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amorphous-binary · 1 month

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I have slowly been falling in love with the idea that the idea of being a 'parent' is a relatively young concept for Cybertronians.

[Rambling continues, slightly more organised, below the cut]

context

In my mind, Idyllic is set at a point within Cybertron’s history where ‘youngling’ is seen as a genuine lifestage — as opposed to it being seen as an ‘adult in smaller armour’.

It is also set at a point where new Cybertronians are made either via assembly, spark-bonding, a variation of the two, or a derivative of one or the other.

The Actuary of Cybertron, Vector Sigma, has long stopped producing new bodies (and sparks). The various hotspots/wells are depleted, and are unlikely to rejuvenate.

difference in responsibility

Cybertronians are pretty hardy. In the distant past, they raised themselves as soon as they came alive — then made on a set schedule by Vector Sigma to populate Cybertron.

After Vector Sigma came the hotspots. Cities formed around them — until the hotspots dried up. By this point, guardianships sprung up in the form of apprenticeships.

These apprenticeships essentially were “I’ll show you how to do this job so you can fend for yourself”. Over time, as public morals shifted, these apprenticeships morphed into mentorships.

Mentorships were ... a bit different. There was more responsibility involved, but the amount differed from mentor to mentor. Some were very involved, others were hands-off to the point where it was more of an apprenticeship and others still were at neither extreme.

But in any case, we can define the two — (1) apprenticeships and (2) mentorships based on the perceived amount of responsibility. Where (1) is less responsibility compared to (2).

In my head, I imagine there's a great body of caselaw surrounding this distinction, but alas ... the legal talk is not the focus of this ramble.

Point is: mentorship evolved into the familial relationships experienced in the time of Idyllic. It is worth noting that this is just a general overview; the change from apprenticeship → mentorship → parental caretakers happened differently depending on the locality and culture.

It is why, even though the adults in Idyllic are about the same age in Idyllic, they had vastly different experiences growing up.

Vosian fliers tend to have large communities — the shift was especially quick for them, and so Starscream grew up with three parental figures.

Elita and Optimus grew up in Tarn. As one of the more industrial city-states, apprenticeships were the norm for both of them.

Prowl, being from Praxus, which is culturally similar to Vos, was much the same as Starscream.

But I want to focus on Skyfire especially.

skyfire + his mentor

Skyfire emerged from a well that was thought to have been completely depleted, around the time when the general Cybertronian attitude shifted from apprenticeship → mentorship.

His mentor, Novarian, was already an older mech by this point. He himself was raised under an apprenticeship. Adding to the matter was the fact that Novarian's career meant he was very socially isolated — and him taking in Skyfire meant Skyfire, too, was isolated in this way.

(As an aside, if you remember the name ‘Novarion Helix’ ... you have known this account for a bit too long.)

When Skyfire was around Aphelion's age, he was already used to calling his mentor by his name (‘Novarion’ or simply ‘Mentor’) versus an affectionate title (‘Ardi’). Their relationship is decidedly not familial in the usual sense.

By the time Novarion was entrusted with Jetfire's care, the new attitude of “younglings need to be parented” still had not influenced him.

And to be honest, Skyfire did most of the emotional aspects of raising his brother — adult!Skyfire remained resentful over it for ... quite a while.

I do think the little trio (Skyfire, Jetfire and Novarian) have patched things up. But I do also think certain habits die hard.

#transformers #tf skyfire #binary rambles #i say this to say: skyfire has a complicated relationship with his mentor/sire/caretaker #very complex for Aphelion anyways #fic: idyllic #headcanons

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xmystophalesx · 1 year

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Best New Heavy Metal Releases Week of January 20th, 2023

Excellent week for new releases with some truly outstanding albums. Has been a bit of a slow start to the year up to this point, but this week certainly made up for it. Coming up with my overall pick of the week was quite difficult and with how much I liked my pick, that is really saying something. So Let’s get to some highlights….

The Lightbringer of Sweden-The New World Order (Power)**

Sometimes you just want an album that isn’t overly complicated, and that is just fun to listen to from beginning to end. This is what Lightbringer offer, some very catchy Power Metal that never takes itself too seriously and is just FUN. If you like Hammerfall, you will love this.

The Privateer-Kingdom of Exiles (Heavy Power/Folk/Thrash?)**

I don’t mind bands like Alestorm and the whole “Pirate” Metal subgenre, but I also don’t seek it out. I like all genres of Metal to some degree or another but will freely admit this subgenre is not in my upper levels. That being said, this album was fantastic. Maybe it was my lowered expectations or preconceived ideas about what this would be but I thoroughly enjoyed this record. Catchy Power Metal that mixes Folk elements and also adds these much heavier moments that border on Melodic Death or Thrash Metal that really make this stand out. If this isn’t normally your thing, give this a listen anyway. You may be pleasantly surprised.

Oak Pantheon-The Absence (Melodic Black)**

Atmospheric Melodic Black Metal out of the Midwest of the US always feels like a surprise. Even more so when it is done this insanely well. Mixing in moments of Prog and Post metal adds to the overall effect. This is one of those albums I like to say is deceptively complex. Not because it doesn’t sound complex, because it certainly does, but the complexity sounds effortless, which is a testament to the skill of the musicianship and care that was taken in the songwriting. If you miss Agalloch, give this band a shot.

Silver Bullet-Shadowfall (Power)**

Another excellent Power Metal album with some more aggressive moments thrown in. This is a lot more in the vein that people commonly think of when the Power Metal genre is mentioned. Faster tempos with a lot of double bass and excellent vocals. Sing along choruses, and shredding guitar solos round out exactly what you would expect. This might be EXACTLY what you expect from a Power Metal album, but it is done so damn well you don’t care.

Inherits the Void-The Impending Fall of the Stars (Melodic Black/Atmospheric)**

Yet another one man Black Metal project and yet another stunning release. I have probably listened to this album more than a dozen times now and I swear it keeps getting better. This is one of those albums that occupies your thoughts even when you aren’t actively listening to it. There is something truly special about this album. I really get the same feelings I got from Kvaen, Stormruler and In Aphelion albums last year and those were all incredibly high on my end-of-year list. THIS is a perfect example of exactly why I do this list every week. Something like this deserves to be getting WAY more attention. If you are into Black Metal in the slightest, you REALLY need to listen to this album. It really is an incredible work of art.

That will do it for another week. Go listen to Inherits the Void and fill your soul with happiness because that is what music does! Until next week, and as always,

BANG THY HEAD!!!

All worthy of a listen if you like the genre

*= standout in that genre

**=best of the week regardless of genre

Best of the Week

Inherits the Void-The Impending Fall of the Stars (Melodic Black/Atmospheric)**

Imperium Dekadenz-Into Sorrow Evermore (Black)**

Silver Bullet-Shadowfall (Power)**

Atrocity-Okkult III (Death/Symphonic)**

The Privateer-Kingdom of Exiles (Heavy Power/Folk/Thrash?)**

Nedrugh-Depersonalize (Black)**

Zustand Null-Beyond the Limit of Sanity (Black)**

The Lightbringer of Sweden-The New World Order (Power)**

Oak Pantheon-The Absence (Melodic Black)**

Standouts in their Genre

Barnabas Sky-What Comes to Light (Hard Rock)*

Nachtmaer-Van De Mare Bereen (Black)*

Storm-True Metal (Black/Death)*

Cthulhu Dreamt-Precursor (Progressive Death)*

Riverside-ID.Entity (Progressive Rock)*

For I Am King-Crown (Melodic Death/Metalcore)*

Twilight Force-At the Heart of Wintervale (Power)*

Turbid North-The Decline (Death/Groove)*

Hollow Hour-Till the Grey Skies are Gone (Progressive/Modern)*

Heroes and Monsters-Heroes and Monsters (Heavy/Hard Rock)*

Faithxtractor-Contempt for a Failed Dimension (Death)*

Sonneillon-Demon of Hate (Black)*

Big City-Sunwind Sails (Hard Rock/Heavy)*

Katatonia-Sky Void of Stars (Progressive Rock/Metal)*

Worth a listen if you enjoy the genre

Nothingness-Supraliminal (Death)

Re-Buried-Repulsive Nature (Death)

Graviton-The Reaping of Eternity (Technical Deathcore/Progressive)

Issa-Lights of Japan (Hard Rock)

Solstice-Light Up (Progressive Rock)

Moloch-Upon the Anvil (Death)

Negative Vortex-Tomb Absolute (Death)

Ten-Something Wicked This Way Comes (Hard Rock)

One stunning piece of art deserves another. Inherits the Void takes the pick of the week with 5 bulldog versions of Venus De Milo out of 5!

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maychorian · 6 years

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Weekly Voltron Fic Recs #58

Rules: You can find past weekly rec lists here, and non-list recs in my general fic rec tag. Also follow @maychorianrecs for individually tagged posts, the easier to search and reblog. This is stuff I like, and I have a huge bias toward Lance, hurt/comfort, and general fluff, in that order. Gen unless otherwise noted. Please comment on the fics if you read and enjoy them!

A Crack in the Foundation by Emerald_Ashes Words: 3,553 Author’s Summary: A rescue goes wrong. It ends up leaving Hunk and Lance stranded, severely injured, and with no means of escape. My Comments: Based on a prompt I gave the author a while ago, but I totally forgot about it and I would have read this fic anyway, haha. Love this scenario, obviously, and it’s written very well. Hunk is such a sweet guy, even when Lance is rambling and near-delirious from a concussion.

Reflections by hollo Words: 2,246 Author’s Summary: ~ originally printed in Starboy: A Lance Zine ~ …Nostalgia filled him, a distinct and deep sadness that was becoming like a close friend. It came now and then, sometimes falling on him swiftly and sometimes creeping up, silent and nearly unforeseeable, like a thief in the dark. He’d thought he’d get used to it eventually, used to the distance and the lack and how everything and everyone he knew and loved was so, so far away. Sometimes he thought he had - but maybe he’d just gotten used to putting it aside, ignoring it during the day and during the missions so he wouldn’t be distracted from whatever Voltron was being faced with at the time. And they were faced with so much, an entire universe of unknown that they had to face down and deal with, day after day after day… My Comments: Lovely and bittersweet interlude with Lance and the blue lion.

Compromised by gringle for StandinShadow Words: 3,117 Author’s Summary: Keith ignored the rolling sensation of pain radiating from his stomach. “I’m uh… I’ve been injured. I can make it-” probably. Keith was never a betting man in the sense that he’d think in terms of probabilities. He just worked toward a goal, and he either succeeded or failed, and he can’t fail this. “-I just need more time.” “That information is invaluable in overcoming this sector of Empire Control. You have five minutes, or until we’re compromised ourselves,” Kolivan stated, grim and final. Another click, and Kolivan’s voice went silent. My Comments: Great hurt!Keith and concerned Kolivan, with an especially amusing ending. I would love to see a part two, though.

Unrelenting by BossToaster (ChaoticReactions) Words: 6,195 Author’s Summary: Hufflepuffs are loyal. They’re just. They’re hardworking.Not everyone sees it that way. Hunk does, but it’s not always easy. For Hunk’s Birthday My Comments: Part of a previously recced series, and you should totally read the whole thing. I love this view of Hunk, all the different aspects of him through the years. It’s very realistic and really reminded me of adolescence, that kind of awkwardness and uncertainty that eventually gives way to understanding and pride, or at least acceptance of self. Great stuff.

Keepsake by fandomtrashpanda Words: 2,277 Author’s Summary: Hunk never takes off his headband because it’s the last piece of Samoa he has. *set before and during the events of the show* My Comments: Wonderful little moment with Hunk. I love the idea of the headband being a memento from someone important to him, and there was some nice stuff with Hunk and Lance, too.

Missed Scenes (and Misunderstandings) by LitDragonWagon Words: 6,224 Author’s Summary: Lance isn’t sure why Shiro hates him, but he wishes he could figure it out and fix it. Featuring the worst of misunderstandings, Lance’s inferiority complex, Shiro the most awkward bean, Keith the accidental relationship therapist (who solves problems with violence), Hunk n’ Pidge as the brains, and far too many italics. Gen fic. My Comments: Sequel to a previously recced fic. So, so sweet. I adore Lance and Shiro getting closer, platonically, and all the hugging and cuddling is wonderful.

Black Paladin Week by kitsune13tamlin Words: 7,846 Author’s Summary: I am slow at updates but over on tumblr there was a Shiro-week (check the tag blackpaladinweek for all kinds of Shiro goodness) a while back that I participated in and this is the collection of those short stories. Each day had a different subject and each chapter is the story for the new subject. Chapter title is the day’s subject of choice. Seven short Shiro stories simultaneously! My Comments: Wonderful collection of ficlets, some angstier than others. Very well-written and lyrical prose, a pleasure to read.

The Sparkle in Her Eye by heroami Words: 3,002 Author’s Summary: When was the last time Allura left the Castle for a non-mission reason? The Balmera? That was forever ago. No wonder she was so disappointed. And to think, all she wanted was something sparkly. Lance paused as an idea began to form in his head. It was high risk, but could lead to high reward. My Comments: So sweet and adorable. I absolutely believe that Lance would do this, and Allura’s reaction was so cute.

A Name By Any Other by IcyPanther Words: 3,558 Author’s Summary: To avoid another one of Shiro’s exhausting training scenarios, the Paladins settle on a bonding activity and opt to talk about their names. What they thought would be a light-hearted topic turns deeply personal when they realize that no name is as simple as it appears. For behind every name there is a story just waiting to be told. —– “Names?” Shiro repeated, raising an eyebrow. Pidge nodded vigorously. “Yes. Like, how we all got our names. Other than Keith none of us are using our actual ones, right?” “Excuse me?” Lance protested. “Lance is my real name!” “You’re from Cuba,” she said pointedly. “And we’ve all heard you go on about your siblings. They have Hispanic names. You do not. Therefore, Lance is not your real name.” My Comments: Fluffy and sweet with just a touch of angst and some lovely bonding. Great read.

these old bones by achievingelysium Words: 4,937 Author’s Summary: He’s always been fascinated with dinosaurs. Keith isn’t entirely sure why—maybe it’s because their footprints are still here, even after so long. Maybe he’s hearing the echoes of history calling for him. Maybe, just maybe, it’s because he sees himself in those old bones. A Keith character study told in three parts. Originally written for the Aphelion zine. My Comments: Lovely language and prose in this character study and backstory for Keith. All of images and emotions were vivid and striking.

oh my god, he’s in quarantine by prettyshiroic (AnalystProductions) Words: 9,532 Author’s Summary: Whilst with the blade of Marmora, Keith gets sick and is put in quarantine. It’s not at all what Matt expects. - There are some talks to be had. And Matt’s attempts bring karma to the yard. He is such a fool to have not foreseen any of this. My Comments: I absolutely adore this characterization Matt, goofy and nerdy and caring and big-brotherly, especially since Keith needs a whole lot of big-brothering. A real pleasure to read.

The Real MacGyver by A_Zap Words: 4,864 Author’s Summary: Some people talk about how someone can be the genuine article, the real McCoy. In that case, Hunk is the real MacGyver, capable of making whatever the team needs from what he has on hand. 5 times that Hunk used his engineering skills to help out the Team/the cause, and one times he used his skills for fun. My Comments: Adorable and heartwarming and amazing, with just a touch of angst. Hunk is so very much the best, and it’s great to see him getting some proper appreciation. The end was fun and funny, too.

Make My Messes Matter by BossToaster (ChaoticReactions) Words: 4,937 Author’s Summary: After a nightmare about the Galra ship, Ryou tries to sneak out of the castle to deal. On the way out, he’s spotted by Keith My Comments: Part of a previously recced series. I love Ryou connecting with the Voltron team and making relationships on his own terms, and this was particularly nice for the resolution of some conflict earlier in the series between he and Keith. Yellow was a wonderful additional presence in the fic, too.

Together We’ll Be by hanbunnotsuki Words: 4,570 Author’s Summary: At the end of a mission, Team Voltron find a lost space-puppy, separated from its pack. While they try to get the little one back to its family, the team adopts it as one of their own. Even the briefest and littlest encounter can leave its mark on one’s heart. My Comments: Absolutely heartwarming, and so adorable. It was lovely to watch all of the members of Team Voltron bond with a furry little friend, though it couldn’t last forever.

blue by FeyduBois Words: 2,089 Author’s Summary: Lance is stranded on an alien planet while the paladins regroup. He was just going to chill for a bit, he didn’t expect to fall prey to a predatory hallucinogenic jungle, and he certainly didn’t expect to meet the Blue Lion’s last paladin. My Comments: Very fun and interesting read. The descriptions were entrancing, and the previous Blue Paladin was very cool. I like what canon gave us for Lance’s predecessor, but this alternate vision is wonderful too.

Previously Recced Fics That Updated:

Why it sucks to be a snake in space (73848 words) As Color Fades Away (268320 words) The Purity of Sin (91236 words) Shadows of Stars (155620 words)

#voltron legendary defender #weekly voltron fic recs #fic rec #vldgen

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imjustthemechanic · 6 years

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The Stone Knight

Part 1/? - Two Statues Part 2/? - A Curious Interview Part 3/? - John Doe Part 4/? - Escape Attempt Part 5/? - Making the News Part 6/? - Fallout Part 7/? - More Impossible Part 8/? - The Shield Thieves Part 9/? - Reality Sinks In Part 10/? - Preparing a Quest Part 11/? - The Marvelous History of Sir Stephen Part 12/? - Uninvited Guests Part 13/? - So That’s What It Does Part 14/? - The What and the Where Part 15/? - Gearing Up Part 16/? - Just Passing Through Part 17/? - Dinner with Druids Part 18/? - Kracness Henge Part 19/? - A Task Interrupted Part 20/? - The Red Death Part 21/? - Aphelion Part 22/? - The Stone Giants Part 23/? - Nat the Giant Killer

I don’t think I need to elaborate on the chapter title.

As the alarm rang, people came running out of buildings all around, some of them carrying firefighting equipment, to react to the emergency – then stopped and looked around in puzzlement when they couldn’t see anything on fire. There were no golems visible, either, and for what felt like several minutes, though it was probably only a few seconds, people just milled around, confused and asking each other hushed questions.

Then there was a tremendous groan and crash, and one of the big holding tanks at the east end of the complex collapsed. From where Natasha was standing it was only possible to see that it had fallen, not why or whether there’d been anything in it, and she was able to hope for a split second that it had been empty. Unfortunately, it had not, and the thousands of gallons of refined oil spilling out of it didn’t take long to find a spark. It went up with a woosh, pouring black smoke into the air.

A moment later, the party responsible appeared. There were three golems, and the collapsed tank had coated them all in burning oil, meaning they weren’t just inhuman lumbering figures three times the size of a man – they were also on fire in the late evening dark as they stumped up the road between the buildings looking for humans to crush. No wonder most of the employees simply turned and fled, running indoors to hide or down to the docks in the hopes of escape.

Natasha did not move. Her training had taught her that the moments when she most wanted to panic were the times she most needed to stay calm and think. How did you fight something like this? The stones had stood on that headland for millennia, all but indestructible. Sir Stephen seemed to have some theoretical knowledge of magic, but if he’d known how to counter this surely he wouldn’t have been trying to defend himself with a sword and shield. Or would he? Maybe he just hadn’t had the time or materials to break the spell. It didn’t matter anyway, because he was lying half-conscious in the infirmary. His healing might be quick but it took place over hours, not minutes. Sir Stephen could not help.

“Natalie!” Rushman, still cowering in the back of the jeep, reached out the window to tug on her jacket. “We have to run! Natalie!”

“Let go of me!” she snapped, jerking away. Nat had no time for this man or his cowardice right now. She had to save not only his life but that of every other person on this island, if she could only figure out how. Maybe the refinery would have some explosives… maybe somewhere on the island there was some leftover ordinance from the abandoned military base…

Then she had an inspiration – and its source, oddly enough, was not training or weaponry. It was archaeology.

The prehistoric people of the Orkneys had merely found slabs of stone broken along their natural grain and set them upright, but there were other stone circles in the British Isles whose creators had gone to a little more trouble. Stonehenge, for example, was made not of shards but of tidy blocks, which had to be quarried. Before they’d had steel tools to cut through the rock, the ancient Britons had used heat. They would build a fire against a piece of stone to heat it up, and then splash cold water on it, forcing it to contract and split. The golems were already on fire. She needed water.

Sharon had gone to take shelter in the infirmary building. She was yelling and gesturing for Rushman and Natasha to join her. Rushman was still in the jeep, as if it could somehow protect him. Nat climbed into the driver’s seat.

“I think there’s a boat waiting,” Rushman said, putting his seat belt on. “Everybody’s gone down that way. I think there’s a boat.”

“Shut up,” said Natasha, starting the engine. Anywhere else on earth, she would be able to get water from a fire hose, but they wouldn’t have those here because water was no good for putting out the kind of fires an oil refinery worried about. She would have to look elsewhere. She made a sharp u-turn, and drove towards the golems.

“The other way! The other way!” said Rushman, hanging on to the back of the seat in front of him as if for dear life.

Nat ignored him. She headed for the nearest golem and stopped about twenty feet shy of it. It stepped towards her, and she drove off again, slowly enough this time that it could follow her. Sir Stephen had said these were like machines, only following their programming. In this case they seemed to be programmed to go after the nearest humans. Hopefully they weren’t smart enough to realize that the human wanted to be followed.

A second golem joined in the chase. On the edge of the facility there was another woosh as another tank collapsed and the oil it spilled met the burning residue of the first. With flaming golems plodding along behind her, she turned onto the ring road, and from there she spotted what she needed – a big onion-shaped tank with the Roxxon logo painted on it, held up on a high tower and lit from below by two floodlights. She accelerated towards it.

“Get out,” she told Rushman.

“What?” he asked.

“Get out of the car,” she clarified.

“We’re still moving!” he protested. “I’ll get hurt!”

“Either jump out and get hurt or stay in and get killed, it’s up to you!” said Nat.

He took a deep breath, opened the door, and more fell than jumped, landing in a heap and rolling away to land in the roadside ditch. Nat revved the jeep up as fast as she could, then kicked the door open and somersaulted out while the jeep kept going.

She didn’t dare look back. She just grabbed Rushman and forced him ahead of her up a metal ladder that led to an overhead inspection platform. They had climbed only a few rungs before the jeep impacted with the base of the water tower.

The structure creaked, then toppled over. The tank at the top ruptured under the stress, and gallons upon gallons of cold water poured came pouring out. There were three golems in the immediate area, and none of them made any effort to avoid it – indeed, their attention was focused either on Nat and Rushman or on other humans, and they didn’t appear to be aware of it at all. The water splashed over them, vaporizing in clouds of white steam that mixed with the black smoke of the burning oil – and with a series of rather musical ping sounds, the stone shattered. Flakes and fragments crumbled to the ground, some still glowing dull red from the heat of the fire, followed by larger slabs. They rolled and bounced to a stop, and while some of them seemed to twitch a couple of times it was apparently an illusion. The stones lay still, all animation extinguished with the flames.

Natasha had been worried that the water would carry a skin of burning oil, but it seemed that the ground in this area sloped in the wrong direction for that. She began to climb down, then realized Rushman hadn’t moved.

“Come down,” she told him. “There’s still more of those things.”

He whimpered, but didn’t move.

“Fine, just stay there. They can reach you,” Nat told him. She didn’t care – he hadn’t lifted a finger to save her from the Red Death’s henchmen, why should she save him from the golems?

That scared him into motion and he began to climb down, although he was shaking so badly that he nearly slipped and fell on top of her. Nat set off across the muddy, boulder-strewn ground as if she fully intended to leave him behind, and he jogged, panting, after her. There were three golems down, but more were already arriving at the complex.

People had stopped running away now, though. Natasha’s stunt had gotten attention, and the refinery employees had realized the monsters were vulnerable to heat and cold. Blowtorches and buckets of burning kitchen grease came out to set them on fire, and dry ice fire extinguishers to put them out again. The coup de gras was administered when the boat anchored at the refinery docks, a ferry to take workers to and from the island, pulled out its own firefighting apparatus: a hose that pumped water directly out of the icy North Sea.

Within ten or fifteen minutes, it was all over. Half of the refinery complex was a smoking wreck, and parts of the eastern end were still on fire, but the golems had been destroyed and people were fighting the flames and evacuating the buildings in a far more orderly fashion.

The single ferry at the docks couldn’t take everybody away, so priority was given to the ill, the injured, and those who had families in the south end village that they wanted to take with them. With all this going on, nobody seemed too interested in the group of fugitives who’d been brought in with the golems behind them. With Rushman stumbling along behind her, Natasha headed back to the infirmary to find the others.

It was a very busy place. Workers who’d already been too ill or injured to move were being put on stretchers to head down to the ferry, while those who’d been hurt or burned in the golem fight were getting first aid, with the promise of more thorough care on the boat. Seeing all the injuries made Natasha remember Sir Stephen’s words – you cannot mean to lead the beasts to more men and women! – but she shrugged off her guilt as best she could by telling herself that it wouldn’t have mattered. The golems had been programmed to kill people. If her companions had escaped the island, or if they’d been killed, the golems would have simply moved on to the next available target and that was the refinery.

Right?

She eventually found Sharon, Sam, and Sir Stephen in a little curtained-off area. Sir Stephen was lying on a cot and Sharon was holding his hand, while Sam finished splinting his bruised and lacerated legs. There was an awful lot of blood on the sheets, and Sir Stephen’s eyes were closed now, as if he were unconscious or sleeping. That immediately worried Nat. Sir Stephen’s stories had suggested he remained awake no matter how much pain he was in. Could it be the golem had actually finished him.

Sam gave her a reassuring smile. “I told them not to mess with him,” he said. “He’s getting better already – I just had them give him some morphine so he won’t suffer quite so much.”

Nat nodded, relieved.

“All right everybody!” called a voice outside in the hall. “Captain Ibrahim says we’ve got room for a few more! There’ll be another boat coming for the rest of you in a few hours. For now it’s just the sick, the injured, and children!”

The curtain opened, and a nurse looked in. “Are you sure you don’t want to send this guy back to the mainland?” she asked, eyeing Sir Stephen uncertainly.

“No,” said Sam firmly. “He can’t be moved just yet. I’m his doctor, I’ll look after him.”

Nat looked at Rushman, who had sat down in a chair in the corner and was now just staring at infinity, as if he still couldn’t quite take in everything that had happened that day. She went and put a hand on his shoulder. “Take this guy,” she told the nurse. “He’s not well.” She didn’t know about the man in the jeep from earlier, but Rushman was definitely in shock, light-headed and possibly dissociating.

The nurse nodded and extended a hand to Rushman as Nat helped him up. “Come with me, Sir,” she said gently. “What’s your name?”

“Huh?” he asked.

“Your name,” the nurse prompted again. She put an arm around his shoulders to escort him out.

“Oh. Allen. Allen Rushman,” he said. “I wasn’t supposed to… that is… I don’t know what happened. I just came up here to see my daughter. I’m missing my car club meeting.”

“It’s going to be fine,” the nurse assured him. “I’m sure your daughter will be delighted to see you.”

Little did she know, Natasha thought.

With Rushman gone, and Sam needed to look after Sir Stephen, that just left Natasha and Sharon to take care of one last important task. They needed to go back to the henge to retrieve the rest of their things – and to look for anything the Red Death’s men might have left behind.

“Now that the map’s proved useless we have no idea what they might do next,” said Nat. “I doubt they’re going to give up, so we need to figure it out.”

“Does it have to be tonight?” asked Sharon, but she stood up and stretched all the same. “I should be used to this,” she said. “When you’re trying to solve a case you don’t get breaks. Even when you’re sleeping, you’re still thinking about it. I’ve come up with ideas in my dreams, and had to make myself wake up so I could write them down.”

“Sam,” Nat agreed. “It doesn’t sound very different from spying, actually. Maybe I should have been a detective instead of an archaeologist.”

They found a couple of utility flashlights in a closet, and headed for the infirmary entrance. “Why archaeology, of all things?” Sharon asked.

“Because when I was a kid I liked Indiana Jones movies,” Natasha replied, smiling.

Sharon smiled back. “Is it everything you hoped for?” she asked.

“It’s getting there,” said Nat.

#natasha romanov #black widow #steve rogers #captain america #sam wilson #falcon #sharon carter #agent 13 #fanfic

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