#uk defence intelligence

[tomorrowusa]

Russian troops getting drunk is not exactly news. But UK military intelligence has identified it as a major detriment to combat effectiveness.

Sunday’s Intelligence Update.

That last sentence says a lot about discipline in the Russian armed forces. Drinking during combat operations? 🤣

Ukraine should use drones to parachute bottles of vodka behind Russian lines. On the bottles there should be instructions on how to distill alcohol by using materials and ingredients easily available to Russian troops.

#invasion of ukraine #stand with ukraine #russia #russia is losing the war #vladimir putin #uk defence intelligence #alcohol #too drunk to fight #russians drinking during combat operations #россия #пьяные солдаты #россия проигрывает войну #водка #владимир путин #путин хуйло #путлер #союз постсоветских клептократических ватников #геть з україни #вторгнення оркостану в україну #україна переможе #слава україні! #героям слава!

[international-writing]

Intelligence agencies 101: MI6

Dashing spies and deadly agents, from James Bond to Alex Rider and George Smiley. We have all heard of British Intelligence, but just how much do you know about MI6?

1.- It is the oldest secret service in the world.

If we want to get technical, spies have been working for the British crown since 1569, thanks to Queen Elizabeth I and her Secretary of State, Sir Francis Walsingham. But for now, we'll focus on the contemporary Secret Service.

Hear me out, back in 1909 in the midst of what we call the "armed peace", things were getting anything but peaceful. Countries developed and accumulated weapons like it was a sport, and most of them were unsatisfied with the territories they owned. Germany was going all Queen and screaming "I Want It All", which made the rest of the European countries slightly concerned by its imperialistic ambitions.

Britain was the first to grow paranoid and so Prime Minister Asquith decided to have the Committee of Imperial Defence, create a Secret Service Bureau.

However, it is worth mentioning that the existence of the agency wasn't formally acknowledged until 1994, under the Intelligence Services Act, and even though everyone had known about it for ages.

2.- They have very... diverse tasks

Officially, MI6 is tasked with the collection, analysis, and adequate distribution of foreign intelligence (it is a common misconception that MI6 also handles national affairs, that's what its counterpart MI5 is for).

Now, note that I said "officially", and that is because unofficially (it is kind of very illegal), MI6 has been known to carry out espionage activity overseas. But you already knew that, didn't you? Otherwise, why would you be here?

3.- Roles

As described by the SIS itself, there are several roles within the organisation:

Intelligence officers: Must be UK nationals of at least 18, with no drug use and pass a very intrusive security clearance. The jobs are divided into the following subcategories:

Operational Managers: planning and managing intelligence collection operations.

Targeters: turning information (data) into human intelligence operations.

Officers: link to Whitehall (government) as well as validating and testing intelligence.

Case Officers: managing and building relationships with agents.

Operational Data Analysts: Must be UK nationals of at least 18, with no drug use and pass a very intrusive security clearance. Tech abilities are a must. Training course lasts 2 years.

Tech Network Area: Must be UK nationals of at least 18, with no drug use and pass a very intrusive security clearance. Skills in: GoLang, gRPC, Protobuf, Kubernetes & Docker Python, Java, C#, C, C++, and React (+Redux).

Language Specialists: Must be UK nationals of at least 18, with no drug use and pass a very intrusive security clearance. Russian, Arabic and Mandarin linguists are the most solicited, followed by translators.

4.- Their alphabet is a bit jumbled up

Anyone that has ever seen or read any 007 material knows that M is the head of MI6, whether that be Judy Dench, Bernard Lee or Ralph Fiennes.

But what if I told you that the head of MI6 is actually a certain C?

Back when the Secret Service Bureau was created, a 50-year-old Royal Navy officer called Mansfield Cumming (and dubbed "C") was chosen to head the Foreign Section.

5.- MI6 or SIS?

Officially, the agency's current name (adopted in 1920) is Secret Intelligence Service, hence the acronym SIS, but it wasn't always that. We've established that it started its days as the Secret Service Bureau, and during WWI, the agency joined forces with Military Intelligence, even going as far as to adopt the cover name "MI1(c)".

The agency continued to acquire several names throughout the years, such as "Foreign Intelligence Service", "Secret Service", "Special Intelligence Service" and even "C's organisation". It wasn't until WWII started, that the name MI6 was adopted, in reference to the agency being "section six" of Military Intelligence.

And I truly do hate to be the bearer of bad news but... the name MI6, as cool as it sounds, is no longer in use. Writers and journalists still use that name, but those within the organisation just call it SIS nowadays.

6.- They are fond of their traditions

Remember our dear Commander Mansfield? Well, turns out he started a thing. The man used to sign his letters in green ink and always with the letter "C" a tradition that proved to be sticky enough to be passed down to every single Chief afterwards. Another tradition worth mentioning, is that of calling intelligence reports "CX reports", which... you guessed it, is still done to this day.

7.- Special friends

On 1949, the SIS began a formal collaboration with the CIA, even though the agency had already helped to train their predecessor's personnel, the U.S. Office of Strategic Services.

Even the CIA has admitted that the MI6 has provided them with some of the most valuable information of all time, including information that helped during the Cuban Missile Crisis and key elements to the capture of Osama Bin Laden.

I hope this will be of some use to your future writings and do feel free to submit an ask if you happen to have a specific question regarding British intelligence, or any other International Relations subject!

Yours truly,

–The Internationalist

#writing advice #writing help #writing community #writing tips #writing resources #creative writing #james bond #george smiley #alex rider #mi6 #spies

[vague-humanoid]

Britain’s Conservative government has issued notices to the media to suppress reports of the operations of the Special Air Service (SAS) in Gaza.

On Saturday, the Socialist Worker, newspaper of the Socialist Workers Party, revealed it had been sent a “D Notice” Saturday morning from the Defence and Security Media Advisory (DSMA) Committee requesting it not publish information relating to the operations of the SAS.

D Notices are used by the British state to veto the publication of news damaging to its interests. The slavish collusion of the mainstream media ensures that such notices function as gag orders. A high level branch of the state, the DSMA’s chair is Paul Wyatt, Director General Security Policy at the Ministry of Defence. Other committee members include the Deputy National Security Adviser, Cabinet Office; Director National Security at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office; Director National Security at the Home Office; and the Director National Security at the Ministry of Defence.

An article by Socialist Worker editor Charlie Kimber notes, “Specifically this ‘D notice’ concerned British special forces operating in the Middle East.” The e-mail to the media was from the DSMA secretary, Brigadier Geoffrey Dodds, he added.

Dodds states, “Reports have started to appear in some publications claiming that UK Special Forces have deployed to sensitive areas of the Middle East and then linking that deployment to hostage rescue/evacuation operations.

“May I take this opportunity to remind editors that publication of such information contravenes the DSMA notice code. I therefore advise that claims of such deployments should not be published nor broadcast without first seeking Defence and Security Media advice”.

He added, “This Notice aims to prevent the inadvertent disclosure of classified information about Special Forces and other MOD units engaged in security, intelligence and counter-terrorist operations, including their methods, techniques and activities.”

[aimeedaisies]

The Princess Royal’s Official Engagements in February 2024

01/02 Visited ReBoot (Moray Computer Recycling) in Forres. 🖥️

As Warden, opened the Queen Elizabeth II classrooms at Gordonstoun School. 🏫

Visited Lossie Community Hub at the Warehouse Theatre, in Lossiemouth. 🎭

Unofficial Sir Tim, as Chair of the Board of Trustees, attended the opening ceremony of the Zimingzhong 凝时聚珍: Clockwork Treasures from China's Forbidden City exhibition at the London Science Museum. 🐉🧧🕰️

03/02 With Sir Tim As Patron of the Scottish Rugby Union, attended the Six Nations Rugby Match between Wales and Scotland at Principality Stadium in Cardiff. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🏉

05/02 Visited Dressability Clothing Alterations Charity in Swindon, to mark its 25th Anniversary. 👗🪡🧵

As Commandant-in-Chief (Youth) of St John Ambulance, attended the dedication of a new Community Response Unit in Devizes, Wiltshire. 🚑

06/02 Held an Investiture at Windsor Castle. 🎖️

As Patron of the Royal College of Occupational Therapists, attended the launch of Nottingham West Primary Care Network’s Interactive Group Therapy at Plumptre Hall. 🩺

As President of the UK Fashion and Textile Association Limited, visited GH Hurt and Son in Nottingham. 🪡

With Sir Tim As Royal Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering, attended the announcement of the winner of The Queen Elizabeth Prize for Engineering at the Science Museum in London. ⚙️🥂

07/02 As Colonel-in-Chief of The Royal Logistic Corps, visited the Defence Explosive Ordnance Disposal, Munitions and Search Training Regiment at St George’s Barracks in Bicester. 💥

As President of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, visited the Commission’s Headquarters in Maidenhead. 🪦

As Patron of Catch22, visited the Commissioned Rehabilitative Services at Community Links in London. 🔗

08/02 As Vice Patron of the British Horse Society, visited Wormwood Scrubs Pony Centre in West London. 🐎

As President of the Royal Yachting Association, attended the Annual Luncheon at Trinity House in London. 🛥️🥪

09/02 In Wales, Princess Anne; 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

As Royal Patron of the National Coastwatch Institution, visited Worms Head Station in Rhossili, followed by a Reception at South Gower Sports Club in Scurlage. 🔎🍾

Visited Newport Medieval Ship. 🚢

Visited Newport Transporter Bridge which is undergoing maintenance. 🌉

10/02 With Sir Tim As Patron of the Scottish Rugby Union, attended the Six Nations Rugby Match between France and Scotland at Murrayfield Stadium in Edinburgh. 🇫🇷🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🏉

12/02 As Patron of Swinfen Telemedicine, attended a Meeting at the Royal Society of Medicine. 💊

As Chancellor of the University of Edinburgh, held a Dinner at Buckingham Palace. 🎓

13/02 Held an Investiture at Windsor Castle. 🎖️

As Master of the Corporation of Trinity House, chaired the Quarterly Meeting of the Court at Trinity House. 📆

14/02 As Royal Patron of the National Coastwatch Institution, visited Hengistbury Head Station near Bournemouth. 🌊

As Colonel-in-Chief of the Intelligence Corps, visited I Company at Hamworthy Barracks in Poole. 🕵️‍♀️

15/02 Visited the Ordnance Survey National Mapping Agency in Southampton. 🗺️

With Sir Tim Attended Evensong and the James Caird Society’s Dedication Service followed by a Reception in Westminster Abbey, to mark the 150th Anniversary of the birth of Sir Ernest Shackleton. 🔭🧭🇦🇶

16/02 Visited knife crime community group ‘Off the Streets’ North Northamptonshire in Wellingborough. 🚫🔪

20/02 As President of the UK Fashion and Textile Association, visited Laxtons Limited in Baildon near Bradford. 🧶

As President of the UK Fashion and Textile Association, visited Marton Mills in Otley, West Yorkshire. 🪡

21/02 In Doncaster, South Yorkshire, Princess Anne;

Visited Agemaspark Precision Engineering Company. ⚙️

Visited Haith Group Vegetable Processing Machinery Company. 🥕🥦

As Patron of the Butler Trust, visited HM Prison and Young Offender Institution Doncaster. 🚓👮‍♀️

As Past Master of the Worshipful Company of Carmen, attended a Joint Services Awards Dinner at Painters’ Hall in London. 🍽️

22/01 Visited London South Bank Technical College and Lee Marley Academy. ✏️👷

As Patron of Save the Children UK, visited Mary’s Living and Giving Shop in Wandsworth. 👚

23/02 unofficial Departed Heathrow Airport for Namibia 🇬🇧✈️🇳🇦

24/02 unofficial Arrived at Windhoek Hosea Kutako International Airport in Namibia. ✈️🇳🇦

Representing The King, Princess Anne called upon Mrs Monica Geingos (widow of Dr Hage Geingob). 🖤

Unofficial Sir Tim represented Princess Anne, Patron of the Scottish Rugby Union, at the Six Nations Rugby Match between Scotland and England at Murrayfield Stadium in Edinburgh. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🏉

25/02 Representing The King, Princess Anne attended the Burial Service for Dr Hage Geingob at Heroes’ Acre. 🕊️

Later attended a State Luncheon given by The President of Namibia at State House. 🍽️

26/02 unofficial Arrived at Heathrow Airport from Namibia. 🇳🇦✈️🇬🇧

With Sir Tim Attended the British Horseracing Authority’s Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards at Ascot Racecourse. 🐎🏆

27/02 With Sir Tim Attended a Service of Thanksgiving for the late King Constantine II at St George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle with members of 🇬🇧, 🇬🇷, 🇩🇰 and 🇪🇸 royal families.

28/02 As Patron of the Royal College of Emergency Medicine, attended the Emergency Medicine Trainees' Association Annual Conference at Hilton Newcastle Gateshead. 💉💊

As Royal Patron of the Motor Neurone Disease Association, attended a Rugby League Reception at Leeds Rhinos Rugby Club, in Headingley, Leeds. 🦽🏉

29/02 unofficial Departed from Heathrow Airport for the United Arab Emirates 🇬🇧✈️🇦🇪

Unofficial Sir Tim, as President of Never Such Innocence, attended a 10th anniversary celebration for the charity at Edinburgh Castle. 🏰

Total official engagements for Anne in February: 44

2024 total so far: 85

Total official engagements accompanied by Tim in February: 6

2024 total so far: 23

FYI - due to certain royal family members being off ill/in recovery I won’t be posting everyone’s engagement counts out of respect, I am continuing to count them and release the totals at the end of the year.

#busy princess 👑 #please see red comment #aimees unofficial engagement count 2024 #princess anne #princess royal #tim laurence #timothy laurence #court circular #february 2024 #not all engagements are on here ❤️

[brooklynbadboys]

A History of Girlsies

After a rise popularity of the 'girlsies' after Newises UK introduced Brooklyn as an all-female group of Newises, I decided to look deeper into the history of newsgirls at the time.

This is only for fun and a way for me to acknowledge the women at the time who until Newsies UK, were rarely given a spotlight in Newsies media.

Late 1800s

In 1868, there were roughly 300 newgirls and 2000 newsboys living in New York, but exact numbers were hard to state as newsies were 'at all hours in all public places’

Prior to mid 1800s, many newsgirls had to dress as boys in order to bypass social prohibitions

There were newsgirls of different backgrounds, education, class and age, but most were age 8-20

Many newsgirls were expert sellers, making names for themselves, having their own territories and gaining devoted customers

Multiple sources state the intelligence of the newsgirls being higher than that of the newsboys, likely having to work more than the newsboys to make the same wage

The media at the time presented newsgirls as pretty, witty and resourceful, whilst the newsgirls described themselves as real people in unfortunate situations

People within society had opposing reports on newsgirls, as some stated them to be stylish, respectable and intelligent, whilst others stated their crudeness, and raggedness and coarseness

There are many more mixed accounts, as others report newsgirls as heroic, behaving far better than the newsboys, respecting the city more and going out of their way to help civilians

The newsgirls were widely disliked as the idea of girls working on the streets was seen as evil and it was believed that the girls would put the newsboys out of business

It was also believed that the girls would be corrupted and lose their innocence and therefore should leave the work to the boys

This led many newgirls to work in less seen areas of the city, as the newsboys ran the city, making their presence known

What was most loved about the newsboys, such as their camaraderie and hardwork, was hated about the newsgirls

The girls often faced injustices and dangers far greater than the boys. Newsgirls as young as eleven were often harassed, robbed by male street workers, abducted and assaulted. This was used in the defence of banning all newsgirls under sixteen

The New York Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children

In the late 1880s, the community disliked the newsgirls so deeply that they wanted to get the girls off the street for good. It was passed that girls under 16 were no longer allowed to sell papers

They disguised this cruelty as an act of kindness to protect the girls and guide them to a life of motherhood and domesticity

The girls listened before one day fighting back, all swarming to the streets

A few years later, another attack on the newsgirls occured due to complaints from newsboys, publishers and patrons

Newsgirls were given warnings, and if they were to return to selling papers, then and their parents would be arrested and punished severely

By the end of the 19th century as few as 12 newsgirls under 16 were left in New York City

This ban extended to the newsboys in 1899, but little consequence was given and enforcement was low, unlike the ban on newsgirls

Newsgirls in New York:

Notable New York Newsgirls

Winnie and Sadie Horn (‘the soubrette newsgirls’)

In the late 1800s, they were two of the most famous newsgirls, working from 3pm to 3am everyday

Winnie was blind in one eye and dressed eccentrically, reporting to have spoken in Shakespearean English. She would scribble quotes from literature, such as the bible and Shakespeare, on her newspapers

Winnies loyal customers ranged from the New York City mayor to Theodore Roosevelt

Winnie was known as ‘winsome Winnie’ and ‘queen of the newsies’

They stated that them and their sisters were ‘born newsgirls’

Winnie was notable and had many mentions in the papers up until her death:

Mary Welter

Marywent to school until she was 13 and wanted to continue, but she had to support her family

She sold papers at twenty-third street ferry and upwards of 10 dollars a week ($328)

She would stay focused on business when and the competing newsboys inevitably began to act up throughout the day, she would take their customers

Newsies the musical

Before Newsies UK, there were no newsgirl characters. Despite claims of characters such as Smalls being women, they were dressed as newsboys and the Smalls Broadway actress, Laurie Veldheer, stated that Smalls is a boy.

Smalls in Newsies OBC:

With characters as old as 17 (Jack Kelly), and newsgirls of over 16 being allowed to work at this time, along with evidence of newsgirls taking part in the strike, there is no reason for newsgirls to have been left out of the story. There are arguments that may be made about Brooklyn being all women and the inaccuracies of this, but I pose to that how accurate is it for the newsies to be singing, dancing, and flying.

Brooklyn in Newsies UK:

A final note: This may seem redundant after titling this post ‘the history of girlsies’, but I feel the need to point it out: ‘Newsies’ isn’t a gendered term. Newsgirls throughout history have referred to themselves as ‘newsies’. There is no need to other newsgirls and separate them from the term. They are newsies and their gender doesn’t change that.

I hope this can shed some light on newsgirls and their history, and why their stories should be heard alongside the retellings of the newsboys.

Sources:

Extra: The history of America’s girl newsies

Backstage at “newsies” with Ben fankhauser and Tommy bracco

“The newsgirl question”: competing frames of progressive era girl newsies

Newsies vs. The World

#newsies #newsies uk #broadway #uksies #musicals #west endsies #jack kelly #spot conlon #girlsies #brooklyn #spot #newsies 1992 #newsies broadway #92sies #newsies history #newsboys #history

[usafphantom2]

HMS Prince of Wales has been operating in Vest Fjorden in the Arctic Circle. F-35 Lightning jets of 617 Squadron conducted a day of sorties in air-to-air and air-to-ground roles as well as intelligence gathering and electronic warfare tasks.

UK Defence Journal

@CcinChris via X

[thesherrinfordfacility]

please note that this is a pre-s2 masterpost; new one can be found here.

contrary to popular belief i am actually capable of writing up genuine theories about s2, but they are still wonderfully feral and unhinged in both tone and nature, so voila welcome to ✨rhi's crackpot speculation/meta masterpost✨ featuring some very special guests that are way more insightful and clever than me

note: contains spoilers

d-day edit: lmao let's sort this shitpit out🍲

old post-s2/s3-relevant metas etc but they didn't make it to the final cut of the new masterpost:

BIT NERVOUS about this being linked but fuck it, i didn't like the first two eps INITIALLY but in my defence i learnt the error of my ways and consider it to have been prime's fault

thoughts on s3 in the immediate aftermath

i heard you calling from across the ether for some whump material so i wrote some

also i meta-girlbossed a bit too close to the sun with recontextualising the lion/adam/eve parallels in s1e1 now that we know what we know about aziraphale and crowley pre-fall

someone shared their opinion about the playlists with me then i blacked out and when i came to there was meta

i got big feelings™ about the argument clip in that aziraphale is honestly just a nice man doing his fucking best (not a prediction but just a wee rant)

s2 live commentaries bc im sorry reading these back is GOLD:

episode 1/2 (lumped together bc i went to a screening) (also neil liked this and i feel exposed the poor guy had to read this??? over all the other somewhat intelligent stuff on my blog??? this is what he went for???? man's WILD ✨)

episode 3

episode 4

episode 5

episode 6 (lmao)

and then basically anything else, mostly all pre-s2 so have a read and laugh at me, it's ok honest

AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH

this one made me tear up a bit because i live on a diet of bagels and aziraphale/crowley biblical whump material LMAO AM I APOLLO????

(as amended) the one where my entire theory on aziraphale and crowley's angst for s2 is predicted based on the length of his ridiculous (see: delicious) sideburns

an earlier musing on the plot of like the first three episodes (fuck it let's be real i'm just blueprinting a fanfic in this post)

by all accounts crowley is not, in fact, james bond

the second coming gets fucked up bc gabriel is a pussy ass bitch

✨✨SDCC/NYC✨✨ people pls read this and talk to me about it bc I'm losing it everyone else just shh and read silently for a minute ill get to you in a sec okay id still love to know what happened at the sdcc screening but i went to my own one in the uk and what i saw has done nothing to dissuade me from this theory im sorry

lol haven't updated this post in a hot minute but this is the SMOOCHY prediction

i told y'all crowley was getting hit by the cozzy livs and now my boy has to work in a pub, liz truss i hope ur happy

if i must suffer then you must suffer also thems the rules

✨✨live feed of my breakdown over the episode titles✨✨

a wee romantic shitpost about ep5 but im adding it in here for posterity bc if this does happen im going to simply decease

this was birthed from the above but with ep2(?) spoiler context

IS GOOB JESUS?????

i have a sinking feeling that crowley may be a double agent and honestly that's not very james bond of him

segue from the above, someone really cleverly came up with the thought after the wanted posters that crowley is involved in hell descending on the bookshop to get gabriel and was rewarded with duke of hell (hence the art of him on a throne) and i latched on like a fucking barnacle

I cry

(also as amended lmao) my rhetoric on how unequipped aziraphale is to handle intense gay panic god bless this mess this lil funky dude

i have now done so many speculation posts about the 40s that it feels like groundhog day but if prime insist on feeding me 40s content then that's their own damn fault (but this one is the most recent and where I'm currently at so read this one first)

(older) a tinfoil hat inspection of anything related to ww2!husbands, magician aziraphale, and the Dinner of '41

(older again) extended-Dinner of '41 analysis in the context of s1e3

once upon a time aziraphale and crowley fucked up the ineffable plan by not getting together in 1941 and god wasn't happy about it and everything went tits up, the end

a simple humble commentary on how the trailer was put together and a warning to not trust a single thing prime tells us

okay it's not s2 related but i had a bit of wine and a small heartbreak over their first meeting in the beginning and now any other method of therapy is redundant

and last but certainly not least (not for the moment anyway, there's a few more feet to descend before we truly scrape the bottom of the unholy barrel that is my psyche) we encounter the deranged, manic, unbalanced and frankly disturbed commentary i birthed in response to The Spoiler

enjoy, my boos ✨

#good omens #good omens season 2 #good omens speculation #good omens spoilers #no real need to interact im just doing this to pin it so i have my own handy reference guide for future analyses #and it saves me having to wade through the shitposting smorgasbord that is this blog

[zvaigzdelasas]

Rishi Sunak’s cabinet was meeting on Thursday evening amid expectations of UK involvement in imminent military strikes against Houthi rebel targets in Yemen.[...]

The foreign secretary, David Cameron, was seen entering No 10 shortly before 8pm. The Labour leader, Keir Starmer, and shadow defence secretary, John Healey, will be briefed after the call, it is understood.[...]

Antony Blinken, the US secretary of state, has said further attacks by the Yemeni rebels on international shipping could prompt a western military response. Any UK strikes are expected to involve US forces.

Speaking on Wednesday, Grant Shapps, the British defence secretary, told reporters at a press briefing to “watch this space” regarding British action in the Red Sea, and accused Iran of helping the Houthis with intelligence and surveillance.

In a statement released before the briefing, Shapps said: “The UK alongside allies have previously made clear that these illegal attacks are completely unacceptable and if continued the Houthis will bear the consequences.”[...]

UK military action is traditionally followed by a statement to parliament. However, the House of Commons finished its business for the week on Thursday afternoon, and if Sunak or Shapps did choose to address MPs, there would be a risk of many not being able to attend.

The Liberal Democrats said MPs should be recalled. Layla Moran, the party’s foreign affairs spokesperson, said: “If the UK plans to take military action, it’s vital there is a vote in parliament. The prime minister must make arrangements for a recall of parliament if strikes are planned before Monday.”

11 Jan 24

#bri'ish tabloids are saying 'as early as tonight' but that last bit especially makes me doubt that #edit a couple hours later: nevermind bout that

[luminiferocity]

Here be headcanons

It's happening! Kicking off the first day of 007 Fest 2023 with some MI6 worldbuilding headcanons for Headcanons Day (AKA the HCs crammed into my WIP to make sense of film-world MI6)

Q Branch is just a small part of Six (and everyone else thinks the double-oh programme is more trouble than it's worth)

Q Branch makes no sense. As film!Q is a shorthand for the mission support teams for narrative ease, Q Branch seems to run independently and Q himself is a polymath taking on all the roles.

Eh, I'm okay with genius Q because I love him 🤷 Other Q Branchers are all wildly smart and eccentric in their own ways. That's Q's hiring policy

Most analysis, missions, etc. are run through logical departments with hundreds of staff, which the problem children doubles-ohs and Q Branch build on for their specialist missions

Lots of Six staff don't like the double-ohs and Q Branch by extension – they burn through the budget, cause havoc and get away with multitudes, and a little more secrecy and intelligence in the SIS would be much preferred

Maybe it's for the best that Q Branch is away from HQ up-river at Millbank Pier (based on this excellent post)

Essentially, Mallory has hundreds, maybe thousands, of staff and assets globally, yet it's 1% of his staff that causes 99.9% of his headaches

Heracles isn't the first off-book project and it won't be the last

Mallory was used as a character to hang the Heracles plot on, but it leaves a lot of questions. Why was he even involved? Why isn't it the responsibility of the Defence Science and Technology Lab?

I figure all the UK's intelligence agencies have joint off-book operations like the Heracles research, some farmed out to private contractors, etc. So, Heracles isn't special, it's just that this secret got found out and had big consequences

Maybe Mallory had a hand in Obruchev defecting, so those consequences were extra personal

Also, imagine being Mallory: was Chair of the committee looking into MI6 shadiness, only to get hired as M and get tangled into all this shadiness

Q & Moneypenny besties: great; Q & Moneypenny & Tanner: even better

After Spectre, they didn't know who to trust, except one another. They keep Six running and they're each other's rocks and best bitching buddies

Q, despite what he says, is the most dramatic of the three. Moneypenny, of course, delights in winding Q up. Tanner isn't as catty as those two, except for when the mood strikes and he's the worst

Tanner gets swept up in various antics, often Bond's, along with Q and Moneypenny. However, he's perfected bland-faced innocence and Mallory never gives him grief for it. Q and Moneypenny find this very annoying

#007 fest 2023 #headcanons #meta #james bond #quartermaster #eve moneypenny #bill tanner #gareth mallory #let me count the ways #teamcivilian #team civilian #headcanonday #headcanon day

[scotianostra]

2nd March 1938 saw the arrest by MI5 of Jessie Jordan, the Dundee hairdresser who would later be convicted as a spy for Nazi Germany.

It is thought Jessie allied with the Nazis in order to get her daughter officially recognised as being of true Aryan descent — something that hadn’t happened previously because of Jessie’s illegitimate birth. She had been married to a German and lived there for several years until they divorced in 1937 when she returned home.

She was a low-level agent, and in addition to handling mail from America, she compiled a map of coastal defences between Montrose and North Berwick, which she had planned to pass on to Germany.

However, one of her colleagues, who had grown suspicious of Jessie, discovered the map — and when Dundee police began investigating, they realised MI5 were already on her trail.

A letter forwarded to Hamburg by Jessie was marked with her address, which allowed the investigation to convict her and track down other Nazi agents in America.

A New York spy ring was rumbled by the FBI off the back of her mistakes — marking the first time the US and the UK had worked together on intelligence at a time when the two nations still actively spied on each other.

She was paid with £5 notes which at the time were still uncommon — it would be like one of our £100 notes today. The serial numbers on them allowed you to trace it through the system and so they were able to find the bank in the Netherlands where they had been withdrawn by the Germans.

She wasn’t much of a spy. She left a trail of evidence, but she only had around a week of training. She was very quickly found out in art by one of the women who worked in the hairdressers, Mary Curran.

The entire tale, encompassing Jessie’s arrest right up to the conviction of the New York spies, was dramatized in 1939 for the Warner Brothers’ film Confessions of a Nazi Spy. It was the first Hollywood film to strongly criticise Hitler’s regime and sparked a change in the way Americans perceived Germany prior to the Second World War.

She was found guilty of espionage and in May 1939 was sentenced to four years’ imprisonment. She was initially sent to Saughton Prison, during which time she became unwell and underwent an invasive operation that included a sub-total hysterectomy. When the Second World War started, she was transferred to Aberdeen Prison.

During her time in prison, Jordan was described by her Dundee solicitor J. R. Bond as “a model prisoner, who showed off her needlework and exhibited no interest in an appeal.” Bond further noted that “she is not in the least depressed.” As a result of this good behaviour, Jordan was granted early release in 1941, but was immediately arrested and interned as an enemy alien. She remained in this internment throughout the war, and after the war ended she was deported to Germany. Jordan died in Hamburg in 1954.

#scotland #scottish #history #germany #world war 2 #spy

[tomorrowusa]

Are Russians moving to your block? It may be a good idea to stock up on Javelins and HIMARS.

Not sure of the origin of the cartoon or whether or not it was modified. But it captures the spirit of Russian imperialism well.

As for the actual war, UK Defence Intelligence reports that the Russian generals in charge of the invasion are more concerned with the troops’ shaving habits and hair styles. I suppose that Defense Minister Shoigu and Gen. Gerisamov want the Russian Army to look more presentable when Ukrainian drones spot them.

The abject stupidity of the Russian leadership puts them in a class with George Santos.

#invasion of ukraine #neighbors #uk defence intelligence #russia #imperialism #lebensraum #russian neighbors #the russian world #vladimir putin #sergei shoigu #valery gerasimov #haircuts #shaving #personal grooming of russian invaders #россия #русский мiръ #владимир путин #путин хуйло #сергей шойгу #армия россии #валерий герасимов #прически #бритье #долой путина #руки прочь от украины! #геть з україни #україна переможе #слава україні! #героям слава!

[wonderinc-sonic]

You saw this coming: I demand you tell me more about your ideas for "Robot Therapy", especially Omega's, please and thank you

Its a silly concept came up with in a text post I made once, a first chapter of it here. I can do you an excerpt of the Omega chapter, or what got done of it?

"Thank you. Unit E-123 Omega, please describe in your own words why you are here today."

Omega narrowed his pupil covers at Hopper.

"You should have records. This unit's time is wasted."

Hopper adjusted her seat momentarily to buy herself time to find words. One trick she had learned from the psych team, apart from how to cheat at cards, was to match tone to create a favourable atmosphere. Most robots were not good at identifying when a person was being false, like some non-mechanical patients would, so it was usually safe. But it took thought, too. More accurate words. Monotone. Direct speech, no symbolism.

"Cognitive assessment must confirm defendant is aware of both: results of fact-finding hearing, and allegations made against them. Assessment is not complete without their given statement, which is then confirmed with Defence Attorney."

Omega blinked, and fiddled with his chair. It occurred to Hopper that just after she scratched her nose, he swept dust from face. She turned her neck as he thought, and sure enough his turned too.

[Keenly aware of my behaviours. Watches me watch him. Assessment of empathy warranted - could be indicative of unusually high social need for his kind. Or he's trying to get me comfortable enough to kill me.]

The objective of the series was to explore a few concepts:

How regular society is trying to fit Robots, ex-roboticised people/ animals, and people with robot-based trauma into the modern world.

How the unequivocal existance of intelligent machines changes the definition and understanding of thought and personhood.

How are fave robots would react to someone trying to psychoanalyse them, which is what we sit and do here on tum bler dot com.

Omega's appointment is with a very machine-minded doctor, who is trying to perform an assessment for the judge as he has been found guilty of committing major property damage and resisting arrest. The intention was to explore some of my ideas about how the criminal justice system is handling Omega and others like him who by our (well, UK, idk the whole world) standards would not be responsible for their own actions.

The intention is not to actually provide any counselling/ mental health advice. I'm not a doctor, just a bitch who's had a lot of different types of counselling. And the intention is also not to evolve the world in any way - Metal stays loyal to eggman, as does Orbot. Omega will not become unviolent. It's just a way to study them I guess 🤷

#thanks for the ask! #this is such a silly idea tbh i know omega would throw me down the stairs for being so emotional about him #e-123 Omega #writincs #wonderincs #measlyfurball13

[collapsedsquid]

Iran’s attack against Israel last weekend was massive, by any standard. Tehran launched about 170 drones, more than 30 cruise missiles, and about 120 ballistic missiles, according to data from the Institute for the Study of War, in waves timed so that the 300-plus weapons arrived in Israel within 10 minutes of each other.

[....] US and UK jet fighters, combined with Jordanian air defences, downed multiple drones and missiles long before they reached Israel’s borders. Centcom, the US military’s central command for the region — which has included Israel since 2021 — co-ordinated intelligence and radar alerts from around the region, and took down nearly a third of the incoming missiles and drones. [....] Even on Saturday, several Iranian ballistic missiles penetrated Israel’s air defences. The Israeli military on Monday also denied US reports that half of Iran’s missiles had failed to launch or crashed before reaching their targets.

[...] But there are complicating factors. For one, there is a global shortage of interceptor missiles effective against ballistic missile attacks, such as those used in the US-made Patriot and Israel-manufactured Arrow air defence systems. Some of the more sophisticated versions can take up to two years to manufacture. They are also expensive: one former Israeli military official estimated the cost of Saturday night’s defence at more than $1bn in expended material, not including what it cost the US, France and UK to send jets.

[thoughtlessarse]

An immediate arms embargo on Israel. When I met Scottish First Minister Humza Yousaf last month and he unequivocally backed such a move, the case was already overwhelming. Yet this week, the UK Foreign Secretary David Cameron doubled down – even as Gaza is razed from the face of the earth, the position was “unchanged”. It should not take the spilling of Western blood to make this point – given the mass slaughter endured by the Palestinian people, including more than 200 aid workers – but even the Israeli military killing three Britons working with World Central Kitchen hasn’t shifted the Government’s position. You can only imagine what would have happened if, say, Iran had blown up an aid convoy in similar circumstances. According to the Campaign Against Arms Trade, the seven aid workers were killed by a Hermes 450 drone, which is powered by a UK-made R902(W) Wankel Engine. That a leaked recording of senior Tory MP Alicia Kearns – the chair of the Foreign Affairs Select Committee – made clear that the Government had received legal advice that Israel is violating international humanitarian law, clear to anyone at this point who isn’t either deceitful or living in a parallel universe. That would necessitate stopping arms sales, as well as the sharing of intelligence. Yet the British government remains determined to continue its complicity with one of the great crimes of our age. […] The Israeli investigation was an absurd whitewash, suggesting a military which describes itself as amongst the world’s most advanced made a “grave mistake” by exterminating the convoy in these circumstances. Well, it gets so much worse. A fascinating piece of investigative journalism in The Telegraph – not words you often read me type – has a sensational finding. The most senior commander in the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) dismissed for his role in the attack is a hard-line settler in the West Bank who, in an open letter signed in January, demanded Gaza was deprived of aid. It demanded the Israeli War Cabinet and the IDF chief of staff “do everything in your power” to prevent “humanitarian supplies and the operation of hospitals inside Gaza City”. Here’s another astonishing detail: the retired military officer who led the investigation into the strike is the CEO of the defence firm that makes the drone missiles used in the strike. 

read complete article

#uk #israeli-occupied palestine #gaza #israeli aid convey stike #israeli investigation #whitewash #free palestine

[georgefairbrother]

On January 18th, 1963, the BBC reported that Labour leader Hugh Gaitskell, aged 56, had died from what was described as a deterioration of his heart condition.

"...Mr Gaitskell became ill with flu in mid-December. A medical check-up showed he was fit to travel to the USSR on 1 January for talks with Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev and he appeared well over Christmas. But immediately after the holiday he became ill with another virus and was admitted to hospital on 4 January. Two days ago his condition deteriorated suddenly and it became clear his kidneys had been affected. The night before his death, doctors attempted to treat Mr Gaitskell using a kidney dialysis machine..."

Gaitskell had succeeded Clement Attlee as party leader in 1955 and, according to the BBC, had made Labour 'poised for victory' at the next general election thanks largely to his efforts toward making the party 'relevant and realistic'. (Which was a polite way of saying he was trying to shift them a few steps to the right, or at least stop them heading any further leftwards).

His policy positions had not always endeared him to all members of his own party. As Chancellor he had introduced some NHS charges to fund rearmament, prompting key resignations which further destabilised an already faltering government leading up to their 1951 election loss. He argued that collective ownership of industry be dropped from Labour's policy platform, and opposed unilateral nuclear disarmament.

He was succeeded as Labour leader by Harold Wilson, ironically one of the 1951 resignations.

It subsequently emerged that Hugh Gaitskell died from Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, a disease that potentially leads to multiple organ failure and, according to at least one medical opinion, extremely rare in temperate climates like the UK. Gaitskell had visited the Russian Embassy in preparation for a trip to Moscow, where he had been given coffee and biscuits. So you can see where this is going...

John Simkin writes in Spartacus Educational,

"...Some members of MI5 believed that Harold Wilson was a Soviet agent. Anatoli Golitsyn, a KGB officer who defected in 1961, worked for the Department of Wet Affairs. This department was responsible for organizing assassinations. He said that just before he left he knew that the KGB were planning a high-level political assassination in Europe in order to get their man into the top place. Christopher Andrew, the author of The Defence of the Realm: The Authorized History of MI5 (2009), has pointed out that senior figures in MI5 were not convinced by these claims... James Jesus Angleton the head of the CIA's Counter-Intelligence Staff... ordered his staff to search the published medical literature of the fatal disease and discovered that Soviet medical researchers had published three academic papers describing how they had produced a drug that, when administered, reproduced the fatal heart and kidney symptoms suffered by Gaitskell..."

#social history #uk politics #working class history #social justice #modern history #uk government #british culture #society #uk history #kgb #cold war #mi5

[ladycamillewrites]

Against the odds

Chapter 4 - Mister Kray

Word count: 4,5k

a/n: Chat Style - description of the movie plot and characters they play

warnings: 18+ filming of sex scene, language, toxic ex - gaslighting

masterlist

“Damn! Mister Hiddleston!” You hollered grinning. A playful appreciation of Tom's look as he emerged from the little studio where all your make-up artists and costume designers were swirling around like busy bees. 

The first two weeks of filming were already over still leaving you with tons of unshooted material left. It was amazing to work with Tom and Jef Goldbloom who played your father, the third and last of the bigger roles.

The first week was mainly a 'getting to know each other' when the group clicked immediately. Tom and you had quickly revived the ever simmering embers of your friendship while he and Jeff recently had worked together in Ragnarok. He was incredibly sympathetic and so was the female director Anne. 

You were happy these days. Acting, especially working with such sunshine people was a blissful distraction.

Tom's sharp features were highlighted by a pinch of make-up while his athletic form was slipped into a dark brown suit, visibly tailor made and clinging to his limbs like mysterious snake skin. Damnit, how were you even supposed to remain professional and not drool over your co-star who looked like a storybook villain?

So that’s how you ended up with a few funny remarks and quips to distract your clouded brain from unholy thoughts about Hiddlecharm as you began to call him. It was Chris’ idea but admittedly one of his better ones.

Tom's low chuckle rumbled through his chest, the dark timbre resonating against your eardrums. Whoever exactly picked him, thank you, you thought marinating in the soothing pitch.

He had slipped into his role already, a piece of cake for the incredibly talented actor as you realized while watching him shoot his first scenes. It seemed like he was Mr Kray, radiating exactly what you would expect when reading the script. No, even more. Even more intense. 

“Or should I say, mister Kray, sir?” you purred, theatrically descending the few chairs you had sat on waiting for him to shoot your very first scene together. Not gonna lie, you were anxious as hell although everyone had told you how you were doing a great job. The executive producer even called you a perfect match for Victoria after your first scenes in the snobby law office with Jeff.

But the alluring thought of shooting with Tom, the man you were supposed to fall for at first sight and lose your grace along the ride was something utterly different. Something that could actually bring you uncomfortably close to your boundaries.

“You look gorgeous, y/n” the handsome Brit snickered as you joined him on his way to the set; a scenery on the huge property of the London film company. A street, wet from this afternoon’s rain and slightly darkened due to the late hour was the perfect background for Alexander and Victoria's first encounter...

Victoria Desmond, a young, ambitious lawyer, living up to the expectations of joining her well-known father's law firm. The best in whole London, especially when it came to criminal defence. Victoria didn’t have a clue whether her dad John was involved in some shady business ventures but she didn’t and shouldn’t care about his ways anyway. The young woman was awfully intelligent, a shooting star in her métier not to mention the sex appeal she should radiate throughout the film by wearing tight pencil skirts and not fully buttoned up blouses. She was the perfect innocent temptress who would drown in the underworld, mercilessly pulled by Alexander Kray and his criminal charm. 

Coming to Kray - a ruthless criminal dominating the UK's filthy underworld under the pretense of a fake company selling luxurious jewelry. The company wasn’t fake at all yet small and exclusive but still making a remarkable amount of money. Enough to launder bloody money and to present Kray in a white vest. After a mole had done some damage the prosecutor’s office got ahold of some sensitive documents. Kray seeked help at the countries most prestigious law firm; Victoria's dad's. Of course, the case ended up on her desk making her defend a criminal who had told her everything about his dirty business as if it was nothing and slowly pulled her mind under a numbing spell of devotion. Eventually, she turned her back on the dream of becoming London's chief prosecutor and defended Mr Kray she had been stumbling in a steamy affair with.

God, it had been a lot to take in after you first read the whole script in one night, four cups of coffee had fallen victim to your binge-session. The piece was dramatic, captivating to the last sentence and most of all; fucking steamy. You had no idea about how the hell you would manage three, THREE sex scenes while the first was already nearing but more like in the frightening speed of a sprint instead of a marathon.

It was a heavy challenge without any equal. Especially since you were completely inexperienced in the field of acting, ergo also in faking literal sex.

You had watched every single one of Tom’s films in the last week. Admittedly, you must’ve had watched them at least more than ten times now but of course that was and should remain your little secret. He was a marvel, an absolutely gifted actor nailing everything single role he had played so far. The way he conveyed all the feelings in romantic scenes was dreamy and the intimate parts were… nerve wrecking. 

No wonder the Hiddlestoners were very numerous and ambitious.

Thomas Sharpe? Fucking hot. Robert Laing? God above. Jonathan Pine? Yes please.

He made it look so natural, so real that it was terrifying once your brain snapped back in your own reality. The times you could manage to actually focus on the acting behind the tantalizing scenes, what was unfortunately pretty rare, you were utterly amazed. It was a double-edged sword; on the one side it was relieving to have an experienced friend guiding you through all that but on the other side you were afraid of the close contact, the act you had to display whereas 'act' was meant in the full sense of the word. 

The last time you truly had been intimate with someone was before you and Nate finally broke up. Needless to say it made you extra sensitive to the topic in general. A dumb, humiliating comment of your ex as soon as the movie would be on screen was practically bound to occur only making it harder to work up the nerve to film those scenes.

But Tom was undeniably good looking and you would have given your life to be intimate with him all those years ago. Those few weeks he had spent in your damn house, day and night.

God, you were so torn. It started to get on your nerves.

It was a toxic combination of verdancy in this industry, the fear of failure, malaise due to your traumatic breakup and unstoppably growing emotions for the hot Brit. A perfect mess and you were praying for someone to declutter your heart and mind. 

For Tom on the contrary it was the perfect opportunity to explore his villainous talents he had developed by bringing Loki to live. Naturally, he was about to elongate his success streak. deliver the Alexander Kray everyone would be stuck thinking about even weeks after watching 'The Moralizer'.

The first time you had seen him acting and developing the incredible persona of Alexander Kray curious goosebumps spread all across your body while you had to fight gravity in order to keep your jaw in place. Otherwise it would have dropped to the floor coaxed by the sinister yet totally charming aura Tom had created…

“Take 1, scene 35a. Go!”

“My, my, my... Who would have thought I’d meet my rising star of a lawyer in such a dark, wicked alley” Tom's deep voice growled as the black Jaguar rolled up next to you, the timbre of his voice matching the V8 engine in perfect unison. You didn’t even need to act like you were battling fear and arousal as your eyes met Tom's steel blues. 

“I’m afraid that is none of your business, sir” you snapped, arrogantly tugging a strand of your dyed hair behind your ear and averting your gaze from the handsome man in the flawless suit. Victoria flattered you perfectly, her characteristics just mingling with your own and creating an amazingly real person.

You truly enjoyed playing the rich, ambitious daughter. Why? Well, you needed no explanation to just relish in the magical moments.

“Call me Mister Kray, darling. Although sir sounds rather delightful coming out of your mouth” he cooed, a sly smile dancing around Tom’s sharp features, streetlights casting sinful shadows on the hollowed cheeks. He did look a bit terrifying with a sparkle of manic in his narrowed eyes.  

You were about to inhale sharply, making Victoria pop out an indignant retort to how he called you. Following the script and Anne's previous annotations while it was you to make true to those lines felt incredible. Then, you let your mouth fall agape, eyes widening in the shock of realization before they narrowed again, hiding curiosity that should remain veiled to Mister Kray.

“Right, Ms Desmond. I am Alexander Kray and you will get me out of this mess” he groaned raising a critical eyebrow as he conducted his gaze to travel your body not even trying to hide the profanity. Each of your curves was hugged by the tight black dress and topped with a white blazer. You wore an expensive costume yet you felt naked under Tom's or better Alexander’s interrogating eyes.

What lead to the very first time you deviated from the script, improvising by just saying what your inner Victoria told you. 

“Just because I'm forced to defend your very mindless criminal games, I won’t fuck you” it blurted out of you before you swung your hair to the side, looking fed up and started to walk in the different direction. 

“Come, come! Cameras-” the producer whispered and gestures them to follow you, eager to see what those perfectly harmonizing actors had in store for him.

Tom understood immediately, his face didn’t even twitch for a mere second as he brushed the gas, slowly keeping up with your hasty steps. Effortless, the blonde summoned a satisfied smirk on his velvet lips. God, he was talented just taking what you delivered and forming something completely new. 

“Well hello... I wager the notorious John Desmond isn't aware of his daughter’s bratty mouth?” he snickered eliciting an annoyed scoff from your crimson lips. 

“Are you trying to blackmail me, sir?” you sneered finally and abruptly stopping your strides. A surprised, angry expression lingered on your face whilst your knuckles turned white around the grip of your expensive handbag. The camera came closer. 

“Not in the slightest, miss“ he began mimicking your polite address. “May I offer the lady a ride back to her office?” Tom then asked, his hand curling around the alabaster leather of the steering wheel. Steel blue eyes were flirting with the camera, killing all the women on what seemed like amused purpose.  

“CUT“

“And that’s a wrap. Scene 35a done” 

“This was absolutely perfect! Y/n, we need more of your improvising, it looked so natural” the first assistant instantly remarked completely surprising you with the unexpected compliment.

Was it really that good? Couldn't be since you had the audacity to basically ignore their script.

Jeff just stood in the corner grinning broadly and showing you a solid thumbs up before Tom took your hand and made you turn around in a flash. “You were amazing, darling. Congrats on your first successful impro-scene” he smiled warmly pulling you into a hug you wished would last for eternity.

Nate had never been a man of compliments or real charm so you were even more overwhelmed by the friendly nature of the handsome Brit. 

“Well, without you playing along it would have been shitty” you quipped nervously, the scent of his cologne invading your nostrils like a wildfire. Tom was the perfect charming villain who already made your inner Victoria fall for the haughty ass that was Alexander Kray. You were stumbling towards the abyss of joining her, desperately holding on to your deep friendship as a reason to repress any other feelings.

Feelings you might regret one day. 

“That’s not true, y/n. Let’s get you the nice caramel macchiato with two pumps of sugar-free vanilla and oat milk, shall we?” Tom weaved past you until standing on your right, sliding his arm down from where it had rested to gently wrap around your waist before his long legs coaxed you to go with him. He remembered how you liked your coffee already? How?

A flash of rose lit up on the powdered skin of your cheeks. A beautiful warmth spread in your lower belly emitting from his big hand holding you so lovingly in a place you normally wouldn’t let anyone touch you so easily. Especially not after Nate and his ongoing 'let me touch you' discussions. 

“Liam?” You asked after picking up your phone, hands still wet from taking a shower. It was a wonder the phone even recognized the press of your thumb that created a small water bubble to relax on the blacked out screen.

The youngest one of your brothers you also had a very good relationship to normally preferred to text so it must’ve been something urgent?!

“Hey, boops” his voice echoed through the speaker of your phone as you dried your body and slipped in your underwear.

Today was the day. The first sex scene shoot and the intimacy coach told you to wear a bra you feel sexy in since you were allowed to wear one of your private collection instead of having to wear what the mask and costume team picked out. A small ray of hope in the dark valley of your simmering nervousness. 

“What’s up? I’m kind of in a rush, bro” you panted slipping in the black leggings and wriggling your head through the tight opening of your turtleneck. You were indeed in a rush considering that you’ve wasted twenty minutes in the hot shower fearing the moment you had to get out. 

“Well, erm it’s about your ex” Liam whispered carefully but it was hard either way. Your heart dropped, fingers digging in the soft fabric of your tote bag. 

“The People magazine published an interview with him in which he stated that quote 'the relationship with her was almost platonic. Nothing what would ever satisfy a guy so men, beware'. I read it and I just had to tell you” Liam’s voice explained, the pity clearly audible.

Desperate anger and familiar sadness rose in your trembling body. This was certainly the least thing you wanted nor needed today. 

“Tha- thank you, Li. I’ll phone my lawyer after shooting” 

“I’m so sorry you have to go through this, y/n. I’ll visit you next week, alright?” He cooed trying to soothe his little sister who struggled to suppress hot tears. He knew it what only ached his own heart.

“Okay, thanks. See you, Liam” you whispered shuddering as the short beep signaled the end of the call.

You would have loved to snuggle up in the warmth of your bed, burying hot tears in the silk of your pillows and watching an episode of Friends. But it wasn’t possible. You had a job to do, and what a difficult one today so you got ahold of yourself and stumbled out of the spacious hotel room heading towards the set. 

“Hey, you seem sad…did something happen? I’m sure we can reschedule the shoot if you’re unwell” Tom’s soothing voice intruded your mind as he stepped in the costume trailer where you sat in the corner, shaking.

You looked up at him, all ready in a dark red suit with a checkered tie and brown shoes. His handsomeness never failed to impress you and special parts of your body. God, you would never want him to think he was the reason for your muddled state.

“No, no it’s not that… it’s just…” you stammered biting your lower lip from the tension sitting within you. Tom came closer and sat down next to you, his gentle hand resting on your skirt clad thigh. It felt like a hug adding to the friendly, trustable gaze of his beautiful blue orbs. 

“You don’t have to tell me, y/n. I can just stay here with you for a while” he whispered, smiling as your head leaned over to bump and rest against his shoulder. The Brit loved physical contact to you. Although he had a hard time restraining himself every time you wore those tight, sexy costumes. You were the most gorgeous woman to him and your character was pure gold, especially after the more or less dramatic breakup with Taylor. 

To him you were a woman to cherish. Someone truly loyal and loving he wouldn’t hesitate a second to spend the rest of his life with.

But love was just an object easily buyable in the big grocery store that was the world.

“It’s Nate, Tom. He- he said in an interview that I’m not satisfying and warned all men about entering a relationship with me” you explained, keeping your voice but the words formed surprisingly easy as if your heart spoke to Tom through an invisible wire. A heavy sigh escaped the Brit's mouth, his chest falling with pure disappointment and the wish to snap that man’s neck. 

“Darling, that’s horrible. I'm truly so hear that this idiot still has the audacity to put shame on your persona”.

You silently sobbed and snuggled up against his muscular arm. Shit, he was calming. Maybe even better than Chris or Liam although you’ve known him for just about three months now. The feelings you were unsure about fought their way back to the surface of your consciousness as he told you how talented and gorgeous you were and how he would be happy to have a girlfriend like you. Butterflies danced in your belly making you ready for the upcoming shoot.

Maybe it was a completely idiotic idea to enter such a situation with romantic feelings surging through your veins…

But as the set assistant announced the scene a cold shiver ran down your spine, freezing like ice crystals on the surface of a frozen lake. Fear and embarrassment flooded your body as Tom was instantly back in his role, picking up the incredible cocky and fucking alluring nature of Alexander. The previous scene was already in the box so you started at a 'cold point' what only made it harder.

But you took a deep breath, reminding yourself of Tom’s earlier encouragement and the tips he kindly gave you. Anything but Nate and his straining trouble.

“It’s gotten late. Are you sure such a gorgeous woman should go home now?“ Tom rasped approaching you and pushing you backwards until the edge of his black desk hit your back, forcing you to keep still as his strong chest lurked in front of your face. Tom’s strong pecks were clearly visible trough the white, thin fabric of his dress shirt drawing your coy eyes like a natural phenomenon. 

Training to become Captain Conrad had paid off, obviously.

“Mister Kray, you- what are you doing?“ Your shaky voice asked while greedy hands wandered up to trace the button line and the muscle insertions hidden underneath. You saw Tom shudder lightly under your touch wondering if you should have left it.

Then you felt his hand pinching your chin with two fingers and coaxing your head up to make your eyes meet his. The tension was blooming, slowly allowing your senses to fade out the presence of two big cameras and about five people in the small room.

“You want this, don’t you? Just deny and I’ll leave you alone. Say yes and I’ll show you my generous side“ he growled nearing your face until you felt his hot, damp breath against your lips. Hot ripples ran down your spine at the close contact, something you accidentally dreamt of twice since filming started. Tensing up at what was to come next your left hand instinctively flew back and gripped the edge of the desk.

“No…“ you breathed letting Victoria lose herself in his narrowed eyes which radiated danger and seduction like a black sun.

A twitch shook your torso as Tom’s hand landed on your neck trailing your pulse point like a starved vampire until his fingers met the buttons of your blouse and began to open it slowly. Your mouth was still agape, goosebumps traveling the valley of your breasts as his cold digits brushed your cleavage with every unbuttoned centimeter. 

It didn’t take him long to fully expose your chest and the sparkle in his steel blues hitched, evolving for a moment at the beautiful sight he longed since you had visited the set of Ragnarok. You could swear he was staring at your admittedly very alluring lace bra for longer than intended.

Was he, Tom, aroused by you? Or was it just interest? Fuck, y/n stay in the role!

“Yes“ you finally whispered tilting forward as if you craved his touch, more of his touch. The low chuckle rumbling through Tom’s chest was so unlike his usual laughter sending a hot gush of sizzles between your legs.

God, his deep voice was attractive. But suddenly, as his hands began to actually cup your breasts you nearly lost it, shivering under the many gazes fixed on your body in such an intimate situation.

“That’s what I thought, darling. Such an obedient little girl“ Tom rasped, his thumb caressing your collarbone as he lowered his head bringing his velvet lips closer to yours. Fuck, why did the script have to be like that? But you didn’t have much time to internally curse the alluring lines voiced by Tom Hiddleston because your heart began to hammer against your chest like crazy. It was as if your pulse was doing a sprint.

Tom secretly told you not to rehearse the first kiss beforehand since Victoria’s surprised reaction would look more authentic if it was real astonishment. And of course you listened to him, now facing the consequences of untamable nervousness.

It wasn’t only the kiss but also what followed after pretty quickly without giving you any time to think. The Brit saw the flickering anxiety in your eyes so he winked assuringly as the camera faced his back. A friendly try to calm you down but little did he know there were real emotions involved…

Then your lips met, your eyes fluttered shut at the overwhelming sensation of Tom’s soft lips sealing yours. A gush of emotions broke free from the gutter you had built to keep them in check. The battle was officially lost and your body began to swing the white flag, giving in to the kiss thoroughly.

At first you didn’t even realize the camera so close to your face but when your eyes met the light reflection on the lens you began to panic again.

“Shhh, you’re doing great“ Tom whispered, inaudible to the sound recorder, softening your muscles again before the kiss grew dirty, tongues flicking around each other before his hands suddenly hoisted you on top of the desk, hasty hands ripping your skirt apart.

Did he actually just rip a whole pencil skirt with his bare hands?

“That’s so wrong“ you panted under Tom’s demanding kisses which clearly helped you to let your breath appear labored. The man kept his promise to guide you through this and put the spotlight on you, making you look flawless. Those special feelings breaking free right now were only nourished by his honest and loving nature threatening to make you moan Tom instead of Alexander. A dangerous chess game you unfortunately played against your own heart.

“I’ll make it feel so right. Just let me in, Victoria“ Tom’s deep voice resonated in your ears, your signal to part your legs before Tom stepped in between. The false name gave you some strength again, helped you to to be in a meta level of control of the whole situation which slightly vanished when your task was to rip Tom’s shirt open. To expose his bare chest.

Then everything went by so fast. He unbuckled his belt as greedy appearing hands were on your breasts pressing your back flush against the desk before the real action began. The part of which you were most afraid; faking moans and whimpers and scrunching your face etc.

The whole range.

A shiver spread all across your body as Tom pulled down the panties you wore above the special skin color pad you got for exactly these kind of scenes. Your head was lost in a battle of wishing it would have been your real panties and the grand nervousness of being so exposed and vulnerable in front of strangers.

But Tom made up for it, whispering little words of encouragement whenever his kissed either your lips or your neck.

And that was how you got the boldness to dive in a little deeper, letting your little moans become louder and more unchained while his naked hips rolled against your crotch. This was a sweet little torture to the part of your brain which had craved Tom since your first encounter. His raspy, dirty lines only poured oil in the fire that spread from your belly while you decided to shut your eyes and spare you from the incredibly handsome face contorted in pleasure as if it was real.

“Fuck, you’re perfect. You feel perfect“ Tom moaned coaxing you to arch your back as his fake thrusts became stronger, shaking your body like Charlotte’s in high rise. You were utterly thankful for the tip to just close your eyes if the people’s gazes and the camera became too much hence your body could relax a bit more before the heavy task to fake an orgasm. 

The intimacy coach told you to use your legs and hands to make it look more intense so there you were starting to grasp the edge of the desk and Tom’s lose tie. He was a professional without a doubt but your sweet melodies and the way you acted with your face was dangerous. It was a risk to his spotless reputation as an actor. But the Brit was skilled enough to transform and bring in his feelings into the acting. He delivered a picture perfect impression of Alexander’s sweet relief. 

But deep down he would love to turn this into reality with the woman who conquered his heart.

Faking a heavy panting, your legs sinfully wrapped around Tom’s waist before the final lines of the film were spoken, your eyes opened again and your ponytail messy like it should after pure debauchery.

“Mister Kray… I should really go now“ you whispered under staggered breaths before he pulled you into another kiss. But a different one; a touch of real, unsated sentiment that nudged your heart over the edge.

You had fallen for your co-star Hiddleston. And hard.

“Call me Alex, pretty. And no, you’re staying. You gotta regret this night when the sun kisses your skin again“ Tom began, kissing your neck in between of his lines. “Let me make the remorse so awful“ he rasped, his baritone hoarse and used making your legs clench around him most involuntarily.

But you simply couldn’t help yourself at the words that escaped his mouth and the way his hollowed cheeks highlighted the godly bone structure. Not even to begin with those beautiful blue eyes fucking you with mere subtle gazes.

“Cut!“ 

“Your chemistry is breathtaking! Another one take“ the director yelled clapping above her head in pure enthusiasm while you were struggling to switch out of this vulnerable situation and back in an everyday-mode.

Shit, you internally cursed as you realized your legs were trembling from all the pressure which just vanished so abruptly. This was the most intense experience you’ve ever made. 

“Are you alright, darling? You were amazing. Acting clearly runs in your blood“ Tom cheered as you wrapped his arms around him in a comfort seeking hug. But the handsome Brit wasn’t astonished by your actions, on the contrary he also enjoyed the last moment of intimacy after the steamy scene. 

“Thank you so much, Tom. I couldn’t have done it without you“ you whispered obviously touched by him and his kindness. “Anytime, darling“ he temptingly winked at you before being called to make-up again leaving you standing there alone, only your strong feelings for him keeping you company.

However, the tall Brit with the dreamy smile saw you as a best friend… Didn’t he?

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