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bountyofbeads · 5 years

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https://www.courthousenews.com/phony-epstein-passport-plus-art-and-diamonds-unearthed/

“Say that again.”

“You found that today?”

Judge Berman’s double-take after a prosecutor told him about learning that morning about the apparently phony passport, art and diamonds stashed in Jeffrey Epstein’s $77M mansion.

ICYMI, @CourthouseNews

Phony Epstein Passport, Plus Art and Diamonds, Unearthed

By Adam Klasfeld | Published July 15, 2019 | Courthouse News | Posted July 16, 2019 |

MANHATTAN (CN) – Just before attending a federal bail hearing, prosecutors learned new details about wealthy sex-offender Jeffrey Epstein’s murky assets and hidden passport that made the presiding judge do a double-take.

“Say that again,” a visibly surprised U.S. District Judge Richard Berman remarked. “You found that today?”

At a hearing this morning in Manhattan, Assistant U.S. Attorney Alex Rossmiller had just told the seasoned jurist what the government found stashed inside Epstein’s $77 million Upper East Side mansion.

“In connection with that factor, your honor, just this morning, the government became aware that in a locked safe in the defendant’s mansion there were piles of cash, dozens of diamonds, and a passport appearing to be issued from a foreign country with a photo of the defendant and a name on that passport that is not the defendant’s name,” Rossmiller said.

For Rossmiller, the discovery raised questions.

“Certainly, the first question for a defendant of this tremendous means is how much money does he have? Where is it? What are the accounts?”

Rossmiller said, referring to Epstein’s assets. “Is it in foreign accounts? How much is in diamonds or art? These are all details that would be necessary for the court to even begin to consider this type of application.”

Though the prosecutor did not specify the issuing country, Rossmiller added that the expired passport seized from Epstein listed the country of residence as Saudi Arabia.

U.S. District Judge Richard Berman noted that pretrial services supports Epstein’s continued detention as well.

“There is no condition or combination of conditions that will reasonably assure the appearance of defendant as required and the safety of the community,” Berman said, quoting from the agency’s report.

Toward the end of the proceedings, two new accusers, Alice Farmer and Courtney Wild, stepped forward with their attorneys to emphasize that they would be afraid if Epstein were released.

“He was inappropriate with me, and I would prefer not to go into the details about labeling that at this time,” an emotional Farmer said, her voice cracking.

Telling the judge that that she was 16 years old when she had the “misfortune” to meet Epstein, Farmer alleged she was flown out to his ranch in New Mexico, where the New York Times recentlyreported the tycoon had been able to avoid sex-offender registration for his Florida conviction.

Wild revealed more about her story.

“I was sexually abused by Jeffrey Epstein starting at the age of 14,” Wild declared.

“I would just like to ask the court to not grant him bond, to keep him in detention just for the safety of any other girls out there that are going through what I’m going through,” she continued. “It is a public case, and it’s just – he’s a scary person to have walking the streets.”

As with Epstein’s 2008 prosecution in Florida, the New York case paints a portrait of how Epstein’s enablers recruited his victims: Each would find an underage girl, often vulnerable or destitute, and offer cash to give the tycoon a massage that would turn sexual. One of the counts charge a sex-trafficking conspiracy, but no accomplices have yet been named.

Prosecutors say the girls were paid to lure others like them in a pyramid-like scheme that brought Epstein an untold number of victims, recently estimated by a federal judge in Florida to be more than 30.

Since Epstein’s latest arrest, that number has climbed with calls to the tip line 1-800-CALL-FBI. Its ranks are growing still, the government alleges. Reporting that more people have been calling in, Rossmiller said the investigation continues to “dramatically expand.”

One aspect of Epstein’s case that prosecutors have not been able to unravel, at least not publicly, is the contours of the sex-offender’s wealth. Prosecutors claim he makes $10 million per year on “whatever it is he does,” and a recent bail memo described an account linked to Epstein traced at least $500 million in self-reported assets to one unidentified bank.

“We’re just relying on the defendant’s word for all of this,” Rossmiller said, referring to Epstein’s assets.

Judge Berman, who previously allowed Epstein to file financial information under seal, also commented on the “lack of detail” in the sex offender’s “cursory” statement, the details of which he unsealed and made public after the proceedings.

Dated this June 30, the financial statement reported more than $559 million in total assets, comprised of more than $56 million in cash, $14 million in fixed income, $112 million in equities, $194 million in hedge funds and private equities and the remainder in real estate.

Berman did not take too much stock in those numbers.

“Respectfully, I don’t think that the financial summary tells me anything really,” the judge said. “For one thing, it’s some unverified list of assets, not audited, not certified, and not very detailed either.”

Years ago in the unrelated trial of Reza Zarrab, a gold trader who perpetrated the biggest money laundering scheme to Iran in U.S. history, the veteran jurist struck a blow against the phenomenon of well-heeled criminal defendants buying cushy bail packages.

The New York Times memorably described Zarrab’s requested bail package at the time as a “gilded cage,” a phrase echoed by the prosecution in describing Epstein request for armed guards to lock him up in his New York mansion.

For Berman, the arrangement smacked of a two-tiered system of justice for the rich and poor.

“Most importantly, the defendant’s privately funded armed guard proposal is unreasonable because it helps to foster inequity and unequal treatment in favor of a very small cohort of criminal defendants who are extremely wealthy, such as Mr. Zarrab,” Berman wrote in 2016.

Epstein’s attorney Martin Weinberg meanwhile complained about the difficulty his team has experienced trying to reach Epstein in the special housing unit of New York’s Metropolitan Correctional Center, where inmates are held in isolation.

“We need him released, judge,” Weinberg said. “This is an enormously challenging case for defense counsel.”

But Berman said the same could be said of defendant unable to afford a $500 or $1,000 bail in Rikers Island.

“Everybody has the right to consult with counsel,” the judge said.

Weinberg also referenced the window of the Epstein’s alleged conduct, from 2002 to 2005, saying his client has “disciplined” himself in the 14 intervening years.

Rossmiller scoffing at that assertion, arguing that the statement concedes that Epstein is predisposed to sexually abuse underage girls.

“The defendant keeps telling on himself here,” the prosecutor said.

Farmer, one of the victims who addressed the court, ridiculed Epstein’s supposed reform too.

“If he’s continuing to engage with pornography of young women, I would say that would be quite the opposite of ‘disciplining,’” Farmer said, referring to the stash of child pornography that authorities reported finding in his apartment.

Judge Berman, who is a licensed social worker, also pointed out there are studies indicating that a 14-year lapse between offenses is not particularly meaningful. Berman later released a U.S. government study showing that recidivism jumps from 5% after three years to 24% after 15 years.

Trying to distinguish his client Epstein from those offenders, Weingarten insisted: “It’s not like he’s an out-of-control rapist,” adding, “He doesn’t fit within the paradigm of many of the sex offenders that are the subject of the research that your honor is accessing.”

Unpersuaded, Berman pointed to Epstein’s record of eluding authorities.

“The question is: How do you know that?” the judge asked.

Epstein’s Florida prosecution collapsed in 2008 with a secret plea deal that allowed him to plead guilty to state-level charges of soliciting prostitution and serve out a light 13-month sentence with frequent work-release privileges. The deal insulated Epstein’s suspected accomplices from prosecution and did not inform his accusers in violation of the Crime Victims’ Rights Act.

In Florida, another federal judge is deciding whether the void that non-prosecution agreement for breaking the law.

That was hardly the only remarkably light treatment given to Epstein by authorities. Methodically considering the evidence, Berman pressed Epstein’s attorney on a recent New York Post report that the NYPD allowed the tycoon to skip judge-ordered check-ins. The judge said he will issue his ruling early Thursday morning in court.

“I will endeavor to finish by then and to be able to share with you my determination,” Berman said.

#politics #u.s. news #donald trump #trump administration #politics and government #trump #us: news #international news #legal issues #trump scandals #sex crimes #u.s. department of justice #civil-rights #criminal-justice #jeffrey epstein #activism #me too #me too movement

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pamilaeealeman · 5 years

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American Confidence in Housing at an All-Time High

Fannie Mae just released the July edition of their Home Purchase Sentiment Index (HPSI). The HPSI takes information regarding consumers’ confidence in the real estate market from Fannie Mae’s National Housing Survey and condenses it into a single number. Therefore, the HPSI reflects consumers’ current views and forward-looking expectations of housing market conditions.

Great News! The index reached its highest level since Fannie Mae began their survey. Breaking it down, the report revealed:

The share of Americans who say it is a good time to buy a home increased from the same time last year.

The share of those who say it is a good time to sell a home increased from the same time last year.

The share of Americans who say they are not concerned about losing their job over the next 12 months increased dramatically (16 percentage points) from the same time last year.

The share of Americans who say mortgage rates will go down over the next 12 months increased dramatically (24 percentage points) from the same time last year.

The day after the index was released, Freddie Mac also announced the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage rate fell to its lowest level in three years.

Doug Duncan, Senior Vice President and Chief Economist at Fannie Mae explained the uptick in the index:

“Consumer job confidence and favorable mortgage rate expectations lifted the HPSI to a new survey high in July, despite ongoing housing supply and affordability challenges. Consumers appear to have shaken off a winter slump in sentiment amid strong income gains. Therefore, sentiment is positioned to take advantage of any supply that comes to market, particularly in the affordable category.”

Bottom Line

Consumers are feeling good about the real estate market. Since Americans are not worried about their jobs, see mortgage rates near an all-time low, and believe it is a good time to buy, the housing market will remain strong for the rest of the year.

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richardccclopez · 5 years

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American Confidence in Housing at an All-Time High

Great News! The index reached its highest level since Fannie Mae began their survey. Breaking it down, the report revealed:

The share of Americans who say it is a good time to buy a home increased from the same time last year.

The share of those who say it is a good time to sell a home increased from the same time last year.

The share of Americans who say they are not concerned about losing their job over the next 12 months increased dramatically (16 percentage points) from the same time last year.

The share of Americans who say mortgage rates will go down over the next 12 months increased dramatically (24 percentage points) from the same time last year.

The day after the index was released, Freddie Mac also announced the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage rate fell to its lowest level in three years.

Doug Duncan, Senior Vice President and Chief Economist at Fannie Mae explained the uptick in the index:

Bottom Line

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ericllbooth · 5 years

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American Confidence in Housing at an All-Time High

Great News! The index reached its highest level since Fannie Mae began their survey. Breaking it down, the report revealed:

The share of Americans who say it is a good time to buy a home increased from the same time last year.

The share of those who say it is a good time to sell a home increased from the same time last year.

The share of Americans who say they are not concerned about losing their job over the next 12 months increased dramatically (16 percentage points) from the same time last year.

The share of Americans who say mortgage rates will go down over the next 12 months increased dramatically (24 percentage points) from the same time last year.

The day after the index was released, Freddie Mac also announced the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage rate fell to its lowest level in three years.

Doug Duncan, Senior Vice President and Chief Economist at Fannie Mae explained the uptick in the index:

Bottom Line

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cheri-translates · 2 years

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[CN] ASMR Transcript - Devotion (Gavin)

🍒 Warning: This post contains detailed spoilers for an ASMR, 以身相试, which has not been released in EN! 🍒

[ Released in CN: 24 July 2022 ]

[On the phone] Today won’t do.

[On the phone] She’ll be back today.

[On the phone] I have to tidy the place up.

[On the phone] What do you mean by, “Forgetting loyalty when in love?”

Why are you already back home?

[On the phone] Okay okay, that’s all. I’m hanging up.

[On the phone] Ask Luke and Tang Chao to go.

Nothing much.

Eli brought a huge pile of local products from his hometown again,

And invited everyone out for a meal at his place.

I’m not going.

He just wants to have a lively time with others.

There’s not much of a difference without me around.

[rustling noises]

Also...

Aren’t you back now?

I only want to have a lively time with you.

It’s equally lively with two people.

[rustling noises]

Oh yes.

Didn’t you mention that

There’s an evening banquet after the Fashion Week?

Why did you come back beforehand?

I was going to pick you up.

You had a free ride?

From a male or female?

...oh, from Eason.

[Trivia] Eason (aka Chen Yi in CN) is MC’s schoolmate from college. He was introduced in Obsession Date!

Cough. I’m not jealous.

I was just asking.

Maybe a little bit.

Just a little.

If there’s a change in your itinerary next time,

Let me know, mm?

It’s mainly because I can tidy up a little in advance.

When you weren’t at home,

I became lazy.

I still remembered to take care of Greenie Jr. Jr. Jr. though.

But I might not have taken that much care of myself.

If you don’t believe me, touch me.

[touching noises]

See?

I lost weight.

Hm?

[chuckles] I wanted you to feel sorry for me.

Can’t I do that?

My waist is fine. It isn’t skinnier.

Here, feel for yourself.

[Gavin breathing noises]

Why are you measuring it?

You bought me new clothes?

All of these on the bed?

There’s way too many...

Why’d you suddenly buy so many for me?

[sigh] I guess...

It’s the charm of Fashion Week...

The styles of these clothes might not suit me.

You’re asking how I bought clothes previously?

Hm... the STF distributes spring and autumn uniforms.

As for ordinary shirts...

I buy them randomly.

They’re fine as long as they’re comfortable.

Mm, I usually visit the same few shops.

And finish buying them after a few minutes.

...a waste?

Okay okay okay, there’s no hurry.

I’ll try them on now.

[rustling noises]

I could use some new clothes in my wardrobe,

Even though I can only wear uniforms when I go on missions.

Hm? I look very handsome in uniforms?

I guess so...

I think it’s mainly because of the person himself. [chuckles]

This shirt...

I don’t think I’ve tried this colour before.

Hmm. What about the jacket? Which one should I pair it with?

A belt too?

This...

How do I buckle it?

[rustling noises]

This outfit is too troublesome.

When I wear it next time, I’ll have to wait for you to be at home to put it on for me.

[clothing noises]

Learn how to buckle it myself?

I don’t want to.

[kiss]

There are some things... that I only want you to do.

How is it?

I think it’s pretty good too. Should I change into the next outfit?

[unclothing noises + unnecessary but very welcomed Gavin grunts]

This one?

Clothing designs are becoming weirder and weirder these days...

How am I supposed to wear this?

I’ll put the sleeves on first.

Oh, I get it now.

Like this.

Eh? It looks strange.

But when it’s worn, it looks pretty good.

Mm, your taste has always been pretty good.

Of course I know that.

But why does it seem like there are only half of the patterns on this outfit?

It’s a couple outfit?

So... where’s yours?

[rustling noises]

Hmm... Why don’t you put it on so we can see what it looks like?

I can’t be the only one trying on clothes for the whole day. Mm.

[rustling noises + heartbeat noises + GAVIN BREATHING NOISES]

Very pretty.

It’s also very unique.

It does come as a set with mine.

[footsteps]

A perfect match.

I was only talking about myself earlier.

But haven't you lost weight too?

I measured with my eyes earlier.

Now that I’m using my hands, I’m even more certain...

Once we’re done tidying up,

Let’s have a nice meal together.

Mm.

[kiss + kiss]

We’ll go later.

Right now, there’s something else we have to do.

[rustling + GAVIN HEAVY BREATHING NOISES]

Oh yes.

If the new clothes get crumpled,

Does it mean they can’t be returned?

[ GAVIN NOISES ]

Let’s not return them then.

I’m very satisfied.

✧ Text

#mlqc #mlqc cn #mlqc spoilers #mlqc gavin #he's so adorably mischievous T-T <3

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thereviewsarein · 4 years

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Canadian rock heavyweights Big Wreck, Headstones, Moist, and The Tea Party are getting together and hitting the road this summer on the Saints And Sinners 2020 Tour, and it’s going to be loud and a lot of fun.

The 17-date summer tour starts in late June and runs through July from coast-to-coast, dipping into Buffalo for a stop as well. It’s the first time the four acts will tour together, bringing their decades of hits and experience to the same stage for rock and roll fans night after night. In a press release announcing the tour, Moist’s David Usher said, “Every night, in every city will be an amazing experience and that definitely goes for the bands too. We’ve been on festivals and tours together over the years, but this unique shared bill with all four acts in a different order every night is going to be killer. We can’t wait to get this rolling!”

We love that quote, because we know from experience that when the artists are having fun, the shows get an extra boost of energy and awesomeness.

Related: Canadian Rock & Roll Quiz!

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In the same press release, Big Wreck lead singer Ian Thornley said, “It’s going to be so much fun getting out there with these guys every night. That’s a lot of hits, and a lot of rock n’ roll. What a show… it’s going to be a big summer!” And The Tea Party’s Jeff Martin added, “I’m not sure that there’s a single concert goer out there that can handle what’s going to happen when all 4 of our bands are firing on all cylinder’s night after night. This is a tour not to be missed. Mark my words.”

Related: Ian Fletcher Thornley – Secrets at The Mod Club

The tour starts out west with four shows in British Columbia and ends down east with stops in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, before ending at the George Street Festival in St. John’s Newfoundland. In Calgary, they’ll play at the Big Four Roadhouse during the Calgary Stampede, and in Ottawa they’ll take the stage at RBC Ottawa Bluesfest. It’s a packed schedule.

Presale tickets and VIP passes for the Saints And Sinners 2020 Tour start January 21 with general sale starting at 10 am local time on Friday, January 24. If you’re a Canadian rock and roll fan, this is a VIP package you’re going to want to consider. For $99, fans can add a photo opportunity with you and all four bands, Exclusive VIP Commemorative Saints and Sinners 2020 Tour Laminate, Exclusive Saints and Sinners 2020 Tour Lanyard, Limited Edition Pin-Pack (includes 4 Pins, 1 from each band), Exclusive Saints and Sinners 2020 Tour Drink Koozie, Front of the line access to the venue for VIP pass holder, and Early access to merch booth for VIP pass holder. Please note that not all features are available at all stops.

Click Here for ticket and VIP pass information!

The bands have also come together to do some good for the Canadian music community, committing $1 from each ticket to the Unison Benevolent Fund through PLUS1. The donations will help Canadian musicians when they need it most and it’s fantastic to see all of these acts commit to helping their fellow artists.

In the words of Headstone’s Hugh Dillon when talking about putting this show together, “These bands, coast to coast, summer 2020, where the %#@ do we sign up!! Are you kidding me, this is a once in a lifetime Rock & Roll show.”

Related: Headstones at Toronto’s The Phoenix

Check the dates and don’t miss out on the Saints And Sinners 2020 Tour this summer!

Saints And Sinners 2020 Tour Dates

6/26/20 – Penticton, BC – South Okanagan Events Centre 6/27/20 – Abbotsford, BC – Abbotsford Centre 6/29/20 – Victoria, BC – Save On Foods Memorial Centre 7/01/20 – Prince George, BC – CN Centre 7/02/20 – Lethbridge, AB – ENMAX Centre 7/03/20 – Regina, SK – Brandt Centre 7/04/20 – Edmonton, AB – Edmonton Convention Centre 7/06/20 – Calgary, AB – Big Four Roadhouse (Stampede Park) 7/07/20 – Brandon, MB – Westoba Place 7/08/20 – Winnipeg, MB – Bell MTS Place 7/11/20 – Rama, ON – Casino Rama Resort 7/15/20 – Laval, QC – Place Bell 7/16/20 – Buffalo, NY – Artpark Amphitheater 7/18/20 – Ottawa, ON – RBC Ottawa Bluesfest 7/23/20 – Halifax, NS – Scotiabank Centre 7/24/20 – Moncton, NB – Casino New Brunswick 7/30/20 – St. John’s, NL – George Street Festival

Saints And Sinners Tour Set to Rock Canada in 2020! Canadian rock heavyweights Big Wreck, Headstones, Moist, and The Tea Party are getting together and hitting the road this summer on the Saints And Sinners 2020 Tour, and it's going to be loud and a lot of fun.

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suerusselldj · 7 years

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Bob Dylan Announces New Summer Tour Dates

Spoil me - I'm a DJ and I'm cute!

Bob Dylan has announced new summer tour dates for North America. After an appearance at Firefly Festival in Delaware and some shows in upstate New York, Dylan will trek across Canada for much of July. Find his tour itinerary below. Dylan is set to release a new triple album of covers, Triplicate, on March 31 via Columbia.

Bob Dylan:

04-01 Stockholm, Sweden - Stockholm Waterfront 04-02 Stockholm, Sweden - Stockholm Waterfront 04-04 Oslo, Norway - Spektrum 04-06 Copenhagen, Denmark - Opera House 04-07 Copenhagen, Denmark - Opera House 04-09 Lund, Sweden - Sparbanken Skåne Arena 04-11 Hamburg, Germany - Barclaycard Arena 04-12 Lingen, Germany - Emslandhallen 04-13 Dusseldorf, Germany - Mitsubishi Electric Halle 04-16 Amsterdam, Netherlands - Heineken Music Hall 04-17 Amsterdam, Netherlands - Heineken Music Hall 04-18 Amsterdam, Netherlands - Heineken Music Hall 04-20 Paris, France - Le Zénith 04-21 Paris, France - La Seine Musicale 04-22 Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg - Rockhal 04-24 Antwerp, Belgium - Lotto Arena 04-25 Frankfurt, Germany - Festhalle 04-26 Hannover, Germany - Swiss Life Hall 04-28 London, England - London Palladium 04-29 London, England - London Palladium 04-30 London, England - London Palladium 05-03 Cardiff, Wales - Motorpoint Arena 05-04 Bournemouth, England - Bournemouth International Centre 05-05 Nottingham, England - Motorpoint Arena 05-07 Glasgow, Scotland - SECC Clyde Auditorium 05-08 Liverpool, England - Echo Arena 05-09 London, England - The SSE Arena, Wembley 05-11 Dublin, Ireland - 3Arena 06-13 Port Chester, NY - Capitol Theatre 06-14 Port Chester, NY - Capitol Theatre 06-15 Port Chester, NY - Capitol Theatre 06-17 Dover, DE - Firefly Festival 06-18 Wallingford, CT - Toyota presents Oakdale Theatre 06-21 Providence, RI - Providence Performing Arts Center 06-24 Kingston, NY - Hutton Brickyard 06-25 Syracuse, NY - Lakeview Amphitheatre 06-27 Kingston, Ontario - Rogers K-Rock Centre 06-29 Ottawa, Ontario - Richcraft Live at the Canadian Tire Centre 06-30 Montreal, Quebec - Centre Bell 07-02 Barrie, Ontario - Molson Centre 07-04 Oshawa, Ontario - Tribute Communities Centre 07-05 Toronto, Ontario - Aire Canada Centre 07-06 London, Ontario - Budweiser Gardens 07-12 Winnipeg, Manitoba - MTS Centre 07-14 Saskatoon, Saskatchewan - SaskTel Centre 07-15 Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan - Mosaic Place 07-17 Calgary, Alberta - Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium 07-18 Medicine Hat, Alberta - Canalta Centre 07-19 Edmonton, Alberta - Rogers Place 07-21 Dawson Creek, British Columbia - Encanta Events Centre 07-22 Prince George, British Columbia - CN Centre 07-24 Kelowna, British Columbia - Prospera Place 07-25 Vancouver, British Columbia - Pepsi Live at Rogers Arena 07-27 Victoria, British Columbia - Save on Foods Memorial Centre

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[Read More ...]

IN MY Dreams

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ricardosousalemos · 7 years

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Bob Dylan Announces New Summer Tour Dates

Bob Dylan:

youtube

#news

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cheri-translates · 2 years

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[CN] Gavin’s 2022 Birthday R&S

🍒 Warning: Detailed spoilers from an R&S which has not been released in EN! 🍒 ✧ Event Prologue (best to read this first!)

[ Release date in CN: 24 July 2022 ]

[ 1 ]

“WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE?!”

Another fist lands heavily on Gavin. He stumbles a few steps backwards, forcing himself to ignore the scent of blood surging up his throat. He makes no sound.

There’s a fiery pain all over his body, spreading from the knife wound near the crook of his neck which has not been bandaged, the skin on his arm scorching from a bullet which brushed past earlier, and the places where his Captain just punched him.

The man in front of him is half a head taller than he is. The confidential operation, which has been carrying on for a long time, has caused the stubble of his beard to be sharp and irritable. Gavin knows that whatever explanation he gives will simply be an excuse, but he lifts his head stubbornly.

This is the first mission he’s been on ever since he joined Squad 29. A few hours ago, the suspect was successfully arrested. The ambush operation, which spanned several months, came to an end.

But he knows very well that he messed up. A bullet almost went through his brain. Almost.

“This isn’t the place for you to be a lone army putting up a brave fight. If you want to be a hero, get lost!”

“Reporting to the Captain - I followed orders and was responsible for searching for the target. I didn’t go against the rules.”

“So who allowed you to charge forward?! Is that what you mean by ‘following orders’?”

“The suspect appeared suddenly. If he wasn’t arrested in time, the past six months would have been a failure.”

“Didn’t you see more than 10 attack-based Evolvers protecting him?”

“I did a preliminary judgement. After deciding that I could handle it, and to prevent the mission from failing...”

His unfinished words are interrupted by a violent fist.

“If you could handle it, why did you almost die!!”

Gavin lifts his hand to wipe the blood at the corner of his mouth, forcing himself to stand up from the ground. Before he can steady himself, the Captain lifts him up by the collar.

“Listen up. I don’t care how capable you are. Now that you’re in my squad, whether the mission fails or not is none of your concern! Take care of yourself! If the sky collapses, I’ll hold it up! If this happens again, get lost and go back to the police academy!”

After saying this, the man lets go fiercely, tossing Gavin back onto the ground before leaving.

While looking at his back view, Gavin’s icy expression reveals a moment of being emotionally moved.

All this time, he had been doing whatever he wanted, continuing to survive without relying on anyone. He always felt that the mission should be a priority. If he were the reason why the mission failed today, it would have made sense. But now...

Nobody ever said such things to him. As such, he had no idea how to respond.

Pain gradually spreads. He shuts his eyes, lying flat on the ground as he spaces out.

After an unknown duration of time, he feels someone poking his head with something. It’s a little hard and a little ticklish. He scrunches his nose, ignoring it.

In his hazy senses, something damp presses against the nape of his neck, accompanied by a stinging scent of alcohol. A stinging pain causes him to suck in a cold breath and curl up.

Gavin opens his eyes in frustration, only to see Fang Wei grinning while squatting beside him, luncheon meat dangling from his mouth as he holds an alcohol swab with tweezers, brushing it against his wound.

“Rascal, you really aren’t afraid of pain.”

“...Vice Captain Fang, I can go to the infirmary later.”

“Sure.” Fang Wei’s response is muffled. He returns the tools in his hands into the medical kit. After patting his hands, he supports Gavin into an upright sitting position. His movements are smooth.

Crack.

Gavin is in such pain that his face pales for a moment. However, he grits his teeth and doesn’t make a sound, allowing Fang Wei to check him over. As compared to the short-tempered Captain, perhaps this grinning Vice Captain presents another form of anger and torture to him.

“There’s nothing major. Return the medical kit I borrowed to the infirmary for me.” Fang Wei gets up and brushes off sand and mud from his body. Before leaving, he places a bullet next to Gavin’s hand.

“Keep it as a memento.”

[ 2 ]

By the time Gavin wakes up in the infirmary, it’s already bright. He cleans his face, folds the sheets, twists the disciplinary notice which was placed on his bedside, then turns around to leave.

In a small and dark room, cold white light from the computer screen enters Gavin’s amber eyes. He stares at the cursor as it leaps continuously, unable to type a single word. He occasionally hears the rustling sounds of blades. Although the wound on the nape of his neck should already be healing, the skin on his arm which was scorched by the bullet still hurts faintly. He lifts his hand, brushing the bullet that hangs around his neck. He gives it a rub.

Not long after, the door opens by a small crack. A young man with black hair peeks in. Accompanying this is the fragrance of meat fresh out of the oven. Gavin recognises the scent. From the entrance of STF, walk past three intersections, walk another 50 metres, then turn right. Meng Yi Big Buns is located at the very end.

“Bro Gav, are you hungry?”

“I’m not hungry.”

Grumble...

The air sinks into silence.

His hungry stomach drags its ending note, echoing several rounds in the silent and small dark room.

“...thanks, Poet.” Gavin takes a huge bite out of the bun, and the juicy fragrance of the meat explodes in his mouth. Poet, the young man, chuckles. He pulls a chair over with ease and sits down, glancing at the blank document.

“Bro Gav, you haven’t typed a single word.”

Gavin almost chokes before responding with an awkward “mm”. Although he’s a fellow squad mate, he isn’t close to Poet.

To be precise, he isn’t close to anyone. But Poet doesn’t mind the somewhat cold atmosphere. “It’s okay, I don't know how to write reflections either, which is why I’ve come here to keep you company. It’s so boring to be alone.”

“...mm.” Gavin doesn’t know what to say again. He lowers his head to look at the bun that he took a bite out of. Then, he looks at Poet.

“I came over after eating my fill. I brought this to you in secret. There’s also spicy vermicelli inside. I remember how you once ate five at one go after training!”

“Cough. I was very hungry that day.”

Gavin explains himself, slightly embarrassed. For an inexplicable reason, the both of them chuckle at the same time.

“Have you written a reflection before?”

“Nope... but I enjoy writing poems. Do you think I can write a poem in the reflection?”

“...I don’t think so?”

“Of course not!”

The sudden response causes the two people in the room to jolt up instinctively. The bun, which has nowhere to go, is scrunched up in Gavin’s hand.

Fang Wei is standing at the door, his eyebrows arched. Before the two young men greet him, he quickly waves his hands, his eyes landing on the bun in Gavin’s hand.

“Oh? You’re eating already? In that case, eat a little more. Be sure to finish the bun from your Vice Captain too.” He swings the plastic bag in his hand. He brings another empty chair over, sitting down in a familiar manner. “Why are you two standing? Sit down. After having your fill, continue with the reflection.” The serious words are accompanied by a bright smile. Gavin sits down in slight resignation, lowering his head and biting the bun.

After a short while, the door is pushed open again. Along with a scrutinising gaze, the three of them stand up at the same time. A uniformed “Hello Captain” causes the ambience to grow more solemn.

When the man sees Gavin’s puffed up cheeks and the meat bun in his hand, his expression turns a little stiff for some reason. But very soon after, he returns to his short-tempered self.

“You’re eating pretty well, aren’t you? People might think that you did a meritorious deed! Submit that 5000 word reflection soon!” He grits his teeth before leaving.

When nobody notices, he reveals a meat bun which he had kept hidden behind his back.

[ 3 ]

“I’m hungry.”

Fang Wei’s voice drifts from the earpiece, causing Gavin to wake up from a dream.

He has no idea why he’d dream about the time he just joined the squad. It’s as though everything happened just yesterday, but it also seems like a very long time ago.

The sun has set completely, but the incoming breeze is still warm. This is the ninth month since they embarked on this confidential mission. He feels that he has become one with the hill, and has long since grown used to the humid and sticky air. Since he hasn't had the time to cut his hair, he simply tied it to keep it in place. He recalls the day when he was prepared to “take action” on his hair with a small knife, and how Fang Wei had handed him a rubber band with a look of experience on his face, allowing his hair to survive another day.

“Vice Captain, want to eat a bun?”

“I already ate one this morning.”

“Beef noodles?”

“Nope, too hot.”

“What about green bean soup? It has a cooling effect.”

“That’s meant to be dessert after a meal.”

The voices of Poet and Fang Wei are incessant in the earpiece. Gavin smiles in resignation, interrupting their potentially circular and meaningless conversation.

“It’s time to switch shifts. Captain, take a break.”

“It’s okay, the mouse might not be able to hold on for much longer. I’ll continue to keep a close eye on him.”

The Captain’s voice drifts over calmly, as though feeding the entire squad with a sense of ease.

Very soon after, the sound of orderly swallowing can be heard through the earpiece. Gavin taps the earpiece twice gently.

“Vice Captain, you can turn the microphone off when you’re eating.”

“Yeah, Vice Captain, you’re truly relishing that hardtack.”

The sound of munching doesn’t stop. Evidently in a good mood, Fang Wei responds, “Lil Gav, you’re becoming more and more impolite. I remember how you used to obediently address me as your respected Vice Captain Fang. Look at how Poet has learnt from you too.”

“Reporting to Captain - I am not. The Vice Captain provided false information.”

Gavin finds himself chuckling as he says this, and he looks up at the sky.

“Actually, I... had a dream. I dreamt about the first mission we went on when I first joined the squad. The Captain punched me, I was humiliated by the Vice Captain, and received three meat buns.”

The other end of the earpiece is silent. For a moment, nobody makes a sound. The Captain speaks up first, and his grumbling voice makes it sound as if he remembers that memory as well.

“What nonsense are you spouting?”

“Haha, is our Big Boss feeling shy?” Fang Wei chuckles. “Come to think of it, how many words did Lil Gav end up writing in his reflection?”

“I remember that Bro Gav didn’t finish it.”

“Yeah, I don’t think I finished it.” After Gavin says this, everyone laughs.

The hilltop beneath the moonlight is exceptionally tranquil, as though even the breeze isn’t willing to disturb this place.

“Actually, I had a similar dream a few days ago.” Poet suddenly speaks. “I’ve been thinking about the past two years recently. Maybe it’s because this is our last mission as a squad.”

For a moment, nobody speaks. Only Fang Wei responds with a soft “mm”.

Gavin seems to think about something, and he lowers his head slowly.

Without realising it, so much time had already gone by.

He finds himself touching the pocket in front of his chest. At the same time, Fang Wei speaks up in the earpiece.

“Lil Gav, don’t lower your head to look at that photograph again. It’s already oxidized by now.”

Gavin purses his lips.

"I’m already looking at it.” As though acting impetuously, he takes out that photograph solemnly.

“Everyone, focus.”

The Captain’s voice drifts into the earpiece like an alarm. “The octopus has revealed himself. Get ready to deliver the goods.”

Gavin presses the photograph to his forehead. After taking a deep breath, he quickly stuffs it back into his pocket.

When he looks up again, his amber eyes are filled with sharpness, and he hides in the darkness.

[ 4 ]

After an intense fight, the mission ends in a victory.

Even when he clasps the handcuffs on, Gavin still feels a little dazed. After nine whole months, the curtain has finally fallen on this long to-and-fro tussle. The stars in the night twinkle, and dawn seems to be arriving.

“Gavin, head to the hill slope in the east. The Captain’s voice drifts from the earpiece. Thinking that there might be some concluding work to be done, he hurries over.

When he arrives, he finds Poet and Fang Wei lying down lazily on a spacious grass patch. The man who typically has his brows furrowed is also sitting on the ground in a state of rare peacefulness and calmness. He has his head lowered, and he seems to be weaving something in his hands.

Tender moonlight cloaks them quietly, and it feels as though the bloody battle from before is far away from them.

The Captain looks up at Gavin, who is simply standing around. He tilts his chin. “Sit.”

The four of them are quiet, as though no one is willing to shatter this tranquility. All that’s left is the sound of a breeze brushing the grass the Captain is weaving. The tension he had been experiencing for a very long time suddenly relaxes, and fatigue quickly surges over. Gavin senses that the Captain wants to say something, so he simply closes his eyes to rest while waiting.

Along with a faint light, something seems to be placed before him.

Gavin opens his eyes and sees a squarish... thing that has been weaved with crested dog's-tail grass. He doesn’t dare to acknowledge what it is, but his instincts tell him that if he were to question what it is, he’d probably get beaten up. He looks at Poet. True enough, honest people speak their mind.

“Captain, what you weaved doesn’t look like a cake.”

What he gets in response is a flying kick from the Captain and uncontrolled laughter from the Vice Captain.

Cake? Gavin is momentarily stunned. He looks at the man in slightly confusion. The light of dawn gradually brightens, softening the man’s features.

“Lad, congratulations on taking a step closer to becoming a real man.” After the man speaks, Poet and Fang Wei say “Happy birthday!” in unison.

“There aren’t any cakes in this god-forsaken place, so we’ll have to make do. We’ll use... the dawn as candles. It’s pretty symbolic - both of them illuminate the darkness.”

“Reading all those poems didn’t go to waste.”

“Captain gave me the inspiration this time!”

The three people in front of him chatter on endlessly. Gavin listens quietly, suddenly feeling an incomparable quietness in his heart.

“Stinky Brat, it’s time to make a wish.”

“There’s a saying in my hometown. Out of your three wishes, you have to say the first two wishes aloud. Only then will your third wish come true. Bro Gav, tell us what they are.”

“What’s there to guess? There’s a 80% chance that this lad made a wish to meet that lady soon.”

“Hey hey, Vice Captain, if you say it out loud, it won’t be effective!”

“Hush.”

Gavin chuckles, and a heavy sense of calm fills him. He cooperates, closing his eyes.

When was the last time he made a wish? He no longer remembers, nor does he remember the wish he made.

As the dawn rises slowly, sunlight spreads across the land.

Gavin makes a wish -

He wishes that the people in front of him will always be safe.

[ 5 ]

Before gathering with the squad and returning to the city, Gavin heads to the outskirts alone.

Living here for nine months has made him familiar with this entire area, and he wants to have a last look at the place. After going up several hills, he spots his “partner” for the mission from afar. It’s resting on the grass quietly, reflecting a sharp and eye-catching light from beneath the sunlight. Gavin walks over, giving the aircraft a gentle pat.

“You’ve worked hard too.” After saying this, he leaps onto the wing of the aircraft and sits down.

The afternoon is a little scorching, causing beads of sweat to appear on Gavin’s forehead. The aircraft, which has been baked warm by the sun, sends a continuous stream of scorching heat to his palm. He shifts backwards, bending a leg in a casual manner. Then, he quietly channels a gust of wind.

The nameplate in front of his chest makes a tinkling sound, and Gavin stares afar off. Here, the blue sky and white clouds are very close to the ground, as though he can reach them with just the stretch of his hand.

He knows that the squad will be dissolved after this mission. Each of them will head off on their own journeys, and he will have a chance to apply for a certain mission. All of a sudden, the city and that girl’s voice surface before his eyes. Unexpectedly, he feels very calm. It’s as though he can finally catch his breath after holding one in for a very long time.

In the past seven years, he had met many people and experienced many life-and-death moments. The mountains and rivers that he had passed by have changed the shape and trajectory of the wind.

He should thank them.

No, he has to thank them.

Thank them for appearing in his life and shaping him into his current state.

Gavin spots someone appearing. He straightens up instinctively - a habit he cultivated without realising it.

In the span of two years, that short-tempered and incomparably reliable man enabled him to see all of the responsibilities required of a Captain.

Gavin plans to hop off the aircraft to give him a salute, but the man waves his hand. His gaze is somewhat heavy. After a very long time, he smiles for the very first time.

“Gavin, you’ve been doing very well all this time. Although you still like to put up a strong front, you’re making gradual progress.” While saying this, he also sits on the wing of the aircraft. He pats Gavin on the shoulder before looking to the front.

“In the future, you’ll definitely become a Captain too. You’ll be more and more courageous, to the point where you might feel as though you’re overwhelmed by it.” He pauses for a moment. “I’m not worried that you’d be overwhelmed by it. But you have to remember this - there will always be people walking alongside you. Even if you’re shouldering something, never feel that you’re alone.”

Gavin opens his mouth, but has no idea what to say. In the end, he simply releases a soft “mm”. He isn’t sure if the man heard it.

But the Captain doesn’t seem to care about his response. After he’s done speaking, he leaps off the aircraft.

“You’re going to walk down a path where Bro can no longer protect you. All the best, Lad.”

By the time they gather, it’s already getting late. The four of them bow deeply towards the spacious grassland, hills and forests.

“Brothers, our final mission has ended. Everyone has worked hard.” Fang Wei remains his grinning self, his crinkling eyes sparkling with a glistening light.

Poet sniffs, taking out a crumpled piece of paper from his pocket in embarrassment. He smoothens it out solemnly. His fingers, which have never trembled when holding a gun, actually quiver slightly.

“Reporting to the Captain! I... I wrote a poem for everyone. I would like to request for permission to read it aloud!”

“Read it.”

“Yes sir!” Poet does a formal salute before taking a deep breath.

“You’re free to journey along your own path, but please remember to send a letter.

Please send whatever you’ve seen and heard in your journey to the green hills.

That way, I will be able to see the difficulties that you’ve surmounted.

If the trees sway, you’ll know that it’s my response to you.

Please send your happy tidings to the rivers and seas.

That way, I will be able to see your surging emotions.

If the tides shift, you’ll know that it’s my response to you.

Please send your struggles to the land.

That way, I will be able to see the scars of your path.

If rubble flies, you’ll know that it’s my response to you.

Please send them to the wilderness, send them to the blue sky, send them to the grass and dirt,

To every drop of water, every blossoming flower, and every passing ant.

You will hear my response to you.

Take care, my friends,

Please send a letter.

If you visit the places that I’ve once been to,

Please send a letter.

[ 6 ]

There aren’t many things in the dormitory, and Gavin finishes packing up quickly. Upon seeing the clean room, he carries his infantry bag on his back and shuts the door.

In an empty field, a few people are standing in a line, going through the final round of numbering off.

“There are four people in Squad 29. There are four people present. Nobody is absent.”

“After two years, one hundred and thirteen days, the Fish Hawk Operation has come to an end. Squad 29 is officially dissolved!”

The Captain powerfully and impressively gives a speech on what happened. Gavin stands straight, his eyes sweeping over the three people beside him. For some reason, he feels a strange sense of déjà vu.

But this time, the four of them are about to embark on different paths, and head towards their respective journeys.

Poet will be joining the Ministry of Aerospace. Fang Wei has been transferred to becoming a Peacekeeper, and the Captain will be dispatched to complete even more confidential missions. And Gavin’s application has been approved - he will head to Loveland City to continue his mission.

“This might be the last time we officially meet. If there aren’t any exceptionally special reasons in the future, there’s no reason for us to acknowledge each other. The moment we step out of the door, we’ll be strangers. But we will always be comrades-in-arms. I’ll always wish for all of you to be safe. I wish everyone all the best. May all of you be safe.”

This short farewell brings with it the simplest and sincerest well wishes.

Perhaps at a certain end of the world, or at a place where flowers bloom, we will meet again. Even if that reunion is far away, we will continue to exist under the same starry sky, scorching sun, torrential rain, and continue to move forward.

“Let’s take a photo together as a memento.”

“Vice Captain, the Captain just said that we need to be careful with our identities.”

“I know. Hang on.”

Fang Wei returns with a box of matchsticks and a few miscellaneous items. He walks towards Gavin, then removes the second button in front of his chest. Then, he squats down on the ground. Using the cap of a beer bottle, the cap of a beverage bottle, a round stone, the button and matchsticks, he creates four stickmen.

“Here’s the group photo. The stone is Big Boss, I’m the beer bottle, Poet is the drink bottle, Gavin is the button. Good, isn’t it?”

“Why do I have to be the drink bottle?”

“Don’t ask questions. I just picked it up.”

The both of them start to squabble as they always do.

Gavin looks at the four stickmen seriously, and feels as though something warm is being added into his soul.

Kacha.

The four of them walk out of the door together. From then onwards, they walk into the distance and along different paths.

Gavin looks at the plane ticket which has its destination set for Loveland City, and he steps into the cabin of the plane.

✧ text and moment

#mlqc #mlqc cn #mlqc spoilers #mlqc gavin #EVERYONE CARES FOR GAVIN T-T #AND GAVIN CARES FOR EVERYONE T-T

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