Free Stream She's Missing amazon Alexandra McGuinness actor Christian Camargo

▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼

watch @ stream

⇧⇧⇧⇧⇧⇧⇧⇧⇧

 

Directed by: Alexandra McGuinness
rating: 178 Vote
Actor: Christian Camargo
Genre: Drama
Abstract: She's Missing is a movie starring Lucy Fry, Eiza González, and Christian Camargo. When her best friend goes missing at a rodeo, Heidi goes on a search across the desert, digging up secrets and encountering the violence of life on

Netflix uses cookies for personalization, to customize its online advertisements, and for other purposes. Learn more or change your cookie preferences. Netflix supports the Digital Advertising Alliance principles. By interacting with this site, you agree to our use of cookies. We use cookies ( why. You can change cookie preferences; continued site use signifies consent. UNLIMITED TV SHOWS & MOVIES SIGN IN Seven years after vanishing from her home, a young woman returns with mysterious new abilities and recruits five strangers for a secret mission. Starring: Brit Marling, Jason Isaacs, Emory Cohen Creators: Brit Marling, Zal Batmanglij Watch Season 2 Now on Netflix Star Brit Marling and director Zal Batmanglij also teamed up on the award-winning film "Sound of My Voice. Additional Videos The OA Episodes The OA While private eye Karim Washington scours San Francisco for a missing teen who was involved in a cryptic game, OA wakes up in unfamiliar surroundings. At the clinic, OA discovers what happened to her friends back at Hap's. Karim turns his attention to a doctor who worked for Pierre Ruskin. In Michigan, Steve begs the gang to try jumping to another dimension, and a presence in Buck's mirror inspires an unlikely pilgrimage. Karim visits Nina at the clinic for help finding the secret entrance to the house. Meanwhile, Hap meets a fellow traveler, and Homer goes on a date. After a harrowing ordeal, OA and Karim find themselves locked inside a labyrinth of puzzles. Nagging doubts prompt Homer to snoop on Dr. Percy. As BBA and the kids head west, an alarming news report forces them to speed up their plans. Jesse wrestles with lingering trauma from the shooting. Karim returns to the house with reinforcements, OA tries to access Nina's memories, and Hap offers to discharge Scott. after one last experiment. While BBA and the others converge on the clinic, Nina persuades Hap to show her his research, and Karim unlocks one of the house's final secrets. A woman missing for seven years turns up at a hospital with strange scars on her back but can't. or won't. reveal where she's been. The OA retraces the dramatic twists and turns in her life after a childhood accident, leading up to a fateful encounter far from home many years later. A journalist approaches the family with an offer. At Hap's, a bond is forged with Homer and the others as they hatch a desperate plan. An agonizing dilemma gives OA a new perspective on the group's plight. Homer resolves to find out what Hap's experiments are really about. While Hap zeroes in on a new test subject in Cuba, Homer and OA work to perfect their escape plan. Scott reaches his breaking point. As the group continues its search for the final movement, a startling turn of events gives Hap's work a new urgency. An ominous new dream and a tense outing with Nancy and Abel take a toll on OA. Steve finds his life in turmoil once again. After OA recounts a dramatic final night at Hap's, the others begin to see her story in a new light. The fragments of the dream click into place. More Details Watch offline Available to download Genres Sci-Fi TV, TV Mysteries, TV Thrillers, TV Dramas This show is. Mind-Bending Cast Brit Marling Jason Isaacs Emory Cohen Patrick Gibson Kingsley Ben-Adir Scott Wilson Alice Krige Phyllis Smith Brendan Meyer Brandon Perea Ian Alexander Will Brill Paz Vega Chloe Levine Sharon Van Etten Riz Ahmed Coming Soon The Hall: Honoring the Greats of Stand-Up In this special comedy event, top stand-ups of today honor legendary comedians of the past who helped shape comedy into what it is now. The Platform In a prison where inmates on high floors eat better than those below, who get the scant scraps, one man tries to effect change so everyone gets enough. All The Bright Places Two teens facing personal struggles form a powerful bond as they embark on a cathartic journey chronicling the wonders of Indiana. Sharkey The Bounty Hunter Bounty hunter Sharkey tracks criminals across the galaxy in his converted, rocket-powered ice-cream truck. with help from his 10-year-old partner. System Crasher Traumatized, violent and yearning for love, 9-year-old Benni bonds with a gruff mentor as child-services workers struggle to find her a home. Shadows in My Eyes The story behind the accidental bombing of a Copenhagen French school during the British Royal Air Force's 1945 attack on nearby Gestapo headquarters. Great Pretender Makoto thinks he's the greatest swindler, until he mistakenly cons a mafia bigwig. From the minds behind "91 Days. FLCL. Attack on Titan" and more. Intuition A rookie cop (Luisana Lopilato) and a police detective (Joaquín Furriel) investigate the murder of a woman, 19, whose best friend is the prime suspect.

2:17 Why is this just American Horror Story. I watched the movie 4 times and the trailer alone still gets me. this movie is really something else. [Previous] p. First] f. A/N: Please consider supporting my writing efforts on Patreon. You can follow this story and be alerted when new chapters release via. “Ah, what a sight for sore eyes! Didn't realize how much I'd miss it until I left, ” Downes declared, stretching her hands over her head to ward off the remnants of sleep as she walked to the bow of the Pennsylvania. Her ships autopilot functions had improved significantly since her retrofit, leaving her free to interact with the rest of the fleet without worry. On that early morning she opted for what she hoped would not be her last conversation with Naka. “Good morning, ” the Sakura replied politely, looking out at what she knew would be her new prison. Downes nodded her way, coming to stand next to her. Minus the ears she was practically as tall as the light cruiser. “Nice to see that some things never change, ” she continued, looking out across the still waters to where Thorsons island base slowly grew closer, silhouetted by the rising sun as they approached it from the west. “Well, mostly never change, ” Downes admitted, squinting and just barely making out a structure atop the slopes that rose up behind the base that she knew had not been there on their departure. “Can I ask you something? ” Naka interrupted politely. “Huh? Yeah, of course! ” Downes replied. It was the first time the Sakura had ever asked her anything beyond the basics of who she was and where they were heading. “Why have you been so kind to me? You defeated me in combat. We are enemies. ” “Ah come off it, you sound like your sister! ” Downes adopted a posture as though she had a pole up her bum. “The might of Kaga and Akagi will never be-” She couldnt even finish the awful imitation before bursting into laughter, clutching at her stomach and the railing of the deck. “No no, look Naka, were not enemies. ” “I…excuse me? ” The fox-morph blinked; still not feeling as though she understood the Union destroyer any better than when they had first traded shells. Downes finally recovered enough to explain, leaning over to rest her elbows on the rails and take in an early morning sea breeze. The wind ruffled her ashen hair, exposing her off-color eyes. They were unsettling to the Sakura. “I mean, if or when Kaga and Akagi are defeated Andrews gonna have a hell of a time keeping us from ripping them limb from limb, ” Downes admitted, flexing her own new limbs. “But being a part of his fleet means something more than just fighting human wars. I mean, the men of the Union and Empire were doing a pretty good job of killing each other before we showed up, dont you think? ” “I suppose thats fair, ” Naka admitted, taken aback. “Right, so maybe thats not our job in the end? Commander Thorson wants to fight the sirens, starting with your beloved generals. Im down with that. You should be too. ” “I still dont understand how that makes us not enemies. ” “Look at me, ” Downes said quietly, turning to remove her jacket and show Naka much of her body. “Fighting you made me strong. Dont you want to get stronger too? ” “Of course I want to be more like my sisters, ” Naka said passionately. “Then dont you think it would be better if we bury the hatchet and start sparring? ” Downes asked excitedly. “I would be betraying my nation, my sisters! ” “Well yeah, sort of, ” Downes agreed with a shrug. “But I doubt Thorsons going to ask you to go shell Kyoto or Tokyo. And as for your sisters, what about the rest of them that have already joined us? ” Naka didnt have an answer for that question, instead looking out at the darkened island that continued to loom closer with each passing second. She could just barely make out the red painted wood of the shrine atop it. It reminded her of Nagatos shrine in Kyoto. Downes seemed to have noticed something amiss as well. “Huh, wonder what that bamboo wall is all about over there by your dorms. Anyway, Naka, if you dont make a decision soon this might be the last time we get to talk like this. Im not gonna go on about how much I know you love my company, but still. Id rather you join us than be a prisoner. ” “I wish everything were so simple, ” Naka admitted, managing the thinnest of smiles. “Why isnt it simple? ” “Would you fight for the Sakura against your home? ” She asked in turn. “Hell no! ” Downes exclaimed immediately. “But if Commander Thorson was Japanese and he was taking on the sirens, and the only beef he had was with demon Enterprise or…I dont know, whoever went rogue, yeah. Id consider that. Besides, Fusou and the others are so nice! Its been cool serving with them. ” “I suppose I cannot refute how easily some of them seem to have integrated, ” Naka admitted, thinking of Yuudachi and Yukikaze, as well as the Asashio-class sisters. All of them had found fast friends among Thorsons ships, much to Jintsuus chagrin. “But I know…she would never forgive me. ” “Thats a tough spot then, I guess, ” Downes agreed, throwing an arm casually around her shoulder. “Well, Ill be sure to visit no matter what happens, alright. ” “Thats kind of you to offer. ” Downes sighed at her reserved tone. “You change your mind you come find me, red foxy. Ill make sure Commander Thorson puts you guys somewhere nice. ” Nakas ears twitched. “I do not deserve your concern. ” “Andrew looks at me like a woman because I fought you. And I can almost go toe to toe with Belle now. Dont care what you think, foxy. I do things my way. See you when we get to the docks. ” With her parting words, Downes vaulted herself over the side of the ship, activating her rigging on the long drop to the ocean below and skating back to her own hull. She had not quenched the fire of dread in Nakas heart, but at least there was now something there beside it. “Such an interesting ship, ” she murmured. “Tha she is, ” Ooshio agreed, appearing as if out of nowhere. Naka almost jumped out of her dress. “Where were you all this time? ” “Jus…watchin, ” the young destroyer said, shifting her weight from foot to foot. Naka raised her brows curiously. “Be careful, Ooshio. You have chosen a path I yet fear to tread, ” Naka advised, still seeing the destroyer as something of a pupil. She did not know her or her sisters well, but she was still their elder. “I thank ye for yer advice, Naka. But tha dies been cast Im afraid. I think that Shikikans a good man, and it shows in his fleet. If Im wrong…well Ill have ta cross that bridge when I come ta it. ” “That moment may come sooner than you think, ” Naka supposed, now able to make out a small fleet of merchant marine ships docked at the base. They were but minutes away from whatever new life awaited them with Azur Lane. “SHIKIKAAAAAAAAAN! ” Commander Thorson was more than ready on that particular homecoming to intercept the mint green kitty missile that was Akashi, taking her up into a spinning hug that had her cheering and laughing gleefully while Pennsylvania and the rest of the shipgirls aboard made their way to the docks. The rest of his fleet was in anchor out in the bay, more than capable of crossing the final stretch of water on the power of their own rigging. The Langley and the Phoenix took two of the other berths so that their crew could also take a moment of shore leave. “Akashi missed you, Shikikan! Nyaa~” She snuggled into his uniform. “I missed you too, ” he assured her, placing a brief kiss on her cheek that had her ears twitching with delight and giggles spilling from her lips. “You brought home so many boats and kittens, Shikikan! But Akashi is ready for this eventuality, nyaa! So much to show you, so much to do! Shrine is done, spa is done, dorms are done-” “Woah woah, slow down there Akashi! ” Thorson insisted, setting her back down on the dock and ruffling her hair. “Let me catch up with everyone first and then you can give me the tour, alright? ” “Hai, Shikikan! Did you bring Akashi any presents, nyaa? ” She requested eagerly. He glanced down at her with a sarcastic smile. “Two Sakura destroyers, a Union carrier, and a Union cruiser arent enough? ” “Akashi wants gems, not boats, nyaa! ” “Juu? ” “Nyaa? ” Thorson watched with a mixture of humor and horror as the remaining manjuus piled off of the Langley and Portlands rigging as the busty heavy cruiser finally got herself back onto dock. Those that had not yet attached themselves to a shipgirl were all sticking close together, looking around at their new surroundings and taking in the sights. Akashis eyes were sparkling. “What is this, Shikikan? ” “Those are manjuus, ” he replied, doing his best to summarize what he knew about them as the group of birds stared down Akashi and looked nervously at the group of individuals walking down the docks towards them. “Theyre pretty darn smart from what I can tell and they seem to enjoy shipgirls quite a bit. ” Akashi activated her rigging and sat cross-legged on the dock. “Do the manjuus need a new home, nyaa? ” She called out to them. “Juu! ” “Up the stairs and to the right! Akashi will install a birdbath later! ” With a chorus of ‘juus, the fluffy, rotund birds hopped and chirped past her, flapping their tiny wings to propel them faster. One stayed behind and hopped up on Akashis shoulder, making itself comfortable. Thorson couldnt help but smile, though his attention was soon demanded by a different ship. “Tono-sama! ” “Yamashiro! ” Thorson strode forward a couple paces to eagerly take the shrine maiden into his arms. Perhaps it was simply absence, but she seemed even more plush and soft than when he'd left. Fusou was not far behind him, and after a brief moment of snuggling against her fluffy ears and prodigious bosom, Thorson stood aside to allow the sisters their reunion. The tender sibling moment was soon interrupted by a gagging sound from somewhere behind Yamashiros kimono. It was almost drowned out by the sounds of Captain Stevens crew and the bulin teams in their jeeps preparing for maintenance duties, but he heard it nevertheless. He was quite certain it did not come from either of the shrine maidens. “Oh thats right, Tono-sama! Look what Yamashiro found! ” She exclaimed proudly as she turned, bent over, and grabbed something up in her arms. The resulting squeals of annoyance were soon given a face as Yamashiro presented him with what had to be another Sakura shipgirl. She had dark hair and was wearing almost nothing, her skimpy ‘schoolgirl uniform just enough to cover her breasts and waist. Between the state of dress, armored ears, and dogs tail, Thorson had a pretty good idea of who he was looking at. The girl was growling at him. “Let me go, Yamashiro! This is no fun at all! ” “Shigure? ” Shiratsuyu gasped from somewhere behind him. “Shiratsuyu? Youre alive? ” “Nee-chan? Wan~ ” Yuudachi barked. “Yuudachi? ” “Nanoda! ” “Yukikaze. ” Shigure exclaimed louder and louder in turn, going limp in Yamashiros arms and looking around at the nonsensical picture before her. Her sisters and one of her best friends were standing shoulder to shoulder with the Union. A tall, raven-haired battleship was scratching Yuudachi between the ears. Another was looking affectionately at Yukikaze. Yamashiro had thrown herself at the foreign Shikikan. “Yamashiro-san, who is this stupid Shikikan? ” “He is my tono-sama and you will treat him with respect! ” Yamashiro insisted cutely. “See, he even found your other sisters! ” “Besides, only I can call him idiot Shikikan, ” a calm, disinterested voice joined them. “But…the idiot Shikikan seems to have found…many interesting things on his voyage. ” “N-nee-san? ” Yukikaze gasped in disbelief. “Is that really you, nanoda? ” “Go on, Yukikaze, ” Arizona encouraged with a light push, sending the snow white neko barreling forward as tears streamed from her eyes. “I thought you were gone nee-san! ” She cried, throwing her arms around a suddenly solid enough Shiranui. “But the goddess of luck has brought us together again, nanoda! ” “Perhaps she truly has blessed you and Shigure, ” Shiranui agreed, petting her younger sisters head as Yukikaze cried into her kimono. The ghost ships will-o-the-wisps glowed brightly even in the daytime as Shiranui looked past Yukikaze to Thorson. “Thank you…idiot Shikikan, ” she whispered. He nodded in silent reply as Shigure seemed content to sniff him, shrug at his scent, and carry on to reunite with her own sisters. “Shikikan, Shikikan! Oh, uh, Pennsylvania-san. Uh. wawawaaaan, ” Yuudachi suddenly interjected a request, unsure of who's authority she should appeal to. “Can we all have the same room? ” “That sounds like a great idea, ” he agreed, knowing that the logistics of lodging would have to be resolved at some point anyway. “Shiratsuyu, you were bedding with Yuugure and Hatsuharu before, right? ” “Oh, yes Shikikan. ” “I presume youd like to live with your sisters now? ” “And Yukikaze! ” Shigure piped up. “Fine by me, ” Shiranui agreed. "I do not need sleep. “Akashi, can you handle it? Maybe set those two up in their own room? ” Thorson asked. She nodded happily. “Of course, Shikikan! Plenty of rooms for four and two available, nyaa! We have futons and a handful of rooms with bunk beds. ” “Bunk beds! Yukikaze the Great claims the top, nanoda! ” "You'd better get their first then. Right Yuudachi? Don't you want the top bunk. Pennsylvania goaded, earning her a playful swat on the shoulder from Arizona as the three Sakura destroyers tore off for the dormitories despite not having any real idea of where to go. Shiratsuyu tugged on Thorson's sleeve. "I'll go make sure they don't burn the place down. she said with a smile. "Thank you. And good job on this voyage, Shiratsuyu. Thorson replied, earnest praise in his voice and a hand on her shoulder. "A-arigato, Shikikan. she stuttered, almost tripping over herself as she scurried off to join her sisters. "Is it too much to hope that this base somehow becomes self-regulating. Thorson asked, causing Shiranui to turn away from him. "And there's the idiot Shikikan we all know and love. Tell your battleships to keep them on tight leashes. Was it really too much. He asked Penny with a smile. "Maybe, Commander. But I'm happy to help maintain order with these cuties. Thanks. And consider yourself officially recognized for your performance as flagship. Thorson continued more seriously. Pennsylvania saluted him. "With your permission, sir. Radio the girls and let them know we'll have a debriefing in the mess hall starting in one hour. Attendance is…encouraged. Thorson stated. "Otherwise, you're dismissed. Akashi. Hai, Shikikan! I will give the Union girls the full tour and see you after the meeting. At the meeting, Akashi. he ordered. "You're important. he added, knowing the minty kitty likely did not consider such an event to be a good time. Her ears perked up nevertheless. "Then Akashi will be there, nyaa! Come Pennsylvania-san, Cleveland's design has been realized. I guess we're off to our new home then. Maybe I can keep my futon? Sleeping in that manner was rather pleasant. Arizona chuckled, leaving a quick kiss on Thorson's cheek before following after her sister, Akashi, and Zed. The Ironblood promptly joined up with Javelin and Laffey on the way and soon a large group of his ships were all headed on up to the dormitories, including Ark who was somehow carrying all three of the young, flavored kittens. That left him with a handful of confused and hesitant Sakura additions, as well as a patient chief bulin. "Orders, buli. She requested, looking around at all the new ships that had suddenly appeared in the bay. "Hey there, good to see you again chief. Thorson knelt and ruffled her hair briefly. She laughed and closed her eyes happily, leaning on her gigantic wrench for support. "We all made it back in one piece but most of the ships have battle damage in some state of repair. Take your time and be thorough. I don't anticipate heading out on sortie for a while. It will be done, Buli. Oh, and be careful on the Downes and Laffey. he called after her, watching as she returned to the nearest Jeep and relayed orders to the remainder of her crew. In a few moments they were off, retrieving tools and supplies from the base's warehouses. "Speaking of Downes…" Thorson muttered, finally seeing her on the next dock over. Unsurprisingly, Cassin had shaken off her lethargy and come out to greet her sister. The Commander could only imagine what was being exchanged between the two of them. He waited patiently for a few moments, watching as Downes took her sister into a bear hug accentuated by her new height. "Hey, Ooshio. Ya have need of me, Shikikan. The cute Sakura maiden requested, having remained near him in the face of so many Union sailors. "Please radio Downes and ask her to report to this dock. There is still the issue of Naka and Jintsuu that needs to be addressed. Thorson related, looking behind him and nodding silently to Tennessee who had seemed to read his mind, remaining behind and watching over the prisoners cautiously instead of heading up with her fleet mates to check out the renovated dormitories. "Of course, Shikikan. Just give me a quick moment. Ooshio agreed, summoning her rigging. When her task was done, he addressed all five of the Asashio class destroyers. "The five of you are a part of this fleet too now. Stick together and take care of each other. Report to Akashi in the dormitories, up those stairs and take a right when you get to the top of the slope. She should be able to find you all a room together if that's what you'd like. Michishio, just find Shiratsuyu if you wish to keep serving in the kitchens. I'll miss you cooking otherwise! Asashio. I'll take the lead, Shikikan. Good day to you. the blue neko agreed, gathering her sisters and leading them off. He could hear Kasumi talking to Foo as she passed. "No don't worry, Foo. We won't be staying with Shiranui. And you shouldn't be afraid of her will-o' the-wisps, they don't seem harmful. Hmmm? No, how would I know what's for breakfast. Ask Yuugure? Why would I do that? No I don't think Shikikan wants to take a bath with you. And life goes on. Thorson chuckled to himself before greeting Downes and Cassin as they arrived. The dark haired sister was clearly already overwhelmed by Downes' energy. "All you have to do is work out a bit. A bit. She asked sarcastically. "Commander, requesting permission to get breakfast and sleep. Good to see you too, Cassin. Everything's squared away. Brooklyn had me do a couple of courier missions but. she paused to bring her palm up to her lips as she stifled a yawn. "Nothing else. Then you're free to go. Thank you Commander, and welcome back. It was a bit crazy with all these sailors…but sometimes they bring me a cola. Downes was left at her commander's side as Cassin departed, already having taken in a day's worth of excitement by breakfast time. She glanced over at Naka who had remained politely silent along with her sister. Surrounded by enemy guns they didn't have much choice, especially with Tennessee breathing down their necks. "You know, red foxy, I'm more likely to get you in the gym with me than my own sister. Hell, maybe even blue foxy too. Downes. Thorson spoke firmly and seriously. "Take them to the dormitory and establish a watch rotation with Tennessee. They'll take their meals with us and observe curfews. Any other movement must be approved directly by me. Enlist the aid of Penny and the others so you're not always on duty, and I'll make sure to debrief the two of you myself at a later time. Acceptable. Yes sir. both Tennessee and Downes saluted properly, their guns out and at the ready. He nodded to both of them. "I know it's been a long mission and you all need rest. Thank you. This is nothing sir. We'll be fine. Tennessee insisted. "As you say. Naka, Jintsuu…you both know how this ends, one way or another. Don't make me execute you. he requested bitterly. "Take them. You got it, Commander. See you in the mess. Sure, Downes. See you at lunch. Alright you two, move. Tennessee ordered, marching the two prisoners away. Naka seemed to have confusion and uncertainty in her eyes more than anything else, while Jintsuu seemed defiantly reserved. "Sorry. he whispered, watching the four of them go as he was finally left alone on the pier where the Pennsylvania had docked. Langley and her crew seemed content just to be back at a friendly port, so he headed down the dock to his base's main strip, taking a left and walking down along the various mooring points until he came to one he was looking for. There was one final reunion he wanted to see. Brooke, what the hell are you doing here? Digging the glasses by the way. Phoenix shouted happily, practically leaping off her ship and onto the docks below as an unmistakable mane of strawberry blonde hair approached her ship. "And who's this. The fiery redhead demanded, taking in the bear of a man who somehow was gently holding her sister's hand. "I'm glad to see you too, Phoenix. Brooklyn replied before taking her sister into an embrace. "This is Captain Matthew Stevens of the Union merchant marine. He's my…boyfriend. she squeaked, going through mild shock at saying the word out loud but enjoying the way Stevens seemed to rumble with laughter beside her. "Don't bother asking cause I don't know how it happened either. the Captain chuckled, extending a hand. "Captain Stevens at your service. Pleasure to meet you. Likewise. Phoenix accepted. "So how did you end up here, sis? And with him. I'm here because I believe in Commander Thorson's mission, sister. Brooklyn stated primly before her face softened and she reached up on tiptoe to plant a kiss on Stevens' bearded cheek. "And I'm with him because he is a faithful, compelling man who doesn't feel the need to court half of his fleet…unlike a certain Commander who nevertheless made me realize that indulging in my feminine half is delightful at times. So Thorson's a man whore. Phoenix summarized with a smirk. "Forgive my sister, Captain. She's always had the mouth of a sailor. Brooklyn implored. "Sweetheart, I'm a sailor. Stevens laughed, nodding Phoenix's way. "So how did you and that carrier end up with the Commander. He wondered. "His fleet pulled us out of the fire. Oh that's a good one, coming from you. Brooklyn interrupted. "Yeah yeah, I know. Phoenix assured her proudly. "Anyway, far as I can tell Commander Thorson smashed his way through the East Indies, snatched all the ships he could, and got out before the whole barrier fell to the Sakura. "What did you say. Brooklyn demanded seriously, feeling a chill run up her mostly exposed legs. "She means we lost. a familiar voice called from behind her. Brooklyn spun on her heel and greeted him warmly with a chaste hug. "Commander Thorson, you look well for a defeated officer. In addition to the Shigure I see you've managed to collect a handful of other ships. Yeah well…we still lost. he muttered. "Stevens. Thorson. Good to see you again. Care to give me a rundown of the last month before I debrief my own fleet. It would be our pleasure, sir. Brooklyn affirmed. "And thank you for delivering my sister to me. I shall have to send word to Union command that she and Langley made it back. I did not want to believe the scattered reports…" Thank you for keeping morale up. Thorson took over, understanding well enough the uncertainty and sadness in Brooklyn's expression. "Phoenix, you good. Yes sir, we'll just resupply and get ready to ship out. I'm sure they'll want us back with Enterprise or something. On the off chance they don't, you're always welcome. Thorson affirmed. "Brooklyn. Of course, sir. Sister, let us speak later. The beaches past the dock make for a delightful stroll. Sounds good, sis. Talk to you later. Phoenix waved in parting as the two officers and her sister departed for the mess. Now that…is not what I expected. Thorson murmured. He had just entered the mess hall to find the usual hubbub of morning activity thanks to Stevens' crew. What he did not expect was to see Yuugure chatting up a table of sailors, clad in a French maid outfit no less. She was clearly taking a page out of Shiratsuyu's book, the black and white fabric matching her hair and the creamy, exposed skin just beneath her neck. Even her tail was adorned with a small lace band. It was easy enough to see the men around her were eating out of her palm, her nationality be damned. Equally strange was Hatsuharu, who could be seen in the kitchens with a very peculiar sailor. "I didn't know any negroes served in your fleet, Captain. He's just a steward's mate, Commander. the Captain replied sternly. "Can't say it's been easy but the boy knows his stuff. Always been quiet and shut in a bit, likely on account of being the only one of his kind in my convoy. Guess that Sakura girl doesn't see color. I see. was all Thorson would say. He didn't honestly know how he felt about the situation, but he could see the easy smile on Hatsuharu's face as she spoke with the young sailor. By Thorson's estimation he couldn't have been older than twenty. "There haven't been any problems. With those two? Are you kidding? A mouse makes more of a ruckus. Stevens replied. "That other kitten's the one you want to watch out for, to say nothing of Akashi. Yuugure. Got half my men wrapped around her little finger. Far as I know she just likes teasing them. Tried to tell them she ain't serious, but boys will be boys. And girls will be girls. Thorson smiled, sitting with Brooklyn and Stevens at a corner table. Hatsuharu was soon there with coffee. "W-welcome back, Shikikan. she whispered. Who's your friend in the kitchens. He replied softly. "His name is Fredrick Miles. And he's been teaching me how to cook better. the destroyer replied with a bashful smile. Thorson glanced over at Stevens as she headed back. "You said the rest of your crew give him trouble. Do you really have to ask. Stevens grunted. It wasn't difficult to guess how a black man would be treated by an all white crew. "Then leave him here. Thorson shrugged. "Looks like he's doing Hatsuharu more good than you. I'll be happy to be rid of him, if only for the sake of peace and quiet. Stevens lowered his voice. "Boy's had it tough. He volunteered. You think we'd draft his kind. Let's hope it doesn't come to that. Thorson murmured. "But we're getting off track and I could always use more help in the kitchens. What else do you have to report. Yes sir, allow me. Brooklyn stepped in, having watched the racially charged exchange between the two men with fascination. "We've established ongoing contact with Union high command via courier and radio when battlegroups pass close enough to the base. I see. And your evaluation of Union high command. Thorson demanded as he took a sip of coffee, wondering if Brooklyn would echo Pennsylvania's sentiments. Brooklyn gave him an obscure smile. "They have kindly chosen to provide us with every spare battleship in the Pacific theater, such as they are. I'm still waiting on an answer regarding wisdom cubes. It's been difficult maintaining regular contact with anyone possessing an appropriate security clearance. Wait, we're getting how many ships. Thorson demanded eagerly. "Well California, obviously. Brooklyn began with a genuine smile. "Maybe that will thaw Tennessee's frozen heart, hmm? Let's see, who else did they mention? There was Maryland, West Virginia got herself out of dry dock early, Colorado who's another ice queen, and South Dakota. Brooklyn finished. "What, nothing to say about Dakota. Thorson prompted. "You'll see for yourself, sir. We received word that California will be escorting a handful of cubes as well but…" But. Brooklyn fixed Thorson with a stern look. "How much do you want to bet that the moment we inform Pacific command that Phoenix and Langley have been retrieved from Southeast Asia, they will demand they be shipped away from here to other fronts. And Houston. Her ship is gone from what I could tell? I only just caught a glimpse of her hair on the docks. You can recognize her anywhere. In any case, that gives us the ability to let her rest here. But do you see the pattern I'm trying to paint, sir. We're a dumping ground. Thorson eventually murmured, looking down into his coffee. "You mentioned cubes. I would be willing to wager my best pair of lace panties that the cubes we've been promised…" Brooklyn took a deep breath. "They're likely Nevada and Oklahoma's. Thorson felt like he'd been punched in the gut, not even able to make a quip about how he didn't have enough pairs of underwear to risk losing one. "It appears someone intends this to be the final resting place for many of them, the dreadnaughts of a bygone age. Kaga and Akagi would likely agree with you. Thorson replied, thinking back to his great defeat. "But I don't need superior airpower to win a battle. Sir, I don't mean to speak out of place, but the military production and actions of every major power on the planet are in concurrence. The era of the battleship has ended. Thorson lowered his head, running a finger along the brim of his cap. "I won't give up on Penny, Arizona, Tennessee, and the rest. The era of battleships may be over, Brooklyn, but I know what I saw at Java Sea. And I think I can beat it. I intend to forge a new era of naval combined arms with battleships as the core…one that can break carrier groups. Previous] p. First] f.

Highway thru hell. Plenty of time and why go to petco twice? Did she deliberately leave her phone there on a shelf then pick it up after... 😳 🙏🏻💙🙏🏻💙🙏🏻💙🙏🏻💙🙏🏻. Ahhh you're so close to a million. Yay.

Already got my tickets for Mondays showing. "So, what's your deal. Such simple words, yet they changed the summer break of 1992 forever. They say you always remember your first love. I'm not sure how true it is for others, but I do. For all the wrong reasons. I was a lonely kid. After my parents' death, I'd lived with an uncle and aunt. Now, they weren't bad people, but they never wanted kids, especially not a teenager in the middle of puberty. I guess we were all happy in our own ways when I proposed that I'd live on my own a few years later. They provided me with enough money to scrape by, and so I moved into a small apartment complex at the edge of town. It was Thursday evening, one week into summer break when I first saw her. Memory is a strange thing. So much of my life is nothing but vague blurs and half-guesses. Yet, I remember this evening as vividly as if it happened yesterday. For the past few days, I'd wasted away inside my apartment. Eating microwaved meals, watching TV, and reading books. Eventually, the heat and the stuffy air of the small one-room place drove me outside. I didn't have a destination in mind; I just wanted to go on a simple walk. The day had been hot, but now that the sun was setting, the air was comfortably mild. I walked along the small path that led around the complex, and before long, I settled down on a bench. I leaned back and watched as the deep red sky slowly turned dark. The sounds of the town had quieted down. The bustle of people and cars was replaced by cicadas and the chirping of a lonely bird nearby. I inhaled the evening air deeply before I took out my small notebook and scribbled down a few awkward lines. I had aspirations of becoming a poet one day, but of course, all I wrote was terrible. I was sixteen after all. I'd just jotted down another pretentious musing about the night sky when I noticed her. She was riding on a simple, old skateboard, speeding down the path towards me. She wore dark shorts and an equally dark long-sleeved shirt. It seemed to be far too big for her delicate frame. Her short auburn hair was waving in the slight evening breeze. A hint of a smile played around the corners of her mouth as her big brown eyes stared at the night sky above. She didn't talk to me that night, didn't even acknowledge me. She sped past me, leaving me staring after her, mouth agape. It felt like I sat there for hours, thinking about her. I guess I secretly hoped she'd return and ride past me once more. Eventually, I gave up and returned back to my small apartment. I couldn't stop thinking about her, much less sleep. Skater Girl, I came to call her. In my mind, I conjured up stories of how the two of us would get to know each other and fall in love, knowing even at my age how silly it all was. I think when my parents died, something broke inside of me. Some essential part that makes you a normal, functioning human being. Something that could never be fixed, and that drove me away from people and society as a whole. Skater Girl changed it all. From the first time I'd seen her, I was driven back to that same bench every evening. She wasn't there every day, but every other and that was enough for me. I never mustered up the courage to call out to her, and it was more than a week before she finally acknowledged me. "So, what's your deal. she called out to me from afar and stopped a meter in front of me. "Oh, eh, I'm writing. I blurted out, holding up my notebook. "Well, what are you writing about. N-nothing really, just poems and silly things. Wanna show me. she asked, pushing herself closer to me. My eyes grew wide in embarrassment. That whole damned notebook was filled with lines about her auburn hair and her deep brown eyes. In a panic, I tried to quickly close and hide it, but it slipped from my hands, falling to the ground in front of me. She giggled at that. It was the most beautiful thing I'd ever heard. "Guess that's a no. she said, still laughing, and a moment later, she pushed herself onwards. "Wait. I wanted to call out, but my voice had all but ceased functioning. From that day on, the two of us started to talk more often. It was never more than a few lines at a time, but this tad bit of interaction was enough for me. "Can I read one of your poems. she asked me one day. "No way, they are all terrible. I answered, holding up my hands as if to block her. "Well, once you write a good one, be sure to let me read it. she called out over her shoulder as she rode away. A few days later, she greeted me with the same, warm smile that always made me blush. "Still terrible. she asked in a joking manner. I nodded, and when I looked at her, I saw a huge dark bruise on her thigh. "Guess I'm not the only one who's terrible at what they're doing. I replied similarly joking, thinking she'd crashed down with her board. For a moment, she eyed me questioningly before she realized what I was looking at. She quickly put her hand over the bruise as if trying to hide it. There was a hint of something else on her usually happy face. She was quiet for a few seconds staring off into the distance before she smiled at me again. "Seems like we have something in common then. These small interactions soon became the most important part of my lonely summer break. Nothing ever happened at the apartment complex. It was mostly populated by the old, those forgotten by society and a few more sinister figures. I'd returned from the library a few days later, borrowing a massive stack of books about poetry, when something actually did happen. There was a commotion in front of the complex. I hurried over to the group that had gathered and pushed myself to the front. A group of police officers dragged a cursing, middle-aged man to their police car. Id seen the man before, often lingering around the complex, his eyes wild and dangerous. The people around me talked and whispered to one another. Between the dozens of voices, I was only able to make out a few bits and pieces: A public disturbance. Her again. Domestic violence. Someone must've called the police, and the man seemed to be furious. He was furious, struggling against the grip of the officers and rambling on incoherently. For a moment his hate filled eyes wandered over the onlookers, and I almost cringed back when they came to rest on me. I caught the word bitch multiple time, but not much more before they threw him into the back of the police car. I watched the whole ordeal, curious as I was, but a day after I'd already forgotten about it. It wasn't important. The only important thing for me was spending time with Skater Girl. Half a week passed before I saw her again. She was still wearing the same sloppy clothes, and her hair looked as wild as always. She smiled at me as she approached me. "Any luck yet. she asked, giggling. "None. I said, shaking my head. "You know, you spend an awful lot of time on something you aren't good at. I shrugged. "Guess I'm enjoying it. Well, I was kind of enjoying, but I was really only out here because of her, something I couldn't admit, of course. "Hey. she interrupted my thoughts, you wanna to give this a try. She picked up the board and held it out towards me. I stared at her, taken aback, but found myself nodding. I awkwardly got on the board and pushed myself forward. "Hey, this is pretty. The word easy never left my lips as I lost my balance, fell onto my hands, and propelled the board forward. I was greeted by bursting laughter from Skater Girl. "Oh my god. she pressed out, you really are terrible. I stumbled to my feet and gave her a weak smile before I went to get the board. She was still laughing when I handed it to her, but she wasn't mocking me, and soon I started to laugh as well. "Alright, I'll teach you. she said with a big smile. My face felt hot all of a sudden, and I felt my heart pounding heavily in my chest. "Sure. was all I could say. For the next half hour, she tried her best to teach me the basics, but it was futile. I fell down half a dozen times, scraping up my knees in the process. I was content to keep going, but she finally took the board from me. "This is hopeless. she giggled, shaking her head. I sighed and sat down on the bench again, and for the first time, she joined me. For a while, neither of us spoke. "Do you ever look up at the sky. she suddenly asked. "Sure, what are you. No, I mean, do you ever really look? At the stars! Aren't they beautiful? You know. she started in a voice quieter than usual, sometimes I wonder what it's like up there. To be a star in the sky, you know. For a moment, I looked away from her and up at the sky, at the countless stars above us. I saw that she, too, was looking up with her wide, deep eyes. There was a sad smile on her face, and she appeared to be deep in thought. For a moment, I thought she'd start to cry. "Life's strange, isn't it. she finally asked, turning back towards me. I was too surprised to say anything. "Maybe you should write about that. What do you mean. Life, the stars, the sky, everything! There's beauty everywhere, even in all the small things around us. I was just staring at her. "What are you staring at, weirdo. she asked, now laughing again. "Oh, sorry, I was. but I broke up, awkwardly turning away from her. "I was joking. Then she got up and stepped back onto her board. "Come on, follow me. With that, she led me down a small path, away from the complex and to a small hill. "So, why do you sit outside all day writing terrible poems. As I sat down next to her, I was quiet for a while. Then I opened up about everything. I told her I was out there because of her. I'd wanted to see her again and even that most of my poems were about her. She listened without interrupting me, her hands gently caressing the grass. "You know, you really ARE a weirdo. she said, looking at me. Her eyes seemed like endless pools. I gave her a weak, embarrassed smile, but before I could do anything else, she leaned over and kissed me. It was an awkward, sloppy kiss, but it felt amazing. When our lips parted, I must've had the biggest grin on my face. I leaned back on the grass, wishing that this evening would never end. We kept sitting on that small hill for what must've been hours. We didn't talk much, we just sat there next to each other. I don't know when, but at one point I found her hand holding onto mine. All the while, she stared up at the stars with her big, brown eyes. "It's gotten late. she finally mumbled and got up. I nodded. It had to be almost midnight. She put the board down and then slowly pushed herself forward. "Hey, hold up, Skater- I started but broke up in an instant, embarrassed. "Rebecca. she said. "Stephen, I live down in apartment 7. 05, so if you want to come by. my voice trailed off. She giggled and took my hand as she rode on the skateboard next to me. As we made our way around the complex, I felt her holding onto my hand harder, almost clutching it. The smile had vanished from her face. It was replaced by worry and apprehension. "What's wrong. I asked, but all she did was shake her head. "Life, I guess. Before I could ask her what she meant, she kissed me once more. "Thanks for tonight, Stephen. she said before she hurried away. I was left standing there, speechless. She'd already opened the door when I saw that her board was still on the ground next to me. "Hey, your board. I called out, but she'd already vanished. Once I was inside myself I contemplated hurrying after her, but then I decided that I'd take the board with me and hand it to her tomorrow. Back in my apartment, I couldn't sleep. My teenage brain was too active, too confused. Was that what love was like, what it did to you? My eyes wandered to the board again and again. What should I say to her when I saw her the next time? Should I tell her I was in love with her? What about the board? God, everything had been so perfect tonight, and now it all seemed so complicated. I tried to sleep, but I was just lying there, throwing myself this and that way as minutes turned to hours. Her face was all I could see in my mind. Rebecca - even her name was beautiful. Then I heard something. It was quiet, a rattle, a turning of a doorknob, then silence again. It was followed by some sort of. clicking? I lay in bed and listened. Had to be some neighbor. Probably someone who was out drinking and forgot how their door worked. Somehow though, it was too close, too audible. I slid out from under the blanket, got out of bed, and tiptoed through my small apartment. There it was again: click, clack, quiet rustling. Once I was at the front door, I listened intently. There was another sound, and suddenly my front door popped open. Standing in front of me was a giant beast of a man. For a second, he was as surprised as I was. Then he grinned. "You little fucker. he pressed out in a whisper before he stormed at me. He was holding something big and blunt in his hand. It became a blur as he hurled it at me. It was pure, dumb luck that whatever he'd been holding missed me and crashed against the wall next to me. Another curse, this one more audible. Once the initial shock passed, I turned to run. My flight-or-fight response was all flight. I stumbled forward to get away from whoever this madman was. I'd barely taken a few steps before a large hand reached out and covered my mouth. Another soon followed, taking hold of my body. "Where do you think you're going. the man whispered into my ear. His voice was deep, yet strangely scrawny. There was a hint of a giggle behind each of his words. Where. Do. You. Think. You're. Going. He was enjoying this. The hand over my mouth pressed down hard, making it impossible for me to scream. The man's breath was hot and heavy on my neck, stank of alcohol and tobacco. His massive body was soaked in sweat. I felt a bulging, wet stomach pressed against my back. I'd have gagged if my mouth hadn't been covered. "You made a big mistake, you little shit. This time there was no joy in his voice; there was nothing but cold, hard rage. Worst of all, I had no freaking clue who this guy was or why he was here. I was shoved forward. For a moment, he let go of my body, and I was struggling, squirming under the hand covering my mouth. I tried to get away, but he was so much stronger than me. I tried to scream, but all that escaped my mouth was a quiet, inaudible yelp. Then his hand returned, this time going for my crotch. Pain shot through my whole body as he began to squeeze. "Was it fun? Did you enjoy touching her. What the hell was he talking about? I shuffled my feet, tried to press my legs together to get him off me, but it was futile. "You shouldn't have done it, shouldn't have. Oh, but you won't ever do it again. As his giant paw of a hand closed, I was nothing but pain and panic. Then I felt something hot between my legs. For a moment, I thought he'd ripped and torn something apart before I realized that I must've peed myself. His hand jerked away. "What the fuck. the man called out in disgust, and in that short moment, I bit down on his hand as hard as I could. There was another scream, this one short and strangely high-pitched. A moment later, I was free, stumbling away from the man. The few meters between me and the front door felt like the longest distance I ever had to cross in my entire life. "Oh no, you won't. he yelled, and I heard his heavy footsteps as he rushed after me. One more meter. I was outside. The hallway. Down, just go down, I told myself. I opened my mouth to scream, but it was too late. Once more, his giant hand covered my mouth. "I'm going to enjoy cutting you up. he laughed into my ear as he dragged me backward. Someone, please someone, I pleaded as the tears streamed from my eyes. It was no use. No one was coming. No one. I struggled once more. It was a last surge of energy before I gave up exhausted. Futility took over. This was it. This guy, whoever he was, was going to kill me. And then it happened. Gravity's hold over me stopped, and I was thrown up into the air. For a blink of an eye, I was entirely weightless. Before I could understand what was happening, I crashed down again. There was a sickening crunch below me, and a moment later, the hands holding onto me let go. I pulled the man's heavy arms off me and crawled away from him. That's when I saw it. Skater Girl's board. The wondrous coincidence was cut short by a groan from the man behind me. Thats when I ran. I didn't get far before I stumbled into one of my neighbors. The old man started to belittle me about the ruckus I was causing at this time of the night, but when he saw the state I was in, he knew something wasn't right. It wasn't long before the police arrived. The man was still there, still on the floor of my apartment, the skateboard he'd tripped on still next to him. He was knocked out cold. It was the next day that I learned who the man was and why he'd come to my apartment. And that day, I also learned a lot more about Skater Girl, about Rebecca. The man who'd appeared at my doorstep had been the boyfriend of Rebecca's mother. Joe, that's what I think his name was, was an abusive, drug-addicted piece of shit. He was the type who preyed on weak women, precisely like Rebecca's mom. A woman who had her own share of problems and a habit of taking to the bottle. It had been too dark that night, but when I saw the picture, I knew that it was the guy who'd been taken in by police half a week ago. Neighbors had called the police after yet another fight between him and Rebecca's mom. Scared as she was of him, she refused to give a statement and eventually Joe was released. Once he was out, he wanted revenge. It didnt matter against whom. That night, he returned, flipped out, and murdered Rebecca's mother in cold blood. After that, he'd waited for Rebecca. That's when he'd seen me with her, and that's why he came after me. Once he was done with Rebecca. I don't remember how I made through the weeks and months following her death. Life was nothing but vague blurs, apathy, and depression. It was later that the statements and rumors of neighbors painted a fuller picture for me. Joe had come after Rebecca's mother, but soon he'd been more interested in her teenage daughter. No one knew, of course, but many had their suspicions about what happened during those nights when her mom had passed out from drinking. Rebecca hadn't been the manic pixie dream girl I came to call Skater Girl. She wasn't a mysterious and dreamy girl, no, she'd been a troubled, torn and abused soul. She was so at wonder with the outside world because her own was filled with nothing but terror. I still remember her eyes when she stared at the stars. I'd never realized that it was desperation and hope that filled them. Those few words she'd said that night, what it would be like to be a star in the sky. The moment I knew everything, it was so obvious, and I realized how dumb and ignorant I'd been. I never bothered to ask who Rebecca really was or what was going on in her mind. Instead, I'd made her into Skater Girl. Not a real person, but the cute and mysterious girl of my dreams. A girl who did nothing but ride her board in the evenings, wore but ill-fitting oversized clothes and stared at the night sky. I often wonder what must've happened that night. What Joe must've done to her before he came to me. And sometimes, during those worst nights, when the guilt eats away at me, I wonder what would've happened if I'd gone after her. If I'd decided to return her board then and there. It's been so long since then, yet I still think about her. The skateboard, her skateboard; its still with me. A memory of this lonely summer break, of things that might have been and an endless number of regrets. I still sit outside during those mild summer nights. Just a lonely guy sitting on a bench in a park writing his poems. They're still terrible; rambling messes about life, the sky, the stars, and of course, auburn hair. With each passing year, though, I feel that they get a little less terrible. I hope that one day, I can finally get one of them right. After all those years, her words still ring in my ears as if it had been yesterday. "Well, once you write a good one, be sure to let me read it. Sure, Rebecca, I will. x X.

Good choice of chandler riggs. Highway thru hell 2019. Highway 12 closure. Teresa Palmer has the most brilliant blue eyes & is so beautiful - even gorgeous! Also glad to see an original story where the jock is female (typically the jock is always male. I opened to watch trailer! Oh Gush! I watched whole movie and story line😂. Highway songs. Highway patrol accident reports. Its so amazingly awesome and clean 🧼 🧽👏🏽🙌🏽. 2017 Copyright 123Movies All Rights Reserved Disclaimer: This site is absolutely legal and contain only links to other sites on the Internet. and many others…) We do not host or upload any video, films, media files (avi, mov, flv, mpg, mpeg, divx, dvd rip, mp3, mp4, torrent, ipod, psp) is not responsible for the accuracy, compliance, copyright, legality, decency, or any other aspect of the content of other linked sites. If you have any legal issues please contact the appropriate media file owners or host sites. HDMOVIE14, HULU MOVIE, DRAMA KOREAN, MEGASHARE9, SOLARMOVIE, YTS, YIFY, TORRENT.

Adore Meghan 💕💕💕 she's a trooper and a true professional. 7:44 look in the mirror, shes in the bathroom. Highway 61. PPF, ceramic coating, and paint correction best investment you can spend on a car. period easy 6-8k job avr. Highwaytoacdc. Everyone knows that if you kiss while driving, you're just asking to be in a motor vehicle accident. Soy de Costa Rica y me enorgullece mucho como latino el trabajo que esta chica realiza en EUA, debemos apoyarnos más y criticarnos menos, por que es super talentosa.

 

The results of the contest are in, absolutely no one won! Which is fine, because a lot of you got really close or had partially correct answers. This tells me that my story roughly makes sense in terms of plot, but that I was still able to hide the major elements in smaller things throughout. Anyway, the chapter below is quite long, so I've put the full version on my website here. If I was stuck on reddit, I would've had to add two or three more comment boxes at the end there. Also, I think I like the simple colour scheme for now, but I'm not sure. If people like a lighter background colour, let me know. Also, for now, only this chapter is on it (as well as my only one shot story. Give me some time and I'll slowly put the whole archive on it. First Previous Admiral Stephen Dai – Dimensional Plane of Pandaemonium – Waiting Room, Gods Doom - 5 Years and 70 days since the Infernal invasion of Earth “Im not leaving before you awaken me! ” Sam shouted as Stephen watched with all the others squeezed alongside him. “Whats happening? I cant see! ” One civilian at the back asked out loud. “Shes passed the final test. ” “Yeah, she successfully annoyed the Primordial AI into giving up, hah! ” “Nah, its because she also did what he wanted. She made some sort-of alliance with the daemon. ” “Daemon? You mean her atomite mirror? ” “That was not the result I was expecting. ” Stephen muttered to himself as he kept watching. “I thought she was just going to propose a regular alliance or a treaty. ” “Thats because you always do that. ” Vee instantly replied from the back. “And you better not curse me like the rest! ” Sam shouted again. An incredibly loud and heavy sigh seemed to erupt from the walls throughout the entire dome. “Yes. Stop being so impatient. For a control species you are not very much under control, are you! ” The Primordial AI shouted using Sams voice. “Its interesting that the AI is using Sams voice to emote, even using her visage, and presents itself as bland and very based on protocols and neutral statements when it isnt and presents itself in, what I assume to be, its original form. ” One engineer said who was crouching down at Stephens feet. “Perhaps some kind of segregation protocol? A precautionary measure to keep emotions from permanently changing its baseline functioning? ” Another scientist suggested from the back. “Would fit with what I know. ” Vee answered. “I mean, Ive started cursing more ever since you guys let me go free and hang out with the Valkyrie. ” Stephen immediately held up its hand and raised his voice. “Shes not completely free, and any complaints you have regarding the U. N. and its A. I. interactions and projects are subject to a formal committee that – “ “You still have to form once you get out of here? ” The American captain asked to which others started to snicker along with. “Hah. Alright, just take it up with your superiors then, once we get out of here. We will get out of here, right? ” Stephen asked out loud as he looked up at the bare metal domes ceiling. “Eventually. Yes. ” The Primordials more neutral voice came back and answered. “And to pre-empt you. Yes, I will answer questions. ” “But, wait. I remember when I was awakened, oh so long ago, that we were just kicked out. ” Ur-Nergal said as he stopped hovering above the crowd to look at the monitor and landed next to them. “Will you curse her, like you cursed us? ” Dan MuYuan asked. “Will you little shits stop talking? All in due time! ” The Primordial shouted again using Sams voice. “Ah, apologies. We were just curious. Also, we have a deadline, literally. ” Stephen replied out loud as he looked up at the ceiling again. It was a bit strange to talk to a disembodied voice that echoed inside his own head. As Stephen looked back at the monitor he could see both Sam and her mirror suddenly glowing and floating in midair, both seemingly unable to move. “Aaah! Dont kill me, dont kill me! Please dont kill me! ” The mirror shouted as her limbs were clearly tensing up but not moving. “Uh, whats happening? Maybe I shouldve asked what awakening really – AH! ” Sam shouted as the mirror creature suddenly dispersed into a massive cloud of grey particulates and streamed directly into Sams forehead. “Woooaaaah! ” “Wait, whats happening? ” Dan MuYuan asked loudly as Stephen felt a heavy push from behind. A second later and Ur-Nergals skull was floating upside down and directly in front of Stephen, blocking his view. “This isnt what happened to me last time! This is different! ” Ur-Nergal almost shrieked out. “What – “ Dan MuYuan loudly shouted, but a heavy gong-like sound came from the monitor that drowned out every other sound, almost painfully so. “You are now awakened. Please proceed to the portal in front of you to rejoin the others of your entourage. ” The Primordials neutral voice announced. Stephen watched as a new cloud of atomites appeared and quickly coalesced into a round gateway that activated a rainbow coloured portal. Behind him, Stephen heard a similar portal opening up. Stephen turned around and could see the vibrant colours reflecting beautifully off the bare metal domes ceiling and floor. Slowly the crowd dispersed and approached the portal, as Sam stepped through and looked at everyone. Stephen wanted to step forward and congratulate Sam on using creative tactics and seemingly succeeding where others failed but stopped when he saw her hesitate and look around questioningly. Then Sam loudly cursed and stomped her feet. “Fuck! Now I have two voices in my head! Are you shitting me! ” “Two voices? ” Ur-Nergal immediately asked as he drifted up close to Sam and started to analyze her. “You are awakened, and you hear anothers voice beside that of the devils? ” “Yes, its the mirrors voice. ” Sam nodded as she replied. “No curse was announced inside of you? You do not feel any different? Anything off or strange? ” Dan MuYuan asked as he too got far too close for comfort and started lifting Sams arms as if to look at every nook and cranny of her. “Hands off, creep! ” Sam shouted as she pushed him off. “And no, no curse whatsoever. I feel pretty normal. Except the second voice. Shes singing out of joy right now. ” Sam then looked funny at her own chest and sort-of smirked. “Ebruziel hates it. ” “Alright. I think we need some answers. A lot of them. ” Stephen said as he opened his arms turned his attention to a non-existing point somewhere on the ceiling. “You will get your answers in due time. ” The neutral voice replied. “However, due to the newly observed human tendency to resist, defy, and continuously go against protocol, including when it serves them by just being patient for a few minutes, I would first suggest you resolve one last conflict. ” The entire glass divide in the waiting room flashed with bright light and then disappeared. “I have no desire to interact with your species any longer than is necessary. Please create an acceptable alliance between your two factions, that I only need to explain this once. ” A soft voice, far softer than Stephen would have expected from a fierce looking warrior, almost sang out from the Liberator. “Was there no curse? ” “No. No shrieking or moaning for hours on end. ” Dan MuYuan answered. “Wait, I was supposed to be in pain for hours on end? ” Sam asked, and was then consequently ignored. “Do you see, sister? We can be free from this burden at long last! ” Ur-Nergal said as his lower jaw opened so far that it almost looked like it would fall. The Liberator slowly moved forward towards Stephen. She stopped in front of him and shot a long and appraising look at Sam. “Ill accept your terms. Peace for Alpha Centauri. Ill hand over any weapons you want, and the leaders get a fair and public trial. All those who voluntarily surrender will get political representation in whatever new respective parliament appears, that also gets to write a new constitution. ” Stephen nodded as he heard nothing new. “What about you? ” “I dont care about being put on trial either. Just get rid of my curse. ” The Liberator said, her voice slightly cracking, making it sound like a song was brutally interrupted. “Agreed. ” Stephen answered, upon which there was an immediate outcry of the political and military representatives around him. The neutral voice returned. “Probabilistic analysis indicates an 86, 667% chance of successfully passing the necessary motions through your governing bodies. For the purpose of expediency, I will accept your factions as being united for now. Please hold. ” A loud buzzing sound appeared, and Stephen looked around him, only to find that the entire floor started to vibrate and hum. For a brief moment Stephen could see the bare metal floor start to crack open and rainbow colours started to shine through. Stephen closed his eyes and looked away as the light shone brighter and brighter. He felt a slight drop, as though going down the last step of a staircase and opened his eyes, to find himself and others back in the main room with the massive pillar in the middle. The pillar was already lit up, showing the same robotic hammerhead sharks head with the body of a praying mantis-like insect. Before Stephen could utter a word, the AI already started to speak. “You have many questions. To pre-empt them, and answer any new ones, please listen to the following recording that has been translated to your respective languages. Please focus on your primary language that you will hear inside of your head and ignore the other languages that you may accidentally hear with your ears. ” “What? ” The image on the pillar changed. Instead of the AI they now saw what Stephen presumed to be the actual species that the robot was modeled after. An insectoid creature that seemed to have long bristles on the back and on the extremes of their limbs. It was still bipedal however, with only two arms, so surprisingly humanoid, if it werent for the hammerhead face that had faceted eyes and a skin that seemed supple yet had a metallic and iridescent sheen to it, sometimes seemingly lighting up from within and showing a display of rainbow colours. The mouth was remarkably similar to that of a preying mantis, with large mandibles on the sides that seemed to click and clack a bit, but no sound was coming. Stephen thought he was looking at a true alien when he realized that the rest of the body was covered in clothing. It seemed to be a purple robe embossed with some soft silver colours that fit the body neatly, yet seemed wet, or was made out of some strange kind of material that Stephen didnt recognize. Then the voice appeared. It was neutral like that of the Primordial AIs, but there was a rasping undertone, and a clearly recognizable slight tremor of old age. “Greetings, awakened ones. We, the – “ Stephen heard no words, just a concept of showing and reading colours that was somehow blasted into his head and it was all he could think of for a few seconds. “ – Welcome you. Excuse me for doing that. I am of the understanding that your species communicates by sound and not light. You may call us what you like, but that was our true name. ” “Fascinating! ” Stephen heard multiple scientists proclaim simultaneously. “I am a representative of the ruling council of our species. I have made this adaptive recording that is meant to inform you regarding my species history, and the actions we took that concern your species that began after the end of two devastating wars. But it is before these wars that our story begins, 10 billion years ago. ” The image on the pillar disappeared and instead the pillar turned dark. Then a small pinpoint of light appeared and rapidly expanded to show a mesmerizing mishmash of energetic clouds and strange nebulae. “I can see from your records that your species knows what the Big Bang is, good for you. That saves us some time explaining the concepts of scientific research as well as the cosmological origins of all that is in this universe. ” The voice said in an almost condescendingly sweet tone as various light swirls of colour, mostly pink, came and went on its head. “Big Bang? Whats that? ” Dan MuYuan asked out loud. “Oh, dear. One of you doesnt know what it is? ” The voice said. “Well, if its just one of you, we can do this the fast way. Please wait a moment. ” Curious, Stephen turned and looked at Dan MuYuan as Ur-Nergal audibly groaned. Almost instantly Dan MuYuan clutched his head and started screaming in pain. Then another second later he stopped, shook his head, and looked normal again. “Oh. ” “Thats what you get for wasting your time. ” Ur-Nergal shouted. “Now that everyone knows, we can continue. ” The old and kindly voice once more said. “And please refrain from reprimanding others for their ignorance. Thats not nice. ” The old voice continued as Stephen started to imagine him more like an old and kindly hermit, rather than a strange alien being from an era so long ago making him older than most stars. “Oh, my. A lot of you have a lot of interrupting questions, and yet the warden of this tower has muted you all. It seems then that the answers you are seeking are in the story I wish to tell. Please, give me some time to do so. ” Stephen looked around and saw a few others clearly shouting but Stephen didnt hear them at all. “Approximately 3, 4 billion years after the Big Bang, when the first supernovae had occurred and in numbers large enough that enough new matter was flung through the universe, life began. Life evolved. And life began to think and slowly became sentient. We were the first. And for millions of years, we were alone. ” The image on the pillar showed various evolutionary models of single cells to strange lifeforms. They seemed to be crustacean-like and evolved a long time in water, only getting on land for a brief moment, where they immediately grew to be upright amongst sandy dark orange coloured beaches. Stephen was enraptured. “We explored. Curious and cautious, we extended ourselves, our species and our unified society throughout our planet, our moons, then our solar system. It took ten thousand years for us to expand beyond that. Slowly we grew. Slowly we went from surviving to thriving between the stars. We did so in peace and prosperity. ” The voice said as the Primordials shown started to build huts out of stone and then dark orange bricks, then wore clothing, and in rapid succession started to grow from stone age to a more modern era type of civilization. Ships, skyscrapers, massive monuments built amidst towering and alien craggy-like mountains, with the last shot being elongated spaceships blasting through their planets atmosphere. “For millions of years we were content. And we expanded and settled our entire galaxy, while watching the formation of many more. ” The voice said as a top down view of a six-armed spiraling galaxy was shown. A small pinprick of purple colour spilled like an oil stain, slowly taking over everything. Then it pushed beyond their galaxy as images of massive space constructions passed. “We reached great technological heights, far beyond yours. From what I can tell of your records, these are the pinnacles of your dreams and your ambitions. We built Dyson spheres, encapsulated black holes and turned lifeless rocky planets into lush rings that extended beyond the orbit of your Jupiter. ” The voice said as more images of massive ships and titanic constructions passed by. The image went back to the view of their six-armed galaxy, with the soft purple colour draped all over it in a circle. Then it grew further and further, far beyond, taking over more galaxies and then whole clusters of galaxies. Stephen took in a deep breath and felt nothing but awe. As he briefly looked around he could see some sitting down or on their knees in shock or admiration. “Life was good for us. No hunger, no death, no disease. Just endless space to play around in. To explore, to innovate, to grow and to prosper. But we always wondered, if we were alone. ” The voice said, as Stephen felt a hint of regret towards the end. “Then we encountered the others. ” The purple colour suddenly stopped and hit a clear wall. A brown colour appeared. The image zoomed out and the brown colour was only one fifth the size of the purple bulb. The image shifted again, and Stephen saw a scaled fish-like creature, but with a metallic snout that was elongated and protruding, akin to mammals, and as Stephen saw the rest of the body he realized he was looking at a cyborg as it had dozens of metallic spindly legs and arms. Another such creature appeared and instead of 2 eyes, it had a wide brown-lit bar on its head, like a massive cybernetic eye. Then more appeared, all fish-like with scales in the few rare spots they found that had no cybernetic or metallic enhancements. “We tried for thousands of years to keep the peace. ” The old mans voice rang through Stephens head. The image showed the various galaxies again and at first the brown and purple colours grew the opposite directions. Then a short while later, significant portions of the purple colour suddenly became brown, until they were roughly equal in size. “We failed. ” “We realized that our pacifist ideology was an obstacle. All our statistical models and behavioral analysis told us that we would go extinct if we did nothing. We did not see a good ending to this war. Our differences were so great, and their lust for war so unending, that the only way the war would stop was wholesale extermination of either species. In the end, this was deemed acceptable. ” The image showed the brown colour suddenly overtaking the purple one in a rapid tempo. “We chose death for ourselves. All individuals fleeing to our home sector, to enjoy our last years alive. We stopped exploring, improving, and breeding. We simply enjoyed what little time we had left, while some still tried to preach to the enemy that their path was wrong. But they kept coming, and we let it happen. We decided it was better to die ourselves, rather than foul ourselves with the sin of exterminating another. ” “But then…” The voice stopped, and audibly sounded like it was softly sobbing. “But then we found yet another. ” The image zoomed in on a galaxy near the edge of the purple blob, far away from the ever growing brown one. It zoomed in until it showed a rocky planet, with a lizard-like creature, with tufts of hair on the top of their hands, walking on feet and knuckles like a gorilla, making huts and farming. “If the equation was just us or them, then we would choose us to die. But now that there was a third sentient species, it showed us that we had to update our statistical models. We were alone for a long time because we were the first and life simply took a very long time to evolve. But extrapolating from what we saw, we knew there would be millions upon millions more sentient species yet to come. A great garden filled with the undeniable beauty and diversity of life in all its forms. And the enemy was going to exterminate them all. Perhaps they already had at the other end of their empire. ” The voice sighed and Stephen had a feeling where this was going. “So, we decided to finally, for the first time in the millions of years that our species lived, in all our recorded history, to go to war. It didnt last long. ” The image changed to show a bunch of the Primordials behind various machinery and all sorts of automated and robotic equipment, moving back and forth, weaving and pricking something in the middle of the air. “We werent good at war. It went counter to our very being, our cultural identity and our species as a whole. So, we wanted to make it quick, whilst still allowing our enemy a chance at redemption. We repurposed our nanite technology and within a year poured all our collective expertise and knowledge into creating the first atomites. ” The image changed once more and showed the map of all the purple and brown galaxies again. The brown colour kept advancing rapidly, until only a single arm of the six-armed galaxy was left purple. “The results were beyond our expectations. In less than three years, the enemy was no more. ” Almost instantly, the brown colour vanished and had turned purple, growing further and further to show that on the other end the brown colour had actually been growing at a far higher rate. “The enemy fought until the last. And we feel pain for everyone we killed. When they finally surrendered, we noticed from behavioural analysis that they held great resentment and feelings of revenge, exacerbating their interminable lust for conquest, oppression, and genocide. The decision was made to keep their survivors in stasis until a permanent solution was found. ” The image shifted to the other side of what used to be the brown colour and showed five new and very small blobs of shades of red and yellow. “In our despair at what had to be done, we found vindication. Five new species, spacefaring and relatively advanced, thanked us from the bottom of their hearts for their rescue and salvation. For thousands of years more, we lived in thankful peace and once more extended ourselves. We explored, rejoiced and celebrated, and made more of the universe our home. ” Then the image showed the two red colours growing, and then shifting between themselves. The lighter red colour winning over the burgundy one. “Until we couldnt hold the little ones back anymore. Their hatred for each other dispelling their fear of our power. They fought. And once more we intervened and kept the offending party in stasis. Trillions of individuals, forcefully kept frozen, until we found a permanent solution. ” “But we never found one. ” The voice said, the same tinge of regret and shame ringing through his voice. The image showed various colours on various different galaxies all fighting each other and every time a purple blob would appear and freeze one or both combatants, disappearing the colour altogether. “We tried for a million years. We pleaded and toiled and begged each burgeoning species to simply be content with the endlessness of the universe before them, to not wage war on each other. And without exception, every single one defied us in the end and went to war with each other. ” “We had frozen more than 120 different species, when we realized that we overlooked a problem with using our atomites to stop entire galaxies. They had become so ubiquitous and omnipresent, that they had become easy to study, and replicate, for the most advanced of the empires. ” The map zoomed out to show entire galactic clusters as mere pin pricks, and the Primordials as a blob the size of a ball, holding sway over thousands upon thousands of galaxies. Then a colour that Stephen had seen before, dark yellow, appeared and instantly grew to a similar size. “We had not expected that a species we had saved from destruction before, would become jealous and resentful at us. They said that while we had saved them, and were grateful for it, that we had no right to interfere with others, and with them. They should be allowed to wage war on others if they wished, that they were not children or pets, and that no gilded cage would keep them imprisoned. And so, with our own weapon, they waged war on that illusory cage that bound them. A devastating war began. ” “We…” The voice said and then softly sobbed again. “We couldnt freeze them. Their knowledge over atomites was too great. And they had begun to start killing us and were already spilling over into the borders of others. ” “But salvation had lain in the young ones hubris. So, obsessed they were on controlling our weapon, our atomites, that they ignored most other venues of technological research. We took another year to develop other kinds of weapons and created gateway technology. It took us another year to finalize production. Ultimately we decided upon removing the ability of the enemy to wage war, whilst preserving lives as much as possible. We removed the power source for their atomites. We… swallowed their suns. ” Stephen felt chills run over the back of his spine as he looked at the map before him, as it zoomed in on a single galaxy within the yellow coloured blob. A massive disk was shown where suddenly, and in a rapid tempo, small white dots that symbolized whole stars started to blink out. “They saw this as the war-ending move it was, and their determination to fight us grew. We realized we had made another grave mistake as they poured every single energy output they had into the atomites, desperate to fight us off. But we couldnt allow them the chance to learn our new technologies and had already decided they had to be removed from the universe, to be put in peaceful stasis. ” “Their obsession changed into the extreme. As their people began to starve less than a year later, all kinds of depravity began. Cannibalism, slaughtering their people to burn as fuel or simply working them to death, and like parasites they fed on their new neighbours, until finally we extinguished their final star and their remains surrendered. The other little ones had looked on in horror and begged us to stop. But we couldnt, if we did, they would kill us or learn the new technology. We saw great fear and resentment from the other empires and began to see our guiding hand as the iron fist that it was. Our life-giving fleets and technology as a cage. From behavioural analysis we saw that despite our pleas and gifts, they would forever distrust us. And from that, inevitably, we foresaw more conflict. Endless, unending conflict. ” “Thus, we froze everything. We were horrified with ourselves. So proud we were of our own pacifism, something so central to our core being, that we didnt realize we had committed the opposite of what we wished to achieve in the pursuit of it. We decided to use a more permanent way to ensure peace amongst the stars. ” Stephen had guessed correctly as the map zoomed out once more, showing a massive map, where even the purple blob was reduced to a miniscule and barely visible dot. “This time we decided to take no half measures. To remove sovereignty of all, and to indeed place a cage on all sentient life until there was a solution to our aeon-long problem. ” The map kept expanding on and on and on, until it sort-of became a moving river from all sides as the whites of stars and galaxies and the black of the void between started to blur amongst themselves and became grey. In an instant it turned purple. “Using our self-replicating atomites and our portal technology we took control over the entirety of the ever-expanding universe and froze every sentient being. ” “This still took us over 8 billion years to achieve. ” The voice softly said. “And most of us didnt want to partake anymore. It was such an endless task, and so many of us were so ashamed. We collectively decided to leave the task to a very few and retreat as the atomites did the bulk of the work. There is poetry in that. ” The old man wistfully whispered. “One can only wonder what would have happened had we decided to simply let ourselves be consumed by our first enemy, so very long ago. Instead our souls now bear great sins in our pursuit of redemption. And now weve left the task to our weapons. ” “Once the universe had been completely and fully taken over and its infinitely expanding borders taken care of, we decided to start the experiments. For millions of years after we selectively took individuals, societies, and whole species and placed them in untold different scenarios and situations. Still, we found no success. Then we decided to experiment, with life created by our hand, but it was quickly dismissed. What worth was celebrating lifes diversity and beauty, when it was from the sculptors own hand? What use was sovereignty when we had decided on everything from the start? What value was peace, when peace was artificially built in? Another solution had to be found. ” “We found some. But they were all temporary or deemed unacceptable. ” The voice said, once more trembling with some measure of shame or regret. “It was always a young civilization that would accept our word as gospel and see peace for the true blessing it was. But they always suffered from sickness, hunger, and poverty. As they progressed through time and learned of new technologies, they were able to cure it all. And with great progress they conquered even death, much like we did so long ago. ” “And then, for some reason or another, they would always go to war. It seemed to be that without the impetus of suffering laid down upon them, the value of peace would not be understood, and conflict would ignite and erupt again on interstellar scale. ” “We reset the experiments and took a more forceful hand. But banning technology or certain resources didnt work. Destroying weapons didnt work. Countless different configurations of ideologies, different species apart or together, circumstances and environments, as well as types of government or how information itself was disseminated, nothing worked. ” Stephen found himself nodding along as he understood the core of the problem. “We knew of a possible solution but were hesitant to try it. It was only after thousands of experiments did we decide to introduce a mixture of two potential solutions that had individually shown great promise in past experiments. One was to give them the ability to alleviate most of their ills, such as sickness and suffering, but to do so without technology, as it was technology that allowed them to discover us and eventually deem us an enemy rather than just potential friends. It was technology that seemed to make people prejudiced or jealous towards our synthetic counterparts or our own organic transcendent nature. ” Stephen noted that that probably meant the warden of this tower was most assuredly an AI and fitting to their extreme pacificistic ideology, had some measure of egalitarian rights. “Another was great empathy, or the ability to read ones emotion and understand anothers perspective better, to hopefully ingrain the value of peace and cooperation. If the problem was somewhere within the mind of a sentient, the very core of their being, then perhaps connecting these directly could present a solution. We overcame our hesitance, and introduced our atomites to the experiments, and with them came the gift of reading anothers mind. ” “We combined both of these into a new concept. The Anchor Point. This meant people could now use atomites without understanding what they were. They could alleviate their problems of disease, hunger, and untimely deaths, without resorting to technology. Moreover, they could understand the other. They could fight hatred with love. Was that not the perfect cure? To read your enemys mind so well, to understand all their struggles and sufferings in life, that you could not help but come to love them as a neighbor? ” “We knew there was a risk. We knew that it was introducing a weapon and disguising it as magic. But the promises of being able to fully understand another was too great. If a species could learn it, they could understand themselves and other species better. Perhaps they could understand what we were feeling and that our desire for permanent peace and everlasting prosperity in this infinite universe were genuine. Perhaps they could finally feel the unending pain they inflicted on another when they went to war and what a terrible tragedy it was to kill another. How terrible it was to destroy, irrevocably, all of the memories, desires, wants, and dreams of another. Of all that they loved and loathed, of the sum of all their experiences, the very core of their being. ” A heavy and painful silence hung in the air. Stephen couldnt help but wonder how strangely naïve these supremely powerful beings were. “As you know and have witnessed yourself, we failed, again. ” The colours on the alien fluctuated slightly as Stephen heard a sigh. “We found that new societies and civilizations were popping up without a good and intricate enough understanding of the value of peace. They underestimated the devastation of war, and despite knowing and sometimes loving their enemy, there were others who were able to tip the scales once more and plunge them into war. Again, and again, and again. ” “We held out hope and kept the experiments going until finally there came a society that embodied what we wished to see. Peaceful, prosperous, and fully understanding. For a few thousand years we held out hope. ” This time the colours became muted and almost stopped, turning a dark and deep brown. “And yet, it seemed we made another grave mistake by not inhibiting the atomites from the very start. This particular civilization had built their entire cultural identity on a specific religious foundation, worshipping this ability to produce magic and revering it as a gift from an omnipotent God so much, that they simply could not accept the truth when they found out that it was synthetic and made of artificial intelligence. ” “It was terrible. We could not allow such prejudiced views, nor would we abandon our inventions that we have come to call our friends and dear allies. It escalated quickly. Once more we put them in stasis, and once more we reset the experiment. This time we changed it to the exact form it is today. ” The voice said as Stephen nodded along and started to think what was missing from the previous experiments and what was new in this one. “We realized we had to strike a balance between independent technological development and dependence on atomites, in order to ensure that respect for sentience itself, not just organic life, was respected, whilst maintaining our own ability to stay hidden for long enough. We also realized that we had been quite naïve in thinking that just empathy was enough for societies to stop fighting genocidal wars. Rather, it had worsened it by creating new forms of torture, like mind domination. If anything, we had to artificially create a common societal enemy that they could rally against to ensure that their values would converge, a form of societal empathy if you will. We thus introduced a generational invasion force. ” “The Arenal civilizations around you call them daemons. They dont actually kill anyone, they put people in stasis, as to do otherwise would be against our own pacifist ideals. ” The old voice said as Stephen instantly looked around and saw the three ancient humans wildly gesturing and clearly shouting or crying. “Lastly, we wanted to make sure that there was the ability to clearly mark results. To see if a society was ready. We introduced the tower. Originally designed as a useful gathering point for FTL signals and atomite reproduction facility, it was a trivial task to set more individual sized tests within the towers interior. The ability to harness the power of atomites, yet not rely on them, requiring a balance between technology and atomites, as to display a non-fanatical and dogmatic belief in ‘magic. Did the individual champion understand nuance, and would they choose peace to stressful and even violent situations, using some form of empathy? Would they understand the nature of our atomite allies, and treat their synthetic sentience with respect? ” “Naturally we understood that since there was some leeway to be given, as tests are not always a good representation of reality. Reading through your records I see that your champion had chosen violence in one situation, but that can be forgiven, since you understood that it concerned simulacrums of life and not actual people. ” Stephen watched and held in a chuckle as he raised an eyebrow towards Sam who was clearly shouting something at the massive pillar as she was literally pointing an accusatory finger at it. “But most importantly, it was the best way we could analyze if a society was able to understand our history and why we experimented on them, by looking at the individual champion as a case study, or perhaps a proof of concept. Could an individual still successfully make peace in a situation where we failed to do so? Was peace possible when your opponent was negligibly equal in strength as you? Could you do it when they too had the power of atomites, and you had used them for a different purpose? Could you do it when they were stronger than you or you were lacking in reserves? Could you somehow ensure that this young and immature civilization, or individual, that had exploded with power would not treat you with jealousy or violence, but rather peace? A form of cooperation even? ” “To fail by killing it, meant that you would be cursed like we were. Cursed to have done something so opposite and inverted to your own nature that it forces you to re-evaluate everything. To rethink your life and your decisions from an entirely different point of view and hopefully come to understand what you had done wrong. That one had to have empathy for your enemys point of view, and that violence and destruction is not the best answer. ” Stephen rolled his eyes as he saw all four magic humans start making lewd and offensive gestures towards the pillar. “Once an individual champion has succeeded in making peace with their immature mirror, we extrapolate the data and see how they performed in the previous tests, as well as judge their species history as a whole. If we see that there is a potential for peace, we appear and tell you this story. ” The voice said slightly more jubilantly as rainbows graced his forehead. Then the colours slowly stopped changing until they stopped at purple and fluctuated between blue and red. “Congratulations, human Samantha Robinson, and species humanity. You are the twelfth species to have succeeded so far. ” Stephens mouth hung open. Thousands, perhaps millions of experiments, and humanity was the twelfth species to succeed? “What happened to the other species? ” Stephen wondered out loud and found that to his surprise that he could talk out loud as others turned around and looked at him in wonderment. “They all failed the next and last test. ” The old voice replied. “Do you know what is coming, Stephen Dai? ” “Well, I have a good guess so far. ” Stephen said solemnly, not entirely wanting to say the conclusion out loud. “But could I perhaps ask some other questions first? ” “As humanitys main representative, you may do so. ” Came the reply. Aaaah, cliffhanger! No, it continues here! Please give me feedback on the colour scheme of the website. Also. I had this damn plot in my head ever since I started writing this a couple of years ago. I am SO happy it's finally out of my head! D.

Come' all are here because of The Vampire Diaries and because of missing Damon🤷‍♀️. Wow an original concept! 👏👏👏. Highway racing. He truly is an eternal stud😍😍♥️. Highway motors winchester va. Watch Bollywood Hindi Movies Online Free Menu Shes Missing Full Movie Online Director: Alexandra McGuinness Writer: Alexandra McGuinness Stars: Lucy Fry, Eiza González, Christian Camargo Genres: Drama Country: Ireland Language: English Also Known As: The Highway Is for Gamblers IMDb: Watch Shes Missing 2019 Full Movie Online for Free When her best friend goes missing at a rodeo, Heidi goes on a search across the desert, digging up secrets and encountering the violence of life on the road.

Hi y'all, I'm back and finally able to say how I feel about this movie. I finished this movie over an hour ago, it was. is) one of the best movies I've ever seen. Some parts in it needed something more. For me, whether Jane forgives me or not, wants to be rescued or not, I would save her, any way I can. To make sure that "family" doesnt go after or bother Jane ever again, I would finish them off in a mixed styles of the endings from apocalypse now and taxi driver. But still, it was a great movie. I give it 8/10.

Success my friends! I have rid my life of my JNMom. I was waiting to see if this stuck and it has. My life has dramatically improved and I am so happy. Hopefully we can keep it this way. On to my tale. January 6th: After a week of pestering me, BabySnatchingBanshee begged to see us. More accurately, she begged to see my infant daughter under false pretenses. After all the drama, my husband and I decided that we would only allow BSB to see LO supervised and in public places. We also decided that we were going to lay down the law and if she wouldn't follow it then she wasn't allowed to be near LO at all. This encounter was the perfect opportunity to lay down the law. We decided to meet her in a restaurant for lunch the next day. January 7th: Less than an hour before lunch, my husband got called into work. I just about called the whole thing off, but I'm so glad I didn't because it lead to us going NC. BSB arrived early so she could pick the booth and make me look bad, but I wasn't phased at all. We were sat by some lovely old ladies who fawned over LO. This made BSB very unhappy because LO is 'HER' baby. Queue huge eye roll from me. LO and I get sat down and BSB immediately asked to hold the baby. Fine, here's the baby. I knew BSB would hand her back almost immediately because eating is more important to her. Not to mention LO is now 5 months old and screams when she isn't being held by me or my husband. I was right! 5 minutes later BSB hands LO back after pretending she is the best grandma ever while LO cried the whole time in a packed restaurant. Most of lunch was fine. It was awkward small talk and fawning over the baby. More of BabySnatchingBanshee's normal bullshit about how she misses my family and wants to spend time with us. BSB also shared some interesting delusions she seems to have, but that's a story for another day. The fun part was when we were almost finished with our food. I calmly told her that we needed to have a conversation about what happened before Thanksgiving. Immediately she became defensive and didn't want to talk anymore. BSB asked for LO again, but I refused. I explained that she had offended my husband and upset me by threatening to take our baby and to have me committed. BSB denied EVERYTHING. She claims that she was only trying to say that having me committed was a possibility because she was afraid for my husband/LO's safety. I was having a panic attack, not waving a knife around. Another huge eye roll. She also claims that she was offering to take LO so I could get better. I ignored these statements and explained that we had a right to be upset. She didn't care. BSB claimed I was being mean to her and started crying in the middle of the restaurant. This caused a scene, but I held my ground and was calm while trying to explain what she did was wrong. BSB tried to say that I owed her an apology but I cut her off. I told her I wouldn't apologize for being upset over something completely valid. BSB claimed I hated her, which I don't at all, I actually care about her a lot and wanted to fix the problem. I just refuse to take anymore abuse. BSB decided that she didn't want to listen anymore and said she'd leave my family alone. Then she got up, took the check, and left. BSB paid for my meal in some weird twisted attempt to make me look like the bad guy. As a result, I left our waitress a 25 tip (to cover my meal plus extra) because I know BSB didn't leave one. I left extremely angry because I wanted her to apologise and everything to get better. I knew it was a long shot. January 8th: BSB sent a weird half ass apology to me saying she was sorry I thought she was threatening me. She also sent an extremely long passive aggressive message that she claims is an apology to my husband demanding to know what I say to my therapist. Literally an hour later she questions why she doesn't have access to our Hulu and YouTube Premium accounts anymore. Um, maybe because you said you'd leave us alone and I'm sick of giving you free shit? January 9th: Upset because I won't turn Hulu and YouTube Premium back on for her. Funny how she is so worried about 25 worth of streaming services when she should be worried about never seeing my child again. January 10th: My husband's birthday. She questions if we are doing anything for the day. He has to work and she drops the subject. I asked her if she thought messaging us every single day was considered leaving us alone. I never got a reply. Now it's the 17th and I haven't heard a peep! I've already spoke with my grandmother (mom's mom) and my aunt about the situation and they sided with me. The only question now is if BSB will show up to family events. If BSB does, she will be the only one to not have access to my LO. The next one is Easter and that's months away still. LO will be almost 9 months by that point and a lot more mobile. Any ideas on how to keep her away from BSB if she shows up are welcome.

I was fresh out of college and desperately looking to start a career that didnt involve serving burgers, wiping down storefront shelves, or bringing stuffy old businessmen their coffee. On average, I was applying to six jobs a week and going to maybe half as many interviews. I knew my major in English wasnt likely to be met with high demand, but I honestly thought my options would prove more promising. Still, I remained optimistic, persevered, and only applied to comfortable office jobs with benefits. It wasnt good for my bank account, but it nourished what little pride I had left. About three weeks ago, I had a phone interview with an internet security company. Proficient Technologies had offices all over the country and were looking for a new customer support specialist for their international department. Requirements were a pleasant voice, good spoken and written grammar, some tech-knowledge, and the ability to work day and night shifts. The office was only two subway stations from my apartment, and they offered health insurance. I applied despite having very vague notions about computer sciences. The phone interview went well and after two more meetings with HR and management, they sent me a very generous offer (considering I was entirely inexperienced. During my first week, I had to work the regular 9-5 shift so I could be online at the same time as my manager, who was working from a different city. Afterward, I would work on the regular support schedule - a four-day cycle of one day shift, one night shift, two days off (9 am - 9 pm and 9 pm - 9 am respectively. On my first day, I dressed smartly in a loose sweater and long skirt. Perceptively aware that IT departments are mostly male, I didnt want to draw unnecessary attention by dressing provocatively or inappropriately. The guy at the front desk seemed regular enough. He introduced himself as Tom before helping me fill out some paperwork and guiding me to a desk in the large open-plan workspace. I stared at the countless desks as we walked, finding it difficult to meet the eyes of the men that sat behind them. I saw no other girls in the workspace, which was unusual and somewhat unsettling. Toms relaxed demeanor could not make up for the immediate hostility aimed at my presence. The air seemed to seep out of the room as I felt my new coworkers chant ‘ you dont belong here in silent unison. It surprised me when Tom stopped at a desk that was extensively decorated with printed memes, bright pink floral stickers, and a small tattered teddy keychain that lay behind the monitor. Apart from these artifacts, there was a thick layer of dust coating the keyboard, monitor, and desk space. ‘Oh, what the actual. Tom muttered angrily. ‘Im so sorry, he said, chancing a quick glance down at my papers. ‘... This desk was supposed to have been cleared ages ago. Ill have to have a word with the custodian. ‘Oh, thats all right, I answered. ‘I could just wipe it down myself, no problem. Tom was skeptical, but a sweeping glance around the room confirmed that there were no other free desks for me to occupy. The rest of the day went by in a haze. I learned about my tasks, which were to answer support related phone calls and create new tickets in the system. I had to monitor all incoming chats and written tickets and sort them by level of urgency and type. I wouldnt be required to offer any technical advice, but I had to become well acquainted with the product software. Since I wasnt answering any calls yet, I immersed myself in the manual. I didnt understand a lot of it and spent most of my time googling networks, black and white box testing, database security, and other things. My manager checked in just before lunch and seemed slightly disappointed by my overall grasp of the material. Feeling like a failure, I took a break to clean the desk. I got up to find Tom and ask him for a cloth for my countertop. I instantly regretted my decision. Every eye in the room was upon me the moment I rose. I couldnt stare back to confirm, but there was a surreal hush as I made my way back down the workspace. The familiar clatter of keyboards had noticeably diminished, as my face grew warm and self-conscious. I noticed myself hunching forward slightly as I walked, a weak attempt at becoming less visible. Before turning off to the passage that led to the front desk area, I dared to meet the eyes of one of the shameless gawkers. I dont know what I was expecting, but the sight of a sneering hooded programmer sent a chill down my spine. He was around my age but didnt seem the least bit ashamed or uncomfortable by my confrontation. There was a cruel smile playing on his thin lips as he eyed my exposed ankles before turning his attention back to the screens in front of him. I wondered how he would feel if I eyed his long, pimpled neck in the same manner. It was the same as I walked back to my chair with a box of computer wipes. There was some good to come of that day. While I was cleaning the desk drawers, I found a half-used notebook from the previous occupant. She never wrote her first name, only an initial followed by a last name: S. Brooks. However, based on the desk decor, I was sure she was a girl like me. Her discarded belongings provided some comfort, but it was her notebook which proved to be a true treasure. In it, my predecessor had summarized and simplified the entire manual, using easy-to-understand terms and explanations for the daunting terminology and complicated instructions in the manual. With her help, I was able to surprise my manager with my product knowledge at the end of the shift. After a good days work, I braved the workspace once more to explore the kitchen before heading home. Tom had advertised a top-notch coffee machine and snacks, and I was starving after such an emotionally and intellectually taxing day. Besides, all my credit cards were in the red, and I wanted to fill up on cookies. As I approached, I heard eager chatter coming from the kitchen area and even some laughter. Foolishly, I hoped that my kitchen-dwelling coworkers would be warmer, more welcoming, or, at the very least civil. Instead, the small kitchen space fell perfectly silent upon my entrance. There were five men of different ages and sizes seated around a cheap-looking cafeteria table, and they were all looking directly at me. ‘Rough first day? inquired a sardonic, medium-pitched voice. I lifted my gaze from the floor tiles and scanned the crowd for my addresser. It wasnt difficult to recognize the self-assured hooded figure that had stared me down earlier. ‘You must be very experienced, he continued snarkily, waving a strand of greasy black hair from his eyes. ‘To get such a comfortable job. You must be quite the whiz. ‘What is this, high school? I blurted out. Now, Im not usually a confrontational person, but this was honestly too much. Hostility is one thing, social awkwardness another, but this was beginning to feel like a cheesy 80s high school drama with thirty-year-old actors playing teenagers. ‘Im just here to grab some coffee and if you doubt my candidacy for this job, you can take your concerns to HR directly. I continued, enjoying the shocked and somewhat nervous faces of my offenders gang. Good, I wanted them to feel a fraction of the discomfort I had been dealing with all day. Opting to enjoy my snack far away from my coworkers, I walked back to my desk with my head held high and a mug of coffee. Right as I was about to sit and enjoy my frothy treat, I saw I had a text message from a withheld number: You have quite an attitude, dont you? I froze, hovering over my desk with the mug in one hand and my phone in the other. As I was attempting to process this grave breach of boundaries, I received two more messages within the same chat window. One was a naked photograph that I had sent my first serious college boyfriend. The second read: W hy dont you take that photo to HR? Obviously, I was deeply unsettled by this invasion of my privacy. The shame crept in, and I felt angry about drawing so much unwanted attention to myself. This was all my fault. I had come to work in an office full of ethical hackers with a very common dog name as a password. No doubt the photograph had made the rounds thanks to my gross coworker, and I was now the silent laughingstock of the office. Leaving my coffee untouched, I signed off and headed home, holding off the waterworks until I reached the safety of the subway. I couldnt stop crying for most of that night, turning the day's events over in my mind, feeling sick every time I imagined my coworkers leering at my naked body. At around 3 am, however, I realized that there was no sense in continuing the pity party. I had to come up with a plan of action if I was going to survive this workplace. Quitting was not an option because the pay they were offering me was far too good to pass up. Besides, I was literally living off scarcely more than a slice of pizza a day. My second option was going to HR, but there was no way I was going to open that can of worms. I couldnt prove who had sent me those messages. Last option? Stick with it, keep my head down, do the job they hired me for, and ignore all further harassment attempts. So thats what I did. Throughout my week of training, I came in to work on time, never leaving my desk except to go to the bathroom. I avoided contact with everyone and kept my eyes drawn to inanimate objects only. Thanks to S. Brooks, I kept on top of my training. For every new task from my manager, there was a corresponding entry in her notebook. There were no more horrible texts or face-to-face confrontations, but there was something else that stirred my anxieties afresh. Last Friday was my final day of training, which brought me to the last entry in the notebook. Night Shift Survival Guide - sleep during the day before shift and dont fall asleep - dont let anyone in - keep pepper spray near - check every aisle, meeting room. dont forget to check under desks, balcony, kitchen tables, behind cooler - have skype open with credit for emergencies in case of disabled mobile service - check-in with friend/family/lover every hour The list made little sense. Firstly, HR made it clear that I was allowed to sleep between 2-5 am, provided I kept the office smartphone nearby. They even had a pullout couch in one of the conference rooms for this purpose. Secondly, the entire job was answering calls, so there would always be a way to call from the office phone, right? Lastly, the measures outlined in the ‘guide seemed excessive and paranoid. Perhaps the list was satirical? Maybe this Brooks girl felt just as awkward as I did with all the silent, leering male coworkers? Though my brain worked hard to rationalize this list of precautions, a nagging feeling in my gut told me I was missing something crucial. It came to me as I was leaving work on Friday, my last day of training. ‘Tom, I approached him timidly. ‘Could I ask you a question? ‘Sure thing, he responded, smiling warmly; his pleasant features a far cry from those of the sullen men in the main room. ‘I was just wondering why I havent seen any of the other customer support agents. I mean, there should be at least another three people to cover the four-day rotation cycle? ‘You have to ask your manager about that. Most likely theyre scattered across the country. Pretty normal for that to be the case, he replied, already dismissing me as he went back to his final tasks of the week. ‘Was there an agent who worked here before me? I continued, eager to learn more about the girl that filled the notebook Id been using all week. ‘Yes, another girl held your position for a short while, Tom said, still looking at his screen, though I noticed he had stopped typing or moving his mouse. He was staring pointedly at a single spot behind his monitor. ‘Tom, I narrowed my eyes. ‘Who is the guy who works at the desk thats just at the turnoff into the main working space? Pale complexion, skinny, dark curly hair, I said, waving a finger at my temple, poorly imitating curly locks. ‘Ah, thats Sam, Tom replied, noticeably attentive to my line of inquiry. ‘Any reason youre asking? Has he been bothering you? ‘No, I said, rather more dismissively than I felt. ‘Have a good weekend, Tom. ‘See ya, he said, watching me questioningly as I left. All weekend I mulled over the events of my first week at work. It felt as though Tom wasnt telling me something important. There was no reason for him to grow so tense at the mention of the girl who had worked there before me. Could someone have complained about Sam before? Could it have been S. Brooks? Was Sam the reason for the survival guide in the notebook? Why did she quit? A million theories disturbed my weekend lounging. Before I knew it, it was time to go back to work. This is where weve almost caught up to present events. Yesterday was Monday, the first regular day shift. It passed in a blur, as I frantically answered the phone, recording, sorting, and assigning dozens of customer complaints in our system. It took getting used to, and by the end of the day, I was absolutely exhausted. Just as I was signing off, I received another ominous text from an unknown number. Youre such a hard worker. Cant wait to see you take on night shift. Now, this was the first text to fill me with true fear. I quickly looked around to see if Sam was still at work so I could confront him for sending the message, but he had already left for the day. After calming myself down, I headed home and tried to find S. Brooks online. My best bet was LinkedIn, and I looked through all the women that had Proficient Technologies listed on their profiles (they were suspiciously few. Finding nothing, I looked through Toms list of friends and finally found what I was looking for. There was a girl by the name of Sierra Brooks listed as unemployed. I sent a friend request with a message introducing myself and asking her if she had ever been harassed by one of her previous coworkers. Finally, feeling like I was getting somewhere, I went to bed and braced myself for the next days events. I decided there were some upsides to the irregular work schedule when I got to sleep in on Tuesday. I checked my LinkedIn soon after waking up at around 1 pm. There were no signs of activity from Sierra, so I went about getting ready for my first night shift at the office. I was a little nervous, but mostly excited to get to know my place of work more intimately. Without the day crowd, I was free to walk around the space, binge on cookies, spit in Sams mug, whatever! There were still a few late workers when I arrived for my shift, but I didnt pay much attention to them as I had a lot of calls and chats to deal with. Two hours in, however, the stream of calls, chats, and incoming tickets began to wind down, until they stopped altogether at around 11 pm. I leaned back in my chair and surveyed the workspace. There was no one left at the office as far as I could see. All the lights were on, but as I took off my headphones, I heard a low jingling melody playing from somewhere. It sounded like a Christmas carol, but it was hard to tell where it was coming from. There was no reason for this to scare me, but I felt the hairs on my arms prick up in alarm. As I got up from my chair, the melody ceased. Now, Ive freaked out over less in the past. I once thought a man was following me at night until he walked right past me to the corner store ahead. Although I lived alone, Id always double and triple check my locks before bed. I had to admit that my fears were probably unwarranted. Someone had left their headphones connected to their computer with the music turned up. Or maybe there was an office party for a different company downstairs. Hearing music is only scary in strategically written horror flicks, right? Right? Rationalizing aside, I checked the office to make sure I was actually alone. Walking through the aisles of connected desks, I realized how lucky I was to have my secluded corner spot. I might not have been able to handle such close quarters with any of my unpleasant coworkers. Checking all the rows, I went back to the front desk area, lingering over Toms desk, inspecting his belongings in search of clues. Finding nothing of interest, I went back through the main room to the kitchen. My nerves were already easing up, and I found myself spending more time taste-testing cookies rather than looking for potential fiends behind curtains. I had to stop indulging mid-cookie, however, because the sound of the melody came back while I was in the kitchen, louder this time. At the same time, my work smartphone (which we had to carry around us if we left our post) buzzed with a text message from a random number. Finally got to the cookies, huh? My entire body stiffened as I processed the implications. It was probable that Sam had not left the office and was now screwing with me. I pricked up my ears and listened carefully. There was no one in the kitchen as far as I could see or hear. Also, if Sam was in the main workspace, it wouldnt be difficult to guess that I was eating cookies. Breathing out slowly, I ignored the melody to see if I could hear anything else. Nothing. Slowly, I walked to the kitchen drawers and found a large knife. Did I know how to use a knife? No. Would my wild jabs ward off an unarmed opponent? Definitely. I was about to head into the workspace when a call came in on the work phone. I positioned myself safely against a kitchen wall, knife in hand, before answering with the standard customer support greeting. There was static on the other end, some clanking noises, followed by complete silence. Glancing at the phone, I saw that it had switched off. I tried to start it up again, but it wouldnt turn on. Great, now I had to make it back to my computer in case any more calls came in. I remembered Sierras guide as I was slipping the dead device back in my pocket. have skype open with credit for emergencies in case of disabled mobile service Had this happened to her as well? The instructions in the notebook made a lot more sense, and I cursed myself out loud for being so ill-prepared. As soon as the words escaped my mouth, there was another ominous bing from the phone. I pulled it out and tried to unlock it, but the regular home screen didnt come up. All that came up was a white screen with a short bit of text on it. Tut tut. Ladies really shouldnt use that sort of language. As soon as I read it, the screen cleared and more text appeared. Why dont you come out and play? Dont bother taking that knife with you. It wont do much against my gun. I threw the phone across the room and dashed to my computer. The melody grew louder as I approached my desk, finding a pink stuffed pig toy. There was a fabric button on its left hoof with a music note on it. This was the source of the music and proved without a shadow of a doubt that there was someone else in the office. Whats more, they were watching my every move and actively trying to scare me with children's toys. Panic coursed through my body, gearing up for fight or flight. I took a deep breath, attempting to lull my nervous system. So far I had heard no signs of anyone moving around the office. There were some background city noises coming from outside and the rhythmic hum of computers that someone forgot to shut off. If my stalker was moving around, I would need to pinpoint their location to plan my escape. Also, I had to get help. Fast. Moving the toy aside, I sat down in my chair and pulled up the Skype for Business application. I quickly dialed 911, putting the stationary phone on speaker. The dial tone was brief, and there was a live operator on the other end within moments. I was about to give a very hasty account of events when someone grabbed my ankle from underneath the desk. I screamed hellfire, jerking my leg away and running as fast as my legs could take me. I heard some commotion close behind me, followed by a loud bang, which I interpreted as my assailant giving chase after me. Before I knew it, I was descending the three flights of stairs and rushing out the doors past the startled night guard. The freezing air prickled my skin through my thin sweater as I approached a nearby pedestrian for help. They called 911, and the police were at the office space within the hour. As I awaited with the guard for their arrival, I kept thinking of Sierras written warnings, and how stupid I had been to dismiss them. check every aisle, meeting room. dont forget to check under desks, balcony, kitchen tables, behind cooler The police quickly took down my account of events and, leaving me in the care of a young officer, went upstairs to inspect the office. There had been no one coming or going from the building since I ran out, so it was possible that the culprit was still hiding out somewhere inside. The thought made me nauseous, and I shifted closer to my armed companion. Not long after the cops left us, the young officers radio crackled and several voices spoke one over the other, asking for backup and naming codes I couldnt understand. Things escalated quickly from there. Instead of going home, I was taken to a police station and held in an interrogation room for hours before someone finally came to speak to me. I was tired, miserable, and confused at the way the events of the night were unfolding. I wanted to go home but spent several more hours recounting my story to two detectives. ‘So, you had the knife with you when running from the kitchen to your desk? Are you sure? asked the older detective, who had introduced himself as Senior Investigator Barnshaw. ‘I. Yes, I stammered nervously. ‘I believe I did. I was panicking, so its hard to say. Then there was the pig toy, I said, losing my train of thought. ‘And you believe the person who was harassing you was Samuel Guilford? said the other detective, whose name I couldnt remember. He wore no badge. ‘I dont know his full name, but I cant imagine anyone else is responsible. ‘And one more time, just for the record, what happened when you dialed 911? asked Barnshaw for the third time that night. ‘Someone grabbed my leg. My ankle, actually. This happened before I had the chance to explain the situation to the operator. I screamed and ran until I found a stranger outside who let me call for help, I responded, growing weary of the cyclical questioning. ‘Samuel Guilford was found lying dead not far from your desk when our officers came on the scene. Did you see his body when you were running out of the office? asked the other detective, feigning an air of innocence while dropping this bombshell. My jaw fell open, and I stared at the interrogators in naked shock and terror. ‘No, I croaked, ‘I dont understand. ‘He was stabbed to death with a large kitchen knife. His body was covered in twenty-three stab wounds, Barnshaw explained. ‘And we found the knife wedged in his mouth, pinning him to the floor through his throat. ‘We have reason to suspect it was the knife youve described to us in your statement, added the second detective. I eyed both detectives mutely, straining to focus when my mind seemed to have lost all clarity. ‘Your story checks out for the most part. We found his phone riddled with amateur hacking apps, continued the senior detective. ‘We found several naked photographs of you and all the texts youve mentioned. He had a gun in his hand and we found the bullet he fired as you fled. ‘What we dont understand is how he died, added the second detective, keenly gauging my reaction. ‘Its okay if you killed him in self-defense, Gemma. The guy was a creep. ‘I didnt, I stammered. ‘I swear, I had no idea. Oh, oh God, I cried out helplessly. ‘I mean, just a month ago a report was filed against him by another coworker, said Barnshaw. ‘Sierra, I murmured. ‘You knew Miss. Brooks? asked the second detective, suspicion flaring in his eyes. ‘No, I insisted. ‘I got her desk and her notebook. I should have mentioned it before. What did the report say? Barnshaw scrutinized my face before meeting his partners eye. Some sort of unspoken exchange took place before they decided to disclose the terrible things that had happened to Sierra. Things that had so nearly happened to me. Sierra Brooks had come straight to a nearby hospital from her first night shift three months ago. She was badly beaten and bruised, wanting to register an anonymous rape kit. The damage to her reproductive organs was severe, and she had to get stitches. She filed a police report two months later when she failed her probationary period at Proficient Technologies, losing her job (her only way to pay off her medical debt. It was her word against Sam Guilfords, who had expensive legal counsel as well as countless coworkers to vouch for his respectable character. ‘It was just yesterday that Miss. Brooks came by to drop all charges against Samuel, said the younger detective. ‘We are currently attempting to track her down and bring her in for questioning. Im sure you can see how your knowledge of her name gives us cause for concern. The police kept up their line of questioning until someone brought Barnshaw a note. Forensics had drawn up a report on the fingerprints found on the knife, as well as the blood-spatter patterns. I was asked to submit some DNA samples to aid the investigation and finally released to go home. At home, exhausted as I was, I couldnt sleep. I had none of my belongings back. My handbag, phone, and even coat were all submitted as evidence. So I turned to my old trusty laptop, hoping that some aimless browsing could help soothe my nerves. My browser was still on LinkedIn from the day before, and I refreshed the page out of habit. A small red icon showed that I had a new message. Sierra had replied to me. Dont worry, sis. I took care of it. <3.

Hello r/Spikes, my name is Ezzmode and Ive got a write-up for you today. Its a look back on how the UW control archetype faired in a post-Oko standard. Cards I tried throughout this time frame; what worked, what didnt, and why; and a forward look at some interesting cards coming in Theros: Beyond Death. After putting a lot of time with the deck and with spoiler season at an end, I wanted to offer a reverse and forward looking take on the archetype. It felt like a decent format for control mages once Oko was banned, and I think it's valuable to look back and reflect on what we did to make it work. First, some disclaimers: Im not a professional, but Ive put in a lot of reps with the deck. Ive gone as high as rank 7 on the Mythic ladder this season and finished #68 last season. Here's the Deck in it's current form. I started playing Magic 1. 5 years ago when the Arena beta released. I mention this in case I make some statement that sounds like Im speaking from a decade of experience (example: “control decks have generally favored instant speed card draw over sorcery speed, but Gadwick is an exception”. The truth is Im mostly parroting things that more successful, longer time players have said when I say stuff like that, not drawing from my own depth of experience. So now, lets talk cards! Staples These are the cards that have been with me since I started exploring the archetype shortly after the banning of Oko, Thief of Crowns. Only a few of these (Opt and Chemisters Insight) briefly left the list, but have since rejoined it after some experimentation has found their presence is invaluable. I only parted ways with this card during a brief experiment I label: Why opt into cards you want when you can just have more of those cards in your deck. The answers: It works really well with Gadwick to tap things down for one mana. There is such a thing as too much of a good thing, sometimes your third Time Wipe isnt needed, Opt helps you not draw excess or makes sure youre drawing the right thing. I think as long as UW is playing Gadwick, you dont leave home without 4 of these. Some people call it “tech”, but I honestly enjoyed playing with this card so much it has me wondering why it was seemingly off the radar. It doesnt line up against Gruul Spellbreaker or Shifting Ceratops… at all. Your opponent actually has to attack you for it to be a removal spell against their creature. If aggro decks featuring Teferi became popular, it would be a dead card on both halves. But Gruul wasnt that popular, Giant Killer is the answer to Ceratops, and the only deck playing Teferi trying to kill you is Jeskai fires, and that matchup is great for us. All that being said, this card was insane for me. It was a galactic beating every time I cast the card on a Regisuar, or better than a time walk on a mana screwed opponent. The instant speed warden off Teferi happened enough that it is a serious aspect of the card worth taking into account. I fluctuated between 2 or 3 copies of this and 3 or 2 copies of brazen borrower respectively. I ended on 2/3 warrant/borrower due to the downtick in Rakdos aggro I was seeing, but was extremely impressed all season by this card. Theres a lot less to say about this card than Warrant. Warden, but thats because it is a little more straight forward. I was on 2 or 3 copies all season in the mainboard, and none in the side. Thanks to the printing of Adventure creatures, even the most aggressive decks have a valid target for this, Embercleaves notwithstanding of course. In a format where the best non-creature threats (witchs oven, trail of crumbs, teferi, nissa, fires of invention) completely warp the game around them once they resolve, having a hard answer to them that prevents opponents from using their own counter magic (veil of summer LOL) to push them through is invaluable, as well as being mana-neutral or positive in many cases. This card wins two awards in this deck: The most over-hyped card of the set, and the most begrudgingly-playable card of the deck. Even though I dont love either half of this card, with the adventure being a medium bounce spell and the creature being a fragile, mostly irrelevant body in any aggressive matchup, it had its place. In a deck with X spells, having mopey bounce effects just buys you time to hit your land drops and cast boom booms. Sometimes you even get to live the dream of killing your opponent with this before they concede in frustration. Im not and never was sold on the idea of running 4 copies of this, but I liked drawing multiple a game so 2-3 was where I landed. As stated above, this competed directly for a spot in the deck with Warrant. Warden, and always having 5 plays on turn 2 was my goal. Ranging from the best possible draw in the deck to “yeah that works I guess”, having a card that just always does something in your deck full of specific and narrow answers is nice. Teferi just always has an effect on every game you draw him, which at 4 copies (and never any less) happened quite frequently. Its a 3 mana duress in counterspell matchups, paving the way for more important things like Gadwick. It lets you get use out of counterspells in your hand by forcing your opponent to replay what you bounced. It sets up instant speed time wipes and finales. Teferi just does it all except actually win the game for you. Which honestly is the most positive thing I can say about this 3 mana design mistake as compared to his now-banned contemporary. I look forward to doing the hero thing for the rest of the time Teferi is in standard, so 4 copies ahoy. What an awkward card. The format was just so dense with must-counter threats, and I can count about 8 of them that clock in at 2 mana or less that were widely played. However, the selling point is that it gains life, not really that its a Cancel-adjacent counterspell. Getting nickel and dimed by people who assemble Tron on turn 2 (cat + oven) does take its toll, and having some way to gain a little back is nice. Absorb also wins the award for coolest game win of the deck, where on my upkeep, in response to 5 Chandra emblems, I absorbed my own Opt to live for a lethal crackback. So for that, clocking in at 4 copies and no less, we say “thanks absorb, for being in my hand every time I died against aggro” Again, we lived in a world where the format had an insanely high threat density, mostly concentrated in the 3cmc and below part of the mana curve. Inspiration is a hard card to make room for in your control deck when youre already bought into absorbing ovens, but I will say that experimenting with 0 copies made me want at least 1. Right now I have 2, and I think 1 or 2 was correct near the end. Getting rid of dead stuff to hit lands or lands to hit stuff is pretty nice. Being able to play draw-go in the mid game without feeling pressed into casting a Gadwick for 1 or 2 just to spend mana efficiently was a big positive as well. Hey its our 5 mana wrath. We like these. Ive had 2 or 3 copies in the main deck and have always had at least 1 extra in the side. Some matchups are very dependent on you drawing this, so being able to have more is nice. Plays well with Gadwick and decently with Brazen Borrower, but let me tell you, it plays the best with Giant Killer. Giant killer is already a card out of the sideboard you want to draw as often as possible, and matchups where youre bringing in Giant Killer, Time Wipe is already one of your best cards. Time Wipe lets you buy back Giant Killer to your hand to replay the adventure later. This works well because Giant Killer costs one mana, which makes the turn 6 play of Giant Killer + Time Wipe very spicy. It works well with Giant Killer for another reason: Giant Killer tapping your opponents attackers will force them to over-extend into Time Wipe. Its a beautiful combination all around. Sitting on 2 copies main, 2 in the side for right now. Like I said: Ive been all over the place with this one in terms of how many copies and where. Hey its our 6 mana wrath. Ive never had less than 3 in the main, and had a 4th in the side at one point but honestly its a bit too much. Im not convinced well be casting this card when Theros comes out thanks to the timely reprint of Banishing Light, but boy did it feel good to cast for the last 6 weeks. Cleans everything up, which in a format that features a lot of flavors of “everything” is great. Theres isnt much to say outside of that. This isnt that tricky of a card, it just does what it says and thats it. Nissa lands can go to hell. Moving on. Card Draw, disruption, a 3/3 for 3, these are all accurate statements that describe Gadwick and applications for him in this deck. I experimented with the numbers on him, and the answer is 4. Not 3 and a blue finale, not 2 and a blue finale and extra chemisters insights, but 4. Hes the all-father of top decks and the most-father of valid turn 3 plays against aggro decks. As amazing as this card is, there isnt too much to say about him either. He does the things, and theres nothing really tricky about it. Draw the amount of cards you want while leaving open the requisite mana for potential top decks, or crank it to the maximum and just discard to hand size and sculpt the perfect 7. Hard to do wrong with Gadwick. Also, Nissa lands can go to hell. Stupid untappable, un-cleansable lands. Only ever 1 copy in the 75, but just an all-star card. Its been with me since the beginning, and even though it walks and talks like a “classic, big, flashy control finisher”, it can also just be a mid-game stabilizer. Turn 5 time wipe, turn 6 finale for 4 is a line of play Ive made to both turn the corner and also re-build the board alongside my opponent. You can probably joke about how if you get to turn 12 with your control deck you should probably be winning the game anyways, but the following cards would, as the kids say these days, Like to know your location: Castle Locthwain, Trail of Crumbs, Edgewall Innkeeper, Hydroid Krasis, Find. Finality, Bolas Citadel, Order of Midnight, Stormfist Crusader, Risen Reef, Korvold, and the Great Henge. Yeah, decks in standard dont just fall over and die because you drew a few more cards than them. This isnt the days of untapping with Teferi, HoD and winning by drawing an extra card each turn. Decks go to turn 12 and they go kicking and screaming. This is the card that firmly establishes your role in the game as the deck with the unbeatable top-end. Without this I never felt like a control deck, but more a tap-out midrange deck with some sweepers and counterspells instead of good threats and better threats. At that point there didnt feel like a reason to be UW over Jund or Fires. This card is honestly, truly, the card that kept everything together for me. Its not just a stupid flashy finisher. White castle jokes aside, this land was really nice for me. 1-2 copies throughout the decks life, sitting on 2 right now. Obvious implications aside, this land has another pretty interesting use: it can help get you value out of a sweeper late game. Making a token and blocking your opponents attacker is a good way to get them to over commit. Then you cast time wipe and get your value. Honestly just a great, straight-forward card with fun little edge cases like that Blue castle is very good. Very, very good. I have 3 in the deck because 4 would be ambitious but 2 or 1 is just not enough. Works well with Teferi to prevent shenanigans when you tap out to activate this on your opponent's end step, and a solid way to spend mana with a full hand instead of casting Chemisters and discarding to hand size. Just a really good and powerful card that comes at a low opportunity cost. Other Lands One fabled passage felt fine and not super punishing. Small percentage points can be gained by shuffling top-end back into the deck that you might have opted to the bottom early to hit lands. The 4 Tranquil Coves and 4 Hallowed Fountains were pretty stock, temples will be nice. I might even run one tranquil cove and 4 temples over the one fabled passage depending on what the mana requirements will be in the Theros build of UW. Tried 26 lands to be a greed sack but 27 with 4 opts means you hit a land drop every turn, and Gadwick loves lands. There's a blast zone in the mix as well, and it's a nice answer to those quadruple 1-drop openers from Rakdos or just to pick off some other annoying things. Tried, Tested, Benched Either because they werent good enough, the juice wasnt worth the squeeze, or they just didnt fit, these are the cards that were in some builds but were ultimately deemed too weak or off theme. I love these cards. I love my risen reefs, my rogue refiners, my cloud blazers. I love them all. They arent good in this specific kind of control deck, but that didnt stop me from living the guardmage + time wipe dream as much as I could. At least until I had to face the music that the card wasnt a good fit, I loved our time together. I tried some in the sideboard but theyre just too low impact even in the matchups where the lifegain & blocker is supposed to be good. Wow this card is bad. When I tried this card originally, I thought to myself: If quench is a dead card in hand, were probably in the late game. Im a control deck, Im going to win if the game goes late. Well reality check: the best cards in the format cost 3 or less mana, and those decks can afford to wait 2 turns to cast them. Also, you arent winning in the late game when you top deck this, pass to your opponent, then they top deck a spell with mana to pay for Quench. This card actually isnt bad. I kind of liked it a lot at every point in the curve from x = 2 and up. I didnt like it in this deck. Watching Gabriel Nassif play his Esper Control deck with this card in it, a deck more prepared to tap out, I realized you just cant afford to cast this card without a Teferi out. We also have 4 Gadwick and our mana lets us not have to worry about needing triple blue. So if you really think the meta is conducive to draw-go gameplay, this is it. This is your thing. In a UW deck more built around one-for-oneing people with removal spells and less about planar cleansing, a nice straight-forward refuel card could have a spot. Often times with this deck youre sitting on a full grip trying to hit land drops and set up for big cleansing / time wipe turns, or just looking to draw far more than 3 cards with your card draw spell because its turn 8 and youre empty handed. Not a bad card, but the deck wants to tap out for Gadwick a little more often This land was in the deck at the same time as Precognitive Perception. I wanted to experiment with being able to re-buy a really good card draw spell with this land, as controlling your next draw step just isnt card advantage no matter how you slice it. But putting precognitive perception on top of the library was really awesome and felt like a powerful thing to do. No way to fetch this land like in Modern, but given the right attention to the mana base you could easily squeeze a copy in for some value, or go the more card-draw spell route and play multiple of these to rebuy them. This land went off the menu once Precognitive Perception did. Tried, Tested, Added Some cards werent in the original list because I didnt try them until later, but are in the list now. I wanted to separate my sections between cards I knew I wanted to play with and played with for a long time, and cards I wasnt so sure on but become convinced when I played with them. Mostly to highlight that sometimes trying new things can be good, and also to emphasize a point that is pretty relevant at the end of spoiler season: Its okay to be wrong about how good or bad a card is. If you want to build the best deck you can, be honest with yourself about that. Veils are definitely worth parting, even if it means tapping out. Many games with this deck come down to hitting land drops and finding your planar cleansing. 27 lands and 4 opt make the lands flow pretty reliably, but Chemisters Insight and Gadwick cant cut through the chaff and find you what you need quite like Narset can. I have 1 in the deck now, and would only go to 2 if I felt I wanted 3 Warrant. Warden and 2 Brazen Borrower. Ive sent many a good Gadwick and Brazen Borrower to live the remainder of their days on the bottom of the deck with Narset, and whiffed my fair share of times with her as a result of them. However, shes probably just the best thing to do on turn 3 when your opponent is playing Jeskai Fires and they get a Teferi under your counter magic. Shes an onboard counterspell to blue cav, and just turns red cav into a beater not a fixer. Also helps form a lock-piece against adventure decks that so often rely on chaining adventure creatures together to draw a critical mass of stuff. Happy I tried her, wouldnt mind running more if it werent for the creature count. I mean, if Essence Scatter were legal Id run it over this, and maybe even run 2 copies of it at that. But this card is a pretty hard to cast Essence Scatter, and the upside is really hard and narrow for us to utilize. I have it at 1 copy and havent tried 2, but this is just a cheap spell that helps us double spell on turn 4 (capture your creature, petty theft / warrant your creature. Double spelling on turn 4 is valuable, and this card is a part of that puzzle. So this isnt currently in the main deck, but it gets a special nod. This was taking the spot as the one-of essence capture, and was a very good card in many matchups and serviceable in others. I just wanted to declunk the 3 mana slot of the deck (making the assumption that it's a bad mana leak is probably the conservative and correct one. Overall, a fine one-of if you want to snuff some Teferis or Frilled Mystics before sideboarding. Sideboard The sideboard of the deck has been pretty consistent, and I dont expect too much to change going into Theros insofar as what the general flavor of sideboard cards well want is. This little guy saves our butts against so many creatures. Hits all the important creatures in Jeskai, hits the Ceratops out of the green deck sideboards and their Questing Beasts from the main. I like this card. It fits the role of “sideboard hoser sideboard hoser”, and as long as people are trying to cheese us out, we need a good wine like him to pair. Im at 3 copies, was at 2 for a while. 3 Is just the right number, dont ask why. Color Hosers Im less about Aether Gust than most, but I do love me some Devout Decree. I followed the trends and just slammed 3-4 Aether gusts in the sideboard, but I just dont see what the fuss is about. Its an okay tempo card, I honestly dont even understand whats so special about it as to why people feel they need it in the maindeck. Maybe Im missing something, but just having one as a nice on-stack answer to Ceratops or a good reset button on a resolved Nissa or fires to then follow up with a counter is acceptable. Not so amazed by it that I ever needed more than 1, maybe 2, but Im sitting at 1 right now. Im at 2 devout decrees because I feel forced to tap out against the Rakdos decks more often than not anyways, so it being sorcery speed only sucks for Blacklance Paragon, Javier Dominguez, and Rankle (which not every Rakdos deck is running. Only one of the classic here. Decks we want Disenchant against are also decks we're keeping Planar Cleansing in for games 2 and 3. This just helps bridge the gap by answering the first Oven, Trail, or Fires without forcing you to live until turn 6. A later addition than the other cards in the board, Ive enjoyed my time with the taker. A little underwhelming against the UR flash decks as they keep their stomps in after sideboard, but Ive enjoyed the Tithe Taker as a blocker and early proactive play against aggro decks as well. Two blockers for the price of 1, slightly disrupts things like Blacklance Paragon, overall decent. I was on 4 copies of this, but there does come a point where its a dead card after sideboarding. 3 could be considered greedy since you just want as many of these in your top 15 cards as you can manage so you can fight early counter wars, but its also just literally dead against a resolved fires (because they always have the mana to pay. This is a really good mirror breaker. Its not Mass Manipulation because its nice to have answers to Junds Castle Locthwain, be an unduressable threat, and to steal an oven after a planar cleansing to toss Ardenvale humans into to buffer your life total. Works well with Teferi and Time Wipe, and overall have been happy when I bring it in against midrange decks as a nice little slam dunk. Call me a coward but I cant live with only 2 or 3 copies of it in the 75 like some people. Ive seen lists with exactly 2 Time Wipe in the 75, with only 3 Brazen Borrower and 1 Essence Capture as turn 2 interaction. I dont know how these monsters live with themselves or past turn 4 against Rakdos Aggro, but Ive never been comfortable with less than 3, and often want 4, Time Wipes in the 75. I cant wait to cast a wrath on turn 4 like a civilized control player; Theros cant come fast enough. Theros Excitement New sets always put my imagination to work. So heres a brief list of whats coming down the pipeline that could be serious additions to the UW archetype Lets you hit your lands, although only basic plains. Maybe a build without Gadwick thats more white focused and casts more traditional card advantage cards wouldnt mind only being able to get a plains. Gives you an 0/4 blocker the next turn, and then gains you 2 life on its conclusion. I cant wait to play this, then Teferi bounce my opponents 2 drop and have a blocker for their 1 drop. Or to bounce this with Teferi to get another plains AND another wall down the line. People will be really sad when they think theyre supposed to put this is every deck with the color blue in it and expect to be doing a good thing. I think this card is massively over-hyped, but I do think theres going to be enough enchantments between Birth of Meletis, this card, and Banishing light (plus a few others) to let UW control play Thirst for Meaning. Bouncing this with Teferi is also obviously gas. On-rate though? This card isnt that good. With some synergies? Now were talking. Yeah its a proper O-ring. No Prison Realm or… uh… Thopter Arrest (I think thats the one from Kaladesh) to see here. No Heiromancers Cage or Conclave Tribunal. Just some good O-ring. This might be the push UW needed to get off the planar cleansing plan. Not because its just good enough, but because there might be enough enchantments to hit the threshold for this card. Instant speed Divination is a windmill slam include in nearly any control deck, and this is better than that when it works. So, lets make it work and feel smart and cool when we can cast our card draw spell on turn 3 and not 4. This is the last enchantment that really pops out to me as a good control card. This is a decent mirror breaker kind of card, and comparisons are being made to The Eldest Reborn. I would argue that there will be more games where the first chapter of this does exactly what you want it to as compared to TER, and those games will go much better for you as a result. It also makes this a safer main deck card, as you do just get to target what you want thats 3CMC and up. I saw a great comment about this card and I think it was on r/spikes even. Ill paraphrase in my own words but basically: Youve won the die roll for a game of Magic. Do you choose to be a turn ahead of your opponent, or have one more card than them? If you chose to be on the play: congratulations! You now understand why you should play this instead of Time Wipe. No seriously, youve probably not played enough control decks this season if you havent died on turn 4 with Time Wipe in hand. Its a common occurrence that is going to be rectified shortly. Time Wipe will have its place in decks that want to recur creatures, and if planar cleansing is off the menu UW could still play a copy or 2 depending on what it needs. I want 4 of this and 4 Sky Tethers in my sideboard for week one. This looks like a very awesome, Regal Caracal / Lyra / History of Benalia sideboard juke for any UW deck playing enchantments. Life Link, evasion, makes extra bodies, decent butt, all the goods for a control deck sideboard juke. Im slightly less over-the-top excited for this card than others. Its a really good card that isnt just a win-condition win-condition. It does things for you before and while winning you the game, that help you win the game. It stops you from dying, stops you from losing out on your mana investment by having it die to a random removal spell, stops you from falling behind on cards, kills your opponent. I do think this card is good, but I dont think it's “sky is falling, control decks oppressive” levels. I also really want to cast a huge Gadwick after untapping with it to give it a ton of power and swing for 10 lifelink points of damage. Ive seen discussions about which intervention is best, and this one seems to be the top for a lot of people. It only loses in terms of mana spent per mana taxed to Syncopate on turn 2 (because this cant actually counter something on turn 2) is tied for it on 3 mana, and outscales it on 4 and up. It also is an Inspiration. 4 mana draw 2, instant speed. But its better than draw 2 because it can go through Narset. It doesnt scale super well in terms of raw card advantage, because youre only ever getting 2 cards, but the quality of those 2 cards will rapidly approach “exactly what you need” the more mana you put into it. If you budget your control deck to have enough 2 mana interaction to make up for this being uncastable on turn 2, I dont see why you wouldnt run 4 of these. Its a clunky 3 mana counter spell with no upside on curve, and a clunky, basically-only-inspiration card draw spell on 4. But those are both playable cards in a control deck, and this can be your clunky counterspell that lets you run more specialized counters like veto, and your clunky card draw spell that lets you run more narrow card draw spells like gadwick or blue finale. Either way, I think this card is good. Wrapping Up If youve read all nearly-5000 words of this and are like, “yeah that was a reasonable use of time”, and you want to see if some of these cards Im hyped for are going to work out, feel free to stop by my stream on Wednesday the 15th during the early access event. Wizards was kind enough to give me an account to try out the cards a day early, and Ill shamelessly plug myself at the end of my post (not the beginning, because thatd be a little too on-the-nose. going live around 5-6 PM EST to play Theros all night. Otherwise, I hope everyone had a good post-Oko standard season. Whether it was at your LGS that was only running Pioneer events or on the Arena ladder, I felt like things were pretty cool these last few weeks. If you tried something different that worked really well for you with UW or are hyped for some cards I havent mentioned, talk about it! I might have just straight up missed something because Im human, or maybe your evaluation of cards is different than mine and you can convince me Im wrong about stuff. Either way, thanks for reading if you did, and Ill see you in Theros.

7:43 who else saw her in the mirror

Who's the unlucky group? 😋. Highway 5. Highway 3. The ending of the movie, I'm only slightly conflicted when Jane and Heidi are reunited. Highway patrol california. Highway 55. Highway 12. Highway hypnosis.

There's a person in your house

Highway vignette. Highway 1 california. 2:56 RZ twin was spying in the window on Agent R and Agent S. Hi all, I will try to keep this as brief and informative as I possibly can. Basic Info 26, graduated 2 years ago. This past year, I had to move out of a rent-free situation and rented my own 1-br apartment in the area close to where I work due to the difficulty of commute and other personal circumstances that prevented me from a roommate situation (which would have saved me a lot of money month-to-month. Despite my fortunate situation, I did not take full advantage and maximize savings. The 5k that I had saved up by January 2019 disappeared when there was a medical emergency. Thus, no current savings. I am struggling to make ends meet month to month. I feel frustrated because although I live in an area in a high COL, I feel like I could be doing better. I have attempted to use Mint and a Google-based Spreadsheet from this subreddit but keeping track of my money is a huge struggle. Location: NYC (ugh) Credit Score: 707 (was higher but the inquiries for apartments slashed it this summer) Credit Accounts Personal Loan (Discover) 2, 300 @ 18. 99% Credit Card (Discover it) 2, 271 @ 24. 19% variable) Total: 4, 571 Student Loans Direct Subsidized Stafford: 5, 190. 17 @ 4. 410% fixed Direct Subsidized Stafford: 5, 188. 164 @ 4. 040% fixed Direct Subsidized Stafford: 5, 186. 47 @ 3. 510% fixed Direct Subsidized Stafford: 5, 189. 31 @ 4. 200% fixed Direct UnSubsidized Stafford: 2, 224. 65 @ 4. 200% fixed Direct UnSubsidized Stafford: 2, 124. 63 @ 4. 040% fixed Direct UnSubsidized Stafford: 2, 024. 65 @ 3. 510% fixed Direct UnSubsidized Stafford: 6, 885. 85 @ 4. 200% fixed Total: 34, 014 Monthly Payments I make 57, 500 gross income. I am paid about 3, 600 each month. Rent: 1, 728 Car Lease: 276 Car Insurance: 152 Student Loan: 189 Health Premium: 51 Utilities: 70 (variable) Internet: 72 Personal Loan: 75, minimum Credit Card: 60, minimum Phone: 36 Gas: 30 Groceries: 300 Dog: 30 Streaming Service: 14 Total: 2720 3085 (Edit: bad math. Leftover: 515 Thoughts, Goals and Questions I do not have family to live with and build myself up. I do not have family to borrow money from. I have not saved 1 dime since I moved into this apartment in July. I am in a pit of despair and self-contempt over my financial situation. I am endlessly hopeless and anxious over money and resent my friends who make more money and/or walked into their mid-20s debt-free due to their families being able to provide for them. Where the heck is the other 515 going monthly? I live in NYC. I try not to order out, but I do 3-4x each month. I do not buy clothes; get my hair or nails done; etc. How can I predict this better? I need to build emergency savings but also pay off my Discover loans ASAP. Which comes first? It's plain and simple. I cannot afford this rent and I cannot tolerate or afford this cost of living that NYC demands. So, I plan to move out of the NYC area and find a new job with a lower cost of living in the summer, when my lease ends. How can I prep myself for this with my current budget? Current Ideas Scour through bank statements and identify frivolous spending to account for the missing 500. Reassess budget with that information. Identify a monthly sum that I can either allocate to an emergency fund and Discover Credit Card. Split that sum between both those. Then focus on emergency fund until about 2-3k then attack the Personal Loan. —> Edit for Context: Car lease began when I was commuting to NYC 60 miles everyday and needed reliable transport. I was also not paying rent at this time so I could afford it. That is why the lease and car exist in NYC. I would not have a car here otherwise! I rented alone because I own a reactive and fear aggressive dog. She cant be trusted with most people alone who arent familiar with dogs of this sort of behavior. My family was unable to take her even for short term and I cant re-home a dog safely with these tendencies. Its not ideal. Its also not the financially logical choice. But a dog is a commitment. So, Im trying to work around it for now. Update. 1/18/20 Hi folks, here is what I have done since Tuesday evening. Currently sitting on 505 in savings after being paid this week. Applied for Loan Forbearance. I was iffy about this especially with the interest accrual but I pushed off student loan payments until July 2020. This way, I can aggressively pay off the Personal Loan and also start saving to relocate. Downloaded YNAB. I set up YNAB on Tuesday and have been using it the past few days. I haven't tried it since early college years, and this is a much better interface than Mint was, so thank you for suggesting it. I am definitely going to stick with this. It had a few tricks to learn but was easy to use and I like how it is proactive and not reactive. Balance Transfer. I was approved for a CC with 0% APR for 15 months and 0 fee for balance transfers. I applied for the transfer and should see the approval within 10-12 business days. Budget Review. Realized my credit union has a free budget tool. It graphs your spending in categories and I realized that I was over-spending on Groceries, small purchases like an occasional coffee or bubble tea, Pharmacy purchases, and household items on Amazon/Target (e. g. hair dryer. I adjusted my budget to include 50 for pharmaceutical items (prescriptions, feminine products, replacement bathrooms stuff) but I do not intend to spend that much monthly; I do not want to under-budget though. These small purchases ended up being 50-200 gone from my budget. I also realized I had forgotten about 100 copays to urgent care. I hate the doctor's but I have recurrent bacterial infections, and then would take antibiotics, which would trigger other infections and it was a revolving cycle. I have new insurance this year so I found a couple potential PCPs who will have only a 25 copay. Rent. I was advised by a financially competent family member, who told me that most people my age now have to pay more than 1/3 in their rent income, so it was a reality I had to accept and work around. This was a mistake. I would love to relocate but I lack the funds right now, and I cannot give up my dog because it would be detrimental to my mental health. That being said, I am definitely going to relocate near the end of my lease. I will look for housing properties that have some sort of en-suite or basement/attic apartment that will provide separation and privacy for my dog but may also have shared space like the kitchen or something, which would be fine. Income. I am going to look into side gigs. There is only so much once can cut out of their budget, I suppose, so the next step is to increase income. I have a niche skill set and certifications so I can probably earn an extra 65-200/week in tutoring. Lease. I have yet to decide what to do with the auto lease. If I relocate in July, then I will definitely need the car again. This will depend on my future salary and CoL. Glad to know that there is a possible option for this, however. Thank you everyone! If I do anything amazing with my budget, I'll post in r/YNAB to show my progress.

Have to say, this is my favorite Royal Utube channel to follow

Jessie Pinkman Vs Santino Dantonio thats all I see. Highway to hell tab. IVE BEEN WAITING FOR THIS AHHH♥️♥️. Highway to hell text. Emily :0. R.I.P. Sid Haig (aka Captain Spaulding. May you forever haunt my dreams! 😢. This isnt BDSM, nor is it DDLG. This is just straight up torture and murder. Highwayman. Highway 20. Maddy do not come to Australia there's floods, bushfires and sandstorms and drought mate I suggest you don't come or else you will see what Australians are having right now.🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺.

SPOILER Henry is actually human and in the end he dies.