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southeastasianists · 4 years

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The exhibition features interviews with 13 different luk khruengs, or half Thai people. The word “luk khrueng” literally translates to “child half.” The interview subjects discussed their ethnic and national identities, and relationships to Thai identity, nationalism, and culture.

“Luk Khrueng Generation” is an interractive exhibition through augmented reality (the combination of art and digital media), in which attendees used the app Artivive. Aline also screened her short documentary "Luk Khrueng Generation: On Being a ‘Half’ Thai.”

Aline’s work is often linked to identity issues such as gender, migration, cultural mix and heritage. She said that the exhibition was intended to explore how Thailand’s ideas about mixed race people have changed over time.

Luk khruengs first became a known reality in Thailand during the Vietnam war era in the 1960s and 70s, during which American GIs often came to Thailand during their breaks, and formed temporary relationships with Thai prostitutes. The children created from these relationships were then known as children of prostitutes, creating a stigma against luk khruengs.

As Thailand became more and more globalized, however, luk khruengs became increasingly common. Today, luk khruengs are often associated with Thailand’s entertainment industry. Luk khruengs of European descent in particular are often very successful in acting and modeling, due to Thailand’s beauty standards that value white skin and other Western features. Yet, stigma still exists, as luk khruengs are still often told that they are “not really Thai” and are often bullied in school.

Deschamp’s exhibition and documentary explore the experiences of luk khruengs living in modern-day Thailand.

When You Belong Nowhere

All of the interview subjects expressed feeling as though they belonged neither in Thailand, nor their other country of origin.

One subject, Veronica, 32, grew up in Italy. She said that in Italy, she was one of two half-Asian people in her school. She was called “Chinacena!” by people driving or walking by her. In Thailand, however, her own cousin called her “farang farang quinok,” or “foreigner foreigner bird’s poo.” Both these experiences, she said, were very alienating.

Another subject, Panyavee Phongsithai, a Thai-French artist, also recalled namecalling against her when she was growing up. She was called “pale monkey,” due to her fair skin. Since she had red hair, her teacher told her “You have to die your hair back, you cannot have red hair like this.” She then had to show her teacher photos of her family members in order to prove that her red hair is natural.

One half French man who did not reveal his name, 34, said that his cousin was forbidden from hanging out with him because he was “too white.”

Many subjects then note that, later on, being a luk khrueng seemed to suddenly become trendy and hip.

Odette Jacqumin, a Thai-French luk khrueng, said, “Out of the blue, people started pointing at luk khruengs [saying] ‘You are cute! You are pretty!’ No one really understands how it happened, but it exploded as a phenomenom.” This was in stark contrast to the bullying that Odette experienced as a child, when no one at school wanted to be her friend because she was a luk khrueng.

For luk khruengs with darker skin, however, discrimination often continues into adulthood. Aaron Warner, who is half Thai half Carribean, and from London, said that his sister wanted an English teaching job in Thailand. She had an interview for one position, which went well. After the interview, however, the employer told her, “We’re sorry, but we prefer someone with a white face.”

Other luk khruengs with dark skin, however, say that this attitude is also changing. One subject, Sukanya Sesenyat, who is half South African, and also has dark skin. Sukanya is a model. She said, “In terms of opportunities, Thailand opened up a lot recently. Especially for black people. So I get a lot more work opportunities because it’s rare to find black Thai models. Now there is much more diversity than before, the situation is improving.”

Participants’ Reactions

Many audience members were luk khruengs themselves, and said that they felt the interview subjects’ experiences resonated with them.

One woman, Airin, 17, who is mixed Thai and Chinese, said that she experienced some teasing in school for being Chinese, however, that it was not very serious.

Stefan Crucifix, 38, who is half French, said, “I can’t be in either place for too long. When I’m in France for too long, I need Thailand. When I’m in Thailand too long, I need France. I need both.”

Stefan Rustler, 31, who is half German, said, “I think what we all have in common is that journey that I myself am part of, in trying to find out who you are and where you belong. Of course I belong to Germany, but there are many things that are not German about me where I have some friction here and there, and maybe feel more comfortable in Thailand. Yet I’m also not a local to Thailand, so in a way I’m a foreigner everywhere. But I’m like, embracing this, that I don’t fully 100 percent belong anywhere, but I like that. I think many luk khruengs have this struggle, and, many have made peace with this, and have made this part of their identity, that there is this constant struggle, but it’s a beautiful struggle. It’s symbolic of our globalized world and I think we can be ambassadors of multiculturalism and building bridges between different cultures.”

A Resolved Identity?

In her description of the exhibition, Aline said that this project was a part of her own quest for identity. Prachatai English asked Aline if this had culminated in anything. Aline said, “Yes, looking for other people to tell their story definitely responded in that quest for identity, because I think identity is what you choose to make it. It’s not about genetics, it’s just the culture you’re playing with, and seeing that I’m not the only one to be alone in many ways, and so many people experience exactly the same things, helped me to actually be okay with both sides. And really feel it’s [being a luk khrueng] is something enriching, rather than something to be ashamed of or reject. As the world becomes more globalized, more mixed people are gonna come in the next generation. So I think everyone should embrace those two sides.”

#Southeast Asia #Thailand #Art #Luk Khrueng #Identity

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misadventures-phan-can · 4 years

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Chapter 3 - Toothless

The long awaited and thrilling Chapter 3 is here!

Sorry it took a while...

As Tommy went about her day as described in the first chapter, other things were simultaneously underway across the city that would’ve very much pricked her intrigue. If she’d known, of course. As it stands, she did not, and instead had to deal with unpleasant customers and a teasing employer. We now return to our doggish Lieutenant at the start of his day, and the events that led him to Melder’s great capital.

By Meldarian standards, it was the morning of a new Cycle when they reached Trader City. Cpt. Skewlls had explained that technically, this was not true. A Cycle was simply a means to divide time, he’d said as they leisurely flew through the planet’s atmosphere towards the capital; a means to divide a planetary day that lasted a Standard Galactic week and then some. When met with the surprised and, in some cases, horrified expressions of his crew the Dhuuma cackled, green eyes catching the light from the closest navigation console and shining like an animal’s. Yes, he’d continued, two-thirds of the week triplet suns shone something horrible down on the populace, and somewhere in the middle, it goes dark for roughly three Galactic days. Two extremes, with only some reprieve during the 12-some Galactic hours it took for the suns to set and rise once more.

“You’re somewhat lucky, pup.” Sharp teeth glinted behind the Captain’s playful grin, making the short hairs of Lieutenant Famillion’s neck prick uncomfortably. He was never quite settled around the Captain, no matter how much he trusted and respected the man, especially when he bore that expression and used that tone. It usually meant he spoke of equivocations whilst holding some sort of cleaning tool behind his back, readying to spring chores upon his crew unexpectedly.

“What do you mean?" He asked, nervously eyeballing the closet, which held all of the maintenance equipment. Surely not, his Captain wouldn't be so cruel as to- "It means you have less time in the sun, no chance of becoming a hot dog.”

The Captain’s amused voice brought the Mimic’s attention back to him, but the Lieutenant didn't hold his gaze for very long. The rest of the crew’s giggles, most prominently Jaylin’s, died out steadily; Cpt. Skewlls’ wicked grin fading with them as they all turned back to their stations. The mood which they’d labored so hard to lift fell muted once more, just like all previous attempts. The shadowy Captain drifted over to his Lieutenant from the central station, silent like a ghostly mist creeping over the deck. Silent enough that Canis started when he felt a hand on his shoulder, head snapping around to see the Captain holding out a sponge and grinning a bit too toothily. The Lieutenant’s nose scrunched and his lip curled at the biting smell of vinegar-soap emanating from the sponge, and he looked up to meet Cpt. Skewlls gaze with wide eyes and furrowed brows. When his superior’s grin only widened with amusement, he understood- face falling into a grimace.

“What, really? Now? I thought you were just joking!”

“Of course not,” The Captain’s eyes glimmered a merry, mischievous green at Canis’ tone of sheer desperation. “Now, now, don’t worry. The rest of the Jester’s will be at it as well.” The others groaned, collectively slumping at their stations. Cpt. Skwells merely rolled his eyes.

“Come on now. Chip-Chop.” He clapped. “We’ll be arriving shortly and I want this cabin shining so much that I can see my non-existent reflection in the breaker-boxes.” The Captain made sure to stand there and watch until they’d gotten up to gather supplies, then simply turned away and let them get on with their distraction. That’s what it was, and most realized it even as they happily settled down into the routine of cleaning. Joe stood at the closet and passed out the equipment- a broom to Ezio, a mop to Jaylin, and finally, the "dust-sticker stick" was handed to Canis- along with a bucket of vinegar-based product for the polishing sponge later.

And clean they did, until the call to get back to their stations and initiate Ramp-Landing procedures came over the high speaker. Despite the distraction, the cabin remained muted. Canis went through the motions, calling out positions and checking conditions on the outside of the locomotive as if he were merely watching from afar as someone piloted his movements. He tried to satisfy his aching chest by recalling all the good times, all their accomplishments- and all the tough times that brought them ever-closer. It failed miserably and only made his heart hurt more, a bitter taste spoiling his tongue. The Lieutenant didn’t want to go, didn’t want to leave his ridiculous crew and his questionable-but-kind Captain. He knew the others wanted him to stay too, they kept glancing his way and he could tell exactly what they felt about this separation, even as they made their last descent.

"So… I guess this is it.” Once the jostling of a smooth, ramp-assisted landing ceased, and the elegant Casino Royale was parked in her bay, the crew sat in telling silence. The Mimic looked quickly away from his station’s screens, away from the shifting hot-red world outside that made his eyes water, and let his gaze sweep through the cabin to meet the eyes of his four other crewmates. He cracked a small grin, hesitant, biting his lip before he spoke again. “After you lot buy me a drink of course."

"We'll send you off with a nice swig o’ milk." Cpt. Skewlls smirked after another moment, teeth glinting as sharp as his eyes as he spoke. “After all, wouldn’t want our doggy officer getting poisoned with his last drink with the Jesters.”

"Ahah! Milk is as bad as alcohol for dogs, because, dogs! Again! Unlike Mimics! Again! Are lactose intolerant!" Canis huffed in mock annoyance, cheekily tutting as if disappointed in the Captain’s refusal to remember. “I am a Mimic, therefore, bring on the booze bitches.” He spread his arms wide, daring the Captain with a sheepish grin.

In the meantime, the crew had moved towards the door. Ezio stood in the corner, already anticipating the eminent jaunt into the infamous Trader City. He followed the conversation with slight bewilderment, eyebrows hiking ever further up as, finally, he looked to Jaylin, then to Joe for an explanation. The Tobitoan saw Canis' smug-looking face, wondering if all of these facts were meant to confuse, or were indeed legitimate. To the short Commander standing at his left, he leaned over and stage-whispered behind a raised hand, “Have we been… feeding our Mimic poison? Is synth-milk really that bad for him??”

"I don’t think he’d lie?" Jaylin didn’t know any more than he did and seemed to be just as confused, watching their Captain smirk and advance on Canis curiously.

"But… the whole… synth-milk in a saucer thing! The yogurt treats! Dogs are mammals, aren’t they?? Mammals drink milk. From their ma’s. Right?"

The other Tobitoan Lieutenant looked back at his counterpart, who met his gaze and winked in a comically forced manner. Joe merely shrugged. “The Lieutenant is not a Dog.”

Canis, who was most definitely not of the class Mammalia, curled his lips into a grin that showed far too much tooth to be all that innocent. “See, now the whole crew thinks I’m a common mutt!” He nudged their Captain, now standing to his right, with an elbow. “Except Joe of course, because Joe is the best person here.” At this point, they had all migrated from their stations into the antechamber of the engine, waiting for one of the Sub-Lieutenants in the wagons to give the ‘O.K.’ to open the airlock.

"I've been a bird owner my whole life, really, my family owned a Rockroc. I wouldn’t be able to tell you much." Jaylin provided with a shrug, sending an apologetic grin to a still-befuddled Ezio.

"You don’t say?" Lieutenant-Commander Joe perked up. He’d always wondered about those birds, it had been rumored that only a handful had ever been tamed, most notably the one that’d made its perch upon the shoulder of that one infamous space pirate. Hemlock? Herlock? Something like that, concluded Joseph, who came from a small moon of an even smaller solar system, the news of which, before he’d joined the SDF, had consisted solely of the occasional old, drunk spacemen’s yarn.

"Yes," the Cpt. Skewlls interrupted sharply, fingers snapping once to set the wandering thoughts of his crew back to the task at hand. Jaylin and Ezio straightened up so quickly from their semi-conspirative hunches that their spines cracked, and Joe, well. Joe, who’d been paying attention no matter how distant and birdish his thoughts became, only set his expression into something altogether sterner with barely a twitch of his lips.

“Yes, the milk thing is true. Moving on now,” The Captain glared momentarily at the youngest Lieutenant, blaming him in full for this quick, albeit appreciated, digression.

“We’re heading to the nearest pub, which I believe is the Dustdog, off-duty, and we’re getting drunk. The Sub-Lieutenants and the deckhands will join us once they finish up with things here at Royale. Catch is, we only have 3 hours or so to do it, so tab is on me.” Half the ranking officers present were near-vibrating in anticipation. Then the Captain’s tone dropped suddenly, dangerously- the antechamber became visibly darker, and green sparks- tricks of the light, they didn’t really exist, or did they?- danced in the corners of the mortal crew’s perception. “However, if one of you show any, and I mean any sign of inebriation whatsoever when we check in with HQ, you will regret it.” The oppressive darkness disappeared as abruptly as it had come, and the ‘fearless’ ones took a breath of relief. Cpt. Skewlls merely grinned something akin to a shark and clapped his hands in delight. “Perfect!”

The call to unlock the bulkhead rung loud above their heads, timed near-perfection with the Captain, as most things were on the Casino Royale.

“Okay humans- and Mimic- Let’s go hit the bar at a planetary hour that would shock most and completely offend others!”

"I'll just start off slow, I think,” hummed Canis, voice smooth and languid, almost whimsical. The Dustdog, despite the local hour, bustled with the sight, smell and energy of a couple of dozen patrons. Most either with keen business interests on the planet or simply waiting out a stop-over on their way somewhere else. Some species the young Lieutenant could recognize, while some were completely foreign and drew his gaze, eyes blown wide and sparkling with unguarded curiosity. Scents rushed to clog his nostrils, the air sweet with sweat and a pungent fruity aroma, toned with earthy malts and fermented brews. Something rancid and bitter seemed to be emanating from a couple pitchers on the bar counter, probably some sort of local drink. Lights flashed, music played a bit too loudly, the rhythm buzzing in his ears like the low, throaty yowl of a Hellcat back home. Swallowing a lump that had risen in his throat, the Mimic tore his attention away from the patrons and back to the Jesters, looking to them as they gathered around the doorway. Eventually they all stood in the entrance with matching, stupidly large grins spreading across both Jaylin and Ezio’s faces. Joe, calm as ever, scoped the bar out with a few sharp-eyed glances and then turned to his crewmates.

"Starting slow is good advice, I say we all follow it. ‘Ey Jay? Ezio?" He teasingly nudged the shorter Commander and earned a finger-flick for his troubles. It never hurt to urge the youth to be responsible, no matter how futile the effort.

Ezio, with a hearty slap on the back which nearly knocked the Mimic lieutenant off-balance, dismissed the very notion with a careless wave of the hand. "And where's the fun in that? Use that nose of yours.” He spoke straight to Canis. “Drinks are on the captain. We either all get plastered or we all wallow in a pitcher of sadness- there’s none of this designated driver bullsh-” He cut himself off when he glanced Joe’s expression. “Look, ok, the Captain can’t even get drunk, there is no reason we can’t do this-”

"Oh, my Telyris- Is that peanut butter?" Canis distractedly interrupted Ezio’s fumbling, saving the Tobitoan from an early grave and earning his endless gratitude. Paying him no attention, Canis pardoned himself with a mumbled word and zeroed in on the scent of the delightful treat he hadn’t had since leaving the SDF’s HQ. However, he did not expect the form in which he found his favorite snack; as he not-so-subtly passed around the table where four small shots of creamy, golden liquor had been served, he slowly realized that they were the source of the peanut butter. Eventually one of the occupants of the table realized he was there, and half-drunkenly told him what they were drinking, among other things. The lieutenant, now flushed deep blue at the ears, scurried off to track down his crewmates and order the first round of what would be quite a few, not dissuaded from his goal despite the minor hiccup.

He caught sight of the Captain first, sat at the counter sipping something strong and clear. The Dhuuma’s sharp gaze swept across the room, watching the patrons with the languid intrigue of a cat perched on a window sill, viewing that morning’s selection of finches at the birdfeeder. He met his lieutenant’s eyes, nodded, and promptly turned back to observing the bar-goers.

Much to Jaylin’s frustration, as for the first time that night she had to admit defeat and put down her hand. The luxury cards had shown a glorious green and black, bearing not a scratch or fold. Until a few weeks ago she’d merely use the cheapest cards money could buy, however Cpt. Skwells had decided that his favorite and only card-playing crew-member could not use such a drab set. She was, in fact, the only one in the whole of the SDF who had not yet given up on the absurd notion of, one day, defeating the Demon King of Black Jack himself. Jaylin’s determination brought a faint smile upon the Captain’s face, and he put his drink down to reshuffle the cards for another game. They were going to be there for a while, and the scene brought up tender memories of the Lieutenant’s first couple of weeks on the force. He’d learned his lesson on his second night with the Jesters, and soundly beaten he’d never tried his luck at poker ever again. Ezio would try once in a blue moon or when he was too drunk to know any better, in both instances resulting in solid losses that the rest would tease the poor Tobitoan with for weeks thereafter.

Joe was the only one who ever came close to beating the Captain, though he rarely played- much to the later’s deep, continuous chagrin.

Shaking off the creeping melancholy, the Mimic quickly searched for Joe and Ezio, knowing both would probably be together and saving a seat for him. Once he spotted them Canis quickly put in his order with the bartender, changing his mind from shots to an individual tumbler; seeing as everyone already seemed to have their drinks. That accomplished, he made his way over to the duo.

Joe, and with him Ezio, had taken a quieter seat at the end of the booze-stained counter and altogether not too far from Jaylin and the Captain. Canis perched on the stool to Joe’s right, watching curiously as the bartender approached the small group. With a quick glance around, he realized both his companions had yet to order and a smirking grin pulled at his lips.

“So Joe, wha’cha gonna get? Milk? Water?” The Mimic snickered, Ezio’s eyebrow curving up in what seemed like surprise. The Tobitoan seemed about to correct his younger colleague, but the bartender interrupted him, flatly asking for their order whilst simultaneously placing Canis’ drink on the sticky countertop in front of him. He took a sip of it, savoring the creamy, artificially flavored peanut-buttery delicacy as he watched and waited for Joe’s reply with mischievously twinkling eyes.

“I would like an Argyenian Basilisk Spritz, please an’ thank ya’ ma’am.” Canis sputtered, half his drink spat back into the tumbler as he turned to stare at Joe in wide-eyed shock. “Wh-what??” Ezio snickered, in turn ordering himself a local Meldarian brandy he’d never heard of out of pure curiosity. The bartender left without sparing them a second look, and Canis was left reeling.

"No! Seriously? Joe? What in Tyr’s nation-??”

Joe smirked, shrugging in a sort of smug nonchalance that had the Mimic even more confused and looking to Ezio for answers. He merely laughed, shaking his head in amusement and eyes glowing warm with mirth.

“That’s right, we never brought you to a bar before- My man here, Joe-” He clapped his partner on the shoulder, grinning, “-can hold his liquor like no one’s business. He doesn’t look it cuz he gives everyone the impression of a man who dines with his grandma every Sunday.” Joe’s harrumph at that had Ezio backpedaling, holding his hands up in a gesture of surrender. “Look, not that that’s a bad thing Marge is the nicest woman I know-” the Tobitoan turned back to Canis, “point is, don’t judge a book by its cover eh? Joe may look like the goodiest two shoes you ever did meet but he did some crazy sh-”

“That’s enough o’ that there now,” Joe warned, but he had a look in his warm brown eyes that had Ezio rolling his eyes and sighing. “Fineee. One day Joe, one day…” Pondering over what that could mean with a bemused half-smile, Canis turned to check in on the other two just in time to catch them making their way over. In lieu of greeting, Captain Skwells jutted his chin at the tumbler in front of the lieutenant. “What do you got there Lieutenant Famillion?” The tips of Canis’ ears warmed, and he just knew they were flushed blue in embarrassment.

“It’s a Reeses Meeses.” He muttered, much to everyone’s delight. They shared a laugh, Ezio cackling as he answered, “Peanut butter eh? That’s a start of a bad joke right there, ya know. Dog goes to a bar, followed by a cat and a Dhumma-” he jutted a thumb at the Captain mischievously, “Dog orders peanut butter, cat gets milk and the Dhumma orders a can of gasoline-”

Canis interrupted him before the Captain could, blowing the dark-haired Tobitoan a raspberry. “I’m not a dog! Again! Can’t relate.”

“You’re canine-like, and you have this weird fixation on peanut butter- that’s enough for me.”

A firm cough disrupted the argument before it could start in earnest, the Lieutenant biting his tongue to hold back his rebuke and glaring at Ezio’s smug grin before all attention was directed to the Captain. Simultaneously, the bartender arrived with Joe and Ezio’s drinks, darting away just as quick to serve a group of rowdy patrons who had just come in.

The corners of Cpt. Skwells’ eyes crinkled as a pleased grin spread across his face, and with an approving nod at the new refreshments took up his own glass and held it in front of him. The rest of the seated crew took the cue and grabbed their own, waiting anxiously for whatever their beloved Captain was about to say.

“Well, while I would have liked to be able to get properly plastered with you all- not that these words will ever be repeated, mind you, in a professional setting-” he met each of their eyes carefully, and as that bright, swirling green gaze passed over him, the young Lieutenant felt the small hairs at the back of his neck prick up warily, on instinct.. “-It is to my great displeasure that I am forced to announce this round- our first- must also be our last. We do not have as much time as initially thought, so let this speech be brief.” The Captain’s attention turned solely to the Mimic, grin shortening into his everyday smirk. “It was a pleasure to work with you, Ltn. Canis Lycaon Latran Lupis Famillion. You worked hard and played hard, fit right in with this band o’ misfits. Your first few years were hilarious, best entertainment I’ve had since Joe and Ezio began to crush on each other.”

Both parties sputtered, but the dhuuma’s teasing grin was enough for them to keep their complaints unspoken. The Captain continued without acknowledging them, his expression schooling into something more solemn, smirk tightening into something more mature. Canis’ back straightened, and he stood taller. He was now being addressed by The Captain. Not Cpt. Skwells, not even Ethan- but one of the most respected and infamous captains of the SDF.

“You are, and forever will be, a valued member of Jester Platoon. Call on us and we will be there, I will be there. You will always have a place with us, Lieutenant.”

The young mimic’s eyes stung, but he could not discern whether it was due to the pungent odors in the air or the assurances given to him by his Captain. He did not want to know which it was, either. He only managed a nod back, unable to speak.

From the sidelines, there came a snort and suddenly Jaylin barreled her way forward to fasten herself around the Lieutenant.

“Group Hug!” She proclaimed, quickly being followed by all the crew with the exception of the Captain. They remained like that a moment, Canis holding on to his friends, cheeks mysteriously wet as the others pulled away to reclaim their glasses. Cpt. Skwells waited for them to be ready before lifting his own tumbler with a sharp grin. “To Lieutenant Canis! May we many more successful missions together, and may he finally find his beloved peanut butter!”

Somehow, one round turned into three before the Captain, the only one still and forever sober, wrangled his crew towards the docks. Canis had followed them, the good-byes had been long and tearful until finally, all that was left for him to wave at was the dark-red smudge of the Casino Royal ascending through the atmosphere.

Not that he would remember much, as he stumbled off to find shade during the hottest time of the Meldarian day. As it was, Canis found an alley to crash in and nap- mind fuzzy and body heavy from alcohol, until his thoughts were clear enough to explore and find his bearings. Propped against some building’s wall, the mimic felt his eyelids droop, his last wistful thoughts wondering about the crew that he had just left behind...

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3 (You are here)

Chapter 4 (Coming)

#MoP&D #chasing phantoms #Chapter 3 #Toothless #CanisLLLFamillion #JesterPlatoon #Phantom K. F.#Space Pirate Captain Harlock #Captain Harlock #fanfiction #galaxy railways #SDF #leijiverse

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withastolenlantern · 4 years

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The brown fields of the western midlands sped by in a near blur as the train left the Birmingham conurbation and passed into rural Herefordshire. It was mid-autumn now, and the harvests completed. The apple orchards had all been picked clean of their fall fruits and sent off to market or crushed and juiced into seasonal ciders. Small herds of sheep meandered in their pastures, grazing at grass now browned as the weather cooled towards winter, their coats grown out to guard against the chill.

The one thing she didn’t see much of was people. Britain proper was prosperous, of course; the pound sterling still traded at the world’s highest exchange rates. The UK parliament had balked at the prospect of a unified currency, and so the rand and various dollars had remained, although pegged at a fixed rate relative to the central denomination. But in due course, the farmers and farriers had all migrated away from the rural midlands and taken up new employment as merchants and marketers in the more urban centers. The land was still fertile here, for some time at least, but now it belonged to the machines. The drone tractors and tillers and threshers were all idled now under barn roofs or lean-tos, their summer works finished, as if resting before taking up winter duty as plows or salt-trucks come the snows. Prayers to Demeter or Aine had been replaced with swears at Deere and AGCO, although they often carried the same futility. Even the bees had been replaced, after the great dying; their tiny buzzing wings now traded for the low hum of rotors as their simulacra flitted about carrying pollen and confusing predatory birds.

As they passed Gloucester and into Wales, the River Severn emptied into Bristol Channel and she could see all the way out to the Atlantic. The seas had risen here too, of course, as no effort of man could yet hold back them back, but Britain was largely immune from the worst. London had been bulwarked for a thousand years against the flooding of the Thames, and the port cities all braced or barricaded against the advancing surf. Wind and tidal generators dotted the horizon all around the coast, turning Nature’s fury into man’s gain. Britannia rule the waves, indeed. Some seaside properties had moved; the poorer communities had to relocate inland, and the new littoral real estate was gobbled up and repurposed into pricy condominiums or resorts for upper class holidays. The ports, again as vital to commerce as ever in earlier centuries, had multiplied, their piers expanding out over the breakers like the long fingers of industry stretching over a swirled tumbler of gin.

The train pulled into Cardiff station and Chatham exited into the station, grabbing some take-away kebab and sitting down at a wrought-iron table to take stock of her situation. The meeting with her superiors had not gone well, and she replayed the events in her head as she considered her options.

DCI Ratnayaka was supportive, at least, but they were joined in his office by a liaison from the Home Office. Whoever he was, he’d been introduced by both name and title, but she couldn't be bothered. They were all interchangeable, the bureaucrats, at least in her experience. She'd been to Westminster once to receive her Military Cross; it reminded her of a giant ant colony in both form and function, and that was before she'd been paraded around like a prized crumb stolen from Grandmama’s biscuit cupboard. The fellow might as well have been Undersecretary for the Ministry of Peace for all it would matter to her; she wouldn’t waste the effort, and anyway she was sure the relevant details had already been transmitted to her mobile. Much like those ants, she was apt to find the bureaucracy exactly where she least wanted it.

She’d recounted the details as best she could recall, and explained her concerns given the situation she’d found below deck and the deadly potential. Clearly further investigation was needed, and the Lord Swansea should be called before a HeRMES inquiry panel.

The government’s man was unswayed. It was a time of great economic distress, his counter-argument had gone, and the Government was leaning heavily on major players like the Ross Consortium to assist them in navigating the increasingly new fiscal reality. Besides, His Majesty had a personal stake in the Ross board, and it would not do for Him to be associated with untoward activities, especially of a potentially terrorist nature. The tabloids would have a field day. No, MI5 could control the message via the social networks; better to leave it alone, and stick to the cover story, than risk what might become an… indelicate investigation.

“What about the lives of the men in the skiffs?” she asked, barely masking her contempt. “Or does their indelicacy not rate investigation?”

“The pirates and smugglers? Hardly,” the Home Office man replied. “Good riddance to bad rubbish.”

“And you’re not at all concerned about the fact that we found some kind of uncontrolled toxin in Ross crates?” she said.

“My concern, Detective,” he said, chewing on her title as if it were a crisp, “is that you and Leftenant Ayobe disabled terrorists carrying weapons and illicit drugs. The world is an increasingly dangerous place, but your brave actions represent the type of inter-service collaboration that His Majesty’s father envisioned when the Union was formed, God rest his soul.”

“Yes, and I’m sure The Old Ginger would be thrilled to know his progeny was using it for political gain.”

“Detective!” her superior snapped. “Decorum, please.”

Home Office waved him off. “Your concerns are not without merit. DCI Ratnayaka argued strongly for your character and your experience in certain… high profile investigations. Given that input, the Government will allow you to continue your investigation as it relates to stolen, and,” he paused for dramatic effect, “potentially hazardous Ross goods.”

Chatham started to object, but her governor raised an eyebrow from across the desk, beckoning her to remain seated.

“You will not mention terrorism to any party. You will forward any findings outside of your jurisdiction, which includes only crimes against His Majesty’s Government or its Citizens, directly to myself and MI6. And above all, you will be discrete,” the Government’s man said with finality, rising to leave the office.

“We’ve arranged for you to meet with Lord Swansea at the Ross headquarters tomorrow,” Ratnayaka said, hoping to defuse the situation.

“And one more thing, Detective – you and Leftenant Ayobe are to be honored for your service at a ceremony at the Ministry of Defense,” Home Office continued, “on the week-end. Obviously you will be on your best behavior,” he cautioned, before closing the office door behind him.

“Fokken idioot,” Chatham swore breathlessly towards the door. She blushed as she realized her superior was still sitting at his desk, glaring. “Sorry, sir.”

“What am I going to do with you?” he asked quietly, sighing.

“The same thing you’ve always done,” the detective replied, flashing a faux-smile.

“Be careful with this one, Detective. I’d advise you not cross the powers that be, but I know you likely won’t listen. I don’t know what it is that drives you to this disrespect for authority that you cultivate, but mark my words, one day it will get you into trouble that neither I nor your record will get you out of. I just pray it’s not the kind that comes staring down the barrel of a gun,” the chief inspector cautioned.

She gathered her things and stood to leave, lingering briefly in the doorway. “I’ve been shot before, gov,” she scoffed. “Can’t say I’d much like to relive that experience, either.”

She’d boarded the train then, straight away, to return back to Cardiff, where it had all begun. She still had no idea who had called in the tip about the gun-runners, but HeRMES had been investigating arms trafficking into the Subcontinent for several months, and when the informant had mentioned there’d been a possible theft of Ross property, her governors saw a fortuitous opportunity. She’d been stationed in Wales since mustering out of the SBS; having made her peace with her father’s untimely demise, she felt she owed it to him and herself to return to the other half of her ancestral homeland.

Her Welsh was terrible but she found the climate more amenable to her complexion, and the pace of life significantly slower than the crowded streets of Cape Town. HeRMES was happy to oblige, as they’d needed someone to take up the Welsh region; the office still carried a reputation as a “backwater” even though its economy had been carried forward with the rest of the Union’s. The British crown had claimed the Welsh marshes for nearly as long as it had existed, and even though they’d mined out all the coal years ago, the Union’s industrial backbone still ran through the Brecon Beacons, whether Westminster remembered it or not.

She missed her mother, some days, but the SAR was only a holo away, and she hadn’t left behind any real friends when she’d left. Not that she’d made any here, or in university, or the service. There’d been colleagues and workplace proximate acquaintances; of course she would have, and in fact had, taken a bullet for any of her fellow soldiers. Along the way there’d even been brief affairs and lovers, men and women and whatever in between, but none so serious as to tether her in time or space. No, she was alone here, just herself and the spectre of her father, when she let herself acknowledge it, and that was how she liked it.

Can’t be disappointed if there’s no one to disappoint you, she thought to herself, huddling in the doorway of the station as a light, cold rain fell onto the streets outside. Tightening her coat around her shoulders, she stepped out into the drizzle long enough to jump into the first empty black cab she saw. The detective spoke aloud the address and the cab sped off toward her flat, throwing gentle splashes across the pedestrian walks as it rumbled through the late afternoon storm.

She sat in the car and composed herself after the long day, smoothing the strands of her hair that had come free in the rain and loosening the tie on her uniform. The route from the station took the cab down the A432 passed the dockyards, and she could see several tall Ross crates and containers, the crimson R stenciled prominently, being maneuvered throughout the gantries by the drone lifts, and it gave her an idea. She paged through the contacts list on her mobile, laughing quietly to herself as a particular name scrolled past. Opening a text dialogue, she typed out a message of exactly the type Ratnayaka had cautioned her against. “Flynn: I need a favor.”

#these two things are linked strongly in my brain for whatever reason #in case you ever wondered what it's like inside that dark cavern of crazy #the world ocean #long post

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euniceandmii · 2 years

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Assassin's Creed, Game VS Film

We now know that strong dialogue and well-developed characters is what supports a story. However, I want to explore how dialogue translates over from games to films. A perfect way to do this is to use a game that has, in fact, been adapted to a feature length film. For this, I will explore Assassin’s Creed, the 2016 film and the original game (2007) of the same name. The Assassin’s Creed is a highly successful franchise that has grown an immensely loyal fanbase, with 12 main games, 17 spin-off games and a collection of short films. It is no surprise that the franchise also spawned a feature length film with a star-filled cast. Members of the cast include Michael Fassbender, Marion Cotillard and Brendan Gleeson. So as you can tell, there was a lot of pressure to ensure this film was true to the original game.

Ironically, the film seems to branch off its own story but after watching the first 18 minutes, I finally found a scene that had similarities to the game’s initial introductory scene.

In the film, our protagonist, Callum (played by Michael Fassbender) is sentenced to death but wakes up in a research facility, his death faked by the company. He is put into a machine called the Animus, which unlocks his genetic memories.

The dialogue proceeds as: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C4Nv0V6U2Z8&t=21s

CALLUM: What are these?

SOFIA: Assume final preparations. Our regression, Andaluca, 1492. Record everything.

SCIENTIST: Arms ready.

CALLUM: What is this?

SOFIA: I’m sorry, Cal. This is not the way I like to do things.

CALLUM: Then don’t do it.

SOFIA: Insert epidural.

CALLUM: What do you want from me?

SOFIA: Your past. Listen to me carefully, Cal. You’re about to enter the Animus. What you are about to see, hear and feel, are the memories of someone who has been dead for 500 years.

CALLUM: Wait a minute.

SOFIA: You can’t change what happens, Cal. Engage scanner. Status?

SCIENTIST: Scanning DNA chains. Searching for time frame. First memory match locked.

In the game, the original scene plays out almost the same but with slight differences: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GmWOH5UdJeE&t=257s

Lucy: Are you okay?

Vidic: I told you he'd be fine.

Desmond: Bastards!

Vidic: Now, now. I just saved your life.

D: Saved my life?! You kidnapped me! Strapped me into that... thing!

V: Animus. It's an Animus.

D: I don't even know you people! Why are you doing this to me?!

V: You have information we need, Mr. Miles.

D: Information?! I'm a bartender for chrissakes! What do you want me to do?

Teach you how to mix a martini?!

V: We know who you are... what you are.

D: I don't know what you're talkin' about.

V: Don't play coy with me... there isn't time. You're an Assassin. And whether

you realize it or not, you've got something that my employers want. Locked

away in that head of yours.

D: But I'm not an Assassin. Not anymore.

V: Yes... your file indicated as much... something about an "escape." Most

fortunate for us.

D: What do you want from me?

V: For you to do as you're told. The Animus will allow us to locate what we

need. Once we have it, you'll be free to go.

D: I am not goin' back in there!

V: Then we'll induce a coma and continue our work. When we're done, you'll be

left to die. Truth be told, the only reason you're still conscious is

because this approach saves us time.

D: You're insane!

V: So what is it, Mr. Miles? Live, or die? Lie down.

A wise decision.

D: Whoa... where am I?

V: You're inside the Animus.

D: Which is...?

V: It's a projector which renders genetic memories in three dimensions.

D: Genetic memories...

V: Seems you'll need a bit of a tutorial... very well. Let's start simple.

What is a memory, Mr. Miles?

D: It's the... recollection of a past event.

V: ...specific to the individual remembering the event.

D: Yeah, sure.

V: What if I told you the human body not only housed an individual's memories,

but the memories of his ancestors as well? Genetic memory, if you will. (A

bird is shown.) Migration, hibernation, reproduction... how do animals know

when and where to go? What to do?

D: That's just animal instinct.

V: Now you're arguing semantics, Mr. Miles. Whatever you call it, the fact

remains. These creatures hold the knowledge absent the first-hand

experience. I've spent the last thirty years trying to understand why. Our DNA functions as an archive. It

contains not only genetic instructions passed down from previous

generations, but memories as well. The memories of our ancestors.

D: And the Animus lets you decode and read these DNA files.

V: Precisely.

Lucy: But there's a problem. This is the specific memory we're trying to

access.

Unfortunately, when we try to open the memory, your mind withdraws. You lack

the confidence to step into your ancestor's body. That's what happened

earlier. You got knocked out of the target memory and pushed back into a

more stable state.

D: Why?

L: It's your subconscious. It's resisting. We found similar reactions among

patients who undergo hypnosis to relive traumatic events. They can't jump

directly into the specific memory. You need to be eased in. Even then there

can be problems.

D: So how do we fix it?

L: We find a memory you CAN synchronize with. And we move forward from there.

You'll get used to it. This is the closest we can get. So it's where we'll have to start. I'm uploading the tutorial program now.

Already we can see that there is much more dialogue included in the game than there is in the film. The game script provides much more exposition and the dialogue is conversational, holding a much more casual tone in the language choices. For example, when the scientist is asked, “What do you want from me?” (a line that is said in both the game and film), the responses are different.

GAME: For you to do as you're told. The Animus will allow us to locate what we need. Once we have it, you'll be free to go. Then we'll induce a coma and continue our work. When we're done, you'll be left to die. Truth be told, the only reason you're still conscious is because this approach saves us time.

FILM: Your past. Listen to me carefully, Cal. You’re about to enter the Animus. What you are about to see, hear and feel, are the memories of someone who has been dead for 500 years.

The head scientist’s dialogue allows users to understand the power dynamic with them ‘to do as you’re told’ and providing the solution of ‘once we have it, you’ll be free to go’. This sets up the game with an assumed mission and end goal, which we would expect from games. The film’s response however, is a short and direct answer, ‘Your past. Listen to me carefully, Cal’. I find this interesting as the lack of dialogue appears to still serve a purpose. The imperative, ‘Listen to me’ establishes the head scientist Sofia as someone who is assertive and dominant, perhaps someone to be afraid of. It suggests that she is the one in control and expects everything to go her way. She is thus the film’s antagonist.

So, where the game focuses on setting up the game with an aim for the users to connect with, the film draws our attention to the binary oppositions (Sofia v Callum, authority vs the individual, good vs bad) that will carry the drama for the rest of the runtime. Therefore, we can conclude that the dialogue is adapted to suit the medium it is in.

We also see this pattern in the amount of dialogue there is. The game includes much more dialogue since it has an overall runtime of 7-8 hours, depending on how long the user chooses to play through each section. A game has more freedom to offer dialogue heavy scenes as these are used to carry the users through to the next 'section' of the game. The film, on the other hand, only has to build suspension to keep the audience's attention, which may be the answer as to why the dialogue is less expositional, providing mystery over information. Here we can see that films have the challenge of trying to maintaining the attention a passive audience, whereas gamers promise a more active spectatorship for their medium.

Overall, I have found that the nature of the script and language choices in the dialogue is very dependent on the medium it is in. The film attempts to build suspension for an audience who is already part of the fanbase. It is limited in runtime but relies more on visual storytelling to build intrigue. The game however, is more conversational, including the player more and making it an interactive, engaging experience.

However, despite this, I am aware that the film is reviewed very poorly. If I were to explore this further, I would question how this affected fans, if this was truly a successful adaptation of the game or if it strayed too far from the original tone to satisfy fans.

#assassins creed #filmmaking #films

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tinyshe · 4 years

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Garden Report 19.12.14

The winds have finally ripped all the leaves off the trees except for the stubborn holly. We are in to some real cold so I am hoping that my finger will have healed and I can do ladders for pruning fruit trees. My finger? Yes, this plastic picnic-ware, taped to my finger, is the equivalent to a dog’s ‘cone of shame’ (tm) -- we call it the ‘spoon of disappointment and despair’ (tm). It is the consequences of short temper meeting with bone china plate in the wee hours. With a tourniquet, we slowed the flow and used a goodly quantity of livestock medical sulfur we still have about; dusted to staunch the flow then padded it up. I just can’t afford another medical bill so we were hoping this would be the ticket. So far so good: day 3. I can now drive and shift without fear I will break the plaster and start spiriting blood on the windscreen. Go to go! So go I did!!

It was pedi day and in the process she said “ and pull up that damn lemon tree on your way out! I’m tired of looking at it!” I wasn’t going to look a gift tree twice and wonder why so I did as she bid and placed it in the rubbish bag she thrust at me. I lovingly place her (the lemon tree) in the cab with me and my parcels and headed home! I had just enough soil and a pot I pinched from Kath to make things right again. I managed to get it in my little greenhouse lean- to we did early this Autumn. The little lemon tree is now keeping my worm bin company. I need to do something though because when the rains come down, it is like having a big bass drum outside your bedroom window … All. Night. Long.

Been trying not to worry about the job situation too much. St Theresa is keeping my roses going, reminding me to keep the Faith -- three different bushes are holding tight even with this weather and some how the blossoms are not freezing. Speaking of freezing: the lettuce and mustards are none too happy. The kale and cabbages are doing grand. Next spot I get of fine weather I want to dig up some garden berries to interplant with the sea buckthorns. I also want to start searching for my Asian pear root system. It has been there 10 years but I want to move the little thing -- it is not thriving -- just surviving. I am still thinking on the fig and remembering my Ukrainian high bush cranberry hedge I left behind [in my past garden]. I have some hard pruning and shaping ahead of me first! OK -- second; job first! Well that is another type of pruning and shaping, isn’t it?! Job search and new employment?

I also came to the realization that in my neighborhood and beyond, they are removing all the trees. Big beautiful trees! Many people are also ripping out anything that resembles a garden/ yard/ landscaping [don't get me on what is happening to hedgerows]. Even the city is removing shrubbery. Why? Low maintenance? Less hiding places for creepers? Insurance purposes? I don’t know what the reason but the results are all the same: less habitat for birds, pollinators, butterflies, spiders... which I had to catch my three orb weavers and rehome them just outside the back stoop. I have anacrophibes ? anocrophiles? people/person who are deathly fearful of spiders … so out of respect for both man and creature, I moved the friend creature to safer local. But I’m talking in bunny trails! Back: The realization that there is now no habitat except at the green zone and my garden. My garden is now an island! An island that is not adequate -- I need more evergreens/ shelter. I will move the bird bath to the back and seal the basin (its a big cement thing). I will have to think about a larger platform feeder … not too sold on the idea. The gulls have set up sentinels and know my routine. So when my boys [ravens] appear and start crying, I have a huge pack of aggressive seagulls descend within seconds. That and that hawk that has decided city living is very fine with all the squab dinner! Platform feeder -- dinner platter. Me thinks not! I don’t want to feed hawk nor gulls -- yes, I have prejudices/ favourites.

I have several pairs of doves now residing in my ancient camellias. I forget they are there, they [camellias] are so big and trimmed up like trees. Holly and camellia; check. Both evergreen but I need strategic placement and bushy for the littler birds for night roosting. They can use the hedge sea-poppy by day. Then there is the boxwood and privet and a topiary coneyaster but those are all so close the thorough fair (both pedestrian and street traffic) that I would not feel safe … especially with all those dogs that people seem to like to have but bring to YOUR yard for them to poop and pee in. IDK

The seed catalogues have been coming in late November and December. They will come through January … precursor to Spring migration when the postal carrier grumbling under a load of seed packets and plant starts arrives. It truly is a gardeners seedmas season where we dream as we make stars and hearts next to lovely pictures of our new loves and circle around ideas, dreaming, planning … and jingling our change purse...

Merry Christmas!

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thomasjberan · 7 years

Text

Florida

Was there a point in time when someone said,

“Hmm yes, this seems like a good place to die.

There’s a lot of wide open space

and the tide is pretty high.”?

Formed by the culture of no culture

In Miami, they all got old and fat,

the coke ran out and the opioids kicked in

so, they crossed the swamp and manifested west.

Migration is naturally ingrained

into birds and animals with tiny brains.

The snow birds migrate to land

where they don’t need coats

and Republicans can get tans.

One big suburb of resorts and plain white tees

Where Red lobster, Perkins and Applebee’s

Are the primary employers

of the working industry

How many years have you been here?

They just laugh, “I think twenty-five.

There’s no way I’ll be going back.”

I suppose the humidity is good

Bodies decay much faster and

others don’t notice when you blow hot air.

In a humid hell that rains every afternoon

It’s easy to sit inside and forget

what real air is

what real food is

what real life is

The simple fact is:

It’s easy to die when you’re already dead.

#poetry #poem

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janeykath318 · 7 years

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The Friendly Merman 13/13

Jim found life as a human rather challenging to adjust to in some ways. For one thing, he wasn't used to the bright light and had to wear special sunglasses everywhere until his eyes adjusted. Also, he found life above ground much louder than the ocean and was easily startled by barking dogs and sirens and traffic noises. For about a week, he didn't leave Leah's house at all as he became more accustomed to the sensations of human life and his new legs.

Leah had one of her colleagues talk to Jim and explain things to him. It was one thing to explain the birds and bees to a patient, quite another to someone she was very much in love with. (Not that Jim was ignorant of the facts of life, but he'd never fully bonded mer style or human). Dr. M'Benga was quite willing to come over to talk to Jim, being quite interested in the species change phenomenon. He too, fell under Jim's spell and was soon quite comfortable with the former mer.

Jim was already incredibly well educated in the mer style, but needed help learning to read and write Standard. He and Joanna spent a lot of time. together as she'd let him borrow her books to practice with.

“Bones,” Jim said one day, “I feel I should start contributing something now that I've been living with you for awhile. I'm used to humans enough to find an occupation among them, I think.”

He was very thoughtful looking and earnest as he spoke, holding a paper upon which he'd been making calculations.

“Oh, Jimmy, you know I don't consider you to be a burden at all, but if you're up for employment, go for it.”

Jim ended up getting hired by Spock to help at the center and it was a great fit for him--he helped feed and visit with the often frightened patients and assured them these humans meant them no harm. He turned out to be invaluable as an assistant and Nyota told Leah Jim made their jobs ten times easier and they didn't have to use the sedative nearly as often because he did such a good job of calming the mers.

For Christmas, Leah took Jim to Georgia with her to meet her parents. She hated flying with a passion, but Jim's childlike excitement over being on a plane for the first time was enough to keep her distracted enough to not get queasy.

“We’re in the clouds, Bones!” He exclaimed. “It's even more amazing than I thought!”

“Glad you like it, darlin’.” She said fondly. “You'll probably be doing it a lot in the future, I'm guessing.”

“You think I could be a pilot, Bones?” Jim asked.

“Course you could, Jim. It takes time and training and practice, but knowing you, you'll do fine.”

Even though it kind of terrifies me.

Leah's parents were somewhat skeptical of Jim being a fit mate for their daughter, but once they got to know him, they saw what Leah saw in him.

Jim found his favorite part was making cookies with Bones and Joanna and Eleanor and stealing kisses under the mistletoe. He began to dream of marrying Bones, completing their bond and becoming a family and when Leah’s dad asked him what his intentions were he said so.

“I'm going to marry her, sir.” He told the older Dr. McCoy. “I love her very much.”

“Good to hear that, but do you understand what that means? My ex son in law sure didn't.”

“In the mer culture, we take the marriage bond very seriously and violators are severely punished. Meeting Bones changed my life and there's no way I could hurt her or Joanna like that.”

The doctor nodded and his eyes softened.

“I hope you'll be happy. Jo clearly loves you and won't stop talking about mermaids now. Leah looks more relaxed than I've seen her in months. It's obvious she adores you. It's funny, she swore she wouldn't lay eyes on another man after what he did to her and here you are.”

After another two years (or migration cycles), Jim made good on his intentions when he married Leah McCoy on a beautiful spring afternoon. They held the ceremony on the beach very near where he had first washed up and where a good crowd of merfolk could witness the happy event. Jim's pod was there, watching with glee as their friends spoke their vows to each other, as Leah’s family and close friends observed from the sand.

Clad casually in tan shorts and white button down, Jim’s heart was full as he stood opposite his bride, whom he thought was perfectly beautiful in a simple white knee-length dress and the sea-glass necklace he'd given her when he'd started the courtship. What made his eyes brim over was the surprise ending to her vows when she spoke the mer bonding pledge--in his language.

“Forever together, in body and spirit, until the oceans vanish and the earth fades.”

There were sniffles from the merpeople and Jim's eyes blurred as he was touched by the unexpected addition. Leah must have learned it from Pike or Uhura because they'd never gone over that in their few lessons and the pronunciation was flawless.

He blinked way the tears long enough to do the ring exchange and soon enough he had Bones in his arms, kissing her as husband and wife. He heard Joanna give an excited whoop and Scotty whistle, but he was focused on his new wife and the strange emotions that were flooding him.

“Hey, Jim. You alright, darlin?” She asked.

“Yeah,” he said shakily, wiping the moisture off his cheeks. “I'm just really happy to be married to you.”

“Awwww, honey,”she said gently, hugging him tightly. “It's pretty wonderful, isn't it. I love you.”

“Love you too,” he murmured in reply and soon there was an excited Joanna chattering her delight and demanding hugs from both of them.

“You're now my step-daddy for real!!” She proclaimed, with her arms around Jim.

“Sure am, sport,” Jim laughed, swinging her around and elegantly returning her to the beach.

“Aren't you glad you gave in and took me Merman watching that day, Mommy?” She asked Leah.

“I sure am, sweetheart,” she confirmed, smiling at Jim again. He was now as much at home on two legs as he'd been with a tail and gills and had even started to take classes to learn to fly a plane. Much as it scared her, she thought Jim would make a good pilot.

Jim grabbed her hand and they strolled to the water’s edge to accept the congratulations of the mer guests.

“Such a lovely couple!” Sniffed Carol tearfully.

“I'm very happy for you son,” Pike said, with a firm handshake. “That was a fine ceremony and I wish you all the happiness.”

“Aye!” Scotty put in. “You two’ll have a long life together, I believe.”

Spock and Uhura also came up after they'd chatted with the McCoy side. The Vulcan was as pleased as he could be (that is, he actually smiled at them) and predicted their bond would be a most felicitous one.

Uhura hugged them both and laughingly teased Leah.

“Well, you said you'd avoid men, but I guess that didn't include the mers, huh?”

“You know what they say about there being plenty of fish in the sea!” Leah winked at her husband and he grinned and leaned in to steal a kiss.

Oh, yes, very nice “fish” indeed.

#my fics #mckirk #genderswap #mermen

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vacationbegins · 5 years

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most about a year ago, Akshat and I went to Egypt to see the Pyramids. That was our first trip to the African continent. There was something so raw and unique about our interactions in Egypt that we told ourselves, we have to come back again. There was no better occasion than our 5 years anniversary in July to plan for 2 weeks of well-deserved romantic trip to Africa. I remember booking our tickets 6 months in advance and spending our weekends, watching documentaries of great migration and the royal cats of Africa. The excitement got out of control as we were nearing our trip, to a point that the whole world knew I was going to see the great migration! We spent 9 days on a roadtrip in Kenya and Tanzania followed by 4 days in Ethiopia. The experiences across Kenya, Tanzania and Ethiopia were drastically different and yet similar in many ways.

Highlights of our Trip

July/August are the best time to visit Kenya and Tanzania to experience great migration and observe distinct landscapes in both Kenya and Tanzania

Packing the right clothing and auxiliary items is crucial to have a great time during safari

Take 4 wheel land cruiser instead of safari minivan. It is slightly more expensive but extremely comfortable and sturdy for the terrain

Our Itinerary:

Day 1: Nairobi > Lake Manyara (360 Kms)

Day 2: Lake Manyara > Ngorongoro Crater (65 Kms)

Day 3: Ngorongoro > Serengeti (180 kms)

Day 4: Serengeti

Day 5: Serengeti > Lake Victoria (180 kms)

Day 6: Lake Victoria > Masai Mara game reserve (270 kms)

Day 7: Masai Mara

Day 8: Masai Mara – Nairobi (265 kms)

Day 1: Nairobi > Lake Manyara

You could either start from Kenya or from Tanzania to do this itinerary. My recommendation would be to start from Tanzania and follow the migration. It is a much more fulfilling experience. We started early from Nairobi and stopped for immigration formalities at Namanga (Kenya/Tanzania) border town. You will need to change the vehicle at the border as Tanzanian government has banned movement of Kenyan vehicles for tourism to promote employment opportunities for locals.

The 6 hours journey to Lake Manyara included a scenic drive via Masai colonies and other small villages. I enjoyed listening to the stories of Masai and how they have preserved their centuries old culture and traditions. Lake Manyara is famous for tree climbing lions and large flocks of flamingos. This was my first sight of animals in the raw habitat and I was absolutely thrilled. Watching a large herd of African elephants crossing ahead of us gave me goosebumps.

Day 2: Lake Manyara > Ngorongoro Crater

We packed lunch for the Ngorongoro Crater. It is a large volcanic caldera within the area and is a World Heritage Site. We made a 670m descend into the floors of the crater in our 4-wheel cruiser. Our first action packed game drive in search of wildlife had officially begun. My first sight of herds of gazelles and dazzle of zebras got me goosebumps. It felt unreal. After stretching my line of sight for a glimpse of lion for few hours, we finally saw a lioness heading towards a puddle of water. As the lioness was making her way to the puddle, the gazelles, zebras and warthogs became attentive and were ready to run should the lioness decide to change course. After a full day of intense game drive, we ascended back to the crater rim for sunset views.

Day 3: Ngorongoro > Serengeti

On our way to Serengeti, we visited one of the most important paleoanthropological sites in the world called Olduvai Gorge. We visited various sites of the gorge to see where the remains of pre-historic man were discovered. The museum is extraordinary and demonstrates evolution of humans on this planet. We reached Serengeti in afternoon and were greeted by a pride of 9 lioness and their cubs as soon as we entered the park. On the barren brown land, the pride camouflaged themselves in the search of their prey. I truly enjoyed the interactions of the pride. After a short lunch break, we spent the rest of our afternoon on game drive. We were rewarded by spectacular views of sunset on our way back to the jungle lodge.

Day 4: Serengeti

Serengeti is unbelievably large and the concentration of wildlife is very spread out. The thrill of being out in the cruiser searching for those unique memorable wildlife experiences can only be experienced in Serengeti. We were at our day 4 of game driving and I have to confess, it only got better by the day. Due to the size of the park, it doesn’t feel commercialized at all. We were by ourselves during most of the game drive except for those exceptional moments when large number of cruisers would swarm the areas where leopards and cheetahs were spotted. It was so rewarding to see Cheetah taking care of her cubs and watching them over as they had fun in the open fields.

As a child, I thought lions or the big cats would hunt anytime and everywhere when they see a prey. This is so not true. We saw the cats in perfect harmony with the gazelles, zebras, wilder-beasts when their bellies were full. I learnt so much about the cats; their unique strengths and weakness and most importantly, their pivotal role to keep our ecosystem in harmony. One of the myths that also got busted was lioness are the ones who hunt only. Lions hunt as much as lioness do. The only exception when Lioness are out hunting and lions are not is when they have mated extensively over 7 consecutive days.

Day 5: Serengeti > Lake Victoria

We left Serengeti in the morning and drove to the South-Eastern bay of Lake Victoria. It was a long drive. We stayed at a nice luxury resort, Serenity on the Lake and enjoyed the sunset. The breeze was refreshing and the landscape was absolutely stunning. It was a good stop over to relax and gear up for the rich concentration of wildlife in Masai Mara.

Day 6: Lake Victoria > Masai Mara game reserve

We started early as there was lot of travel expected. There was a difficult moment to say good bye to Tanzania and to our dear friend, driver and guide, Sallu who made our experience absolutely magical.

We changed our cruiser again at Isebania, Tanzania / Kenya border town as we made our way back into Kenya. As we entered Masai Mara game reserve, we could see landscapes changing drastically from barren brown lands in Serengeti to lush green grasslands in Masai Mara which also explains the Great Migration of Wilderbeasts from Tanzania to Kenya during this season. We spent our evening in a Masai village. This was a very unique part of the trip. We learnt how to light fire from stones and enjoyed the hospitality of the Masai.

Day 7: Masai Mara

Masai Mara is a smaller extension of the Serengeti and shares the same ecosystem with the Serengeti game reserve. Interestingly, the Mara hosts the highest concentration of wild animals per sq km than any other game reserve in East Africa. Hence, you could get a glimpse of variety of interactions in a very short span of time. We saw hyenas chasing the lions, coalition of cheetah relaxing, leopard feeding on dead gazelle at tree top, hippos mating, lions allogrooming, wilderbeasts running and chasing each other, vultures cleaning up the grounds amongst the many priceless moments. It seemed just perfect. The whole concept of food chain comes to life when you observe the little details in the interaction of various species in the wild.

Day 8: Masai Mara – Nairobi

You could consider optional activities including balloon safari excursions and guided nature / bird walks. On our last day, I was very focused on spotting a Rhino.

Out of the BIG 5 of Africa, we had seen Big 4: Lions, Elephants, Cape Buffaloes & Leopard. I really did not want to go back without seeing Rhinos and spending 8 days in safari. Our guide/driver used all his strength to drive to a point where some folks spotted a rhino. We reached that point and I prayed to all gods for one sight of Rhino. As I reached out for my binoculars, I could see rhino presenting itself in an open area from the bushes. I couldn’t feel more thrilled and I screamed in happiness. The joy was boundless and here I was, a super fulfilled traveler, who had seen it all. The “Big 5” term was coined by hunters in the past as these refer to the five most difficult animals in Africa to hunt on foot.

Leopards and Rhinos are extremely hard to spot as they are shy and usually not in open. The hippos on the other hand, are responsible for more human fatalities in Africa than any other large animal.

Despite doing game drives for 8 full days, when our driver, Charles, said, “let’s leave for Nairobi,’ I just didn’t feel like saying yes. It is not something you can get bored of or you can have enough. Every day was unique and every moment was special. I couldn’t be more grateful for the moments of self-reflection that were presented by the nature and wildlife.

I also reflected on how I felt being in that cruiser for 8 days, feeling constrained, and seeing the wildlife in open, in absolute harmony with nature. Only if we let them be like this everywhere, world would be such a different place…..*

9 Days of mind blowing Game Drive in Kenya & Tanzania most about a year ago, Akshat and I went to Egypt to see the Pyramids. That was our first trip to the African continent.

#Africa #Kenya #Masai Mara #Safari #Serengeti #Tanzania

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tinycollectorsheep-things-blog · 5 years

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Hidden Falls

America is a lonely place for me, ever since when I was seven years old my brothers and I migrated to America because my Grandpa had a very serious case at the Government because he is a Governor. Back when I was younger I always visit the “Hidden falls” at the end part of our mansion. Coming home in the Philippines with my parent’s warm visit is very dramatic but I missed them so much! I want to go to Hidden falls right away! Not that I don’t want to see my family but I’m just excited! Diving is a really dangerous thing when it comes in swimming at the falls but I love doing it. Excitements all over my body that I cannot take away for now because I really miss Hidden falls, I plan to spend my whole day chilling at the falls today. Finally I am already here at the falls and I cannot wait to jump at the end of the cliff I really love doing dangerous things! Gazebo is the only thing that welcomed me when I reached the main cottage of the falls; it only has one gazebo because sometimes my cousins and brothers usually celebrate here when there is an occasion. Hums of the birds, the blow of the wind and fall of the water from the falls is all I can hear from hear at the gazebo. I take off may dress to get ready to swim, now I’m only wearing my rash guards and swimming tracks now I’m going to climb the cliff to dive. Jumping is really not easy for me because I am afraid of heights but what I can do I was born to do dangerous things simple. Killing my nervousness is not easy but I am willing to do it so as I jump off the cliff I spin 3 times at the air and I clash into the water, I get up and I wanted more so I get out the water and climb the cliff once more. Living here is not boring and lonely I enjoy things on my own, I get tired when I jump off the cliff about eight times; the climbing is the hardest and tiring part of the journey to be honest but I enjoyed it, while I’m eating my snacks a car parked at the giant mango tree beside the gazebo and I don’t know whose inside the car so I decided to stand up and look a little closer before I step one move closer the door opened and a boy with chinito eyes, with a thick brows, big red lips and well-built body shape. Miffed look bore into me so I step backward and thinking who this man is standing right in front of me, so I asked him “who are you?” “I am you’re dad’s employer they are finding you so they tell me to find you and I found you here, silly girl.” he answered. Never in my wildest dream someone would tell me that, I get annoyed and grab my things I planned to walk way back to our mansion but he grabbed my arms and point the car maybe him telling me to get inside his car, but no! I’m not even sure if he’s telling the truth but before I talk “I’m not lying, get inside my car and I’m going to bring you back to your mansion.” He protested. On the way to our mansion we’re both quiet the whole trip, but when we reach the mansion I rush to get out of his car and I went directly to my room. Passing all the doors through my room because I also avoid my dad’s sermon. Quinn the youngest of our maids saw me rushing that’s why he manage to hand my things and let me walk through my door. Rest is want I want now, I think I am tired jumping off the cliff a while ago. Sun touch my face that is why I suddenly wake up from a nap and I decided to eat downstairs. Tortillas is what I am craving for so I decided to make one for myself. Uneasy to make but worth the work, I enjoy the food and now I’m craving some ice cream. “Vanilla ice cream please.” I said to the body guard that I asked a favor. When someone knock at the door I run and knew it’s my ice cream, yes I’m right but I’m shocked that the boy who fetch me at the falls is the one who bought it. “Yes it’s me again.” Zing all over my body when he said that.

#mustread!

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jesicadewie-blog · 7 years

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2018 Toyota Camry Hybrid Rendering

New Post has been published on http://www.autopricesrelease.com/2018-toyota-camry-hybrid-rendering/

2018 Toyota Camry Hybrid Rendering

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2018 Toyota Camry Hybrid Rendering

2018 Toyota Camry Hybrid Rendering – Seven days back, an Instagram photograph of the 2017 NASCAR Toyota Camry had really wound up being viral for potentially uncovering the front-end of the accompanying gen Toyota Camry, which may make a big appearance in assembling kind after year. Disguised 2017 Toyota Camry models in its creation body have really been seen screening in the U.S.A over the past couple of weeks, so there’s probably the successor of Toyota’s soul is in view.

In view of the NASCAR Camry, IAB’s Shoeb R Kalania has really built up a rendering of the creation spec Camry’s front-sash. It’s the most forceful search yet for Toyota’s executive auto, exhibiting indications acquired from the Prius carline, smooth LED headlamps, substantial admissions, fresh out of the plastic new motor hood. The backside can likewise experience a noteworthy upgrade with thoughts from the Toyota Mirai.

The eight era Toyota Camry will absolutely be founded on the TNGA-C stage, a model of TNGA (Toyota New Global Design) framework that will support a great deal of Toyota’s future worldwide variety, and furthermore today maintains the Toyota C-HR and furthermore Prius. The secluded stage is relied upon to cut down the kerb weight, much obliged to the broad utilize lightweight materials, for example, high-quality steel and also aluminum in its sythesis.

2018 Toyota Camry Hybrid Rendering

The 2018 Toyota Camry’s motor timetable could list a redesigned variant of the 2.5 L Double VVT-i ordinarily suctioned four-barrel fuel motor, while the present auto’s 3.5 L V6 is accounted for to be supplanted by Lexus’ 2.0 L turbocharged motor. Additionally specific is an oil electric crossbreed variation, in spite of the fact that data are restricted as of now. The cutting edge Camry will appear on the overall market in the second 50% of 2017.

2018 Toyota Camry Redesign and Concept Changes

The fresh out of the box new era 2018 Toyota Camry Hybrid average size vehicle that is normal one year from now. “I saw these before today”, he educated us. It’s a sorry trap that Toyota is preparing a devotee to the seventh emphasis of the Camry in business sectors outside Japan. Actually, beforehand this week, the carmaker coincidentally sprinkled a couple beans on the new outline’s care for an Instagram picture of taking after season’s NASCAR Toyota Camry racer uncovered behind (supposedly) close entryways released on the web, basically seeing the creation auto’s sash.

That NASCAR racer’s pointier schnozzle (or should we call that a bill?) that is additionally displayed on the most recent Prius, flanked by slimmer headlamps, appears to coordinate the type of the analyzer snooped ideal here. Yes, the vehicle is intensely disguised, however close to the recognizable rates, the photos suggest a slinkier body with an all the more strangely styled backside flaunting conelike shoulders. Toyota expects to migrate the Camry to their new and lighter TNGA measured worldwide framework, which we at first observed on the most forward Prius, that guarantees far superior taking care of.

2018 Toyota Camry Redesign and Concept Changes

2018 Toyota Camry Redesign

Like a few other shiny new fair size autos these days, Toyota is thought to give the 2018 Camry only with four-barrel motors for gas monetary atmosphere, with a refreshed 2.5-liter gadget sitting at the base and in addition the Lexus’ 2.0-liter turbocharged process likely situated on top as a substitution to today’s 268hp 3.5-liter V6. A penny-wise fuel electric cross breed will round out the powertrain line-up.

Toyota will unquestionably need to get a ton of focuses ideal with the new Camry, as it will positively have its employment removed to invert, or if nothing else limit, the lessening found in all relatives vehicles this year, with medium size deals at a five year diminished in the USA, paying little mind to a 0.5 percent expansion in the aggregate market. From January to August, conveyances of the present 2017 Camry were down 8.6 percent at 266,746, contrasted with a year ago. In the meantime, the RAV4 distributed a 15 percent lift to 230,942 shipments and furthermore threatens to outperform the Camry, which has really been America’s top of the line auto for a long time right.

2018 Toyota Camry Hybrid Interior

2018 Toyota Camry Engine Specifications

The Camry will positively ride on Toyota’s new TNGA particular framework that made its assembling propelling with the 2017 Prius and furthermore which will give the reason for in regards to 50% of Toyota’s autos by the end of the year’s. The TNGA bits have really done miracles to tidy up the Prius’ attributes, so we’re painstakingly idealistic for the 2018 Toyota Camry when it does the switch too. Weight-decrease activities in like manner are a piece of the methodology, and furthermore we’ve tuned in to that light weight aluminum is being utilized for the hood and diverse different places in the structure.

Clearly, this model does not uncover much with respect to the new assembling auto, other than that it has 4 wheels, some home windows, and in addition boards that tape could stick to. However the extents look natural; gave the Toyota Camry’s initiative setting in the market, don’t expect the outline to take much an excessive number of dangers. We will undoubtedly observe a development of Toyota’s current Angry Birds front-end planning as observed on the refreshed 2017 Toyota Corolla, a hypothesis maintained by some strong guard shapes we could build under the cover. One entrancing part of the fresh out of the plastic new vehicle is a gone down shoulder line underneath colossal side windows, tossing the division example of thick-waisted bodies and additionally opening like windows. The low shoulder seems to drag out appropriate back while the material framework and C-columns window ornament down directly into a level, decreasing trunk. Different other eminent points of interest are the low, wide jaw, entryway mounted side mirrors, and furthermore taillamps that mimic those of the Avalon.

Powertrain: Similar to the majority of other recently revamped mid-size sedans, it’s likely that the next-generation Toyota Camry will certainly provide only four-cylinder engines. A normally aspirated four-cylinder will act as the base engine possibly an upgraded version of today’s 2.5-liter engine and, as formerly reported, a by-product of the turbocharged 2.0-liter discovered in the Lexus NX200 crossover will replace redesign the venerable 3.5-liter V-6 as the uplevel powerplant. The Camry hybrid once more will be offered for the eco-conscious.

A TRD-tuned variation is much less particular, yet such a version would tackle Ford’s new, 325-hp Combination Sporting activity. Early last year, Toyota brass recommended that as part of an expansion of TRD’s role in the company, such a thing can appear in 2016, and also a yummy SEMA concept offered a good concept of just how that version may look. No such Camry design has actually been provided previously.

Toyota Camry can Competitors: with a Honda Accord, a Mazda 6, Nissan Altima, Chevrolet Malibu, Hyundai Sonata, and Ford Combination.

2018 Toyota Camry Release Date and Price

The 2018 Toyota Camry Crossbreed will await mass intake sometime in 2017. Give it the Camry id prominence in the United States Shop, it would make is sense for it to make its official launching at America’s preeminent auto program, Detroit North American International Vehicle Series in January. Rates likely it’s will not rise much, if whats oever, from the 2018 Camry is existing reduced -$20K to mid -$30K price variation, as wandering off too far up would certainly endanger Toyota’s sales supremacy.

#2018 Toyota Camry #2018 Toyota Camry Interior #2018 Toyota Camry Price #2018 Toyota Camry Release Date #2018 Toyota Camry Spy Photos #Toyota Camry

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withastolenlantern · 5 years

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“What about the lives of the men in the skiffs?” she asked, barely masking her contempt. “Or does their indelicacy not rate investigation?”

“The pirates and smugglers? Hardly,” the Home Office man replied. “Good riddance to bad rubbish.”

“And you’re not at all concerned about the fact that we found some kind of uncontrolled toxin in Ross crates?” she said.

“Yes, and I’m sure The Old Ginger would be thrilled to know his progeny was using it for political gain.”

“Detective!” her superior snapped. “Decorum, please.”

Chatham started to object, but her governor raised an eyebrow from across the desk, beckoning her to remain seated.

“We’ve arranged for you to meet with Lord Swansea at the Ross headquarters tomorrow,” Ratnayaka said, hoping to defuse the situation.

“Fokken idioot,” Chatham swore breathlessly towards the door. She blushed as she realized her superior was still sitting at his desk, glaring. “Sorry, sir.”

“What am I going to do with you?” he asked quietly, sighing.

“The same thing you’ve always done,” the detective replied, flashing a faux-smile.

“I’ve been shot before, gov,” she scoffed. “Can’t say I’d much like to relive that experience, either.” She gathered her things and stood to leave the office, offering her superior a firm nod as she left, but hesitated in the doorway before exiting. “Will Home Office be there at this dog and pony show at the Ministry?” she asked.

“I should think so,” her superior responded, confused.

“Fuck,” she swore, decorum be damned, and walked out.

#i'm still not sure this is any good #but i think this particular passage is maybe the closest thing i've ever written that approximates it #the world ocean #long post

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jesicadewie-blog · 7 years

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2018 Toyota Camry Hybrid Rendering

New Post has been published on http://www.autopricesrelease.com/2018-toyota-camry-hybrid-rendering/

2018 Toyota Camry Hybrid Rendering

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push();

2018 Toyota Camry Hybrid Rendering

2018 Toyota Camry Redesign and Concept Changes

2018 Toyota Camry Redesign

2018 Toyota Camry Hybrid Interior

2018 Toyota Camry Engine Specifications

Toyota Camry can Competitors: with a Honda Accord, a Mazda 6, Nissan Altima, Chevrolet Malibu, Hyundai Sonata, and Ford Combination.

2018 Toyota Camry Release Date and Price

#2018 Toyota Camry #2018 Toyota Camry Interior #2018 Toyota Camry Price #2018 Toyota Camry Release Date #2018 Toyota Camry Spy Photos #Toyota Camry

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