Here is my translation of the interview with Band-Maid on PIA on February 2, 2021. PIA is the website of PIA Corporation, one of the largest ticket agencies in Japan. Toward a wider world: Band-Maid talk about the new album Unseen World and entertainment Band-Maid: Misa (bass), Akane (drums), Miku Kobato (guitavocals), Saiki (vocals), Kanami (guitar) Band-Maid, who make an extremely powerful hard rock sound in maid outfits, with a growing popularity and established acclaim in Japan as well as overseas, never stop their evolution. Their new album Unseen World is also a dense work, with the themes “Return to the roots” and “Progress from the current point”. The songs that remind you of their early days and the songs that show their current point and future are all full of hot energy. Their courage to boldly jump into the unseen world, backed up with their solid playing skills and rich expressiveness, inspires us listeners. We had an interview with the five of them about the album. Saiki — I’ve heard you had two themes, “Return to the roots” and “Progress from the current point”. Miku Kobato: That’s right, po. We constantly write songs. We’ve been doing so for some time, po. When a lot of songs came out, their directions felt very diverse, so we were like “How should we put them together in an album?” So we decided like “We can put them tightly in an album if we devide them with two concepts, ‘return to the roots’ and ‘progress from the current point’, right?”, po. — What kind of image do you have for “Roots” and “Progress” each? Kobato: “Roots” has the original feel of us Band-Maid, po. In our early days, we had a little different atmosphere than now, and there are many masters (male fans) and princesses (female fans) who like those days. At that time, we played provided songs, so this time we thought, “Now we can probably write songs that remind them of those days by ourselves”, po. And ”Progress” is what we are now and challenging songs that lead to what we will be in the future, po. Misa: I think we expanded ranges in various aspects of our band this time. As for my bass, I was able to think carefully about it and put in phrases I had never tried before. Kanami: I wanted to write songs about my feelings at each moment, because each feeling is unique to each moment, like “I want to play at festivals as hell!” and depression because of the pandemic. Kobato: We were saying quite often, “We want to do a serving (concert) soon”, po, right? Kanami: Yeah. Kobato: There are many masters and princesses overseas saying “Please come to our contry soon”, po. We had been touring overseas in the last few years, but unfortunately we couldn’t last year, po. Saiki: That was the situation, so we were like “Let’s record without forgetting the live feel”. We had a lot of time to think, so we thought of writing songs that would make our masters and princesses happy. Moreover, during the stay-at-home period, we all improved our home equipment and set up our production environment well. That made a big difference. I also made an environment to record vocal demos. — Wasn’t it quite an improvement for you to set up your production environment in terms of communication among you during production? Saiki: That’s right. We got to be able to communicate very closely, and our sounds improved too. Kanami-chan was very glad about that. Kanami: It became easier to mix demos, so I really appreciated it. — It seems there are many musicians who upgraded their production environment at home last year. There are also many people who have become good at video editing. Akane: During the period when we couldn’t do a serving, we were like “How can we make our masters and princesses happy?” and added a lot of fan club contents, like videos that give a glimpse of our private lives and hobbies. I got to enjoy editing those videos (laughter). I learned something useful for our band in the future. — Without this situation, you probably wouldn’t have done live streaming concerts. Kobato: That’s right. Our masters and princesses overseas were able to watch our Online Okyu-ji, which led to new encounters, and our masters and princesses who can hardly come to our concerts were also very pleased, so I think it has become one of our new strengths, po. Kobato — The album is full of powerful songs. For example, After Life is extremely cool. This time, I really feel your strength, including the lyrics. Kobato: As for the lyrics, we Band-Maid always have a theme of “having a strong core while having sadness”, so I think we have such strength this time too. Also, there were many songs that emphasize storylines. — After Life was released in advance. Kobato: Yes. After completing all the songs, we talked together, with staff members too, like “Which should be the lead song?” and we thought the song would be good, po. — The guitar is really cool too. Kanami: Thank you very much. The solo is a little technical but easy to play, so I wrote it while wishing many people would cover it. — CHEMICAL REACTION is also fantastic. It will be cool to play it at a stadium or the like. You can imagine the audience pushing their fists all at once and getting excited with the song. Kobato: It’s a song you can shout “Hey!” to, po. Akane: We wrote some of the songs in this album aiming at big venues, so we want to play them in front of you all as soon as possible. — Saiki-san, isn’t that you will sing CHEMICAL REACTION powerfully and get the audience more and more involved? Saiki: Well, yes. In a few years (laughter). Kobato: When the pandemic settles down, right? Saiki: Yeah. Kanami: I wrote as many riffs as possible on a day every week during the stay-at-home period, and I’ve been doing so since then, and Misa is also writing a lot of riffs. For CHEMICAL REACTION, she gave me a riff like “How about this?” and I expanded it from there. Misa: I kept sending riffs that came to my mind in my daily life to Kanami. The riff of CHEMICAL REACTION was one of them. Kanami: Recently Misa is working hard on it and expanding the Band-Maid color. I’m glad about that. It’s like “Let’s work on it together!” Kobato: Your way of talking is cute. Those songs didn’t come out cutely like “Let’s work on it together!” though (laughter) — (laughter) The perfect limited edition is a double album with “Roots” and ”Progress”, and Manners is included in both, isn’t it? Kobato: Yes, po. When we completed all the other songs, we were like “Isn’t it better to have a song to bridge ‘roots’ and ‘progress’?” and wrote Manners, po. — It has the line “Go to the Unseen World”, and it shows your feelings of going out into a wider world. Kobato: I wrote the lyrics after we decided the album title, so I wanted to have something you can strongly feel that from, po. The theme of the lyrics is “Band-Maid of now”. In that sense too, I hope it will be an indispensable song in this album, po. Akane — I believe masters and princesses will be very pleased by the songs of “Progress”. For example, I’m stunned by Giovanni, which runs at top speed all of a sudden. “Progress” has many fast songs, doesn’t it? Akane: Yes. The fastest song ever is BLACK HOLE. It’s hard (laughter). [Note: BLACK HOLE is 220 BPM, Screaming is 215 BPM, Different and Dilemma are 210 BPM.] Kobato: This time, there’s almost no easy song, right? Akane: Every time we release an album, it’s getting harder (laughter). However, I cal also feel my growth. During the stay-at-home period, I practiced by myself, which had a big meaning. I think I’m getting results. I’d like to show “The best is yet to come.” Saiki: This album is also our manifestation of “We will keep evolving further from here, we will never stop”, which is reflected in its sounds. I also wanted to make something I can lead with my vocals. Kobato: There are a lot of words all through the songs this time. So she was like “I can’t breathe. Where should I breathe?” at the recording. Saiki: There was no timing for breath, so I was like “Does this mean I must increase my lung capacity?” (laughter) I’ve grown at the recording, so I feel it was a very good training. I’ve improved my muscles and lung capacity. Kobato: You can’t sing them without improving your stamina, right? Saiki: Yeah. Actually I increased muscle training for the recording. — The album is full of highlights of vocals and instruments. H-G-K, NO GOD, and Warning! are all quite something. Saiki: NO GOD really has a live feel. — You named it “NO GOD”, but to me all of you Band-Maid are gods. Saiki: Gods? OK, we are (laughter). Kobato: I think the songs in this album are basically all hard at servings too, po. Akane: It will be a test of stamina. Kobato: Because we want to raise the bar every time we release an album. We always want to go against our masters and princesses’ expectations in a good sense and show them something of a higher level, po. In that sense, we painted ourselves into a corner again to make this album. — Also, Youth, included only in the perfect limited version, is a must-listen. It really feels the “Roots” taste. Kobato: I think its backing vocals and sound feel will remind you of the atmosphere of our early days, po. Kanami-chan came up with them, including a strong twin vocal feel, po. Kanami: I wanted to play it at summer music festivals. Kobato: We want to play it someday, right? Kanami: Yeah. So I want our masters and princesses to learn Kobato’s part. Kobato: I think it’ll be great if they can sing along with me, po. — The line “Live without compromising on yourself; Raise your heat toughly” is so Band-Maid. Those who compromise easily on themselves wouldn’t be able to pursue this style. Kobato: You’re right (laughter). Saiki: Because we consist of five strong-willed individuals. Akane: We’d like to continue to convey our music with confidence. Kobato: We’ve been always emphasizing our contrast of being maids and being cool. We’re not Band-Maid if we’re not maids in the first place, po. — If you were high school students and saw Band-Maid now, you would probably think “This band is cool!”, wouldn’t you? Misa: That would be so. It would be hard to cover the songs, though. Saiki: However, recently, there are more and more people who cover our songs. I saw some elementary school children sing. I thought, “Do they sing this heavy lyrics?” (laughter) Kobato: I thought once, “You shouldn’t sing such lyrics with despair of life!” (laughter) But I’m really glad, po. — This is your first appearance on PIA, so we’d like to ask you what kind of entertainment you have been enjoying so far. Miku-san, I’ve heard you learned enka [note: traditional Japanese pop songs] in your childhood. Kobato: That’s right, po. I got to know the joy of singing by enka, and I thought, “Singing is wonderful, music is so much fun”, po. My grandma used to go to a kind of enka class and sing in a kimono at a public hall, and I used to go to her lessons with her, po. — You like Yoshimi Tendo-san, don’t you? Kobato: Yes. The first song I learned in my life is her Chindo Monogatari. At that time, I didn’t quite understand the meaning of “The sea will be divided” but I thought “It’s a fantastic song”. [Note: The line in Chindo Monogatari is about a tidal causeway of Jindo, South Korea.] — When did you wake up to rock? Kobato: I got to know about Tokyo Jihen when I was in junior high school or in high school, and I was like “Rock bands are so cool!” po. Some friends played in local bands and I went to see them live. I saw a lot of bands in venues and I got to like bands more and more, po. — You also like anime, don’t you? Kobato: Yes. When I was a maid in Akihabara, I listened to a lot of Vocaloid songs like Hatsune Miku on Nico Nico Douga, po. [Note: her name was taken from Hatsune Miku.] — What are you interested in lately? Kobato: I started listening to hard rock after forming Band-Maid, and recently I listen to a lot of overseas bands, po. I’m like “I’ll give them a try!” when I see Kanami-chan write about bands in a questionnaire. I’m doing the same thing as our masters and princesses do, po (laughter). — (laughter) Saiki-san, which artist inspired you to awaken to music? Saiki: That was Namie Amuro-san. First time I saw her on TV, I admired her like “I didn’t know there’s such a cool woman!” and I got to know about professional singers. First, I started learning to dance. They’ve complimented my singing since I was small. — Do you still dance? Saiki: Currently I’m doing a dance group with friends once every month. It’s fun. Last time, Akane also came to the group. Akane: I joined the dance group too (laughter). Saiki: I sometimes think a new world will open up if we Band-Maid become really big and able to have backup dancers. Kanami — Which band did you listen to? Saiki: Such as Kegawa No Maries, Kuroneko Chelsea, Za-Ningen, Yura Yura Teikoku, and so on. I also used to listen to UVERworld, One OK Rock, and [Alexandros]. — I’ve heard you like trains other than music. Saiki: I love Shinkansen. I collect Plarail and play with it at home. Kobato: Your house is made of sneakers and Plarail, po, right? Saiki: Yes. The sneakers make the wall. Kobato: It’s awesome. There’s really a wall made of sneaker boxes, po. Saiki: I’ll have to make a shelf for them finally (laughter). — (laughter) Kanami-san, how did you get into the guitar? Kanami: I started it when I was in high school. I’d played the piano for long, so I joined the keion club [note: a school club of student bands] as a keyboardist, but I thought the guitar was cooler and younger students would love me if I play it. Saiki: They would love you? Kanami: Yeah. I wanted to be said “You’re so cool!” from them. Kobato: Now you’re said “Kanami-sensei is so cool!” po, right? Kanami: Really? Thank you. Kobato: There are princesses watching Kanami-chan at our servings. Kanami: My dream has come true (laughter). — (laughter) Which guitarist did you admire? Kanami: Santana has always been a healing of my heart. I still listen to him when I’m tired. — How did you come across hard rock and heavy metal? Kanami: A senior student who taught me the guitar in high school gave me songs to cover, and many of them were hard rock, such as Kiss, Deep Purple, Mr. Big, Metallica, and so on. I’ve been playing those song since then, but I started analyzing them seriously only after Thrill. — What is your favorite entertainment other than music? Kanami: Hmm… What is it? Kobato: Isn’t it coffee? Kanami: Is coffee entertainment? Akane: Isn’t it coffee after all? You’re also studying drip brewing. Kanami: You’re right. There’s a coffee shop I like, and I always order beans there. Saiki: You always bring coffee, right? Kanami: I always bring coffee I brew at home. I think coffee I brew myself tastes better than coffee I buy. Kobato: You sometimes read manga about coffee, right? Kanami: Yeah. Boku wa Coffee ga Nomenai was very interesting. Misa — You each have been enjoying various things. Then, Misa-san, what kind of music have you listened to? Misa: My mom had me listen to The Beatles, Jimi Hendrix, The Who, and so on as a “gifted education” in my childhood. That was when I woke up to bands. I think I picked up a guitar for the first time when I was a 7th grader [note: 12-13 years old]. I’ve became very conscious of music since then, and I’d been always saying “I want to do music in the future”. I formed my first band when I was in high school. — What made you start playing the bass? Misa: I was invited like “How about playing the bass?” A few years later, I found my favorite bassist on the Internet. She is Paz Lenchantin. — Of A Perfect Circle? Misa: Yes. She’s in the Pixies now. I respect her. — You like alternative and grunge bands like the Smashing Pumpkins, don’t you? Misa: Yes, I do. I like heavy and slow bands such as Nine Inch Nails. I also like Britpop. I love Blur. — What do you like other than music? Misa: I play nothing but games. — Also, as everyone expects, you love drinking, don’t you? Misa: I like drinking (laughter). — Misa-san, you have an image of whiskey. Misa: There are various types of whiskey, which is interesting. You can change the way of drinking it and enjoy it in various ways. I like drinking whiskey on the rocks with a little bit of carbonated water. — Is there any whiskey you recommend to readers? Misa: I like Laphroaig. I recommend it. — Then, lastly, Akane-san, I’ve heard you used to play in a brass band. Akane: Yes. I played the trombone in junior high school and in high school. When I was a 11th grader [note: 16-17 years old], I quit the brass band and joined the keion club as a guitarist, but I seriously started drumming at the end of the 12th grade and entered a music school soon. — So there was a time when you played the guitar. Akane: Yes. I kept failing at the guitar (laughter). I used to play the piano until kindergarten, but I wasn’t really into it. I’ve been enjoying music since I started to play the trombone in junior high school. I was really addicted to Ellegarden, Bump of Chicken, and Radwimps when I was in high school. Also, before that, I was addicted to Orange Range too. I started going to music festivals, and started listening to melocore because of my friends, and I began to want to do it myself. — Is there anything you are really into other than music? Akane: I’m into anime. The first anime I fell in love with was Shaman King I watched when I was in elementary school. The Prince of Tennis too. I still check all the animes every season. — What do you recommend this season? Akane: Jujutsu Kaisen. Saiki: That’s fun to watch. — The five of you each have different hobbies and roots. That may be the reason of the diversity you Band-Maid have. Kobato: That may be so. We have quite a lot of hobbies. — I believe each of your tastes will keep you evolving. What kind of activities do you want to do in 2021? Kobato: I don’t know what the social situation will be like from now on, so I can’t say anything specific yet. Last year, we managed to do something we could do in that situation by trial and error, such as Online Okyu-ji during the pandemic, po. This year too, we’d like to do what we can do now one by one, po. We want to continue to convey our music to our masters and princesses, po. Saiki: If this situation continues this year just like last year, we’d like to think of doing something new more and more. I think the frustrating world will continue for a while, so we’d like to deliver music that relieves frustration. Image Image Image Interviewer: Dai Tanaka
Where in the World is Howland Reed? (Spoilers Extended)
In this post my goal is to discuss Howland Reed's background as well as list some potential options for his current location. Sorry about the title, it doesn't have the same ring to it as "Carmen San Diego".
Howland Reed's Background and Possible Current Whereabouts
Howland Reed has been missing from the story since the beginning. And like the quote above, GRRM has confirmed that he not only knows too much, but also that he will never be a POV character:
Some people will never be POVs: Littlefinger, Varys, Howland Reed, and others who know too much. -SSM, TORCON : 28 August 2003
Background
Age/Appearance GRRM established that Howland Reed is "in his 30's". Which places his birth between 260 and 265 AC:
We don't know anything about his appearance outside of his size/age but we can look at his children's appearances:
Though near Robb's age, she was slim as a boy, with long brown hair knotted behind her head and only the barest suggestion of breasts. A woven net hung from one slim hip, a long bronze knife from the other; under her arm she carried an old iron greathelm spotted with rust; a frog spear and round leathern shield were strapped to her back. Her brother was several years younger and bore no weapons. All his garb was green, even to the leather of his boots, and when he came closer Bran saw that his eyes were the color of moss, though his teeth looked as white as anyone else's. Both Reeds were slight of build, slender as swords and scarcely taller than Bran himself. -ACOK, Bran II
Robert's Rebellion We know that Howland Reed was a part of the northern host during Robert's Rebellion:
I'm curious about a few matters concerning Howland Reed (with a name like that I always think he should be a Blues performer) During the Robert's rebellion was Howland the only Crannogman to play a part? Did Howland fight by Ned's side throughout or was accompanying him to the Tower of Joy a one off? No, he was part of the northern host through the war. -SSM, Concerning Howland Reed: 16 August 2002
Tower of Joy We also know that Howland survived the events at the Tower of Joy and was present when Lyanna died:
In the dream his friends rode with him, as they had in life. Proud Martyn Cassel, Jory's father; faithful Theo Wull; Ethan Glover, who had been Brandon's squire; Ser Mark Ryswell, soft of speech and gentle of heart; the crannogman, Howland Reed; Lord Dustin on his great red stallion. Ned had known their faces as well as he knew his own once, but the years leech at a man's memories, even those he has vowed never to forget. In the dream they were only shadows, grey wraiths on horses made of mist. -AGOT, Eddard X
and:
"The finest knight I ever saw was Ser Arthur Dayne, who fought with a blade called Dawn, forged from the heart of a fallen star. They called him the Sword of the Morning, and he would have killed me but for Howland Reed." Father had gotten sad then, and he would say no more. Bran wished he had asked him what he meant. -ACOK, Bran III
and:
They had been seven against three, yet only two had lived to ride away; Eddard Stark himself and the little crannogman, Howland Reed. He did not think it omened well that he should dream that dream again after so many years. -AGOT, Eddard X
and:
They had found him still holding her body, silent with grief. The little crannogman, Howland Reed, had taken her hand from his. Ned could recall none of it. "I bring her flowers when I can," he said. "Lyanna was … fond of flowers." -AGOT, Eddard I
Return to the North
Second, when Ned Stark and Howland Reed returned North from Dorne after the events at the Tower of Joy, etc. were they completely alone during that journey, or were they accompanied by some household guards, etc. for security? You'll likely learn more about Ned's homecoming in future books. It's a long way from Dorne to Winterfell, a journey of months. More than that I'd rather not reveal just now. -SSM, Ned's Return From the War: 27 August 2000
The Knight of the Laughing Tree
Apparently a pretty important story to the Reeds, as they are pretty surprised that Bran has never heard the story before. If interested: The Magics of the Crannogs Isle of Faces
"Once there was a curious lad who lived in the Neck. He was small like all crannogmen, but brave and smart and strong as well. He grew up hunting and fishing and climbing trees, and learned all the magics of my people." ... "Did he have green dreams like Jojen?" "No," said Meera, "but he could breathe mud and run on leaves, and change earth to water and water to earth with no more than a whispered word. He could talk to trees and weave words and make castles appear and disappear." -ASOS, Bran II
Howland already knew some magic but at some point he headed to the Isle of Faces:
"The lad knew the magics of the crannogs," she continued, "but he wanted more. Our people seldom travel far from home, you know. We're a small folk, and our ways seem queer to some, so the big people do not always treat us kindly. But this lad was bolder than most, and one day when he had grown to manhood he decided he would leave the crannogs and visit the Isle of Faces." -ASOS, Bran II
and stayed there for the rest of winter (the winter of 280 AC lasted at least 2 years)
"Green men are good too." "They are," she agreed, but said no more about them. "All that winter the crannogman stayed on the isle, but when the spring broke he heard the wide world calling and knew the time had come to leave. -ASOS, Bran II
and:
Bran shook his head. The day was growing old by then, and long shadows were creeping down the mountainsides to send black fingers through the pines. If the little crannogman could visit the Isle of Faces, maybe I could too. All the tales agreed that the green men had strange magic powers. Maybe they could help him walk again, even turn him into a knight. They turned the little crannogman into a knight, even if it was only for a day, he thought. A day would be enough. -ASOS, Bran II
and:
Some few children may have fled to the Neck, where there was safety amidst the bogs and crannogs, but if they did, no trace of them remains. It is possible that a few survived on the Isle of Faces, as some have written, under the protection of the green men, whom the Andals never succeeded in destroying. But again, no definitive proof has ever been found. -Ancient History: The Arrival of the Andals
If interested: Weird Happenings around the God's Eye The Tournament at Harrenhal After leaving the Isle of Faces, Howland headed to the Tourney at Harrenhal and participates in one of the better known stories/mysteries of the series. I am going to skip this section due to the amount it is discussed.
Participation in the War of the Five Kings
Sent some of the crannogmen to join Robb's army:
"He must march soon, or not at all," Maester Luwin said. "The winter town is full to bursting, and this army of his will eat the countryside clean if it camps here much longer. Others are waiting to join him all along the kingsroad, barrow knights and crannogmen and the Lords Manderly and Flint. The fighting has begun in the riverlands, and your brother has many leagues to go." -AGOT, Bran VI
Robb send's him several sets of instructions:
"If he comes so far, but no one thinks he will," Robb said. "I've sent word to Howland Reed, Father's old friend at Greywater Watch. If the Lannisters come up the Neck, the crannogmen will bleed them every step of the way, but Galbart Glover says Lord Tywin is too smart for that, and Roose Bolton agrees. He'll stay close to the Trident, they believe, taking the castles of the river lords one by one, until Riverrun stands alone. We need to march south to meet him." -AGOT, Catelyn VIII
and:
"Go upriver flying my banner. The crannogmen will find you. I want two ships to double the chances of my message reaching Howland Reed. Lady Maege shall go on one, Galbart on the second." He turned to the two he'd named. "You'll carry letters for those lords of mine who remain in the north, but all the commands within will be false, in case you have the misfortune to be taken. If that happens, you must tell them that you were sailing for the north. Back to Bear Island, or for the Stony Shore." He tapped a finger on the map. "Moat Cailin is the key. Lord Balon knew that, which is why he sent his brother Victarion there with the hard heart of the Greyjoy strength. -ASOS, Catelyn V
and:
He turned to his two messengers. "Tell Howland Reed that he is to send guides to me, two days after I have started up the causeway. To the center battle, where my own standard flies. Three hosts will leave the Twins, but only two will reach Moat Cailin. Mine own battle will melt away into the Neck, to reemerge on the Fever. If we move swiftly once my uncle's wed, we can all be in position by year's end. We will fall upon the Moat from three sides on the first day of the new century, as the ironmen are waking with hammers beating at their heads from the mead they'll quaff the night before." -ASOS, Catelyn V
and:
Galbart Glover rubbed his mouth. "There are risks. If the crannogmen should fail you . . ." "We will be no worse than before. But they will not fail. My father knew the worth of Howland Reed." Robb rolled up the map, and only then looked at Catelyn. "Mother." -ASOS, Catelyn V
He also sends Meera/Jojen to Winterfell after Jojen's dreams:
Bran nodded. "Crannogmen. From the Neck." "Howland Reed was a great friend to your father," Ser Rodrik told him. "These two are his, it would seem." As the newcomers walked the length of the hall, Bran saw that one was indeed a girl, though he would never have known it by her dress. She wore lambskin breeches soft with long use, and a sleeveless jerkin armored in bronze scales. Though near Robb's age, she was slim as a boy, with long brown hair knotted behind her head and only the barest suggestion of breasts. A woven net hung from one slim hip, a long bronze knife from the other; under her arm she carried an old iron greathelm spotted with rust; a frog spear and round leathern shield were strapped to her back. -ACOK, Bran III
and:
"I thank you." Bran wondered if he would have to eat a frog to be polite. "I offer you the meat and mead of Winterfell." He tried to recall all he had been taught of the crannogmen, who dwelt amongst the bogs of the Neck and seldom left their wetlands. They were a poor folk, fishers and frog-hunters who lived in houses of thatch and woven reeds on floating islands hidden in the deeps of the swamp. It was said that they were a cowardly people who fought with poisoned weapons and preferred to hide from foes rather than face them in open battle. And yet Howland Reed had been one of Father's staunchest companions during the war for King Robert's crown, before Bran was born. -ACOK, Bran III
It should also be noted that the crannogmen aka the "bog devils" harass the Ironborn during their stay in Moat Cailin and still are doing it upon Theon's arrival:
Then the gatehouse doors flung open. "Quickly." Reek was turning toward the sound when the arrow struck. It came from somewhere to his right, where broken chunks of the curtain wall lay half-submerged beneath the bog. The shaft tore through the folds of his banner and hung spent, the point a bare foot from his face. It startled him so badly that he dropped the peace banner and tumbled from his saddle. -ADWD, Reek II
Notes on Crannogmen
There's a ton of info that could go in this section, going to try and keep it relatively short so we can move on to theorization. TWOIAF Entry on the Crannogmen:
Last (and some might say the least) of the peoples of the North are the swamp-dwellers of the Neck, known as crannogmen for the floating islands on which they raise their halls and hovels. A small, sly people (some say they are small in stature because they intermarried with the children of the forest, but more likely it results from inadequate nourishment, for grains do not flourish amidst the fens and swamps and salt marshes of the Neck, and the crannogmen subsist largely upon a diet of fish, frogs, and lizards), they are quite secretive, preferring to keep to themselves. South of the Neck, the riverfolk whose lands adjoin their own say that the crannogmen breathe water, have webbed hands and feet like frogs, and use poisons on their frog spears and their arrows. That last, it must be said, is true enough; many a merchant has brought rare herbs and plants with many queer properties to the Citadel, for the maesters seek such things out to better understand their properties and their value. But of the rest, there is no truth to it: crannogmen are men, albeit smaller than most, even if they live in a fashion unique in the Seven Kingdoms. Long ago, the histories claim, the crannogmen were ruled by the Marsh Kings. Singers tell of them riding on lizard lions and using great frog spears like lances, but that is clearly fancy. Were these Marsh Kings even truly kings, as we understand it? Archmaester Eyron writes that the crannogmen saw their kings as the first among equals, who were often thought to be touched by the old gods—a fact that was said to show itself in eyes of strange hues, or even in speaking with animals as the children are said to have done. Whatever the truth, the last man to be called Marsh King was killed by King Rickard Stark (sometimes called the Laughing Wolf in the North, for his good nature), who took the man's daughter to wife, whereupon the crannogmen bent their knees and accepted the dominion of Winterfell. In the centuries since, the crannogmen have become stout allies of the Starks, under the leadership of the Reeds of Greywater Watch. -TWOIAF: The North: The Crannogmen of the Neck
Their allegiance was further confirmed by GRRM:
Traditionally would the Crannogmen have considered the Stark of Winterfell to be their Overlord or was Howland's aid because of his friendship with Ned? Greywater is sworn to Winterfell. -SSM, Concerning Howland Reed: 16 August 2002
But one thing I thought was very interesting was that crannogmen/Howland Reed rarely leave the neck:
"They won't bite if I'm there." Bran was pleased that they wanted to see the wolves. "Summer won't anyway, and he'll keep Shaggydog away." He was curious about these mudmen. He could not recall ever seeing one before. His father had sent letters to the Lord of Greywater over the years, but none of the crannogmen had ever called at Winterfell. He would have liked to talk to them more, but the Great Hall was so noisy that it was hard to hear anyone who wasn't right beside you. -ACOK, Bran III
and:
In the days that followed, ravens arrived from other lordly houses, bearing regrets. ... Finally all of the principal vassals of House Stark had been heard from save for Howland Reed the crannogman, who had not set foot outside his swamps for many a year, and the Cerwyns whose castle lay a half day's ride from Winterfell. ... -ACOK, Bran II
That's the big question, right? As stated above GRRM has left Howland out of the story so far since he knows "so much". There are numerous characters/locations that Howland is theorized to be/at and I thought I would list of the few more often discussed: Greywater Watch The most likely scenario. Howland remains at Greywater Watch and that he has been following Robb's letters/instructions. If interested: The Weirwood at Greywater Watch As we have numerous plotlines that seem to be converging in that area: - Jaime/Brienne (showdown with the Brotherhood without Banners/Lady Stoneheart will probably take place near the Hollow Hill which is somewhat close to the Neck)
"Or taken in by frogeaters," said Ser Danwell Frey. "I would not put it past the crannogmen to shelter outlaws." -AFFC, Jaime IV
- Robb sent Maege Mormont/Galbart Glover (witnesses to Robb's will) into the Neck
Go upriver flying my banner. The crannogmen will find you. I want two ships to double the chances of my message reaching Howland Reed. Lady Maege shall go on one, Galbart on the second." He turned to the two he'd named. "You'll carry letters for those lords of mine who remain in the north, but all the commands within will be false, in case you have the misfortune to be taken
- Ned's Bones were last seen in the area
It made her wonder where Ned had come to rest. The silent sisters had taken his bones north, escorted by Hallis Mollen and a small honor guard. Had Ned ever reached Winterfell, to be interred beside his brother Brandon in the dark crypts beneath the castle? Or did the door slam shut at Moat Cailin before Hal and the sisters could pass? -ASOS, Catelyn V
and:
Her lips twisted. It was an ugly smile, a smile that reminded him of Ramsay's. "Catelyn Tully dispatched Lord Eddard's bones north before the Red Wedding, but your iron uncle seized Moat Cailin and closed the way. I have been watching ever since. Should those bones ever emerge from the swamps, they will get no farther than Barrowton." She threw one last lingering look at the likeness of Eddard Stark. "We are done here." -ADWD, The Turncloak
Looking at this situation it wouldn't surprise me if this is just it, Howland is stashed away in the Neck (like Leyton Hightower in his Castle). Its the most likely option, the only question is his current status. Is he helping to attack the Ironborn, etc.? Or has he "gone into a tree" like Bloodraven (this isn't super likely, especially due to Meera's quote, but it would make sense with the rest of the details)? Shadrich of the Shady Glen aka The Mad Mouse If interested: Background on Ser Shadrich There is plenty of evidence both foagainst Howland = Ser Shadrich
Ser Shadrich was a wiry, fox-faced man with a sharp nose and a shock of orange hair, mounted on a rangy chestnut courser. Though he could not have been more than five foot two, he had a cocksure manner. -AFFC, Brienne I
and:
Ser Shadrich was so short that he might have been taken for a squire, but his face belonged to a much older man. She saw long leagues in the wrinkles at the corner of his mouth, old battles in the scar beneath his ear, and a hardness behind the eyes that no boy would ever have. This was a man grown. Even Randa overtopped him, though. -TWOW, Alayne I
He's small of stature, uses the colors of the old gods, but he also "has the face of a much older man" and Howland is only in his late 30's. That said it depends on your definition of much older and what it is relative to. Shadrich also has red hair and while we know Meera's hair color (brown) we know nothing about Jojen's. So if Howland = Shadrich, he is currently in the Vale after "dragons" aka Sansa. Its also very possible that Howland is just a hedge knight in Varys' employment, etc. The High Sparrow Mainly theorized due to size:
She fixed the smallman with an icy stare. "Is there someplace where we may speak more privily, Your Holiness?" -AFFC, Cersei VI
and:
small spare man... [who] had a lean sharp face and a short beard, grizzled grey and brown. His thin hair was pulled back and knotted behind his head, and his feet were bare and black, gnarled and hard as tree roots. -AFFC, Brienne I
and:
The speaker was shorter than the queen by several inches and as thin as a broom handle. The man's beard was grey and brown and closely trimmed, his hair tied up in a hard knot behind his head.... His face was sharply pointed, with deep-set eyes as brown as mud. His feet are bare, she saw with dismay. They were hideous as well, hard and horny things, thick with callus. -AFFC Cersei VI He was still a scrawny grey-haired man with a lean, hard, half-starved look, his face sharp-featured, lined, his eyes suspicious. -ADWD, Cersei I
That said they have differing religions, and seeing that he is sworn to House Stark, what would his point of being down in King's Landing be? Other characters have been put forth like Haldon Halfmaester, etc. but I couldn't find too much in support of them. Any character being theorized as Howland would need to not only be extremely small in stature, but also not have been around when Howland was known to be around/near someone who would recognize him. He knows who Jon Snow's mother is lol:
the crannogman, Howland Reed; Lord Dustin on his great red stallion. Ned had known their faces as well as he knew his own once, but the years leech at a man's memories, even those he has vowed never to forget. In the dream they were only shadows, grey wraiths on horses made of mist. -AGOT, Eddard X
Conclusion: Nothing that we didn't already know. I do expect to see Howland soon (in some way) and that he will likely be the one to tell Bran what happened exactly when he visited the Isle of Faces. That said outside of him being at Greywater Watch (which has some small flaws), other theories seem to have at least certain facts that hold them back. If interested: Accessible Weirwood/Heart Trees (one way in which Bran/Howland could interact). TLDR: We are going to meet Howland Reed (likely in TWOW), here is a quick background on him and his actions, as well as some possible thoughts on his current status.
When archaeologists debated ancient aliens theorists
Blast From The Past: Ancient Aliens vs. Archaeology, 1970s Edition Once upon a time, archaeologists publicly debated pseudo-historians. One of the last, and largest, of these debates happened in 1977. The combatants were a(n admittedly fundamentalist) biblical archaeologist named Clifford Wilson, and the granddaddy of the modern Ancient Aliens movement himself, Erich von Daniken. When the debaters met in 1977, von Daniken was riding the crest of the first great “ancient aliens” fad. In fact, he’d largely created that fad with his own 1968 Chariots of the Gods. 1970s-vintage von Daniken was a bouncy, enthusiastic little guy, whom Esquire described as “[a] fine, naked, unscrupulous 12-year-old mind.” He painted himself as a daring, maligned outsider. Today, he would probably become a meme. But although he might have seemed silly, the younger von Daniken presented a deceptively tough challenge in debate. Von Daniken was a smooth-talking, charismatic ex-hotelier who’d been imprisoned for fraud in Europe. He spoke multiple languages. He could publicly lecture and field questions for hours, and he knew how to turn on his own goofy brand of charm. Prior Attempts To Debate von Daniken And von Daniken had debated before. Take, for example, von Daniken’s TV debate with Harvard archaeologist Ruth Tringham in 1973. On paper, by any sane academic standards, Tringham should have humiliated von Daniken. Tringham was one of the best archaeologists in America. She’d even taught classes about the ridiculousness of the “space gods” theory. In terms of intellectual weightclasses, it was like that time when internet troll Charlie Zelenoff challenged the heavyweight champion of the world to a boxing match. But Tringham seemed a bit nervous during the debate, didn’t manage her time perfectly, and sometimes spoke in academic lingo, which gave von Daniken openings. Although Tringham ultimately started scoring heavily on von Daniken once she’d warmed up, von Daniken still managed to squeak by with a narrow (112-120) loss, rather than the thrashing his argument deserved. So although Tringham beat von Daniken, she didn't beat him by a landslide. (It should be noted in fairness that Colin Renfrew thought that Tringham had destroyed von Daniken. But he was an actual scholar, who understood her arguments.) Compared to Tringham, Clifford Wilson (the guy who challenged von Daniken in ’77) was a rather odd duck. He was a Biblical archaeologist, yes. But he was also a young earth creationist. He’d written a very successful book refuting von Daniken called “Crash Go The Chariots” that combined archaeological debunking and some theological content. Contemporary academic critics of the “ancient aliens” theory didn’t seem to know what to do with Wilson. They cited Crash Go The Chariots against von Daniken, but they complained that Wilson’s own conclusions were pseudoscientific, too. Curiously, von Daniken had debated Wilson on the radio before. I would speculate – based solely upon the fact that von Daniken was willing to take the plunge a second time – that Wilson had lost that one. Leadup To The 1977 Debate The 1977 debate, though, would be a grinding endurance match. The venue was Fargo, North Dakota. The debate would happen in the middle of the night, in a snowstorm. Despite the terrible weather, over three thousand people showed up. Most of the crowd were students at North Dakota State University. It was scheduled to be almost four hours long. There are three surviving sources (that I know of) about the debate. First, there’s Wilson’s own book, War of the Chariots, which paraphrases both speakers’ arguments. Wilson’s book gives von Daniken’s arguments a lot less space than Wilson’s own. According to Wilson, this is partly von Daniken’s fault. Von Daniken apparently refused to give Wilson the rights to reprint von Daniken’s arguments word for word. (Copyright law therefore restricted Wilson to only reproducing enough of von Daniken’s work to give fair critique.) Second, Wilson’s book contains another source: a reprinted letter from Jaryl Strong, a representative of North Dakota State University’s Campus Attractions student organization. Strong had organized the debate, and had sent Wilson the letter to thank him afterward. Third, there’s a local student newspaper. This probably gives us the most objective view of the bunch. The official topic for the debate, unlike the one Tringham had debated with von Daniken, placed the burden of proof on von Daniken’s shoulders. Back in 1973, Tringham had accepted something like: “Resolved: the gods from outer space theory is a fantasy" as the topic, and had thereby shouldered the burden of \DISPROVING** von Daniken’s theory. This time, the question was fairer: “Does the historical and archaeological evidence support the proposition that ancient human civilization was influenced by astronauts from outer space?” The debate began with a coin toss. Wilson won the toss, and chose to go second. The Debate Kicks Off Von Daniken opened, oddly, from a theological perspective: God is too grand and too different from humans to create them in His own image! Therefore, aliens must have done it instead! And von Daniken speculated that aliens wanted to populate the cosmos to compensate for slow interstellar travel times. After that, von Daniken fired a shotgun blast of the usual ancient curiosities: Nazca, the Palenque “astronaut,” a mangled recounting of Ezekiel, Kayapo straw garments (a rare example of a literal strawman argument), the first Japanese emperor’s ancestry, the wide prevalence of god figures in museums, a “launching pad” in Bolivia, the “Ica stones,” and a few other things. Von Daniken not only relied on material from his own writings, but brought in other pseudohistory from Robert Temple’s then-recent book about alleged astronomical knowledge among the Dogon people. The opening lasted an hour. It was then Wilson's turn. Wilson’s opening structure suggests that he wrote it ahead of time to be used regardless of the order of speaking. He started by pointing out that in the past, von Daniken had inconsistently claimed...denied...and then claimed again that some artifacts were proof of alien contact. He asked von Daniken to clarify what he believed. (Von Daniken never did, which might have hurt his credibility a bit.) Wilson then started explaining how archaeologists and historians *ACTUALLY* perform their work, attacking von Daniken’s claim that academics were hidebound traditionalists. Wilson used colored slides, and I think that was a clever choice. Despite talking about what was essentially historiographical big-T Theory, and despite a couple creationist tangents here and there, Wilson essentially gave the audience a “cool stuff ancient people made” tour. He showed them finely crafted golden helmets and other neat artifacts. He talked about multilingual stones on hills across trade routes, large underground tunnels, Alexander’s causeway to Tyre, the Forum, the Parthenon, and so on. (Modern ancient aliens proponents try to avoid this rebuttal by simply claiming that EVERY COOL ANCIENT THING WHATSOEVER was inspired or built by aliens. This wasn't yet a problem in 1977.) Along with proving that ancient people weren’t mindless idiots, Wilson also presented some evidence that ancient people weren’t that different from modern people in a lot of ways. He talked about art, medicine, and even jewelry. After Wilson’s “ancient people were cool and recognizably human” section, Wilson moved on to technical refutations of von Daniken’s specific claims. All told, Wilson's opening also lasted an hour. By the time it finished, Wilson’s opening had blasted a lot of holes in von Daniken’s theory, and the structure of the debate probably didn’t help von Daniken, either. Each man had taken an hour in their openings. But the only time remaining before audience questions would be 15 minute rebuttals. Overall, Wilson had confronted von Daniken with a meticulously prepared and researched presentation. He'd been refuting von Daniken in print since the early 70s, so he had a lot of material to work from. It is unlikely that von Daniken had prepared anything close to that against Wilson. Or at least the debate summary gives little sign of debate prep from von Daniken. Von Daniken tried instead to airily dismiss everything Wilson had just said by congratulating Wilson on an interesting lecture…and then claiming that it was totally irrelevant. Von Daniken changed his story, suddenly arguing that ancient people had built a lot of the monuments after all, with primitive tools, but were nevertheless inspired by aliens. Or something. Nobody knows what happened in the past anyway! Von Daniken’s story was as good as anybody’s! Von Daniken spent a lot of his time telling the audience stories, asking them to “imagine” this or that scenario. Wilson’s 15 minute counter-rebuttal was having none of it. He reminded the audience what the topic was. This debate was about whether thehistorical and archaeological evidence supported ancient extraterrestrial contact. It didn’t. The evidence wasn’t there. Wilson explained again why it wasn’t. Oh, and von Daniken had misquoted the Bible, too. Wilson had brought one along, just in case, and was only too happy to quote the passages von Daniken had omitted or distorted. Ending With A Whimper A Q-and-A session followed. It was long. Wilson spent some of it explaining his theological views. Wilson’s book has a bunch of useful information attached to the Q and A section, but his answers during the debate itself must have been much shorter than what shows up in the book. The Q&A is also less interesting than the debate itself. The combatants were supposed to get 5 minute closings, but I think these were cancelled for time. So after questions, the debate appears to have ended. Judging The Debate ...So who won? Well, fittingly for a badhistory issue, it depends on how you assess the sources. Wilson claimed that the Chairman of Campus Attractions had passed out cards before the debate to gauge the audience’s beliefs before-and-after. According to Wilson, “about 70%” favored von Daniken out of the gate. By the end, the ratios had shifted to “50 to 21 in favor of Wilson,” a figure that Wilson states he received from the Chairman of Campus Attractions. Jaryl Strong’s reproduced letter from the Campus Attractions office appears to paint a picture consistent with Wilson’s. Strong congratulated Wilson for “a lucid and convincing message, one rooted in historical and archaeological fact, not mere conjecture.” And he passed on congratulations from the director of the School of Religion for “removing” von Daniken’s “presuppositions” in systematic fashion. But it’s always possible that Strong was just being polite. The newspaper account frames the debate as basically a draw. Tellingly, though, it characterizes the debate as a clash between two philosophical systems – religion and materialism – rather than between pseudohistory and archaeological fact. Here, Wilson’s own agenda shaped the terms of the debate. The skeptical archaeological position that one sees in modern debunking books (e.g., Feder, Fagan), or saw back then in Tringham’s own 1973 debate with von Daniken, didn’t show up that night. Wilson had a religious objective. My own take is that even if one chooses to be skeptical about Wilson’s figures (I think he was telling the truth), he probably beat von Daniken pretty badly that night on a meta-level. Remember that Wilson wasn’t arguing for secular archaeology. Wilson was arguing for young earth creationism, using archaeological facts as weapons. Ironically, Wilson had given himself a steeper hill to climb than necessary. You might have expected him to shape his argument to get as much common ground with the audience as possible. Religious and skeptic alike. After all, Wilson didn’t need to argue for young earth creationism. He only needed to show that von Daniken’s theory was silly by the standards of normal archaeology. But by the end of the debate, Wilson had even polarized the newspaper correspondent into treating von Daniken as a legit representative of the materialist position. And if you’ve managed to paint your broader Culture Wars opponents into the same camp as Erich von Daniken of all people, you’ve done an effective job. That said, I think many modern badhistory debunkers would view Wilson's debate as a missed opportunity. He had the tools and time to really maul von Daniken on a purely secular level. But he had a different target in mind. Lessons Learned What can we learn from this encounter? …*SHOULD* we learn from the encounter at all? To the latter question, I’d say yes. True, Wilson wasn’t exactly a secular academic. But that didn’t stop secular academics from (cautiously) citing him throughout the 1970s to counteract the ancient aliens movement. It shouldn’t stop us from learning from his experience today, either. As to what we should learn? Well, a couple things come to mind. First off, anybody who steps into the ring with pseudohistorians should have enough practice or experience to pull it off. A debate isn’t a lecture. Public arguing – whether over the internet or live -- requires an additional set of skills. Wilson had those skills. Wilson was a religious apologist, and he came from an Evangelical subculture that prized public debating ability. Oddly, Wilson might have been better prepared for von Daniken in some ways than Tringham had been. Second – and I can’t stress this enough – Wilson came loaded for bear. He knew his own arguments, and he knew von Daniken’s arguments. He had prepped lots of slides. (And these were the days before Powerpoint.) He’d read all the sources, including the skeptical sources who were just as willing to skewer Wilson’s own position as von Daniken’s. Wilson, in short, had done his homework. And the debate format gave him enough time to actually explain his arguments in detail. It wasn’t a 5 minute crossfire soundbite-fest on Larry King. The Debate's Place in History Still, teachable moment though it was, the von Daniken vs. Wilson debate was the end of an era. As it turned out, the debate represented von Daniken’s high water mark. And the reasons had little to do with the debate itself. At the same time as Wilson’s book was going to press, NOVA aired a documentary that *EVISCERATED* von Daniken’s thesis. That documentary, combined with an ongoing flood of popular books and “debunking”-style college courses by an uncharacteristically coordinated group of academics (including Wilson himself) eventually buried von Daniken. By 1989, von Daniken was becoming, in Plummer and Happs’s words, “yesterday’s man.” The academic community wouldn’t need any more Wilsons – let alone Tringhams – to debate him. Von Daniken’s theory did not fully revive until the History Channel chanted the mystic words of resurrection over the theory’s corpse in 2010. And even now, it doesn't command enough respect to provoke the flood of academic rebuttals that it faced in the 70s. Selected References: https://www.ruthtringham.com/project/ruth-tringham-and-erich-von-daniken-the-great-debate-1973/ https://www.sportbible.com/boxing/news-take-a-bow-when-deontay-wilder-destroyed-charlie-zelenoff-for-his-vile-abuse-20190930 Archaeology in the Making, p. 84 (interview of Colin Renfrew), accessed on Google Books (2013?). Mary Vetterling-Braggin, “The Ancient Astronaut Hypothesis: Science or Pseudoscience?” in Philosophy of Science and the Occult, ed. Patrick Grim (1st ed. 1982). https://www.ndsu.edu/campusattractions/ https://talesoftimesforgotten.com/2019/11/09/were-ancient-people-conscious/ (Modern classicist using a similar argument to Wilson's against Julian Jaynes's bicameral mind / Greek zombie theory: i.e., "Ancient people weren't that different.") Ted Peters, UFOs: God’s Chariots? Spirituality, Ancient Aliens, and Religious Yearnings in the Age of Extraterrestrials, p. 143 (2014). http://undeceivingourselves.org/I-char.htm http://digitalhorizonsonline.org/digital/collection/p16921coll4/id/15025/rec/2 http://digitalhorizonsonline.org/digital/collection/p16921coll4/id/15015/rec/1 http://digitalhorizonsonline.org/digital/collection/p16921coll4/id/14975/rec/4 Clifford Wilson, War of the Chariots (1978). And of course, Von Daniken’s Playboy interview from 1974.
An Analysis of the Metaphysical Mechanisms behind the Imperial Gellar Field and Gellar Field Applications used during the Dark Age of Technology (Part 1)
Hey guys, it's been a while since I last posted something to this subreddit. Since then, I've been working on what amounts to a 36 page essay that attempts to clarify the otherwise contradictory pieces of information regarding the Gellar Field. I’m really excited to share this with you guys, because this has taken me a long time to make. And even if you don’t agree with what I have to say, I hope the assembled lore excerpts can help you better conceptualize how Gellar Fields, and the Warp, works. Since this essay is very long, I'll be posting it incrementally across a few posts so that the word count limit wouldn't be an issue. Before I begin this discussion, one thing needs to be made clear: It does not matter whether or not you consider canon how a Gellar field requires comatose psykers to generate. Since it has been confirmed by GW and multiple Black Library authors that this is canon, this aforementioned discussion will consider it canon, and will build upon this idea to reveal insights about why a Gellar Field would need this. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Introduction In the 40th Millenium, Warp travel forms the lifeline of the Imperium. Yet its highly distinguished catalogue of warp expeditions could not be possible without the utility of Gellar Fields. As defined in numerous sources, a Gellar Field generates a protective bubble of realspace that protects the ship and its passengers from both daemonic entities and the ambient energies of the Warp. In contrast with expectations, recent lore has indicated that the Gellar field is instead generated by the sacrifice of a comatose psyker, whose dreams are then used to generate the aforementioned bubble of realspace. While the reception of which remained mixed, this new piece of information clashes with established canon which states that the first Warp Drive was invented roughly alongside the first Gellar Field during the 18th millennium. Should Gellar Field generation also require comatose psykers during that bygone millennia, then humanity ought to have had a consistent supply of psykers to fuel extrasolar explorations for 7 millennia, up to the height of the Dark Age of Technology (DaOT). However, this contradicts established lore which states that humanity's first psykers sacrificed themselves in order to create the Emperor, and the second wave of humanity's psykers only appeared en masse during the waning days of the DaOT around M22. Therefore, there is a discrepancy of roughly 5 millennia during which humanity navigated the warp safely without any way to generate a Gellar Field. While the warp was much calmer during those halcyon days, this following excerpt from Blood Reaver indicates that even transient exposure to relatively calm warp currents, despite wearing void hardened power armor, is enough to kill even veteran Astartes instantly.
The ship had entered the warp. He’d seen it coming. They’d all seen it coming; the way the stars twisted in their astral sockets, and the way the ship itself groaned right through to its metal core.A few of his warriors had leapt from the ship’s back – sailors abandoning a sinking ship – to die a freezing death in the endless void rather than be dragged into the Sea of Souls. One moment he wasboot-locked to the ship’s hull, axe in hand, hewing into the sloped iron to hack his way back in. The next he was drowning, asphyxiating in liquid fire, suffocating even as it disintegrated him from the outside and incinerated him from within. He died a dozen deaths in a single heartbeat, and he felt every single one of them. As had his brothers. When themolten sludge flowed over the ship, blanketing them all, he’d seen most of them lose their grips on the hull. Warriors he’d served with for decades, even centuries, spun away in the boiling madness of warp space, screaming as they dissolved. Several lingered by their burning bones in a shrieking, spectral form, before the raging tides ate at their very soul-stuff, immolating even that, before carrying the residue away to be diluted through the tumbling waves.
As shown above, the raw energy of the warp itself was enough to grant horrific deaths to even fully armored Astartes, whose void hardened suits were hermetically sealed to environmental conditions. Should even fully geared Astartes expire under mere contact with the warp, it would’ve been highly unlikely for DaOT humans to have fared better, protective gear or not. As such, it is highly likely that mankind employed protective technologies akin to the Gellar Field throughout its initial diaspora through the stars. Therefore, the main goal of this analysis analysis will attempt to reconcile the disparate pieces of lore that surround the history of Gellar Field generation, as well as provide an explanation for why an Imperial Gellar Field would require a psyker in the first place. In the process, I will be attempting to justify seemingly disparate descriptions of Gellar Fields, and weave an overarching theory that unifies as many of these pieces of lore as I can. Using the assembled lore, I will also attempt to use the collected lore to uncover hints that can be used to theorize both the origins of the Gellar Field, and what DaOT society would’ve been like, using the information collected. Lastly, I will give a brief overview that would describe Xenos measures to safeguard against the warp, and why they likely did not need to develop Gellar Fields in the first place. -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I. Introduction to Imperial Gellar Fields
In recent lore, Gellar Field generation has been confirmed to use a comatose psyker as a battery to power the putative field. This detail was introduced prominently in Ashes of Prospero, during which Rune Priest Njal of the Vylka Fenryka noted that it is the terrifying dreams of the Comatose psyker that powers the Gellar Field:
“First came theGeller field. In real space*, its* effecton theungifted members of the company was negligible, but to thepsychically aware it created a wyrd echothat crept from the stern to the prow. Thereality within the field reflected back the physical space now enclosed, bringing with it an unnatural sense of claustrophobia*. Njal was conditioned physically and mentally to overcome all sense of fear or distress, but his* Space Marine modifications and his Librarian training could do nothing to rid him completely of the sense of entrapment that shuddered through his soul. He heardMajula’s heart pulsing fast, her breaths coming in short, shallow gasps. ‘Calm yourself,Navigator*,’ he said, assuming a command tone that she could not ignore. Within moments her breathing and pulse slowed.* The Geller field sealed completely,vibrating slightlywith the catatonic thoughtsof thepoor psykerenclosed in the bowels of the ship whosesoul was being processed to create the protective shield*. Njal kept his thoughts to himself,* not wishing to touch upon whatever nightmarish experience the psychic battery underwent.”
While seemingly nonsensical, this description of Gellar Field generation was further referenced in Farsight: Crisis of Faith, during which various Water Caste members analyzed the wreckage of an Imperial voidship and stumble upon the wreckage of the Warp Engine
‘Organic matter in here,’ said the scientist. ‘Mostly ash, according to initial samples. Osseus, in origin. Some elements still largely intact.’ ‘Osseus?’ said Malcaor, his forehead puckering. ‘Why in the name of the Tau’va would there bebone matter in an engine*? The result of an industrial accident?’* ‘Unlikely, given dispersal and volume,’ said Pryfinger. ‘There appears to be aninterior casket built to house an artefact of unknown significance.There is a jeIlled vial of fluid here too, auric plating. According to initial ultrasound feathering, it contains only water.’ [---] ‘May theom-nis-siah’s light bless this housing*,’ he translated to his recording disc. ‘*The can-tic-les of saint gel-ler – jeller, perhaps – contain its divine aura… pause.’
While it is likely that hidden within the casket was a reliquary, and that the subsequent osseous matter was from preserved organic matter from a Mechanicus saint, the definition of a reliquary varies tremendously. In fact, a reliquary only needs to house objects associated with saints or other religious figures. Ergo, an equally valid interpretation could be that the casket held the jeweled vial of fluid inscribed with the blessing of Saint Gellar. Should this be the case, then that would mean that the osseous remains likely originate from the comatose psyker, whose remains were incinerated following the destruction of the ship. In fact, we can also conclude that the technologies behind Imperial Gellar Field generation still required a cargo of Comatose psykers to operate even in the 41st millennium. In other words, the nonsensical description of Gellar Field generation on a Thousand Sons vessel actually applies to a wide berth of Imperial Void ships, and have continued to do so for the following 10 millenia. Diving further into Farsight: Crisis of Faith, additional descriptions of these technologies were provided, providing a visual description of where these technologies may be located in an Imperial Voidship:
The Imperial battle-barge has a special type of generator within its warp drive.It isknown to the Imperials as a Geller field*.* Deactivateit whilst thewarshipisstill partially mistranslated from its realspace jump*, and the Imperial flagship will be* guttedfrom the inside out.’
As well:
‘The Geller field generator is situated on the sixth level of the ship, roughly behind the third insignia plate,’ said Por Malcaor. ‘You can reach it from either flank,though you will need to penetrate deep into the vessel.Trust me. I have seen such ships before, and made a study of how best to disable their protective fields.’
From this excerpt, we can see that housed within the Warp Drives of Imperial ships, there exists a subcompartment which houses a system of mechanical components collectively known as the Gellar Field Generator. Furthermore, both the Warp Drive and the Gellar Field Generator are located in one of the safest, most structurally sound, heavily protected areas of Astartes Battlebarges. While the anatomy of a Battlebarge is generally more redundant and heavily armored than that of other Imperial voidships, the fact that even the Astartes place their Warp Drives and Gellar Fields in the most heavily defended area of the ship demonstrates their importance. Therefore, it wouldn’t be a surprise if both machines were placed in similarly, well guarded regions of other Imperial ships. This makes sense because an Imperial ship can still be considered void capable if it can still activate its warp drive and Gellar Field. Should either of them be compromised, the ship would be unable to achieve FTL and would be rendered a sitting duck. In the worst case, the ship would be rendered nothing more than a Space Hulk, and be quickly infested by the warp. -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
II. Characteristics of Imperial Gellar Fields
Surprisingly, there is a sizable collection of lore that describes the characteristics of an active Gellar Field. By using the lore, it is possible to obtain both a detailed picture of what an active Gellar Field was like, as well as a detailed understanding of its limitations. First, Gellar Fields can pop due to undue stress. In Legacy, the Gellar Field of an Imperial ship named the Gann-Luctis popped by colliding with a violent swell of warp energy:
Death came in asthe ship burst freeof the thunder-head andcatapultedinto the space beyond, not a calmer passage as it hadseemed but a tight corkscrew of energy spinning through dimensions that no human sensibility could comprehend*. The ship began to tumble as Yimora desperately looked for a way through* and the Geller field rippled as the riptide struck it,closed on it, seemed to bite at it. It bowed further and further inwards and then, forless than a hundredth of a second which set off klaxons and bells throughout the Gann-Luctis’ besieged hull, it flickered out.
From this excerpt, it’s evident that Gellar Fields function akin to a barrier that has specific tolerances to various impacts against its surface. To use an analogy, the Gellar Field seems similar to that of a soap bubble. This bubble analogy is corroborated in the Index Astartes, which also describes the Gellar Field as a bubble:
"Like all Warp-capable vessels, battle barges are protected by Geller fields, arcane devices that create abubbleof realspace around a ship as it passes through the tides of the Immaterium. Unlike Imperial Navy warships that are required to spend large portions of their deployment guarding a single system, and who are called upon to travel in the warp infrequently, battle barges are in constant motion, traveling from one war zone to the next without respite. Such frequent Warp travel puts these prized vessels at great risk, and as such they arefrequently outfitted with two interconnecting Geller fields. Should one fail, the other will continue to protect the battle barge from the Warp’s hostile environment and the foul entities that dwell there.Yet this extra precaution has not always proven enough. Thedenizensof thattwisted realmarerelentlessand onat least one occasion have conspired to breach both fields simultaneously."
Second, two Voidships equipped with Gellar Fields can come in close proximity to one another, and merge their fields. Doing so creates a larger bubble which encompasses both ships, and is stable enough to give naval personnel enough time to board each other’s ships. In The Voice, the Gellar Fields of two Imperial ships made contact while they were in the warp, and the crewmates of both ships meticulously initiated boarding protocols that allowed both fields to merge:
With care, the shipmaster’s bridge crew brought theAeria Gloriscloser and closer until theglimmering non-matter of her Geller field brushed that of the Validus*.* Cogitators programmed for just such tasks passed orders, via festoons of golden commwire and mechadendrites,to servitors using scrying scopes to measure the energy spectra being broadcast from the other Black Ship*. By agonising moments, they brought the vessel’s protective envelope into synchrony with its neighbour.* Like two bubbles meeting on the surface of a pond, they touched one another*, shifted and finally merged. Such an operation was a* difficult one
Not only does this excerpt demonstrate that individual fields can be fused together, this excerpt demonstrates that both fields are primarily made up of a form of unspecified energy. This description immediately eliminates the possibility that Gellar Fields were composed from some form of exotic matter, and are instead akin to energetic barriers such as Void Shields. Third, the aforementioned energy of the Gellar Field is capable of transferring aetheric energy from the Warp to the Materium and converting it to a Materium analogue, vice versa. In Execution Hour, A ship whose Gellar Field was under aetheric strain from its surrounding warp medium suddenly received severe structural strain:
Lower Geller Field level to 40%,’ Semper ordered, trying to keep the tremor out of his voice. There was a deep groan from all around them - the ship’s hull starting to buckle inwards as the forces of the warp pressed in all around the weakened Geller Field - and many of the Adeptus Mechanicus adepts on the bridge cried out in fear, believing it to be the angry voice of the Machine God spirit inhabiting the Macharius.Magos Castaboras led his adepts in fevered prayer, knowing that the warp field could not maintain its integrity for more than one or two minutes at such a low energy level."
Since the ship in question was surrounded by realspace, the only thing that would’ve been able to dent the voidship would be an external presence located both within the bubble and on the ship that could’ve applied pressure to its hull. Yet, there was no indication that such a presence existed, as the ship was the sole presence within the bubble. Therefore, the sole reason the Macharius began to buckle was due to the aetheric strain placed on Gellar Field by the surrounding warp currents. In other words, the surrounding warp currents collided with the Gellar Field hard enough to apply strain to the energy field. This strain was then transmitted across the barrier, where it was converted into Newtonian forces that deformed the vessel. Conversely, Fabius Bile: Clonelord demonstrates that Newtonian forces from within the bubble can also be transmitted across the barrier, and be converted into warp equivalents. In the novel, the Vesalius ship encounters daemons within a warp infested section of the Webway. As the Gellar Field on Fabius’ ship comes into contact with daemons caught in its crossroads, it obliterates them through the subsequent collision:
The Vesalius ran silent through a corroded spur of the Webway. Fabius watched through a static-ridden pict-feed as the frigate passed through broken bone-white reefs of alien matter and toxic clouds of daemonic substance. A moment later, itswarning bells tolled out into the blackened spiral depths, scattering flocks and shoals of Neverborn before it. Occasionally, the edges of the Vesalius’ Geller field would strike one of these shoals of impossible, squirming shapes and the daemons would evaporate in their hundreds*, much to the amusement of their wiser, swifter fellows.’*
Much like the previous excerpt from Execution Hour, the ship itself did not interact with the Warp. Instead, it was the Gellar Field of the Vesalius that dashed the daemonic entities. Of note, this Gellar Field, in particular, was being propelled by Plasma Drives rather than Warp Drives. We know this as the Vesalius was travelling in the Webway, an ensconced network of realspace enclosed within the Warp. In particular, Rogue Trader:Battlefleet Gothic indicates that activating warp drives rip holes in realspace to launch a voidship across the warp:
Warp drives are altogether more esoteric and terrifying understood by few even among a spaceship's crew. When the spaceship reaches the jump point at the edge of the star system it's leaving, its plasma drives are turned off and its warp drives engaged. These hurl the spaceship out of real space and into warpspace, propelling it through the warp to a destination light years away.If a spaceship's warp drives were switched on while it was still within a star system. the huge rent in the very fabric of space that they create would be catastrophic for the population and planets of the system*. The spaceship itself would be torn apart as the massive pull of the star's gravity reacted unpredictably with the energies released by the warp drives.*
While it is unclear what may happen when warp drives are activated within the Webway, it is very likely that the subsequent activation may similarly tear holes within the superstructure, subsuming already damaged sections of the Webway completely into the warp. Since Fabius’ goal was to travel using the damaged Webway passage, his decision to navigate through it without Warp Drives may’ve proved to be prudent. Working with this idea that the Vesalius traversed through this passage using Plasma Drives, this means that the ship was travelling significant fractions of c, granting it significant momentum and kinetic energy. We know this as Rogue Trader:Battlefleet Gothic also mentioned the capabilities of Imperial Plasma drives.
Interstellar spaceships are powered by plasma and warp drives. Plasma drives are used to move through star systems at sub-light speeds. They burn with the fierce energy of a star, converting their fuel into a super-heated gas plasma to create the immense thrust needed to propel these gargantuan craft through space.As a large interstellar spaceship moves out of orbit towards the edge of a star system ready to jump into the warp, the fiery arc it traces across the night sky can clearly be seen from the planet it's leaving. It appears to be a great comet streaking through the heavens - on many worlds, the arrival or departure of a spaceship is read as an omen, a divine harbinger of joy or doom.
Therefore, the Daemons in this excerpt didn’t disintegrate upon mere contact with the Gellar Field. Instead, the kinetic energy behind the Vesalius’ propulsion was absorbed by the surrounding medium of Realspace. The surrounding Realspace then transfers this energy onto the Gellar Field, which then transfers this energy into aetheric energy to obliterate the daemons it collided with. Since the Gellar Field demonstrated the ability to translate both Empyrean and Materium analogues of force from one medium to the other, this means that the energy of the Gellar Field is energetically amphipathic. In other words, it is capable of interacting with both the energies of the Materium and the energies of the Warp. This property distinctly differentiates the energy of the Gellar Field from either Realspace or Warpspace energy, as neither forms of energy have demonstrated the ability to create energetic constructs that can transmute energy from one dimensional medium to the next. This observation is given credence in “Nemesis”, as the Gellar Field of the Imperial ship Ultio played an instrumental role in hiding the soul gaze of its passengers as it sped through the Warp.
The ship’ssight-blind Navigatortook it through theroutes that were little known*, the* barely-charted passages that the upper echelons of the Imperial government kept off the mapsgiven to the common admiralty. These wereswift routes but treacherous ones, causeways through the atemporal realm that larger ships would never have been able to take*, the* soul-light glitter of their massive crews bright enough that they would attract the living storms that wheeled and turned*, while Ultio passed by unnoticed. The phantom-ship was barely there; its* Geller fields had such finely-tuned opacity and its engines such speed that the lumbering, predatory intelligences that existed inside warp space noted it only by the wake it left behind*.*
From this excerpt, it is evident that the Gellar Field is analogous to a filter, preventing most warp frequencies from passing through. While similar opacity can likely be engineered using both warp space or real space energies, it is also highly likely that this observed opacity comes from the fact that the Gellar Field energy originates from neither dimension. Combining this information presented in Nemesis alongside the amphipathic observation of the Gellar Field, we can conclude that both the Gellar Field itself, and its subsequent opacity do not originate from the Warp, nor Realspace. Fourth, Gellar Fields can vary in size and strength, with its strength directly correlating with the size of its projection. In Shadowbreaker, Codicier Karras of the Deathwatch encounters a Gellar Field and makes observations about its characteristics.
The figure on the tall black throne turned its hololithic head to regard him coolly. Since the figure was projection only, Karras’ senses could tell him nothing. There was no soul there to read, no aura, no energy, just photons. This was preciselywhy Sigma remained above on the three Geller-shielded upper decks*, off limits to most onboard. It was easy enough to guess* that those decks housed the inquisitor lord’s astropathic choir, maybe his psychic coven, and no doubt a veritable army of servitors to take care of more mundane needs*. But Karras’ mind was blocked from knowing. His* astral selfcouldno more penetrate those protective fieldsthan he could sense emotion from this shimmering lie seated above him. [...] A Geller field. That’s why my power is being suppressed.To create hybrids, they’d need purestrain ’stealers. And the t’au would have to prevent those ’stealers from guiding the hive-mind here. Otherwise the whole planet…
From this excerpt, it’s evident that the Gellar Field is adjustable in size. While the extant lore largely illustrates that a Gellar Field can encompass an unspecified volume of space that can encapsulate a voidship, this excerpt demonstrates that a Gellar Field can be further shrunk down to only encapsulate 3 decks on an Inquisitor’s ship. When shrunk to such sizes, its secondary characteristics become much more noticeable, especially by those with psychic potential. This is demonstrated further by Shadowbreaker, which describes how its side effects become increasingly more potent:
The Geller field generator was obviously on the ship, activated, isolating its contents from the warp. Standing forty metres from the hull, Karras could feel its effects, the field pressing against his soul, itsresonance stemming the flow of power from the Immaterium to his mind*.* The effect was much more localised than at Alel a Tarag, and far denser as a result*. Epsilon, he guessed, must have configured it to the ship’s shape and size in readiness for their voyage.*
From this excerpt, we can see that shrinking the size of a Gellar Field increases the structural stability and its field’s effects. Moreover, this excerpt opens up the possibility that the reverse is true- that purposefully expanding a Gellar Field beyond its operative range would severely weaken its structural stability, causing it to prematurely sputter out. Interestingly, proximity to the Gellar Field siphons the warp energy a psyker can channel from the warp. While it is unclear how this may be achieved, it could be that this phenomenon is indicative of how the field may be generated in the first place. Continued in comments
[M] I'm not actually doing anything here, I just thought this would be good to show what has happened, and showing if a modevent or something else is needed once this is all over [/M] With all of our assets in place, the cyberattacking having been executed, and the militias armed, the time has come for regime change in Bahrain. By now, the people of the country will be out on the streets enmasse, protesting against the regime, ideally on a scale similar to 2011. With the government in a certain crisis because of the results of the cyberattack, we will give the militias the order to go, and begin the campaign against the government. For their opening attack, we will recommend the King Faud Causeway as the target. This will make transporting GCC troops into Bahrain very difficult, along with essentially cutting off the island to the outside world for some time. Using the rockets and heavy weaponry we provided, they should be able to easily manage to cause major structural damage to the bridge, perhaps even destroying it in some parts. Our deeply embedded Quds Force operatives will then be activated into service, and will be given orders to provoke the Shia protestors into overthrowing the government, somehow. This can be through the “government” shooting into the crowd, making false statements on behalf of the Bahraini government, or just causing chaos in general. We cannot make it look like we were the ones to overthrow the government, it has to be the Bahraini people. At the end of all of this, Allah willing, the Shia people in Bahrain will no longer have to live under the boot of the Sunnis.
June 1971 Several months after the proposal for a causeway between Bahrain and Qatar was originally announced, the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure has now presented the results of its planning for the project — which has also received an official name, Jisr al-Wahda (جسر الوحدة), meaning Unity Bridge or Unity Causeway — thus far. Initial surveys have found a promising route between Bahrain and Qatar, which is the shortest and most viable location for a causeway. The water in this area is all less than 10 meters deep, and the suggested path includes several islands and shoals poking above the water. It has two main parts:
A 20 km stretch from the southern coast of Bahrain Island to the northern tip of the Hawar Islands, passing over Mashtan Island and Al Muturith Island on the way; this part is mostly over water and will be the actual bridge part. It will be realised as a viaduct with small arches and a low clearance (with a "bump" to allow some larger ships to pass through).
An 18 km stretch curved across the Hawar Islands to Ras Abrouq on the Zekreet Peninsula (Qatari mainland north of of Dukhan); most of this is on solid ground with four gaps between the islands of 1–2 km each. These gaps will be crossed by a mix of bridges and embankments.
Both ends will be connected to the existing road networks in Bahrain and Qatar. The causeway will carry a motorway with two lanes of traffic in each direction. The government has chosen Dutch company Ballast Nedam as main contractor for the project. The Dutch have the most experience of any nation when it comes to building structures in the sea, and Ballast Nedam specifically has already built the Afsluitdijk (a 32 km long dam/causeway) and the Zeeland Bridge (Europe's longest bridge) [M: and also built the OTL King Fahd Causeway between Bahrain and Saudi Arabia]. American engineers who have worked on the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway will also be consulted. There are a few more obstacles to overcome before starting work on the causeway in earnest: For one, further surveying and exploration will be necessary to confirm the viability of the suggested route. Additionally, the Hawar Islands are still disputed between Bahrain and Qatar and a disagreement between the two could hamper construction. That's why the two emirates will have their long-standing territorial disputes adjudicated by the Union Supreme Court, which will hopefully hear the case soon. These concerns will likely be dealt with by early 1972, at which point construction will take another five to six years. The opening of the Jisr al-Wahda has been tentatively planned for late 1977. The project is estimated to cost up to $1 billion, which will be financed by the emirates of Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, and Qatar in addition to the union budget. Funding will also be sought from the World Bank. The motorway will be made a toll road to pay for maintenance and recover the construction costs in the long term. Milestone: "Build a Sustainable National Road System" (2/5)
Bit later then I wanted to post, but hey! It's still a post. Yay! [First][Prev][Next][Wiki] Thanks for reading and the comments from last chapter, I hope everyone enjoys this one as well!! ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Jack sat in a familiar office, and across from him, sat a friendly man. A man he used to regularly visit when his stationary residence was Eris base. Nervously shifting his hard light appearance, Jack watched as the man hummed at his findings, seemingly taking pleasure in making Jack wait. "Are you angry that I did not return to Eris immediately to inform you of my return?" Jack asked, watching as the man waved off his concern. "Impressive... You're in fine Health, Jack." Dr. Keda finally replied, turning to the hard light depiction with amusement. "I'll create some better self-diagnostic programs for you, but having new functions form like this was to be expected." "What do they do? And how did you expect this?" Jack asked nervously, trying to peek at Dr. Keda's notes. Dr. Keda turned his display towards Jack, allowing him to take a closer look at his findings. "Well, you're a growing boy Jack. Your recent experience with Yirphayen has caused you to create some defensive measures against forced radiowaves, kind of like antibodies. It may be why you can't properly analyze it yourself." "So you're saying my program is defending itself without my knowledge? How?" Jack asked, searching through his core for the answer. "You're looking at this the wrong way, Jack. I used to tell Leviye the same thing when he came to me for his checkups." Dr. Keda replied. "YOU!!!" He said with emphasis, pointing a finger at Jack's hard light chest. "Are alive. You may be digital, but your program will react and defend itself like any human or alien would." Dr. Keda stated, making sure to get his point across. "The team who initially created Levyie ensured his program could evolve without his direct input based on his interactions. Just as any human would. My guess would be to prevent stagnation." Jack looked closer at the display and nodded his understanding. "Is there a way to prevent that from happening? It is quite concerning." Dr. Keda let out a boisterous laugh lasting nearly a full minute, slapping his hand a few times on his desk as he fought for breath. "Apologies, Jack..."He choked out," Your father said those exact words in the exact same tone when I told him he would change whether he liked it or not. And no. I cannot stop it, I would have to rewrite a lot of your core programming to do it, and that would change who you are." "I see. So I will not be the same being I am today this time next year. How did I not recognize these changes previously?" Jack asked curiously. "That's easy. I never told you to make sure you would grow naturally. Did you ever bother to check yourself with me checking you every week?" Dr. Keda replied, already knowing the answer. "I did not." Jack answered shamefully. "There you go. Now, the crew at this station and I have been working on a new project since you left at the behest of Admiral Perrin. She wanted to make use of human-AI cooperation in a new line of anti-pirate frigates. However, with the news of the Briolb, she has ordered us to change the design into a fast attack frigate capable of carrying a complement of boarding marines and fighter craft." Dr. Keda stated, rising from his chair and walking across the room towards the door. "However, the tradeoff was a lighter complement of weaponry in exchange for the larger engines and the new type fold core." Dr. Keda explained, allowing Jack to disengage from his office before shutting the power off. "We haven't had a chance to test the AI suite we made for your future AI brethren. Would you be willing to give it a test for us? The ship is basically complete as is. We just need to add creature comforts that can accommodate our new alien allies." " I would enjoy that very much." "Great!" Dr. Keda replied, changing direction and heading towards the construction hangar. "You're going to love it! This thing is the fastest ship we've ever made and comes equipped with a new E-war suite and a hangar capable of holding two fighters, a bomber, two boarding craft and still, have enough room for two drop pods and one or two other land or space vehicles." "That sounds more like a heavy frigate, not a fast attack frigate." Dr. Keda laughed and entered the lift, keying the hangar with excitement. "It's still the fastest thing we've ever created. Though, as I said, It only has four lance batteries, six rail cannons and four torpedo launchers." He stated with a smug grin. "You were lying to the admiral and created a heavy assault frigate." Faking an offended gasp, Dr. Keda exited the lift and walked onto the observation deck, looking out at the new generation of 'light' frigate. " We would never do such a thing as that, Nor do we intend to allow you to take this ship on a test run." "Am I capable of piloting a ship like this by myself?" Dr. Keda smirked as he waved to the guards, entering the causeway leading to the frigate and inputting a code as he came upon the entry door. " That would be a negative. I've just allowed you access to the ship so you can jump in and take a look. You'll understand as soon as you do." Entering the ship and immediately making his way towards the command center, waving at engineers and construction crew. Keda arrived at the bridge, laughing as Dr. Aldon was waving his arms around in annoyance as screens began to flicker and controls seemed to activate on their own. "Keda, you dumbass. You need to let me know when you allow Va~Jack access to this ship." Dr. Aldon stammered out, sitting down in the captain's couch. " I see. This is quite the ship." Jack replied, taking a hardlight form on the bridge. "We figured you would like that function." Dr. Aldon replied. "Any suggestions on improvements?" "None, you have built an amazing ship." Jack replied, moving over to sit at what appeared to be the helm. "I have enough room and processing power, as well as the ability to take form wherever I wish. I can assume that this ship was designed for the resident AI to use the E-war suite and drones in a defensive measure while the Terran crew commands the ship and fighters? It is an effective design." "That about sums up the idea." Dr. Aldon replied, eyeing Jack's form with amusement. "You think working both is possible?" Jack got up and walked over to the E-war console, disappearing as he sat down. "It is possible, though it may be somewhat taxing directing so many shield drones." "Well, that's all you'll need to do. The meat crew can handle the rest." Dr. Keda replied. "That is acceptable. I would not feel comfortable in a role that would require me to terminate someone." Dr. Aldon chuckled and got up from his chair. "Your father is the same way, you know, don't let his past fool you." "I do have one question, though. You have completed this ship from what I can tell, only requiring minor adjustments based on allied species accommodations. Does this mean you have begun creating more of my kind?" Jack asked, appearing in front of the E-war console. Dr. Aldon laughed as Dr. Keda gave off a knowing grin. "Nope. Suppose I were to take a guess. I would say only one captain in the entire navy could put this frigate to proper use, seeing as he's the only one with an AI companion." Jack sat there, stunned, eyeing the two men as they gave him a knowing look. "Did you build this ship with the expectation that I would be the AI crewmate?" "That was indeed the deal we made with Dr. Leviye. As you know, we needed an AI to help crew the first fold jump in case the pilot died. He demanded that we build you a proper ship to explore in if we were to send you... And It turns out Adelyn wanted us to build a new light frigate as soon as the test was successful. So we took the chance to build you your 'exploration' ship." Dr. Aldon replied, shrugging as the door opened behind him. "And don't think I didn't know what the fuck you were doing, you dick." Admiral Perrin replied, walking onto the bridge. "You're lucky this ship hits every criterion I set for you, or I'd have you locked up." Dr. Aldon waved her off and reclined in the captain's crash couch. "Like you didn't know 'for future AI's' meant Jack when you signed off on the design. The brass is still a few years away from allowing us to spawn more." "True. But you didn't have to put it the way you did. I still have to pull a few strings to get this whole shit show off the ground." Admiral Perrin replied. Jack sat in his E-war chair, watching the two bicker about who was in the right and who made the mistake. Though he understood the interaction, he couldn't help but think it was all for show. "Thank you." He stated, watching as the two stopped to look at him. Admiral Perrin walked over to the captain's chair and shooed Dr. Aldon off with a wave of her hands, sitting down and hitting a series of commands into the chair. "This is the Admiral speaking. Fasten all hatches and tighten all bolts, prepare the ship for launch!" Dr. Keda went to sit at the helm while Dr. Aldon went to sit at coms, allowing Admiral Perrin to watch as the ship systems slowly began to power up and respond with the all-clear. "Shall we take her for a test drive, gentlemen?" ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Powering down the vehicle, Michael looked over to Srettia, who was quietly napping in the passenger seat. Gently tapping her shoulder in an attempt to wake her, He exited the car and began collecting their things. Watching as Srettia sluggishly got out of the car and began walking towards the house, Michael finished gathering up their things and briskly jogged to catch up as she entered the house, quickly stashing their belongings just off to the side as he walked in. Looking around as he entered the living room, walking over to a familiar chair. Michael knelt to be eye level with Yirphayen, lightly placing his hand on it in an attempt to wake it. "You alright there, pal?" Michael asked, noticing Srettia take up a seat on the couch and relaxed into it. Yirphayen let out a chime of satisfaction as it returned to function, observing its surroundings. " Yes. However, I still require more energy. I think I have been away from a direct solar source for too long." Michael nodded in agreement watching as Srettia stretched on the couch as he attempted to ping Jack, finally realizing that his comrade seemed to be out of range. "Well, we'll get you into orbit as soon as everyone is gathered, alright?" Michael stated as Yirphayen chimed its agreement and continued its rest state, seemingly happy with its chair. "Well, I was a bit worried there, but I guess it has been inside since we've met it. Maybe some sun will do it well. " Srettia said, watching as Yirphayen went quiet. Michael nodded in agreement, sending a message to Luna command, informing them of the situation and requesting permission to visit the orbital lift. "I guess when Ankiah returns, we'll go visit the station hub and get Yirphayen some much-needed air... Or lack of it, I guess." he corrected with a chuckle. Srettia perked up at the thought and nodded her approval. "That sounds like fun! Maybe we can look at the ships while... Would we be releasing Yirphayen or sending it off..?" Michael shrugged as he walked into the kitchen, eyeing his surroundings curiously. "I guess releasing him?" Srettia got up and poked her head around the corner, watching as Michael walked around the house as if searching for something. "What's wrong?" "Mom's missing." Michael replied. "She hasn't stopped bothering you since you walked through that door. She might be up to something." "Ohh... You're right. "Srettia replied, cautiously looking around. Just as the two were beginning to worry, the front door swung open, startling the duo as Ankiah stumbled through the door and began shuffling towards the couch, flopping down a loud huff. "You Terrans, and your tests will be the end of me." She mumbled as James walked through the door. "What's up with her?" Michael asked, gathering his wits. James tossed a datapad onto the living room coffee table and shook his head. "You know how that lady right there can harden her fur and cut shit like it's nothing?" He replied, walking over to his new chair. "Well, it turns out you need a bunch of nerve clusters and a high level of body control for that kind of stuff to happen. She agreed to have a specialist run some tests on her to figure out just how compatible she could be with a mech. It turns out the answer is yes." Ankiah groaned in frustration and rolled onto her back. "Remind me never to agree to 'run a few tests' for a Terran ever again." She grumbled to the room. Michael studied Ankiah for a moment before shrugging and turning to pick up Yirphayen's bag. "We're heading off to the lift station now that you're here. Yirphayen still seems kinda down, so we're going to let it hang out around the sun for a bit." Ankiah instantly perked up and rolled onto her feet. "Now that sounds like fun, let's go!" Srettia watched as Ankiah walked out the door and looked around curiously. "Are you sure this is okay?" Michael finished packing Yirphayen into his bag and looked over to his father. "Dunno where mom went off too, but tell her we might not be back tonight. I'm not quite sure what getting Yirphayen out into orbit is going to involve." James nodded and leaned back into his chair, picking up a nearby dataslate. "No worries, pretty sure she's just out with some friends. Though I suppose Yirphayen has been sleeping too much, you should make sure it's doing well before you worry about us." He replied, waving as Michael exited the house. Walking out to the car, Michael gently strapped the bag into the back and entered the driver's seat, waiting for both Srettia and Ankiah to settle themselves before power up the vehicle. "Didn't expect to take two trips today." He replied, setting in his course and beginning the trip, double-checking that Yirphayen was safe in the back seat before throttling up. Srettia leaned her head against the headrest and closed her eyes, leaning deep into her chair. "Wake me when we get there." She mumbled, falling into car induced sleep. Ankiah decided to quickly follow her lead, deciding that a nap would definitely be in her best interest, leaning off to the side and closing her eyes as the hum of the car lulled her into a restful slumber. The few hours long ride to the lift station was relatively uneventful for Michael. However, he did derive a small amount of amusement, recognizing the few escorts that flew by every now and then. Upon finally reaching the Island, Michael followed his implant as it directed him to a VIP parking. Oddly enough, he was met by a few uncloaked guards waving him down as he approached his spot. "Guess they decided to ditch the cloak today. Alright, time to wake up ladies, time to take Yirphayen into orbit." Srettia tried stretching her body, frowning as her legs hit the confines of her seat while Ankiah groaned, slowly perked up. Opening the door and exiting the car, Michael noticed that two of the guards were moving to intercept him, another oddity. "Anything wrong?" He asked as the soldiers approached. "Nothing yet, sir. We're here to take you to your ship." The man replied, earning a curious look from the trio as they finished exiting the car, wondering just what the man was talking about. "We left our ship on Luna. Why would it be at the station." Srettia replied, annoyed someone had moved her ship. The soldier paused, looking off to the side as if talking to someone. "You are correct. The blazing sun is still on Luna. You are scheduled to meet with Admiral Perrin and a Mr. Jack upon their arrival." "Why weren't we told this?" Michael asked, digging Yirphayen out of the back seat. Another pause as the soldier spoke to his invisible superior. "Command figured since you were already on your way, this would be easier for everyone involved." Michael nodded as he hefted Yirphayen onto his back and motioned for the guard to lead the way. "I guess when Mr. Jack is involved, it gets weird sometimes. The soldier just nodded and opened the door, watching as the trio entered the VIP entrance into the bottom lift station. "Admiral Perrin normally has that effect on people as well." ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Captain William Kidd, b 1655 Greenock Scotland d 1701 England. Kidd established himself as a sea captain before settling in New York in 1690, where he bought property and married. From 1695-1701, Kidd came against foreign shipping along the Colonies Eastern coast. In 1696-1698ish, he was in the Indian Ocean. Kidd would have been in the north Atlantic 1695-1696 (1ish year), and 1698ish-1701 (4ish years). Any period of him burying anything on the vicinity of Oak Island would be in that 1695-1696 and 1698-1701 - the same period of said French fisherman occupancy on the island until 1753/1755 when the English came to the island thereafter. www dot gjbath dot com/misc/maps1.htm# All maps stating a date of signature WK 1661 or 1710 can be considered fake (even a second or third generation map). By all accounts speaking of a desert(ified) island treasure maps, also negates Desert Island #1 and #2 maps not dealing with Oak Island. All series of the China Sea Island maps are irrelevant to Oak Island. The Plum Island (having plum trees ?) would be a northern hemisphere, cold temperate zone island of the north Atlantic. One could say there are comments about Oak Island, North Carolina, but look at this map and see what it says, and the shape of the island that would be Oak Island, Nova Scotia. https://preview.redd.it/7r1fogtrd6e61.png?width=576&format=png&auto=webp&s=d8f84e6b238e351a9cff7371004cec9ee09dbbfb Plum Island (with a little tweaking) appears as Oak Island. The compass directions are almost spot on. The signature and date strongly appear bogus as W E K 1768 is 67 years after his 1701 hanging. Notice the appearance of an island to the NW, that could be the current Round Island. The biggest clue is Marked Cliffe Mick-Mack Isl(and), with another small island "To keep offe ye Indians." The only islands anywhere near possible would be (big) Frog Island and (small) Angel Island to the east, not north. A facing skull on neck bones, and a caravel (or galleon) is in the NE corner called a Ghost Ship (abandoned?) or this is Ghost Ship Cove being Smith's Cove area. Plum Isl(and) is written on the eastern lots of 15-20 (eventually Smith lands). Shav (Shaw?) Bay is mentioned but this is the southern shoreline of lots 15-20. There is no great inter-island bay harbor on this map. Then there are directions: The Boate lands here (in an island gully) with the appearance of 2 pine tar kiln marker mounds with a triangle or rock mound to the north of the W-E aligned mounds. To the south is another triangle or Rock Mound situated next to a shoreline Rock Knowle (Knoll). At the end of the gully has the mound appearance ~N-S alignment (serpent mound?) and Olde Fyre Place, in a possible same location as the Serpent Mound charcoal of 1320-1440. Further directions: 8 Roddes (Rods) 132 feet (40.2336 meters) Fyre Place (Fire place) Pine Tar Kiln ? No(w?) 80 steps southeast Pine (tree?), 150 steps No(w) come in(to) Hill+ (lot 15 hill highest elevation on the island). At the current Seller's Cove there is a Pirate's Gun (Cannon). The words Pyramid and Beehive have 2 symbols that look like the (stone or literal ?) beehive north of a pyramidal structure (rock cairn ?). Then one comes to an important statement - a circular stone feature with Ye Olde Well (Eye of the Swamp !). Within the area of lots 15-19 there is a brook that appears to (once) flow down from the Well through lot 15 highest hill and down across the lots and flowing into current Smith's Cove. In the center reading with a turned map and features, there are the words Treasure CAVE of Captain Wm E Keede. It is interesting in that some certain features that have never before been mentioned in Oak Island treasure hunting before are mentioned. Fire place, features on Lot 15 hill, serpent mound shape, rock cairn, OLDE WELL (now) buried since the times of Dunfield 1965 that could have been on dry shoreline of the past. The treasure spot follows in alignment with Fred Nolan's statement that the swamp bay harbor holds the key (Old Well etc - yes) ... And there is more. If it says and shows Pyramid -and- Beehive or Pyramidal Beehive, then the rectangular shape, and not the small circle above the entry for Treasure Cave is the actual cave and vault chamber. There are no mentions of it being in the lowland brook valley-gulley of Lot 18 and Smith's Cove. The cave retangle is between the triangle locations of the Fireplace, the Old Well, (a once) beehive or rock cairn feature). The Fire Place and (serpent) rock mound appear to be on the western drumlin, and would have to be as the Old Well in the Eye of the Swamp is smack in the middle of the north swamp area. The small circle above treasure word - if that is the opening is on/neaunder Nolan's Cross on the current lots 9-14 of the north swamp, northern shoreline and Seller's Bay (!). The rectangle shape, if that is the cave and vault chamber is not on Lot 18 of the lowland brook area, but is up on the highland of Lot 15 (!). If this is a bogus map, it has interesting features that can't be denied with obvious geneological features and current digs bringing these old features to life. If this is a 1768 map or later, some of the features would have been de-forested, plowed, ground down to smaller elevations. Such would be the rock knoll that just-so-happens to appear to be the Blankenship lot (!), where the Dunfield causeway connected the mainland to the island at the "8 roddes" point. There is no great bay harbor but Shav (Shaw) bay is mentioned - so there was a substantial bay known there up to 1960s. This map alongside the verbal details of the (said) Amos Baker Smith's map also have many of the same words. The treasure vault chamber is not on Lot 18. The Smith map points more to a 168 foot depth chamber up Lots 16 and 15. This map has the treasure cave on the current northerly direction from the Eye of the Swamp Old Well. Nolan's lots. The same area that a kaballah tree of life is put on Nolan's Cross and digging at the Daat sephiroth (hidden portal, treasure) between Cone D and the cross bar intersection, ... or the lead cross with the bent head and square shaft necklace hole being to the NW quadrant of the cross. Both designations are Nolan's lots. Lots 9-14 owned by Tom Nolan, or Smith high land lots 15-16 owned by the Laginas. Lowland lots 17-20 and Smith's Cove appear to be totally irrelevant. It is also known that when John Smith bought the land in 1795, he built a second house on the lot. Both house locations (and whatever other farm buildings were thereon) have been lost to history. The same for the outhouse. But, who, unless someone is there, knows the local Indian tribal Mick-Macks (Mi'kmaq). That is a telling piece of information. Does one take this map into consideration, as well as the Smith map? Are they one or both fake maps for stirring up investors ? Only time will tell when the island is completely excavated down to the bedrock (!) and such northerly silted-up isthmus between the islands (Nolan lands) is scraped and exposed - as well as the entire swamp down to ancient seabed structure.
New Arc approaching, lots of homes to fix. [First][Prev][Next][Wiki] I appreciate the comments and suggestions you guys have been giving me. Maybe this chapter will shine some light on what's been happening. Thank you for reading and I hope you enjoy this chapter. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Michael walked out of the lift, curiously looking around as the group followed closely behind him as he did. "This VIP treatment has been pretty good, all things considered." He said, noticing the stark difference compared to the normal levels. "It's too clean for a space station," Srettia commented, Looking around at the well-lit areas and clear white floor. "We're not alone either." She said cautiously, crouching a bit as she tasted the air. "Captain Michael Graeme." A hidden voice stated, uncloaking itself as he did. "You are to come with us immediately." Michael was about to object when four more figures decloaked and walked up to him. "What about the ambassadors?" He asked, hoping this wasn't some sort of abduction as he noticed his implant was being interfered with. "They will be taken care of. Please hand them representative Yirphayen so he can be released into space. I promise no harm will come to the diplomats." The masked person stated. Michael nodded and shifted Yirphayen gently off his back, handing it over to Ankiah, who had a worried look on her face as Srettia looked at the men in anger. "It'll be fine. They'd have to be insane to try an abduction, right." Michael requested, looking at the guards who brought him up. The lift guard nodded, seemingly just as surprised as Michael at the sudden interruption. " They will not come to harm." He promised, giving Michael a crisp salute. Michael nodded, quickly returning the salute and shifting to Srettia for a moment before turning to walk with the new soldiers, each one seemingly taking up a position around Michael preventing him from running. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- "So fellas, where we heading?" Michael asked, turning down another hall as the soundless soldiers guided him through a secure area. "Ahh, I see. You'd think I'd be used to this kind of treatment. Nice talk, boys." Michael stated loudly to himself. Nervously chuckling as he received no answer once again, he finally came to a door leading to what he could swear was a private hangar, deciding to watch the soldier closely as he put in some sort of door code. Michael nodded as it opened up to a causeway, leading to a massive ship. "This way, please." One of the soldiers said, finally breaking the silence. Michael nodded and walked into the causeway, looking out the windows at the massive ship as he walked down to the door. "It's a dreadnaught! Haven't seen this class, though," he mumbled. As he reached the end of the causeway, Michael was unsurprised as the door opened to two regular uniformed soldiers waiting for him. "Ahh, more escorts!" Michael sarcastically said, earning a chuckle from both sailors. "Pay no heed to the other guys, Captain. You know the spec op guys, they don't like to talk." The left man said. Michael nodded and began following the two men. "So who am I meeting with? Or who's giving me the pink slate?" "Still can't tell you, Captain. I serve directly under the guy, and even I don't know why he wants to speak with you." The man replied, stopping at the door. "In here, please." The man stated with a crisp salute, one Michael returned. Michael watched as the door opened, deciding to walk in and meet his possible maker. "Captain Michael Graeme. Test Pilot. You were essentially abducted from your residence, nearly forced to fly an experimental ship. Met our second AI. Proceed to rename him. Crashed said experimental ship. Met an alien woman who you've possibly had intercourse with." "Uhh, Not yet," Michael replied, laughing as he heard some actual paper being shuffled, finding that he was standing in the middle of a dark room. "Then you proceed to nearly kill yourself in an attempt to warn the seventh fleet of the inhabited system. Helped said alien woman create peace between our people. Then you proceed to discover an unknown enemy, get into two fleet battles, come out unscathed. Then you return to Sol with three alien representatives... That about sum things up?" the voice asked. Michael nodded as the lights slowly brightened, shining a light on the familiar voice. "Yes, sir." "You've broken a lot of regulations, captain." Fleet Admiral Ewart stated, putting the paper back onto his wooden desk. "Yes, sir," Michael admitted, deciding to play it straight in the presence of his ultimate authority. "Now... I'm in a difficult position, Captain. On the one hand, your fraternization with a foreign dignitary is against regulations. On the other, she was just your average miner when you initially met her. Though technically, we don't restrict ship romance due to the nature of star travel. The fact that she is an alien and a foreign diplomat puts me in an awkward spot." The Admiral stated, confusing Michael as to where he was going. "I was given authorization from Admiral Mil-" "I have a proposition for you, captain Michael." Fleet Admiral Ewart stated, cutting Michael off. "I can overlook this breach of regulation. In fact, I want to. It's good PR." Michael's mind was racing, just where was the Fleet Admiral going with this. First, he was threatening him. Now he's saying he wants to overlook the issue? "Where are you going with this, sir?" "I have a mission for you. As you know, we are at war. But we are not quite ready for one... At least not one so far away from our borders." Ewart said, activating a display. " Our immediate operations will revolve around refitting our entire fleet with fold drives and sending them to and around the Aaster system. What we lack is information. " The Admiral stated, pointing to the display, one that Michael noticed a very low-quality map come up on. "We need knowledge. And not that, going around on a romantic cruise shit you did with representative Srettia. I mean real shit." Admiral Ewart allowed Michael to observe the map for a few moments before continuing his briefing. "Ops thinks the Briolb are a bioweapon." Michael ripped himself away from the odd map and looked oddly at the Admiral. "How? I mean, their fleet tactics are none existent. How can they be a weapon? How would they be an effective weapon?" "Look at that sector of space. Everything around it is primitive or one system species. Their ships may be nothing to us, but a single shot from orbit could obliterate a large city, and though their armour can't stop our weapons, ancient chemical firearms wouldn't be very effective on them." The Admiral explained, flipping through a few pictures as he did. "So you're saying someone gave these guys a fleet and told them to keep the sector in line?" Michael asked as a few more pictures came up. "Good way to make sure you stay on top of the food chain, isn't it?" The Admiral replied. " Our current theory is something is arming the Briolb. That something Destroyed Acarro and is also supplying the Briolb with the tech to capture Eaenhreph, the tech we're not seeing. And I am not okay with not seeing that tech." The Admiral stated, letting Michael digest his words. Leaning back into his chair, Admiral Ewart zoomed the map into a specific system, one that was slowly blinking red. "Your mission will be to visit predetermined locations. The first being the homeworld of the Voktlix. It's the closest to the Aaster system and where we're planning to hit first when the fleet musters. Once you reach their homeworld, determine its state and begin to aid the resistance, if any. If it's a full subjection, you are to return to Sol with the information or leaders you're able to gather." Michael's face went white at the orders, and reflectively snuck a look at the door before gathering his wits and looked at a grinning Fleet Admiral. "Why me? I'm just a pilot, a nobody." "Because not only are you the only Terran who's close friends with an Eaenhreph. You're also closely tied to Ankiah and married to Srettia, not to mention your 'pal' Jack." The Admiral replied. "Whether by dumb luck or skill, you're in an excellent position to captain a ship full of aliens and carry out this mission." Michael noticed the display swapped to what looked like a light cruiser and shifted his weight ... "I don't have any command experience. I'm a fighter pilot." He tried again. "I wouldn't worry about that. You may find yourself uniquely suited to the role... Now, your crew has been preselected based on their knowledge of Jack and experience with aliens. I'll be uploading it to your implant upon acceptance of this role." Admiral stated firmly, already believing that Michael would accept the position Michael looked at the ship's specs as they scrolled across the display and shook his head. "This ship is quite the thing......... Why does it have a Mech bay." Michael asked angrily. "You didn't think Ankiah just happened to come across the knowledge she was suited for mech piloting by chance, did you? Didn't you find it odd that she was even allowed into a military base, let alone near mechs?" The Admiral replied with a stern face. "She might have wanted to keep her biology a secret on Leda, but the other two male Voktlix were more than willing to submit to scans when they were informed we might be able to fix their gender disparity." " You roped my father into this whole shit show, didn't you? What did you do to make him play along with this ruse of yours?" Michael spat out angrily, fighting the urge to punch the Admiral. "I just asked him personally. No threats, you have my word. I did mention the coming war when I made my request, however." Ewart replied, not wanting to agitate the Captain further. Michael shifted his weight, trying to calm his nerves as the anger slowly faded from him. "So, what then? She can't even drive a car. How do you expect Ankiah, a civilian, to pilot a fucking mech?" "I know this may be upsetting, Captain Graeme, but this is where your new crew comes in." Fleet Admiral Ewart replied, moving around to the front of his desk. "You're recommended crew complement will be transferred to you upon your acceptance of this mission." He tried. Michael looked over the ship's specs once again, nodding to himself as he weighed the pros and cons of the mission. "So. One last question before I decide, well, maybe two. Why are you so set on Ankiah being a mech pilot, and what happens if I decline?" Nodding as he brought up the secondary plan, Admiral Ewart let a grin slide across his face. " Well, we have a secondary already selected. However, you'll be the one handing him his orders when you see him, and everything else will proceed without you. You'll effectively be left behind." He stated, changing to a more stern face. "The reason I'm set on having Ankiah be a pilot... If what we think is happening on the Voktlix planet is actually happening. Having one of their own on the field of battle, showing off that they can fight back with Terran technology... That would be quite the propaganda, wouldn't you think? " "You want her to fight because of propaganda?" Michael questioned, feeling the anger build up again. "Yes," Ewart stated plainly. "Recognize how the Aasteran reacted to our presence... They weren't even invaded. The Voktlix, however, may be under full genocidal occupation. We need to do whatever it takes to earn their trust. If that means equipping one of their own and having her slaughter their enemies. Then I'll be damn well sure to make it happen." Though Michael accepted the answer, he still didn't like it, once again looking between the Briolb starmap and his potential ship. " I'll accept this assignment under one condition. No more tricks. We're past this, and if I find you being manipulative like this again, I'll take that ship and fly it straight down your throat." Cohen Ewart nodded and transferred all the files to Michael. "The ship is yours to command. Most of the crew you can pick up from Leda upon your return. Others will be boarding upon the ship's arrival to this station and refit on Luna." Michael nodded, chuckling as a few names he recognized appeared on the list. "You sure Chrarada will allow some of her people to join us on this mission?" Admiral Ewart laughed as he sat back in his chair. "You kidding? A chance to strike deep into enemy territory and kill some baddies? It wouldn't surprise me if she demands to join you on the mission if her profile was accurate." Michael nodded and turned towards the door. "Anything else, sir?" "No. You are dismissed, Captain. I'll now leave you to your time off, but you'll leave as soon as it's finished, understood?" Ewart replied, throwing a salute to a surprised Michael. Returning the salute, Michael left the room, waiting for the door to close before exhaling exhausting. "Is he always like that?" Michael asked the door guard. "Wouldn't know, Captain." The guard replied, saluting as Michael began to walk off down the hall. Michael finally reached the causeway exit and saw his implant was back to working order, noticing he had three calls from his mother, two of which were labelled as apologies. Sending a com to his parents, Michael decided to have a very adult conversation with the two, deciding to make his displeasure well known. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Srettia watched as Yirphayen floated out into space, seemingly shimmering for a second before taking off at an amazing speed towards the local star. "Wow... I didn't know it could move that fast." The guard had his face smashed against the hangar's hard light barrier, watching as a streak of light rocketed towards Sol. "Wow, is definitely accurate." He replied, quickly returning to his guard duty. "Well, can't it achieve something like warp by itself?" Ankiah asked, nearly bursting into laughter as Srettia realized she was correct. "Well... Do you want to go check out the market?" Srettia suggested, walking past a few dockworkers gawking at the two diplomats. "Sure, I don't see any harm in that," Ankiah replied, proceeding to walk out of the private hangar. Never seen that class before. It must be a new ship. Look at the weapons, most likely for the war. Must be why all the soldiers are gathering in the hub Yeah, looks like your right. The engine type is different too. It must be that new fold drive everyone is talking about... Might be an experimental. Srettia stopped and turned to examine the ship that was causing the commotion. "I've seen a few Terran warships in my time, but that one looks pretty deadly." She observed loudly, looking over to Ankiah, who seemed to be nodding. Oddly enough, the soldier seemed to look to his partner and nodded as if receiving new orders and motioned to get the ambassador's attention. " A Lieutenant Jack is requesting you board the ship when it docks. Do you know of such a man?" Srettia looked to Ankiah, who returned a similar look and nodded at the soldier. " We know of a Jack. Can I speak with him to confirm that it is indeed the same Jack?" Srettia answered, suspicious of the new ranking. "He says he requires permission to access your datapad. It's still locked to contacts only, and you didn't add him." The guard replied. "He's speaking to me through my implant and says he doesn't want to force his way into your device... Whatever that means." Srettia chuckled and began walking towards the ship. "That's fine. Tell him we're on our way." ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hey, it's time for another of my long-winded rambles on worldbuilding! Fair warning, giant wall of text ahead. The process of worldbuilding isn't simply making up a brand new world. In a very real sense, it's an act of describing our world through the process of changing it. Each difference between the constructed world and our world is, in essence, a new girder in a framework describing things that you believe ARE part of our world. Those things that you haven't changed from our own world? Those reveal some of your deepest, most fundamental truths about what you think the world is. In the same way that science fiction about the future is usually more about the present, fantasy worldbuilding is often more about our own world than a new one. It's exploration via contrast, and the choices you make during that exploration can have deep moral significance. I want to be clear that I'm not writing this because I see a lot of people going around actively claiming that the worldbuilding of their favorite author is morally neutral. More, it's that I don't see people actively talking about the claims about the real world made by the invented one as often as I would like, and even implicitly treating worldbuilding as though it were just a fun piece of window-dressing in an SF/F novel. Objectivity: There's no such thing as true objectivity. Any claim about the world that the speaker claims in turn is "objectively" true should be viewed with deep suspicion. This isn't just a post-modernist affectation, though you'll often find post-modernists saying something similar. (I share post-modernists' deep distrust of grand theories, but I don't think I really fit in their club well otherwise. Though there are a few people who claim that distrust of grand theories is the only thing unifying post modernists, so...) Rather, this rejection of objectivity comes from science, because a lot of scientists these days really, really don't tend to like the idea objectivity very much. When I got my first field training in geology, the first thing we learned was how to fill out our notebooks. Along with obvious stuff like date, location, and time, there were less obvious things like weather and your mood. That last was one thing my instructors repeatedly mentioned as important: A geologist's interpretation of a rock outcrop tends to vary DRASTICALLY depending on their emotional state. Does the outcrop potentially have evidence that lends credence to a rival's hypothesis? If you're in a bad mood, you're unlikely to be open to that evidence, and unless you note down that you're in a bad mood, you're unlikely to admit you were later on. (Seriously, there are all sorts of famous stories about this from the history of geology.) So on a pragmatic level, owning our personal un-objectivity is simple good practice. And I can definitely assure you that my training there is hardly unusual. (Also, obligatory complaint about measuring strike-and-dips.) Owning your biases and compensating for them are much, much more useful in science than denying them and pretending to objectivity. There are also important historical reasons why so many scientists today avoid claims of objectivity. "Objective" science led to some of the most extreme abuses of science- both moral abuses and abuses of the scientific method. Science in Victorian England was especially rife with these mistakes- see, for instance, the skull-botherers (they preferred to be called craniologists, but screw 'em), pseudoscientists who were convinced they could make systematic judgements about human intelligence via measurements of human skull sizes. Today, we know that brain size has remarkably little to do with intelligence- instead, it's determined more heavily by factors like the number and course of neural connections in your brain. At the time, however, skull-botherers systematically massaged data or changed experimental goal posts, time and time again, to prove that groups lower on the social totem pole at the time (women, non-white people) had inferior intelligence. And they did it, more often than not, under the banner of objectivity. They were finding ways, again and again, to prove their preconceptions and biases, because they refused to acknowledge them. It seems quite likely that many of them were incapable of even recognizing the ways in which they were doing bad science. (For more on the topic, I recommend Stephen Jay Gould's The Mismeasure of Man.) There are countless other historical examples, but I hope this gets the point across: If you think you're objective, you're fooling yourself. When you worldbuild, you are never doing so objectively. You're coming in with a biased view of our own reality. That's not inherently good or bad, but it is something you need to be aware of. One great example of this in practice is in fictional depictions of human nature. There aren't many things that will make me drop a book on the spot, but one of them is the "gods and clods" approach to human nature, where an author treats the public as an easily-led mass of sheep, who envy and resent their social betters, who in turn are their social betters entirely because they've earned it, and are inherently superior to the masses. There's also a common idea that runs alongside it that the masses need to be taken in hand and led by those worthier of them. It's weirdly common in Randian Liberterian fiction (Terry Badmean, etc). Or perhaps not so weirdly, but... I don't personally have the rosiest view of human nature, but the "gods and clods" idea rubs me the wrong way on a deep level. I certainly think my more nuanced view of human nature (that, among other things, recognizes stuff like privilege and inherited wealth) is better than the "gods and clods" one, on the grounds of being far more informed by history, but I'm under no impression that I'm more objective. (Though I am less likely to drive a BMW with a John Galt bumper sticker that gets double-parked in front of the cigar shop. I wish that was an ironic exaggeration and not something I've encountered before.) I have definitely seen authors and readers justify their ideas on human nature as simply "objective" in the past. Historical Realism: "This is historically unrealistic" is the battlecry igniting millions of internet fights, and it's frankly exhausting. Unreality is fantasy's stock in trade, after all. Nonetheless, I can't really skip mentioning this one. The important thing to note is that an overwhelming majority of the time, the "historical realism" being yelled about is itself a fantasy, an image of our past presented to us by Hollywood and past fantasy authors, where the Roman Empire was a white-marble bastion of stability and learning instead of the unstable technicolor shitshow it actually was, where knights were noble heroes instead of belligerent armored drunken frat boys, where everyone in Europe was white, and where Europe was more than the ancient world's equivalent of rural Alabama. And, more often than not, the fact that there are dragons and magic in a fantasy work gets ignored, and the "historical realism" battle cry will be about women, people of color, or LGBTQ+ people. The recent temper tantrums a lot of people threw recently on Twitter about the creation of rules for magic-propelled wheelchairs for D&D is a great example of the absurdity of the "historical realism" claim, since wheelchairs were absolutely a thing in medieval times, while rapiers and studded leather armor really weren't. You never see huge tantrums about the inclusion of rapiers or studded leather armor in a supposedly medieval setting. (Or, you know, about the inclusion of dragons and wizards.) If a civilization can construct an Apparatus of Kwalish, they can make a magic wheelchair.) The overwhelming majority of the time, claims of historical realism are directed at fictional characters violating the perceived social hierarchy- the exact same social hierarchy, in fact, that the skull-botherers fudged their data to fit people into. It's not a coincidence. I'm sure someone will get irritated about this section and "well actually" me on something. (Probably via DM for at least one of them. Don't do that, it's weird. I love a decent argument, but keep it in the proper arena.) Though if you want to "well actually" me over calling the Roman Empire technicolor, and drop some arguments about the aesthetics of their color schemes, that's totally cool. Same with whatever specific historical details you want. I think the applications of this debate to worldbuilding are fairly obvious. Historical Invisibility: There are huge chunks of human history that are missing, simply due to the fact that nobody wrote them down. Or, in the case of much of India's history, wrote them on palm-leaf pages that haven't stood the test of time as well as writing materials in less humid climes. Ancient Mesopotamia is so well-known because their clay tablets are magnificently suited for surviving millennia in the Middle East. All of these missing pieces, however, still altered history. Even though we don't know exactly what went on in those empty periods, it still helped shape our course of history, and if time-travelers were to meddle in these historical blanks, I would guarantee it would still alter our present in alarming and huge ways. There's also such a thing as geological invisibility. We don't, for instance, know hardly anything about highland dinosaurs, because high altitude regions are usually ones undergoing erosion, making them exceptionally poor locales for fossilization to occur. That means the overwhelming majority of dinosaurs we know about were lowland dinosaurs who lived in regions where fossilization was more likely. Just as with historical invisibility, these missing parts of the world's past have had an effect on the shape of the world today. The species in these missing regions, as well as the missing geological processes themselves, played a vital role in shaping the biospheres of our past, just as our upland species affect the world's biosphere today. If a time-traveler sneezed on a highland dinosaur, giving it a fatal disease, the fact that it would be unlikely to produce fossils wouldn't make the event significantly less impactful on evolutionary history. (Fossilized creatures, almost by definition, have significantly less impact on evolutionary history than unfossilized ones, since they were kinda withdrawn from the biosphere by the fossilization process.) The choice of what is unknown or lost in worldbuilding is just as important as what is known, if in a more subtle way. Lenses: No one can tell all of history, or even know all of it. There's simply too much. Instead, we have to pick specific lenses to see and relate history through. There is no one lens that works for everything- you need to cultivate a wide selection of lenses to understand history through. Some of my most heavily used lenses include the history of science/technology, economic history, environmental history, and the history of the Indian Ocean Spice Trade (the greatest movement of human wealth on the planet, lasting from the times of Ancient Mesopotamia through the Age of Sail). For all that I consider the latter two grossly under-used historical lenses (environmental history didn't (and couldn't) become a discipline of its own until the end of the Cold War), and for all I love trying to apply them to everything, they don't work for everything. For all I find the military history lens a bit boring ("Let's figure out the standard deviation in weight of coat buttons in Napoleonic Era buttons and figure out how that contributed to army calorie consumption, kids!"), I begrudgingly have to admit that sometimes it is necessary to apply it while studying history. Begrudgingly. There's nothing dishonest about having to use lenses. It's necessary. It's also, however, a value judgement, and it's seldom possible to easily select a specific lens or set of lenses as the correct one for any given situation. The choice of what lenses an author selects during their worldbuilding process is absolutely a reflection on their values. People used to give me crap for constantly harping on about the impacts of plagues and epidemics on history, even to the degree of me claiming they were generally more important than wars in the pre-modern world. Just out of orneriness, I started referring to the "Disease Theory of History." (I kinda wish I, uh, hadn't gotten so much supporting evidence recently, though. It's an argument that, in retrospect, I would probably have been happier not winning.) My emphasis on the role of disease in history was a value judgement, and one disputed by quite a few other people. When we're choosing our worldbuilding lenses, we're making an explicit value judgement about what we think matters about our history, and is worth projecting or changing in our new worlds. This is true on every level, and if you look close, you can probably spot a lot of your favorite authors' lenses. And they're not all historical lenses, either- there are also scientific lenses (geology for me!), philosophical lenses, cultural lenses, and more. Heck, lenses can get super specific, too- figuring how a city gets its drinking water is one of the core parts of my worldbuilding process. If I can't make it sensibly work, I discard the city entirely. (In my most recent book, I designed a desert port city that was basically just an immense version of the Giant's Causeway with a city carved into it. I almost discarded it due to the drinking-water problem, until I realized that I had a second problem- the basalt would absorb a ridiculous amount of heat from the sun, making the city unbearably hot. The two problems combined actually solved each other- I gave the city enchantments that drained the excess heat from the columnar basalt, then used that heat to desalinate seawater.) Alternatively, textiles would be a great lens to examine worldbuilding from- they're important to literally every civilization ever, and an author can do fascinating things with their worldbuilding using textiles. It's not a lens I often use, but it's one I find fascinating, and love seeing other authors explore. (And you'd be absolutely shocked at the cultural, economic, and moral impacts of textiles on civilization, if you haven't studied them seriously before.) And, of course, the different lenses you use will affect one another in fascinating, overlapping ways. Using both an epidemiological lens and a military history lens will offer you fascinating insights in the role of war in spreading disease, and into how disease has affected war throughout history (typhus did far more damage to Napoleon's Russian invasion than winter or Russian forces did), all of which you can use to shape your own worldbuilding. Nature's Revenge: We are not the masters of our own destiny we once thought we were. Before 2020, I think, this would have been a more controversial statement, but there is a growing realization that nature will still have her due, one way or another, and it's seldom a cheap tithe. When worldbuilding, or considering an author's worldbuilding, pay close to the relationship between civilization and nature in it. One of the most fascinating ways to comment on our own world and provoke thought about our relationship with it is by changing the relationship between man and nature in a fictional world. Back Down to Earth An author's worldbuilding choices matter on countless levels. As much as I love Shakespeare, the world is not simply a stage, but an actor in and of itself throughout our history. Us writers absolutely have a duty to be thoughtful about our worldbuilding as commentary on our world, while readers... Well, I won't make any demands on what readers do or do not consider while reading. It's absolutely not my place to do so as an author. I'll encourage you to carefully consider what an author's worldbuilding has to say about our own world, however. (Also, you know, choosing to read- and choosing what to read- is absolutely a more private, personal decision than writing for the public is. If you're just reading to relax and are too frazzled to think, definitely no worries- we all need to do that every now and then! I definitely don't always practice the thoughtfulness I'm preaching.) One of the most beloved aspects of science fiction and fantasy to me is that by making up stories about wizards and robots, dragons and spaceships, we can say things about our current world that we might not be able to say thoughtfully. Worldbuilding will never be as important to a novel as characters, prose, or plot, but we absolutely can't afford to take it for granted, either- it's still essential.
As part of Bahrain's entry procedures for passengers using the King Fahd Causeway linking it to Saudi Arabia, arrivals have to undergo a PCR test to detect if they have COVID-19. King Fahd Causeway News including daily updated Middle East King Fahd Causeway News, Gulf Investment & Financial headlines, Latest Banking News, Top Financial News, Online Banking & UAE Financial Services News Find also International & World Banking & Finance Industry News Bahrain’s King Fahd Causeway set to open new gates on the Saudi side The bridge’s passenger capacity will increase by 45 per cent when it reopens to passenger traffic by Aarti Nagraj Causeway Police: (504) 835-3116 . Causeway Police Add'l Number: (985) 624-1166. Roadway Emergencies: *27. Email: [email protected]. Administration Offices: (504) 835-3118. Tag Sales Office: (985) 674-3641. Tag Account Information If your organization is a member of the Open Charge Alliance, you can use this form to get a username and password to gain access to the Participants (Members) Area. Register now! Support Hub50House: The 38-story residential tower housing 440 luxury apartment units at 50 Causeway St. has already begun move-ins, but is planning a “grand opening” event Thursday. The 25 km-long causeway linking Saudi Arabia and Bahrain is instrumental to economic and tourism activities in both countries. Last year Bahrain received a total of 11.1 million visitors, with 88% are coming through the King Fahd causeway, accounting for 9.7 million visitors. In Causeway, these are collectively referred to as Workgroups, Groups, or Committees (depending on how your association labels them). When your Causeway account is created, you are automatically able to view your organization's home page and various content, like documents, that is available to all members. Update: The Causeway bridge is now open both directions. METAIRIE, La. (WGNO) – The Causeway bridge is closed in both directions as police investigate an accident on the southbound span. Important Causeway Information. Stay up to date on Causeway Bridge advisories by checking our Facebook and Twitter.You can sign up to be notified of advisories through text or emails or tune into 1700 AM Radio to hear up to date information about the bridge. A yellow banner will be present on the website if an advisory is in effect.
Giants Causeway of Australia - Sawn Rocks, Mt Kaputar National Park
A group of Hong Kong protesters are gathering in the street in front of SOGO, a major shopping mall in Causeway Bay. Some of the masked protesters are waving... Mannar Bridge and Causeway opened March 18, 2010 President Rajapaksa has declared open the new Mannar Bridge and Causeway connecting the Mannar Island with the mainland. It was built at a cost of ... About Press Copyright Contact us Creators Advertise Developers Terms Privacy Policy & Safety How YouTube works Test new features Press Copyright Contact us Creators ... New year, new golf goals? Play in one of the best amateur tournaments this summer along the Causeway ... This feature is not available right now. Please ... 2019 Dubai Duty Free Irish Open ... The new Belleair Beach Causeway Bridge is open and its time to celebrate. Connecting the Pinellas County mainland with the outlying barrier islands, the brid... This feature is not available right now. ... 2013. Giants Causeway of Australia - Sawn Rocks, Mt Kaputar National Park. ... OpenLearn from The Open University 3,694 views. 2:44. Giants Causeway, ... The Venetian Causeway has reopened after a fiery single-car crash early Friday morning. On Saturday June 27th, I was out taking some photos from the center of the causeway. On my walk back to the Cape Breton side, while I was walking across the ... Short video of the Canso Causeway of Cape Breton opening for a boat to pass through. This is from the causeway/mainland side. KONE has won an order to supply elevators for the Garden Office Tower in Boston — phase three of “The Hub on Causeway” project. The 495-ft-tall, 31-story tower will yield about 627,000 ft2 ...
