The Lamb

Looked up the Jonmund tag on AO3 and realized they're still stuck at 500 + fics, which made me sad that the handful of fics I was really attached to were deleted....but they're still there. There were two writers (gleamingwholeanddeadly/printersdeadly) who mostly wrote for Hannibal who churned out five fics that I really, really liked and read over and over in 2019 and 2020.

It's been years, so I'm more comfortable talking about this now. The Jonmund fanworks largely made me okay with the GoT ending, but there was some discord drama just as the fandom was winding down and I expressed some things that I should have kept to myself (not related to the fandom). The whole experience made me want to stay away from the hierarchial nature of fandoms and the way certain beliefs/headcanons are continually reinforced. I'm more than happy to talk with other fans about stuff that interests us, but not to the extent to participate in ostracization (or more likely, being ostracized myself) because of dissension about this or that.

It's almost impossible to participate in GoT fandom these days without believing that GRRM is going to finish the series someday and write the "real" ending that makes everyone happy. Even people in fandoms that weren't book canon whatsoever seem to at least play lip service to this belief. I don't think it's healthy or plausible and like it or not, the only thing that's likely to emerge from the main story is whatever gets published after GRRM dies.

Gilmore Girls fandom has a similar naivete on this last point (way too many people are still invested in ASP writing their dream ending, even though she's not remotely interested in that whatsoever) and that's another topic, but I do wonder what's going to happen to the fandom (or the franchise HBO wants to build) if the writer dies or becomes too ill or infirm to participate (never mind if he finally gives in one if these days and admits he's not finishing the story). I feel even at this late date, this much reliance on one individual isn't going to end up in a good place.

MONKEYING AROUND

Alex Turner Knows You Want Arctic Monkeys to Make ‘AM’ Again. Sorry! (Rolling Stone)

The frontman on big rock guitars, evolving as a band, and revving up for their latest album, The Car.

BY BRIAN HIATT, OCTOBER 21, 2022

FROM THE MOMENT the world heard the frantic majesty of Arctic Monkeys’ classic debut, 2006’s Whatever People Say I Am, That’s What I’m Not, it was obvious the U.K. foursome were headed for rock greatness. But great bands have always reserved the right to swerve into detours that baffle some fans — while perhaps making new ones — and Arctic Monkeys are no exception. Their commercial and creative high point, the groove-rock stomper AM, was one of the last albums by a rock band to truly shake the culture. They followed it with five years of silence. Then, in 2018, came the gorgeous but defiantly odd space-lounge concept album Tranquility Base Hotel & Casino.

With their lush new follow-up, The Car, they’re still a lot more interested in sculpting hi-fi soundscapes than blasting your face off, with rich strings and Steely Dan-level studio gloss applied to mostly slow-burning songs, albeit with a bit more rock muscle this time. “I don’t think it sounds like a different band, but I can imagine that’s something that can get thrown around,” says frontman Alex Turner. “I think what makes it sound like the same band is that we’re not betraying our instinct to challenge our idea of what the band can be.”

Did you, on any level, feel burned out on big rock after making AM? [Speaks using DJ voice] “You’re listening to Burned Out … on Big Rock” [laughs]. It’s definitely a rock record, that AM, isn’t it? But to us, there was always something else going on in there that gets it over the line. I don’t know if it’s the break after it or what, but it doesn’t seem that straightforward getting back there. I don’t ever remember feeling burned out on big rock. It just seemed, you know, any moves you made to try and move back in that direction.… These other paths that we’ve discovered always seemed to make more sense. I dunno how to put it.

You once said that somehow a direct progression from AM wasn’t an option, that you did the only thing you could do. Absolutely. Yeah. I think it was important to step away. I worked on other things, and they probably led to Tranquility being what we ended up doing there. And there may have been, honestly, occasions where I’ve attempted to sort of put the motorcycle boots back on and figure out what an AM-type tune would be. But it almost seems like a spoof or something when I start playing it out with those ideas at the moment. It remains to be seen. I’m not saying we’re never going to do something that sounds a bit like Sabbath again. I’m not ruling out the possibility — ’cause I feel that there are moments of big rock on this record, even, possibly.

You kind of pull those sounds in and out, right? On some of these songs, you’ve got the band on a fader, and they come in. On the third song on the record, “Sculptures of Anything Goes,” it’s all just a Moog and a drum machine and a vocal. But there’s a few bars in it where the rock band gets switched on and then goes into the background again.

That is one of the key differences between this album and the last one. You’re getting some distorted guitar. And I would attribute that to having the session with the band and everyone together. On “Body Paint,” I was surprised how distorted and rock the ending of that [song] got on the guitar. When I started playing with the lads again, it’s like, “Oh, yeah. I want to dig in a bit and play rock guitar.”

When you’re using the band as only one element in the sound, what kind of dissension, if any, is there? From the rest of the guys? Those sort of ideas, the more time’s gone on, the more encouraging they have been about them. I think once upon a time, when we had the windbreakers zipped up to here and the guitar was really tight, we were all playing all at once all the time, and that’s how it was. But I think we all have started to realize that using that space can be quite effective. And if you’re the one not playing, you’re still the one that’s not playing, you know?

The “Do I Wanna Know” riff is everywhere — kids learning guitar constantly play it on TikTok. It’s the new “Wonderwall” or “Seven Nation Army.” What do you make of that? Wow. I dunno, man. That guitar, the 12-string orange Vox guitar we bought right at the end of the Suck It and See session [in 2011] … the “Do I Wanna Know” riff, like, came with it. It was built in.

Matt Healy from the 1975 said that he thought the first decade of the 2000s belonged to you guys, but that his band took the second decade. [Laughs.] Oh yeah?

Are you willing to cede that territory? I concede. And now we’re in the third. Watch this space.

Your band has been around for 20 years, incredibly. Do you want to be like the Stones and stay together pretty much forever? I’m just trying to get through [our next show at] Kings Theatre at the moment. I don’t think that’s a plan I’m gonna draw up tonight. The show’s getting stronger. It feels like it’s becoming something else, and I think the inclusion of this new material within that is only gonna hopefully help. It’s hard not to get excited about that. It’s one step at a time. Let’s see where this Car leads us.

There’s an old saying in Israeli politics that a politician can be dead—or dead and buried. Whether a beleaguered Benjamin Netanyahu belongs to either of these unhappy groups is hard to say, but veteran Israeli political analysts are clear that he now faces the test of his life. Netanyahu must deal with a converging web of controversies and pressures, while also dealing with an increasingly unhappy Israeli public. These include rising frustration from the families of hostages taken on Oct. 7 by Hamas; dissension in the war cabinet; a rebellious right wing; the return of mobilized reservists (traditionally an anti-Netanyahu constituency); and growing strains with the United States—not to mention his ongoing trial for bribery, fraud, and breach of trust in the Jerusalem District Court.

Having presided over the greatest intelligence failure and terror attack in Israel’s history and the bloodiest day for Jews since the Holocaust, Netanyahu may well be entering the twilight of his career. One way or another, it is unlikely that the current Netanyahu-led government will run its full term to October 2026. The average length of an Israeli government since independence is 1.8 years. And Israel, whose politics are fractious during normal times, has just weathered a stunningly abnormal—even traumatic—year, with Netanyahu leading efforts to weaken Israel’s judiciary and the Oct. 7 terror surge. Both traumas, his critics charge, were a direct result of Netanyahu’s failed policies.

That is not to say the political demise of Israel’s longest-governing prime minister will be quick. Right now, there are no direct mechanisms to remove him from power. Indeed, Netanyahu has a few more levers to pull, including from a most unlikely quarter: a U.S. president who is aiming to deliver an Israel-Saudi normalization accord before the American elections in November, if Netanyahu plays along.

In January, the Labor Party put forward a no-confidence motion for the government’s failure to redeem the hostages. The vote had no chance, but it signaled the beginning of the return of domestic politics, suspended in the interest of national unity since Oct. 7. Yair Lapid, the head of oppositional party Yesh Atid, talked publicly about holding early elections while former Israel Defense Forces (IDF) Chief of the General Staff Gadi Eisenkot, a nonvoting member of the war cabinet, publicly chastised the prime minister for his refusal to prioritize the release of hostages and lack of crisis leadership.

The public is by no means giving up on the war against Hamas. But the twin goals of destroying Hamas’s military organization and freeing the 136 hostages still held are now increasingly at odds with one another. Hamas used time—and its tunnel maze—to frustrate the IDF’s operations; a deal to free the hostages may be looming. That will be a fraught decision point for the prime minister as far-right members of his coalition insist the war must continue while centrists and the center-left push toward a hostage deal involving an extended pause in the fighting.

In this respect, Netanyahu could finally be cornered. As Anshel Pfeffer, perhaps the most astute observer of Netanyahu, has argued, what the prime minister fears the most isn’t the Americans or pressure from the hostages’ families but “losing the majority in the Knesset that took him four years and five election campaigns, including 18 frustrating months out of office, to secure.”

If a hostage deal that necessitates a lengthy cease-fire emerges, far-right Knesset members, notably National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir or Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich (especially the former, whose party’s poll numbers have risen), may seek to cement their status as true believers of a maximalist war approach by bolting the coalition.

But if Netanyahu bows to pressure from his right, the looming threat of resignations by Benny Gantz and Eisenkot from the war cabinet remains a distinct possibility. Gantz and Eisenkot, members of the increasingly popular National Unity political alliance, have ramped up their criticism of Netanyahu in recent weeks. Eisenkot said Netanyahu bears “sharp and clear” responsibility for the Oct. 7 attacks. If they do resign, Gantz and Eisenkot could fuel a new wave of protests against Netanyahu and spark other government officials, perhaps even members of Netanyahu’s own party, to step aside.

Netanyahu’s political acumen—and sheer will—to stay in power should never be underestimated. But his staying power these days is also a result of the realities of Israel’s political process.

To send him packing, there are several pathways available for the Israeli opposition—all of them problematic. First, there is the vote of constructive no confidence. Modified in 2014 to ensure an alternative government must be proposed, any constructive vote of no confidence requires at least 61 Knesset member votes (out of 120) to enact. Alternatively, the Knesset can pass a bill supported by a simple majority to dissolve itself and move to elections. Right now, there seems to be no appetite in the current Knesset to send the country into yet another election in wartime, much less the votes needed for an alternative governing coalition.

The second mechanism to remove Netanyahu stems from the belief that resignations by Gantz and Eisenkot from the war cabinet, coupled with widespread protests, will serve as the catalysts for a handful of Likud MKs to abandon Netanyahu. But there’s no guarantee that Gantz and Eisenkot will voluntarily resign from their influential posts anytime soon. To them, overseeing Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant’s decisions, such as preventing further escalation in Lebanon, help blunt the coalition’s far-right actors. Also, Netanyahu still maintains control of his party. The Likud does not have a history of abandoning its leader and devouring its own. The idea that members of Netanyahu’s own party could see a path forward without their leader and drop from the governing coalition remains a long shot.

The third option that could in theory remove Netanyahu is often overlooked but has proved integral to political change after prior national traumas: a state commission of inquiry. Formed by the government or the Knesset State Control Committee, a state commission is highly consequential given its broad investigative powers, such as the ability to call witnesses and recommend resignations. State commissions are led by the president of the Supreme Court, who appoints its members, insulating the process from political interference.

State commissions of inquiry are powerful. After the failures in the leadup to the 1973 Arab-Israeli War, relentless public pressure based on findings from the Agranat Commission forced Prime Minister Golda Meir to resign five months after the war ended and just one month after forming the 16th government of Israel following the December 1973 elections. Given the national trauma inflicted by Oct. 7, the creation of a commission of inquiry is a near certainty—the question is when, not if.

But any state commission of inquiry would take months to release its findings. The Agranat Commission took five months to release an interim report (April 1974) and nearly a year and a half to release the final version (January 1975).

Aside from the extended timeline, Netanyahu could seek to modify the creation of a commission of inquiry to shield himself from personal responsibility.

Take the Winograd Commission of 2006, for example. In the aftermath of the much-maligned 2006 stalemate with Hezbollah, Prime Minister Ehud Olmert appointed former Mossad director Nahum Admoni to head the committee investigating the government’s management of the war in Lebanon (This later turned into a government commission of inquiry.). Ultimately managed by retired judge Eliyahu Winograd, Olmert was able to evade a state commission by the active president of the Supreme Court (Justice Dorit Beinisch)—a move that may pique Netanyahu’s interest given his well-documented critiques of Israel’s current Supreme Court.

Upon the release of Winograd’s damning findings, protests erupted across Israel calling for Olmert’s resignation. Olmert’s party, Kadima, stood behind him. The Knesset opposition leader at the time—a man by the name of Benjamin Netanyahu—called Olmert unfit to lead, arguing “the government is in charge of the military, and it failed miserably.” Despite relentless pressure, Olmert would survive for two more years, and a vote of no confidence in Winograd’s aftermath was never held.

And then, of course, there’s Netanyahu’s own trial—four years running with no signs of concluding any time soon. It could easily go another year and result in either a conviction or a plea bargain, including Netanyahu’s retirement from politics, to prevent that conviction result. The only certainty is that it will take time. Olmert was indicted in January 2012 over the Holyland affair, convicted on two counts of bribery in March 2014, and began serving a 19-month sentence only in February 2016.

There’s one additional pathway to remove Netanyahu from power; it’s a double-edged sword because it also contains an option for him to remain. Though the path ahead is fraught and uncertain, the Biden administration has embarked on an integrated regional initiative to move beyond the Israel-Hamas war and to stabilize the broader Arab-Israeli arena. Its centerpiece is the administration’s desire—evident well before Oct. 7—to push for an Israeli-Saudi normalization deal. The broad outlines involve a sequential series of steps: first, a hostage-for-prisoner release that would lead to an Israeli-Hamas temporary cease-fire lasting months, followed by a Saudi offer to normalize relations with Israel provided the Israelis agree to the creation of a Palestinian state and withdrawal of forces from Gaza. There would also be a package of deliverables to Saudi Arabia, including what is certain to be a controversial mutual defense treaty and help with its nascent nuclear program as well as undefined security guarantees for Israel.

The administration’s logic appears to be that such an offer would certainly break Netanyahu’s coalition. But perhaps Netanyahu, eager to remain in power, would abandon his extremist partners and take part of his Likud party into a new alignment with more centrist partners to do the deal and cement his legacy. If Netanyahu refused the deal, elections would follow, possibly leading to his defeat, and the new government would grab the deal. In the words of Haaretz military correspondent Amos Harel, the deal represents Netanyahu’s “lifeline.”

Who or what replaces him, if things do not work out, is also difficult to predict. The politics of Israel are dominated by the right and center-right, and more often than not, it’s the right wing that has gained from security crises. In 2001, Likud’s Ariel Sharon handed Ehud Barak one of the biggest defeats in Israeli politics following the failure of the Camp David summit and the outbreak of the Second Intifada; the 2006 Lebanon War would shake the Israeli electorate’s confidence in Olmert, whose resignation would lead to the beginning of Netanyahu’s long run as prime minister. It seems hard to imagine a resurgence of the center-left. In the latest election cycle, Labor barely reached the Knesset threshold with four seats, and the progressive Meretz did not qualify altogether. This political paradigm has not changed since Oct. 7. If anything, Israeli attitudes have moved further to the right than ever before.

Still, a course correction is coming—most likely a government led by Gantz, more focused on the protection of democracy, civil society, and the rule of law. Gantz’s new coalition would cast aside the counterproductive rhetoric Netanyahu deploys toward the United States, and perhaps would prove more pragmatic on issues pertaining to the conflict with the Palestinians. It’s doubtful if a new government, likely running the ideological gamut from right to left along the lines of the previous Bennett-Lapid coalition, would be able to make core decisions leading to a transformative, conflict-ending agreement with the Palestinians. Still, while it will not offer a quick solution to the elusive problem of the much-too-promised land, a new government might—with leadership changes on the Palestinian side as well—get the region a step closer.

Krenko’s Guide to Creature Types: Nephilim

Art by Mark Zug

What is a Nephilim (flavorfully)?

In Jewish mythology, when an angel and a human love each other very much, they do a special dance and a year or so later a Nephil is born. Nephilim are taller and stronger than humans, but they’re also traditionally considered to be jerks. This is probably because Angels aren’t actually allowed to make Nephilim, so every Nephil’s father is Fallen, and thus no Nephil grew up with a strong role model to teach them right from wrong. You will also note that Nephilim is the plural of the word.

In Magic: the Gathering, Nephilim is the singular, but also the plural. They’re a group of ancient beings that wandered Ravnica but were sealed away at some point, probably by Azor. The only details are in the Dissension novel, which I don’t have on hand. They’re big, five of them rampage, and they get killed. They’re all hideously monstrous and each look different. A lot of people thought they were Gods, but then Niv-Mizzet killed two of them, so who’s your god now?

What is a Nephilim (mechanically)?

The Nephilim are a cycle of five creatures with the then unique cost of four mana of four different colors. Their actual abilities are entirely different, and they’re all kind of… not good.

They should have been Legendary, and the story treats them as such, but they’re not, so that sucks.

Can I make a Nephilim deck?

Not only would a Nephilim deck require all five colors, but they all take the same spot of the curve and none of them are actually that great for their cost. There’s also just the five of them, so unless you wanted to play Morophon jank you’re entirely out of luck. 

Is Nephilim a good creature type?

I kind of hate Nephilim. They’re the most loosely related creature type to mythological being I’ve seen, their design is entirely forced and has seemingly nothing to do with their colors, and their creature type is in the name of all five. I understand creature type as trinket text to make sure people understand what a card is, but when it’s in the name, you can use a better creature type. What IS the better creature type for the Nephilim? Well, there’s definitely options. Horror. Avatar. God. Giant. Spirit. And I do understand the idea of giving them a unique type for the sake of being weird and different, but then why make them Nephilim? Why use this term from the bible that, while admittedly having multiple interpretations, definitely doesn’t mean these things?

I don’t get offended at the Angels, or how they portray Golems, or how badly they’ve confused Leviathan, but this one? This one really bugs me.

"Night of the Living Dead" (1968) is a revolutionary horror film in many different aspects. But the movie's element that interests us the most is Duane Jones. There is no disrespect to the other actors, but a black man leading a horror film with high intellect and dignity with a predominately white cast was unheard of at the time. He even slapped a white woman (Judith O'Dea) in a retaliation moment of hysteria between the two. Between that and Sidney Poitier hitting Endicott on "In the Heat of the Night" (1967), there was a changing narrative of black people's character in movies.

Now, George Romero selected Jones for the lead role because he was the best guy for the job. Anyone could have played Ben because Romero wrote the script with race not a part of Ben's character. However, this was the 1960s, when social issues were at their height. So regardless, people saw a black man leading the way in a horror movie, and many probably couldn't tell you when that happened before 1968.

This movie is an all-time classic for the horror genre in general. It's the staple of all zombie movies today, and Duane Jones' timing in earning this role was a necessary turning point for African-Americans in horror movies.

Director: George A. Romero Writers: John A. Russo (screenplay by), George A. Romero (screenplay by)

Starring Duane Jones, Judith O'Dea, Karl Hardman, Marilyn Eastman, Keith Wayne, Judith Ridley, Kyra Schon

Storyline Barbra and Johnny visit their father's grave in a remote cemetery when zombies suddenly set upon them. Barbra manages to get away and takes refuge in what seems to be an abandoned farmhouse. She is soon joined by Ben, who stops at the house in need of gas. Beset by the walking dead around them, Ben does his best to secure the doors and windows. The news reports are grim, with creatures returning to life everywhere. Barbra and Ben are surprised when they realize five people are hiding out in the basement: Harry, Helen, and Karen Cooper, and a young couple, Tom and Judy. Dissensions sets in almost immediately, with Harry Cooper wanting to be in charge. As their situation deteriorates, their chances of surviving the night lessen minute by minute.

Available on 4k by the Criterion Collection and streaming services. https://www.amazon.com/Night-Living-Dead-Criterion-Collection/dp/B0B7218CKP

Miss my sims.

Fleet Admiral Toshio “Animal” Nakamura from my Sims 3/JAG (if anyone is familiar with that show (now out of syndication and into reruns)

Writing JAG or Sims 3 fanfiction is hard with having to remember the characters in your head instead of playing them in game or watching them on the TV Show.

Writing Animal is hard mainly as a fanfic OC is because I have to know exactly what he’s doing since there’s no actual representation except in sim form which I had to come up with.

Meg (nee Austin) Nakamura is a blonde Lieutenant JG on the TV show (first season) but a Vice Admiral in my Sims 3/JAG stories sporting auburn hair.

This excerpt is from my FF(dot)com fanfic called “Hail and Well Met” (Chapter 14). In this segment Meg and Harm are Lieutenant Commanders (O-4), Mac is a Major (O-4), and Animal is a Commander (O-5) and Bud Roberts is a Lieutenant (O-3)

**********************************

TACTS Range Coordinator

“Ma’am, the Tigers’ F-5F went into a five degree nose down according to telemetry readings off the TACTS Pod that it was outfitted with”

“I’m presuming the attitude before impact was consistent with an ACM maneuver known as a rolling scissors?” Meg zeroed in on the telemetry display.

“Yes, ma’am, according to the blackbox, that was recovered from the aircraft, we can ascertain what the aircraft was doing before impact.”

“In this case there were two impacts: the one with the other aircraft and the one where the aircraft went into the ground.” Meg looked over at Animal. “We’re looking for the first impact and like you thought, it seems the crew was engaged in a ACM maneuver at the time of impact between the two aircraft. The blackbox data come back from the F-14 yet?”

“Yes, ma’am. We cordoned off the Tomcat and set our techs to work on extracting the data from the box.”

“Good, let me know what you retrieve…”

“Yes, ma’am!”

“…before Lieutenant Commander Rabb asks for it!” Meg shot the TACTS range coordinator a look that brooked no dissension. “I will be the one to give the information to LCDR Rabb as I’m the one who originally determined the necessity for telemetry information from the black-box.”

“Aye-aye, ma’am!”

She turned on her heel, “Sir, I think we’re got the telemetry data to prove that the aircraft were in a situation where they were deliberately hazarded.”

“I’ll let you come to that conclusion, Lieutenant Commander Austin-Nakamura, Lieutenant Roberts. I think I’d better return to my own duties.”

“Yes, sir!”

“Have you eaten?”

“Sir?” Lieutenant Roberts realized the Commander had turned back to them and was indicating a question aimed at Lieutenant Commander Austin-Nakamura.

“Have you eaten anything today?”

“Yes, sir.” Damn military protocol, Meg thought.

“What did you eat?”

“Meatloaf”.

“With hamburger I presume.”

“Definitely Navy meatloaf, sir.”

“Thank goodness.” Animal looked over at her. “Has Harm ever mentioned his meatless meatloaf to you at any point”

“Not particularly often. Maybe once or twice. I’ve never actually partaken in that particular delicacy even though he offered. I’m not vegetarian and have no desire to be…”. Meg was curious.

“If he ever offers again, refuse.”

“Why is that, sir?” Bud piped up

Animal aimed a smirk at Lieutenant Roberts, “Lieutenant…any gastronomical invention that could cause a roach extinction is best kept away from your palate. Harm’s meatless meatloaf would constitute a culinary misdemeanor under S 301 of the Food and Drug Act.”

It was a close call as Meg barely kept from laughing out loud and just in time as Harm and Mac walked in catching the last sentence. “Are you dogging my famous meatless meatloaf, Commander Nakamura, sir?” His tone was formal yet there was a tone of jest in his voice.

“I’d say it was a gastronomical masterpiece…” Animal admitted then wound up for the zinger, “…for termites.” It was hopeless, Meg lost her composure completely and burst out laughing as Animal drove the nail in. “However…the termites preferred the lumberjack special, Rabb.” Animal snorted.

“What’s that?” Harm despite the grievous insult to his gastronomical specialty, was curious.

“Two rotten cedar trunks and an Amanita Platter.”

Bud started snickering at this but cut it off at a glance from Mac who proceeded to digest Commander Nakamura’s menu quotation for an indeterminable moment then rather confused by the example of a termite’s repast, asked, “But, sir? Aren’t Amanita mushrooms poisonous?”

“You’re getting the general idea, Major.” Animal shot an evil look at Harm and snickered while Harm tried to look appropriately insulted.

“Lieutenant Commander Rabb,” Meg informed him, “Both Lieutenant Roberts and I will accompany you into the TACTS centre and that way we can ameliorate any problems with the dissemination of TACTS data from the prosecution to the defense team.”

“Agreed, counsellor”. Harm replied as Mac nodded.

************************************

All of Chapter 14 so far has been a hunt and peck typing effort on my iPhone. I’m hoping to eventually replace my computer so that I can both resume my Sims/SWTOR gaming and continue to write my stories (both Sims and JAG).

idris elba . cis man . he / him ➶ I RECOGNISE THAT FACE ! that’s ROMULUS THREAD , the FORTY - FIVE year old HEAD PEACEKEEPER from DISTRICT TWO . they’ve been in the capitol around FIFTEEN YEARS , long enough to gain a reputation for being so RESOLUTE & SADISTIC . they’re so lucky getting to live in the tribute center for the duration of the games! ( character ISN’T part of the uprising )

Basic Information Full Name: Romulus Titus Thread Nicknames: Don't. Age: 45 District: Two Gender: Cis man Pronouns: He / him Orientation: Demisexual Profession: Peacekeeper, Head Peacekeeper of District 12, Head Peacekeeper of the Capitol

Physical Appearance

Face Claim: Idris Elba Hair Color: Black, peppered with some grey Eye Color: Brown Height: 6'3" Piercings: N/A Scars: Scarred knuckles, a small scar at his upper lip, a scar across the left side of his ribs

Relationships

Father: Lucius Thread (Deceased) Mother: Maria Thread (Deceased) Siblings: WC Significant Other: N/A

Extra

MBTI: INTJ-A (The Architect) Temperament: Choleric Moral Alignment: Lawful Evil Primary Vice: Wrath Primary Virtue: Diligence Element: Earth

BIO-[TW: BRIEF MENTION OF TORTURE, GENERAL THREAD ABUSING POWER BULLSHIT]

Looking at Thread now? One would never guess that there was a time that he was ever considered a failure. But during his academy days? That is exactly what many saw him as.

Oh, even as a boy he was ruthless--merciless. Nothing but bared fangs and a wicked gleam in his eye, he was the front-runner to volunteer when he was eighteen. But he had no desire to become a victor. He didn't want fame and glory--he wanted power. His family wanted to label him a disgrace, the one who washed out despite having every opportunity handed to him.

He made it his goal to prove them wrong.

The academy trained him to be a killer, but it was the peacekeepers who gave that violence focus--he was sharp as a whip, picked up training easily, how could he not? He had been training since he could walk, this was only slightly different.

He made a name for himself as a young peackeeper, the one with the ruthless ambition and the skill to back it up. Came from a prominent district two family, don't you know? There were some who doubted him, saw only the academy dropout, but Thread worked hard to fight and claw his way to the top. He even caught the eye of President Snow.

He was young when he was appointed to his first district as head peacekeeper--what better district to start out in than the oh so rebellious twelve?

And make an impression he did. You'd be hard pressed to find someone in twelve who doesn't remember the years when Thread served as head peacekeeper. Floggings became a common punishment, he made it a point to ensure that only the most brutal among the peacekeepers were stationed under him--any dissension or whispers of rebellion were dealt with swiftly.

He appeared to have a particular vendetta against the victors of district twelve, often going out of his way to torment or further tighten the leash the capitol kept on their victors.

It was only after the initial wave of rebellion following the 74th Games faded that Thread was called back to the capitol, a promotion--although he would rather be back where he was.

District twelve is a district of troublemakers and he'd rather keep snuffing out that rebellious spark before it turns into a flame. But orders are orders, and even Thread must obey.

His reputation precedes him and that suits him just fine. Fear is a weapon that he has learned to wield with an expert precision. There are no lines he won't cross to get what he wants.

All is fair and love and war and the war to come? Thread has anticipated for years now.

tl;dr we all know this asshole, he's the literal worst. no you may not date him.

Observing Ayrton Senna’s heritage in the game

Senna, because of his relationship with Honda joined McLaren the following year, which was at that point lodging double cross Title holder, Alain Prost. His contention with the Frenchman took the game to another level, obscuring even the hostility between Niki Lauda and James Chase in the last part of the 70s. Throughout the following five years, Senna got 3 titles and Prost stashed 2 titles. Their predominance gave another edge to the game, which generally searches for characters and characters who don’t follow standards. It made the game a global item, however, more so it changed the team into never-ending legends.

A superb valid example to underline their dissension would be the 1989 and the 1990 Japanese Terrific Prix. In 89, Senna expected to come out on top in the race in Japan to remain in the title chase, Notwithstanding, Prost made a few changes to his vehicle and figured out how to acquire a headstart over Senna until he was nearly surpassed by the Brazilian in the last chicane. By then, the Frenchman took a decisive right early and tangled into Senna’s wheels, driving him off the circuit and constraining both the vehicles into a stop. Despite the fact that Senna continued and complete the race, he was later on precluded for having defied a few specialized guidelines and Prost headed back home with the distinctions.

If you are interested in Ayrton Senna-inspired designer products, please see more at Ayrton Senna Shirt here!

11/25/2022 DAB Chronological Transcription

Galatians 4-6

Welcome to Daily Audio Bible Chronological. I'm Jill. Today's the 25th day of November. It's the day after, and many of us here in the United States are in a carb coma. We are puffy. We're swollen from the carbs, but we are here in all of our puffy glory and hopefully there's some leftovers awaiting you as soon as you get done with whatever it is that you're doing. It's also what we call Black Friday here, where we barely get done giving thanks and we run out and fight with people over things that we don't really need at stores. It makes no sense to me, but some people love it. And if that's you, God bless you. You might want to stick around, though for just a fun little Black Friday announcement that we start here kicking off today at the Daily Audio Bible. Today we are reading Galatians, chapter four through six. And just a couple of days left this week in the Christian Standard Bible translation. Galatians, chapter four.

Commentary:

So, we are in the book of Galatians. And if you have the resource, the God of your story, there's some great commentary that unpacks the last few days of scripture. It's quite detailed and so we don't have time to unpack all of this, obviously. And what is so interesting about this too is that some of the content that we're reading is really where our theological and denominational differences come from, downs of our religious. Also, I'd like to point out just some little things I notice along the way. We can in our faith, in our culture, in our Christianity, we can reference certain scriptures and we can pull them to really promote our convictions and our personal platforms. And what we tend to do in that is to just pull a portion of the scripture, just the one that we really want to emphasize, just the one that we're really passionate about. For instance, chapter five, verse 19. Now, the works of the flesh are obvious sexual immorality, moral impurity, promiscuity. And we usually just kind of fizzle out right there, especially if we don't struggle with any of those things. But we need to read the entire context if we're going to read scripture, if we're going to pull from so let's continue that idolatry, sorcery, hatreds, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish, ambitions, dissensions, factions, envy, drunkenness, carousing, and anything similar. And anything similar is really important right there. There's a lot of things similar to a lot of those things. Quite a harsh statement that follows. I am warning you about these things, as I warned you before, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. We really have a tendency to just pull one of those, pull it out and fling it and throw it and hope that it sticks and disregard the entire list when in all truth we fail to realize that we deal with one of those at least at least one of those we are guilty of. Really important passage right after that. But the fruit, the fruit, the evidence of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. The law is not against such things. And then we hear the theme of endurance in chapter six. It is so easy to blame the enemy, to rebuke the devil and to send his tactics and his temptations back down to the pit of hell. But we must remember, the word speaks, that we reap what we sow. And sometimes there are consequences, bad consequences for our bad choices. There are good consequences for our good choices. And then I loved this little callback from our reading the other day. Let us not get tired of doing good, for we will reap at the proper time if we don't give up endurance. Keep enduring. Enduring is such a major theme, and for me it can be far more relatable than overcoming. I realize that we are overcomers through Christ Jesus, but I find myself far more in the process of endurance than I'm trying to overcome. Because the second I overcome, I get too mouthy and poop- I fall right off of the pedestal and I'm thankful that God is there to pick me back up again. So much to consider here today, even though this is written for a specific time, for specific people in a specific place, but we find much, much to remember and to relate to. Especially I love the passage of the fruit of the Spirit, and I love it because it's been so hard fought for in my life. And we want to share the love of Jesus with people, and we can do that. But if there's no fruit in our lives, if there is no evidence of the Spirit of God working in our lives, why would anyone want a fruitless tree? For me, there's no argument for someone that has witnessed someone without love, without joy, without patience, without kindness, without self-control. And I have been that person. I was so focused on the law because that's what I thought mattered, that I lacked any fruit. My tree bore no fruit. And I can tell you I'm a lover of trees and plants, but trees I find fascinating. And Brian bought me a couple of olive trees a couple of years ago for my birthday because I'm so infatuated by the ones in Israel, and I was elated when a brand new little branch was birthed from that olive tree. And I have been so sad watching some disease come and eat both trees. And I not only am I not bearing any olives on my trees, my trees are dead. And it is a stark reminder to me of a tree that bears no fruit and the embodiment of a spiritless being. And I don't want to be that. 

Prayer:

So, Father, we thank you for your word today. We thank you that through your spirit we have good fruit available to us. We often forget, but it is there. It is available. We just, we simply ask for it. We simply practice walking in self-control, walking with the joy of the Lord, walking in peace, making peace when chaos exudes all around us. Practicing being faithful in the little and in the much and letting our no, me no and our yes be yes and gentleness when it is mistaken for weakness, kindness, patience and sometimes rising above the patrol and the hatred. And being love when love cannot be found because you said they will know that we are yours by the love that we show for one another. And so I thank you for this reminder today, and I pray that we put the fruit of your spirit to practice in our lives daily. Thank you that you are but a breath away, a prayer away. Jesus, be with me. Spirit of God, be present in my life now and we can trust you. We pray this now in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Announcements:

Daily Audio Bible. That's home base. Check it out, if you have not. That's the app. Take a look around. Doodle around if you want. Today, very special day. It's, as I mentioned, Black Friday here in the United States. I wish we could come up with another name really bad. Regardless, we'll ride the wave. Today is Black Friday in the United States. And you can get in on our Black Friday sale here at the Daily Audio Bible. Christmas Boxes. It is live today and you can purchase one. What is a Christmas box? I'm so glad that you asked. In this year's Christmas box. December 2022 Promised Land Book, the God of Your Story- the Hardback Book, Sneezing Jesus, Reframe. Both of those books are game changers, written by my husband, Brian Hardin. Your choice of coffee, your choice of tea, a global campfire candle, a little pop socket for your phone so you don't get a little indentation on your pinky. Like, I've got some stickers and it's $69.99 today. Now, you can purchase this through December 17 in the United States. And if you are purchasing International, you have one week. I know. I'm so sorry. I don't make the rules. I sometimes don't even abide by the rules. But we've got to follow this rule for you to get your Christmas box in time. You have one week internationally to order the Christmas box. It's a fantastic deal. I know so many of you already have the products because you like to have them as soon as they come out, but if you don't, or if you have people to buy for Christmas, it's really an incredible value to jump on while you can. So that launches today. We're excited about that. And if you have more Christmas shopping to do, take a look around the store. The coffee is amazing and who couldn't use a good cup of coffee during the Christmas holidays, Christmas Eve, family Christmas, all of it. If you'd like to partner with the Daily Audio Bible we thank you so much for your partnership. If you're giving by mail, DAB PO box 1996, Spring Hill, Tennessee 37174 or utilizing your mobile app, hit the Give icon up at the top right hand corner of your mobile app. And then lastly, hit the Give icon on the website itself. If you need Prayer if you'd like to pray for someone that's previously called in, you can do so several different ways. 800-583-2164 or hit the red circle button up at the top right hand corner of that mobile app. Again you have 2 minutes on the prayer line hit submit, turn the wheel over to Chronological and it will get to the right place. That's going to do it for me. I'm Jill, we'll turn the page together tomorrow's. This week comes to a very quick close and tomorrow is a very special day and our family as well because China our only daughter, our beautiful girl tomorrow she celebrates a birthday and so we will celebrate her tomorrow. I look forward to that. Until then, love one another.

Community Prayer Line:

Hi. This is Victoria Soldier just calling to pray for some of the Dabers. I want to pray for Jesus girl and the husband and the faith cancer. I want to pray for God to work a miracle. I also want to pray for Chuck, who's going through with his family. And I also want to pray for Saveon, who's been going through some challenges. I heard him the other day and I wanted to call and pray for him. Gracious Father, we just asked you to touch in the healing process of these people are going through in their marriage they're going through and sickness. Father, we just ask you to have your way. We just ask you to heal. We just ask you to deliver. We just ask you to step through even in the marriages, lord, you'll be in the midst of all with your hands spread out over both of them. Father, in the name of Jesus, as you bring life into that marriage, as you keep the life in your protection, even in the sickness, Lord, react that you work a miracle. Just the touch of your hand in a miracle, Lord, you can do anything but fear, Lord. You have your way, Lord. And we'll give you the glory in the honor and the praise in Jesus name. Have a great day, love you all. Bye bye.

Hello DABers. This is Erin from Houston and this is an urgent prayer for a friend of mine. He was new to the church and a brand new believer, maybe only a couple of months old as a believer but he's recently essentially left the church and said he's done with God completely. He has a lot of worries regarding his children, going through a difficult time legally trying to find a way to have custody of his children. And it's just a lot there is a lot going on with him and he's got a lot of loss and hurt in the past, but to the point that he has essentially emotionally shut down completely for years. And he says he's not angry with God, he's just disappointed. He has not seen results. He has spiritual warfare happening in his life. There is a lot going on with this. So I just really want to lift him up in prayer. Please lift him up in prayer because he needs as much as he can possibly get right now. He's still willing to meet up with people. He's still friendly, but he is pretty just emotionally dead inside, essentially. So just be praying that God can reawaken his heart and reawaken his trust in God, and ultimately that hopefully relationships can be built that he trust in God no matter what happens.

Good morning, DABC. Family. This is Samantha from Tennessee. It is November 22, and I wanted to lift up Kate and pray for her. So, Lord, we know that you are the great physician. You know exactly what's going on in Kate's body and her husband's body. Firstly, we thank you for the recovery of the healing of her husband, God. I'm so glad that someone in their household is feeling better. It can be really stressful when everyone is down at the same time. Secondly, I want to lift up Kate's body before you, Jesus, that you would physically heal her and give her encouragement, that she would feel like she could be on the mend and that her full recovery would come soon. I also pray for her mental health. Jesus, I pray that you give her peace beyond understanding that even if her physical body is not well, that her mind would be well and her soul would be well. Jesus, hold her tightly in your arms, Lord, and let Kate know that she's going to be okay. In Jesus name, amen.

I want to offer some encouragement. I think your name is Daughter of the King or Daughter of Honor. She's dealing with infertility issues. If they walk on my own issues, well, my wife and I walk in those same shoes that you're walking in, and it's not an easy journey. You get so many no's throughout your journey, and while other people seem to be getting your yes's, that's when I encourage you just to continue to believe in the faithfulness of God. I always prayed, God, you are faithful. You are so faithful. Thank you, Father, for your faithfulness in my life. In this journey, my wife would ask me, do you think that God wants me to be a mom? And I said, he wouldn't put that desire in your heart if you didn't mean to fulfill it. So I would just encourage you to keep walking that out. I don't know what your motherhood journey will look like, whether it be natural birth, IVF, adoption. I put that in there in your heart, just continue to believe in his faithfulness. I would encourage you to look up Hebrews 11:11 and I think you'll find some encouragement there. And I just pray, Lord, that you would just bless her, bless her husband, Lord. Walk them through this journey, Lord. Be with them, Lord, as you would through my wife and I journey, Lord. There is an answer to of these prayers, Lord, and we just know that you know what you're doing and we give you all the glory and we thank you again for your faithfulness in our lives, for all those who struggle with infertility. I just pray a special blessing on the Lord that they get their greater.

“Chinese Speaker Declares Spirit of People Unbroken Despite Severe Battering,” Kingston Whig-Standard. February 28, 1942. Page 10. ---- (By Staff Reporter) NAPANEE, Feb. 28 - 'Flesh and blood pitted against high explosives and resulting in death or disability of two million Chinese soldiers and ten million Chinese civilians,’ Frank B. Lee, Chinese student at Queen’s described his country’s five-year struggle with Japan. 

‘We in Canada should hang our head in shame at the thought of the copper and nickel and scrap iron with which we assisted Japan during the first years of that struggle,’ commented commented Rev. G. M. Chidley at the close of Lee’s address to the Rotarians and the Lions during held here Friday. Twenty local Chinese were guests of the Rotary for the dinner and program.

Mr. Lee, together with a fellow-Chinese student, Joseph Lei Chow, urgently appealed for unity and total effort on the part of the part of the democracies which, they believed, was the only means whereby Japanese and Nazi aims of world domination could be thwarted. 

Both speakers paid high tribute to Generalissimo Chiang Kai-shek in whom they declared was symbolized the united China of today. 

“China has been battered during the past five years,” Mr. Chow admitted, “but she has never been beaten. The Chinese have emerged from every battle with renewed energy to follow their leader to victory. Chiang Kai-shek is China’s fortune to as great an extent as Churchill and Roosevelt are the embodiment of the hopes of the British Empire and the United States; like them, our leader is the symbol of unity and determination.”

Mr. Chow explained the present position of relative military weakness in China a the result of centuries of life wherein peace and contentment were of prime value. 

"To the Chinese of the past the five stable values of Confucius were the guiding factors of their existence. They found their contentment in practicing humanity, broad-mindedness, courtesy, wisdom, and faith. 

Japanese Aims “The Japanese aimed, however," he continued, “not only to enslave 450 million Chinese but to wipe out their civilization. But the attempt has been a failure, due to the spiritual mobilization of the Chinese." 

Emphasizing the enemy strategy of creating dissension among its opponents, the speaker appealed for continued close co-operation among the United Nations. 

“Let us not think only of ourselves,” he warned. “It seems to me it would be a suicide policy should we in North America withdraw all our troops from the war - theatres for the purpose of protecting our own shores. It is far better to win this war in the Far East than to win it in North America." 

Canadian-born speaker Lee dealt with the situation from a more materialistic point of view. 

“Japan has prepared for world domination since the country was first opened to western civilization in 1863," he stated. “China has prepared to defend herself only for the past five years and that preparation has been made even while she has actually been fighting. 

“China's present unity has come about only since she has realized that she can't depend for help on other countries," Mr. Lee concluded after describing the refusal of the League of Nations to take any steps to stop Japanese aggression in 1931.

League Did Nothing “The Chinese stated their case simply at Geneva," he said, “but there were certain statesmen who felt that should China become too strong, she might unite with Japan so the league would do nothing." 

'Remember Pearl Harbor," he said in closing, ”and let us realize too that China’s struggle is a struggle for democracy. Let us in the United Nations go into this war to the hilt and march to victory together.” 

The thanks of the meeting was expressed by the Lions vice-president Russell Hunter with additional short addresses given by Mayor D. R. Hall and by Rev. G. M. Chidley. 

W. A. Grange acted as chairman for the program section of the meeting. Several Napanee people were guests of the Rotary for the dinner and program.

im working on complete pieces promise. take this stupid thing for now

Congratulations on the 500 followers dear Jemma!!! Can I request “i’ve been flirting with you for the last six months, thanks for noticing.” for Joel? xx

SEND ME A PROMPT FOR MY 500 SLEEPOVER!

"I'VE BEEN FLIRTING WITH YOU FOR THE LAST SIX MONTHS, THANKS FOR NOTICING."

Your hands were thrown in the air, face etched with annoyance in the form of furrowed brows and scowled lips. Your body was saturated from the river you had clawed your way out of, and honestly, you weren't in the mood for the confession Joel had just pushed toward you. You tugged the clinging wet fabric of your jacket from your arms, the heap dropping beside your feel with a loud thump before hands were wringing out the bottom of your t-shirt. Joel looked just as frustrated, if not more, as he refused to look your way and instead kicked off his shoe to tip out the strange green liquid pooled inside. His shouted words ran through your mind on a loop - refusing to make sense, not with the situation you had found yourself in over the past five days.

"Then why the hell are we going to Aimee's bunker, huh? Why did you drag me out of our little home to cross the goddamn surface then, huh?!" You sounded back to him, your voice as loud as it was first produced toward you.

It all started when he called you reckless for trying to kill one of the creatures you both came across - your courage prompting a brief moment of bravery as you got too close in order to shoot it through the heart with accuracy. You asked why he cared so damn much, why he was so scared, why he was so concerned for your safety. The truth was revealed shortly after, and Joel was stuck when he admitted the feelings that he was harboring for you. The confession struck your heart immediately, suddenly conflicted and elated, a mixture of emotions that pulled you from side to side.

"We just are, okay? I've already made the decision, might as well finish what was started." He was mumbling, childishly quietening his voice to express his annoyance. He was still making a point of not even glancing toward you, dissension within himself about how he was supposed to feel and just who he was supposed to feel it for.

On one hand, he had loved Aimee for seven years, or so he thought. The desperation to find her since the apocalypse became his number one priority in the bunker, and when he heard her voice over the radio for the first time, his heart soared. On the other hand, there was you, a benevolent surprise he didn't see coming. You had stood by his side for seven years and the friendship you grew easily became one of Joel's most valued possessions. He didn't expect to fall for you, but he did. It wasn't until he thought that you didn't feel the same way back, that Joel decided that maybe he was meant to be with Aimee after all.

You grunted, his answer not nearly satisfying your curiosity. Joel was holding something back from you and there's no way in hell you were going to let something else go unsaid. A deep breath was taken in, your chest puffing out in preparation to yell out your anger once more, but the way Boy flinched out the corner of your eye reminded you that this wasn't a screaming match - it was a misunderstanding, a collection of new and different emotions that floated aimlessly between you and Joel. You managed to sigh it out, your shoulders slumping in defeat. You were tired. "Joel, please..." You started, walking cautiously toward him as your hand sat upon his shoulder.

He didn't shrug it off, so you continued, "Why are we really going to find Aimee? Why am I going with you?" Your voice was gentle, quiet, a severely softened version from the tone that you exercised only moments earlier. He released a sigh of his own, followed by his large hand dragging down the stressed expression adorning his face. You deserved to know the truth, whether it changes anything or not, Joel wanted you to know.

He turned slightly to the side, your hand only gripping his shoulder harder before he reached up to encase his own over your hold. His thumb rubbed subconsciously over your damp, cold skin. "I don't think I'm good at this whole, flirting, thing. The last time I showed interest in someone was seven years ago, and even then, I had no idea what I was doing." He managed a gentle chuckle at the reminder, causing you to copy the welcomed happy sound. Joel smiled widely at your reciprocation, "When you didn't... I felt like you weren't interested. Honestly, I find you fascinating. You made me forget about Aimee... and I started thinking about what life would be like if I could hold you, and kiss you... touch you."

Your eyes softened as you looked at him, capturing the way his lips pulled upward in a smile of pure joyousness as he spoke about you, of all people. "You could've just said something." You replied, rolling your eyes in a playful manner as Joel's new facial expression - his eyebrows furrowed and sarcastic scrunch of his eyes as if to say 'really'. You poked his side with your spare hand resulting in his fingers only squeezing your other one tighter. "Okay, okay... I get it, you're an awkward little shit. But don't worry, it's endearing."

He scoffed, pretending that he didn't hear your last comment, although the grin remained between his flushed cheeks. It quickly faded though when he peered down to his battered converse, "I was hoping that finding Aimee would fix this hole in my heart, maybe that's where the pain stemmed from, even though I know now that it wasn't her that caused the hurt." He toed the ground before kicking a stick behind Boy, the loyal companion running after it as if a game had been initiated. Joel cleared his throat, "It was unsafe back there, at the bunker. I'd rather know that you were safe, even if it was up here with me. I just... needed to know that you'd be okay."

The pieces of the puzzle that was Joel Dawson began to slowly come together, prompting you to launch forward and embrace him in an overdue hug. He smelled terrible, and you supposed that you did as well, but having him in your arms was enough to bring a beautiful warmth to the pit of your stomach. "You're an idiot, I'm an idiot... we're both stupid. I thought you were so hung up on Aimee this whole time, and you were just being nice to me because everybody had someone... even if yours was through a radio, and I just had Gertie." You snorted at the thought of your animal friend, Joel joining through a hearty laugh that made your head spin.

You pulled back, only barely, as his arms secured around your waist; the perfect space between you as you looked up into his whisky-toned eyes, "I like you, I just thought you were in love with somebody else."

Joel shook his head, "I loved the idea of what Aimee and I had, but it's you that has my heart, completely."

"And that's what we call good flirting, Joel Dawson."

“Because I spent so long working on the later Roman Empire and its political disintegration, I’m deeply wary of making too explicit a comparison between it and the present-day United States. It’s too easy to make an overdetermined, square-peg-into-round-hole type of argument simply because it’s available and I know it well.”

“But one area where the comparison makes a great deal of sense lies in the role of the frontier.”

“There are a lot of different ways of understanding the end of the Roman Empire in the west: barbarian invasions, internal dissension, economic collapse, some combination of the above, or a gradual slip into imperial senescence. The one that’s always made the most sense to me focuses on the imperial periphery.”

“The Roman Empire’s frontier zones were a space dominated by the Roman army, not just as a military force but also as a cultural and economic institution. When the people living beyond the frontiers - barbarians - interacted with the Roman Empire, they were really interacting with its army. Sometimes they fought it, sometimes they supplied it with food and supplies, and most often, they joined it. The result was a distinctive shade of frontier culture focused on the Roman military, but with a healthy dose of “barbarian” - wearing trousers, using Germanic words, and so on - mixed in. This culture encompassed both sides of the border, creating a zone of intense interaction stretching well into both the barbarian lands and the Roman Empire.”

“In the later stages of the Roman Empire’s existence in the west, it’s often hard to tell the difference between a force of rampaging barbarians and a Roman field army. Both drew their recruits primarily from people living beyond the frontier. They used the same kinds of swords and wore the same kinds of helmet: Even the famous Sutton Hoo helmet from 6th-century England is just a Roman cavalry helmet (a Spangenhelm) with a cool-looking mustachioed face mask added. Roman soldiers spoke a variety of camp Latin that was generously spiced with Germanic words. Plenty of barbarian raiders had served time in the Roman military; it’s not hard to imagine that some barbarian recruits into the Roman army had probably raided Roman territory at some point before they joined up. Even Roman soldiers recruited inside the empire’s boundaries were often descended from recently settled barbarian groups.”

“The upshot of all this is that rather than seeing a series of barbarian invasions that brought foreign invaders into the Roman heartlands, we should instead think of what happened as the transposition of frontier culture from the periphery to the imperial core. We can’t really draw a line between the “barbarian” and Roman military, because there wasn’t a firm distinction; the two bled into one another, and it’s easier to think of this as a militarized and ethnically distinct frontier culture. This culture, and people who had been brought up with it and molded by it, was what moved, not a distinct series of barbarian ethnic groups who were unfamiliar with Roman ways and practices.”

“The Roman frontier was a violent place. It was, after all, a militarized space. When the frontier and its military culture expanded into the formerly peaceful Roman core, violence came with it. A military aristocracy that derived its position from its war-making capacity replaced the Roman civic elite; where the latter survived, it assimilated to the new, militarized aristocratic culture. Armies tramped through the interior, sacking and burning cities like Rome and Carthage. It’s a safe bet that the average folks of lowland Britain, coastal Spain, and fertile North Africa didn’t welcome the sight of the frontier coming toward them; that meant violence, blood-stained swords, armored men rifling through their possessions, burning huts, and much more.”

“When we see Border Patrol agents wearing camouflage and helmets, carrying M4s with optics, rigged up like they’re about to go on patrol in Ramadi or the Korengal Valley (or deal with a migrant caravan in the southwest), that’s empire coming home. The viciousness of their handling of immigration during the Trump era, complete with threats of gunfire, concentration camps, and consistent dehumanization, has been a preview of their handling of American citizens. So too have been the various misdeeds of American soldiers overseas.”

“Even leaving aside the fact that the mishmash of federal agencies providing these paramilitary forces are stocked with veterans of overseas conflict - about 30 percent of Border Patrol agents are veterans, for example - the equipment and us vs. them way of approaching conflict are straight out of the imperial frontier. The fact that these paramilitary policemen aren’t actually soldiers isn’t as relevant as the ways of thinking about force and power, and who constitutes a legitimate target for violence, that empire produces. At this point, the periphery has entered the imperial core.”

“When we see armed agents of the state beating a Navy veteran with batons, tear-gassing moms in bike helmets and the mayor of Portland, and planning further deployments to Chicago and Albuquerque, I can’t help but think of that man who spent five centuries buried in a mass grave at Towton, of his old wound and crushed face. Is that where we’re heading? Is it inevitable that the tools of imperial war will be even more explicitly turned against people here at home?”

“All empires fall. When they do, the violence and terror they’ve wrought on others has a way of coming back around.”

Ranger Rankings - Power Rangers Samurai + Super Samurai

Premise - 4

The idea of Rangers having trained all their lives for the role, or at the very least knowing that they're going to have to be Rangers at some point, is a good one. The whole Samurai dojo setting is reminiscent of Ninja Storm and Jungle Fury, but it works, and it's fair of Saban to go with what they know works for their first time out after regaining the license. There aren't any glaring holes in the plot, and the dojo doubles as a place for non-Ranger activity without needing unnecessary explanation.

Character Dynamics - 3.5

For a change, if you're NOT the Red Ranger, this actually works out pretty well for you.

Mia, Emily, Mike, and Kevin all get to go through a lot in this season - they each get some good spotlight episodes, and their development as Rangers and as people comes along leaps and bounds in the 40 episode run. I like that they show actually acknowledged Mike & Emily's relationship rather than just pretending it wasn't there like other seasons have done in the past.

And then there's Jayden, who seems to get the short end of the stick. He's very, very stiff for most of the season, and he keeps relearning the same lessons without really progressing along his arc. He gets teamwork, then runs off on his own. He gets trusting his friends, then won't let them help him. And then when Lauren shows up at the end, there's that initial conflict over whether he's necessary any more, which kind of just fizzles out when he comes right back. It's frustrating, but he definitely feels like an unfinished character, even by the end of the season, and especially compared to the others.

Mentor Ji's fine. He has a few shining moments, like trying to help Bulk & Skull during one of the Christmas episodes, or the two times he gets to join in the fight, but he's mostly there to dispense wisdom.

I honestly could have done without the Bulk & Spike plot though. It barely ever actually coincided with the Ranger plot, and neither of them had much in the way of growth all season. Power Rangers realised after Turbo that Bulk & Skull weren't necessary any more, and while bringing them back has a nice nostalgia factor, that fact hasn't changed, and just detracts from time we could have spent with the other characters.

Sixth Ranger Arc - 4.5

Ah, Antonio. The golden light. My boy.

Yes, he has the whole 'turns up and becomes a Ranger in one episode' thing, but there's actually a really good reason for that this time around.

The idea of a self-taught Ranger is totally neat, and it comes up a lot even after he becomes a regular member of the team. He's a tech whiz, and he approaches symbol power and even Ranger training totally differently to everyone else. He really does feel like a different person compared to the others, and he brings some much needed levity to the team as well.

His ties with Jayden come up a lot too, even just in little gestures or glances as the series goes on. And the way he treats his Zords like his friends is adorable.

And the fact that he always has his own deal and isn't just hanging out at Shiba House on his off-days gives him an additional dimension too.

I just really like him, okay?

Plot Development - 3.5

I think because this season's 40 episodes + specials after so long of 30ish, it feels like the main plot drags on a LOT, especially in the early days of Samurai.

I like the idea that the villains can't just attack because of the level of the Sanzu River, and it gives them a reason to keep sending individual monsters rather than attacking right away, but it feels really arbitrary as to how successful they're being - the plot could have ended at any point, if they really wanted it to.

Things look up from the end of Samurai - the Black Box arc, and then the appearance of Serrator keeps things fresh, and the final five episode arc is straight fire through to the end. But there are too many one and done plots, and the holiday specials are pretty terrible given that three of the four are clip shows, and the one that isn't is just all recycled footage.

Villains - 3.5

Let's get the bad out of the way - Master Xandred is pretty crap, especially as a season-long villain. All he does is yell, or get drunk (medicine, my ass). He doesn't add anything to the plot, and he doesn't even feel particularly threatening until his final two episodes.

But then the supporting villains are great. The tragedy of Dayu and Deker, while also a bit overly long (there are like three places it could have ended before the final episodes), is something we haven't seen before. They could have easily had one or both of them face turn, but they stayed if not evil then neutral to the end, and it was actually quite sad seeing how it all turned out for them.

Serrator was a good mini-boss; we could have done with another one of him in Samurai to bridge the gap. He had a decent, if weird, plan, and a good personality - I always love dissension in the villain ranks, and he was more compelling in like three episodes than Xandred was in 40.

And Octoroo was just funny. I loved when he actually got to join in the fights - he looks totally useless, but he's not, and his little vocal tick was just present enough to be endearing without getting on my nerves. Shame he drowned.

Team-Up - 2

Clash Of The Red Rangers suffered so much from behind the scenes issues that I kind of wish they hadn't bothered doing it at all, because the final product was bland. You could literally take Scott out of the story and it'd play out basically the same way. Not having the rest of the RPM Rangers hurts it a lot, as does the entire Samurai team disappearing for half the story. Meanwhile the actual 'clash' lasts all of two minutes and is a ruse. It's watchable sure, but for a team-up episode, it's only one notch above the offensive Trakeena's Revenge.

Overall - 3.50

Hottest Ranger - Antonio. Come on! The boy's cute, he can sing, he's a dork most of the time, and he talks to his Zords like they're friends. I was never going to be able to resist. Also, shout out to Deker because evil!Cole also hits my buttons.

Notable Episodes:

There Go The Brides - The first hint that there's something more going on with Dayu and Deker, plus some decent subterfuge from the Rangers too.

Unexpected Arrival/Room For One More/The Blue And The Gold - Antonio's here and everything's suddenly miles better.

He Ain't Heavy Metal, He's My Brother - Mentioned entirely for Antonio and Mia's song.

A Sticky Situation - Mike & Kevin get stuck together and have to live with their hands tied together for an entire episode. Hilarity ensues.

The Master Returns/A Crack In The World/Stroke Of Fate - Honestly, a few little rewrites could have made this three episode arc the end of the series if they wanted to. The stakes were high, the reveals were there, and it was the end of Serrator.

Fight Fire With Fire/The Great Duel/Evil Reborn/The Sealing Symbol/Samurai Forever - Another excellent finale. The final fights with Xandred had some surprising twists and turns that I really enjoyed, and once this final five episode arc got going, it didn't let up.

Running With The Wolf Chapter 3

Summary: You and Geralt get into Novigrad, and go to visit your friends.

Word Count: 2500

Warning: Spoilers for Witcher 3 video game

A/N: It’s a little longer than what I normally write, I hope it doesn’t bore you. If you want to be added or removed from my taglist, let me know :)

Chapter One  Chapter Two Chapter Three Chapter Four Chapter Five

Taglist: @rmtndew​ @princesssterek​ @djinny-djin-djin​ @cynic-spirit​ @henrynerdfan​

Chapter Three

When you arrived at the Glory Gate the next morning it was still early. The markets hadn’t opened yet, but there was still a line up to get inside the city. Soldiers were slowly letting people through, searching them before they were granted entrance into Novigrad. You crossed your arms, hugging yourself tight. Geralt had suggested you leave the horses outside the city, and had paid someone to look after them, but right now you wished you could distract yourself with Marabelle’s mane or the reins.  

“Calm down. If you keep looking like that, the guards will definitely get suspicious.” Luck was not on your side, and Geralt noticed. He nudged you with his elbow, trying to get you to loosen up before the soldiers looked your way. “The letter will get us in. You will be fine.”

“They have Dimeritium handcuffs sitting right there on the table. They are clearly expecting to find some people who know magic.” You kept your voice low, but you knew the panic you felt could be heard. “I can’t do much once those handcuffs are on me.”

“They won’t be.” Geralt’s voice dripped with promise. Your eyes snapped up to look at him, when you noticed the letter sticking out his crossed arms. He wiggled it enough for you to see the seal on it. The Eternal Fire.

“How did you convince Hierarch Hemmelfart to give you that?” You fought to keep your voice down, enough people were looking your way because of the Witcher you stood beside. You didn’t need to draw more attention.

“Does it matter?” Geralt challenged. Looking down at you, he raised his eyebrow. After mulling it over in your head, you shrugged and let it go.

As you stepped up to the table, the guards gave Geralt a once over, lingering on his white hair and golden eyes. Your heartbeat jack-hammered in your ribs, but on the outside, you looked to remain calm. The two running the table shared a look, their hands going to their swords on their hips. Before they could draw them, however, Geralt handed them the sealed letter without a word. The gold filigree around the seal caught their attention, and they relaxed their sword hands.

“Go on through.” The one soldier said gruffly as his eyes skimmed the letter. Geralt held out his hand to take the letter back, causing the guard to laugh and toss it over the bridge into the river surrounding Novigrad. “I don’t think so. You may have been allowed into Novigrad this time, but I want to make sure there isn’t a next time. Your kind spread diseases, dissension, and desertion.”

You felt a flash of anger rip through you, the heat of it reddening your cheeks. You were about to throw caution to the wind and step forward to defend Geralt and put this guard in his place, but Geralt gently grabbed your wrist, keeping you at his side. Huffing out your rage, you bit your tongue and remained quiet as you and the Witcher crossed the bridge.

“I can’t believe how ignorant these people can be!” You burst out once you were safely out of hearing range. The streets were still fairly empty, just a few beggars out early to catch the people on their way to the market. “’Spread diseases’! UGH!”

“There isn’t much thought put into the insults anymore, and there are none left I haven’t heard.” Geralt shrugged, seeming to not be phased by the insult. He gestured down the street leading to the Chameleon, and you headed in that direction, your anger boiling down to a simmer.

The tavern was open, as always, but it was mostly just drunks from the night before sleeping it off on the tables. Zoltan was behind the bar, humming while wiping down dishes. He didn’t seem to hear you come in, but when Geralt made for the stairs to go look for Dandelion, a dagger flew across the room and embedded itself in the wall in front of Geralt’s face.

“You think to sneak by without so much as a hello?” Zoltan grumbled as he wandered over to you. He frowned at Geralt as he pulled the dagger from the wall. “Dandelion is not going to be happy about the hole.”

“Then you shouldn’t have put it there.” Geralt raised his eyebrow. He wasn’t about to go down for something he didn’t do. Witchers were said to not feel anything, but they didn’t enjoy getting tangled in the lies of others.

“Hi Zoltan.” You stepped up the Dwarf, placing a kiss on his cheek. That seemed to break the ice, and the frown left his face. The hole was a thing of the past, and looking around, you noticed that it wasn’t the only hole in the wall anyway.

“Ah, sweet Younin, it’s always a pleasure to be graced with your presence.” Zoltan smiled warmly at you, his eyes travelling over you. “You look to be in one piece even though you are traveling with this one.”

“She has been more of a troublemaker than me this time.” Geralt grinned, crossing his arms and leaning against the wall. That piqued Zoltan’s interest, and the Dwarf turned to you with new interest lighting his face.

“Hardly.” You scoffed, rolling your eyes. That didn’t seem to satisfy Zoltan, who raised his eyebrows in disbelief. Both he and Geralt knew what you could be like, and that unlike Triss and Yenn, your powers were more adrenaline based. Chaos drove you a little harder than it did other members of the Lodge. “I may have suggested we take out a group of bandits last night. It was not a big deal. They barely put up a fight.”

Geralt’s eyes gleamed with what was left unsaid. That the fight had depleted your magic stores, and that had you been alone, you wouldn’t have survived. You had to look away from him, otherwise the worry that you had fought off last night would creep in again, and that was the last thing you needed before heading out into the wilds with the Witcher. You spent the short ride to Novigrad testing your magic, and you could barely create a spark at this point.

“Is Dandelion here?” You changed the subject, concentrating on Zoltan.

“I wish I had better news.” Zoltan said the words you and Geralt were dreading to hear. Geralt stood up straight, all relaxation leaving his body. You took a deep breath, torn between fear for your friend and frustration that he kept getting into these situations. “He went and got himself into some trouble with the King of Beggars.”

“How did he manage that?” You were shocked. From your time in the city, you always knew Francis Bedlam to be generally fair in all his dealings. He had offered the mages in Novigrad a place to hide when the witch hunters were on the prowl, and his vast network of spies had come in handy for a fair price.

“The way Dandelion explains it, it was a case of mistaken identity.” Zoltan rolled his eyes. After years of playing songs about the Witcher, those who were close to the bard knew he had a tendency to twist tales to be in his favour. “He was defending Priscilla’s honour, and the bloke he was defending it to wound up dead in the alley behind the tavern where the altercation took place. Now Bedlam has him locked up in the Putrid Grove until the “real” murderer can be found. The way I understand it, the bloke was one of Bedlam’s top spies.”

“Looks like, once again, I show up at the right time. We need to head to the Grove.” Geralt sighed, heading for the door. He paused in the doorway, looking over his shoulder at you. “Unless you want to stay here with Zoltan and be regaled with stories of Gwent matches.”

“I should probably come with you. I’ve had plenty of dealings with Bedlam, and he likes me.” You patted Zoltan’s shoulder, pausing before passing him. “But when I return, I would love to play a few rounds of Gwent with you. I’ve really built up my deck since we last played.”

“Aye, lass, I will hold you to that!” Zoltan seemed in mildly better spirits when you left the Chameleon.

“He likes you?” Geralt questioned as you stepped out onto the street to join him. He had his arms crossed, and when you looked closer, his nostrils were flared. It took you a moment to realize he was talking about Francis Bedlam and not Zoltan.

“Geralt, if I didn’t know any better, I would say you were jealous.” You smirked, taking the lead on the way to the Putrid Grove in the Lacehalls district. It wasn’t far, but it was easy to miss if you didn’t know what you were looking for, and harder to get into if you didn’t know the password. You hoped that they would just recognize your face and let you in, otherwise you would be hunting for a beggar to get the password. Not the easiest of tasks, as most of the time they just took the money and claimed ignorance about the Grove.

“Didn’t you hear? Witchers don’t have feelings.” Geralt joked as he followed you.

He stayed a several paces behind you the whole way to the wooden door leading to the Putrid Grove, but always kept you in sight. It would be better if a Witcher and a Sorceress weren’t seen together trying to find the King of Beggars’ den. You shook your hair out of the tight bun it had been in for travelling, trying to look more like what you did when you lived in Novigrad. Geralt growled low, eyeing you, before he knocked hard with his fist on the door.

The slot opened, and two eyes stared out at both of you. You watched the eyes flick over you and Geralt as recognition set in. The slot slid closed, and the door flew opened.

“Younin! Welcome back!” A mountain of a man scooped you up in a bear hug as soon as you stepped through the door. You patted his shoulder affectionately, a gesture not lost on Geralt who was suddenly on high alert.

“Thank you, Roger. It’s always good to see you.” You said when the man finally lowered you. You reached back to touch Geralt’s arm, hoping to silently reassure him, without giving away that you two were on friendlier terms than what was previously thought. “I’m sure you remember Geralt of Rivia.”

“Aye. It’s hard to forget a Witcher. Especially one as famous as you are.” Roger turned to Geralt, a friendly smile on his face. He offered Geralt his hand, and the Witcher shook it after a brief hesitation. “We’ve also been expecting you since we have your friend locked up.”

“Would it be possible to get an audience with Francis this morning? I know it’s early, but gossip flies at all hours of the day, so he must be awake.” You plastered on the friendliest look you could. “Also, I am sure the King would love to know who actually killed his man.”

“You got that right.” The King of Beggars stepped around the corner. You looked at him in surprise, not thinking he would meet you at the gate. Usually, you had to go to him, not the other way around. “I heard Roger’s excitement clear across the Grove and figured I should investigate.”

“Francis.” Your voice came out a little warmer than you intended given the man you were travelling with. You felt Geralt shift closer, a certain possessiveness rolling off him. “It’s always good to see you, unfortunate the reason though.”

“Indeed.” The King of Beggars looked between you and the Witcher thoughtfully before his eyes landed fully on Geralt. “But we do have a few leads if you want to follow up with them. I can have Roger write them down for you.”

“What about—” You started to ask, your worry for Dandelion overpowering your need to be polite.

“Your friend is being well taken care of I assure you.” Francis turned to you, a flirtatious smile on his face. You felt a blush paint your cheek bones suddenly. You had forgotten what it was like to have his sights set on you, and the charm he could suddenly turn on. “However, if the lady wishes to see for herself, I cannot deny her.”

“I think we will.” Geralt interjected. You hide your smile behind a hand, pretending to yawn. It was amusing to see him so worked up over a few looks. Francis Bedlam didn’t seem phased by Geralt’s reaction, and turned to lead you to where the Dandelion was being kept.

“Geralt!” Dandelion called out around a mouth full of bread. The breakfast sitting in front of him was better than most, and the room he was kept in was clean and warm. “And you brought Younin!”

“Hello Dandelion. I see you got yourself into some trouble again.” You sat across from, picking up a slice of apple from his plate.

“I wouldn’t be a proper Bard if I didn’t find myself in some sort of trouble every now and then.” Dandelion wiped his hands on his tunic before reaching across the table to grasp both of yours dramatically. “But you must believe me! I would never murder anyone. Ask Geralt, I don’t have it in me to do such a thing.”

“The sight of blood does make you nervous.” Geralt took a seat beside you, his thigh brushing against yours. Dandelion noticed how close you two were sitting, leaning back in his chair with a smug look. “I knew all that talk about following the Path and needing no one was false. You scoundrel. You better treat her right.”

“Unlike you, I actually would kill for her.” Geralt lowered his voice so that Bedlam’s men stationed outside the door wouldn’t hear. Your stomach flipped at his admission, having never heard him speak so confidently about his feelings for you before.

“I would gladly cross swords with any who threaten my Priscilla.” Dandelion stood up grandly sweeping out his arms. Luckily Geralt had the sense to reach across the table and yank back into his seat. “But I swear this was barely an insult, and all we did was cross words. I did not kill him.”

“Listen, I don’t care what happened. I care where it happened.” Geralt cut Dandelion off before the Bard could continue. “I need to examine the alley, and the longer it takes to get there, the more the evidence is contaminated.”

Dandelion told you as much as he knew, and the rest you got from Roger and the King of Beggars. Geralt seemed to breath a sigh relief once you were out of the Putrid Grove and away from Francis and his smiles. You watched as he shifted into Witcher mode, heading out to find clues about the murder, hoping there was still enough there to go on.