#rubber shred surfaces

[w33nies]

Qué Maravilla CH.11 - 'The Forest Through The Trees'

Previous Chapter Miguel O'hara x SpiderReader rating: E for Everyone bby warnings: none? bad words + shit proof reading summary: purely exposition, Miles breaks into Alchemex labs. Jess Drew gets deja vu !!art is not mine : @uzuriartonline on tumblr!!

-------- Ch.11 - The Forest Through The Trees ----------

Miles Morales kicked in the vent from inside the air duct. Using the momentum he propells his body forward, landing feet first on the floor of a pitch black room. The second he touches the ground he gags.

“What the hell is that smell?” He walks around in an attempt to locate the source while holding his breath. The only sound being of his footsteps echoing through the abyss. 

“Would be great to get some light in here first,” the boy mumbles to himself.

He channels his energy into conjuring his electricity to his palms. It helps, but only illuminates about a foot in front of him. He wanders aimlessly for about a minute. From what he can see, the place is a complete mess. He passes beakers and vials half filled on the counter tops, some shattered on the ground.  Notes and documents sprawled on desks and floors, some of which are ripped to shreds. Most of their contents lost to the liquids that had begun to mildew the tile floor. 

Miles slips on the mystery substance, almost falling flat on his face. After a second of slipping, sliding, and flailing about, he finally regains his balance. 

“That was clos-” 

He trips again. This time on an array of wires sprawled recklessly on the floors and atop of any other surface imaginable. Sparks flying from the rubber insulation that has since worn out. Miles opts to follow the path of the cables. They all lead in wildly different directions, but one finally takes him to a large, bulky desktop computer. He gingerly clicks the mouse, thankful to find that it powers on without him having to enter a password. As its added light begins to brighten the room, he can see more of the carnage. Deep gashes and claw-like marks litter the wall. Dents in the infrastructure and even a broken light hanging precariously from the ceiling. 

‘Whoever was here last, definitely left in a hurry.’ 

When he returns his attention to the computer he finds a disorderly mess of files cluttering the desktop. ‘God damn.Y’all work like this?’

At a loss, the boy resolves to click on random documents one after another. For a moment, he’s stuck shifting through useless junk. Pirated movies, some off color jokes about the working class, a recipe for apple pie. Soon enough, he stumbles across something that makes him pause. 

It's a photo of a woman and a man posed in front of the Earth-42 collider. It takes him a second to recognize the man. His long hair reaches past his shoulders and his full beard and mustache obscure his face. Under closer inspection he could deduce that it was Jonathon Ohn, the well natured scientist he had just become acquainted with. The woman however, the woman he could discern as clear as day… 

…It was Olivia Octavious, or as he had known her, Doc Ock.

‘Well that explains the messy desktop,’ he joked internally. Though it failed to quell the unease that followed. Jonathan and Doc Ock were co-workers? Or did he work under her? The Prowler mentioned something about a hit being placed on him by a superior of his. She couldn’t be the boss conspiring to kill him, could she? Surely Jonathon would know… right?

Miles clicks around fruitlessly again before he stumbles on another well of information…

A folder aptly named  Rapture Video Logs… It couldn’t be that easy right?

He opens the folder and skims through a plethora of video files. Pages and Pages long. Dated from as far back as two years ago.  He clicks the first file. When the video finally loads,  his jaw drops and his blood runs cold.

The man on video fiddles with the camera, struggling to mount it on a secure surface. His face uncomfortably close to the lens as he mutters indiscernible nonsense. 

“There it is!” He shouts excitedly, taking several steps backward to sit on a chair. He straightens lab coat, adjusts his glasses and ruffles his hair in the monitor as if he’s getting ready for an important job interview. 

“Hello!” The man waves amicably. 

“My name is Peter Parker. I am one of  the head researchers supervising the production of the vaccine to combat the ongoing Rapture epidemic.” The man trots up the camera holding up the badge pinned to his lab coat. 

“That’s me.” he states proudly pointing to the man in the picture before making his way back to his seat. He clears his throat before converting to a more professional disposition. 

“Our goal is to make an accessible vaccine to counteract, or at least mitigate, the side effects of the Rapture drug and all its possible variants. As well as to dispel its more parasitic qualities that work to bind it to the user’s DNA. This project is in collaboration with Scorpion Pharmaceuticals and Alchemex Labs…Which is basically a Doc 8 subsidiary but… I just try not to think too hard about that.” He laughs weakly. 

Peter’s  small smile fades almost immediately. He twiddles his thumbs in a contemplative silence, staring blankly at the ground. Miles takes this opportunity to further inspect this version of Peter Parker. He’s a brunette like the Peter he’s familiar with, though significantly more grays litter his head and stubble beard. Deep stress lines have found their home around his mouth and forehead. His eyes are a striking blue surrounded by dark, sleep-deprived circles. He couldn’t tell if he was older or a young man under a lot of stress. The best way he could describe him was an amalgamation of the 1610 Peter he lost and his friend Peter which, in a way, he had also lost. 

‘Ex-friend,’ He mentally corrects. A friend would never do what he did to him. What they all did. Friends don’t abandon each other.

A loud exhale from the video shakes the boy from his stupor. 

“You know, A lot of people have asked me why I would associate myself with such controversial corporations. I mean, not that I blame them. These people are far from saints. But there's good work to be done here. People need this cure. Even if it's an … unsavory group of people attempting a good thing… Who am I to get in their way? The ends justify the means, right? How bad could it be?” The man smiles solemnly to himself. 

“Cut to me weeks later ‘Oh it’s really bad,’” he jokes. If he was doing this pep talk to drown his guilt, it looks like it had worked. 

 “We’re going to help a lot of people,” he asserts earnestly. “I just know it.” Parker stands up then turns off the monitor, effectively ending the recording.

Miles swallowed hard, fighting the rising bile creeping up his throat (and that horrific smell was not helping). He scrolls down farther, randomly clicking another video. 

This video starts with Peter already seated. This time he seems to be at a desk. “Alright so…” the man meticulously straightens the stack of papers in front of them as he collects his thoughts. 

“... The cure is making steady progress. Right now we’re sitting at a 42% success rate. Though there do seem to be some adverse reactions in some of the… subjects. Bouts of hysteria and panic and also…” He looks around to check his surroundings before leaning closer to the lens. He takes on a hushed tone. 

“Okay look, now I’ve seen the effects of Rapture close hand due to… personal reasons. Whatever they’re using on these patients here is like nothing I’ve ever seen before. Not even on the streets.” He starts counting his fingers as he lists off the symptoms . “Foaming at the mouth like rabies. Delirium, vomiting, diarrhea, hell even Seizures. The hostility is absolutely unprecedented. I’ve probably broken up more fights than a club bouncer this past week alone. And god the screaming. Some of them just won't stop screaming without being fully sedated.” He takes the pen from his lab coat pocket, clicking it excessively will continue to swivel in his chair. 

“Where are they even getting this much of it? Especially of a strain this… volatile. To the likes which no one has ever seen before.” He reclines in his chair, a pout forming on his lips and his pen tapped absentmindedly against his chin. 

“Something's off. Way off. They’re definitely hiding something here. And I’m gonna make sure I get to the bottom of it.” Peter reaches towards the camera, then the video ends.

Miles scrolls further down and clicks another one. 

Peter starts the video holding the blowing raspberry out of pure exhaustion. All while vigorously scrubbing his hands up and down his face. His glasses bob up and down with the motion, threatening to fall off his face. His surroundings have changed once again. This time Parker is sitting in a lab. Shelves of  labeled elixirs and test vials can be seen in the foreground as well as the table before him. On his right sits a microscope, sitting atop a stack of papers. On his left, a bunsen burner. When he’s done rubbing his face he takes a moment to let out a muffled scream into his hands. 

“I’m fine! I’m fine!” he rectifies immediately afterwards. “Totally jazzed about…everything.” He pushes the words out through gritted teeth, as if it physically pains him to say aloud. 

“The, um, the latest experiment was quite… dicey. Today they wanted to test the cures' effects on a patient with long exposure to the drug. So, we injected the subjects with Rapture and then waited. We waited to give them the cure.”

“The first hour was completely normal. Well, as normal as you can get when exposed to a drug of this nature. Violent bouts of anger, the screaming. You know, all the fun stuff. Same goes for the second and third hour. But as soon as we get to hour four…”

Peter chews on his cheek, hands clasped before him on the desk. “Someone had the bright idea of placing two Rapture induced volatile subjects in the same testing chamber.” His eyes are looking forward, but his gaze is looking vacantly past the camera. As if seeing the incident play out once again before his very eyes. 

“The patients got into a violent stand off… some of my colleagues went in to break it up and then…” He trails off, shaking his head in disbelief. 

“And as for the patients, one of them was…” His eyes gloss over, biting down on both lips. His chest rises and falls in a trembling manner.” 

“…One of them was…cannibalized… And I just watched… because that’s all I could do…”. 

Peter inhales sharply through his nose. His Adam apple bobs up and down in his throat. “There was this one moment… It was just a split second, when the patient made eye contact with me through the glass…The way it looked at me, I just-” Peters leans in closer to the camera. He pauses so his eyes can wildly see his surroundings. His breathing quickens even more so. Only after a nervous minute does he speak in a low hurried whisper.

“-This isn’t Rapture. Not what it used to be. This is something new, unprecedented. This is an instrument of war. This is a weapon. This is a means of mass-” 

A loud siren blares, shocking Peter out of his train of thought. The screen is suddenly coated in flashing tones of red. Scuffling and hurried footsteps can be heard in the background. As well as raised, concerned voices. Their exact words Miles is unable to interpret.  

Peter Parker immediately springs to his feet. “What’s going on!?” He speaks to someone off camera, his voice quickly fading as he rushes towards the commotion. The voices raise to nondescript yelling and screaming. 

Then the video abruptly ends. 

Miles' heart drops. Against his weak stomach, he continues to scrolls all the way to the bottom. He inspects the date. Wait, this is from a couple of weeks ago? He feels essentially obligated to watch it. 

Video begins with Peter already seated. One hand holds his glasses, the other working to soothe his aching temples. He sighs deeply as he returns his glasses to his nose bridge. Miles notes the addition of the tape working beyond its means to hold his lenses. He looks like a total wreck, more so than usual. When he speaks, his voice is especially hoarse. 

“Well…We did it. We found a cure” he announced, completely devoid of enthusiasm. “We created a single dose serum that not only severed Rapture’s bond to one DNA , but also built up immunity to the drug by 99%.” Parker throws his hands up vehemently. 

“99%! Can you believe that? They couldn’t do that with Polio! And you want to know what they told me when I gave them this objectively good news? They said that it was too good. That a serum of this efficacy ‘jeopardizes the bottom line.’” he adds with air quotes for emphasis. 

“And then they asked me to reduce the efficacy. They wanna dilute the dosage so that people need more medicine, so hospitals can buy more supply, all so they can make some more freaking money to fatten their greedy little pockets. Could you believe that? Turning medicine into a subscription service? What kind of late-stage capitalist bullshit is this!?” 

Peter huffs loudly through his nose, his fists clenched angrily on his legs. He opens his mouth, about to shout, but stops himself. His defiant demeanor gives way to a defeated slouch.  

“This is all my fault,” his voice is much lower now, almost a whisper. “They all tried to warn me. They tried to tell me. I was so caught up in my work, so naive. So stupid that I couldn’t see the forest through the goddamn trees…This was never about helping people. It was always about profit. Profit at the expense of lives. They’re gonna pull the trigger on so many lives… and I just handed a loaded gun and cocked it for them. ” 

“God I’m so tired,” he mutters removing his glasses again to dry his teary eyes. 

“As of this recording I’ve submitted my two weeks. The severance package should hold me over for a little while and then…,” he sighs.  “I honestly don’t know. There's no one I can talk to about this. I wouldn’t have gotten the package without an NDA.” 

“Nobody knows but me… No one. Except for you, whoever you are. If you're watching this and by some miracle you have an ounce of consciousness… Please. Tell someone. Anyone. Everyone. People need to know this. They deserve to know the truth. I would if I didn’t have a family to worry about. I'm sure I wouldn't be able to even look at my wife and daughter if they knew the truth about all these things I’ve done.” He stands up abruptly, eyes shut, to fight the tears threatening to spill. He dejectedly walks towards the camera, holding it by its sides. His jaded blue eyes looked directly into the lens and in turn, Miles’s soul.

“Hopefully, you can fix this mess I’ve made. I’m counting on you. Everyone is, even if they don’t know it yet. Whoever you are, we’re all counting on you. ” With a click, the video cuts to black, leaving the boy to face his startled expression on the black empty screen of the computer. Miles lets his hands drag down the front of his face.

It’s not like the video gave him any new information. But something about it being Peter. This alternate version of his mentor pleading to the void and not receiving so much as an echo… It really rattled him to his core. 

Morales immediately starts opening drawers and cabinets, wilding searching. Stumbling upon loads of paper documents. Useful? Perhaps, but that's not what he’s looking for. 

He opens a drawer and finds blank CDs (Who even uses these anymore?) and some floppy disks (He couldn’t figure out what to do with this even if he tried). He digs through endless piles of haphazardly stored outdated tech before he strikes gold. 

“Ah Hah!”

He picks up the small chip and holds it triumphantly between his thumb and pointer finger.  Finally some semi-modern tech he could use. An SD Card.

A Goober. 

Definitely a silly name but it was starting to grow on him (Peter might have been an awful friend, but he could at least give him that). He shoves the card into its designated slot and starts dragging each video file into its storage. He tries to grab some of the other documents on the desktop. Hopefully there was something else useful in there, though he was definitely going to be coming away with some useless clutter. 

He takes a step back and watches the download with bated breath. The green progress bar moving at a snail's pace.  ‘4% Complete / Estimated Time : 26 minutes’

‘Stupid piece of junk.’ He grumbles frustratingly and smacks the side of the old monitor. Though he had to concede it was quite impressive the things they could accomplish with this archaic technology. Everything he experienced so far gave the impression of some 90’s cyberpunk futurism (with some limitations of course). Its mere existence seemed paradoxical in a sense.  To be so far ahead yet so far behind. 

“Alright, now the hard part.” Miles claps his hands together and mumbles to himself "If I were a super villain and needed to hide some top secret dangerous chemicals, where would I put them?” 

 He activates his electricity with one hand and feels against the mutilated walls with the other. With the extra aid of the dim computer, he finally is able to locate a lever on a nearby wall and pulls it downward.  The lights flicker in an unsettling succession. One after the other. Slowly revealing the large lab before him in a blinding fashion. Just as when his eyes finally adjusted to the sudden brightness, a cacophony of screechs bombards him. Loud banshee-like sounds of yelping and clanging. Miles flinches at the abrupt and sudden noise, covering his ears and squeezing his eyes shut.  

When he opens them, his hands fall from the side of his face in disbelief. He sees cages. Cages upon cages of animals all erupting in panic. Howling, biting, scratching, clawing at the metals bars that hold them. Dogs, cats, pigs, birds, rats. Whether it be balding fur, open sores, bleeding wounds, or missing limbs all of them have at least one physical ailment afflicting them. Urine and feces litter some of their confines. Some lay even motionless. They weren’t…dead were they? It doesn’t take him long to connect the dots. 

These are the ‘subjects’ Peter and Jonathon were talking about. They were testing on animals. 

He stumbles through the lab, walking along the long wall piled high with tortured beings. His presence met with mixed reactions. Some cower in fear, others leap towards him clawing, biting and snarling only to be held back by the metal bars. Sticking their appendages out in an attempt to reach him. His heart breaks. 

‘I can’t just leave them here.’

He ventures to the end of the cages to  find a control panel in the wall asking for a six digit code.  He stops to consider the obstacle…

“What if I just-” 

 …before smashing through its screen with an electric fist. All the cages and lab doors open immediately. The animals scurry out without a second thought, making their escape through gaps in the vents or cracks in the doors. Thankfully, even the hostile animals are more concerned with their newfound freedom than to continue their directed aggression at him. 

He’s about to leave when he hears another noise, which stops him in his tracks. A jingling sound. Clinging metal, like the one a fork makes on a wine glass with someone is trying to gather the crowd for a speech at a party. He looks around to find the source of the sound. ‘It’s coming from one of the cages.’  he soon realizes. 

The spider walks towards it cautiously. He slowly peers over the edge and sees a figure shivering in the dark corner. Miles squints his eyes for a better look. It's a dog, a spotted one. A small dalmatian, probably a puppy given its size. Once it sees Miles it begins to whimper. 

“Hey buddy…” Miles coos softly. He squats to a crouch and attempts to reach out to the puppy. It barks and whines in defense. The boy recoils in response. Now that he’s getting a better look at it. It’s in pretty bad shape, patches of missing, open wounds, and an eye so damaged it was sealed completely. 

“Okay…” Miles stands up, hands on his hips. “Every lab has a first aid kit. There's gotta be at least one somewhere.” He walks towards the nearest door, which leads to an adjoining room. It’s another lab, only this one has fewer computers and more elixirs. And, of course, a lot less like a complete and utter war zone. He recognizes it as one of the labs Peter was sitting in during one of his videos. 

Miles finds first aid fairly easily. It’s in the first cabinet by the door. He holds the plastic red box in front of him with two hands, admiring his ingenuity. “Easy peasy.”

 When he turns around to leave, a giant, clear door refrigerator catches his eye. Tucked into an empty corner of the room as if placed there as to not be seen. The soft hum of its dim internal lighting is the only thing between him and utter silence. Inside, sits numerous crates. He tucks the kit under his arm then moves closer to inspect it. 

Miles opens the fridge and is confronted with a cloud of cool air which slowly cascades in a constant stream towards the floor. The dissipating smoke is quickly replaced by a new rush of cold air. He can feel the freezing sensation in his toes. He pulls out the crate by the handle. He pops open the latch like a briefcase, inside the insulated case sit six vials. A neon, almost fluorescent green. Identifying labels written in permanent marker onto painters tape sit underneath. 

Rapture Ver.58 (beta) 

‘Oh my god.’ 

Miles pulls out other cases and checks their contents. This one is blue. He reads the label underneath. 

Anti-Rapture

‘Ohmyfreakinggod.’ 

This was it. All he had to do was  bring back just one of each case back to Ohnn and the other Miles and then they could fight this mess. The sooner he got back, the sooner he could help them fix the collider. Hell, what if it was already done? His father was going to be sworn in early tomorrow and he had been gone for several hours now. Who’s to say Spot hasn’t already started his carnage? Each second spent here was a second left to chance. And that was a chance he just wasn’t willing to take. He had to go now.

Miles grabs two crates, one for each hand. As he stands up he hears a small thunk on the ground next to him. He looks down towards the culprit. 

…Oh. 

The first aid kit sits face up by his foot. 

…Oh…

How could he forget the reason he came here? That dog needed his help. The dog needed his attention first. Could he do both? Spider man can always do both… 

…Right?

Morales entered a silent staring match with the plastic red box on the floor. One he was destined to lose. I mean, it was just a dog. A dog or his father. It was a simple choice…

…In theory… 

…But the longer and longer he stared at the box, the lower and lower his gut seemed to fall. 

A dog or his father. A literal dog or his father… 

With a sigh, Miles pushes the crates back into the fridge and shuts it. He bends down to pick up the kit. 

A dog and his father. He could do both. Spiderman always does both. 

As Miles walks back towards the dog’s cage he manages to swipe a stale, half eaten bagel off one of the desks. When he approaches the cage he sees the dog's nose peeking past its barrier, sniffing the air apprehensively. The boy breaks off a small piece of bagel and tosses it lightly in front of the cage. The dog jolts back, alarmed. Then the dog slowly exits its cage, squinting to adjust its good eye to sudden difference from its dark confines to the brightly illuminated lab. The puppy sniffs the bagel before licking it greedily off the floor. After he’s done with his morsel he freezes when he sees Miles, who is now holding out another small piece in his palm. 

“Come here little guy.” he says, clicking his teeth. The dog doesn’t budge.

“It’s okay” he reiterated this time crouching even lower to the ground. 

Nothing. 

He whistles softly “Come here…uh…Fido?” 

The dog titles his head in confusion. 

“What’s your name then? Fluffy?” he blurts out, “How about Buddy? Dude? Spot?” 

The word takes him by surprise, Spot…  The word escaped his mouth without a second thought

"Haven't I had enough spots for today?” he wonders aloud. What was he doing here? Trying to coax a dog that wanted nothing to do with him? This poor thing probably wouldn’t trust anything after all it’s been through. He needs to be honest with himself about what his priorities are. 

Miles is brought back to reality by the warmth on his hand. The dog shyly licks the morsel off his plam. Consuming it in full with just a few smacks of his teeth.

“You can trust me little guy,” he says with utmost sincerity. “I promise.” 

He tries to feed the pup from his hand again. The dog accepts. He pets it gingerly on its back. The sudden sensation causes the dog to jolt. He stares at the boy for a second, then he licks his face. Miles roars with laughter. 

“Alright! Alright! I like you too!”

Miles places another piece of bagel on the ground as a distraction. Then he pours the antiseptic onto a fresh gauze sheet. He attempts to disinfect its wounds gently, but despite his best efforts the dog lets out high pitched yelps. 

“Sorry! Sorry!” Miles flinches upon its pained cries. He persists with his delicate nursing, periodically feeding him pieces of food to keep it at bay.  It’s a painstakingly long process, with the constant flinches, yelps, and several nervous bite attempts. When he’s done, almost half of its body is covered in bandages. He scooches back to admire his work. Not the best, but not bad given he’s never had to bandage anyone up before, let alone an animal. It would have to do.

“See? That wasn’t so bad was it?” The dog licks the boy’s face once more with gratitude. Miles softly wraps his arms around him. 

“Welp. This is where we part ways.” He gives it a final pat on its head. “Stay safe out there little guy.” 

Miles rises to his feet, taking a detour to collect the SD card before making a beeline  towards the serum batches. As he reaches into the coldness of the fridge he feels a sudden pressure on his leg. 

“What the-”

Looking down he finds the dog rubbing his side against him. Wagging his tail happily. 

He scratches the pup behind his ears, it’s leg thumping against the ground in satisfaction. 

 “I love you too man, but I have to go.” The dog however remains oblivious, tongue sticking out its mouth as it pants happily.

“I’m sorry little guy.” He grabs the two cases and begins to walk away. 

He tucks a case underneath his arm. Aiming with his wrist he clumsily shoots out a webs to a high point on the opposite wall and pulls forwards. When he lands, the case under his arm slips. He barely manages to catch it by the handles. The dog leaps underneath him directly into his line of sight and begins yapping loudly. 

“Shhh. Be quiet!” Though the dog continues to complain. 

“I don’t have time for this right now?” As if on cue, The dog’s barks switch to desperate whine. It's an unbandaged eye staring pleadingly. 

He’s using puppy eyes on me. Of course.

“This isn’t going to work on me little man…” 

The dog stretches its front legs onto the wall, pawing upwards in an attempt to reach Miles, then whining at the distance. The boy frowns under his mask as the desperate display continues with no sign of letting up…

“...Fine!” Miles relents with a sigh, releasing himself from the wall, landing next to the pup. “Fine. You win.”

The second Miles lands, the puppy pounces on him, excitedly clawing at his legs. “Okay! Okay!” He looks back and forth between the dog and the two cases. He needed at least one free hand for swinging lest he wanted to risk dropping his newfound passenger, his cargo, or both. It would be best that he carry the dog, but then what about the serums? He couldn’t take two cases… 

Should he take the Rapture? That paired with Peter’s video logs could help expose this whole shady operation. What about the cure? Wouldn’t be best if Jonathon and Miles-42 made their  own medicine to disrupt the monopoly. Ugh, choices. 

After some contemplation, Miles finally gets his lightbulb moment. He opens both cases and swaps half the batches. Three green and three blue. 

“Perfect.” He states proudly. Grabbing a single case and, with strained effort and much contortion, manages to web the container onto his back. 

“I’ll try to make this as comfortable as possible, " he says, picking up the puppy. Then leaping onto the wall, he begins swinging his way back to his friends. 

They would be so happy to see his successful haul. Hopefully, the same news awaited him as well…

-    -    -

Jessica Drew’s bike screeched as she leapt from the portal onto the streets of Earth-42. She wastes no time. Once her wheel touches the ground she shifts into high gear. Bobbing and weaving through streetcars and alleyways at breakneck speed to assess the atmosphere. It had been a little less than an hour, but Gwen giving any amount of time was more than generous. If she was lucky, maybe she had already found the boy and had already made their way back to his home dimension. Then one of the many spiders patrolling 1610’s Brooklyn could intervene. With the huge deployment Miguel had called for, they wouldn’t get far before being caught. 

Speaking of Miguel… 

She skids to a halt, quickly dialing the contact information to her boss. Once she navigates her way to the call button however, she hesitates. In this fucked up situation her loyalties clearly lied with Miguel. She knows she should call him, but their last meeting at HQ left a sour taste in her mouth. He was always aloof and stand-offish, but what happened there was a level of animosity she had never seen from him before. All that yelling, screaming, and  clawing, was too much even for her. Was he right? Of course he was. We all made sacrifices. That was part of the job, but did he really have to slam that boy on the side of a train? Did he have to lose his cool in front of the entire society? Even if he had his reasons, it was not a good look. 

No. She would not tell Miguel. Not yet. It would be best if she found Gwen herself and they handled this quietly. 

She drives around for a bit longer before a dilapidated warehouse catches her eye. Which is saying a lot. The entire crime riddled city was a dilapidated , fiery, vandalized mess, but this building was different. This wasn’t just any wreckage, it was battle wreckage. 

She accelerates through one of the large holes in the structure, landing with a sharp U-turn that emits a loud screech and leaves scorched tire marks on the ground. Her eyes fall on a man. He’s sporting a midnight purple suit and a welders mask. He’s holding a torch gun before a desk with a multitude of sophisticated tech and steel titanium weapons. The man is unalarmed. He doesn’t even acknowledge her at first, instead taking a moment to finish the careful straight line he’s welding onto…whatever it was he was working on . Once done, only then does he turn to her. He lifts his mask, looking her up and down. An exhausted look is plastered on his face. Jess also takes a moment to soak in his very… familiar features. 

“Let me guess.” He rubs his temples with a sigh. “Your ah- You’re with those spider uhh-”

“-Yes. I am.” She sits up straighter while crossing her arms

“And you're from another dimension?”

“Uh huh.” 

“And you’re looking for my nephew? Miles?” 

“Yep. You got it!” she quips. “Great to know you’re already all caught up. That really makes this a lot easier for me.” She rests her hands on the handles of her bike, inadvertently showing her pregnant belly. The man’s eyes widen and his jaw hangs open.  

“WOAH.” 

She raises her eyebrow, perturbed. “Yes?” 

The man points towards her stomach with his torch, “Are you uh-” 

“Yeah?” 

“Wha- How does that- How does that even...work?” 

“How do I work while pregnant?” 

“Yeah ” Flustered, he rubs the back of his neck with his hand. “Like, you’re not worried or anything? It doesn’t slow you down?” 

“No.” She says pointedly. “Because I’m good at what I do.”

“Wow…” He chuckles. “That’s very-” 

“-What?” Oh here it comes. The wave of concern everyone seems to throw her way. Everytime they see her large belly for the first time. “Dangerous? Irresponsible? Reckless? Unbecoming?” shes says in mock offense

“No. It’s… Amazing?” he laughs, stroking his finely trimmed, salt and pepper beard with his free hand. “I think that’s really… cool.” He rests his elbow on the bench, with a playful smirk on his face. “How’s the father? He’s not still in the picture is he?” 

Jessica furrows her brows. “Is my very hot husband in the picture? Why yes, yes he is.” 

“...Damn.” 

“Excuse me?”

“No I mean- Great!” He lets slip his nervous laughter. His smug demeanor wavering only for a second before he recovers. “I mean that’s great for you. It’s good a good looking woman yourself has someone she can rely on. ” 

“Mmmhmmm.” Jessica hums with a smirk. 

“I mean…” he motions back and forth between them, displaying a cheeky grin “...I know some relationships allow for multiple shoulders to lean on if that’s what you’re into-”

“-We are a very happy monogamous couple. Thank you very much. ” 

The man lifts his hands in defeat taking a step back. “Heard. Loud and clear.”

 “Anyways.” She rolls her eyes “From what I heard, you’re Aaron Davis?”

He places a fresh cigarette in his mouth, taking a few attempts to light it. Taking a deep inhale before responding. 

“I’m real popular today, huh? Worried there might be another bounty on my head.” The man lets out a deep, hiccupy chortle. Jess makes a conscious effort to fight the smile tugging at her lips. “But yeah, that’s what they call me.” 

“Well Davis, have you seen a… blonde haired, blue-eyed teenage girl around? Blue shoes? Black and white suit with a pink hood?” 

Aaron’s face contorts in confusion. 

“She’s also got these, like, hot pink accents with a blue webbing design-” 

“-No. Definitely not.” He takes another long draw from his cigarette. “There were these two other ones though. One of them was this super huge, hella bulky ass dude with a meanass resting bitch face sorta mug.”

Jessica erupts with laughter. “That would be Miguel.”  

So he was already aware. Shit. Not that she should care. In a way, wasn’t it a good thing that he knew. That he was on top of things? Though she couldn’t push out that nagging feeling in her gut (the other one) that had her worried. The disloyal disappointment and the guilt that followed in response. 

“Didn’t catch his name.” Aaron's narrowed into a cold stare. “And you want me to tell you where they went?” 

“If I said yes, would you trust me enough to say?” she phrased her words carefully, sensing the tone shift. The vocal equivalent of walking on eggshells.  

He takes the mask off and begins wiping his hands clean from a nearby towel. “Yall don’t have phones or something where you’re from?” He flings the towel on the desk. “Why do you guys keep flockin’ to my pad?” 

Jessica Drew simply scoffs, “It’s…complicated.”

“Well, since I’m on my way there myself…” He clips a fully stocked utility belt on his waist and securing his metal claws on his hands. “...I can show you the way if you want?”

“Show me the way?” 

He strides over to a large tarp. He grabs the fabric, pauses to hold Jessica’s gaze (for dramatic effect) before ripping the cover off the contraption. A sleek Indio motorcycle resides underneath.  “It never hurts to have company does it?” 

She revs her bike loudly in response. “Don’t get any ideas,” 

“Of course. Strictly business.” His mask emerges from the shoulders of his armor working to conceal his face and as well as his voice, which now came out  robotic and distorted.  

“I like to go fast so…Try to keep up.” He revs his motorcycle loudly, immediately riding through one of the many holes in the wall before making a straight shot towards the street. Jessica Drew swerved closely behind him. Behind the man who just so happens to look exactly like her husband. The harsh wind whipping in her face and the loud hustle and bustle of the city work to drown out her hearty and buoyant chuckle. 

The multiverse works in mysterious ways.

#miles morales #jessica drew #aaron davis #peter parker #spiderman #across the spiderverse #into the spider verse #beyond the spiderverse #miguel o'hara x you #miguel o'hara #miguel o'hara x reader #astv

[extrasfromthevoid]

Draxum's Accidental Child Acquisition (part 1/?)

@tmntbestsibscompetiton

Summary: How Milo (though that's not yet her name) found her way into the Hidden City and into the care of the one and only Baron Draxum

OR Draxum's adventures in parenting.

----

In an innermost back alley of New York City, there is a very bored girl.

The plain red ball she’d been given—or found, she doesn’t remember—is nice, but she’s running out of games she can play on her own with it and there’s no one around to play with her.

She picks up the ball once again as it rolls back to her feet from where she kicked it against the brick wall.

The city around her thrums with activity, but the late hour means that there’s no one around.

How did this lone child end up in the depths of New York City alone? Well, even she doesn’t know that. It doesn’t matter to her anyway as the sole thought at the forefront of her mind is that she is incredibly bored.

Her thoughts are interrupted by a curious flicker of light in the corner of her eye. Looking up, a curious orb of light zips over her head.

Mesmerized, the rubber ball drops from her hands as she reaches up for the light. It weaves gracefully through her fingers before darting away, its pale blue light pulsing cheerfully. Without hesitation, she chases after it, heedless of the rubber ball bouncing away behind her, quickly abandoned.

The orb zips around the corner into a nearby alley and—strangely—through the wall behind a dumpster. She—being two and a half by generous estimates—didn’t even notice as she crossed a threshold from the surface city, to the hidden one. — She loses sight of the fun orb pretty quickly, but new wonders catch her attention pretty quickly as what once seemed to her to be a quiet city now explodes with light, life, and color. The toddler twirls around with wide eyes, trying to take in as much of her new environment as possible.

And boy is it a change from before. The surface city was quiet in its own way, save for the sounds of traffic and the occasional dog. She didn’t know, but it was late enough that it was now early, and while the City That Never Sleeps certainly lives up to its name, its comparatively sleepy early morning state can’t hold a candle to the sensory explosion of the underground city.

Giggling, she starts to run down the streets, weaving between the fascinating people walking around. She’s never seen such a fun place before! People walk around with extra sets of arms, horns, tails, wings, and all manner of skin colors and textures, and so much more!

The air smells of hot, spiced food, carts zoom through the air, pulled by creatures she can’t identify. Everything around her hums with life and energy.

It's exciting!

She pushes past two people to reach a balcony over looking a glittering city that follows the curves of the cavern and shining with all the colors of the rainbow.

She stands on the base of the railing though her chin only barely makes it over the top.

“Uh...who’s kid is that…?”

“Dunno. Do you see any panicked parent-looking types around?”

“Nah. Should we bother doing something?”

“Eh…it’ll work itself out. Long as they don’t bug me…”

Heedless, the toddler steps away from the balcony’s railing and continues to wander deeper into this fascinating new environment. — Baron Draxum is all around having a fairly rotten day. The Council of Heads has once again dismissed his concerns about the human threat and Big Mama has once again refused to release Lou Jitsu into his custody. Nothing seems to be going Draxum’s way today and it has left him in a foul mood.

So he’s going to indulge in a little of his favorite vendor food to help soothe his fraying nerves.

Just as he’s about to partake, something thumps into his legs harshly enough for him to stumble, nearly dropping his delectable indulgence and with it, the last shreds of his sanity.

He whips around, teeth bared in a menacing sneer at whoever was foolish enough to run into him. “Watch where you—“

Draxum's rage stutters as his eyes turn down towards the culprit. Sprawled on their back at his hooves is a toddler with two messy buns and a pair of overalls. A human toddler. Draxum wrinkles his nose in disgust as the wretched spawn blinks up at him with wide, dark eyes.

Draxum reaches down and picks the toddler up by the back of their clothes. They weigh very little. “How did you get in here, spawn?” He asks.

To his surprise—and annoyance—the spawn doesn’t answer. Instead, it lets out a shrieking laugh as it dangles from Draxum’s hand, feet kicking out wildly in the open air. It seems to enjoy being held like this, strangely enough.

Curious, Draxum glances around the mulling crowd. Various yokai go about their business, casting occasional curious glances in the direction of him and the human spawn, but none seem eager to claim it for themselves. From where he stands, Draxum spies no other humans in the crowd, and certainly no one that looks frantic enough to have misplaced this little creature.

Did it wander in her all on its own somehow? Draxum wonders.

An idea percolates in Draxum’s mind as he takes a bite of his food, looking over the tiny giggling human in his grasp. Perhaps, this could be an opportunity. After all, how often would Draxum be able to examine and study human behaviors from the outset of their infancy?

And more importantly, shape them. If some disgusting human couldn’t be bothered to keep a better eye on their own spawn, then perhaps it was better off with Draxum anyway.

Curiously, the spawn seems unperturbed by neither Draxum’s appearance nor the general sight of the Hidden City. It continues reaching for Draxum with pudgy hands, repeating the syllable “ba” over and over.

Draxum hums, mind made up. He takes a bite of his treat and then tucks the still giggling human-ling under his arm and walks off in the direction of his home and lab.

Perhaps if he’s lucky, this creature will become an excellent soldier. And wouldn’t it be ironic if the one to lead Draxum’s army to take back the surface world from those disgusting humans was human themself? He smiles a little at the thought. Yes, this may work out nicely.

——��� As it turns out, raising a human spawn is harder than Draxum thought. Namely, the specimen—that Draxum has taken to simply calling Spawn—is the most disagreeable and stubborn creature humanity has ever produced. He has determined that Spawn is approximately two and a half years old and biologically of the female variety, but that is about all he was able to discern as Spawn refused to stay still for any further examination and forced Draxum to chase her through the lab, giggling the whole way as if they were playing a game. She may not be very fast on those unsteady legs of hers, but the clutter in Draxum’s lab makes catching her a chore whenever she darts through openings Draxum can’t pass through. Especially since the little creature seems to find Draxum’s frustration with her antics highly amusing.

On top of this, the Spawn refuses to stay in her containment cell during rest hours, either wailing until Draxum comes to quiet her or breaking out herself. Most often the latter.

Spawn spends most of the night crying. Draxum has stayed to observe Spawn as she sleeps to see what exactly causes her such violent distress. So far, he has observed no external stimulus that could be responsible for Spawn’s late night outbursts. His best hypothesis from his observations is that Spawn suffers from nightmares and seeks comfort from him in their aftermath.

Further complicating matters, Spawn is not at point in her development where she is capable of workable speech. The most she is capable of is repeatedly shouting “ba” at him and babbling incoherently as she tries to mimic what Draxum says himself.

Draxum sighs heavily, holding the squirming, giggly human ahead of him from under her arms. “It seems teaching you to speak will have to be our first priority,” he says.

“Prabababe,” she echoes, lightly slapping her hand against Draxum's wrist with her meager baby strength for emphasis.

“That’s right, little Spawn. Priority,” he says, repeating the proper pronunciation of the word the child is mimicking.

“Prabababe!” She cheers loudly.

He sets her down and pats her on her head as he turns to look for a notepad. He’ll have to make a trip to the library and start putting together a lesson plan. Perhaps he should pick up some books on child-rearing while he’s there. Raising a human spawn can’t be much different than raising a young yokai, right? Not that Draxum has experience with either, however.

And then suddenly, there's a cacophonous crash behind him, followed by the piercing sound of crying.

Draxum whips around so fast that his neck muscles cramp painfully. Spawn sits amid a pile of toppled weapons, a rather nasty cut on her right forearm, likely from a wayward blade. Tears leak from her face at an impressive rate as blood wells in the wound and dribbles down her arm, splattering across the floor and soaking into her clothes.

“Ah nuts!” He shouts, diving for the sobbing child.

She curls in on herself, pulling her injured arm close to her chest, further staining her outfit with the blood seeping from the wound, and burying her face into Draxum’s kimono as she wails. Draxum shudders involuntarily as he feels Spawn’s face fluids soak into his clothes.

“Spawn, cease this and let me inspect your injury,” he orders, prying her arm out so he can examine it.

The bad news is that it’s a fairly deep wound. The good news is that it’s also a clean one. While it speaks to the quality of the blade that caused it, it’s deep enough that this will doubtlessly require stitches.

Looks like I’ll need to put those somewhere she can’t reach, Draxum thinks as he digs through a drawer for his medical kit. A little difficult with a child in his arm, but not impossible.

He finds it tucked all the way in the back, of course. Regardless, Draxum retrieves the supplies and sets to work, all while cursing his past self for leaving him so ill-prepared.

Spawn continues to squirm and wail and cry, but Draxum doesn’t let her yank her injured arm away as he expertly stitches the long wound on her forearm closed and wraps it securely with sterile bandages. Fortunately, once Draxum completes the stitches, Spawn’s squirming lessens and her cries quiet down to blissful silence, though one punctuated by an occasional hiccuping sob. Still, it's a great deal better than the shrill wailing Spawn had committed herself to just moments ago.

His work completed and his subject thoroughly exhausted from her emotional display, Draxum sits back in his chair, staring indifferently at the mess of bandages and cleansing solution strewn over his lab table. As if sensing the opening in Draxum's defenses, Spawn wastes no time scooting herself off of the table and plopping gracelessly into Draxum’s lap.

“Hey!” He exclaims indignantly.

Predictably, the little creature pays no heed to Draxum’s protests as she curls up against his chest, gripping his robes with her tiny hands and tucking her wounded arm carefully against her own chest. And she soon falls asleep.

Draxum sighs lightly. “At least she’s finally quiet…” — Draxum swiftly returns a thoroughly exhausted Spawn to her containment cell. Detangling her is a bit of a challenge as her tiny hands are deceptively strong and grip his robes so tightly he’d momentarily feared they’d rip as he dislodged her. Tear tracks dry on her cheeks as she dozes against the pillows, the bandages covering her injury standing out starkly against the dark bedding. Even through the bandages, a faint light shines through, tracing the length of the injury.

The wound has a mystic quality to it that, Draxum concludes. He finds it odd, seeing as the chances of this random human toddler having mystic potential it laughably small. Most likely, that mystic quality came from whatever Spawn cut herself on.

“Still,” he muses quietly to himself. “It may be worth a look. Just in case.”

Packing away his medical supplies, Draxum turns his attention back to the pile of weapons he will need to find a new home for. Preferably out of a certain nosy—and fragile—human’s reach.

Over the course of his long life, Draxum has become steward of many interesting mystic weapons. Some owners return for their stowed weapons, but many never do for one reason or another. Usually it’s because they no longer need it or forget about it, but some are items of terrible power that are better off tucked away and hopefully forgotten by the inevitable march of time. Draxum can only hope that Spawn didn’t cut herself on one such weapon.

Finding the weapon doesn’t take long, as it’s the only one in the pile with bright red blood glistening along its edge.

“Hm. The odachi…,” Draxum muses, picking up the sword in one hand and reaching for the rag with another. “Not the worst possible outcome.”

He’ll have to keep an eye on Spawn for any adverse effects. The blade of this particular odachi is capable of cutting the fabric of space just as easily as it cuts flesh. Draxum can’t rightly say what might happen in this case, if anything at all. It’s doubtful--though not impossible under the right circumstances--that Spawn will gain powers like the odachi’s or lose parts of herself suddenly, but Draxum admittedly hasn’t cleaned the blade in some time, so it is a much greater possibility that Spawn could contract an infection rather than powers.

He’ll have to monitor the wound carefully as it heals. Both for infection and any...peculiarities.

Draxum wipes the blade clean and sets about gathering the weapons around his lab. He rather quickly finds himself eyeing the loose, breakable beakers of caustic chemicals littering the surfaces within reach for the heedless spawn now in his care.

Part of him now regrets his impulsive decision to take in such a small, fragile creature, but…hopefully the results will be worth the present headache.

(Next)

#void's writing #rottmnt oc: milo hamato #rottmnt #rise of the teenage mutant ninja turtles #teenage mutant ninja turtles #writing these had been really fun bc i am inflicting a literal toddler on draxum that fears neither man nor god #he strikes me as the kind of parent that would speak to an infant like he would an adult (which will be helpful as she learns how to speak) #draxum now has to figure out how to baby proof his lab lmao #I'm be posting one of these a day. right now we're in the 'prologue' territory #but i might skip around a bit when we hit the actual episodes as most aren't written yet :) (which is why im not posting these on ao3 yet) #yes. the odachi spawn cut herself on is THAT odachi that leo picks up fifteen years later #and yes. she gets a fun power from it :) #im interpreting the mystic weapons we see in the series as semi-sentient and in this instance; spawn accidentally formed a pact w the odach #what's the pact? uh...something to do w curiosity and exploration. spawn doesnt think in words so much as images and feelings

[redlegend-a]

The desert at night, tonight, was calm.

The sky was clear, glittering with a blanket of stars, and soft bouts of wind over standing Cacturne broke the silence with white noise.

Tonight Red kept away from his desert camp, finding a low spot between the dunes under a sheer cliff face, and striking a fire to crackle beside him.

When working like this he had Pikachu nearby, but not beside him.The mouse stood atop a rock formation, a shadow against the slowly rotating starscape.

The bones of the late Professor Sada?They’re old bones, but they’re rotten with the smell of stagnant grease that only sodium carbonate and peroxide had a chance at getting out.

Over the fire, he boiled a large, new pot of clean water, and broke the seal on both powdered products, stirring the cleaning solution to life while it began to bubble.

Red’s hands were clammy under the heavy rubber gloves, and careful as they lifted each bone up and into the boiling pot and put them in.

The skull he saved for last, tucking the shredded remnants of her hair back while he set her head atop the rest of her body. It’s slow, considerate, and meticulous.

The pot boiled, and he smelled death. Unclean, stagnant death had a specific smell to it, pungent and sour. What a painful death (so much blood and pain), but a death nonetheless.

Her clothes he wrapped in a bundle of cloth and set at the foot of the wooden base he had started to build.

When there was nothing to do but wait, he shed the rubber gloves, and sat beside the fire, watching the pot boil, and watching each bubble of oil rise to the foam of the surface.

People didn’t like the thought of mortality. It was an abject fear, to end one thing and transition to another. It was an ending to memory, sensation, and existence as this cognizant being.

Red watched the flames lick up the pot. Charizard swung lower in the night, and Red saw his faraway shadow cross the moon.

Are you still here, Sada?

He slowed his breathing, and closed his eyes. He reached outside himself, and crossed his legs.

Each hand of his, he turned, palm up. He breathed, the smell of boiling bone collecting in the back of his throat.

Are you still trapped, Sada?

#prosada #;;paradise lost #tw death

[allforlovessake]

feeling like im dying and being ripped to shreds and being torn apart limb from limb slowly and painfully. but the world keeps turning and time passes and life goes on. it feels like its passing by me too fast and too slow all at once. i want everything to stop and go back to normal and change completely. im tired. i know nothing and still im burdened by the weight of everything. im drowning and just trying to get a breath of fresh air. there's water in my lungs and bile in my throat and my world is ending. breaking the surface feels like needles in my skin, not piercing or pricking but dragging down. tearing at my nerves and snapping them like rubber bands. i try to cough up the lump in my chest and all that comes out is blood and unrecognizable chunks of myself and the future im grieving for myself. im irreparably damaged. im sorry i may never get better. im sorry the water may always be caught in my lungs. im drowning in the salt from my own eyes and it's turning my skin red and it's cracking and its bleeding. my skin sheds my sorrows and rubs raw against the rocks on the shore. i pray as i lay there that the ocean takes me back and swallows me whole. i pray that the rocks dig into my skin deeper until they reach bone. i pray that the water fills my lungs and all i can taste is salt and blood and sweet fucking relief. i pray to a god that i dont believe in and that doesnt believe in me that the earth takes me back. recycles me into something better, something actually worthwhile in this world. i cant contribute. look at me. i didn't ask for this. i didn't ask to be put into this ecosystem and expected to contribute. look at me. im laying in the sand covered in my own blood and vomit and tears and im whimpering like a kicked dog. kick me more. go on, do it. im sure it couldn't hurt worse. at a point the pain has to cap out, doesn't it? if the god im begging for mercy does exist, he must have installed a failsafe. a threshold. i think ive met it. and im ready now. im ready to be put back into the cycle, turned into something better. maybe in the next life i won't be in as much pain. im ready for it now. the sand feels warm and comforting now that it's almost over. the water laps over my broken legs and it feels like im being taken back. i thank god as i feel the rocks dig into me until they hit bone. i thank god as the pain fades. finally. a miserable existence. a beaten dog. a pathetic creature covered in its own blood. its an act of mercy. he knows it is. the last thought i have is, thank god, i believe now, and i don't regret it. fucking finally.

#tw body horror #; vent #; messages to myself #; mine #tw sui

[guard-en]

CAN I GET A MORE IN DEPTH VIBE CHECK

your vibe is... [loading...]

absentmindedly keeping a spoon in your mouth as you walk around the house until you eventually realize it's there, overgrown mint and alternative lawn covercrops like clover, repeatedly picking up and dropping shredded rubber public park mulch, the call of a male cardinal carrying from a distance, striking matches against makeshift surfaces, and old soda fridges in junkyards that still carry remnants of their once vibrant colors.

#guarden/asks/requests #decayingbite

[hedgewitchgarden]

Not all farm animals are cute and cuddly. Some of the most important animals on any farm can be slightly scary but have vital jobs farmers depend on.

When darkness falls across the farm, many think of cows, pigs, sheep, chickens and goats settling in the barn. But there is also a whole host of others —large and incredibly small animals going about their crucial roles to support the healthy functioning of our farms night and day. While many think of them only as creepy crawlies or predators of the night, the web of life is intricate. You might be astounded to learn more about these beneficial animals that help people and the crops we grow.

Take a farm’s soil, for example. Oozing with organisms—soil is the most biologically diverse part of the Earth. The soil on a farm includes thousands and thousands of beetles, springtails, mites, worms, spiders, ants, nematodes and other organisms. This multitude of soil organisms engineers pathways for rainwater, provides nutrients for plants and breaks down organic matter from previous crops.

These beneficial insects and soil creatures—and bigger predators that patrol the soil surface—provide checks and balances to the food web that makes farms fertile.

What may be most frightening is to imagine a world without these beasties fulfilling their roles on farms.

1. Earthworms

It’s hard to get the warm fuzzies for earthworms. They have no legs. They don’t have eyes or a face, and their bodies stretch like rubber. They secrete a slime—mucus—that helps them slide more easily through the soil. But these faceless fellows can be big friends to farmers.

Earthworms break up hard soil, create tunnels that allow air and water to penetrate better, and bring important minerals to the soil. Most of the 180+ species of earthworms in the U.S. bring great benefits to soil health on farms and can help improve fertilizer efficiency.

Indeed, some non-native species of earthworms can negatively affect the soils in some forests. But when it comes to farms, earthworms are friends. 

2. Millipedes

Their name comes from Latin, meaning “thousand legs.” As it turns out, no known millipede species has a thousand legs. Most top out at several hundred. Although millipedes may look unpleasant, these arthropods (they are not insects) are harmless to humans and are, in fact, very beneficial to farm soils.

Millipedes shred the leftover residue of previous crops—organic matter—and mix it through the soil. This gives smaller soil organisms like fungi and bacteria a greater surface area to work on and speeds the breakdown of the crop residue, ultimately making the soil more fertile. 

3. Ladybugs

Even people afraid of most insects usually aren’t creeped out by ladybugs. But for those with Coccinellidaephobia, a fear of ladybugs, walking through a garden or farm can be terrifying. It makes sense—in nature, red and black is often a sign to stay away. However, these diminutive flying beetles bring huge benefits to farmers and gardeners. Ladybugs are so prized by gardeners and farmers that you can buy them from suppliers!

Why? They’re nature’s perfect pest control. Ladybugs (also known as lady beetles and ladybird beetles) gobble up crop-destroying aphids, one of the most problematic insect pests for farms and gardens. A single ladybug can consume 50-60 aphids daily and thousands over a lifetime. One ladybug can lay hundreds of eggs in a season, and its larvae will eat hundreds of aphids before becoming adults. In addition, ladybugs feed on mites, scales, mealy bugs, thrips and white flies, all of which damage crops.

Another sign of how highly ladybugs are esteemed: they are the official state insect of Delaware, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Ohio and Tennessee.

4. Pollinators

As many schoolchildren can tell you, plants need pollinators. Why? A quick refresher: pollen from a plant's male anther needs to be transferred to the female stigma for a plant to reproduce via seeds.

About 87% of flowering plants rely on pollination, and more than 150 food crops in the U.S. That's where pollinators come in. They make the crucial exchange of pollen.

Several species of animals help with pollination, including hummingbirds, butterflies, moths, even flies and wasps. But bees do the heavy lifting, transferring far more pollen than other animals. Although European honeybees and bumblebees are the best-known U.S. bee varieties, our nation harbors more than 4,000 species of bees!

Protecting undeveloped pollinators' habitats, such as wildflower meadows on the edges of farmland, is vital to protect these industrious, fruitful creatures.

5. Spiders

What is it about spiders that unnerves people? Is it their sticky, often hard-to-spot webs, or the way they pounce so quickly when prey is near? Something about spiders unsettles most people. Yet spiders are incredibly beneficial to us.

“If spiders disappeared, we would face famine,” Norman Platnick of New York’s American Museum of Natural History told the Washington Post. “Spiders are primary controllers of insects. Without spiders, all of our crops would be consumed by those pests.”

A study found that more than 600 species of spiders patrol U.S. croplands, keeping crop-eating pests under control. 

6. Coyotes

Though they have a reputation as a pest animal and a nuisance, coyotes are, in fact, a species that can bring benefits to farms.

Coyotes are skilled predators, keeping populations of rodents that can destroy crops—such as rabbits, squirrels, gophers, voles and mice in check. Removing coyotes from an area can cause rodent populations to explode.

While it’s true that coyotes are omnivorous and will sometimes eat fruit, berries and vegetables, 90% of their diet comes from meat. They do not pose a threat to farmers’ crops.

Related to dogs and wolves, coyotes have found a way to coexist with humans and expand their range. Formerly inhabiting the western portion of the U.S., coyotes can now be found in every state except Hawaii and have moved south, far into Central America.

Ranchers sometimes may have a legitimate gripe with coyotes because, in packs, they are capable of attacking and killing livestock. The common solution: good fencing plus the coyote’s cousin, a livestock guard dog or two patrolling the territory.

7. Snakes

Snakes get a bad rap. Many people seem to have an almost visceral aversion to the sinuous reptiles. But snakes are generally shy creatures that avoid human contact.

There are about 50 species of snakes in the U.S., and 20 of those are venomous—but even they shy away from human contact. While snakes are sneaking about our fields and avoiding us, they are preying on gophers, field mice, rats, rabbits and other rodents that damage crops by feeding on them or burrowing into their roots.

8. Skunks

Anyone whose dog has ever been sprayed by a skunk knows: it’s Grade A horrible. No one wants to be anywhere near a skunk. We fear skunks with good reason. But these slow-moving, stinky beasts can bring benefits to farms.

Skunks consume pest insects like caterpillars and grubs, field mice and voles, helping to keep them under control. They also eat berries, leaves and grasses. Beekeepers do not like skunks, however. Because of their thick fur, skunks aren’t deterred by bee stings and will seek out honeybee hives to dine on.

9. Bats

These winged mammals are the poster child for Halloween and have been associated with all things scary at least as far back as Bram Stoker’s classic horror novel Dracula, published in 1897.

Some people fear that, like Dracula, bats will drink their blood. But none of the 40 bat species inhabiting the U.S. drink blood. Three species are nectar feeders that help pollinate desert plants, while most U.S. bats eat insects in abundance. A single insect-eating bat can consume hundreds of pest insects in a night, equivalent to half its body weight. A cave full of thousands of bats can consume literal tons of insects.

Economists have quantified the dollar value of bats’ insect pest control to U.S. agriculture at $23 billion annually.

10. Owls

The banshee screech of an owl can sound supernatural in the pitch blackness of night on a farm, but owls are super-carnivores that benefit farmers significantly.

Owls serve an important role in controlling rodent populations and protecting crops. They are a natural pest defense system as they are highly skilled hunters of the night when rodents and other small mammals are on the move.

With their ghostly night stalking enabled by their giant wingspan, it's no wonder owls are effective carnivores. Owls can eat up to 10% of their body weight in rodents each night. Because hunting is what they do best, they have also been known to prey on snakes, amphibians and invertebrates.

#beneficial animals #nature

[thunderousone]

Chapter 8

Summary: Eirene's training continues and she's granted permission to check in on her home from a distance... Sparks fly.

TW: profanity, (eventual... it's slow burn get over it) graphic depictions of sex, pain kink, childhood trauma, parental trauma, chronic pain

Rating: 18+, MDNI

Comments, likes, and reblogs are appreciated 🤍

After a long day of striking Vír down she was starting to think he was enjoying the feeling of being electrocuted.  

Eirene made her way inside, changed from her insane rubber clothes and tried to massage her shoulders. Her muscles were ripped to shreds trying to keep the wild element inside her contained. She bypassed a bath after training for fear the latent sparks would fry her right there in the tub. Once changed, she went to the large loft to overlook the first floor. Vír had immediately gone to his study after training, slamming the door behind him. Lyire was on the first floor, lounging, looking out at the rose garden through the big paned windows.   

She descended the stairs to join him and he slowly sat up to greet her.  

"Vír is still standing so I'd say you made some progress out there today?" He slid over to make room for Eirene next to him.  

masterlist | read it first on ao3

  "Hardly, Vír is insufferable and my brain feels like it's going to explode," She pinched the bridge of her nose between her eyes and winced, feeling the pressure relieved for a moment. "If the offer still stands, I'd love to see what's going on in Lyranth." She missed her home so much sometimes she thought she’d go mad from the heart ache. 

Lyire stood up and smiled at her, gods he was charming. How could someone this kind stand to be around someone like Vír? "Follow me," he said warmly. His white hair was half pulled back and it made him look so soft and beautiful. 

They ascended the cool marble stairs and went to the opposite end of the home where she knew Vír and his study were. Vír's bedroom door was closed of course, and a slight mist was bleeding through the crack beneath the door to the study.  

Eirene's footsteps echoed softly as she walked with Lyire down the hall. She had not ventured down this way during her walk through with Yvonne for fear of seeing Vír, so seeing this room for the first time took her by surprise.  

In a stark contrast from the rest of the manor, this was vastly more intimate. An old and beautiful deep red carpet spanned the majority of the room and the walls were lined with old oak shelves filled to the brim with books, their spines and lettering shining in a warm glow.  

Dominating the rooms center was a large transparent sculpture of sorts, an orb suspended above an elegant pedestal. It's perfect, glassy form refracted light in the room like a drop of water pierced with rays of sunlight. A crackling fireplace sat nestled in the corner, it's flickering flames greeting Eirene like a comforting old friend. Her heart felt ten times lighter as she approached the large leather chair in front of it and slid her hands along the soft, leathery, warmed surface.  

A cough from the other side of the room made Eirene turn quickly. Vír was sitting behind a large wooden desk, his head tilting slowly cocked to the side, examining Lyire and Eirene.  

"Excuse me?" He asked them. He put his pen down and his long fingers laced together, his skin so fair from lack of sun that you could see his veins in his arms. His eyes seared into her, watching her every movement as she looked around the room.  

Lyire stood in the center of the room near the large glass object and rested a hand on it. He rotated it slowly and caught Eirene's eye. She quickly walked over to him, her footfalls muffled by the carpet beneath her feet. He rotated the object around with a soft touch to its crystalline surface. "We were given permission by the Guardians to let her check in on her home while she's here, Vír.” Lyire looked into the glass, seeing something beyond the room.  ”Okay, come on over here Eirene," he murmured, still adjusting the position of the orb with his hand. He placed one of her hands on the glass as he leaned in. "So, here is Lyranth, and your home should be right about here," he put more pressure on her hand and slid the ball upward.  

Slowly, Lyranth came into view. It took some finessing of the ball to get it to focus in properly but there it was, and Lyire left her to look through the glass. She had never seen it from this vantage before. She was so high above everything, she could hardly make out faces of people as they drudged through the wet streets. It wasn't raining, but it was wet. She knew this type of day well. It had clearly rained badly earlier in the day and let up recently, judging by the amount of people out on the street. She shifted the glass under her hand and her breathing hitched.  

Her hand pressed harder into the glass and she felt Lyire step away. The soft plop of tears hitting the orb were the only sound other than the warm fire crackling away in the background. There, walking through the street... She'd know those figures anywhere. She saw Paarth, with Violet on his shoulders, walking through town. She couldn't see their expressions or much else about them, but it was them.  

Safe, she thought with a sigh of relief. Violet is safe.  

Her heart felt like it was ripped from her chest, because she saw it walking there, on Lyranth. She felt the electricity in her hands buzz, sending a shiver down her spine. Suddenly, a hand was on her back. She knew the hand on the small of her back didn't belong to Lyire. She felt the vibrations and rumble leave his touch and enter her body. Her electrical currents pushing into his like a wave.  

"Keep whatever emotion you're fighting with pushed down, even if it's a good feeling. Extremes can be dangerous for them down there," Vír's voice was low in her ear, she could feel his breath on her neck, along with the electrical pull of the lightning in her veins to him.  

Violet and Paarth slowly vanished from view, inside a building, but her eyes remained fixed on the glass ball. Tears flowing freely now, she felt the lightning moving in her veins and it felt as though they would pierce her heart.  

"Close your eyes," he coached her. "Let whatever your feeling go, it's no use having these emotions. In and out," she listened this time, ripping her eyes from the ball and letting her hand fall to her side. His hand moved from her back to both of her shoulders, one hand on each as he felt them rise and fall with each breath. With her eyes closed in silence, she stood there listening to the crackles and pops of the fire and breathed with Vír, in and out.  

She wasn't sure how long they stood there like that, where Lyire had gone, but at some point Vír also vanished, and she was alone in the room, her only company the hearth. She slept in the chair, letting the warm leather comfort her into a peaceful sleep. 

masterlist | read it first on ao3

#acotar #stray kids fanfic #ao3 writer #sjmaas #fanfic #skz fanfic #straykids #skz smut #skz stay #hyunjin #kinktober #kinktober 2023

[stevebattle]

Bendix SLRV ETM – Surveyor Lunar Roving Vehicle Engineering Test Model (1964), Bendix Systems Division, Ann Arbor, Michigan. The Jet Propulsion Laboratory issued short contracts to investigate the feasibility of building a small (100lb), unmanned lunar rover to travel aboard the surveyor spacecraft. The Surveyor Lunar Roving Vehicle (SLRV) would survey the lunar surface around the lander, to certify the area free of hazards, as a potential Apollo landing site. The ETM is an articulated four-track vehicle, with four shock-absorbing legs terminated by individually driven caterpillar tracks with silicone rubber treads. It can execute a 'scuff turn' within one vehicle length by running the left and right-hand tracks in opposite directions. The tracks are attached to the legs by a floating pivot point. Each track can be locked horizontally, at 45° for climbing, or the pitch can be allowed to free float enabling passive adaption to uneven ground. It can climb 35° slopes, but steering becomes ineffective during rock-climbing, as the vehicle tends to follow the path of least resistance. The vehicle didn't perform well in NASA/U.S. Geological Survey trials in Arizona, “The poor Bendix vehicle had tanklike treads that were made of some kind of rubber-type thing, the vehicle just started shredding the treads. In fact, when they finished halfway down the course, it had no treads left." – Jack McCauley, U.S. Geological Survey, Across the Airless Wilds: The Lunar Rover and the Triumph of the Final Moon Landings, by Earl Swift.

#cybernetics #space #robot #1964

[snowleopardcatdragon]

My blue coat is gonna have to go :/

I used one of the Yaya Han cosplay fabrics, and unfortunately it really wasn’t a good choice for thus kind of application. I don’t think the problem is the fabric itself so much as my choice of how to use it. It was a four-way stretch spandex with some kind of rubber like coating that gave it a really interesting surface sheen and texture. How ever, as you can see, the coating just doesn’t hold up to much wear. Places that don’t get much tension, like the back and tails, are fine, but places like around the button holes and across the shoulders have just shredded. My top stitching in particular looks to have been a big problem.

On the whole, I don’t think its a bad fabric, just a bad application.

#steampunk #cosplay #costumes #fabric #sewing #diy #sewing clothes

[timelesscreations]

Traced over the traditional artwork I did for Victor & Charlie and Autumn. From top to bottom:

1. Victor and Charlie's mother. After the bomb dropped, a number of demons from the Nightosphere were sucked into the surface world. This includes a small number of the Nightosphere's fauna (like Nighthounds). V & C were born on the surface world. But since V & C were the runt of their liter, their mother rejected them.

2-3. Victor & Charlie with Autumn. The three of them have known each other ever since they were puppies. While Marsha was worried of what V & C might do, the puppies became fast friends.

4. Nap time with V & C and Autumn. Autmun sees the benifit of having such a bigger sibling(s): having a comfy pillow to rest on.

5. Victor & Charlie inspecting a kong wobbler.

6. Charlie being jealous of the tennis ball Victor has.

7. Victor & Charlie fighting over a stuffed rabbit they found. The poor thing is going to be torn apart in their scuffle.

8. Victor & Charlie as a puppy playing with a rubber bone.

9. A simple way to identify who's who. Victor is the head with the red collar while Charlie is the head with the blue collar.

10. Autumn with a teddy bear she found. Autumn likes to rip and gut stuffed animals. RIP teddy.

11. Autumn with her blankie. It's the only thing she won't rip to shreds. Instead, she likes to suckle on it like a pacifier. This was the blanket that she was born on. It could explain her whole attachment to this blanket.

The orignals: x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x

Victor & Charlie, Autumn and Nighthounds (c) me

Adventure Time (c) Pendelton Ward

#timelesscreations #adventure time oc #adventure time #demon oc #oc #dog oc #dogs #body horror tw

[collectingthestars]

Right so pretty much-

It was a lovely day. The sun was shining. Birds were chirping. Mosquitos were having an orgy on every available surface. And my friend and I were enjoying our ice creams we bought from the school tuckshop. Could this day truly get any better? Oh goodness, how convenient, a group of teenage boys have come to enjoy the day with us! "Hello divine creatures of the earth, what questions are you pondering on this beautiful day? I'm so grateful to walk and share the land with which we exist, god, what a blissful morni-" "oi ya friend's got a fat arse innit bruv?" Oh.... Oh I see....... Yes.... Good morning to you too, holy blessing of which I exist in the vicinity of. God fucking damn it I hate this school. Also why are you British all of a sudden we're in the middle of the Australian summer where are you boys coming from I swear you had an Aussie accent the other day now all your friends are turning British which is arguably the worst philosophy you can choose like what So anyway my friend just so happened to hear this which must have been a massive mood booster I'm sure 🙄 but I said to her "dearest friend of mine do you give consent for me to drag this fucknugget to hell and trudge him back a tarnished rag of sweat and entrails?" And she was like "yea sure idc go wild" and like. You know when you're dog is a fucking crack addict and probable serial killer and you throw him stuffed toys on occasion to watch him rip it to shreds while foaming at the mouth with the spirit of Satan and all 10 deadly sins (greed, lust, pride, envy, gluttony, sloth, wrath, advertising, police officer, and Sagittarius btw if U even care) ripping through his eyeballs and turning them to lasers while he tears through the suffie's throat and lights it on fire, which is of course a normal human experience shared throughout humans which I am. I am a normal human and have normal human life experiences. I can be trusted with the bouncy rubber balls because I am normal. A normal human who has not eaten half of one as a dare in primary school and had to sit in the nurse's office for 2 hours. I would not do that because I am normal. Ok good? Okay. So yeah that was gonna be me with this poor fucker in a second. So there I was: storming over there faster than the white ladies at the McDonald's storm over to the manager's office. I didn't know what I was gonna do once I got to this kid but it wasn't gonna be glamorous. And as I got closer I realised that my 5'1 ass probably didn't stand a chance against a kid who looks like he does hard drugs and is willingly on a sports team. Fuck. But oh ho ho what do we have here,,, it seems a rather large and pointed stick is conveniently lying on the ground in my general direction. Excellent. I'll spare you the details Diya but what I will say is there was a lot of "holy shit this bitch fuckin' mental ay G" and "god damn bruv calm down you on ya period ay dog" and a distinct lack of "wow that person sure looks hot chasing that frat boy around the school oval with a stick while reciting the communist manifesto and spitting on his shoes I wonder if they'd like to get tea with me and maybe kiss a bit idk" honestly Diya the things I'm robbed of. But anyway once I was done torturing disciplining this child I went over to the only other frat boy who remained and threatened to snitch on him to his mum if he watched shit like that happen again and did nothing. Saving humanity one girlboss at a time ig ✌️✨ but yeah don't do crack kids or do idk none of my business if you need a dealer my dog's been living with me for ages I'd appreciate if he'd get off his arse and get some money or something but yeah U didn't hear it from me (you can find me in the nearest sewer btw bring cookies) yeah okay peace love U baaiiiiii 💖💖💖

things like these are precisely the reason your alias is insane anon.

#diya answers #aight baking you some cookies to bring #anyway which sewer hole should i drop them off at #anon

[kidzletplaystructures1]

Best Playground Equipment for All Ages | Kidzlet Play Structures

Playgrounds are more than just swings and slides. They're vibrant hubs of imagination, fostering physical development, social interaction, and a sense of adventure in children. For parks, schools, daycare centers, and any space where children gather, creating a safe and engaging play environment is crucial. This is where commercial playground equipment comes in.

Here, we'll delve into the exciting world of playground equipment, exploring the best options for various age groups and spaces. We'll also introduce you to Kidzlet Play Structures Pvt. Ltd., a leading manufacturer in Delhi specializing in top-tier outdoor playground slide, outdoor gym equipment, and more, ensuring you have a trusted partner to equip the fun!

Enhancing Play for Every Age:

A well-designed playground caters to a range of ages and abilities. Here's a breakdown of some popular equipment choices for different age groups:

Preschoolers (2-5 years): This age group thrives on exploration and sensory experiences. Look for climbers with manageable heights,  a Turtle Sand Pit (Small) for imaginative play, and spring riders that encourage balance and coordination. Kidzlet Play Structures offers a fantastic selection of themed playhouses and toddler-sized climbing structures that spark early creativity.

School-aged Children (6-12 years): As children grow, their desire for physical challenges intensifies. Consider swing sets with various configurations,  Monkey Climber for upper body strength, and slides in different heights and styles., Kidzlet Play Structures offers a variety of options to create a thrilling Seesaw experience that adheres to safety standards.

Teenagers (13+): Teenagers crave social interaction and activities that test their physical limits. Challenge courses with climbing walls, balance beams, and rope bridges provide a stimulating space. Fitness zones with outdoor gym equipment like pull-up bars and leg presses encourage healthy habits. Kidzlet Play Structures offers a range of heavy-duty outdoor exercise equipment suitable for teenagers and adults, fostering a multi-generational play environment.

Optimizing Space:

Not all playgrounds have vast expanses. Don't worry! Here's how to create a fantastic play area even in limited space:

Vertical Play Structures: Utilize climbing walls, rope ladders, and slides that extend upwards. Kidzlet Play Structures offers a variety of space-saving vertical climbers that maximize play value without a large footprint.

Multifunctional Equipment: Opt for equipment that serves multiple purposes, like climbers with slides or swings with attached climbing nets. Kidzlet Play Structures has a great selection of combination playsets that offer a variety of activities in a compact design.

Soft Play Areas: For younger children or areas with limited fall height restrictions, consider soft play equipment like padded climbers and play mats. Kidzlet Play Structures manufactures a range of soft play elements that provide a safe and stimulating environment for little ones.

Safety First: Choosing Durable and Safe Equipment

Safety is paramount. Here's what to look for:

Material: Choose equipment made from high-quality, durable materials like recycled plastic, steel, or treated wood. Kidzlet Play Structures prioritizes using materials that are safe for children and can withstand harsh weather conditions.

Compliance with Safety Standards: Ensure the equipment meets all relevant safety standards set by organizations like the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM).

Fall Protection: Consider the use of soft surfacing like shredded rubber or sand under climbing structures and slides to minimize the risk of injury during falls.

Regular Maintenance: Schedule regular inspections and maintenance to ensure the equipment remains safe and in good condition.

Kidzlet Play Structures: Your Trusted Partner in Play

Kidzlet Play Structures Pvt. Ltd., a leading manufacturer in Delhi, understands the importance of creating safe and engaging play experiences. They offer a comprehensive range of commercial playground equipment, including:

Outdoor Playground Slides in various shapes and sizes to add thrilling fun.

Outdoor Gym Equipment designed for all ages and fitness levels, promoting healthy habits.

Themed Playhouses that spark children's imaginations and encourage role-playing.

Climbing Structures with varying difficulty levels to challenge and develop motor skills.

Swings & Seesaws - timeless classics that never go out of style.

Kidzlet Play Structures prioritizes safety and uses high-quality materials that meet international safety standards. Their team of experts can also assist you in designing a playground that caters to your specific needs and space constraints.

Equipping the Fun

Creating a playground is more than just installing equipment; it's about fostering a space for laughter, learning, and physical development. By understanding the needs of different age groups, optimizing space effectively, and prioritizing safety, you can create a playground that sparks endless joy for children. Kidzlet Play Structures stands ready to be your partner in equipping the fun, providing top-tier commercial playground equipment slides that will transform your space into a vibrant hub

#Commercial Playground Equipment #Playground Equipment for All Ages #Delhi Playground Equipment #Kidzlet Play Structures: your trusted partner in play! #Keywords: commercial playground equipment #playground equipment for all ages #playground safety #Kidzlet Play Structures #Playground Equipment for all ages #outdoor playground slide #outdoor gym equipment #climbers #Turtle Sand Pit (Small) #themed playhouses #toddler-sized climbing structures

[nikeunofficialblog]

NIKE AIR ZOOM PEGASUS 39 REVIEW

Every summer, we look forward to what Nike has got to offer in the Pegasus series, an iconic neutral daily trainer. Surprisingly, never before have I seen Nike launching something globally and retail stores in India at the same time. I was quick to pick up the Pegasus 39 from a retail outlet in Mumbai, for review purposes. The first in the series I picked was Pegasus 35, which featured a full-length air zoom pocket, and Flywire, and there was no reason to hate it. Did anyone say over-plush tongue? Damn! I loved it, through the 1500+KMs mileage, I had put in them.

The next in line, Pegasus 36 didn't feature any significant updates, since Nike believes in providing major updates once in two years. I tried the Pegasus 37, but the fit didn’t work well personally, Pegasus 38 was also a disappointment. Both the previous editions had a wider toe box which doesn’t work well for me.

Pegasus has always been known for its cushy and responsive ride and is the best-selling shoe for many other reasons, so Nike wouldn’t shy away from correcting a few elements to offer a better overall ride.

The Pegasus 39 was due for significant updates and the changes are quite visible right out of the box. I was well prepared to unbox just another heavy daily trainer and that's exactly where the surprise began. Contrary to what happened in the recent past with the Pegasus line finally, it is refreshing to see 39 follow a diet and shred some weight.

Fit & Comfort

You can’t go wrong in the fit and comfort element of the best-selling running shoe. Out of the box, I was amazed at the lightness of the shoe. Recent editions of Pegasus have been gaining weight, and that changes with the Pegasus 39, marginally! It is still heavy but is now the lightest in the series. I would have ignored weight, if I had not reviewed its competition, the Skechers Gorun Ride 9 recently.

Putting them on didn’t feel easy though, but that doesn’t matter. All that matters is the fit and comfort during the run and it’s not that bad. Thanks to flywire, the lockdown of the midfoot is the best among competition. There’s good arch support. The toe box is roomy enough for a narrow feet runner like me but is flexible for wide feet runners. The upper looks breathable, however it still runs warm. This is largely due to an additional sleeve in the upper, mildly padded tongue and plushly padded heel.

Stability

The Pegasus 39 is a neutral trainer out of the box, but it does offer a stable ride thanks to the apt midfoot lock , firm ride and grippier outsole. On the muddy track run, cornering was not at a problem. There isn’t any other stability element.

Durability

Pegasus is one of the durable trainers out there. It’s not just about the outsole, but the overall element and structure. The react foam is the most durable one out there. The outsole formula has remained constant and there’s nothing wrong with keeping what works. Though the rubber doesn’t completely cover the midsole, it is tough and deep enough to comfortably stride through wet patches, puddles and some off roads. The only time I struggled was when slippery mud patches on the roads because of rains, but that is more technical.

For the majority, this is worth keeping at the top in terms of durability. If I was a one-shoe person, I would train for about 1000KMs on these.

PROS

Snappy ride Lighter than previous editions Smooth and responsive ride Durable midsole and outsole Excellent traction on wet surfaces

CONS

Runs a bit narrow Feels warm Quality control issues with finish

#nike #pegasus #nike sneakers

[a1asod]

Maximizing Your Garden's Potential with Garden Mulch

When it comes to nurturing a thriving garden, the secret often lies beneath the surface - in the soil, to be precise. Garden mulch, especially organic mulch, plays a vital role in enhancing soil quality, conserving moisture, and preventing weed growth. In this article, we'll explore the benefits of using garden mulch and provide insights into finding the best mulch suppliers and mulch sales.

The Power of Garden Mulch

Garden mulch is like a protective blanket for your plants. It serves several essential functions that contribute to the overall health and productivity of your garden.

Improved Soil Health

The primary role of garden mulch is to enrich the soil. Organic mulch, which includes materials like compost, wood chips, or shredded leaves, gradually decomposes, releasing valuable nutrients into the soil. This nutrient infusion enhances soil fertility and promotes robust plant growth.

Moisture Retention 

With garden mulch in place, moisture loss from the soil is significantly reduced. The mulch acts as a barrier, preventing water from evaporating too quickly. This means you'll spend less time watering your garden and more time enjoying its beauty.

Weed Control

Tired of battling relentless weeds in your garden? Garden mulch can be your ally. It forms a natural barrier that inhibits weed growth by blocking sunlight and preventing weed seeds from sprouting.

Choosing the Right Mulch

Not all mulch is created equal, and selecting the right type is crucial for the success of your garden. When considering mulch suppliers and mulch sales, keep the following factors in mind:

Organic vs. Inorganic

Organic mulch, as mentioned earlier, offers numerous benefits for your garden's soil health. Inorganic mulch, such as rubber or plastic, doesn't break down and doesn't contribute to soil improvement. Choose organic for the best results.

Mulch Material

Various materials can be used for garden mulch, including straw, wood chips, pine needles, and more. The choice depends on your garden's specific needs and aesthetic preferences.

Finding the Right Mulch Suppliers

Now that you understand the importance of garden mulch, it's time to find a reliable supplier. Here are some tips for locating the best mulch suppliers:

Local Nurseries

Start your search at local nurseries or garden centers. They often carry a selection of mulch materials, and you can ask for recommendations based on your garden's requirements.

Online Research

The internet is a valuable resource for finding mulch suppliers. Look for reviews and ratings to ensure you're dealing with a reputable source.

Take Advantage of Mulch Sales

Gardening can be an affordable hobby if you know how to save on essential supplies like mulch. Keep an eye out for mulch sales and discounts, especially during the off-season. Buying in bulk can also save you money in the long run.

Conclusion

Incorporating garden mulch into your gardening routine is a smart move that pays off with healthier plants, less maintenance, and a more vibrant garden. Remember to choose organic mulch for the best results and explore various mulch suppliers to find the right fit for your needs. And don't forget to keep an eye out for mulch sales to maximize both the health and the budget-friendliness of your garden.

#mulch suppliers #mulch landscaping #garden mulch #organic mulch #colored mulch

[isogymsupplier]

EPDM flooring is a unique combination of EPDM rubber granules and a cushion layer of shredded recycled rubber tires utilizing a European polymer that is poured in place on-site, providing a seamless surface for endless applications. For more information to visit our official website https://www.isogymsuppliers.com.au/ or feel free to call at 0434 761 834.

#Adjustable Dumbbells #Squat Racks #commercial gym fit-outs #commercial gym equipment #rubber gym mats #cardio equipment #epdm mats #bumper plates

[imaec-digital]

Standards for gloves as recommended by experts

Medical gloves for infection control;

Medical gloves are an example of personal protective equipment that is used to protect the user and/or the patient during medical operations and exams against the transmission of infection or disease. One component of an infection-control approach is the use of medical gloves. Exam gloves, surgical gloves, and medical gloves for handling chemotherapeutic chemicals are all made of disposable material (chemotherapy gloves). The FDA classifies these gloves as Class I medical devices that need a 510(k) premarket notice. The FDA inspects these devices to make sure they meet performance standards including leak resistance, rip resistance, and biocompatibility. Medical gloves are made of a variety of polymers, including latex, nitrile rubber, polyvinyl chloride, and neoprene; they are either unpowdered or powdered with corn starch to make them simpler to put on the hands. Medical gloves are divided into two categories: examination and surgical. Surgical gloves are produced to a higher level and feature more exact sizing, accuracy, and sensitivity. Surgical gloves are normally sterile, whereas examination gloves are either sterile or non-sterile. Medical gloves are commonly used in chemical and biological laboratories, in addition to medicine. Medical gloves provide some minimal protection against corrosives and contaminants on the surface. They are, however, readily penetrated by solvents and other dangerous chemicals, and should not be worn for dishwashing or any other work that requires the gloved hand to be immersed in the solvent.

History behind the discovery of gloves:

When Johns Hopkins Hospital opened in 1889, Caroline Hampton became the principal nurse of the operating room. When she experienced a skin response to mercuric chloride, which was used for asepsis, in the winter of 1889 or 1890,” her soon-to-be husband, William Halsted, urged the Goodyear Rubber Company to make thin rubber gloves for her protection. At Johns Hopkins, Halsted began the use of sterilised medical gloves in 1894. These gloves can be used in a variety of clinical settings, including dealing with human waste and dental procedures.

Standard protocol for using gloves:

Before putting on sterile gloves, make sure your hands are clean. Make sure your gloves are the right size so you can wear them comfortably while doing all patient care tasks. Natural rubber latex, which is used in some medical gloves, might cause allergic reactions in some persons. The FDA requires manufacturers to list the materials used to build the gloves on the package labelling. If you or your patient are allergic to natural rubber latex, gloves made of alternative synthetic materials (such as PVC, nitrile, or polyurethane) should be used. Medical gloves can be punctured by sharp items. If your gloves shred or tear, replace them immediately. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand massage after removing the gloves. Medical gloves should never be reused.

Regulatory compliances for different types of gloves:

Patient examination gloves (commonly referred to as chemotherapy gloves) are medical gloves certified for commercialization with chemotherapy labelling claims. The current FDA-recognized consensus standard for patient examination gloves, or an equivalent test technique, should be satisfied by these gloves. For chemotherapy glove 510(k) submissions, we propose using the 510(k) format for examination gloves mentioned in Chapter 6. Permeation and penetration data based on real testing with chemotherapeutic medicines should also be included in the 510(k) application. Patient examination gloves are used during dental cleanings, fillings, and other dental treatments. These gloves should be able to withstand the rigours of a patient examination. In the labelling of gloves suited for dentistry, you may use the phrase “dental.” The phrase “dental” should always be used in conjunction with the term “patient inspection glove,” not in place of it. The thickness of microsurgery gloves is carefully reduced in some regions, notably at the fingertips. 510(k) submissions for microsurgery gloves that are thinner than the parameters of the FDA-recognized consensus standard for surgeon’s gloves have yet to be approved. Testing, like with all surgeon’s gloves, should show that it is safe and effective for the purposes for which it is intended.

Total safety with SafeMode gloves:

The use of examination gloves is part of the standard precautions to prevent medical staff from the transmission of infectious agents between patients. Gloves also protect the staff from infectious agents originating from patients. IMAEC MEDNTEK offers Safemode Examination gloves that are non-sterile, lightly powdered and for single use only. The gloves are ambidextrous and fully textured. They have excellent barrier properties and high tensile strength. Natural rubber latex is used to make it. Safemode gloves are lightly powdered polymer-coated gloves of good quality. It includes a textured palm and finger surface for better instrument grip. It is manufactured in exact accordance with ASTM D 3577-06 and EN 455 specifications. It’s anatomically designed to prevent tiredness during operation.