#more uncle max incoming

[mostlysignssomeportents]

Boeing, Spirit and Jetblue, a monopoly horror-story

Catch me in Miami! I'll be at Books and Books in Coral Gables TONIGHT (Jan 22) at 8PM. Berliners: Otherland has added a second date (Jan 28) for my book-talk after the first one sold out - book now!

Last week, William Young, an 82 year old federal judge appointed by Ronald Reagan, blocked the merger of Spirit Airlines and Jetblue. It was a seismic event:

https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.mad.254267/gov.uscourts.mad.254267.461.0_6.pdf

Seismic because the judge's opinion is full of rhetoric associated with the surging antitrust revival, sneeringly dismissed by corporate apologists as "hipster antitrust." Young called America's airlines and "oligopoly," a situation he blamed on out-of-control mergers. As Matt Stoller writes, this is the first airline merger to be blocked by the DOJ and DOT since deregulation in 1978:

https://www.thebignewsletter.com/p/antitrust-enforcers-block-the-jetblue

The judge wasn't shy about why he was reviving a pre-Jimmy Carter theory of antitrust: "[the merger] does violence to the core principle of antitrust law, 'to protect] markets –- and its market participants — from anticompetitive harm."

The legal arguments the judge advances are fascinating and worthy of study:

https://twitter.com/johnmarknewman/status/1747343447227519122

But what really caught my eye was David Dayen's American Prospect article about the judge's commentary on the state of the aviation industry:

https://prospect.org/infrastructure/transportation/01-19-2024-how-boeing-ruined-the-jetblue-spirit-merger/

Why, after all, have Spirit and Jetblue been so ardent in pursuing mergers? Jetblue has had two failed merger attempts with Virgin, and this is the third time they've failed in an attempt to merge with Spirit. Spirit, meanwhile, just lost a bid to merge with Frontier. Why are these two airlines so obsessed with combining with each other or any other airline that will have them?

As Dayen explains, it's because US aviation has been consumed by monopoly, hollowed out to the point of near collapse, thanks to neoliberal policies at every part of the aviation supply-chain. For one thing, there's just not enough pilots, nor enough air-traffic controllers (recall that Reagan's first major act in office was to destroy the air traffic controller's union).

But even more importantly, there are no more planes. Boeing's waitlist for airplane delivery stretches to 2029. And Boeing is about to deliver a lot fewer planes, thanks to its disastrous corner-cutting, which grounded a vast global fleet of 737 Max aircraft (again):

https://prospect.org/infrastructure/transportation/2024-01-09-boeing-737-max-financial-mindset/

The 737 disaster(s) epitomize the problems of inbred, merger-obsessed capitalism. As Luke Goldstein wrote, the rampant defects in Boeing's products can be traced to the decision to approve Boeing's 1997 merger with McDonnell-Douglas, a company helmed by Jack Welch proteges, notorious for cost-cutting at the expense of reliability:

https://prospect.org/infrastructure/transportation/2024-01-09-boeing-737-max-financial-mindset/

Boeing veterans describe the merger as the victory of the bean-counters, which led to a company that chases short-term profits over safety and even the viability of its business:

https://www.airliners.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=213075

After all, the merger turned Boeing into the single largest exporter in America, a company far too big to fail, teeing up tens of billions from Uncle Sucker, who also account for 40% of Boeing's income:

https://www.thebignewsletter.com/p/its-time-to-nationalize-and-then

The US government is full of ex-Boeing execs, just as Boeing's executive row is full of ex-US federal aviation regulators. Bill Clinton's administration oversaw the creation of Boeing's monopoly in the 1990s, but it was the GOP that rescued Boeing the first time the 737 Maxes started dropping out of the sky.

Boeing's biggest competitor is the state-owned Airbus, a joint venture whose major partners are the governments of France, Spain and Germany – governments that are at least theoretically capable of thinking about the public good, not short-term profits. Boeing's largest equity stakes are held by the Vanguard Group, Vanguard Group subfiler, Newport Trust Company, and State Street Corporation:

https://prospect.org/blogs-and-newsletters/tap/2024-01-18-airbus-advantage/

As Matt Stoller says, America has an airline that the public bails out, protects, and subsidizes but has no say over. Boeing has all the costs of public ownership and none of the advantages. It's the epitome of privatized gains and socialized losses.

This is Reagan's other legacy, besides the disastrous shortage of air-traffic controllers. The religious belief in deregulation – especially deregulation of antitrust enforcement – leads to a deregulated market. It leads to a market that is regulated by monopolists who secretly deliberate, behind closed board-room doors, and are accountable only to their shareholders. These private regulators are unlike government regulators, who are at least nominally bound by obligations to transparency and public accountability. But they share on thing in common with those public regulators: when they fuck up, the public has to pay for their mistakes.

It's a good thing Boeing's executives are too big to fail, because they fail constantly. Boeing execs who are warned by subcontractors of dangerous defects in their planes order those subcontractors to lie, or lose their contracts:

https://www.levernews.com/boeing-supplier-ignored-warnings-of-excessive-amount-of-defects-former-employees-allege/

As a result of Boeing's mismanagement, America's only aircraft supplier steadily has lost ground to Airbus, which today enjoys a 2:1 advantage over Boeing. But it's not just Boeing that's the weak link aviation. US aviation is a chain entirely composed of weak links.

Take jet engines: Pratt & Whitney are Spirit's major engine supplier, but these engines suck as much as Boeing's fuselages. Much of Spirit's fleet is chronically grounded because the engines don't run. The reason Spirit buys its engines from those loveable goofballs at Pratt & Whitney? The Big Four airlines have bought all the engines for sale from other suppliers, leaving smaller airlines to buy their engines from fat-fingered incompetents.

This is why – as Dayen notes – smaller US airlines are so horny for intermarriage. They can't grow by adding routes, because there are no pilots. Even if they could get pilots, there'd be no slots because there are no air traffic controllers. But even if they could get pilots and slots, there are no planes, because Boeing sucks and Airbus can't make planes fast enough to supply the airlines that don't trust Boeing. And even if they could get aircraft, there are no engines because the Big Four aviation cartel cornered the market on working jet engines.

Part of Jetblue and Spirit's pitch was that they hand off the routes that they'd cut after their merger to other small airlines, like Frontier and Allegiant. But Frontier and Allegiant can't service those routes: they don't have pilots, slots, planes or engines.

Spirit hasn't been profitable since 2019 and is sitting on $4b in debt. Jetblue was proposing to finance its acquisition with another $3.5b in debt. The resulting airline could only be profitable by sharply cutting routes and massively raising prices, cutting 6.1m seats/year. With a debt:capital ratio of 111%, the company would have no slack and would need a bailout any time anything went wrong. Not coincidentally, the Big Four airlines also have debt:capital ratios of about 100-120%, and they do get bailouts ever time anything goes wrong.

As William McGee reminds us, it's been 14 years since anyone's started a new US airline:

https://twitter.com/WilliamJMcGee/status/1747363491445375072

US aviation is deeply cursed. But Boeing's self-disassembling aircraft show us why we can't fix it by allowing mergers: private monopolies, shorn of the discipline of competition and regulation, are extraction machines that turn viable businesses into debt-wracked zombies.

This is a subject that's beautifully illustrated in Dayen's 2020 book Monopolized, in the chapter on health care:

https://pluralistic.net/2021/01/29/fractal-bullshit/#dayenu

The US health care system has been in trouble for a long time, but the current nightmare starts with the deregulation of pharma. Pharma companies interbred with one another in a string of incestuous marriages that produced these dysfunctional behemoths that were far better at shifting research costs to governments and squeezing customers than they were at making drugs. The pharma giants gouged hospitals for their products, and in response, hospitals underwent their own cousin-fucking merger orgy, producing regional monopolies that were powerful enough to resist pharma's price-hikes. But in growing large enough to resist pharma profiteering, the hospitals also became powerful enough to screw over insurers. Insurers then drained their own gene pool by combining with one another until most of us have three or fewer insurers we can sign up with – companies that are both big enough to refuse hospital price-hikes, and to hike premiums on us.

Thus monopoly begets monopoly: with health sewn up by monopolies in medical tech, drugs, pharmacy benefit managers, insurance, and hospitals, the only easy targets for goosing profits are people:

https://pluralistic.net/2022/01/05/hillrom/#baxter-international

This is how you get a US medical system that costs more than any other rich nation's system to operate, delivers worse outcomes than those other systems, and treats medical workers worse than any other wealthy country.

Now, rich people can still buy their way out of this mess, but you have to be very rich indeed to buy your way out of the commercial aviation system. There's a lot of 1%ers who fly commercial, and they're feeling the squeeze – and there's no way they're leasing their own jets.

Stein's Law holds that "anything that can't go on forever will eventually stop." America's aviation mergers – in airlines, aircraft and engines – have hollowed out the system. The powerful, brittle companies that control aviation have so much power over their workforce that they've turned air traffic controller and pilot into jobs that no one wants – and they used their bailout money to buy out the most senior staff's contracts, sending them to early retirement.

Now, I'm with the people who say that most of US aviation should be replaced with high-speed rail, but that's not why our technocrats and finance barons have gutted aviation. They did it to make a quick buck. A lot of quick bucks. Now the system is literally falling to pieces in midair. Now the system is literally on fire:

https://www.nytimes.com/2024/01/19/us/miami-boeing-plane-engine-fire.html

Which is how you get a Reagan appointed federal judge issuing an opinion that has me punching the air and shouting, "Yes, comrade! To the barricades!" Anything that can't go on forever will eventually stop. When the system is falling to pieces around you, ideology disintegrates like a 737 Max.

I'm Kickstarting the audiobook for The Bezzle, the sequel to Red Team Blues, narrated by @wilwheaton! You can pre-order the audiobook and ebook, DRM free, as well as the hardcover, signed or unsigned. There's also bundles with Red Team Blues in ebook, audio or paperback.

If you'd like an essay-formatted version of this post to read or share, here's a link to it on pluralistic.net, my surveillance-free, ad-free, tracker-free blog:

https://pluralistic.net/2024/01/21/anything-that-cant-go-on-forever/#will-eventually-stop

Image: Vitaly Druchenok (modified) https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:ECAir_Boeing_737-306_at_Brazzaville_Airport_by_Vitaly_Druchenok.jpg

CC BY-SA 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.en

--

Joe Ravi (modified) https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Panorama_of_United_States_Supreme_Court_Building_at_Dusk.jpg

CC BY-SA 3.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/deed.en

#pluralistic #aviation #antitrust #monopoly #boeing #jetblue #spirit airlines #oligopoly #air traffic controllers #airbus #steins law

[corrodedcoughin]

excuse me!!! But!!!!!! Witch!eddie headcanons incoming

Eddie is a garden witch, he actually has his own magic garden in the window boxes at the back of the trailer. It’s mainly herbs which actually help cover the weed smell

He learned from Wayne believe it or not, Wayne’s granny taught him when he was a boy. He doesn’t actively practice now but if Eddie gets sick or he feels some bad news coming you’ll see him out in the woods with a trowel and a determined look

Eddie doesn’t actually tell anyone and uses his ‘freak’ status to disguise his practices, refusing to be ridiculed for something important to him and his uncle

Max starts noticing things though and after many long and loud conversations Eddie agrees to teach her a few things. She might not always show it but max loves the lessons and gives her an opportunity to really throw herself into something that makes her happy

Eddie makes charms for everyone that he passes off as random stuff that he made when he was bored. Every so often he asks if they still have them and everyone always say yes

Steve actually gets laden with these gifts, his car is fully of them, so is his house, hell even his outfits. Eddie has made him so many bracelets/patches/necklaces and Steve is always wearing one. He doesn’t know why but they make him feel safe

At any of the celebration days eddie will deliver home baked food that he’s made with love and intent to hopefully bring good fortune. They aren’t always beautiful but nobody ever rejects his offerings

Eddie, Max and Wayne are like their own little community. They brainstorm on what they can use as substitutes for more specialist (expensive) items and keep a watch out for each other

They don’t hold meetings to channel energy or anything but the three will get together at eddie and Wayne’s trailer or on a drive and listen to rock and metal with the windows down. They all feel recharged and ready for life after these times

Max jokes that Eddie is casting love spells on Steve and that all his attention is on keeping him happy, healthy and safe. She’s wrong about the first point but the rest? Well he doesn’t exactly deny it

#steddie #eddie munson #stranger things #steve harrington #max hargrove #idk does this make sense? #idk I just think witch eddie could be fun and to have max and Wayne on his side #idk idk tell me your aus or hcs

[madmazmind]

A Maxiel Christmas ramble

24th Dec, evening Australia time...

Daniel: I drank too much eggnog. I told my family about us.

Mum was so happy she cried.

But she is also drunk.

She's crying again.

They want to facetime you tomorrow.

Sorry.

Are you mad?

Max: That's amazing. I'm so happy for you.

Daniel: did you tell your mum??

Max: No, just my sister. She keeps making gay jokes. It is not funny.

Why are you texting gay jokes to my sister??

How did you get her number??

Daniel!!!

Daniel: She's a legend. Get it Victoria.

(I'm still drunk I may have told her you have a magic dick, sorry)

Max: OH MY GOD!!!

Daniel : Gonna pass out now.

Max: Goodnight over sharing idiot.

Several hours later. Night time in Europe...

Max: Victoria made me do shots.

She's using the word magic every other sentence. Fuck this.

I told my mum. She was too drunk to show her disappointment.

Actually.

She's happy?

I'm happy.

She said we should never tell my dad. Fuck that. Fuck him.

Fuck I love you.

I hate this time difference.

Wake up!!

December 25th, morning Australia time...

Incoming facetime call from Daniel.

"Merry Christmas, Maxy!!!" Daniel shouted through the screen.

"Hey Daniel," Victoria answered. "Max is checking on the babies."

"Husband material!" Sophie shouted towards the camera. She appeared on screen a few seconds later. "You will treat my Max well. I am happy for you."

Daniel was touched. "That means a lot, thank you."

"And if anyone has a problem with it, they will deal with me," Sophie added.

"I really appreciate it, seriously," Daniel replied.

"Thanks for all the juicy details, Daniel. I want to know anything I can tease Max with, ok?" Victoria said.

"What did he say?" Sophie asked.

"Blijkbaar heeft Max een magische lul," Victoria replied.

"He has a what?" Sophie asked, giggling. "Raised well, clearly."

"Oh my god, Victoria!" Daniel exclaimed.

"Yes?" She asked innocently.

Sophie was still laughing when Max appeared behind them and snatched his phone away.

"What did you tell them?" Max asked.

"Hold on, magic?" Sophie added through laughs.

"I'm not elaborating," Daniel responded.

"Oh my god, Daniel!" Max whispered, close to the microphone.

"It was Victoria!" Daniel defended himself.

"I'll deal with you later," Max warned his sister.

"Happy crimbo, Maxy," Daniel said.

"Happy Christmas, Daniel," Max replied.

"Izzy and Isaac want to say hi, if that's ok?" Daniel asked, walking out of his room and into the main living area, which was alive with activity.

"Ok," Max responded, slumping down own the sofa.

"More champagne, Max," Sophie said, passing Max a glass and sitting beside him. "The weather looks beautiful there, Daniel."

"Yeah, it's a hot one!" Daniel responded. "Max is on the phone!"

"Uncle Max!" Izzy shouted, appearing next to Daniel.

"Woah careful on the chair, I'll come down to you," Daniel said.

"Uncle Max?" Max questioned.

"Well, you're uncle Daniel's boyfriend, right?" Isaac questioned.

"Yes," Max replied, ignoring the little belly flip that he got from hearing someone else say that.

"So that's how it works, you're uncle Max now," Isaac continued.

"Uncle Daniel is very happy," Izzy said. "And he gets to have a boyfriend who is the world champion. We like you."

"That's really important to me," Max replied.

"Give me the phone," Grace demanded. Daniel conceded immediately and his mum came into view. "Hello my love, oh you look so good. I'm so happy for you both."

"Thank you, Grace," Max said between her ramblings.

"I know Daniel has been bisexual since he was old enough to know what that meant but I had no idea about you. I think he's happier than I've ever seen him. I thought it was the year off, but turns out it's you."

Max was blushing.

"It's his magic dick!" Victoria shouted towards the phone.

"There are children on the other end of the line, Victoria!" Max scolded her.

"Sorry!" She shouted. "I wasn't paying attention."

"They didn't hear, don't worry. I'll pass you back to Daniel. Lots of love to you, Max. Come and visit, ok?" Grace responded calmly.

"I want to," Max responded.

Daniel's smiling face reappeared on the screen and they talked for as long as they could, until Max was dropping off to sleep on the end of the phone. They promised to speak the next day and promised to send lots of photos.

"New years in Monaco, baby," Daniel whispered. "Love you."

"I love you too."

#maxiel #daniel ricciardo #max verstappen #dr3 #f1 #f1 rpf #max/daniel #maxiel fic #mv33 #mv1

[sterlingarcher23]

Stranger Things/ElMax and a Valerian & Laureline parallel

I noticed something when I just watched Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets (which is why I give this post priority) and while it was at first just how Laureline (Cara Delevingne) looked at Valerian's lips (Dane DeHaan) totally says "Yeah, looking at someone's lips communicates a romantic interest" which means that El & Max looking at each other's lips screams 'romance incoming', the whole scene had some weirdly similar vibes.

From the "Wait a moment, our moment is interrupted", therefore no kiss, to the ridiculous charge of Valerian & Laureline and Max on the other side.

Before this all happens Laureline's brain was meant to be a dish for an alien emperor guy (typical Luc Besson humor)

Like I said: vibes...

It should be noted that Star Wars which has a huge influence in pop culture including Stranger Things, would have looked very different and probably less interesting if the makers and Uncle George weren't plundering franco-belgian comics and artists including "Valerian & Laureline" by Pierre Christin & Jean-Claude Mézières or the works of Jean "Moebius" Giraud and others.

Just a few examples:

A video showcasing certain images and although not comparing everything, once you see it, you know that you've seen it.

Something that at least should be acknowledge - Pierre Christin interviewed years ago by a German journal wasn't against inspiration, that's how art works and lives on, he was just sad that their works weren't even mentioned and that it is a thing with Americans that they take what's needed and don't even say "Thank you" which, according to Christin is the very least you should do.

The interview but it's just in German.

Btw Mézières & Christin worked with Besson on his Fifth Element that's why it looks also very similar to some Valerian illustrations bit those came before.

Anyway: Did the Duffers copy Valerian too to have El & Max like Valerian & Laureline? Not sure. It just has similar vibes and although not in the movie but it was meant to happen in a sequel and IS a big thing in the comics, both Valerian and Laureline are time agents,usually only visiting the past (Laureline is originally even a girl from the middle ages) and the constant hints to time travel/space travel (Back to the Future, A wrinkle in time) and dimensions outside the space time feels like this could be an influence and aspects inspiring Stranger Things and more specifically El & Max (because these two most definitely go on a time travel/jump).

The visuals how Laureline communicates with Valerian in "Metro Chatelet" over space and time (she's in the future, he's in the 80s) could be an inspo for Stranger Things, communication/time travel.

Speaking of similarities (Valerian shows that he's the guardian of the soul of a princess):

So, it could just be a coincidence (although nerds like the Duffers may know about some ofthe origins of Star Wars) but at least it would be cool... and honor what influenced a world wide cultural phenomenon like Star Wars that inspired Stranger Things too.

Just the artwork for this book reminds me of the reflection, mirror and upside down/inverse from the show, splitting it in space, time and dimension too - and yeah, in German Laureline was renamed to Veronique.

So, a Valerian & Laureline / El & Max couple parallel that's undeniable for the nerds that know more than just DC & Marcel and I'm happy.

"There's beggary in love that can be reckon'd"

It cannot be reckoned, it's infinite, bottomless, is infinitely deep. It's timeless. It's neverending.

"And there here upon a rainbow is the answer to a Neverending Story."

#Youtube #elmax #max mayfield #stranger things #el hopper #elmax nation #elmax my beloved #elmax supremacy #elmax is real #elmax is endgame #stranger things analysis #valerian and laureline

[sageofhorkneemagic]

Occult Legacy Challenge!

This likely isn't the first one out there, and I've never made a sims challenge before but oh well! Here goes nothing!!

Gen 1: I'm almost human

Leaving your home world of Sixam was tough, and assimilating into an entirely different world is even tougher. Luckily, you're nothing if not hardy!

Requirements:

Begin with 0 simoleons

Reach max handiness skill

Make and mantain at least 3 good friends

Complete the Neighborhood Confidante aspiration

Have a traditional wedding with your partner

Adopt at least one child with your partner

Always participate in holidays

(Optional) have a wraparound porch like a good suburban human:)

Gen 2: Requiem for a Home

Growing up you were always fascinated by the occult, spending many nights in your teen years reading about it into the early hours of the morning. Witches, demons, possessions, mythology, if it was considered strange or dangerous then you had researched it! Come adulthood, you were ready to spread your wings, wanting nothing more than to become a writer who experienced the paranormal- you decided to look for a haunted house to live in as the perfect place to start your journey!

Requirements:

Must live in a haunted house lot type in Forgotten Hollow (Optional: Use the Haunted lot trait)

Max the Meduim skill

Max the Writing Skill

Work on the Bestselling author aspiration (though you don't necessarily have to finish it)

Write and publish at least 5 books on the occult

Be close friends with Guidry and Bonehilda

Gen 3: Interviews with the vampires

Your parents strange fascination with the occult means that you grew up to be quite desensitized to it all. A skeleton babysitter and ghost uncle aren't even the weirdest things you've experienced growing up. As a result, you don't really heed your parents warnings regarding your neighbor's- vampires are cool as hell, it's not like they all wanna kill you or anything- right?

Requirements:

Starts when you are a teen

Become bitten by a vampire and turn into one

Be rebellious and carefree, breaking curfew, pulling pranks and sneak out. The self assured trait is recommended

Complete at least one vampire aspiration (optional: complete the teen specific Live Fast aspiration)

Move out into a rural area where you try to live without harming anybody and maybe even cure yourself. Fall for someone in your town and adopt at least one child and pet with them. (Or conceive naturally if you have cured yourself)

OR

Move out into a city or otherwise densely populated area and cause mischief, never leaving during the day and making mayhem at night. Fall for someone you bring home with you and adopt at least one child with them. (Vampires are dead after all, being fertile hardly makes that much sense)

Gen 4: Part of that world

Your supernatural heritage certainly left something to be desired- the home was always so old fashioned, or too dark and dreary. It didn't help that one of your parents was so sunlight averse- meaning you hardly had any fun outings with them aside from camping to heavily forested areas. You've grown tired of it, so once you're of age you decide to up and leave to Sulani for a new life!

Requirements:

Live on a lot over the ocean in Sulani

Complete the Beach Life aspiration

Engage in the local culture

Date a Sulani native (marrying them is optional)

Become a mermaid

Make a living from odd jobs, scavenging the beach and diving. Any self-sustaining hobbies like crafting or gardening are also acceptable sources of income

(Optional) Befriend a dolphin

(Optional) live off-the-grid

Gen 5: Toil and Trouble

Somehow, trouble always seems to find you, even when you do your best to avoid it. So you've stopped trying, and decided to embrace it instead. Your family is a long line of trouble, outcasted individuals who somehow found their way- and you plan on continuing that tradition.

Requirements:

Move to Glimmerbrook

Become a spellcaster

Befriend the three sages

Make at least five potions

Dedicate yourself to one school of magic

Have a spellcaster 'roommate' (and they were roommates!)

Complete at least one magic-related aspiration

Celebrate witchy holidays (harvestfest, winterfest, etc)

(Optional) add and celebrate your own holidays to the calendar based off pagan/wiccan ones like the summer and winter solstice

(Optional) adopt a black cat

Gen 6: If I show my teeth, I must be hungry

All of the leftover supernatural traits in your bloodline have really made your life difficult. Even as a child, all of these different occult energies made your mind an absolute mess, so many instincts pulling you in all different directions- as a result of the constant struggle, you may have a liiittle bit of an issue with handling your emotions. So, for the safety (and sanity) of yourself and others, you've decided to move to the mostly abandoned logging town of Moonwood Mill. In hope of a fresh start away from what's plagued your whole life.

Requirements:

Become scratched by a werewolf by exploring the tunnels or angering Greg

Live alone until you experience your first full moon as a werewolf

Have the Hot Headed trait

Be active, whether more traditionally or through yoga (gotta keep that inner beast in check somehow!)

Join one of the packs

Become alpha of your respective pack and have at least 3 werebabies with a partner of your choosing

Or

Seek to cure yourself of Lycanthropy, but remain in Moonwood Mill as one of the only humans in the werewolf community

And there we have it! I didn't want the challenge to be too restricting, just to have some guidelines and such- you'll notice that adoption is the most common way of getting children in this and honestly it's for simplicity sake- if you want your sims to have to seek out a cure to whatever their parent is then go ahead, but I feel that adoption is much easier. Doesn't really apply for the likes of Spellcasters or Mermaids as they can become human again quite easily, but for the rest I'd really reccomend going that route instead of trying to find a vampire cure or smthn. Anyway, have fun and feel free to tag me if you participate! ^-^

#ts4 #sims 4 #sims 4 challenge #babys first sims challenge:)

[guessimate]

I’m sorry if my screenshots are going to look a bit different, but from now on I’m going to use these eyes and accessories for the heterochromic “contact lenses” effect I plan on using for some sims whose parents have different eye colors. This is my first time using default eyes.

~*~

I got RCC mod for this ROS, so you can probably guess what I got... I rolled Ruination. Cordula Avesnes is supposed to get pregnant out of wedlock and she must marry before she gives birth. She has never had any romantic interactions before, but her highest male relationships (outside of her family) are the local priest and Aubrey Carbonneau... so Aubrey it is. Cordula and Aubrey are both ambitious, and they probably bonded over their love of skilling – she maxed out logic, whereas he maxed out mechanical at a very young age.

Her cousins are still toddlers, so they really have no relationships with any other men in the ‘hood, so I think their reputations will be fine. By the time they’re teenagers, everyone will have forgotten about this scandal, probably. Maybe it’s not such a bad match, as her uncle probably doesn’t care that much how well she marries, he’d probably care more about his daughters.

I think it actually makes perfect sense for Cordula to end up like this, because she’s both Rebellious and a Party Animal. And maybe it’s for the best, as Cordula is a Knowledge sim, and those rarely ever roll romantic wants. 

The young couple had a short courting, which was not really chaperoned, as Cordula’s Romance aspiration granny had to pay attention to 2 toddlers, and her uncle was at work all day... Cordula liked Aubrey a bit more than he liked her, so I guess that fits the storyline of her being more easily seduced by him. 

I helped this storyline a bit more by adjusting their turn ons and they ended up with 2 bolts. They didn’t do much during their 1st date but they slept in the same bed because it was a sleepover. That was not very historical, but I just didn’t want him to leave and it was late. They wanted to go on another date, during which their WooHood and she fell pregnant.

Around that time Cordula was obsessed with learning how to cook and she became a bit plump, so I’m sure at first she was trying to pretend she was getting rounder just because of that.

This marriage prospect is good for Aubrey, as he’s only a gentry and she’s a noble (although she’s just a 2nd born daughter, her dowry is still 2000$, which is not so bad). However, her father is dead and she’s been living in her uncle’s residence, so I imagine her marriage prospects wouldn’t be best.

 ~*~

They started this round with 16,755$ [495$ of this sum was a small inheritance granny Euphrosina got from her deceased lover]. They should have ended up with 30,338, earning around 13,583$ due to all the high level promotions.

Enrique got promoted multiple times throughout this round and I believe he’s just one step away from from maxing out the Architecture career. Hopefully he’ll manage to do it next round, but he lost so many friends this round and he needs like 11, so it might be a bit of a challenge. He might have to network with some lower rank sims in town.

I paid their bills at the very beginning of the weekend, as Master Architects have free weekends anyway, so Enrique wouldn’t be going to work anymore this round.

5,000$ – rent.

1400$ (rounded up from 1358$) – tax.

= 6400$ to the Royal Family. The Royals have accumulated 145,500$ to date.

1400$ – tithe. I’m going to say that the burial fee (100$) is already included because I rounded up both the tax and the tithe. The Church has earned 24,250$ total.

They ended up with 22,228$ after paying the taxes. That is before paying the dowry. They dug up just a rock.

I paid the taxes a bit earlier for a reason… Granny was dying, so I didn’t want the inheritance money to get in the way. I don’t really have any rules for the inheritance money but I don’t think it should be considered an income to be taxed.

Euphrosina lead the longest life out of my CAS-made elders so far. I don’t know why, but it just feels like she had more days to enjoy her elderly years. She had 10 best friends, and 2 lovers – Myron Farina [the now deceased fluid-rank sim added by ROS], and the new elder merchant in town who seems to be going through all the elderly romance ladies in town.

This family ended up with 38,303$ after getting the inheritance money – that’s 16,075$ they got from inheritance. I bought them an easel – a gift for the newly-grown kid, Crescentia. Bathilde wanted a piano instead. Cordula can keep 2000$ as a dowry... I’ll see about the rest. I think the money given to children by the game might be a bit too much, but the inheritance for grandkids is not that much.

~*~

I moved Beatrice’s grave onto the Church lot, as she has haunted this house enough, and I think Enrique is mourning the loss of his mother now rather than the loss of his wife, as sad as it is...

Both Crescentia and Bathilde aced their toddler skills, and learnt the Nursery Rhymes. They also got quite far with skills they were practicing as toddlers. Crescentia maxed out Creativity, and Bathilde is on her way to max out Mechanical (she preferred playing with blocks to drawing as a toddler).

Crescentia is a Charismatic Schmoozer, and a Hydrophobe. She’s an Aquarius, like her father. And she’s also into Nature, just like her dad.

Bathilde was randomized to be a Socially Awkward Loner, and Workaholic. She’s a Capricorn. Her One True Hobby is Cuisine.

~*~

The Carbonneaus had ~18,000$ before this round, and I set their money to 20,000$ when Cordula moved in. I set the Avesneses to 35,000$ for now, to account for the dowry ‘money transfer’.

This round was not meant to be about the Carbonneaus, but Ronan Gardiner invited himself to the wedding/birthday party (parents were aging up) and stole a kiss from Cecilia, Carbonneaus’ adopted daughter [who wanted her very first kiss]. I don’t really like her going so low down on the rank ladder, but she is only adopted and they’re probably more interested in securing a good match for their biological daughter… Maybe he’s just her teenage crush. 

Cordula gave birth to a baby boy! And they both survived the birth, with very high rolls! I named him Cassian. He’s a gray-eyed redhead. Aubrey wants to hire a nanny. That’s a bit funny. We have enough women in this house, young man!

#ts2 #thesims2 #medieval charter challenge #mcc #noble #autumn #fall

[averysmolkirbo]

[Rant about turnabout bigtop incoming]

AKDJSKSNSK ok so im playing 2-3 and ill be honest, i dont HATE it.[i kinda like max, even if he's a bit arrogant, and i kind of feel bad fpr/sympathize with acro] I hate SOME of it tho.

the one thing i HATE, and DESPISE more than anything, is how many ducking GROWN ASS MEN are fawning over this 16 year old CHILD. By my count, its at least 4. (Max, Ben/Trilo, Bat, and the judge) (the judge only made a little comment or two but its the fact he said it at all)

Max is the youngest here, (21) and he's STILL 5 years older than Regina. (Also idk if i believe him, he seems like he is most certainly gay af, just look at him)

Bat is 22, 6 years older than her (strange cuz he looks so young, thought he was Regina's age...)

Ben is 31, or nearly double her age, 15 years older, he particularly squicks me out, because he has such weird vibes and like he going after a child like eww

And the judge is like, at least 60 or something idk, There's also the issue that HE'S MARRIED and has grandkids. His was more of a one-off line tho, so its not THAT bad, but still, weird he commented on it.

My biggest problem is that none of this needed to happen; they couldve EASILY bumped regina up 2 years and at least make her an adult, wouldnt have had an effect on the plot i dont think (she could still be as innocent as she is) .... still makes it weird for a 31 Y.O to propose to her (cant really get around that). They couldve also made the others younger, like they couldve made bat the same age or like a year older than regina and they couldve made ben like, 25. (were they like intentionally trying to make a weird creep character?? and if yes, that makes it worse!) Also i stand by my headcanon/basic observation that max is very gay (couldnt they have dialed it back a little?)

At least they didnt TOTALLY screw up and make moe a love interest too. (That thought makes me cringe) i wholly support the decision of making him more of a "friend/uncle figure" to her.

Ok. Rant over. Sorry, had to get that out.

#ace attorney jfa #why capcom whyyyyy #turnabout big top #just ranting

[dexi-green]

God, I loved the season finale for stranger things... but (rant incoming) I really need to stop trying to engage in the community for shows like this. Your fave dying isn't bad writing. I've been seeing people call Eddie's death a cheap or low shot, or a shitty way to tie up his story. Have you ever written a story before? You know why everyone knew he was gonna die? Because his character arc was literally written for that end. A good character arc means evolution. The "coward" to the hero. Eddie was a self described coward, MULTIPLE TIMES he says that he's not the hero (honestly if any writing was bad it was how much that hammered that point home to make his end obvious) and by the end of the season died a hero. Yes he died for a town that hated him, that's the POINT. He was a hero. He died not for the glory, not for the praise, but because it was the right thing to do. Not every story needs to subvert expectations or have a twist, especially with max *maybe* getting to make it out alive, the Hopper fake out from the end of s3, Eleven and Brenner's fakeout at the end of s1, the Steve fake out death this season. There are no stakes if every death is a fake out, if every sacrifice can just be reversed. What's the point in ever caring for these characters or being fearful or worried if we know they're gonna all be okay in the end?

I get your fave comfort character dying is a fucking blow. I literally just finished watching it and my eyes still sting from my tears from Eddie's death, which was the first time I cried during the finale and I had to pause it to gather myself as soon as I realized what was happening. But to say it's bad writing is taking it too far. Hell, the writers wrote the rest of the character that you fell in love with, that writing wasn't bad was it? Stop insulting and dragging the people who provide us with the content we enjoy. The artists behind these shows, actors, writers, crew, everyone, work together to create these beautiful pieces and to go on Twitter immediately after and bash it because you didn't get your fanfiction ending? Come on now. There is plenty of content that will give you that and you think that the *checks notes* horror series that rips from every big horror movie of the 70s/80s, is gonna give you happy endings for everyone?

Eddie is beautifully written, and a big part of that beauty is the journey he went on to get the death that he did. Yeah we saw no one but his Uncle and Dustin honor him, but those were his closest relationships, seeing them honor him means the most. Seeing his Uncle be told that Eddie died a Hero, means so much more from a writing standpoint then seeing Eddie wake up in a hospital where, what? He would probably be handcuffed to the bed and still take the fall for all the murders as cover-up/assumption, because how in the hell do you expect anyone to convince an entire town, that's already convinced its the metal head D&D player during the height of the Satanic Panic in the 80s, that oh.. actually a gas leak or bear killed all your kids and mangled their corpses 🙈 Occams razor, a very VERY common tool in writing, a philosophical rule, "the best/most likely answer is usually the simplest one". Eddie being the killer is the simplest and fastest answer, especially when the majority already believes it.

I don't know why I'm going so hard on this... just... just because it didn't turn out the way you wanted, does not mean it's bad writing. I think a big geoup of these people aren't horror fans, stranger things kind of is an anamoly of horror to such a big mainstream scale, in pop culture in a way where non-horror fans enjoy it, to the point where I've literally seen people surprised at the gore and threaten to stop watching. I'm not saying horror isnt mainstream, definitely not, just that usually when people dont like horror they dont engage, but somehow people still do with this. I watched this show, the first season, the day it dropped, and didn't think anyone was gonna watch it and it'd sadly be canceled after season 1. But these people who don't watch or engage with horror watch it and expect something completely different. I definitely love that it's so mainstream and has so many fans because we wouldn't have gotten this much if it didn't but some of yall must've tripped and fell into this for the 80s aesthetic or just watched it for the hype cause you're not watching it for what it is, a big giant ass kiss to classic horror. Classic Horror where there is a final girl, not group, singular girl. Where she runs the final girl Gambit, seeing the dead bodies of all her friends along the way. Screaming her head off, pulling her hair out, covered in blood, fighting for her life, and just barely stumbling away from a killer who watches her the entire time. Watches her disappear with her sanity barely intact, planning their next move. Halloween, Chainsaw, Nightmare, Alien. Yes a good mix of The Goonies, ET, Breakfast Club, and those family friend 80s romps are all paid homage too, but horror is a BIG chunk.

Ultimately people can say whatever shit they want, and if they genuinely believe that a character who was literally introduced to meet this end shouldn't have died and that ruined this season for them, then sure, whatever, live your truth. I will however defend this choice. I loved this season, I absolutely adored Eddie, and I loved this end for him. I can't imagine a better way for him to go out in a horror series where life is not guaranteed (maybe aside from Eleven, Dustin, Lucas, Mike, and Will (barring s5)). I totally get being critical. I didn't like everything this season. I could've done with so much less of the military/Russian plot lines. I didn't like how some characters developed. But that doesn't mean the writing is overall bad, and that I need to go to Twitter and all socials and be sure the writers see hoards of unconstructive hate before any praise. Like at the very least (especially if you somehow got through reading all this and feel the need to argue with me) explain why it was bad AND offer the solution. If I saw anyone saying, oh it would've been better if Eddie would've done this or that, or if this could've happened, and it would've made since, then that'd be something else. But all I've seen is people poo-pooing it because "Eddie didn't deserve that"... of course he didn't! Its greta that you have empathy But boy is also fictional, and the artists behind this series, who do indeed go online to see reactions, are real people who will be affected by you calling them bad because they didn't read every fans mind and write them a personalized finale. God... every copy of stranger things is personalized.

Honestly some of yall are probably just those same toxic star wars fans and j need to stop giving you my energy. This isn't good for me 😮‍💨 but I want to rant too. Maybe I'll make another rant post about all the stuff I absolutely loved like NOAH SCHNAPP'S ACTING OMG THAT BOY CAN CRRRRYYYYY! GIVE HIM HIS FLOWERS 💐 💐💐

#stranger things #spoilers #stranger things spoilers #stranger things season 4 #st s4 #rant #horror #i dont want to even argue with people #i just want to vent #which i know the people who are upset want to do #but yeah im allowed to too #i dont think bashing writers makes sense whhen you supposedly love a show #stranger things season finale #stranger things season 4 volume 2 #stranger things s4 vol2 #st s4 v2 spoilers #st s4 v2 #i dont know how else to tag this #i dont want to spoil it for anyone #st s4 vol2 #long post #whiny #im in a depressive episode #im very irritable #there is a good chance ill delete this #or completely forget i posted this #text #eddie munson #eddie munson spoilers

[crimsonblackrose]

This feels remarkably late. Was tagged by: @youandthemountains, @matahariherself and @marycontraire They were all mildly different but also mildly similar get to know you things so I’m combo-ing all of them, hope you don’t mind. Last Song: A Lizzo song I heard on the radio in my friends car, though much to my own horror I brought up Baby Shark as a joke yesterday so that’s been tormenting me on repeat, because that’s how brains and minds work. 😭 Last Show/Series: Cobra Kai season 5, I’ve been surprisingly busy and haven’t started anything new since I binged it. Though I give myself like a month before I start re-blogging new seasons spoilers of things that just dropped. The urge to break my self imposed rule though has been so strong. But I’ve been good this long and just making my likes absolutely impossible to navigate. 😅 Currently watching:  Extraordinary Attorney Woo, I can only watch it with my aunt while my uncle is out because it hits too close to a triggering wound for him and he can’t watch it. So we’re like maybe halfway through? I’ve started A League of Their Own but the second hand embarrassment I keep getting keeps makes me stop it so I’m moving super slow. I’ve been watching She-Hulk and will probably start Andor soon. Oh we also started The Brave Ones which is interesting, we’re not particularly far in it but I’m hoping that once we burn through the family friendly stuff from Disney+ that we can go back to watching that. I also know I need to watch Sandman, but if I’m not watching it with my aunt and uncle (that’s got to be PG-13 max) then I’m struggling to find time to watch things, so it’s going to be a bit. (Also why I’m not far in A League of Their Own)

Favorite color: turquoise/teal, things in that shade are currently my favorite.

Sweet, spicy or savoury: Sweet in bites and savory generally. I can’t handle spicy because apparently I’m a cliche. 🤣 Currently reading: Queen of Shadows for a book club, I didn’t realize until like earlier this month how massive these books are. I’ve also started The Drunken Botanist and have been baking out of Celebrate with Kim-Joy. (Though I’m itching to get my hands on my libraries copy of Wicked Baker for some spooky Halloween bakes)

What I’m working on: A super rare pair (like last I checked which was pre-season 5 drop) CK fic where my fic is one of 3 in the tag. 😂 I don’t think I’ve ever been so rare pair. Though who knows what’s going to happen once the halloween prompts drop. Ideally I’ll be able to do both. Currently I’m on chapter 16 of writing it and I published chapter 9 over the weekend. Mostly because I realized I tried to rush to beat the new season which I didn’t like and then kept like tripping over things that I’d then have to go back and fix, so this way I can do that before it affects what’s published and I’m stuck or have to go back and fix it. Job hunting. I’m trying to be better at applying but for a long time I had 0 energy. But I’ve revamped my resume and I’ve been applying more. So 🤞 because the last one I applied to would be amazing.

Baking and drink making. Last year I was in Italy for Halloween and the previous year I started prepping for it too late and and like all the stuff was sold out (black food coloring, random ingredients ect) and I didn’t have a job so I didn’t have disposable income. So this year I’m starting early, I made a almost purplish sangria, some cauldron tarts, this pretty good strawberry-raspberry pink drink, a coffee milk tea alcoholic drink, a mint tea mojito (non-alcoholic) and I’m currently eyeing a recipe for panna cotta eyeballs. Only issue is like half the household is currently sworn off sugar so now it’s a case of trying to meet friends and share treats with them. Mooncakes though are also up on my list, partially because it’s the right season and I want to try making them, but also because I mentioned it while out with friends and now another friend who loves them knows I might be making some and requested I make them some and now I’m super nervous.

Currently obsessed with: These Halloween florals from Target. I had the hardest time finding them because I didn’t realize they were “Limited edition collector items” that people adore. And just decorating for Halloween in general because it’s been so long.

My local library. I’m trying to get out more and do stuff and they’re like always doing stuff so I’ve been making books and drinking tea and chatting with grandmas and it’s been nice.

Tagging (I don’t have a clue whose done this and who hasn’t, at the very least what the last song is should’ve changed, but feel free to ignore if you’ve done it too recently and don’t want to.): @gjdraws @ceruleangold @larussosmomjeans @zerrah @wicked-jade @macchiatosdumptruck

#long posts #mumblings #tagged memes?

[the-firebird69]

We have word that two letters have made it into Florida and there are two at Sun and it looks like they're from relatives. And it might be John Gallagher and Ellie and he did this before and they were used to stop it. The other one is from a doucette that's Uncle Paul and they sent it the other day taking they get it here no they heard about it and thought got to send one cuz they know him and they did not think that so many are being sent John checked it this morning cuz someone said his letter just almost there and they put it in yesterday after the hubub. Obviously I know what money is there's a lot of people who don't get it then it's the people here thinking they're extorting something thinking they can force their way into office different people and Garth s dirt poor and our son understands it he's running but has no chance. Don't bite and sees this and he's saying this there's a lot of them going after each other in the same clan. It is a nightmare he says, and he also says these guys are done. Then says he's never seen this many letters in his life. And there are cops at the post office. Making sure that the mail goes through as you get here there's less of it that makes it there's only four routes one of them is the airport that place is swamped this morning with people fighting over it and they're getting arrested and the money is being put in safekeeping. I'm one of the two letters that made it from relatives there are three letters and they are from the government in the same social security and it is and it was drafted yesterday and they're not negative but people want to switch the letters out and we saw them draft it and they're trying to get money here and they're trying to use the code and it is Terry cheesman and it's Trump and Dan and they're trying to send code to say to grab him now and the three letters are from social security stating his income for next year to reinstating it and also about an upcoming award and it is not a cola that's on the amount that he's going to get and that's what's coming and the two letters and a third letter is coming from Mount Rose. And it's Aunt Rose not Montrose and that's kind of weird. So there are a few other relatives who are thinking about it. And there's a lot of other stuff happening but that's very interesting to people and it's going on now there is fighting at the post office and a lot of them and people want their letters to get through it's not every post office where people are sending to our son and it is not prevalent throughout the whole country but there's probably four City areas that are doing a lot of it and they know who he is and it's coming from California a lot New England one place in the south and one in the Midwest as his brothers following and there are several who sent it like certified and it came back and it said something stupid on it then it went in and they talked to the post office and they said we don't send mail there they said yeah you do it's going all day long so they get an arguments and they try and send it UPS and FedEx DHL special courier air mail some people are trying to hand deliver it there's a lot of people coming up here to try and hand deliver money and more than $10 they want to donate hundreds of thousands and so we can have things and they of course would probably get something and we would see what they're doing and how we can help people want cars and they want to do car plants and they want car dealerships and we help people get those things and factories and we should we shall see how this goes didn't know who's blocking it and it is of course social security people and Jason but besides that it appears to be the max and that's different

And there is an award letter and he thought that there would be next year's amount oh he thinks that the cola does come on there and it does and people telling him it does and there's three letters reinstatement the amount for next year including the cola but then he said there's a separate letter for the cola and that's what it is and Ken is aware of it and he is as well and this is to cover it up as well but there are letters heading towards depew and they'll give them to Ken and he'll send a letter back and see him down here now and send them a little back Loma Williams and she is a girl from Stoner group and she's going to send that out tomorrow and she is laughing and she said well I postpone that didn't I no thank you no thank you no thank you that's what she's saying to them finally she has to send it and he doesn't mind because more people can send and Aunt Rose then they'll say it's a ton of letters. So bja is thinking of sending a letter because stuff has happened and he's upset about it it is upsetting but he's trying to handle it man handle it so it's going on now interesting news though and color is only like 1% or something or this year it's not much money but they increase the amount by a hundred bucks or something. He needs that and admits it but this funding question is getting to be very big and a lot of people are starting to hate these people they are checking who it is and they are checking who's doing it and there will be a war over Christmas cards and he's thankful that people are doing it and he wants to remind people did the Christmas card as long as you don't write something rude can men defense and a friendship and it has before in his life and it has before the other way around and he learned that from his parents and it worked a lot so we're going to say God bless two hours and let's have a safe day and get some work done

Thor Freya

Olympus

It's funny you saying oh my God now what but he's just joking but seriously this is working and it's working for me

Hera

[hargrove-mayfields]

Not that he, or anybody else, was expecting much else, he’d actually been waiting for the moment Neil would do this since the day his momma walked out the door, but Billy only makes it about a month in his dad's house after graduating high school before he gets the boot.

Anybody could’ve predicted it really, Neil’s temper getting worse and worse the longer he let Billy stay around, but the excuse he comes up with, the claim he makes to anyone who will listen to cover his own sorry ass, is that he personally hadn’t stayed with his own parents a day after he turned 18.

That is very much a lie, Neil bummed off of Billy’s grandparents until he met his wife at 25 and the couple moved into her brother’s house from there, but it didn’t matter, because now, Billy is supposed to follow in his footsteps and move out of the house he only had a half a year to live in anyways.

Billy himself thinks it’s ridiculous, but still, dad says to get out, so, more than anything to ensure his own safety and for his step-family’s, he follows the order, leaving without a glance back at that place he wasn’t sure he wanted to be in anyways.

Well, that’s not entirely true either. It’s not like he never goes back. Every now and again, when Neil works a double shift or stops at the bar on the way home, Billy’ll drop in and check on Max, maybe bring her something just to show like he’s doing alright, and Susan’ll make him some tea and give him some very much needed life advice, which is nice. He gains an appreciation for his step mother that he never could quite have when they were living under the same roof. The both of them all the same rules without realizing it. She might not have been able to be his mother, but she could be his friend now.

Still, as much as he was thankful for all the little tips Susan was dishing out, learning to thread a needle and turn on a stove and dry his laundry without shrinking everything he owned admittedly wasn’t getting him far with his life. She could teach him how to balance his money and how to pay the bills and make goals so he wasn’t living that way for nothing, but he would, at the end of the day, still be living all on his own in a rundown, low income apartment without a degree or enough money to get one.

His grades tanked in his last semester of high school because somebody went and broke his writing arm and none of his teachers took enough pity on him when he said he couldn’t write. Hell, most didn’t even believe him when he said he was left handed, assuming, based on the stereotypical image they built of him and the gossip that surrounded him since his first day in town, that he just wanted a way out of his school work.

In the end, the failing grades lost him all of his scholarships, and subsequently the only way he had to get the hell out, since his dad sure as hell wasn't going to support him and Susan’s name wasn’t on the back account.

It sucks, but after some time living with it, Billy decides it’s not all worth doomsdaying about though. He had a dream for himself and it didn’t work out, that’s nothing fucking new to him. His dreams were crushed years ago when momma left, when he realized some things about himself and knew he’d never have the nuclear marriage his dad supposedly dreamed of for him, when he got caught down in Castro and had the whole family shipped off to the Midwest. So, while being trapped in Hawkins has its many, many drawbacks, it’s something he can deal with.

But other than that though, it also has some perks. Like having connections- weak connections that aren’t going to get him anywhere beyond, well, still being in Hawkins- but knowing people is probably about the only thing he has going for his success. That and the fact that small towns are literally always hiring for just about any job he could want, which is exactly how he ends up working in the store Susan’s uncle owns. Family was the reason they chose Hawkins out of all of the run down towns in the states anyhow.

It’s basically a fix it shop, where women who were raised by men like his father and don’t know how to use tools come to fix their family heirlooms, and men who are too prideful to stoop to the level of gluing their wives’ broken collectibles back together bring it in for ol’ Rusty to fix for them; Billy’s not really allowed to do much there, but he gets bonus pay just for being sort of related to the man in charge, and if he’s making good money just having to watch the boss fix things all day and listen to his stories and conspiracy theories about the town he doesn’t care for, well that's still better than what he was doing before.

Sometimes though, when old Rusty just isn’t feeling up to it, he’ll sit in the back running the coffee pot all the day long, and Billy gets to take charge of the front counter. Most of the customers will turn around at the door, some making it just long enough to schedule an appointment for another day when it’s not just him in the shop. The only people that ever come into a damn place like a fix-it shop anyways are older people who can’t accept that times, and their precious Hawkins, are a-changin’.

Old judgemental fuckers be damned, the young punk behind behind the counter at Rusty's, exactly the kind of boy they turn their noses up at on the street and pray their granddaughters will never bring to a Thanksgiving dinner, is there to stay. And clearly, that’s much to their dismay. One man, looked to be maybe about 90, swore up and down that Billy must’ve put his old boss out of his misery and stole the shop in his own name. Rusty had to come out of the back just to prove to the bastard that no, he hadn’t been sacrificed in exchange for Billy’s five bucks an hour wage. If it wasn’t for that money, and the fact that he was otherwise SOL, Billy wouldn't even dream of putting up with this shit, let alone offing someone for it.

Despite all the bullshit he does have to our up with, he gets lucky, on a particularly slow Sunday, when almost everyone else in town would be at church, because in stumbles a very confused looking Steve Harrington. Now, this is much more his speed, a welcome change in his comfortable at best, but extremely boring work day.

“Can I help you, Harrington?”

Somehow looking not as surprised as anybody else who entered the shop when they see him, an unreadable look of something like affirmation in his eyes at seeing washed up Billy Hargrove behind the counter, Steve asks, “Uh, I need something fixed but.. where’s the old guy?”

Billy hums, pretty sure from that look Steve was banking actually on the fact Rusty would be out for the day, “The old guy’s takin’ his twelve hour coffee break. What can I do you for, Harrington?”

“Oh, uh, my mom broke this necklace and I wanted to fix it in time for her for her birthday but I just broke it more so… I came here.”

“Lemme take a look.” Steve slips the necklace into his hands, a dainty thing that seems a little too plastic for the supposed richest family in town, but maybe that’s just because of how bent and broken the thing is Billy pegs it that way, “Jesus, how were you trying to fix this thing, with a hammer?”

“Pliers.” Steve answers simply, drawing an involuntary laugh from Billy, and a warmth to spread across the former's cheeks, “Pliers? All you need’s a new clasp, pretty boy. I can do that for you in like, a minute.”

“Oh. Well, thanks I guess.” Steve watches him fix it, his focus particularly on Billy’s hands, everytime he gets caught those brown eyes darting up to the ceiling. It’s cute, but once Billy’s done, and before he can call him on it, Steve asks, “What do I owe you for that?”

“Just your repeat business.” Billy shrugs, adding when he remembers that the last time he fixed something for free for Max his job got threatened, “And I dunno, like a dollar or something.”

“Here.” Steve slides him his dollar, but even after he pays Billy, the necklace sits forgotten on the counter, Steve lingering sort of awkwardly, with his hands buried in his pockets in a way that makes him look far too tense. He asks, “What are you working here for anyways? I thought you had a job at the pool.”

“I did, but once I moved out, I wanted somethin’ different. ‘N Sue said it’d be like a fresh start, so..” Billy trails his sentence off, indifferent and not entirely truthful.

“You got fired, didn’t you?”

Billy isn’t as insulted as he should be though, isn’t, and he boldly explains, “Uh, fuck yeah I did. Too many complaints. Once the moms figured out they didn’t have a chance with me, their opinions changed real quick. Story went from the beloved lifeguard to the perv who just wanted to stare at their daughter's tits or something. As if.”

“Damn. That sucks.” Is all the other boy says in response, and Billy himself simply agrees, “Well, like I said, Harrington. S’a fresh start.”

Steve comments idly, with an almost snooty glance around the shop, “Doesn’t seem very fresh in here to me.”

“Yeah, yeah. But it’s new to me anyhow. I don’t really mind all the mess either.” In more of a mumble to himself, Billy adds, “And it’s much nicer than havin’ to clean up all the damn time so my old man wouldn’t start houndin’ on me.”

Steve must catch the sentiment though, despite his attempt at reservedness on the subject, “That’s right, you mentioned that. You really don’t live at home anymore either?”

“Nope. But I’m guessin’ from that tone you knew that already?”

“I did. Max kinda told everyone about your dad like, the same day you moved your last box out. Just wanted to be polite, really.”

For whatever reason, that stings, in his head shifting the whole tone of the conversation from one of conviviality to condemnation, like somehow Steve knowing the gossip that surrounded his name counted as any social interaction being tainted by pity. He grumbles,  “Dammit, I told that little shitbird not to do that. It ain’t nobody’s problem.”

“Hey, whatever keeps her safe, man. She said he hasn’t hurt them once since she snitched.”

“Well you seem to know a whole lot about us already, Harrington.”

“It’s my job to look after those kids. That includes Max.” Billy is unmoved and Steve can tell, but rather than let Billy’s attitude get in the way as he might’ve hoped, Steve keeps explaining, “And you know, I’ve been talking to your step mom, when I pick the kids up that is. She tells me you might need someone in your corner looking out for you too.”

Billy cracks. He can tell then, why Steve is even here, everything about his strange demeanor suddenly making a hell of a lot more sense. He leans over the counter, a smug little smile on his face replacing the look of reservation that had come to settle there, “I see. So where’d you get the necklace, Harrington?”

Steve’s eyebrows screw together, playing clueless, “Huh?”

“This isn’t expensive enough for your mother, and you’re apparently talking to mine about me. The necklace is just an excuse to have this whole conversation. Where’d you get it?”

“Quarter machine. At the drugstore. I didn’t think I was that obvious.” Steve informs plainly, more impressed than embarrassed, though he clearly can’t say he’s not embarrassed at all.

So Billy keeps it up, the teasing sort of camaraderie they’d had since the first time he reached out and apologized settled firmly in his words, “Please, I’ve seen Ruthie Harrington. She wears them layered pearl necklaces like Audrey Hepburn out to the drug store. She’d probably string you up with one of those necklaces if she heard you insinuate she’d wear cheap rhinestones hot glued onto painted silver.”

Despite the slight bashful flush that tints Steve’s face after Billy’s pestering, he shrugs it off, perhaps the one thing that makes it possible for the two of them to be civil being that ability to adapt to each other’s snark. He simply answers Billy's argument with, “It would be much worse if I broke one of the real ones. Trust me, I know.”

“Still, you know you could’ve just dropped by my place? You’ve apparently been talking to Sue anyways, she could’ve just given you my address instead of all this.”

“I dunno. You never seemed to want to make friends before. I didn’t figure it’d be that easy, so I had a backup I guess? It’s kinda stupid now that I think about it.”

“Trying to be my friend seemed stupid? This ain’t bad blood from November still, is it?” Realizing that sounds more defensive than he means it to, and not wanting to make himself seem like any more of an asshat than he already has, he tacks on a quick, “Just curious.”

“No. No way. I just know Tommy used to try to get you to go out literally all the time, because you’d gas ass about how much weed you had and the parties you snuck past your old man and shit, but you always made up excuses when it came to planning. He thought you were just a flake with a huge ego, who wanted it all to himself and just talked to build his rep.”

Billy nods, finishing the for Steve, “But now everyone knows the truth, and I’m too busy spending my days with some old guy listening to sixties country and breathing in paint fumes all day to do anything to save that poser-punker reputation I worked so hard for.”

Steve nods, enthusiasm growing in both his demeanor and his voice, from Billy's view seeming like he’s almost amping himself up for something, “Right. But, I was thinking, now that there’s nobody like, in charge of you, you could maybe.. do that now. Come around more, I mean.”

“Damn the rumor mills in these small towns.” Billy curses, in a way he means to be playful, but that must miss Steve, because he tries to apologize, “Oh. I didn’t mean to like, infringe or something, man.”

“I’m just kidding ya, H. I could hang. Get my schedule off Max one of these days, she’ll give it to you, and you can drop by mine sometime.”  There’s a look on Steve’s face almost like disappointment that lingers even after he clarifies, and that makes Billy pause, “Or.. are you offerin’ to take me out now?”

“Uh, yeah. Yeah, I think I actually am.” Steve smiles, that awkward edge melting away as he offers, or rather, insists with confidence to match Billys, “After your shift, let’s hit up the movies or something.”

So Billy meets him halfway, his turn to be flustered by Steve’s advances, his response accompanied by a bright red flush, “Make it the diner and you got yourself a hot deal, Steve.”

#harringrove #billy hargrove #steve harrington #billy x steve #ej writer #story by ej! #I promised y’all this fic way back in September I think #in the tags of some post I never looked at again #so here it finally is! #as always pardon any typos I didn’t read this back very carefully! #also posting this reeeal late so I can’t promise quality

[drosera-nepenthes]

The Cumberland Wedding

The wedding of Princess Alexandra of Cumberland to the Grand Duke of Mecklenburg-Schwerin, which takes place at Gotlinden next Wednesday, is an event of more than family interest; for the position of the bride's father is a disturbing element to the German Empire, of which the bridegroom's sovereignty forms part. The Duchess of Cumberland, who is Queen Alexandra's sister, was married in 1878, a few months after the death of the King of Hanover, whose Kingdom was united to the Prussian Crown after the war of 1866. Since then the Hanoverian succession has been disputed , the victory in 1871, when the King of Prussia was proclaimed German Emperor at Versailles, making the position of the possessors all the stronger. The Duke of Cumberland, the only son of the ex-King, has also a claim in respect of the revenues of the Duchies of Brunswick and Luneburg, which he claims. Last year, it was hoped that a rapproachement would take place, as the Duke and Duchess were staying at Copenhagen with King Christian, the Duchess's father, when the German Emperor was expected to spend a couple of days there; but a few days before the Kaiser was to arrive, the Duke and Duchess left the Danish Court and returned to Gmunden, their beautiful home in Upper Austria. Rumour also had it that a marriage would be arranged between the Crown Prince of Prussia and one of the Cumberland Princesses, of whom there are two unmarried, Princess Alexandra, born in 1882, and Princess Olga, born 1884; the eldest, Princess Marie, was married four years ago to Prince Max of Baden. The Duke's elder son, Prince George, who is twenty-four, holds a commission in an Austrian regiment; and it may be that the reconciliation between the German Sovereign and the Cumberlands will come through his marriage. The Duke fo Cumberland is a great-grandson of George III, and as the son of a sovereign ranks as a Royal Highness; he is entitled to sit in the House of Lords, his dignities being Duke of Cumberland and Teviotdale and Earl of Armagh, conferred in 1799 on his grandfather. His mother, the ex-Queen of Hanover, who lives principally at Gmunden, was born the same year as Queen Victoria and is the eldest daughter of the late Duke of Saxe-Altenburg.

The bridegroom of next week, H.R.H. The Grand Duke of Meckelnburg-Schwerin, who, liked the bride, can only count twenty-four years, was but fifteen years old when he succeeded his father; and as the income of the Duchy was carefully tended during his minory by the Regency of his uncle, Duke John, he is to be counted among the wealthy German Princes. One of his sisters is married to Prince Christian of Denmark, eldest son of the Crown Prince, and cousin of Princess Alexandra of Cumberland; the other, the Duchess Cecilie, is in her eighteenth year. His mother, a Russian Grand Duchess, is a sister of that Grand Duke Michael who has practically settled in England, and whose beautiful wife (a morganatic alliance) is known as the Countess Torby. Another connection with Russia is that the Duchess Marie, the bridegroom's aunt, is the wife of the Grand Duke Vladimir (the Tsar's uncle and eventual heir), whose son, the Grand Duke Cyril, recently came near to death at Port Arthur. The Grand Duke of Mecklenburg-Schwerin's marriage is a matter of considerable interest to his six hundred thousand subjects, as the next heir is a Catholic, and the reigning family has long been Lutheran. Rostock, principal town of the Grand Duchy, boasts a University of which the Grand Duke is Chancellor.

Black and White, June 4, 1904

#Princess Alexandra of Cumberland #1900s #german royal family

[snowflake-of-destruction]

Imagine Ripan meeting the twins for the first time

Sora had been preparing Ripan all day, repeating the news in happy tones, so, even if he didn’t completely grasp what was going on, he’d understand it was something to be excited about. Aunt Naminè had gotten the doctor to help her find Uncle Roxas and Uncle Axel’s babies and was able to bring them to their family. That part he’d already told Ripan weeks ago, and made it its own celebration.“They have been having so much fun getting to know each other, but now they are ready for visitors, so today you and I get to see Baby Dulce and Baby Salena at Uncle Roxas’s and Uncle Axel’s.” Riku was at the Land of Departure, assisting Aqua and Kairi with Mark of Mastery tests, but he’d come along the next time. “ They’re going to be your favorite playmates one day,” Sora assured his son with all the confidence of someone who had already planned the perfect life raising children the same time as some of his best friends, and hadn't considered that there was any option but a happy family that kept extending. “But we’re going to have to be very gentle because they are new to the worlds.”

“Play.” Ripan nodded solemnly and handed Sora the stuffed giraffe he was holding to show his grasp of the situation.

“Play,” Sora confirmed, taking the offering. “With two new playmates just for you! Friends for Ripan! Hooray!” 

“Hooray!” Ripan echoed. “Friend of Ripan!” He pointed toward the giraffe, his constant companion, again. 

“You want to give your new friends Gregory G. Giraffe?” Sora asked. “That’s a very sweet gesture.”

Ripan nodded emphatically. Yes, the giraffe was his friend. Giraffe. Friend. Sweets. All good things. Daddy should give him and the giraffe sweets. Instead, Ripan found himself swept up in his daddy’s arms and cuddled close as Sora was overwhelmed with pride at his selfless little giver. Ripan patted Daddy absently, wondering where there were sweets and making sure Friend Giraffe wasn’t crushed. 

Some confusion remained as they got ready and G.G. Giraffe got a ribbon put on him, to which Ripan declared “Fancy off-it,” Sora assuming he meant his own new shirt, when Ripan meant G.G.’s bow. Then Sora buckled Ripan and G.G. Giraffe into their childseat in the gummi ship, and everyone was on the same page again as Sora sang songs Goofy had told him Max had always loved on long trips to pass the time when he was younger (the same ones Sora had still loved himself when Goofy had sung them on gummi trips when they’d first met until Donald squawked of a headache and made them be quiet) and Ripan provided enthusiastic, clapping accompaniment. 

When they landed on Twilight Town and made their way up the hill to Axel and Roxas’s house, Sora explained the goal of their visit again when Ripan yelled, “Hap birfday Uncla Rock!” and launched G.G. up into the air, remembering their last trip to his uncles,’ though, after the stuffed toy was resecured,there was no further incident and Ripan was happily on board, chattering about “small baby” and “play an’ pat the baby.” 

Roxas’s face had aged a decade since Sora had last seen him the month before, and his shirt looked like it hadn’t been changed in that time, but he radiated happiness, so Sora judged all as it should be.

“Show the baby,” Ripan demanded as soon as Roxas greeted them. 

“Straight to the point, little man,” Roxas beamed indulgently, tickling the small boy’s belly, causing him to try and hurl himself out of Sora’s arm. “The babies are sleeping...finally.” He gave Sora a significant look that his Somebody returned sympathetically. “Axel just set them down. He’ll be back down in....” Distraught wails echoed down the stairs. Roxas sighed heavily and waved Sora and Ripan inside. “All three of my favorite people will be down here shortly and you can meet Salena and Dulce.”

When Axel made his appearance, juggling two wriggling sea-salt blue blanket bundles, announcing, “Incoming baby-ritos, hot off two minutes of napping,” he was hiding his tiredness better than Roxas. On the contrary, the aura of manic energy was enough to electrify the air, and only the fact that his hair was messy enough that it looked like it had been electrified as well hinted toward a frazzled new parent. He waited, nodding his head toward the couch until Sora sat down and put Ripan beside him, then handed one of the bundles to Sora, “The sweet Salena,” and the other to Roxas, “Delectable Dulce.”

“Oh, they are gorgeous,” Sora breathed, awed, heart constricting as he suddenly missed Ripan being so small, even though he was barely bigger now. “Can I sniff her head?” 

“Two babies?” Ripan widened his eyes and gasped as if he had not been warned.

“That’s right, Wall-Crawler,” Axel nodded toward the young toddler, as Sora buried his face in Salena’s blanket and she began to whimper in complaint until he stopped.

Ripan observed the squirming blanket closely for a moment. It was loud and red, but he liked it. “Good baby,” he shared his professional opinion. “Mine?” 

“No, mine and Uncle Roxas’ babies,” Axel answered, crouching down so he could talk eye to eye with Ripan while Roxas laughed indulgently.

Ripan screwed his face up in consternation. “Have two. I want one.”

“You may want one, but they need to stay here. We’d miss them too much, right Rox?” Axel explained patiently.

Roxas chimed in, “Yeah, our hearts would break.” He cooed down at his blanket bundle. “These beautiful little scream boxes are our whole hearts now. Daddy can’t live without you. No, he can’t.”

“Two baby. Want one.” Ripan repeated. He’d been promised the babies were for him to play with. “ One, Unc Rock baby. Two, Ripan an’ Daddy baby.” He patted the blanket bundle and it screamed. Ripan shied back, changing his mind. “Not good baby. Don’t need.”

“More for us then,” Axel held his arms out to take his daughter back from Sora. Barely aware of the world, the infant already seemed to know her father’s arms and became much more agreeable.

“We brought you guys a gift,” Sora prompted, looking at Ripan, who gave his father back a doubtful look. “Isn’t that right?”

Ripan hugged G.G. Giraffe to his chest, not sure where this was going, but not liking it one bit. “No.”

“We want to share with our friends…” Sora pressed more.

Ripan thought it over a minute, leaning his head down against G.G.’s softness, trying to figure out what his dad meant. It sunk in after a moment, and he gripped his giraffe more tightly. “Oaky,” he agreed reluctantly. “Bye-bye Daddy.” 

He and G.G. would have to get along somehow.

#akuroku family #soriku family #akuroku #Anonymous #snippets

[imperiuswrecked]

Pietro found out Inhumans just let Maximus of all people to babysit Luna, please?

(full fic under the cut)

Uncle Max

The telescreen beeps with an incoming message and Luna, all of five years old, knows that means her father is calling. She presses a button with her small fingers as she had seen her mother do before and her father’s face pops up on the screen. He looks concerned but after seeing his daughter, his face breaks out into a smile, “Luna!”

“Papa!” She replies just a joyfully, her braids shake as she clambers up the chair and settles in before the screen.

“How are you today?”

“I’m good! I’m having fun with Uncle Max! He braided my hair today, see?” She turns her head this way and that to show off the intricate designs, her uncle had woven through some shiny ribbons and small beads, “He says I have to look my best because I’m a princess.”

“You certainly are! You look so beautiful sweetheart.” Pietro replies as he glances past her to look into the empty room, “Luna... where is mommy? Why isn’t she here?”

“Mommy had to go somewhere, so I’m waiting for her to come back.” Luna says as she puts her doll on the console desk of the communications screen. She likes her doll, her father had given it to her during his last visit, it was very pretty. She was sad sometimes that her mother and father didn’t live together anymore, but her dad did call everyday and came to see her a lot so she guesses it’s ok.

“Ok, so I guess that means that Auntie Medusa is watching you today?” Pietro isn’t happy that Crystal left without even telling him, he could have planned for Luna to come and spend time with him instead. His thoughts return from their wanderings to focus on Luna’s response, his smile turning towards a frown.

“No. Auntie Medusa is gone too.”

“Uncle Black Bolt?” That was ok, Pietro could trust Black Bolt to not mess up watching Luna for a few hours, but he knew the man was often busy as a King and Luna would not have the attention she needed, but if there was some emergency that occupied both sisters then it would be fine-

When Luna replies and a sense of cold dread drops into the pit of his stomach.

“No, Uncle Black Bolt is gone too.”

“Karnak? Triton?” Pietro asks in quick succession, “Lockjaw? Oh my god did they leave you with Gorgon?!”

“No. No. No. And no.” Luna cheerfully answers as she air walks her doll over shiny buttons and hums to herself. There is a loud sound like an explosion in the distance and then a faint sound of cackling. Luna kicks her small feet and swings them under her chair as she plays by herself.

“Luna... honey... who is watching you today?” Pietro is about to have a panic attack, where was everyone?

“Uncle Max!” She giggles, “He is busy now with his new machine but he said once he destroyed the bad guys we would be in charge of Attilan and have ice cream for breakfast everyday! He said I would be the Princess in charge and he would be my Uncle, King Max.” 

There is another sound of explosions and Black Bolt’s loud voice shakes the building, “Brother!!! Your treachery will not stand!” Max’s voice was muffled in reply and lost to more fighting and laser sounds followed. 

“OH MY GOD. LUNA DO NOT MOVE. I AM COMING TO GET YOU.” 

Pietro races off screen and Luna is happy, if her father comes to get her then she will get to spend time with him, maybe they could go to earth and visit a real ice cream shop! It would be more fun than having ice cream for breakfast everyday after Uncle Max overthrew his brother.

“Ok papa!” She wonders if she should let her uncle know her father is coming for a visit? Luna hops off the chair and goes to the door, it whooshes open and she sticks her head out, she sees her uncle fighting with mommy, auntie, and uncle Black Bolt. They don’t look happy after having to break through the force field. Mommy always said that when the adults were fighting then she should stay in her room. She closes the door and goes back to her doll to wait for her father to come. 

#imp answers #imp writes a thing #this was alot of fun! #allwillbeone

[ugly-crying-over-bucky-barnes]

Field of Poppies Part 26

Summary: After being apart for six years, childhood friends Tommy and Amelia reunite under odd circumstances. Tommy is an outspoken young man and Amelia is pregnant and out on the streets. The bond of family can be unbreakable but it is tested often. Especially when Europe descends into war.

Part 26: Everything seems to be going in the right direction but looks can be deceiving. 

          “Morning Mrs. Shelby.”

           It had become commonplace in the later months of 1918. When walking down the street, Amelia was greeted and addressed politely. Some people even went out of their way to avoid walking by her. Of course, she was just a young woman, a mother of two. There wasn’t much she could do to harm them. But it was her affiliation that brought her a level of notoriety.

           Tommy had taken the income made during the war years and turned it into a budding empire. He’d grown so much power seemingly overnight.

           People in every corner of Birmingham whispered about him and his brothers. They were afraid that if they spoke the name Shelby too loudly, they’d be struck down.

           “Mummy, who’s that?” Max asked as they were walking from Polly’s flat back to the betting shop. A gentleman had just tipped his hat and greeted Amelia.

           “I uh, I think he must work with daddy.” She answered although she wasn’t entirely sure.

           “Daddy knows everyone,” Annie said.

           Amelia laughed softly. “Well not everyone. But he knows many people. We grew up here with your aunts and uncles.”

           “Where?” Max asked curiously.

           “That flat down by the lamppost.” She pointed down the road to her childhood home. Over time it had become just part of the landscape for her. But when she moved back to Birmingham, she couldn’t help but feel the tear in her heart when she passed by its black door.  

           It was where she was born, had her birthdays, spent time with her mother and father, and felt most safe.

           The knocker on the door was still the one that had been there when she was growing up. The same one that Tommy used to get her to come out and play. Sometimes Amelia’s mother would close the door on him. So, he’d go around back and throw pebbles at her window instead.

           Amelia felt like her life was severed. What she once had and what she now had. She could argue that she was much better off with her children and husband. But there was still that yearning for the family she once had with her parents.

           She pulled herself away from the sadness and smiled. “Your father and I would play football on this street with your aunt and uncles.”

           “Did daddy love you?” Annie asked.

           Amelia smiled and squeezed her hand. “I think so, poppet. I loved him very much. Almost as much as I do now.”

~~~~~~~~~~

           Ada was clearly upset about something. When she was angry, she made it a point not to speak to anyone and made sure they knew it.

           It became very clear when she arrived home to Six Watery while Martha and Amelia were spending time chatting in the kitchen, waiting for Polly who promised to go shopping with them after she settled some work issues.

           Ada came storming into the house, slamming the door behind her. She walked through the kitchen to the betting shop doors.

           “Ada?” Amelia frowned when she saw the look of anger on the Shelby girl’s face.

           She didn’t answer and marched into the betting shop hell-bent on getting something accomplished.

           The other two women shared a glance before Amelia stood up to follow her. She wove between the men at work to follow Ada into Arthur’s office.

           There, the two eldest Shelbys were speaking with one another.

           “Why are you alienating your friends?” Ada demanded loudly.

           “Why are you coming into an office unannounced?” Tommy shot back.

           “Are you planning on cutting ties with everyone once they stop doing what you tell them?” His sister didn’t back down.

           Arthur stood up from his desk to calm things down. “Alright, alright, what’s the matter then?”

           “Freddie told me that he left the business and he said that you cut Danny out as well,” Ada explained her ire.

           Amelia, standing in the doorway, paused. This was all news to her.

           “That isn’t any of your concern.”

           “Oh, so now you’re a big-shot businessman. You don’t care about anyone.” Ada snapped sarcastically.

           “Why do you care so much, aye?” Tommy demanded.

           There was a hesitation in Ada’s face. As if there was something right on the tip of her tongue but she knew the consequences if she let the words slip. And right then and there it dawned on Amelia what those words were.

           “Because they saved your life in France. The least you could do is repay the fucking favor.” Ada spat before leaving the office, bumping into Amelia on her way out.

           Tommy and Arthur watched her leave then looked to Amelia.

           “Tom?” She asked quietly.

           He sighed and ran a hand over his face. “Freddie doesn’t want anything to do with us anymore.” He spoke evenly. “Said the communist party was a better use of his time, a better cause. Doesn’t approve of our methods anymore.”

           “What about Danny?”

           Arthur sat back down; his eyes downcast with guilt. “The war fucking got ‘im. Ain’t the same Danny he used to be.”

           “We’ve done everything we possibly can,” Tommy added.

           Amelia got a bad taste in her mouth. “Rosie relies on you to help. She doesn’t know what to do-”

           “And I do?” Tommy replied harshly.

           She swallowed and shook her head. “I guess not.” She didn’t linger much longer after that, leaving the office before she got hurt any further.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

           “Ada?” Amelia knocked on the bedroom door again. “Ada, it’s just me, please let me in.”

           Only silence met her for a few moments. Then, the door opened slowly. The young woman had obviously been crying but was attempting to hide it.

           “Oh, love, I’m sorry.”

           “You shouldn’t be the one apologizing for him,” Ada muttered before going to go sit on her bed.

           Amelia walked into her room and sat beside her. On the bed, there was a heap of letters. Gently, she picked some up and flipped through them. “These are from Freddie?”

           Ada nodded. “I love him, Mel.” She admitted hoarsely. “And he loves me. But those bastards downstairs would never approve.”

           There was no use in lying to her. Amelia was well aware that any news of Ada and Freddie being together wouldn’t go over well with the rest of the household.

           “I just wish we could have what you and Tommy have. Everyone just…they just knew you’d be together. It was just something that was supposed to happen. But they’d never say that about Freddie and me.”

           Amelia wrapped an arm around her sister-in-law. “I know you’re discouraged and I understand why. But no matter what they say, I say that if you truly love him, I won’t judge you. It’s about what makes you happiest.”

           Ada sniffled and wiped her eyes. “They don’t want me to be happy.”

           “Oh, now I don’t think that’s true. They just…” She sighed. “They just think they know what’s best for you. You know they’re very headstrong.”

           “I know.”

           “And there may be a day when their opinion changes. Right now, the dust just needs to settle. They’re still trying to find their place in the world again. And that may take time.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~

           Amelia began to notice that Tommy’s side of the bed was not being slept in. There were more nights in the week when he was absent than when he slept next to her. Though she was feeling neglected, her instinct was to worry about his health.

           Especially with Danny’s increase in outbursts and Rosie’s panic. Amelia was more and more worried that Tommy’s mind was going too.

           She decided to stay up, no matter how tired she was. The longer time passed, the more anxious she became.

           Until finally, around one in the morning, she heard the door open and shut downstairs. But she never heard Tommy’s footsteps climb the stairs. So, she decided to go down herself.

           A lamp in the sitting room was on and there was a scent of something burning. Although it was a strange unfamiliar scent to her.

           Amelia cautiously entered the room. “Tom?”

           He was sitting on the couch and placing a long pipe on the coffee table in front of him. He looked up to see his wife’s form lit up by the glow of the lamp burning in front of him. “Mel…” He slurred and began to slump down into the sofa cushions.

           “Tommy.” She crossed the room quickly to see what was wrong. She knelt by him and took his face in her hands. “What’s the matter? What are you doing?”

           “M’alright.” He assured her in a laxed tone. His eyelids were heavy. “It’s just…” He didn’t finish his sentence before he drifted off.

           Amelia was completely unsure of what to do. It was obvious that he was breathing, but she wasn’t sure if she should be afraid, he would stop breathing. Trembling slightly, she guided his hand away from the pipe and laced her fingers with his. To calm her nerves, she counted his slow breathing as he slept.

           And she sat there counting all night. Until the wee hours of the morning when Tommy began to stir and twitch in his sleep.

           Exhausted, Amelia felt his hand tighten around hers. Then suddenly, he jerked awake, sitting up in a panic.

           It jolted Amelia out of her tired daze as her hand was ripped out of his by his abrupt movement.  

           “Tommy, Tom, it’s okay.” She tried to reassure him.

           Breathing heavily, he looked around the room trying to gauge where he was and if he was safe. His eyes landed on his wife and his heart rate started to steady. “Mel…” He looked slightly past her and found his pipe and opium still out in the open, making him tense up again.

           Amelia wasn’t sure what to say. She wondered all night what she might ask when he awoke, but there were no words. Her chest tightened and everything came out all at once. “I stayed up all night with you.” She gasped out; the words had been stuck in her head for so many hours. “I didn’t know…I don’t understand.”  

           Tommy shook his head. “I don’t know how to make you understand.”

           She tried so desperately to not cry. “Have you not been sleeping?”

           He rested his elbows on his knees, leaning forward and letting his head hang. “I have if I…” He sighed. “I haven’t been sleeping upstairs because I don’t want to wake you or the kids.” He explained.

           “It’s nightmares then.” She concluded.

           Tommy put his face in his hands. “Feels worse.” He muttered into his palms.

           Amelia rested a hand on his knee. She looked to the pipe that had gone cold hours ago. The lamp near it had been snuffed out by her hours earlier. How could this be? She was jealous of a drug. Jealous of opium. Jealous that it offered her husband relief while she couldn’t.

           He lifted his head when there was a sound of a slowly plodding by the flat. “Max’s birthday is on Friday.”

           She nodded. “It is.”

           As the sun began to rise, they stayed there for a long while until the children woke. Nothing resolved, Tommy placed the pipe back into hiding and Amelia tried to forget she ever saw him slide the box underneath the sofa.

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[santalsaburablog]

Adventures of Santal. Chapter 10: Demonstration Duel

Most often, it is the first time that is remembered.

     Confession! Santal has been studying in the Order for a month and has already acquired some of the basic skills necessary to move to the next level. And this despite the fact that the girl showed a fear of performing acrobatic exercises. And an important event awaits ahead - a training duel between the Grand Master of the Jedi Order Yoda and another master.

     Many people believe that the closer a grand event is, the more difficult it is to sit still. Likewise, on the eve of a duel in the clan in which Santal studied, many found it difficult to stay in the classroom and stay focused. The same Nick or Max turned to others at every opportunity. A couple of times they even got some remarks. And Landa and the girls were angry. And if because of them, as a punishment, everything is canceled? Santal mentally agreed. She herself was expecting a duel, but she did not turn around, but stood calmly.

     Also, over the remaining days, Santal managed to talk to Barriss a couple of times, suddenly she heard something about a demonstration duel. But no, she didn't hear anything. Or she was simply told to be silent so as not to spoil the surprise. If this is true, then it's okay.

     And yet Santal was impatient, if only because she had never seen a lightsaber duel before. And she also did not know with whom the Jedi who had brought her to the Temple would fight.

     To distract from "hot" thoughts from time to time, the girl went to the library and read the information that she wanted to find earlier, but her hands did not reach. So one evening she studied the races again. And not just looking at the pictures, but looking for an uncle among them. I decided to start the search in alphabetical order. After the second letter Santal began to get tired. What hard work it is to look for a personality! But, fortunately, the whole alphabet did not have to be rummaged. On the fifth letter, the goal was achieved.

     Santal was shocked to see such a familiar face on the computer:

     - Here he is! Only without a hat. It all fits together. So the Duros race. Well, the name. From the word fool! - At such thoughts Santal laughed louder than she wanted, which is why those who were sitting next to her shouted at her. The girl hurried to apologize and, taking the datapad, left the library, heading to her room.

     "Wow! Duros race. I thought that my uncle was an inanimate creature wearing the skin of a duros. But this is unreal. The Duros race - or Durosian - was one of the first in the Far Galaxy to master interstellar travel. Duros are known for their calm and restrained nature, peacefulness, sociability and reliability. But this one is not at all like that. Or the recordings are wrong, but I can't believe it. I am sure that in the library of the Temple there is only truth and nothing but the truth. In this case, one of two things - either there is not all the information in the library, or this uncle is defective. Freak of nature. From the word stupidity. "

***

     - Elina, stop breaking the dishes! We didn't buy it for that! - shouted Nobi, trying to calm his wife.

     The Letanka stopped this occupation, left the kitchen, came to her husband's bedroom, sat down next to him on the bed and sobbed aloud.

     - Well, well, well, dear, calm down.

     - I can not! The woman's cry turned into a howl. - That's all ... We're alone now. There are only two of us now.

     - And who is to blame for this? The green Twi'lek replied in a stern voice. “Who went broke in front of the Jedi by dishonoring us? Who yelled at Santal, is it not her fault at all? Who yelled at the hunter? You yourself missed your chance.

     - And you did the right thing! - Elina barked. - This degenerate could not return our girl, only rob her to the skin. You know we are not rich, our monthly income is less than thirty thousand. And this freak might ask for fifty or more after learning about her abilities. And anyway, I hate hunters! Worse creatures can not be found! They only want money!

     - Well, well, why didn't you turn to the Jedi then? Oh yeah, you hate them too.

     - Of course! Because of them, my friend died. And not only her. Everyone says the Jedi are noble knights. But I think they are robbers. Children are being stolen. They are taken away from their parents, growing biodroids without love and affection. As a result, these unfortunates die old maids and single. More often young. Rarely do Jedi live to old age. - Elina sobbed, calming down for a while. “That is why I have always felt sorry for the others as well. And now these ... our Santal have been hypnotized, and she will become just like them! An insensitive Jedi, for whom the goal is more important than feelings, dying in her prime. What a dumb rule! If everyone thought so, they would have died out long ago.

     “So the fact of the matter is that these are the rules for the Jedi.

     - I know! But all the same, their laws are incomprehensible to me.

     - Maybe then you shouldn't try to understand?

     - How is it not necessary? If I had the slightest understanding of their order, I would have worried less, but, O Power, what have I done, since fate deprived me of the most precious thing that we had - my niece. It's not fair!

     Elina's crying stopped, only sobbing remained. Nobi took advantage of this moment and began to console his wife.

     - Honey, you, how much I am you I remember that I always liked to exaggerate and think pessimistically. Have you tried to look at the situation from the outside? Santal will learn to control this Power, make friends, will not go outside the house ...      

- And it is not known how long he will live, thirty or ninety. Will die childless.     

 - What are you doing ?! - Nobi quickly came to his senses and again switched to a calm tone: - Yes, I understand you perfectly. But which one of us has the perfect life? For example, we are not flying anywhere because you are afraid for a good reason.

***      

Deciding to distract herself from the Duros, Santal suddenly remembered Landa's words. She then said something to Dasha. But what exactly, Santal had forgotten. More precisely, Dasha was going to tell something interesting about her, and Landa shouted, ordering to be silent. Unclear.      

The bad news is that she forgot what the Twi'lek was talking about. Wait a minute. It seems that there was the word "biography". Exactly! I need to check with Dasha.      

And Santal the next day, during the lunch break, sat down opposite Dasha.      

- Hello. Listen, I would like to ask you.      

- Yes? - Togruta immediately smiled, interested.      

- I can't get out of my head. Then Landa shouted at you about your biography.    

The girl's face immediately changed.     

 - Oh, you better not ask. Togruta took Santal's hands in hers. - I promised if you forgot.      

- Oh, exactly! I forgot. Santal wanted to slap his forehead. - I just thought ... More precisely, I wanted to ... - The girl stopped in time, as she remembered about the secret that she promised herself not to give out.     

 - What did you want?    

  - It doesn't matter anymore. I just forgot that conversation, so I thought, maybe you know.     

 - Sorry. Truth. I can only say that Landa never smiled. I became so interested that I constantly pestered her with questions. She got tired of it, and she, taking an oath from me, told me. And in vain. After all, I almost let it slip in front of you. If she tells you, then you're in luck.      

Santal went to Landa, regretting that she had not thought of approaching her right away. But suddenly she stopped. Suddenly she asks, and the Twi'lek woman will be offended, decide that she does not believe her. But she believes her, she just wants to figure it out. After all, Landa said that Max bothered her the most. But Dasha also says that she pestered. Stop though, it all fits. Togruta did not say that she climbed the most. So everything is all right.      

But Santal was still worried about something. Like a piece of the puzzle was missing. The girl tensed, trying to remember something. It seems that Landa did not mention during the dialogue that she was saying something to Dasha.     

 As a result, from all the thoughts Santal's head went dizzy. She decided to go to the Twi'lek and clarify, and come what may.      

After class, Santal quickly ran to the door of Landa's room to stumble around her for a few more minutes, not daring to call. In the end, Santal convinced herself that this was a matter of life and death, inhaled and exhaled, and called.      

- Come in, - came the voice of Landa.      

Santal, very nervous, entered. Twi'lek sat on the bed and studied the material. Sensing the girl, she immediately raised her head and smiled.      

- Hi Santal. Something happened?      

- Yes, nothing. I just wanted to ask. I'm curious that Dasha promised not to tell you.      

- Oh, this. Landa's smile disappeared. - Listen, if you haven't forgotten, I only told you the truth. You know perfectly well why.      

- I see, you lied to Dasha, because she is a chatty one.      

- Right.      

- But what did you tell her? - Santal tried in every possible way not to be intrusive.      

Landa was visibly upset and asked sternly:     

- I myself began to forget what I had told her. But I am offended that you asked about it. Did you think I lied to you?     

 - No, what are you! Santal waved her hands. - Do not say that! I just got curious.     

 Landa sighed, and the Jedi daughter didn't know if it was relief or not. And the Twi'lek continued:      

“Santal Sabura…” The girl shivered, as she learned from Dasha's example that when Landa starts like this, it means that she is angry. - You, apparently, did not understand that you were given high confidence. It was hard for me to speak, but I told you everything. And you still doubted. Go away, ”Landa said calmly but firmly.      

- Landa, listen. I just wanted to check and listen to two different stories. I would not have thought ... - Santal broke off, because some thoughts appeared.    

Landa took advantage of this hitch to reply:      

- I thought so. Twi’lechka turned the Jedi daughter to her back and gently pushed towards the exit. Santal did not resist. As if in a trance, she went to her room.      

Is it really? Maybe she really thought that Landa could have lied? Need to think. She just wanted to get rid of inconsistencies, to figure it out. But Landa was offended, deciding that she was not trusted. And ... she's right. Santal had to admit that she was trying to find out who was lying. But this does not mean that she would cease to be friends with her. This is what she was trying to say. But she didn't have time. But nothing, sings.

***      Santal woke up three times that night. Because I was afraid to oversleep, to be late, to get lost. After all, show duels don't take place every day. The girl even got up half an hour earlier than usual.      

The lessons were only until lunchtime. Especially the restless Max, Nick and those who usually behaved calmly - Adrian or the silent Justin and Risha - could hardly wait until the end of the class.      

Finally, the younglings were given as much as an hour to quietly dine and tidy themselves up. Max ate so quickly that he began to hiccup, which angered Landa. Santal finished her meal in fifteen minutes and went to the shower. Yes, she learned to wash. Nothing complicated, especially when they show you, and your memory is not lame.      

By the appointed hour, everyone gathered. Sitting down in her seat between Dasha and Grace, Santal discovered that two more clans had come. The girl noticed a youngling, covered in yellow wool with stripes. Svante was sitting next to him. Landa, wearing a beautiful hat, sat down not far from Dasha.      They did not wait long. Finally, leaning on a cane, Master Yoda came out. Santal smiled at once, looking at the one who had brought her to the Temple. And the green Jedi stood waiting.      Then a second door opened on the other side. Came in ... a man whose clothes Santal thought was more expensive than her own. Yoda's opponent looked pretty. Brown robes with a Jedi sash, cuffs, collar and fastener placket decorated with patterns. The face is not young, with a beard and mustache.      

- Children, the training duel will begin. Meet Master Dooku, ”Yoda said. - Look carefully and learn.      

The opponents stood opposite each other and bowed. Then the swords were activated. Yoda - green blade up. Master Dooku - blue blade down. For a few seconds, nothing happened.      

The duel began. Yoda jumped high, but Dooku swerved to the right and twisted the twisted handle to block the blow. Then swing again. Block.      

And then began what Santal mentally called a "spinner", because the swords began to look like fan blades - every now and then they drew semicircles, spun and spun.     

 Despite the fact that Santal was not yet aware of the existence of the seven forms, she clearly saw that the masters were fighting in different ways. Dooku moved gracefully, smoothly, enjoying the duel with the older master. Yoda, on the other hand, was like an acrobat, often jumping and twisting the sword.      But the rivals were not limited to one sword and used the Force, of course, trying not to harm each other. Therefore, they mainly used it to push each other slightly.      

The duel turned into a real end of the world. It was as if someone in the training room had decided to fireworks. Swords drew circles, semicircles in the air. The Jedi jumped, turned, did somersaults. But unlike Dooku, Yoda's body movements were not as noticeable.      

During the next blow, Yoda, sliding his legs, moved to the left. Another blow. Block. Yoda spun. Bounce. The swords made a cross. Almost perfect. The opponents' blades came together in a clinch. And how many emotions! Gritted teeth, a smile that only he could see, signifying praise. Combat enthusiasm in the eyes. Full attitude and close attention to the weapon.      

Then it stopped abruptly. The masters bounced apart. Apparently, the Force pushed imperceptibly. Or the swords have been moved. Dooku raised his sword high above his head so that the blade looked through her. Two more semicircles. Dooku spun.      

In the next five minutes, he tried twice to make a sweep, to get the grand master to make a mistake. But it didn't work. At some point, Dooku fell and Yoda jumped. There was a grinding of blades.

***      

- Well, how are you better? - Nobi asked his wife, who all day drank, probably, a liter of sedatives. - Look, I say, from the other side. Our Santal will follow in the footsteps of our parents and help people.      

- And will die, most likely, a virgin and early! I have noticed that Jedi die between about twenty and fifty-seven years old. Few! Is this life? Terrible! You can die on your first independent mission! Only the knight, as they say, passed the final exams, and already death. Moreover, if I understood correctly, the Jedi cannot foresee everything. That is, you are flying on a mission and do not know the ending. Take Adira, for example. She died at thirty. And her husband is thirty-five. Is this normal? We could still live. And how many years are allotted by fate for our Santal?      

- But, at least, she will not live a routine life, but a bright, full of events. She will be remembered! 

***      

Dooku threw Yoda a meter with two fingers. He stood up, raised the handle at the level of the nose, so that the blade was looking straight up. A kind of obtuse angle. Twisted a couple of times and turned the sword to the right. Yoda jumped. Dooku wanted to do a head-first somersault. Lunge on the right. Block. Left lunge. Block. A series of semicircles. Infinite multivariate algorithm. Again an endless turntable. It was evident that the masters seemed to be playing with each other, but as if they were fighting at the limit of their possibilities.      

And none of the younglings could tear themselves away from such a grand spectacle for various reasons. Someone just liked it, but someone wanted to adopt some techniques. Santal did not know which group to rank herself in. First of all, she closely followed both. And she liked every swordsman.      

If she was asked who is better, she would not be able to answer. Both showed their best side. The only difference was that Yoda is the very first Jedi she met and for whom she immediately felt respect. She had never heard of Dooku to this day, although she had occasionally read other Jedi files. But in the evening she will definitely fill in the gaps in knowledge. Especially after today. But overall, Dooku made a good impression. The first meeting went well.      

While Santal pondered, Yoda jumped, but Dooku easily blocked the blow without even turning around. Then both turned around, extinguished their swords, and bowed. The audience burst into applause.     

 - See, children? You have seen the skill now. An example of what to strive for, - said Yoda.      

Without exception, all the children looked with a happy smile at the masters. Someone even imagined himself in their place, how he applies all the techniques shown himself and deals with a variety of enemies.     

 And Santal also felt more confident, she can now do everything and cope with everything, no matter what happens. Lost in thought, she was almost left alone in the hall. Glory to Sila, her neighbor gently shoved her, they say, let's go. And she went slowly, not without looking back. But something bothered her, as if she had to do something else and would not be able to sleep or sit still if she didn’t. But what?      

Santal did not immediately think about Landa, but quickly realized that this was not the main cause of concern. Looking around, she saw Dooku, who had gone far enough from her. Then it dawned on the girl. She was overwhelmed with the desire to say something to him. And Yoda too. Maybe a personal congratulation? Maybe. You have to try to understand. But who should you start with?      

Dasha called her again, but Santal replied that she would catch up. After spending a few minutes throwing between two fires, the girl wanted to run up to Dooku, but his trace was gone. Saddened, the daughter of the Jedi decided that while she was looking for an unfamiliar master in a huge building, she would forget why she needed him at all. Therefore, I went to Yoda, the road to which I knew.      

Master Yoda had already returned to his room and was beginning to meditate when there was a knock on the door.      

- Come in.      

- Hello, Master Yoda.      

- Hello youngling. How can I help you? Have a seat.      

Santal sat down directly opposite the master.     

 - To begin with, I wanted to say that the duel was just ... amazing. You were both great! - Santal even clapped twice, at the same time checking her feelings. No, it didn't get much easier. We must act further.      

- Thank you, but I feel that you want to say something else. M?      

- This is the whole problem. I really feel like I missed something. Either you, or Dooku, or someone else. Lande ...      

- Focus, youngling. Immerse yourself in the Force. Feel your thoughts, then you will understand what you want most now. Meditate.     

 Santal immediately sat down in the right position and tried to concentrate. What does she want? Probably nothing from Yoda. From Dooku - to praise and something else. With Landa - make up. Exactly! Dooku! What does she want from him?      

So, all thoughts are on him. Santal played the recent memories in her head. So, she liked the way the master moved and fenced. Wait a minute ... now ... it seems to be getting clearer.      

“Stop,” the girl said aloud. - I have a question. Who is he, Dooku?      

“He was my Padawan.     

 - Wow! - Santal could hardly resist not to squeal happily. It turns out the Grand Master had a Padawan. And she thought he was only teaching younglings. - How lucky he is! The green magister just chuckled in response. - I realized that I want to meet Dooku.      

Santal could not express in words her admiration for what she had learned. Yoda's apprentice means he's the best Jedi in the Order. All sorts of compliments to Dooku's skill seethed in her head, but Santal could not choose the most suitable one. The girl left the master's room and was about to go to Dooku when they crashed into her. And Santal was so lost in thought that she did not immediately recognize who was in front of her.      

- Santal, just in case, I have nothing to do with it! It's not me! I dont know!

#Cad Bane #cad bane x oc