, Jake. You're the best writer in the business. You have a flair for creating compelling stories and characters. You have a knack for making wrestling exciting and unpredictable.
JAKE: (nodding) Thank you, Mr. Rivera. I appreciate the opportunity. I've always admired your work. You have a reputation for being innovative and daring. You're not afraid to take risks and challenge the status quo.
ALEJANDRO: (clapping) Exactly! That's what I like to hear. You see, Jake, I have a vision for a new wrestling company. A company that will revolutionize the industry. A company that will combine the best of both worlds: the athleticism and skill of USWF, and the drama and spectacle of WWA. A company that will appeal to fans all over the world, especially in Latin America and Europe.
JAKE: (intrigued) Wow. That sounds amazing. What's the name of the company?
ALEJANDRO: (grinning) Lucha Libre Elite.
JAKE: (impressed) I like it. It has a nice ring to it.
ALEJANDRO: (leaning in) And you know what else? I want you to be my head writer. I want you to be the creative force behind this company. I want you to work with me and help me make this dream a reality.
JAKE: (stunned) Me? Really?
ALEJANDRO: (nodding) Yes, you. You have what it takes, Jake. You have talent, passion and vision. Just like me.
RICARDO: (clearing his throat) Excuse me, boss. Jake. If I may interject for a moment.
ALEJANDRO: (annoyed) What is it, Ricardo?
RICARDO: (nervous) Well, boss, I don't mean to rain on your parade, but we have to be realistic here. We have money, yes, but we don't have unlimited resources. We have to be careful with how we spend it. We have to be smart and strategic.
ALEJANDRO: (sighing) Ricardo, Ricardo, Ricardo. Always so cautious and conservative. Don't you see? This is our chance to make history. This is our chance to change the game.
RICARDO: (shaking his head) Boss, I'm just trying to look out for you. For us. You know how tough the competition is out there. You know how ruthless they can be.
ALEJANDRO: (glaring) Who? Who are you talking about?
RICARDO: (swallowing hard) You know who I mean, boss.
JAKE: (confused) Who? Who are they talking about?
ALEJANDRO: (turning to Jake) Jake, let me ask you something. Have you done any research on me? Have you Googled me or read anything about me? Do you know who I am?
JAKE: (hesitant) Well...no...not really...Mr. Rivera.
ALEJANDRO: (laughing) Good! Good! That's good! Because ignorance is bliss, my friend. And trust me, you don't want to know too much about me or my family.
JAKE: (curious) Your family?
ALEJANDRO: (standing up) Yes, Jake. My family. The Cuetos. The most powerful and dangerous family in the world of wrestling. And now...you're part of it too.
(He hugs Jake tightly)
ALEJANDRO: Welcome to La Familia de Cueto. Welcome to Reyes del Mundo, and your the prince of this kingdom, while I reign, as its beneficiator behind the scenes.
Show ends..
2023.06.02 01:12 fearlessonline BOYS LIKE GIRLS will headline THE SPEAKING OUR LANGUAGE TOUR this fall in North America 🗣️
 | General sale starts June 2: https://found.ee/blg_web submitted by fearlessonline to fearlessrecords [link] [comments] https://preview.redd.it/zom7eygp8g3b1.jpg?width=1638&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=bdc802092bf140618d57f4187885f000c6a7a529 |
2023.06.02 01:11 Lazylightning69420 Evening Departure out of Salt Lake City in the BBJ2
 | Xbox Series X submitted by Lazylightning69420 to flightsim [link] [comments] |
2023.06.02 01:06 honeydewlover123 I need help! Which job should I take?
I am relocating to Salt Lake City and I have two (basically three) offers on the table for a full-time SLP position. I am newly CCCed and have experience within an outpatient setting at a smaller hospital (the only SLP in the general area). Here are the two offers:
Any advice is appreciated!
submitted by honeydewlover123 to slp [link] [comments]
- Preschool SLP within a large district that pays ~$63,000 for 190 days. Because I am relocating from a smaller area with a lower cost of living, I will have to get a second job. I was offered an inpatient PRN position at the children’s hospital that pays $42.45 per hour, with guaranteed hours on weekends and holidays. I’m a little worried about burnout, but that children’s hospital job would be incredible.
- Inpatient rehab within the same hospital system, but a full-time role with adults. This would be the same hourly rate, which would be $88,300 per year. Hours would be Wednesday-Friday and Wednesday-Sunday every other weekend. Basically 30 hou50 hour weeks. This stability and extra income would be VERY nice with our big move, and I’d also have the opportunity to also do some hours at the children’s hospital. But with working weekends already, it probably won’t be possible.
Any advice is appreciated!