Science Fiction
Desert Rose
Lily Jones stood on the main hull while her cosmo cartographer, Vespa, piloted the Desert Rose. Lily Jones was the Captain of the Desert Rose and a bounty hunter. The spacecraft served as an orbital base center for her team. However, she needed more than four people and needed to recruit more. The last mission she completed could have gone better, and it took too much of her resources and the lives of people very close to her. Vespa stayed loyal, and for her, Lily needed to stay strong and continue moving forward. This mission needed to succeed. The cash prize to catch an escaped fugitive wanted by the Dione space station was the highest value ever posted in a while. Succeeding was crucial if they wanted to survive traveling in deep space. They were on their way to Enceladus, the sixth-largest moon of Saturn. Life on Enceladus was discovered the year the Earth stood still due to the 2020 pandemic, otherwise known as 0 A.C.E. Then, one hundred years later, intergalactic space travel was possible due to stardust and the vibrational energy of the amethyst crystal from the Pallas asteroid.
By Alissa Alcaraz2 years ago in Chapters
Coda, Chapter One
Days had passed since Joe returned from the realm of his subconsciousness, re-enacting The Four Heroes’ epochal journey from Boston to Nottingham in a manner brought wholly up to date with his present circumstances. That notwithstanding, and for all that he and his companions this time had been spread out across two spaceships traversing half the galaxy, the resemblances could not but feel timely to Joe when waiting for him at his destination was a multitude of Mini-Flashes and other sentient beings to whom that original pilgrimage meant something.
By Doc Sherwood2 years ago in Chapters
The Day the Spoons Vanished
Chapter 3: Seeking Answers I began to research the mystery of the disappearing spoons. Scouring online forums, I found others reporting similar experiences - vanishing keys, flickering lights, misplaced items glitching in and out of reality. Some attributed it to ghosts or psychic phenomena, but I sought a more concrete explanation
By Tanya Doolin2 years ago in Chapters
The Day the Spoons Vanished
Chapter 1: The Disappearing Spoon Waking up was the first thing to happen that morning, as it often does for people who sleep at night and rise again in daylight. Sunlight filtered through the blinds in lines across the bed as the eyes opened blinking awake into the new day.
By Tanya Doolin2 years ago in Chapters
Inception's Ambiguous Ending: A Dive into the Depths of Dreams
"Inception" (2010), directed by the visionary Christopher Nolan, is a cinematic masterpiece that continues to captivate audiences with its intricate plot and mind-bending narrative. At the heart of the film lies one of the most debated and puzzling endings in cinematic history, leaving viewers to question whether it was reality or a dream. The enigmatic conclusion of "Inception" has sparked countless discussions and theories, each attempting to unravel the mysteries that lie within the depths of the film's narrative.
By Adrian Wordsmith2 years ago in Chapters
Exodus, Chapter Five
The staring gawping tableau included Mini-Flash Pseudangelos, who looked as if she’d been just about to leave. Gladness flooded Joe’s weary frame. He didn’t wait to catch his breath, but launched at once into what was not destined to be his finest speech. When he had at length mistreated his overtaxed lungs into giving out, not even our hero was sure anymore whether the explanation had had to do with a published apology for responses sent in error, or some sort of mix-up in the mail. All Joe hoped was that his fabrications had convinced Pseudangelos the letter Presh was holding aloft was not the same one as before, for all that the resemblance was striking.
By Doc Sherwood2 years ago in Chapters
Exodus, Chapter Four
Joe knew the world inside his mind had meant a great deal to Presh. It was one of the few points about her he had managed to gather. Losing Robin and falling foul of Schiss-Zazz may have taken the charm off the place for some, but studying Presh’s features Joe detected no suggestion of that. Now he wondered what he was going to do with this most wayward of Mini-Flashes. What was it that had led Presh from The Flash Club to him in the first place? It seemed a baffling choice, knowing as Joe did she had loved that land devoid of The Four Heroes’ cause.
By Doc Sherwood2 years ago in Chapters
Exodus, Chapter Three
Along the echoing cavernous deck Joe slowly struggled. It was true that his last encounter with Presh might have suggested he was no better suited for this task than those in whose stead he’d appointed himself, yet our hero reminded himself that neither he nor she had been themselves then, and her harshness Joe had already put down to the side-effects of the schism.
By Doc Sherwood2 years ago in Chapters
Exodus, Chapter Two
Once Sonica was all hooked-up to the ship’s own life-support apparatus, Joe stopped by the medical bay himself and changed the dressings that had come out of the first-aid box in his kitchen for new ones from the supplies. Concerns about certain girls accidentally showing more of themselves than anybody needed to see hadn’t made him forget that without this precaution he’d end up doing the same, in a far less picturesque manner and all over the floor to boot. That danger averted, and cargo and crew securely onboard, our hero shuffled slowly to the bridge.
By Doc Sherwood2 years ago in Chapters
Maya civilisation . Content Warning.
The city of Kakm stood as the preeminent city-state in the Maya lands, with unrivaled influence achieved through shrewd diplomacy and a well-organized military apparatus. Kakm had successfully contained its main rival, Tial, while new powers were emerging in both the West and East, and new dynasties were taking root. The late Classic era represents the pinnacle of Classic Maya culture, and during this time, many of the most renowned buildings, monuments, and works of art were crafted. We have a lot to cover, so let's begin. It's time to explore one of the most famous Maya cities during its heyday, one you're probably familiar with—Pelen. we saw it evolve into a regional power during the fourth and fifth centuries. Unfortunately, it found itself in the crosshairs of Kakm in 599 and 611, which couldn't have come at a worse time. The Pelen dynasty seemed to be in crisis. To understand this, we must rewind the clock to the early 6th century, at the end of the rule of Akal Monab I. Although future records give him unusual prominence, Akal Monab I's reign in the city was relatively uneventful. However, when he passed away in 524, there was a puzzling five-year gap before his successor, Kaan Hoy Chatam I, took the throne. Kaan Hoy Chatam I reigned for 36 years but was followed by a series of disappointingly short rulers. His immediate successor, Akal Monab II, who may have been the grandson of Akal Monab I, ruled for just five years before his brother or half-brother, Kaan Bahlam I, ascended and reigned for another 11 years. Kaan Bahlam I, however, left no viable male heir upon his death, leading Pelen to install its first queen, Lady Yol. In 583, she took the throne, possibly as the sister or daughter of Kaan Bahlam I. Her reign saw Kakm's attack in 599, and the inscriptions recount this event by stating that Pelen's trio of patron gods was dethroned. Whether this was a metaphorical or literal desecration remains uncertain. Lady Yol IAL passed away in 604, and her likely son, Aen Yol Mat, succeeded her. While he managed to exert control over Pelen's smaller neighbors, he couldn't prevent Kakm's second devastating attack in 611. Although Aen Yol Mat survived the onslaught, he died the following year, leaving Pelen in disarray. With no apparent heir, the Pen Dynasty plunged into chaos. In 613, a poignant lament is recorded in an inscription, expressing the loss of the Divine Lady and Divine Lord, noting the omission of certain crucial rituals. The ruler at this time was identified as A Muan Mat, a name with intriguing significance, as it is the same as the ancestral deity and founder of Pelen's trio of patron gods. This might represent an unconventional reign or an interim rule. Regardless, it was short-lived, as a new king, Kenich Khab Pakal, was crowned in 615. Kenich Khab Pakal was the 12-year-old son of Lady Sak Kauk, and there's speculation that Lady Sak Kauk might have been A Muan Mat, although this ruler's gender is considered male by most scholars, making that scenario unlikely. A striking tablet depicts Pakal's inauguration, with his mother presenting him with a crown since he wasn't immediately recognized as a Lord.It is likely that Lady Sak Kuk acted as Regent for her young son during the early years of his reign. We wonder if Pakal's rise to power was due to desperation or if the elites saw promise in him. Although things looked bleak in Palen, doubters of Kenich Kanab Pakal were proven wrong. Despite initial setbacks, Pakal became a pivotal ruler in Palen. In 628, the King of Pedris Negras attacked Palen, capturing a high-ranking noble. Pal's response was to rebuild Palen's prestige. Pedris Negras turned its attention to other cities under Katnich Yal AK I's rule, giving Pakal time to indulge his passion for building. Notable constructions included expanding the Olvidado, the main palace, and the iconic Temple of the Inscriptions. Between 659 and 663, Palen launched campaigns against neighboring cities, with the captives depicted on palace walls. Nunu'l Chak from Santa Elena, a former Palen vassal, was one noteworthy captive. Although some gains were temporary, they showcased Palen's resurgence. Pakal ruled for an astonishing 68 years, known for preserving Palen's independence. His tomb was discovered in 1949, containing famous works of Maya art, including his death mask. His reign was a triumph, leaving behind a restored city and a capable heir, Katnich Kaan Bahlam II. Katnich Kaan Bahlam II, Pakal's son, continued Palen's building spree, creating the Cross Group, including the Temple of the Cross, Temple of the Sun, and Temple of the Foliated Cross. He also engaged in conflicts with neighboring cities. In the wider Western Maya world, Palen's revival was significant. The region saw intense rivalries and conflicts. Tonina emerged as a rival to Palen. Pedris Negras.One figure celebrated Tal's new success, immortalizing the victory. Hasa Chang Kil delved into Tal's early history, drawing upon its ancient connection with the city of Teoton. By this time, Teoton had diminished significantly from its former imperial glory, but its role in Tal's history remained ingrained in memory. The commemorative date inscribed on that lentil marked precisely 256 years after the death of Spear Thrower Owl, showcasing the people of Tal's strong connection with their past. In his own depictions, Kasa Chang Kawi presented himself as a Teotiano warrior, following in the footsteps of his ancestors, inaugurating a new era of success for Tal. Despite Tal's rising fortunes, further advances were slow to materialize, as Kaki-M had worked diligently to establish alliances to counter Tal's power. Even though these alliances were beginning to weaken, they still held significant sway. Motou de San Jose and possibly Nashun, Tal was unable to penetrate the cities of Nanho, El Peru, and Dospelis to the East and South. However, these challenges did not deter Hasa Chang Kail, who embarked on a monumental construction effort, constructing several pyramids and complexes during his reign, rejuvenating Tal in a new light. The civic pride inspired by these new structures was palpable. When he passed away around 730, Tal had once again become a great power, though still in the process of finding its footing. The responsibility of continuing Tal's restoration now fell to his heir. On December 8, 734, Kasa Chang Kail's son, Yakin Chan Kail, ascended to the Tal throne. Yakin Chan Kail proved to be up for the challenge. Under his rule, Tal not only threw off the Kakm yoke, but also rekindled its imperial ambitions, settling old scores with Kakm. Celebrating a victory against Kakm in the early years of his reign, Yakin Chan Kail took an unfortunate Kakm captive, although the noble's identity remains obscured.
By Chabane Mustapha2 years ago in Chapters
