text:
CV Introduction
I am an information & communication systems engineer with nearly two decades of experience in the industry, in particular on system architecture and hardware / software integration for a variety of successful products in both consumer and infrastructure sectors. I hold postgraduate degrees in Digital Telecommunications, Electrical Engineering, from the University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.
Between May 2015 and March 2017 I was Chief Architect and acting VP Engineering at mimik Technology Inc., responsible for leading an agile engineering team in a pre-revenue startup environment, providing architectural direction for products and solutions in the company road-map, developing success metrics and implementation plans. Since joining I was instrumental in revamping software development life-cycle management tools and processes, contributing to the transformation of an R&D culture into a product and market driven one. As a senior member of the management team, I regularly communicated company technology strategy to employees, partners, customers and investors.
Between December 2010 and March 2015 I was with the technical department of Thenamaris Inc., a top-tier ships-management company, developing and leading the electrical engineering group, supporting superintendent engineers, fleet electricians (in the order of one hundred individuals) and the newbuildings team in all things related to electronic automation, onboard ICT, telecommunications, radio navigation and telemetry for energy optimization. My responsibilities also included overseeing maintenance, as well as planning, management and execution of related development and infrastructure projects with average annual budgets of 1-2M USD.
Between November 2003 and April 2015, I served the European Commission (ICT research area), as evaluator and rapporteur during selection of projects for funding, as well as reviewer for monitoring execution of funded projects, under the EU 6th, 7th Framework (FP6, FP7) and Horizon 2020 Programs. Over the course of nearly twelve years, I took part in a total of ten week-long evaluation sessions and co-monitored successful execution of fourteen projects with budgets totalling in excess of 76M EUR and typical life-cycles of 2-4 years each.
Between September 2006 and July 2010 I was involved with system engineering and development of wireless RFICs, for broadband (MIMO) and microwave back-haul (SISO) systems for Theta Microelectronics Inc., an RFIC design services & IP provider, as Systems & Applications Manager. This resulted in two successful chips, one for wireless HDTV transmission in the home under the WHDI standard, and one for fully integrated microwave-link transceivers. During these years I also served as company-customer interface, managing interaction and chairing face-to-face meetings.
My involvement between 1998 and 2006 had been in state of the art wireless topics such as WiFi (IEEE 802.11 wireless LAN), WiMax (IEEE 802.16 wireless MAN) and BlueTooth (IEEE 802.15 wireless PAN), both as senior design engineer and as group manager, in the Multimedia & Communications branch of ATMEL Corp..
Even though I do not hold a major in Computer Science, my involvement and in-depth experience with computing and networking reaches back to the mid 90's and the infancy of the Internet and the World Wide Web. My experience with operating systems spans nearly three decades, beginning with Exec 8 on a Sperry UNIVAC 1100 series mainframe and UNIX on a Perkin Elmer 3200 series minicomputer, encompassing a multitude of computing appliances and embedded varieties for special-purpose hardware. Being an earnest supporter of the Open Source movement since its inception, I have been contributing code and advocating software freedom for nearly 25 years.
Here you may find my resume, my detailed CV and my European language passport, all in PDF format. My Thesis is also available on-line. For contact information please go to my LinkedIn profile.
Free/Libre/Open Source Software (FLOSS)
I have been active in the Open Source movement since the end of 1990, contributing to GNU/Linux - its flag-ship operating system - and to core components such as the X-Windows system (or X11) pioneered by MIT, as well as writing stand-alone applications and utilities for solving problems ranging from generation of publication-quality scientific and 3-D visualization plots, to dial-up Internet connection control and management of multiple ISP accounts and associated call charges.
The free software movement is one of the most successful social movements to emerge in the past decades, driven by a worldwide community of programmers dedicated to the cause of freedom and sharing.
X-ISP is a visual, X11/XForms based, user-friendly interface to pppd/chat, i.e. a dialup TCP/IP tool with an X11 interface. It is also a small ISP and phone company (PTT) database manager, and a dialup costs and usage logging/statistics tool. It provides maximum feedback from dialing and login phases on a message browser, versatility in interrupting a call in progress, a manual login terminal window, as well as call-back and per-ISP DNS selection capabilities. While practically obsolete today in a broadband-access dominated world, X-ISP had been featured in two Linux Journal, articles, in the December 1998 and December 1999 issues. For more details go to the official X-ISP site.
xmailbox started out as an enhancement to xbiff, the traditional visual mail-checking application included with even the earliest versions of the X-Windows system. In an early version it was included in the contributed applications and utilities of the X11R6 official distribution. In the form of its last release it supports animation and a multitude of sound subsystems such as the NCD NAS server, the rplay sound server, the standard audio driver for SUN Sparc computers, Linux and FreeBSD audio drivers, and external sound players. xmailbox had been featured in the October 1995 issue of the Linux Gazette.
Xaw3D is a three-dimensional version of Xaw, the X11 widgets from MIT project Athena. A drop-in replacement in most architectures supporting shared libraries, it adds Motif® look-and-feel to the otherwise visually unappealing Xaw library. Having contributed extensively with functional and visual enhancements to the original code, I have been listed in Xaw3D's official group of authors.
My involvement with Unix & X11 since 1990 and Linux since 1992, and in particular my contribution to the the X-Windows system, had been acknowledged with a complimentary developer's copy of the SuSE (now openSuSE) Linux distribution each time a new version was released, between November 1995 and March 2011.
Amateur Radio
Between 1991 and mid 1994 I served as President of the Amateur Radio Society (ARS) at the University of British Columbia. The UBC ARS is a non-profit, student organization governed by UBC's Alma Mater Society, with a mission to divulge Amateur Radio as a hobby to students, faculty, staff and the community. During these four years we greatly increased student membership, successfully completed ambitious infrastructure projects (radio repeaters in the 144/440 MHz bands, auto-tracking 144/440 MHz satellite station, experimental high-speed wireless digital links in the 220/440 MHz bands), and published two preparatory course books on obtaining an Amateur Radio Operator certificate, while augmenting the already very successful weekend courses offered for those planning to take certification exams. The two text-books ("Amateur Radio Basic Qualification Manual" & "Amateur Radio Advanced Qualification Manual" - of which I am a co-author) together with the weekend courses were, for many years, the Society's main source of income.
I have been awarded Advanced Theory and Morse Code certificates in Canada, where I am a licensed amateur radio operator and hold the call-sign VE7HDB. Since October 2010 I have also been assigned the Greek reciprocal call-sign SV0XCB.


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A mysterious island. An abandoned orphanage. A strange collection of very curious photographs.
It all waits to be discovered in Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children, an unforgettable novel that mixes fiction and photography in a thrilling reading experience. As our story opens, a horrific family tragedy sets sixteen-year-old Jacob journeying to a remote island off the coast of Wales, where he discovers the crumbling ruins of Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children. As Jacob explores its abandoned bedrooms and hallways, it becomes clear that the children were more than just peculiar. They may have been dangerous. They may have been quarantined on a deserted island for good reason. And somehow—impossible though it seems—they may still be alive.
A spine-tingling fantasy illustrated with haunting vintage photography, Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children will delight adults, teens, and anyone who relishes an adventure in the shadows.
Hardcover: 352 pages
Publisher: Quirk Books; Book Club edition (June 7, 2011)
My Opinion:
Over 900 people on Amazon pressed the like button on this book, and I was one of them.
This story has so many wonderful elements, from the writing itself and how the author used words to take you away, to the plot and how deep it takes you and makes you read until you eat every word and photo up.
Yep, that is exactly what this story did to me.
I kept telling the hubster, peculiar indeed, but in such a cool way. I totally expect he is going to read it now. It's not like I have stopped talking about it.
Anyway, pay the coin and get a copy. It is totally worth it!
Recommend? Do you really need to ask? YES!!!!!!!!!!!!
~I won my copy. I was not compensated for my opinion.~

subset: commoncrawl


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Chapter One
When I go to school each morning after some kids have been hostagized, everyone's silent. They're watching the gate, waiting to see who will walk through it. The other supernatural want to know their friends are safe, if they're ever going to see them again. The mortals want to know who's left to terrorize.
So when I walked through the doors of my school, shaking the snow out of my hair, everyone was watching me. Some with sympathetic expressions, others were smirking and sneering.
Sneering is normal, sympathy is not. Why feel sympathetic for someone when they're only getting swamped by mortals attempting (and failing) to torment them?
I weaved around the people that were mulling around, tensing up my hands and letting the fire flow through them, the ice disappeared with only a small cloud of steam.
My school's split in half. The Hall and cafeteria are in the middle of the school, then there are two sides that are identical. One side is where the mortal Staff and students stay, during lunch and free periods, then there's the other side, where the supernatural students and staff hang out. Our schools so typical it's ridiculous, the only thing that separates it from a cliché American high school is that we have two different species clashing together.
As I walked past the hall I finally let out the breath that I'd been holding, walking through a crowd of people that hate your guts because of your species isn't exactly the safest thing to do.
When I glanced at the watch on my wrist I nearly groaned in frustration, 06:55, Curse you Ari I thought.
I heard that Seth! My little sister sounded offended, but right then I was in too much of a bad mood to put up with Ari right now, so I forced her out of my head, which is difficult to do if your little sister is a powerful prodigy.
I sat on one of the tables in the Quad, only a few people were loitering around at this time of the morning, the rest of the sane ones were still at home in bed.
I say sane is the lightest sense of the word.
My school's social hierarchy is quite similar to every other school in America, Popular people, Interesting people, normal people, the I-don't-care-what-I-am people, the outcasts and the people you can't really label. I guess I fall somewhere between interesting and normal, with a bit of popular (or at least I like to think so). That's the supernatural side of the school, mortals come under social outcasts, they're the sand at the bottom of the pyramid, though that's probably what we are to them.
There's also the primary school, that's completely different, there's no Hierarchy, just the bullies, the bullied the bystanders and the lets-throw-the-people-you-don't-like-across-the-playground kids (bet you can't guess which group Ari's in).
Since I was born, fate decided that I needed to have a hard life, which is why, that at that particular moment, the one and only Daniel Nex walked through the door with his little posse.
Why do the gods hate me so much? I sighed. Daniel had also decided to make my life hell, where fate started from the day of my birth, Daniel started on the first day of kindergarten.
"Hey, Flame-boy, your mother was good in bed last night" he smirked, his Irish accent sounded almost taunting.
"Oh, the shocking intelligence of your insult has wounded me" I said flatly, putting my hand over my chest in mock hurt.
"Oh don't you think that you're a little genius, Flame" He sneered, flicking leather jacket so that the collar travelled further down his neck.
"No, my sister's the genius, I'm just smarter than you" I shrugged, trying to keep a straight face.
Daniel grabbed a handful of my shirt and pushed me back against the wall. "Are you calling me stupid Flame?" he growled, trying to sound intimidating, and failing miserably.
I pretended to be exasperated. "Yes, I am, and if you thought about it you'd know what I'm talking about" I rolled my eyes and grinned.
"Oh you're going to regret that you filthy little warlock" He snarled, gripping me by the scruff of my neck.
I could almost see the rage building up inside him; he drew his fist back and readied himself to punch me. I smiled even wider, six seconds.
"I'm going to enjoy this very much flame
"Oh, believe me, not as much as I am"
"Is there something wrong with you?" he frowned.
No" I said simply.
Danny punched me before I could stall him any longer.
"Ow" I exclaimed, clutching my nose, I pulled my hand away and warm liquid spilled onto my palm.
"That'll teach you to mess with me" He sneered, turning around, and the way that my older brother was glaring at him made the flush of excitement fade from his cheeks.
"And that'll teach you to Listen to me when I stall you" is what I meant to say, but instead I came up with some unidentifiable drivlle that made no sense.
Daniel's two lackeys were looking as pale as he was, so obviously they looked transparent.
"So, you've decided that punching my little brother is a good idea huh?" Red glowered down at Daniel, his hands were clenched into fists and he looked ready throw Daniel out of the window.
"I uh, He called me stupid! He deserved it!" Daniel stuttered, hiscocky attitude diminished.
"You will be in a minute" Red gripped Daniel yanking him up so that hi s feet were nearly half a metre of the ground.
"Red Flame! Put Daniel down right Now!" Mrs. Cur snapped, moving around the tables.
"But-" Red began before she cut him off.
"No! How dare you threaten another student like this! You've been suspended twice for provoked attacks; you won't be getting out of this one!" Red let Daniel drop to the floor.
"He punched my brother!" He gestured to me, I was sitting on the floor with my warm, yet ridiculously thick blood dripping slowly down my nose, right now I'm glad that my heart doesn't beat, otherwise my nose would be throbbing.
Another teacher had rushed forward, Mr. Nex, Daniels older brother.
"Wizard, get Seth to the Sick Bay" he sighed, sounding irritated, which was slightly annoying, since I'm currently in a lot of pain.
Wizard rolled her eyes as she walked over and gripped my arm, pulling me up of the ground, then she handed me a tissue to put on my nose.
"Now that looks like a nasty break" she winced slightly as she examined my nose.
"It is" my voice was muffled, since my blood wasn't as runny as other people's it much thicker, like soup, now imagine having an unlimited supply of the best tomato soup dripping from your nose, and going to a school with soup enthusiasts.
Now change the Soup to blood and turn the soup enthusiast to Vampires and you've got a perfect match to my current situation.
"Hey, aren't you eyes green?" I asked, tilting my head back slightly, but trying to watch Wizard. It might be a little strange to know her eye colour, but I've had a crush on her since third grade, and who can blame me? She's got those deep green eyes that are a mix of Navy blue and Sea green, and her long blonde curls, and she's getting a really nice figure, and I like her profile too, shows how much she's matured recently.
"Uh yeah, my eyes are normally green" she admitted sheepishly, blushing slightly.
"Then why are they brown?" I asked suspiciously, though I think I already knew the answer.
"Well, my eyes change colour with my mood, Green is, normal, I guess, and red is, uh, Hungry" she was avoiding looking at me.
"What's brown?" I asked.
"It takes a while for my eyes to change colour, brown is in between green and red" she blushed.
I groaned. "Why is it that every Vampire I meet wants to eat me? Does my blood really smell that good?" I groaned, which hurt my nose a little.
"Yeah, but look on the bright side, when you get older Vampire women won't be able to get enough of you" she chuckled, handing me another tissue as the one that she gave me earlier was completely crimson.
"Yeah, that's what I'm afraid of" I mumbled, who wants to die onthe first date?
Wizard giggled slightly, then just shook her head and steered me away from a wall, I'm lucky that I didn't get one of Daniel's henchmen escorting me to the office, they'd just hit me again and throw me outside.
Wizard frowned slightly, then reached over and pulled my nose straight with a lock crack.
"Holy freaking crap!" I gasped, clutching my nose. "What was that for?" I demanded, my voice even more muffled as a fresh flow of blood started leaking out.
"I thought that it might set quicker, you know, with you being a warlock and everything..." she trailed off.
"Ah yes, and we've hit the wall, not a big one mind you, just the fact that I'm a freak of nature that's built of darkness and destined to destroy everything" I scowled, my slight happiness at Wizard being sent with me was deteriorating rapidly.
"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to offend you or anything, I've just heard that Warlocks heal faster than normal, closer to a Vampire's super healing than a normal sorcerer" she said, I could hear the guilt in her voice.
I sighed; "I'm sorry too, I don't like it when people mention my 'problem'" I sniffed slightly, regretting it as blood went up my nose.
"I know the feeling" she mumbled.
Wizard's different from other Vampires. She's a Mori Vampire, she has a particular power, but she can only drink blood from willing donors, or she'll loose all humanity, her power and become a Strigoi, I know that her power is controlling anything with electricity, heck, if she's trained properly she, could read and control your mind. But right know how powers are limited to her controlling electrical appliances and being a walking battery charger, just ask her to hold your phone for a few seconds and then once you take it back it'll be fully charged.
"Did Daniel take your cell phone?" she asked, reaching into her pocket.
"No" I scowled. "But he took my IPod" I put my hand on my pocket where I normally kept my phone and
"Is this it?" she asked, producing an IPod with the MacDonald's logo on the cover.
"Yes" I mumbled, my cheeks reddening slightly. She handed it to me and I slipped it into my pocket.
We turned the corner and Wizard opened moved to open the door for me I walked into the Sick Bay where a six year old was having his knee swiped by the nurse.
Once she had finished, she turned to me and sighed.
"Been in another fight have we Mr. Flame?" she asked, eyeing my nose.
"Not so much as a fight as a beating" I said, sitting down on the bench that I always do when someone (normally Daniel) hits, kicks, Punches, slaps (or on one occasion, stabs) me.
Maybe now you'll be more careful Seth" she sighed, examining my nose.
"How is it?" Wizard asked curiously.
"Oh, he'll be fine; I take it that you set it straight?" The nurse tilted her head and gave her an amused smile.
"Uh, yeah, I kinda did" she smiled back shyly.
"Well, apart from being extremely painful it was the best thing that you could have done, his nose shout set properly, and it's already starting to mend" she picked up her clipboard and began searching for her pen as she filled out one of the many 'Accident' forms that she is forever filling out for me.
"Corey would you like to return to your friends?" she asked without looking up at Wizard.
"Yeah, actually, I'll go and um, talk some sense into Danny" she moved towards the door then turned around and shot me a small smile.
"Bye" she waved as she walked out the door.
I sighed, Wizard and Danny wouldn't talk about anything, she would pout at him, tell him that he was being horrible, then they would start making out, which always puts me off my food for the rest of the day.


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Book by: J. Gheith
Status: Finished
Genre: Gay and Lesbian
Chapter3 (v.1) - Video Diary
Chapter 3: Video Diary
As soon as Adam walked through the door, his mother could tell he was upset.
"What's wrong Ad?" his mother asked even though she had an idea that it had something to do with school.
"I was invited to another pool party" he said "And once again I won't be going." he threw his bookbag on the ground and went straight to his room. He'd done this numerous times before so his mother knew he just needed time to cool off.
Whenever Adam had a problem or he wanted to blow off steam, he would go online and post to his video diary. Sometimes he would get comments like "Go Kill Yourself Faggot!" or "Trannys Scare Me!" and other times he would get comments that said "Keep Your Head Up!" and "Don't Let People Get You Down!". He knew that the people who said mean things could never hurt him physically, but mentally they did a toll.
Adam decided that today he was going to post a video, and he didn't care what people were going to say. He needed to get his feelings out, and he didn't care what people thought.
He started the camera, looked straight into the lens and started to talk like never before.
"Hey guys, as you know this is Adam. I'm making this video today because I'm getting sick and tired of life. I know there are people out there who think I'm doing this for attention but you're wrong. Every day I have to pretend I'm somebody that I'm not. Everyday I have to wear a chest binder and have problems breathing. Every day I have to hope that my voice is deep enough or that the testosterone is making enough changes. Every day I have to hope that somebody from my past doesn't walk by me, and say "Theres that FREAK! HE IS NOT A HE, HE IS A GIRL WHO WANTS TO HAVE A DICK AND WHO ISN'T THE REAL PERSON YOU THINK HE IS!" I just sit and cry sometimes, because I know I will never be normal." the camera was filming all of his feelings and emotions. Adam sat there, paused. His pale skin and red cheeks contrasted each other. After a long silence, it was broken by his sobs. "I just want to be normal. People on the outside, they see a happy guy. Somebody who is popular and has everything he wants. The reality is that he has nothing that he wants." he cleared his throat and wiped his tears away. "Sorry for being so emotional today guys, it's been a long day. I was invited to a pool party by the most beautiful girl I have ever seen, and I won't be attending. I guess my emotions are everywhere and I just needed to tell somebody that understands. Thanks and I'll see you next time. Bye."
He turned the camera off.
He didn't want to upload this entry but he knew that if he did, there might be people out there that could feel his pain. Transgender people who knew the price they had to pay in order to be semi-happy. Adam uploaded the video and went outside. He loved the stars. They were a billion light years away, just like he wanted to be.
© Copyright 2017 J. Gheith. All rights reserved.
Add Your Comments:
wow, very deep and stuff, very moving! I liked the part at the end, with the stars : ) KMU : )
i love it:) Really conflicting emotions-
Damon (KMU!)
It wasn't until after I'd read this chapter that I discovered it was a novel. Lol. I loved this chapter and will probably go back to read the others. I think a little more detail and getting into Adam's head would really help this story.
Other Content by J. Gheith
Book / Fantasy
Book / Thrillers
Short Story / Young Adult
Short Story / Romance


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Nearly 35,000 pupils - one in 10 of secondary school pupils in the capital - are learning in classes with 31 or more children.
In some London boroughs the figure is nearly one in five children.
According to the Department for Education's figures, the number of secondary school pupils in class sizes of 31 or more has jumped from 22,096 in 1997 when Labour came to power to 34,333 last year.
Sarah Teather, Lib-Dem spokesman for London, said the children were not getting the education they deserve.
"These figures are a shocking indictment of Labour's failure to deliver improvements for London's children," she said.
The rise in overcrowded classrooms comes despite Labour investing record sums in education. Although it has kept primary classes to below 30, there is no government target for class sizes in secondary schools.
Ms Teather said: "How do we expect teachers to control discipline problems and teach effectively when so many young people are crammed into our classrooms? Children must be placed in environments where they can thrive. With class sizes on the increase, teachers are in danger of becoming more like football referees.
"Labour is simply letting down London's children."
The figures, revealed in a parliamentary answer, show the number of pupils in London's secondary schools being taught in classes of 31 or more has risen by 55 per cent since Labour came to power.
Increases were as much as 386 per cent in Harrow, 351 per cent in Brent and 330 per cent in Tower Hamlets. In Kingston 18 per cent of secondary school pupils are now in classes of 31 or more. The National Union of Teachers spokeswoman said the problem was connected with the difficulty of recruiting teachers in London.
She said education quality was being compromised because the shortage of teachers had coincided with an increase in the numbers going to secondary schools.
"Oversized classes are decidedly important. They reduce the time each child has with the teacher and increase the workload of teachers.
"The difficulty has been the recruitment and retention of teachers in London because of the high cost of living. But across the country in general there is a growing problem of teacher shortages. Such sharp increases do not bode well for children's future education."
The NUT called on the Government to take teachers' pay seriously. "Teacher salaries are low and the cost of living in London is high. Many graduates can work for more money and shorter hours elsewhere," the NUT spokeswoman said.
A DfES spokesman said: "The results speak for themselves. London is the fastest improving region in the country for GCSE results. The top four fastest improving LEAs in the country are in London."
- More about:
- Children
- Liberal Democrat Party
- Schools
- Secondary Education


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A Player's Kiss
At first, I'd begun to wonder
Why had he chosen me?
But then, I realized my answer
He'd kiss anyone... if they paid his "fee"
How could I have been so stupid?
Why am I so damn naïve?
Would you believe I stayed around
Because he begged me not to leave?
I was just another girl
A replaceable pawn in his game
My love, my lips, my special gift
Were all things that he did claim
So again I lay here in my bed
Trying to fall asleep
But how can I even consider it
When my dreams are tormented by that malicious creep?


text:
The fear of feeling strong emotions.
That was her way of describing Zim.
Or, at least, in a way it was. Zim had plenty of other ways to be looked at. Egotistic. Loud. Selfish. Bitter. Mean. Conceited.
And Tak's favorite, deranged.
But he had other sides to him too. Tak had seen them on a rare occasion. They were fear. Love. Sadness. Hurt. Confusion. Kindness. And sometimes, just sometimes, he would be actually funny. But not often. Zim's jokes were always very lame, in Tak's opinion.
So why was she going to do this?
Tak glanced at the objects that rested in front of her. A small booklet, labeled 'Laws and Code of Conduct of Irk', a memory disk, and a Valentines' Day card.
Tak smiled and opened up the card. It had a red heart in it, and three words messily scribbled inside:
'I love you'
It had probably killed him to write this. Zim had probably used every ounce of his courage to write this. Tak could guess she was right. Zim had shoved it into her arms. And after she had read it, he had attempted to kiss her. But he did it wrong, ending up only giving her an Eskimo kiss. And he was blushing terribly after.
It was sweet. One of her only memories of Zim being sugary to her.
Which was why she must do this.
Tak dialed the Talkest's number into the transmitter, sweat trickling down her back as she did so. Her heartbeat quickened when they picked up. Tak gulped.
"Hello, My Tallest," She spoke bravely as she could muster. Purple shoveled a handful of barbecue chips into his mouth. Red eyed Tak, uninterested.
"Hello, Tip." He replied. Tak clenched her teeth. Her heart hammered away in her chest.
"It's TAK."
"Right. Tak. I knew that." He said, making a quick pointless hand gesture. Tak frowned.
"So why are you calling us?" Red questioned, looking as if he wouldn't care what the answer was. For all he knew, she could tell them she was pregnant, something physically impossible. But even if she did, he'd probably only shrug.
Tak let out a quick puff of air to calm herself before she spoke. "I am calling to prove the eleventh law wrong. And why it should be removed." That got a reaction. But not one she was hoping for.
Purple let out a amused snort, spraying chip-spit all over a unlucky co-worker. Red began to laugh.
"Look, Tak, all laws are final. They are accurate, as well as prove able. You may THINK you have a strong argument worthy point, but you don't. Please don't call about this aga-"
"I'm in love."
Silence. Red and Purple could only stare at her. That single sentence had just broke 6 laws, not including the Irken Code of Conduct. Tak stood firm, glaring at her leaders.
"I have a mate. Two irkens are in love. That is all the proof I have. And," Tak cut them both a satisfied smirk. "It is quite a worthy argument point."
Now Red became more serious. He put down his munches, a solum look plastered on his face. "Tak, law 11 states that the PAC juices are more powerful then emotional hormones, keeping you in check. You cannot fall in love. It's simply not possible."
Tak's gaze never shifted from her ruby eyed competitor. "Tell me Red, have you ever heard the phrase 'Love wins in the end'?" Red's jaw stiffened. Purple glanced at his tall friend, worriedly.
"A mere fairytale saying for smeets." He hissed loudly. Tak's eyes narrowed. Then she held up the Valentines' card.
"So is THIS a fairytale, Red?"
Red read the words and scowled. Purple read them and smiled, face brightening.
"SHUTUP PURPLE! Now Tak," Purple looked somewhat offended. Tak raised a nonexistent eyebrow. "How do we know that you did not write the note yourself? For all I know, that could be YOUR handwriting." Red grinned triumphantly, feeling oh so very smart. He had won.
Tak slid her leaders a sly smile.
"Because I have this." Tak flashed the memory disk at the two, then put it in a player. Purple leaned in to watch. Red didn't look amused.
They both wordlessly watched a 13 minute video showing Zim giving Tak the card, 'kissing' her, and blushing. When he mumbled 'Happy Valentines' Day.', Purple squealed. Red hushed him.
"... And what did you want again?"
"I wanted to remove law number 11, and prove it a fraud."
Red nodded, stroking his chin thoughtfully. Purple spoke up.
"THAT WAS THE CUTEST VIDEO EVER! WE WILL DEFIANTLY LIFT THE BAN!" He let out another squeaky noise, cooing to himself. Red's eyes twitched. Finally, letting out an exasperated sigh, he nodded.
"Fine, we will. What was the law?"
Tak smirked happily. "The law WAS," She put lots of effort on 'was'. Red looked like his head might explode. "'It is impossible for any irken to feel the following emotions: Love, joy, hurt, sadness, and anything associated with them. The PAC produces liquids that kill off threes hormones, leaving hate, anger, and pride. No irken can feel any other.'" Tak recited perfectly. Red sighed.
"Fine. Law number 11 is removed."
Purple let out a "WOO-HOO" and began to dance. Red face palmed. And Tak?
Tak went to give Zim the biggest, best kiss ever.
Authors Note: This was mainly a gift to one of my friends on . I hope you like! I WILL BE ADDING ANOTHER CHAPTER! It will be Zim giving Tak her Valentines' Day card, since I wanted to write about it :) I HOPE YOU LIKE THIS! The backstory? Well, one of my friends told me how J. V. used some kind of conduct/law thing for irk (I don't know how she found out) so I'm kinda turning it into this. Crappy yes, but I couldn't think of anything else to write about. Plus I needed to use the Tallest :)


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Author's Note: Sorry for the delay posting but this have been a few crazy weeks, drawing, painting, working, writing, and developing two Joker sites. Anyways, made time to continue this story that seems to have found a place in your hearts. I really appreciate the time and the support the fans have offered me with this story and I hope I can keep entertaining you all.
Please feel free to drop me a note or a review to share your thoughts on the story. We writers depend on your voice as much as our imaginations to write. Sometimes the best ideas come from fans (like this story that was one fan's idea). For now, just relax and enjoy the chapter that was written with a lot of love for you all.
DISCLAIMER 1: Owlman, Joker, Jokerster and related characters belong to DC COMICS
DISCLAIMER 2: Sometimes there will be instances of MATURE LANGUAGE and SITUATIONS. You have been warned before you read.
BETA: There is no beta in this project, so be kind enough to point out any problems or confusions.
Crime and Justice Chapter 3
By the time Owlman and Talon arrived at the meeting hall at the Syndicate's headquarters all the other crime lords were already seated at the large oblong table on the center of the meeting room. At the head of the table, like always, was Ultraman who used his out-wordly superiority to guarantee his place on top of the organization. And everybody respected that. Nobody wanted to challenge an ill-tempered average human astronaut turned superhuman being with the strength of one hundred men and the ability to burn a hole through somebody's heads with just a look.
"You're late," Superwoman said stretching suggestively on her leather chair. Her black curls fell over the exposed shoulders of her costume and Olwman couldn't hold a subtle smile. He knew exactly what she was trying to do, especially in front of Ultraman. Superwoman loved danger, and Wayne loved the thrill of living on the edge of danger itself.
"Had things to tend to," Tom responded quickly exchanging the timid smile into an angry glare. "You should be glad that I'm here instead of complaining about my punctuality."
"I don't like your tone, Wayne." Ultraman growled from his place at the head of the table.
"Thought we were not supposed to use our names in meetings….Kent." Owlman retorted as he pulled a chair and sat down. "Just keep your girlfriend in line and mind your own business."
"Can we stop the bickering and go on with the business at hand?" Johnny Quick interceded. His voice harsh and tired. "The League attacked another of my shipments last night. I lost three million dollars in one hour."
"And a shipment of your speed juice too I'm sure."
Johnny rose and started to vibrate uncontrollably at super-speed causing the room to start vibrating with him. Ultraman held the speedster by an arm forcing him down onto his chair.
"That hurts."
"What is going to hurt even more is the roof falling on your head, Quick. Now calm down and you," Ultraman pointed a blue gloved finger towards Owlman and Talon, "better watch your mouth."
"You really thought that making the attack look like the League's doing would prevent the media from knowing what was on those ships?"
"You did what, Ultraman?" Johnny quick inquired angrily
"The ships are at the bottom of the harbor and thanks to Barracuda, no one will ever tie them to drugs or us. The media can talk all they want, but will have no proof. I will be surprised if anynobody remembers this incident by next week."
"Kent, those where my drugs." Johnny protested.
"Necessary loss, Johnny," Ultraman growled. "Now shut up and stop whining. You'll survive."
Owlman snorted angrily. "It just surprises me that you called this meeting for something so stupid as Quick's drug shipment. The League has infiltrated into Wayne Enterprises and I seemed to have inherited your…little problem."
"Luthor?" Power Ring asked with his green ring glowing brightly in his right hand. "Luthor is in Gotham?"
"A few weeks ago he tried to protect the subway with the spy carrying my transducer and other pieces of technology that were stolen from my developing laboratories."
"So that was not an isolated attack?" Superwoman asked leaning forward with interest. Ultraman rested his arms on the table and glared at the cowled figure.
"No, I have information that Luthor and his League have moved their headquarters from Metropolis to Gotham. He's becoming a real pain in my ass thanks to you, Ultraman."
"So he couldn't handle me." Kent finally said with a malicious smile extending wide. "The coward couldn't take it and ran with the tail between his legs."
"Are you even listening to me, you big idiot? Luthor is in Gotham, probably regrouping with his…criminal team to strike back at us. Aren't you worried?"
There was a few moments of tense silence at the meeting table. Ultraman leaned comfortably on the edge and chuckled.
"Not a bit. And I thought you had killed the spy."
"I did."
"And Luthor's wife?"
"I killed her too. Your point...?
"Then you got your transducer back."
Owlman took his time to respond. Ultraman became impatient.
"You did, didn't you?" Kent pressed on.
"Astra didn't have it when we found her body."
The Kryptonian rose angrily tossing the chair across the room. "WHAT? You're telling me that Luthor and his stray sheep have a working model of the phasic transducer? You know what he can do to us with that?" Ultraman rose from his chair and the table in front of Owlman started to smoke.
"Before you make a hole to the center of the earth, I can tell you that Luthor doesn't have it either."
"Are you sure?" Johnny said spurting words so fast that it almost sounded like gibberish. "How do you know…there's no way of knowing that with certainty…no way."
"If he had it, he would have used it already, or would have brought it to the public eye to discredit me."
"Maybe he doesn't know how to use it yet."
"Ultraman, what part of Luthor has a spy inside my company you didn't get? He could get the instruction manual if we let him and that is why we have to act quickly and stop him before he can get access to any more of my technology."
"From your tone I take that you have a plan."
"Of course I do and I have the bait to lure him out of hiding. I just need the help of the Syndicate to hit him and his minions with everything we got. Wouldn't it be good to have his cadaver so you can drag him through Metropolis' streets? That will show off your power better than having him escape your police to hide in a neighboring city so he can plan your demise."
"You really know how to make your case, Owlman. Let's hear this plan of yours and see if we can rid ourselves of the League once and for all."
The morning had been uneventful at the Special Project lab. Everybody worked hard on their projects, and thanks to certain insights from colleagues Jack had been able to fix the problems on his polymer design, but there was still the 'Crane problem'. Jonathan Crane had been unusually quiet in his station, working long complex formulas and chemical structures. Napier could feel the tension between him and the scientist. Every time Jack stretched or moved around in his seat, Crane was quick to look at him suspiciously and cover whatever he was doing at the computer at that time. It was getting to be very annoying, but if the scientist dreamed of getting a prize for driving people mad or burying them underground, he was nobody to take that away from him. He just wished that right now Jonathan worked at the other end of the room instead of right beside him.
Jack looked at his watch and smiled. Ten minutes for noon and that meant one hour of lunch away from the scarecrow. He started closing windows in his computer when he got a network alert. He opened the file and read on. He was required to meet with his supervisor before leaving for lunch. Great…now what do these creeps want? He thought as he glanced hatefully at Crane beside him. Maybe this was all an elaborate plan to get even with him. Jonathan just gave him his back and hunched over his keyboard typing furiously. Turning off his station, Jack pulled the flash drive placing it safely in a pocket and headed to the far end of the lab where Dr. Levi was probably waiting for him.
"Please come in," Levi responded as Jack entered calmly into the messy office. Towers of papers and files lay scattered over every single free space on the floor. The supervisor motioned him to a lonely chair by his desk. After removing a few files that were on it onto the floor, Jack took a seat.
"You said it was urgent," Jack started not able to stop fidgeting nervously on his seat.
"Yeah. Security allowed me access to some disturbing video from early this morning right here at the lab and I wanted to hear your side of the story."
"I don't understand…disturbing, sir?"
"You and Dr. Crane…in a fight?"
Crane…that slimy little toad, Jack thought combing his wild brown curls with a hand. He had not even been working here for two weeks and he was already in trouble. Thanks Spooky. That idea of flipping burgers at McDonald's was looking very nice now. Maybe that will be his next job after Levi fired him.
"Oh, that…that was just a misunderstanding. I already apologized to Dr. Crane."
"What was the misunderstanding, Mr. Napier?"
"I thought he had left his flash drive on the computer. I just wanted to make sure that the information on the drive would not leave the lab so I tried to retrieve the drive and return it to Dr. Crane when he arrived later. Didn't work that well."
"No, it didn't. Dr. Crane is very…concerned about his research. It's very important to him."
"You don't have to tell me that. He showed me, very clearly." Jack responded smiling languidly.
"I saw that…and that is exactly what concerns me. I do not need my employees to behave like street bullies, but rather like men of science. What we do here influences lives out there in the real world. We're trying to build a better Gotham."
Yeah, killing willing experimental subjects with poison gas, Jack thought to himself. He nodded silently. "I know sir. I really tried to avoid conflict at all cost."
"I know you did. What I saw was not just video, Mr. Napier." Jack hunched over. Security in this place was tighter than a prison, and he had to be careful of what he did or said in the future. Suddenly, his job reminded him of a concentration camp.
"I'm sorry sir. It will not happen again."
"I know it will not. And just because so far I have no complains about your work I will not take this any further, but I expect more of you in the future. This is not a comedy club, Jack. This is a research laboratory and demands you take your job seriously."
Jack bit his lip and nodded. What did this guy had against comedy? He was just like that Wayne guy, all stiff and humorless. "I will, sir."
"Good, now that we've settled this, just wanted to ask you if you saw what Dr. Crane was working on?"
Jack eyed Dr. Levi suspiciously, not understanding where he was heading with the question. He suspected he was just being sure he wasn't spying on fellow researchers.
"I really don't remember. I wasn't paying attention the research content, just wanted to shut the computer down."
"I see. It is a nervous gas to be used by the military. That is all it is."
"I guess...Like I said, I don't remember what it was." Jack shrugged. "My thing is material analysis."
"Yes, your fire retardant fabric. I heard you were progressing with the project." Jack nodded silently. "Just stay with that project. It will help save lives of a lot of firemen."
"Sure, sir. I will give it my best." Jack said almost emotionless. Maybe smiling will make it less obvious to Levi that he had no interest in any project from this division anymore.
Dr. Levi smiled back. "That be all for now. You can leave. Have a good lunch Mr. Napier."
Talon sat comfortably on the Owlplane's co-pilot seat when he noticed that this was not the usual route back to the Cave. He leaned over the GPS system at the main console to check his location, but Owlman turned the small screen off before he could read the coordinates.
"Hey!" Talon protested. "You didn't tell me we were not heading back home. Actually you have not said anything ever since we left the Syndicate's headquarters."
"There was nothing to say and where we are going is not important."
"I know you. You're planning something very sneaky."
Owlman turned and glared at the young man who silently recoiled into his seat. "When I have something I would want to share with you, I will. Right now I want you to take charge of the Luthor plan. I want to have my claws around baldy's neck before Ultraman."
"But you promised Ultraman the kill…"
"And since when do I care? Anything can happen between now and when Luthor falls. He might even die before Ultraman or I could get his hands on him."
"I see what you're trying to do," Talon responded crossing his arms over his chest. "And that is not going to make Big-U veryhappy."
"Are you defying me?" Owlman warned turning the plane north-northwest. His tone gruff and dangerous.
"No, I'm just saying. We might want to pull the red Kryptonite in case we need to subdue the brute...just in case."
"Good thought. I'll make sure I pull a few rocks from our base in the Artic."
"Is there where we are heading?"
"I told you not to concern you with that. Take the mini Viper and head back to Gotham and once there I want you to get ready for the most important mission of your life. I want you to learn everything about Special Projects, because I'm going to assign you there and I want you to keep an eye on Crane. I will find that spy…and I will find Luthor."
"Yes, sir."
It was already dark when Johnny Flanders arrived at the old dilapidated warehouse by the Gotham River. It had rained all afternoon, and the unpaved parking space was now a thick mass of thick muck, that forced the car to move very slowly towards the back of the warehouse. It was even harder to move when he didn't have the lights on, but he didn't want to alert anybody of his presence. Flanders finally parked by the northern wall and started to move some backpacks from the back seat when a wet noise caught his attention. He turned calmly and saw the mountain of scales and fanged teeth looking down at him from ten feet above. Thick spit dripped from the white gleaming fangs. The large figure growled and Johnny smiled.
"Hiya, Croc. Lovely evening, isn't it?" Flanders responded going back to his luggage. "For a reptile, I mean."
"Funny, Jericho. You sssshould be careful, don't know what lurksssss in the darknessssss." The tall figure hissed as he helped the man with his bags.
"Thanks, but I think that with you around I don't have anything to worry about."
"Not here. Not tonight." Crock responded with a toothy grin that looked more like a menacing snarl.
"Luthor's here?"
"He's waiting for you inssssside."
"Great. Can you leave the bags somewhere for our scientists to take a look? I'm sure they will find the equipment interesting."
Croc nodded as he grabbed the bag with one of his large black claws and with a powerful leap disappeared from sight. Jericho adjusted his trench coat to protect him from the soft drizzle still falling and headed to the entrance. Once inside the warehouse, he hung his wet coat on an old screw protuding from one of the metal supporting columns and entered the improvised mess room. Lex Luthor sat at on an old brown armchair holding a small picture in his hand that he stared at lovingly. Around his neck hung a pendant in the shape of a shooting star, the last reminder he had of his wife. It wasn't difficult to guess who's photo Luthor was holding in his hand.
"Commander Luthor?" Flanders said to announce his arrival. Lex folded the picture and secured it in a pocket as he stood to greet his friend.
"Good you could make it, Jericho. What news you have for me?"
"I bought some prototypes that our contact at Lumon Industries was able to sneak out. Some type of light weapon that I'm sure we can use to fight Power Ring or his minions," Jericho said shaking hands with the League's leader. "And sir, they just opened a new Division at Wayne's. They call it Special Projects and Crane is now working in that division."
"Special Projects, hmm?" Luthor said offering Jericho a seat in front of him as he sat back on his chair. "Knowing Mr. Wayne's close relationship with the Syndicate I don't doubt that division will continue developing weapons for them. Do you know what they do over there?"
"I talked to one of their employees but couldn't get much out of him. He's been only two weeks on the job."
"I don't know why Wayne moved Jonathan to that division, but we have to regain contact with Crane before he changes his mind again. We need to find someone close to our target. Someone Jonathan could trust."
"I know, sir, but I'm sure Wayne suspects by now that the attack on his divisions was an inside job and might have coerced Crane."
"I would like to know what Wayne has on Crane. It has to be something big."
Jericho shrugged. "I don't know. But at least we know someone else on that division. He might be able to get close to Crane."
"So you're suggesting this guy you just met, whose alliances we don't know, could help us? That's a risk I'm not willing to take, Jericho. I don't want anybody else dying because of me. Not after Astra...or the others."
"He doesn't like the Syndicate."
"How…Did you use your power to read minds by touch? Jericho, you know how dangerous it is to play around like that inside Wayne's Enterprises. They could tie you to me and that is something neither you nor I can afford now."
"Just a slight trick of the hand, sir. He didn't even notice, but his hatred for the Syndicate is real and powerful. And since he arrived after our attack, nobody will tie him to us. Maybe if we approach him, he will be interested in lending a hand. After all, he works in the same division."
Luthor rested his chin on a crooked finger and thought intensely on what Jericho had said. It was risk enough to have moved to Gotham, home of the Syndicate's more ruthless member…Olwman to now put his trust in a totally unknown ally.
"I don't know Jericho. I don't like the idea."
"Why don't you let me make contact with him? A short background check and he loosening to us will give us a better idea of what team he plays for. I just don't want the Syndicate to get at him first. Looks like a good guy and probably willing to help."
"Alright, but no more showing off your powers inside Wayne's building, OK?" Jericho nodded. "What's this guy name?"
"Jack Napier."
"Napier…the comedian?" Luthor said with a disgusted look in his face. "You're kidding, right?"
"Nope. The same one."
Jack found his car all by himself on the third floor of the multilevel parking garage close to seven thirty in the evening. So much for the idea of leaving early that day after the harsh reprimand in the afternoon, he thought walking slowly to his Honda CRV. He had to prove his supervisor he had what it took to be in that division and that he was reliable, so he opted to stay one extra hour of his shift to show his commitment. If only Levi would have just fired him, he would not feel now indebted to his boss for the charity of keeping his job. He hated to owe favors. That's how everybody got into the system and unknowingly joined the ranks of the Syndicate, because someone owed a favor to someone else somewhere. He just wished it wasn't him.
He opened his cell phone and placed a call as he arrived to his vehicle and reached for his keys.
"Hello, sweetheart? Don't wait for me for dinner. I still have to rehearse my act." He made a short pause as Harley responded. "No, no…everything is OK. Just had to stay a little longer that's all. They will appreciate that later, I'm sure."
Not finding his keys in his pants, he let down his small brown leather suitcase and searched in the front pockets.
"Don't worry, tomorrow's Saturday and I can sleep in late. OK. See ya later…alligator." Jack finally found the keys. "Love yah."
He put the phone away and wished he could tell her the truth about his extra hour. But that would just worry her, and he couldn't put that pressure on her now that she was expecting. Who knows what kind of damage unwanted stress could cause in a baby. He opened the car when he felt a cold hand over his shoulder that startled him. Jack swung his suitcase at a blurry figure that hardly had time to dodge the incoming attack. Napier held to the car and looked to the person now crouching timidly on the floor. Brown eyes glinted back behind the thick round glasses.
"Crane? " Jack said catching his breath. "Have you lost your mind? You don't do that to people man. God…you almost gave me a heart attack."
"Sorry, Napier." Jonathan said straightening up and dusting his pants. Even the cream long-sleeve shirt looked too big for the scientist's thin frame. "Thought you had heard me coming behind you."
"No, I didn't 'cause I was busy on the phone." Jack threw his suitcase on the back seat and picked up the keys he dropped when he was startled. "What do you want? I have not gotten near your computer today…I swear."
"I know you didn't. I just thought…Well, I think I owe you an apology for this morning."
"Well, that is OK. Good, yeah…it's OK." Jack stuttered taken aback by the scientist's attitude. He really thought that Crane was going to hate him for the rest of his life for even touching his flash drive. The scientist's attitude now was a lot less belligerent, and almost sincere.
"I just had…some issues with that research and I thought you were trying to … Anyways, forget it. I just wanted to say I'm sorry."
"Apology accepted only if you forgive me for head-butting you in the lab. That must have hurt."
"It's fine. I deserved it. And you could have gotten me in trouble with Levi but you didn't and that…that was cool of you."
Jack shrugged. "Told you that I didn't want you get you in trouble. We're even."
There was a tense paused between them, each looking away as they fidgeted nervously. "It's late. Do you want to join me for some grub, my treat? I just want to make it up to you, somehow."
Jack looked at his watch. "I have not had time to rehearse, yet."
"We could get something fast and you could use an audience. Hard to rehearse if you don't know people will laugh, don't you think?"
"You got a point there," Jack said with a smile motioning to his car. "Wanna hop in?"
"Oh, no, no. I'll meet you at the restaurant. I'm thinking Santiago's at Miller's and Aparo's Way. You like Mexican?"
Jack hesitated for a moment then eyed Jonathan suspiciously. This was all just too weird for him, especially if Crane didn't want to ride with him. The brown expressive eyes were just too persuasive.
"Ok, but just tell me…Did you already see the dead body in my trunk?" Jonathan's eye opened wide as he unconsciously backed off a few steps. Jack smiled perversely. "Because hat would explain why you don't want to ride with me. And that would mean that I have to kill you now…nothing personal, Crane."
"What the…wha--?"" Crane sputtered nervously as he got ready to sprint away from here and call the closest law enforcer. Jack busted in a hysterical laughter.
"It's a Joke, Crane…just a joke." He said between loud guffaws. "Just getting even for almost causing me a heart attack."
"You're out of your fucking mind…" Jonathan said as the laughter spread readily to his mouth. Curiously it seemed that Jonathan had just started breathing again. "You know that?"
"Yeah, that is one psychiatrist told me a long time. He said that I would make a very good comedian…and here I am." Jack patted Crane on a stiff shoulder. "I'll see you at Santiago's, Jonathan. Ten, fifteen minutes?"
"Sure. Ramon, the owner, is a friend of mine. He will get us a good quiet table. Bye, see you there."
For the Joker fans out there and specially for the Joker fan-fic writers, I have stablished the Jokerlady Never Ending Joker Project. A LiveJournal community dedicated to Joker. Here writers can collaborate in a Joker inspired story made up by a prompt to which authors will contribute to the plot, one chapter at the time, each chapter uploaded by a different author. At the end, we all had fun and the result is a nice coherent story written by a several authors to entertain the community. The site will also include articles to help with the dreaded Writer's Block. Everything to make our muses healthy, right? If the idea sounds something you might be interested on, please feel free to join me at ne_jkr_project in LJ. I'm also working on another Joker site, will update on that one when it is up and running.
Thanks for your support!


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Through a chemical fingerprinting process, University of South Florida researchers have definitively linked clouds of underwater oil in the northern Gulf of Mexico to BP's runaway Deepwater Horizon well — the first direct scientific link between the subsurface oil clouds commonly known as "plumes" and the BP oil spill, USF officials said Friday.
Until now, scientists had circumstantial evidence, but lacked that definitive scientific link.
Researchers confirm subsea Gulf oil plumes are from BP well
Through a chemical fingerprinting process, University of South Florida researchers have definitively linked clouds of underwater oil in the northern Gulf of Mexico to BP's runaway Deepwater Horizon well — the first direct scientific link between the subsurface oil clouds commonly known as "plumes" and the BP oil spill, USF officials said Friday.
Oil trader fined over toxic waste
A Dutch court has fined an oil trading company $1.28m for exporting toxic waste to the Ivory Coast, and concealing the dangerous nature of the material. The judge hearing the case at Amsterdam district court on Friday said Trafigura had carried out what European regulations aimed to prevent: "Namely the export of waste to the Third World and harming the environment".
Frans Bauduin also convicted a Trafigura employee for his role in the 2006 incident and the Ukranian captain of the Probo Koala ship that carried the toxic waste.
Deepwater Horizon alarms were switched off 'to help workers sleep'
Vital warning systems on the Deepwater Horizon oil rig were switched off at the time of the explosion in order to spare workers being woken by false alarms, a federal investigation has heard.
The revelation that alarm systems on the rig at the centre of the disaster were disabled – and that key safety mechanisms had also consciously been switched off – came in testimony by a chief technician working for Transocean, the drilling company that owned the rig.
UK admits using DU ammunition in Iraq
UK defense secretary says American and British forces used depleted uranium (DU) ammunitions during the US-led invasion of Iraq in 2003.
"UK forces used about 1.9 metric tons of depleted uranium ammunition in the Iraq war in 2003," UK Defense Secretary Liam Fox said in a written reply to the House of Commons on Thursday, the Kuwait News Agency reported.
BP accused of 'buying academic silence'
The head of the American Association of Professors has accused BP of trying to "buy" the best scientists and academics to help its defence against litigation after the Gulf of Mexico oil spill. "This is really one huge corporation trying to buy faculty silence in a comprehensive way," said Cary Nelson.
BP faces more than 300 lawsuits so far. In a statement, BP says it has hired more than a dozen national and local scientists "with expertise in the resources of the Gulf of Mexico".
Workers on Doomed Rig Voiced Concern About Safety; Feared Reprisals
A confidential survey of workers on the Deepwater Horizon in the weeks before the oil rig exploded showed that many of them were concerned about safety practices and feared reprisals if they reported mistakes or other problems.
In the survey, commissioned by the rig's owner, Transocean, workers said that company plans were not carried out properly and that they "often saw unsafe behaviors on the rig."
World's big energy users agree to steps on clean energy
As political agreements on clean energy remain elusive, the countries that use most of the world's energy launched steps Tuesday to get more clean energy into the global market, including moves toward TVs that waste less electricity, more cars that don't need gasoline, and buildings and factories that use power more efficiently.
Energy Secretary Steven Chu announced the agreements at the first gathering of energy officials from countries that use 80 percent of global energy: the U.S., Russia, China, Canada, Australia, Brazil, India, European countries, South Korea, Japan, South Africa, Mexico and the United Arab Emirates.
More Articles...
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China turned up the heat on Taiwan's President-elect, Chen Shui-bian, yesterday, saying disaster and confrontation were in store if the island rejected its "one China" principle, a position Chen has ruled out.
However, Tang Shubei, a senior Chinese envoy, appeared to leave room for compromise by saying that Peking would give Taiwan equal status in any talks under the "one China" principle.
The People's Republic of China, founded by the the Communists in 1949, insists that there is one China and that Taiwan is a rebel province.
The mainland's official Xinhua news agency quoted Mr Tang as saying that some people in Taiwan had used words like "peace", "goodwill" and "harmony" when speaking of relations with China.
He was referring to public comments by Mr Chen, the leader of a pro-independence party, who swept the Nationalists from power in elections last month but who has been seeking to reach out to China.
"But if they do not recognise that Taiwan is part of China and the one China principle, this will lead to disaster instead of peace, confrontation instead of harmony, and hostility instead of goodwill," Mr Tang said.
The news agency corrected an earlier report that translated Mr Tang's quote as "war" instead of "disaster".
Mr Tang, vice-chairman of the Association for Relations Across the Taiwan Straits, repeated a standard formula that Chinese people would sacrifice their "lives and blood" if Taiwan declared independence or if it wrote into its constitution that China and Taiwan were two separate states.
Outgoing President Lee Teng-hui infuriated Peking by insisting that China must deal with Taiwan as a sovereign equal - a position that China reviles as the "two states theory".
Mr Chen has ruled out Peking's definition of one China but has said he was willing to discuss the issue as long as it was not a precondition to talks.
One way out of what seems to be an impossible impasse would be a broader definition of one China, or an acceptance by both sides that they have different interpretations.
In setting terms for talks, Mr Tang adopted a soft tone that seemed designed to satisfy Taiwan's need for a place of equality at the negotiating table.
"Cross-strait talks are not talks between the central government and local, they are not talks between the government of the People's Republic of China and Taiwan local authorities, but equal talks under the one China principle," Mr Tang said.
Mr Chen, meanwhile, sought to allay any fears of rising tension with China, saying the island's security service and the US had assured him there has been no unusual Chinese military activity.
"Everybody can rest assured. Routine drills by the Chinese Communists are frequent, especially every April and May," Mr Chen told a crowd of supporters in the northern county of Hsinchu.
A Defence Ministry spokesman, said on Tuesday that China had intensified training for bomber and jet fighter crews and that there was unusual naval activity recently near the Diaoyu, or Senkaku, islands in the East China Sea. Taiwan stocks fell heavily on Wednesday and Taiwanese officials have been scrambling to contain the damage.
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- Taiwan


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Dog-owners will say they knew it all along, but new research suggests dogs really are trying to talk to us.
Brian Hare and Vanessa Woods, the authors of a book entitled The Genius of Dogs, write that, while barking is not always communicative (it can be just a release for some inner state of arousal), experiments have shown different barks and growls communicate different things. A "food growl" doesn't sound the same as "stranger growl", for instance.
More interesting, the bark a dog gives vent to when alone is treated very differently by other dogs than one that indicates a stranger is nearby. Pooches played a recording of the "stranger" growl jumped to attention, whereas they largely ignored the "alone" bark.
People too can recognise the difference between "along" and "stranger" barks; as well as "aggressive" and "playing" varieties.
The smartness levels of dogs also interest for DARPA, who've started a project to monitor the brains of canines and recruit the most intelligent. The project - of course called FIDOS ("Functional Imaging to Develop Outstanding Service-Dogs") - works through MRI scans and should optimise dog training.
Do you think we've underestimated the brain power of canis familiaris?Reuse content


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Another Russian Racetam, derived from the Czar of Nootropics, Piracetam.
While a more expensive Racetam, it is 30-60 times more potent than Piracetam (see infographic below).
According to a 2007 Russian study, Phenylpiracetam is superior than Piracetam for the following
- Neuroprotective
- Psychostimulatory effects
- Anti-amensiac
One of the most cited reviews of Racetams, published in 2010, identified it as powerful anti cognitive decline agent, both in the elderly and the young. These studies involved:
- Dosages 200mg (100mg twice daily) up to 600mg (200mg thrice daily)
- Over a period of 1 month.
To quote a 2005 Russian study:
"Patients exhibited higher mobility and daily activity, along with lower discomfort, anxiety and depression. EEG study showed more intensive alpha- and beta-rhythms..."
It's supposed to be amazing for highly technical tasks requiring hours of focus but it apparently impedes the creative side of the brain, which probably makes it something of an antisocial smart drug. To quote Abelard Lindsay, the obsessive stack experimenter:
"...this stuff goes great with CILTEP, and massively improves my programming focus when taken with it. The only problem with it is that it completely turns off the right brain... What am I talking about when I say it turns off the right brain? I try and image stream and I just can't do it when I'm on phenylpiracetam... The thoughts just evaporate. It's great for left brained stuff though (e.g Programming, Math, etc) because it pretty thoroughly prevents your right brain from interrupting any thought processes."
Another videoblog review shared this sentiment "It did nothing to improve my ability to speak or express my thoughts."
It is a banned athletic performance enhancing substance; a 1999 Korean study found it increased cold resistance (which seems beneficial in Russia!) and physical endurance.
It's a favorite of professional athletes unable to resist the siren call of performance enhancers, over the years it has caused some scandal in the arena of cold weather sports, in fact Olympic Silver medalist Olga Pyleva was disqualified after the 2006 Winter Olympics in Torino, Italy.
To quote on athlete on Longecity "I'm an athlete and only take 200 mg and It greatly improves my tolerance to cold during cross country."
This account and many others suggest that (provided you don't have to pass an athletic doping test!) it would make an excellent pre-workout supplement.
"Phenylpiracetam makes me feel light on my feet" to quote another Racetam comparison.
Anxiety and depression, a 99 person study reported "a general tendency to its normalization." for those suffering from Encephalopathy. Encephalopathy is not a specific disease but rather a set of symptoms which manifest as a host demons in the mind and body; anxiety, depression, distractability, lethargy, tremors, seizures and twitching. It's a potent anti-depressant, a 2009 Latvian study found it attenuated R-isomer
These studies demonstrates one of the most subtle advantages of Nootropic supplementation.
The challenges we face staying healthy today are less like changing the oil to maintain a car and more like the dubiously disastrous check engine light. Symptoms like
- Chronic fatigue
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Poor sleep
- Stress
- Alcoholism
Could be due to something as simple as a Vitamin B3 deficiency (which could be fixed for about $7/monthly) or as complex as a failing adrenal gland due an exotic cancer. The Racetams are demonstrated to have such a variety of positive effects on disparate domains of the mind and nervous system that they will often fix sets of problems simultaneously that individually you could spend many thousands of dollars and years troubleshooting.
It originated from research centers in Moscow in 1983. Communist and capitalist Russia have produced some excellent smart drugs, but a significant disadvantage of them is that many of the human clinical studies have not been translated to English or their supporting data is not accessible online.
The mechanism of action mirrors Piracetam's; although lipophilicity is enhanced by the extra phenyl group attached to the molecule. It appears to be more effective crossing the blood brain barrier than Piracetam. It fits into the Nootropic category of Ampakines, modulating the AMPA Receptor which defines many dimensions of our experience of reality. Ampakines are so effective at increasing our awarness of the world around us that DARPA has investigated them for military applications.
Unlike Piracetam it's not really a smart drug for everyday use as it's expensive and you will build up tolerance over time, the predominant theory on this has to do with it binding too the NMDA receptor and possibly decreasing receptor density.
One of studies cited noted a slight correlation of sleep disturbances but the study is unavailable online and none of the better studies showed the same effect on sleep.
However, several anecdotal reports seem to confirm this, according to one self experimenter "the effects are noticeable and productive but I have trouble sleeping even 12 hours later. The sleeping issue appears to be cumulative..."
Careful sleep monitoring (quantifiable with a device like the Zeo Sleep Manager) is important and it's probably not a good idea to take Phenylpiracetam after midday or within 12 hours of sleeping.
To quote a 2011 study, "Phenotropil exhibited the psychoimmunomodulatory effect under these conditions, which manifested in prevention of anxiety and fear response, increase in horizontal locomotion and exploratory behavior, and improvement of immunoreactivity."
Since it is a Racetam it's a very good idea to take it with an acytlcholine precursor like Alpha GPC or Choline. The CILTEP Stack and Racetam's have synchronistic actions. Many biohackers report that it nicely compliments the 'social racetam' - Aniracetam. Although the three together create an undesirable sensation.


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An epic adventure: Arcadia Cruise Review by John Pearson
Overall Member Rating
An epic adventure
Destination: Transatlantic
Embarkation: Southampton
Service. We found to be excellent throughout the cruise and we were very well looked after by all the staff but particularly by our waiters Sebastian and Ajay on table 116 in the Meridian Lower Tier and by Loretta the chief bar keeper in the wonderful Rising Sun Pub. As mentioned in the cabin section our steward was first class.
Food. On the whole was very good, as ever on P&O well presented and served. One or two issues with the Belvedere self service restaurant, probably the worst self More serve out of Arcadia, Ventura and Oriana. In saying that my comments relate to breakfast and lunch, dining in the evening was good. The curry nights particularly were of a high standard. The two speciality restaurants are fabulous and well worth the cover charge, I am just sorry Gary Rhodes franchise is coming to an end. However, I am sure Marco Pierre White will do a fine job. Really we would love to see freedom dining across the fleet, I don't think you can get away from the fact that first sitting is too early and second is too late. Sitting at the same table with the same people at the same time is really quite low on our cruise wish list.Ports and excursions. The itinerary was superb and all the ports had something good to offer. New York was an undoubted highlight but they were all good. The excursions were varied interesting and reasonably priced. Particularly good was the JFK museum and library in Boston, the trip to Kennebunkport from Portland Maine,and, the Titanic experience in Halifax Nova Scotia.
Entertainment. Absolutely the best on any cruise we have been on. The Cruise Director Tracy Clegg and her team (and a team is just what they were) gave their all. I have never known an entertainments team work so hard and so well. From Arcadia's version of Strictly Come Dancing to Quizzes and the ships own version of loose women called 'Loose lips' it was all fantastic. Our wonderful dance instructors Alan and Ginny Newman were lovely people, so kind and patient and they made learning to dance such fun. On the formal side Sam Kane, Brian Conley and the wonderful voice of Eve Sherratt were exactly what they are stars. I did hear a not of complaining the morning after one show, a comedian, and, I have seen something in a review on this site. However, cannot comment as were attended the dancing that evening.
We both found the lecture programme varied and interesting, in fact some topics I would have not expected to be interesting turned out to be very good.
Summary. Absolutely fantastic we loved it and will certainly never forget the cruise. Less
Published 10/28/11
Cabin review: DDD73 Deluxe Stateroom with Balcony and Bath/Shower
Very comfortable cabin in a great position pretty well midships. An absolutely excellent steward who could not do enough for us.Yes the balcony area was a little 'worn' as has been stated by some other reviewers of Arcadia, but a very minor matter. After all she is due for re-fit and I am sure that this and other wear and tear issues will be addressed at that time.Read All Deluxe Stateroom with Balcony and Bath/Shower (DD) Reviews >>
Port and Shore Excursions
Read Cruise Critic's Arcadia Review >>
Not for smokers
Disappointed in what is suppos...
Snobbery at its finest
This ship needs a refurb
What a lovely surprise
Cruise Hong Kong to Dubai + Go...
Great Service, Boring ship.
The singles/solos dining exper...
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I am thrilled to write this post showcasing a local San Diego company, Saint Jacques Chocolat, featuring gluten-free and vegan chocolates. And not just any chocolates… they are the bomb! Wowee. You can find these chocolates exclusively at Rust General Store in Old Town San Diego State Historic Park.
I stopped by their tasting today, and sampled their vegan chocolate peppermint bark, truffles (the peanut butter one is especially insane), and a fleur de sel caramel (not vegan). OMG.
The owner, Max McConaghay, is a registered dietitian, and a portion of the proceeds of all their sales is donated to charities that help children with autism spectrum disorders. They also feature baked goods, made-to-order bake goods and chocolates, and wine-, beer-, or tea-and-chocolate pairings, which would be fun for a baby or bridal shower.
Today's post is part of our mission to help you build a healthy life through food and lifestyle choices. Look for posts on Mondays featuring gluten-free, sugar-free recipes made with healthy plant-based ingredients.


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Abbie Cornish
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Ha! it's finally finished! My excuse is that my computer crashed again and I rewrote this chaper about three times until I liked it so here. I still don't own it.
"Who?" McGee asks with his voice as hard as nails, Abby feels her gut wrench. She knew. It had to be her. She wasn't mentioned at all in the exchange between Ducky and Gibbs. It had to be her.
"Jenny" It escaped Ducky's lips. When her name met Abby's ears, confirming her suspicions, it was over.
Abby spun on her heel as fast as she could and bolted down to her lab. It was the only place at NCIS where she felt like she could be alone right now. She shut and locked the door to forensics, kept the music off, grabbed Bert and curled up under her desk where she cried.
She knew it wouldn't be long until someone came down, and soon she heard the light tapings on her steel door.
"Abigail…" She heard the good doctors voice from the other side. "Please let me in." Abby hesitated, clutching Bert closer. "It's only me. Abigail, please" Ducky pleaded with her. She heard the pain from his voice and stood up to open the door.
She knew she looked like a mess. Her eyeliner was in streaks down her face, she was in her knee-high socks, her boots discarded, her pigtails sagged in a way that matched her mood and she clutched Bert close to her.
"May I come in?" He asked, still being polite. Abby nodded, not trusting her voice at the moment and stepped aside to let Ducky in. He sets his hat and jacket on the evidence table. He turns and looks at her, the pain in his eyes and she hugs him hard, she let the tears flow onto his shirt and he didn't care. He let her cry.
Abby cried for what seemed like forever and they held each other in solace before her sobs became sniffles. "There was so much I didn't tell her…" Abby's voice was hoarse and cracked as the words came out.
"Like what Abigail?" Ducky held her at arms length, without her boots and in this condition; she seemed so small, so fragile.
"That I knew…" She started to say before fresh tears found their way down her cheeks. "That I knew who she was…" Abby started to sob again.
"Your mother." He filled in for her, she looked at him with a confused stupor that could not rival the sadness she felt, she slid to the floor of the lab, sobbing into her hands. Ducky knelt down. "You knew Jen was ill." He stated. Abby nods. "A brain tumor I'm afraid, she knew she was dieing and it was only a matter of time. I'm sure she would have told you." Ducky states.
"But that's not the point!" Abby was frustrated, more with herself than with Ducky. "I could've said something. I could've been the one to tell her I knew."
"I was able to get Director Sheppard's X-ray and she volunteered her blood samples I gave to you in order to test." Ducky continues with his story.
"And you marked them "John Doe"." Abby fills in. Ducky smiles a little. Abby looks up at Ducky, a slight smile approaches his features. "But I ran a DNA test Ducky!" Abby bit her bottom lip because she believed there were no more tears left to shed. "And I got a match, and another similar one."
"You saw who the DNA belonged too." He fills in. "And the similar one?" He asks, knowing the answer.
"Mine, that Gibbs made me put on the system since Mikel tried to kill me" Abby says. "I couldn't believe it, I mean, I always wondered why both of my parents were born deaf and I wasn't…but I didn't know…"She trailed off, letting go another sob, she collected her composure long enough to finish her story. "I did some research on medical records and came across my birth certificate. There it had written: biological mother, Jennifer Sheppard. I knew it was her. I knew it." Abby broke down anew and Ducky cradled her head in his lap as she sprawled out on the floor of the lab.
"I see." He nods in understanding and strokes her raven locks, twisting his finger in her ponytail and watching it uncurl.
"You knew?" She choked out between sobs.
"Yes." Ducky nods. "She told me after I had diagnosed her with the tumor. She was heartbroken to know that after all of these years she ends up working so close to you and never having the strength to tell you."
"But she was strong Ducky…" Abby interrupts, her voice still wavering.
"That's how she would want to be remembered." Ducky smiles and continues stroking her hair.
"Did she tell…?" Abby started to ask but her voice betrayed her and she was racked with another sobbing fit. Ducky understood her question.
"She told Gibbs awhile ago I do believe." Ducky states. "Which was why I would rather him tell you than I about her passing." Ducky lifts her chin up. "Which was why I bartered for him to break the news to you. But circumstances have decided otherwise." He looks into her turmoil-mixed, naïve and free-spirited green eyes. She stares back into his secure, wise, and comforting brown ones.
"I should've told her Ducky. I wanted to tell her…" Abby sobs into his shirt. Ducky just cradles her head and rocks back and forth on the floor. They remain like that for what feels like eternity before Abby's sobs fade into sniffles.
"Up now." Ducky shifts position and Abby slowly rises to a standing position, she helps Ducky up. With her platform boots abandoned she seemed much shorter to him. "The Director wouldn't want us moping about in her absence. We have a case to solve my dear" Ducky smiles, grabbing his hat and coat from off of the steel table they were crouched by. Abby sniffles.
"Thanks Duck-man." She says, her voice hoarse and cracked.
"Anytime Abigail." Ducky hugs her; she hugs him back, a hug of reassurance that she is not alone. "If you need anything just let me know." He smiles after the hug broke.
"I will." Abby states, wiping the mascara off of her cheeks with her sleeve. Ducky heads for the door before he turns around.
"I will send Timothy down as well." He says as more of a statement than a inquiry. She nods and the good doctor disappears down the hallway and into the elevator.
Abby turns around to her computer. She goes through her files and finds a picture from the annual staff picnic from last year. It was of her and the director, sitting there on the lawn oblivious to the picture-taker. (Though Abby was sure it was Tony who took the snapshot). They were in the midst of a conversation that had them laughing. Abby stares at the picture through tear-blurred eyes she saw something on Jen's expression. Something she had never noticed before when looking at the picture. It looked a lot like
Motherly Instinct.


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The town of Hathenford came into view soon after the strange incident on the road. The Rushwater Valley broadened, the rugged mountains biting up further and further away, enshrouded in a soft sunset fog. Bigger, broader-leaved trees grew along the banks, which now whispered instead of gurgled.
As they approached the ford, a brawny man in his middle twenties came up to them, shaking his purse.
"Evening, folk," he said, in a slightly different dialect. "Gal at your services...es....es."
"Evenin'," said Ax roughly, continuing to ride, but the man placed a hand on the horse's chest.
"You never been down these parts before, matey?" Gal said, raising his eyebrows.
"Many years ago," said Ax. "Why, have times changed?"
"You need to pay me to cross this here ford," said Gal gruffly.
"Why? Cos I'm the ruddy maintainerer, that's why! Ye don't think this here ford looks after itself, surely? Nah, it's not a dear fare, but this be the only crossing point for fifty miles either stream. Nearest is Bottom Bridge but they don't charge, crazy people ..."
Alright, alright! How much we owe yeh?"
"Just a copper. I'm thinkin' of increasing it actually ... gotta find some way of payin' for me ale."
"'Ere, you ain't heard of anyone bein' - forcibly expelled from Hathenford, have you?"
"Forcibly expelled?" said Gal sharply, with half a glance at Will's concealed grin. "Is that supposed to be your idea of a joke?"
"Whatever floats your boat," Ax returned smoothly. "Oh - well ..." He half-glanced at the ford. Will's smile broadened.
"You mean a vagrant got kicked out? You met him on the road?"
"Aye, it was a funny place for him to drop by, actually."
Will couldn't keep his face straight any longer. His smirk turned into a quiet snigger. Gal stared at him.
"Listen, I'll add another copper to yeh fare if I think yeh're takin' the piss!" Gal said indignantly. "Get down off your high horse, why don't you?"
"Is that the best you could come up with?" Ax chortled. He flicked a copper at Gal, which hit him in the eye, and Ax turned and led the way across the stony embankment. The Rushwater stretched out wide at this point and the horses only sank knee-deep into the water, which was so clear that Gal's embankment of stones was clearly visible beneath the bubbling surface.
On the other side was the town, a little wooden cluster nestled in a group of low foothills. The thatched roofs glowed warmly in the sunset.
"Alright then, we made it," said Will quietly, as they rode into the town, catching the casual eye of a few early punters outside a tavern. "Where is this bloke you're so matey with?"
"I'm actually not too sure," said Ax. "You might have heard of him - everyone calls him Bald, ever heard -?
"Best go and ask in the tavern then."
They dismounted and tied their horses to the fence. Ax wanted to leave Will with the horses (he was shooting the punters some apprehensive looks) but Will was loath to wait outside like a good boy and miss the fun.
The tavern was crowded, hot and smoky. A cockpit was being staked out in the corner, surrounded by a band of straggly enthusiasts. Will caught a glimpse of the two birds being prepared for their fight - razor-sharp blades were being attached to their feet and beaks. Will knew that by the end of the night, however, the straw-covered floor would be covered in much more than the roosters' blood.
Axbrand approached the barman furtively. He was clearly a seasoned soul and knew when someone was seeking a private word. He led them aside and said, "What can I get ya?"
A bit o' booze and banter, if it pleases yeh," said Ax.
"Haha, my favourite answer," said the barman. "You from round these parts?"
"Aye, just journeyed from Bottom Bridge in search of -"
"Bottom Bridge!" crowed the barman loudly. "We haven't had punters from there for years! No-one sees the need to pay us a visit 'nymore. I'm Ned."
"Ax. And my travelling companion, Will."
"And what be you doin' in Hathenford, then?"
"We're looking for a man known to most as Bald, if he be sowin' the same seed after all these years."
"Well, I'm 'fraid you won't find Bald 'nymore," said Ned darkly. "He popped his clogs, see. Not more'n a few days ago."
Ax and Will exchanged glances.
"I'm sorry to hear that. How did he pass?"
"Murdered, by all accounts. His missus found him the other day with a knife in his gut, offal all over the walls ..."
They lapsed into casual conversation while Ax and Will finished their drinks, then they excused themselves with thanks.
"What now, then?"
"We're going to have to talk to his widow," said Ax grimly. "Not a pleasant thing to do, believe me, so don't look at me like that - but summat tells me that that old bard 'oo fell outta the sky be up to no good. You don't just drop into the road suddenly, right in front of two travellers who'd be the only one for miles ..."
"Was he Gifted, like me?"
"How am I supposed to know, boy?" said Axbrand loudly. "And keep your voice down, people don't take kindly to - OI!"
They had just left the tavern, to see their horses tied to a fence. Ax was yelling at a man running down the street, a prize (no doubt from their saddlebags) clutched in his hands.
"Ax, calm down, he only -"
But then Will's eyes strayed to his horse. Something was missing.
The Sword had been hung on the saddle strap. And it was gone.


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