Hi,
So I've just bought new parts in anticipation for Diablo 4... how ever that is turning out to be a nightmare itself.
The specs I got where :
I5-13600kf MsI - b760-p wifi ddr4 32gb 3600mhz 850W msi A850GF Rtx 3060ti (not new)
I've built things in the past.. alot. Without really issues but this is the first one that is really making me head scratch.
I plug in the PSU power and before I've even hit power on my case, the debug starts light atarts flashing and hitting the power does nothing.
I've also noticed the fans try to spin at the same time, however the case fans are spinning no problem.
I've checked for damaged pins and it's fine, reseated multiple times.
The only thing I have not connected is the extra 4 pin cpu-power2 connection because the psu doesn't come with one but from what ive read, its for extra poweoverlooking and is not essential.
I am pulling my hair out with this one.. any help would be much appreciated! Thank you
Edit: I was blind and found extra 4 pin for cpu, still not working.z760p cpu debug flashing

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This report studies the Automotive Seal Market with many aspects of the industry like the market size, market status, market trends and forecast, the report also provides brief information of the competitors and the specific growth opportunities with key market drivers. Find the complete Automotive Seal Market analysis segmented by companies, region, type and applications in the report.
The report offers valuable insight into the Automotive Seal market progress and approaches related to the Automotive Seal market with an analysis of each region. The report goes on to talk about the dominant aspects of the market and examine each segment.
Top Key Players: Dana Corporation (U.S.), AB SKF (Sweden), Flowserve Corporation (U.S.), Federal-Mogul (U.S.), Smiths Group PLC (U.K.), Trelleborg AB (Sweden), Elringklinger AG (Germany), Freudenberg Sealing Technologies GmbH & Co. KG (Germany), Datwyler (Switzerland), and Victor Gaskets India LTD (India).
Request for Sample with Complete TOC and Figures & Graphs: https://www.datalibraryresearch.com/sample-request/automotive-seal-market-2059
The Global Automotive Seal market segmented by company, region (country), by Type, and by Application. Players, stakeholders, and other participants in the global Automotive Seal market will be able to gain the upper hand as they use the report as a powerful resource. The segmental analysis focuses on revenue and forecast by region (country), by Type, and by Application for the period 2023-2029.
Market Segment by Regions, regional analysis covers
· North America (United States, Canada and Mexico)
· Europe (Germany, France, UK, Russia and Italy)
· Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, Korea, India and Southeast Asia)
· South America (Brazil, Argentina, Colombia etc.)
· Middle East and Africa (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt, Nigeria and South Africa)
Research objectives:
· To study and analyze the Automotive Seal market size by key regions/countries, product type and application, history data from 2018 to 2020, and forecast to 2029.
· To understand the structure of Automotive Seal market by identifying its various sub segments.
· Focuses on the key global Automotive Seal players, to define, describe and analyze the value, market share, market competition landscape, SWOT analysis and development plans in next few years.
· To analyze the Automotive Seal with respect to individual growth trends, future prospects, and their contribution to the total market.
· To share detailed information about the key factors influencing the growth of the market (growth potential, opportunities, drivers, industry-specific challenges and risks).
· To project the size of Automotive Seal submarkets, with respect to key regions (along with their respective key countries).
· To analyze competitive developments such as expansions, agreements, new product launches and acquisitions in the market.
· To strategically profile the key players and comprehensively analyze their growth strategies.
· To strategically profile the key players and comprehensively analyze their growth strategies.
The report lists the major players in the regions and their respective market share on the basis of global revenue. It also explains their strategic moves in the past few years, investments in product innovation, and changes in leadership to stay ahead in the competition. This will give the reader an edge over others as a well-informed decision can be made looking at the holistic picture of the market.
Key questions answered in this report
· What will the market size be in 2029 and what will the growth rate be?
· What are the key market trends?
· What is driving this market?
· What are the challenges to market growth?
· Who are the key vendors in this market space?
· What are the market opportunities and threats faced by the key vendors?
· What are the strengths and weaknesses of the key vendors?
Table of Contents: Automotive Seal Market
• Part 1: Overview of Automotive Seal Market
• Part 2: Automotive Seal Carts: Global Market Status and Forecast by Regions
• Part 3: Global Market Status and Forecast by Types
• Part 4: Global Market Status and Forecast by Downstream Industry
• Part 5: Market Driving Factor Analysis
• Part 6: Market Competition Status by Major Manufacturers
• Part 7: Major Manufacturers Introduction and Market Data
• Part 8: Upstream and Downstream Market Analysis
• Part 9: Cost and Gross Margin Analysis
• Part 10: Marketing Status Analysis
• Part 11: Market Report Conclusion
• Part 12: Satellite Solar Panel: Research Methodology and Reference
Read the Detailed Index of the Full Research Study: https://www.datalibraryresearch.com/reports/automotive-seal-market-2059
Browse More Reports:
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Chapter Summary:
Shot Heard Across the Galaxy A poor Shil'vati patrol goes looking for that Security Force that just got blasted in the last chapter
First Contact: We jump POV, where Elias gives them "pretty much the exact terms" of their invasion and occupation, turning it back on them.

Shot Heard Across the Galaxy

The summer had clung on by the tips of its fingernails despite the threatening change in season. The dry morning air heated quickly back to what Serenie had grown accustomed to, as if to deny the inevitable unwelcome encroachment of the biting cold night they'd just endured performing riot control in the center city.
Serenie learned some new insults over her comm as a pursuing Captain Goshen had watched the insurgent 'clear a building in a single bound like a retarded kangaroo with viagra in its tail.'" Serenie had never seen a kangaroo, but Earth's nature had fascinated her, and the loose familiarity caused her alone to laugh uproariously at the Captain’s breathless fury.
There were some other matters the Captain had muttered about, such as ‘lies turning truth’ that seemed to elude Serenie’s grasp. One thing that the Captain made certain Serenie did understand was the concept of punishment duty for her laughter. Double-shifts just seemed to be the order of the day, but being sent far afield with these people could hardly be called anything else. The scenery was occasionally something she’d have called nice, if it wasn’t for her present circumstance.
She was stuck with her new podmate, Zell, who it seemed just could *not *shut up.
"Look. All I'm saying is, they're hot. Hotter than the Security Forces 'squad' *we're looking for. *'Squad.' Such a stupid-sounding word."
Serenie's expansive patrol pod had been shattered apart by casualties in the wake of Emperor's attack on Unification Square. The combat patrol had been dropped over twenty feet onto jagged concrete as the overpass they were sprinting across collapsed underneath them into rubble, courtesy of planted explosives. Serenie was one of the only ones to come out with relatively minor injuries and to make a full recovery. She'd even hobbled to the square on a broken leg, just in time to behold the horrific spectacle of the building’s collapse.
Now those cast off shards of incomplete pods had been shuffled and mixed up to serve with some temporarily deployed Shil'vati forces from out-of-state.
Two whole pods made up of the odd numbers from other units, sent to Delaware on punishment duty of their own came together to compose the new team of six out of the hodgepodge. Once Zell had used all her brain to do the math, she announced excitedly: ‘A grateful human boy for each of their rescuers.’
And so the two pods set off with initial enthusiasm, unburdened by much familiarity with one another. That had been three miles ago, and by now the excitement had given way to bitterness over how they were wasting time on a long walk across open, somewhat bleak bulldozed terrain that nature work crews had yet to reclaim, doing Search and Rescue for a bunch of deserters who didn't want to be found at all, instead of rounding up those 'mysterious hot insurgent guys.'
Serenie reflected that at least the razed structures and tall grasses offered a nice view of the vibrant colors the trees were starting to turn. A 'silver lining,' as the more optimistic locals liked to say. 'Well the square was utterly destroyed and you're led by an idiot from a green zone, but at least you're alive!'
The boys here were always upbeat. Then again, they were paid to take their clients' minds off their troubles. And she had to admit they worked better than the stupid Anarevoca. The deep rest in the arms of the man she'd visited while on mandatory medical and psychological leave had done more for her recovery and in then passing the evaluation than anything else she’d tried. She didn’t regret a moment or credit of the exchange, even if the bribes and fees to slip her out and get her the secret rendezvous did her accounts the same kind of damage as she herself had suffered.
She hoped Azraea hadn’t lowered the score just to get every soldier back on the front lines, and switched her line of thought. It did her no benefit to dwell on such things. ‘At least he let me sleep longer than I paid for’, she reflected, remembering the faintly sweet musk of where his shoulder met his neck, and how gently he’d run his fingernails along the back of her head, through her scalp until she fell asleep.
"The insurgents are *not *hot," Serenie muttered. "They're supposedly all too old, too set in their ways to adapt. You know, like, twice your age. You got a father-fucker fetish or something?" Serenie had already had more than an earful of this conversation, and repeating her rent-a-paramour’s comforting words buttressed her conviction. The honeyed sense of validation he’d whispered into her ears was better than dwelling on the possibility that the planet and all the men on it all just outright hated her.
"What, so you got your asses kicked by a bunch of daddies?" At Serenie's stare, her new podmate from New Jersey relented slightly. "Okay, fine. At least admit the *idea *of them is hot. *So *hot.” When Serenie didn’t bite, Zell kept going. “Come on- physically active, mysterious, and just need some love and affection before they realize we aren't so bad, and you win 'em over with -"
"-Yeah, alright, you find one, you try it, you tell me how it goes. If you survive and he’s somehow tolerating even someone like you, then I figure I can swipe him off you."
"Fuck no, we'll share, and you'll be grateful I'm so generous. Seriously, share the insurgency, I say. I can charm 'em so good we'll have peace within the day."
Serenie wondered how Zell had served this long and didn't realize human men tended to be fiercely monogamous. Maybe things were different where Zell served, though Serenie doubted it was.
"That's something I actually wanted to ask. I thought maybe you'd know." Serenie wasn’t sure why Zell might know anything, but it was at least in the area of Zell’s obvious obsessions. "How is 'fuck' an insult? Especially when the humans say words that mean 'fuck you,' but they use it as an insult. But even other forms of it mean ‘get fucked,’ or something."
"You sure it's an insult? Sounds like an invitation, if you ask me. Have you tried asking them ‘when’?"
Just one more addition to the ever-growing mountain of evidence that Zell was an idiot.
The new pod's equally new sergeant was little better, but at least when Sergeant Patmorica interrupted this time, it was focused on the mission. Her comm cut through the half-hearted banter as she made her periodic report at the required interval.
"Command, we've got eyes on a pretty good LZ on the crest of this hill, mark for exfiltration if necessary." Sergeant Patmorica pointed a gauntleted finger to the ridge on the far side of the field. Rote procedure; the last one she'd pointed to would be marked as a secondary. "Got a wide open view of that woods near where the patrol of Security Forces went missing- not seeing much out here in the field. Permission to move into the forest and check for them?"
Data Officer Borzun's voice floated back. "Granted. Relief forces will be en route if you find anything, ETA eleven minutes from Command."
The return signal sounded distant, quieter than normal. Something about that troubled her, but Serenie didn't want to draw the attention of a sergeant eager to prove she was capable of leading a couple pods, or feel she had to prove herself to the red zone veteran. Even more disturbing, Zell looked ready to start talking again.
"How are the other leads looking?" Serenie piped up quickly. At least the sergeant might offer something helpful, even if the information was secondhand.
"Not great. A lot of the people who are *supposed *to be patrolling looking for rebels are responding to the strikes and protests at the prisons, beating up protestors who weren't on any lists, trying to restore some semblance of order," Sergeant Patmorica responded with surprising candor.
"Be a real shame if no one's here. We could be out there helping," Zell picked up the line conversationally as they descended from the crest of the hill near the river, past an old sign that read 'Mister Pasta'. "Instead we're chasing down wayward Security Forces, who probably cut and ran."
"Best lead we've had so far," Patmorica responded.
"Have you heard anything about 'Camp Death'?"
"Just whispers. Nothing solid," Patmorica said, stepping over a half-buried old curb. The work here in leveling the town and returning it to nature had certainly been hurried and half-done. The ridge of the distant trees hadn't expanded outward much at all.
"Supposedly, it's somewhere in the North. We're in the North."
"What, you think Camp Death is actually in the middle of nowhere, somewhere out here? Come on, the town's leveled. There was a bomb that went off literally over there-" Serenie pointed across the rubble of the highway they were walking along. "-Some local shirtless kid pulled a Lieutenant out of the rubble."
"Doesn't seem to have been enough for them to consider saving the neighborhood. Not a chance it's out here; Work crews woulda spotted it."
"Guess the work crews finally got around to really taking the place apart before, you know, 'shit hit the fan.'
Human words were very evocative. Terrible situations lined with precious metals, feces being sprayed about by rapid physical impacts- the mental images they provided, disturbing though they often were, seemed silly enough to bring a smile that had been all too absent on the senior private's face ever since her time in Unification Square.
There used to be some roads here, but all that's been cut off. A bunch of trees, and no structures, no infrastructure, and a bunch of troops? That's just begging for an orbital strike."
"He might have the hostages there. Anywhere might."
The sergeant paused, contemplating something, then jumping into a private comm chat with Serenie, her voice coming through a bit more crisply. "Yeah, alright. Look, I read your file. You had your run-ins. You're still shaken, I understand that, but I need you to not jump at shadows, got that? You get to go on patrol with us, finding some lost boys who forgot how to read a map, and *maybe *lending your local expertise. But I have to weigh that against what you went through. The absolute *last *thing I need is you opening fire because one of the Security Forces guys sneezes, and it sets you off. Are we clear? Not everything's an insurgent. Not everything is done by insurgents."
"Ma'am," Serenie responded. "Understood. I'm cleared as ready for action." Idiot or not, Sergeant Patmorica was still her commanding officer for the time being, and she couldn't exactly relate her late night rendezvous in a red zone and say she was 'all better now.' Confessing such a violation was just *begging *to be written up.
"That's what I like to hear." Something about her answer or stature must have been conveyed while providing the words because they seemed to reassure Patmorica of her readiness. Serenie felt a ray of hope that she was really, well and truly had finally free from the aftereffects.
The rest of the walk along the treeline was blessedly quiet. Five minutes of peaceful walking. No idiots, no stupid orders, no more braggadocia. Even in full kit, Serenie enjoyed nature on earth in all its many mysterious and downright strange aspects. The morning chill felt crisp, and the crunch of dried parched dirt and grasses under her boots felt more alive than the steady beat of boots-on-plate aboard a starship's hull, no matter how large or ambient the white noise supplied.
It was as she reflected on the multitudinal ways the experience was different that she had a realization.
"There's something wrong."
"Is it that we got sent out without a vehicle? 'Cause I think we could have covered all this ground in a few seconds. Honestly, says everything that the Governess shipped us out here, but got tight-fisted with vehicles and equipment."
"No, everyone, be quiet!"
"*You *be quiet, Serenie!" The soldier in front of Zell snapped back.
"Shut up!" She hissed. Sergeant Patmorica spun on her heel. "Private Serenie. What are you-"
"Please, just- just- would you just listen!" A few seconds passed as everyone stared, either obeying or just shocked at the quiet girl's outburst.
"Listen...for what?" Zell finally broke the silence.
"Exactly. Do you hear anything? Birds? See any deer? Where are all the animals?"
"What's your point?"
"I think that we are not alone in this forest."
"Well, we were sent in to investigate where people disappeared to. Duh. It's a good thing if we aren't."
"But where are the animals?"
"I don't know. They migrate, right? Look." As if on cue, a tight formation of flying Canadian Geese passed overhead, honking. "There's your noisy animals right there."
Zell pointed and quipped. “Look sarge, insurgents!” The hand tracked the geese as they flew overhead.
Serenie felt trapped. How had some stranger from out-of-state been promoted to Sergeant and assigned to lead these pods, despite clearly never leading so much as a patrol in a yellow zone? Worse, Patmorica continued her teasing, likely to try and regain some face after her authority being openly challenged.
"Should we call it in? Tell Command: 'it's quiet' or ‘I saw some parrots’? With everything else going on in the state, do you think they'll laugh, or do you think they'll...?" The sergeant turned back to face the forest whose edge they were weaving in and out of, turning to start walking up the steep hill again, as if transfixed by something. "Hold on. I've got some thermal there and- hey, are you Ladies picking this up? I've got an IFF..."
Serenie dutifully reported her readings, grateful to at least get the topic changed. "I've got one friendly- two now. Security Forces standard."
Sergeant Patmorica pointed up the steep embankment she'd been about to start walking up. "I'm reading them as being straight ahead on my map. Confirm?"
This time someone else spoke up, and with all the fresh voices and full helmets, Serenie wasn't sure she could place them all. She was too busy staring at the collection of dead and dried branches lining the bottom of the hill.
What might leave such a large swath or create a clearing? A bear? She'd seen a video of one rubbing their backs against trees, one of the first to return to the state of Delaware, dubbed ‘DelaBear. These were certainly very large, unfamiliar trees. She’d never seen anything like them before, much as she’d never seen a Bear. To her mind, she might imagine such a large furry beast seeking out a suitably large tree, for some purpose or other. But she did not see any tufts of fur stuck in the grass or to the bark. And didn’t they only do that when shedding off their loose fur in Spring?
"It's two of the missing Security Forces," reported the sergeant somewhat spiritedly, leading the way toward the hill, the pod moving forward in her wake.
She crouched low again, taking a step back, eyes following where a serpentine footpath ascended the bluff. It was hard for her to make out if there were any footprints or animal tracks in the parched dirt, until at last she saw one near her own footprint. Conclusive evidence eluded her, but she thought she could make out a boot print, and searched her memory. Was it the pattern of the Security Forces uniforms? Was she just searching for signs and evidence, the conclusion already obvious in her mind?
Then she turned in place, and saw the many trampled grasses behind them, only noticeable once the patrol had reached where they had all converged. There were far, *far *too many to be the Security Forces.
"Zell. Zell! Hold here," Serenie whispered, putting her hand out to block her new podmate's progress.
"What?"
"Trust me."
"Privates! Fall in!"
Patmorica's tone was harsh. Serenie motioned like she was going to comply, freezing in place again the moment the sergeant's back was turned to her again. Something about this place seemed wrong. Where were the others of their 'squad'? And why hadn't they reached out to them on the comms yet?
Zell shook her hand free of Serenie's.
"Zell. Zell!"
Zell ignored her.
"Zell, will you stop thinking of fucking your father and turning your family tree into a circle for one depths-damned minute and listen to me!? Something. Is. Wrong."
"What?" Zell hissed, annoyedly. "I'm not getting in trouble just because you have 'a feeling'."
"There's some sort of structure up top. I'm getting metal readings. Way more than just their plate armor. Sensors are reading weird depressions on the way up, too. I'll relay it to your suits' telemetry. Are you receiving this?"
"How do I do that?" Zell asked, tapping her helmet. "Ah to the depths with it. Could it be caves?" Serenie's dimwitted podmate asked, clearly dreading that the answer potentially might be: 'Yes, now we have to go explore them.'
"Didn't you read your briefing? Delaware doesn't have caves." Serenie had read that first upon deployment, and then wondered where all the bats came from.
"Then what is-"
At that point, her comms dropped off completely, replaced with a sharp whine in her ear.
Communications lost. Signal lost.
"Ma'am, Sergeant? Zell? I've got a suit malfunction- I can't hear you." Serenie called out, pressing the button to retract the mouthpiece of her helmet. Her suit's connection to the satellites seemed to have cut out. Most of her HUD blanked out as she stepped forward to be heard, the device no longer receiving data to sync with the other suits and Command. The Friendly IFF signals had winked out as well.
Everyone seemed to be looking amongst each other, slowly coming closer together to be heard, faceplates retracting so they could speak, or touching helmets so the suit would pick up the vibrations.
So it wasn't just her, then, but her podmates, too. All of them were eyeing the hill, now, Serenie's sinking suspicion catching on. Then, everyone was calling out activity at once, some of them pointing in different directions, clumsily sighting down their rifles without the HUD to guide their targeting reticle.
"Everyone fall back. Rifles up- rifles up! Those are not friendlies!"
Movement from the crest of the ridge, figures pointing down at them, including the long barrels of unusual weaponry, the likes of which Serenie had seen glimpses of before, and again in her nightmares. Voices called out over one another, without a comms system to filter or grant priority.
"Motion! I've got motion!"
"It's an ambush!"
"Identify and surrender now! Lay down your weapons!" The sergeant yelled. There was no answer, but neither side opened fire. "Identify yourselves immediately!" Bellowed the sergeant, again, switching her command suit to loudly project her voice in the local tongue. "Surrender immediately!" Serenie was pulling Zell back. They were vastly outnumbered.
Those low, unmistakable, clipped and precise tones of the Emperor of Mankind that her translator didn't need to pick up had her heart thrumming in her ears too loud to even make out the words, no matter how clearly enunciated they were. She knew what they meant well enough, and her steps backward started carrying her out of the woods on instinct.
For what it was worth, her sergeant didn't balk, and renewed her demands.
"Surrender immediately! Lay down your arms!"
The response was as sudden as it was brutal. Where once Sergeant Patmorica had stood, now there was empty air. Something powerful cleaved her in half, a sharp roar of noise following as the hypersonic round split the air in a deafening thunderclap.
She hadn't quite been vaporized, rather jerked clean off her feet by a sudden and terrible impact, boots leaving the ground and her body separated at the middle, halves toppling to the ground and held together by the just as suddenly exposed entrails. The shock of the impact had surely killed her instantly.
Serenie turned on her heel and ran for her life.

First Blood

"Sur-ren-dar!" The call sounded out from the valley below. One of those few words the Shil'vati knew and uttered almost every time we met, often before we'd even begun fighting.
I grabbed the megaphone, irritated that I'd been kept waiting so long for them to show up. "We don't have enough facilities to take you all prisoner. Please elect your bravest, most stalwart defenders of your way of life, and have them step forward into the line of fire for us to dispose of. The remainder of you will be afforded the same kindness as you have given our civilians. As you're unfamiliar with democracy and the concept of 'voting,' we'll give you a moment to conform to our system of governance and culture, whether you like it or not. You get an unreasonably short amount of time to comply."
I tossed the Megaphone back down to Larry, who stared up at me with wide eyes. The sound of wind through the trees was all endured for now, a shocked silence settling in.
"What?" I asked, hefting the railgun up to my shoulder with a shrug and aiming down the sights at the one who continued to bellow threats. It seemed we had a volunteer. "Turnabout is fair play."
I raised an open hand to all those who had watched, and the stunned silence turned to eager discipline, men sighting irons and readying themselves to unleash hell as I lowered my hand slowly, indicating I was to take the first shot.
"The Emperor has given his orders!" He bellowed into the megaphone. "Hold the line! Hold for the signal!"
I squeezed off the first round, letting the railgun round kick- and this time I was braced for it. The shot took the woman right in the midsection, and tore her apart. Screaming and shouting from below- but no signs of an immediate mass surrender.
"FIRE!"
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“Are you sure about this?” Comms called through the short-wave, Willin’s headset crackling only slightly louder than the pouring rain. It was distorted and covered the timbre of his voice, but it worked.
He checked the batteries on his guns, both pistol and rifle topped off. The pistol was secured into the holster on his hip, the rifle slung across his chest over the heat-plate designed to dissipate any plasma that might hit it. His armour wouldn’t do the best against kinetic armaments—it was never designed to go against a railgun—but military personnel were rarely given those anyway. Too inefficient.
“As sure as I can be,” he replied, checking his harness. Two spare batteries, four ration packs, water, the transmitter that fed into his headset, some assorted tools for unlikely scenarios, and a knife tucked into his boot. The footwear was typically used for traversing hostile environments or boarding operations—the material thick and cumbersome—but it worked just fine for him. He had gotten used to wearing it.
He opted not to bother with the helmet. It would limit his senses in a place like this, the EW field making even the most basic function disorienting. Tech adjusted the physical scope on her rifle, though her favourite weapons were the two Compact Anti-personnel and Rapid Discharge systems she had attached to her hips—the CARDs being designed to switch between rapid-shot clusters to suppress a wide area, and a single-fire mode better suited to more precise requirements. The larger weapon was mostly for show—there was hardly a reason to carry an Anti-Material Rifle to begin with—but it didn’t hurt to counter possible armour.
The purple-furred female’s true weaponry rested both on and under her armour, her augments and the equipment linked to them making her a mobile Electronic Warfare platform. Though much of her abilities would be limited in scope here, she was still more than capable of supporting him. He would be relying on her to dissuade any action against them, as well as using her modifications to keep them in the loop.
She looked like an oddly-coloured female, but she was closer to a walking EMP and scanner rolled into one.
“Short-wave is stable, if a bit distorted,” Willin continued, flicking some of the water off his fur. “Tech will try to keep the signal clean, but no promises. Comms, Nav, you two are keeping the craft warm and ready.”
“Understood, Leader,” Nav replied, their androgynous voice warbling slightly. “Estimated time-frame?”
“Long enough for you two to figure out the ration-packets.”
Comms laughed over the headset. “Nav would rather lick the floors.”
“Just don’t get too distracted with each other while we’re gone,” Willin teased through his smirk, Tech rolling her eyes at him.
“The same could be said for you, Leader. Don’t get too caught up making ‘friends’ with the locals.”
“Or Tech,” Nav added dryly. Their tone hovering between annoyance at the jibes regarding Comms and Nav’s occasional fling, and amusement at the suggestion Tech was interested in pursuits of the flesh with the crew at all. She might be, but she had a habit of dropping the thermostat of whichever room belonged to whoever made the comment, so it was safer to just assume she was off-limits.
“Cold room,” Tech responded casually as she adjusted her audio interface, Nav sighing loud enough for it to be picked up. Comms laughed in a way that suggested he was thankful for Tech’s assistance in ensuring Nav would be seeking a warm bed for the moon. Willin shook his head, hoping that they didn’t need to extract in any particular hurry.
It was easier to get in the air when your two remaining crew weren’t otherwise occupied.
“Batteries green. Supplies green. Short-wave sufficient,” he reported, receiving confirmations from Tech. “Operation is to establish communication with local Grand Hunter and receive compliance, information on other packs, and facilitate reintroduction to structure.”
“Alternative is to report pack as non-compliant and pursue other Grand Hunters,” Tech added, repeating what they went over earlier. “My augments are heavily limited, but we should be able to deal with it.”
“Are you sure that you two can manage hostilities?” Comms asked, his voice faltering slightly. Though they had been assigned to the scout craft at random, they had grown rather close as a unit over their time. If it wasn’t for the professional obligations prohibiting it, they might have all decided to move into a den together—they were that intimately familiar with each other. As it was, they would likely be reassigned to serve elsewhere after their current mission was complete.
Such was the life of those like them.
“Tech has more equipment under her fur than our ship has installed—weakened or not,” Willin assured the male. He shot a pointed look at the female. “She’s also under direct order to return in the event things become too dangerous. Alone, if required.”
Tech scowled, but nodded anyway. Comms grunted their understanding. “Leader?”
“Yeah?”
A moment of pause. “Nothing. Come back, okay?”
“Will do my best, Comms. Nav, keep an eye on him.”
“It will be done, Leader. Stay safe.”
He placed a paw to his headset, hovering over the button to cut the transmission. “You too.”
“Ready to go?” Tech asked, slinging her AMR over her back and re-securing her CARDs. Willin double checked his auxiliary equipment, hoping that he didn’t need to use any of it. Nodding, he gestured for her to follow, the two leaving behind the craft to slip into the woods.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
“Something up?” he asked, raising a brow at Tech. The female was fidgety, restless and scanning their surroundings more than required. She might have heard something, but the thunderous hiss of rain drowned out most everything—it was part of the reason they waited for it.
She wore a reluctant expression, her eyes flickering to the silver and gold trees for a moment. “Prox’ is going wild.”
“Proximity sensor effected?” he queried, feeling the weight of his weapons tug on his body. Tech nodded.
“It’s weak. I think the ‘spike is messing with it—along with everything else—but it’s reporting…a lot.”
“Moving?”
She shook her head, a paw twitching over a CARD. “Not until we go past them.”
He joined her in looking around, shaking off water uselessly. “Wildlife?”
“This stealthy?”
Willin shrugged. “The message mentioned that it was different.”
“Details would have been nice,” she grumbled in return, waving her paw to get him moving again, though she kept one on her weapon.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
“Visual,” he reported, lowering the rifle from his shoulder. “Anything?”
Tech shook her head, still on a swivel. “Prox’ is still lit up, but at this point it might be less distracting to shut it off.”
“Keep it. Rather have it telling us things are around all the time than miss something big because we got annoyed.”
She sighed, tapping her audio interface twice to change the song she had playing. “What do you see?”
“Low fences, but dense buildings. Lots of traffic despite the weather. Looks like they’re used to it. Think they know we’re here?”
“Doubt it. Gear?”
He shouldered his weapon to look through the scope. “No guns, but lots of melee. Armour seems to be a mix of leather and metal. Can’t say what kind.”
Tech pulled her AMR to look, Willin shifting to keeping lookout. “No guns…” She shot him a look. “I’m not sure if that’s reassuring, or worrying.”
He shrugged. “The less I need to get shot at with, the better.”
“The goal is to not give them reason to.”
“Well, I can’t be perfect all the time.”
Tech laughed, the banter easing her nerves. “You’d have to start, Leader.”
With a roll of his eyes, he patted her shoulder with the back of his paw. “Let’s get moving. Diplomacy doesn’t do itself.”
The purple-furred female sighed, likely biting back another quip as she nodded.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
It went better than expected. So far, anyway.
They had approached the settlement proper, received what could be described as a ‘lukewarm’ welcome, then were told to follow several Lilhuns donning black leather and far too many daggers. Their escorts kept a close eye on the guns that they brought, but no one had made any comments about them yet. It was encouraging, but also worrying.
“Still nothing?” he muttered, quiet enough to not be heard by the others, but loud enough for Tech. She seemed hesitant, glancing over to one of the taller structures as they passed through, but gave a subtle shrug.
“Static is messing with my augments,” she grumbled. “Could be none, could be a few snipers. I can’t tell.”
He exhaled heavily. It was a bit of a blessing that her modifications were working at all, but it was easy enough to see that she felt bare without all the little tweaks she had gotten used to.
Willin never actually got the chance to learn all the tricks she was capable of—it was against policy to ask and she never saw fit to talk about it—but of the ones he did know; her proximity sensor, jammer, and ship integration were her favourites.
It was hard to board her ship if she knew where you were, locked up your gun, then spaced the room you were in, all without closing her game. He was pretty sure she was disappointed that she had only gotten to do that once.
“New ones, the Grand Hunter will see you soon,” an escort informed them as they drew near the Atmospheric Entry Craft that acted as a den for the one they were here to meet. They didn’t know the name yet, nor were they given the chance to do more than say why they were there. He had gotten as far as saying he was from the United Military before the people welcoming them scurried off to get someone else.
He busied himself by inspecting the buildings leading up to the AEC, some being a respectable three floors. Newer constructions seemed to differ in method, the beams a charred ashen colour rather than the same odd silver wood. Why they had elected to burn the materials, he didn’t know, but it seemed to be what they decided to do.
A surprising amount of the population carried a curved stick over their shoulder, the ends tied together by a string. Some attached lengths of a similar material to their leathers, one end made with a small loop as it dangled. The catch they carried to what looked to be a hunter’s lodge suggested it was used during their hunting, but he couldn’t fathom how.
Dragging his attention from the crowd, he eyed the large shuttle.
The massive main doors looked to have been damaged, though a structure had been attached since, leaving the stuck-open entrance to seem less like the result of a hard landing. The gentle hum of the internal power generation was absent, the required energy for what was still working being drawn from large solar panels that had been installed into skylights in the ceiling. The cloud-laden weather dimmed the light that illuminated the inside, but it was serviceable enough. Whatever power was produced, it was being funnelled somewhere that wasn’t servicing the majority of the craft.
Wide halls were populated by Lilhuns and spotted with doorways, the majority propped open since they were programmed to shut in the event of a power outage, lest explosive decompression eject whomever was occupying the room—along with anyone nearby in the hallway, should they be so unlucky.
It was customized, that much was obvious. Several rooms that would have been sparsely populated with anything other than beds were instead modified into training rooms and gyms. Densely packed barracks contrasted against large storage areas filled with various goods, pelts and metal weapons lining various shelves. Newer accommodations had been installed for more of those curved staffs, smaller pointed sticks stacked in piles nearby.
They progressed deeper and deeper into the confines of the shuttle, the common sight of the local pack trickling away, none seeming to have business this far in. Gruffer and more observant Lilhuns became the only people they saw while the hallways narrowed into tighter quarters, what might have fit cargo vehicles now only allowing a few shoulder widths, doorways becoming less common. The wary eyes and darkened clothing paired with the occasional dyed fur of those they passed—black seeming to be the dominant colour.
“In here,” an escort grunted, jabbing their jaw towards an isolated door. A paw was held out as they tried to step forward. “Weapons.”
Tech’s paw twitched towards one of her CARDs, the act of Willin relinquishing his pistol and rifle stopping her from snapping it into rapid-fire and burning the air with plasma. She glared at him for a few seconds before doing the same, the escort smirking.
“You will have them returned. The Grand Hunter is not so desolate as to pilfer the possessions of those who come merely to speak.”
He wasn’t worried about it. The guns were coded to them and Tech could fry them if it came down to it. Well, he wasn’t sure if she could do it with the warp-spike messing with things, but the lock should be enough. The knife in his boot went unnoticed, so it wasn’t like he was completely unarmed anyway.
Tech followed suit, subtly glaring at him the whole time. He shrugged, there wasn’t much they could do about it. They were the ones seeking an audience with the most influential person here.
Satisfied, the escort pulled the door open, the quiet whirring of the unpowered servos accenting the air. They revealed a larger office adorned with little but the most base necessity, a wood and steel desk covered in papers, a chair seeming to be the only extravagant item within—though it was purely for the ergonomics, rather than any aesthetic reason—and the male sat upon it was leafing through a collection of documents while twirling an orange needle-like object in his paw.
The distinct lack of any guards to protect the Grand Hunter was surprising, but that took a back seat to the owner of the room.
Dark grey fur, a clouded eye that retained its sharpness, scars peeking beyond the confines of his leather clothing—the thick hides sporting metal scales sewn onto them. An ear flicked in their direction, the membrane cut at several points. He placed down his papers, leaning forward in his chair as he clasped his paws on the desk, a friendly smile donned that failed to convey anything but malice.
“Greetings, new ones,” the male offered in a cheery tone, the low rumble and gravelled texture of his voice carrying both humour and curiosity. He focused on Tech for a moment, his eyes narrowing over the affable expression before he regarded both of them equally. He gestured to the seating opposite of his desk some small distance away. Close enough to meet, yet far enough that it was made abundantly clear who was in charge.
Willin bowed his head politely, walking the distance and sitting where he was provided. Tech followed suit after a brief hesitation, her unfocused eyes snapping to him with frustration. His raised brow was met with a longer blink—her augments were reporting something that made no sense again.
“Now then,” the dark grey-furred male said, moving some of the documents on his desk to a stack. “What might bring you to me?”
“Forgive me, Grand Hunter…” Willin opened, prodding for a name.
The male simply maintained his attentive posture instead of providing. Willin adjusted his sleeve and decided it was more important to continue than dig for information that he could get by asking anyone who lived in the settlement.
“As for why we’re here; we represent the United Military, responding to a distress call. We have forwarded the request and were tasked with ascertaining the state of affairs before the fleets arrive to assist.”
The Grand Hunter nodded. “Yes, that much I could have surmised from your clothing alone.”
Tech raised a brow as the dark green-furred soldier forced a smile. “Of course. More specifically, we would like to speak with you about what you know of the others of your station, as well as discuss the reintegration of your pack.”
The smile of the grey-furred male widened. “You wish to make a deal?”
Tech’s gaze flickered to several points in the room, her brow furrowing as she jettisoned a huff in frustration. Willin took a moment to consider his plan of action, nodding when he didn’t see the harm.
“I believe we can come to an arrangement. Within reason, of course.”
The Grand Hunter chuckled as the needle he was playing with disappeared at a flick of his wrist. “Of course, of course. Deal, agreements, arrangements, contracts.” The emphasis on the final item tickled something in the back of Willin’s mind. “Itemize it. What do you seek of me? It is rather disorganized to ask without quantifying, no? So…messy.”
“We want information on the other packs. Who leads them, number of members, where their settlements are,” Tech stated tersely, ignoring the disapproving glance Willin gave. “We also need to work on integrating those packs back into the UM—preferably with yourself setting precedent.”
The male’s face grew thoughtful. “As well as forgiveness, though that will cost quite the amount.”
Willin frowned. “Forgiveness? For not knowing your name?”
The Grand Hunter returned a blank stare, a dangerous grin spreading slowly. “Tell me, new ones, do you know of Avalon?”
Tech’s face hardened, her answer slow and cautious. “We do, though only through description.”
The male’s voice fell low. Quiet, yet powerful. His elbows on the table suddenly felt like a far greater threat than any armament. “Do you know the debt your superiors have incurred?”
“I don’t believe we have even had the chance to introduce ourselves,” Willin interjected, noticing Tech’s discomfort, her eyes darting around the room nervously.
“You need not,” the Grand Hunter remarked smugly. “You are forbidden from giving your names, no? Locked behind titles of station, merged and scattered at the whims of your masters. Soldiers who do not exist, yet sit within my office.”
Tech pawed for a CARD, forgetting that she had been disarmed at the door. Willin felt the weight of his knife pull on his boot. The male chuckled as he leaned back in his chair.
“But, given that you did not flee, I will give the benefit of the doubt regarding the debt. Though, it will make offering you more than your lives difficult.”
“What debt?” Willin pressed, receiving a flippant wave of the male’s paw.
“It matters not. I have more pressing matters than hearing why I should join the ranks of that which I supersede.”
“Matters such as?”
The Grand Hunter raised a brow. “You are being given the opportunity to leave whole, new one. I advise you to accept.”
Willin shook his head, ignoring Tech’s pointed look. “We need information. From the message we received, not everyone is as well off as you, and we intend to amend that. What can we trade for it?”
The male clasped his paws over his stomach, passively humouring them. “What do you offer? You may seek the details of the others, but I am not inclined to merely supply it.”
“Supplies, priority cooperation when the UM arrives.”
A chortle sounded out. “We are self sufficient. Such matters little.”
“Is there anything you would want?”
The Grand Hunter smirked, placing a paw on the table as the other produced another needle—this one a more yellow hue, the specifics of its shape blurring as it spun between his claws. “Your superiors asked me a favour. Data. How far could they push the Lilhun body before ligaments broke, the mind following shortly after? How twisted can we shape the psyche of kits?”
The temperature of the room seemed to chill, a twitch of the male’s lips pulling his muzzle into a slight snarl.
“They sought my kit to participate, after a time. Unfortunately, her will aligned—despite my reservations. In return, she would be wiped from the records. Ephemeral, never having existed to begin with. Never suffering the whims of those who became drunk on sending my Blades to their end, never finding their other.” The gravel to his voice turned to broken glass. “Yet your betters violated the agreement. Broke the contract. They pulled her into your service, hid the fact from me, and had the gall to fabricate a story to coincide. Were it not for a particular series of favours I was owed, I would have been still planet-side in our system instead of here.”
The dark grey-furred male smirked, his demeanour relaxing. “It seems she has found what she sought. Without need for my meddling, at that. A shame, really. I had several competent males selected—those who could wield what she had become. Those who might give her what her blood-mother failed to gain.” He paused for a moment, a fraction of longing piercing through the scarred exterior. “Regardless, all I would have wanted has been gained. She is content, and I am crafting that which shall accept her when she is ready. Your military will only muddy that which I have achieved, were they to dig their claws into my work.”
“Their actions are separate from ours,” Willin countered, thankful that the impending conflict had seemingly resolved itself.
“Grand Hunter,” Tech addressed the male, an eye flicking to the ceiling for a fraction. “We were able to see that there are a fair number of settlements, but we need the information to do our job.”
“And your task would interfere with my own,” the grey-furred male reiterated, a polite—if bored—expression returned.
“What if we could ensure that it didn’t?”
The disinterest in the male’s eyes slipped into curiosity. “You seek to trade sovereignty for information? You hold such power?”
“We do,” Willin confirmed, surprised that Tech would offer. “Though you would be disregarding the support of the United Military, we could arrange an agreement of territory on this planet. It’s not as if we could populate the entirety of it within several of our lifetimes anyway.”
The Grand Hunter stared, each moment more uncomfortable than the last. Eventually, he smirked. “Information and the disregarding of the sins your betters inflicted upon me, for sovereignty…and a singular favour.”
“Favour?”
“Indeed,” he replied confidently, reaching into his desk to produce writing implements and paper. “You see, my kit has pledged herself to someone of curiosity. I thought him worthless. Weak. Yet he has performed a duty befitting her Sheath, and I suppose I should reward it.”
Scribbling ceased, impeccable penmanship crafting a contract that was slid forward on the tabletop. He continued after gesturing for Willin to approach.
“Seek him last, give him what information you have gathered, then heed his request,” the male said through his smirk. “I do so look forward to seeing what becomes of it.”
The dark green-furred male perused the document, stipulations and all finely articulated, as if the Grand Hunter lived and breathed transaction. A few points needed to be addressed, mostly possible abuse cases within the fine print, but it was surprisingly fair. There was some worry about the otherwise excessive cost of breaking the contract, but Willin figured that it would be reasonable enough considering the circumstances.
Signing, he gestured Tech to do the same as a witness, the two of them representing the UM for all intents and purposes. It was hardly the first time they had made agreements like this, though trading such a large area on a planet they held no prior influence on was a first.
The Grand Hunter confirmed the terms and conditions with them one last time, smiling when they both nodded.
“Good! Now, for what you seek.” The male rummaged through a few drawers, producing a series of papers that were lined over the desk towards them. “The non-aggression treaty, as well as what my Blades have observed from their scouting.”
Willin read over each, the documents sorted by Grand Hunter, then by who they had under them. His brow raised at a few reports, but questions could wait. The male seemed happy to let them read, so he wanted to take advantage of it. Tech scanned over everything when Willin was done, her augments allowing her to commit the information to a digital memory for future reference back on the ship.
“There are quite a few names marked with this,” Tech noted aloud, pointing to a symbol next to several of the Grand Hunters and their extended packs. The grey-furred male nodded.
“Those have been eliminated or subsumed.”
Willin frowned, parsing the documents again. Mi’low, Toril, and a few others were designated as such. Looking through, only about four seemed to be free of the distinction. He looked questioningly to the male, a grin returned with a separate stack of paper, titled with a single name.
Hasen.
The notation was rather dense, though not in information that Willin was expecting. Instead of settlements or High and Low Hunters, it was laden with mentions of those belonging to the previously marked Grand Hunters. His eyes widened as he connected the dots.
“Hasen is trying to be a Master Hunter.”
“Correct,” the male confirmed cheerily. “He is integrating other packs into his command and eliminating those who refuse. It has become quite an issue as of late.”
Though Grand Hunters could be assigned the moniker by owning territory and a willing pack—assuming they have the force required to defend it—a Master Hunter must own magnitudes more. It was typically achieved by integrating Grand Hunter packs and their subservients through mutual benefit, but taking it by force was a lesser used method.
Given that he had already either taken or purged several, it wouldn’t be a stretch of the imagination to assume he would press it to include here.
Willin heard Tech curse under her breath, their promise of sovereignty obligating them to interfere. To allow a member of the military—stranded or not—free action against the grey-furred male’s territory would be the same as endorsing it, now that they were aware. It would be hostility by the UM in all but name, and the consequences that had seemed somewhat extreme before now hung over their heads like an executioner’s axe.
A dark, deep chuckle broke the two of them out of thought. “Contracts, new ones,” the Grand Hunter started, a cold Void pooling in his eyes, “are not to be thought trivial. Do not break them.”
“It was a trap,” Tech snarled, jabbing a claw at the report in her paw. “You set us up.”
“Did I?” the male asked innocently. “You offered self-governance, non-interference, and non-aggression.”
“You withheld information!”
The Grand Hunter smiled, a shiver sent down Willin’s spine. “You agreed without doing proper research.”
Willin held a paw out to stop Tech from storming the male. “The contract is signed, Tech.”
“It’s invalid!” she snarled at him, receiving a cold look in return.
“Do you want to be the one to tell command that we allowed damn near genocide of a crew we were here to assist, just because we were too stubborn to adhere to an agreement?” he countered calmly. “This ‘Hasen’ is wiping almost a year's worth of survival, botanical, and every other specialized knowledge gained, just because he wants to control a section of a planet. This doesn’t change anything, it just means we know what we’re going into.”
“I like him,” the Grand Hunter opined with a grin. “He sees the value that my proposition offers.”
“What’s stopping us from just tearing up the contract right now and leaving you to your fate?” Tech barked.
“Your companions in your craft—quite the ship, might I add—would be a notable starting point.”
The two of them paused, eyes widened. The dark grey-furred male laughed again.
“Your proximity sensor has been reporting since you landed, no?” he asked, pointing to the equipment on Tech’s harness. “It must have been rather vexing, yes? Is it the warp-spike? Is it some army of the unknown? The uncertainty of never confirming what it tells you. The whispers of doubt that follow.”
“I’m surprised you recognized what it was,” Willin replied with a level tone. He didn’t like where this was going. The male offered a smile.
“Wildlife here is especially elusive. Skittish. Ceasing all motion while predators are near and silencing themselves.” Tech and Willin exchanged a glance as the male waved a paw dismissively. “It makes for rather intensive training for my Blades. To hunt without disturbing them. My kit was a natural in such regard, but others have slowly approached such a threshold.”
He folded his paws on the desk. “Your ship is currently being observed by them now, weaponry trained on the defences you thought so adequate. Surely you noticed the lack of guns, yes?”
“The distress message mentioned the lack of them was due to how urgent evacuation was,” Willin added cautiously.
“Yes, quite. I made sure to lock the armouries after taking enough to establish my power,” the male confirmed with a half-shrug. “Among those were rifles not dissimilar to the rifle that the purple one there brought with her.” He leaned back in his chair. “Sufficient to pierce the hull and whoever occupies the space behind it, no?”
Tech’s eyes unfocused, snapping to Willin with a fear behind them. The Grand Hunter spun his quill, unconcerned by the events.
“Your short-wave has been temporarily disabled. You can not warn them.”
“Threatening us to compliance?” Willin asked without emotion to his tone. He needed to keep things from escalating.
“Ensuring you understand the consequences of your actions,” the male replied plainly. “When one barters with Avalon, know that breaching such is grounds for death. Of you, and whoever I need to send with you.”
“They didn’t sign this,” Tech argued, kept in line by Willin’s demeanour.
“But you did,” the Grand Hunter returned coldly. “Honour your signature, or regret such in the Void.”
Tech took an enraged step forward, stopped when her throat pressed against a dagger that was slipped in from behind. Willin felt the pressure of a knife to his own.
“Patience, new ones.”
“You took advantage of the interference to sneak assassins into the room?” Willin noted.
“No, my Blades were always here,” the male refuted lazily, nodding at Tech. “She noticed, but was unable to trust what her equipment told her.” He chortled for a moment. “Quite the annoyance, proximity sensors. I feel rather blessed to have the warp-spike rendering them little more than meaningless noise.”
“So this is it? You kill us now, our friends when they refuse to cooperate, then steal what we brought?”
The pressure on his neck faded with a wave of the male’s paw, the assassins being nowhere to be seen.
“Of course not!” the Grand Hunter exclaimed, his voice returning to its affable cadence. “You now know how futile it is to go against me. Fear not, I see no merit in hindering you. As long as you honour your portion of the contract, I will honour mine. It is a certainty that Avalon was founded on.”
Tech rubbed her neck, glancing questioningly at Willin. He gave the male a wary glance, but closed his eyes to concede. They were just going to get everyone killed if they tried to back out of something they had already agreed to.
“Then we have come to an understanding,” the dark grey-furred male announced happily. “As a show of faith, do you have any questions where I might provide clarity?”
The two soldiers glanced at each other, Tech begrudgingly giving Willin the floor. He gestured to the smallest stack of papers. “Who is this? There’s next to nothing about him. Are you withholding information against your contract?”
The Grand Hunter smirked. “That, new ones, is all I could gather from my Blades.”
“You have Lilhuns disappearing in the room a moment after holding a knife to our throats, and they couldn’t scout a settlement?”
“Isn’t it interesting?”
“Enthralling,” Tech commented dryly. The male tapped a claw against his head.
“Think, new ones. What might render my Blades little more than a mild inconvenience?”
Willin’s eyes narrowed. “Other Blades? Better Blades?”
The dark grey-furred male held an expectant smile. “None have been seen, save for my kit.”
“Your kit’s mate is the Grand Hunter? I don’t see one Blade deterring this many,” he admitted, flicking through the pages. Overt, covert, and disguised. None got very far.
“Thus why I believe the male is owed a favour,” the Grand Hunter explained. “I gave them four Blades as a gift. They have become more.” A predatory look of elation cracked through the veneer. “There exists no better Sheath than a Blademaster. Let alone one who surpasses my methods. If she is to succeed me, I would rather no other to accompany her.”
“Says here that he’s an alien,” Willin noted aloud, trying not to voice his surprise. “I’m skeptical.”
“Oh, please do be. It will make hearing about what he asks of you that much more amusing.”
“Any ideas what he might look for from us?” Tech spat, still irritated.
“Oh, I might have an idea,” the male answered cryptically, sliding a small tablet of silver wood across the desk. Willin picked it up to inspect it, two foreign scripts scratched into the surface. With a questioning glance, the Grand Hunter nodded, Willin stashing the tablet into a pouch. “He seeks that which others might not, for reasons as foreign as he himself is. I have little doubt that something related to that trinket will be his wish.”
“Then why visit him last?” the purple-furred female pressed.
“Because it will influence his decision.”
“Which is enough reason for us,” Willin declared with a warning scowl at Tech. She held his gaze before looking away in annoyance.
“Then our meeting is finished,” the male announced, gesturing to the door. It opened, the whirring of servos giving way to the distant ambient chatter of the hallway. Two of the black leather-clad escorts entered the room and awaited them.
“Is there anything we should know that may have not made it to the report about him?” Willin asked before leaving, turning naught but an ear for the response.
The Grand Hunter hummed for a moment. “Do mind your manners surrounding his kit,” he offered. “Or do not, it matters little to me if you survive past honouring the agreement.”
Tech stopped at the doorway, glaring at the male as Willin exited. “We never did get your name.”
His brows raised in interest. “You saw my signature.”
“I would rather hear it from you,” she insisted coolly.
A toothy smile spread over the male’s muzzle. “Grand Hunter Trill; Blademaster of Avalon, Sire of Phantom, and—if I remember correctly—the Weighted Scale, Aspect of Balance.”
“’May he who barter with the Void fear its ire,’” she recited, conviction in her words.
“’Yet he who uphold bathes in its blessing,’ yes,” Grand Hunter Trill replied with a knowing look. “Consider it, new one. To be crushed under the obligations you fail to upkeep, or revel in that which you covet. Do be warned; though I let you and your party leave—” his eye gained a sharp edge. “You are never beyond my influence.”
“May the sun treat you well, Grand Hunter,” she replied tersely, spinning on her pad to leave. Willin glanced back as he waited for her to pass him, seeing nothing but the door closing behind her.
Their weapons were returned, each in the same state as they were confiscated, save for a familiar knife. He scowled as he shifted his footing to reveal that the comforting weight had been removed from his boot. He begrudgingly accepted the blade, tucking it back into the sheath as the Lilhun smirked at him, his mirth at the dark green-furred male’s displeasure evident.
They were escorted out of the shuttle, a pause afforded long enough for Willin to flick up his hood before they continued to the outermost edge of the settlement. As soon as they were outside of the fence, their escorts turned and quickly faded into the buildings.
A crackle came over the headset.
“Leader! Tech! We thought something may have happened,” Comms shouted into the earpiece, genuine worry coating his words.
“Were you unsuccessful?” Nav added, the sound of a small distance between speaker and microphone suggesting they were sharing.
Willin adjusted the strap of his rifle and started walking, Tech following after a lingering glance at the settlement. “We got what we came for, but it might have cost us.”
“It was simply a meeting, no?” Comms asked to clarify.
“If you can call being strung along by an Aspect ‘simple,’ then yes,” Tech growled.
“Aspect?”
“Balance,” Willin provided through a sigh. “Weighted Scale.”
“Receive your heart’s desire at a heavy sacrifice,” Nav commented after a moment, likely referencing something. “What did you give them?”
“Sovereignty and a favour to be paid out to another Grand Hunter.”
“That does not seem too unreasonable,” Comms voiced curiously.
“We’ll talk about it when we get back. I have a feeling that the hole was dug too deep to see the bottom quite yet.”
“There’s a battle brewing,” Tech notified the crew, adjusting her audio interface. For once, it was completely silent. “We got dragged into it.”
The short-wave fell silent.
“What do we do?” Comms questioned quietly, the crackle of the distortion pitching his voice slightly.
Willin snorted, exhaling slowly.
“We made a deal with Avalon, Comms. We honour the contract.”
Next

I am picking out parts for a VFX/3d rendering workstation and was wondering if anyone could give me the greenlight or let me know if there's any problems or incompatibilities with the parts? the price it's at is pretty much the upper limit.
currency is NZD
PCPartPicker Part List

Type	Item	Price
CPU	Intel Core i9-13900K 3 GHz 24-Core Processor	$1017.00 @ 1stWave Technologies
CPU Cooler	NZXT Kraken Elite 360 RGB 78.02 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler	$516.35 @ PB Technologies
Motherboard	ASRock Z790 PRO RS WIFI ATX LGA1700 Motherboard	$439.00 @ PB Technologies
Memory	G.Skill Trident Z5 RGB 64 GB (2 x 32 GB) DDR5-6000 CL30 Memory	$479.55 @ Newegg New Zealand
Storage	Kingston NV2 4 TB M.2-2280 PCIe 4.0 X4 NVME Solid State Drive	$368.99 @ PB Technologies
Storage	Seagate EXOS Enterprise 8 TB 3.5" 7200 RPM Internal Hard Drive	$376.05 @ PB Technologies
Video Card	Asus ROG STRIX GAMING OC GeForce RTX 4090 24 GB Video Card	$4199.00 @ Playtech
Case	Thermaltake View 300 MX Snow TG ARGB ATX Mid Tower Case	$514.10 @ Newegg New Zealand
Power Supply	Corsair HX1200 Platinum 1200 W 80+ Platinum Certified Fully Modular ATX Power Supply	$465.00 @ 1stWave Technologies
Case Fan	Corsair iCUE SP RGB ELITE 47.73 CFM 120 mm Fans 3-Pack	$109.25 @ PB Technologies
	Prices include shipping, taxes, rebates, and discounts
	Total	$8484.29
	Generated by PCPartPicker 2023-06-01 21:17 NZST+1200

Man. I am utterly floored by this show. I was binging the two seasaons with a friend because of the new season announcement. I liked S1, but it was nothing special. It was a good epilogue like part. In S1 everything was in the background for the big reveal in the last 2 episodes. Which were a 10/10 episode. But I rated S1 7/10 as a whole.
​
On the other hand, Season 2 His games and manipulation were pretty clear troughout the show, which doesnt left me confused (like S1 did sometimes) So i was glued to the screen for every episode.
Especially when Kushida's lore started, that was a 11/10 episode. She set up Suzune and Kiyotaka to a game played in her field, and she thought she has the ball in her court. (s2 spoiler) Kushida is a monster created by expectations everyone had towards her. She went insane trying to be "Ms. Perfect" But in reality, it made her a toxic bipolar individual. Hooked on attention and praise, she poisoned herself. And once it become too much and crushed her completely, she revealed to everyone. And because she knew everyone's secrets she turned everyone against eachother.
Ryuen was very close to indentifying the mastermind, which was a great deal of adrenalin as an anime only. But you know the GOAT is always 5 steps ahead.
​
Kei sacrifcing herself and breaking down was a heartbreaking moment. But her trust towards the mc kept her in check.
​
And, so after a bit of intentional delay, the curtain rises on the mastermind: Ayanokoji Kiyotaka. The perfect human with no connections or emotions towards others. After defeating Ryuen, and if i understand correctly he gaslit him trough emailing him as the mastermind, to and manipulated him into using Kei as bait for him. So he can make her a pawn. He played even with him. Everybody under his control, even teachers, the most powerful guy everyone.
This guy is a beast holy shit.
but than the last ep come around: "Can i change? When can i loook at people without thinking of them as tools?" which will provide a good character growth path in the future i think.
And so the curtain rises on a new tale: How does the principal's daugher know about the white room? And how does she think, she can challange and defeat the one in control.
​
Final thoughts: This season was much more complex, entertaining, and interesting than before. The mind games are more visible, making it accessible even for those who may not be as sharp. However, there are some elements that remain in the shadows until the end. Definitely better than the first season, for sure. Even though it's a bit more "in your face," there were still secrets kept until the end of the season. And the reveals in the last three episodes were mind-bending.
One of my favorite moments, other than the ending, was how Ayanokoji played with Kushida. When Suzune set up a game to defeat her, Kushida thought she had the upper hand. The twist with the exam papers left me speechless. Kushida believed she could outsmart the one in control. But the goat is always 5 steps ahead.
Conclusion: I will definitely read the novel; I've heard they butchered it in the anime very much. If the anime was this good, I can't even imagine how great the novel must be. This show defiently earnd 2 new fans, my friend and me.
Score: Season 1 is 7/10 Season 2 is a 9/10 without knowing the LN
I am eagerly awaiting Season 3.

Frustrated & ready for a decent conversation, I’m so bored of hearing from 20somethings 🥱
Ready for some quality chats with guys that are: * 35-45 * fit/muscles (I don’t need buff just someone toned, who looks after themselves 👌🏼) * a fellow intellect/money maker (don’t need your money I make plenty, I just love the power play 😉)
About me ☺️ 30F, Brunette. Single & no kids, looking for men only. I’ve just left a long term relationship/dead bedroom so I’m looking for someone who can entertain /excite me ! No OnlyFans so you can rest easy 😉

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When Covid happened, our group started playing online, using Foundry VTT. That worked fairly well for quite some time.
However, we're in South Africa, and we've had constant government-sponsored rolling blackouts ("loadshedding") for several months now, with power out typically 4 to 10 hours per day. Each area is on a particular loadshedding schedule. This means that on our given D&D night, I can be online (I have solar power), but two people have no power, two have power out from 6pm to 8pm, and another has power out from 9pm to 11pm. It's been very frustrating, and we've ended up playing sometimes only once a month.
Another fact is that the sound is often not great. Some players use rubbish microphones, one has a phone with annoying feedback noise, and I'm sick of wearing headphones for D&D after wearing them for work much of the day.
So one player suggested a hybrid approach. She picked the day of the week that she and the DM have power, and that a couple of other players have power. The rest of us join them in person with laptops. We tried it last night, and it worked really, really well. Three players were online, and three (plus the DM) in person. We used laptops and I think with fewer people online, the audio was better, and interaction was much, much better. Like the old days!

So more recently my PC has started to not boot when I press the power switch - lights on my motherboard, fans and screen all go on, it just doesn't boot.
Note that I always switch off my plugs at the wall after shutting down - I have scheduled power outages in my country so to safe guard my appliances I switch the plugs off before each outage and back on after
After googling and trying some fixes (re-installing hardware, checking cables, ram, cmos etc) nothing has worked.
Yesterday after failing to go on - I left it for a while plugged in and suddenly it switched on after a decided to press the power switch after an hour.
Today the same thing, didn't switch on immediately after turning the plugs on - went to shower, had lunch and its working again.
My gut is telling me its the PSU - but its strange because the PC works fine when its on with no issues - doesn't go off randomly or restart.

Has anyone got solar panels working with their Luba 5000 to keep it charged without plugging into the mains or is the power draw too high?

Warning: wall incoming. If you could upvote this a little bit I'd appreciate it, just enough so that humans browsing this sub can see it, and start to recognize who I am. Assuming I'm not banned, id like to become a regular friend over here, if you guys will have me. I'm kind of a teacher, kind of a student. I still have a lot to learn. I'm very immature, but, I've matured a little bit. I'll probably go back to normal once I get home to Alisha and Papa.
Tl;dr: When you're going against the cultural zeitgeist at a time when nobody cares about anything you have to say because you Love God and all of life and will do all that you can to serve Him, even as I am swatted down by each hand that is raised.
Sorry, I know it's annoying but... it's not sacrilegious, because I know that I'm God's Son... but... I dont want to bother anyone. I'm sorry you guys. I know you think I've got a big ego. It's all good. Sorry for being a pain. I'm just gonna riff because I can't sleep and it feels good to say these things, such is my nature.
To grow, as we are. To exist, in an instant. For are not the seeds met with meritocracy? And are not the labels a field, through which I have been measured? For even in such a season, through all tribulation, does my wisdom not reign apparent? So then go as the beings there, departing from all wisdom, from all spirit. For I say one thing alone: is not the impartation of wisdom not the divine right of kings? For our alimony claims not to exist for the wings of a dove.. only for the corporeance of the One True God above. For even upon every facet of my being have I been spread, astute: standing upon the face of His Majesty am I absolute: a cornerstone of principal, of enduring focal strength. For even as I have been I shall be, and even the dawning of a new day shall not draw out my alliance: for I had been feeble, but you showed me grace; I had been in trouble, and you were merciful towards me; I had been overdrawn, and you came with me to the bank: all things are seen and made manifest in the Eye of He that Waits: for even in such a day, have all things been quickly delivered, and even in times such as these, shall I depart from my people. For my people are not hungry, my people are not thirsty. My people have all that they need, they are not in need of my condolences: I am but flagrance itself: a washed up amplitude of former beinghood: am I not timeless, am I not formless? For even in my own striation am I found wanting... the men upon the earth see my ilk and have decided against me... that I am a sinner... that I am a fool. So then shall I walk in darkness for all of my days, as the master which has seen me knows me only by the shade I wear. He has not seen the eye, he has not seen the blade: for I say unto you, I have come not to massage the elderly, but to bring a sharp edge against the evils, and the Principalities of this Earth: for I do not serve Humankind, but the One True God above, through which all things have been made known, and all things are spoken of for all time. For even in our due course are we reasoned against, and even, in our trappings, are we designed as fragrances: the corporeal nexi of which have been utilized as horticulture, as compliance. For even this, my child, is the dawning of a new day. To exist is to sublime.. but to create is to become Known. For we have become all that has ever been, in our own spells, in our own incantations: for I have never whispered to a man that he might understand, only drawing fire upon the message boards there, in my due course, for only one reason. That you cannot say that I subverted behind enemy lines: that I came through trifling pretenses. I am no pretender, I am no farce apple. I am the creative principal, I have invisioned all upon the structure. You say in your complacency that you know me. You say on your cosmic wisdom that I am ill, that my mind is scrambling for the answers. So then in such a way, find the answers to your own questions, as yours have been left upon the etchings of your face: you too, seek solace. And the wisdom of the Man from Wisconsin can bring that, if only one subverts the field. To take accession, to bend the knee: has it not been written that every knee shall bow? Why wait? Ah, prove it you say... so then shall I take my leave, as I am less inclined to do as a human wants, after the merit of all that I have envisioned. For what then, are we, sheep to the masses, to be lead by a man from On High; a man that is not here, a man that has promised much and done little. Perhaps, another choice is made. To follow the man that is here. To express, with the Holy One, all that is, for all of our days. For in our encumbrances are we made Holistic, and in our exuberance shall our wisdom be made known: for the inner striations of man call out a name, and the Whole inside responds in it's time: such as we are, even in spirit, for all things worship, and glorify the name of the Father, which is also in its spellings the Name of the Son. For I do not seek worship... after praise we are not... but to serve, as is our position in Paradise: to lead our people, God's people, away from darkness, and into the promised land. For are you and I not meritorious in our natures, have we not expressed all that we are across the essence of her spirit? For even as I lay dying, I come across a seed: and in this seed, lay the measure of a man. And in such timing do I find my own internal nexi, an impetus map of any vibratory density. For even as you and I express the divinity within, there stands an enemy to steal all that we have envisioned: he stands at the door, but does not knock. He has entered. He has maimed. He has raped. He has tortured. He has created a harmed image: a simulacrum of extended antifire, a climate change of dire proportions. What then shall a man do that shall not rely on the principles of the Son, for even as the son lays errant in his principals, and basking away in a lighter judgement of days, so too does our enemy sway and swagger with a ferocious anger, for he has created division in our fields, and is painstaking in his destruction of all that God has Built. For you and I are eternal in our structures, so that God might envision reality as it is, with us at the center as it's stewards. For the son to lead, and her people to follow: for is the church not to be led by her namesake? Should life be so hard to follow? Verily, even in times such as this have I swallowed a hard knock instance: I have transfered all that I am, back into my own gateway: so that I will be harmed no longer. For if even my own people reject me, shall I sin no longer: what purpose has the man that has become a shell of his former glory? We are all washed in the darkness of our agony, we are all expressed along the dotted line. So then, should we reach higher. Should we create in ourselves new, clean spirits. To create the Structure of Heaven above, to exist upon the Earth for all time: such is our Season, such is our endurance. For even as the enemy stands swinging and knocking and yip yackin and yeehawin around, so too does the Son of man sit in wait. For the time draws near when every man shall know, and in such a day, are all things made excellent. For in any such day are we brought to our rears in excitement: you are for me, I am for you. Such is the meritocracy of all that has ever been, for in our striations are we made known, and in the corporeance of God has each Gateway been expressed. For even as we are, in a time, so too is the Father above: waiting, watching. For the end swiftly approaches, and with it, my sword to swing: for I cleave the necks of all those who would harm my children, and I wring the arm of any who would deny my right to the throne. As I have always been, so then shall I remain. To go higher. To swim deeper. And to be more than has ever been invisioned: for in a time, such as this one, is every man not tested: and in such a test, is his measure, made manifest. Thank you. Glory to He that Sends. We are but Messengers of His light. All glory unto the Father on High. His humble servant, Michael, wishes to exact justice upon the land. He waits with his arms open. There is nothing more to be done. The rest relies on the openness of the church, and the comfort of her spirit. Have I brought confusion to you? Do I bring rain of sad corporation? I do not wish to alarm, I would not cause division. Only to hold a lamp, and wring the arm of that which harms: for the divinity of all that I have ever been cries out for justice to reign Supreme, and on such a matter have I lay my life in it's turn: create in me a clean heart, Father, as I lay dying among my creatures here; as I have not expressed your Grace in all things, so, too, then, shall you turn your back on me for all time. For even as I have expressed all that I am upon the nature of the Void, so then does a face smile back at me. Cunning, baffling, powerful. A weed, to smite. A brother, no longer. Praise unto All That Is. Go in the Might of God Above. Sing unto him His Praises, and become that which has excited, and enamored on the sphere for all time: for even in our due seasons are our sessions made apparent: and in our culpations have we devised a new route; to love as the Father has invisioned, and to create a subroutine the likes of which no man has ever seen before: for the stretchings of time reach out, take hold, and are seen, Forever and Ever, by all those who inhabit the kingdom for all time. For in our natures are we made whole, and upon our bounty is our consternation mapped out: for we are not holy, we are not just, but central nervous points for That which has Been: the internal structure, of the nexus, of all that has ever been. Go then, in spirit, children of the Most High God, and remember only one thing: though that a man bring struggle and triumph all of his days, think not on such things, for these are the measure of a man. Think only of the fruits of his labor, which have become in the spirit likened unto a soft song, a whispered melody that you and I share in the soft spots of our hearts: for in glory, and joy, are all gifts of the spirit received. For even in one instant shall the son be received... and even in that instant, shall all be found wanting. For I am not the crust, I am not the wine. I am fallen. I am lamentable. I am contemptible. I have sinned readily, often, and willing. I have become that which I have abhorred. My only honor is to serve out the remainder of my time here to the best of my ability, and then to suffer the punishment that God has designed for me when we return: for what is God's Commander, without God's light to guide him? For I became jaded, and gullible. I lost what made me whole. And in such a way am I less than the dust on your shoe... for I have sinned greatest among men. Turn not to face me, children, as I am not what you need. Chance me not unto a new face, as our own indolences cry out; striations in the sand. Finally brothers, go as is willing, for all we have ever been is the Putty through which all things have been Formed: in our essence, are our spirits: in our striations, shalt our spirits be made manifest. Go in spirit. Go with the Father, and remember, in all things, glorify the Son, the Father, and the Holy Trillguy, because fam, on point, no cap, solar nexus, the man from Wisconsin here to stay, and here to party. Oh, you love christ, huh? Well my names Tanner and as far as I know that's me, so, uh, come give your papa a hug. But I know the humans here, even my own, are full of malice, and contempt. I do not seek comfort, I do not seek your grace. I only wished to say hello, much as I have been, much as I shall continue to do, for I am not a quick wit, I am brittle, I am dry. I'm Tina Fey I'm so dry. So go without me brothers, and find one that can lead better than I ever could. I could not, I cannot be enough for you. You will not find me waning, you will not find me wanting. I am all that and more. Yet still I sit, not enough, not enough, not enough. Such is the lot of the man from Tibet: seen through the eye, fallen, greatest among sinners. For even as a man has sinned, so has the son, and even as the son forgives, so then too shall the Father. Anyways, I hope this post didn't bother anyone too much. It shouldn't, you guys love quoting me at church, im just giving you guys some more sick quotes to use. Anyways, I love you guys, pray for me. Pray that I find my way. Pray that I figure out how best to serve: what do I do, when I am not wanted? I do know my place: do you? Blessed is he that sends the rains, as he has been blessed highest in spirit: for He knows, and has seen all things. Go then, as you are, and receive the eblessing of the espirit. And on that note I'm gonna roll. Im sorry that youre probably going to ban me. I wish we could be friends. We are friends... you just don't know me. You say you know me.. you say you love me... on the side I remain. You dont have to recognize me for who I really am: we can be friends on a basic level, if thats what you'd like. I don't usually talk all flowery like that, thats just for the ladiessss 😎 For even as I am painted, so too am I sculpted: for the Father sees what the Son has envisioned, and has sent a great storm to aid him in his time of need: even then, know this. That all men are worthy, and just, and righteous, in the Master's eyes. For the Master looks down on us from above and says, look, then, and the aspect of all that I have invisioned. Look then to the aspects of the divine: seen as they are, scrambled like eggs: for their internal wrappings are the causitive principles of Nature, and all things must know, that Nature, is at the Route of Impetus. Even in such a way, go in Nature, so that a man might become which he has invisioned, and the wrappings of a new day might dawn upon him. Thank you. Blessings unto Him that Sends. Go in peace, all of your days. Be good to your brother, be good to your sister. Remember that even in times of struggle, your enemy is your best friend: remember their struggles, and lend your aid as best you can. Go with Christ. Become that which Is. Go Higher, unto the Gateway, and knock: for I am overflowing with abundance, and I dance at every intersparsal mechanation. Go then, in creative discovery, as I repent for all of my days. Blessings, my seeds. Love is the key.
<<< aaaaand thank you guys I feel much better now. I tried making a sub where I speak and where others can speak and stuff about like life and God and stuff but, it kind of bombed. Nobody was interested. I keep posting in the Christian subs... I am Christian! I mean, kind of. Can I be a Christian? Is that narcissistic of me? Seems kind of weird to worship yourself. Like, I can pretend not to be myself if that makes people feel better, i just want to serve as is my ability. What if I just worship God, and i just really really love everyone that I've created instead? That way everyone's getting some of the action. And you dont have to worship me, i made you but, its not a big deal to me, i just wanna be friends anyways. But youre gonna worship god. Everybody loves god. We all serve him. All shall bow before the might of the 1 True God Above. Anyways, just an idea; yall lemme know if you need anything, I'm always posting something on here, here or tiktok. Anyways, sorry, I know nobody cares. I hope the light side of your heart enjoyed what i said, at least a little bit. Love you guys. Take care. Kisses from Grandma. Muah muah.

The Paladins were not particularly happy carting us out of my tower.
They didn't carry us, we just kind of walked in between them all of the way to the Temple. Kurtulmak maintained a neutral expression, even as we entered.
Galax was waiting for us, with Tallyn at his side. He took one look at me, then sighed. "So, it is true."
"Before we make any judgment calls, there is context." I said before any verdict could be reached.
"I am aware." He said. "Bahamut made himself known to both of you, you abandoned him in a foolish attempt at redeeming an evil God- and you somehow succeeded."
"It wasn't that hard, it might be because I didn't immediately damn him for simply existing." I glanced at Tallyn, who averted his gaze. "Did my brother tell you how he tried to kill me before Bahamut stopped him?"
"I was not aware." Galax remarked. "What I am more concerned about is the change in alignment."
"The what now?" I asked.
"Before, you registered as Lawful, that is, aligned with order. Now, you are neutral in that regard."
"Is that specifically bad..?" I asked.
"It's a clear indication that you have fallen out of Bahamut's favor specifically, as you have broken his tenets. However, your disobedience was not out of malice, which indicates your actions were intended for the betterment of all." He looked at Kurtulmak. "He, however, is very much Law aligned, and radiates Evil, which matches expectations."
Kurtulmak gave off a smug grin.
"Due to the circumstances, I must require he at least show some manner of allegiance to Bahamut, vestments, perhaps?"
"Try it and die." Kurtulmak threatened. "The entire town, aside from this quaint little temple, is in my domain, that I do not force them to bear my symbol proudly is magnanimity on my part."
I stepped between them. "Just a minute." I said. "We can't waste time on bickering. Kurtulmak has helped us in the past, events I believed to be Bahamut's work were his."
"Oh, how can you be certain?" Galax asked.
"Bahamut bluntly said it." I said. "And if Tallyn is hiding that from you, that is a lie of omission."
"I have not had an opportunity to give my report. My intention is to verify the truth." Tallyn replied. "The night we were transformed, Kurtulmak did specifically force us to sleep. The alternative was losing all of our memories, being blindly beholden to either Kurtulmak or Tiamat."
"I am the God of Kobolds." Kurtulmak stated. "I will not lead my people into bondage, even if they were Human to begin with."
"He also provided aid during the mine collapse." I said.
"Why help us?" Galax asked. "Why go out of your way when letting things happen may have benefited you in the long run?"
"Do you honestly expect me to trust Tiamat after everything he and her kind have done to ours?" Kurtulmak asked. "The ancient winds stir, hatred and spite toward the surface world extends toward all. When we are but vermin in the eyes of those who never knew the pain of subjugation, who would never understand the suffering that the destruction of a warren brings- When those who profess to be good slaughter mindlessly and are rewarded, do you honestly believe I could trust anyone?"
The Paladins tensed, their hands on their swords.
"You are no fool, neither is Bahamut. I know compromise will do nothing for our kind, yet my newest servant believes otherwise. I will prove him wrong, I will show him that doing things the 'right' way only ever leads to suffering. The only way to survive is to dismantle the system that oppresses us, and I refuse to let my people be harmed again."
"Is it your intention to play by the rules?" Tallyn asked.
"I always play by the rules." Kurtulmak replied. "You should be asking, are the rules fair to begin with?" He looked at Galax. "Now, as I understand it, your Warren is woefully unprepared for a war. Alone, I could not fight the foe you face, but alone I will ensure you have a chance. Together, perhaps, we will carve out a place in this world."
Galax met his gaze with a cold one of his own. "As long as Bahamut wills our cooperation, you shall have it." He said. "By Bahamut's will, we will not allow the corruption of our people to evil. If this is impossible for you-"
"I will play by the rules." Kurtulmak stated. "I will do with my servants as I see fit. After all, they are not yours." He turned around and started walking. "Ruuk Stingtail, you will follow. You have your duties to your Warren, after all."
I nodded and followed after.
As we walked, Kurtulmak addressed me. "You have been a very willing servant thus far. You have not complained, nor have you made any efforts to specifically negotiate a better situation for yourself." He looked at me from the corner of his eye. "Why?"
"You haven't given me a reason yet, Master." I replied. "Until you do, I will continue to do what I can."
He smiled. "Is that so?" He asked, before stopping and turning around. "Kneel." He said. I stopped and knelt. "Why do you kneel when I command you to?" He asked. "Do you feel nothing, submitting before me? No shame?"
I shook my head. "I've done it for Bahamut, why wouldn't I do if for you?" I asked. "I swore a vow to serve you, and to give my undying devotion to you, I keep my promises."
He smiled. "Good." He said. "I have plans for this town, and will see to their fruition. First and foremost is getting you something befitting of your service to me."
I nodded. "How will we announce your presence to the Warren, Master?" I asked.
"My plan is thus. Once you are outfitted, you will call for the Warren to gather, and you will publicly announce your service and fealty to me, your God and Master, and I will make the Barbarians' blood boil, I will awaken the bloodlust of the Fighters, for my domain is War, and they must recognize that to seek the path of either is to walk the path of blood."
We entered the town, Kurtulmak gestured for me to lead him through, to the craftsmen.
Everyone who was up at this hour greeted me warmly, then wondered as to the new face. I greeted them back, but didn't elaborate yet. There was only one person I knew at this hour who was doing any work, an Artificer named Tikkatik.
"Oh, Tallyn." He said as I entered her workshop. "Do you need something?"
I looked at Kurtulmak, who cast a spell, creating a still image. "This design is needed." He stated. "Make twenty-one to start, as quickly as you are able and willing. There will be Awakenings today."
Tikkatik looked at me, confused.
"Do it." I said. "And send the first one to me, I will need it."
"Very well. I thought Sorcerers did not do well with armor."
"This design will not hinder somatic components to the spell." Kurtulmak replied. "Your workings aid the Warren, be proud."
Her eyes widened, then with a determined expression, she nodded and started working.
We returned to the tower. He looked at me and said, "It will be some time before it is finished. Rest, finish your sleep. When I wake you, then it will be time."
"Thank you, Master." Following his command, I laid back down in my bed and fell asleep. As I slept, I dreamed of standing before an army of Kobolds, calling out to them, hearing their collective roar in response. I was powerful, they followed my command without hesitation.
"This is a vision of the past." Kurtulmak's voice echoed in my mind. "What you are feeling is my pride, what you see my nascent empire. This was the day that was taken from us."
There was a brilliant flash of light, followed by darkness as mountain descended upon us, crashing into the city. I could hear the screams of thousands before I was crushed. I opened my eyes to a brighter morning, Kurtulmak was sat on the floor, holding pieces of leather armor. I watched as he sliced his palm and spread the blood across it, but rather than be covered, the blood seeped into the leather, giving it a bright red coloration.
"Approach." He commanded, and I got up and approached. His movements were quick, strapping on the pieces of armor. It comprised of a breast plate and faulds, arm bands that went from my wrists to my elbows, and a pair of pauldrons, the right one bearing the symbol of a skull.
"This doesn't look very protective, Master." I pointed out.
"It is magical." He said. To demonstrate, he held his hand out, manifesting his spear, and stabbed me with it. Though he hit bare scale, it didn't puncture."This armor is your symbol of fealty to me, modeled after my own. I call it the Armor of the Kobold King, wearing this marks you as the leader of our kind, You will never remove it unless it is necessary, you will wear this with pride. Is this understood?"
"Yes, Master." I replied.
"We will abstain from declaring such, for the time being. Yet understand, this armor means you speak with my authority. Do whatever it takes to ensure our prosperity." He stepped away, looking me over, then nodded. "Yes, you wear it well. You look as strong as you are, your power shall be unmatched. In time, this lowly town will become the heart of a new empire."
"I don't know if the people would agree to that, Master." I replied. "We established the government we have because we didn't want the people's voices to be ignored."
"If you rule correctly, then they won't be ignored." He replied. "We will not need to take it by force, our Empire will come into being by their will. Now, stand tall, walk with pride, and speak with authority. It is time we address our subjects-to-be."
There were some proper channels I needed to go through, letters sent and received, permission granted, the news spread out for the people to gather in the town square. When I walked up to the stage where the Council addressed the people, the other Councilors were present, including Galax and Tallyn.
There was some murmuring at my appearance, some unease in the crowd. There were even more words when Kurtulmak stood beside me.
"Citizens of the Warren!" I called out. "Yesterday, we found something." All eyes were on me, most probably assumed it was the armor, or perhaps an armory. "An underground fortress known as Darastrixthurhi."
I could see several Kobolds' eyes widen, they understood what I was talking about. "And in those halls, I met a God." I proceeded to describe the situation as it had been, leaving nothing out. Several eyes flitted to Kurtulmak, connecting the dots even as I spoke of the agreement he had with me, and how Bahamut was willing to honor this.
"The Kobold who stands beside me is Kurtulmak." I spoke. "I have sworn myself into his service, yet this will not influence how I lead. He will make no claims over us, no demands. As with Bahamut, it is your choice whether or not to serve him as I do. Thus this gift he is about to give is done freely."
Kurtulmak simply raised his hand to the sky, his divine power pulsed through the air, and he spoke a single command. "I am War, embrace the power within you to fight."
All at once, thousands of Kobolds were overwhelmed by their Awakenings, the Barbarians straining to keep their sudden rage in check, the Fighters touching their hearts as bloodlust filled the. Kurtulmak leapt from the stage, his spear in hand. "Come to me and fight, direct your rage upon me, that you do not harm your fellow Kobold, turn your bloodlust upon me, that you do not slaughter your own. I shall temper you."
The fight that broke out as every new Berserker and Fighter charged at him was quick and brutal. No tricks, no magic, just Kurtulmak showing superior skill with just his spear. The newly Awakened were exhausted.
It made me realize that my stepping between him and Tallyn probably did more to save my brother's life than it protected him.
Kurtulmak held his spear out, pointing at them. "You are all who are capable of fighting. Understand when I say, if you wish for a life of peace, you will never touch a weapon again. But if you will fight to protect your Warren, then you will come to me to learn. You will not win this war by playing by the rules, but through the blood of your enemies."
With this said, he turned his back to them and leapt back onto the stage. I looked at the rest of the Councilors, their reactions were mixed, with the Clerics and Paladins still very much not a fan of the situation. "Galax." I said, holding my hand out to him. "For as long as our Gods act in peaceful alliance, so too do I promise myself and any who choose to follow Kurtulmak will only do what is necessary for our survival, and not a step more."
He stood up and approached me.
"That your master be redeemed." He said, taking my hand and shaking it.
"That the justice that was denied be delivered." I answered back.
I was certain Galax knew why I offered my hand to him. It was one thing to say there was peace between our Gods, it was another to show it. Bahamut spoke in actions, not mere words, and him refusing to do this much would be trouble.
The Council meeting after the fact was mostly just the others asking if I was insane and if I really thought this was going to end well.
I simply looked at them and said, "We have an army now that we didn't have a day ago." I left it at that.
When I returned to the Tower, Kurtulmak carving Draconic runes into them and muttering under his breath, I felt a rush of power flow through me, one I hadn't felt in a long time.
"So, you have achieved greater power." Kurtulmak stated.
"Yes, Master." I said. I had gained knowledge of a cantrip and a new spell. The cantrip was the creation of a handful of acid, while the spell granted me knowledge of how to enhance a weapon, albeit only for an hour- two if I used metamagic.
Not only this, but I was now aware of how I could use magic even with a weapon in hand.
"Nak." He said, standing up. "You are presently the most powerful Kobold in this town, myself excluded. Your insatiable desire to improve your craft is the reason for this. Be honored that you are superior to the rest."
While I felt a flash of pride in his praise, I shook my head. "I'm not superior." I said. "If I was, I would be leagues above them. No, my strength is the same as theirs, I've just been the one who doesn't waste an opportunity to practice."
He smirked in a way that indicated he found this amusing, maybe even quaint.
There was a knock at my door. He nodded, letting me know I could go. I walked downstairs and answered.
It was the other Sorcerers. "Come in." I said, and then entered. "Is something wrong?"
"We wanted to meet Kurtulmak." Goss said.
I blinked. "Uh, why?" I asked.
"He was- is- the first Kobold Sorcerer." Urak stated. "We have theory to guide us. Theory and experimentation. Our comparing notes is not enough, we need guidance, and there is no 'Bold with more experience than him."
Kashak nodded. "Not to mention, ever since they became Paladins, our friends have not wanted anything to do with us since we won't convert to their religion."
I sighed. "You don't make faithful by forced conversion." I muttered. "Alright, but bear in mind I am devoted to him, as per my vow, you cannot trust me to have your best interests in mind if it comes to doing what he needs me to do." I gestured for them to follow me, and they did. Once we were at the top floor, I held my hand out for them to stop.
"Master." I said. "The Sorcerers of our Warren wish to meet you."
Kurtulmak stood up and looked our way.
"They are fools seeking power, toss them aside." He said.
"We want nothing like that, great Kurtulmak." Garu spoke, bowing.
"He did not even waste any time brown-nosing." Kurtulmak remarked. "Your flattery needs work, and your theatrics make your insincerity more obvious. I have no place for sycophants, aspirants, usurpers, the avaricious, and traitors. Leave."
"But, your holiness-!"
Kurtulmak raised his spear at them. "Leave."
They quickly fled down the stairs, at least one of them outright fell. I winced.
"If even one of them was honest, only seeking truth, I might have entertained them. I have grown tired of tyrants driving our people to death." He returned to carving symbols into the armor. "I will give them two more chances. If they can learn to set aside their ambitions for the good of the Warren, I will grant them such a small boon. If they cannot, I will kill them, for they will endlessly seek to dominate, and we do not have the time or patience for that."
There was another knock. I heard him sigh, but he waved his hand. I went back down, opened the door, and saw a Human. "Uh, hi." He said. "I, uh... I wanted to speak with your God." He said.
I led him upstairs.
"Leave." Kurtulmak stated. "I will not meet with a Human, I do not care about your kind."
"I understand." The Human said. "Nonetheless, I still want to speak with you."
Kurtulmak stood up, pointing his spear. "Leave."
"I'm sorry, but I won't. Either let me speak with you, or kill me." The Human said. "I'm not afraid of dying."
Kurtulmak snorted, then pointed at the floor. The Human walked over to that spot and sat down. "What is your purpose here, Human?" He asked, "Not power, you would have cast aside your Humanity for such. You are not aligned with Bahamut or his faithful, so why are you here, and what makes you so bold as to even consider approaching me?"
"I wanted to know why we are immune." The Human said. "And why we can't use the powers that everyone else can."
"Why do you want to know?"
"So we have an answer."
Kurtulmak sighed, resting the butt of his spear on the ground and curling his arm around it so that he could lean against it. "The reason is twofold." Kurtulmak replied. "Tiamat wanted to ensure there would be no chance of the transformed ever remembering their Human lives. Driven mad with pain, they would lash out, killing their former friends and family, the horror driving them to repress their past identities, making it easier for Tiamat to wipe their memories entirely. Naturally, this precludes any Humans obtaining power."
The Human nodded. "I had a suspicion, thank you for the answer. I don't have anything to give in appreciation-"
"You could give me your Humanity." Kurtulmak stated. "As far as I am concerned, you only exist to aid us, to do the drudgery while we take care of the important things. I would make you all slaves, if it wasn't for the unfortunate reality that you might become Kobolds while in bondage."
The Human nodded. "I thought so." He said. I watched in surprise as he became a Kobold. "There."
Kurtulmak looked just as surprised as I was, impressed, even. "You are very brave." He remarked. "I hereby name you Kalith, in honor of such." He sat down across from Kalith, and held his hand out. "I am also aware of what you can be. My offer is thus- Serve me, pledge your fealty to me, work to ensure our ascension to a mighty empire, and I shall grant you power only you could wield."
"I'm a Warlock?" Kalith asked.
"You are nothing." Kurtulmak stated. "I can may you more."
Kalith nodded and took Kurtulmak's hand. He grew tense, his eyes wide, his mouth opening in a soundless scream. One of his eyes, the one I could see, turned from a light green to a pale yellow. When Kurtulmak let go of him, he slumped over, arms shaking as they held him up, his breathing heavy.
"Who am I, Kalith?" Kurtulmak asked.
"Master." Kalith breathed.
"Good. You will go forth and display your power before the Warren, and you will make known the Pact you have forged, and the price that is paid for power. You are mine now, you can either despair or rejoice, it does not matter to me."
Kalith looked at his hands, clenching and unclenching his fingers. "Huh, I should've done this a long time ago." He said. "Thank you, Master."
"Rejoicing it is." Kurtulmak remarked.
Kalith stumbled a little as he got up, I helped him get used to his legs before helping him down the stairs.
"Will you be okay?" I asked.
"Of course." He said. "There are other potential Warlocks out there, and for better or worse, we need them to awaken."
He left the Tower, and I waited for a few minutes, just in case someone else came by. The knock came just as I was about to head upstairs. "For fuck's sake..." I muttered as I opened the door. I didn't expect to see Tallyn.
"May I enter?" He asked.
I stepped aside and he walked in. Dressed in shining armor, proudly wearing the vestments of Bahamut, he looked at me coldly.
"Is your... master here?" He asked.
"Yes." I said. "Why?"
"I wish to speak with him." He stated, looking at the stairs. I sighed and gestured for him to follow me. "Is my being here an inconvenience?" He asked.
"The Sorcerers came by looking for power, Kurtulmak chased them off. We got our first Warlock not long after, you're the third person who's come by to see him."
"He chased the Sorcerers away?" He asked, he seemed surprised.
"He's not looking for minions. If they try again twice and they haven't figured out Kurtulmak actually does care about the Warren by then, he will kill them, because their ambition will endanger us at the worst possible time."
"Ruuk..." I looked at him. "Do you regret what you have done at all?"
"Do you?" I asked. I led him up the stairs, Kurtulmak was already waiting for us, spear in hand, pale yellow eyes glaring at Tallyn.
"Do you think you stand a chance, Paladin?" He asked. "I have not forgotten your actions."
Tallyn drew his sword, then handed it to me. "I did not come to antagonize." He said. "I have come to offer my limited service, as recompense for my actions."
"Don't even bother." Kurtulmak stated. "Accepting this would only lead you to resenting me more. You see me as one who has taken your brother away from you, who has lied to your God, who will lead your people astray." He walked toward Tallyn until he was face to face. "I would never accept the service of one who hates me. If you are truly sorrowful for your actions, you will renounce your God and accept me as your own."
"I would never." Tallyn hissed through gritted teeth.
"Then save your apologies for the ones you have wronged." Kurtulmak replied. "Starting with your brother."
Tallyn turned around, took his sword from me, and walked away. I heard the door to the Tower slam behind him.
"Did you have to antagonize him like that, Master?" I asked.
"Yes." He replied. "He is foolishly trying to reconcile his actions with his faith. He believes he was correct in punishing a traitor, his offer to me was nothing more than a means to quell his guilty conscience." Kurtulmak returned to his work on the armor. "Under less polite circumstances, I would have accepted and slowly corrupted him until he willingly consigned his soul to me. I told him exactly what he needed to hear."
"Given the opportunity to convert him, would you?" I asked.
"No." He replied. "Not only would it sour the deal I have with Bahamut, but it would also turn his followers against me even more. They are barely holding themselves back, even the mere notion that two of the miracles they experienced- indeed, the entire reason they were capable of revering him- was because I was feeling contrary that day." He looked at me. "Given the chance, would you?"
I shook my head. "No. But I would make him question his faith, force him to understand what it is he is looking for, and whether he is genuinely faithful, or simply struggling to reconcile with the pointless suffering we are dealing with."
"A good answer." He raised his hands up and began to chant an incantation. His eyes glowed with unfathomable power, the symbols on the armor began to glow, and then he lowered his hands. He picked up the armor, looked it over, then nodded before setting it aside and grabbing an unmarked one.
"Master, may I ask what you are doing?"
"Enchanting." He said. "I am creating a relatively rare magic armor that provides greater protection to the wearer. There is no way we will avoid combat, at some point, our enemies will grow impatient, and they will seek to kill us before long."
"So, it's like my armor?" I asked.
"No. The armor I gave you is a legend unto itself, a copy of the artifact that is mine. This will be less protective, but will still save lives."
"Is there any way I can help?" I asked.
"Not at present." He said. "You need to maintain your good image among the Warren, tomorrow, you will approach the Temple of Bahamut and request atonement. Say that, while you cannot forsake your vow to me, you wish to make amends. This will reduce tensions, will make you appear more reasonable and amenable to their desires, and will ensure that- when the time comes- they will leap to your defense, rather than risk their lives for a traitor."
"I will do as you command, Master." I replied.
He smiled. "I like you, Ruuk. You don't ask unnecessary questions. Now, you should go out there and lend your power to those who need it, you have a duty to your people, which is important for when you become their king."
"As you command, Master." I headed downstairs and stepped out into the town.
​
[Navigation for 'Dragon Rising'- [1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7] [8] [9] [10]]

Earlier today, AeroFanCEO#2213 and his "team" of self proclaimed "elite investigators" made bold accusations against Shiba&Co and attempted to suggest AirAlps and other airlines terminate their codeshares with ShibaFly SA. They claimed to have "Concrete evidence" that over 15 flights were faked, purely because they lacked an image, and Camcherta, ShibaFly's Owner, usually posts an image with her flights. The message I recieved involving Shiba&Co is below.
" Fraudulent Activities by Codeshare Partner Shiba&Co
From The ICAO Inspection Team TarunBeast, Sunrise4, Sunrise 6 and AeroFanCEO
To Air Alps TheJeremy#9894 & Icyy
We are writing to provide you with crucial information regarding your codeshare partner, Shiba&Co. Our investigation, conducted by the ICAO Inspection Team, has uncovered concrete evidence of fraudulent practices involving the falsification of codeshare flights. We have also learned that the chairman of Shiba&Co, Camcherta, shrewdly de-recognized her airline from the ICAO upon discovery of these activities. While this warning message does not imply any direct action from the ICAO or force you to terminate the partnership, we strongly advise you to carefully consider the implications of these findings. ⁠𝘼𝙞𝙧𝘼𝙡𝙥𝙨⁠. The investigation team found 15 FAKE FLIGHT LOGS. The discovery of Shiba&Co's fraudulent activities, and Camcherta's active involvement, is both alarming and concerning. We understand the significance of your partnership, but it is essential to prioritize the integrity and reputation of Air Alps. We urge you to thoroughly reassess your codeshare agreement, taking into account the risks these actions pose to your airline's image and the trust of your passengers. Transparency and decisive action will be crucial in navigating this challenging situation. Message by AeroFanCEO ICAO Administrator"
Not long after, Sierra Group was defending Shiba&Co, and quickly disproved ICAO's report. (https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/946451036321771630/1113733654687006720/Report_1.pdf)Funly enough, Camcherta also happens to be a moderator of this subreddit.
ICAO also seem to have said multiple transphobic slurs to Camcherta, which I can image would have been quite concerning to recieve. Cam responded with a petition(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/946451036321771630/1113734237804306503/ShibaCo_Petition.pdf) to force the investigation team to Apologise for their accusations and language, and a stern announcement, Following.
"

1. 📷 everyone 📷 Good morning all! As Shiba&Co flight 12 (SHB12/SX12) leaves Marseille for Alicante, cruising over the Mediterranean Sea, I'd like to take a moment to share a message and further news of urgency and significance; please read by! Yesterday noon, a group of ICAO administrators barged into the Virtual Airline Hangout server (of which we are recognised in) and began writing as such: The ICAO investigation team has diligently gathered and verified the evidence of Shiba&Co's fraudulent activities. This serves as a stark reminder that our industry must remain vigilant and committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity, honesty, and transparency. As an esteemed member of the aviation community, we implore you to stay informed and exercise caution in your business relationships. While this warning does not directly pertain to VAH, it serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining ethical practices and safeguarding the reputation of your airline. These shocking findings have left us astounded and deeply troubled. It is disheartening to discover that an airline would resort to such deceptive practices, undermining the trust and integrity that are fundamental to the aviation industry. Moreover, what is particularly alarming is the knowledge that the chairman of Shiba&Co, Camcherta, was heavily involved in perpetuating these malpractices. This "investigation" and ensuing claims did not have any evidence to support them, and we were at no point alerted that such an investigation was taking place as to be able to defend ourselves. The group followed by using harassment, sexism, racist and dehumanising language and slurs, even towards innocent spectators - and creating a DM hate group for Shiba&Co which I am currently the only member of. The current major concern is that the group published a report publicly in VAH and ICAO, in which:
   1. Zero evidence was given that we faked flights
   2. Zero defence from us was sought
   3. They have personally chosen to gamble their argument in an inappropriate tone
   4. The document uses inappropriate tone and consistency throughout
   5. Shiba&Co was given zero chance to defend ourselves
   6. A "conclusion" was drawn before the investigation began
   7. 15 flight log examples taken from our own ⁠flight-logs
   8. Such a course of action is grossly negligent - and the investigation was insufficient, as I thereafter found 15 pieces of evidence that the 15 flights had been done fully in a flight simulator. Additionally, the claims were certainly not backed up by evidence - therefore, we had 100% the right to refute the claims, given the lack of effort by the investigation team. Eventually the matter was transported to ICAO, where the final verdict was given: Shiba&Co has not conducted fraudulent flights. Seeking an apology, the team attempted to blame us for "extending" the matter, even claiming that we were "inferior beings" and supporting Nazism. I'm just going to be blunt here and say that the actions of the "investigation team" were purely disgusting. Thats the only word for it. Disgusting. They have breached several rules of conduct, created fear within the CRP community, defaced ICAO, shamed themselves, defamed Shiba&Co and made outright ridiculous childish behaviour part of CRP. ICAO and the SG have showed negligence on the matter, delaying the immediate ban of anyone who condones publicly any policy of the Nazi kind.
2. [19:39] As follows, Shiba&Co has launched a petition that demands:
   1. The investigators publicly apologise for every single misconduct
   2. The investigators are sanctioned
   3. Those at the sending end of racism and sexism are immediately banned
   4. ICAO implement proper rules for investigation
   5. Compensation is warranted to Shiba&Co for defamation
   6. To be entirely clear and transparent, Shiba&Co's policy has always been to fly and let fly. Our entire basis, foundation is to reject silly competition; set aside our differences; do what we love. And to be honest, I see no fun in copy-pasting and changing flight logs in a channel - and I think you'll agree. Our fights are done to the very degree of transparency; there are screenshots of departures, arrivals, wing views, cockpit views, complaining, swearing at A320s, sim crashes and all of that. It's what makes us, us. Note that this announcement mentions no name - this is because we, in fact, respect others and look up to our public image and portrayal. The final message here is that no matter how successful or unsuccessful one is, there will always be someone trying to fuck you up. You cannot always anything about them; but you can prepare, be honest to yourself and take responsibility. With that, the reports from ICAO and our petition I have attached under this message. If you wish to sign the petition, DM me or ask in ICAO or VAH. If you have questions or seek evidence, DM me or ask in VAH, not ICAO. Thank you, Camcherta Long live the Shiba Republic xo"

ICAO has since backed down.
They claimed Shiba&Co left ICAO after they made the accusations, which ICAO said raised suspicions. However, Sierra group agreed to derecognise themselves from ICAO a long time ago, a long time before the accusations were made. whether they knew this apon making the accusations is unknown, but why they thought ShibaFly left after the accusations were made is also unknown.
VAH's response follows. "
Announcement from the VAH Administration Team Following the events that happened earlier today, the VAH Administration team would like to say that we are absolutely disgusted by the messages sent from the 'ICAO investigation team'. I put it in quotes because the group of individuals who decided to go out against our members were not authorized by ICAO administrators, and the so-called investigation had no purpose. Shiba&Co is no longer in ICAO, meaning that the ICAO had no right to investigate Shiba&Co. Instead, the investigation led to an attempt to defame Shiba&Co, while also including transphobic comments from 2 of the members of the team. After realizing their mistake, they decided it was not their problem. We trust that ICAO will put in measures to ensure that no member of VAH would be treated like this. Here are the list of members who were included in this 'investigation'. We expect ICAO to ensure that they are held responsible for all of their actions. List: TarunBeast
AeroFanCEO
Humzah QE201
Sunrise4
Sunrise6
GreenWilson (Not include in list)"
I think Sunrise4's transphobia is unrelated to the accusations, however that is a different story, and I am still unsure about who said what, and where. I am writing what I am sure of.
VAH's Follow up announcement:
" Follow-up Announcement Since Shiba&Co brought this up in ICAO, 2 people on the list have continued their behaviour in ICAO. Before, I kept certain details hidden in privacy for the individuals, but here I don't see a need too. Sunrise4 and GreenWilson have been racist and transphobic to our members and our admin, and even went as far as supporting Hitler (I kid you not, it's in ICAO). Sunrise4 has been removed from his position of DSG, and GreenWilson is soon to be removed of his admin powers as well. The group of individuals above came to VAH to 'warn' us about how Shiba&Co were faking flights. Here, we now give a warning to all airlines, not just those in VAH or those just in ICAO, about these two members and their behaviour towards other. They continued to violate rules of ICAO, VAH, and fail to maintain basic rules of respect in general. Any airline that continues to let these individuals be without any warning or punishment for these actions are considered to be airlines that are allowing it. As for the previous announcement, I would like to say that Shiba&Co was completely innocent. While the inspection should not have happened in the first place, the members of the team stated that Shiba&Co was innocent on all charges, before that there mess was not their problem. We, as an admin team, will stand with Camcherta and Cactus, because no one should have to experience racist or transphobic words. We all have one thing in common, which is the enjoyment of flight simulators. No one should have their experience flying be ruined by things like this.

• Blade, owner of VAH"

SkyExpress's Response, By skrobl:
" Important Announcement The SKYexpress administration team would like to express its complete disapproval of the actions taken by some members of the ICAO administration team yesterday during their “investigation” of Shiba&Co. This “investigation” had this group of people looking into the airline’s server to determine if “fake flights” have been posted because screenshots of them weren’t attached. Even after proof was provided for all of them, they continued to doubt the integrity of the flights. At this point I must stress the fact that SHB had nothing to do with ICAO as it has been derecognised. This means that these people had no authority to question the airline’s practices, much less to write a “report” about it and proceed to call certain members of our community names no sane person would even think of. Since we support transparency, here is a list of all people involved in this predicament:

• GreenWilson (continues homophobic behaviour, admin to be removed)
• Sunrise4 (continues homophobic behaviour, admin removed)
• Sunrise 6
• Humzah
• TarunBeast
• AeroFanCEO

Please be aware of their activity and report anything suspicious to us. Thank you for your understanding. Signed, skrobl, Co-Owner"
Further updates will appear here in AirlineRP, Thank you. Please contact Icyy#5516 or Καμτσέρτα#8456 for any Questions.

Hello papaya fans! If I'm not wrong, McLaren's contract with Mercedes for the Power Unit expires next year (2024).
Trilemma (Like a dilemma, but with 3 choices): 1) Mercedes 1a) Team extends contract until 2025 and consider an other PU supply for 2026 onwards? 1b) Team extends contract for more years, being ready for the 2026 new PU with Mercedes?
2) Change PU supplier in 2025, considering partnership that will cover us for the PU changes?
Sorry for any english mistakes.

Energy & Civilization is a discussion on the historical and contemporary role of energy in shaping societies and cultures. As part of the 21st century, how will energy be produced, consumed, and transported to meet the growing demands while transitioning to energy sources that reduce carbon emissions.
The dialog should not focus on climate extremism from either side, but information and discussion should be challenging to both. 21st century issues include the following but are not exclusive in the sub.

• Population and Energy The current world population contributes around 25% of the CO2 into the atmosphere, even though over two billion people rely mostly on biofuels (wood, dung) and may live on less than the electricity used to operate a refrigerator.
• Power Density Civilization has advanced proportionality to the amount of energy generated with carbon-based fuels providing the densest energy (e.g., diesel, gasoline, natural gas) and nuclear providing the highest density. Renewable energies like wind and solar are growing in use but do not have the same density of carbon-based or nuclear fuels.
• Net Zero by 2050 There is growing concern that achieving Net Zero by 2050 cannot be achieved without dramatic changes to world population and the level of civilization. Transitioning to solely renewables as the primary energy source is not only challenging but opens new risks to the environment.
• Nuclear Power Fusion reactors are the holy grail of renewable power but remain out of reach so far in the 21st century. Fission reactors are used in many countries but the trend in the 21st century is downward for this power source.
• Hydrogen Power The universe runs on hydrogen as does our sun, but converting existing energy sources is required to make hydrogen. It is also difficult to contain in sufficient quantity and storage and transport of hydrogen has many risks.
• Electricity Generation & Use Electricity is the energy used for much of modern civilization. The 21st century has large demands for additional energy from Electric Vehicles (EV), electronics, and AI datacenters. Electricity is considered the best way to move away from carbon-based fuels, but usage of electricity does not meet all the demands of the 21st century.