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2022.04.09 17:47 AgustaProLink Travel_Nurse_Jobs

#TravelNurse #TravelRN #TravelNurseLife #travelnurseadventures #Nurse #TravelRN #TravelNurseLife #NurseLife #TravelNurseCommunity #TravelNurseJob #travelnursejobs #ICURN #ICU #OR #operatingroomnurse #operatingroomrn #Telemetry #TelemetryRN #teleRN #medtele #medtelern #ERRN #EmergencyRoomRN #EDRN #emergencydepartment #PCURN #STEPDOWNRN #IMCURN #PCUSTEPDOWNRN #NICU #NICURN #NICUNURSE #cathlab #cathlabRN #cathlabnurse #cathlablife #GIRN #GINURSE #ENDONURSE #ENDORN #L&DRN #Labor&DeliveryRN #LDRN
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2016.02.05 15:49 longshot201 Travel Nursing jobs and opportunities

A place on reddit that recruiters can post jobs for travel nurses.
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2010.07.15 22:28 xbris Antarctica News, Travel, Jobs, and Discussion

A community for Antarctica
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2023.03.26 20:44 StrivingJarl SGR - White Space, Presentation, & Story Introduction

SGR - White Space, Presentation, & Story Introduction
WHITE SPACE:
The original version of White Space, I feel was pretty alright. Really, the only complaint I have is just navigating certain parts of the zone areas to find the missions and what-not. Other than that, it was just fine. However, I feel like changing this up a bit.
Now, instead of a 2D hub, it’d be a 3D hub, similar to the Sonic Unleashed hubs, but it wouldn’t be too big. Here’s what I’m imagining here:
​
I made this in Photopea with a mouse. And yeah, it's not very good. But it gets the idea across
The Information Pod, Museum Room, and Skill Shop would be at the front, with the levels on the left and right. That way, it’s easy to find what you want to go to, without any extra fluff. Also, for those wondering what’s with some of these symbols here and such, consider it a bit of a hint for what I'm gonna be featuring in this rewrite.
Now, the Information Pod, I’m gonna change in a much different manner, but overall, it’ll function about the same as it did in the original game. However, when it comes to the skill shop, I wanna make ONE new addition!
See, there’s this Sonic Generations mod where you can customize Modern Sonic’s look by changing his gloves, shoes, body, etc. You can give him his soap shoes from SA2, Chip’s Bracelet from Unleashed, and plenty more! It’s such a cool mod, and I think it’d be cool to have some cosmetics like that in this rewrite! Plus, Sonic Frontiers had some cosmetics too, so it’s not entirely out of the realm of possibility!
And who knows? Maybe we can also add some alternate colors for the fur of Sonic’s body? Like changing him from blue to green and what-not? Sure, it’d be silly, but it’s still cool to have!
As for what else to change here, I’m mainly gonna focus on the museum room, and say what’s worth mentioning:
  • For one, when it comes to the jukebox, I want to be able to listen to not just the unlockable extra music from previous games, but also all the music created for Generations, like the level and boss remixes, cutscene tracks, etc. Plus, it’d be nice to have a short description for each of them, like who made the track, where does it play in it’s original game, etc. But that may be a little much.
  • Also, I want the jukebox to have the option to play sound effects and voice lines, too. Just for the fun and convenience of it.
  • Next, I think it’d be nice to have more information listed for the character bios, like where the character first made their debut, what their likes and dislikes are, fun facts, what abilities they have, etc. It’d be nice to have that. In fact, I actually made these bios for every character in this rewrite! Though, I don't know if I'll be posting any of it.
  • As for the unlockable artwork, I’d say I just want to move the art around, and zoom in and out like in Sonic Mega Collection. Plus, a short description for those would be nice, too, but I don’t mind if it’s not included.
  • Lastly, I’d change the statue room to a statue shelf in the main Museum Room, just for convenience. And instead of inputting codes to unlock statues, you’d instead have to do different objectives to get them, like completing levels, doing certain tricks, etc. Plus, it’d be nice to rotate the statues and zoom in and out on them, too.
Okay! I think that’s ALL the gameplay-related stuff covered! At least for now! Now, let’s get to some other miscellaneous things.
​
PRESENTATION:
When it comes to the graphics for Sonic Generations, I think they were pretty great. Sure, Unleashed definitely looked more appealing, but this game certainly was a sight to behold. Though, it could look a little better, given the chance. But then again, maybe the quality was lowered a bit so that the performance wouldn’t suffer so much? After all, Unleashed definitely had some nasty slow-down at points, and there’s even one or two moments like that in Generations, such as during certain missions.
Music? Pfft. Like I even have to talk about it. The original Generations soundtrack was already fire, so do I have to change anything, other than just adding some new songs and remixes, along with changing a few pre-existing ones? No. No, I don’t.
Now, for the animations of the characters, particularly during cutscenes, I can understand the complaints about them looking a little stiff and less alive. So, changing that would be nice. Also, the pre-rendered cutscenes, I’m not against, and I can understand why they’re like that, but it definitely would be nice to have some in-engine ones. Maybe in White Space? I don’t know.
Lastly, there’s the voice-acting. I don’t really have any complaints towards any character’s voice here, but I can understand the dislike for, say, Roger Craig Smith’s Sonic or Cindy Robinson’s Amy. I’m not gonna straight up replace them with previous Sonic VAs, or entirely new ones, since I feel that’s unnecessary and a disservice to those who worked on the original game. It’s the direction mostly that’s causing problems, so just have better direction, and I feel it’ll be better. Not perfect, but definitely better.
Also, just gonna say this here…we’re giving Classic Sonic the ability to talk here. If Classic Tails and Eggman could speak, why doesn’t Sonic? Sure, you couldn’t get Jaleel O’ White back, but you could always just…get someone else to do a younger Sonic voice. Yeah, it’d be weird and met with some backlash, but I feel it’s a necessary thing to do.
Whew! I think that’s everything except the story! And yeah, there’s some stuff I haven’t covered or talked about yet, but I’ll get to it when I start discussing the rewritten story. So, let's move on!
​
STORY:
Okay, so, the overall concept of the story in this game isn’t necessarily bad on paper. Sonic celebrates his XX birthday with his friends, only for a shadowy beast called the Time Eater to come in and kidnap all of them, and send Sonic to a white void. Then, by working with his younger self, he’d go through past levels, defeat old bosses, and collect the Chaos Emeralds in order to stop the beast, which is actually being controlled by the two Eggman’s. Or, Eggmen, if you will.
Honestly…this story doesn’t sound that bad when just describing the idea. It’s just that it’s CRIMINALLY under-utilized. You’ve got a story for a popular series full of memorable characters, moments, and set-pieces, and now you can use whatever you want because time-travel can excuse it, and make some fun callbacks and moments, but you barely do that in the actual game (At least storywise)? That’s SUCH a wasted opportunity!
See, that’s the issue with having writers who don’t know and understand the series write your time-travel nostalgia tale. I mean no offense to Ken Pontac, Warren Graff, or anyone else who worked on the script for this game. They were just doing their jobs, and aren’t terrible people for doing so. I just feel that they should have done more with the script to make it more fun and interesting.
Luckily, as a Sonic nutcase who has more knowledge about the series compared to the stuff I learned in school, I’m well-versed to do a time-travel nostalgia tale! Though, I’m not gonna act like I’m gonna make anything that rivals Shakespeare, as that would be ridiculous. I’m just gonna write my own interpretation of the Generations story, and see how it goes.
Now, what am I going to change or add here? Well, for one, I’m definitely having more scenes where the characters interact and talk with one another. Plus, have them say more about the areas they visit, the foes they encounter, and generally have everyone say more about their current situation other than “we gotta stop that thing from destroying time, Sonic!”
Speaking of characters, having them be more IN character is also a must here. So, no grumpy Shadow or anything. Plus, giving them more to do than just stand around and act as Sonic’s cheerleaders. Though, don’t expect any of them to be playable here. I’m still keeping it strictly the Classic & Modern Sonic show.
Next, having more callbacks and references to previous games, and even other media (Though, not straight up saying stuff like “Remember Princess Sally?” or anything like that) would not only be nostalgic, but also fun and make it feel like the characters have been through a lot and live in an actual world full of many people and events. Kinda like how Sonic Frontiers does it, only it makes greater sense here due to it being a “Greatest Hits” collection.
Lastly, the way I’m writing the story here is like a script describing what happens in the cutscenes, so that you can get an idea of how they would play out if this rewrite was an actual game you could play. But I’ll also add some other stuff here and there, like in-game dialogue and pictures (Both from the official Sonic stuff, and fan-made works, with proper credit). For the fun of it.
Okay! Next post, we can finally get started on the story! Which I'm naming "A Trip Down Memory Lane." I think it's just a nice title to give the story here.
​
Next Part
Archives
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submitted by StrivingJarl to u/StrivingJarl [link] [comments]

2023.03.26 20:44 dshamz_ Secondary job setup

So I’m 2-3 chapters in with everyone and I’ve just unlocked all of the normal sub-jobs. I’m trying to set up my team with a few self-imposed limitations, mainly…
1) I’m not trying to super-grind my way through the game, I’m trying to keep a leisurely pace so that I’m clearing available content while not being super over-levelled;
2) I don’t want to double up on job combinations (e.g. 2 scholacleric combos), as I’d rather have each traveller fill a unique role rather than just copying another.
The team that I’ve settled on for where I’m at is the following:
Ochette - warrior (added breaking ability)
Castti - dancer (not the greatest I feel, but more buffs to supplement her support role)
Throne - hunter (added bow breaking and leghold trap debuff is too useful to ignore)
Osvald - thief (dark magic plus good magic daggers)
Partitio - cleric (add healing to kit)
Agnea - merchant (donate BP to all)
Temenos - scholar (good breaking with special skill)
Hikari - apothecary (more strength plus axe breaking)
I’m least happy with Castti, Hikari, Partitio, and Agnea. I’m particular, I don’t feel that dancer is a great fit for Castti.
Alternative suggestions and comments welcome :)
submitted by dshamz_ to Octopath_Traveler_II [link] [comments]

2023.03.26 20:42 Same_Attention7072 I need help finding this manga.

The story is about a group of individuals that wake up to a deserted Japan and they all have playing cards. The job is to travel to a certain city to find the truth but near the end it is revealed that they are in a female terrorists memories and they have to find out where she put the bomb before it goes off. All except 1 person dies.
submitted by Same_Attention7072 to manga [link] [comments]

2023.03.26 20:37 Romito55 Younger guy considering the field, looking to hear from more experienced professionals.

Hello,
I am a mid-20s male in the midwest currently going through a career change and am interested in becoming a NERC RC or a similar role. I am having trouble finding information about this field, and am hoping some of you might be able to help me out–I’m in the ‘I don’t know what I don’t know’ stage right now.
My background: I have worked a little in IT, but primarily I have worked in media/marketing as a videographephotographer. I have enjoyed this, but it is a very oversaturated field and terribly difficult to make a living doing. I have decided to look for a more robust line of work to invest in. Medical and Law are out, as the education barriers are too high (I am speaking strictly of the on-paper requirements). I considered computer science or a similar IT role, but I am just not that taken with either of those.
Why do I want to become a NERC RC or something similar?
Now what concerns me about becoming a NERC RC?
I am looking for resources, study materials, advice, industry forums, and general things I should know about this job and this industry. I really appreciate any and all responses. I’ve been extremely optimistic over the last few days while I research this field and learn more about it, and now I need some second opinions.
Thank you all.
submitted by Romito55 to Grid_Ops [link] [comments]

2023.03.26 20:33 Rain_146 Drug test

Lawyers I need some advice; but anyone advice could help too.
I work for a company that travels. Small company less the 50 employees. We travel by van to different locations thru out the U.S. We do so as a team. Could be 2-6 people at one time. Everyone has to drive occasionally. Note: everyone there is well underpaid. Salary not hourly
I’ve worked for this company for almost two years and even employees that have been here as long as 16 year have never had or heard of anyone having a drug test done.
One of the employees who we’ll call jessica. Shes recently changed jobs within the company thinks she’s HR but just an assistant. She use to be in my department.
I openly admit I smoke; but Jessica has no idea what I actually smoke.
Jessica text me and ask if we could talk. So I told her to come to my office.
She asked me two questions: She asked me if I smoked? Well yes. She asked me if I roll? Yeah; I do that too.
Almost everyone smoke or injects some form of THC including Jessica and Cathy I’m informed.
Then she goes on a power trip an said “as of today you are terminated. It will be your last day.”
then I was like No, I’m not. You have to cause for it to be random and other people have to get tested as well. Then she’s like you can go pee in a cup or be fired. So I tell her I will pee in a cup if she’d like me too and there better be other people too.
Then I bring the new CFO who we’ll call *Cathy in to my office with the conversation that was at hand. Cathy started about a week ago, but has worked for this company before in a different position.
Cathy “said that Jessica and the owner had a conversation and she doesn’t know anything about it!”
So then I’m like whatever. I’ll go take this test. when it comes back negative I can tell them I told you so.
When I get there I was informed of it being a hair follicle test not a urine test. I told her that “I haven’t cut my hair in seven year I’m not cutting it for you.”
Jessica tell me “it that or my job.”
So then I tell her to call the owner because I don’t have his phone number.
He tell me “do what’s necessary for you. If it too much hair then do a urine test.”
Jessica wasn’t having that and refused to change it to a urine test. “It’s only 1/8 of an inch.” It’s actually 3/8 of an inch,
I told Jessica that I dye my hair frequently and also take perception drugs that will come up as meth. This test would be inaccurate altogether.
Jessica just kept saying “you can fake pee” ma’am. you can fake just about everything.
She has no idea what they took off my head. Even tho she met me there and waited til I was getting ready to have it done. then left; because office hours are over.
The next day everyone was pissed for me before I could be pissed for myself.
My owner had call me 7 times on my company cell and had been calling my office all day looking for me. Trying to apologize.
I’m not in the mood to talk because I have nothing nice to say.
He must have realized that with out me most; if not all of the company would leave.
He called me all week and I haven’t called him back. I’m still working but just enough to get by.
I have a hole in the middle of my hair. It’s the size of a nickel. I think they should have some kind of repercussions.
I was then told by other coworkers that they lie and told the owner that we were getting ready to lose our insurance due to drug issues.
I feel like I was singled out and if my other coworkers hadn’t have lied to her face she would have done the same without any cause
We’re is S.C. Ik laws differ from state to state.
What should I do? Do I even have a case?

askreddit #lawyersofreddit #legalhelp

submitted by Rain_146 to AskLawyers [link] [comments]

2023.03.26 20:32 llpmathias Grass is always greener… hoping for some advice either way.

My family is considering a move from our lifelong home of Southern Colorado (Pueblo) to LA/SOCAL. In some ways we feel like we’ve hit the ceiling in what Colorado has to offer and are possibly looking to expand our horizons. For the last 13ish years I’ve built and operated a flat stock screen printing company working mostly for bands and some films. My work gets shipped all over the place and a sizable portion even comes from the Southern California area.. none of my work comes from my locality so my work/shop can go with me without skipping much of a beat. I at least have that to start - but would also likely need to attain some other part time work due to the much higher cost of living - which is probably comparable to the cost of living in Denver at this point.. although cost is a huge factor - my other consideration is opportunity, especially for my kids who are 11, 14 and 25. It really seems like our little town offers so little advancement that folks end up peaking by getting a job with the city.. and I really want them to have more choices as they grow.. we travel to socal anytime we can and have always loved the area.. but we’ve only recently started having a conversation about actually moving away.
I suppose my question is - what are some opinions on the matter from those of you who moved there and those that are CA natives?
Any advice (especially on area/housing/employment opportunities) would be appreciated. Thanks in advance!
submitted by llpmathias to LosAngeles [link] [comments]

2023.03.26 20:27 AccordingFly8104 He left me and my life hasn't gotten better since trying to get over him. My life is purposeless, and there is no hope for me in any future. (25ftm)

6 months ago, he left me. I still don't know exactly why honestly. I thought I was having the best relationship of my life, mutual unconditional love. I don't know if he was struggling with his sexuality, fell out of love with me, or felt like he couldn't have a "normal" like his family would approve of or what. And to not know the answer and wonder what was wrong with me, what drove him away is killing me everyday.
Ever since, it's been downhill. I lost two of my closest friends. I work an unfuffiling job. I am stuck living with my parents in an area with nothing to do, after spending a year of travelling the world and making the most out of life. Despite making 200k+ a year, I can't find love. Sure, I can buy all the "self love" stuff I want, food and material goods and I have a career my parents are happy with. But it doesn't make me feel fuffilled. If I died tomorrow, the company would go on and replace me. I have fufilled my parents goal of graduating and working at a top company. And my goal was only to find love, which I thought I found but lost it.
I feel like I'm struggling a lot with dating and I only get so close yet so far every time. When I think I found someone, there's always something I'm missing or I'm not good enough for them to keep me. I have a hard time connecting with others since I'm "weird". Nobody will accept me as a transgender man since cis people always win in the end. People say there's plenty fish in the sea, but the odds for the number of people who would be attracted to me are astronomically low.
I had the best life ever full of love, travel, exploration, confidence and feeling free and having amazing people by my side and lost it all within a few months. Now I am chained to my company, my identity is simply "worker" and "200k salary". I can barely bring myself to do the things that used to make me happy. I am constantly lonely, and have nobody to share life things with anymore. Every time I do something by myself, I only think about how much I miss my ex and how I would love to share the moment with him. Now I see no point in doing anything.
My life is really useless now and there's no point in going on. I've achieved my parents dream, I'll be replaced by my job, and I don't have anyone left who will actually miss me. Everyones lives will go on fine.
To once feel like my life was all together only it have it all fall apart so quickly is so demoralizing. I will only continue to live life in a desperate manner as if I will lose it all in an in instant. There is too much psychological damage that has been done for me to function as a normal person in society. I've developed servere social anxiety and self esteem issues since the event and nothing will help me recover.
submitted by AccordingFly8104 to SuicideWatch [link] [comments]

2023.03.26 20:25 Hairguy_Blondie I don’t like it that people are telling me that I should travel more

Some of my coworkers call me stubborn because I really don’t go out and do much and I am also a one dimensional person in that regard. The things that I like to do are simple, I play video games, hang out with a few of my friends I love watching movies and TV. And listen to music. Now my coworkers really don’t understand the full length of my intellectual disability I mean I don’t expect them to all get it, but I at least expect them to have some respect that there are things that I will, and will not do. Now traveling by myself as a guy who already has enough challenges getting through the day with his intellectual disability that’s just gonna leave a lot of anxiety. My coworker is telling me that he travels through Asia at 19 and he got all these experiences and all that. And I’m like that’s great but that’s not gonna be my life and no matter how much you force it down my throat that I should do this or do that it’s gonna make me not wanna do it. The only place I’ve ever that I want to travel to is Ireland because I think it’s beautiful there. I find it frustrating that other people can’t respect other peoples place in there life. I have a minimum wage job. I’m not gonna all of a sudden drop and say hey I’m gonna go travel the world. And if I do travel, my parents are helping me out because they understand my challenges. And my coworker says to me that my priorities are skewed. Even so I had like some psychedelic mushrooms on Thursday just in my house and my coworkers telling me well you shouldn’t really do psychedelic mushrooms inside your house with your dog. And I’m like dude how I have fun and what I do is gonna be different than you. I am planning on taking them again outside but it just hit spring. It’s not really that nice to go outside for a walk still and even so it gets to like -2 or 2°. And I’m like I still had weird things happened I was just inside my house and not outside and that may sound stubborn that I’m not willing to do new experiences or go to new places. But I really like having a one dimensional life. I’m not gonna kill myself at the end of the day just because I didn’t do this or do that I don’t have any regrets. I find it frustrating that my coworker can’t let things go, and he has the force down his views on me.
submitted by Hairguy_Blondie to introvert [link] [comments]

2023.03.26 20:20 BuyTheDip_ FI or Happiness?

Making this post because I’ve had the goal of FIRE in my mind since I’ve graduated college and started working, but the path to get there just seems like a pipe dream. I’m 27 and since I’ve started working I’ve sacrificed so much of my youth to the lifestyle of cutting costs and living lean as well as investing and paying down debt, but I just feel like I’m so far behind everyone else at my age.
I’ve job hopped and got lucky enough to land a job paying me about $90K a year, and have been able to cut my costs to about $3,000 a month. Mostly my costs are that high because of rent in my area, and student loans. I have about $27K left in federal debt that I have been trying to knock out since it’s interest free and have recently paid off my private loan and cc debt. No home or auto loans. I’ve also been able to put away $30K in retirement and $15K into a brokerage account as well as save $10K but despite that I just feel like I’m so far behind everyone. I keep hearing of friends who just graduated with no debt and are making $150K and already working on getting investment properties with $50K stock portfolios. It’s so defeating sometimes as I see them traveling and living life but I’m here cutting coupons, not going out, and doing everything I can to save. Does anyone else feel this way?
Sorry I know this is a bit of a rant, but I just need some guidance from others who have been in this position as I’m losing motivation to becoming FI because I feel that I’m sacrificing my youth.
submitted by BuyTheDip_ to Fire [link] [comments]

2023.03.26 20:11 Akumageddon 27 [M4F] UK/Europe/Anywhere - Looking for an online friend and maybe more

Hey everyone, how's life?
I'm a guy from Rome living in the UK, here's what I look like. My job is programming video games for a small company in the North of England. I take pride in making things that bring joy to people all over the world, and I really enjoy seeing people have fun with the things I make, it's an incredibly heart-warming feeling. In my spare time, I also like to mix music as a DJ, or play the piano. I've also wrote a couple of fantasy and sci-fi novels as a teenager, and I do also dabble in drawing every now and then. If I'm not busy doing that... I'm probably binging through some tv show, anime or movie while running on a threadmill. I've recently caught up with the Mandalorian, and I've been told Succession is pretty good, so... if you wanna watch it, I'd be in. I can be spotted outside every now and then, too, when I go riding my bike or wall climbing at a local venue. Occasionally, I also like clubbing.
I'm hoping to find someone likeminded who'd like to play games together, somebody who'd ideally want to go through some co-op/pvp games while chilling on Discord, or just keep me company. I've got plenty of stuff we could try out through remote-play together as well! My favourite games are roguelikes like The Binding of Isaac, or soulslikes like Elden Ring, but I've been enjoying playing Valheim lately. I also have a VR headset. If you fancy trying VR stuff, I'm always in to play some Beat Saber.
I'm into mangas and comic books, too. If you want to talk about nerd stuff. If we ever click, I guess I'd also look forward the possibility of meeting each other and travel across the world, I always wanted to visit Japan.
submitted by Akumageddon to r4r [link] [comments]

2023.03.26 20:10 csmajor039 How many weeks is "too many" for unlimited PTO (first year)?

Just started my new grad job a month ago and I have a few questions regarding how PTO works.
Firstly, people count PTO as days or weeks. Is a week considered 5 days (business days) or 7 days?
Secondly, my company's PTO policy is that so long as you get your work done, your PTO will probably not be denied and it's unlimited. People take an average of 4-6 weeks off a year in my company, and in my team it seems like every 2 weeks at least one person is out for at least a day or so. I know my team and my manager are kind and understanding people, but this being my first job I'm unsure of how things work. My family is planning a 2 week trip this year, around 6 months after I joined. And my friends want to do something a month prior to that. Is it bad to take that much PTO within like a span of 2 months?
I'll also mention that I'm basically doing basic and low priority tickets right now to get acquainted with my team's codebase so my role is basically getting up to speed, which is expected to take a few months. I'm not working on anything dire, but I also feel...bad? For taking like a week PTO in like July and then another 2 weeks in August. At the same time, my family goes on trips like once every several years to see family overseas so that's not something I want to miss, and my friends and I have never traveled together so that's also something I don't want to miss.
Would this be a bad look? Again it really seems like my team is very supportive of each other mentally and professionally and people say my company culture is great and managers are expected to uphold it, but I still feel bad.
I'm probably mostly concerned because as a new grad in this job market with a very nice job that I feel useless in, I feel more pressure to perform even though my team is assures me that it will take awhile and I am free to ask questions etc. Imposter syndrome is really making me feel like "don't take so much PTO when you haven't even done anything of value yet"
submitted by csmajor039 to cscareerquestions [link] [comments]

2023.03.26 19:55 Trollygag Trollygag's Guide to the $1000, 1000 Yard Rifle (Update 2)

Foreword:

We tend to get the same sorts of questions for the same budgets and same scenarios. This is my attempt to codify the good advice I've seen and my own experiences with my own rifles as a long range, non-competitive shooter. These opinions should be largely uncontroversial to the folks who shoot long range.
Prices and ballistics are current as of Mar 12, 2023.
This version has been sanitized for guns to comply with Rule 7.

Additional Reading

/longrange
/SmallGroups
Trollygag's Stats on Barrel Length
Trollygag's Opinion on Picking a Barrel Length
On-Paper Cartridge Comparison
Trollygag's Youtube Channel with some parts review and shooting
Trollygag's Noob Guide to the 1000 Yard AR-15
Trollygag's Noob Guide To The Entry-Level Custom, Part 1
Trollygag's Noob Guide to the Entry Level Custom, Part 2
Trollygag's Noob Guide to the 6.5 Creedmoor
Trollygag's Noob Guide to the 6.5 Grendel
Trollygag's Noob Guide to the 308 Winchester pt.1
Comparison between the Athlon Ares ETR, Vortex PST II, and Sightron SIII
Comparison between the Match Pro ED, S-TAC, PST II, Forge
Phildesbois's Ruger Precision Rifle vs Tikka TAC A1 vs Bergara BMP, comparison

Glamour Shots

Super Grendel
Gator Grendel - RIP
One Punch in F/TR dress and in BR dress
Buddy and updated

What you need to know up front

What your budget is.

The budget for the rifle is a start, but a budget for the rifle, optic, and accessories is more ideal. Accessories include:

How far you can shoot

This is probably the biggest hurdle to most Americans. Not everyone lives near some place that has enough space and is set up for long range shooting. Pretty frequently we get help questions from people who live in the Northeast where long ranges just aren't that common. It doesn't make sense to spend a bunch of money on a long range shooting rig if your local ranges only go out to 50 yards.
Even at only 100 yards, it is the length of a football field, and you often can't hide one of those easily. Plus there is the NIMBY factor and the danger that most rifle rounds will travel miles before hitting the ground again if they are fired at the wrong angle.
Because of that, long ranges are relatively rare.
What you do have access to can dictate your rifle and cartridge selection.

How much you care about the logistics

What I mean is, how involved do you want to get in the process?
Things like:

About long range shooting

You don't necessarily need to be familiar with range estimation or how to make a cold bore unknown distance shot factoring in humidity, Coriolis, spin drift, and all sorts of other things...(I sure as hell can't) but you should at least be able to:
  1. Shoot a rifle accurately/precisely in the position you will be shooting long range from
  2. Know how to arrive at a ballistic solution given your velocity and bullet choice
  3. Know how to dial in for elevation and hold off for wind
  4. Understand your 'zero', how to arrive at it, how to adjust to it, and have it recorded.
  5. Understand the other functions of your optic like parallax adjustment, focus, units of your reticle, units of your turrets, how to convert between them if you need to, and how much elevation you have to work with.
  6. Understand the terminology. Understand what a Mil is, what a MOA is, what mirage is, what windage/elevation are, etc.

What makes a good starter long range platform?

There are things that are important for a long range rifle:
  1. Comfortable ergos. It can make shooting prone or off a bench for long periods much easier. Part of this is rifle weight. It can be helpful to have a heavy rifle to reduce fatigue over time.
  2. The ability to shoot off bracing. This usually means a rigid stock, free floated barrel, so that a bipod or front bags can be used. Ideally, it would have a butt that is shaped either to ride bags or hook into the hand or shoulder. When you are fighting the conditions and the environment, stability and accurate shooting are key.
  3. Precision. Not everyone feels strongly about this. Some folks think a 1-1.5 MOA rifle is okay. Personally, I think you should go as precise as you can at close range so that you aren't guessing at what you screwed up at long range. Long range shooting is very difficult to get right consistently. It takes a lot of practice, a lot of learning. Not knowing if you shot a flier or mistaking fliers for bad calls can, IMO, hamper the learning process. I would always prefer to have faith in what I'm shooting on.
  4. The ability to zero, make adjustments. There are optics out there that rely more on the reticle than the adjustments, and some people learn on those, but IMO, they are inferior to having a good set of turrets. Good turrets aren't cheap, and it isn't often that a cheap scope has the type of adjustments or the adjustment range for long range shooting. That being said, there are some good options out there for what I would not consider to be outrageous money, and that can get you to any distance you would want to shoot.
  5. Capable ballistics. Some folks come from the perspective that you should start with bad ballistics (like 223 Rem) and work your way to something with great ballistics. To me, that is counter-intuitive. It seems like learning to drive on a stick shift, no traction control, no ABS Dodge Viper. IMO, you should give yourself as big of an advantage as you can right out of the gate, and once you've learned the skills, then dabble in something that requires more skill to get shooting well.
  6. Ability to handle heat. Rifles can be adversely affected by heat and heat can wear out barrels faster. Heavier profiled barrels can help absorb that heat and dissipate it faster. More heat dissipation means more shooting before you have to break for cooling. It also adds weight, which, as I mentioned before, can be very beneficial. All of the rifles you see me recommend will be heavy barreled.
Expanding on 5, these are the cartridges that I would green light for a beginner to learn on:
Ammo price comparison - prices are out of date, expect 25% higher prices.
Now, before you get upset that I didn't pick your pet cartridge for the list, realize, there are many cartridges out there that are common or that people love that just aren't good for beginners. 30-06, for example, is a great cartridge with a long history, but is severely lacking in long range match type ammo and therefore does not make the list. For handloaders, it can be great like a 300 Win Mini Mag compared to 308 Win. Same goes for many other cartridges on paper like 7mm-08 or 243 Win. They all have faults on the cost or logistics side that makes them less than ideal options.
For a little further shooting, look into the 6.5PRC, 7PRC, and 300PRC.

Optics

There are too many optic choices to go through so I am going to focus on a few at a few price points and use them for the templated build. You may feel that there are better optic choices out there at a price point, but I haven't been able to handle or shoot on all of them and therefore, I do not include them.
I am going to list fixed, SFP, and FFP models. I do not feel I have gained anything from paying more for FFP scopes vs the SFP versions or the fixed scopes. With the type of shooting I am doing, I typically shoot at measurement magnification.
Mounts - I don't believe in over-spending on mounts.
Plan for that combo to be +$100

But my budget is only a few hundred dollars and I can't shoot at 1000 yards anyways...

If you are only going to be shooting a few hundred yards, [get a Savage Axis II](www.google.com) combo and shoot it to death. You won't have most of the points I make above, but it will shoot and out to 500-600 yards, you won't need a ton of fancy features. Strelok (Not with the state department ban, need to figure out what works here, but you can use shooterscalc in the meantime) can tell you where to hold off based on information you get from the ammo box and ammo selection is wide and relatively cheap. Go shoot.

I saw the title and that sounded like what I wanted!

Template build 1:

My budget is a little higher... I was looking at the Ruger Precision Rifle and...

But my budget is $2000+!

This category, you should be looking at guns that qualify for PRS Production class. This used to be a $2000 limit, then was changed to $2500, and most recently, to $3000.
Rifles in this price point I do not recommend:
You could also:
  1. Dive into the entry-level customs guide at the top
  2. Pick a rifle from the previous section and spend more on glass
  3. Ask this again in /longrange, check my post history for information about my own builds.

Okay got it... now what?

Go shoot, ya doofus. Don't put long range on a pedestal. Getting good shooting is something that needs to be done with practice, so stop worrying so much about gear and go shoot.
submitted by Trollygag to guns [link] [comments]

2023.03.26 19:52 Trollygag Trollygag's Guide to the $1000, 1000 Yard Rifle (Update 2)

Foreword:

We tend to get the same sorts of questions for the same budgets and same scenarios. This is my attempt to codify the good advice I've seen and my own experiences with my own rifles as a long range, non-competitive shooter. These opinions should be largely uncontroversial to the folks who shoot long range.
Prices and ballistics are current as of Mar 12, 2023.

Additional Reading

/longrange
/SmallGroups
Trollygag's Stats on Barrel Length
Trollygag's Opinion on Picking a Barrel Length
On-Paper Cartridge Comparison
Trollygag's Youtube Channel with some parts review and shooting
Trollygag's Noob Guide to the 1000 Yard AR-15
Trollygag's Noob Guide To The Entry-Level Custom, Part 1
Trollygag's Noob Guide to the Entry Level Custom, Part 2
Trollygag's Noob Guide to the 6.5 Creedmoor
Trollygag's Noob Guide to the 6.5 Grendel
Trollygag's Noob Guide to the 308 Winchester pt.1
Comparison between the Athlon Ares ETR, Vortex PST II, and Sightron SIII
Comparison between the Match Pro ED, S-TAC, PST II, Forge
Phildesbois's Ruger Precision Rifle vs Tikka TAC A1 vs Bergara BMP, comparison

Glamour Shots

Super Grendel
Gator Grendel - RIP
One Punch in F/TR dress and in BR dress
Buddy and updated

What you need to know up front

What your budget is.

The budget for the rifle is a start, but a budget for the rifle, optic, and accessories is more ideal. Accessories include:

How far you can shoot

This is probably the biggest hurdle to most Americans. Not everyone lives near some place that has enough space and is set up for long range shooting. Pretty frequently we get help questions from people who live in the Northeast where long ranges just aren't that common. It doesn't make sense to spend a bunch of money on a long range shooting rig if your local ranges only go out to 50 yards.
Even at only 100 yards, it is the length of a football field, and you often can't hide one of those easily. Plus there is the NIMBY factor and the danger that most rifle rounds will travel miles before hitting the ground again if they are fired at the wrong angle.
Because of that, long ranges are relatively rare.
What you do have access to can dictate your rifle and cartridge selection.

How much you care about the logistics

What I mean is, how involved do you want to get in the process?
Things like:

About long range shooting

You don't necessarily need to be familiar with range estimation or how to make a cold bore unknown distance shot factoring in humidity, Coriolis, spin drift, and all sorts of other things...(I sure as hell can't) but you should at least be able to:
  1. Shoot a rifle accurately/precisely in the position you will be shooting long range from
  2. Know how to arrive at a ballistic solution given your velocity and bullet choice
  3. Know how to dial in for elevation and hold off for wind
  4. Understand your 'zero', how to arrive at it, how to adjust to it, and have it recorded.
  5. Understand the other functions of your optic like parallax adjustment, focus, units of your reticle, units of your turrets, how to convert between them if you need to, and how much elevation you have to work with.
  6. Understand the terminology. Understand what a Mil is, what a MOA is, what mirage is, what windage/elevation are, etc.

What makes a good starter long range platform?

There are things that are important for a long range rifle:
  1. Comfortable ergos. It can make shooting prone or off a bench for long periods much easier. Part of this is rifle weight. It can be helpful to have a heavy rifle to reduce fatigue over time.
  2. The ability to shoot off bracing. This usually means a rigid stock, free floated barrel, so that a bipod or front bags can be used. Ideally, it would have a butt that is shaped either to ride bags or hook into the hand or shoulder. When you are fighting the conditions and the environment, stability and accurate shooting are key.
  3. Precision. Not everyone feels strongly about this. Some folks think a 1-1.5 MOA rifle is okay. Personally, I think you should go as precise as you can at close range so that you aren't guessing at what you screwed up at long range. Long range shooting is very difficult to get right consistently. It takes a lot of practice, a lot of learning. Not knowing if you shot a flier or mistaking fliers for bad calls can, IMO, hamper the learning process. I would always prefer to have faith in what I'm shooting on.
  4. The ability to zero, make adjustments. There are optics out there that rely more on the reticle than the adjustments, and some people learn on those, but IMO, they are inferior to having a good set of turrets. Good turrets aren't cheap, and it isn't often that a cheap scope has the type of adjustments or the adjustment range for long range shooting. That being said, there are some good options out there for what I would not consider to be outrageous money, and that can get you to any distance you would want to shoot.
  5. Capable ballistics. Some folks come from the perspective that you should start with bad ballistics (like 223 Rem) and work your way to something with great ballistics. To me, that is counter-intuitive. It seems like learning to drive on a stick shift, no traction control, no ABS Dodge Viper. IMO, you should give yourself as big of an advantage as you can right out of the gate, and once you've learned the skills, then dabble in something that requires more skill to get shooting well.
  6. Ability to handle heat. Rifles can be adversely affected by heat and heat can wear out barrels faster. Heavier profiled barrels can help absorb that heat and dissipate it faster. More heat dissipation means more shooting before you have to break for cooling. It also adds weight, which, as I mentioned before, can be very beneficial. All of the rifles you see me recommend will be heavy barreled.
Expanding on 5, these are the cartridges that I would green light for a beginner to learn on:
Ammo price comparison - prices are out of date, expect 25% higher prices.
Now, before you get upset that I didn't pick your pet cartridge for the list, realize, there are many cartridges out there that are common or that people love that just aren't good for beginners. 30-06, for example, is a great cartridge with a long history, but is severely lacking in long range match type ammo and therefore does not make the list. For handloaders, it can be great like a 300 Win Mini Mag compared to 308 Win. Same goes for many other cartridges on paper like 7mm-08 or 243 Win. They all have faults on the cost or logistics side that makes them less than ideal options.
For a little further shooting, look into the 6.5PRC, 7PRC, and 300PRC.

Optics

There are too many optic choices to go through so I am going to focus on a few at a few price points and use them for the templated build. You may feel that there are better optic choices out there at a price point, but I haven't been able to handle or shoot on all of them and therefore, I do not include them.
I am going to list fixed, SFP, and FFP models. I do not feel I have gained anything from paying more for FFP scopes vs the SFP versions or the fixed scopes. With the type of shooting I am doing, I typically shoot at measurement magnification.
Mounts - I don't believe in over-spending on mounts.
Plan for that combo to be +$100

But my budget is only a few hundred dollars and I can't shoot at 1000 yards anyways...

If you are only going to be shooting a few hundred yards, get a Savage Axis II combo and shoot it to death. You won't have most of the points I make above, but it will shoot and out to 500-600 yards, you won't need a ton of fancy features. Strelok (Not with the state department ban, need to figure out what works here, but you can use shooterscalc in the meantime) can tell you where to hold off based on information you get from the ammo box and ammo selection is wide and relatively cheap. Go shoot.

I saw the title and that sounded like what I wanted!

Template build 1:

My budget is a little higher... I was looking at the Ruger Precision Rifle and...

But my budget is $2000+!

This category, you should be looking at guns that qualify for PRS Production class. This used to be a $2000 limit, then was changed to $2500, and most recently, to $3000.
Rifles in this price point I do not recommend:
You could also:
  1. Dive into the entry-level customs guide at the top
  2. Pick a rifle from the previous section and spend more on glass
  3. Ask this again in /longrange, check my post history for information about my own builds.

Okay got it... now what?

Go shoot, ya doofus. Don't put long range on a pedestal. Getting good shooting is something that needs to be done with practice, so stop worrying so much about gear and go shoot.
submitted by Trollygag to longrange [link] [comments]

2023.03.26 19:48 BadOreo55 Equifax commination problem

Thank you for any advice in advance. Now my husband did something called debt management program with consolidation company. Of course they did not gave him the full image about what the step he was going to take and they convinced him that this was the best option to him. Anyhow, that was during the covid time when i lost my job as a travel consultant and we had some financial issues. now after covid and everything is back to normal. Our financial situation starting to get better gradually. we tried to get a mortgage but we found out that my husband credit bureau is ruined by the debt management program.
we tried to reach out to the creditors to fix the issue but they refused to talk to us because apparently they treat this management program same as consumer proposal, and they asked us to reach out the trustee which is the consolidated company. we contacted the consolidated company and they advised us that they do not involve on how the bank is reporting this debt management program.
we tried to reach out to Equifax to dispute how the bank is reporting my husband, they gave us a hell of time. since January 2023 now we are almost April. we sent the dispute request online like 4 times and two times by mail and they still close out the ticket without any explanation why.
we called them and the agents keep advising us that our steps which have been taking to dispute is correct and they keep promising us to escalate it and there is nothing is being happened. they keep asking us to call within 24 to 48 hours to follow up with the escalation but every time we call to follow up they say there was no escalation done before. some agents even hung up on us, some of them when we ask to speak to a manager they put us on mute for ever and they never respond, and most of them keep promising with the escalation thing which is never happened. Please any tips what we should do to repair my husband credit report we need to update it is not a consumer proposal it is a debt management plan only. your advice is highly appreciated.
submitted by BadOreo55 to PersonalFinanceCanada [link] [comments]

2023.03.26 19:42 PricklyPearCakes Don’t ignore red flags like I did 🫵

About three months ago, I began to realize that I wasn't truly happy with where I was and what I was doing for a living. This feeling had been building for a while, and I made the decision to pursue my lifelong dream of living and studying abroad. I had experienced living overseas briefly in the past, and I thoroughly enjoyed my time and the people there.
The past 2 years I have been in a relationship that developed rather quickly. At first, I thought I had found someone who shared my interests and passions, and with whom I could spend my life. However, as time passed, I began to realize that my boyfriend lied about some details about himself that inadvertently affects us. It really started to change how I viewed our relationship and I never wanted to admit it until now. I thought I could ignore it and move on.
For instance, we had agreed not to have sex, but we still flirted and sexted. At some point, he told me his penis size, but when we finally had sex seven months into our relationship, I discovered that he had lied about it. The difference was significant, and I felt way too embarrassed to confront him about it. I didn't want to make him feel bad or awkward, so I said nothing. I’m at the point now that I am sick and tired of pretending to enjoy our sex. It’s limited due to his size and I try my best not to show that because I really don’t want to hurt his feelings, but it’s becoming a chore.
I also discovered that he had a dead-end job that required him to work long hours for low pay considering our area. When we first started dating, I had been under the impression that he had a decent-paying job and that he was a manager. He had worked at the same company since he was fifteen, but he only got promoted when we moved in together, which still only pays $21 per hour. He constantly complains about his job and how hard he works, but he refused to look for another job or even attend interviews that I had arranged for him based on his interests. When I finally asked him why, he revealed that he had actually flunked out of college due to this very job and had never even finished his associate's degree, even though he had told me that he had a Bachelor’s degree in Business when we started dating. His job is also the reason we didn’t travel the past year. He’d say it’s too expensive for him and needs more time to save, but would get irritated if I suggested I just go.
I had always dreamed of living abroad, and he had initially agreed to go anywhere with me. However, over time, he changed his mind and started making negative comments about other countries and cultures. That’s when I realized if he had no desire to live outside of our current state, he especially wouldn’t overseas. He talks about buying a house here, despite the high cost of living, and low-paying job opportunities. Mainly because HIS FAMILY and HIS friends live here. He genuinely loves his home state.
He has untreated mental health issues, which became apparent after we moved in together. I struggle with bipolar disorder and anxiety, and I had been open with him about my mental health struggles from the beginning of our relationship. I had emphasized the importance of finding someone "stable and consistent" to be with because of this. However, I later discovered that he had some serious anxiety, anger, and abandonment issues. He flipped when I told him I was going to a secret engagement party overseas for one of my best friends because I was sick of waiting to go on a trip. He begged me not to go, citing his parent's illness and his need for emotional support (he later apologized for trying to guilt me to stay) At this point, my thinking was his parent has been sick for a decade and I didn’t see the harm in a week trip..After his tantrum, and threats about him going off rail if I wasn’t there if his parent passed despite my reservations, I agreed to come back early from the trip. I felt like it was an equal compromise and would get him off my back. While on the trip he begged me to call him almost every other hour. My phone was blowing up the few days I was there. He even tried to get me to come back even earlier than we agreed. This whole ordeal ruined my time with some of my closest friends and left me resentful towards him. This was also my first time traveling anywhere since I first left nearly two years ago.
When I finally came to terms with our relationship, his parent passed away. I want to end our relationship, but I don’t know how to begin. He’s still grieving, and I don’t want to cause him any more pain. He has been saying things like, "I need a break from bad things happening," "you're my world," "I wouldn't know what to do without you," and "I just want things to go back to normal." I am afraid that he might harm himself because he has made jokes about it in the past and jokes about shooting up his job. I’m scared he’d have no reason to live if I ended things with him. I don’t want him to harm himself or anyone else. I know jokes are jokes, but he’s a completely different person when he’s feels hurt or anger, so when he says it part of me actually believes him. I haven’t brought anything up since the trip 3 months ago because I am trying to be as supportive as I can and find “the right time” but it’s starting to take its toll on me
submitted by PricklyPearCakes to TrueOffMyChest [link] [comments]

2023.03.26 19:31 two-tone-words ULPT How to get away with "borrowing" someone's rims?

So what if someone was a broke student trying to find a job, had no money, desperately needed a new set of wheels/tires, but had a full tank of gas, a floor jack, a breaker bar and some sockets?
What's the probability i could run those rims on my vehicle without drawing attention? I suppose I could always spray paint the rims a different color, but I'd have to get a can of spray paint. Also how far away from my small hometown should I travel to find a donor vehicle?
Theoretically since wheels and tires are extremely hard to trace, if i was stopped for some other reason, could I say I bought the truck like this and get away with it? (I don't plan on borrowing any fancy rims btw, something with a 5x4.5 bolt pattern which is most fords)
submitted by two-tone-words to UnethicalLifeProTips [link] [comments]

2023.03.26 19:25 inspcs Finished Bravely Default 2!!! GAME SPOILERS IN POST

Bought it on steam sale, played on PC, finished it in about 60 hours I think. 2 years late, but only found it came out sometime last year
- I was super sad at the end when they baited Seth not returning with Gloria. I was heartbroken until it turns out the crystals sent him underwater to die LMAO. That's just messed up, thank god the wind crystal is cool and saved his ass
- Combat and jobs/abilities are an improvement imo
- Movement is worse on keyboard for sure, particularly on narrow maps or turning camera.
- There was a magic to looking at a smaller 3ds screen for BD1 and BS:EL which is hard for PC to capture. I think the cool cutscenes and better graphics make up for it though.
- Story overall was good BUT the big bad feels less big and bad than Airy. Airy's betrayal hit harder especially when you had to choose between burying your growing anxiety or following your gut. And the whole Tiz + Ringabel reveal AND time travel shenanigans was pretty cool in BS:EL.
- I think BD1 story feels better at the end because you have to force a ton of hours into the game. BD2 is good too, but the strength of both games is gameplay and figuring out setups. Also, I understand if they don't want to make a long story because of the modern gaming climate.
Overall 8.5-9/10, I think it's a very good release in the Bravely Default series.
submitted by inspcs to bravelydefault [link] [comments]

2023.03.26 19:24 AdLocal4102 AITA for asking that my share of the inheritance be respected and that my nieces and nephews get my sister’s portion, not mine?

My (29 m) family grew up poor. My dad worked several jobs and so did our adoptive mom. My adoptive mom (step mom who adopted us) came from even less. Her dad (our grandfather) died a brutal death by prison guards and it was tragic. My family sued and won an incredibly large settlement.
My mom and dad have regularly asked what they should do with the money. I told my mom she should travel the world, retire, and do the things she has always wanted to do. My dad wants to also buy a house on the country side where they can quietly retire. And I believe whatever is left should be split down the middle between my sister and I.
I’m not wealthy myself but my partner and I get by. My partner is disabled and we would benefit from the inheritance in terms of affording things like IVF, a baby, and making that dream come true. Otherwise, it doesn’t seem like we really could afford a child like we would want to.
My sister disagrees. She believes that since she has kids, and I don’t, it should go to her kids. My problem with this is that my sister has struggled all throughout her life with addictions. My parents and I both have bailed her out financially so many times. I’ve stepped in and raised my nieces and nephews at moments and have had to pay for school supplies, piano lessons, etc. (She has four kids and another on the way). And I honestly feel that if I didn’t have to step in and parent her kids at an early age myself, I might be able to better afford my own child.
Things were civil about these discussions until my sister and her husband keep harassing me and my fiancée. Saying that we are selfish. That we are taking their money. And that the money is meant for the kids. My sister even sometimes tells me that my dad plans on just giving all of the money to grand kids. I brought this up with my parents and they said this wasn’t true. That the plan is actually to give my sisters share to her kids and my share to me. I haven’t told my sister that I know this.
My sister has started telling people in their town that I’m greedy, I hate my family, and that my partner and I don’t need the money since we don’t have kids. She’s even started shaming my partner and the temporary work she has found over the years as a disabled person. And went so far as to say I should’ve considered money when I chose to get engaged to a disabled woman and implying my fiancée is lazy. My sister feels as if I shouldn’t take half because that leaves smaller shares for her children.
AITA for standing my ground and asking for my share of the inheritance?
submitted by AdLocal4102 to AmItheAsshole [link] [comments]

2023.03.26 19:24 ouh896grs53 Sudden Disappearance after Conversations [Male Poster]

It seems like every decent conversation I'm having on OKC suddenly stops for no reason and I don't know why. Below are two examples of this frequent occurrence. Note, I used "****" to redact potentially sensitive information:
Example 1:
Me: Hi ****! I see we have traded places. I am now a robot wrangler! How did you wind up working on them before your exodus?
Note: She described herself as a "former robot wrangler".
Her: I worked for a startup called ****! We launched in 2017, were named the best invention of 2017 by **** magazine, and then went under by May of 2018 haha. It was the best job I've ever had. What kind of robots do you wrangle now?
Me: Sorry for a late reply. Work involved a lot of driving and customer site visits last week and now visiting family up in **** in a house that had no internet because of downed power lines and hardly any cell tower service after Friday's storm. I'm sorry to hear that your company was so hyped up only to crash and burn a year later! I hope you were okay after that! The robots I work with now handle liquids and laboratory samples. Mainly robotic arms that move lab plates from one machine to the next. So far, it has been the best job I have ever had. I hope you have a nice Christmas holiday tomorrow! I'll circle back in a couple days to chat more. Are you visiting any family at all?
Her: Oh man, is everyone you're with in Maine ok? I hope you all had a lovely Christmas :) Those robots sound cool! What's your role with the company?
Me: Oh yes. Everyone is fine. Some trees in the woods surrounding us were not so fine. Gusts up to 60 mph. It was a nice relaxing weekend. I gave my parents gifts I know they'll use. My dad got work gloves and my mother epsom salt bath bombs. How was your weekend?
I work as a field service engineer so I travel around the northeast and repair or upgrade lab automation systems. I got much to learn but so far, it's definitely a good fit. I only wish I had my pilot's license and a plane should my trips to New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania, be so frequent. If you burned out from tech startups, where did you retire to? :)
Her: Do you like being on the road? Right now just taking some time off to decide if I have another startup in me or if I want to sell out and go corporate!
Me: I don't mind it that much. I'm still young and being able to change up the scenery on someone else's dime is pretty cool. Whether or not you choose to punch a clock or sell out, you will still have a way to indulge your passions, right? How do you become a cozy connoisseur?
Note: On her profile, she describes herself as a "cozy connoisseur".
Her: I'm hoping leaving the startup world will give me more time for other things I love. Startups are pretty all consuming.
It requires a lot of blankets, wine or an edible, snacks, and a big fluffy dog.
Me: Startups offer the "flexible work" environment. Meaning, you must be available 24/7 to do whatever must be necessary to get work done. Is that right? I personally am a fan of blankets, but does the dog need to be worn out outside before it becomes cuddle-able?
Her: Haha he just goes wherever he pleases, which is usually on my lap, even though he weighs 40 pounds.
***Unmatched or Deactivated/Deleted account**\*
Example 2. Even when I get to escalate this conversation to an in-person meetup, she still disappears:
Me: Hi ****! What's your next big adventure?
Her: Hey there ****! Hmm probably travel to Indonesia and go back for my PhD this year!
Me: Indonesia is supposed to have some big economic growth in the foreseeable future and more prominent influence on the world. Any reason for Indonesia in particular? I'm sure you'll pick up Indonesian if you're not already fluent! Is your PhD in chemistry at ****?
I'm giving a shot at learning Mandarin right now. The hardest part, in my opinion, is remembering the characters. Thank goodness for **** (no, I'm not promoting a product! XD). Ever heard of that app?
Her: Yep! At ****. One of my friends lives in Jakarta so I’m going to visit her!
No I haven’t [heard of that app]! Mandarin is hardcore, good luck to you haha
Me: I'm jealous! **** was the college I got rejected from when I applied to colleges in high school. I really wanted to get into their co-op program. I also know of someone I used to work with at **** who was doing something called an "industrial PhD" there too. Do you happen to be doing that as well? Have you been to Indonesia before? What was it like?
Her: No I’m not doing that, but will look into it!
I haven’t, but I’ve been to Thailand which I hear is similar
Me: What was Thailand like? Cheap food?
Her: It was amazing yet cheap food
I went with my friend from Thailand to visit her family for the summer
Me: Cool. How did you meet her?
Her: Her father owns a Thai restaurant I’ve been going to since I was a little girl. But just met her when she moved here from Thailand in 2018
Me: Ha ha. It's a small world, right? Did you go to an Indonesian restaurant or store only to meet a friend who has parents from Indonesia that owned the store? :D
Her: Hahaha no we met online on Bumble BFF
Me: I used that app once. I met a decent guy on there who I've been in touch with. He recently moved down to **** for a new job at a wind turbine company. Did you use any of the photos you used on OKC to show how well-cultured and traveled you are? She probably appreciated that.
Her: Nice!! A couple from China and France. I can’t wait to meet her in person
Me: Oh wow! You've been pen pals with her this whole time? For how long?
Her: Oh gosh 3 years now
Me: I'm sure COVID had something to do with it. It has been three years since it started.
Her: Yeah, I was looking to chat more since it was so isolating during the pandemic
Me: 3 years this pandemic has been running on for... wow. It thought it was only 2. I liked it from the beginning because traffic died down, pollution declined, I had more free time, but the isolation can drag on even the most introverted.
Her: Exactly! At first I was jumping for joy as an introvert. But as the months rolled on I realized how much I missed dating and being with friends
Me: Speaking of date, how would you like to meet up for lunch or dinner sometime?
Her: That would be lovely☺️
Me: Is your Sunday tomorrow open?
Her: I’m meeting up with friends tomorrow. Maybe next weekend?
Me: Yeah. That sounds good. I haven't been to **** in a while, but I remember going to **** which was pretty good. Do you have something more adventurous in mind that deviates from western cuisine?
Her: Do you like Pho??
Me: Never heard of it.
Her: It’s Vietnamese soup with lots of veggies and meat. I’ve been having it since I was a baby haha.
Me: Ahh okay. I'm vegetarian so I wouldn't normally eat that, but I'm sure the Veitnamese restaurants have something I would enjoy. I had Veitnamese food maybe once?
Her: Yeah they have lots of veggie options. I have. Celiac’s disease so no gluten for me
Me: Celiac's disease does not sound fun at all, but sounds like you know what you like. What place serves Pho that you really like?
Her: **** in ****. Been going there since I was a baby haha.
Me: Ahh ****, my old stomping grounds for college. Ha ha. I studied biology there and attempted parkour with a club before the leader dropped out. Do you want to do Saturday or Sunday next week?
I guess your parents indoctrinated a variety of cuisine into your life very young!
*5 days later*
Hey ****. Just following up with you about getting lunch this weekend. Is your Saturday or Sunday open for lunch at ****?
***Unmatched or Deactivated/Deleted account**\*
I'm not sure what is going through these people's heads, but it's very disrespectful towards me!
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2023.03.26 19:21 threeeyesthreeminds Couldn’t find a place to live before my job started

I start my job soon and no place will accept me and I’m not from the area. What would be your advice for someone trying to save up in Syracuse without a home? Where do you usually stay? I work night shifts after my training is over but not sure what to do at night the first month or so I’m here any advice would be appreciated. I traveled 6 hours today to see places and two land lords didn’t even show up I’m so done with people. Now I’m driving back home another 6 hours for a funeral tomorrow. When does life start to get fair.
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2023.03.26 19:19 Capital-Ant2812 Please give me feedback and critique this

The first rays of sunlight splashed on my face waking me up for the day. But I didn’t want to get out of bed. The alarm finally sounded and I quickly turned it off. “Just five more minutes,” I muttered.
“Mark, wake up, it's time for breakfast. Mark? Mark get your butt down here before I come up myself.”
I got up so fast I almost fell flat on my face. “Mom, I’ll be there in 20 minutes,” I yelled, panicking. “I need to brush my teeth and take a shower.”
“Hurry up then,” she responded.
Thank god. She can be really scary when she’s angry.
I turned to face the dashboard in front of me.
“Assistant, turn on the lights and tell me the weather,” I ordered. Unfortunately, I had no response. Oh right, that broke yesterday. Now I have to pay to fix it. I should hurry up and shower. So I headed for my own bathroom. After brushing my teeth I stripped and threw my clothes in the laundry bin. I have to buy more detergent for the washing machine. Why do I have to pay for so many things today?
Cold water caught me off guard in the shower. Unfortunately, I forgot we haven’t paid for this month’s hot water. So I was in a rush to wash up because I hate bathing in cold water. I toweled off and opened my drawer. I grabbed a fresh pair of boxers, a t-shirt and I wore my school uniform on top. It was a black blazer with blue highlights and black plants with black shoes. It had the initials FT for Future Tech, the school I’m enrolled at. However, there was a gold pin that only I had the right to wear with a V imprinted on it for Victor. It was proof that I was number one in my school. It was also like a homing signal for bullies.
After turning on the lights I could see my room clearly now. My hoverboard was strapped to the corner of the wall. My bed was in a mess with sheets and pillows spread all over. My virtual reality set along with my computer was arranged together at my left. With my hoverboard and backpack I walked out the door.
Delicious aromas from my mother’s cooking attacked me when I walked into the kitchen. I smelled eggs, bacon, and pancakes. A big pitcher of orange juice was also on the table along with several clean plates for eating.
“Hello, Mom,” I said. “What’s the occasion? This is a nice spread.”
My mother turned around and sort of smiled. She wore a green shirt with blue sweatpants that had food stains all over. My mom was beautiful. She was caucasian with brighter skin than mine with blue eyes and blond hair. My dad was African American so my skin was a bit darker. However, I inherited her eyes that were brighter than any diamond and her beautiful blond hair. She was 45 but looked 30 and I was lucky to have her.
“So, now you want to get out of bed. I just got paid so I wanted to whip up something special. Eat up because I predict it’ll be a while before you can eat like this again. I’m almost done here, go and eat with your father.”
I gave her a hug and walked to our dining table and sat right next to my father. He’s six feet tall, with strong arms and had a big beard he was super proud of. He was almost 47 but still looked 30 just like my mother. He had a suit and tie on for work and had a plate of pancakes, eggs, and bacon. I did the same and my plate was filled with a heap of delectable delicacies.
“Hey, son, how are you doing?” my dad asked in his deep voice.
“ I’m doing fine,” I said in a garbled voice because I was stuffing my mouth with pancakes.
“So, how’s work,” I asked.
“It’s been fine. I'm receiving a pay raise this week,” he said.
“Really?” I almost jumped out of my seat. “That’s great. Recently, some things haven’t been working. I ran out of detergent, my Assistant isn’t working and the hot water stopped running. But don’t worry I’ll pay for all of that stuff by myself. And if there’s anything you need help with-”
“Mark!” my mom cried out.
Oh crap.
“You’re only 16 and you’ve been taking those illegal jobs. What if the government finds you and arrests you. They could imprison you and us or worse. And what about your friend Thomas. Does his mom know about it? Should I contact her?”
“Mom! We need the money and so does Thomas. It's risky but we’re smart enough to not get caught. “
“Mark,” my father said.
“We know that it's difficult for folks like us to make sufficient money to live in District 3. But we moved here despite the difficulties to offer you a better education and better environment.”
“I know!” I yelled.
“But I bet 250 years ago it wasn’t this hard to just live as a normal citizen!”
“They say that the descendants of the Enhanced still live,” my father countered. “They still live in our society planning the destruction of the rest of the world. The people are scared. The government is paranoid. If they discover someone with powers they’ll be hunted down. If they discover if you are associated with one without reporting you could be executed. And if you’re caught in unauthorized territory they’ll execute you.”
“Is that what you want?” my mom demanded.”For both our family and Thomas’ to die! I can’t lose anybody else.”
It kills me to see my mother cry. It also killed me to have to lie to my family. They do so much so I can go to one of the best schools in the country so I can get a good education and a high class job. And live a cushy and luxurious life but I know just how much debt they have even if they don’t know I do. And Thomas’ family is doing even worse than us.
“I’ll stop then and I’ll go to school. Today is our mandatory physical check-up. I’ll meet up with Thomas but don’t worry we won’t do anything illegal.”
My parents both looked at me with total distrust in my eyes.
My mom finally caved in. “Fine, make sure you’re prepared and take the train to school. Make sure you’re careful and follow all instructions!”
“Don’t worry mom,” I grumbled. “It's not like any of us have superpowers anyway.”
I finished my food, grabbed everything I needed and rushed out the door.
Living here is expensive but it sure is amazing if you can succeed.
Even if the world was almost destroyed 250 years ago we sure were able to come a long way in that time. It was great enough that me and Thomas’ parents would try so hard to be able to live here.
At first glance it was beautiful like a dream. Sector 3 was one of the best Districts except 1 and 2.
It buzzed with life with people on their way to work and wherever they needed to go. Cars hovered over the ground at speeds of 20 to 30 miles per hour.They made a sort of buzzing noise that was music to my ears. The smells of food cooking in fancy restaurants attacked my nostrils hoping to draw my attention and buy their food. Good thing I had a hearty breakfast because I don’t think I could afford any of them right now. Teenagers like me hung out with their hoverboards doing all types of tricks that could easily backfire in a nearby park. They had neon colored hair, mohawks along with other choices in fashion that my school and I just don’t agree with. Other businesses such as hospitals, hair salons, movie theaters also seemed to attract crowds like a magnet. I even passed by the hospital my mom worked at. It was a huge dark skyscraper with a spacious parking lot with its name Healing Haven Hospital in bright colored letters at the top.
Sector 3 was a great place to live if you could afford it. Although If you looked hard enough you noticed the people that failed to make ends meet. In the slums people slept in man made houses of trash and boxes. Others smoked and did drugs which was kind of illegal. Either they weren’t caught or the soldiers didn’t care enough to check. Children wearing dirty rags who were so skinny you could count their ribs rummaged through trash and fought over any spoils. It wasn’t fair that this greedy government would place laws and taxes that would force them to suffer this horrible fate. I need money whether or not it's legal as long as it can keep my family fed and happy.
15 minutes after I left the house I finally reached the train station. I got off my hoverboard and got in line and thankfully it wasn’t that long. When I reached the doors, I almost had a heart attack. Guarding the door where two sentinels armed to the teeth carrying large guns and dressed in their signature white bulletproof armor.
“Pay up please,” the one on the right said as he stretched out his hand. He held a device that would collect the money you need to take to ride the train.
“Okay,” I agreed with a nervous voice.
I took out my own phone and paid. I was able to get a seat on the train I was keeping all to myself with no troubles.
After we started moving I finally was able to let myself relax. I thought I was this close to being arrested before I could do anything illegal today.
Sentinels are usually stationed in places such as banks and homes of important people like governors. But this is the first time I’ve seen them deployed at a train station. I remember when I wanted to be one when I was a kid and go to District 2 to make lots of money but my parents made me give up that dream. District 2 specializes in military and security. That was where soldiers trained and lived. Higher Ups also had access to a luxurious life in a fancy mansion and more money than what they actually needed. This is where the hovercrafts that soared the sky providing surveillance were built and maintained. Where Epizon’s forces that would protect our country from its threats could prepare for any possibility. Prepare for what I always ask. Most of the world has been destroyed. Africa has never shown any hostility to us. No, they’re just here to enforce this tyrannical government and eliminate any that may possess abilities.
I grabbed my headphones from my backpack and played my favorite songs. At least I can enjoy the view.
It was like I was flying as the train soared through the sky on a railway that snaked throughout the city. Never actually touching since the train was connected through powerful electromagnets saving both energy and money. The city looked even more impressive when you had a bird’s eye view.
Couples and families enjoyed picnics on tables at the Liberty State Park. People walked in and out of the Interpretive Center where history from about 300 years was taught. It still had memorials dedicated to remembering events like what happened centuries ago at 9/11. Now there’s a huge memorial dedicated to those who fought to save us from the Enhanced. It's still so hard to believe that people with super powers exist. I’ve learned about them in history class but they seem so unreal. I’ve never seen somebody shoot fire or fly so either the military is really good at their job or this is all made up.
District 3 of the great utopia Epizon. Named after the Greek word for survivor. When the continents Australia, Europe, South America, and Asia were destroyed in World War Three. By the Enhanced who gained powers that almost destroyed the world. Thankfully, the remnants of North America were able to stand up and defeat all the Enhanced people and create the amazing paradise we live in.
It sounds so unreal it has to be propaganda to control the Sectors.
We flew over the Hudson River Walkway. It was my favorite view on the train ride because I loved the way sunlight would reflect off the pristine turquoise waters. It's a shame we don’t really get to swim or fish though. That’s probably for the best.
The rest of the train ride went fast and before I knew it I was at my stop. I grabbed my hoverboard and raced to school because the Victor can’t be late.
While this District has its downsides it could really get a lot worse from here. However, District 1 was the real paradise. It was where the most important people with the most standing lived. The President, his wife, and other high ranking government officials lived there. In enormous mansions separated by acres where all the other people who enforced laws and taxes that made it difficult for my parents to live and provide for us.
But District 3 was the best place where people who are more fortunate like me could live. As long as you were skilled enough and worked hard enough. My mom was a somewhat prominent doctor at one of the biggest hospitals in this District. District 3 specializes in a lot of fields but the one it specializes in is medical science. Medicine, prosthetics, you can get the best of them from here. And my dad was vice president at a company that released some of the best virtual reality games. Entertainment is just as important as health in Epizon. Which meant I sometimes received popular games before everyone else. I remember so many times my parents and I would play together exploring outer space, fighting monsters. My parents are so cool, right?
You’d think that our life would be a little more luxurious and it was. Unfortunately, the selfish government increased taxes and fees from school started to pile up. As the victor in sophomore year I was exempt from those rules as long as I remained Victor. But my parents have yet to completely finish paying all those debts.
It's dangerous to get lost in your thoughts when you’re traveling 3 feet off the ground at 15 miles per hour on a hoverboard because you might end up running into a moving car. Thankfully, I managed to stop just in time.
“So, the Victor almost crashes to a fatal stop. It would be sad, you know. I’d hate for my best friend to die like that.”
I knew that voice.
I turned around and noticed that mischievous grin with sharp teeth I was so familiar with. With his strong red eyes and messy black hair he could’ve been a criminal. Well he technically should be but we’re too smart to get caught.
“Thomas, how’re you?” I asked as I got off my hoverboard.
“Oh, nothing, just waiting for you,” he replied. “I knew you’d show up here to catch the levitrain.”
He gave me a hug and somehow managed to pick me up and spin me around like something a kid would ask their parents to do.
“How’re you doing my best friend? Did you actually get a huge extravagant meal because I just did. My mom just got paid and she didn’t save a single epi.”
“Yeah, I actually did and so I can actually keep my breakfast and not throw up let me down.”
“Sure!”
“How’re you so strong anyway? I know you work out but are you seriously that strong. Don’t tell me you actually have super strength.”
“I hope I don’t. Life sucks as is but it would get even worse if I suddenly awakened superpowers.”
I feel the same. It’s rough but we can make it better.
“Fistbump!”
We always managed to read each other’s minds.
“Are you ready for these physicals?” I asked.
“I’m so sick of those things,” he replied. “Oh, it’s time for us to cross.”
We both got on our hoverboards and raced towards school.
“Don’t worry about it, you're strong and you’re pretty muscular,” I assured him. “But, I hope you’re not strong enough to throw a car or something.”
“Don’t worry about it, I've already tried. Nah, I’m kidding.”
“So, are we doing that job today,” Thomas asked with a mischievous grin.
“You know it,” I said.
CHAPTER 2
Now you have to admit our school was pretty impressive.
First of all, it was gigantic. It sort of resembled a castle but really high tech in blue, red, and white colors. In the middle FutureTech was printed in red and blue and was highlighted in white. The dorms were on the left side. And the rest of the other facilities and equipment was in the other half. This was FutureTech, a place which was probably the best school a student could ask for. Less than 20% of those who apply here make the cut. And the majority of them were rich kids who could afford to pay the tuition. Me and Thomas barely made it and it was really tough. But we both worked hard and eventually I became the Victor. One of the perks of being a Victor that must’ve been in place for people like us was that the Victor could choose anyone who didn’t have as much money as the others to be their second in command. They would be exempt from the tuition and other crazy rules. Did you know you have to pay a security fee after a year?
Crazy.
But those only applied if the other guy had good grades and a clean track record. But only as long as I’m the Victor and if either of us do anything that breaks the rules we’ll both be kicked out. Talk about pressure.
But this was the best place to learn anything really. Law, business, art, engineering and other sciences. And it could all be done here.
The school had defenses in place to protect the lives of students and staff. An electromagnetic barrier surrounded the entire establishment. Stretching out a few acres across outside the building. If you wanted to get in you had to get through the one gate in the front. At the gate there were security cameras, x-rays, and 10 armed Sentinels just for extra security. The security was just as intense inside making it nearly impossible to do anything that violated the rules. They didn’t waste a single epi.
“Man, the security of this place is unnerving as always,” Thomas complained.
“It never fails to show me just how out of place we are.”
“Of course the security is advanced. The children of really important people receive education here. This helps them make sure they aren’t kidnapped. I do agree it's unnerving but at least it’s secure. Besides you and I both deserve to be here”
We walked through the sliding doors and saw just how beautiful the school was inside.
The place was illuminated by golden lights. Robots made clunky noises while drones wizzed over my head. I could barely hear myself think over the voices of other students. Girls argued over petty things like their hairstyles and whose boyfriend was better. While boys competed to see who’s stronger or more handsome. Rainbow colors flashed from the lab to the right. Future doctors practiced their skills on mannequins in the lab at the left.
“Hey, look, it's the Victor!”
Soon, the whole school had their eyes on me.
Girls and boys waved and applauded. Even the ones on the second floor whooped and jumped around. Not everyone felt the same though. Some students snickered and sneered while others glared with hatred and jealousy. Even when you work hard to be at the top not everyone will appreciate it.
“You’re popular,” Thomas remarked.
“Too bad not everyone is a fan. You still got the ladies cheering for you. You think you could give them a good word about me?” Thomas joked.
“You know that’s not how it is. We’re on different levels in society. I lose my title as Victor and I fade into the background.”
“Besides, you're smart and strong. Try hard enough and you could get a girlfriend. Just don’t let anyone catch on to our extracurricular activities.”
“Look at that smug smile on his face,” a voice rang out.
“It must be nice to be the Victor's lap dog. I could use that so explain why it is getting wasted on that idiot.”
“ He thinks he’s so strong and mighty just because of that stupid pin. Wait till I get my hands on it, fool.”
“He should watch out. It’d be unfortunate if an accident were to happen. No one would miss some commoners who couldn’t support themselves without that Victor title.”
“Who is that?” Thomas demanded.
“If I find out who they are they won’t have to worry about creating any accident.”
“Chill out Thomas. None of them have the guts or smarts to try anything. Besides, together there’s nothing they can do to either of us.”
“You’re right. We have brains and muscles,” he said as he flexed his arms.
I don’t blame some of them though. Kids who weren’t super wealthy but still made it could use the privileges I got from this title. There were also the selfish rich kids who had more money than they really needed. But I couldn't bear to see someone work hard to achieve something they couldn’t. It makes me so sick sometimes. Our parents do our best just to put a roof over our heads and pay taxes. But I became Victor and that’s a problem. I apologize but I’m not giving it up anytime soon.
“ So what’s first on Victor's schedule?”
“First, we have History class. Then, I have to give a report on quantum physics. Then we have lunch right before the physicals.”
“Well, while you’re doing your fancy report on quantum psychics I’m doing one on the state of this Sector. There’s so many children and families without homes. If I simply beg them nothing will happen. I’ll convince them why they should lend money and support to those who really deserve it. They can train adults to help reinforce the Walls. Add them to the military. Children can also be useful for things. Think about all the new medications they could try by using sick children. They could also put extremely smart children to work in engineering. Even the government can’t ignore the potential of children if given the right environment.”
Good old Thomas is always thinking of ways to help those in need. He takes every advantage and tool he can if it means he can improve the lives of his mother’s and others. More reason for me to fight to stay the Victor.
“Thomas, I have a question.”
“What is it?” he asked.
“Let’s say if you can do what you plan. What if some of those who you’re helping have powers?”
Thomas' face darkened as he stopped his stride.
I hate to do this to him but what if some of those he’s trying to help are Enhanced. People who have done nothing wrong superpowers or not don’t deserve to be hurt out of fear and hatred. Especially if it was because my best friend was only trying to genuinely help.
“I’m not sure. I can already imagine what the government would do if they got their hands on Enhanced people. But if I can only help people with no powers who actually need it. Am I wrong to try even if it could hurt others?”
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2023.03.26 19:18 ImATree2 It's the Murloc life for me: Chapter 12

Chapter 12: Oracle, Leader, Anesthesiologist
First/Previous/Next
“I’ve studied the murlocs, and there’s one thing I know for sure. They’re smarter than the other races of Azeroth think - smart enough to not let anyone know.”
~ Mrgglr
I gave one of my pouches a pat, making sure it was still secured to my belt. The Sea Crawler eggs had hatches yesterday during our journey. It had caused a slight delay while I made sure the larva were hatching properly and had enough food to curtail most of the cannibalism common when a clutch hatches.
Now the couple dozen tiny larva were scuttling around their pouch, trying to poke their way through the fiber. I open the top and dropped in a handful of ripped-up shrimp I had acquired at our previous stop. With the pouch settled on my hip, I could feel the feeding frenzy taking place within.
As the village came into view in the distance, Glrrm broke the silence that had dominated the last leg of our journey.
“It looks like the village is still standing, so that’s good.”
That got a small chuckle out of me. “I had complete trust in Brrglrm to not burn it to the ground. It looks like that trust was not misplaced.”
Glrrm responded, a smile stretching across his face. “Yes, complete trust. That’s why you refused to bet on it with me.”
I smiled in return, speaking in an even tone. “I simply felt doing something as frivolous as gambling on my apprentice’s abilities was unfitting. If Brgllrm found out she would lose respect for me.”
“Right…” Glrrm said as he sped up, turning around to face Mrgglr with a large smile. “Or maybe you just didn’t want to risk giving up your stash of mealworms.”
That… I didn’t expect him to ask about that. “How do you know about that?” I said in a confused tone.
“I saw you pocket a handful of them before we left from that mound near the forest. I had always wondered why you collected all those food scrapes after meals. Thought you did some magic thingies with them, but no, you just wanted some snacks.”
“It kind of is a magic thing. I’ve been trying to connect more with earth since we settled on the shore. I can’t rely on my training in water to help much, so I have been trying new techniques. Working with dirt helps me understand it better.”
Glrrm’s face scrunched up in thought and he said, “What, so you dig a hole and can throw around boulders now?”
That elicited a series of small chuckles from me. If only it were that easy. “Oh no, not even close. I haven’t even contacted any earth elementals, so I can’t move so much as a pebble right now. But the more I understand what the earth wants, the closer I am to forming a pact.”
Glrrm went quiet after that, considering my statement. We once again slipped into silence as we reached the shallow waters leading to the beach. The beach was strangely absent, with no one present to welcome the oracle and chieftain. Surely someone had seen them approaching, especially with the heightened vigilance the gnoll attacks created.
As Mrgglr placed his bags on the sand and stretched, Glrrm pointed inland. “I think something’s happening in the village.” He said.
Looking at where he was pointing, there was a large gathering of people in the village. There were much more than usual for this time of day. It looked like most of the village was standing about, clustered around… my hut?
While we made our way into the village proper I ran scenarios through my head. Most of the people there should have been out hunting or gathering at this time of day. The only reason so many people would abandon their tasks was for an emergency, and the most likely emergency I could think of was an injury.
If someone did get hurt, Brgllrm should be able to deal with it. She had been learning about healing and watching me work for the past few months, absorbing my lessons like a whale swallowing swarms of krill. It was amazing to watch her take in a concept and then utilize it immediately after. I had made so many mistakes when I started working with my father and that was raising Sea Crawlers. Brgllrm was learning how to save lives and was already better than many of the healers I had met on my travels.
A cluster of the crowd broke off and started running toward us when we stepped off the beach. Before I could ask any questions, a dozen shouting voices cut me off. I had trouble making sense of what anyone was saying with how they were speaking over one another.
After a few seconds without any sign of the crowd settling down, Glrrm raised his hand and let loose a loud, sharp yell of “Quiet!”
I then took the opportunity to ask my question while they were still silent. “What is happening at my hut?” Then when I saw at least three people start to answer my question, I quickly added “One person only, please.”
A few seconds passed in awkward silence as the group looked around at each other. Eventually, a young man stepped in front of the crowd and reached out to clasp my arm. “We’re glad you’re back Oracle Mrgglr, me, and everyone else in the village.”
Returning the gesture, I squeezed the man’s forearm. “I am sure you all did well without my supervision. But what is the current commotion?”
“Oh, yes that. Lrsh got attacked by a bear while she was out gathering those berries the tadpoles love. Glrmgrlr managed to chase the bear off and drag her back to the village on a stretcher, but she was losing a lot of blood.”
A bear? That was… not too weird. The beasts usually stayed within their territories in the more inland forests but were known to occasionally make their way to bodies of water inhabited by murlocs. It was especially bad during springtime with all the extra fish spawning. I had once heard a story of a river that was visited by not one but two bears in one day. Luckily they just swiped some fish from the river and left, but the tadpoles were still left rattled by the experience.
“Did Lrsh survive?” I said with a worried tone. Lrsh was a sweet woman and only 17 this year. It would be a shame to see such a promising young lady sink to the deeps before her tide had receded. Having to oversee her funeral just 5 years after her coming-of-age ceremony would be devastating.
“We don’t know. That’s why everyone’s hanging around your hut. Brgllrm is trying to save her, but I don’t see what she can do. Has she received the blessing of the spirits yet?”
“I do not believe so, at least not in the same form as my gift.” I turned to Glrrm and gave him a nod. “I have complete faith in my apprentice’s abilities, but it is my responsibility as both her master and Oracle to lend a helping hand, especially in such dire circumstances. Let us move with haste.”
I led Glrrm and the group to my hut, the crowd parting to let me through. As I started to climb up the ladder Brgllrm stuck her head out the front door. Before I could call out to her, she yelled “Hey! If you’re all going to just stand around I need someone to help me up here! Find someone who knows how to… oh. Hello Mrgglr. You’re back?”
“And you are busy. Help me up and I’ll see what I can do to assist.”
“Right, yes of course.” She reached down and steadied the ladder, stopping it from wobbling while I climbed it. “I still need someone who can stitch!” she called out to the gawkers on the sand.
I straightened myself on the solid planks of wood and gave my apprentice a cursory examination. She was covered in sporadic splatters of blood, its crimson-red hue and flowing state spoke to the recent nature of its acquisition. Aside from her morbid decoration, Brgllrm looked much like how she did when I left for the council. She still possessed a truly ridiculous number of pouches on her belt and was currently rooting through them one by one, pulling out all manner of things both useful and impractical.
The retrieval of a stalk of silverleaf from a side pouch accompanied a turn as Brgllrm walked back through the doorway. “We’re lucky you got back in time. I tried my best but Lrsh was absolutely shredded. I’m pretty sure her leg is a lost cause, and she has bled like 3 handfuls of blood since she got here.”
Moving into the interior, I immediately noticed the heavy metallic scent of blood. The source was obvious as Lrsh was laying on one of the patient beds against the wall. A trail of dried blood led from the entrance to the bed, and the cloth Lrsh was wrapped in was stained a reddish-brown.
While I took in the gruesome sight, Brgllrm had made her way over to my tool rack and retrieved a grinding stone. She placed the silverleaf in the concave stone and started crushing the herb.
“Have you given her any other medicine besides the silverleaf?”
“No, I’ve been too busy trying to stem the bleeding. But she’s starting to wake up, so I thought she could use something to calm down.”
Brgllrm handed me the grinding stone and I set it down next to Lrsh’s face, making sure the fumes were finding their way to her. Then I started on a thorough examination, taking care not to disturb the wrappings around her right leg.
I had thought that Brgllrm was just exaggerating Lrsh’s injury due to her inexperience. No matter how gifted she is, the horror of a dying patient couldn’t be understood through stories alone. Everyone I had worked with had a story of their first time seeing torn flesh, and they usually didn’t say “and so I acted calmly.” Panic was the typical reaction. I even freaked out during my apprenticeship during my first real patient, although in my defense their legs had been slightly crushed by a collapsing cave.
But even with the wrapping still on I could tell this was no light injury. Her leg was a mess, and the only thing I could think of was how lucky she was to survive this long, especially without any magical assistance. Brgllrm had done a stellar job at dressing her wounds and keeping her relaxed. But she would have most likely died from blood loss or infection. Her injuries were just too severe. Even with my magic, it would be rough, and her body might not have enough energy to keep up with the healing.
Once the silverleaf had done its job and Lrsh’s face relaxed into a neutral expression, I started drawing upon the power of the waves. The totem hanging around my neck started to rattle, glowing a faint blue and rising into the air in front of my face. Placing a hand on Lrsh’s head, a wave of blue light spread across her prone form, her breathing becoming steady as the numbing effect reached her legs.
When her whole body had been enveloped, I turned away from the bed and spoke to Brgllrm. “Would you retrieve a clamshell’s worth of seawater from the spawning pools and any food you can find? Only things that are simple to eat.”
With a nod, she left the hut and I could hear her yelling at the crowd outside. Shaking my head I returned my attention to Lrsh. One of the positives I could find was that she appeared relatively healthy aside from the massive bear wounds. There was none of the sunken cheeks and spindly limbs I had seen in a few of the villages that were hardest hit by the Gnolls. It is hard to find enough to eat when a majority of your hunters and gatherers were killed or taken away.
I walked over to my collection of clamshells and picked up one with a small leaf carved on the top. Opening it up I collected a few sprigs of peacebloom and added them to the silverleaf paste. They were a bit scuffed up but usable, and I couldn’t blame the gatherers for not knowing how to properly harvest medicinal herbs. That was supposed to be my job, but with everything going on I hadn’t found any time to do it.
I placed the shell back in its place and sat down next to Lrsh. As I mashed the bright white flowers into the paste, I realized something. This is quite possibly the worst time to announce the muster.
~Brgllrm
In the few hours since Mrgglr had returned from the council, he had been acting a bit weird. He wouldn’t answer any of my questions about what had happened, with every question being deflected or garnering the response of “It was interesting”.
Then there was his demeanor. For all the time I had known Mrgglr, he held himself in a certain way. He was old no doubt, often hunching over and leaning on his staff. But there was a sense of power and confidence most other murlocs lacked.
Now he seemed worried. He spent time staring into space and muttering things to himself instead of paying full attention to the patient. I had never seen him like that. He had always imposed upon me the importance of being focused on the task at hand. Sure Lrsh wasn’t dying outright, but that didn’t mean he could just space out.
I would have stuck around to get some more insight into whatever is bothering him, but he told me to leave. Well, technically he suggested I take a break and find some food for Lrsh. But I could understand the subtext. He wanted some alone time to think. He was using a smart method, having to take care of a patient would give him an excuse to not leave the hut and refuse requests an oracle would normally be obliged to help with.
I was also just exhausted. Lrsh had been found fairly early in the morning. Noon hadn’t passed yet when she was dragged into the village and placed on a stretcher. Now the sun was waning and would set in an hour or two. It wasn’t the longest or most arduous day I ever had, but those experiences came from back on Earth. Shockingly, there is a large gap in endurance between an adult woman’s body and what is basically a teenager murloc’s one.
The beach was my go-to place when I felt overwhelmed. The rhythmic lapping of the waves against the shore was nice. It helped me recharge after a long day of listening to Mrgglr and occasionally doing menial tasks. Ah apprenticeships, I’ve missed you.
While relaxing, my walk on the beach didn’t result in the discovery of anything noteworthy. I hadn’t expected to find treasures just laying in the sand, but there weren’t even any nice shells to pick up. But I wasn’t disappointed. I had no real need for wealth right now. It’s not like I’m looking to get romantically involved anytime soon, so gifts are something I exclusively receive. Luckily I haven’t received any special gifts yet. Mrgglr said it is frowned upon to court someone as young as me, but not unknown, especially with talented youth. So it turns out that’s something I have to be on the lookout for.
Although it is also apparently socially acceptable to feed them to hungry marine life. Something about being strong enough to command the beasts of the waves and the respect of the Deep Mother. Silver linings and all that.
Making my way back to Mrgglr’s hut, I could see faint flashes of green and blue-tinged light coming from the entrance. Stepping in, Mrgglr spoke immediately. “Are you feeling better, Brgllrm?”
“Yes.” I responded succinctly. The importance of clear and simple speech was one of the first things Mrgglr had taught me when working on high-risk patients. Time spent on ass-kissing was time wasted.
“Could you come over here, please?” He said without any hint of inflection in his voice. As I crossed the relatively small room, I noticed his eyes were closed.
When I got within a few steps he motioned for me to sit on the floor across from him. Lrsh’s breathing had gotten much better, a far cry from the erratic and haggard breaths she took when I first got her into the bed. Also, Her wrappings were actually clean, lacking any of the bloodstains my attempts inevitably acquired from her wounds. Whatever Mrgglr did worked quickly.
After I had sat down, Mrgglr started talking in an even tone. “I learned some important information at the council. A plan has been created that will affect everyone in the village. But it is frightening, even to me.”
I started to nod, more for myself than Mrgllr as he still had his eyes closed. “And you don’t know how to tell everyone without causing a panic.”
Mrgllr responded after a short exhale. “Not exactly. I possess some experience with calming crowds in these exact scenarios.”
“Then why are you talking to me now?”
“Because you are my apprentice. It would be unbecoming of me to blindside you with this knowledge. You also have a part to play in alleviating the worst fears conjured up in people’s minds.”
“I don’t remember social engineering being part of the deal when I started this apprenticeship thing.”
There was a pause as Mrgglr parsed my sentence. “How do you come up with these words? Social engineering? Social is understandable, but you have never built a hut before. How do you know about engineering?”
I shrugged, unwilling to give a concrete answer. He wasn’t seriously asking the question. Its use was rhetorical, a way to express some of the surprise my vocabulary could elicit. People don’t expect someone as young as me to know half of what I do. To be fair, most of my knowledge wasn’t learned in this world. It was still annoying to be talked down to.
“It is quite simple. When you became my apprentice you gained certain responsibilities. One of those responsibilities is to assist me in the completion of my duties. I need to keep people calm, therefore you must as well.”
“I know, I know. What do you need me to do?”
“Nothing. Or more precisely, I need you to change nothing. Act like everything is normal.”
“Reassure people with my presence. A bit basic, but good nonetheless. I’ll make sure to talk you up a bit, really hammer home how capable you are.”
“I can never keep up with how the youth are speaking.” He muttered under his breath before responding to me. “That would be ideal. Organizing some village-wide activities would help as well. Sitting around and waiting will give people time to foster negative emotions. Idle fins are the naga’s playthings after all.”
I leaned back in a large stretch. “You make it sound like everyone is going to go crazy when you tell them what happened. It can’t be that bad, right?”
Mrgllr looked down at his staff when he responded. “It can be that bad. War has come, and there are no oceans left to run to.”
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