Pink diamond 7 scratch off michigan
To Kill a Predator, Finale
2023.06.10 19:34 tulpacat1 To Kill a Predator, Finale
Hi everyone.
To Kill a Predator is a work of fan fiction set in the Nature of Predators universe originally created by SpacePaladin15 whose Patreon you should subscribe to.
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents either are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events or locales or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental. Depiction does not equal endorsement.
Hope you enjoy it!
[First] [Previous]
---
Memory transcription subject: Martin Russo, Human Refugee
Date [standardized human time]: January 10th, 2137
Without the girls, life settles into a boring rut. I talk to them as much as I can on the pad, but they’re busy on Earth, hitting the ground running.
There’s been a lot of ground to cover before they’re caught up to where everyone else will be, particularly for Vilek. She’s often had to pull double-claws of studying, working her fluffy ass off to gain a baseline understanding of psychology in record time. Thiva’s classes on VP by contrast have prepared her well for humanity’s relatively simple technology.
That, and they’ve had to get used to Earth. Earth food, Earth culture, and a planet full of omnivores with forward-facing eyes. I’ve been doing what little I can to help coach and encourage them.
For my own part I’ve been restless. Given that I’m not able to look for a job yet, that physical therapy kicks my ass every other paw, and that I’ve got nothing to do other than look forward to a half-hour of chatting with my friends… I’ve started up on software again. It’s something I can do even while laying prone. Particularly since I have a way to write without using my hands.
What do I do with that, anyway? I can read minds. I can even use the raw data from a full brain scan to extract memories. There’s got to be something useful to do with this. It’s practically the only part of this entire debacle I haven’t bothered telling the UN about.
Honestly after what I’ve been through, I can’t imagine trusting them, or the Venlil government, with this. Bastards would be prosecuting thought-crime by the end of the week.
Jarkim’s opened his business a couple of weeks back. Without an actual office, since he plans to simply operate out of Slavik’s farm. As I understand they tolerate it as long as he also helps out in return for food and board. I hope the arrangement works out for the both of them.
I gave Jarkim some help with his online presence. He wasn’t initially sure about the black and white picture of him in a fedora and a tie, or about the business name “Jarkim Krakotl, Private Eye”. But as soon as humans heard about Venlil Prime’s only Krakotl detective they’ve ended up coming to him with their problems.
He sent me a picture of his first solved case, some runaway kid who got lost and reunited with her mother. He was still wearing the hat. No tie, though.
Today is my paw off from Chasa’s torments, and it coincides with the launch of another exciting new business venture. So I take the time to visit Mosun.
“Hey Martin! Hold on a minute!” I see the Yotul wrangling a bunch of foam mats around the large, empty room. And its wall-length mirror. Fittingly the place look like the midway point between a dance studio and a martial arts dojo, except for the soft and spongy floor. It’s meant to safeguard against falls.
I glance around the room while he huffs and plops the last few ones down. There’s perhaps thirty-five or forty foam mats scattered on the floor. “So are you being optimistic, or did you get a good reception?”
He looks at me, bouncing with excitement. Though his ears signal a bit of nervousness. “Five Yotul have signed up so far! That’s almost half the Yotul in the entire town! And almost twenty humans! Hanya’s bringing a couple of Gojid friends too, and we’ve got a few Venlil coming along with their humans… Oh, and an Iftali, that was a surprise. Honestly I may be a little in over my head here; I’ve never taught crowds before! I’m not even sure how much will translate across species!”
“So you’ll be learning on the job. I have complete faith in you. Are the Exterminators going to give you any trouble?”
He barks a laugh. “Hah! No, Jarkim had a talk with the magister. I got permission from Vaska’s office to teach the classes in the name of cultural preservation, so those motherfuckers can’t touch me!”
I laugh as well. “You might need to censor your language a bit as a teacher.”
“Combat Dancing is about honesty and expression, Martin. If I can’t live it, how am I supposed to teach it?”
Well, he got me there. “Anything I can do to help?”
He glances at me, his voice gets a little uncomfortable. “Um, I don’t know. Can you carry heavy stuff right now?”
I shrug. “Probably not, no.”
“Then I’ll be fine. You’re not interested in taking the class?”
“I think my dancing days are over, for the foreseeable future.” I wryly lift my cane and wave it as a small reminder. It’s wood, and I’m quite fond of it. Chasa found a Venlil craftsman who wanted to be the first to make one for a human, and he made it out of the wood of some kind of tree called Lampan. The color reminds me of mahogany.
His ears droop a bit. “Ah yeah. How permanent is that looking?”
I shrug. “Finger dexterity on the right hand’s likely never going to be the same, but I’ll be able to play video games. Left arm should recover enough for daily use. Leg should get a full range of motion, but I won’t be going jogging. Thankfully I look dignified with a cane.”
He wags his tail teasingly and cocks his head as he regards me. “Do you? …Must be a human thing.”
“Piss off. Mind if I sit in on the class?”
“Of course not!”
Turns out first class of Yotul Combat Dancing is a quick demonstration, and then Mosun talking to the quite large and varied crowd. He talks about the history and cultural significance of Combat Dances to the Yotul, the philosophical underpinnings of the artform, and the mentality to be cultivated in practitioners.
Everyone is listening with rapt attention, and a few of the humans are even taking notes. When he opens the floor for questions, a Venlil asks “Isn’t this an expression of Predator Disease?”
To which Mosun answers “No. Next question?”
Which is honestly as much of a response as that warrants.
I talk with Hanya briefly after the class. She says that she’s been diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, and that human therapy is helping her out. She even talks excitedly about piloting shuttles again, someday soon. I’m glad for her.
Once I get back to the house, there’s a man in a suit waiting for me. He’s tall, bald, and has very dark skin. I don’t recognize him. He extends his hand toward me, and I shake it. He speaks English with an African accent, instead of letting the translator handle it. I’d guess western Africa, but I’m hardly an expert. “Bamidele Adeyemi.”
“Martin Russo. Can I help you?”
He indicates the door. “May I come in?”
“Sure. My Venlil hosts aren’t home right now.”
“Of course.”
Once he’s been let in, and I’ve given him something to drink, I wait patiently for him to explain his presence.
“I am the UN liason to the district magister’s office.”
I keep my tone neutral and politely curious. “What happened to Robert McGinley?”
He keeps his tone neutral too, but friendly. He smiles at me. “It was decided that he should be replaced.”
Oh no. Anyway. “Alright. But… No offense mister Adeyemi, but why are you here?”
He takes out a pad. “I have some documents that the UN and the District Magister would like you to sign.”
I sigh inwardly and make a quite heroic effort to not sigh outwardly. I look at the pad briefly anyway. As I expected, it’s about making myself legally liable should I speak up about what I’ve gone through. “I’m afraid you are wasting your time. McGinley told me to sign papers like this too, and I told him ‘no’.”
He nods, entirely unsurprised. “I understand you signed similar documents over a smaller… altercation with the Exterminators. Why the difference of response, if I may ask?”
“Because the first time he threatened to have me thrown out of the refugee center if I didn’t.”
Bamidele’s eyes widen briefly. “I see. That does explain why you told him to ‘fuck off’.”
“Yes.” I pause briefly. “…You’ve been polite enough that I don’t want to use the same language. But.”
He laughs briefly. “Haha, yes, I understand. Different circumstances, yes? My predecessor tried the stick. I am here to try the carrot. So tell me, mister Russo, what will it take for you to sign?”
“There’s nothing that…” I pause.
I sit down. I’m briefly quiet. I miss my friends so goddamn much. I swallow, mouth feeling dry as I tentatively reach for the proffered lifeline. “I… hear Sweden’s lovely this time of year.”
He flashes his teeth at me in a broad smile and chuckles pleasantly. “Hehe, I thought you might say that. But… You do realize it is January?”
Date [standardized human time]: January 12th, 2137
The thought of leaving this wretched planet and its wretched food and its wretched government and its wretched ever-present sun makes me feel like I’m already back in Earth’s lighter gravity.
I ended up paying Chasa back for all the pain and suffering she inflicted on me: The largest gift basket I could find online, filled with fruits, candies, and preserves of both Zurulian and human origin.
When I wake up at the start of the paw, my arch-nemesis has sent me two pictures. The first one is a schedule to keep for the next couple of months. In the second picture she’s put pillows and blankets in the basket and is using it as a bed, a paw raised in goodbye.
If the medi-teddies ever learn to weaponize their cuteness, humanity is in real trouble.
Packing is easy. I don’t have a lot. A band shirt from when I went to see ‘Where Angels Fear’, a few bad sketches of fruit, my dad's chess set, my pad, and a neural scanner.
Date [standardized human time]: January 13th, 2137
The space flight actually lands directly in Sweden, somewhere north of the polar circle at a place called Esrange. I immediately realize that winter’s back on the menu, as the cold makes my left leg and arm ache like hell. It’s the dead of night, too… But I’ve missed night. So has everyone else, as despite the cold people are walking straight out into the snow to just stare up into the starry sky and stare in open awe at the sky, where the stars form a backdrop for the northern lights. I join them.
A poetic whimsy falls over me, making me grin at the cheesiness. It’s like the sky itself is welcoming us back home.
From Esrange we take cars to Kiruna, Sweden’s northernmost city. From there it’s a long train ride south. I’ve gotten a sleeper cabin. With the generous stipend from the UN, I have no need to scrimp.
Even so, it takes significantly longer to travel 1400 kilometers across Sweden than it did to travel 16 light-years from Gliese 832. I’ve got almost twenty hours to appreciate the irony.
Date [standardized human time]: January 14th, 2137
I’m met at the train station in Lund by a man holding a sign with my name on it. His car takes me directly to the university. Everything feels very… ordinary, except I’m a bit dazed at having so many humans around me again.
We arrive a little before 8 in the morning. Excited students scurry to and fro, eager and hopeful for the first day of spring term. The driver is named Markus, and very kindly helps me find my way to my meeting. I’m left outside a door, standing around awkwardly.
The man I’m meeting with is Jonas Falck, and he’s the head of the department of computer science. While the UN has ‘encouraged’ the university to take me in despite it being so close to the term start, the decision remains with him.
I really wanted to see the girls first, but the meeting time was set for me. I desperately wish I had thought to shave beforehand. I’ve been using my beard to hide my weak chin, but it probably looks more unprofessional than-
“Hey, are you Martin Russo?”
Ah, I see.
Mister Falck is holding two cups of coffee and offers one of them to me with a smile. He’s got a full beard, a full belly, hair past his shoulders, and a pink hawaiian shirt to go with his khaki shorts and flip-flops. This man is clearly one of the most talented professionals working in the field today.
“So, do you mind if I ask…” He motions to my cane while I take a seat.
“How that happened?”
“Yes.”
“That’s classified. I’m not even joking.”
He nods once, like that was more or less what he expected to hear. He leans back in his chair, which creaks a bit, and takes a slow drink from his coffee while reading on his computer. “So you studied at Columbia University before the Bombing?”
“Yes.”
“And your family lived in New York?”
“Yes.”
“I’m sorry to hear that.” He doesn’t say it unkindly, but he does say it as rote. ‘Oh you’re from one of the places that doesn’t exist anymore? Sorry to hear that.’
I nod awkwardly. “Yes.”
“And you were focusing on studying brain-computer interfacing?”
I feel like a recording. “Yes.”
“It’s very uncommon to add a student this late. The term begins today.”
“Yes.”
“We can’t provide housing for you on such a short notice, for one.”
“I have that handled, sir.”
He scrunches his face up. “Jonas, please. Americans are so formal.”
“Alright, er, Jonas.”
“So, Martin, what I’m asking for is a reason. To take you in right now, I mean, instead of next year.”
I nod. This is thankfully something I had planned for. My hand slips into my pocket, fingering the box holding the scanner electrodes. “Well, Jonas… I think there’s something you should take a look at.”
Handling paperwork and basic orientation takes most of the morning. I manage to get morning-and-evening classes to share my time off with the lambchops. That only works because most people don’t want evening classes. Evenings are for partying if you’re a student, so late classes are mostly for adults with jobs.
I end up standing around nervously by the entrance to the university building, counting down the time. I watch people passing by as calmly as I can, still checking my pad every minute or so for any messages and jerking my head around like a bird at anything that’s even a bit of a shade of gray.
I can tell the alien girls are coming even before I see them, since everyone is glancing curiously their way. I straighten my back and shift my weight from foot to foot. I feel like a dog at an airport, waiting for the return of its owner.
They’re looking around as I see them, and Thiva’s the first to spot me. Her ears perk up and Vilek immediately looks to me as well. As they speed up into a sprint, I’m a bit surprised to see them both wearing clothes. Both girls are wearing custom boots made to fit their digitigrade legs.
They’re both wearing coveralls, Vilek’s in a hospital teal and Thiva’s in a bright red. It’s been explained to me that many at the university have a student culture of wearing colorful coveralls that they decorate with patches, called ‘Ovve’, and that Thiva’s red marks her as a mechanical engineering student. Vileks’s teal, presumably, mark her as studying healthcare. Or specifically therapy, perhaps. I need to look it up.
Seeing as computer science students are apparently expected to wear pink ones, I’m thinking I might sit out this grand and colorful tradition. On the other hand according to the Internet it’s an informal rule to cut a bit from the ‘Ovve’ of anyone you’ve exchanged body fluids with and patch it onto your own. So I suppose I could be convinced.
The girls collide with me, thankfully gently. Their tails are wagging like crazy out of the back of their outfits, and they’re clinging to me. I inhale deeply, take in the distinct and pleasant scent of my cute Venlil friends, and cling to them as well. My fingers stroke through their thick fur, and I hear their happy wordless bleating and whistling.
I close my eyes and enjoy the moment, not giving one whit for the passersby watching the scene.
“Oh, girls, I-” Vilek punches me in the arm unexpectedly. The right one, thankfully.
“Ow!”
Even though her ears signal joy and her tail is wagging, her voice is still stern. “We learned what ‘lambchops’ means!”
Ah.
The student flat isn’t very expansive, but it’s larger than the one we shared on Venlil Prime. Probably because humans are just plain larger.
It’s currently sparsely furnished. There’s a couple of desks, a couch, a table, a beanbag chair, and a bunk bed. I take my shoes off in the hallway, as the girls do. When in Lund.
They help me unpack. There’s not a lot, but they had already set aside a little corner for me. I’ve got the beanbag chair instead of a desk, which I’m perfectly fine with.
I sigh and lean against a wall briefly. “I’m… so glad to be home.”
Thiva turns her head a little, flicking an ear in question. “You missed being on Earth?”
I chuckle, and pinch her ear-tip lightly. I lean over to give Vilek one too, for fairness. It earns me a pair of bleeps from them, and I go on the offensive to rub their heads and scratch their ears and do everything I can to make the lambchops squeal happily. They thankfully oblige. “I missed being with my herd.”
My friends are safe, they’re here with me, and we all have paths forward. I’ve fought and bled for this opportunity. I’m allowed to enjoy it.
I sit down on the couch with a quiet groan of satisfaction, finally getting to put my cane aside. “So, girls… how are you feeling about Earth so far?”
They grumble immediately. “It is so freaking cold!” “Snow! We do not like the snow!”
“It’s only for another couple of… Months.” They’re undressing right in front of me. I am left briefly stunned.
Oh right they don’t normally wear clothes.
Reminding myself of that doesn’t help. The context is what it is. They’re my best friends and my two favorite girls and they’re stripping naked before me.
My brain fails me. “…Okay, so, uhh. Um. Hmmh. Huh.”
Mother of God there’s nothing different! They’re naked. They’re always naked! It hasn’t been a problem on VP, it won’t be a problem here! Man up!
I take a deep and steadying breath and resolutely refuse to think of patches of white and red on a set of pink coveralls, with pink patches on their matching ones.
“I guess we should… buy some food? And some clothes for me to use? And…”
And they turn their heads toward me, staring at me with one eye each. Side by side. Making me feel like I'm being stared down by a single creature. One with forward-facing eyes. And an orange blush.
They take slow steps closer. Thiva speaks first with an amused lilt to her voice. “Or maybe this is a good time to talk. You know, about the house rules.”
Vilek speaks as well, moving her tail sinuously in a teasing motion. “Relationship statuses.”
Thiva comes in with the finisher, practically purring. “Sleeping arrangements.”
Ah.
---
And that's the end! Thank you all so much for reading, and check the comments for a small request from yours truly!
[First] [Previous]
submitted by tulpacat1 to NatureofPredators [link] [comments]
To Kill a Predator is a work of fan fiction set in the Nature of Predators universe originally created by SpacePaladin15 whose Patreon you should subscribe to.
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents either are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events or locales or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental. Depiction does not equal endorsement.
Hope you enjoy it!
[First] [Previous]
---
Memory transcription subject: Martin Russo, Human Refugee
Date [standardized human time]: January 10th, 2137
Without the girls, life settles into a boring rut. I talk to them as much as I can on the pad, but they’re busy on Earth, hitting the ground running.
There’s been a lot of ground to cover before they’re caught up to where everyone else will be, particularly for Vilek. She’s often had to pull double-claws of studying, working her fluffy ass off to gain a baseline understanding of psychology in record time. Thiva’s classes on VP by contrast have prepared her well for humanity’s relatively simple technology.
That, and they’ve had to get used to Earth. Earth food, Earth culture, and a planet full of omnivores with forward-facing eyes. I’ve been doing what little I can to help coach and encourage them.
For my own part I’ve been restless. Given that I’m not able to look for a job yet, that physical therapy kicks my ass every other paw, and that I’ve got nothing to do other than look forward to a half-hour of chatting with my friends… I’ve started up on software again. It’s something I can do even while laying prone. Particularly since I have a way to write without using my hands.
What do I do with that, anyway? I can read minds. I can even use the raw data from a full brain scan to extract memories. There’s got to be something useful to do with this. It’s practically the only part of this entire debacle I haven’t bothered telling the UN about.
Honestly after what I’ve been through, I can’t imagine trusting them, or the Venlil government, with this. Bastards would be prosecuting thought-crime by the end of the week.
Jarkim’s opened his business a couple of weeks back. Without an actual office, since he plans to simply operate out of Slavik’s farm. As I understand they tolerate it as long as he also helps out in return for food and board. I hope the arrangement works out for the both of them.
I gave Jarkim some help with his online presence. He wasn’t initially sure about the black and white picture of him in a fedora and a tie, or about the business name “Jarkim Krakotl, Private Eye”. But as soon as humans heard about Venlil Prime’s only Krakotl detective they’ve ended up coming to him with their problems.
He sent me a picture of his first solved case, some runaway kid who got lost and reunited with her mother. He was still wearing the hat. No tie, though.
Today is my paw off from Chasa’s torments, and it coincides with the launch of another exciting new business venture. So I take the time to visit Mosun.
“Hey Martin! Hold on a minute!” I see the Yotul wrangling a bunch of foam mats around the large, empty room. And its wall-length mirror. Fittingly the place look like the midway point between a dance studio and a martial arts dojo, except for the soft and spongy floor. It’s meant to safeguard against falls.
I glance around the room while he huffs and plops the last few ones down. There’s perhaps thirty-five or forty foam mats scattered on the floor. “So are you being optimistic, or did you get a good reception?”
He looks at me, bouncing with excitement. Though his ears signal a bit of nervousness. “Five Yotul have signed up so far! That’s almost half the Yotul in the entire town! And almost twenty humans! Hanya’s bringing a couple of Gojid friends too, and we’ve got a few Venlil coming along with their humans… Oh, and an Iftali, that was a surprise. Honestly I may be a little in over my head here; I’ve never taught crowds before! I’m not even sure how much will translate across species!”
“So you’ll be learning on the job. I have complete faith in you. Are the Exterminators going to give you any trouble?”
He barks a laugh. “Hah! No, Jarkim had a talk with the magister. I got permission from Vaska’s office to teach the classes in the name of cultural preservation, so those motherfuckers can’t touch me!”
I laugh as well. “You might need to censor your language a bit as a teacher.”
“Combat Dancing is about honesty and expression, Martin. If I can’t live it, how am I supposed to teach it?”
Well, he got me there. “Anything I can do to help?”
He glances at me, his voice gets a little uncomfortable. “Um, I don’t know. Can you carry heavy stuff right now?”
I shrug. “Probably not, no.”
“Then I’ll be fine. You’re not interested in taking the class?”
“I think my dancing days are over, for the foreseeable future.” I wryly lift my cane and wave it as a small reminder. It’s wood, and I’m quite fond of it. Chasa found a Venlil craftsman who wanted to be the first to make one for a human, and he made it out of the wood of some kind of tree called Lampan. The color reminds me of mahogany.
His ears droop a bit. “Ah yeah. How permanent is that looking?”
I shrug. “Finger dexterity on the right hand’s likely never going to be the same, but I’ll be able to play video games. Left arm should recover enough for daily use. Leg should get a full range of motion, but I won’t be going jogging. Thankfully I look dignified with a cane.”
He wags his tail teasingly and cocks his head as he regards me. “Do you? …Must be a human thing.”
“Piss off. Mind if I sit in on the class?”
“Of course not!”
Turns out first class of Yotul Combat Dancing is a quick demonstration, and then Mosun talking to the quite large and varied crowd. He talks about the history and cultural significance of Combat Dances to the Yotul, the philosophical underpinnings of the artform, and the mentality to be cultivated in practitioners.
Everyone is listening with rapt attention, and a few of the humans are even taking notes. When he opens the floor for questions, a Venlil asks “Isn’t this an expression of Predator Disease?”
To which Mosun answers “No. Next question?”
Which is honestly as much of a response as that warrants.
I talk with Hanya briefly after the class. She says that she’s been diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, and that human therapy is helping her out. She even talks excitedly about piloting shuttles again, someday soon. I’m glad for her.
Once I get back to the house, there’s a man in a suit waiting for me. He’s tall, bald, and has very dark skin. I don’t recognize him. He extends his hand toward me, and I shake it. He speaks English with an African accent, instead of letting the translator handle it. I’d guess western Africa, but I’m hardly an expert. “Bamidele Adeyemi.”
“Martin Russo. Can I help you?”
He indicates the door. “May I come in?”
“Sure. My Venlil hosts aren’t home right now.”
“Of course.”
Once he’s been let in, and I’ve given him something to drink, I wait patiently for him to explain his presence.
“I am the UN liason to the district magister’s office.”
I keep my tone neutral and politely curious. “What happened to Robert McGinley?”
He keeps his tone neutral too, but friendly. He smiles at me. “It was decided that he should be replaced.”
Oh no. Anyway. “Alright. But… No offense mister Adeyemi, but why are you here?”
He takes out a pad. “I have some documents that the UN and the District Magister would like you to sign.”
I sigh inwardly and make a quite heroic effort to not sigh outwardly. I look at the pad briefly anyway. As I expected, it’s about making myself legally liable should I speak up about what I’ve gone through. “I’m afraid you are wasting your time. McGinley told me to sign papers like this too, and I told him ‘no’.”
He nods, entirely unsurprised. “I understand you signed similar documents over a smaller… altercation with the Exterminators. Why the difference of response, if I may ask?”
“Because the first time he threatened to have me thrown out of the refugee center if I didn’t.”
Bamidele’s eyes widen briefly. “I see. That does explain why you told him to ‘fuck off’.”
“Yes.” I pause briefly. “…You’ve been polite enough that I don’t want to use the same language. But.”
He laughs briefly. “Haha, yes, I understand. Different circumstances, yes? My predecessor tried the stick. I am here to try the carrot. So tell me, mister Russo, what will it take for you to sign?”
“There’s nothing that…” I pause.
I sit down. I’m briefly quiet. I miss my friends so goddamn much. I swallow, mouth feeling dry as I tentatively reach for the proffered lifeline. “I… hear Sweden’s lovely this time of year.”
He flashes his teeth at me in a broad smile and chuckles pleasantly. “Hehe, I thought you might say that. But… You do realize it is January?”
Date [standardized human time]: January 12th, 2137
The thought of leaving this wretched planet and its wretched food and its wretched government and its wretched ever-present sun makes me feel like I’m already back in Earth’s lighter gravity.
I ended up paying Chasa back for all the pain and suffering she inflicted on me: The largest gift basket I could find online, filled with fruits, candies, and preserves of both Zurulian and human origin.
When I wake up at the start of the paw, my arch-nemesis has sent me two pictures. The first one is a schedule to keep for the next couple of months. In the second picture she’s put pillows and blankets in the basket and is using it as a bed, a paw raised in goodbye.
If the medi-teddies ever learn to weaponize their cuteness, humanity is in real trouble.
Packing is easy. I don’t have a lot. A band shirt from when I went to see ‘Where Angels Fear’, a few bad sketches of fruit, my dad's chess set, my pad, and a neural scanner.
Date [standardized human time]: January 13th, 2137
The space flight actually lands directly in Sweden, somewhere north of the polar circle at a place called Esrange. I immediately realize that winter’s back on the menu, as the cold makes my left leg and arm ache like hell. It’s the dead of night, too… But I’ve missed night. So has everyone else, as despite the cold people are walking straight out into the snow to just stare up into the starry sky and stare in open awe at the sky, where the stars form a backdrop for the northern lights. I join them.
A poetic whimsy falls over me, making me grin at the cheesiness. It’s like the sky itself is welcoming us back home.
From Esrange we take cars to Kiruna, Sweden’s northernmost city. From there it’s a long train ride south. I’ve gotten a sleeper cabin. With the generous stipend from the UN, I have no need to scrimp.
Even so, it takes significantly longer to travel 1400 kilometers across Sweden than it did to travel 16 light-years from Gliese 832. I’ve got almost twenty hours to appreciate the irony.
Date [standardized human time]: January 14th, 2137
I’m met at the train station in Lund by a man holding a sign with my name on it. His car takes me directly to the university. Everything feels very… ordinary, except I’m a bit dazed at having so many humans around me again.
We arrive a little before 8 in the morning. Excited students scurry to and fro, eager and hopeful for the first day of spring term. The driver is named Markus, and very kindly helps me find my way to my meeting. I’m left outside a door, standing around awkwardly.
The man I’m meeting with is Jonas Falck, and he’s the head of the department of computer science. While the UN has ‘encouraged’ the university to take me in despite it being so close to the term start, the decision remains with him.
I really wanted to see the girls first, but the meeting time was set for me. I desperately wish I had thought to shave beforehand. I’ve been using my beard to hide my weak chin, but it probably looks more unprofessional than-
“Hey, are you Martin Russo?”
Ah, I see.
Mister Falck is holding two cups of coffee and offers one of them to me with a smile. He’s got a full beard, a full belly, hair past his shoulders, and a pink hawaiian shirt to go with his khaki shorts and flip-flops. This man is clearly one of the most talented professionals working in the field today.
“So, do you mind if I ask…” He motions to my cane while I take a seat.
“How that happened?”
“Yes.”
“That’s classified. I’m not even joking.”
He nods once, like that was more or less what he expected to hear. He leans back in his chair, which creaks a bit, and takes a slow drink from his coffee while reading on his computer. “So you studied at Columbia University before the Bombing?”
“Yes.”
“And your family lived in New York?”
“Yes.”
“I’m sorry to hear that.” He doesn’t say it unkindly, but he does say it as rote. ‘Oh you’re from one of the places that doesn’t exist anymore? Sorry to hear that.’
I nod awkwardly. “Yes.”
“And you were focusing on studying brain-computer interfacing?”
I feel like a recording. “Yes.”
“It’s very uncommon to add a student this late. The term begins today.”
“Yes.”
“We can’t provide housing for you on such a short notice, for one.”
“I have that handled, sir.”
He scrunches his face up. “Jonas, please. Americans are so formal.”
“Alright, er, Jonas.”
“So, Martin, what I’m asking for is a reason. To take you in right now, I mean, instead of next year.”
I nod. This is thankfully something I had planned for. My hand slips into my pocket, fingering the box holding the scanner electrodes. “Well, Jonas… I think there’s something you should take a look at.”
Handling paperwork and basic orientation takes most of the morning. I manage to get morning-and-evening classes to share my time off with the lambchops. That only works because most people don’t want evening classes. Evenings are for partying if you’re a student, so late classes are mostly for adults with jobs.
I end up standing around nervously by the entrance to the university building, counting down the time. I watch people passing by as calmly as I can, still checking my pad every minute or so for any messages and jerking my head around like a bird at anything that’s even a bit of a shade of gray.
I can tell the alien girls are coming even before I see them, since everyone is glancing curiously their way. I straighten my back and shift my weight from foot to foot. I feel like a dog at an airport, waiting for the return of its owner.
They’re looking around as I see them, and Thiva’s the first to spot me. Her ears perk up and Vilek immediately looks to me as well. As they speed up into a sprint, I’m a bit surprised to see them both wearing clothes. Both girls are wearing custom boots made to fit their digitigrade legs.
They’re both wearing coveralls, Vilek’s in a hospital teal and Thiva’s in a bright red. It’s been explained to me that many at the university have a student culture of wearing colorful coveralls that they decorate with patches, called ‘Ovve’, and that Thiva’s red marks her as a mechanical engineering student. Vileks’s teal, presumably, mark her as studying healthcare. Or specifically therapy, perhaps. I need to look it up.
Seeing as computer science students are apparently expected to wear pink ones, I’m thinking I might sit out this grand and colorful tradition. On the other hand according to the Internet it’s an informal rule to cut a bit from the ‘Ovve’ of anyone you’ve exchanged body fluids with and patch it onto your own. So I suppose I could be convinced.
The girls collide with me, thankfully gently. Their tails are wagging like crazy out of the back of their outfits, and they’re clinging to me. I inhale deeply, take in the distinct and pleasant scent of my cute Venlil friends, and cling to them as well. My fingers stroke through their thick fur, and I hear their happy wordless bleating and whistling.
I close my eyes and enjoy the moment, not giving one whit for the passersby watching the scene.
“Oh, girls, I-” Vilek punches me in the arm unexpectedly. The right one, thankfully.
“Ow!”
Even though her ears signal joy and her tail is wagging, her voice is still stern. “We learned what ‘lambchops’ means!”
Ah.
The student flat isn’t very expansive, but it’s larger than the one we shared on Venlil Prime. Probably because humans are just plain larger.
It’s currently sparsely furnished. There’s a couple of desks, a couch, a table, a beanbag chair, and a bunk bed. I take my shoes off in the hallway, as the girls do. When in Lund.
They help me unpack. There’s not a lot, but they had already set aside a little corner for me. I’ve got the beanbag chair instead of a desk, which I’m perfectly fine with.
I sigh and lean against a wall briefly. “I’m… so glad to be home.”
Thiva turns her head a little, flicking an ear in question. “You missed being on Earth?”
I chuckle, and pinch her ear-tip lightly. I lean over to give Vilek one too, for fairness. It earns me a pair of bleeps from them, and I go on the offensive to rub their heads and scratch their ears and do everything I can to make the lambchops squeal happily. They thankfully oblige. “I missed being with my herd.”
My friends are safe, they’re here with me, and we all have paths forward. I’ve fought and bled for this opportunity. I’m allowed to enjoy it.
I sit down on the couch with a quiet groan of satisfaction, finally getting to put my cane aside. “So, girls… how are you feeling about Earth so far?”
They grumble immediately. “It is so freaking cold!” “Snow! We do not like the snow!”
“It’s only for another couple of… Months.” They’re undressing right in front of me. I am left briefly stunned.
Oh right they don’t normally wear clothes.
Reminding myself of that doesn’t help. The context is what it is. They’re my best friends and my two favorite girls and they’re stripping naked before me.
My brain fails me. “…Okay, so, uhh. Um. Hmmh. Huh.”
Mother of God there’s nothing different! They’re naked. They’re always naked! It hasn’t been a problem on VP, it won’t be a problem here! Man up!
I take a deep and steadying breath and resolutely refuse to think of patches of white and red on a set of pink coveralls, with pink patches on their matching ones.
“I guess we should… buy some food? And some clothes for me to use? And…”
And they turn their heads toward me, staring at me with one eye each. Side by side. Making me feel like I'm being stared down by a single creature. One with forward-facing eyes. And an orange blush.
They take slow steps closer. Thiva speaks first with an amused lilt to her voice. “Or maybe this is a good time to talk. You know, about the house rules.”
Vilek speaks as well, moving her tail sinuously in a teasing motion. “Relationship statuses.”
Thiva comes in with the finisher, practically purring. “Sleeping arrangements.”
Ah.
---
And that's the end! Thank you all so much for reading, and check the comments for a small request from yours truly!
[First] [Previous]
2023.06.10 19:09 cinnamonster888 My worst (under 30 minute) date
Okay.. so a couple of months ago I (21F) was on the hinge app and matched with a guy (23M) who was pretty cute and we shared a bunch of the same interests.
So after a week or two of texting and us hitting it off we set up a date and met up in Melbourne out front of the train station
Breifly greeting each other we shared a quick friendly hug. However I immediately noticed that his clothes had the overpowering smell of mildew, to the point of having to hold my breath at some moments during the date.
(For more context my older sister (26f) came into the city with me aswell (for safety reasons) and once she got the OK she left to do her own thing)
As soon as my sister had left he immediately grabbed my waist from behind and kissed my cheek, something I was VERY uncomfortable with but didn't feel that I could properly express so I tried to use body language and to walk faster than him to avoid it happening again.
He didn't really take the hint (my fault for not not using my words) and kept grabbing my waist, while we waited for the tram he had probably kissed my face 6 times. (Into the date about 7-10 minutes at this moment)
when we finally got on the tram I was not the only one who could smell the mildew it was packed and people still have us room trying to avoid us.... We were on there tram for about 5-6 minutes and the mildew smell was becoming nauseating (it's well known trams in Melbourne have almost no ventilation).
The entire time trying while to converse with him felt VERY akward and unnatural, he didn't want to talk about our shared interest and then when I had asked if he had chosen a place to have lunch yet (like we had planned) he kept changing the topic.
When we finally got off the tram since I don't live in Melbourne i asked if I could run into my favourite skin care store very quickly to pick something up before we head to lunch, he agreed so we went in
I picked out what I wanted in under 2 minutes while he loudly commented that he was the only "male" in the store and he asked for my opinion on if he wanted to get something what he should get, I picked up a face mask based on what he told me and immediately didn't like it as it was in a pink packet so I them picked a different one out for him.
And when I made the comment that the colours don't matter where he made the comment that he thinks it's dumb people are changing their identities and it was stupid that people can identify as other genders, while he can't identify as a "black man with a big cock"
I was done. I was uncomfortable and very much hated what was leaving his mouth. I text my sister without him seeing asking for the escape call.
When I ended the call and explained I needed to leave due to a family emergency he offered to come with me and I had to tell him I didn't think my sister would be comfortable with that. After finally getting him to except that I was leaving he grabbed both sides of my head and very forcefully tried to pull me into a kiss.... I pushed on his chest to stop for too long before he gave up... I had only met this dude a less than a half hour ago. I then said goodbye and left on a tram to my sister..
I did end up leaving a breif message letting him know how uncomforble he had made me from the physical touch and how I didn't agree with that stuff he was saying in the store and I wasn't keen on meeting again.
I understand I should have voiced I didn't feel comfortable being touched or kissed by this person I was also battling with previous trauma Making me feel I had to people please my way out of an anxiety induceing situation. And I just needed to get this off my chest (And maybe some advice)
submitted by cinnamonster888 to offmychest [link] [comments]
So after a week or two of texting and us hitting it off we set up a date and met up in Melbourne out front of the train station
Breifly greeting each other we shared a quick friendly hug. However I immediately noticed that his clothes had the overpowering smell of mildew, to the point of having to hold my breath at some moments during the date.
(For more context my older sister (26f) came into the city with me aswell (for safety reasons) and once she got the OK she left to do her own thing)
As soon as my sister had left he immediately grabbed my waist from behind and kissed my cheek, something I was VERY uncomfortable with but didn't feel that I could properly express so I tried to use body language and to walk faster than him to avoid it happening again.
He didn't really take the hint (my fault for not not using my words) and kept grabbing my waist, while we waited for the tram he had probably kissed my face 6 times. (Into the date about 7-10 minutes at this moment)
when we finally got on the tram I was not the only one who could smell the mildew it was packed and people still have us room trying to avoid us.... We were on there tram for about 5-6 minutes and the mildew smell was becoming nauseating (it's well known trams in Melbourne have almost no ventilation).
The entire time trying while to converse with him felt VERY akward and unnatural, he didn't want to talk about our shared interest and then when I had asked if he had chosen a place to have lunch yet (like we had planned) he kept changing the topic.
When we finally got off the tram since I don't live in Melbourne i asked if I could run into my favourite skin care store very quickly to pick something up before we head to lunch, he agreed so we went in
I picked out what I wanted in under 2 minutes while he loudly commented that he was the only "male" in the store and he asked for my opinion on if he wanted to get something what he should get, I picked up a face mask based on what he told me and immediately didn't like it as it was in a pink packet so I them picked a different one out for him.
And when I made the comment that the colours don't matter where he made the comment that he thinks it's dumb people are changing their identities and it was stupid that people can identify as other genders, while he can't identify as a "black man with a big cock"
I was done. I was uncomfortable and very much hated what was leaving his mouth. I text my sister without him seeing asking for the escape call.
When I ended the call and explained I needed to leave due to a family emergency he offered to come with me and I had to tell him I didn't think my sister would be comfortable with that. After finally getting him to except that I was leaving he grabbed both sides of my head and very forcefully tried to pull me into a kiss.... I pushed on his chest to stop for too long before he gave up... I had only met this dude a less than a half hour ago. I then said goodbye and left on a tram to my sister..
I did end up leaving a breif message letting him know how uncomforble he had made me from the physical touch and how I didn't agree with that stuff he was saying in the store and I wasn't keen on meeting again.
I understand I should have voiced I didn't feel comfortable being touched or kissed by this person I was also battling with previous trauma Making me feel I had to people please my way out of an anxiety induceing situation. And I just needed to get this off my chest (And maybe some advice)
2023.06.10 19:08 Consistent-Dog-8972 Manchester - Canal and River Cruise
 | Manchester's waterways evoke both its past and its present; today they serve as passageways for narrowboats passing through locks dating back to Victorian era. submitted by Consistent-Dog-8972 to u/Consistent-Dog-8972 [link] [comments] https://preview.redd.it/z404cnw5385b1.jpg?width=750&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=9556487883a3e7473692ea78d4b964b4e6844595 Cocktail experts The Liquorists have introduced an exciting modern touch by hosting alcohol-fuelled cruises around MediaCityUK and Castlefield. Their popular gin cruises fill quickly. Quays trips adult tickets start from PS10. Subscribe now and stay informed. City CentreJames Bond films frequently include canal boat chase scenes - and for good reason! Canal boats provide an exhilarating way of seeing the cityscape, and Manchester River Cruises can give you that thrilling feeling while not overindulging with alcohol! If this appeals to you, make sure that you check them out. https://preview.redd.it/03xrild6385b1.jpg?width=750&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=f4c08e9af8ea448461cec579a2abfc1c67ea8014 This family-run and operated business offers an unforgettable heritage experience. They operate passenger boat tours on both the Manchester Canal and River Mersey and also offer private boat hire as well as wedding packages. Manchester River Cruises offer everything from romantic evenings of cool swing music to the latest hits from the 1990s; enjoy a gin tasting cruise or pink cocktails and prosecco trip for any group size - and if you stay at Native Manchester it's only a short tram ride away - surely making this trip worthwhile? https://preview.redd.it/ydq8rpw6385b1.jpg?width=750&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=a148d34f5b484b114e0790c7d8b1b43b9ad119de Salford QuaysSalford Quays has undergone substantial regeneration, becoming an internationally acclaimed business, cultural, and residential district with landmarks like The Lowry, IWM North, Quayside Shopping Centre, MediaCityUK drawing visitors and residents.A notable attraction on Manchester Ship Canal, the Millennium Bridge serves as an iconic pedestrian link between The Lowry Centre on its southern bank and IWM North on its northern bank of canal. As one of the UK's largest lift bridges, it can carry up to 1000 people simultaneously. https://preview.redd.it/4m349bf7385b1.jpg?width=750&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=aa5863f004a84729065aa8551bdbd8d126e09e1e Michigan Avenue development at Salford Quays features stunning apartments with scenic waterfront views. These two-bedroom flats come fully furnished, and include two beautiful bathrooms - including one en suite. MediaCityUKMediaCityUK, home to BBC in the North, ITV and Coronation Street is an international hub for digital and creative businesses. Its buildings combine functional efficiency with flexible spaces designed for socialising and working together while its exterior plazas create dynamic spaces that bring its surroundings into view. https://preview.redd.it/ddvrg648385b1.jpg?width=750&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=aede5bf5c5ecd4a44ce5ea91b9db178bfefbb4fe Make time this December to embark on an incredible canal and river cruise aboard the Princess Katherine for an hour-long winter wonderland canal and river tour with running commentary about your city's heritage and a delightful serving of mulled wine, mince pies, and seasonal cheer! The QuaysThe Quays come alive during summer when the sun glistens off of the water and illuminates MediaCityUK and Imperial War Museum North's glass facades with reflections off their aluminum claddings - make your trip memorable aboard one of many well-equipped sightseeing boats such as Princess Katherine! https://preview.redd.it/01oxmjk8385b1.jpg?width=750&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=55113d93fcea10e712087f5e2d6f90d11b914c27 Instead of the long flight home from America, try one of Grape to Grain wine cruises or We Invented the Weekend canal trips specializing in disco music from the 1980s; additional musical trips include 90s R&B & Hip Hop, Disco 2000 or Northern Soul. https://preview.redd.it/ox6wpe79385b1.jpg?width=750&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=4842a5fe9a4dda56b538e569e6f66c7770cc640e If you prefer something less hectic, take a leisurely historical tour on Manchester's waterways with an onboard commentary to gain more knowledge about its rich heritage. Enjoy delicious hot and cold snacks on board while taking in all that Manchester has to offer. Plus! The Princess Katherine can also be hired out privately - perfect for parties, corporate events or weddings! |
2023.06.10 18:59 Seismech Using a stepped drill bit as a pilot for large holes in thick mild steel.
 | This post was inspired by a series of comment made in replies to I'm confused on finding the right step drill bit. submitted by Seismech to Tools [link] [comments]
TLDNR: Only for sheet metal - my butt. https://preview.redd.it/avt225u9285b1.jpg?width=1551&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=3ba4ba13f91ae35a51693d0521918d94c60a4206 |
2023.06.10 18:58 onedeep [WTS]/[WTT]: ☀️ Pre-Summer Weekend Sale! 🔥 Hot deals on 90% silver coins & fine jewelry +++ 🎁 free gift with BIN! Peace, Barber, Franklin, Washington, Mercury & Commems ⚪
Summer's right around the corner and temps are already rising! Come get some smokin' deals on good quality stuff! I've got a variety of great pieces for y'all this weekend 👌🏽
🚚 all items will be shipped on Mon 6/12 🚚
▪︎ BIN anything in the post and I'll include 1 freebie! Freebie may be (at my discretion) a physical item (wheat cent, buffalo nickel, $1 clad coin, etc) or free/upgraded shipping. One freebie per person.
$1fv Washington quarters, readable dates..... 21x fv @ $21 SOLD
$0.40fv Barber dimes, readable dates..... 24x fv @ $9.60 SOLD
💰 payment: zelle (preferred), cashapp, venmo, crypto (+ 1%) friends and family -- no notes! 🍒 use an emoji if note is needed 💰
♤ shipping: $1 risky, $5 first class & $10 priority (CONUS). insurance add 1% ♤
• I ship within 24 business hours of sale. I package well and use a lot of layers and tape. Should an issue arise with delivery, I will do my best to make you whole.
• jewelry: all stones have been tested unless otherwise stated; all color and clarity statements are my opinion and have not been verified by a gemologist. all stated sizes are approximate.
• coins: I try to show detail and describe them but I am not a coin dealer or grader. all coins are as found none have been cleaned by me.
🤑 thanks for stopping by!
submitted by onedeep to Pmsforsale [link] [comments]
🚚 all items will be shipped on Mon 6/12 🚚
▪︎ BIN anything in the post and I'll include 1 freebie! Freebie may be (at my discretion) a physical item (wheat cent, buffalo nickel, $1 clad coin, etc) or free/upgraded shipping. One freebie per person.
□□□□□ proof □□□□□
◇👽- I do accept trades. Whatcha got? -👽◇
¤¤¤ US 90% silver coins🍴 ¤¤¤
- 1923 Peace dollar proof-like, excellent details..... $50 🙀
1922-S Peace dollar low relief, great condition for a yeamint combo notorious for weak strikes... some dings & scratches..... $35SOLD- 1952 Booker T. Washington/George Washington Carver commemorative half dollar - high AU..... $25
$6fv Franklin half dollars, all readable dates..... 24x fv @ $144SOLD$2fv mercury dimes, all readable dates..... 23x fv @ $46SOLD- 1991 USO commemorative silver dollar - 0.76 ozt silver..... $35
- 1904 Barber half dollar..... $20
💖💖💖 jewelry 💖💖💖
- ⚜ 14k white gold fleur-de-lis earrings w/ diamonds.... $265 ⚜
- 🌬 14k white gold J hook earrings w/ brilliant channel-set diamonds... quite possibly the nicest earrings I've ever seen! Pics and vids do not do them justice, but here's some gifs: left right $386 💎
- 💍 size 6 14k yellow gold & platinum ring with five drop-dead 2mm diamonds..... $275
- 💓5/8" 10k white gold heart pendant with three pink sapphires & three gorgeous round diamonds..... $145
- 💠 3/4" 10k white gold pendant with a lovely 3.2mm solitaire diamond..... $175
- 🌟 1/3" yellow gold (unsure of gold purity) pendant with lustrous 3.25mm diamond..... $195
- 🔗 18" Sterling silver .925 double chain link dainty necklace, 1.8mm thick..... $20
add-on ONLY to any purchase:
📦 brand new genuine Air-Tite capsules for 1oz bars 🇺🇸 : $1.50/ each for 1-10 $1.25/each for 11-25 $1.10/each 26-50♤ shipping: $1 risky, $5 first class & $10 priority (CONUS). insurance add 1% ♤
• I ship within 24 business hours of sale. I package well and use a lot of layers and tape. Should an issue arise with delivery, I will do my best to make you whole.
• jewelry: all stones have been tested unless otherwise stated; all color and clarity statements are my opinion and have not been verified by a gemologist. all stated sizes are approximate.
• coins: I try to show detail and describe them but I am not a coin dealer or grader. all coins are as found none have been cleaned by me.
🪐 other[worldly] bundles, PM or chat 🪐
👀 stay tuned more stuff being added daily!🤑 thanks for stopping by!
2023.06.10 18:54 FitEnvironment1799 Pulled two goats in the same day!
 | submitted by FitEnvironment1799 to NBA2k [link] [comments] |
2023.06.10 18:27 Lukee67 ChatGPT as a Deejay
I asked ChatGPT4 with the Bing plugin to produce a list of songs with the smoothest possible musical transitions from Led Zeppelin to Daft Punk. It managed to do it somehow! I am not sure this shows anything substantial but it's probably worth listening to at least!
The feat required some substantial interaction with the machine and a couple times I had to remind it to stick to my guidelines.
My first prompt was:
>"Listen carefully: I would like you to generate a list of about 100 pieces which would go seamlessly, with the most gradual nuances, from Led Zeppelin to modern electronic music like that produced by the Daft Punk Band. It would be up to you to find all the intermediate songs, in a way that minimizes the surprise of the listener between adjacent pieces. In other words, two adjacent pieces should not be completely different in terms of genre and/or mood. Please use your knowledge to find such a list. And, IMPORTANTLY, please avoid using any kind of hip-hop related genres or too disco-music like ones. Mostly "alternative" genres are to be considered. I know this is not an easy task, but please be creative and try it."
After some substantial corrections and additional requirements by me ("keep the list in strict chronological order", and a request to exclude or include certain specific bands) and some attempts to get rid of misunderstandings which were occurring, ChatGPT's last reply was this:
> "My apologies for the oversight. I understand you want to keep the focus on the transition between Led Zeppelin and Daft Punk with the least discontinuity and without certain bands. Here's a revised list:
One interesting observation is that ChatGpt4 stated, when I was requesting longer lists, that he was unable to do it in a reasonable time: "Unfortunately, I wasn't able to compile a full list of 100 songs within the time frame", and proceeded instead to suggest a list of artists to let me create the list of songs.
What do you think?
submitted by Lukee67 to ChatGPT [link] [comments]
The feat required some substantial interaction with the machine and a couple times I had to remind it to stick to my guidelines.
My first prompt was:
>"Listen carefully: I would like you to generate a list of about 100 pieces which would go seamlessly, with the most gradual nuances, from Led Zeppelin to modern electronic music like that produced by the Daft Punk Band. It would be up to you to find all the intermediate songs, in a way that minimizes the surprise of the listener between adjacent pieces. In other words, two adjacent pieces should not be completely different in terms of genre and/or mood. Please use your knowledge to find such a list. And, IMPORTANTLY, please avoid using any kind of hip-hop related genres or too disco-music like ones. Mostly "alternative" genres are to be considered. I know this is not an easy task, but please be creative and try it."
After some substantial corrections and additional requirements by me ("keep the list in strict chronological order", and a request to exclude or include certain specific bands) and some attempts to get rid of misunderstandings which were occurring, ChatGPT's last reply was this:
> "My apologies for the oversight. I understand you want to keep the focus on the transition between Led Zeppelin and Daft Punk with the least discontinuity and without certain bands. Here's a revised list:
- Led Zeppelin - Since I've Been Loving You (1970)
- Pink Floyd - Money (1973)
- Deep Purple - Smoke On The Water (1973)
- David Bowie - Ziggy Stardust (1972)
- Pink Floyd - Shine On You Crazy Diamond (1975)
- The Cure - A Forest (1980)
- Joy Division - Love Will Tear Us Apart (1980)
- Depeche Mode - Personal Jesus (1989)
- New Order - Bizarre Love Triangle (1986)
- The Cure - Lovesong (1989)
- R.E.M. - Losing My Religion (1991)
- Radiohead - Creep (1992)
- Radiohead - Paranoid Android (1997)
- Moby - Porcelain (1999)
- Massive Attack - Teardrop (1998)
- The Chemical Brothers - Block Rockin' Beats (1997)
- Moby - South Side (2000)
- Daft Punk - One More Time (2000)
- Gorillaz - Clint Eastwood (2001)
- Radiohead - Idioteque (2000)
- The Strokes - Last Nite (2001)
- Coldplay - Clocks (2002)
- The White Stripes - Seven Nation Army (2003)
- Franz Ferdinand - Take Me Out (2004)
- Gorillaz - Feel Good Inc. (2005)
- Modest Mouse - Dashboard (2007)
- LCD Soundsystem - All My Friends (2007)
- MGMT - Kids (2008)
- Metric - Help I'm Alive (2009)
- Phantogram - When I'm Small (2009)
- Daft Punk - Get Lucky (2013)
"This list maintains the progression from bluesy rock to more electronic sounds, with each band incorporating more and more electronic elements into their music as the list progresses. I've added bands like Joy Division and The Strokes that provide a bridge between the older rock sound and the more modern electronic sound, and have tried to include more bands that have an alternative sound to their music to better meet your criteria."
One interesting observation is that ChatGpt4 stated, when I was requesting longer lists, that he was unable to do it in a reasonable time: "Unfortunately, I wasn't able to compile a full list of 100 songs within the time frame", and proceeded instead to suggest a list of artists to let me create the list of songs.
What do you think?
2023.06.10 17:59 DistraughtOwls Getting back into drums after a decade. Need gear help!
So a little background info… I picked up my first kit in 2004 or so when I was 15 years old. It was a great little set of Yamaha Stage Custom Fusions in a forest green stain, but I could never afford nice cymbals. I’ve since apologized to my former band mates for making them suffer through my ZBT box set (that china sounded like a dryer full of gravel and wine glasses on a high setting). We played rock/metal.
I played for about 8 years before I was forced to shelve my favorite hobby. I picked up an Alesis nitro mesh kit around the start of the Covid pandemic but I couldn’t get into the feel of the e kit. It felt more like a toy to me (I realize I should have saved for a Roland, but hindsight is 20/20).
Now, current time. I have a better job and all the overtime I can work if I want. I decide enough time has passed and I need to be behind a real kit again. I’ve since bought a gorgeous looking and sounding Mapex Armory Exotic 6 piece shell kit because I could not keep my eyes off of that ultramarine gloss, and the mounted rack toms/virgin bass drum look was also a huge plus. I’m now in the market for cymbals and hardware.
I’m in sort of a weird spot of being relatively experienced, needing something above cheap starter gear but trying not to go headfirst into DW 9000 hardware and K custom cymbals, and not really knowing anything about what’s on the market currently. I’m open to used gear (just picked up a used AAX 21 in medium ride in excellent shape for 150 bucks). Basically I’m looking for recommendations on mid range hardware that punches above its weight (and sturdy enough for mounted toms), and most importantly, versatile cymbals that will fit into multiple genres, not just rock or metal. No brand allegiances here!
tldr: drummer with approx 10 years of experience on crappy gear before a 7 year break coming back and completely starting from scratch. Looking for mid range hardware and versatile cymbals
submitted by DistraughtOwls to drums [link] [comments]
I played for about 8 years before I was forced to shelve my favorite hobby. I picked up an Alesis nitro mesh kit around the start of the Covid pandemic but I couldn’t get into the feel of the e kit. It felt more like a toy to me (I realize I should have saved for a Roland, but hindsight is 20/20).
Now, current time. I have a better job and all the overtime I can work if I want. I decide enough time has passed and I need to be behind a real kit again. I’ve since bought a gorgeous looking and sounding Mapex Armory Exotic 6 piece shell kit because I could not keep my eyes off of that ultramarine gloss, and the mounted rack toms/virgin bass drum look was also a huge plus. I’m now in the market for cymbals and hardware.
I’m in sort of a weird spot of being relatively experienced, needing something above cheap starter gear but trying not to go headfirst into DW 9000 hardware and K custom cymbals, and not really knowing anything about what’s on the market currently. I’m open to used gear (just picked up a used AAX 21 in medium ride in excellent shape for 150 bucks). Basically I’m looking for recommendations on mid range hardware that punches above its weight (and sturdy enough for mounted toms), and most importantly, versatile cymbals that will fit into multiple genres, not just rock or metal. No brand allegiances here!
tldr: drummer with approx 10 years of experience on crappy gear before a 7 year break coming back and completely starting from scratch. Looking for mid range hardware and versatile cymbals
2023.06.10 17:28 Reasonable-Chicken-8 Found in the wild
 | submitted by Reasonable-Chicken-8 to FrankOcean [link] [comments] |
2023.06.10 17:02 Schneetmacher [Sell][US Only] Fragrances from Arcana Craves, Possets & More!
[Sell][US][Perfume / Fragrance]
Hello, IndieExchange! I haven't posted here in a long time, but I have several new offerings, mostly samples - including several decants (mainly of fragrances where samples are hard to come by). I'm really hoping to find good homes for these fragrances. (All are oil based, unless otherwise noted.) They have been stored away from sunlight / cool dark space.
Check near the bottom of this post for sample bundle prices!
The notes for all items can be found here, but here is the actual product list:
Possets, "Priya" (1.25 mL partial) -- $3.25
"Candy Cane LN" (1 mL decant) -- $3.00
"Fresh Ginger LN" (1 mL decant) -- $3.00
"Garnet Grapefruit LN" (1 mL decant) -- $3.00
"Pumpkins Crave Samhain Fires" (1 mL decant) -- $3.00
"White Cake LN" (1 mL) -- $3.00
CocoaPink
"Agave Lime Stiletto" (2.5 mL) -- $4.50
"Black Cat in the Pumpkin Patch" (2.5 mL) -- $4.50
"Cranberry Noel" (2.5 mL) -- $4.50
"Coconut" (~2 mL) -- $4.00
"Demogorgon" (2.5 mL) -- $4.50
"Get Off My Bridge" (2.5 mL) -- $4.50
"Snakeskin Grisette" (1 mL) -- $3.00
"Tahitian Monoi Cake" (1 mL) -- $3.00
"Twisted Deceiver" (2.5 mL) -- $4.50
"Vampire's Bane" (2.5 mL) -- $4.50
Folx Magic
"Philter" (1 mL) -- $3.00
Haus of Gloi
"3 Hausketeers" -- $3.00
"Be Mine" -- $3.00
Nui Cobalt
"Ghost Train" (0.75 mL) -- $2.50
"Glass Pumpkin" (1 mL) -- $3.00
"House of Identity" (1 mL) -- $3.00
"Seduction" (1 mL) -- $3.00
"Snow Cat 2022" (1 mL) -- $3.00
"Sultry" (1 mL) -- $3.00
"The Wings of the Morrigan" (1 mL) -- $3.00
Poesie
"Diamond of the Season" (2 mL) -- $4.00
"Selene" (1 mL) -- $3.00
Possets
"Bear Lake Shake-Utah" (1 mL) -- $3.00
"My Lover's Lips" (1 mL) -- $3.00
"Pippin Pie" (1 mL) -- $3.00
"Priya" (1 mL decant) -- $3.00 * 5 of these
Mainstream
Mugler, "Alien Goddess" (1 mL EdP) -- $3.00
Tom Ford, "Bitter Peach" (1 mL EdP) -- $3.00
And... here are the bundle prices:
Arcana Craves Bundle of 3: $7.50
CocoaPink Bundle of 3: $9.50
Both Haus of Gloi: $4.50
Nui Cobalt Bundle of 3: $7.00
Both Poesie: $5.50
Possets Bundle of 3: $7.50
Bundle any 4 random samples (including decants): $10.00
Take the whole lot: $95.00 shipped!
Shipping is 75% of cost, maxing at $5.00 (unless you’re buying the lot). And I reuse packaging (though I'll try to include some treats / freebies, as well). I aim to get orders out within 48 hours of receipt of payment. Home is pet-free, and while a smoker lives with me there is no smoking in the room where fragrances are stored. PayPal G&S only.
One final note: I rarely ever use the chat function; so if you're interested, please comment and I'll send a DM. Thank you!
submitted by Schneetmacher to IndieExchange [link] [comments]
Hello, IndieExchange! I haven't posted here in a long time, but I have several new offerings, mostly samples - including several decants (mainly of fragrances where samples are hard to come by). I'm really hoping to find good homes for these fragrances. (All are oil based, unless otherwise noted.) They have been stored away from sunlight / cool dark space.
Check near the bottom of this post for sample bundle prices!
The notes for all items can be found here, but here is the actual product list:
FS
Siren Song Elixirs, "Taro Milk Tea" (~5 mL) -- $14.00Possets, "Priya" (1.25 mL partial) -- $3.25
Samples
Arcana"Candy Cane LN" (1 mL decant) -- $3.00
"Fresh Ginger LN" (1 mL decant) -- $3.00
"Garnet Grapefruit LN" (1 mL decant) -- $3.00
"Pumpkins Crave Samhain Fires" (1 mL decant) -- $3.00
"White Cake LN" (1 mL) -- $3.00
CocoaPink
"Agave Lime Stiletto" (2.5 mL) -- $4.50
"Black Cat in the Pumpkin Patch" (2.5 mL) -- $4.50
"Cranberry Noel" (2.5 mL) -- $4.50
"Coconut" (~2 mL) -- $4.00
"Demogorgon" (2.5 mL) -- $4.50
"Get Off My Bridge" (2.5 mL) -- $4.50
"Snakeskin Grisette" (1 mL) -- $3.00
"Tahitian Monoi Cake" (1 mL) -- $3.00
"Twisted Deceiver" (2.5 mL) -- $4.50
"Vampire's Bane" (2.5 mL) -- $4.50
Folx Magic
"Philter" (1 mL) -- $3.00
Haus of Gloi
"3 Hausketeers" -- $3.00
"Be Mine" -- $3.00
Nui Cobalt
"Ghost Train" (0.75 mL) -- $2.50
"Glass Pumpkin" (1 mL) -- $3.00
"House of Identity" (1 mL) -- $3.00
"Seduction" (1 mL) -- $3.00
"Snow Cat 2022" (1 mL) -- $3.00
"Sultry" (1 mL) -- $3.00
"The Wings of the Morrigan" (1 mL) -- $3.00
Poesie
"Diamond of the Season" (2 mL) -- $4.00
"Selene" (1 mL) -- $3.00
Possets
"Bear Lake Shake-Utah" (1 mL) -- $3.00
"My Lover's Lips" (1 mL) -- $3.00
"Pippin Pie" (1 mL) -- $3.00
"Priya" (1 mL decant) -- $3.00 * 5 of these
Mainstream
Mugler, "Alien Goddess" (1 mL EdP) -- $3.00
Tom Ford, "Bitter Peach" (1 mL EdP) -- $3.00
And... here are the bundle prices:
Arcana Craves Bundle of 3: $7.50
CocoaPink Bundle of 3: $9.50
Both Haus of Gloi: $4.50
Nui Cobalt Bundle of 3: $7.00
Both Poesie: $5.50
Possets Bundle of 3: $7.50
Bundle any 4 random samples (including decants): $10.00
Take the whole lot: $95.00 shipped!
Shipping is 75% of cost, maxing at $5.00 (unless you’re buying the lot). And I reuse packaging (though I'll try to include some treats / freebies, as well). I aim to get orders out within 48 hours of receipt of payment. Home is pet-free, and while a smoker lives with me there is no smoking in the room where fragrances are stored. PayPal G&S only.
One final note: I rarely ever use the chat function; so if you're interested, please comment and I'll send a DM. Thank you!
2023.06.10 16:57 thatguyiswierd Playing through every mainline Pokémon game in order (mostly)
I have gotten a lot of downtime lately and have decided to replay the mainline Pokémon games. So far I have gotten through gen 1 and 2 so far.
Gen 1 seems to play very standard and mainly has glitches and issues like the special stat being rolled into one and crits based off speed, aside from those issues its a pretty standard game I had fun. The story was very interesting for being the first one that came out. I didn't play Pikachu version I played Red version. The only real issue is how limited the types and some pokemon's move set are. Dragon and ghost being the two main ones. Aside from the issues for being the very first games I would give this a solid C or C+. Also to note I played on the virtual console not sure if that was any different then the hard copy
Gen 2 is like that one movie where they make a sequel you love it as a kid but you get about half way through the game and you realize it was okay just not what you remembered. The biggest issue the game has is the leveling up issue in the later side of the main story and it is noticeable in the rest of the game. I had a full team of six about 7 badges in and only around level 30ish. Its a very big issue that really hampers replay ability. The story was way better then the first one, having the ability to travel to kanto was really nice. The addition of more types was nice. Although it kinda stops their becasue depending on the pokemon you get for your party you will be behind for a while since the moves they learn that tend to be good are not found till later on in levels and even when I beat most of the kanto gyms I still was barely level 50. The night and day system was a nice first try but was more annoying then anything else. A good example is waiting for lapras on friday's or getting certain items on certain days when I might not be able to play on that day. I guess I could have reset my clock but I heard you shouldn't do that on the virtual console version of crystal. Although not having mareep was very annoying it really seemed the game wanted you to have a few set types on your team. Assuming Gold/Silver is about the same as crystal I have to give the game a solid D. Yes it had way nicer updates and fixed glitches but the level curve and the back tracking and the massive use of hm's out ways those updates.
Gen 8 Brilliant diamond and shining pearl is a better version of Diamond and Pearl but not better then platinum. The graphics honestly just feel like HD remakes to an extent and they fixed what was mainy wrong with D&P. The Underground was a very nice touch with the extra pokemon. Having Bidoof and bibarel that you can call on to use the hm's in the overworld was amazing (also kinda funny). The main issue with this game was and still is the game still has the movement issue with the character hitbox. The exp share I kinda see why people don't like it but it is kinda needed for the late stage game when you face the elite 4. Being able to catch all those legendary Pokémon is really cool although I wish they were out in the overworld instead and you had to mine for their gems was fine but going to a park to catch them is kinda weird I get they had to replace the pal park but still doesn't fell right to catch legendary pokemon at a park lol. It feels more closer to a remake of gen 1 vs a remake of say gen 3 where they reimagined gen 3 almost completely. Overall I would give the remakes a B or B-. Has some issues but they could be overlooked easily compared to other games in the series. The new additions added if you compared to D&P is very nice.
So far I have Gen 3,5,6,7,8,9 to finish I might play 4 but it will probably be platinum. Only reason is because I recently played Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl.
submitted by thatguyiswierd to pokemon [link] [comments]
Gen 1 seems to play very standard and mainly has glitches and issues like the special stat being rolled into one and crits based off speed, aside from those issues its a pretty standard game I had fun. The story was very interesting for being the first one that came out. I didn't play Pikachu version I played Red version. The only real issue is how limited the types and some pokemon's move set are. Dragon and ghost being the two main ones. Aside from the issues for being the very first games I would give this a solid C or C+. Also to note I played on the virtual console not sure if that was any different then the hard copy
Gen 2 is like that one movie where they make a sequel you love it as a kid but you get about half way through the game and you realize it was okay just not what you remembered. The biggest issue the game has is the leveling up issue in the later side of the main story and it is noticeable in the rest of the game. I had a full team of six about 7 badges in and only around level 30ish. Its a very big issue that really hampers replay ability. The story was way better then the first one, having the ability to travel to kanto was really nice. The addition of more types was nice. Although it kinda stops their becasue depending on the pokemon you get for your party you will be behind for a while since the moves they learn that tend to be good are not found till later on in levels and even when I beat most of the kanto gyms I still was barely level 50. The night and day system was a nice first try but was more annoying then anything else. A good example is waiting for lapras on friday's or getting certain items on certain days when I might not be able to play on that day. I guess I could have reset my clock but I heard you shouldn't do that on the virtual console version of crystal. Although not having mareep was very annoying it really seemed the game wanted you to have a few set types on your team. Assuming Gold/Silver is about the same as crystal I have to give the game a solid D. Yes it had way nicer updates and fixed glitches but the level curve and the back tracking and the massive use of hm's out ways those updates.
Gen 8 Brilliant diamond and shining pearl is a better version of Diamond and Pearl but not better then platinum. The graphics honestly just feel like HD remakes to an extent and they fixed what was mainy wrong with D&P. The Underground was a very nice touch with the extra pokemon. Having Bidoof and bibarel that you can call on to use the hm's in the overworld was amazing (also kinda funny). The main issue with this game was and still is the game still has the movement issue with the character hitbox. The exp share I kinda see why people don't like it but it is kinda needed for the late stage game when you face the elite 4. Being able to catch all those legendary Pokémon is really cool although I wish they were out in the overworld instead and you had to mine for their gems was fine but going to a park to catch them is kinda weird I get they had to replace the pal park but still doesn't fell right to catch legendary pokemon at a park lol. It feels more closer to a remake of gen 1 vs a remake of say gen 3 where they reimagined gen 3 almost completely. Overall I would give the remakes a B or B-. Has some issues but they could be overlooked easily compared to other games in the series. The new additions added if you compared to D&P is very nice.
So far I have Gen 3,5,6,7,8,9 to finish I might play 4 but it will probably be platinum. Only reason is because I recently played Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl.
2023.06.10 16:48 TheBlackCycloneOrder If You Gamble Against a Man With a Hat for a Face, Know What Your Wager Is
All I ever wanted was for my wife and I to live comfortably. But the longer we stayed together, the higher our bills increased. We’d already fought off debts from college, barely scraping by. Even after we paid them off, we were only able to afford a tiny apartment on the outskirts of New York City.
Sidewalks laid cracked everywhere while condemned buildings sat sadly against their crooked foundations. Crooked lampposts would hang only by electrical wires. Graffiti marked every street corner in bland art that existed without rhyme or reason. Homeless people could be found on every street corner, a constant reminder of what would happen if my wife and I failed to keep up with our payments.
However, I managed to make somewhat decent money as a plumber. But even then, it sometimes wasn’t enough to deal with loan sharks, the hefty utility bills, food prices, and gas money. I was willing to do anything to get us out.
And that is where I encountered gambling. I was willing to take the risks. I’d take any chance to obtain a reward, even just a small one. It started out with just a handful of poker games. Then I moved on to scratch tickets and slot machines. All I needed was enough to get by. Unfortunately, obtaining a payday from the casinos was impossible. I started growing desperate, which only led to more debt. The whole cycle sucked me down like Odysseus’ ship in Charybdis’ maw. And just like that, my relationship with my wife began to tear us apart.
My wife and I were once so close together. Before we married, there would be days where we’d work together at wood shops, creating 3D prints of various sci-fi characters and video games. Other times we’d study the components of circuits and use them to create elaborate lighting displays whenever Christmas arrived. Our wedding day was supposed to be the greatest day of our lives. Instead of relying on the help of others back like we did in college, we relied on ourselves.
But my actions tore all that apart. I didn’t know what else to do, either.
—
A few nights ago, I arrived at my shitty apartment, having completed a ten hour shift fixing the drains of several upper class folks. I rested my hand on the knob, expecting the worst from my wife. Sighing, I pushed the door. The moment I did, she was already in the front hall. Her eyes were scrunched and she was holding a bank statement, smacking it for emphasis.
“Care for an explanation?” She demanded.
I rubbed my temples, removing my scum covered overalls and plopping them right into the nearest laundry hamper. We locked eyes. Breaking eye contact with her would only ignite her anger further. She was holding another piece of evidence of my failures. My failure to strike it rich. All I could do was stand there sheepishly, tail tucked behind me, and wait to get ripped a new one. No words could come out of my mouth.
She marched up to me, holding it in my face. “Frank, you wasted three-thousand dollars at the casino AGAIN?!” my wife bellowed.
I set my tool box down and washed the pipe gunk from my hands, looking down just for a bit.
“Turn around and look me in the eyes.”
Resting a hand on my eyes, I glanced over at her petite frame. Then, I began to speak. “We can live comfortably if you just give-“
“Enough of the excuses! We nearly lost our apartment twice by you betting on slots, you wasted our heating money on roulette, and now this!”
I held up my hands reassuringly. “Look, just let me figure this out! I’ll think of some way to get the money!”
“You’d better. Otherwise we’re getting a divorce. Got it?”
Without another word, I put on a casual outfit, exiting for some fresh air. Shutting the door behind me, I gazed back at the unpolished apartment number on the frame. Wincing, I clenched a fist and descended the rickety stairs. Eventually, my boots hit the cracked pavement, and I headed off.
---
I had only made it a few blocks from my apartment, when I noticed shadows lurking in one of the alleyways. Picking up my stride, I try to evade the figures. They drew closer and closer. My stride changed into a sprint. Another alleyway comes into my sights. I make a break for it, hoping for an opportunity to escape. Only a dead end greets me. Before long, the figures cornered me. The light from a street lamp illuminated two shady faces. Loan sharks. Before I could react, the duo held me up by my throat.
“What the hell are you guys doing?!” I strained, feebly kicking back one of the thugs. He jammed a fist right under my rib cage. My lips pursed as I lost my breath. The other grabbed me by the chin, grinning like a maniac and revealing his tobacco rotted jaw. I gulped.
“Frank, calm down. Take it easy,” every word he said ground my inner ears. Brown saliva sprayed on my cheeks. “We just want to have a little talk…” I didn’t have the courage to speak up. All I could do was let them tell me everything.
“Your landlord is getting rather impatient with your payments. We just came to send a little message. He has some demands.” The other guy snarled.
I tugged on my collar. “What…demands?”
“The landlord wants you to cough up $18,000 for your next payment!”
My hands grew clammy. Were they out of their minds? I was a plumber, not a heart surgeon! I didn’t have that kind of money! Besides, the rent was only $500 a month.
“You have until the end of the month,” one of the goons croaked.
That was only two weeks! I couldn’t have made that kind of money with such constraints! I’d barely be able to afford food and electricity! Negotiating was out of the question. God knows what would have happened to me if I dared speak up.
“The landlord has given you chance after chance to pay up. But you’ve never followed through. He’s let it slide for three months. You haven’t paid shit in that time frame. Do you realize how much he has to pay for his own apartment? If you fail to pay at that time, there will be consequences…” He makes a capiche gesture.
I nodded. The moment I complied, they released me, disappearing into the smog.
—
I stood outside a graffiti covered subway station, pacing around, hands in my pockets. My fists constricted as I pounded a nearby wall. There’s no way I would have been able to make that kind of money! Craps were too unpredictable, arcade machines were always rigged, and roulette was too high in stakes. Seeing red, I screamed and kicked a wall as hard as I could. My foot throbbed and once I was done with my fit, I broke down sobbing. The sidewalk darkened with my tears. I pressed my head against it, clawing at it until my fingernails turned crimson.
Then, I felt a tap on my shoulder. Wiping the tears away, I glanced over my shoulder. A card was lying on the floor. Its borders were covered in green dollar symbols. The rest of the card was a silver color shiny enough to reflect my face in it. Written in gold letters were the following:
ACES HIGH CASINO
WIN ONE ROUND OF BLACKJACK
AND EARN FIFTY MILLION DOLLARS!
NO MONETARY WAGER NEEDED
TABLE 777
My eyes lit up. All I had to do was win one game of blackjack, and I’d be rich? Dimples formed on my cheeks and I pumped my fist. I nearly clicked my heels in joy, but decided against it. I’d already caused enough of a scene already, and I wanted to make sure nobody knew my secret. When I flipped it around, it had an address also written in golden letters.
---
Despite the address being in an unknown area, I still managed to pull it up on my phone’s map and arrived without any struggle. The casino itself was a pigsty, to say the least. Smokers polluted the air in the prison gray interior. Slot machines with broken lights clicked and whirred while cheap dice clattered against tables with peeling felt. Meanwhile, the concrete floor was covered in colonies of roaches while neglected beer bottles sat against the rungs of several tables. The only thing that was kept well was the bar and a room draped with navy blue curtains with golden sashes. Emblazoned above the doorway was the number 777.
This was the first time I had entered a casino smiling. For once, I thought that this was my lucky night.
When I pushed the curtains away, they revealed a room with ornate black wallpaper, an assortment of oak desks and other furniture. The walls were covered in fine Baroque paintings. On the floor was a single blue carpet covered in opulent tapestry. I followed the back wall to a single dealer table coated in green felt. Two seats were present with one patron taking the seat on the left. He was shaking with what I assumed was excitement.
Behind him was the dealer, a trim man with long blond hair and a top hat over his nose and eyes. He wore a dapper tuxedo free of blemishes that shimmered in the light of a single hanging glass lamp. His skin was pure and free of moles, glistening with slight amounts of glitter.
“Why, hello there…” The man spoke in a voice slicker than the gel in his hair. “Are you here to win big?” Unlike the loan sharks, his teeth were cleaner than a freshly washed plate.
“Yup. Deal me in.” I said, straightening my back, shuffling into the last seat. The other player had his jaw locked together. His eyes were drooping and bloodshot. Sweat pooled around his brow like glass beads. Just like him, I always felt nervous about losing, so their reaction was understandable.
“You know the rules of blackjack. I deal out cards. You can say ‘hit me’ if you want more cards. Get closest to twenty one without going over. Dealer only draws two cards. And you can also surrender your cards for half your bet. When you don’t want any more cards, say the word ‘stand.’” The dealer said, shuffling the cards through his hands and manipulating them like a sculptor with a ceramic pot.
I double blinked. Wager? “What do I bet with?”
The mysterious man just focused on passing out his cards. First, he brought out two cards for himself and dealt two more to each player. Instantly, he flipped over his cards. A jack and a king. Twenty.
I clutched the velvet backed cards, seeing what I was dealt.
A ten and a seven of hearts. I forced my face into a neutral smile. My stomach twisted. There was no way I could get twenty one that easily. “Surrender,” I said, pushing my cards to the dealer. All he did was reshuffle the cards and toss me two more. They didn’t even bother looking back up at me during the process.
The other player started clutching his stomach. My smile vanished. I carefully looked over the left guy’s cards. A seven and a two of clubs.
“Hit me…” the guy on the left choked out. An ace of spades. A total of ten. Sweat trickled down his head like a shower in April. His eyes welled up with tears while foam developed around his mouth. I raised a brow, wondering what his deal was.
I knew the stakes of gambling, but my sixth sense kept telling me something was just not right. No. That couldn’t be true. Even if there was some kind of string attached or fine print I didn’t read, I couldn’t risk giving up that money. Besides, this might have been my only chance to obtain such a vast award without much risk.
“Hit me…” The man wheezed. A five of hearts. His teeth chattered.
While I waited for my turn, I stood up and walked around the room, getting a closer look at all the ornate gadgets and such. My eyes focused on a painting on the leftmost wall. It resembled a man in rich military regalia. But something made my hair stand on end. Their upturned white mustache looked damp, and their face sagged like they were crying. Linear, stick-like shadows were cast on the sleeves. Edging forward, they came into focus.
Hands. I followed their forms outward, which extended into oily, dripping arms.
“Husssssssssh…” A faint noise echoed from somewhere in the room.
“What?” I mouthed, turning an ear to the source.
“Husssssssssh…” It came from the painting. I backed away, hands out at my sides. Was someone dragged in that painting?
“Where are you going? You forgot to pay up!” The dealer yelled back, hands slamming on the table and pulling out a sack of navy blue poker chips.
I double took. “I thought the card said there was no monetary wager needed?”
“There isn’t.”
Then, I looked at the ground. There was a second rug on the ground. The tapestry matched, but its patterns didn’t match with the other rug. It was off center from the rest of the decorations, like someone didn’t even bother setting it up properly. Taking a closer look, I could hear faint whispers coming from it, too. When I looked back up, the guy on the left was gone. I rushed over, checking his cards. A total of twenty five.
Swallowing saliva, I stood in confusion, wondering what to do next. I scraped my fingernails against my palms. I needed that money. If I didn’t get it, I’d lose my wife and my apartment. And what about the loan sharks? Only God knew what would happen to me if I didn’t pay up. What was I going to do? What would happen if I lost? Would I turn into another object just like the other guy? Or would I be in for a worse fate?
“That’s because there isn’t a MONETARY wager. I’m still taking half of what you owe.”
A sharp pain punched my left side. My left side felt heavier than before, like my veins were replaced with tungsten. I grabbed my fingers around my chest. The area around the pain almost felt solid like a tumor. Brushing around the area, I could make out a cylindrical mass. I tried to inspect it some more, but the pain overwhelmed me, and I crumpled to the ground.
I crouched down on all fours, trying to get back to my seat, but the pain froze me in place. Reaching out a hand, I called out for help. Nothing.
Slithering away, I pulled back the curtains to the entrance of the casino. I spat on the ground from the bludgeoning pain.
“Don’t feel out of luck. You can still surrender once more and you still have two chances left!” The dealer smiled, adjusting his hat. It was only a glimpse, but I caught a look at his upper face. His eyes were on his hat and his forehead was blank. The dealer looked like they were plucked straight out of an Alice in Wonderland book. What or who was this dealer?
“Think long and hard about this. I saw you arguing with your wife. And those ruffians nearly killed you.”
I clambered back to my seat. I still didn’t know what that dealer did to me. Something in me forced me to get back up and keep playing. More questions ate at me the longer I played. How did he know that information?
Then, I remembered feeling a tap back at Grand Central Station. And the card that brought me here. He couldn’t have been human. Was he some kind of demon? I didn’t bother asking. There wasn’t any way he would spill the beans about his nature.
After what seemed like hours, I managed to writhe back into my seat, slumping over the table like I’d just had the worst hangover.
“Ready to try again?” The charming man said, resting his chin on his interlocked hands.
Reluctantly, I gave him a thumbs up. He took back the cards and began manipulating the split deck once more. I analyzed every move he made. None of the cards were tricked. He wasn’t second dealing and didn’t have any aces up his sleeve. Never revealed anything under the table, either. The only thing that brought me reassurance was that he was honest. Still, keeping an eye out was critical.
The dealer revealed his cards. Two tens again. One of spades, one of hearts. His face was harder than diamond and glowed like one, too. Not a pleasing glow, but one that would hex anyone that dared gaze at it for too long.
I looked at my cards. An ace and a seven. Eighteen. Gripping my lower abdomen, I stayed crumpled in agony. The odds of getting a blackjack were slim and the stabbing pain skewed my thoughts.
“Surrender…” I wheezed. The words slipped out of my mouth like the dying breath of a wounded soldier. The dealer smiled, holding a pile of blue poker chips around him. He waved his hand over the mound and made an inaudible chant. Then, they vanished.
I held my hands over my face, bracing myself. Suddenly, the pain doubled, shifting to my right like a mudslide down a hill. Now I knew everything the previous player was going through.
I vomited out something hard and blue. A poker chip. Suddenly, my guts turned and another seven spilled out. My esophagus wound itself into knots more contorted than cobwebs. “I…forfeit!”
The man started to smile. “Without these?” With a thud, the hat faced dealer pulled out a jar filled with a kidney and a piece of liver. They still were oozing with blood that plumed and fit their containers. I remembered how the dealer said that there was no monetary wager. He never said there wasn’t a wager at all. My wager…was my organs.
“You want them back? Win them.” He set them back on the ground.
Now there was no choice. My fate was sealed if I tried to leave. I started to shed tears. If I didn’t get these organs back and fast, I was done for. Even if someone saw me passed out on the floor, finding donors for organs wasn’t guaranteed. And even then, I’d be put further in debt. Nothing would be solved. Then again, was trying to beat this guy even worth it? No. The reward was too great. Taking a few deep breaths, I sat back down. Reluctantly, I asked that he proceed.
The dealer drew out cards just like before. He took the cards and gave them a good shuffle. Plucking two cards out of the stack, he revealed them. A king and a nine. Another poker chip tumbled out my throat. I spat it out in a red and blue plastic heap. Not paying attention to the mess I made, he handed me two cards. A jack and a two. Twelve.
“Hit…me.” An ace. Aces could count as one or eleven depending on what other cards were drawn. I still had a fighting chance.
“Hit me.” A five.
His dead stare tore at my soul. I scratched against the felt, the wounds in my fingers reopening. From the corner of my eyes, I could see him frowning. “Are you going to play, or do you want all that money to go to waste?”
I gritted my teeth. “Shut up…Hit me…” Swallowing saliva, I watched the dealer play out my last card. A queen.
“You lose.” The dealer said coldly, grabbing a pile of poker chips and holding them close. He waved his hand over the mound and made another incantation. Then, they vanished once more. Everywhere at once, burning pain sears my skin, making me blackout.
---
When I wake up and feel my arms, they are covered in something hard, blue and plastic. My clothes were gone. I examined my extremities and my torso.
My skin was missing and replaced with poker chips. They were shaped to fit every part of my body. Cracks filled with blood gushed out with each slight movement I made. Horrified, I spilled my guts. More poker chips slid out my throat. Piles of skin laid clumped on the side of the table in hideous pink and blood red sheets.
“I think you know what’s at stake now. One try left. Better make it count. You want to end up in an object for an eternity?” He taunted.
The rigidity of my plastic coated skin made each movement expose more of the cracks, searing my muscles. I groaned as I raised myself up. Crimson liquid dampened the table. I pounded at the table. This was it. I either walked out with my money and saved my marriage and tied up all those knots. Or I lost and suffered a fate worse than death. Giving up was not an option. I gave the mysterious man a death glare, not even bothered by his resistance.
He plucks out two cards. A nine and a ten. This was my chance.
Then, my cards were revealed. A ten and a two. Fingers rattling, I took a deep breath and let calmness seep into me.
“Hit…Me…” I sputtered. Another two.
Huffing, I opened my mouth to speak again. The dealer just stared into me, tilting his head like a vulture waiting for roadkill. The poker chips rattled again, grinding against each other.
“Hit…” I paused for a moment, recollecting my thoughts. At a value of fourteen, I needed at least a six to beat the dealer. But an eight or higher would result in disaster. Gulping down another chaser of saliva, I spoke. “Hit…me.”
To my chagrin, a five slipped out of the hand. I was now tied. Staring at the pile of skin and my other organs, I closed my eyes and shook in horror. An ace or a two were the only cards I could draw in order to win. I looked down at my cards, sweat dripping on the table. With a quick glance, I gazed at the eyes on the man’s silk hat.
“Don’t keep me waiting.” The man demanded.
I’d begun hyperventilating. His stare grew more intense the longer I waited. His confident smile turned into a frown of irritation. Eyebrows and mouth twisted into a hideous snarl. He rattled his fingers against the dealing table. The cacophony made my ears go numb.
Then, I whispered my answer.
“Hit…me…”
The man darted up, smiling back in anticipation. “I’m sorry, what was that?”
I closed my eyes, expecting the worst.
“HIT ME!” I screamed at the top of my lungs.
Then, the last card was revealed:
A two.
I’d won!
My mouth dropped. The sheets of skin unfurled themselves and flattened over me. Two organ jars spilled over, their contents rising in a beam of white and torpedoing back into my body. Immediately, I yelped at the top of my lungs, skipping my heels and doing a jig. I regained my strength, instantly looking around for traces of my prize. For several minutes, I wasn’t able to uncover anything. Staring directly at the dealer’s face, I asked him to reveal my prize.
“I don’t have it with me.” He said, blankly.
Not listening, I scrutinized every inch of the room, looking behind his station, checking under the table, everything.
I searched everywhere for my prize, my happiness dissipating. With each step I took, my smile faded even further, twisting into a frown. My nose crinkled. “Where is the fifty million?” I demanded, overturning the table, ripping off the ornate paintings and yanking the tasseled rugs off the floor. “You promised me fifty million dollars if I beat you! Do you realize what’s gonna happen to me if I don’t get that money, you charlatan?!”
The strange man just stood there, not even acknowledging my pleas.
“YOU PROMISED ME MONEY! You’re a thief!” I roared, pointing an accusing finger at him. “I only did this for my wife, to save my marriage! I almost gave up my life trying to help my family out! How can you take that away from me?!”
The demon stuck his hands behind his back and shook his head. He rolled his eyes back in thought. Something was up with him. “You aren’t like the other gamblers.” He said.
“Other gamblers?” I said, stepping back.
“They all wanted the money for worthless things. A mansion with fountains and a view, hookers, a trip to Tahiti…” He paced around me. His face was rather relaxed and calm. Never once did he lose eye contact with me. “But you had so much determination to help your wife out that you would risk it all. I admire that. It took me a while to figure out that you were actually a kind hearted person.”
I saw red and tried to punch him. He grabbed my fist, shoving it back.
“Listen to me. I understand your rage. There never was a prize in the first place. It was nothing but a lure to capture those that wasted their lives away. But there is one thing that you don’t understand.”
I saw red and I thrusted my hands back. “You nearly killed me all for nothing?!”
“Yes, but that was before I saw you the way you really were. Listen to my words.”
Slowly, I relaxed my posture, but still remained firm. “Why should I listen to you?”
“I can help you out of your situation.” The man said.
My nostrils flared. “You owe me money you snake!”
“You never needed the money in the first place.”
Taken aback, I retreated. “What do you mean?” My arms relaxed once more.
“You are a plumber, aren’t you? I saw you come home from work, just barely catching a glimpse of your schedule. Forty hours a week for thirty-eight dollars an hour for five days a week. That’s $15200 a week for two weeks. You already have everything you need.”
“But you don’t understand. They need $18000!” I pleaded.
He wouldn’t budge. “Trying to earn this money via dumb risks and chances will not get you anywhere. Look at all the things that you’ve done wrong.”
Tears began to well up. “And I want to change that.” I wiped my eyes. “But what am I supposed to do now?”
“The only way you can earn that money is through grit and spit,” He said, walking around me. “You aren’t going to find solace through good luck alone. You have to work for it. And you already have the tools that some people don’t have. If you give up now, you might as well have lost. Think about it.” With those last words, he raised his hand and snapped it, disappearing without a trace. Slowly, I gathered my things and walked out of the casino, head hanging low.
---
The following day, I sat outside an old woman’s faucet, inspecting how to fix a leak. I wondered what the demon’s words meant to me. Before I stuck the wrench up to a U trap, I remembered my pay. If I worked the same amount of hours as before, I’d only make $15200. But if I pulled off some overtime and worked several extra hours, I might just be able to pay off my debts.
I started staying up much later than before. Not long after, my wife started to become suspicious. Eventually, she confronted me.
“Frank, you’ve been staying up late. Are you going back to the casinos again?” she asked, hands on her hips.
I closed my eyes. Instead of fear, calmness filled my veins and my blood stilled. “Not this time. I’ve been working overtime.”
Her face loosened up for just a moment before hardening back up. I held my hands up and motioned my palms downward. “Listen, I have been horrible lately. All my gambling did was drown us in deeper debt.”
Her expression began to soften up again, her frown vanishing.
“I want to change things. We used to work so well together, doing everything to help each other. Instead of fighting against each other, it’s time we made peace. And we bring us out of our debt, together.” I held out my hand for her to shake it. She kept her arm pulled back and folded like the pincer of a mantis. Inch by inch, she extended it and took it.
The following day, my wife convinced me to go to therapy to get out of my addiction, which I gladly obliged. Simultaneously, she decided to start up another job working as an electrician. Day by day passed and we pooled all our resources as one. Before our eyes, bills were paid and debt disappeared faster than eye floaters. Our financial status wasn’t the only thing that changed. Her once crusty mood lightened up and she began to smile more. She began to believe my words and began to respect the changes I made.
And then, we paid off our rent. We got a letter from our landlord, saying that we now were even. The moment that letter came in, we embraced each other. The only question now was, what were we going to do with this extra money?
Not too long ago, we ended up earning enough money to create another 3d project, this time of a Companion Cube. Day after day, we created more projects. Although we weren’t as happy as our days back in college, we still could make the best with what we had. In retrospect, the hat-faced man put up a good fight, but I managed to come out of a casino with more than I came in with. It wasn’t exactly money, but it wasn’t worthless, either.
submitted by TheBlackCycloneOrder to WeAreLegion [link] [comments]
Sidewalks laid cracked everywhere while condemned buildings sat sadly against their crooked foundations. Crooked lampposts would hang only by electrical wires. Graffiti marked every street corner in bland art that existed without rhyme or reason. Homeless people could be found on every street corner, a constant reminder of what would happen if my wife and I failed to keep up with our payments.
However, I managed to make somewhat decent money as a plumber. But even then, it sometimes wasn’t enough to deal with loan sharks, the hefty utility bills, food prices, and gas money. I was willing to do anything to get us out.
And that is where I encountered gambling. I was willing to take the risks. I’d take any chance to obtain a reward, even just a small one. It started out with just a handful of poker games. Then I moved on to scratch tickets and slot machines. All I needed was enough to get by. Unfortunately, obtaining a payday from the casinos was impossible. I started growing desperate, which only led to more debt. The whole cycle sucked me down like Odysseus’ ship in Charybdis’ maw. And just like that, my relationship with my wife began to tear us apart.
My wife and I were once so close together. Before we married, there would be days where we’d work together at wood shops, creating 3D prints of various sci-fi characters and video games. Other times we’d study the components of circuits and use them to create elaborate lighting displays whenever Christmas arrived. Our wedding day was supposed to be the greatest day of our lives. Instead of relying on the help of others back like we did in college, we relied on ourselves.
But my actions tore all that apart. I didn’t know what else to do, either.
—
A few nights ago, I arrived at my shitty apartment, having completed a ten hour shift fixing the drains of several upper class folks. I rested my hand on the knob, expecting the worst from my wife. Sighing, I pushed the door. The moment I did, she was already in the front hall. Her eyes were scrunched and she was holding a bank statement, smacking it for emphasis.
“Care for an explanation?” She demanded.
I rubbed my temples, removing my scum covered overalls and plopping them right into the nearest laundry hamper. We locked eyes. Breaking eye contact with her would only ignite her anger further. She was holding another piece of evidence of my failures. My failure to strike it rich. All I could do was stand there sheepishly, tail tucked behind me, and wait to get ripped a new one. No words could come out of my mouth.
She marched up to me, holding it in my face. “Frank, you wasted three-thousand dollars at the casino AGAIN?!” my wife bellowed.
I set my tool box down and washed the pipe gunk from my hands, looking down just for a bit.
“Turn around and look me in the eyes.”
Resting a hand on my eyes, I glanced over at her petite frame. Then, I began to speak. “We can live comfortably if you just give-“
“Enough of the excuses! We nearly lost our apartment twice by you betting on slots, you wasted our heating money on roulette, and now this!”
I held up my hands reassuringly. “Look, just let me figure this out! I’ll think of some way to get the money!”
“You’d better. Otherwise we’re getting a divorce. Got it?”
Without another word, I put on a casual outfit, exiting for some fresh air. Shutting the door behind me, I gazed back at the unpolished apartment number on the frame. Wincing, I clenched a fist and descended the rickety stairs. Eventually, my boots hit the cracked pavement, and I headed off.
---
I had only made it a few blocks from my apartment, when I noticed shadows lurking in one of the alleyways. Picking up my stride, I try to evade the figures. They drew closer and closer. My stride changed into a sprint. Another alleyway comes into my sights. I make a break for it, hoping for an opportunity to escape. Only a dead end greets me. Before long, the figures cornered me. The light from a street lamp illuminated two shady faces. Loan sharks. Before I could react, the duo held me up by my throat.
“What the hell are you guys doing?!” I strained, feebly kicking back one of the thugs. He jammed a fist right under my rib cage. My lips pursed as I lost my breath. The other grabbed me by the chin, grinning like a maniac and revealing his tobacco rotted jaw. I gulped.
“Frank, calm down. Take it easy,” every word he said ground my inner ears. Brown saliva sprayed on my cheeks. “We just want to have a little talk…” I didn’t have the courage to speak up. All I could do was let them tell me everything.
“Your landlord is getting rather impatient with your payments. We just came to send a little message. He has some demands.” The other guy snarled.
I tugged on my collar. “What…demands?”
“The landlord wants you to cough up $18,000 for your next payment!”
My hands grew clammy. Were they out of their minds? I was a plumber, not a heart surgeon! I didn’t have that kind of money! Besides, the rent was only $500 a month.
“You have until the end of the month,” one of the goons croaked.
That was only two weeks! I couldn’t have made that kind of money with such constraints! I’d barely be able to afford food and electricity! Negotiating was out of the question. God knows what would have happened to me if I dared speak up.
“The landlord has given you chance after chance to pay up. But you’ve never followed through. He’s let it slide for three months. You haven’t paid shit in that time frame. Do you realize how much he has to pay for his own apartment? If you fail to pay at that time, there will be consequences…” He makes a capiche gesture.
I nodded. The moment I complied, they released me, disappearing into the smog.
—
I stood outside a graffiti covered subway station, pacing around, hands in my pockets. My fists constricted as I pounded a nearby wall. There’s no way I would have been able to make that kind of money! Craps were too unpredictable, arcade machines were always rigged, and roulette was too high in stakes. Seeing red, I screamed and kicked a wall as hard as I could. My foot throbbed and once I was done with my fit, I broke down sobbing. The sidewalk darkened with my tears. I pressed my head against it, clawing at it until my fingernails turned crimson.
Then, I felt a tap on my shoulder. Wiping the tears away, I glanced over my shoulder. A card was lying on the floor. Its borders were covered in green dollar symbols. The rest of the card was a silver color shiny enough to reflect my face in it. Written in gold letters were the following:
ACES HIGH CASINO
WIN ONE ROUND OF BLACKJACK
AND EARN FIFTY MILLION DOLLARS!
NO MONETARY WAGER NEEDED
TABLE 777
My eyes lit up. All I had to do was win one game of blackjack, and I’d be rich? Dimples formed on my cheeks and I pumped my fist. I nearly clicked my heels in joy, but decided against it. I’d already caused enough of a scene already, and I wanted to make sure nobody knew my secret. When I flipped it around, it had an address also written in golden letters.
---
Despite the address being in an unknown area, I still managed to pull it up on my phone’s map and arrived without any struggle. The casino itself was a pigsty, to say the least. Smokers polluted the air in the prison gray interior. Slot machines with broken lights clicked and whirred while cheap dice clattered against tables with peeling felt. Meanwhile, the concrete floor was covered in colonies of roaches while neglected beer bottles sat against the rungs of several tables. The only thing that was kept well was the bar and a room draped with navy blue curtains with golden sashes. Emblazoned above the doorway was the number 777.
This was the first time I had entered a casino smiling. For once, I thought that this was my lucky night.
When I pushed the curtains away, they revealed a room with ornate black wallpaper, an assortment of oak desks and other furniture. The walls were covered in fine Baroque paintings. On the floor was a single blue carpet covered in opulent tapestry. I followed the back wall to a single dealer table coated in green felt. Two seats were present with one patron taking the seat on the left. He was shaking with what I assumed was excitement.
Behind him was the dealer, a trim man with long blond hair and a top hat over his nose and eyes. He wore a dapper tuxedo free of blemishes that shimmered in the light of a single hanging glass lamp. His skin was pure and free of moles, glistening with slight amounts of glitter.
“Why, hello there…” The man spoke in a voice slicker than the gel in his hair. “Are you here to win big?” Unlike the loan sharks, his teeth were cleaner than a freshly washed plate.
“Yup. Deal me in.” I said, straightening my back, shuffling into the last seat. The other player had his jaw locked together. His eyes were drooping and bloodshot. Sweat pooled around his brow like glass beads. Just like him, I always felt nervous about losing, so their reaction was understandable.
“You know the rules of blackjack. I deal out cards. You can say ‘hit me’ if you want more cards. Get closest to twenty one without going over. Dealer only draws two cards. And you can also surrender your cards for half your bet. When you don’t want any more cards, say the word ‘stand.’” The dealer said, shuffling the cards through his hands and manipulating them like a sculptor with a ceramic pot.
I double blinked. Wager? “What do I bet with?”
The mysterious man just focused on passing out his cards. First, he brought out two cards for himself and dealt two more to each player. Instantly, he flipped over his cards. A jack and a king. Twenty.
I clutched the velvet backed cards, seeing what I was dealt.
A ten and a seven of hearts. I forced my face into a neutral smile. My stomach twisted. There was no way I could get twenty one that easily. “Surrender,” I said, pushing my cards to the dealer. All he did was reshuffle the cards and toss me two more. They didn’t even bother looking back up at me during the process.
The other player started clutching his stomach. My smile vanished. I carefully looked over the left guy’s cards. A seven and a two of clubs.
“Hit me…” the guy on the left choked out. An ace of spades. A total of ten. Sweat trickled down his head like a shower in April. His eyes welled up with tears while foam developed around his mouth. I raised a brow, wondering what his deal was.
I knew the stakes of gambling, but my sixth sense kept telling me something was just not right. No. That couldn’t be true. Even if there was some kind of string attached or fine print I didn’t read, I couldn’t risk giving up that money. Besides, this might have been my only chance to obtain such a vast award without much risk.
“Hit me…” The man wheezed. A five of hearts. His teeth chattered.
While I waited for my turn, I stood up and walked around the room, getting a closer look at all the ornate gadgets and such. My eyes focused on a painting on the leftmost wall. It resembled a man in rich military regalia. But something made my hair stand on end. Their upturned white mustache looked damp, and their face sagged like they were crying. Linear, stick-like shadows were cast on the sleeves. Edging forward, they came into focus.
Hands. I followed their forms outward, which extended into oily, dripping arms.
“Husssssssssh…” A faint noise echoed from somewhere in the room.
“What?” I mouthed, turning an ear to the source.
“Husssssssssh…” It came from the painting. I backed away, hands out at my sides. Was someone dragged in that painting?
“Where are you going? You forgot to pay up!” The dealer yelled back, hands slamming on the table and pulling out a sack of navy blue poker chips.
I double took. “I thought the card said there was no monetary wager needed?”
“There isn’t.”
Then, I looked at the ground. There was a second rug on the ground. The tapestry matched, but its patterns didn’t match with the other rug. It was off center from the rest of the decorations, like someone didn’t even bother setting it up properly. Taking a closer look, I could hear faint whispers coming from it, too. When I looked back up, the guy on the left was gone. I rushed over, checking his cards. A total of twenty five.
Swallowing saliva, I stood in confusion, wondering what to do next. I scraped my fingernails against my palms. I needed that money. If I didn’t get it, I’d lose my wife and my apartment. And what about the loan sharks? Only God knew what would happen to me if I didn’t pay up. What was I going to do? What would happen if I lost? Would I turn into another object just like the other guy? Or would I be in for a worse fate?
“That’s because there isn’t a MONETARY wager. I’m still taking half of what you owe.”
A sharp pain punched my left side. My left side felt heavier than before, like my veins were replaced with tungsten. I grabbed my fingers around my chest. The area around the pain almost felt solid like a tumor. Brushing around the area, I could make out a cylindrical mass. I tried to inspect it some more, but the pain overwhelmed me, and I crumpled to the ground.
I crouched down on all fours, trying to get back to my seat, but the pain froze me in place. Reaching out a hand, I called out for help. Nothing.
Slithering away, I pulled back the curtains to the entrance of the casino. I spat on the ground from the bludgeoning pain.
“Don’t feel out of luck. You can still surrender once more and you still have two chances left!” The dealer smiled, adjusting his hat. It was only a glimpse, but I caught a look at his upper face. His eyes were on his hat and his forehead was blank. The dealer looked like they were plucked straight out of an Alice in Wonderland book. What or who was this dealer?
“Think long and hard about this. I saw you arguing with your wife. And those ruffians nearly killed you.”
I clambered back to my seat. I still didn’t know what that dealer did to me. Something in me forced me to get back up and keep playing. More questions ate at me the longer I played. How did he know that information?
Then, I remembered feeling a tap back at Grand Central Station. And the card that brought me here. He couldn’t have been human. Was he some kind of demon? I didn’t bother asking. There wasn’t any way he would spill the beans about his nature.
After what seemed like hours, I managed to writhe back into my seat, slumping over the table like I’d just had the worst hangover.
“Ready to try again?” The charming man said, resting his chin on his interlocked hands.
Reluctantly, I gave him a thumbs up. He took back the cards and began manipulating the split deck once more. I analyzed every move he made. None of the cards were tricked. He wasn’t second dealing and didn’t have any aces up his sleeve. Never revealed anything under the table, either. The only thing that brought me reassurance was that he was honest. Still, keeping an eye out was critical.
The dealer revealed his cards. Two tens again. One of spades, one of hearts. His face was harder than diamond and glowed like one, too. Not a pleasing glow, but one that would hex anyone that dared gaze at it for too long.
I looked at my cards. An ace and a seven. Eighteen. Gripping my lower abdomen, I stayed crumpled in agony. The odds of getting a blackjack were slim and the stabbing pain skewed my thoughts.
“Surrender…” I wheezed. The words slipped out of my mouth like the dying breath of a wounded soldier. The dealer smiled, holding a pile of blue poker chips around him. He waved his hand over the mound and made an inaudible chant. Then, they vanished.
I held my hands over my face, bracing myself. Suddenly, the pain doubled, shifting to my right like a mudslide down a hill. Now I knew everything the previous player was going through.
I vomited out something hard and blue. A poker chip. Suddenly, my guts turned and another seven spilled out. My esophagus wound itself into knots more contorted than cobwebs. “I…forfeit!”
The man started to smile. “Without these?” With a thud, the hat faced dealer pulled out a jar filled with a kidney and a piece of liver. They still were oozing with blood that plumed and fit their containers. I remembered how the dealer said that there was no monetary wager. He never said there wasn’t a wager at all. My wager…was my organs.
“You want them back? Win them.” He set them back on the ground.
Now there was no choice. My fate was sealed if I tried to leave. I started to shed tears. If I didn’t get these organs back and fast, I was done for. Even if someone saw me passed out on the floor, finding donors for organs wasn’t guaranteed. And even then, I’d be put further in debt. Nothing would be solved. Then again, was trying to beat this guy even worth it? No. The reward was too great. Taking a few deep breaths, I sat back down. Reluctantly, I asked that he proceed.
The dealer drew out cards just like before. He took the cards and gave them a good shuffle. Plucking two cards out of the stack, he revealed them. A king and a nine. Another poker chip tumbled out my throat. I spat it out in a red and blue plastic heap. Not paying attention to the mess I made, he handed me two cards. A jack and a two. Twelve.
“Hit…me.” An ace. Aces could count as one or eleven depending on what other cards were drawn. I still had a fighting chance.
“Hit me.” A five.
His dead stare tore at my soul. I scratched against the felt, the wounds in my fingers reopening. From the corner of my eyes, I could see him frowning. “Are you going to play, or do you want all that money to go to waste?”
I gritted my teeth. “Shut up…Hit me…” Swallowing saliva, I watched the dealer play out my last card. A queen.
“You lose.” The dealer said coldly, grabbing a pile of poker chips and holding them close. He waved his hand over the mound and made another incantation. Then, they vanished once more. Everywhere at once, burning pain sears my skin, making me blackout.
---
When I wake up and feel my arms, they are covered in something hard, blue and plastic. My clothes were gone. I examined my extremities and my torso.
My skin was missing and replaced with poker chips. They were shaped to fit every part of my body. Cracks filled with blood gushed out with each slight movement I made. Horrified, I spilled my guts. More poker chips slid out my throat. Piles of skin laid clumped on the side of the table in hideous pink and blood red sheets.
“I think you know what’s at stake now. One try left. Better make it count. You want to end up in an object for an eternity?” He taunted.
The rigidity of my plastic coated skin made each movement expose more of the cracks, searing my muscles. I groaned as I raised myself up. Crimson liquid dampened the table. I pounded at the table. This was it. I either walked out with my money and saved my marriage and tied up all those knots. Or I lost and suffered a fate worse than death. Giving up was not an option. I gave the mysterious man a death glare, not even bothered by his resistance.
He plucks out two cards. A nine and a ten. This was my chance.
Then, my cards were revealed. A ten and a two. Fingers rattling, I took a deep breath and let calmness seep into me.
“Hit…Me…” I sputtered. Another two.
Huffing, I opened my mouth to speak again. The dealer just stared into me, tilting his head like a vulture waiting for roadkill. The poker chips rattled again, grinding against each other.
“Hit…” I paused for a moment, recollecting my thoughts. At a value of fourteen, I needed at least a six to beat the dealer. But an eight or higher would result in disaster. Gulping down another chaser of saliva, I spoke. “Hit…me.”
To my chagrin, a five slipped out of the hand. I was now tied. Staring at the pile of skin and my other organs, I closed my eyes and shook in horror. An ace or a two were the only cards I could draw in order to win. I looked down at my cards, sweat dripping on the table. With a quick glance, I gazed at the eyes on the man’s silk hat.
“Don’t keep me waiting.” The man demanded.
I’d begun hyperventilating. His stare grew more intense the longer I waited. His confident smile turned into a frown of irritation. Eyebrows and mouth twisted into a hideous snarl. He rattled his fingers against the dealing table. The cacophony made my ears go numb.
Then, I whispered my answer.
“Hit…me…”
The man darted up, smiling back in anticipation. “I’m sorry, what was that?”
I closed my eyes, expecting the worst.
“HIT ME!” I screamed at the top of my lungs.
Then, the last card was revealed:
A two.
I’d won!
My mouth dropped. The sheets of skin unfurled themselves and flattened over me. Two organ jars spilled over, their contents rising in a beam of white and torpedoing back into my body. Immediately, I yelped at the top of my lungs, skipping my heels and doing a jig. I regained my strength, instantly looking around for traces of my prize. For several minutes, I wasn’t able to uncover anything. Staring directly at the dealer’s face, I asked him to reveal my prize.
“I don’t have it with me.” He said, blankly.
Not listening, I scrutinized every inch of the room, looking behind his station, checking under the table, everything.
I searched everywhere for my prize, my happiness dissipating. With each step I took, my smile faded even further, twisting into a frown. My nose crinkled. “Where is the fifty million?” I demanded, overturning the table, ripping off the ornate paintings and yanking the tasseled rugs off the floor. “You promised me fifty million dollars if I beat you! Do you realize what’s gonna happen to me if I don’t get that money, you charlatan?!”
The strange man just stood there, not even acknowledging my pleas.
“YOU PROMISED ME MONEY! You’re a thief!” I roared, pointing an accusing finger at him. “I only did this for my wife, to save my marriage! I almost gave up my life trying to help my family out! How can you take that away from me?!”
The demon stuck his hands behind his back and shook his head. He rolled his eyes back in thought. Something was up with him. “You aren’t like the other gamblers.” He said.
“Other gamblers?” I said, stepping back.
“They all wanted the money for worthless things. A mansion with fountains and a view, hookers, a trip to Tahiti…” He paced around me. His face was rather relaxed and calm. Never once did he lose eye contact with me. “But you had so much determination to help your wife out that you would risk it all. I admire that. It took me a while to figure out that you were actually a kind hearted person.”
I saw red and tried to punch him. He grabbed my fist, shoving it back.
“Listen to me. I understand your rage. There never was a prize in the first place. It was nothing but a lure to capture those that wasted their lives away. But there is one thing that you don’t understand.”
I saw red and I thrusted my hands back. “You nearly killed me all for nothing?!”
“Yes, but that was before I saw you the way you really were. Listen to my words.”
Slowly, I relaxed my posture, but still remained firm. “Why should I listen to you?”
“I can help you out of your situation.” The man said.
My nostrils flared. “You owe me money you snake!”
“You never needed the money in the first place.”
Taken aback, I retreated. “What do you mean?” My arms relaxed once more.
“You are a plumber, aren’t you? I saw you come home from work, just barely catching a glimpse of your schedule. Forty hours a week for thirty-eight dollars an hour for five days a week. That’s $15200 a week for two weeks. You already have everything you need.”
“But you don’t understand. They need $18000!” I pleaded.
He wouldn’t budge. “Trying to earn this money via dumb risks and chances will not get you anywhere. Look at all the things that you’ve done wrong.”
Tears began to well up. “And I want to change that.” I wiped my eyes. “But what am I supposed to do now?”
“The only way you can earn that money is through grit and spit,” He said, walking around me. “You aren’t going to find solace through good luck alone. You have to work for it. And you already have the tools that some people don’t have. If you give up now, you might as well have lost. Think about it.” With those last words, he raised his hand and snapped it, disappearing without a trace. Slowly, I gathered my things and walked out of the casino, head hanging low.
---
The following day, I sat outside an old woman’s faucet, inspecting how to fix a leak. I wondered what the demon’s words meant to me. Before I stuck the wrench up to a U trap, I remembered my pay. If I worked the same amount of hours as before, I’d only make $15200. But if I pulled off some overtime and worked several extra hours, I might just be able to pay off my debts.
I started staying up much later than before. Not long after, my wife started to become suspicious. Eventually, she confronted me.
“Frank, you’ve been staying up late. Are you going back to the casinos again?” she asked, hands on her hips.
I closed my eyes. Instead of fear, calmness filled my veins and my blood stilled. “Not this time. I’ve been working overtime.”
Her face loosened up for just a moment before hardening back up. I held my hands up and motioned my palms downward. “Listen, I have been horrible lately. All my gambling did was drown us in deeper debt.”
Her expression began to soften up again, her frown vanishing.
“I want to change things. We used to work so well together, doing everything to help each other. Instead of fighting against each other, it’s time we made peace. And we bring us out of our debt, together.” I held out my hand for her to shake it. She kept her arm pulled back and folded like the pincer of a mantis. Inch by inch, she extended it and took it.
The following day, my wife convinced me to go to therapy to get out of my addiction, which I gladly obliged. Simultaneously, she decided to start up another job working as an electrician. Day by day passed and we pooled all our resources as one. Before our eyes, bills were paid and debt disappeared faster than eye floaters. Our financial status wasn’t the only thing that changed. Her once crusty mood lightened up and she began to smile more. She began to believe my words and began to respect the changes I made.
And then, we paid off our rent. We got a letter from our landlord, saying that we now were even. The moment that letter came in, we embraced each other. The only question now was, what were we going to do with this extra money?
Not too long ago, we ended up earning enough money to create another 3d project, this time of a Companion Cube. Day after day, we created more projects. Although we weren’t as happy as our days back in college, we still could make the best with what we had. In retrospect, the hat-faced man put up a good fight, but I managed to come out of a casino with more than I came in with. It wasn’t exactly money, but it wasn’t worthless, either.
2023.06.10 16:42 _Triple_ [STORE] 900+ KNIVES/GLOVES/SKINS, 50.000$+ INVENTORY. M9 Fade, M4 Poseidon, BFK Freehand, Crimson Kimono, Nomad Fade, Skeleton, Kara Lore, Bayo Autotronic, AWP Fade, Kara Damas, BFK Ultra, Kara Freehand, Kara Bright, M9 Damas, Omega, Tiger Strike, Flip MF, Bayo Tiger, Deagle Blaze, Talon & More
Everything in my inventory is up for trade. The most valuable items are listed here, the rest you can find in My Inventory
Feel free to Add Me or even better send a Trade Offer. Open for any suggestions: upgrades, downgrades / knives, gloves, skins / stickers, patterns, floats.
All Buyouts are listed in cash value.
KNIVES
★ Butterfly Knife Freehand FN #1, B/O: $2500
★ Butterfly Knife Ultraviolet FT, B/O: $822
★ Butterfly Knife Scorched FT, B/O: $616
⎯★ Bayonet Tiger Tooth MW #1, B/O: $1300
★ Bayonet Autotronic FN, B/O: $1050
★ Bayonet Tiger Tooth MW, B/O: $629
★ Bayonet Bright Water FT, B/O: $326
★ Bayonet Safari Mesh BS, B/O: $233
⎯★ Karambit Lore FT, B/O: $1110
★ Karambit Damascus Steel FT, B/O: $840
★ Karambit Freehand MW, B/O: $784
★ Karambit Bright Water MW, B/O: $759
⎯★ M9 Bayonet Fade FN, B/O: $1801
★ M9 Bayonet Fade FN, B/O: $1801
★ M9 Bayonet Damascus Steel FN, B/O: $751
⎯★ Nomad Knife Fade FN, B/O: $1156
★ Nomad Knife Slaughter MW, B/O: $544
★ Nomad Knife Blue Steel WW, B/O: $318
⎯★ Flip Knife Marble Fade FN, B/O: $646
★ Flip Knife Doppler (Phase 4) FN, B/O: $574
★ Flip Knife Gamma Doppler (Phase 1) MW, B/O: $552
★ Flip Knife Case Hardened FT, B/O: $257
★ Flip Knife Freehand FT, B/O: $255
★ StatTrak™ Flip Knife Bright Water FN, B/O: $287
⎯★ Huntsman Knife Lore FN, B/O: $461
★ Huntsman Knife Gamma Doppler (Phase 4) FN, B/O: $436
★ Huntsman Knife Doppler (Phase 3) FN, B/O: $353
★ Huntsman Knife Autotronic FT, B/O: $212
★ Huntsman Knife Bright Water FT, B/O: $129
★ Huntsman Knife Forest DDPAT MW, B/O: $129
★ Huntsman Knife Forest DDPAT BS, B/O: $123
★ StatTrak™ Huntsman Knife Rust Coat BS, B/O: $127
⎯★ Bowie Knife Gamma Doppler (Phase 2) FN, B/O: $375
★ Bowie Knife Gamma Doppler (Phase 1) FN, B/O: $363
★ Bowie Knife Tiger Tooth FN, B/O: $269
★ Bowie Knife Crimson Web WW, B/O: $192
★ Bowie Knife Bright Water FN, B/O: $159
★ Bowie Knife Ultraviolet FT, B/O: $126
⎯★ Stiletto Knife Slaughter FN, B/O: $616
★ Stiletto Knife Crimson Web FT, B/O: $412
★ StatTrak™ Stiletto Knife Night Stripe FT, B/O: $227
⎯★ Falchion Knife Lore FT, B/O: $214
★ Falchion Knife Autotronic FT, B/O: $192
★ Falchion Knife Scorched WW, B/O: $105
⎯★ Survival Knife Crimson Web BS, B/O: $216
★ Survival Knife Case Hardened FT, B/O: $198
★ Survival Knife Scorched FT, B/O: $111
⎯★ Shadow Daggers Fade FN, B/O: $368
★ Shadow Daggers Doppler (Phase 3) FN, B/O: $228
★ Shadow Daggers, B/O: $201
★ Shadow Daggers Damascus Steel FT, B/O: $108
★ Shadow Daggers Ultraviolet FT, B/O: $105
★ Shadow Daggers Black Laminate FT, B/O: $99
★ Shadow Daggers Forest DDPAT FT, B/O: $85
⎯★ Gut Knife Doppler (Sapphire) MW #1, B/O: $1700
★ Gut Knife Gamma Doppler (Phase 1) FN, B/O: $223
★ Gut Knife Marble Fade FN, B/O: $203
★ Gut Knife Doppler (Phase 2) FN, B/O: $191
★ Gut Knife Case Hardened BS, B/O: $127
⎯★ Navaja Knife Doppler (Phase 4) FN, B/O: $199
★ Navaja Knife Doppler (Phase 4) FN, B/O: $199
★ Navaja Knife, B/O: $138
★ Navaja Knife Damascus Steel FN, B/O: $111
⎯★ Classic Knife Urban Masked FT, B/O: $146
★ StatTrak™ Classic Knife Stained BS, B/O: $168
⎯★ Ursus Knife Doppler (Phase 3) FN, B/O: $476
★ Ursus Knife, B/O: $375
⎯★ Skeleton Knife, B/O: $1137
★ Talon Knife, B/O: $608
★ Paracord Knife, B/O: $305
★ Survival Knife Forest DDPAT FT, B/O: $97
GLOVES
★ Moto Gloves Transport MW, B/O: $204
★ Moto Gloves Polygon BS, B/O: $142
★ Moto Gloves Blood Pressure BS, B/O: $84
★ Moto Gloves Blood Pressure BS, B/O: $84
★ Moto Gloves 3rd Commando Company BS, B/O: $63
★ Moto Gloves 3rd Commando Company BS, B/O: $63
⎯★ Specialist Gloves Crimson Kimono WW, B/O: $1215
★ Specialist Gloves Tiger Strike FT, B/O: $672
★ Specialist Gloves Lt. Commander FT, B/O: $305
★ Specialist Gloves Lt. Commander BS, B/O: $140
★ Specialist Gloves Crimson Web BS, B/O: $137
★ Specialist Gloves Buckshot FT, B/O: $75
⎯★ Driver Gloves Crimson Weave FT, B/O: $359
★ Driver Gloves Imperial Plaid BS, B/O: $229
★ Driver Gloves Overtake BS, B/O: $77
★ Driver Gloves Racing Green FT, B/O: $48
⎯★ Sport Gloves Omega FT, B/O: $739
★ Sport Gloves Amphibious BS #2, B/O: $733
★ Sport Gloves Arid BS, B/O: $292
⎯★ Hand Wraps Giraffe MW, B/O: $212
★ Hand Wraps Leather FT, B/O: $160
★ Hand Wraps Desert Shamagh MW, B/O: $101
⎯★ Broken Fang Gloves Yellow-banded MW, B/O: $185
★ Broken Fang Gloves Needle Point FT, B/O: $67
★ Broken Fang Gloves Needle Point WW, B/O: $59
⎯★ Hydra Gloves Case Hardened BS, B/O: $65
★ Hydra Gloves Emerald FT, B/O: $65
★ Hydra Gloves Emerald BS, B/O: $62
WEAPONS
AK-47 Case Hardened BS, B/O: $130
AK-47 Bloodsport MW, B/O: $79
AK-47 Fuel Injector BS, B/O: $76
AK-47 Fuel Injector BS, B/O: $76
AK-47 Bloodsport FT, B/O: $70
AK-47 Neon Rider MW, B/O: $60
StatTrak™ AK-47 Aquamarine Revenge FT, B/O: $72
⎯AWP Fade FN, B/O: $1039
AWP Asiimov FT, B/O: $139
AWP Asiimov FT, B/O: $139
AWP Wildfire MW, B/O: $95
AWP BOOM MW, B/O: $93
AWP BOOM MW, B/O: $93
AWP Duality FN, B/O: $81
AWP Asiimov BS, B/O: $79
AWP Asiimov BS, B/O: $79
AWP Chromatic Aberration FN, B/O: $60
StatTrak™ AWP Hyper Beast FT, B/O: $68
StatTrak™ AWP Hyper Beast FT, B/O: $68
StatTrak™ AWP Electric Hive FT, B/O: $55
⎯Desert Eagle Blaze FN, B/O: $623
Desert Eagle Emerald Jörmungandr FN, B/O: $241
Desert Eagle Cobalt Disruption FN, B/O: $81
Desert Eagle Cobalt Disruption FN, B/O: $81
Desert Eagle Cobalt Disruption FN, B/O: $81
Desert Eagle Printstream FT, B/O: $54
⎯M4A1-S Blue Phosphor FN, B/O: $434
StatTrak™ M4A1-S Bright Water MW, B/O: $55
⎯M4A4 Poseidon FN, B/O: $1465
M4A4 Asiimov BS, B/O: $55
M4A4 Hellfire MW, B/O: $50
⎯USP-S Kill Confirmed MW, B/O: $72
USP-S Printstream FT, B/O: $69
StatTrak™ USP-S Kill Confirmed FT, B/O: $139
⎯AUG Flame Jörmungandr FN, B/O: $234
P90 Run and Hide FT, B/O: $147
Five-SeveN Candy Apple FN, B/O: $61
Trade Offer Link - Steam Profile Link - My Inventory
Some items on the list may no longer be available or are still locked, visit My Inventory for more details.
Send a Trade Offer for fastest response. I consider all offers.
Add me for discuss if there is a serious offer that needs to be discussed.
2023.06.10 16:33 greggioia Questions About Portablism
I want to buy a portable turntable to bring with me to record shops and records shows so I can listen to records before purchasing them, and figure I may as well invest in a turntable that I can also use for scratching. I've been looking into it, and it seems like there are far more choices and options, especially in terms of upgrades and mods, to portablism than there is to traditional turntable cutting.
I pretty much only scratch on 12" records. Are portablists primarily using 7" records?
Picking a turntable:
The Reloop Spin Portable Turntable System seems to be the top recommendation, but then I read Amazon reviews, many of which were bashing it. Those aren't always the best source of accurate reviews, and I wonder what DJs here who use it think.
I've used a Numark PT01 Scratch before, a few times on a few different units, and found it difficult. It seems made only for 7" records, and when trying to cut on a 12" record it was unstable. The built-in fader is more of an on/off switch, which I do like, but overall I wasn't impressed with the stability of the unit. It may well be that after a 30+ years on Technics 1200s it's a matter of me adjusting, and I'll love it once I use it.
Portable speaker:
I know the built-in speakers aren't great. What's your favorite portable speaker to bring along, and why?
Mods, etc.:
Any musts, or am I good to go with one of these things out of the box? What are the most important upgrade to consider?
submitted by greggioia to Turntablists [link] [comments]
I pretty much only scratch on 12" records. Are portablists primarily using 7" records?
Picking a turntable:
The Reloop Spin Portable Turntable System seems to be the top recommendation, but then I read Amazon reviews, many of which were bashing it. Those aren't always the best source of accurate reviews, and I wonder what DJs here who use it think.
I've used a Numark PT01 Scratch before, a few times on a few different units, and found it difficult. It seems made only for 7" records, and when trying to cut on a 12" record it was unstable. The built-in fader is more of an on/off switch, which I do like, but overall I wasn't impressed with the stability of the unit. It may well be that after a 30+ years on Technics 1200s it's a matter of me adjusting, and I'll love it once I use it.
Portable speaker:
I know the built-in speakers aren't great. What's your favorite portable speaker to bring along, and why?
Mods, etc.:
Any musts, or am I good to go with one of these things out of the box? What are the most important upgrade to consider?
2023.06.10 16:28 kkurisuu [US] [SELLING] Various odds and ends for cheap Pt.2 (Banana Fish, Noragami, Tokyo Ghoul etc.)
Prices are negotiable. Paypal G&S included. Shipping (USPS Media Mail) is not included.
If your order is $10+, I can throw in any of the manga/manhwa singles for half off. Let me know what you want.
Pictures are here: LINK. More can be provided at request.
The Boxer keychain (official from Ize Press) SOLD or Junji Ito MTG Print can be included in your order upon request, if still available.
Manga/Manhwa
Other
Thanks for looking!
submitted by kkurisuu to mangaswap [link] [comments]
If your order is $10+, I can throw in any of the manga/manhwa singles for half off. Let me know what you want.
Pictures are here: LINK. More can be provided at request.
Manga/Manhwa
| Item | Price | Condition | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accomplishments of the Duke's Daughter 1-4 (Manga) | $19 for all | G5 | Never read. Not splitting |
| Banana Fish 1-5 | $24 for all | G4-G5 | Never read. Not splitting. V5 has a nick on the spine |
| Go! Go! Loser Ranger! 1 (Manga) | $4 | G5 | Never read |
| I Had That Same Dream Again (Manga) | $6 | G2 | The bottom corner is dented and the back cover has a small rip. Everything else about it would be a G5. See pic for reference |
| Noragami Stray God 1-7 | $30 for all | G4-G5 | Not splitting. There are some nicks at the top of some of the spines |
| Pokemon Adventures: Diamond and Pearl Platinum 1-5 | $11 for all | G3-G5 | Not splitting. Old editions. V3 and V4 have remainder marks at the bottom. V4 also has some shelf wear. See pic for reference |
| The Beginning After the End (Manhwa) x2 | $6 for G4, | G4-G5 | |
| The World After the Fall (Manhwa) | $8 | G5 | Never read |
| Tokyo Ghoul 1-2 | $11 for all | G4-G5 | Not splitting. Never read |
| Welcome to the Outcast's Restaurant 1 (Manga) | $4 | G5 | Never read |
| Witchcraft Works 1 (Manga) | $4 | G4 | Never read. Yellowing |
| Item | Price | Condition | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| ABYstyle USA Hatsune Miku Boxed Poster Set, Series 2 (Poster) | $5 | G4 | Officially licensed. 2 rolled up posters, 15 x 20.5". Never opened, but the outside box is dinged up a bit. Posters themselves are fine. Doesn't qualify for Media Mail so shipping may be more |
| ABYstyle USA Hatsune Miku Collector Framed Print "Wink" (Poster) | $10 | G5 | Officially licensed. 12 x 16". Still in plastic wrap. Doesn't qualify for Media Mail so shipping may be more |
| Howl's Moving Castle (Steelbook) | $10 | G4 | Still in plastic wrap, but there is a ding on the front of the case |
| Mobile Suit Gundam SEED HD Remaster Project Collection 1 (Blu-Ray) | $23 | G5 | Still in plastic wrap |
| Yuki Yuna is a Hero Complete Collection (Blu-Ray) | $35 | G5 | Still in plastic wrap |
2023.06.10 16:19 thenovlewrighter i have been writing a novel pls rate it
5 nights at aftons
4pm ,location aftons house,
Golden Freddy does a head turn to look right at Jack.” Who are you¨ Jack shouts across the room.freddy says nothing but still looks at him. Jack runs and runs as fast as he can spamming the elevator button for safety.lucky the door shuts just in time but something doesn't feel right to jack the elevator is not moving then he sees a blur an animatronic he sees but he doesn't know this one.the robot 12 ft high burt skull face razor sharp teeth and claws wires sticking out everywhere ¨who…… who ……… are you¨jack says the robot looks down at him and says ¨death jack death¨ all the sudden it attacks him biting ripping skin off him from the wires.but jack sees a logo that says afton enterprise.bleeding bad Jack escapes the elevator running out the door of the house the robot chasing him but wants he out the door the robot is flung back from something ¨hummmmmmmmm so they can't leave the house¨ jack says taunting the robot so called death.
Jack goes home to his apartment on the other side of town. When he gets home he treats the wounds trying not to scream in pain. And then he just lays down like that. Hoping nothing attacks him in his sleep.
¨hello¨ ¨ what did i do to you¨ ¨everything ̈ .errr errr errr ¨uhhhhh the pain.¨ Jack says looking at the alarm clock hitting snooze. getting out of bed jack turns on the lights to see his bandages came undone and his bed was covered in blood.later that morning jack went to the er to get stitches from the attack the nurse looks at him and says what happened to you jack just says ¨death¨ thats what happened the doctor stitches him up and sends him on his way when he drives by aftons house he sees death still waiting for him to come back in.¨not today he says¨ looking out the window.all the sudan his car exploded throwing jack in the air. Then Jack sees it land mines but why jack thinks to himself falling on the asphalt ¨i just got stitches know this¨jack screams.then he passes out.then he sees a boy getting hurt from fredy at a grand opening william shoving dead kids in the animatronics while wearing the spring trap costume then one drop of water hits the mask triggering the spinlocks crushing his body.jack wakes up to the sound of cop cars and ambulances.¨ Sir sir what happened¨ Jack just pointed at the house and said ¨him¨ the cops go over to the house while the paramedics put him in the ambulance.then cops start running from the house one cop being attacked calling for backup. Then the rest of the cops are dragged under ground by some strange mechanical tentacles.
¨what?¨ zoey says looking at jack¨is something wrong¨.jack says nothing but points behind her.zoey turns around but it's not there.”jack i think you need some rest”zoey says with a corsern face.”no no no i'm not going to sleep”jack says.but just then jack falls asleep to see he's in a room with one closet in front of him with 2 doors by it when he turns around he sees one bed behind him. he sits down waiting for something to happen. Just then he walks to one of the doors with the flashlight he just so happenly found by him. He opens the door to see if he hears or sees anything just then he hears something breathing. He turns on the flashlight to see a fredy with sharp teeth and a messed up body.Just then it runs at him terrified he quickly shuts the door and turns the flash light out. Then Freddy runs in the room and goes out the other door.he wakes up to his alarm which was for some reason set at 6 o'clock. Jack thinks nothing of it and turns on the TV to see the news is talking about the attack yesterday “police dragged under ground by strange tentacles after magor car crash”the headline said.jack didn't want to listen to it so he just turned the tv off.a few minutes later the nurse walks in and checks him out of the hospital.when zoey comes to pick him up he sees the same burnt bonnie he saw that night.when jack got in the car it was gone again.jack thought nothing of it and went on with his day.jack and zoey where trying to figure out where to finger lunch out when zoey says “how bout we go to fazbears pizzeria for lunch” as much as jack does not want to go back there he says “sure”.when they get settled in the restaurant jack sees a new chica.when the waitress comes up the order there food and talk awhile when the food comes out there's a $100 check that say your pay jack quickly takes it and stuffs it in his jacket before anyone notices.When jack and zoey leave the restaurant some guy gives jack a letter when jack gets home he reads the letter saying
Dear jack
I know about what happened with the animatronics that night so I'm giving you a second chance. So i need you to watch my house
willam afton
“Really this fool thinks i'm going to watch the house i almost died in no way”Jack says to him self.there was a knock at his door then when he opened the door it was the landlord “give me your keys you haven't paid rent for a week” he says. Jack doesn't know what to say so his mouth does it for him “5 more days and i'll have your money sir” the landlord responds with “fine but if you don't have the money i'm changing the lock” as he walks away.jack grabs his keys rights his will and goes to the house.when jack enters the house though it's different instead of being a run down dump it was beautiful marble staircase ,golden chandeliers, and instead of the robot death there was a butler at the door. When Jack went into the backyard there was a smoothie stand, a big clean pool and palm trees.william afton walks out and then shows jack the security room. There were 5 flat screen TVs for each part of the house. There were also vent cameras if he pressed shift on the keyboard.the door had 5 layers of plexi glass in case something happened .then willam showed him a secret room with a bed tv bathroom and a fridge full of hot pockets and corn on blue.soon willam left and jacks shift started to be continued.Knock knock knock jack herer at the plexiglass door jack looks to see who it is to see the butler when jack opens the door he is offered a beverage from the butler.jack kindly accept it and looks at the camera “nothing strange yet”jack thinks to himself as he takes a sip of his drink.7 o'clock hits so jack locks the door and takes a nap planning to wake up at 12.the time comes and jack gets up but before he goes in the other room he warms up some hot pockets. When Jack looks at the cameras he sees a shadow of the bonni.jack keeps the door lock just in case if something happens when he looks out the door he sees the skeleton robot waiting for it to open.``really i thought this guy was gone” jack thinks to himself when he sees the same chicka he destroyed at the pizzeria rolling around on a skateboard. Then he sees the thing he fears the most: the burnt bonnie at the door jack almost spilt his drink on him he was so scared.then he goes in his room grabs the sheet of his bed and the roll of tape off the table. Jack puts the sheet on the plexiglass door just to keep him calm during the job.Painting Jack takes a sip of his drink. 4 o'clock 5 o'clock 6 o'clock confetti covers the floor. Good job the camera says you completed your 1st night.when jack takes down the sheet to see if the robot was still there it was gone when he checked every room in the house there were no more robots.with relief jack goes in his room to take a napThe rest of the day Jack sits by the pool drinking smoothies and eating pineapple.his watch goes off 5 o'clock 5 o'clock Jack turns it off and heads inside.when he gets to his room he locks the door and takes a nap. When 7 hits he goes in the other room puts the sheet on the door and watches tick tock on his phone waiting for 6 o'clock when he hears something crawling through the vents jack grabs the nearby ax and waits when the creature comes through the vent he swings when he hears “patron sir are you trying to kill the buttlar” the vent opened and the buttlar stuck his head out and started to come in.”wait how do i know you're actually the butler you could just be a robot”jack says “i have no proof but i also trust you” the buttlar says,the buttlar comes in with a duffle bag.soda,chips,tablets,rubix cubes,and pizza.”dude how much stuff did you bring” jack says “enuf to last the rest of the week”.few hours go by and more confetti covers the floor.congrats the screen says you survived night 2.”this is only going to get harder”jack says plugging in the devices.”there's going to be more of them soon”the buttlar says. “My name's jack”jack says “brysan” the buttlar says sticking out his hand “Knock knock KNock” here at the door.the butler slowly lifts the sheet then braysan jumps back.”what is it?” Jack says looking terrified, brayson says “a…….a……..burnt bonnie suit”.”thank lord im not the only one who sees him”jack says.then the door falls on the ground leaving the sheet up still though.”quick in the vents!”brayson hollers. They quickly throw everything in the duffle bag and climb in.then they see the burnt bonnie suit walking around trying to find them then it says “jack come out” then it hits jack the voice the robot everywhere it was afton.the whole time how did he not figure that out he thinks to himself crawling through the vents.then braysan is gone “braysan!”Jack hollers, then something grabs him,“ahhh!” Jack screams trying to get the grip off then he sees it is just a robotic hand then it pulls him looking at the hand again he sees its covered in blue fur. When the arm stops dragging him he sees himself in the old axols bbq that had been closed for a while after an unknown accident.he sees the old rusted robot suits and stays away from them in case they were dangerous too.jack sees a door with a blood lock (which would require him to give it blood to open) he bangs on the door for help but nothing happens.jack walks over to the old robots to see they had many malfunctions then out of nowhere one turns on and starts singing.then the blood lock door opens and he sees a tall figure who pulls him in. In the room Jack sees braysan in the corner with a bottle of water and bandaging.”What happened to you?” Jack asks, looking terrified at braysan. “The alligator thing got me” he says.jack looks at the man and says “who are you” “names cael i'm the owner of here” jack sits down and starts eating his room tempetar smushed corn on blue from the security room.”how do we get out of here” brayson say “you can't” cael respondes.”the only way in and out are the vents but somethings in there and it doesn't want us leaving” cael says. In the corner of the room jack see vials with things like ink,wood,blue fur,piece of cloth,and metal scraps.”what's that” jack ask “things i got from other areas” says cael.”what do you mean” braysan ask.”have you heard of the backrooms if so it's kinda like that accept more monsters so far i encounter killer dolls animatronics a murder ink monster and old person zombie”but i can't get past the doll.”i think i know who made this world besides you” jack says “what do you mean” cael says “i mean william afton made this nightmare world i saw him he has the burnt bonnie suite on he wants to kill all of us do you understand!” jack hallers. “That's it i'm taking a walk” cael says.when the door closes jack hears a loud slam in the wall and then a few swear word.jack rushes out side with the ax to see caels arm has been ripped off by axol.jack gats cael back in the room and bandages it up.”OK NEW RULE YALL NO GOING OUT ALONE”braysan.Then they hear a sound outside like a blade scraping metal then the door opens.Jack,cael,and braysan stand up fast to fight.then they see a person with 2 swords and one robot arm in his hand.jack looks up in shock and says “I thought i killed you” “what” the person says “i hit you with my car 5 months ago” jack says “that was you” “yes” “then you'll die” the person runs towards jack with both swords by his sides .before he can hit jack cael stops him with the ax and says”he's a survivor he can help us find the way out so lets not kill each other” the person looks and looks angrily and says “fine he can live but one wrong move and he's dead got it” “what's your name” jack ask “orion” “Orion cannon”orion says sitting down with axols arm attaching it to cael with the remaining muscles and bone left when he's done the arm works how cael needs it to like a normal arm.when he gets up he grabs a pull string bag and canteen while putting food in the bag jack ask “what are you doing” “going back to level 3 there's been crying in there for a while trying to find where its coming from” orion says “but what if there's more robots” jack says “dont worry theres not just killing toys like this big blue one and a pink a big spider and lots more” orion answers “but how do you get there” braysan ask “the vents” “then we should all go” jack says “why you have a death wish or something” orion says ¨yes yes i do¨ jack says ¨after all i survived i'm sure i should live till we escape ¨ ¨fine let's go then we got to be back by 8 or were dead¨orion says.they climb up in the vents and start crawling to the next level when they get out they see a abandoned toy factory and here crying¨where is that coming from¨cael ask ¨that's the thing there's no human life here¨orion says. After awhile of walking the floor fell in on cael dropping him straight down when every one checks to see if he alive they hear ¨y'all come down hear and bring flashlights¨ so orion past out flashlights and they all jumped down when they landed they turned on the flash lights to see a girl with ripped up clothes and cuts all over her “Who are you” the girl says looking terrified “orion,jack,cael,braysan.”orion says staring the girl down “were looking for survivors”cael quickly says looking rather nervous “and who are you” braysan says “gabby”the girl says.”ok well you can join us we have food and soda”cael said.”thanks but i'm good”gabby said getting up.orion quickly pulled a sword from his bag and gave it to gabby “how many of those things do you even have”braysan said in shock “about 50 at least” orion said “yall we need to get going we don't have long till it comes out” gabby says “till what comes out” cale says “the spider”gabby said “wait what does it look like”jack says “its pink 4 arms and is plastic”gabby says “kind of like the toy from when i was a kid mommy long legs” braysan replies.”well if that's the thing we need to leave”orion says.”where are you children” a voice says. “RUN!” gabby hallers. The group runs straight to the vent climbing as fast as they can. Eventually they get back to base.”welp we're screwed” jack says “sissy”orion says.”ill show u a sissy after i kick your” “stop!” ceal says “if were going to survive we need to get along last thing we need is orion skinning jack” “so you're saying i'm too weak to beat him in a fight” jack says in anger “no i'm just saying orion will cut your head off your body and cook u over a fire faster than u can say a word” cale says back “know what this is stupid i'm leaving” jack says walking out “well should we remind him of the robots”braysan says “maybe later” gabby responds later y=the group hears bloody scream from outside “orion” cale says “go save him before he bleeds out” “fine but i don't want to” orion responds but when orion walks out he sees its just a cat “O my god your scared of a cat” orion says laffing taking jack back in the room.letter orion tells everyone how jack was scared of the cat.then they get some rest.that morning when they realize jack was gone.”we can't let him die!” gabby says “yes we can we just don't look for him “ orion says “one more negative comet about jack and you'll look for him yourself” cael says in anger.when the group gets there gear ready they head outside when they climb in the vent there was lots of blue fir and blood terrified they followed it.when they got to the end of the trail they see a drop out of the vent when they got out they saw they were in a old studio everything though was black and white and ink was everywhere. After looking around for a while they found bacon soup and a poster that said wilson the slayer of the ink demon.”¨ahh!What was that? ``Cale said, jumping back.''what do you mean"Orion responds "something just ran past my legs".Then a black goo spider jumped at gaby 'get off me! Get it off me!"she screamed "calm down "orion said, cutting it in half with a sword.then the black goo on the floor disintegrated.''wow what was that"braysan said, amazed. "Proof that we were not alone"cale said.``well then let's find the mastermind behind it"braysan said.``bet it's afton"Orion said.after a while of exploring they heard a sound it was laughing not from something funny just laughing like a crazy person. When they looked around the corner they saw jack on the floor in a ball laughing nonstop “we need to get him out of here” cale said slowly going towards jack but then an animatronic face opened up and started screaming at them “that's not jack”bryson said “ya this place must be here to scare and confuse us we need to go back to the shelter before we all go crazy” the group started heading back to the shelter when they cot to the shelter they all got food and went to sleep.``Thump!” what was that gabby said getting out of bed just to see no one was there where did they go gaby touht getting on a jacket heading out just to see all their bodys dead on the floor with jack and some burt rabbit suit standing next to him then she woke up “so should we go back to the mall again to find jack or to the mansion” they heard orion saying “we shouldn't look for jack” gabby said “why” cael responded “this dream i had yalls dead bodys were piled up outside and he was standing there with a burnt rabbit suit next to him” gabby said “i saw that rabbit suit at the mansion he tried to get in the room with us” bryson said.``then we should go do the mansion” cael said packing extra materials in his bag “maybe we could find who is in that rabbit suit” orion said. The group eventually got to the mansion and started exploring they saw the room in shreds the bed was ripped up the tvs ripped off the wall and claw marks in the wall the group headed down stairs and saw a body not anybody a child's body when they got closer the saw it was crying orion pulled his sword out and ask her “what's wrong are you hurt” the little kid said “he's coming” then they saw a burt rabbit suit standing where the kid was. The burt rabbit suit just tilted his head and started waveying at them then they saw jack. Jack was covered in blood with a knife in his hand smiling not like he was happy but like he was crazy then gabby screamed the group looked over and saw the kid dead on the floor with blood oozing out of it. “You monster” Orion said, pulling out a sword and taking a slash the head came off the suit just for them to realize that wasn't the real suit. Jack then charged at Orion with the knife Orion then stabbed him with a sword in the leg making him go to the ground. The group fled while hearing Jack scream in pain “we can't just leave him there” gabby said terrified as they ran “yes we can he just tried to murder us and he killed a child and he's not going to die just be in pain for a while” orion said. When the group got back to the base they all went to sleep.the next morning they woke up and got ready soon they went back to the mansion to see if jack was still there but he was not but the sword was on the ground covered in a green substance. Cael put the substance in a beaker and back in his bag. They headed back and tested what the substance was. It would only respond to heat by trying to get out.”I don't think that was jack you stabbed Orion” cael said. “What do you mean it was his face his body how” orion responded. This substance is alive and we saw the bunny suit was fake so what if jack was fake” cael said. “That makes science” gabby said. Then orion slashed the wall the substance ozzed out of it. “This is all fake” Orion screamed “all of it is”. “Calm down orion there must be a reason” then jack walked through the door fast orion stabbed him in the throat more of the substance oozing out of it and jack smiled before turning into a pile of the green substance. The ozz started crawling away
submitted by thenovlewrighter to u/thenovlewrighter [link] [comments]
4pm ,location aftons house,
Golden Freddy does a head turn to look right at Jack.” Who are you¨ Jack shouts across the room.freddy says nothing but still looks at him. Jack runs and runs as fast as he can spamming the elevator button for safety.lucky the door shuts just in time but something doesn't feel right to jack the elevator is not moving then he sees a blur an animatronic he sees but he doesn't know this one.the robot 12 ft high burt skull face razor sharp teeth and claws wires sticking out everywhere ¨who…… who ……… are you¨jack says the robot looks down at him and says ¨death jack death¨ all the sudden it attacks him biting ripping skin off him from the wires.but jack sees a logo that says afton enterprise.bleeding bad Jack escapes the elevator running out the door of the house the robot chasing him but wants he out the door the robot is flung back from something ¨hummmmmmmmm so they can't leave the house¨ jack says taunting the robot so called death.
Jack goes home to his apartment on the other side of town. When he gets home he treats the wounds trying not to scream in pain. And then he just lays down like that. Hoping nothing attacks him in his sleep.
¨hello¨ ¨ what did i do to you¨ ¨everything ̈ .errr errr errr ¨uhhhhh the pain.¨ Jack says looking at the alarm clock hitting snooze. getting out of bed jack turns on the lights to see his bandages came undone and his bed was covered in blood.later that morning jack went to the er to get stitches from the attack the nurse looks at him and says what happened to you jack just says ¨death¨ thats what happened the doctor stitches him up and sends him on his way when he drives by aftons house he sees death still waiting for him to come back in.¨not today he says¨ looking out the window.all the sudan his car exploded throwing jack in the air. Then Jack sees it land mines but why jack thinks to himself falling on the asphalt ¨i just got stitches know this¨jack screams.then he passes out.then he sees a boy getting hurt from fredy at a grand opening william shoving dead kids in the animatronics while wearing the spring trap costume then one drop of water hits the mask triggering the spinlocks crushing his body.jack wakes up to the sound of cop cars and ambulances.¨ Sir sir what happened¨ Jack just pointed at the house and said ¨him¨ the cops go over to the house while the paramedics put him in the ambulance.then cops start running from the house one cop being attacked calling for backup. Then the rest of the cops are dragged under ground by some strange mechanical tentacles.
¨what?¨ zoey says looking at jack¨is something wrong¨.jack says nothing but points behind her.zoey turns around but it's not there.”jack i think you need some rest”zoey says with a corsern face.”no no no i'm not going to sleep”jack says.but just then jack falls asleep to see he's in a room with one closet in front of him with 2 doors by it when he turns around he sees one bed behind him. he sits down waiting for something to happen. Just then he walks to one of the doors with the flashlight he just so happenly found by him. He opens the door to see if he hears or sees anything just then he hears something breathing. He turns on the flashlight to see a fredy with sharp teeth and a messed up body.Just then it runs at him terrified he quickly shuts the door and turns the flash light out. Then Freddy runs in the room and goes out the other door.he wakes up to his alarm which was for some reason set at 6 o'clock. Jack thinks nothing of it and turns on the TV to see the news is talking about the attack yesterday “police dragged under ground by strange tentacles after magor car crash”the headline said.jack didn't want to listen to it so he just turned the tv off.a few minutes later the nurse walks in and checks him out of the hospital.when zoey comes to pick him up he sees the same burnt bonnie he saw that night.when jack got in the car it was gone again.jack thought nothing of it and went on with his day.jack and zoey where trying to figure out where to finger lunch out when zoey says “how bout we go to fazbears pizzeria for lunch” as much as jack does not want to go back there he says “sure”.when they get settled in the restaurant jack sees a new chica.when the waitress comes up the order there food and talk awhile when the food comes out there's a $100 check that say your pay jack quickly takes it and stuffs it in his jacket before anyone notices.When jack and zoey leave the restaurant some guy gives jack a letter when jack gets home he reads the letter saying
Dear jack
I know about what happened with the animatronics that night so I'm giving you a second chance. So i need you to watch my house
willam afton
“Really this fool thinks i'm going to watch the house i almost died in no way”Jack says to him self.there was a knock at his door then when he opened the door it was the landlord “give me your keys you haven't paid rent for a week” he says. Jack doesn't know what to say so his mouth does it for him “5 more days and i'll have your money sir” the landlord responds with “fine but if you don't have the money i'm changing the lock” as he walks away.jack grabs his keys rights his will and goes to the house.when jack enters the house though it's different instead of being a run down dump it was beautiful marble staircase ,golden chandeliers, and instead of the robot death there was a butler at the door. When Jack went into the backyard there was a smoothie stand, a big clean pool and palm trees.william afton walks out and then shows jack the security room. There were 5 flat screen TVs for each part of the house. There were also vent cameras if he pressed shift on the keyboard.the door had 5 layers of plexi glass in case something happened .then willam showed him a secret room with a bed tv bathroom and a fridge full of hot pockets and corn on blue.soon willam left and jacks shift started to be continued.Knock knock knock jack herer at the plexiglass door jack looks to see who it is to see the butler when jack opens the door he is offered a beverage from the butler.jack kindly accept it and looks at the camera “nothing strange yet”jack thinks to himself as he takes a sip of his drink.7 o'clock hits so jack locks the door and takes a nap planning to wake up at 12.the time comes and jack gets up but before he goes in the other room he warms up some hot pockets. When Jack looks at the cameras he sees a shadow of the bonni.jack keeps the door lock just in case if something happens when he looks out the door he sees the skeleton robot waiting for it to open.``really i thought this guy was gone” jack thinks to himself when he sees the same chicka he destroyed at the pizzeria rolling around on a skateboard. Then he sees the thing he fears the most: the burnt bonnie at the door jack almost spilt his drink on him he was so scared.then he goes in his room grabs the sheet of his bed and the roll of tape off the table. Jack puts the sheet on the plexiglass door just to keep him calm during the job.Painting Jack takes a sip of his drink. 4 o'clock 5 o'clock 6 o'clock confetti covers the floor. Good job the camera says you completed your 1st night.when jack takes down the sheet to see if the robot was still there it was gone when he checked every room in the house there were no more robots.with relief jack goes in his room to take a napThe rest of the day Jack sits by the pool drinking smoothies and eating pineapple.his watch goes off 5 o'clock 5 o'clock Jack turns it off and heads inside.when he gets to his room he locks the door and takes a nap. When 7 hits he goes in the other room puts the sheet on the door and watches tick tock on his phone waiting for 6 o'clock when he hears something crawling through the vents jack grabs the nearby ax and waits when the creature comes through the vent he swings when he hears “patron sir are you trying to kill the buttlar” the vent opened and the buttlar stuck his head out and started to come in.”wait how do i know you're actually the butler you could just be a robot”jack says “i have no proof but i also trust you” the buttlar says,the buttlar comes in with a duffle bag.soda,chips,tablets,rubix cubes,and pizza.”dude how much stuff did you bring” jack says “enuf to last the rest of the week”.few hours go by and more confetti covers the floor.congrats the screen says you survived night 2.”this is only going to get harder”jack says plugging in the devices.”there's going to be more of them soon”the buttlar says. “My name's jack”jack says “brysan” the buttlar says sticking out his hand “Knock knock KNock” here at the door.the butler slowly lifts the sheet then braysan jumps back.”what is it?” Jack says looking terrified, brayson says “a…….a……..burnt bonnie suit”.”thank lord im not the only one who sees him”jack says.then the door falls on the ground leaving the sheet up still though.”quick in the vents!”brayson hollers. They quickly throw everything in the duffle bag and climb in.then they see the burnt bonnie suit walking around trying to find them then it says “jack come out” then it hits jack the voice the robot everywhere it was afton.the whole time how did he not figure that out he thinks to himself crawling through the vents.then braysan is gone “braysan!”Jack hollers, then something grabs him,“ahhh!” Jack screams trying to get the grip off then he sees it is just a robotic hand then it pulls him looking at the hand again he sees its covered in blue fur. When the arm stops dragging him he sees himself in the old axols bbq that had been closed for a while after an unknown accident.he sees the old rusted robot suits and stays away from them in case they were dangerous too.jack sees a door with a blood lock (which would require him to give it blood to open) he bangs on the door for help but nothing happens.jack walks over to the old robots to see they had many malfunctions then out of nowhere one turns on and starts singing.then the blood lock door opens and he sees a tall figure who pulls him in. In the room Jack sees braysan in the corner with a bottle of water and bandaging.”What happened to you?” Jack asks, looking terrified at braysan. “The alligator thing got me” he says.jack looks at the man and says “who are you” “names cael i'm the owner of here” jack sits down and starts eating his room tempetar smushed corn on blue from the security room.”how do we get out of here” brayson say “you can't” cael respondes.”the only way in and out are the vents but somethings in there and it doesn't want us leaving” cael says. In the corner of the room jack see vials with things like ink,wood,blue fur,piece of cloth,and metal scraps.”what's that” jack ask “things i got from other areas” says cael.”what do you mean” braysan ask.”have you heard of the backrooms if so it's kinda like that accept more monsters so far i encounter killer dolls animatronics a murder ink monster and old person zombie”but i can't get past the doll.”i think i know who made this world besides you” jack says “what do you mean” cael says “i mean william afton made this nightmare world i saw him he has the burnt bonnie suite on he wants to kill all of us do you understand!” jack hallers. “That's it i'm taking a walk” cael says.when the door closes jack hears a loud slam in the wall and then a few swear word.jack rushes out side with the ax to see caels arm has been ripped off by axol.jack gats cael back in the room and bandages it up.”OK NEW RULE YALL NO GOING OUT ALONE”braysan.Then they hear a sound outside like a blade scraping metal then the door opens.Jack,cael,and braysan stand up fast to fight.then they see a person with 2 swords and one robot arm in his hand.jack looks up in shock and says “I thought i killed you” “what” the person says “i hit you with my car 5 months ago” jack says “that was you” “yes” “then you'll die” the person runs towards jack with both swords by his sides .before he can hit jack cael stops him with the ax and says”he's a survivor he can help us find the way out so lets not kill each other” the person looks and looks angrily and says “fine he can live but one wrong move and he's dead got it” “what's your name” jack ask “orion” “Orion cannon”orion says sitting down with axols arm attaching it to cael with the remaining muscles and bone left when he's done the arm works how cael needs it to like a normal arm.when he gets up he grabs a pull string bag and canteen while putting food in the bag jack ask “what are you doing” “going back to level 3 there's been crying in there for a while trying to find where its coming from” orion says “but what if there's more robots” jack says “dont worry theres not just killing toys like this big blue one and a pink a big spider and lots more” orion answers “but how do you get there” braysan ask “the vents” “then we should all go” jack says “why you have a death wish or something” orion says ¨yes yes i do¨ jack says ¨after all i survived i'm sure i should live till we escape ¨ ¨fine let's go then we got to be back by 8 or were dead¨orion says.they climb up in the vents and start crawling to the next level when they get out they see a abandoned toy factory and here crying¨where is that coming from¨cael ask ¨that's the thing there's no human life here¨orion says. After awhile of walking the floor fell in on cael dropping him straight down when every one checks to see if he alive they hear ¨y'all come down hear and bring flashlights¨ so orion past out flashlights and they all jumped down when they landed they turned on the flash lights to see a girl with ripped up clothes and cuts all over her “Who are you” the girl says looking terrified “orion,jack,cael,braysan.”orion says staring the girl down “were looking for survivors”cael quickly says looking rather nervous “and who are you” braysan says “gabby”the girl says.”ok well you can join us we have food and soda”cael said.”thanks but i'm good”gabby said getting up.orion quickly pulled a sword from his bag and gave it to gabby “how many of those things do you even have”braysan said in shock “about 50 at least” orion said “yall we need to get going we don't have long till it comes out” gabby says “till what comes out” cale says “the spider”gabby said “wait what does it look like”jack says “its pink 4 arms and is plastic”gabby says “kind of like the toy from when i was a kid mommy long legs” braysan replies.”well if that's the thing we need to leave”orion says.”where are you children” a voice says. “RUN!” gabby hallers. The group runs straight to the vent climbing as fast as they can. Eventually they get back to base.”welp we're screwed” jack says “sissy”orion says.”ill show u a sissy after i kick your” “stop!” ceal says “if were going to survive we need to get along last thing we need is orion skinning jack” “so you're saying i'm too weak to beat him in a fight” jack says in anger “no i'm just saying orion will cut your head off your body and cook u over a fire faster than u can say a word” cale says back “know what this is stupid i'm leaving” jack says walking out “well should we remind him of the robots”braysan says “maybe later” gabby responds later y=the group hears bloody scream from outside “orion” cale says “go save him before he bleeds out” “fine but i don't want to” orion responds but when orion walks out he sees its just a cat “O my god your scared of a cat” orion says laffing taking jack back in the room.letter orion tells everyone how jack was scared of the cat.then they get some rest.that morning when they realize jack was gone.”we can't let him die!” gabby says “yes we can we just don't look for him “ orion says “one more negative comet about jack and you'll look for him yourself” cael says in anger.when the group gets there gear ready they head outside when they climb in the vent there was lots of blue fir and blood terrified they followed it.when they got to the end of the trail they see a drop out of the vent when they got out they saw they were in a old studio everything though was black and white and ink was everywhere. After looking around for a while they found bacon soup and a poster that said wilson the slayer of the ink demon.”¨ahh!What was that? ``Cale said, jumping back.''what do you mean"Orion responds "something just ran past my legs".Then a black goo spider jumped at gaby 'get off me! Get it off me!"she screamed "calm down "orion said, cutting it in half with a sword.then the black goo on the floor disintegrated.''wow what was that"braysan said, amazed. "Proof that we were not alone"cale said.``well then let's find the mastermind behind it"braysan said.``bet it's afton"Orion said.after a while of exploring they heard a sound it was laughing not from something funny just laughing like a crazy person. When they looked around the corner they saw jack on the floor in a ball laughing nonstop “we need to get him out of here” cale said slowly going towards jack but then an animatronic face opened up and started screaming at them “that's not jack”bryson said “ya this place must be here to scare and confuse us we need to go back to the shelter before we all go crazy” the group started heading back to the shelter when they cot to the shelter they all got food and went to sleep.``Thump!” what was that gabby said getting out of bed just to see no one was there where did they go gaby touht getting on a jacket heading out just to see all their bodys dead on the floor with jack and some burt rabbit suit standing next to him then she woke up “so should we go back to the mall again to find jack or to the mansion” they heard orion saying “we shouldn't look for jack” gabby said “why” cael responded “this dream i had yalls dead bodys were piled up outside and he was standing there with a burnt rabbit suit next to him” gabby said “i saw that rabbit suit at the mansion he tried to get in the room with us” bryson said.``then we should go do the mansion” cael said packing extra materials in his bag “maybe we could find who is in that rabbit suit” orion said. The group eventually got to the mansion and started exploring they saw the room in shreds the bed was ripped up the tvs ripped off the wall and claw marks in the wall the group headed down stairs and saw a body not anybody a child's body when they got closer the saw it was crying orion pulled his sword out and ask her “what's wrong are you hurt” the little kid said “he's coming” then they saw a burt rabbit suit standing where the kid was. The burt rabbit suit just tilted his head and started waveying at them then they saw jack. Jack was covered in blood with a knife in his hand smiling not like he was happy but like he was crazy then gabby screamed the group looked over and saw the kid dead on the floor with blood oozing out of it. “You monster” Orion said, pulling out a sword and taking a slash the head came off the suit just for them to realize that wasn't the real suit. Jack then charged at Orion with the knife Orion then stabbed him with a sword in the leg making him go to the ground. The group fled while hearing Jack scream in pain “we can't just leave him there” gabby said terrified as they ran “yes we can he just tried to murder us and he killed a child and he's not going to die just be in pain for a while” orion said. When the group got back to the base they all went to sleep.the next morning they woke up and got ready soon they went back to the mansion to see if jack was still there but he was not but the sword was on the ground covered in a green substance. Cael put the substance in a beaker and back in his bag. They headed back and tested what the substance was. It would only respond to heat by trying to get out.”I don't think that was jack you stabbed Orion” cael said. “What do you mean it was his face his body how” orion responded. This substance is alive and we saw the bunny suit was fake so what if jack was fake” cael said. “That makes science” gabby said. Then orion slashed the wall the substance ozzed out of it. “This is all fake” Orion screamed “all of it is”. “Calm down orion there must be a reason” then jack walked through the door fast orion stabbed him in the throat more of the substance oozing out of it and jack smiled before turning into a pile of the green substance. The ozz started crawling away
2023.06.10 16:16 Numerous-Parsnip3615 Should I make any changes?
 | submitted by Numerous-Parsnip3615 to MyTeam [link] [comments] |
2023.06.10 16:10 Muted_Profile How does Fashionphile justify some of their prices?
 | Saw this “excellent” condition toy Loulou on Fashionphile which is about $150 under retail. The price is just not great for the number of scuffs and scratches listed on this bag! This bag should be listed for under $1500 given the condition - how is Fashionphile justifying these prices and why would anyone spend almost full retail on a bag with these many flaws?! submitted by Muted_Profile to handbags [link] [comments] |
2023.06.10 15:09 Tapacoba0623 [WTS] EDC Items; Military Gear; Safariland and Blackhawk SERPA
TIMESTAMP https://imgur.com/a/8O4D69K
MILITARY ITEMS: Pictures: https://photos.google.com/share/AF1QipMt3-agggmWWEn5khEFtJY28LcHX5oGf-Px6jn_g5QobnkXE3yxbOb8Jj0U-D9XeQ?key=c2RNOFJJTzlFaWdlM2FwSExBWXVtYU5uazhOMXZn
ISSUE UNDERSHIRT-DRIFIRE-SMALL USED LIGHTLY
ISSUE UNDERSHIRTS-DRIFIRE-SMALL-IN PACKAGE x4
NWU TYPE III PARKA-NEW-MEDIUM REGULAR BROWN PARKA LINER-NEW-MEDIUM LONG
3 X NWU TYPE II MEDIUM REGULAR TROUSERS / BLOUSE SET; 7 1/4 8 POINT COVER-NEW W/ TAG
1 X NWU TYPE II MEDIUM LONG BLOUSE WITH VELCRO
1 x NWU TYPE II MEDIUM LONG BLOUSE; TROUSERS WITH VELCRO PATCHES SEWN ON AND A COVER SET
LBT LARGE KHAKI BELT
"SILKIES"-NEW IN BAG-TOP AND BOTTOM MEDIUM REGULAR
2 X SPORTHILL RUNNING PANTS NEW WITHOUT TAGS
SAFARILAND-TAKE IT ALL FOR $150 1. 6004 Earth Brown Drop Flex Adaptor 6004-27-55; 7378 ALS Concealment Holster-Right hand-$75 2. MODEL 6004-16 MOLLE LOCKING SYSTEM ACCESSORY LOCKING FORK (MLS 16) with QLS-22 $10 3. 6075UBL WITH QLS-22 $20 4. 568BL Injection Molded Paddle with QLS 22 Receiver for 3-Hole Pattern Holsters $20 5. 567BL Custom Fit Holster for Pistols Belt Loop Black $15 6. 7378, ALS Concealment Paddle and Belt Loop Combo Holster, Right Hand $30 7. 6070UBL Mid-Ride Universal Belt Loop, Flat Dark Earth WITH QLS-22 $20 8. 567BL Custom Fit Holster for Pistols Belt Loop $10 9. Model 71 Universal Single or Double Stack Ambidextrous Magazine Pouch 71-2 FLAT DARK EARTH X4 -$10 EACH
BLACKHAWK- TAKE IT ALL FOR $75 1. SERPA Level 3 Tactical Holster - Black Matte Finish-Right Hand $50 2. 410506CT-R: Serpa Cqc Holster -Ct-R Sig 220/225/226 W,W/O Std Rail $25 3. Swivel Style Tactical Lanyard $10 4. SERPA S.T.R.I.K.E. CQC Platform (Ambidextrous), Coyote $10 5. BLACKHAWK SERPA Quick Disconnect Kit (2 Female/1 Male) $20
EDC Items: Pictures: https://photos.google.com/share/AF1QipMTGSKuKleaD0SFhtqOYrYo4VNcllUuudntrDiyDvNmSh92XhBHAUVbmnNq-Ki-hw?key=b1BOTVktZHdEaGVXUEdLTWVmRTgxeGxsNGZ0VDNn
PRICES INCLUDE CONUS SHIPPING FROM VIRGINIA BEACH, VA
PayPal for payment.
Thanks for looking!
submitted by Tapacoba0623 to GunAccessoriesForSale [link] [comments]
MILITARY ITEMS: Pictures: https://photos.google.com/share/AF1QipMt3-agggmWWEn5khEFtJY28LcHX5oGf-Px6jn_g5QobnkXE3yxbOb8Jj0U-D9XeQ?key=c2RNOFJJTzlFaWdlM2FwSExBWXVtYU5uazhOMXZn
- UDT LIFE PRESERVER, YOKE AND 4 CO2 CARTRIDGES-NEW IN CONTAINERS-$75
- YATES KEVLAR LADDERMAN HARNESS W/ FIGURE 8 BRAND NEW-Size Large $100
- UNIFORM ITEMS-TAKE IT ALL FOR $250
ISSUE UNDERSHIRT-DRIFIRE-SMALL USED LIGHTLY
ISSUE UNDERSHIRTS-DRIFIRE-SMALL-IN PACKAGE x4
NWU TYPE III PARKA-NEW-MEDIUM REGULAR BROWN PARKA LINER-NEW-MEDIUM LONG
3 X NWU TYPE II MEDIUM REGULAR TROUSERS / BLOUSE SET; 7 1/4 8 POINT COVER-NEW W/ TAG
1 X NWU TYPE II MEDIUM LONG BLOUSE WITH VELCRO
1 x NWU TYPE II MEDIUM LONG BLOUSE; TROUSERS WITH VELCRO PATCHES SEWN ON AND A COVER SET
LBT LARGE KHAKI BELT
"SILKIES"-NEW IN BAG-TOP AND BOTTOM MEDIUM REGULAR
2 X SPORTHILL RUNNING PANTS NEW WITHOUT TAGS
SAFARILAND-TAKE IT ALL FOR $150 1. 6004 Earth Brown Drop Flex Adaptor 6004-27-55; 7378 ALS Concealment Holster-Right hand-$75 2. MODEL 6004-16 MOLLE LOCKING SYSTEM ACCESSORY LOCKING FORK (MLS 16) with QLS-22 $10 3. 6075UBL WITH QLS-22 $20 4. 568BL Injection Molded Paddle with QLS 22 Receiver for 3-Hole Pattern Holsters $20 5. 567BL Custom Fit Holster for Pistols Belt Loop Black $15 6. 7378, ALS Concealment Paddle and Belt Loop Combo Holster, Right Hand $30 7. 6070UBL Mid-Ride Universal Belt Loop, Flat Dark Earth WITH QLS-22 $20 8. 567BL Custom Fit Holster for Pistols Belt Loop $10 9. Model 71 Universal Single or Double Stack Ambidextrous Magazine Pouch 71-2 FLAT DARK EARTH X4 -$10 EACH
BLACKHAWK- TAKE IT ALL FOR $75 1. SERPA Level 3 Tactical Holster - Black Matte Finish-Right Hand $50 2. 410506CT-R: Serpa Cqc Holster -Ct-R Sig 220/225/226 W,W/O Std Rail $25 3. Swivel Style Tactical Lanyard $10 4. SERPA S.T.R.I.K.E. CQC Platform (Ambidextrous), Coyote $10 5. BLACKHAWK SERPA Quick Disconnect Kit (2 Female/1 Male) $20
EDC Items: Pictures: https://photos.google.com/share/AF1QipMTGSKuKleaD0SFhtqOYrYo4VNcllUuudntrDiyDvNmSh92XhBHAUVbmnNq-Ki-hw?key=b1BOTVktZHdEaGVXUEdLTWVmRTgxeGxsNGZ0VDNn
- GORUCK Steel 15L MiV Bullet with Red Pulls -Got in a trade and never used it-doubt the previous ownder did either. Added a Mandalorian patch because it gives me a Star Wars Vibe. $140
- RFF The Chief - Splatter Print Front with sternum strap and pulls replaced with easy pulls. Lightly used for EDC; Overwise in new condition. $140
- GORUCK Black Claymore -Non adjustable strap - New Condition $75
- GR 15L MiUSA Standard Black Bullet-Used a couple times for travel EDC-realized I couldn’t use for rucking because I can’t put a plate and a bladder in. 😢 Changed zipper pulls to easy pull U shape. $100
- GWA Citadel Full Wall Admin Panel with built in iPad pouch by Kenn Walker (Fits in both Full Size and Micro/Crew). I put in a bag and never used it. Ordered custom - looking to recuperate some cost @ $140
- LOT 1: Alpha One Niner Notebook Cover SIDE LOAD, 4”x 6” Rite in the Rain Notebook, Zebra Steel 401 2 pens with 2 refills. $30
- LOT 2: Alpha One Niner Notebook Cover TOP LOAD, 4”x 6” Rite in the Rain Notebook, Zebra Steel 401 2 pens with 2 refills. $30
- LOT 3: RFF Notebook Cover and Rite in the Rain Pen-Matte Black (Takes top bound 3” x 5” notebook); Titanium pry bar and small bottle opener with plasma ano on it; red SAK $60
- LOT 4. Borghini (Handmade in Venice, Italy) I got them from a paper shop there) Ballpoint Pen with Parker Fill and Fountain Pen that takes Kaweco style cartridges; Zebra Steel Black Permanent Marker; Zebra Disposable Fountain Pens. $35
- LOT 5. 3 x Moleskine Cahiers Notebooks; Kaweco Special BP Black w/ Clip and Pink/Black Perkeo Fountain Pen in tin $60
- Patagonia Nano Puff Tan/Khaki Medium. Has repairs from Patagonia (See pictures). $80
- Solar Shower Bag-Brand New in packaging $20
- Uberleben Stainless Steel Kessel Pot-Brand New-Comes in Waxed Canvas bag $40
- Wise Owl Camping Pillows x2 Red-Used for 2 camping trips-in great condition. $20 for both
- Blue and Green Compact Chairs. Used for a music festival-the Green bag zipper is broken. $20 for both
PRICES INCLUDE CONUS SHIPPING FROM VIRGINIA BEACH, VA
PayPal for payment.
Thanks for looking!
2023.06.10 14:56 Tapacoba0623 [WTS] EDC; Military; Outdoors Kit
UPDATED 6/10/2023 @ 0900
Pictures: https://photos.google.com/share/AF1QipMTGSKuKleaD0SFhtqOYrYo4VNcllUuudntrDiyDvNmSh92XhBHAUVbmnNq-Ki-hw?key=b1BOTVktZHdEaGVXUEdLTWVmRTgxeGxsNGZ0VDNn
Pictures: https://photos.google.com/share/AF1QipMt3-agggmWWEn5khEFtJY28LcHX5oGf-Px6jn_g5QobnkXE3yxbOb8Jj0U-D9XeQ?key=c2RNOFJJTzlFaWdlM2FwSExBWXVtYU5uazhOMXZn
ISSUE UNDERSHIRT-DRIFIRE-SMALL USED LIGHTLY
ISSUE UNDERSHIRTS-DRIFIRE-SMALL-IN PACKAGE x4
NWU TYPE III PARKA-NEW-MEDIUM REGULAR BROWN PARKA LINER-NEW-MEDIUM LONG
3 X NWU TYPE II MEDIUM REGULAR TROUSERS / BLOUSE SET; 7 1/4 8 POINT COVER-NEW W/ TAG
1 X NWU TYPE II MEDIUM LONG BLOUSE WITH VELCRO
1 x NWU TYPE II MEDIUM LONG BLOUSE; TROUSERS WITH VELCRO PATCHES SEWN ON AND A COVER SET
LBT LARGE KHAKI BELT
"SILKIES"-NEW IN BAG-TOP AND BOTTOM MEDIUM REGULAR
2 X SPORTHILL RUNNING PANTS NEW WITHOUT TAGS
SAFARILAND-TAKE IT ALL FOR $150 1. 6004 Earth Brown Drop Flex Adaptor 6004-27-55; 7378 ALS Concealment Holster-Right hand-$75 2. MODEL 6004-16 MOLLE LOCKING SYSTEM ACCESSORY LOCKING FORK (MLS 16) with QLS-22 $10 3. 6075UBL WITH QLS-22 $20 4. 568BL Injection Molded Paddle with QLS 22 Receiver for 3-Hole Pattern Holsters $20 5. 567BL Custom Fit Holster for Pistols Belt Loop Black $15 6. 7378, ALS Concealment Paddle and Belt Loop Combo Holster, Right Hand $30 7. 6070UBL Mid-Ride Universal Belt Loop, Flat Dark Earth WITH QLS-22 $20 8. 567BL Custom Fit Holster for Pistols Belt Loop $10 9. Model 71 Universal Single or Double Stack Ambidextrous Magazine Pouch 71-2 FLAT DARK EARTH X4 -$10 EACH
BLACKHAWK- TAKE IT ALL FOR $75 1. SERPA Level 3 Tactical Holster - Black Matte Finish-Right Hand $50 2. 410506CT-R: Serpa Cqc Holster -Ct-R Sig 220/225/226 W,W/O Std Rail $25 3. Swivel Style Tactical Lanyard $10 4. SERPA S.T.R.I.K.E. CQC Platform (Ambidextrous), Coyote $10 5. BLACKHAWK SERPA Quick Disconnect Kit (2 Female/1 Male) $20
If I am off base pricing wise-send me an offer.
PRICES INCLUDE CONUS SHIPPING FROM VIRGINIA BEACH, VA
PayPal for payment.
Thanks for looking!
submitted by Tapacoba0623 to GearTrade [link] [comments]
Pictures: https://photos.google.com/share/AF1QipMTGSKuKleaD0SFhtqOYrYo4VNcllUuudntrDiyDvNmSh92XhBHAUVbmnNq-Ki-hw?key=b1BOTVktZHdEaGVXUEdLTWVmRTgxeGxsNGZ0VDNn
- GORUCK Steel 15L MiV Bullet with Red Pulls -Got in a trade and never used it-doubt the previous ownder did either. Added a Mandalorian patch because it gives me a Star Wars Vibe. $140
- RFF The Chief - Splatter Print Front with sternum strap and pulls replaced with easy pulls. Lightly used for EDC; Overwise in new condition. $140
- GORUCK Black Claymore -Non adjustable strap - New Condition $75
- GR 15L MiUSA Standard Black Bullet-Used a couple times for travel EDC-realized I couldn’t use for rucking because I can’t put a plate and a bladder in. 😢 Changed zipper pulls to easy pull U shape. $100
- GWA Citadel Full Wall Admin Panel with built in iPad pouch by Kenn Walker (Fits in both Full Size and Micro/Crew). I put in a bag and never used it. Ordered custom - looking to recuperate some cost @ $140
- LOT 1: Alpha One Niner Notebook Cover SIDE LOAD, 4”x 6” Rite in the Rain Notebook, Zebra Steel 401 2 pens with 2 refills. $30
- LOT 2: Alpha One Niner Notebook Cover TOP LOAD, 4”x 6” Rite in the Rain Notebook, Zebra Steel 401 2 pens with 2 refills. $30
- LOT 3: RFF Notebook Cover and Rite in the Rain Pen-Matte Black (Takes top bound 3” x 5” notebook); Titanium pry bar and small bottle opener with plasma ano on it; red SAK $60
- LOT 4. Borghini (Handmade in Venice, Italy) I got them from a paper shop there) Ballpoint Pen with Parker Fill and Fountain Pen that takes Kaweco style cartridges; Zebra Steel Black Permanent Marker; Zebra Disposable Fountain Pens. $35
- LOT 5. 3 x Moleskine Cahiers Notebooks; Kaweco Special BP Black w/ Clip and Pink/Black Perkeo Fountain Pen in tin $60
- Field & Stream 1871 Mountain Scout Outdoor Hiking Backpack w/ Internal Frame 45L Brand New-I bought this before my spouse decided to get into hiking and got us matching packs. $75
- Patagonia Nano Puff Tan/Khaki Medium. Has repairs from Patagonia (See pictures). $80
- Solar Shower Bag-Brand New in packaging $20
- Uberleben Stainless Steel Kessel Pot-Brand New-Comes in Waxed Canvas bag $40
- Wise Owl Camping Pillows x2 Red-Used for 2 camping trips-in great condition. $20 for both
- Blue and Green Compact Chairs. Used for a music festival-the Green bag zipper is broken. $20 for both
Pictures: https://photos.google.com/share/AF1QipMt3-agggmWWEn5khEFtJY28LcHX5oGf-Px6jn_g5QobnkXE3yxbOb8Jj0U-D9XeQ?key=c2RNOFJJTzlFaWdlM2FwSExBWXVtYU5uazhOMXZn
- UDT LIFE PRESERVER, YOKE AND 4 CO2 CARTRIDGES-NEW IN CONTAINERS-$75
- YATES KEVLAR LADDERMAN HARNESS W/ FIGURE 8 BRAND NEW-Size Large $100
- UNIFORM ITEMS-TAKE IT ALL FOR $250
ISSUE UNDERSHIRT-DRIFIRE-SMALL USED LIGHTLY
ISSUE UNDERSHIRTS-DRIFIRE-SMALL-IN PACKAGE x4
NWU TYPE III PARKA-NEW-MEDIUM REGULAR BROWN PARKA LINER-NEW-MEDIUM LONG
3 X NWU TYPE II MEDIUM REGULAR TROUSERS / BLOUSE SET; 7 1/4 8 POINT COVER-NEW W/ TAG
1 X NWU TYPE II MEDIUM LONG BLOUSE WITH VELCRO
1 x NWU TYPE II MEDIUM LONG BLOUSE; TROUSERS WITH VELCRO PATCHES SEWN ON AND A COVER SET
LBT LARGE KHAKI BELT
"SILKIES"-NEW IN BAG-TOP AND BOTTOM MEDIUM REGULAR
2 X SPORTHILL RUNNING PANTS NEW WITHOUT TAGS
SAFARILAND-TAKE IT ALL FOR $150 1. 6004 Earth Brown Drop Flex Adaptor 6004-27-55; 7378 ALS Concealment Holster-Right hand-$75 2. MODEL 6004-16 MOLLE LOCKING SYSTEM ACCESSORY LOCKING FORK (MLS 16) with QLS-22 $10 3. 6075UBL WITH QLS-22 $20 4. 568BL Injection Molded Paddle with QLS 22 Receiver for 3-Hole Pattern Holsters $20 5. 567BL Custom Fit Holster for Pistols Belt Loop Black $15 6. 7378, ALS Concealment Paddle and Belt Loop Combo Holster, Right Hand $30 7. 6070UBL Mid-Ride Universal Belt Loop, Flat Dark Earth WITH QLS-22 $20 8. 567BL Custom Fit Holster for Pistols Belt Loop $10 9. Model 71 Universal Single or Double Stack Ambidextrous Magazine Pouch 71-2 FLAT DARK EARTH X4 -$10 EACH
BLACKHAWK- TAKE IT ALL FOR $75 1. SERPA Level 3 Tactical Holster - Black Matte Finish-Right Hand $50 2. 410506CT-R: Serpa Cqc Holster -Ct-R Sig 220/225/226 W,W/O Std Rail $25 3. Swivel Style Tactical Lanyard $10 4. SERPA S.T.R.I.K.E. CQC Platform (Ambidextrous), Coyote $10 5. BLACKHAWK SERPA Quick Disconnect Kit (2 Female/1 Male) $20
If I am off base pricing wise-send me an offer.
PRICES INCLUDE CONUS SHIPPING FROM VIRGINIA BEACH, VA
PayPal for payment.
Thanks for looking!
2023.06.10 14:50 Tapacoba0623 [WTS] GORUCK; EDC Lots; More!
UPDATED 6/10/2023 @ 0900
Pictures: https://photos.google.com/share/AF1QipMTGSKuKleaD0SFhtqOYrYo4VNcllUuudntrDiyDvNmSh92XhBHAUVbmnNq-Ki-hw?key=b1BOTVktZHdEaGVXUEdLTWVmRTgxeGxsNGZ0VDNn
PRICES INCLUDE CONUS SHIPPING FROM VIRGINIA BEACH, VA PayPal for payment.
Thanks for looking!
submitted by Tapacoba0623 to EDCexchange [link] [comments]
Pictures: https://photos.google.com/share/AF1QipMTGSKuKleaD0SFhtqOYrYo4VNcllUuudntrDiyDvNmSh92XhBHAUVbmnNq-Ki-hw?key=b1BOTVktZHdEaGVXUEdLTWVmRTgxeGxsNGZ0VDNn
- GORUCK Steel 15L MiV Bullet with Red Pulls -Got in a trade and never used it-doubt the previous ownder did either. Added a Mandalorian patch because it gives me a Star Wars Vibe. $140 A
- RFF The Chief - Splatter Print Front with sternum strap and cones with RFF patch. Lightly used for EDC; Overwise in new condition. $140 B
- GORUCK Black Claymore -Non adjustable strap - New Condition $50 B
- GORUCK Bullet Ruck 15L MiUSA-Used a couple times for travel EDC-realized I couldn’t use for rucking because I can’t put a plate and a bladder in. 😢 Changed zipper pulls to easy pull U shape. Comes with GORUCK patch $100 C
- GWA Citadel Full Wall Admin Panel with built in iPad pouch by Kenn Walker (Fits in both Full Size and Micro/Crew). I put in a bag and never used it. Ordered custom - looking to recuperate some cost @ $140 A
- LOT 1: Alpha One Niner Notebook Cover SIDE LOAD, 4”x 6” Rite in the Rain Notebook, Zebra Steel 401 2 pens with 2 refills. $30 B
- LOT 2: Alpha One Niner Notebook Cover TOP LOAD, 4”x 6” Rite in the Rain Notebook, Zebra Steel 401 2 pens with 2 refills. $30 B
- LOT 3: RFF Notebook Cover and Rite in the Rain Pen-Matte Black (Takes top bound 3” x 5” notebook); Titanium pry bar and small bottle opener with plasma ano on it; red SAK $60 C
- LOT 4. Borghini (Handmade in Venice, Italy) I got them from a paper shop there) Ballpoint Pen with Parker Fill and Fountain Pen that takes Kaweco style cartridges; Zebra Steel Black Permanent Marker; Zebra Disposable Fountain Pens. $35 B
- LOT 5. 3 x Moleskine Cahiers Notebooks; Kaweco Special BP Black w/ Clip and Pink/Black Perkeo Fountain Pen in tin $60 A
PRICES INCLUDE CONUS SHIPPING FROM VIRGINIA BEACH, VA PayPal for payment.
Thanks for looking!
2023.06.10 14:31 longenglishsnakes People still missing from programs and facilities
Introduction
I wanted to collate some information about people still missing from programs. Obviously, there are a lot of runners from programs - some don't get out of the door before being caught, and some keep their freedom until they're 18 and can make themselves known again. That said, there are a lot of people who go beyond runners - who have been missing for years, their image frozen at thirteen, with no news and few theories. These people deserve recognition.I struggled with how to define the TTI here - lots of people are missing from group homes, which aren't necessarily TTI but sometimes operate with similar modes of coercion, control, repression, and restricted access to rights such as food and sleep. I have tried to be careful and not assign someone TTI when they weren't part of it, but I may have some inclusions or exclusions which you disagree with.
1970's
February 3 1973 (?): Sentenced to Synanon by court order, Rose Lena Cole was sixteen when her last known contact occurred - a postscript to a letter written the previous year noting that she'd finally found a stamp. Rose wasn't actually at Synanon when she went missing, having run away and written to her family telling them she couldn't write again until she turned 18 lest Synanon find her, capture her, and force her back against her will. Rose has never been heard from since, and is still classed as a runaway.1980's
August 31st 1981: Patricia Lynn Taylor was fifteen when she went missing. Born in California, she'd gone at some point to North Dakota to live with relatives. At some point afterwards, she was taken to Oklahoma and put into the care of Oklahoma's Department of Human Services. First placed in the Oklahoma Baptist Home for Children, she was moved to the Tulsa Girls Group Home in July 1981. She went missing on the 31st August that year, and was classified as a runaway. Patricia's family continue to look for her.March 23rd 1984: William Charles Cordes was a "troubled youth" who had spent time in Juvenile Hall and Oak Ridge House group home before being sent to the Children's Home Society in Auburn, California as punishment for stealing beer. He and two other boys escaped the group home to go to a party, after which 15 year old William has never been seen again. Although he was initially reported as missing, the report was swiftly cancelled and no investigation was made into his disappearance until years later.
1990's
January 16th 1993: John Christopher Inman was a 17 year old student of CEDU Running Springs when he went missing on January 16th 1993. John wasn't the healthiest - he needed meds to prevent seizures, he had a shunt in his skull, crowns on his teeth, and he needed glasses - and didn't have his seizure medication on him when he seemingly ran away.June 26 1994: A year and a half later, Blake Wade Pursley went missing from the very same CEDU campus. Blake wasn't too healthy either - he'd been in an accident as a toddler that left him with a paralysed vocal chord, a life-threatening internal fungus, poor motor skills, and seizures, and he too required daily medication for said seizures. Blake had only been at CEDU since June 1st, and the circumstances of his disappearance are unclear - the school and authorities believed he'd voluntarily run away, while his family believe he was lured away or abducted. There have been sightings of Blake, but he has not been confirmedly seen since June 26 1994, when he was 14 years old.
2000's
February 8 2004: Another decade on, and another young man disappeared from CEDU High School - 16 year old Daniel Ted Yuen. He was at CEDU for only ten days before running, having been initially sent there following the recommendation of a psychiatrist following a bout of depression. On The Lost Kids podcast, Daniel's parents have stated they believe he is still alive - indeed, there have been recent alleged sightings of Daniel with a woman and baby.February 15 2004: Thirteen year old Justin Phillip Harris has few confirmed details about him online - everything seems to be contradictory. His father stated he had no disabilities, while the staff at the R.L. Mills Home stated he required constant supervision and was unable to function without psychiatric medication. The R.L. Mills Home, closed in 2011, was a home for adolescent boys with emotional and behavioural problems, and it's from there that Justin vanished. Seemingly, he packed his bed with clothes to make it look like he was asleep in it and then ran away during the night - that said, his father believes that Justin was a victim of a crime, and that the R.L. Mills Home had covered it up. Justin has never been found.
2010's
December 4 2010: Forest Ferguson had attended Diamond Ranch Academy before he ended up at Carlbrook School, a CEDU spinoff which closed in 2015 and is discussed in depth in Stolen: a Memoir by Elizabeth Gilpin. Forest left campus at 7.30PM with some additional clothing, and has not been seen since. Forest's loved ones run a website dedicated to finding Forest and bringing him home.May 5 2013: William "Billy" Fred Patient III had some problems - he was diagnosed as bipolar, he had substance abuse issues, and was swamped by grief over the death of his father in 2012. Billy was enrolled at The Academy, a residential centre for 'troubled teens', to try and treat his substance abuse problems and depression. He and a group of nine other boys went on an outing to Juno Beach, Florida - Billy was last seen floating in the ocean, his clothes and wallet on the sands. Naturally, one may assume the worst - that Billy drowned, either by accident or intentionally - however his mother believes he was alive for at least several months after his disappearance due to activity on his Facebook page, including messages being read. Billy's parents ended up being refunded by The Academy, as they had failed to provide what they had promised them.
January 21 2019: A resident of Spruce Street Inn, a residential program for " “street youth”, chronic runaways, and commercially sexually exploited children", Kaitlynn Munson went missing on January 21 2019. Kaitlynn simply left, with a couple of sightings shortly after her disappearance but none in the years since. Both of Kaitlynn's parents are dead, and Kaitlynn has severe developmental disabilities. 14 at the time, Kaitlynn is now 18.
February 3 2019: The youngest on this list, Serenity Dennard was only nine years old when she ran away from Black Hills Children's Home in February 2019. Serenity's life had been filled with trauma - removal from her birth parents, over a dozen foster placements, and a diagnosis of Reactive Attachment Disorder. Her adoptive parents placed her in the private facility for a 14 month stay to work on her trauma, and Serenity had been at the home since July 2018. She had already run from the facility before, and so had been on run watch right up until February 3rd. Serenity's disappearance caused concern and outrage when it was revealed the facility took 41 minutes to call 911 following her disappearance, valuable time wasted.