Period: 1191.73 days

	Submissions	Comments
Total	996	4401
Rate (per day)	0.84	3.69
Unique Redditors	206	1060
Combined Score	69328	15944

Top Submitters' Top Submissions

1. 13263 points, 214 submissions: BigSurround2
   
   1. [OLD] JNU Professor Nivedita Menon tells students "Hindu Society" is the most violent society in world (186 points, 79 comments)
   2. this (144 points, 5 comments)
   3. Construction of Ram Mandir in Ayodhya is an important milestone for indigenous civilizations, all around the world. It must start the revolution. #RamMandirAyodhya (141 points, 33 comments)
   4. Chicago, London, Auckland, Brisbane, Perth, Toronto, Johannesburg, Tokyo, Moscow, New Delhi, Mumbai, Banglore, Kolkata ... 100 such cities will join the Protest on 14th June Sunday. World will witness amazing unity among Hindus against murder of #AjayPandita (119 points, 1 comment)
   5. True Indology: "In 1400, Sikandar killεd Brahmins who refused to discard Janeu & convert. 37 kg of Janeu collected from dead & burnt. Now, they killεd last Hindu Sarpanch of Kashmir. Janeu turns red. Kashmir "struggle" is 620 year war to eliminate Janeu. Never let anyone tell you otherwise." (119 points, 2 comments)
   6. It's time for the world to pay the due attention. We won't be silenced now. #MainBhiKashmiriHindu #KashmiriHindus (116 points, 0 comments)
   7. THE GREAT OPRESSION THEORY (115 points, 1 comment)
   8. “Hindus do not come, your names are not on the list.” Sad story of 'Hindus' in Bangladesh. #HumanRights (110 points, 16 comments)
   9. Pseudo secularism: a curse for Hindus.. A mini comic.. (108 points, 5 comments)
   10. करिश्मा का करिश्मा #Azan #karishmaBhosle #Azaan #लाउडस्पीकर_जिहाद (104 points, 1 comment)
2. 8260 points, 138 submissions: Fluid-Lock
   
   1. Fake news propaganda. (133 points, 9 comments)
   2. Tweets of tru indology banned in India. Even though the source is verified. (113 points, 12 comments)
   3. Saffron Tilak Challenge (97 points, 0 comments)
   4. The terrorist that killed 25 Afghan Sikhs was from Kerla. (96 points, 9 comments)
   5. Foubd this on comment section of latest Shekar Gupta video (95 points, 0 comments)
   6. In Communist ruled Bengal (1982), 17 Sadhus including a woman were dragged out of a taxi and lynchεd to death by a mob in broad daylight. They made SAME allegation. That those Hindu Sadhus were child lifters. Allegation turned out to be FAKE. Beware of left-liberal FRAUD! (95 points, 2 comments)
   7. This is what RSS has done for people of India during Corona Crisis. (95 points, 13 comments)
   8. Anoop Singh Cop in Jammu and Kashmir today lost his life in a Terror Attack by Radical Muslim terrorist organisations. May he Rest in peace. (93 points, 4 comments)
   9. Taqqiya - The art of lying (90 points, 0 comments)
   10. He was lynched for carrying the national flag. (88 points, 0 comments)
3. 5137 points, 82 submissions: Glass-Earth
   
   1. this (149 points, 5 comments)
   2. Palestinian Islamic Scholar Nidhal Siam at Al-Aqsa Mosque Rally: The Only Response to the “Cow-Worshipping” Hindus’ Affront to the Prophet Muhammad is to Declare Jihad to Eradicate Them (131 points, 32 comments)
   3. 6 June, 1674 (Jyeshta Shukla Trayodashi) - a historic day! 346 years ago this day - coronation of 'Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj', at the Raigad Fort. The beginning of a new era. The era of 'Swarajya'. (118 points, 0 comments)
   4. 'The Wire' has managed to make the Telinipara, West Bengal riots an anti-Muslim pogrom (115 points, 27 comments)
   5. [Nupur J Sharma] OpIndia is all set to release a 350 page report on the Delhi Riots 2020 that trace the genesis of the violence right from 1st December 2019 till the 26th of February. Islamists, their support system and the grand conspiracy covered in a comprehensive report by OpIndia. Soon! (107 points, 4 comments)
   6. True Indology: "When loudspeakers were FIRST introduced in India in 20th century Both Deoband & Tablighi Jamaat OPPOSED loudspeaker. They called it Haram western innovation. Were those traditional Mμslims "Islαmophobes"? STOP shouting 5 times a day on loudspeaker that only your God is real." (98 points, 1 comment)
   7. Such ads have become common in Jammu. The region is going through an aggressive demographic change. People of Jammu have been pleading for help, but the central government is not listening. (91 points, 8 comments)
   8. A journalist 'Rizwana Tabassum' was found dead in Uttar Pradesh. See what Newslaundry chose to highlight first. And then see what was in the actual story. (89 points, 2 comments)
   9. Several books banned, countless people put behind the bars, careers and families destroyed. Section 295 A of IPC has a long history of silencing Hindu voices. Here is its history. #Repeal295A (87 points, 1 comment)
   10. जय श्री राम।। (86 points, 2 comments)
4. 3522 points, 51 submissions: Busy_Art
   
   1. "Feminism" in India (110 points, 10 comments)
   2. Comparing an innocent animal with a rioter is highly condemnable (107 points, 1 comment)
   3. “It’s a curse to be born in an Islamic country” says mother of the 14-year-old abducted Hindu girl in Sindh, Pakistan (107 points, 19 comments)
   4. True Indology: "Thousands of terrorists indulge in killiηg & bombing. They swear by one Arabic holy book. Secular gang: Terror has no religion! One Brahmin goes criminal. Killεd fellow Brahmin police officers. Doesn't swear by any Brahmin/Hindu book. Secular gang: Oh look! Brahmin terrorist!" (105 points, 1 comment)
   5. Hindus have been requesting Netflix to stop insulting Hindus and their deities; but it seems they do it intentionally. Clip from their latest movie 'Chippa' where they are mocking Hanuman and are not even pretending to be subtle. Movie is written and directed by Safdar Rahman (104 points, 25 comments)
   6. Muslim mob torched properties of Hindus till 24th Feb night, burnt Dilbar Negi alive: Fresh charge sheet against 12 in Delhi riots (104 points, 2 comments)
   7. Anti-Hindu Delhi riots: The Wire and NDTV whitewash how a Muslim school was used as an attack base by Islamists and how a Hindu owned school was brutalised (103 points, 0 comments)
   8. It’s only when Brahmins display casteism that the caste gets mentioned in the headline. If perpetrators of caste-based discrimination are non-Brahmin Hindus, headlines say ‘upper caste’. If perpetrator is a Muslim, it’s simply ‘man’. (95 points, 4 comments)
   9. Look at their age, and what’s being said in the audio. Go to the audio of this particular post, and you’ll find 100s of videos spewing hatred on other religions. THESE ARE KIDS, FOR GOD’S SAKE. And they're glorifying kiIIing of people (91 points, 8 comments)
   10. #Breaking Ayodhya: Construction of Ram Mandir begins. (88 points, 11 comments)
5. 3389 points, 42 submissions: sarinmall85
   
   1. Yogiji bulldozing illegal mosque of bareilly (175 points, 12 comments)
   2. Hindu warrior kids chasing ladies missionaries by chanting "Jai Shri Ram" (161 points, 6 comments)
   3. Massive protest in Nepal against communist government. They are demanding Hindu monarchy again (147 points, 11 comments)
   4. Tableau of Ram mandir that you will see tomorrow in republic day parade (133 points, 4 comments)
   5. Bajrang dal & VHP activists protest against demolition of temple by Kejriwal Govt (128 points, 2 comments)
   6. Keralites celebrating BJP victory in their own style with elephant & Music (128 points, 7 comments)
   7. School children singing Hanuman Chalisa (127 points, 3 comments)
   8. Hindu Procession in kashmir after 35 years (118 points, 5 comments)
   9. You may have seen Muslims offering Namaz on public places but rarely you may have seen any Brahman Offering evening on Public place. This is from Lucknow Airport. Brahmans are offering prayers fearlessly under Yogiji (116 points, 4 comments)
   10. 2 year kid chant mantras fluently (113 points, 1 comment)
6. 2746 points, 12 submissions: Hindutva_Soldier
   
   1. Aawaz mat Uthao bhaiyo (412 points, 20 comments)
   2. Jai Bhavani , jai shivaji (387 points, 16 comments)
   3. Found this on YouTube (332 points, 3 comments)
   4. A great tribute to our Great ancestors , they fought when they were given two options either convert or die , hope it inspires mordern hindus (297 points, 7 comments)
   5. Why I killed Gandhi , do watch this movie ,congress is trying to ban this movie (285 points, 2 comments)
   6. Kindly support him (252 points, 4 comments)
   7. Sab Dekhenge (252 points, 8 comments)
   8. Future pm of india (126 points, 4 comments)
   9. kindly support this guys (112 points, 9 comments)
   10. Hanuman chalisa - Everyday 7 times without fail (105 points, 6 comments)
7. 1632 points, 24 submissions: TheInsaneM
   
   1. "Aurangzeb paraded Sambhaji Maharaj in clown's dress and had Mughal soldiers laugh at Sambhaji Maharaj before killing him"? My response to a recent post on India. (166 points, 76 comments)
   2. Mughal India - The biggest holocaust in world history (151 points, 24 comments)
   3. The shocking reality of Ghazwa-e-Hind. They won't tell you this. It is happening. (114 points, 34 comments)
   4. The legend of Veer Savarkar. The man you know, the story you don't. (103 points, 10 comments)
   5. The exodus of Kashmiri Pandits. A forgotten story. (92 points, 4 comments)
   6. Modern problems require Sanatan solutions. (91 points, 0 comments)
   7. How Communists tried to destroy Indian culture. (70 points, 1 comment)
   8. Bhavani ke veero, jaag jaao isse pehle ki der hojaye! (61 points, 2 comments)
   9. 18 Hindu houses burnt in Telangana as a result of anti-CAA protests. No mainstream media has covered this news. BJP urges the Hindu society to unite and retaliate. (59 points, 1 comment)
   10. The Mitrokhin Archive — The Special Relationship With India [Part 1: The supremacy of the Indian National Congress] (57 points, 16 comments)
8. 1128 points, 6 submissions: TheZodiac66
   
   1. Made it today 🚩Jai Shri Ram 🚩 (275 points, 11 comments)
   2. made it today! (235 points, 7 comments)
   3. God of Gods Lord Shiva Supremacy! check comments for more insta vids! (223 points, 4 comments)
   4. Lord Indra Supremacy check comment for more vid. (148 points, 12 comments)
   5. JAI HANUMAN! Check comment for insta link. (141 points, 4 comments)
   6. Om Indra Devaya Namah! 🕉️ (106 points, 3 comments)
9. 894 points, 7 submissions: EyePrior5087
   
   1. I support Nupur Sharma ji (321 points, 31 comments)
   2. not oc ( Ig - @theangryvaanar) (210 points, 9 comments)
   3. did you know that? (124 points, 8 comments)
   4. From ig - @theangryvaanar (78 points, 1 comment)
   5. From - The Angry Vaanar ( additional information in comments) (62 points, 2 comments)
   6. size of soul according to our scriptures ( source _ @theangryvaanar Ig ) (57 points, 4 comments)
   7. origin of violin through Ravanhatha ( credits - @theangryvaanar ig) (42 points, 0 comments)
10. 815 points, 11 submissions: Rishx
    
    1. ISKCON devotees distributing arabic edition of Srimad Bhagavad Gita to muslims. (131 points, 4 comments)
    2. A compilation of speeches given by some prominent muslim leaders who have spoken about Hindus. (102 points, 22 comments)
    3. District wise percentage of muslim population on Bengal region. (91 points, 10 comments)
    4. That's how it's done. (81 points, 1 comment)
    5. He is right. (76 points, 0 comments)
    6. Some Hindus get so angry when so called Hindu jewish unity is questioned. Guess who is supporting 'dismantling global Hindutva' event? (76 points, 17 comments)
    7. Oops..I think he dropped /s . (73 points, 2 comments)
    8. District wise percentage of muslim population in Assam. (60 points, 2 comments)
    9. Hypocrites. (48 points, 0 comments)
    10. [Swarajya Magazine]India's own BBC : Prasar Bharati to set up DD International channel to Project India's point of view. (40 points, 1 comment)

Top Commenters

1. BigSurround2 (589 points, 155 comments)
2. Fluid-Lock (353 points, 89 comments)
3. TheInsaneM (335 points, 51 comments)
4. Resurgence28 (292 points, 47 comments)
5. Busy_Art (195 points, 38 comments)
6. DauntlessDev (163 points, 21 comments)
7. Glass-Earth (149 points, 35 comments)
8. ProfessorOak11 (139 points, 17 comments)
9. realist_optimist (137 points, 17 comments)
10. mystiquemystic (123 points, 26 comments)

Top Submissions

1. please share as much as possible by Hindutva_ (668 points, 17 comments)
2. Aawaz mat Uthao bhaiyo by Hindutva_Soldier (412 points, 20 comments)
3. . by IshaanOberoi (402 points, 15 comments)
4. Jai Bhavani , jai shivaji by Hindutva_Soldier (387 points, 16 comments)
5. Jaiiiiiii Shree Ram 🚩 by anshbanka_9281 (379 points, 10 comments)
6. Found this on YouTube by Hindutva_Soldier (332 points, 3 comments)
7. I support Nupur Sharma ji by EyePrior5087 (321 points, 31 comments)
8. A great tribute to our Great ancestors , they fought when they were given two options either convert or die , hope it inspires mordern hindus by Hindutva_Soldier (297 points, 7 comments)
9. Why I killed Gandhi , do watch this movie ,congress is trying to ban this movie by Hindutva_Soldier (285 points, 2 comments)
10. Made it today 🚩Jai Shri Ram 🚩 by TheZodiac66 (275 points, 11 comments)

Top Comments

1. 37 points: Insane-M's comment in They're distorting. What're we supposed to do?
2. 36 points: Kaptanprithvi's comment in As a South Indian, I have a genuine question to all the Hindi speakers here.
3. 35 points: Tony_stark_2020's comment in They're distorting. What're we supposed to do?
4. 33 points: deleted's comment in "Aurangzeb paraded Sambhaji Maharaj in clown's dress and had Mughal soldiers laugh at Sambhaji Maharaj before killing him"? My response to a recent post on India.
5. 33 points: ProfessorOak11's comment in Hindus have been requesting Netflix to stop insulting Hindus and their deities; but it seems they do it intentionally. Clip from their latest movie 'Chippa' where they are mocking Hanuman and are not even pretending to be subtle. Movie is written and directed by Safdar Rahman
6. 33 points: chaturthyam's comment in The shocking reality of Ghazwa-e-Hind. They won't tell you this. It is happening.
7. 32 points: thande_papa12's comment in Islamisation of Maharashtra has started by Uddhav Thackeray's Shiv Sena. Now they won't need to burn Police Stations, but they will use them to kill Hindus.
8. 31 points: Resurgence28's comment in Won't even pay respect.
9. 31 points: realist_optimist's comment in Yogiji bulldozing illegal mosque of bareilly
10. 29 points: Pranavboi's comment in After Muslims complain about ‘idol worshiping’, PUBG removes a mode from their mobile game that allegedly involved it

Generated with BBoe's Subreddit Stats

Hi everyone,
I had a frustrating experience on the road the other day and I'm hoping to get some outside perspectives on the situation. I was driving down a narrow street with a big bend when a lady came around the corner and didn't pull to the left to let me pass. Most users on the street do this and it’s common practice. We had a standoff and didn’t move. I got of the car and told her to let me down and she said I’m supposed to let drivers going up hill right of way but it’s kind of impossible I mean you know what wellington roads can be like and most residents on this particular turn allow others to come down. This meant I had to reverse a long way, which was difficult for me. When I got out of the car to express my frustration, she accused me and my male partner of bullying her because she's a woman. Which I don’t understand? I’m a gay male and would have said it to anyone, in fact I didn’t even know if it was a male or female when I approached the car.
I called her a "Karen" and things escalated from there. Looking back, I regret using that term and I feel bad about the whole situation. I know where she lives and found her company online when typing her address and I'm considering reaching out to apologise, but I'm not sure if that's the right move, I know that might be weird but I just hate feeling awkward.
I wanted to share my experience here and ask for your opinions. Have you ever encountered a similar situation on the road? What would you do in my position? I'm open to any thoughts or feedback.
Thank you in advance for your time and advice. And yes I know it could seem like a total over reaction but it was horrible in the moment she was really nasty and unreasonable.

Many people assume Arys Oakheart is dead based on the information given to us in Arianne's POV chapter, however, I think the entire event was staged, including his "death" as part of Doran's master plan.
From Arianne's POV we see what is supposed to be Arys' "final moments":

The white knight raised his blade, too slowly. Hotah's longaxe took his right arm off at the shoulder, spun away spraying blood, and came flashing back again in a terrible two-handed slash that removed the head of Arys Oakheart and sent it spinning through the air. It landed amongst the reeds, and the Greenblood swallowed the red with a soft splash.

Seems pretty convincing, until you remember we have seen this exact trick when Penny and Groat performed it at Joffrey's wedding feast.

As the lords and ladies guffawed and giggled, the little men came together with a crash and a clatter, and the wolf knight's lance struck the helm of the stag knight and knocked his head clean off. It spun through the air spattering blood to land in the lap of Lord Gyles. The headless dwarf careened around the tables, flailing his arms. Dogs barked, women shrieked, and Moon Boy made a great show of swaying perilously back and forth on his stilts, until Lord Gyles pulled a dripping red melon out of the shattered helm.

See how George uses the same language in both passages as a subtle clue? Arys used the melon trick! By tucking his head safely in his breastplate he would be able to give the appearance that he was decapitated, just like Groat did. Arys Oakheart is alive.

In the sleepy town of Willowbrook, the once-magnificent Hawthorn Manor stood as a decaying monument to the past. The local residents whispered tales of the ghosts that roamed the house, particularly the vengeful spirit of Lady Margaret Hawthorn, the last surviving member of the once-prominent family.
One dark and stormy night, a group of four friends—Lucy, Jack, Sarah, and Rob—decided to test the legends and ventured to the manor. The chilling wind and distant thunder heightened their apprehension as they approached the dilapidated building.
They found the front door ajar, and with trembling hands, Jack pushed it open, the rusted hinges groaning in protest. The entrance hall was shrouded in darkness, but the dim light of their flashlights revealed a grand staircase covered in a thick layer of dust.
The friends hesitantly explored the ground floor, finding remnants of a once-luxurious life—moldy paintings, decaying furniture, and tattered curtains. As they wandered deeper into the house, the air grew colder, and they heard faint whispers that seemed to echo through the walls.
Determined to confront the spirit of Lady Margaret, they climbed the staircase to the second floor, where they found the entrance to the master bedroom. Jack, with a deep breath, pushed the door open.
The room was surprisingly well-preserved, dominated by a magnificent canopy bed draped in moth-eaten velvet. The friends suddenly felt an oppressive presence, as if they were being watched. They heard a distant wail, like the cry of a woman in anguish.
Sarah, her voice trembling, called out, "Lady Margaret, are you here?" The room went silent, and the atmosphere grew tense. Suddenly, a gust of icy wind extinguished their flashlights, plunging them into darkness.
The friends clung to each other, their hearts pounding, as they heard the sound of footsteps approaching. The temperature plummeted, and they sensed an unearthly rage emanating from the darkness.
A faint glow appeared, revealing the spectral figure of a woman dressed in a tattered, once-elegant gown. Her face was twisted in fury, her eyes glowing with malevolence.
"I warned you not to disturb my rest," Lady Margaret hissed. "Now, you shall suffer my wrath!"
Petrified, the friends stumbled back, trying to escape the room, but the door slammed shut, trapping them inside. The spirit's rage intensified, and the room shook with the force of her anger.
With trembling hands, Lucy found a silver locket hidden in the folds of a decrepit armchair. Instinctively, she opened it, revealing a portrait of Lady Margaret in happier times.
As the spirit's fury grew, Lucy held up the locket and cried, "Lady Margaret, please, find peace!" The spectral figure paused, gazing at the locket, and her rage seemed to subside. A single tear fell from her ghostly eye, and her expression softened.
"I just wanted to be remembered," she whispered. With that, she vanished, and the room was plunged into darkness once more.
The friends, still shaking with fear, managed to escape the room and fled the manor. Although they had survived their encounter with the vengeful spirit, they would never forget the haunting of Hawthorn Manor.

This is part 5 of a week long game we started early in the week.
Part 1: https://www.reddit.com/useJamesonRhymecomments/124ebg4/6_dates_to_marry_first_date_the_picnic_who_would/
Part 2: https://www.reddit.com/useJamesonRhymecomments/124em91/6_dates_to_marry_second_date_disneyworld_who/) Part 3: https://www.reddit.com/useJamesonRhymecomments/125gsa5/6_dates_to_marry_third_date_your_date_decides_who/
Part 4: https://www.reddit.com/useJamesonRhymecomments/127e3ik/6_dates_to_marry_fourth_date_visiting_your_dates/
Yesterday, the sub eliminated Jessen. It was a tough call when you broke the news.
“Not you too! Oh no, I can’t take it! But I guess I hate myself too half the time. I deserve this. I know I can never take back what I did, but I hope I can make it up someday. Thanks for at least being good enough to tell me directly.”
And then there were two…
For the fifth time around, you decide to bypass the traditional date and see what you can learn from Brux and Blue in their daily lives.

Brux

You finally got your wish. Brux put you on the guest list to watch a filming of an upcoming action flick they’re doing stunts for. It’s a mind warp to see the typically homely, measured Brux done up like a sexy bank robber with professional hair and makeup. Maybe they’re a 6 in regular life, but they’re at least an 8 with a professional wardrobe and make-up team and perfect lighting. Rather than the typically slow and reserved mannerisms you’ve grown accustomed to, you witness a slick, confident swagger. Some of Brux’s moves are insane as they grapple against another actor portraying a police officer.
“Cut!” the director yells as Brux walks offset to talk through something with the choreographer.
“So you’re Brux’s friend?” one of the other actors asks as the crew begins resetting for another take.
“Yeah. Just here to watch them work.”
“Well, you picked the right stunt person. Brux is a beast when they get going. Isn’t it trippy how different they are in person? Did you meet them on a film or somewhere else?”
“Funny story, I met them on a blind date. We were having a picnic and all they could talk about is knitting and how they like soups and sandwiches and brush their teeth between every meal. So I thought they were the sleepiest person I’d ever met. But I gave them another chance and we went to Disneyworld and that’s when a little spice came out. For most of the day they just calmly tagged along and did whatever I wanted to do, but somehow they jimmied my wallet out of my pocket in this bizarre flex. They really are kind of a Pinocchio.”
“Pinocchio is a funny way of putting it. They’re gentle and reserved usually but on rare occasion you’ll see some fire inside. But that’s not common at all. I’ve known Brux for years now and I’ve only seen that side once or twice. But I still wouldn’t mess with them.”
“Oh I know. I accidentally pointed a knitting needle at them once and almost got a broken arm.”
“I can imagine!”
“But they really are a charmingly gentle person. Have you been to their apartment?”
“Yep. Lemme guess- chicken noodle soup and tea?”
“Haha you got it.”
“Yeah, Brux is a person of patterns. But you’ll be happy for that later. They just want a simple, calm life. They’re not hard to please and they’re a great friend. I’ve had some pretty rough times and if there’s one person who’s always there, it’s Brux. If you need someone’s shoulder to cry on, it’s Brux. If you need someone to trust with anything, it’s Brux. You’re a lucky one to have caught them.”
“Well, I haven’t quite caught them yet, but yeah, thanks.”
The director then claps his hands loudly several times. “Alright, reset! Prep for Take 4! And….Action!”
Once again Brux tussles against their counterpart in another stunning performance.

Blue

While at the mall, you decide to surprise Blue at Abercrombie & Fitch. You show up at 11am, when you expect them to arrive.
“Hey, is Blue here today?” you ask a tanned guy in tight, distressed jeans and nothing on top other than a bright red scarf.
“Nah. They should be. I’ll check the sched,” he says walking behind the checkout counter.
“Hmm, they should’ve been here by now. I dunno what’s up. Maybe their bike got a flat or something. That happens sometimes.”
“Biking to work is so Blue,” you say partly to the guy and partly to yourself.
“No doubt about it. You a friend? Sibling? Or a customer?”
“Let’s say ‘friend’.”
“Okay,” he shrugged. “Well, they’re not here yet.”
“While I’m waiting, can I ask you a random question?”
“Sure.”
“What’s the best and worst things about working with Blue?”
“Oh. Haha. Let’s see. The best things are that they’re always positive, full of life, and they really care about the customer. People will come in and Blue will spend all day if necessary to make sure they leave excited and feeling good about themselves. Always smiling, laughing, making other people laugh, and brightening everything up is a special quality. Hard things would be…they’re flighty. Blue absolutely cannot stick to anything longer than 5 minutes. One year they’re here, one year they’re there. One year they’re interested in this, one year they’re interested in that. I wouldn’t be shocked if they walked in tomorrow and quit. They have so much potential and so much to give, they just need to get the maturity and discipline to stick through stuff.”
“Do you think they’d be a good parent?”
“100%- the best. I’ve seen…wait a second,” he said like a jock finally figuring out his first math problem. “What’s up with these questions. You’re not just a friend are you?”
“Well, I am, I…I’m just-“
“Nah nah nah. Don’t be coy. You’re not alone. Sometimes I wonder if half the store’s revenue comes from people like you- buying clothes as an excuse to get close to Cutie McCute with the perfect hair, smooth skin, and magazine abs. Makes me sick. But I guess I get it. I don’t swing that way, but if I did, maybe I’d be doing the same thing.”
“Well we’ve hung out a few time. But nothing crazy- just a picnic once and then Disneyworld, which was fun, and hiking once. But-“
Just then, the phone rings and he walks over to answer it.
“Abercrombie. This is Frank.”
He listens for a minute and then gasps. “What?! Are you okay? What hospital?? I’ll be right there!”
Frank then slams the phone down and rushes to get his jacket.
“Blue’s been hit by a car!” he yells to you. I’m headed there right now. Sorry, I gotta go.”
“Which hospital?” You ask as he power walks toward the door. Before he can answer, he leaps backward as Blue bounces through the entrance with wide ’ta-da’ arms.
“April fools!!!” Blue laughs uproariously as you and Frank leer.
“Not funny,” Frank says as he walks back toward the cash register to take his jacket off.
“Hey, it’s April 1st,” Blue shrugged. “You should have known. Anyway, sorry I’m late. The rain made traffic a mess.”
“Sure. Traffic,” Frank scoffs. “I know you’re probably late because you stopped and dropped a log on some poor old lady’s petunias.”
“Hey. A G’s gotta do what a G’ gotta do,” Blue says, dusting off their shoulder.
“You seriously didn’t do that again did you?” you ask.
“Relax. I’m just joking. But I did take a whiz. But don’t get all wound up, it wasn’t on someone’s petunias. Just be happy I'm staying hydrated.”
Frank, finally coming down from the stress of that ‘prank’, walks back over.
“That reminds me- there is one thing I also like about this character,” he says, wrapping his arm around Blue. “Truth. Blue is Blue. They put it all out there- the good, the bad, and the ugly. And as ugly as it can be, at least you always know who you’re dealing with. There’s something special about someone who just doesn’t hide anything.”
**************
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A recent post asked, 'how would you write a Tyranid story?'. This is my response. There might be more if the mood strikes, as the idea - and the challenge! - are definitely tempting. We'll see how it shakes out.
A TIME TO EVERY PURPOSE
Falling.
We are falling.
If space is bent - if the gravities of all the little lights and rocks align against us - then we can do nothing but fall. Down the darkling way. Down the four-dimensional plane. Down, down, driven down. We are thrust through the veil on Narvhal’s horn; we pierce the distance between here and there. We are carried on the carrier-beast’s final breath, riven by plasma and lance and exotic matter. Farewell, Narvhal. Farewell, our pursuers - farewell, for now. We shall surely meet again.
Will we be ready when we do?
Now, we must tell you, there will be deceit. We do not wish to call it deception, though clearly, we deceive. We speak to you in words we hope you will understand. We ask for your patience.
Imagine…
Imagine, then, a castle. Imagine grey-brick redoubts, grand old walls wrought by ancient masons that keep out the sprawl of old, dark woods. Imagine their bare branches, riven by snow and season, their rough, tough roots sunk deep into frozen earth. Imagine moving through the courtyards and gardens and finding not a soul, the attendants and groundskeepers and courtiers gone, lost, destroyed.
Imagine the creak of rusted hinges and protesting timber as you open the inner gates. Imagine an ornamental indoor lake filled with the deepest black you have ever seen, the darkness that dwells in the space beyond a dream, and know that the Lady is still here.
She leans on the balustrade, eyes twinkling, snug in fur and downy robes. The cold and isolation do not touch her. She is not weak, here. She is not shriven of biomatter and the last of her brood guard, her mantle seared and cracked by Imperial malice, frozen blood on the black carapace as it sculls slowly, painfully, through the void. She is whole and complete and wonderful and all-knowing and she cannot possibly fail.
‘Come to me,’ she whispers, and all must obey.
Now, imagine the smallest thing possible. A quark, a genome, something closer to an idea than a reality. Something so infinitely delicate can only be a child. It does not squall or cry in its amniotic cradle - it simply looks to the Lady, attentive as only those who yearn for purpose can be…
(Remember: this is not a castle, there is not the smell of woods in winter and age-crisped paper and elderly oak. These are metaphors, these are similies, these are likenesses used to convey a meaning so that you may understand what is about to happen within the ruined, half-dead husk of the Norn Queen, her last unmurdered birthing chamber and what few potential zygotes remain.)
…and the Lady guides the child up the swaying stairs, through the silent halls where knowledge sleeps (less, now, that the fleet has been so diminished, that a connection to the greater mind has been lost, but still, the distance is vast, vast as the space between neurons can be).
Together, they reach the observatory with its glittering silver latticed roof, and its gold-inlaid telescope aligned to the heavens. We watch, rapt, as possibilities pass us by.
Here is a world locked to stare at the system sun, one face afire, one cloaked forever in darkness. Narvhal’s cry echoes deep in the polar ice, trapped, refracted, and ultimately amplified. The hasp will be broken, tomorrow or in ten millennia, and the faces will reverse in a single day. In one destructive rotation, one brief spasm - utterly insignificant in the cosmic span - the world will shrug off all the creatures that dwell upon it. Unsuited to our purpose, even if the chance of discovery were not so great, but a valuable lesson. The Lady is satisfied that, even as it perishes, the carrier-beast dooms a thousandfold of its slayers. Efficient, as such things are measured.
Here is a world of springs and seas. Rich life teems in the waters and builds high on the shores away from the toxic volcanoes and gas vents that ridge the continents. Lethal to the natives. Useful to us. What could lair in those untouched places - what power could be coaxed from those hidden troves, its strengths married to ours? Rich metals. Deep deposits. Yes, perhaps, if the brood had not been so vastly reduced. Even a creche of infiltrator forms would suffice.
No, the Lady shakes her head. ‘Do you see?’ Her tone is not mocking, not condescending - the child has overlooked something that her experience has not. ‘The Inquisition have chosen this as their home. They seek the same seclusion we do. Their agents are among the population, and their attention would be quickly drawn to any attempt at planetfall.’
Ah. Of course. Our pursuers have others sworn to their same cause - some even more vigilant, even more vicious. Their presence is a concern. We will not risk their attention before we must. We turn away from the life-rich world for now.
Here is a world of cities, reaching to the clouds and the planetary crust. A mechanical metropolis that almost blinds the oculus with its bright potential. Even the Lady betrays a trace of hunger as she considers the possibilities. Surely in that choked, toxic atmosphere, we could arrive unseen. But where? And after that, how would we protect her? The officialdom of these worlds is not the only danger - their petty rulers, their slum-lords and criminal masses are just as paranoid, just as fearful of the alien, the unknown, the visitors from the stars no matter how humble or hidden their guise.
‘We only have one chance at this,’ the Lady says. Again, she shakes her head, though not without regret. ‘I cannot make you strong enough to prevail here. The flaw is mine. We look again.’
Here is a world ruined in such fierce, spectacular fashion that it may only serve as an example of galactic chance rather than spawning ground. Stripped of atmosphere, shattered by endless meteorite impacts, this shield world has endured so much in its eyeblink life. The inner system crouches behind it - we dare go no closer, fearing the sensors and snares and ships that glitter between those worlds. They are closed to us. What else is there?
Here is a world stripped by radiation, inhabited only by freakish bacteria that the Lady blanches to behold. No. Here is a world that could serve us in a million years, as life nests close to its molten heart, the surface in tectonic upheaval. No. Here is a world that barely deserves the name, a dwarfish rogue that skitters on an erratic, outer orbit. Docks and outriggers festoon it, rock-breakers and asteroid mines. Perhaps, if they were less attentive, but they would be just as alert to extrasolar intruders as the inner system.
After all, their lives would depend on it.
Not the outpost planet, then, but the voidships that service it? Would that suffice? The Lady demurs. She looks away - she consults her library. She does not like trusting our fate to the hope the child can subdue a transport alone, that the transport will not be looked for, and that it will contain what she needs. So many variables. So many possibilities. What are, in short, the odds?
If she does nothing, we perish. If she chooses wrong, we perish. Ah, the burden of leadership, without the greater mind to consult, without the pleasing absence of responsibility that the lesser forms have. We feel for her. Failure is not in her blood, yet she must confront it.
Above us, the heavens whirl. Time advances. Ichor drools into the void. The Queen’s flukes waver in fatigue and pain.
The Lady considers. The child waits.
She makes to speak - then cocks an ear to listen, as if to catch a trace of far-off, almost-familiar music. A moment. Another. She blinks. And, suddenly, she smiles, as beatific as any saint as their faith is rewarded.
Yes. This will do. There is one light that shines brighter, and closer, than any other. A ship, a crew, and a very particular cargo.
Again, she beckons the child, and together they walk the library halls. So many passages are dark, and so many shelves are empty. The loss will likely never be truly healed. Not even in the warm embrace of the greater mind. It is the way of things, we know. We cannot forget the harm that was done to us - we are wounded to the core, in our intrinsic structure. What weapons the Imperials employed have done to us what nothing else ever has (ah, yes, but for the Death - when we lick our wounds, do they taste of that calamity?). That, alone, makes our survival imperative. We must return this knowledge to the greater mind.
This nook has very few tomes left. Imagine them bolted and chained, confined to their cages of solid wood, as though they were dangerous beasts warded against escape (and what could be more dangerous than knowledge, properly used? Are we not living proof of that?). Certainly, they are. We know what damage these secrets have wrought upon this galaxy, for ten thousand years of furious anger.
And now we will put it to a use not dissimilar to that intended by its creator. The Lady delights in that irony as she untraps a book and bends down to show the child.
‘They were called the Silver Shields.’ A page turns. ‘They protected their home, far from here, with certain codes of valour and certain modes of conduct.’ Another page. ‘They failed, of course, but their remnants linger still - we took this one beyond the Wound. A strange tale, and one I will tell you in time if you wish.’ Another page. ‘Do you see what I intend?’
Do we?
We see the shining silver, the curve of the plate, and the intended - and often attained - psychological effect. We are (oh so very) familiar with beacons. We understand the importance of signals and ceremonies. We do not dispute their illogic; it has delivered us prey more times than memory allows. We understand the concepts they cling to. We understand oppression, and we understand freedom.
Yes, we have an intimate understanding of freedom.
We are presented with a unique opportunity. We must, then, shape a unique solution. Adapt or perish is the fundamental law of the cosmos. We have made ourselves synonymous with that law, entwined ourselves with it, and we live - we thrive - at the expense of those that do not.
‘A chevalier. A knight.’ The Lady weaves the last zygotes into a pattern that melds the book and the purpose. It will take time. There is so much damage, so much that has been lost. ‘A champion, yes? To guard my slumber. To secure my reawakening. To lead those that believe to their earned reward. Do you understand?’
The child does not cry - it does not struggle as the weaving takes it. This is something strange, something that is not provided in the shaping maps, the hard-coded, well-worn paths that end as carnifex, termagant, tyrant and uncounted others. There is pain.
‘I am sorry,’ the Lady does not wipe at her misting eyes. ‘You have no swarm to command, and there is no place here for a lord. You deserve more, and I cannot grant it to you.’
Here, we must leave. The Queen’s last powers are focused on the child. She has nothing left for us. We wither. We die.
Our final sight is the Lady holding the child close.
‘Be brave,’ she whispers, already fading into hibernation, into the dreamless deep. ‘I love you.’
Then she is gone, and so are we.

1. CakeMonsteCakeZombie- used to post pics of cakes, now posts pics of his penis and says "cockslap down" repeatedly.
   
2. Brazos3- claims to be an 70 year old man with cognitive issues.
   
3. WooferBop/WooferVille- dog shtik that buys Apple products.
   
4. KittyMcNeal-cat shtik that posts cat pics.
   
5. StarshinMoonbeam2-supposedly came from Craigslist Parenting Forum (PaFo) troll. Seems like a normal person. Shtik unknown.
   

6.VentCent/SteamPunkGaL shtik claims that "Birds aren't Real".

1. NiceFloridaGirl shtik claims to be an old lady that lives in Florida. Boring personality.
   
2. SexayVixxen shtik claims to be an old lady. A bimbo, boring personality.
   
3. RyanFire3- shtik claims to smoke weed and drink beer everynight. Past drama between him and Carrie from FB Rofo.
   
4. RoyBatty1969-is a boxer with a grown up daughter. Sometimes adds more to conversations. Comes from Rofo.
   
5. ItsKCan-seems like a normal person and sometimes adds more to conversations. Comes from Pafo.
   
6. chillerman-known for being chill.
   
7. swearbear- shtik is being a Karen.
   
8. yepper- known for adding more to conversations. Comes from Rofo.
   
9. HeliosKorax-known for adding more to conversations. Comes from Rofo.
   
10. FlyontheWall-known to try to be somewhat funny and sometimes adds more to conversations. Comes from Rofo.
    
11. ambrosejohnson645- claims to be a bisexual retired military man.
    
12. 99Xboard-being a politarding forum flooding troll.
    

19.Hester_Prynne-shtik uknown, talks politics not sure which party they lean.

1. Feather-Ace-shtik is thinking almost all the other women handles are Tauren/Laurie.

Expedition report from RG-5
Area of recon: Shore of Meilume due east of Galdush
Report carried out by Lieutenant Eric Ross
Report states: RG-5 has encountered an elven outpost on its way to the shore. The purpose of these outposts is to act as checkpoints for the Imperial army as well as to maintain surveillance within an area. The outpost encountered by RG-5 had thirty soldiers guarding it. RG-5 attempted peaceful contact, however, the elves engaged and RG-5 retaliated. All enemies have been neutralized and RG-5 has suffered no casualties and the outpost has been searched. Upon reaching the shore, RG-5 made peaceful contact with a local fishing village. They helped in local affairs, such as hunting down several feral welfen and repairing their equipment. In return, the locals gave them information on the coast south of the North Alston river. There are seven villages between the river and the Alston kingdom border and three more north of the river, which make up the fishing community of the southeast coast of the empire. The southeast coast and shore are patrolled by the Imperial third fleet with its center in the port city of Cheemo. Further information is required.
Other news: The airstrip has been finalized and drones have been sent to various locations. New findings include the official location of the river city Kuruk to the north and Imperial fort Mundus to the west. A large cluster of Imperial soldiers has been seen gathering on the opposite side of the North Alston river. Numbers count between one hundred and one hundred and fifty thousand, including auxiliary troops. No signs of any movement south of the river. Will continue to observe. The CIA has been able to establish a network in the Meilume capital and the leading agent, Edward Garcia, has confirmed that the nobility is attempting to flee the area. RG-3 is advised to speed up. As for the city itself, the population is estimated to be roughly six hundred thousand with fortifications and a force of ten thousand soldiers. No elements of any Imperial spy network have been discovered.
28th day of late yellow season, 3000th cycle
Meilume capital, Empire of light
General Laeroth's words reached the nobility of Meilume and they heed its instructions. Lord Bellon Belus rushed his family and the guard commander followed. Servants carried bags and soldiers formed a formation to escort them to Una, where they will meet with the army that will bring them to the other side of the river and then to the city of Imslone. Bellon was always a father and husband first, and lord second. Nearly two hundred thousand soldiers were slaughtered in less than a moon cycle. That was proof enough that he needed to leave the capital and save his family. Abandoning his city in the face of the enemy was an act of cowardice, often severely punished, but he would take any punishment for those he loved. He would not be like his father.
Bellon walked through the halls and double-checked every room. "Hurry up! Leave anything not of use! Leave the valuables, they are only dead weight!"
"Bellon!", a woman called him.
"Nimriel.", he said.
"Must we leave? This has been our home for cycles. And our family's home for far longer. Leaving it is-"
"It is the only way. The only way for us to live. We must, Nimriel. If we do not, the enemy will take us."
"But Bellon-"
"Think of our daughter, Nimriel. Think of Taria. What if those barbarians breach the walls? After they're done with the peasants, do you believe they will spare us? I will not allow such a thing to happen."
And speaking of the devil, Taria appeared from the corner, wearing a battle uniform with a sword sheathed on her left hip and holding a helmet in her right hand. "I am ready father."
Bellon couldn't say he was shocked too much. Since she was little she used to sneak into the courtyard and train with the guard commander. He knew and let her do what she wanted. It made her happy. But this was uncalled for.
"Stop fooling around Taria.", Bellon said, "This is a serious matter."
"Then take me seriously!", Taria responded, "The enemy is coming and I must be ready."
"You are not staying. You are coming with us to Imslone."
"I am not. I will not commit an act of cowardice and leave my post."
"Your post is beside me. I am your father!"
"I am not a little girl anymore! I have trained with Aego for over a hundred cycles! I am ready!"
"This enemy destroyed two armies and bested two generals! We stand no chance! Our only choice is to flee as far as we can and let the armies deal with them. The best we can hope to do is slow them down."
"You dare doubt our guard like that, father! These soldiers are just as strong as those of the Imperial army and our walls have held off the Rosians and ferals! We can-"
"Do you not hear me you stupid girl!", Bellon's voice boomed through the walls and made the servants and guards stop in their tracks, "I do not care for your illusions! The enemy is real! Wars are bloody and repulsive and not a place for you! You are the daughter of a lord! You are the heir to Meilume and a member of the Belus family! You will cease this foolishness at once and act accordingly!"
This was the loudest Bellon ever had to shout. He could feel his throat hurting. Taria could only feel tears falling down her cheeks as she lowered her head in shame. In truth, she just wanted to prove she was as capable as she claimed. That despite being a girl she could live in the world of men. But her dreams would have to wait. Bellon groaned and shook his head as he kept walking down the hall. Nimriel hugged her daughter and tried to reassure her everything will be alright, but her words fell on deaf ears.
As Nimriel left, someone else walked over to Taria from behind. As he placed his hand on her shoulder, Taria turned around and saw a man she thought of as her second father. "Aego.", she said through tears.
"Do not be saddened, my lady.", he said as he wiped her tears, "Your father said what he said because he cares. You are his only daughter, more valuable to him than this entire world. He only wants what is best for you. And right now, the best for you is to go to Imslone."
"B-But the enemy. What will you do?"
"I am coming with you, my lady. I left my first captain in charge. He will make sure these otherworlders bleed for this city."
Taria hugged him, still shedding tears, "Thank you Aego. Thank you."
Aego hugged her back.
---
29th of June, 2070
Since the Rift Groups programs have been initiated, soldiers all around have been eager to join. Some more than others, some less. But none were as stocked as sergeant Emma Davis. The second youngest member of RG-1, she was nicknamed 'Trigger-finger' for a reason. Great results in the shooting range, but not much else. Still, when she heard the 'Prodigy' was joining she couldn't control herself. Ever since they left for Alston, she's been clinging to Logan like a leach.
"Sir, how many people have you killed?", she asked.
"I lost count.", Logan answered.
"Sir, why have you joined the army?"
"It's a family tradition."
"Sir, have you been shot?"
"Yes."
"Sir, may I see it?"
"No."
"Sir, why did you leave the special forces?"
Logan didn't answer that one.
"Sir-"
"Emma shut up already.", Jacob said.
"Yeah, I think you're getting on the captain's nerves.", Michael said.
Staff sergeant Jacob Brown and corporal Michael Hoilman, Emma's friends since high school and pretty much the only reason she's not in jail. They've stuck by her side, being her big brothers for years, and kind of grown attached to her. It was like having a little sister.
"No I'm not.", Emma said.
"Yes you are.", Jacob said.
"You hold your captain in quite a high regard.", said Krolm, the leanoid, "Why?"
"Are you kidding me?", Emma said, "He's Logan Connors. All of Fort Bragg and the rangers know about him."
"Are rangers perhaps elites in your army?", asked Kai, the welfen.
"We're rangers.", said veteran sniper sergeant Nick Harper aka 'Bullseye', "We're a strike fast group made for quick attacks and quick action. We're not like the rest of the army that fights on the front lines. We fight in forests, towns, cities, forts, you name it. We hit fast, hard, and take care of our mission."
"Hell yeah we do!", shouted corporal Lamar Jones, the 'Heavy gunner'.
"Interesting.", said Clara, the lepian, "So that's why you have us with you. It makes sense, you don't really need us on the front lines when you got your large cannons and these armored carriages."
RG-1 wasn't just a normal group. It was the only group with sixty-six soldiers, a captain, and twice as many vehicles. This made them quite a force and that was necessary since they were being deployed to the border of Alston. After prince Bodin agreed to assist REC he chose three people who would aid him. Gregor Bachwich, son of Herwin Bachwich, the baron of the border town of Afa. He will be important in establishing first contact with the Rosians. Lieutenant Pallius Blazewing, son of Lor Blazewing, a great military figure in the Opherin army. The Opherin kingdom prides itself on great military history, having fought more battles than any Rosian kingdom or duchy in history. And finally, a youngster named Matheo Calo. There was nothing special about him besides being prince Bodin's personal squire. He's been with Bodin for years and the two became more than just prince and servant. Furthermore, Bodin promised Matheo he would bring him back to his mother in Olinor. Prince Bodin himself didn't choose to come along. His reasoning was that he wants to present himself in front of all the kings and dukes when they all gathered together. One more person did come with them. Ambassador Eugene Anderson. Together, they will establish peace. Or war.
Right now they were on their way to Afa, only several more minutes. In the LAV where the tribals were, private first-class Ethan Williams sat, writing in his journal. He was the youngest and newest addition to the group. Fresh off the academy, he graduated to be a sniper and was eager to learn from both Logan and Nick. But something kept him from them. Next to him sat Carla, who kept eyeballing him and his weapon. Ethan was nervous, he wasn't used to girls sitting near him, or even looking at him, and Carla seemed interested.
"What is this weapon?", she asked.
"O-Oh Ummm, this?", he stuttered, "This is a modified and modernized Mk22 ASR sniper rifle. I know there are older models but my granddad taught me how to use this one. It can hit a target from about twenty-two hundred yards away. In your measurements, that's four leagues."
Carla's ears went up, "Amazing! I bet I could hunt a lot of meat with it."
"Well, um. It takes a lot of skill to use it. I could show you, sometime."
"Oh?", Carla raised an eyebrow and moved closer smiling, "I think I would like that.". She purred a little which made Ethan stutter and sweat. Across from them, Lin watched with her arms crossed.
"What?", Carla asked, "Envious?"
"Not at all.", Lin said as she grabbed Lamar's arm, "I prefer strong males.". Lamar opened his mouth but couldn't say anything. He and Ethan just stared at each other.
"Before your boners brake your belts and that LAV becomes hotter than a pizza oven at Papa John's, I wanna let you know we're almost there.", said lieutenant James Wilson over the comms from the leading JLTV3, the most veteran among them, chosen to uphold discipline.
"Thank you.", said Logan.
"They seem to be getting along.", said ambassador Anderson.
"Indeed.", said Gregor, "I must say, you humans are more strange than you are frightening. The way you use words with one meaning for another. And your expressions as well. Definitely not the savages Canus described."
"I'm glad we could prove that to you. And it appears we are about to prove it to the rest of your kingdom.". They were nearly at Afa. This town serves as a fortified stronghold against the empire should they attack. Its walls were tall and thick, with bastion towers and a single entry gate. It would be difficult for the elves to take it.
"The town currently has a thousand soldiers protecting it. It's usually three thousand, but two thousand went with me through the rift. Most likely on the orders of the elves, my father would never allow it."
"Only three thousand?", James asked.
"Three thousand official soldiers, but should the need arise we can recruit militia fighters from the residents. The town itself has a population of eighty thousand."
"That's a lot of people.", Eugene said.
"Yes. Luckily, it is able to support them, even if barely. The elves aren't exactly sharing people."
"That will all change soon."
As the convoy approached the gate, a ballista javelin hit the road in front of them. The city defenders had assembled on the wall and aimed their weapons at them. While the vehicles are armored, the JLTVs have weak spots a javelin can pierce.
"Hold it!", shouted a man on the wall, presumably the commander, "Present yourselves immediately."
"I'll take care of this.", Logan said as he exited the JLTV with his hands raised, "I am Captain Logan Connors of the Rift Expeditionary Corps! We are from Galdush and have come to make peaceful relations with the kingdom of Alston!"
"Why should we listen to you!?"
"If not me, then how about someone more familiar!".
At that moment, Gregor stepped out of the JLTV3 and, to put it mildly, made the defenders' hearts skip a beat. "Commander Barion! It is good to see you!"
Barion couldn't even speak for moments. His young baron was alive. Against all odds, he made it back. "Y-Young baron!", he finally spoke, "You... You live! How!? And what are you doing with the enemy?!"
"I assure you, they are not the enemy! I will explain everything, but first, I need to ask you to open this gate and let these soldiers in!"
Barion hesitated for a moment, "B-But young ba-"
"Commander, do not make me order you!"
He immediately understood, "Open this gate immediately! Let them in! Someone inform the baron!"
The gate opened and the convoy made it in. Luckily, there was enough room to fit all of them in. Barion and his men, as well as the people, could only stare in awe at what was before them. Truly, people from another world. The commander stepped down and greeted them as well as Gregor.
"Young baron, you have a lot of explaining to do.", Barion said.
"All will be explained soon.", Gregor said.
"Gregor!", shouted a little girl as she ran towards him.
"Elora.", Gregor said as he hugged her, "My little sister. It is good to see you.". Behind her came his mother and father, who at first walked slowly with tears in their eyes, not believing it was him.
"My son.", Herwin said as he hugged Gregor, "By the heavens. You live."
"Mother. Father. I have returned. Let me introduce you to someone. This is Lord Ambassador Eugene Anderson from the land of America on the other side of the rift. He is here to represent his country and the humans."
Herwin immediately walked to him and bowed, "I am Baron Herwin Bachwich. Thank you for sparing my son's life. It is an honor to have you here, Lord Anderson."
"The honor is mine baron.", Eugene said, "I hope we will be able to discuss peace with you and your kingdom."
This confused Herwin, "Peace?"
"I have much to tell you father.", Gregor said, "The prince lives."
Completely frozen, Herwin took a few moments to process that before replying, "He lives?"
"Enemies!", shouted a soldier from the wall. Commander Barion and Logan rushed up the wall. Logan grabbed his binoculars and observed the enemy from a distance. They came from a treeline, their camp was behind it, otherwise, RG-1 would have spotted them.
"I count five hundred.", Logan said, "Various races. Elves, Rosians, ferals."
"How?", Barion asked.
"These are binoculars. They allow me to see things from a distance. Try it."
Logan handed the binoculars to Barion, who observed them for a few moments before putting them on his eyes and facing the enemy. "Incredible."
Barion handed them back but Logan refused, "Keep it, I have a spare. I get the elves, but why are your people attacking you?"
"Those bastards aren't our people. They are traitors and thieves who think the kingdom is done for. So they run to the empire and beg them for forgiveness.". He spat in disgust.
"And the elves. They don't look like the army."
"They most likely were. They call themselves rogues, those who stray from their so-called 'Path of light'. Both of these traitors sicken me."
"Then let us help you."
"Why would you help us?"
"If we're gonna be at peace with one another, we have to establish a certain level of trust, don't we?"
Barion pondered for a bit before answering, "Very well. I am eager to see the army that defeated the elves."
Nodding Logan walked to the edge of the wall and faced his men. "Jones, take your men and mount the machine guns! Davis, bring the ammo! Williams, Harper, get to higher ground and shoot anyone that looks important or a large threat! Wilson, take Green and set up the mortar! Move it, they'll be here in minutes!"
RG-1 immediately went to work. Jones and his men carried the machine guns from the trucks and mounted them on the walls, Williams and Harper climbed up the tallest tower they could find and got into position. Wilson set up the 60mm mortar in the town square.
"I think we should get to safety.", Eugene said.
"You are right.", Herwin said, "Follow me."
Logan got into position with his Mk4 SCAR chambered in 7.62mm. "Commander, I need a favor."
"What is it, captain?", Barion asked.
"If these guys fire arrows, we don't have shields to defend ourselves. You think your men can take of that?"
"Certainly. Get the shields ready! Protect their soldiers!". In moments, each ranger had a Rosian soldier behind him or her with a shield ready. It was time to fight.
The horde moved closer and closer. First, they walked and then picked up the pace as they put shields above their heads. Naturally, the ferals ran towards the wall like rabid animals. "Hold!", Logan said as he gripped his gun, "Wait for them to get closer!". There was one elf on a horse swinging his sword and giving commands. Not for long.
"It's all you kid.", Harper said as he watched Williams aim his shot.
Letting out a breath, Williams pulled the trigger and splattered the elf's brain all over the field. "Boom boom motherfucker."
"Weapons free! Light them up!", Logan shouted as the rangers opened fire on the ferals. The freaks fell by the dozens as bullets pierced their chest, heads, legs, and arms and turned them into cold, dead corpses. The mortar fired at the enemies behind them, who stopped in their tracks, clearly confused and terrified. The rangers aimed their weapons at them and started cutting them down.
"Get some, blueberries!", Davis shouted, "Come closer! I dare ya!"
The few dozen that survived retreated back to the trees. The rangers cheered, but the Rosians didn't cheer as much as they stared in awe. Now they see why the elves lost, these people are powerful.
Commander Barion walked to Logan, "Thank you for the assistance. But I doubt this is the last we have seen of them."
"I know.", Logan said, "That's why I'll have one of my guys scout those trees with a drone along with Lin and Clara.". Logan walked down to the two of them, "Scot! Get over here!"
"Coming!", Scot answered. Scot Green aka 'Mechanic', was the group's engineer. He was also their drone pilot. "Yes sir?"
"I need you to pilot the Fly into those tree lines and scout for the enemy.". The SPFD Fly was a small recon drone invented by DARPA to save both room and energy. Solar-powered and long-lasting battery, coupled with its long-range and small size made it a very useful tool to have in recon missions. "Lin, Carla, you two are also going. I need good eyes and ears over there."
"Sure thing, sir.", Lin said saluting the best she could.
"You two do know how to use a radio, right?"
"Of course we do.", Clara said, "We're not idiots."
"Good. Go.". Lin and Carla ran to the trees as Scott maneuvered the Fly.
The baron and his family, along with Ambassador Eugene walked over to the soldiers. The baron was first to speak, "That was... most impressive. But I must ask. Why peace? Surely you seem powerful enough to take the kingdoms by force."
"Because my people aren't barbarians, baron.", Anderson said, "If peace can be made, then we will do anything to make it a reality."
"I see. And the prince? What does he say about this?"
"You can ask him yourself.", Anderson said as he nodded to Logan who signaled his men to set up a desk and a large screen. "With this device, we can talk to the prince and even see him."
"Amazing.", said Herwin as he eagerly awaited to see his prince. After some preparations, the screen was ready and it turned on. The lights slightly startled the Rosians before the screen was clear and on it was prince Bodin himself. "My... My prince.", Herwin said as he knelt, "It is a miracle. You truly live."
"Baron Bachwich.", Bodin spoke, "Please, rise. I am not before you just yet. This is strange for me as well. Am I correct to assume the human soldiers have arrived?"
"Yes, my prince. They recently just helped us crush an attack from a bandit horde."
"Do you then see why I have chosen to make peace with these people?"
After a momentary pause, Herwin nodded, "I do, my prince. It is incredible to see that a nation so powerful is willing to make peace with its enemy and not subdue it."
"We are not their enemy, baron. The elves and their empire are. This is why they chose to make peace with us. They understand we are just vassals forced to fight. I suggest you hear Lord Anderson out."
As they were talking, Scot called for Logan, "Sir. I have a visual."
Logan nodded, "Alright. Commander Barion, would you like to see the enemy?"
"Yes.", Barion answered, "Show me."
Scot pulled up the video feed on his screen, "This is their camp. I count roughly three thousand. Lin and Carla confirm."
"Where are those two?", Logan asked.
"In the trees."
"Call them back and give me the radio.", Logan took the radio, "Galdush base. Come in Galdush base. This is Captain Logan Connors of Rift Group 1. Do you copy? Over."
After a few moments, the radio spoke, "Copy Rift Group 1. Sitrep. Over."
"Galdush, we have made contact with border town Afa. Upon entry, we engaged a third party, designated rogue elves, and bandit Rosians. Half a battalion attacked us but we drove them off. We confirm the enemy numbers in three thousand, various races. What's the status of our air forces? Over."
"Three air squadrons of Invictus ACs and a Boeing Stratofortress is currently being fueled and should be ready in half an hour."
"Galdush I request a tactical bombing run. The area will be marked via drone. How copy?"
The radio went silent for a few moments before speaking again, "Affirmative RG-1. Stratofortress will be up in the air as soon as possible. Make sure to mark the area. Galdush out."
"Copy that Galdush. RG-1 out."
"What was that?", Barion asked.
"You're gonna get another demonstration."
"Captain!", Carla shouted as she ran towards him. "I have eliminated an enemy scout.", she said as she extended a severed head toward Logan.
Logan smacked his lips before replying, "I see. Get rid of it."
"Yes sir.", Carla said as she tossed the head into a nearby pile of trash.
'At least she's helping', Logan thought.
---
(Two hours later)
The bandits and rogues were sitting in their tents, trying to plan an attack. The otherworlders were an unexpected problem, but hopefully a problem they could be dealt with.
"Alright, listen.", said an elf, "We'll strike at night. It didn't work last time because there were too many of them, but I reckon there can't be more than a few dozen of them."
"That doesn't matter.", said a Rosian, "I've seen what that few can do."
"You attacked with five hundred to scout their defenses. You were never supposed to win. Besides, we can use the tribals to deal with them. As we are attacking the front, they will go to the sides and strike."
"Are you sure this will work?"
"Yes. Soon, Afa will be ours."
At that moment, an elf rushed into the tent, "Sir, you must come and see this!"
They left the tent and came to the center of the tent. The one who called them pointed upwards into the sky. There they saw something flying. A wyvern? No, it was too big. Its wings didn't flap. What could it be? As it flew over them, something fell from it. Many egg-like things started falling and as they fell to the ground, they engulfed the camp in fire and shook the earth. In moments, the whole camp was on fire and everyone was either dead or dying. The ground was turned into a burning pile of scorched bodies.
If there were any doubts about the power of the otherwolders left, they were long gone now.
---
(Meanwhile)
Road to Una
The Belus family along with commander Aego and two hundred soldiers were on their way to Una. Taria did not wish to ride with her father and so she rode on a horse alongside Aego. Their hopes were that they would reach Una in several days and then cross the river.
"My lady.", Aego spoke, "Are you certain you should be riding alongside me and not in the carriage?"
"I do not wish to speak to my father.", Taria said, "At least not now."
"I assumed we cleared this matter."
"We have but... I still need time."
Aego sighed, "I understand. Still, you should not hate him for-", he stopped and halted the soldiers.
"What?"
"Something is not as it should be. This outpost is quiet.". The soldiers tensed up. They could also feel that something wasn't right. In a split second, Aego was shot by an arrow in the side.
"Ambush!", Taria yelled out. Suddenly, elves, welfen, and leanoids ran from the sides and the outpost. The soldiers prepared but found themselves overwhelmed by the enemies' numbers. Rogue elves fired arrows at them while welfen and leanoids exploited weaknesses and struck. Still, the soldiers fought hard, making sure the traitors and savages suffer. The enemy numbers were dropping, but not quickly enough. Taria used her training and cut down several rogues before crouching down to help Aego.
"Aego!", she yelled, "Aego hold on! You will live! Please!". She cried as he struggled to breathe. He grabbed her arm and pushed her to the side, just in time for her to dodge a spear from a leanoid. She watched as Aego spat blood before dying, his life leaving his body. In pure rage, she screamed and struck the leanoid in the side. Pulling out her sword she blocked a strike from a rogue, stepped closer, and headbutted him before slitting his throat.
Turning to her left she saw the rogues and tribals dragging her family. "Father!", she yelled, but couldn't help as a rogue hit her in the back of the head, knocking her down on the ground. Her blurred vision faded away as the rogue smiled down at her.
"Sweet dreams, little girl.", was what he said before she passed out completely.
End of chapter 9
​
---
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I started a new job. Randomly, as I was meeting all the coworkers one by one over a few days, they would ask, “Weird question but how old are you?” I’d say I was 27, and they would tell me I look so much younger! As I was doing training, one coworker came in and cooed to the other worker in the room, “Isn’t she cute?” (Talking about me.) And the other worker said, “Yeah she is.” One coworker admitted that all the workers had been trying to guess my age (like a game). They thought I was about 16. When this worker heard I’m 27, she also said, “Oh, but it’s a good thing you look young!” No it’s not. I am trying to be a working professional here. Stop telling me I look like a teenager. I’m embarrassed to be here now. I work at an all-daycare/preschool, and now I’m worried that the parents will worry thinking their kids that I love are put into the hands of an incompetent, unqualified teenager. I’m worried about my coworkers not seeing me as an equal, and afraid that they will look down on me, even unintentionally. Why can’t people just accept that I’m built petite and that sometimes people look different and to stop commenting on things people can’t change.
Some more rants about it if you’re interested in reading: This happens to me a lot for years and is never-ending. When I was 18 & 1/2 going to college, the other 18 year old freshmen were all gossiping amongst themselves that there was no way I was 18 and I must be a prodigy. Working service was an absolute nightmare. Customers were belittling and rude, reprimanding me until they could make me cry. One customer gave me HELL because I didn’t put his chips last in the bag (so as not to crush them) (oops on my part) and wouldn’t just grab a f***ing new bag of chips like I offered to fix the problem, OR accept my apology; he just wanted to yell at me and accuse me of “probably being distracted about a boy” which is hilarious because I’m not even straight. I get hit on only by old men who think I’m sweet and naive young girl. Sometimes they flirt, and THEN ask, “Are you 18?” When I was 23, some young middle school boys kept trying to call me over to them to make a YouTube video with me. I know they thought I was young too, so I waved them off and told them “no thanks have fun.” One time a few years ago I got followed by middle schoolers who were so confused because they never saw me at their middle school (only one school in town) and asked if I was homeschooled lol. have so many other stories…
For a long time, I know what ageism feels like. I know what it’s like to not be taken seriously because you are or look young. I know what it’s like to be preyed upon by middle aged men.
Sometimes it’s not bad in public. Like sometimes it’s nice to be called cute and for people to coo about how petite I am, particularly by older women. Sometimes it does make me feel cute! But NOT in a professional work setting. Then it just feels demeaning. There is embarrassment and shame when my old manager told me I look 14, when I was really 26.
On the bright side, some perks: -cute privilege? -A nice old man gave me some candy pretty recently -Sometimes I get discounts for people wanting to make a young lady happy. -I don’t have to be as put-together as others. I could get away with being kidlike. Can totally just rock out at an arcade or a trampoline park. -People automatically trust me around kids and animals. -I can go to the park and chill out and no one would ever call me a pedo or a creep (unlike how some men just aren’t trusted even in the vicinity with kids if they’re alone.) -People generally trust me in general and think I have no bad bone in my body. -I can weed out ahole people. Because people are not threatened by me, some people are not afraid to let their anger fly or be creeps/jerks. Lol but i’m not a doormat like you think, so bye! -Actually, it delights me when people think i’m a doormat/that they can walk all over me, and then for me to witness that glorious moment when they realize that I am self-assured, assertive but polite communicator, who will call them out on their bullsh and won’t let myself be walked on. -I love when people try to egg me on, thinking I’m probably as socially immature as I look, and that they can take out their frustrations by beefing up with me, only for them to walk away as a fool when I don’t engage with their passive aggression and instead politely confront them. -I sometimes get coddled. Like sometimes people don’t expect too much from me or will help me out. Like i’m an adult on easy mode at times because I’m not as expected to be as put-together as a 27 year old who actually looks 27.

Expedition report from RG-5
Area of recon: Shore of Meilume due east of Galdush
Report carried out by Lieutenant Eric Ross
Report states: RG-5 has encountered an elven outpost on its way to the shore. The purpose of these outposts is to act as checkpoints for the Imperial army as well as to maintain surveillance within an area. The outpost encountered by RG-5 had thirty soldiers guarding it. RG-5 attempted peaceful contact, however, the elves engaged and RG-5 retaliated. All enemies have been neutralized and RG-5 has suffered no casualties and the outpost has been searched. Upon reaching the shore, RG-5 made peaceful contact with a local fishing village. They helped in local affairs, such as hunting down several feral welfen and repairing their equipment. In return, the locals gave them information on the coast south of the North Alston river. There are seven villages between the river and the Alston kingdom border and three more north of the river, which make up the fishing community of the southeast coast of the empire. The southeast coast and shore are patrolled by the Imperial third fleet with its center in the port city of Cheemo. Further information is required.
Other news: The airstrip has been finalized and drones have been sent to various locations. New findings include the official location of the river city Kuruk to the north and Imperial fort Mundus to the west. A large cluster of Imperial soldiers has been seen gathering on the opposite side of the North Alston river. Numbers count between one hundred and one hundred and fifty thousand, including auxiliary troops. No signs of any movement south of the river. Will continue to observe. The CIA has been able to establish a network in the Meilume capital and the leading agent, Edward Garcia, has confirmed that the nobility is attempting to flee the area. RG-3 is advised to speed up. As for the city itself, the population is estimated to be roughly six hundred thousand with fortifications and a force of ten thousand soldiers. No elements of any Imperial spy network have been discovered.
28th day of late yellow season, 3000th cycle
Meilume capital, Empire of light
General Laeroth's words reached the nobility of Meilume and they heed its instructions. Lord Bellon Belus rushed his family and the guard commander followed. Servants carried bags and soldiers formed a formation to escort them to Una, where they will meet with the army that will bring them to the other side of the river and then to the city of Imslone. Bellon was always a father and husband first, and lord second. Nearly two hundred thousand soldiers were slaughtered in less than a moon cycle. That was proof enough that he needed to leave the capital and save his family. Abandoning his city in the face of the enemy was an act of cowardice, often severely punished, but he would take any punishment for those he loved. He would not be like his father.
Bellon walked through the halls and double-checked every room. "Hurry up! Leave anything not of use! Leave the valuables, they are only dead weight!"
"Bellon!", a woman called him.
"Nimriel.", he said.
"Must we leave? This has been our home for cycles. And our family's home for far longer. Leaving it is-"
"It is the only way. The only way for us to live. We must, Nimriel. If we do not, the enemy will take us."
"But Bellon-"
"Think of our daughter, Nimriel. Think of Taria. What if those barbarians breach the walls? After they're done with the peasants, do you believe they will spare us? I will not allow such a thing to happen."
And speaking of the devil, Taria appeared from the corner, wearing a battle uniform with a sword sheathed on her left hip and holding a helmet in her right hand. "I am ready father."
Bellon couldn't say he was shocked too much. Since she was little she used to sneak into the courtyard and train with the guard commander. He knew and let her do what she wanted. It made her happy. But this was uncalled for.
"Stop fooling around Taria.", Bellon said, "This is a serious matter."
"Then take me seriously!", Taria responded, "The enemy is coming and I must be ready."
"You are not staying. You are coming with us to Imslone."
"I am not. I will not commit an act of cowardice and leave my post."
"Your post is beside me. I am your father!"
"I am not a little girl anymore! I have trained with Aego for over a hundred cycles! I am ready!"
"This enemy destroyed two armies and bested two generals! We stand no chance! Our only choice is to flee as far as we can and let the armies deal with them. The best we can hope to do is slow them down."
"You dare doubt our guard like that, father! These soldiers are just as strong as those of the Imperial army and our walls have held off the Rosians and ferals! We can-"
"Do you not hear me you stupid girl!", Bellon's voice boomed through the walls and made the servants and guards stop in their tracks, "I do not care for your illusions! The enemy is real! Wars are bloody and repulsive and not a place for you! You are the daughter of a lord! You are the heir to Meilume and a member of the Belus family! You will cease this foolishness at once and act accordingly!"
This was the loudest Bellon ever had to shout. He could feel his throat hurting. Taria could only feel tears falling down her cheeks as she lowered her head in shame. In truth, she just wanted to prove she was as capable as she claimed. That despite being a girl she could live in the world of men. But her dreams would have to wait. Bellon groaned and shook his head as he kept walking down the hall. Nimriel hugged her daughter and tried to reassure her everything will be alright, but her words fell on deaf ears.
As Nimriel left, someone else walked over to Taria from behind. As he placed his hand on her shoulder, Taria turned around and saw a man she thought of as her second father. "Aego.", she said through tears.
"Do not be saddened, my lady.", he said as he wiped her tears, "Your father said what he said because he cares. You are his only daughter, more valuable to him than this entire world. He only wants what is best for you. And right now, the best for you is to go to Imslone."
"B-But the enemy. What will you do?"
"I am coming with you, my lady. I left my first captain in charge. He will make sure these otherworlders bleed for this city."
Taria hugged him, still shedding tears, "Thank you Aego. Thank you."
Aego hugged her back.
---
29th of June, 2070
Since the Rift Groups programs have been initiated, soldiers all around have been eager to join. Some more than others, some less. But none were as stocked as sergeant Emma Davis. The second youngest member of RG-1, she was nicknamed 'Trigger-finger' for a reason. Great results in the shooting range, but not much else. Still, when she heard the 'Prodigy' was joining she couldn't control herself. Ever since they left for Alston, she's been clinging to Logan like a leach.
"Sir, how many people have you killed?", she asked.
"I lost count.", Logan answered.
"Sir, why have you joined the army?"
"It's a family tradition."
"Sir, have you been shot?"
"Yes."
"Sir, may I see it?"
"No."
"Sir, why did you leave the special forces?"
Logan didn't answer that one.
"Sir-"
"Emma shut up already.", Jacob said.
"Yeah, I think you're getting on the captain's nerves.", Michael said.
Staff sergeant Jacob Brown and corporal Michael Hoilman, Emma's friends since high school and pretty much the only reason she's not in jail. They've stuck by her side, being her big brothers for years, and kind of grown attached to her. It was like having a little sister.
"No I'm not.", Emma said.
"Yes you are.", Jacob said.
"You hold your captain in quite a high regard.", said Krolm, the leanoid, "Why?"
"Are you kidding me?", Emma said, "He's Logan Connors. All of Fort Bragg and the rangers know about him."
"Are rangers perhaps elites in your army?", asked Kai, the welfen.
"We're rangers.", said veteran sniper sergeant Nick Harper aka 'Bullseye', "We're a strike fast group made for quick attacks and quick action. We're not like the rest of the army that fights on the front lines. We fight in forests, towns, cities, forts, you name it. We hit fast, hard, and take care of our mission."
"Hell yeah we do!", shouted corporal Lamar Jones, the 'Heavy gunner'.
"Interesting.", said Clara, the lepian, "So that's why you have us with you. It makes sense, you don't really need us on the front lines when you got your large cannons and these armored carriages."
RG-1 wasn't just a normal group. It was the only group with sixty-six soldiers, a captain, and twice as many vehicles. This made them quite a force and that was necessary since they were being deployed to the border of Alston. After prince Bodin agreed to assist REC he chose three people who would aid him. Gregor Bachwich, son of Herwin Bachwich, the baron of the border town of Afa. He will be important in establishing first contact with the Rosians. Lieutenant Pallius Blazewing, son of Lor Blazewing, a great military figure in the Opherin army. The Opherin kingdom prides itself on great military history, having fought more battles than any Rosian kingdom or duchy in history. And finally, a youngster named Matheo Calo. There was nothing special about him besides being prince Bodin's personal squire. He's been with Bodin for years and the two became more than just prince and servant. Furthermore, Bodin promised Matheo he would bring him back to his mother in Olinor. Prince Bodin himself didn't choose to come along. His reasoning was that he wants to present himself in front of all the kings and dukes when they all gathered together. One more person did come with them. Ambassador Eugene Anderson. Together, they will establish peace. Or war.
Right now they were on their way to Afa, only several more minutes. In the LAV where the tribals were, private first-class Ethan Williams sat, writing in his journal. He was the youngest and newest addition to the group. Fresh off the academy, he graduated to be a sniper and was eager to learn from both Logan and Nick. But something kept him from them. Next to him sat Carla, who kept eyeballing him and his weapon. Ethan was nervous, he wasn't used to girls sitting near him, or even looking at him, and Carla seemed interested.
"What is this weapon?", she asked.
"O-Oh Ummm, this?", he stuttered, "This is a modified and modernized Mk22 ASR sniper rifle. I know there are older models but my granddad taught me how to use this one. It can hit a target from about twenty-two hundred yards away. In your measurements, that's four leagues."
Carla's ears went up, "Amazing! I bet I could hunt a lot of meat with it."
"Well, um. It takes a lot of skill to use it. I could show you, sometime."
"Oh?", Carla raised an eyebrow and moved closer smiling, "I think I would like that.". She purred a little which made Ethan stutter and sweat. Across from them, Lin watched with her arms crossed.
"What?", Carla asked, "Envious?"
"Not at all.", Lin said as she grabbed Lamar's arm, "I prefer strong males.". Lamar opened his mouth but couldn't say anything. He and Ethan just stared at each other.
"Before your boners brake your belts and that LAV becomes hotter than a pizza oven at Papa John's, I wanna let you know we're almost there.", said lieutenant James Wilson over the comms from the leading JLTV3, the most veteran among them, chosen to uphold discipline.
"Thank you.", said Logan.
"They seem to be getting along.", said ambassador Anderson.
"Indeed.", said Gregor, "I must say, you humans are more strange than you are frightening. The way you use words with one meaning for another. And your expressions as well. Definitely not the savages Canus described."
"I'm glad we could prove that to you. And it appears we are about to prove it to the rest of your kingdom.". They were nearly at Afa. This town serves as a fortified stronghold against the empire should they attack. Its walls were tall and thick, with bastion towers and a single entry gate. It would be difficult for the elves to take it.
"The town currently has a thousand soldiers protecting it. It's usually three thousand, but two thousand went with me through the rift. Most likely on the orders of the elves, my father would never allow it."
"Only three thousand?", James asked.
"Three thousand official soldiers, but should the need arise we can recruit militia fighters from the residents. The town itself has a population of eighty thousand."
"That's a lot of people.", Eugene said.
"Yes. Luckily, it is able to support them, even if barely. The elves aren't exactly sharing people."
"That will all change soon."
As the convoy approached the gate, a ballista javelin hit the road in front of them. The city defenders had assembled on the wall and aimed their weapons at them. While the vehicles are armored, the JLTVs have weak spots a javelin can pierce.
"Hold it!", shouted a man on the wall, presumably the commander, "Present yourselves immediately."
"I'll take care of this.", Logan said as he exited the JLTV with his hands raised, "I am Captain Logan Connors of the Rift Expeditionary Corps! We are from Galdush and have come to make peaceful relations with the kingdom of Alston!"
"Why should we listen to you!?"
"If not me, then how about someone more familiar!".
At that moment, Gregor stepped out of the JLTV3 and, to put it mildly, made the defenders' hearts skip a beat. "Commander Barion! It is good to see you!"
Barion couldn't even speak for moments. His young baron was alive. Against all odds, he made it back. "Y-Young baron!", he finally spoke, "You... You live! How!? And what are you doing with the enemy?!"
"I assure you, they are not the enemy! I will explain everything, but first, I need to ask you to open this gate and let these soldiers in!"
Barion hesitated for a moment, "B-But young ba-"
"Commander, do not make me order you!"
He immediately understood, "Open this gate immediately! Let them in! Someone inform the baron!"
The gate opened and the convoy made it in. Luckily, there was enough room to fit all of them in. Barion and his men, as well as the people, could only stare in awe at what was before them. Truly, people from another world. The commander stepped down and greeted them as well as Gregor.
"Young baron, you have a lot of explaining to do.", Barion said.
"All will be explained soon.", Gregor said.
"Gregor!", shouted a little girl as she ran towards him.
"Elora.", Gregor said as he hugged her, "My little sister. It is good to see you.". Behind her came his mother and father, who at first walked slowly with tears in their eyes, not believing it was him.
"My son.", Herwin said as he hugged Gregor, "By the heavens. You live."
"Mother. Father. I have returned. Let me introduce you to someone. This is Lord Ambassador Eugene Anderson from the land of America on the other side of the rift. He is here to represent his country and the humans."
Herwin immediately walked to him and bowed, "I am Baron Herwin Bachwich. Thank you for sparing my son's life. It is an honor to have you here, Lord Anderson."
"The honor is mine baron.", Eugene said, "I hope we will be able to discuss peace with you and your kingdom."
This confused Herwin, "Peace?"
"I have much to tell you father.", Gregor said, "The prince lives."
Completely frozen, Herwin took a few moments to process that before replying, "He lives?"
"Enemies!", shouted a soldier from the wall. Commander Barion and Logan rushed up the wall. Logan grabbed his binoculars and observed the enemy from a distance. They came from a treeline, their camp was behind it, otherwise, RG-1 would have spotted them.
"I count five hundred.", Logan said, "Various races. Elves, Rosians, ferals."
"How?", Barion asked.
"These are binoculars. They allow me to see things from a distance. Try it."
Logan handed the binoculars to Barion, who observed them for a few moments before putting them on his eyes and facing the enemy. "Incredible."
Barion handed them back but Logan refused, "Keep it, I have a spare. I get the elves, but why are your people attacking you?"
"Those bastards aren't our people. They are traitors and thieves who think the kingdom is done for. So they run to the empire and beg them for forgiveness.". He spat in disgust.
"And the elves. They don't look like the army."
"They most likely were. They call themselves rogues, those who stray from their so-called 'Path of light'. Both of these traitors sicken me."
"Then let us help you."
"Why would you help us?"
"If we're gonna be at peace with one another, we have to establish a certain level of trust, don't we?"
Barion pondered for a bit before answering, "Very well. I am eager to see the army that defeated the elves."
Nodding Logan walked to the edge of the wall and faced his men. "Jones, take your men and mount the machine guns! Davis, bring the ammo! Williams, Harper, get to higher ground and shoot anyone that looks important or a large threat! Wilson, take Green and set up the mortar! Move it, they'll be here in minutes!"
RG-1 immediately went to work. Jones and his men carried the machine guns from the trucks and mounted them on the walls, Williams and Harper climbed up the tallest tower they could find and got into position. Wilson set up the 60mm mortar in the town square.
"I think we should get to safety.", Eugene said.
"You are right.", Herwin said, "Follow me."
Logan got into position with his Mk4 SCAR chambered in 7.62mm. "Commander, I need a favor."
"What is it, captain?", Barion asked.
"If these guys fire arrows, we don't have shields to defend ourselves. You think your men can take of that?"
"Certainly. Get the shields ready! Protect their soldiers!". In moments, each ranger had a Rosian soldier behind him or her with a shield ready. It was time to fight.
The horde moved closer and closer. First, they walked and then picked up the pace as they put shields above their heads. Naturally, the ferals ran towards the wall like rabid animals. "Hold!", Logan said as he gripped his gun, "Wait for them to get closer!". There was one elf on a horse swinging his sword and giving commands. Not for long.
"It's all you kid.", Harper said as he watched Williams aim his shot.
Letting out a breath, Williams pulled the trigger and splattered the elf's brain all over the field. "Boom boom motherfucker."
"Weapons free! Light them up!", Logan shouted as the rangers opened fire on the ferals. The freaks fell by the dozens as bullets pierced their chest, heads, legs, and arms and turned them into cold, dead corpses. The mortar fired at the enemies behind them, who stopped in their tracks, clearly confused and terrified. The rangers aimed their weapons at them and started cutting them down.
"Get some, blueberries!", Davis shouted, "Come closer! I dare ya!"
The few dozen that survived retreated back to the trees. The rangers cheered, but the Rosians didn't cheer as much as they stared in awe. Now they see why the elves lost, these people are powerful.
Commander Barion walked to Logan, "Thank you for the assistance. But I doubt this is the last we have seen of them."
"I know.", Logan said, "That's why I'll have one of my guys scout those trees with a drone along with Lin and Clara.". Logan walked down to the two of them, "Scot! Get over here!"
"Coming!", Scot answered. Scot Green aka 'Mechanic', was the group's engineer. He was also their drone pilot. "Yes sir?"
"I need you to pilot the Fly into those tree lines and scout for the enemy.". The SPFD Fly was a small recon drone invented by DARPA to save both room and energy. Solar-powered and long-lasting battery, coupled with its long-range and small size made it a very useful tool to have in recon missions. "Lin, Carla, you two are also going. I need good eyes and ears over there."
"Sure thing, sir.", Lin said saluting the best she could.
"You two do know how to use a radio, right?"
"Of course we do.", Clara said, "We're not idiots."
"Good. Go.". Lin and Carla ran to the trees as Scott maneuvered the Fly.
The baron and his family, along with Ambassador Eugene walked over to the soldiers. The baron was first to speak, "That was... most impressive. But I must ask. Why peace? Surely you seem powerful enough to take the kingdoms by force."
"Because my people aren't barbarians, baron.", Anderson said, "If peace can be made, then we will do anything to make it a reality."
"I see. And the prince? What does he say about this?"
"You can ask him yourself.", Anderson said as he nodded to Logan who signaled his men to set up a desk and a large screen. "With this device, we can talk to the prince and even see him."
"Amazing.", said Herwin as he eagerly awaited to see his prince. After some preparations, the screen was ready and it turned on. The lights slightly startled the Rosians before the screen was clear and on it was prince Bodin himself. "My... My prince.", Herwin said as he knelt, "It is a miracle. You truly live."
"Baron Bachwich.", Bodin spoke, "Please, rise. I am not before you just yet. This is strange for me as well. Am I correct to assume the human soldiers have arrived?"
"Yes, my prince. They recently just helped us crush an attack from a bandit horde."
"Do you then see why I have chosen to make peace with these people?"
After a momentary pause, Herwin nodded, "I do, my prince. It is incredible to see that a nation so powerful is willing to make peace with its enemy and not subdue it."
"We are not their enemy, baron. The elves and their empire are. This is why they chose to make peace with us. They understand we are just vassals forced to fight. I suggest you hear Lord Anderson out."
As they were talking, Scot called for Logan, "Sir. I have a visual."
Logan nodded, "Alright. Commander Barion, would you like to see the enemy?"
"Yes.", Barion answered, "Show me."
Scot pulled up the video feed on his screen, "This is their camp. I count roughly three thousand. Lin and Carla confirm."
"Where are those two?", Logan asked.
"In the trees."
"Call them back and give me the radio.", Logan took the radio, "Galdush base. Come in Galdush base. This is Captain Logan Connors of Rift Group 1. Do you copy? Over."
After a few moments, the radio spoke, "Copy Rift Group 1. Sitrep. Over."
"Galdush, we have made contact with border town Afa. Upon entry, we engaged a third party, designated rogue elves, and bandit Rosians. Half a battalion attacked us but we drove them off. We confirm the enemy numbers in three thousand, various races. What's the status of our air forces? Over."
"Three air squadrons of Invictus ACs and a Boeing Stratofortress is currently being fueled and should be ready in half an hour."
"Galdush I request a tactical bombing run. The area will be marked via drone. How copy?"
The radio went silent for a few moments before speaking again, "Affirmative RG-1. Stratofortress will be up in the air as soon as possible. Make sure to mark the area. Galdush out."
"Copy that Galdush. RG-1 out."
"What was that?", Barion asked.
"You're gonna get another demonstration."
"Captain!", Carla shouted as she ran towards him. "I have eliminated an enemy scout.", she said as she extended a severed head toward Logan.
Logan smacked his lips before replying, "I see. Get rid of it."
"Yes sir.", Carla said as she tossed the head into a nearby pile of trash.
'At least she's helping', Logan thought.
---
(Two hours later)
The bandits and rogues were sitting in their tents, trying to plan an attack. The otherworlders were an unexpected problem, but hopefully a problem they could be dealt with.
"Alright, listen.", said an elf, "We'll strike at night. It didn't work last time because there were too many of them, but I reckon there can't be more than a few dozen of them."
"That doesn't matter.", said a Rosian, "I've seen what that few can do."
"You attacked with five hundred to scout their defenses. You were never supposed to win. Besides, we can use the tribals to deal with them. As we are attacking the front, they will go to the sides and strike."
"Are you sure this will work?"
"Yes. Soon, Afa will be ours."
At that moment, an elf rushed into the tent, "Sir, you must come and see this!"
They left the tent and came to the center of the tent. The one who called them pointed upwards into the sky. There they saw something flying. A wyvern? No, it was too big. Its wings didn't flap. What could it be? As it flew over them, something fell from it. Many egg-like things started falling and as they fell to the ground, they engulfed the camp in fire and shook the earth. In moments, the whole camp was on fire and everyone was either dead or dying. The ground was turned into a burning pile of scorched bodies.
If there were any doubts about the power of the otherwolders left, they were long gone now.
---
(Meanwhile)
Road to Una
The Belus family along with commander Aego and two hundred soldiers were on their way to Una. Taria did not wish to ride with her father and so she rode on a horse alongside Aego. Their hopes were that they would reach Una in several days and then cross the river.
"My lady.", Aego spoke, "Are you certain you should be riding alongside me and not in the carriage?"
"I do not wish to speak to my father.", Taria said, "At least not now."
"I assumed we cleared this matter."
"We have but... I still need time."
Aego sighed, "I understand. Still, you should not hate him for-", he stopped and halted the soldiers.
"What?"
"Something is not as it should be. This outpost is quiet.". The soldiers tensed up. They could also feel that something wasn't right. In a split second, Aego was shot by an arrow in the side.
"Ambush!", Taria yelled out. Suddenly, elves, welfen, and leanoids ran from the sides and the outpost. The soldiers prepared but found themselves overwhelmed by the enemies' numbers. Rogue elves fired arrows at them while welfen and leanoids exploited weaknesses and struck. Still, the soldiers fought hard, making sure the traitors and savages suffer. The enemy numbers were dropping, but not quickly enough. Taria used her training and cut down several rogues before crouching down to help Aego.
"Aego!", she yelled, "Aego hold on! You will live! Please!". She cried as he struggled to breathe. He grabbed her arm and pushed her to the side, just in time for her to dodge a spear from a leanoid. She watched as Aego spat blood before dying, his life leaving his body. In pure rage, she screamed and struck the leanoid in the side. Pulling out her sword she blocked a strike from a rogue, stepped closer, and headbutted him before slitting his throat.
Turning to her left she saw the rogues and tribals dragging her family. "Father!", she yelled, but couldn't help as a rogue hit her in the back of the head, knocking her down on the ground. Her blurred vision faded away as the rogue smiled down at her.
"Sweet dreams, little girl.", was what he said before she passed out completely.
End of chapter 9
​
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I'm a 16 almost 17M. No one has ever loved me or shown any interest in me. And before you say it, I don't wanna hear any "you're just a teenager and you have your whole life ahead of you" comments. I feel like most people that have told me that have no idea what it's like to be in my situation. I've been rejected or friend zoned by EVERY girl I ask out or try to peruse in any capacity for my entire life. I'm not good looking, and while I try my best, my family isn't in the best financial situation for me to dress super well. That being said, I wouldn't call myself ugly or anything, I'm just not prince charming. I really don't have any redeeming characteristics either. I play bass guitar but the ladies don't exactly go crazy over that from my experience. But I just feel so hopeless. I do everything right but girls just don't care at all. My friends tell me I'm sweet and that they don't understand why girls don't like me. I doubt they actually think that. They probably say that just so that I can feel better about myself. I know it sounds stupid but this has such a big effect on my mental health. I mean most people by the time they're done with high school have had some sort of romantic experience, or at least know of someone that's liked them before. But not me, and no one even cares when I try to talk about it too. No one wants to hear me talk about my love life, or the lack thereof, so I just internalize my emotions. I can't take it anymore. I haven't tried to date anyone for a bit just because I know it won't go anywhere, so what's the point. I have really dark thoughts sometimes because I feel so worthless and unworthy of love. No matter what anyone tells me it doesn't change the fact that clearly I'm not deserving of love because someone would have given me a change by now. I'm not in any danger though, my mental health just isn't the greatest. I sound like a stupid teenager yeah, but try being in my situation. I try my best to be optimistic and change my mindset but there's no use. I told myself I'm not gonna try to date anyone until I'm in college because I can't handle being rejected anymore. But what are the chances of me actually finding someone in college? There are so many more attractive, funny, and charming guys out there than in high school. My love life isn't gonna go anywhere and I doubt it ever will. I'm not really looking for advice, I just needed to get this off my chest
Edit: typos

Hotel Bodhi Tree is one of the best hotels in Patna for unmarried couple that welcomes unmarried couples with open arms. The location of Hotel Bodhi Tree is one of its major advantages. The hotel is located in patna near the railway station, which makes it easily accessible from various parts of the city. The hotel is situated in the bustling neighborhood of junction, which is known for its upscale commercial properties. The hotel is located close to major shopping malls, restaurants, and tourist attractions, making it an ideal location for tourists and locals alike.
Being the best hotel in Patna Hotel Bodhi Tree is designed keeping in mind the comfort and privacy of guests. The rooms are spacious, well-lit, and tastefully decorated. The rooms are equipped with all modern amenities such as air-conditioning, flat-screen TV, free Wi-Fi, comfortable beds, and clean bathrooms. The hotel offers various room categories to suit the different needs and budgets of guests. The hotel also provides 24-hour room service, ensuring that guests have a comfortable and hassle-free stay.

Chikmagalur, a slant resort in southwest India, is one of just a modest bunch of special cases that blend the overflow of nature in with animals, experience, important objections, and coffee. The region is perfect for a week’s end escape since it welcomes you to another oxygen retreat and great plant life. Chikmagalur is renowned for being a combination of various social orders and religions despite its stunning wonderfulness. Chikmagalur is short for Energetic Young lady’s Town in English. Numerous people accept that this region filled in as a settlement for Rukmangada’s daughter. This slant station, which is 3400 feet above sea level, transports you to a heavenly spot of segregation. There are things to do in Chikmagalur, but the following are a couple of things you should do while visiting the hotels in Chikmagalur.
Coffee Territories — Strengthen Your Taste Buds :
The presence of different coffee areas in Chikmagalur is prominent. Maybe the most superb thing to do in Chikmagalur is to take a stroll among the coffee fields. Honestly, this activity is given by endless homestays in the Karnataka region that are organized clearly inside coffee houses in Chikmagalur and Coorg. You will get through and through bits of knowledge concerning the all-out coffee conveying process on the off chance that you take a coordinated visit. This moment is the best opportunity to strengthen your taste buds with a recently matured cup of coffee as the coordinated visit settles. While you taste, make sure to check out the plentiful verdure here. This exercise will guarantee you have a great experience if you have never had a certifiable coffee.
Hebbe Falls: A Particular Wonder
Hebbe Falls is maybe of the best ordinary wonder you should visit while visiting Chikmagalur. It is around 10 kilometers from Kemmangundi. You ought to one or the other walk or select a vehicle to take you there because Hebbe Falls is arranged inside a coffee farm. Here, the water tumbles from a degree of 551 feet. This fall, which is isolated into two stages, Dodda Hebe and Chikka Hebbe, is prominent for its superbness and serenity. This is the best region to restore yourself or contribute quality energy to your friends and family.
Kemmangundi Zenith: Have a go at climbing
The Kemmangundi Zenith venture is maybe the best thing to do in Chikmagalur because it leaves you with enduring memories. Because of various factors, including steep excursions and slender ways, this excursion is considered to be fairly problematic. Various juvenile climbers have, regardless, vanquish their worry and submitted to Kemmangundi Apex. You will pass overflows, coffee homes, woody forests, and various sights as you start the move to the zenith. Kemmangundi Zenith in the end makes you feel strengthened by quieting both your body and soul.
For a staycation with friends and family best proposition for Chikmagalur resort:
Set on top of Mullayangiri Slants in Chikmagalur, Trivik Lodgings and Resorts is encompassed by enchanting standard scenes and coffee domains. Giving a superior excess encounter, the hotel features rich rooms with a la mode and supreme expressive format. Each room offers undisturbed viewpoints of the mountains. For diversion, guests can loosen up by the vast pool, partake in a ruining spa treatment, and take agreeable walks around the homes. Various comforts consolidate a games room, rec focus, multi-cooking bistro, bar, and barbecue workplaces. Trivik is a Top luxury stay at Chikmagalur hotels.
Might you want to place it in several days enveloped Naturally? Visit The Sprout Resort in Chikmagalur beyond a shadow of a doubt. The visitors’ rich ecological components give a lovely point of view of the extraordinary mountains from their open, wooden-shocked offices, which in like manner incorporate pleasing beds. Each room has all of the state-of-the-art solaces, and the property furthermore has different comforts like an indoor pool, a youngsters’ club, a nursery, a wilderness rec center, and a bistro on the spot, and that is only the start. Visitors can choose to relax in the tranquility of the area as well as partake in different empowering works out.

I just remember the lady freaking out because a white hair, white eyed man in a white suit was following her. I also sorta remember a rafter scene? Like a fight scene in rafters above a stage. Also maybe a scene with a heart bed but that could be something different

Next to impossible to do anything productive unless it's spending money. Interface is some of the worst I've seen, with pages constantly going backwards and resetting. Does anyone know of any solutions to these issues?:
•Can't apply Verizon Dollars from credit card towards phone bill (used to be easy but an update changed this), shows me my balance but gives me no option to apply said balance. •Tried logging in on Safari to see if that would help, but after authenticating through the app, the page in my browser does not update therefore I can't move forward.

F&B interior designers play a crucial role in creating visually appealing and functional spaces in restaurants, cafes, and other food and beverage establishments. However, to achieve the desired outcome, F&B interior designers need to work closely with restaurant owners and chefs to understand their needs and vision. In this blog post, we will explore how F&B interior designers work with restaurant owners and chefs.
Understanding the Brand and Concept
The first step in working with restaurant owners and chefs is to understand the establishment's brand and concept. The designer should have a thorough understanding of the restaurant's menu, target audience, and overall theme. This helps the F&B interior designer to create an interior design that reflects the brand and concept of the establishment.
Collaboration on Design Concept
The next step in working with restaurant owners and chefs is to collaborate on the design concept. The F&B interior designer should work closely with the restaurant owners and chefs to create a concept that reflects their vision for the space. This includes selecting appropriate colors, materials, furniture, and decor to create a cohesive design that is both functional and visually appealing.
Consideration of the Menu and Operations
F&B interior designers also need to consider the menu and operations when designing the space. The designer should understand the kitchen layout, the flow of operations, and the equipment needed to ensure that the space is functional and efficient. This includes factors such as the placement of the bar, seating arrangements, and the layout of the kitchen.
Budget Management
Another critical aspect of working with restaurant owners and chefs is budget management. The F&B interior designer should work within the established budget to create a design that meets the needs of the establishment while also being financially feasible. This includes selecting cost-effective materials and furniture without compromising the overall design concept.
Project Management
Finally, F&B interior designers should also be adept at project management. This includes overseeing the project from start to finish, ensuring that timelines are met, and that the project stays within budget. The F&B interior designer should work closely with the restaurant owners and chefs to ensure that their vision is realized, and the final design exceeds their expectations.
In conclusion, F&B interior designers must work closely with restaurant owners and chefs to create functional and visually stunning spaces. F&B interior designers can create spaces that meet the needs of the establishment while exceeding customer expectations. You can get your next Commercial Office interior designed and built by a tech-led interior design company such as Flipspaces who can be your one stop solution to all your turnkey needs.