#Fair Transport shipping and transport
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okay because I'm seeing some misinfo, here's the story on the Key Bridge collapse
What was the Key Bridge?
The Francis Scott Key Bridge (also called the Key Bridge, the Beltway Bridge, and the Outer Harbor Crossing) was steel-arch continuous-through-truss bridge spanning the Patapsco River south of the Baltimore Harbor. The bridge took 5 years to build and cost an estimated $145 million ($735 million in today's dollars). The full bridge project (including approaches) was 10.9 miles long, but the stretch over the Patapsco was 1.6 miles long and 4 lanes wide, and comprised a length of I-695, the Baltimore Beltway. It traveled between Hawkins Point and Dundalk, and in addition to the I-895 Harbor Tunnel was the primary way for Marylanders to cross from the Eastern Shore to the West. The bridge carried an estimated 11.5 million vehicles per year. There is a lane for ships to pass under the Key Bridge with enough clearance.
Was it structurally sound?
The bridge received its latest inspection in 2022 and received a 6/9 score, which is considered "fair" by federal standards. There was a concern with one of its columns, which was downgraded from a health index of 77.8 to 65.9, but it is not clear yet if this was one of the columns struck by the ship. In 1980 the bridge was struck by a different cargo ship which destroyed a concrete support structure, but the bridge itself was unharmed. There is as of yet no evidence that the bridge collapsed because of poor condition. Experts say the lesson to be learned is about the size and weight of modern cargo ships, and that the bridge was not to blame. Engineers have noted, however, that the bridge's piers lacked protective devices such as fenders.
What was the ship?
The MV Dali is a container ship flying the Singapore flag. It is owned by Grace Ocean Private Ltd. and operated by Synergy Marine Group Ltd. The ship is currently being chartered by Maersk, a Dutch shipping company. It was built in 2015 by Hyundai. The ship is 980 feet long and 157 feet wide. The ship's gross tonnage (its internal volume) is 95,128 tons (190,256,000 pounds). Its deadweight (the weight of cargo it can carry) is 116,851 tons (233,702,000 pounds). The ship was carrying 3,000 containers. The engine is a MAN-B&W 9S90ME putting out 41,480 kilowatts (55,626 horsepower).
Over its lifetime the Dali has been inspected 27 times, and only 2 faults were ever found. On June 27, 2023 the Dali was held in port in Chile due to an issue with the propulsion system. According to an inspector the pressure gauges on the heating system were "unreadable". The fault was fixed before the ship left port.
The Dali is crewed by 22 Indian nationals including 2 maritime pilots.
What happened?
The Dali arrived at the Port of Baltimore on March 23, 2024. At 12:44 AM on March 26, 2024 the Dali left port, beginning its journey to Colombo, Sri Lanka. At 01:26 AM the ship suffered a "complete blackout" and began to drift out of the shipping lane. It is not yet known what caused the electrical failure. The backup generator did not power the propulsion system. At around 01:26 AM the crew of the Dali sent a mayday distress call to the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) informing them of the loss of power and that a collision with the Key Bridge was possible. The anchors were dropped as an emergency measure to attempt to slow or stop the vessel. At the request of one of the pilots traffic flow over the bridge was immediately halted. Black smoke was seen coming from the Dali, which experts believe was the result of the crew managing to restart the power system to regain some maneuvering capability.
At 01:28 AM the Dali, traveling at 8 knots (considered to be a fast speed) collided with a support strut beneath the Key Bridge's metal truss at the southwest end of the bridge. A Baltimore resident said he heard the collision and that it "felt like an earthquake". Emergency teams began receiving 911 calls at 01:30 AM, and the Baltimore Police Department were alerted at 01:35 AM. One of the officers present radioed that he was going to go onto the bridge to alert the construction crew as soon as a second officer arrived, but the bridge collapsed seconds later.
What was the damage?
The Key Bridge has completely collapsed. The metal truss relies on structural tension from the bridge itself to maintain its rigidity. As soon as one of the support columns was destroyed, the rest of the bridge quickly followed.
The damage to the Dali is reported as minimal. The ship was impaled by the bridge's structure above the waterline, but has maintained watertight integrity. The crew has not reported any water contamination from its 1.8 million gallons of marine fuel. 13 containers carrying potentially hazardous material were damaged, and are being inspected by a team of Coast Guard divers. At least 5 vehicles including 3 passenger cars and a cement mixer were detected underwater, but authorities do not believe they were occupied
Who was hurt?
The crew of the Dali reports no casualties, except one crewmember who was hospitalized for minor injuries. There was a crew of 8 construction workers on the Key Bridge filling in potholes. 2 were immediately pulled from the water by rescue crews, with 1 being rushed to emergency care and the other reporting minor injuries and refusing treatment. The hospitalized worker has since been discharged. 1 of those rescued was Mexican. The remaining 6 remain missing. Of those 6, 2 have been identified:
Miguel Luna from El Salvador
Maynor Yassir Suazo Sandoval from Honduras
Of the remaining 4, 2 are Guatemalan nationals. Neither have been identified, but the Guatemalan Foreign Affairs Ministry has stated that they were a 26-year-old from San Luis, Petén, and a 35-year-old from Camotán, Chiquimula. The other 2 are presumed to be Mexican.
Rescue Efforts
The Coast Guard was immediately deployed for search-and-rescue operations. Military Blackhawk helicopters were seen over the river. Rescue efforts were ended at 07:30 PM on March 26, 2024 due to darkness, fog, and cold temperatures. Rear Admiral Shannon Gilreath said "Based on the length of time that we've gone in the search, the extensive search efforts that we put into it, the water temperature -- at this point, we do not believe that we're going to find any of these individuals still alive". Recovery operations resumed at 07:30 AM on March 27, 2024 with all 6 workers presumed dead.
No divers have yet entered the water underneath the bridge. Supervisory Special Agent Brian Hudson of the FBI's Underwater Search and Evidence Response Team said "the debris field is pretty sizable and I know that’s why they’re hesitant to send divers down because some of the debris is still shifting, the heavy weight of the rocks". The FBI has deployed Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs) equipped with cameras and SONAR.
Aftermath
At 05:08 AM on March 26, 2024 Transportation Secretary Pete Buttegiege posted on X (formerly Twitter):
"I’ve spoken with Gov. Moore and Mayor Scott to offer USDOT’s support following the vessel strike and collapse of the Francis Scott Key bridge. Rescue efforts remain underway and drivers in the Baltimore area should follow local responder guidance on detours and response."
At 07:30 AM on March 27, 2024 President of the Maryland State Senate Bill Ferguson posted on X (formerly Twitter):
"Over 15,000 in the Balt region rely on daily operations at Port of Baltimore to put food on the table. Today, with Del. @LukeClippinger and colleagues representing Port, we are drafting an emergency bill to provide for income replacement for workers impacted by this travesty."
At around 09:40 AM on March 26, 2024 Maryland Governor Wes Moore and Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott declared a State of Emergency to take effect at 10:30 AM March 26, 2024, and to last 30 days. Baltimore's Emergency Operations Plan was put into effect.
More than 1,000 personnel from the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) have been deployed to assist with clearing the debris and rebuilding efforts. President Joe Biden has pledged that the federal government will pay for the entire reconstruction of the bridge.
Jennifer Homendy, the chair of the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has recovered the Dali's data recorder, and will be inspecting both the Key Bridge and the Dali to determine the cause of the crash and the collapse. She says the investigation could take up to 2 years to complete.
Was it intentional?
According to William DelBagno, head of the FBI's Baltimore field office: "There is no specific or credible information to suggest there are ties to terrorism in this incident".
Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas said: "There are no indications this was an intentional act".
At least 3 people have been killed in accidents related to ships operated by Synergy in the past 6 years. In 2018 a person on board a Synergy ship in Australia was killed in an accident relating to the vessel's personnel elevator. In 2019 an officer aboard a Synergy vessel in Singapore fell overboard while performing maintenance. In 2023 at least one sailor was killed when a Synergy ship collided with a dredging ship in the Philippines. In the first two cases safety inspectors noted that proper safety procedures had not been adhered to.
Sources
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7
#atlas entry#this is still a developing story but all the information herein is accurate and current at time of publishing#baltimore#baltimore bridge collapse#francis scott key bridge#key bridge#I spent an hour collating all this info please give it a reblog
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11 with Poe? 🥺 💞
𝐒𝐄𝐄𝐃𝐒 𝐎𝐅 𝐋𝐎𝐕𝐄
a/n: this prompt with poe is so soft and warm it's actually melting my heart. i'm a massive sucker for someone taking care of the person they love in such a simple way like this. it's short and more of a drabble, but i really enjoyed bringing some softness to this man. i always seem to put him in angsty situations, so he deserves this.
summary: "he was with you. the person he longed to be around. who’s smile made him smile, and who’s laugh made him laugh. rather than looking for a quick escape, he found himself hoping that the mission would take even longer."
word count: 1k+
pairing: poe dameron x reader
warnings: not explicit, soft poe, flirting, fluffiness, poe dameron being hopelessly head over heels.
Squinting against the bright light of the sun, you traversed your way through the field, trying to catch up to the group ahead. It was a simple mission. Head out to a planet, find whoever was willing to trade shitty x-wing parts for something far better, and get back before dinner. Really it was more a quick vacation than anything else—a chance to get away from the chaos that your lives had become.
Poe shifted, checking to see exactly where you both had ended up in the hour you’d been walking. It’s not that you were lost. You were simply exploring. Or at least…that’s how Poe put it. You however had been keeping track of the different paths you’d taken, making sure to mark on your map where exactly you had to backtrack to get where you needed.
He sighed for the tenth time, scrubbing a hand down his face, his brows pulling together with frustration. It was clear that getting back to base before dinner wasn’t a possibility. Which meant you would have to find a place here amidst the greenery and gorgeous landscape.
You didn’t mind the idea much. However you couldn’t necessarily say the same for Poe.
“So where exactly are we?” you asked, trying to comprehend the bits and pieces of the foreign language. Growing up in the galaxy meant you knew more than your fair share, but sometimes it was hard to learn it all.
“Who the fuck knows,” he muttered, turning to look at yet another green hill. It looked identical to the last five you passed.
“It’s getting late.”
He nodded. “Think we can make it back to the ship tonight?”
There was a possibility of that happening if you turned back now, but you could see the sun begin its descent into the horizon, the day coming quickly to a close. The planet was known for housing less than lethal life forms, which made the idea of camping outside that much more appealing. You slept in a tiny bunk back at the base. Barely enough room to stretch out your legs before you hit the wall beside you—the open space around you felt like a damn gift compared to that.
“We should find a closed off area,” you suggested, remembering the many times you were forced to sleep outside whilst on a mission.
“Lead the way.”
He traipsed along behind you, eyes stuck to your surroundings in case of danger, and you didn’t do anything to interfere. You understood he wouldn’t feel safe sleeping on an unknown planet unless he was sure nothing bad was to happen. If he was alone he wouldn’t take precautions. But that was the difference. You stood beside him, untarnished by the tragedy of war. Beautiful like the summer flowers his mother used to pick on Yavin 4.
“The map says it shouldn’t be that much father,” you said in the hopes that it would offer some reprieve from how disappointing this whole mission was.
“That’s fine,” he mumbled, catching a glimpse of how the sunset enshrouded your face, creating a glow across you that nearly punched the breath from his lungs.
If he were with anyone else on this mission he would have been irritated. Beyond that probably. He could have seen himself trying to contact Leia from where you were, asking for a transport back, but he wasn’t with anyone else. He was with you. The person he longed to be around. Who’s smile made him smile, and who’s laugh made him laugh. Rather than looking for a quick escape, he found himself hoping that the mission would take even longer.
“I’m sorry about all this.” Poe felt his heart begin to sink, matching the movement of the sun. “I know it’s taking too much time. I swear I thought I read the map right.”
His pace faltered until he found himself stopping altogether, hand reaching for your arm to turn you. “Why are you apologizing?”
You sighed. “I just…I know how irritating all of this can be.”
“Sunshine—”
“And I know you have other important things to do for the Resistance.” You turned, running a hand across your forehead. “I could have asked Finn to come with me instead. Or anyone else. But I…I like…”
Poe stepped forward so quickly his boot nearly got caught on a small hole in the ground. “You like?”
Another long breath left you, eyes shifting up to finally catch him in your gaze. “I like your company.”
He felt the start of a smirk and tried to tamp it down, but there was no use. “My company huh?”
“Don’t get cocky flyboy. You’re not the worst person to be around.”
He was way past cocky at that point. Your words filled him with a warmth that sent his heart racing so hard it nearly stopped altogether. But you looked nervous. As if the words had been bottled up for so long you felt wary about heaven bringing them out into the open. You were unprepared for his smile, for his hand to reach out and pick a piece of grass out of your hair, only to use that to drag you even closer.
“I know I’m not,” he said softly, grunting when you lightly punched him in the chest. “Just been waiting for you to say it out loud.”
“You’re such a pain in the ass—” Tugging yourself away, you were ready to throw another meaningless curse at him, but Poe had solidified his plans long before you began to admit your feelings.
His lips caught yours in a kiss, effectively silencing you and stopping your movements. You felt a rush of dizziness go up to your head, a soft sound of contentment falling from your mouth into his. And Poe felt his entire being light up. Pulling you closer, he clutched at you tightly, hands sliding to your back and breath washing across your face.
“I’m glad I’m here with you,” he breathed against your cheek, nose nudging against yours—waiting eagerly for you to smile and pulling him back into a searing kiss he longed to drown in.
#poe dameron x reader#poe dameron x y/n#poe dameron x you#poe dameron fluff#poe dameron#star wars fic#my writing#in love with love weekend🌷
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Bad communication (Nightcrawler X FemReader)
Everything had gone well on the mission until Kurt's delicate landing in the Blackbird set fire to one of the abandoned barns near the mansion.
Hank was going to kill them.
Someone take away Kurt's permission to pilot ships please.
They were both trying to catch their breath. A couple of seconds more and both of them could have been trapped in the fire, but thanks to Kurt they managed to get out.
"First and last time I leave you behind the wheel Fuzzball" Y/N was leaning against the tree trying to gain posture.
"Look on the bright side, the mission was a success." Kurt's accent sounded thicker due to the lack of air. Y/N was going to say something but a crash interrupted her. The structure of the barn ended up collapsing on the remains of the Blackbird causing a loud noise.
"Let's blame Scott. He always destroys those things"
Kurt just nodded.
Y/N stood up and looked in the direction of the mansion, they were a little far away and they had no other means of transportation than walking, yes, Kurt could teleport them but the boy was exhausted so they had no choice but to walk back to home.
"Well... let's go, Azulito, there's still a long way to go" Y/N began to go down the hill, determined to get home as quickly as possible, Kurt followed closely behind her.
"What did you say? 'Azulito?' Well, my dear Y/N, how kind of you to give me a new nickname!" He smiled, appreciating the affectionate gesture.
"You needed a new nickname, and it suits you perfectly." She just shrugged her shoulders.
Kurt's heart skipped a beat at Y/N's compliment, a warm blush spreading across his cheeks. "Azulito…" he repeated, savoring the sound of his new nickname. "I must admit, it does have a rather charming ring to it." He shot Y/N a gracious smile.
"Thank you, my dear, for bestowing such a delightful moniker upon me. I shall treasure it like a precious gem."
"The pleasure is mine," Y/N responded mockingly, imitating an English accent followed by a small bow straight out of a Jane Austen movie.
Kurt couldn't help but smile at Y/N's attempt at a charming English accent. He laughed softly, completely amused.
"Ah, Y/N, you really have a talent for mimicry!" he exclaimed, playfully feigning fainting. "Your attempts at a stately English accent are quite endearing. Are you preparing to play the role of the damsel in distress, perhaps?"
"I'm not a damsel in distress Kurt, that position is yours. I always end up saving you." She winked at him.
Kurt couldn't help but burst into laughter at Y/N's spirited banter. He feigned a wounded look, placing a hand over his heart.
"Ah, Y/N, your words wound me! To be accused of being the damsel in distress, when I am clearly the suave and debonair hero of our adventures," he protested theatrically.
"I'll have you know, my dear, that I have saved your fair self more times than I can count." He smirked playfully, a glimmer of mischief in his eyes.
She squeezed his cheek lovingly "Of course you're a hero, you're my favorite hero Krut."
A soft chuckle escaped Kurt's lips, his cheeks flushed with warmth from Y/N's affectionate gesture. He leaned a bit closer, his eyes twinkling.
"And you're my favorite damsel, Y/-darling," he replied, emphasizing the newfound nickname with a charming smile. He gently reached out to tuck a lock of hair behind Y/N's ear, his touch tender and reverent. "Your beauty and bravery make me feel like the luckiest hero in all the realms."
Kurt's words made Y/N feel something strange in her heart, she felt a warmth inside her.
She always knew what to say and now it seemed like her brain had short-circuited, she couldn't answer anything and just babbled.
Kurt watched her reaction with a mixture of amusement and affection. He could tell her words had affected her deeply, and he couldn't resist teasing her further. Closing the remaining gap between them, he gently cupped Y/N's chin, his thumb gently tracing her jawline.
"Have I rendered you speechless, my lovely damsel?" he whispered teasingly, his voice dripping with warmth. "I must admit, I rather like this flustered state you've found yourself in. It's quite endearing."
How frustrating it was! She couldn't speak and now Kurt was making fun of her! That little blue goblin was going to pay for it! Without thinking, he grabbed Kurt's tail and gave it a little tug, enough to take him without warning but without hurting him.
Kurt's eyes widened with surprise as Y/N seized his tail and gave it a sudden tug. He let out a sharp squeak, caught off guard by his quick move. His expression shifted from astonishment to playful indignation, a hint of a smile tugging at the corner of his lips. He intended to stumble, clutching at his heart as if wounded.
"Alas, a treacherous trick!" he dramatically declared, his voice laced with mock despair. "My tail has been betrayed by its own damsel in distress!"
"That happens when you make fun of me." She crossed her arms over her chest, feigning indignation while sticking out her tongue.
Kurt couldn't help but burst into laughter at Y/N's feigned indignation. He held his tail protectively, pretending to pout.
"Ah, you've wounded me, my fiery friend. Not only my tail, but my heart too!" He feigned a heartbroken expression, pressing a hand to his chest. "But I must admit, the sound of your laughter and the sight of your adorable teasing make me forgive you easily."
Y/N understood, she liked Kurt but she was too cowardly to do or say anything. So she was only content with their friendship, if that was the only way to have him close to her and to have a space in Kurt's heart.
She loved spending time with him, no matter if it meant getting into trouble or making jokes. She wasn't a fan of making jokes but Kurt loved them and she loved Kurt.
Kurt picked up on Y/N's internal conflict, sensing her unspoken emotions. He understood her feelings all too well, for he harbored a deep affection for her too. Yet, like her, he also hesitated to express his true feelings. He had his own reasons for keeping his emotions in check, fearing that revealing them might jeopardize their dear friendship.
Kurt loved the time they spent together, treasured their laughter and shared adventures. But he also yearned for more, to open his heart and voice the profound feelings that resided within. Yet he, too, was held back by a certain cowardice.
The rest of the way was silent and somewhat tortuous. Y/N wanted to hit her head, she ruined the conversation in just a second and now she didn't know how to continue the conversation, for a moment the floor looked more interesting.
Kurt's lighthearted teasing and laughter faded as he picked up on Y/N's internal turmoil. The silence that settled between them grew increasingly uncomfortable, the weight of unspoken emotions hanging heavily in the air. He glanced at Y/N, noting her distant gaze fixed on the ground.
Curiosity and concern compelled him to break the silence. "Y/N," he began softly, his voice tender and caring. "Is everything alright?"
"Eh?" She looked very distracted. "Yeah, sure, everything's fine." She gave him a small smile. "I'm just a little tired, I guess burning barns by accident is more tiring than it looks."
Kurt's concern deepened as she dismissed her feelings with a small smile. He noticed the tiredness in her eyes and the forced cheerfulness in her voice. He gently placed a hand on her shoulder, his voice soft and soothing.
"You don't look alright, my dear friend. Something seems to be troubling you." He leaned in a bit closer, his eyes filled with genuine warmth. "If there's anything you'd like to talk about, I'm here to listen. I hope you know that you can confide in me."
'Dear friend'. God how she hated that word, she didn't want to be his friend, she wanted to just be his darling! Is it too much to ask!
"Thanks Kurt, but I'm just tired" No Kurt! I'm not okay at all! But she decided to bite the inside of her cheek and continue on her way.
Kurt's eyes softened as he caught the subtle longing in Y/N's eyes, a hint of her true feelings beneath her guarded exterior. He wanted to reassure her, to tell her that she was more than just a friend to him. Yet, the words died on his lips, replaced by a warm smile.
"Alright" he finally replied, his voice tinged with a hint of unspoken affection. "If you ever feel like sharing, know that my ears and heart are always yours."
She truly wished that his heart was only for her, but it seemed like a cruel joke and Kurt didn't even notice it; those words caused her pain rather than encouraging her.
"It's not that big of a deal Kurt, that smoke is already taking effect" She laughed "Maybe a bath will take away the discomfort" she tried to calm him down and evade the situation.
As soon as they arrived at the mansion, Y/N said goodbye to Kurt and practically ran to her room without letting Kurt speak.
Kurt watched her run off to her room, his heart heavy with the unspoken words that lingered between them. He longed to tell her the truth, to reveal the depth of his affection, but as always, he hesitated. Instead, he simply nodded and watched her go.
"See you later," he murmured softly, his voice tinged with a hint of sadness and longing. With a deep sigh, he turned and made his way back to his own room.
On the way to his room Kurt ran into Rogue.
"Wow Fuzzball, what happened to you, why the sad face?"
Kurt turned his head to see Rogue approaching him with a concerned expression. He masked his disappointment and sadness with a small smile, feigning a cheerful tone.
"Oh, Rogue" he greeted her, his voice laced with a hint of forced optimism. "Sad face? Ah, it's nothing. Just tired after a long day of… hero duties." He shrugged nonchalantly, not wanting to burden her with his emotional turmoil.
"Hero duties? What are you talking about?" Rogue approached her brother "I know you very well Kurt Wagner, I know something is not right with you, come on! You know you can tell your sister anything"
Kurt's smile wavered, his facade cracking as Rogue's concern grew. He let out a weary sigh, realizing that his attempt to deceive her had failed.
"Ah, Rogue," he finally conceded. "You know me too well, sister. I… I am burdened with emotions I can't quite understand. Longing, frustration, and a deep ache in my heart. And yet, I fear to voice these feelings, for they may change everything."
Rogue invited Kurt to sit next to her. "Looks like this is going to take some time. Luckily I have all the time in the world for you, Sugar. Come on, tell me what's bothering you."
Kurt complied, taking a seat next to Rogue. He took a deep breath, releasing a weary sigh.
"It's Y/N," he confessed softly. "I find myself deeply in love with her. The warmth of her laughter, the brightness of her smile, it all fills my heart with a longing I cannot deny." He paused, a flicker of fear crossing his features. "But I hesitate to reveal my feelings, fearing the potential consequences on our friendship."
Rogue couldn't hide her happiness and jumped off the couch "Y/N! You like her!? I knew it!"
Kurt's eyes widened in surprise, a mixture of amusement and unease at Rogue's enthusiastic reaction.
"Ah, sister, please control yourself!" He tried to feign a stern tone, though a soft laugh escaped his lips. "But yes, I find myself enamored with Y/N's charm, her kindness, her everything. However, admitting these feelings feels both exciting and terrifying."
His sister approached and took him by the shoulders, practically moving him almost like a rag doll. "She has to know, brother, why haven't you told her?"
Kurt allowed himself to be moved around by his sister, a sheepish smile on his face.
"Well…" he began, his voice soft and pensive. "I've been hesitant, unsure of how she might react. I cherish our friendship above all, and I fear that expressing my feelings might disrupt the delicate balance between us. The thought of jeopardizing what we have is… daunting."
"Are you kidding?! Kurt, she loves you!" Rogue was definitely into this "Everyone knows, she's dying for you!
"That's true," Gambit's voice sounded from the hallway. "Come on man, you have to tell her."
Kurt couldn't help but chuckle at Gambit's interjection, though his eyes widened at Rogue's revelation.
"Everyone knows?" he echoed softly, a flicker of hope mingling with disbelief. "Could it be that Y/N returns my affection? The idea makes my heart swell."
He took a deep breath, his gaze lingering on Gambit's knowing expression. "Perhaps you two are right. I must find the courage to express my feelings to Y/N. But…" A hint of hesitation clouded his eyes.
"No buts" Gambit approached Kurt putting his arm over his shoulder "If you want to have the lady you will have to overcome your fear, do you want her to end up in someone else's arms?"
Kurt's expression darkened at the thought of Y/N being with someone else. A surge of possessive protectiveness welled within him.
"No, I do not," he replied firmly. "I cannot bear the thought of her being with another. I must find the courage to tell her how I feel."
He straightened his shoulders, a newfound determination in his eyes.
His brother-in-law gave him a few small pats on the chest. "Well said, now go get her tiger."
"Do you know where she is now Kurt?" Rogue's voice stopped them "You'll need a plan"
Kurt pondered Rogue's question for a moment. "I believe Y/N went to wash up in her room. She seemed tired and overwhelmed, but I couldn't quite discern the cause of her affliction." He scratched his chin thoughtfully. "Perhaps I should take some time to prepare, gather my thoughts and emotions, before I confront her. After all, I want every word to be perfect when I finally confess my feelings to her."
"We'll help you," Gambit offered. "You'll learn from the best teacher."
Rogue punched him in the stomach jokingly.
"I don't think you're the best one for that Sugar, why don't you let me talk to Y/N? We're friends, I can get information about you Kurt"
Kurt grinned at the playful exchange between Gambit and Rogue, appreciating their willingness to help. "Ah, my dear sister, your support means the world to me," he thanked them with a chuckle. "Gambit, while I appreciate the offer to learn from the 'best teacher', I believe that Rogue is the perfect person to gather information about Y/N. Your friendship with her will make it easier, and your understanding of women's hearts is unparalleled."
"Leave it to me, is there anything I should ask specifically?"
Kurt considered the question for a moment, his expression warm.
"First and foremost, find out whether Y/N harbors affections for me. Then, if she does indeed reciprocate my feelings, I want to know how deeply this affection runs, if she would consider a romantic relationship with me." He took a steadying breath, adding with a hopeful gleam in his eyes, "And if she does love me, inquire about her favorite flowers and romantic gestures. I wish to make my declaration of love truly unforgettable."
"Noted" Rogue got up from the chair as she walked out into the hallway "I'm going to go see Y/N, in the meantime you should calm down Kurt, you look worse than a nervous Chihuhua. Everything is going to be fine you'll see. Who knows, maybe Y/N will soon become a my sister in law"
Kurt chuckled softly at Rogue's playful remarks as she left to go find Y/N. He leaned back on the couch, taking a moment to steady his nerves.
"Perhaps she is not far away from the truth," he murmured under his breath, a flicker of anticipation and excitement stirring within him. He couldn't help but hope that Rogue's words would come true, that Y/N would someday become a part of his family. And he was determined to do everything in his power to make it happen.
Rogue arrived at Y/N's room and knocked on the door hoping that she would be in the room, otherwise she would have to look for her in every corner of the mansion.
"Rogue? What happened?" Y/N opened the door, Kurt was indeed right, she had just gotten out of the shower.
"Nothing, I just wanted to talk to you for a while. You know, a girls' night."
"Sounds good" Y/N said with a smile and giving her friend space to enter.
As Rogue entered Y/N's room, a mischievous grin played on her lips. She took in Y/N's appearance, noting the fresh scent of soap clinging to her friend's skin and the way her damp hair clung to her neck.
"Ah, it seems my timing was impeccable," Rogue remarked with a chuckle, closing the door behind her. She took a seat on the edge of Y/N's bed, stretching her legs out comfortably.
"Yes, it's been a while since we've had an afternoon together." Cenitt fell onto her bed next to Rogue. "How have you been? How have things been between you and Gambit?"
Rogue's smile widened knowingly as she reclined on Cenitt's bed. Her friendship with her friend allowed her to feel truly comfortable.
"Ah, Gambit and I are doing just fine," she replied, a spark of mischief in her eyes. "But let's leave aside the talk of my love life for now. I'm more interested in yours, Sugar."
"Mine?" Y/N lifted her upper body carrying her weight on her elbows. She could notice Rogue's mischievous look.
Rogue nodded, her eyes twinkling with intrigue.
"Indeed, yours. I'm curious to know what's been happening in the romantic realm of your life."
She leaned closer, her smirk widening. "Has a certain blue, furry mutant piqued your interest lately?"
"You speak of Beast?" Y/N was pretending not to know what Rogue was talking about. "Don't get me wrong, but don't you think Hank is a little too old for me?" she was trying not to laugh
Rogue chuckled at her friend's attempt to play coy.
"You know very well, Sugar, that Hank is not the object of my curiosity," she teased, her eyes gleaming. "I was referring to a certain mutant with a tail and a penchant for teleporting. A certain Nightcrawler, perhaps?"
"I've never heard of him. Is he new?" She was definitely playing with Rogue, trying to evade reality. She slowly get out of bed with clear intentions to flee.
As Y/N attempted to make her escape, Rogue's reflexes were quick. She darted forward, gently tugging her back onto the bed.
"Oh no, you're not escaping that easily, my dear friend," she teased, pinning Y/N down with a soft but firm hold. "We're going to talk about Kurt and your feelings for him."
Y/N ended up under Rogue, she held her without moving on the mattress "I have nothing to say, you won't make me talk" she tried to squirm.
Rogue kept Y/N pinned with a mischievous grin. "Oh, come now," she teased, her grip tightening. "You don't think I don't know how you look at him? The way your eyes light up whenever he enters the room. The way your breath catches in your throat when he smiles at you. You can fool others, but you can't fool me."
"Am I really that obvious when I see him?"
Rogue nodded, a knowing smirk on her lips.
"Oh Sugar, your feelings for Kurt are written all over your face. It's impossible to miss the way you look at him. Your eyes follow his every move, and your heart skips a beat when he's near."
She released her grip, allowing Y/N to sit up as she continued speaking. "But the real question is, does he know how you feel? Does he know the depth of your affection?"
Y/N looked at Rogue sadly "No, he doesn't know" her voice sounded very sad and almost like a sigh.
Rogue's expression softened at Y/N's answer. "Ah, why haven't you told him how you feel?" she gently asked, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder. "It's clear to me that your affection for Kurt is genuine. Why the hesitation?"
"Because your brother doesn't love me, at least not that way. I've seen how Kurt treats other people and believe me, there isn't much difference in how he looks at me and how he looks at the rest of the team." She sat up, leaning her back against the headboard while hugging her knees. "He doesn't love me. Rogue."
Rogue gently shook her head, a sympathetic smile playing on her lips. "Sugar, you couldn't be more wrong," she said softly, putting her arm around Y/N in a comforting but firm hold. "Kurt's affection for you is different. There's a warmth, a depth of feeling that he doesn't show towards others. He may not have expressed it yet, but he loves you. I can see it and I know it."
"You're only saying that because you're my friend Rogue, Kurt likes pretty girls like Amanda or Wanda, not simple girls like me. He deserves to be with someone like them."
Rogue's expression turned firm yet compassionate. She gently turned Y/N to face her, holding her friend's gaze earnestly.
"Listen to me, Y/N. You are not 'simple'. You're intelligent, kind, beautiful in your own way. Don't underestimate yourself or underestimate Kurt's capacity to see the beauty within you. And trust me, he does see it. I wouldn't lie to you about something like this."
"How do you know? How do you know he's not lying?" Y/N looked at her eagerly awaiting her response.
Rogue met Y/N's eyes with a steady, sincere expression.
"Because I've seen the way Kurt looks at you when he thinks no one is watching. There's a depth to his gaze, a longing in his expression that he simply can't fake. When he gazes at you, his eyes light up as if he's looking at a treasure he can't quite touch. I've never seen him look at anyone the way he looks at you."
"So… do you think I have a chance?" The color seemed to return to Y/N's face. "Do you think Kurt wants to be with me?"
Rogue chuckled softly, a mixture of amusement and affection in her voice. "Sugar, if there's one thing I know for certain, it's that Kurt Wagner would be a fool not to want to be with you. You have a chance, and not just any chance - a great one. Trust me, he's just struggling with his own insecurities, but deep down, he feels the same for you."
"And what should I do?" At one point she felt like she was going to hyperventilate. "What if I tell him and ruin it? You know I get very nervous being with him."
She thought for a moment before agreeing with Rogue. "Yes, you're right. I'm going to tell him." She got up from the bed and walked out the door, leaving Rogue confused by the change in attitude.
Not two seconds passed when Y/N came back through the door.
"I better tell him later"
Rogue got up from the bed and grabbed her by the shoulders. "No, no way. You'll go right now and tell him what you feel." She turned her around as he pushed her toward the door. "The both of you are like a pair of love-struck teenagers."
"Well, tell me what he likes. You're his sister, you know what he likes." Y/N began pacing back and forth in front of her. "Maybe I can prepare his favorite food."
Rogue rubbed her chin thoughtfully, a smirk playing on her lips. "Ah, Kurt has a weakness for good food. He does have a sweet tooth, and anything involving chocolate usually puts a smile on his face." She chuckled softly, then added with a mischievous glint in her eyes, "And speaking of things that make him smile... don't forget, he's a gentleman at heart. Acts of kindness and thoughtfulness mean a lot to him, especially from those he cares about. Just remember, my friend, be yourself, be genuine."
"I'll make Kurt a chocolate cake, maybe I can get a German recipe." Y/N took out his cell phone and started searching for recipes on the internet. "I can get the ingredients and maybe write him a letter. And, Since you're so interested in my romantic life, are you going to help me with the cake" Y/N took Rogue by the hand and together they left the room laughing on their way to the kitchen without seeing that Gambit and Kurt were behind them.
Rogue shared a secret smile with Y/N as they made their way to the kitchen. She had no idea of the duo following behind them. As they entered the kitchen, Kurt and Gambit silently crept closer, their curiosity piqued.
Gambit whispered to Kurt, who seemed on the verge of panicking. "Easy there, mon ami," he said, trying to maintain his cool composure. "Rogue and Y/N don't know we're here. Let's just see what happens, alright?"
Y/N was finishing measuring the flour when someone entered the kitchen and greeted the two girls. He was the new boy, he had not long arrived at the mansion, he began to talk to the girls, paying special attention to Y/N.
"Oh that's not good" Gambit said quietly turning to look at Kurt.
Kurt's eyes widened as he watched the newcomer's attention on Y/N He glanced over at Gambit, a mixture of anger and jealousy evident in his expression.
"No, it's not good," he hissed through clenched teeth. "I know that look. He's eyeing Y/N!"
Y/N didn't realize the boy's intentions and was just being nice to him. She was more interested in the cake for Kurt but Rogue was beginning to doubt the boy's actions. At one point the boy was very close to Y/N.
As the boy came closer to Y/N and leaned in an all too familiar way, Rogue's protective instincts kicked in, her eyes narrowing.
"Hey, buddy, you're getting a bit too close to my friend there," she interjected, her voice tinged with warning. "Maybe dial back the charm a bit."
Rogue's response calmed Kurt but left Y/N confused. "Come on Rogue, he is just being nice, right?" She looked the boy straight in the eyes.
The newcomer, emboldened by Y/N's naive response, smirked and leaned even closer, his intentions becoming quite clear.
"Nah, Rogue's just jealous of our chemistry," he said, his tone oozing with false confidence. "We have a connection, don't we, sweetheart?" He reached out to touch Y/N's hand.
Y/N tensed when she felt the boy's hand on her and it was worse when he pulled her to his side.
and Kurt didn't like that
"Okay, enough. Hit him." Gambit moved from the door, letting Kurt pass.
Kurt, filled with a mix of protectiveness and anger, stormed into the kitchen without hesitation. His gaze landed on the newcomer, and before anyone could utter a word, Kurt's fist flew straight into the boy's face, sending him stumbling back.
"Hands off," Kurt growled, "Y/N is not a toy for you to play with."
"Kurt!" Y/N expected anything but this, she had never seen Kurt so upset, but it didn't stop her from moving away from the boy.
Kurt's eyes met Y/N's, the intensity of his gaze softened as he realized his reaction might have startled her. He took a deep breath, trying to compose himself.
"I'm sorry, Y/N," he muttered, his voice laced with a mix of frustration and regret. "I couldn't stand the thought of that guy touching you or disrespecting you. I acted before I thought."
"Don't worry Kurt, I'm fine" Y/N gave him a small smile to reassure him "Your hand…" She reached out to take his hand in hers but she was shaking.
"I think it's better that we go somewhere else" Rogue was upset.
Kurt's expression softened at Y/N's concern for his hand. He glanced down at his bruised knuckles, a small grimace on his face.
"It's alright, Y/N. Just a bit of bruising," he muttered, his tone a mix of annoyance and resignation.
As Rogue spoke up, Kurt turned his attention to her. Recognizing the tension in her voice, he nodded in agreement.
"Yes, let's leave this place."
Everyone left the kitchen in silence, they chose to go to one of the rooms on the second floor, at that time there was no one in that part. All the way Kurt didn't let go of Y/Ns hand. Once they arrived, Rogue went to the bathroom to look for a first aid kit.
"You have blood on your hand Kurt." Y/N caressed her knuckles.
As Y/N gently caressed his knuckles, Kurt couldn't help but cringe slightly at the sight of the blood.
"Oh, don't worry about that," he muttered, a hint of pain in his voice. "It's nothing serious. These hands have been through worse. A little blood doesn't phase me."
Despite his dismissive words, Kurt secretly appreciated Y/N's concern for his injury.
Y/N took the first aid kit that Rogue brought "Can I?"
I take out a couple of gauze and bandages.
Kurt was going to refuse but out of the corner of his eye he saw Gambit moving for him to accept the offer, giving him a thumbs up.
"This is your chance" Gambit was trying to tell him, Rogue understood what Gambit was implying and followed Gambit's plan.
"We'll go make sure we haven't gotten into trouble."
Kurt hesitated for a moment, feeling slightly self-conscious about the attention. However, taking a deep breath, he decided to accept Y/N's offer. "Well, fine… If you insist," he said with a hint of reluctance, trying to sound indifferent. As he extended his injured hand towards Y/N, he shot a subtle glance at Gambit and Rogue, silently acknowledging their plan.
"Tell me if it hurts." Y/N began to carefully clean Kurt's hand. "Thank you... Kurt"
Kurt watched quietly as Y/N tended to his injured hand with gentle care. He winced slightly as the cloth touched the wounded area, but a small smile tugged at the corners of his lips. "It's alright," he muttered softly. "I've suffered worse. Besides, I would do it again to keep you away from that disrespectful fool."
"I'm not going to lie to you, that boy scared me a little. I didn't think he would try something like that."
Y/N was finishing cleaning the wound "But I guess I have the best hero on my side"
Kurt smiled slightly at Y/N's words, feeling a mixture of pride and humility in his heart. He could feel a tinge of blush on his cheeks, but he tried to suppress it, keeping a composed expression on his face.
"Ah, you flatter me too much, my dear friend," he replied with a hint of humility. "I'm just doing what any true friend would do. Protecting you from those who don't deserve your kindness."
Y/N couldn't help but feel a pain in her heart when she heard Kurt call her friend. Rogue was wrong, Kurt was just being nice to her.
"Yes… It's good that you're my friend" She said, turning to look at his bandaged hand.
As Y/N grew silent and tears threatened to spill from her eyes, Kurt gently reached out to cup her chin, tilting her face gently to look at him. His gaze held a deep affection and sincerity as he spoke softly.
"Y/N, please don't feel like you have to say anything. I just wanted you to know that my feelings for you run deeper than mere friendship." He spoke with a gentle vulnerability, his words holding a genuine love for her.
"Please stop" Her voice sounded so broken
"Don't play with my feelings Kurt."
Kurt's heart sank as he heard Y/Ns broken voice, her pain evident in her pleading words. "No, no, Y/N." He rushed to reassure her, pulling her into a gentle embrace, "I would never play with your feelings. You mean too much to me for that. My words come from the deepest depths of my heart. I care for you deeply, and my love for you is -"
Y/N looked at Kurt interrupting him "I like you Kurt"
Kurt's heart leaped in his chest as Y/N confessed her feelings for him.
He gently brushed away her tears with his bandaged hand, a tender smile on his face.
"Y/N," he whispered softly, "I feel the same way. My heart has known for a while, and now my mind understands it too. I like you, Y/N… No, it's more than 'like.' "I love you."
"I love you too..." She hugged him "Why you never said anything?"
Kurt wrapped his arms around Y/N, encircling her in a tight hug. As he held her close, he let out a soft chuckle. "I suppose... I was afraid." He admitted quietly, his voice tinged with a mix of vulnerability and contentment. "Afraid of ruining the friendship we had, and of jeopardizing something so precious. But... I can no longer deny the depth of my feelings for you. It's become too powerful to ignore."
"We both think the same thing, I liked you from the first day I met you but I was very afraid to get close and when you offered me your friendship I knew that I didn't want to be far from you, I accepted it but I always wanted to be something more"
Kurt listened intently to Y/Ns words, his heart swelling with a mix of joy and regret. He gently cupped her face between his hands, his touch both tender and filled with passion. "We were both fools," he whispered, a hint of self-deprecation mingling with his affection. "All this time, we've been yearning for something that was right in front of us. But now... now that we've confessed our love, we can finally make up for lost time."
"I would love that" She looked at him lovingly and rested her head on his shoulder.
Kurt's eyes sparkled with affection as Y/N rested her head on his shoulder. Softly wrapping his arm around her, he gently squeezed her closer, relishing the closeness they now shared. "Then it's settled," he whispered, his voice filled with adoration. "From now on, we'll cherish every moment we spend together. No more hiding our feelings or fearing what could have been. We'll love each other openly and passionately, just the way it was always meant to be."
"I told you they ended up together" "We already know that, everyone in the mansion knew it except them" Gambit and Rogue were leaning against the door listening to the conversation between Kurt and Y/N
Kurt's cheeks flushed a deep shade of crimson as he heard Gambit's teasing remark. He had completely forgotten that they were listening in on their heartfelt confessions. With a sheepish grin, Kurt turned his head towards the door, locking eyes with Gambit and Rogue. "Oh, come on," he groaned, a mix of embarrassment and amusement in his voice. "You didn't have to eavesdrop on our private moment, you two."
Gambit chuckled, a mischievous twinkle in his eyes. "Well, what can I say? We couldn't resist witnessing this long-overdue romance unfold." He shared a knowing glance with Rogue, both of them smiling at Kurt and Y/N's newfound relationship.
"Azulito = Bluey in spanish"
#kurt wagner#nightcrawler#x men 97#kurt wagner x reader#xmen#comics#nightcrawler x reader#nightcrawler xmen
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"We did it, but others told us to."
We thought it would be fun. Wars were always a civilized business after all. It was supposed to be grand, sweeping, and romantic. Two armies would clash, there would be lots of daring do, and once this grand conflict was over that was that. You didn't hold a grudge. It was a relief from the boredom of jobs at home. You got done, shook hands, picked up the dead, and that was that. We didn't have a quarrel with the other male, this was between our bosses, see? It's the way of things. We challenge a dominant power to see who is better.
We were just following orders.
We took their Jupiter bases and wondered what all the hubbub was about further inward. Something about the targets we hit. I didn't understand. Sure the bases didn't have any weapons, but this was war. We were doing our jobs.
They opened up on us at the asteroid belt, with hundred megawatt transportation lasers and mass drivers. We didn't expect that. This was supposed to be civilized! They made us fight our way through the belt, forcing us to lose ten fighters for every kilometer of space. They were using civilian equipment against us! Those lasers were for high speed transportation, those mass drivers for cargo delivery! Why did they not use proper warships? We were just doing our jobs.
The Martian colony, here we thought would be the great decisive battle. They threw dozens of ships against us. They used their megawatt lasers and mass drivers. Their reaction drives burned out anything that got close. They screamed their hate at us and we didn't understand. We were just doing our jobs.
We dropped bombs on their colonies, we seized their stations. We took them fair and square. But they were savage. Our troops landed and they were gunned down by heavy machine guns. Machine guns designed hundreds of years ago! And their designs had stayed the same. Their rifles and tanks were certainly different, but that machine gun, that Browning, had stayed the same. And they screamed at us. They called in close air support, they planted mines, they did everything they could to bleed us dry. We destroyed what the officers said to. We blew up domes. We destroyed train lines. Even those that had nothing to do with the war effort. So what? What's that got to do with us? We did it, but others ordered us to. And isn't it our right as conquerers? We were just doing our jobs.
Their anger only grew worse. As we moved, they continued to throw everything they had at us. Soldiers sacrificed themselves so their fellows could retreat in good order. They did those kamikaze runs they are so proud of. And the prisoners were angry. We gave them supplies, and still they cursed us. We tried to be nice, to compliment them on their skills, and they were silent. They called it "interrogation". We called it friendly chats.
"Why do you force us to destroy so much expensive material? Damage to private property is very uncouth, you know! It's very expensive!"
"You bombed civilian targets!" The fighter pilot snapped at us, "What the fuck are you talking about?"
"Your people use private machinery rather than weapons to fight us! Well you do both, but that's beside the point!"
"We didn't hide troops in civilian domes!" The pilot shouted.
"That was what we were ordered to do. It was not my doing. The commanders simply felt a show of force was necessary."
"Necessary?! You son of a--!" We had to restrain her then.
"What inspires this loyalty?" I demanded, "You fight as though more depends on you than your life! What demands such high sacrifices?"
"If it means beating baby killers!" She snarled, her head pinned by one of my soldiers. She managed to move it, "We'll throw everything we've got at you! Someday we'll defeat you! And then you'll see who's laughing!"
I was flummoxed. "Why do you do this? Why do you fight so hard? You're only doing your job!"
She seemed confused by that. "Of course I am!"
I knelt down to where three of my soldiers held her, "Yes! So why fight so hard? Why do you defy us like this? Why do you make us kill and destroy private property?"
She seemed baffled. "What do you mean? I fight because I'm part of the UN Defense Force! Why else?"
"But you don't need to fight this hard. We fight, one of us loses, we shake hands! That's war!"
She looked befuddled, "The fuck is wrong with you, *bug*? What kinda war is that? Sounds like a slapfight!"
I tried to dumb it down for her. "You plant mines. You set traps. You crash your ships into ours. What kind of war is that? What inspires this loyalty, this desire to sacrifice so much? You are but an employee of your masters. They demand no less than you doing your job, and no more. You do not need to go beyond!"
She confusedly said, "Because that's war, idiot."
By the time we reached the lunar perimeter, our force was battered beyond belief. Forces were still fighting over Mars, and the Mercury and Venus attacks had been blunted. We finally encountered their war fleet. Many of the ships were barely finished. They had been pulled out of the dock yards still with workers aboard. Why was that? Our leader hailed their fleet admiral. He congratulated them for their clever tactics and admonished them for their unsavory techniques. He gave them a list of booty to recover, requested a refuel, and gave them a time frame for when we would be on our way. The war was over, we'd made it to their homeworld. This is how the great competitive wars are always done. Something about this confused the Admiral. "This isn't a game!" They spat. "War isn't defending dots on a map! It's death! Vast organized death! Are you telling me you came all this way for FUN?!"
"No, we came here to see who is better."
"That's the same thing."
"No it isn't." Our leader said dismissively. He paused, "Tell me, what inspires this loyalty in you? Aren't you just doing your jobs?"
"What?"
"You're just following orders. So are we. What inspires this unthinking, undying loyalty? You're just following orders, as all civilized beings should. We are just following orders." The comm line went dead. The humans unleashed a terrible display of firepower. They learned a long time ago that loyalty is not simple deference. And that war is more than just orders, it is not romantic.
War is not a game to them.
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No matter where you go on this earth, Iowa floats above you. Its extremely unusual orbit means that the many small towns that dot the solar face of what was retroactively renamed Square Colony encounter, at most, seven-hour-long days. You have to hand it to NASA; they really made a purse out of a sow's ear on the whole anti-gravity-pod accident. Which is, coincidentally, something you can also do this year at the Iowa state fair.
When it first happened, the journalists swarmed my city. They wanted to hear from a "man on the street" (I did not flee to the anti-skyfall bunkers) about what I thought about the whole thing. I was too busy changing out a set of plugs and wires on my decrepit Town Car at the time, so it didn't make good television. The most famous grease-stained back in YouTube history, everyone else at the bar tells me.
If you asked me now, now that everyone got bored of hiding in the bunkers and emerged, ready to be obliterated by any stray potato or skyscraper that falls to Earth from the stranded near-orbital colony, I'd tell you it was all worth it. Having humanity split apart spurred innovation that had never before been seen, a real arms race of transportation technology. We developed a whole lot of medium- and heavy-load reusable spacecraft just so that people from Ames could make the commute to our local Wal-Mart® and get the good ice cream.
I am gonna be honest with you, though. The best thing is that the total lack of atmosphere up there means that the cars don't rust nearly as bad anymore. Stellar Craigslist has been absolutely buzzing with high-mileage Cadillacs that are about to become a whole lot higher mileage. If you're quick, you can ramp those things right off the edge and throw out a parachute on the way down for free shipping, as well.
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Humans and Boredom III
Interceptors and fighter craft.
Almost nothing in the Galaxy can go toe to toe with a Human built Dreadnought. Practically nobody had built anything even close to that size before Humanity emerged and shocked everyone with such an arsenal, and now a few are looking to catch up. Most had figured that at least the smaller Human ships would be somewhat equivalent to their own existing ones. They were wrong.
While the neural interface drone swarms were actually comparable to our own in both design philosophy and usage for civil and military needs, what they call "Fighters" were terrifying.
Armed with countless weapons facing forward and incinerating thrusters out back, there's nothing one of these small dual or single pilot vehicles wouldn't try to pick a fight with. And probably win. Save for a direct hit to a core section, the typical Human redundancies and manual overrides for literally every system make taking one of these nimble horrors out a challenge.
A full squadron?
Pray.
So, despite their already ludicrous advantages, the Humans never stop upgrading and innovating. There is no such thing as a ceiling for any aspect of their weapons. In with the new, out with the old, as they say. When we asked what happens to the things that become outdated or obsolete, they said that if it can't be retrofitted anymore, it gets sent to a recycling station. They naturally have a specific one for military hardware to maintain secrecy.
___________________
At said station two operators were having a slower week and Patricia decided to try something different with all these old drone piloting kits and scrapped fighters and transports.
After convincing Matthias, they mounted gravity hooks on a bunch of vehicles and set the drones on a bunch of junked boosters, and programmed them to move in a partially randomized pattern towards the main atomizer bay. While they would gently float around to their demise, after a coin toss, Patricia would try to block a different set of much faster, thruster-enabled scraps, controlled by Matthias and which had deconstruction lasers instead.
The goal for Matthias was to turn as much mass of the slow moving horde into slag before they reach the end. Patricia would use whatever other junk is around to strategically shield the horde from taking direct hits to get as much of it into the bay. You get disqualified if you target the gravity hooks/lasers. Whoever "recycles" the most spaceship mass wins and gets first dibs on any one thing they want from the next shipment. Well, anything that isn't explicitly marked "Classified" in the manual.
Matthias dominated the first match and they both agreed to significantly reduced the laser potency and control only two at once. The second match was far more fair and Patricia, still in control of the horde, managed to eke out a win. They thought about doing a best of three, but realized they had in their excitement completed the entire week's worth of scrapping in an afternoon.
So they decided to play some board games with the few leftover scraps, both to just pass the time, and to appear busy to any supervisor who might make a surprise visit.
#humans are space orcs#humans are space oddities#humans are deathworlders#humans are space australians#humanity fuck yeah#worldbuilding#carionto#space invaders#sorta
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Our Flag Means Death Season 2: Exclusive First Look
Vanity Fair joins Stede, Blackbeard, and the rest of the cast on set in New Zealand for an exclusive early look at the second season, debuting on Max in October.
BY SARAH CATHERALL (AUGUST 24, 2023)
Only the fans of Our Flag Means Death can determine whether they’ll be satisfied with the show’s second season, which debuts on Max in October. But if you ask Fernando Frias, who directed three of the season’s episodes, he sounds pretty confident: “If my life depended on saying whether it’s yes or no, I would say yes.’’
It’s December 8, 2022, and the principal actors on Our Flag Means Death as well as the 800-plus extras and crew members have three days left of their three-month shoot for season two. Things are starting to get emotional. “You’ve been the most amazing crew I’ve ever worked with,” says one actor as he wraps his final scene. Frias says it’s like leaving “a long summer camp,” adding, “it’s like a family.”
Rhys Darby as Stede Bonnet. COURTESY OF NICOLA DOVE/MAX.
The series created by David Jenkins was a surprise breakout hit when it debuted in the spring of 2022, building a fiercely devoted fan base with its silly yet emotional deadpan, and defiantly queer take on the adventures of real 18th-century pirates. Everyone involved in Our Flag Means Death is eager to preserve the surprises in store for season two, which kicks off with gentleman pirate Stede Bonnet (Rhys Darby) and softhearted bad boy Blackbeard (Taika Waititi) ruefully separated after finally realizing their love for each other at the end of season one.
It’s “going to be unexpected and surprising, but also very pleasurable and satisfying for those who like the show,” promises executive producer Garrett Basch. It “doesn’t follow the expected route,” teases Con O’Neill, who plays Blackbeard’s devoted enforcer, Izzy. All that means is we’re not at liberty to share too much about what happened on set that day, which included emotional conversations, new cast members, banter with the Kiwi crew, and some seriously killer costumes.
But these exclusive new images give a hint of what is in store. There are fresh faces—Minnie Driver will guest-star as the real-life Irish pirate Anne Bonny, and Ruibo Qian joins the cast as the mysterious merchant Susan—and a lot of New Zealand actors and locations, now that the production has decamped across the Pacific.
“The viewers will see the scope of their world has expanded based on the fact we’re able to get to these amazing locations within a short travel time,” says executive producer Antoine Douaihy. “You will notice a marked difference between the two seasons in terms of the scope and the scale.’’
Minnie Driver joins the cast this season as Anne Bonny. COURTESY OF NICOLA DOVE/MAX.
There will be plenty of familiar faces too, of course. On set that day in Kumeu, New Zealand, a rural area about 20 miles outside of Auckland, are Waititi and Darby along their fellow returning cast members O’Neill, Vico Ortiz (Jim), Kristian Nairn (Wee John), Joel Fry (Frenchie), Matthew Maher (Black Pete), Leslie Jones (Spanish Jackie), Samson Kayo (Oluwande), Ewen Bremner (Nathaniel Buttons), Samba Schutte (Roach), and more. New onboard are two Kiwi actors, Madeleine Sami (most recently of the Australian mystery-comedy Deadloch), and Samoan-born Anapela Polataivao. And there’s one returning figure impossible to miss on the soundstage: The Revenge, the stately ship that Blackbeard—a.k.a. Ed—commandeered at the end of season one. In real life it was carefully transported across the Pacific Ocean from the show’s original Los Angeles soundstages.
The Revenge is vast and impressive, much larger in real life than it appears onscreen. But it’s not the only stunning scenery in store. There are around 50 sets involved in the production of season two, including the 30-acre forest behind the Kumeu Film Studio, Piha Beach, and the wild, black-sand Bethells Beach.
Waititi, who also executive produces the series, was part of the push to film season two in his native New Zealand. “Taika is an extraordinary talent and what’s really great about him with his international success is he’s remained very committed to New Zealand and very loyal to our industry,” says Annie Murray, the CEO of the New Zealand Film Commission. “The beauty of filming in New Zealand is that you can find incredible varied locations within a very short driving distance. [And] when you get to those locations you can turn your camera in any direction.’’
Rhys Darby as Stede Bonnet, filming at New Zealand’s Bethells Beach. COURTESY OF NICOLA DOVE/MAX.
The scope of the season is very evident back on set, as well. There’s a whole other pirate ship in addition to The Revenge, plus sets for a floating market, Stede’s cabin (empty when we visit), and the Republic of Pirates first glimpsed in season one. Behind the scenes it’s a maze of wardrobe, wig rooms, and dressing rooms. In another facility, props are stacked on shelves, ready to be taken away to storage as soon as filming wraps—vases, plates, antique furniture, and piles of mannequins replicating dead bodies which were used in one of the battle scenes.
Costume designer Gypsy Taylor joined the production this season and has designed hundreds of costumes, checking with everyone on set that day to make sure everything is in place before cameras roll. Taylor says each of the principals have six to eight looks in this season, and that every item—every leather belt, wig, bit of jewelry, even a mermaid tail—has been made by her 60-strong workshop. The costumes this season have a “Mad Max, ‘streets of New York’ feel,” says Taylor. “David Jenkins was keen to give the series a cool rock-and-roll vibe…so we had these rock-and-roll elements with an 18th-century twist.’’ As is evidenced in the image below, even Stede’s crew winds up with some unexpected new looks over the course of the season.
Wherever it is these Revenge crew members have found themselves, there’s something that surprised them. COURTESY OF NICOLA DOVE/MAX.
Two armies are part of the action in season two, all of them needing elaborate costumes—around 150 Chinese pirates and a fleet of 100 navy officers. Even the breeches are in studded black leather, and punkified. Says Taylor, “The theory behind their costumes is they would’ve stolen from other pirates…. Although our Wee John has started to become quite the seamstress, so he’s knitting this season.’’ True enough: Nairn is wearing what looks like a hand-knit sweater on set that day.
Wee John isn’t the only pirate getting into crafts. Nancy Hennah, who has managed the hair and makeup for both seasons, points to Blackbeard’s wig—made in London—and tattoos as Waititi works on set. With 14 tattoos on his right arm and 10 on the left, plus plenty of scars, he needs at least an hour in the makeup chair. “Taika wanted most of the tattoos to look like he’d done them himself,” Hennah says. “Like on slow days on the boat when there’s nothing much to do, they sit around and give each other tattoos.”
She gives a hint of a storm in one episode: “One of the hardest days here in makeup was when they were caught in a storm on the back of the boat. [The cast] were saturated for a whole day, which caused havoc with things like tattoos and hair, wigs and beards.’’
Taika Waititi as Blackbeard, who begins the season with a broken heart. COURTESY OF NICOLA DOVE/MAX.
By mid afternoon, Con O’Neill is taking a break in his trailer. He pulls his slim, leather trousered legs up to a corner seat. A candle blazes on the kitchen bench as the veteran actor talks about the physical endurance required during the shoot. “It’s been frantic,’’ he says. His signature gray hair barely moves, frozen by the team of hair stylists who arrived on set around sunrise. (All interviews with actors in this story took place before the SAG-AFTRA strike).
Izzy “goes on a remarkable journey” this season, says O’Neill. “He understands what love is and whom he’s in love with.’’ On a series featuring a variety of joyful queer relationships—not just Stede and Blackbeard, but Black Pete and Lucius (Nathan Foad), Jim and Oluwande, and Spanish Jackie and her many husbands—Izzy’s unyieldingly straitlaced devotion makes him an odd man out. By the end of season one many fans speculated that Izzy was driven by something at the intersection of love and obsession. This season, according to O’Neill, Izzy gets even deeper into that dynamic. “Physically it’s been quite demanding, and also emotionally it’s been quite demanding to be playing a man enraged by unrequited love, who’s basically a hopeless romantic, and to be able to play all that and also remember that this is fundamentally a comedy.’’
Though the show is often warm and fuzzy when it comes to feelings—one of Stede’s mottos in season one is that when faced with challenges, “we talk it through as a crew”—Izzy represents the darker, more violent side of pirate life, which the show doesn’t shy away from either. “What I love about this show is it does allow itself to swing between the two,” O’Neill says. “We’re almost operatic in our darkness at times, and then we swing back to the sweetness of the simplicity of the love of our two guys. It’s been challenging just to get the tone right.”
“We’ve gone further this season than we did last season with those tones,” he continues. “So sometimes it’s quite interesting to remind yourself that you have to take your foot out of the tragedy—literally, your foot—and put it back into the comedy.”
With a season behind them to build the dynamics between the characters and the actors alike, on set there’s been “a lot more spontaneity and script revisions based on what’s happening day-to-day,” says Douaihy. “The cast are so comfortable with one another and their characters, that they move through it naturally.’’
Leslie Jones as Spanish Jackie and Taika Waititi as Ed a.k.a. Blackbeard. COURTESY OF NICOLA DOVE/MAX.
The way O’Neill puts it, they’ve also built trust with Jenkins, their showrunner, to follow some bigger swings. “I don’t think David Jenkins is ever going to follow an expected route. I’d hate to drive in a car with him.” Thinking of the fans who will greet the series when the show returns in October, O’Neill continues, “I think they’re going to appreciate what [Jenkins] wants. Season two does stick to the original premise that we created in season one, which is take it on to other levels.’’
One character leveling up in a major way this season is Jim, the quiet badass (there are knives involved) played by the nonbinary actor and activist Vico Ortiz. “Jim really evolves in season two,” they say. “They’re a bit more chatty and a bit more conversational…. Most of the first season you see Jim in disguise, hiding, but in this one you see them a bit more [thinking,] Oh, this is my chosen family, and I feel good. There’s a bit more zaniness and a bit more softness.’’
Like O’Neill and several other castmates, Oritz had attended their share of fan events by the time season two began filming, and the entire cast and crew returned to the high seas with a strong sense that their show had taken on a life of its own. “It’s so beautiful to see that people are finding community within the fan base. It’s about creating spaces where we feel safe and seen, and it’s so great to see that so many people watch the show and feel validated in their experiences, whatever that may be,” says Ortiz. “A lot of people that watch the show are like, “Yeah, I’m a guy and it’s good to see all these dudes being vulnerable.’ We can just shake up [ideas about gender].’’
Ruibo Qian joins the cast this season as Susan, a merchant with secrets of her own. COURTESY OF NICOLA DOVE/MAX.
Basch admits the fan following surprised some of the team, “but it made a lot of sense” too. After years of television shows and movies that built up the potential of queer romance only to stop short, Basch thinks the fervor for Our Flag Means Death “says that shows in the mainstream aren’t delivering that promise or that setup, and we have. That’s really why the fans have gone wild for it.”
That promise, it’s safe to say, is kept in season two, and then some. On set that day in December, for example, there was a major romantic moment between two key characters. But we’d risk Ed Teach’s wrath if we told you any more.
Source: Vanity Fair
#rhys darby#taika waititi#minnie driver#samba schutte#kristian nairn#matthew maher#ofmd#our flag means death#vanity fair#ofmd season 2#ofmd s2 spoiler alert
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my problems with discovery's spore drive have nothing to do with the wacky mushroom science. Like this is Star Trek™ not some bonefide diamond on the Moh's Scale of Sci-Fi hardness like The Martian. I know to expect the writers playing a bit fast and loose with physics and how the real world works. I'm here for that wackniess, actually. Love me some technobabble about mycelial spores or tetryon particles or whatever!
the thing that doesn't work for me is the way the spore drive acts narratively, and how the technology was introduced within the timeline of the series.
Like it's just obvious that the writers aren't willing to let anyone else but Discovery have access to the spore drive. They twisted up the Glenn in season one, so Discovery is the only ship with a spore drive. They hemmed and hawed about genetic modification in season 2 so no one else got a spore drive. They purged records of the spore drive's existence from history and claimed that no one else had tried to make anything like it in 900 years despite a massive dilithium shortage and canonical search for other methods of propulsion in season 3. And then at the very end, just when you think, oh hey maybe the entire population of Kwejian will make for a nice crop of new spore drive pilots, the writers fucking blow up their whole planet just so they don't have to let anyone else have the spore drive.
And to be fair, they can't really let anyone else have it, or else Discovery loses it's right to be "the only one we can turn to in a crisis". And that's really all it has going for it. So, I get it! Still hate it, though.
And, even moreso than all the silly narrative contrivances that are used to nerf transporter technology so that the plot can still happen, this bothers me. Because sure, all the ion storms and interference can get a bit stupid. We all make fun of star trek for inventing a technology that could immediately yoink our blorbos away from their problems, only to turn around and force it to not work when it's needed most. But at least there isn't just one ship that has the ability to use the transporter at all. That would be ridiculous. Everyone would want their own transporter.
And yet, that's the situation we have in Discovery. Only one ship can travel across the galaxy in the blink of an eye. The show writers keep contriving to keep it that way. And given how useful instantaneous travel is, the fact that it hasn't been replicated once, by any species in the galaxy, not just the Federation, in 900 years is just stretching the limits of my willing suspension of disbelief.
#sporkandpringles original#gripes#star trek discovery#the spore drive#I think it's a cool concept#but the timing is weird#and even if we say 'oh the Federation didn't use it for moral reasons' like...#...do you think that would stop the Orions? the Romulans? literally anyone else who isn't the Federation?#I don't think so#'oh it was top secret'#so is no one studying the mycelial network?#are there no other mushroom scientists? stamets is the only one?#we know that's not true another one was on the Glenn#if different societies are expected to independently invent warp drive then why not also the spore drive?
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Today we are taking a different approach and I will show you that it is still possible to transport freight by sailing ship. A small but fair and emission-free project awaits you behind door no. 20 - the brigantine Tres Hombres
She is rather unknown and unfortunately there is not much to say about her story, so here are two pictures of her
A bit about her :
The Tres Hombres is a former German war fishing cutter (KFK) from 1943 that was converted into a cargo ship after more than 60 years and has been operating a climate-neutral freight service between Europe and the American continent since the end of 2009. The three men (tres hombres) Andreas Lackner, Arjen van der Veen and Jorne Langelaan got to know each other on sailing ships and jointly developed the concept for an emission-free freight service by sea. As a pilot project, the Tres Hombres is intended to expand the fair transport market niche and prove its economic viability.
The Tres Hombres sails across the Atlantic every year. The ship departs from the Netherlands in October, loading stockfish in Norway, wine in France and olive oil in Portugal. The route then leads to Belém in Brazil, where wine and olive oil are unloaded and coffee beans and other fair trade products from the Amazon basin are loaded in return. On the return journey, the Tres Hombres for Rum and Cocoa Beans calls at the edge of the Caribbean, including the Antilles island of Grenada and the Dominican Republic. On the way back to Europe, tinned fish can be loaded in the Azores. And the products can then be purchased in Europe as well as online.
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Steel in Her Veins, Chapter: Thirteen
Read On: AO3 | Table of Contents | Next Chapter
Characters: Fem!Reader x Roronoa Zoro
Chapter Thirteen: A Line in the Sand
“Don’t expect me to fix anything else,” you say, crossing your arms. “After these three, I owe you nothing.”
Zoro, unfazed by your remark, watches the crew bustling around, moving your workshop contents onto the Sunny. As he steps on board with a case containing your meticulous work, vials of melted metals cradling the essence of his swords, he glances at you, his words carrying an air of detachment.
"Do what you want, I couldn't care less." His gaze lingers on your face for a moment before he turns away, striding off to find a suitable spot for your tools.
“THIS IS SO COOL!” Usopp yells, yanking out a pistol from the box he’s carrying. He aims the empty mock piece at the reindeer. “Chopper, play dead!”
“I’m not a dog!” Chopper shouts vexedly in his heavy point transformation, dragging a carton of metal ores on his back.
Meanwhile, Franky’s grinning on the Sunny, going through all of the transported items the others are constantly bringing in like a hyperactive child.
“Oh man, you’re an artist,” Franky gushes as he rifles through each and every one of your boxes. Suddenly, his arm plunges into your inventory, gently scrambling around to not dent your work and manages to whip out a crazy-looking lightsabre. “Woah, what is this?!”
Franky swings the beam around excitedly, attracting Usopp, Brook, Luffy and Chopper’s wild attention.
“A LASER?!” Chopper bubbles wildly, repeatedly hopping into the air to get a better look at the weapon.
Brook accidentally singes a part of his hair by leaning in too much, immediately emitting a worried yelp. "YO-HO! Even I'm not immune to its strength."
The aggressively blue laser beam glares wildly against all five of the fanboys' faces as they huddle around in a circle. You laugh a little, seeing them as a resemblance of animals poking a stick at an unidentified object.
“Raya, can I have it? I’ll take good care of it, I promise. Can I? Please?” Luffy pouts pleadingly at you, eyes sparkling with mischievous wonder. Nami gives him a side eye as she boards the deck, heaving a heavy container in her arms.
“Absolutely not,” she dismisses. “Remember the last time you used one of Franky’s beams?”
Luffy blinks at her innocently. “What’s the big deal? I only burnt half the island.”
Everyone turns around and stares at the other side of the island. A row of singed corpses of trees lay morose on the blackened sand.
“Luffy…”
“Ah, keep it, it’s only a draft anyway. But who gets to keep it…? Well, that’s up to you.” You devilishly flutter your eyes, placing a hand on your hip.
Usopp grunts, tugging helplessly at the handle from Franky’s stubborn hands. “Competition it is!”
“Can you lot talk about that later? We got stuff to move,” Sanji grumbles, giving them a dirty look; but as his eyes slowly flicker onto to yours, a big smile spreads across his face like butter on hot toast, his hot face steaming into heart-shaped swirls of love. “Our lovely Raya-san is relying on us <3”
Robin smiles, as a flutter of hands rolls through from the cave and downhill to the deck. Her eyes beam brightly as she looms over the gathering crowd, taking in the view of your weapon. “I wonder how many people you can cut with that simultaneously.”
Usopp stares at her. “I don’t feel safe when I’m around you.”
Sanji swoons, twirling around you and Robin, and shoots his hand up in the air. “I vote for Robin-chan to possess the weapon!”
“Declined.” The four boys wave their hands dismissively, turning their backs to Sanji.
Franky beams at you, placing a metallic arm over your shoulder. “Besides all a' that, our SUPER weapons master needs to keep her assembly goin’! I gotcha, Raya. Gimme a few hours.”
“Hey, no fair! You’re trying to win her over!” Chopper glares.
“Whad’ya say? Can’t hear you, Chops. Got things to do,” Franky says, already on the other side of the ship. He waves a hand in the air. “You won’t be disappointed, Raya~”
You laugh, shaking your head in disbelief. Are you stupid for joining their crew, or was this a somewhat reasonable decision? You can’t tell just yet.
As you rest your head against the wall, your eyes apathetically trace over the shapes of clouds. A twang of guilt reverberates inside you, almost like someone’s pulled the strings to your fragile insides out of spite.
You can’t help but feel like you’re awful. You’re awful for laughing - for smiling and feeling joy as if your dearest family member’s life isn’t hanging in the balance. Should you even be allowed the possibility to feel anything other than sadness and anger right now? Are you unfeeling for being able to?
Gramps' logbook, your precious memento, rests within the folds of your pocket, the heaviness of his novel-laden words filling your chest. Your fingers scatter across its leather surface, caressing it as if his soul lies within those yellowed pages. You trace the familiar curves of your grandfather's handwriting, your heart sinking.
And it hits you: you’re joining the crew of the man who let your gramps be kidnapped.
The way he just stood on top of that house and watched as your Gramps mercilessly took ruthless beatings, over and over again. Watching as the ink dragged his fragile, paralysed body into slime, consuming him whole. The memories start flooding in, the wide, squishy eyes of the sentient taking his whole form into its peripheral.
It kills you. The realisation hits you that you gave your complete trust to a man who was more than capable of saving your guardian and he simply refused to do so. He sat there and took it in. All of it.
Strength, the old man’s voice whispers into you. A whoosh of heavy wind brushes your cheek as a delicate reminder of him. Have strength, child.
As the sun dips below the horizon, casting a warm glow across the Thousand Sunny, Franky emerges from his little workshop cave with an enthusiastic grin. A dirty rag slung over his shoulder, a pencil tucked behind his ear, he gestures proudly toward the revamped space.
"Wanna see, Ray? It’s all done.” Franky smiles cheekily as if he’s bursting trying to hold onto his little secret.
You lean away from the wall, offering him a strained grin. “Totally. Time to show me your skills, Franks.”
The workshop is ingeniously integrated into the newly upgraded and expanded crow's nest, seamlessly extending its structure. On one half lies the gym, now revamped and full of equipment, while the other half unfolds into an expansive space of metalwork. Its spacious design accommodates a variety of workstations, each adorned with gleaming tools and metallic wonders. The ceiling, a marvel of engineering, forms a domed structure entirely composed of windows, providing a breathtaking panoramic view of the night sky.
You step into the workshop, feeling the cool metal floor beneath your feet; the familiar smell of fresh wood and the tang of metal engulf you, making your heart burst with joy. Franky follows you in, his eyes eagerly scanning your expressions.
Franky, always one for grand gestures, hits a switch, and sleek metallic blinds glide up to the centre point of the dome with a graceful motion, forming a private enclave.
“And if you both need a lil’ peace and quiet….” Franky grins while flicking the second switch.
Another option presents itself – the odd partition between the workshop and the gym transforms into a thick wall of sound-proof glass.
“Or if there’s any…bad vibes goin’ on in here…” Franky spins to the third switch, fingers already on the job.
In an instant, the glass pane immediately flips into a solid metal wall. The crew gazes in awe at this spectacle, and Usopp, in particular, is on the verge of drooling with sheer amazement on the floor.
“Franky, why here?” Zoro frowns, staring longingly at his poor gym.
Franky grins, flexing his biceps as he responds. “Crafters work best under natural light, buddy! Our Crow’s Nest offers 360-degree light, in all directions, from every angle. Besides, I’ve expanded the gym to almost twice its original size to make up for it, did ya see? It's a whole new training ground now!”
Zoro crosses his arms, eyeing the newly expanded gym area and then glancing back at the workshop. His frown deepens for a moment, but then he grumbles, "Better be worth it. Don’t want anyone interrupting my training."
Franky laughs heartily, clapping Zoro on the back. "Don't you worry, man! Your workouts’ll be undisturbed, and now Raya's got the perfect space for her work."
Zoro mutters something under his breath, a mix of scepticism and acceptance, and then heads towards the expanded gym to inspect the changes.
The equipment held within your side of the Crow’s Nest is a fusion of practicality and artistic flair. Sturdy anvils are strategically placed, ready to endure the forging of blades and crafting of intricate designs. The workbenches, sleek and polished, offer ample space for organising your tools and materials. The entire space is ingeniously soundproofed, ensuring that the clinks and clangs of your work won't disturb the tranquillity of the crew's quarters.
Nami gasps as she takes the whole space in, turning to different areas with amazement. “This is beautiful!”
Luffy runs inside and plops himself on one of the stools. “Chopper, my right-hand man, hand me some metal!”
“Sir, yes, sir!” Chopper says as he pretends to offer Luffy materials.
Zoro snaps his head around and raises his eyebrows from his side of the Crow’s Nest. “Right-hand man?”
“And look - you’ve got tons of space,” Franky says, showcasing the various workstations he has meticulously arranged.
A designated area for the vials of melted metals, a specialised section for assembling and testing your inventions, and racks filled with neatly organised tools. The walls are adorned with the posters he found in one of your moving-in boxes, adding a little touch of home to its interior, as well as a bunch of some playful doodles from the crew members.
As you move around the workshop, inspecting the meticulously arranged workstations and the various tools at your disposal, there's an undeniable sense of awe at Franky's craftsmanship. The fusion of his genius flair composed as a tangible product of your workshop is beyond your expectations, and you can't help but feel love for the dedicated space.
However, the beauty of the studio is somewhat overshadowed by the realization that you'll be sharing this closed space with Zoro. Every clang of metal, every creak of the floor, and every breath will feel like a reminder of his presence. The panoramic view that was initially breathtaking now seems slightly tarnished as you look from across the room, the gym resting in your peripheral as a stain.
You find yourself trying to focus on the positives, appreciating the thoughtfulness of Franky's gesture. Still, the irritation persists as you contemplate having to navigate your space with someone you'd rather not be around. You purse your lips slightly, mentally preparing yourself to coexist in this shared workspace.
“How come Usopp Factory doesn’t have any windows?” Usopp grumbles, side-eyeing Franky. Consequently, he receives a slap on the head from Nami, who hisses at him to be nice.
“So?” Franky turns to you, his eyes wide, growing more and more nervous with every moment of your prolonged silence. “What do you think, Raya? I can absolutely change the parts that you don’t—”
“Franky. You shouldn’t have,” you breathe out, a sense of admiration and fondness for the space bubbling up in your chest. Your eyes glimmer, taking everything in like a gasp of fresh air. “This is a crafter’s dream.”
“I know what a workshop means to people like us,” Franky gushes, blushing immensely at your gratifying reaction.
You take a deep breath, inhaling the scent of the sea, of fresh wood and sawdust, and the metallic tang of the workshop before turning to your fellow colleague.
“Thank you.” You grin brightly, gently punching his shoulder. “This is exactly what I need, Franks.”
Franky returns the punch, a broad grin on his face. “Then get unpacking already!”
You roll your eyes at him with a small smile, watching him aggressively gather the rest up in his massive metallic arms, to then rugby tackle them all out of the studio. With a couple of objecting yells, your door slams with a thud and all you hear left is the muffle of their complaints.
With a heavy exhale, your weight slams down on one of the stools, its impact reverberating through the entire workshop, echoing and echoing into the flush edges of the room.
In the midst of the ensuing silence, a realization strikes – you're not the sole occupant of this expansive space. Across the distance, your eyes lock onto a familiar grey eye and a soft white scar.
Despite the palpable awkwardness, Zoro remains a silent observer. His gaze meets yours, and even as you shoot him an unimpressed look, he stands there stoically, seemingly unaffected by the tension that fills the workshop.
"I..." Zoro begins, his voice low, "I didn't want it to turn out like this." The words hang in the air, the weight of their meaning palpable. His gaze is sincere, a glimpse of regret.
You meet Zoro's gaze with an unyielding and narrowed expression, your eyes conveying a mixture of emotions — frustration, hurt, and a determination not to be swayed by his words.
The silence hangs heavy in the air, pregnant with unspoken hatred.
His grey eye steely gazes at you, but you've already decided to shield yourself from the vulnerability his words might expose.
“Listen—” Zoro starts, pushing himself away from the wall.
Without waiting for him to finish, you turn away and stride purposefully towards the switch that Franky had installed for situations exactly like this. The tension in the room becomes palpable as your fingers deliberately flick the switch upwards.
The metallic wall, a masterpiece of engineering, responds to your command; slowly, deliberately, it ascends from the middle partition of the room. The sound of its movement resonates through the workshop, drowning out any potential words Zoro might throw out.
Zoro's eyes — chilled steel, intense, a reflection of the mutual irritation that charges the air — are the last thing you see before the ascending barrier closes in. As the partition completes its ascent, there's a visceral shudder, a palpable severance of the connection between you and him - and yet, it's not so easily shrugged off.
Because you know his presence is still there. You know he's stood on the other side, staring at the same wall as you are; simply, your newly issued armour is but a fragile facade of protection, a delusion of control.
#one piece#one piece zoro#roronoa zoro#roronoa zoro x reader#zoro#one piece luffy#luffy#monkey d luffy#one piece ace#straw hat pirates#usopp#sanji#tony tony chopper#nico robin#straw hat luffy#one piece fanfiction#one piece fic#one piece fanfic#op fanfic#op fandom#female reader x zoro#zoro x female reader#zoro x fem reader#three sword style#zoro roronoa#zoro rorono x you#zoro roronoa x y/n#straw hats
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A little more Birthday fluff for the flyboy.
A glimpse into the future because I’m adamant he must have a happy one. I didn’t actually get time today to write the main part I intended but I shall post now in case I never manage to get there!
💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙
Objectively, Eleven was clearly the best ‘bird.
She was 6-mach faster than One, more manoeuvrable than Shadow and could carry more than her fair share of weight, even if it wasn’t as much as third-generation-turtle Twelve could.
And Scott had flown her like a second skin… he’d been far more involved in Eleven’s design than he had of IR’s original fast response craft. And of course he’d been the primary test pilot, putting more than a few grey hairs on Brains’ and Virgil’s heads in the process. Not to mention his wife’s. He smiled wryly to himself at the memory of the incredibly loud dressing down he’d received post a certain test flight… which had been closely monitored from the island right up until he’d tried out the high speed air to water transition Brains hadn’t fully stress-tested yet and the comms had gone offline for a few minutes. Or ten.
Half an hour at most.
The smile broadened to a grin as he recalled the aftermath of that particular argument… and, Well. Even if six children hadn’t quite been the plan, Scott had really needed to objectively exceed his father’s record at *something*… so… all’s well that ended well.
But Eleven had always been his eldest daughter’s bird.
And the extra machs were irrelevant now. Ever since the the appointment shortly after his 70th birthday when the doctor had forbidden him from exceeding Mach Five. Slower than Two for goodness sakes. His immediate objections had been silenced by a very clear indication that the doctor’s baseline opinion was that it wasn’t wise for a septuagenerian to exceed the speed of sound at all.
Lest he make any fuss that might get back to Virgil… or god forbid IR’s current commander in chief, whose precise combination of his wife’s and his own genes mildly terrified him even now… he nodded meekly. He’d only bent the rules a couple of times in the 5 years since. Maybe three…
Or four.
Eight at most.
Anyway, he’d always maintain One was best: she’d always have an important place in his heart - his first great love.
Which is why, at the newly attained age of 75, as he stood staring moodily out of the lounge window awaiting Eleven’s return to the hangar beneath the pool, his second slipped her hand into his and quietly towed him towards the transport tunnels over to Mateo. The cavern which used to house the old back-up generator, redundant since the island had made the switch to fully renewable energy sources, had been expanded to create a new hangar. It was here the older ‘birds nested quietly, awaiting their occasional moment in the sun as back up to the younger generation.
Nothing was said on the journey, she just squeezed his hand and he squeezed it back. Scott helped her out of the little pod, and he led the way this time to where his pride and joy towered over them, gleaming silver and blue as she ever had. Scott paced an inspection circuit around the base, pausing to buff a smudge from one of the stabilisers with a shirt sleeve. His wife followed, gripping his hand ever so tightly and, he suspected, appraising him as minutely as he was assessing the ship.
Satisfied with what he saw, Scott stood back and smiled up at One, rather fancying she was smiling back down at him. The hand suddenly slipped out of his and he frowned, missing its warmth immediately but his concern was assuaged when both arms wrapped around him from behind and she propped her chin up on his shoulder to whisper in his ear:
“So, Flyboy, are you going to take me for a ride today?”
TBC?
#thunderbirds are go#thunderbirds#thunderbirds fanfiction#scott tracy#romantic fluff#whether the primary romance is with One is up for debate tho#happy birthday Scott#future thunderbirds#idontknowreallywhy fanfic
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Oh, Sweet Child of Mine (Pt. 3)
Platonic Whitebeard Crew & Reader Insert
Main post, First, previous
Warnings: Platonic Yandere behavior, manipulation, and drugging. If any of this make you uncomfortable, please do not read this and block the tag 'oh sweet child of mine' and 'one piece yandere' as well as other variants if yandere content disturbs you as well.
Do not tolerate this behavior in real life from anyone. Especially drugging as it can easily go very wrong for either party involved, particularly in conjunction with invisible conditions and other medications.
Stay safe and have fun!
Word Count: 1,996
It was indeed just after dusk that the junior vessel pulled up alongside the Moby Dick with little fan fair.
Your palms were sweaty and your heart threatened to crack your ribs. Escape seemed less and less likely with every second—if it was ever possible to begin with. Nothing but placid ocean waves for miles around and you, royally screwed you, was about to board a Yonko vessel.
You faintly wondered if you were about to throw up.
A furry white bundle was pushed into your arms, tail thwacking your side vigorously as a wet nose buried into your neck with loving licks and whines.
Startled, you supported the uncooperative dog and jerked your head back, wide eyes looking at a grinning Fire Fist.
“You seemed to be getting cold feet! Thought Stefan could be… emotional support?” Fire Fist looked to Deuce for approval, which he received with a snort of laughter.
“Pft. Yeah, captain. It would be considered ‘emotional support’. Stefan seems sweet on you, but he’s fond of anyone that feeds him so…” Deuce shrugged playfully. “You can carry him up the ladder if you’d like?”
Anything but thinking about how screwed you were.
“S-Sure…” You agreed faintly, absently scratching behind the happy dog’s ear. At least someone was pleased with the situation.
The first problem came when you reached the ladder. While Stefan had calmed down considerably, he was a bit… hefty for carrying up a ladder with one arm. And he wasn’t exactly a ‘lap dog’ either. Fire Fist clambered up the ladder after laughing at your predicament, leaving you to seriously consider how to transport a squirmy bundle of affection.
There was a soft sigh behind you and suddenly you were grabbed firmly and lifted up with a yelp. A familiar sprout of blond hair coming up between your thighs as you were settled on broad shoulders. You scrambled to balance yourself without touching The Phoenix’s head or letting go of Stefan—who thought this all was suddenly quite fun.
“A-Ah?! Ahhh?!? A-aahhh?!?” You couldn’t hold back your panicked sounds as your feet tucked back around his ribs for purchase, finally stabilizing you. “Y-You didn’t need to do that!” Your face was hot as you grimaced, now clinging to Stefan as actual emotional support.
Despite your added weight, counterbalance, or even protests, The Phoenix scaled up the ladder like this was in no way unusual for him.
For the first time, you wondered if all of this was some elaborate psychological warfare to fuck with you. Because it was starting to feel unnervingly personal how easily they all went out of their way to put you at ease only to immediately shove you into an uncomfortable situation. And it hadn’t even been a day?!
To your relief, the main deck was remarkably clear for such a large crew. A few were clearly going elsewhere for a patrol around the ship on fire watch—how necessary was that with Fire Fist aboard anyway? More or less?—but there were a few that clearly waited for the arrival of Fire Fist and The Phoenix himself. Mainly Yonko Captain Whitebeard himself and several others.
“Oyaji! We brought a new member!” Fire Fist declared, bounding up to the large Yonko and hopping into his knee with a cheeky grin. Whitebeard indulgently pat Fire Fist’s back, brushing his thumb over the orange hat with a soft smile.
“Oh, did you now?” Stefan wriggled happily in your arms, eager to let loose but short of tossing the poor canine to the floor—an actual fucking crime thank you very much!—there wasn’t much you could do about it.
The Phoenix placed his hands on your shins and walked up with a slow, casual pace.
“Right here, Oyaji. They’re a bit… shy.”
Not… the words you’d use, personally.
Here against my will.
Held captive by sadistic pirates.
Wildly losing control of the situation.
Currently being stared down by the strongest man in the world.
He looked everything and nothing like his bounty poster. Whitebeard’s bounty poster looked intimidating and annoyed—one of which was still true right now. Face weathered by the sea and time with eyes that cut through your soul. You felt small in a way that couldn’t be waved off simply by him being twenty-some-odd-feet-tall. Your glasses on the edge of your nose as you struggled to not look away. You felt like you were being measured ruthlessly but with gentle hands.
Like a scared child outside their parent’s door past midnight asking for a glass of water because the shadows had started to grow long and thick under your bed.
In a heady mix of relief and horror, you felt as though he saw something he approved of. And possibly pitied in the same way you pity a puppy that fell into a cold puddle of mud. Like he was seconds away from picking you up and reassuring you that everything would be alright—and you would genuinely lose your shit if a fucking Yonko started coddling you after hours of too-familiar-pirates acting like you’re moving back home after graduating college.
This is the same man that the marines feared, actively planned patrols around if he happened to turn his head in a new direction without warning, and could go toe to toe with Garp the Fist. And last time he did—rumor had it—God’s Valley was wiped from the map.
You were quite happy to keep this terrifying man away from your family tree. Real or imaginary or adoptive. Any of them. Far far away.
Whitebeard beamed.
“Gurarararara~! Welcome aboard, my child! Who are you?” He asked kindly and not even his status could stop your grimace.
You did, however, have the sense to not respond ‘I’m fine, thanks’.
“E-Ensign…” You managed to stutter out your name after what was probably meant to be a reassuring squeeze on your legs from The Phoenix. “But this really isn’t necessary…” Stefan licked your cheek with a happy yap and you couldn’t help the soft smile.
“They’ve got a weird devil fruit, Oyaji!” Fire Fist spoke up, vibrating with excitement.
“Found them on the island while restocking and looking for Stefan. Their… partner broke their nose for trying to make a run for it. Apparently, they had orders to face Ace and make a break if anyone else showed up to see how they did. Their partner, that is. Some weak fire fruit, I think.” The Phoenix shrugged before patting your shin. “This one has a fruit that increases the power of other devil fruits around them.”
Whitebeard blinked and frowned.
“…And they weren’t at Marineford or Enies Lobby?” He sneered as he shook his head. “The grand line isn’t a safe place for those kinds of games. The minute Linlin heard of you, she’d hunt you down for your fruit, my child. It took several years to dissuade her from Marco.” He clicked his tongue with a frown as you paled.
This wasn’t exactly news to you.
There was a reason you’d only been stationed at small bases. Field assessments with a low risk of exposure before the marines were ready for… well, whatever their plan for you was.
“That’s what I said!” Fire Fist declared, throwing up his hands in frustration. “At least Gramps would have been able to train them up! Look at ‘em! Weak!” He threw an apologetic smile your way and you shook your head.
“N-No, that’s fair. I’m still a new recruit. A-And I don’t think they every planned on me running into a Yonko, no offense.” You admitted. “I-I don’t know a lot about my fruit still, so there could be side effects…” You trailed off, nearly groaning as you realized you had started to ramble about things that they didn’t need to know. Though given how freely they touched you, they were bound to find out sooner or later.
You weren’t their friend.
You were a marine!
A captive marine!
“Well, it’s a good thing you’re here now, my child. We’re pretty adept at handling the unexpected.” Whitebeard winked with a fond smile that made you flush.
“Enough about all that! I think it’s time we got them settled in, right Marco?” A man spoke up suddenly from the stairway into the hull. Fourth division commander, if you recall correctly. ‘Twin-Blade Thatch’. He held up a steaming mug with an easy grin. “If you’ll stop hogging our new sibling, that is!”
Oh good. Another Yonko pirate acting like you’re related.
The Phoenix drummed his fingers on your shins for a moment before picking you up again and setting you down. Now free to safely do so, you set Stefan down as well, the dog quickly zipping off in energetic but lopsided circles as he eventually ran to his master. Whitebeard laughed, reaching down to playfully bat at Stefan affectionately.
It was touching despite the stressful situation you’ve found yourself in. Not that you had time to think about it as a hot mug was gently pushed into your hands now that they were canine-free.
Startled, you looked up at Twin-Blade.
“Ah? Thanks?” You looked down at the mug, nose twitching as you nearly lost your glasses. It smelled like herbal tea. A heavy hand slammed into your shoulder just gently enough to not knock you over as he laughed.
“I raced to make it when I got word that you were coming! Big day so far, huh? Hope you don’t mind herbal tea. It’s all I could make on short notice.” Twin-Blade announced.
“You didn’t have to.” You protested softly. “I-It’s not like I’ve actually joined--!” he pushed the mug up to your lips, encouraging you to drink up as he steered you into the hull with enough force that it wasn’t up for debate.
“None of that now! We can talk about it later. It’s getting pretty late, you know.” Twin-Blade winked as he expertly guided you down the stairs. Reluctantly, you took a sip. It was good, though you didn’t know what kind of herbal tea it was. A little sweet with a bitter aftertaste, the hot drink actually did kind of soothe your nerves. “You just worry about settling in and we’ll handle the rest! Right, Marco?” He looked behind you, absently lifting up your hands again to encourage you to drink more.
The Phoenix followed at a sedate pace, eyes heavy and amused.
“Did you even set up a room?” He asked, Twin-Blade gasping in mock outrage.
“Of course I did! It’s even got a little bathroom attached—just a toilet though, showers are communal except for commanders and in the med bay.” He amended quickly. Your skin felt pleasantly warm and heavy as the two bantered.
The feeling, though somewhat understandably, was definitely not natural. You were just wound up tighter than a spring, and now you had to concentrate to not trip over your own feet?
The halls blurred together as you walked in a daze, firm hands and the hot mug your only real grounding influence.
A door settled into focus before you though it seemed to waver somewhat. Or maybe you were wavering? Heavy and thick wood with a sturdy lock on the outside.
Words filtered in as it opened, though the darkness within was quick to greet you—eat you whole.
“—overboard with the tea, Thatch.” You felt like you were tumbling, gentle hands keeping you aloft as the mug was taken from your numb fingertips. “Look at them, yoi! They’re dead on their feet!”
There was a nervous chuckle in your ear as you were lifted up against a warm surface. Your feet cold suddenly as soft fabric wrapped around you, cradling you gently after a truly exhausting day.
“Eheh, I guess they really needed the rest?”
The last thing you registered was something brushing your nose and a frustrated sigh.
Total darkness taking you in with a soft click of a metal lock.
#one piece yandere#platonic yandere#oh sweet child of mine#yandere whitebeard crew#reader insert#yandere ace#yandere marco#yandere whitebeard#yandere thatch#they mean well but also not really#if that makes sense#tw: drugging
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the first installment of my Linked Company AU!!! it places the LU boys in the Lethal Company universe, where they venture into abandoned buildings to sell scrap to the company!!!
NO KNOWLEDGE OF LETHAL COMPANY IS NEEDED!!!! sure, it'll help, but you'll just be following their adventure as they learn how to work as a team and survive The Horrors!!
additionally, @hotcheetohatredwastaken is making her own version of this AU!!
and without further ado, the prologue!!!
An empty ship.
A man spawns in, grunting as he falls to one knee. He’s used to this by now, though, and he gets up quick.
One by one, more men spawn in the ship. Each of them falls to one knee in the same fashion as the first, recovering their footing in a matter of seconds.
“Welcome to your first day on the job. This is your very own auto-pilot ship where you will eat and sleep for the duration of your contract. [garbled] Make yourself at home. To complete the onboarding process, you will want to check the instruction manual and sign into your ship’s computer terminal. We trust you will be a great asset to the company.”
The first man sighs, mentally reciting the company’s message. He’s no stranger to the instructions at this point, but he wishes it could be changed up every once in a while.
Oh well.
He glances around the ship, only now noticing the sheer size of this team. Typically, he was deployed to teams of three or four, but this time, there were nine of them.
He clears his throat. “Okay!” He barks, voice rough and scratchy from the transport to the ship. “Everyone introduce yourself. I’m Link, codename Time.”
A young man with a royal blue scarf steps forward, eyeing Time with a hardened gaze. “I’m also Link. Codename Wars.”
“I’m Link too. Codename Wind.”
Time nearly does a double take. Wind is short, with pudgy cheeks that reveal his youth. His eyes sparkle, but the scars that litter his face and the exposed skin of his arms speak of his experience.
Time narrows his eyes. “Aren’t you a little young to be here?”
Wind scoffs, putting his hands on his hips as he wrinkles his nose. “Aren’t you a little old?” He shoots back.
Time snorts at that, chest heaving with silent amusement. “Fair enough, kid.” His eye scans the remaining six. “What about the rest of you? Sound off!”
A man with dark markings on his face steps forward. “Link. Codename Twilight.” His voice is low and gruff, and he backs off immediately after his short introduction.
“Wow, are all of us named Link?” A young man asks, chuckling nervously as he rubs the back of his neck. “I’m also Link. Codename Sky.” He waves a hand cheerfully as he introduces himself.
A newbie, Time notes. The company contracts haven’t beaten him down yet.
“Well, I’m Link too,” a shorter man butts in, crossing his arms as he defensively stares each of them down except for the employee behind him. “Codename Legend.” Legend shoves a thumb behind him, pointing at the young man with curly brown hair. “This is also Link. Codename Hyrule.” The boy with the curly hair waves shyly, offering a nervous grin.
“Does he speak?” Time questions, brow furrowing.
Legend shrugs. “Yeah. He goes nonverbal under stress though, so don’t bother him.” He huffs, scowling. “This job is stressful enough without any idiots giving him a hard time,” he mutters, wrinkling his nose.
Hyrule places a hand on Legend’s shoulder, immediately lightening his scowl. With the quiet boy’s calming touch, Legend quickly backs down, allowing their final two members to introduce themselves.
A boy who looks to be around the same age as Hyrule and Legend steps forward next. Scar tissue coats the entire left side of his face and down his neck. His hands and arms are covered with long sleeves and gloves. His hair is long, longer than any of the rest of them, but is tied back into a ponytail. “I’m Link,” he rasps, voice thick from disuse. “Codename Wild.”
Legend rolls his eyes, glancing pointedly at the last team member. “Let me guess, your name is Link too?”
It’s said with sarcasm, but the last employee just snorts in amusement. He’s the shortest of the bunch, but he doesn’t look quite as young as Wind. “Yep. Codename Four.”
“Four?” Sky repeats, frowning. “Strange codename. What’s the meaning behind it?”
Four’s eyes seem to change color under the fluorescent ship lights. “Why’s it matter?”
Sky considers for a moment, sighing. “Fair enough.” He glances around at the eight other employees. “I guess this is our team, huh?”
-> read the rest on ao3!
#linked company#linked company au#linked universe#linked universe au#lu time#lu warriors#lu legend#lu hyrule#lu sky#lu four#lu wild#lu twilight#lu wind#lu chain#linked universe fanfic#ao3#riv writes
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S2: The Bad Batch (11)
Chapter Eleven: Metamorphosis
Gif by @dreamswithghosts
Hunter x femaleJedi!reader
Series Summary: Some time has passed since everything that happened at Kamino and you and the Batch are trying to figure out your place in the rapidly changing Imperial galaxy. And you're having to do all this whilst figuring out where your relationship with Hunter fits into it.
Chapter Summary: A final mission from Cid sees you encountering something that you never would've expected.
Masterlist for S1
<Previous Chapter
Genre: Friends (idiots) to Lovers (we're in the lovers stage now)
Chapter Warnings: Canon-typical violence, very light angst and feelings/protectiveness, Hemlock making an appearance
Word Count: 3.6K
Author's notes: Very much just sticking to the episode, with a couple little extra scene details but it'll be a more chill read for sure! Hope you still enjoy! Excited to begin work on Ch12 and please do let me know on this post if there is a preference cause sometimes I need a little creative help lol
With you all having caught up on some sleep, it was time to get in touch with Cid and her reaction came as no surprise to any of you.
“Not sure what’s got you all twisted up in knots.”
“We were stranded on that planet, Cid. We needed you, and you left us.” Omega said hotly.
“You’re fine now, aren’t you? And you got your ship back.”
“Yeah, with no help from you.” Wrecker complained.
“Do you wanna mope or make money? Because I got a tip on a downed ship, which means cargo ripe for the taking. I’ll even give you 30% of the cut.”
You scoffed at the way she acted like she was giving you all a gift.
“That is our standard percentage.” Tech pointed out.
“All right. This one time, let’s say 35%.”
Wrecker thought that sounded okay but one glance at the rest of you told you that a better offer was expected.
“Okay, 40.” Cid said but again was met with hard stares. “Fine, 50% as a token of my goodwill, that you seem to have forgotten.” She added pointedly.
“Goodwill?” You repeated with a roll of your eyes.
Cid didn’t pay that any attention. “I’m sending you the intel now. Don’t come back unless you scavenge something valuable.”
“What makes you think we’d come back at all?” Hunter countered.
“Don’t test me, Bandana. Just get it done.” Cid snapped before she signed off.
Tech examined the intel on the datapad, “Severing ties with Cid could be problematic, considering what she knows about us. Perhaps we choose a diplomatic solution and complete this one last mission for her.” He suggested.
Hunter sat down and took the datapad from his brother. “Cid only sent coordinates. No ship transponder code or indication of what caused it to crash.”
“Limited intel. There’s a surprise.” You muttered as you stood beside Hunter’s seat.
“How hard could scavenging cargo be?” Omega offered.
“Omega, don’t ever lose that optimism.” You said affectionately before you heard a heavy breath leave Hunter’s lips and there it was again, that exhausted sigh. You placed a supportive hand on his shoulder.
--
Omega gasped from her room as the ship left hyperspace and entered the atmosphere, “There’s a village here.
“That would explain how the wreckage was reported so quickly.” Tech said in reply from his seat in front of the hall control panel. “The crashed vessel appears mostly intact. The cargo aboard should be in fair enough condition to transport.”
--
The ship landed and fully kitted up, you all left the ship, and searched for the vessel.
It didn’t take long to find.
“What kinda ship is this?” Wrecker asked as he studied the wreckage.
“Don’t know. No hull markings.” Hunter responded.
You shone your torch across it. Whatever had caused this ship to crash, it had made it crash hard. There were no signs of life and there was debris scattered all around the main crash site.
“Based on the severity of the impact and the lack of communication signals, the crew aboard most likely perished.” Tech said as he stared at his datapad.
Omega had climbed up to access the door. “We don’t know for sure. They could be trapped inside. Come on.”
“All this time with us, how has she kept this up?” You pondered as you made to follow her up.
“Couldn’t tell you.” Hunter agreed, a smile in his voice. He knew the rest of you had been hardened by war and had seen the very worst of people and it had left its mark. You all could find that hope when you really needed to, you wouldn’t have made it this far otherwise, but it didn’t come as easily as it used to, and he worried that that would start to show in Omega, but he was yet to see that. If she could keep that type of outlook and strength within her, then they’d have done something right.
--
The door whirred open, and Hunter and Omega shone their lights into the dark corridor, but it seemed to be clear.
Hunter led the way in.
--
The more you walked through the ship, the more uncomfortable you got. It was eerily silent and empty, yet you felt like you were just waiting for something to jump out from any number of the dark corners, leaving you with the sensation that you were intruding.
“Where is everyone?” Omega breathed.
Wrecker’s foot nudged something on the ground. “Oh, check it out.” He gasped eagerly as he picked it up. “High-volt electrostaff.”
You barely registered what he said, you were too busy examining the markings on the wall.
Tech followed your trail of light with his own. “Something unfortunate happened here.”
“Whatever did this wasn’t human.” You added.
“I will get the power restored and check data logs on the bridge.” Tech said.
“By yourself?” Omega whispered nervously.
“Yeah, I don’t know about that one, Tech.” You agreed.
“Your concern is not warranted. I will be fine.” Tech said dismissively.
“Famous last words of anyone whose wandered off into a creepy, dark space.” You muttered but your concern was obvious.
Tech simply shrugged. “I will rejoin you all momentarily.”
With a sigh, you split up and the four of you continued your exploration whilst Tech went to the bridge.
--
What the rest of you next discovered as you carried on exploring the ship was not what you were expecting. Your torch light shone on what appeared to be some sort of tank and you immediately noticed the abrupt change of temperature.
“Why is it so cold in here?” Wrecker asked.
“It’s some kind of lab.” Hunter deduced as he led the way around the room.
“This medical equipment is Kaminoan.” Omega said, her breath coming out as smoke.
“Huh. So, what’s it doing here?” Wrecker asked.
Omega looked down at a broken piece of equipment. “It’s their cloning technology but this configuration is different than anything I saw in Tipoca City.”
Hunter clicked his comm. “Tech, find anything on the bridge?”
--
“Not yet. Still rerouting the reserve power. Stand by. The grid should be restored momentarily.” Tech was then distracted by a loud clatter. He followed the sound to what he thought was the source which was a broken droid that was repeatedly saying ‘danger.’ “What happened? What attacked this ship?” He asked it but it simply stuttered ‘danger’ again powered down. It was then he heard the sound of something clanking above him again and he knew he needed to find his way back to the rest of you.
--
Wrecker examined and touched a gloopy like substance next to a section of scratched on the walls. He grunted in disgust. “These are reinforced walls. What were they keeping in here?”
There was a faint creaking sound echoing throughout the room and the hairs on the back of your neck stood up. “I don’t know, but it’s still on board.”
The sound of water dripping and something chittering about you all started to grow louder and it was then you caught sight of a creature you’d never seen before hanging upside down from the ceiling, saliva dripping form it’s jaws but there was also an electric spark coming from its mouth which reminded you of something, but you couldn’t remember what.
“Hunter, what is that?” Omega whispered.
“Back away slowly.” Hunter ordered quietly. He kept a protective arm out in front of Omega as he did so.
You all did as he said but suddenly a pipe burst and you all instinctively turned to look at it but when your attention went back to where the creature had been, you were horrified to see that it had jumped down from the ceiling and was now stalking towards you all.
You made to step out, but Hunter’s hand caught your wrist.
“You’re not going to try and connect with this.”
“Hunter-”
“This isn’t something that’s up for debate. It’s an order. You’re not going near it.” He said firmly as he pulled out his blaster.
“Hunter, this isn’t going to help.” You hissed as you reluctantly did as he said and drew your blaster.
“This thing destroyed this ship. I’m not taking any chances here.”
Wrecker attempted to stab it with the electrostaff but the creature simply snatched and swallowed it.
You, Hunter, and Wrecker let out a series of shots as the creature screeched and made to lunge for you. There wasn’t a fatal hit but luckily your actions seemed to be off putting enough as it retreated back up to the ceiling.
The four of you stayed on guard but it was then that the power came back on so at least that made seeing this thing an easier task.
Any relief at having actual light was short lived for a rattle behind you saw you all turn to see the animal again only this time it didn’t hesitate to charge at you all.
You- thanks to your Force abilities- were able to dive over it and Hunter reacted quickly enough to grab Omega and jump out of the way. Wrecker unfortunately got knocked to the side.
The four of you sent a round of blaster fire down the corridor after the creature but it was too fast and too slinky for any shot to find a weak point and it turned around the corridor out of sight.
“Tech, we’ve got a problem. Get off the ship. Now!” Hunter urged into his comm.
--
Tech was already running as he replied, “I suspect this is some type of research vessel.”
--
“We know!” You said as the four of you ran through the corridors whilst keeping an eye out for any sign of the creature.
“And whatever they were researching just got loose.” Omega added.
“And it’s headed your way.” Hunter informed him.
--
You all rounded the corner to be met with an incredibly bizarre sight: the creature appeared to be feeding off the electricity coming from one of the power outlets on the ship and the creature itself seemed to be using it as a way to… grow?
“Does that thing look different to you?” Wrecker asked nervously.
It did but again, something about this animal was striking some degree of familiarity in you and you were infuriated that you couldn’t think of how or why that was the case.
Tech had appeared on the opposite side of the corridor, but he came to an abrupt halt as he witnessed what this animal was doing. He was not deterred by the fact that now its attention was on him, in fact he liked that it gave him a brief moment to study it. “Fascinating.” He murmured to himself as he watched the electrical energy be absorbed by the animal.
The four of you weren’t prepared to let the creature get closer to him. You opened fire once more to distract it.
“Take cover.” Tech ordered you all as he pointed his blaster to one of the power outlets.
Wrecker picked up Omega and turned to shield her body with his own whilst Hunter did the same with you, minus the picking up part.
Tech fired the shot.
The explosion created a hole in the ship which gave the creature the chance to slip away.
You all followed it out but lost sight of it in the woods.
Tech lowered his visor and saw the fading heat signature of the animal. “The creature appears to be headed in the direction of the village.”
“We’re the ones who let it out. We have to neutralize it before it hurts anyone.” Hunter said.
“How? Our blasters our useless on it.” Wrecker countered.
“Given the fact that the crew was most likely eaten by the creature, I doubt it is currently hungry-” Tech said nonchalantly.
“It ate the crew?” Omega interrupted, backing into you with fear.
You laid a comforting hand on her shoulder. “How is that helping, Tech?” You scolded.
“It ate the crew.” Omega repeated breathlessly.
“Just stop.” You advised as you saw Tech getting ready to say something else.
“Access the lab files and find out what species we’re dealing with and how to stop it.” Hunter directed Tech.
“Mmm, I can help.” Omega offered, finding her courage again. “I know my way around Kaminoan tech.”
“Go.” Hunter said. “You two, with me.” Hunter ordered you and Wrecker and the three of you set off for the ship.
--
“Hunter, if we can’t take care of this thing before it hurts anyone, you need to let me at least try my way.” You said as you got into the co-pilot’s seat whilst he got the ship in the air.
“I know.” Hunter agreed. He regretted not letting you do it earlier, he’d let emotion be the ruling judgement in the heat of the moment. Balancing both his professional and personal relationship with you was something he was still finessing.
“See anything?” Wrecker called from the gun turret as he scanned the woods below.
You looked at the scopes. “Zero, two, five.”
Wrecker saw it then. It was moving fast. His shots couldn’t make a hit and it disappeared from view.
“Did you get it?” Hunter asked.
“No.” Wrecker grunted.
--
Tech had managed to infiltrate the lab’s files. “Look at this.” He said to Omega as he examined the information on his datapad. “These appear to be designs using the creature’s genetic material for modified armour plating. That must be why it was unaffected by our blaster fire.”
“Then how do we stop it?” Omega asked.
“Uncertain.” Tech unplugged and moved on to the next panel. “However, this confirms that the species feeds on energy, which propels its rapid growth.”
“You mean it’ll get even bigger?!”
Tech’s eyes widened as he stared at the information on the screen. “Yes. Much bigger.”
--
Your jaw dropped as you watched out the window as the ship past over the woods. The creature had reached a power plant and had drastically transformed and then it hit you. “Hey, I recognise it now!” You hadn’t been there the day Coruscant was attacked but you had seen the holonet reports and the images were pretty memorable.
“You recognise it?” Hunter repeated, stunned.
“I wasn’t there and I’m blanking on what it’s called but it attacked Coruscant a few years ago.” It was then that Tech’s voice came through the comms and confirmed what you were saying.
“Hunter, the creature is the same species that attacked Coruscant during the war. You must not let it get near the power grid or it will increase exponentially in size.”
Yeah, you were pretty clued into that now. “We were a bit late on that one, Tech.” You responded as the creature spotted your ship and let out a roar.
Hunter took evasive action but not before the creature’s tail collided with the side of the ship.
“Still want me to drop you off?” Hunter glanced at you as he righted the ship.
You grimaced. “Uh maybe not right now.” The animal was too aggressive now, too scared and felt to threatened. There would be no room for you to work your way into forming any kind of bond with it. If it really came down to it, you would go but it didn’t need to happen right away yet.
Hunter was quietly relieved although he knew that if things got too out of hand, you would be the only option they had left.
--
The best strategy you guys had come up with to protect the village was being the source of distraction. Wrecker continuously opened fire on it but it was having no effect.
“Stop it before it gets any larger.” Hunter said to Wrecker.
“I’m trying!” Wrecker shouted back.
You took a deep breath. “Hunter, you gotta put me in there.” It was the only other option you had.
Hunter’s jaw clenched but he nodded.
You moved towards the door but just as Hunter got the ship in position, the alarms went off. “We’ve got ships on our tail.” He swerved the ship out the way as they opened fire.
You stumbled backwards. “Where’d they come from?” You said as you righted yourself and Gonky before you went back to the cockpit. There was no chance of you getting down to the animal now.
“Hold on.” Hunter signalled as he kicked the ship into high gear.
“Tech, Omega, you’ve got Imperial inbound. Get out of there.” You said urgently into you comm.
--
Omega picked up her comm as she heard your voice. “On our way.” She replied before she looked to Tech who showed no signs of hustle as he stared at his datapad. “Tech, let’s go.”
“Not yet. I am not finished transferring all of the data.”
An explosion sounded outside, and the ship shook with the impact of it and the power went out.
“Come on.” Omega implored before she started to run.
Tech followed her but their way off the ship was tricky as it was starting to fall apart. The explosions continued to surround them. They managed to vacate it but not before a series of ships passed overhead and fired down at the wreckage.
Tech grabbed Omega and took cover from the resulting large explosion behind a larger piece of debris as the ship got completely destroyed.
--
You were too busy avoiding the other Imperial ships to see what exactly had been done to the creature, all you caught sight of was the power plant exploding. “They’re not killing it. They’re taking it.” You murmured as you saw the now unconscious creature being taken up into another Imperial ship. What could the Empire possibly want with something like that?
“Let’s not be next.” Hunter said, pulling you out of your thoughts.
“Hunter, they’re going to take that village.” You said quietly, unhappily, as you caught sight of some ships taking up position in front of the houses, but you knew that there was nothing you could do. You were outnumbered and Tech and Omega needed you guys to get them out.
“We can’t help them.” Hunter said regretfully. He wished they could, but they’d be no good to anyone if they were dead and if they didn’t get out of here soon, that’s how they would wind up and Tech and Omega needed out of there too.
--
Tech and Omega paused for breath and Tech tapped into his comm. “Hunter, we’re clear of the vessel and heading to the landing zone.”
“Copy that.” Hunter acknowledged and he got the ship in position. He didn’t let it land though, there were too many ships on their tail to do that. The best he could do was slow it down and open the main doors.
Tech leaped onto the stairs and grabbed Omega’s hand as she jumped up after him to get her secure. The two of them made their way into the ship and sat, with Tech making sure Omega’s safety support was down first before he did his own.
Hunter got the ship out of there and sent it into hyperspace.
--
“The crashed vessel was part of the Imperial cloning operation.” Tech informed the rest of you as he sat in front of one of the control panels in the ship corridor.
“The Empire cloned the Zillo Beast?” You echoed as you stood behind Tech’s chair and studied the information on the screen.
“Yes and no.” Tech responded. “The directive came straight from the Supreme Chancellor before he became Emperor.”
“What’s he want with it?” Wrecker asked.
“The creature’s genetic material has the potential to be weaponized in the hands of the right scientist.”
“Where were they taking the creature?” Hunter asked his brother.
“Unknown. The ship did not have a destination logged. Hunter, there is far more to this than we realised. From what I have gathered, I suspect the Empire did not destroy the cities on Kamino to end cloning.”
“They wanted to control it.” You said softly but there was a hint of anger in your voice.
“Indeed.” Tech said in agreement.
Hunter set off towards the cockpit but paused hallway and turned back to face Tech. ���Send the data to Echo and Rex. See what they can find out.”
--
Daro
“Doctor. The creature has been recovered and is now safely secured below.”
“Good. And our other guest?”
“The shuttle is arriving now.”
The doctor set off towards the landing platform with a squad of troopers. “Did any of the villagers see the Zillo?” He asked the leader.
“Several. The locals have been detained and will be dealt with. However, one vessel escaped our assault. It was a military class shuttle.”
“Find out who it was.”
“Yes sir.”
The doctor watched on ahead as the shuttle landed. “Hello, Prime Minister.” He greeted the Kaminoan as he came off the ship. “Apologies. Former Prime Minister.”
“Why have I been brought here?”
“The cooperation of you chief scientist has not been forthcoming. Nale Se’s defiance is problematic.”
“It must be frustrating to have your resources but lack the expertise to achieve your goal. And if you fail to convince her, it won’t be long before you are in a cell like me.”
The doctor was not intimidated. “I fear you misunderstand your situation here. If you know of a way to persuade the scientist, now would be the time to mention it.”
“Indeed. In exchange for my freedom.”
“I’m listening.”
“There is a particular clone you must locate. A young girl. She is the key to controlling Nala Se.”
“How very interesting.” The doctor invited him to follow him inside. “It seems we have much to discuss.”
Next Chapter>
Tagging: @noeasyisnoisy, @fuckoffthanos, @tpwkcalli, @graciexmarvel, @arctrooper69, @nightmonkeysstuff, @brujaporfavor, @flyingkangaroo, @sunkissedclones, @ladytano420, @keep-calm-and-drink-caf, @yyourmotherr, @xxeiraxx, @dragonrider9905, @starwarsnerd111
#the bad batch#the bad batch season 2#the bad batch s2#hunter x reader#hunter x fem!reader#hunter x female!reader#hunter x femalejedi!reader#sergeant hunter#sergeant hunter x reader#hunter tbb#hunter the bad batch#the bad batch hunter x you#hunter x y/n#tbb hunter x reader#the bad batch fanfiction#fluff#angst#star wars#friends to lovers
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Jumping on the band wagon since I’m a massive TCW fan and found your account! Hear me out
What about reader having to dress up for a dinner meeting and Rex sees them in a dress for the first time? 💃🏻
Anon, I adore you. This was so fun to write. Fair warning, I absolutely blacked out the first part of this request and it's definitely not a dinner meeting, but I feel like the vibes still work, I'm so sorry!😭 This was so fun to write though omg
Lucky Hand
Summary: When reader goes to Cantonica to find a Separatist arms dealer, Rex reacts to seeing her dressed to impress for the first time
WC: 1.4k
Warnings: Alcohol mentions, reader gets her thigh touched by a weirdo but that's it I prommy, Rex is not saving room for the holy spirit but it stays PG-13, no editing because I haven't before so why start now
* * *
This isn’t the worst plan Anakin’s ever had, but that isn’t saying much. It’s also not the worst plan you’ve ever had, so that gives you slightly more comfort. It’s simple, in theory. There’s a separatist arms dealer who frequents the sabacc table at Canto Bight. You are supposed to slip in, get his attention, and hopefully some intel. You’re prepared to meet resistance, but you’ve been assured it won’t come to that. Still, you don’t know how you’re supposed to access your saber in this dress, maker forbid it comes to that, or how you’re going to get access to this arms dealer in the first place. Anakin can sense your discomfort as you enter the room, picking at the sheer, glimmering fabric as you walk, willing it to stop clinging to your body for just a moment so you can pull yourself together.
“Where does Senator Amidala even wear this?” you mumble, grateful that the Senator had a dress she didn’t mind donating to the cause, but you wished she had sent you with something a little less revealing. The skirt is full and floaty, with layers of sparkling sheer fabric dyed in a rainbow of blues and greens. The bodice sweeps off the shoulder into two sheer long sleeves that clip around your fingers, but is centered around a plunging neckline that cuts nearly clear to your belly button. It’s through the will of the force alone that you haven’t had a wardrobe malfunction just from walking.
“Yeah, I was gonna ask the same question.” Anakin grumbles before walking over to you and placing a firm hand on your shoulder. “Snips and I are behind you the whole time, we’re going to keep a close perimeter to Canto Bight once you touch down on Cantonica.”
“Remind me why we can’t send you on this mission?” You grumble, crossing your arms over your chest. You try not to blush when you feel Rex’s force signature shift from where he’s standing across the room, your Captain’s stoicism failing him in ways only you can see.
“Because, frankly, I’m too distracting, we can’t have everyone in the casino offering to buy me a drink.” Anakin chides, and you send an elbow into his ribs with a laugh. “Rex and Bubs are going with you as security. Figured they’re pretty much the only two without face tattoos, hopefully the guards will just think they’re brothers. You’ll take one of the transport ships we have on the Resolute.”
You swear you hear Bubbles snort from where he stands across the room, but the sound is soon silenced by a motion from Commander Leo.
“Ok, I think I’m ready.”
The small squadron that will be landing on Cantonica with you begins to prepare their weapons while Anakin pulls Ahsoka aside to find an ideal landing zone. You’re watching the chaos unfold from the back of the room when you feel a presence begin to enter your orbit. You say nothing, but slip out quietly, making your way down the hall until you pass by a small supply closet, ducking in without turning around. Just as you suspected, the door slides open a minute later, and you find yourself chest to chest with Rex, breathing heavily as he takes you in in the cramped space.
“Mesh’la” he breathes, reaching out towards your face before you intercept his hand, catching it, and placing it on your waist.
“It took me and Ahsoka nearly a full hour to do my hair, can’t have you ruining it Captain.”
“Wanna ruin more than that,” he breathes, his eyes focusing on your perfectly painted lips, but shakes himself out of it, holding you firm on your waist. “I think this is the first time I’ve seen you dressed up.”
“I think this is one of the only times I’ve been all dressed up.” You can’t say you hate it, both the way you feel and the way his eyes burn as they devour your form. “Are you ready for the mission?”
“It’ll be easy,” he shrugs, cooling off back into the casual nonchalance Rex always has. “You’re good at negotiations,” he taps your hip where your saber is carefully guarded beneath layers of expensive silk.
“I’m not worried. I’ve got you and Bubbles to back me up.” You shrug and Rex laughs a quiet, breathy laugh.
“Kid’s got spunk, I’ll give him that.” But he looks at you fondly, placing his pointer finger and your chin and tracing your bottom lip with his thumb. “I trust him.” He backs away from you too quickly, and you barely suppress the sigh that threatens to escape your lips as he ducks out the door. “Follow me out in a few minutes.”
* * *
So, it wasn’t entirely going wrong. You were able to get in with Rex and Bubs, and quickly located the arms dealer, a Theelin man with bright purple skin and coiffed blue hair. Bubs quickly broke away under the guise of getting you a drink, and Rex maintained a close detail, just as any security agent would. The casino was busy, you were able to float through with near anonymity, and you quickly sidled up the man sitting at the sabacc table, placing your handful of credits next to his. “Can a girl get dealt in?” you crooned, and the man gave you a wide grin before moving his chair to the side.
“For a beauty like you, I’d nearly offer my hand.” He said, and you could feel Rex start glowering from where he stood a few feet back. “I’m Grafan Thif.” He extended his hand and you shook it delicately.
“Amila Shula,” you smiled, offering him the pseudonym you’d landed on. “Let’s play.”
The mission had been going well, Grafan had been slowly letting on intel the whole night as you followed him through the casino, your hand loosely through his arm. The two of you settled at a quiet table near the patio, he looked at you, his eyes barely focusing from the drinks he’d consumed. “You should come with me, see my new vacation home.”
“Oh?” Your eyebrows rose, and Rex and Bubbles stood straighter, listening to his words, “Where are you going to take me?”
“Got a new job on Agamar, some backwater system, overseeing a new factory out there.” His hand began to slide up your thigh over your dress and you tensed, trying to urge him to stop as his hand grew closer to your saber.
“Sir, if I may-” Rex stepped forward, his face a blend of calm and barely concealed jealous rage when Grafan’s hand grazed the shape of your saber beneath your dress.
He glanced at you, then at your two guards and his eyes grew wide, as if he was connecting all the pieces. “You, you-”
“Are leaving.” You hoisted your dress up to grab the saber out from where it hung around your hip, gesturing for Rex and Bubbles to follow. The three of you ran towards the patio as Grafan shouted for security, and you pressed the concealed comm on your bracelet to reach Anakin. “We’ve got company!”
“Already on it!” came his reply, and as the three of you ran down the stairs, you were greeted with the always reassuring sight of the Twilight near crashing onto the beaches of Cantonica.
“Are you waiting for an invitation!” Shouted Ahsoka as the ramp lowered, and the two troopers rushed towards the ship.
“This karking dress!” You grumbled, a few feet behind them as the security team scrambled down the steps. Rex turned around and saw you fumbling with removing the shoes and ran towards you, picking you up and tossing you over his shoulder in one fell, seamless beat. “I don’t need to be rescued.” You grumbled, pulling out your saber and deflecting the blaster fire that now approached you.
“Yeah, I know. Been looking for an excuse to hold you since that sleemo touched you earlier.” His hands gripped you tighter and you couldn’t help but grin as he brought you both on the ship, setting you down gingerly as Bubbles helped Ahsoka and Anakin pilot their way out of the atmosphere. Rex gave you one more wicked grin before whispering in your ear. “Think Senator Amidala would notice if you never gave the dress back.”
You winked back at him before giving his arm a pat, “I’m sure I can think of more excuses to wear it.”
#star wars#rex x reader#captain rex#captain rex x reader#captain rex x f!reader#captain rex request#commander rex#clone trooper rex#requests#platonic!anakin
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Pull Me Out, Bring Me Back ~Maria Hill xFem SignificantOther!Reader
PSA: Secret Invasion Spoilers!!Maria is gone. And it takes a heavy toll on Reader… But little do you know, Fury has yet another surprise up his sleeve.
Mommy… Master List
Requests & Prompt-List
Warnings: Secret Invasion (MCU) Spoilers, angst, death, crying, grief, mourning, implied unnatural life, tampering with death/life, relief, happy endings, etc.
Enjoy (:
You were at the funeral. Her funeral. And you still couldn’t believe it. It couldn’t be. Maria couldn’t be… Dead.
But there you stood on the runway, watching as her coffin was brought back into the States. Your lip quivered and you tried to keep yourself together. You couldn’t help the tear that slipped from your eyes. And then another. They just streamed down your face. And you were powerless to stop them. Just like you were powerless to have stopped Maria from dying.
You wanted to yell at the woman. Tell her she wasn’t allowed to leave yet. There was so much that you still had to say. So much time that has been taken from the two of you. It wasn’t fair… Your mind spiraled in this tornado of chaos.
Elizabeth, Maria’s mother, eventually came over to you, embracing you tightly. Her touch anchored you back into reality slightly. You were shaking in the woman’s embrace. She then pulled back, holding you by the shoulders.
“I-I’m so S-sorrry, Eliz—” you stammered in a chocked up manner, but the woman hushed you.
“Don’t be, sweet girl. You were as close, if not closer to Maria, than I was…” she comforted.
“And I promise you, I will find out what happened to our girl…” Elizabeth swore to you.
You took a deep breath and nodded, thanking the woman before she went off. You talked with some other officials and such, attending the after-ceremony, while you saw Maria’s mom talking to a man in the distance.
You spent the next days, weeks in your apartment. Numb. Missing Maria. It was all so overwhelming. The only person you talked to nowadays was Elizabeth. She could somewhat understand your pain…
She’d told you what Fury had told her. The details helped you a little. But you knew that it wasn’t the whole truth… You were barely making it. Everything was day by day, one step at a time… Otherwise, you’d drown from all the grief around you.
Your life didn’t seem worth living without the love of your life..
One day, she dropped by, knocking at your door. You shuffled off the couch and made your way to the door. Opening it, you smiled lightly at the sight of Elizabeth.
“I want to show you something” she said, indicating for you to follow her.
You nodded, quickly excusing yourself o change into a new pair of black leggings and a long sleeved shirt. Then coming along into her car, she drove you out into what seemed to be nothing but land. The woman then stopped at a clearing.
“Where are we?” You asked.
“I… Reached out to Fury. Again. About you. He said he wanted to meet with you.” Elizabeth explained.
“Here?”
Suddenly a light descended in the middle of the clearing. And then there was a bright transport/elevator of some kind standing there. You got out of the car.
“That will take me to Fury…?” You quizzically asked.
The woman nodded.
“Thank you.” You told Elizabeth, before going to the doors of the ship and entering it.
The ship took you up. You held on to a side beam of the vehicle as it accelerated intensely. Moving really high up. You assumed outer space. Then suddenly it stopped. And the doors opened.
You stumbled out of the space pod and into some sort of space base corridor. You rounded the hallway and saw the SWORD logo on the wall. Eventually, you found the control room. And none other than the Nick Fury.
“Ms. L/N, I’ve been expecting you…” Fury cooly stated.
“I… Sir… Sorry, but why am I here…?” You stammered.
The man turned around to face you. His face was layers of masks, but you thought you could detect some… sympathy perhaps…?
“Follow me.” He said, walking out of the room and down the hall.
You nodded and followed the man.
“Elizabeth reached out to me about you, and how you had been taking Maria… being gone…” Fury sighed.
He led you into a room, an observation room with a two way mirror. But the other side was dark. You followed him into the room, closing the door behind him.
“We both thought it would be best if you know the truth…”
Then Fury switched the lights on. The other room lit up. It was very hospital like. And in there, laid Maria. She wasn’t moving. Your eyes widened and your mouth dropped. There was a monitor next to her, showing stable vitals.
What…?
“Is she…?” You whispered.
“Alive. Thank god.” He breathed out.
You were saved. Life had meaning again..
A wave of relief washed over you. Your life flashed before your eyes, her life with yours flashed before your eyes. Everything made sense again. You couldn’t breathe for a moment, you were getting so chocked up.
“W-why isn’t she… a-awake?” You stammered.
“She’s healing. Had a long recovery…” Fury sighed, “It’s all in here.”
He handed you a file.
“I didn’t just tell you because of what Elizabeth said. I’m telling you because I need someone who can watch her when she wakes up. The last men we used this specific procedure with had side effects…” He explained, indicating to the large file, “Read it. And then stay by her side as she recovers.”
You nodded swiftly.
“I understand…” you muttered, staring at the file.
Fury then left you in the room. You watched him close the door. You sighed, glanced at the brunette in the other room, your heart aching. Then siting down at the desk in the room, you began to read the file from the beginning.
The title read T.A.H.I.T.I. Project…
~~~
Maria Hill Masterlist
#secret invasion spoilers#maria hill#agent hill#agent maria hill#maria hill angst#maria hill x reader#maria hill x y/n#maria hill x you#colbie smulders#Colbie smulders character#Colbie smulders x reader#mcu angst#marvel angst#maria hill fluff#marvel secret invasion#secret invasion#secret invasion angst#secret invasion series#secret invasion x reader#marvel mcu#mcu#mcu fandom#mcu fanfiction#mcu x reader#marvel fanfic#marvel fanfiction#marvel fic#marvel#agents of s.h.i.e.l.d.#agents of shield
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